Northern Lights (Remus Lupin)

7

The Potions classroom was filled with the usual scents of various ingredients simmering and brewing. The dim lighting and the flickering of cauldrons created an atmosphere both intense and intriguing. Lyra, Remus, Lily, and Mary were huddled together at their workstation, their cauldron bubbling gently in front of them. Today, they were brewing a complex Draught of Peace, a potion requiring precision and patience.

Lily, always meticulous, read the instructions aloud. "First, we need to add three drops of syrup of hellebore," she said, her green eyes scanning the parchment.

Lyra carefully measured the syrup, her hands steady. She had a knack for Potions, much like her mother. Remus, standing beside her, handed her the ingredients as she needed them. "Next, we need powdered moonstone," he said, his voice calm and reassuring.

Mary was responsible for stirring, her brow furrowed in concentration. "And stir counterclockwise until the potion turns turquoise," she recited from memory.

As they worked, the four friends chatted quietly. "I heard Slughorn is planning another party," Lily mentioned, her tone half-interested.

Lyra added a sprinkle of powdered moonstone, watching as the potion's color began to change. "I hope he doesn't expect us to brew something like this there," she joked, eliciting a chuckle from Remus.

The potion finally turned the desired shade of turquoise, and they all sighed in relief. "Great job, everyone," Remus said, smiling at the group.

As the class ended and lunchtime approached, Lyra hurried off to Quidditch practice with James and Sirius. The sky was clear, and the pitch was bright with sunlight. James and Sirius were already on their brooms, waiting for her.

"Ready for some practice?" James called, his glasses glinting in the sunlight.

Lyra mounted her broom and kicked off the ground, feeling the familiar rush of wind. "Always," she replied with a grin.

As they flew, James and Sirius exchanged glances. "So, Lyra," James began, his tone casual but with a hint of curiosity, "do you like Remus?"

Lyra nearly lost her balance. She felt her cheeks heat up. "I... I don't know," she stammered. "I haven't really had feelings for anyone before. I don't know what it's supposed to feel like."

Sirius flew closer, his expression mischievous. "Well, you seem to spend a lot of time with him," he teased. "Maybe there's something there?"

Lyra shrugged, her face still red. "He's my best friend. I care about him a lot. But... I don't know."

The boys let the subject drop, but Lyra's mind was racing as they continued their practice.

After lunch, Lyra headed to Charms with Dorcas and Marlene. The three girls found the class relatively easy, so they spent most of the lesson gossiping. The classroom was bright and airy, with Professor Flitwick bustling about, helping students perfect their charms.

"Did you hear about James and Lily?" Dorcas whispered, her eyes sparkling with mischief.

Marlene laughed softly. "Oh, yes. He's been pining after her for ages."

Lyra, casting a perfect Levitation Charm on her quill, joined in. "I think they'll end up together," she said with a knowing smile. "He's persistent, and she's bound to see his good side eventually."

Mary shook her head, disagreeing. "I don't know. I think they're too different. I don't see it happening."

The three girls exchanged bets, with Dorcas and Lyra on one side and Mary on the other. "Five Galleons says they'll be together by the end of the year," Dorcas declared confidently.