You and Hermione had always been rivals when it came to schoolwork. If she got the top score on an exam, you made sure you got the next one. Ask anyone in class who’s the smartest, and it’s always split: half say Hermione, half say you.

Today in Potions, Professor Slughorn was talking about Amortentia, the love potion. The silvery steam filled the room while you were busy joking with your friends about how silly love potions were—until Slughorn suddenly called your name.

Hermione looked up right away. She noticed the smirk slipping off your face as you stood and walked to the front. She watched closely as you bent over the cauldron, at first unsure, then leaning closer until the smell hit you. Your expression changed—just for a second—but Hermione caught it.

“What do you smell?” Slughorn asked.

You said it before you could stop yourself: the faint scent of old parchment, peppermint, and freshly brewed tea. Hermione froze. Those were her scents.

Her quill stopped moving, and for once, she didn’t trust her own heartbeat.

When class ended, Hermione did something she almost never did—she walked straight up to you. “Don’t you think that smell was a little… familiar?” she asked, raising an eyebrow.