A/N: Please review!

1. Potions Partners

Hestia Jones was sitting next to me, talking about some guys she had been dating over the summer. My eyes were fixed on the doorway, watching my classmates file into the Potions classroom. Hestia fell silent, and I saw her gaping at the door. I turned my head to see that she was looking at none other than the infamous Marauders. All of them, except Peter who was nowhere to be seen, were surrounded by their own groups of fan-girls. Black and Potter walked to the back of the classroom. Both of them had stupid smirks etched across their faces. Remus, however, decided to sit next to me. He was the most decent of the four. We had been friends ever since our fifth year. His arm was covered with bandages, which were probably results of his transformations.

Remus gave me a smile as he sat down next to me. 'How was your summer, Lily?'
'Boring, like always. Though, some unexpected events took place.' I said referring to Prof. Dumbledore's decisions, on choosing the Head Students.
'Don't underestimate yourself. You deserved to be the Head Girl.'
'Well, actually I meant your friend, Potter. I think someone used a Confundus Charm. I expected you to be Head Boy.'
'Nah-' he started but was cut off by the stentorian bang which came from the back of the class. All of us turned around to see that Black and Potter had started a game of Exploding Snap.

'Where's Peter, by the way?' I asked.
'He thought of dropping Potions. He said that he was only getting worse at the subject.' he replied. 'There has been news that Slughorn is gonna assign us partners for this term. I just hope that I get a good partner.' he said and I glanced around the room to see that all of them were either gossiping or bewitching paper planes.
'It's gonna be hard finding someone in this room, who's good in Potions. We were having our class with Hufflepuffs.

Just then, Professor Slughorn entered the classroom, flashing Remus and I smiles as we were one of his favorite students. The rest of the class on acknowledging his presence, fell silent.. Slughorn walked to the front of the class and cleared his throat, ready for his speech. 'This is going to be your final year at Hogwarts and I expect all of you to get an O in my subject.' he spoke about the importance of our N.E.W.T s and how it affects our careers. 'Also, many of you might have heard', he continued, 'that this term, you will be assigned partners. Potions in N.E.W.T s level are really difficult to brew, and you will be needing the assistance of another person. You will be given an assignment to complete with your partner, and will be marked upon it. Don't take it as a joke.' he said directing his last statement to Black and Potter. 'These marks will be counted in your finals. So, all of you line up according to your first names.'

As directed, I stood up and went to stand behind Potter and in front of Mary Macdonald, one of my besties. Standing behind Potter was quite weird. He was really tall and I had to crane my neck to see who was infront of him. I was hoping not to end up being paired with him. Truth to be spoken, Potter was a troll at Potions.

'Take your seats, and sit one behind the other.' Slughorn instructed and I was relieved that I wasn't going to be Potter's partner.

As I took my seat, I glanced to my left to see Alice Rosier sitting with Frank Longbottom. She had fancied Frank for a long tie and was looking really pleased. Remus moved forward to take the seat next to me. But before he could sit, Professor Slughorn said, 'Mr. Lupin, kindly take the seat next to Mr. Potter. Mr. Smithers along with Mr. Pettigrew will not be taking Potions this year.' My jaw dropped open and horror was written across my face. That meant Black is partner.

Potter high-fived Remus, and Black passed by them, smirking. Potter and Remus were grinning and when Black moved past them, he mouthed the word 'homosexuals', causing both of them to narrow their eyes at him. He came and sat down next to me, the smirk having wiped off from his face. I looked at him with loathing as he shot me a nasty smile.

I am gonna have a difficult time in Potions this term.