"I'm home" Gemma called as she walked through her front door. It was a hot summers day in August and she had just returned from a trip to London with Julie.
She closed the front door, smiling to herself as she heard her parents laughing in the kitchen.
Since they had retired almost 20 years ago, they had developed a fondness for the 'muggle way of life', which included cooking everything from scratch, no magic allowed. This meant that everything took twice as long and unfortunately did not taste as good, but they were happy.
Gemma often watched her parents, thinking they were more like a couple of teenagers as opposed to the famed Aurors of the 30s and 40s.
Gemma headed straight into the kitchen. Her father was making a sauce while her mother chopped up vegetables.
"Gemma!" Cynthia cried, putting the knife down and grabbing a parchment letter from the side. "For you. From Hogwarts" She handed it to Gemma. "Must be the list of the school books you'll need. We can head to Diagon Alley next Tuesday. Maybe Julie could join us?"
Gemma took the letter. "Thanks Mum. Yeah, sounds good" Gemma opened it up and started to read aloud, cutting out the boring bits. "Dear Miss Arwin, we look forward to welcoming you back for your fifth year at Hogwarts… list of items needed…"
Gemma scanned the list, mostly books. She then spotted an additional paragraph, which wasn't usually included.
"As you enter the year of OWL examinations you will be paired with a fellow student whom you shall partner with in all classes." Gemma read aloud. "These pairings have been created based on abilities and are to be respected in every lesson. The purpose of this pairing is to provide all students with equal opportunity to gain support and learning from others. I am pleased to inform you, Miss Gemma Arwin, that your partner is Mr Sirius Black. Huh"
"Did you say Black, Gemma?" Cynthia asked, looking concerned. Gemma nodded. "As in the Black family who are all in Slytherin?!" Cynthia continued. "Why would they pair you with a Slytherin?!"
"He's not in Slytherin Mum. He's in Gryffindor." Gemma replied.
"Still, if he's from that family, Gemma, he's bound to be bad news." Cynthia said now. "Can we appeal?" She looked over at George who had come to join the conversation, taking Gemma's letter from her hand.
Gemma sighed at her parents. "Mum, Dad, don't worry." She said. "Sirius is nothing like the rest of his family. He doesn't believe in all that pure blood nonsense."
Her parents looked unconvinced, so Gemma sighed again.
"Plus, he's sort of a friend." She said now. "And he's very intelligent, probably one of the smartest in the school. It's not a bad pairing, honestly. It could have been much worse."
"Hmmm." Cynthia said, staring at Gemma. "Well as long as he doesn't get you into trouble."
Gemma rolled her eyes and headed up to her bedroom, thinking about this interesting new pairing.
Sirius is definitely intelligent. She thought to herself. And he is very good at Charms, Defence Against the Dark Arts and Transfiguration. All the things I'm good at and need to become an Auror.
He isn't exactly known for getting his head down and studying hard, but that's never stopped his good grades.
He is, technically, a friend. Just a bit of an idiot when he's around James. He also enjoys winding me up a little too much...
He is starting to become a bit of a womaniser though. Not that he has to do much. Girls just seem to flock to him.
Gemma rolled her eyes. Not sure I like the idea of having to spend so much time with someone receiving all that attention. The girls at school can be so annoying!
Oh maybe I'm over thinking things! I'm sure it will all be ok. Maybe I could even convince him to stay more focused…
Gemma laughed slightly. Ha! I doubt that. Surely no one could tame Sirius Black.
The following week, Cynthia took Gemma and Julie to Diagon Alley to collect their Hogwarts supplies.
The three of them walked around the shops, collecting everything they needed, before heading to get a drink. As Cynthia collected the drinks, Gemma and Julie ran through the list of everything purchased.
Julie had been responsible for finding all the books, while Gemma lazily grabbed whatever Julie picked up.
"Oh no!" Gemma said, pointing to the third book on the list. "We didn't pick up this book for Herbology."
"Oh sorry, Gemma." Julie replied "I didn't need that one. Jessica in the year above leant me hers last year, then said I could just keep it."
Gemma sighed. She would need to go back and get that book, especially as it was for Herbology. It was a subject Gemma was notoriously bad at, so she needed all the help she could get.
"I'm going to quickly pop back and get it." Gemma said, jumping up. "Will you tell my mum where I've gone? I'll be 5 minutes."
"Of course." Julie replied, as Gemma headed out the door.
