Breaking Black (A Sirius Black Love Story)

Chapter 9

"Okay, just put couple drops in both of their drinks and it will be done," Lily explained as she handed me the vial of clear potion. 

It was Monday morning and I spent the entire weekend anticipating this prank, Sirius' birthday, and my detention. I twirled the crystal vial in my palm, admiring the water-like appearance of the potion.

"They'll be itching for days like they have the chicken pox!" Lily laughed and sat at the end of the table, as far away as she could get from James.

"Thanks Lil," I said and began walking through the Great Hall. Even if it was to prank them, I didn't even want to sit anywhere near Sirius and James. Lily had the right idea: avoiding them. I was beginning to think they weren't that bad, but jinxing Severus made me decide they aren't worth an ounce of my friendship.

As I sat down, Sirius didn't say one of his usual greetings. James looked at me warily and Remus and Peter looked ashamed. Ignoring them, I grabbed a plate of pancakes and began to eat. Slowly, the four lost interest in me and decided I wasn't going to pull anything. But when I calmly reached for the syrup, my hand slipped over Sirius and James' cups, allowing few drops of potion to fall in their cups.

Between bites of pancake, I would sneak a glance at Sirius and James, watching as they chugged their goblets of pumpkin juice. They finished the drinks in minutes. It was done. The rest of the job was to wait, and see if the itching potion worked.

Slowly, James reached a hand to his forearm and scratched it. Sirius began itching at the back of his neck. The sight I was watching turned quite hilarious. They began to resemble monkeys at a zoo. I couldn't hold it in anymore, I let out a small snort while drinking some juice, earning a glance from James.

"Wait a second..." James murmured as he began to furiously itch his arm. His eyes met Sirius' who was scratching like a dog with fleas. Realization hit them like trucks.

"You!"

"Sorry boys, but I must be off to potions!" I shrugged and winked. 

Sirius and James would've followed me, but they were overcome with the need to scratch. I only caught one last look of Sirius using a fork to reach a spot on his back before I left before I got in trouble.

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"This Friday, I will be giving you all a practical test," Professor Slughorn instructed as he handed out ingredients for the potion. "Today, you will make the cure for pimples, which is very simple and will prepare you for the practical test on the cure for boils. You will be tested with your table partner."

"Great, so I've got you..." I heard James mumble behind me. Then I heard a noise that sounded suspiciously like James being cuffed upside the head. I could also hear the duo ferociously scratching themselves. Lily's potion must've been potent!

"At least you're my partner," I laughed and gave Remus an appreciative glance.

"Huh?" Remus whispered, and looked at me with glazed eyes. It was like he didn't even hear what I said.

"I said 'at least you're my partner.'" Remus nodded and continued to stare into space. "Are you okay, Remus? Are you still being kept awake by one of those alarms?"

That brought a slight reaction out of Remus. He chuckled softly before entering his daydream again.

"No, we found all of those, I'm fine... But I think I'm coming down with something," Remus coughed twice, but I could tell it was fake. However, he did look sick. His face was pale, and his eyes were kind of bloodshot. Maybe he was lying about getting enough sleep.