evans²| r.lupin

Chapter Nine

While James, Marlene and the rest of the team were treated like heroes back in the Gryffindor Tower and the majority of the house participated in a huge party for them, Cassiane couldn't help but go to her bedroom, as Faith and Philip were sneaked into the common room. She had no intention of watching the man she loved, flirt with Faith, although she had realised that the Hufflepuff wanted nothing but to make Remus happier.

The bedroom felt so empty without her friends but it was also a rare chance to organise her things, prepare for Monday's classes and eventually reply to the letter her parents had sent.

Cassiane had an excellent relationship with both of them and she missed them a lot. She couldn't bring herself to write them a letter, as many things had happened in the past few days. However, she realised they would be worried about her, so she found some ink and began writing.

Dear mum and dad,

When I first came to Hogwarts, I can't deny that I was terrified. Everyone knew each other for so long and I felt like a burden to Lily and her friends.

I was wrong. All of them were friendly and welcoming and we've got to know each other. They might be silly or tiring sometimes, but I'm so lucky to have met those amazing people. I'm also happy for Philip who has made some friends at Hufflepuff.

School is not as bad as I thought it would be. We have tons of homework but the majority of the professors are great. Tomorrow we'll be making an interesting potion, so wish me luck!

I love you all very much and I can't wait to come home for Christmas.
Take care!

Cassie

She folded the paper and placed it inside an envelope. Cassiane hadn't have enough time to find an owl but Lily was more than willing to lend her hers.

Once the letter had been sent, she tried to sleep, which was impossible due to the loud music from the common room. Remus had used his talent at spells to fix a broken radio and the whole house was dancing and singing Mick Jagger's hits.

The more Cassiane said to herself that Remus should just be a friend, the more she thought about him. She deeply regretted the fact that she hadn't realised her interest in him until Faith flirted with him.

"They like each other, it's obvious and I should step back." She mumbled.

"Step back from what?" Marlene shouted. She had entered the bedroom to pick a jacket but Cassiane didn't notice her.

"Oh... I... I didn't mean-"

"You like Remus. Merlin, you're blushing!" She smirked, before frowning. "Cassie, I'm not sure how to say this-"

"I know that Faith likes him too."

Marlene nodded and sat next to her, throwing her arm around Cassiane's shoulders. "You shouldn't give up though. He might simply not know that you have feelings for him."

"Maybe. Go back to the party, champion. There's no point in wasting your time with me." Cassiane joked.

"I'm not wasting anything and I don't mind staying with you."

"Marls! Go!"

"Alright ma'am. Let me know if you need anything from me."

~~~

"Good morning class!" Professor Slughorn greeted them. Cassiane wasn't particularly good at Potions and being in the same class with the Slytherins made things worse.

"Good morning sir."

"Today we will be working, just as I promised on the Amortentia potion. Does anyone know about it?"

Lily rose her hand, as always. She was the best at Potions, even better than Severus. As James informed Cassiane, last year, Severus and her cousin worked together on potions. However, they weren't anymore, obviously affected by whatever had happened between them.

"Yes, miss Evans?"

"Amortentia is the most powerful love potion in the world. It is distinctive for its mother-of-pearl sheen, and steam rises from the potion in spirals. Amortentia smells different to each person, according to what attracts them."

Some Slytherins glared at her, unable to understand how a mudblood was better than them. Cassiane was surprised to spot Severus and some other boys laugh at Lily and pretend to be her.

Lily remained completely unbothered and opened her textbook to gather the necessary materials.

"Oh, miss Evans, I'm afraid I'll be choosing your partner today. You will work with mister Potter and your cousin will be with mister Lupin."

Cassiane took a deep breath. She would much rather work with Marlene, Sirius or Peter but none of them was qualified to continue with Potions. "Hey Rem. Are you ready for this?"

There were dark circles under his chocolate brown eyes, but he smiled at her. "Sure. What do I have to do?"

With the professor's instructions, they were able to slowly prepare the potion. Cassiane figured out that they weren't the only ones struggling. None of the Slytherins had made much progress apart from Severus and his partner.

Remus approached her in order to throw another ingredient and Cassiane smelt the cinnamon sent his clothes always had. That was when realisation struck her. Amortentia smells different to each person, according to which attracts them.

Her eyes followed her partner, hoping that the potion would remind him of her. Instead, he grinned and leaned to whisper; "This smells like Faith's cologne."

Cassiane sighed, disappointed but not surprised. She had to accept the truth.

"Get away from me Potter! I can't work with you and your stupid cologne!" Lily shouted at him.

"No, you should get away! I can't breathe!"

"But I haven't worn any perfume today!"

James locked eyes with the red haired. "Neither have I."

The whole class was staring at them, waiting for the two to realise. Cassiane and Remus exchanged a look and laughed loudly, along with the professor.

"Congratulations miss Evans, mister Potter. You have successfully prepared the potion!" Slughorn informed them, the corners of his lips twitching.