Gemma ran to the book shop which was only 2 doors down. She quickly found the book, paid for it and left.
As soon as she stepped out of the door though, she wasn't paying much attention and crashed into a very solid figure.
"Fuck!" She cried, as she dropped her book on the floor.
Gemma watched Sirius Black chuckling to himself as he bent down and picked up her book. "Fuck indeed." He said, handing it back to her.
Gemma covered her face with her book, slightly embarrassed by her loud outcry. She removed the book from in front of her face and saw him smiling at her, clearly enjoying the moment. "Hello Sirius." She said.
"Arwin." Sirius replies, bowing his head to her, a small smile on his lips. "In a rush?"
Gemma smiles, shaking her head. "Not really. Just not paying attention." She says. "Sorry for crashing into you."
"And for shouting "Fuck" in my face…" Sirius adds, grinning.
Gemma laughs. "And for that." She says. "I'll see you around."
She turns to leave and is surprised when Sirius reaches out and grabs her hand. She glances down, just as he pulls away.
"I just wanted to say..." He says now. "I saw we were partnered up for the year. Should be fun."
He raises his eyebrows at her, grinning. Gemma chuckles at him.
"Yes, it should be." She says. "Just don't hold me back." She winks at him and he bursts out laughing.
"Wouldn't dream of it, Arwin." He says. "I know not to get in your bad books. Besides..." He pauses, leaning in to her. "I'm just looking forward to getting to know you better."
He winks at her, before turning and walking off. Gemma rolls her eyes, chuckling to herself.
Hmm. Working with Sirius is definitely going to be interesting this year.
She turns and heads back to her mum and Julie. They stay in Diagon Alley for a couple more hours, before heading home.
The last few weeks of summer pass quickly, and before Gemma knows it, it's time to return to Hogwarts.
Gemma stands on the Kings Cross platform with Julie, waiting to board the Hogwarts express. They watch all the other students rush by, specifically two young girls who are definitely first years.
"I don't remember being that small." Gemma says, turning to Julie. "They look so… little. And innocent."
Julie laughs. "Next you'll be saying 'they get smaller every year'."
"They do!" Gemma cries, laughing at the obviousness of the statement.
They board at the front and quickly bump into Remus.
"Hi Gemma! Hi Julie!" He says, smiling at them both. "How were your summers?"
"Great, thanks." Julie replies, smiling.
"It was good." Gemma says. "How was yours?"
"Quiet." Remus says. "But good."
"I see you made prefect." Julie says now, pointing to Remus's cloak.
Remus smiles, looking uncomfortable. "Yes. Somehow." He says. "I'm surprised you didn't."
Julie shrugs. "They gave it to Lucy Mallert." She says. "She's definitely Prefect material!"
Remus laughs in agreement and Gemma glances between them.
I have no idea who Lucy Mallert is. Maybe I should talk to more people...
"Are you surprised you didn't make prefect, Gemma?" Remus says now, turning to her, a small smile on his face.
Gemma laughs. "Oh yes." She says. "Completely shocked." She grins at Remus.
"To be honest, I'd feel safer having someone like you roaming the halls as prefect." Julie says now, facing Gemma. "Especially with some of the things those Slytherins get up to."
Remus nods in agreement and Gemma smiles at Julie. She wonders how many muggle born witches and wizards are feeling nervous after what Mulciber did to Mary last year.
"Julie!" A voice calls behind them. "We've got a compartment down here."
Julie turns and waves to her Hufflepuff friend, then turns back to Gemma and Remus.
"I'm going to sit down there." She says. "I'll see you both later."
"Bye Julie." Remus says.
"Bye Julie." Gemma says. "See you when we get to the castle."
Julie nods and turns, leaving Gemma and Remus alone.
"So, I hear you got paired with Sirius." Remus says now.
Gemma nods, smiling. "Yes." She says. "Who did you get?"
"James." Remus replies. "Which I'm happy about. Although I think James is upset. You know how he likes to play with Sirius in class."
Gemma laughs a little. "Yes, I do." She says. "My biggest concern is that Sirius is going to mess around and I lose focus."
"If anyone can keep Sirius in line, Gemma, it's you." Remus says smiling at her. "I have to go. Sorry. But I'll see you later at dinner."
"No worries." Gemma replies, letting him past. "I'll see you later."
Gemma walks down the train to find her friends. She stares out of the window, glancing at the students moving around the platform.
