Emerald and Hazel

Chapter 6 - Partners and Potions

Lily's P.O.V

I couldn't focus all through transfiguration. James hadn't even tried to sit next to me, instead he sat next to Jennifer. I was so distracted that I even transfigured my jewellery box into a picture frame instead of a pillow! I mean that's like a fourth year, amateur mistake.

By the time I got to potions even Marlene had noticed I was in a mood. Merlin knows how she noticed, being so preoccupied with flirting with Sirius. And Mary obsessing over Remus and Remus obsessing over Mary. And Alice and Frank trying to ask the other out, but as always resulting awkward silence and chickening out at the last moment.

'Lily, are you okay?'

'Hmm? Oh yeah of course, why wouldn't I be?' I say to Marlene as she runs to catch up with me.

'You don't have to be a genius to see it, if your upset about James and Jennifer, I'm sure it's nothing' she tries to reassure me but I don't feel any better.

'I just think I'm a bit tired'

'Well I can ask Sirius about them if you want' ugh. Why does she keep bringing the subject up?

'No it's fine Marls' if Marlene asks Sirius about it, Sirius will know I... sort of like James and then Sirius will tell James and that cannot happen.

'C'mon everyone, get your books out' Professor Slughorn calls to us as we all sit down.

'Today we're brewing Amortentia. Now! Can anyone tell me what Amortentia is?' He asks us 'yes, Mr Potter' I hadn't bothered to put my hand up but I hadn't excepted James to.

'Amortentia is a love potion, strongest one in the world. It doesn't create actual love but it causes obsession and infatuation. It smells different to each person depending on what attracts them. And you can recognise it from the spiralling steam and mother-of-pearl sheen.'

Everyone was a bit in awe. James had never given such a detailed and accurate explaining although he was exceedingly bright and smart, still that was impressive.

'Correct, 10 points to Gryffindor!' Slughorn clapped his hands together and moved over to the pot.

'Now, split into partners, one of you collect the ingredients and the other turn to page 14 for instructions'. Marlene and Sirius instantly made their way to each other as did Remus and Mary and Frank and Alice.

'Hey, wanna be partners?' James tapped me on the shoulder and smiled at me.

'Sure, you go get the ingredients and I'll find the instructions' he nodded and went to the shelves.

I was so confused. I'd been friends with James for what? A day? And suddenly because I see he's changed I like him? You can't just suddenly like someone because they've changed. Or maybe I've always liked him but I've never realised because I convinced myself I was repulsed by him. I mean, I did agree to be his friend awfully fast and it's made me happier. Up until now. Or was that jealousy? Ugh I don't know. I just kind of wish he would ask me out again so I could find out if...

'Lily, I got everything' all the ingredients were now in front of me. I grabbed the cauldron in front of me.

'Okay then, let's get started' I flicked the pages of my copy of Advanced potion making until I found page 14.

*30 minutes later*

'I can't smell anything' James says confused sniffing the air around the cauldron.

'What? I'm sure I made this correctly' I'd followed all instructions precisely.

'Well you have been a bit distracted today Lils, it's okay I mean anyone could get it wrong' even the use of that cute nickname could not dull the irritation growing inside me.