The dimly lit Potions classroom buzzed with a quiet intensity as cauldrons bubbled and hissed. You stood by your cauldron, your heart pounding as the distinctive, intoxicating aroma of Am0rtenti Potion wafted towards you. Amidst the swirling scents of parchment, fresh rain and something warm and familiar, his scent lingered - distinct and undeniably Tom.

Tom was skulking among the desks. And now, as if summoned by your erratic heartbeat, he approached your table. "So," he drawled. "I take it you've finished with the potion?"

You hesitated as the silver surface swirled seductively, its perfection undeniable. But you couldn't bring yourself to say it - couldn't admit what the potion had revealed. Instead, you cleared your throat. "There's... something wrong with it," you said quietly. "I don't think it smells like it should."

Tom raised an eyebrow, his expression both intrigued and slightly amused. "Oh? Let me see." He leaned closer, his presence almost overwhelming. After a moment he straightened. "This potion is impeccable."

Your cheeks burned, but before you could protest, he continued, his eyes fixed on yours in a way that made you gasp.

"You are very talented," he said, his voice deeper, almost intimate. "And intelligent. Why should you doubt your abilities?"

Your lips parted, but no words came out. How could you explain that the potion itself wasn't the problem? That it was you - your reaction to it - that made you so insecure? How could you admit that the intoxicating scent that drew you in was his?

Tom's gaze didn't waver. If anything, his interest seemed to deepen, as if he could sense there was something more you weren't saying. "Well," he said finally, his tone carrying a subtle challenge, "if there's a flaw, it's not in the potion, it's in your perception of it. Perhaps you should think about what it is you're smelling."

Your heart stuttered at his words. Did he know? No, he couldn't. But the way his lips curved into a faint, knowing smile sent a shiver down your spine.