IN RUINS- James Potter

chapter thirty three

N.E.W.T.S, the dreadful exams that made her want to jump off the astronomy tower. Classes had started the following Monday morning as they arrived to school on Friday night.

It was only the first day of classes, and Nora already was sick and tired as she was only in her second class; potions — and it was with the Gryffindors, just her luck right now.

Walking into class and being happy to see Slughorn like usual, Nora lazily sat beside Atticus as the two knew Slughorn would be doing partners for this year, prepared to be paired up with a Gryffindor.

"Before I begin todays lesson, all of you gather around this cauldron." Professor Slughorn said, gesturing for the children to get off the stools and go follow those who actually stood up. Looking around the room, Nora noticed how small this class was, knowing advanced potions wasn't something everyone needed this term.

However, there were only four Slytherins in the class, all standing together in their own corner, rolling their eyes against the others. "Avada me now." Nora groaned to Severus beside her as Betty and Atticus were in front of her. "You're telling me." He scoffed, all dead panned.

The rest of the Gryffindors made their way as Slughorn walked to be beside the cauldron, smiling at his class. "Welcome to Advanced Potions children, I've already taught all of you so I'm excited to see that you still want to continue learning about potions." He said happily, putting his hands behind his back.

Nora sighed softly, knowing they would be standing here for a while based off the way Slughorn was taking his time to talk. "To start off this class, does anyone know what Amortentia is?" He asked the class, pacing back and forth as he pointed to the cauldron with his wand.

Many hands flung into the air, Nora's included, hoping Slughorn wouldn't pick on her though. "Ah Miss.Black! What do you think it is?" He asked.

Dammit Slughorn.

"Uh— it's the most powerful love potion to exist sir." Nora quickly said, hating the fact that everyone was looking at her. "Very good!" Slughorn chuckled, "20 points to slytherin."

Getting a sarcastic clap from Severus, Nora elbowed him in the stomach as Lily Evans explained how everyone smells the potion to who they're most attracted to. There were some things Nora liked to believe, however this potion seemed to be bullocks out of all of them. It didn't seem true how you could smell something different from the person next to you.

"Which gets to my next point," Slughorn said, using his wand to flip the board to the partners he assigned. "You and your partner have the rest of the class to create this potion, best of luck! And no pressure if you don't get it right, it's a fun exercise." He added, going over to his desk to get out of the way.

Looking up at the board and being shocked by her partner, Nora smiled to know she was partnered up with Lupin, celebrating by herself as she went to go find the lad, putting her stuff down and smiling at him.

"Nora," he greeted himself, putting his book bag down as well. "Lupin," Nora nodded, awkwardly looking down to see him just standing there. "I'll uh— get the cauldron." She said to the boy, only getting a thumbs up as Lupin tried to find the page for the potion, telling her he'll get the ingredients.

"I got Lupin, you?" She asked Atticus ; walking with him to the back. "I got Meadows, cute girl I must add." Atticus said, grinning a little. "Oh, you." Nora rolled her eyes, parting ways to find a cauldron; bumping into James while doing so.

"Hi Nora." He whispered, looking to see nobody was around her. "Potter." Nora said, looking for a good cauldron to use. "Whose your partner?" He asked the girl like he would ask anyone that question. "Lupin, you?"