She catches a glimpse of Mulciber, saying goodbye to his father.
They look like one unpleasant family. I bet they are all Death Eaters.
Gemma isn't paying attention, and suddenly walks into someone.
"Fuck!" She cries, her head flipping round to see who she crashed into. She holds in a laugh as Sirius stands in front of her, an amused smile on his face. He leans against the wall, his arms crossed.
"You know." He says. "I'm not sure how I feel about this new greeting of ours, Arwin. It feels very one sided."
Gemma smiles back. "I'm sorry." She says. "I'm not usually this clumsy. I was... distracted."
"Usually it's me girls are distracted by." He says now and Gemma rolls her eyes. "What was so interesting?"
"Not interesting." Gemma says. "Just distracting. Mulciber."
She nods to out the window and Sirius follows her gaze. She notices a flash of anger through his eyes.
"You think he's coming for you this year?" Sirius asks now.
Gemma takes a deep breath. "Probably." She says. "I embarrassed him. Hurt him. I know he won't forgive easily."
"You can take him." Sirius says, still staring out the window.
Gemma looks up at him, a small smile on her lips. Slowly, Sirius pulls his eyes away and back to Gemma.
"Have you seen James?" He asks.
Gemma shakes her head. "No, sorry." She says. "Remus is back there though. Do you know where the girls are?"
Sirius nods behind him. "A couple compartments back there." He says.
"Thanks." She says, starting to move again. Sirius doesn't budge.
"If you want to get past, you have to say please." He says, grinning at her.
Gemma rolls her eyes. "Let me past, Sirius." She says. "Please." She adds reluctantly.
Sirius chuckles, stepping only slightly out of the way. Gemma pushes herself past him, and he stops her midway.
"Looking forward to being this close to you all year." He says now, leaning into her.
Gemma shoves him away, pushing past him completely. "You're an idiot." She says. "You know that crap won't work with me."
Sirius laughs. "I know." He says. "But I enjoy trying. Plus it winds you up and you know that's my favourite thing to do."
"You're annoying, Sirius." Gemma says, walking away from him.
"I'm charming!" Sirius calls back. "And you love me for it!"
Gemma turns her head back to look at him, laughing. He grins at her, then turns away.
Gemma arrives at the compartment where Alice, Mary and Lily are sat.
"Gemma!" Mary cries, jumping up and giving her a hug. "Where have you been?"
"Just talking to people on my way here." She says, hugging Lily and Alice too. "How were your summers?"
"We've covered summer." Mary says, dismissing Gemma's question. "Now we're on partners. Gemma, is it true you're with Sirius?"
Gemma laughs at Mary, then nods her head. "Yes." She says.
"How long before he does something to annoy you?" Alice asks, laughing slightly.
"It won't take him long." Gemma says. "I bumped into him outside and he admitted that winding me up is his favourite thing to do. I wouldn't be surprised if I get myself a few detentions because I've hexed him for being annoying."
"Don't let him get to you, Gemma." Lily says now. "Him and Potter are idiots and we need to ignore them."
"It's ok." Gemma said. "I can handle Sirius. I don't think he would ever do anything to really annoy me."
"Let's hope not." Alice says.
"I'm sorry, but how are we not talking about the obvious elephant in the room?" Mary cries, staring at them all.
They all look at her blankly. Mary rolls her eyes and sighs.
"Gemma and Sirius are going to be working together." Mary says. "A lot. So surely it's obvious they are going to snog!"
Gemma and Alice burst out laughing while Lily frowns.
"Trust me, Mary." Gemma says. "Sirius and I will not be snogging."
"Gemma is far too focused on her schoolwork." Lily says.
"Plus, she knows better than to fall for Sirius Black's womanising ways." Alice adds.
"And he's a friend." Gemma says. "Sort of."
"I still don't understand how you can be friends with him and Potter." Lily says now.
"They aren't that bad." Gemma says, and Lily frowns. "Ok. They aren't that bad all of the time. They have their moments of being pretty decent humans."
"So, to be clear." Mary says, interrupting. "If Sirius Black comes up to you this year and asks for a snog, you would turn him down?"
"Yes." Gemma replies. "Probably. He's attractive, I'll give him that, but I have no interest in being another one of his conquests. I'd much rather we were just friends."
"I think you're crazy." Mary said now, shaking her head.
"Remember Mary." Alice says. "Gemma doesn't get interested in boys. No one will ever be able to break through…" She smiles and turns to Gemma. "Maybe you should become a nun."
