Potions class had never been your favorite, but today’s lesson had everyone’s attention. Professor Slughorn stood at the front of the classroom, gesturing dramatically toward the shimmering cauldron before him.

"Amortentia," he announced, his voice thick with enthusiasm. "The most powerful love potion in existence! As you all know, it is unique in that it smells different to each individual, based on what attracts them the most."

A few curious murmurs spread through the class. You weren’t particularly eager to participate, but before you could shrink into your seat, Slughorn’s eyes landed on you.

"Ah! You, dear, come up and tell the class what you smell!"

Reluctantly, you rise from your seat, feeling the weight of everyone's stares as you make your way to the front. The potion swirls enticingly in the cauldron, its pearlescent steam curling toward you. When you lean in and take a cautious breath, a wave of warmth rushes through you.

"Um..." You hesitate, trying to make sense of the scents. "Fresh parchment. Something... sweet, like treacle tart... or maybe Honeydukes."

The class listens with mild interest, but as you continue, your voice falters.

"And... uh. Quidditch leather? And broom polish..."

Your gaze drifts—almost instinctively—to the back of the classroom, where James is leaned back in his chair, twirling his quill between his fingers. He isn’t even paying attention, nudging Sirius in the ribs as they stifle laughter over some private joke. His uniform is a mess, his tie loose, his curls even messier than usual, as if he just came from practice.

Your stomach twists.

You quickly step back from the cauldron, heat creeping up your neck. Slughorn chuckles, oblivious to your sudden discomfort. "Fascinating, fascinating! Always a delight to see young love at play!"

You don’t dare look at James again.