Starry Serendipity || R.A.B

39. Valerie and discovery

March 1976

As we make our way to Professor Slughorn's potions classroom, the late afternoon sun casts long shadows. Detention isn't exactly something any of us looked forward to, but at least we have each other for company. The distinct aroma of potion ingredients fills the air as we enter the room.

Professor Slughorn greets us with a friendly smile. "Ah, there you are, the young volunteers professor Sinistra talked about! I'm delighted you could join me today. The task is simple but requires a bit of elbow grease. We're going to clean every cauldron, scrub every countertop, and organize every shelf. All without the use of magic, mind you."

Nods of acknowledgment ripple through our group as Slughorn hands us a collection of rags, brushes, and cleaning supplies. We get to work, the room quickly filling with our chatter.

I take a moment to survey the classroom. Cauldrons of all shapes and sizes clutter the counters, and shelves are crammed with jars of colorful ingredients. It's evident that this room has seen its fair share of potion-making over the years.

Eveline, always ready bored, can't resist to comment. "I wonder if there's a potion for cleaning cauldrons. That would certainly save us some trouble."

Regulus meanwhile takes charge of sorting the jars of ingredients. "I doubt Professor Slughorn would appreciate us experimenting with potions unsupervised, even if it's for cleaning."

As we work, Barty turns to Professor Slughorn. "Sir, do you have any fascinating potion stories to share with us? You must have brewed some incredible elixirs in your time."

Slughorn chuckles, clearly flattered by the question. "Ah, my dear, I've brewed and sampled many a potion in my day. But one that always brings back fond memories is the Felix Felicis, also known as Liquid Luck. It's a tricky brew, but when made correctly, it can bring unparalleled luck to the drinker. Of course, I only share it with the most talented of students."

A smile forms on my lips as I listen to the professor's tales. He has a way of making even the most mundane topics feel enchanting.

Evan, engrossed in scrubbing a cauldron, joins in with a grin. "Liquid Luck, eh? Sounds like something Pandora could use to finally beat me at chess."

Regulus, busy tackling a particularly stubborn stain, rolls his eyes at Evan's playful boasting. "Don't be ridiculous, Evan. You've beaten her once in seven years, and you act like it was a miracle."

We work diligently, making slow but steady progress in cleaning the potions classroom. The hours seem to blend together as we chat, share stories, and occasionally tease each other about our less-than-stellar cleaning skills.

Professor Slughorn steps out briefly, leaving us to our task. Evan, in his usual playful manner, stumbles and accidentally sends a potion vial crashing to the floor. The glass shatters, and a vivid pink liquid spills out, creating an intricate pattern across the stone floor.

I rush over to help him, but as I approach the puddle of spilled potion, an unexpected scent wafts up to my nostrils.

It's an enchanting mix of fragrances – the faint hint of cigarettes, warm cinnamon, broom polish, and a sweet touch of vanilla. It's a heady concoction that momentarily leaves me spellbound.

My cheeks flush a deeper shade of red in realisation. It's Amortentia, the most potent love potion in the wizarding world, known for its ability to reveal to each person the scent that attracts them most. But what could it mean that, of all things, the scent that enchants me is a combination of those alluring fragrances?

As we stand there, perplexed by the lingering scent of the Amortentia potion, it becomes clear that the three boys are equally entranced by the enchanting fragrances. Their expressions show a mix of curiosity, wonder, and perhaps, a hint of confusion.