Gemma laughed. "With my detention track record, I don't think they'd take me." She said as they all laughed.
"Gemma gets into enough trouble without adding Black to the mix." Lily says, and they all laugh. "Boys are trouble. We should stay clear."
"I like boys." Mary says. "And I especially like boys as sexy as Sirius Black."
She throws Gemma a look and Gemma laughs.
"I agree we should stay clear of boys that cause trouble." Alice says now. "But not all boys are bad…"
She looks away from the girls and they all lean in.
"Something to share Alice?" Gemma asks.
Alice shrugs slightly, still not looking at them.
"Come on." Lily says. "Tell us."
"Ok." Alice says, finally looking back towards them. "You know... Frank? Frank Longbottom, in the year above?"
The girls all nodded and Gemma could already see Mary preparing herself to scream in excitement.
"We got talking a little bit over the summer, and I really quite like him." Alice continued, blushing slightly. "But I'm not sure if he likes me in the same way."
"If he was talking to you over the summer... he likes you." Lily says.
Mary nodded in agreement. "Have you seen him yet?" She asked.
"Yes, and it was incredibly embarrassing." Alice says, hanging her head. "I saw him while boarding and he waved at me and I just… ran away."
Alice groans as the girls all laugh at her.
"Maybe you should just wait until he asks you out." Lily says. "In the meantime, focus on class. That has to be your priority this year."
Alice nods, but Gemma can tell she's not thrilled by the idea.
"No way!" Mary cries, completely disagreeing with Lily. "You need to find out how he feels about you. Ask around. Ask some of the 6th year girls... or some of his friends!"
"Won't that seem a bit desperate?" Lily asks.
"No!" Mary replies. "It's the best way to find out whether he likes you or not."
Alice nods, contemplating the idea.
"Personally..." Gemma says. "I think the best way to find out whether he likes you is to just ask him directly."
Alice opens her eyes in shock while Mary gasps.
My suggestion isn't that crazy!
"I'm not sure about asking him directly, Gemma." Alice says. "I can barely say hello to him."
Gemma laughs. "Well maybe build up to that then." She says. "But I think you should ask him. Or at least tell him that you like him."
Alice nods slowly, and Gemma can tell she won't do anything. Not for a while anyway.
The trolley lady arrives and each girl purchases an unnecessary amount of chocolate.
Then they go back to discussing the summer holidays, school, classes, exams, and a little bit more on boys.
As they arrive at the castle, Julie comes over to say hello to the other girls and they all head in together, before separating to sit at their respective tables.
The Gryffindor girls sit together, and are interrupted by James, Sirius, Remus and Peter.
"Evans! Miss me?" James asks, as he sits down next to her. He shuffles in close, much to her annoyance.
"Go away, Potter!" Lily responds, turning her back to him.
"I'll go away if you agree to go on a date with me!" He asks, grinning.
Gemma can't help but laugh. She feels sorry for Lily, but admires James for his persistence.
"I'll never go on a date with you Potter." Lily says, as she turns her back further from him, making a point that the conversation is over.
James sulks, turning back to his three friends.
Peter, who is sat next to Gemma, turns to her. "Hi Gemma." He says. "Did you have a nice summer holiday?"
"Yes thanks, Peter. Did you?" Gemma replies, noticing a smirk appearing on Sirius's face.
"Yes thanks. It was quiet." He replies. "Just me and my dad."
Gemma nods, unsure whether to continue the conversation. She glances at Sirius, who is still smirking at something.
She's about to ask him what he finds so funny, when Dumbledore stands up to speak. He addresses the school, welcoming everyone back and welcoming the new first years.
The Sorting Ceremony begins, followed by dinner.
"So, Arwin" James says, as he piles more food onto his plate. "I hear you're stealing my partner for the year."
Gemma chuckles slightly. "Yes, I suppose I am." She says, glancing at Sirius. She returns her focus to James. "Don't worry, I promise to give him back to you in one piece." They all laugh.
"Reckon you two will get into as much trouble together as we do?" James says now, the 'we' being himself and Sirius.
"Oh definitely" Sirius says, grinning at her, just as Gemma says "No way!"
James and Sirius both laugh while Gemma shakes her head.
"I'm warning you, Sirius Black" She says, a small smile on her lips. "If you get me into trouble, I'll hex you into next week!"
Sirius laughs. "Oh, I don't doubt that." He says. "It'll be worth it though... I love seeing you all fired up!"
