Chapter 744: Two Bottles of Amortentia
"Kyle, you must come to the party tomorrow," said Slughorn, stopping Kyle as he was leaving the Potions classroom after the lesson. "It’s to celebrate Mr. Zabini Blaise’s seventeenth birthday. You will come, won’t you?"
He looked almost giddy, as if it were his own birthday being celebrated.
Kyle, who had been called over, simply nodded and said, "Of course, Professor Slughorn, I’ll be there."
"I knew it," Slughorn laughed even more heartily. "A wizard’s coming of age is a big day, and a lot of people will be there. You definitely don’t want to miss it."
"Then I’ll go prepare the drinks for the party. I hope The Three Broomsticks still has a good vintage..."
Slughorn fastened the gold clasp on his dragon-hide briefcase and was about to leave.
"Wait, Professor, I want to ask a question," Kyle suddenly called out.
"Then ask quickly, my boy, ask quickly..." Slughorn turned back, his tone warm and affectionate.
"Professor, do you know... Horcruxes?"
Slughorn froze, his hand hovering in midair, his round face seeming to sink in.
It was strange. Just moments ago, he had been full of energy, but now he looked as if he had suddenly wilted, as though he hadn’t slept in days.