tangled hearts

||4|| - Amortentia

||4|| - Amortentia

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"Alright class, happy first day. Hope you all had a fine summer. Anyways, let's get on with class," Professor Slughorn said with a jovial tone, his belly jiggling slightly as he clapped his hands together. "Before we start anything, let's get into pairs."

The room immediately buzzed with excitement as students leaned over desks and whispered to each other. A few quick glances and subtle nods confirmed partnerships as people hurried to claim their preferred partners.

Behind me, my brother raised his voice, loud enough to cut through the chatter. "Lily! Wanna pair with me?" he called out, throwing her his best attempt at a charming grin. I could practically hear the smirk in his voice.

Lily Evans, sitting near the front, looked up slowly. Her green eyes met his, and she gave him a quick, polite smile "No thanks." before turning back to her cauldron. It was a polite rejection, nonetheless, not response he'd been hoping for.

I leaned back in my chair, smirking as I muttered, "Smooth," to James, the sarcasm in my voice unmistakable.

Before James could react, Sirius hooked his arm around his neck in a playful headlock. "Guess you're stuck with me, buddy," he said, his grin as wide as ever.

James tried to shake him off, but there was a grudging smile on his face. "Brilliant," James muttered, though it was clear he didn't mind the pairing. Those two were inseparable, after all.

I turned back around, my attention shifting to Remus and Peter, who were deep in conversation at the far end of the table. Remus, ever the patient one, was explaining something to Peter, whose wide-eyed expression made it clear he was already lost.

Before I could tune in any further, I felt a subtle gaze on me. I glanced toward the front and caught Marlene McKinnon looking back at me. Her gaze was steady, and before I knew it, she smiled and gave me a little wave, motioning for me to come over.

For a moment, I hesitated, feeling a flicker of surprise. I wasn't expecting her to invite me, especially since she already was with a group. But she didn't look away, her eyebrows lifting slightly as if to say, What are you waiting for?

Sirius, noticing the exchange, pushed my back towards her. He leaned back in his chair, clearly enjoying the moment, and gave me a small nod, mouthing, "Go on."

I sighed and pushed my chair back, weaving my way through the desks. Marlene's smile widened as I approached, and she shifted her chair a little to make room for me beside her.

"Figured I'd save you from the boys," she said with a grin, her voice low enough so only I could hear.

"Much appreciated," I replied, settling into the seat next to her. I couldn't help but feel a wave of relief wash over me. The lively chaos of the classroom faded slightly as I focused on Marlene, who was clearly in her element.

She pulled out her cauldron and ingredients, glancing up at me with that infectious enthusiasm she always had. "So, you ready to tackle Amortentia? I hear it's tricky, but I think we can handle it."

I nodded, eager to get started. "Definitely. Just don't let me forget any steps, alright? You know how I can get with potions."

Marlene laughed softly, her eyes sparkling with energy. "I'll keep you in line. Just follow my lead, and we'll have a beautiful potion in no time. Who knows? Maybe we'll even end up with a few admirers." She winked, and I couldn't help but chuckle.