06: Amortentia

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Cassiopeia Black and Hermione Granger entered the classroom to find the words "Amortentia" written on the board. Snape, their Potions professor, cast a sharp glance in their direction, clearly displeased with their tardiness.

"Ten minutes late," Snape declared, addressing Hermione and Cassiopeia. "Five points from Gryffindor. Take your seats."

Cassiopeia opened her mouth to speak up for Hermione, but Snape silenced her with a stern look. "No words, Miss. Black."

She gave Hermione an apologetic smile and then settled into her usual seat next to Draco. He, however, refused to acknowledge her presence, a reminder of his lingering anger.

Snape began the lesson, explaining the topic of the day: Amortentia, the most potent love potion. Cassiopeia had already read about it in the library and, strangely, in her dreams with Tom. Consequently, her attention waned, but she couldn't help but notice Draco's continued avoidance.

Draco seemed determined to act as if she didn't exist, and no amount of surreptitious glances from her could change that.

She focused on her book, and her fingers silently tapped against the desk as her mind wandered. Should she tell Draco about meeting Dumbledore, even though the professor had instructed her not to reveal it? But she suspected that Draco wouldn't react well if he found out later.

Why does everything have to be so complicated?

All because of you, Tom Riddle.

I hate you for doing this to me.

I hate myself for loving you so passionately!

"Miss. Black," Snape suddenly snapped, nearly yelling, and she looked up in surprise, having missed his previous words.

"I hate you," her voice involuntarily muttered, drawing everyone's attention because her words were much louder than she'd intended.

Snape towered over her, his expression displaying a peculiar mix of annoyance and concern. "You seem to be present in body but not in mind, Miss. Black."

"I'm sorry—"

"Care to explain what Amortentia is?" he interrupted, not interested in hearing her apologies. He was surprisingly sparing her detention.

"It's a powerful love potion that creates a deep infatuation or obsession in the drinker," she replied.

"Can you explain the ingredients?" She glanced nervously at Draco, seeking his support, but he continued to ignore her.

"I'm here, Miss. Black," Snape said, catching her glances at Draco.

"Ashwinder egg, rose thorn, peppermint, powdered moonstone, and pearl dust," she answered, puzzled when Snape accused her of giving the wrong response. Whispers filled the classroom.

"You were clearly not present in class, Miss. Black," he retorted, her eyes widening in confusion. "Detention, after class."

"What?" She was baffled by the accusation. Had she missed something important in class?

"I haven't covered the ingredients yet," Snape explained before turning around and walking to his desk, leaving her bewildered.

"But she was right, wasn't she, Professor?" Draco unexpectedly defended her. She watched as he was reprimanded and handed a detention, joining her in the punishment.

After that, neither she nor Draco dared to speak up against Snape. The lesson continued, and she eventually realized that her answers had been correct all along. She was left feeling frustrated that she hadn't spoken up in her own defense.

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