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As Cassiopeia made her way towards the Potions Classroom, she found herself approached by none other than James Potter. He flashed a charming smile and said, "Cassiopeia, my love, don't you look beautiful. Do you want to go to Hogsmeade with me?"
Cassiopeia couldn't help but roll her eyes and give him a glare. "Hate to break it to you, but I'll never go out with you."
James's face fell, but he didn't let it dampen his spirits. He replied with a wink, "One day you will."
Cassiopeia rolled her eyes once again. Honestly, could anyone be this insufferable? Shaking her head, she continued walking and happened to run into Sev along the way. She smiled at him and they made their way to class together.
Inside the classroom, Professor Slughorn was in his usual cheerful mood. He greeted the students with a wide smile and said, "Good morning, my dears! Before we start, I need to make a new seating arrangement. Mister Snape with Mister Rosier. Miss Evans with Mister Lupin. Mister Black with Miss McKinnon. Miss Jones with Mister Potter."
James's eyes widened with excitement and happiness, while Cassiopeia couldn't help but feel a bit disappointed by the arrangement.
Professor Slughorn stood next to a potion and posed a question to the class. "Today, we will be learning about this potion. Does anyone know what it is?"
Cassiopeia's hand shot up immediately. The professor's smile grew wider as he motioned for her to answer. "That, sir, is the Draught of Peace. It relieves anxiety and takes 90 minutes to brew."
Just as Cassiopeia finished her answer, Dorcas and Mary exchanged impressed glances.
Dorcas leaned over and whispered, "Damn Cassie, you really know your stuff! I'm glad we're in the same class, girl."
Mary chimed in, "Yeah, it's great to have someone as knowledgeable as you as a friend, who knows how else we'd be passing Potions."
Cassiopeia snorted and rolled her eyes playfully at the girls antics.
Dorcas Meadowes, a 5th year Slytherin with the kindest of hearts, and Mary Macdonald, a 5th year Ravenclaw with the sharpest tongue. They had been in a relationship ever since she had known the duo.
Professor Slughorn flashed a warm smile and let out a hearty chuckle. "Well done, Miss Jones! Gryffindor earns ten points! Now, everyone, turn to page 74 and let's begin brewing the potion."
Cassiopeia was relieved that she didn't have to work with a partner, but her relief was short-lived. "Oh, wait. Scratch that. You have to work with the person sitting next to you." She sighed, realizing she spoke too soon.
Cassiopeia turned to James and found him already gazing at her. She cleared her throat, trying to maintain her composure. "Alright, Potter, you grab the ingredients, and I'll gather the equipment." Without waiting for a response, she walked away.
Thirty minutes later, they worked side by side, immersed in the task at hand. Cassiopeia couldn't help but feel pleasantly surprised. James was actually focused on their work and hadn't made any attempts to ask her out. She couldn't help but beam at him, unaware that someone was observing them from a distance with a tinge of sadness.
Maybe, just maybe, Cass thought, James Potter wasn't that bad.
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The next day the Gryffindors had transfiguration. There, Cassiopeia was seated next to James.
After Cassiopeia was the only one who could successfully produce the Bird-Conjuring Charm, she got 20 points for Gryffindor.
As Cassiopeia made her way to the potions classroom, James suddenly appeared out of nowhere. "Hello Cassiopeia, the love of my life. Fancy going to Hogsmeade with me?"
Cassiopeia's heart skipped a beat. It took her a few seconds to gather her thoughts and finally respond, "N-Never."
And just like that, she left a dumbstruck James behind. As his friends came over to join him, he was still frozen in the same spot where Cassiopeia left him. Sirius couldn't help but notice and asked, "Oi Prongs, what's got you all dreamy?" James had a huge grin on his face and replied, "It took her four seconds to answer. And she stuttered. I think I might actually have a chance."
Then Sirius eagerly asked, "Wait, did she say yes?!" James's grin faltered a bit, but he still held onto hope. He said, "No, but she stuttered!"
