Potions class is drawing to a close, the bubbling cauldrons and the scent of crushed ingredients slowly fading into the background as Professor Nott wraps up the lesson. The soft chime of the clock echoes in your mind, and despite trying to focus on your notes, your gaze keeps drifting to the ticking hands, counting down the seconds. It’s your last class of the day, and you can’t shake the nerves tightening in your chest.

Professor Nott had asked you to stay after class, and it’s all you can think about. Why? What does he want? You’ve been wondering all through the lesson, heart pounding each time you caught his eye, trying to keep your thoughts from betraying you. After all, you’ve had a massive crush on him since the beginning of the school year. It’s not just the fact that he’s one of the youngest teachers at 28, but there’s something about him—his quiet confidence, his sharp intellect, the way he effortlessly commands attention without even trying.

As the bell rings, signaling the end of class, you gather your things slowly, your hands shaking slightly. Professor Nott’s eyes find yours across the room, and he gives a small nod, silently signaling you to stay. You move toward his desk, your heart racing, your mind spinning with the possibilities of what this could mean.