The Marauders Era

Truly?

"-be sure to remember the last part, that is essential. And don't forget to hand in your essays on Thursday."

Professor Slughorn let his gaze wander across the potions classroom, glancing at each student before letting them gather their things and be on their way. The familiar colors of Gryffindor and Slytherin blended as each student did the best they could to get out of the classroom as soon as possible, in hopes of being able to catch up with their friends.

However, not everyone was just as eager. A certain Gryffindor didn't rush as much as the others but instead took her time when she packed her quill and ink back into their box. Unfortunately, the cap of the ink bottle didn't quite agree with her this afternoon.

"Oh, Miss Black, if I might have a moment."

Cassie looked up from her bottle, met her professor's eyes, and immediately straightened her back. A smile was evident on his face, and he looked genuinely happy, for what reason Cassie didn't know, but there was a small idea that danced in the back of her mind.

"Yes, professor?"

"I am having a small dinner party on Saturday, for my most exceeded students, and I would be quite pleased if you came."

A smile spread across her lips, and a small feeling of excitement filled her. As strange as it might have sounded for some people, Cassie immensely enjoyed the meetings and parties that came with being a member of the Slug Club.

It also didn't hurt that she was positive that Lily also had gotten the same invitation along with Remus. And it was always interesting to see who the potion master had invited to his gatherings.

"Of course, professor, I would love to."

His smile grew as he heard the words coming out of her mouth.

"Splendid, look for my owl."

He gave her one last look before walking out of the classroom.

Now alone, she returned her gaze to her ink bottle. Just as she placed the cap on and started to screw, the cap slipped off and fell to the floor, though not before spilling out some ink. She let out an annoyed sigh before bending down and picked it up.

"Sweet Merlin, can't you just for once do as I ask?"

After a few more tries, the cap was successfully put on the bottle. A sweet smile spread across her lips as she put the bottle in her bag, lifted the strap onto her shoulder, and moved towards the door.

While walking the corridor, she looked down at her hands to inspect the damage the ink had done to her. It wasn't too bad. There were some spots on her hands, some bigger than she would have liked but nothing that couldn't wait until later that evening.

"Unlucky in Potions today?"

A swift chuckle filled the air, while Cassie sent the boy, who appeared almost magically next to her, a slight glare before shaking her head.

"Just the cap of the ink bottle that wouldn't quite agree with me."

She held up her hands, showing Remus her misfortune of the day.

Truth be told, it just wasn't entirely her day; during breakfast, she had spilled some pumpkin juice on her shirt, though she had managed to get the stain out with a little spell. And on her way to potions class, she managed to bump into a 7th year Hufflepuff, making both of them drop their books. Although the blonde-haired girl smiled and assured her that it was okay, Cassie still felt horrible, seeing how many loose papers the older girl had been carrying.

"So... have you read the letter yet?"

That sentence almost made Cassie stop in her tracks. She sent Remus a suspicious glance before crossing her hands over her chest.