The dungeon classroom was thick with the usual scents of brewing potions—earthy herbs, bubbling liquids, and an underlying mustiness that never quite faded from the stone walls. Professor Slughorn stood at the front of the class, beaming as he gestured toward a swirling, opalescent potion in a small, ornate cauldron.

"Ah, Amortentia," Slughorn announced, rubbing his hands together. "The most powerful love potion known to wizardkind! Recognizable by its distinct mother-of-pearl sheen and—most interestingly—by the fact that it smells different to each person, reflecting what they find most alluring."

A murmur of curiosity rippled through the class as students leaned in, eager to take a whiff.

Mattheo Riddle, slouched in his usual spot across from you, let out a dramatic groan as soon as the scent reached him. His nose wrinkled in disgust.

"Oh, for Merlin’s sake—why does it reek like you?" he grumbled, sending a glare across the table.

Your reaction was just as immediate. "Ugh, I was about to ask the same thing!" You crossed your arms, face twisted in repulsion. "It’s disgusting, it smells exactly like you—like cheap cologne and bad decisions."

"Excuse me?" Mattheo shot back, scoffing. "It’s not my fault the potion seems to have a death wish. Clearly, it's malfunctioning if it thinks I'd find you remotely tolerable."

The bickering escalated, drawing the attention of nearby students. Draco was snickering behind his hand, while Pansy gave an exaggerated eye-roll. Even Harry and Ron were watching with barely contained amusement.

Then, Hermione cleared her throat. Loudly.

Both you and Mattheo snapped your heads toward her. She sighed, closing her book with an air of exasperation.

"You two are hopeless,” she said, shaking her head. "Amortentia doesn’t lie. It only smells like what you desire most."

A pause.

The words settled like a rogue Bludger into the pit of your stomach. Slowly both of you turned to each other, staring at the other one before both of you said it at the same time.

"desire you? Ewwww!"