Enchanted By The Thought

NINE: Hazelnut

I think that deep down, I'm scared of being happy.

Kat and Beth were sitting at their table in Potions, whispering to each other. Kat was talking to Beth about Collin and Beth couldn't help but feel jealous. She wished relationships were that easy for her. Kat grew distracted and she leaned close, her eyes on someone in front of them. "Malfoy's giving us a death glare!" She whispered, smiling widely.

Beth glanced up towards the front and saw Malfoy was indeed glaring at her. She managed to grab her thoughts before they scattered and kept her composure, looking away from his alluring eyes. "And Zabini's eyes seem to be glued to you." Kat snickered, her face filled with glee.

"Shut it Kat!" Beth snapped playfully, pushing her friend's shoulder lightly. Kat dramatically pretended to fall from her chair but she caught herself at the last second.

Kat poked Beth in the shoulder, smirking. "Bethy Poo has the Slytherin's wanting to 'slyther-in' to her-" she began to tease Beth and she slapped her hand over Kat's mouth, unable to stop herself from laughing. Beth's face was on fire and Kat licked her hand, smirking. Beth wrinkled her nose and jerked her hand away, punching her arm instead. Kat yelped, leaning away from Beth. Slughorn entered the room and the class fell silent. "Harry! My boy!" Slughorn greeted with barely contained excitement.

Beth looked up as he mentioned her brother, surprised. Harry and Ron were both standing awkwardly at the back of the room, slightly hidden in the shadows. She hadn't seen them enter; she'd forgotten they had classes together. She heard Draco whisper something to his friends and they all snickered coldly. Turning, Beth glared at him, allowing the annoyance to be seen in her eyes. He narrowed his grey eyes at her, daring her to say something. Her heart gave a flutter as their eyes connected and she flushed crimson, looking away.

Beth scolded herself mentally, turning back around to Professor Slughorn. Kat was sulking, looking upset. She could sense her brother's curiosity and couldn't help but look over at him. He had an old Potion's book in his hand, staring at it intently. Feeling her gaze, he glanced up and grinned at her. "Come on. Slug's giving us an assigned seating. To 'mix up houses'!" Kat's tone was mocking and Beth could tell she didn't want to be parted from her friend.

The black-haired girl snickered at Kat's reactions, grabbing her books and following her friend as the whole class moved to the back. Beth's grin grew bigger as the seating began. Ron was placed with Lavender, the latter seemed absolutely ecstatic. Harry was placed with Pansy, who both refused to look at each other. Hermione was placed with Goyle and Hermione held her head high, ignoring the glare Goyle seemed to be giving her. Kat shot Beth a pleading look that clearly screamed 'help me' as she moved to sit with Zabini. The students grumbled as they rearranged themselves, obviously disliking the other person they had been paired with. Slughorn focused on Beth and pointed to the table near the back. "Well, you can sit by yourself, Ms. Potter. At the back table."

"Sorry Professor. I haven't been placed at a table," Malfoy drawled, suddenly appearing from the darkness the bookshelves gave off. He looked very attractive with the way he was slouched, looking uncaring. He probably didn't care at all, either way.

Beth scowled at him; she had a feeling he'd stayed out of sight until it was just both of them. Slughorn was surprised as Malfoy appeared but the feeling was only for a second. "Well, Mr. Malfoy. You can accompany Ms. Potter at the back table."

Furious, she stalked to the table and slammed her book down. The people close to her table flinched at the sound and sent her a withering look. Malfoy simply glided over and sat down; he kept a neutral face. Still annoyed, she slouched, crossing her arms and resorted to glaring at the table. Beth had learned her lesson of attempting to look at Malfoy when he was looking back; her brain had decided to abandon rational thought. Her resolution? Don't look at Malfoy... when he was looking back. Feeling a gaze on her, she looked up to see Kat giving her a pity look. She scowled and stuck her tongue out at her friend. "Today, we will learn about some potions-" Professor Slughorn began and Beth rolled her eyes, twisting her mouth into a sneer.