Alina Nightshade doesn't think much about James Potter. Only that he seems rather keen on being annoying.
James Potter thinks Alina Nightshade is a mystery all wrapped up in a very pretty girl. And he is keen on trying to be her friend.
James Potte...
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Alina steps into the potions classroom, her shoulders heavy with the exhaustion of the day. It's one of her last classes, and she's counting the minutes until she can retreat somewhere quiet.
Weaving through the rows of desks, she makes her way to her usual spot. James isn't there yet. Sliding into her seat, she pulls out her potions book and sets her bag down with a resigned thud.
The entire day has been an exercise in irritation, testing her patience at every turn.
Taking a slow breath, she glances at the blackboard.
Amortentia.
Of course, it is.
Because why would the universe grant her a single, uneventful day?
Her gaze lingers on the word as though staring hard enough might make it disappear. Around her, the other students whisper, some voices tinged with excitement, others with dread. Alina tunes it out, her thoughts spiraling. Maybe she could use the herb-cutting knife to end this misery before the lesson officially begins.
The sharp scrape of a chair beside her snaps her from her thoughts.
Alina turns, her irritation clear in her glare, only to find James settling into the seat next to hers. He offers her a sheepish smile, the faintest flicker of nerves in his expression as he pulls out his book and glances at the board.
His eyes widen.
That, at least, is mildly entertaining.
Alina smirks faintly before refocusing on her cauldron, which sits clean and ready for the chaos to come. The classroom gradually quiets as the students take their seats, murmurs fading into anticipation.
Professor Slughorn waddles to the front of the room, his jovial energy filling the space as he clasps his hands together.
"Ah, welcome, welcome, class!" he begins, his voice echoing. "Today, we delve into one of the most intriguing potions in magical history. A brew of allure, mystery, and—dare I say—mischief. Not true love, of course, but a potent imitation, a beguiling trick of the senses. Yes, today, we shall brew Amortentia!"
Alina resists the urge to slam her head against the desk.
Slughorn's eyes twinkle as he continues, "As you all know, Amortentia is the most powerful love potion in existence. Outside this classroom, its use would be reckless—irresponsible, even. But here, under my careful supervision, it is a chance to study its properties with precision."
He clears his throat and adjusts his waistcoat. "You will pair with the student next to you for this exercise. Together, you'll craft the potion, learning the importance of collaboration and trust. And when it's ready, each of you will experience its aroma—a reflection of what you find most desirable."
Alina's stomach sinks.
Slughorn beams. "Take out your Advanced Potion-Making, page 167, and let's begin. Work closely, my dears—Amortentia waits for no one!"
