Bloodlines

Chapter 5- Potions and Problems

I woke up in heartache. My Father appeared to me, what he's become to fight his brother's kind. It's all too much to wrap my head around. I wiped my eyes and shook my head; I need to focus on school this year. No more late-night adventures, no more risking my life for the "greater good", just my academics, friends, and fixing my friendship with Sebastian. If he even wants to...

I rolled out of bed and made my way to the girls' lavatory.  A good skincare routine just makes the morning feel better. After exfoliating I moved on to my deep cleanser, I heard the door open but paid no mind. 

"So, is this your secret to perfect skin? I wondered how it was so flawless after all those battles and mine raids." Poppy giggled picking up one of my bottles. 

"For the most part," I rinsed off my face and patted it dry. "There are steps to take and a whole routine to keep up with. Like this here" I held up my moisturizer, "is very important, always moisturize." I smiled. I finished my routine and brushed my teeth. "Why are you up so early?" 

"The Puffskeins had a litter last night, I was going to help out with getting them settled in their new pen. " She splashed some water on her face and ran her fingers through her hair. "Care to join?" 

"Unfortunately, I have to get to potions class early, Professor Sharp wanted to speak with me. Probably some extra work he wants me to do." I sighed, "Do you have potions this year?" 

"Yes, I should see you there. Natty should have that class as well! Save us a seat." She waved while existing the lavatory. I packed up my stuff and began to exit. Professor Sharp didn't want to see me, I just wanted to spend some time alone to think. All these monsters and creatures acting out and running amuck. And I'm here, worrying about a boy who used me all last year. 

"Get it together girl, he's a stupid boy," I muttered to myself while getting dressed. I pulled my hair into a half updo and placed my large yellow bow over the elastic band. I pulled on my robe and grabbed my bag full of school supplies. I gave myself one last look over in the mirror before leaving the common room. 

I traveled down the hallways looking for a quiet, secluded place to read. Reading always helped clear my mind, but in this case, I needed to read what potions we would be working on this year. I found a nice little windowsill to sit and read, I sat down pulling out my Potions textbook, and flipped through the pages. 

Polyjuice potion...Aging potion...Felix Felicis...Amortentia. My thoughts trailed as I listed the potions, I didn't even notice someone standing in front of me. 

"Typical Hufflepuff, with a nose down in a book." The voice teased. My eyes flickered up from my potions book to see the owner of the voice. And there he stood, Sebastian Sallow, taller than last year, he easily towered over me. His body more defined, Merlin...has be been working out, those muscles weren't there last year. Amara, focus. My eyes kept traveling up, and my green eyes finally met his gorgeous brown eyes. They were dark, something about them was unsettling, unfriendly. 

"So, he speaks." I teased. "Are we on talking terms?" I raised a brow. 

He grinned smugly, "We talked over the summer, was that not enough?" Where is this attitude coming from, what the hell happened? 

"There was no substance in your owls, there were words but they were empty and vague. 'Hope you're well, Bulgaria must be nice" I quoted. 

"What's that supposed to mean? He scoffed, "At least we talked." He looked down at my book, "Another fantasy book?" He teased with a smug grin. 

"You can't read?" I pointed to the front cover, "it's my potions book, Nimrod" I said sarcastically. 

"That's your insult?" He shook his head. "You people are so predictable." A slight look of disgust flashed across his face.