Heirs of darkness

The Scent of Truth(6)

Aurora sat at her usual desk in the dimly lit Potions classroom, a soft murmur of conversation filling the air as students waited for the lesson to begin. The familiar comfort of Theo's presence beside her eased the tension she usually felt before a new Potions class. She reached out under the table, her fingers brushing against Theo's, and he gave her hand a gentle squeeze. They exchanged a quick, knowing smile before turning their attention back to the front of the room.

Professor Slughorn entered with his usual pomp, his portly figure and twinkling eyes immediately commanding the room's attention. He paused for dramatic effect, looking over the eager faces of his students.

"Ah, today, my dear students, we are going to explore one of the most fascinating potions known to wizardkind," Slughorn announced, his voice carrying a note of excitement. He waved his wand, and the lid of the cauldron at the front of the room lifted, releasing a plume of steam that curled through the air.

Aurora felt the room shift as the intoxicating scent reached her. It was familiar, warm, and instantly recognizable. She couldn't help but smile as the smell of Theo enveloped her freshly cut grass, rain-soaked earth, and that subtle hint of sandalwood she had come to associate with him. Her heart fluttered at the realization, a pleasant warmth spreading through her chest.

"Now," Slughorn continued, "can anyone tell me what this potion is?"

Aurora raised her hand, her confidence bolstered by the scent that still lingered in the air. Slughorn's gaze landed on her, and he nodded for her to speak.

"It's Amortentia," she said, her voice steady. "The most powerful love potion in existence."

"Excellent, Miss Black! Five points to Slytherin," Slughorn beamed. "And what makes Amortentia so unique?"

"It smells different to each person, reflecting what they find most attractive or love the most," she explained.

Slughorn clapped his hands together. "Excellent! Amortentia reveals our deepest desires through scent. Quite remarkable, isn't it? Now, what do you smell, Miss Black?"

Aurora hesitated, suddenly aware of the many eyes on her. She glanced at Theo beside her, and a soft blush crept up her cheeks. Her voice was steady, but quieter when she replied, "I smell fresh grass, rain, and sandalwood."

The room buzzed with hushed whispers, but Aurora was only focused on Theo. His eyes were on her, and she could see the recognition in them. He knew exactly what she meant what she was really saying. She was talking about him.

Slughorn, perceptive as ever, picked up on the undercurrent between them. "Ah, young love," he mused aloud with a chuckle. "It seems Miss Black's nose has led her straight to Mr. Nott."

Aurora smiled, a mix of pride and embarrassment coloring her expression. She felt Theo's hand squeeze hers under the table again, and she knew he felt the same.

Slughorn's gaze shifted around the room. "Anyone else care to share what they smell?"

One by one, students offered hesitant descriptions of the scents they experienced, but Aurora barely heard them. Her mind was still on the revelation, the undeniable truth that her deepest desires were tied to Theo.

When the class ended, the students packed up their things, chatting animatedly about the lesson. Aurora and Theo lingered, taking their time as the others filtered out. Finally, when the room had mostly cleared, Theo turned to her, his expression serious but soft.

"Aurora," he began, his voice quiet as he held her gaze. "What I smelled... it was you."

She blinked, her heart skipping a beat. "Me?"

He nodded. "Your perfume, the one you always wear. And something else... something like parchment and ink. It reminded me of how you always stay up late studying or writing, the way you curl up in the library with your books."

Aurora's chest tightened with emotion. "Theo..."

He reached up, gently brushing a stray lock of hair from her face. "I didn't need Amortentia to tell me how I feel about you. But it's... I don't know, kind of amazing to know that it's so strong, that it's what I want most. It's like it's written in the stars, or brewed in a cauldron."

Aurora laughed softly at his words, her tension melting away. "Or maybe both."

They stood there for a moment, just taking in the weight of what had been revealed. It wasn't a surprise, not really, but it was a confirmationan affirmation of what they had. They had been through so much together, and now, this shared experience felt like another bond, another thread weaving them closer.

Slughorn's voice interrupted their moment. "Mr. Nott, Miss Black, you're free to go, but do remember to review today's material. There'll be an essay on love potions next week."

"Of course, Professor," Theo replied, offering a polite nod as he shouldered his bag.

Aurora squeezed Theo's hand one last time before they turned to leave, their fingers reluctantly parting. As they walked out of the classroom and into the corridor, the hum of students' chatter filled the air, but for Aurora, the world felt a little quieter, a little more focused.

The two of them walked side by side, close but not touching, as if savoring the unspoken connection between them. Aurora found herself glancing over at Theo, a smile tugging at her lips. He caught her look and grinned back.

"What?" he asked, his tone playful.

"Nothing," she said, shaking her head lightly. "I'm just... I'm happy."

Theo's grin softened into something more genuine. "Me too."