The Abuser

Honest Lips

You're something out of a dream, messin' with my head. And I've been lookin' for you, are ya hiding? Cause I like the way you're calling to me, your spell upon me.

- Celeste by Ezra Vine

.......

"Now then, I've prepared a few potions for you to have a look at, just out of interest, you know." The man with the walrus moustache is actually our new potions master, Professor Slughorn. He's taking over the job for Professor Snape, and already I have a feeling that potions will be much more enjoyable. The whole class scooches forward in their seats to get a better look at the three bubbling cauldrons in front of us, as he continues. "These are the kind of thing you ought to be able to be able to make after completing your N.E.W.T.s. You ought to have heard of 'em, even if you haven't made 'em yet. Anyone tell me what this one is?"

He gestures to a cauldron which is almost directly in front of me, and I get a good look at the contents. It simply looks like it's full of boiling water, and I remember that Veritas Serum is known for being completely colorless. Before the thought has entirely formulated, however, Hermione's hand is up. I was right in my thinking, as Professor Slughorn confirms that the potion is indeed Veritas Serum.

I steal a quick glance at my boyfriend, while Slughorn moves onto the next cauldron. He's sitting at the desk beside me, but we might as well have an invisible barrier between us, for his eyes don't even flit in my direction. He's staring with dead eyes towards the wall, occasionally muttering something under his breath. I frown and turn away.

Slughorn moves from the muddy looking mixture, which Hermione has just correctly identified as Polyjuice Potion, to the third and final cauldron. I'm entranced by the pearly clouds rising from the bubbling surface.

"It's Amortentia!" Hermione exclaims quickly.

"It is indeed. It seems almost foolish to ask, but I assume you know what it does?" Slughorn looks Hermione up and down, clearly a bit impressed by her extensive knowledge.

Hermione laughs, blushing a bit. "It's the most powerful love potion in the world!"

Love potion?! Right up my alley! I grin, leaning forward for a closer look at the sweet-smelling liquid. I can't help but wonder what Draco's response to this is, but when I glance at him, I see that he hasn't even turned, but is simply maintaining his creepily empty gaze at nothing in particular. He probably hasn't even heard Slughorn!

"Quite right!" Slughorn roars, as nearly everyone clambers to get closer. "You recognized it, I suppose, by its mother of pearl sheen?"

Hermione is beaming as she replies. "And the steam rising in characteristic spirals, and it's supposed to smell differently for each of us, according to what attracts us. I can smell freshly mown grass and new parchment and-"She cuts herself short, blushing madly.

I'm practically on the edge of my seat, inhaling the wonderful fragrance of the potion. I would buy some simply for the pleasure of smelling it! First, I'm struck by the wonderful smell of roses, followed quickly by the aroma of a fresh-baked pie. Best of all is the scent of Draco's hair; minty and sharp, but sweet as well. For some reason, I'm reminded of frost-covered wintergreens and black berries every time I get near him. I laugh, feeling the color of my cheeks rising. Then, a wave of nostalgic sadness passes over me as I remember the night that we first kissed, nearly two years ago, and the fateful Saturday at the beginning of our fifth year, before our struggles began. His lips were so soft and sweet that day...

Unable to stop myself, I turn to him, bringing my face close to his. "What do you smell, love?" I whisper.

He gives me a long, empty look, as if this is the first time he's noticed me. "I don't smell anything. Should I?" He replies without emotion.