He winks at her and Gemma rolls her eyes, returning to her food.
Eventually it's time to return to their common room. As Gemma is walking along, she's surprised when Sirius appears behind her.
"I can't wait for our first Defence duel, Arwin." He says, whispering in her ear. "I'm going to take you down."
He walks past her, a grin on his face and Gemma narrows her eyes at him, smiling slightly.
Ha! I'd like to see you try! Bring it on Sirius Black. Bring it on.
The following morning, classes start; Charms followed by Transfiguration.
By the end of the first week, Gemma is feeling pretty good. Sirius got his head down in classes, more so than usual, and they were working well together.
"I've had a surprisingly good week, Sirius." Gemma says to him as they walk back from their final class of the week. "No offence, but you're far less annoying than I thought you would be."
She throws him a smile and he laughs in response.
"Thanks, Arwin!" He says. "No offence to you, but you are more fun than I thought you would be."
Gemma smiled. "I deserve that." She said.
"It has been kind of cool though." Sirius said now. "Working with someone different."
Gemma nodded, about to agree and say something else. But they turn a corner and see James, Remus and Peter up ahead. Without saying a word, Sirius runs on, clearly desperate to be with his friends again.
Bye then! Gemma thinks, laughing to herself.
She continues walking to the common room and meets up with the girls.
"So how was your first week working with Sirius?" Mary asks her. "Has he snogged you yet?"
Gemma laughed. "No, Mary! And he's not going to!" She says, ignoring Mary's pout. "First week was good. We work quite well together."
"I was surprised to hear you both laughing so much." Alice commented now. "I didn't realise you were such good friends."
"We're not really." Gemma replied. "I mean... we're friends, but certainly not good friends. I guess we just get on well."
Gemma shrugged, but noticed a look from Alice that she couldn't quite read. Lily then moved the conversation on to talk about one of the many homework assignments they had been set.
By the time October arrived, all the students were starting to feel the new pressure of OWLs coming up. Everyone was more focused in class than they had been in previous years and there was a high increase in workload.
Sirius and Gemma continued to work well together, being similarly matched in terms of abilities.
Gemma noticed that Sirius was exceptional at Transfiguration. Gemma has always been good at it, but she found herself learning so much more as she spent time with Sirius.
"You're so annoying!" Gemma said to him, laughing. "It always takes me at least 5 attempts, while you just get it right first time!"
McGonagall had the students practicing Vanishment spells and Gemma couldn't believe how quickly Sirius was picking it up. As with everything Transfiguration related, Sirius was excellent at it.
Sirius laughed at her. "Natural ability, I suppose." He said, winking at her.
"I guess so." Gemma replied. "Are you sure you aren't a metamorphmagus?" She asks, laughing.
Sirius smiles at her, then leans back in his chair, casually flicking his wand. The 4 cups in front of him all vanish and Gemma rolls her eyes.
"Well now you're just showing off." She says, glancing back at him.
"And you're over thinking it, Arwin." Sirius says to her. He reaches over and places his hand on hers. "Just relax... and..."
He flicks her hand softly and Gemma watches as one of her cups vanishes. Sirius pulls his hand away while Gemma does the same movement with her other objects. They all vanish.
"Amazing." She says, smiling. "Thanks."
Sirius shrugs. "No worries." He says casually, as he turns behind him to throw something at Peter.
Gemma brings her objects back, practising again.
Huh. It's actually really simple.
Later that day, they head to Herbology where they are planting Fanged Geranium. And Gemma is really not very good at it, almost getting bitten twice already.
"Stop laughing, Sirius!" Gemma whispers. "It's not funny!"
"Oh... it really is!" Sirius says, grinning at her. "I'm just honoured to be the one who has discovered Gemma Arwin's weakness."
Gemma laughs. "Trust me, Sirius. This is not a new discovery for me." She admits. "I've always been crap at Herbology. I've just always managed to keep it a secret!"
Sirius laughed. "I think this is my new favourite subject." He said, smiling to himself. "Gemma Arwin can't do something. Today is a good day."
Gemma rolled her eyes. "You are such a pain in the ass, Sirius Black." She said. "I can't wait to find the thing you are crap at."
Sirius leaned in close to her. "Good luck with that." He said. "I'm perfect." He grinned at her again.
Gemma shook her head and focused back on the task at hand.
Come on Gemma. It's not that hard!
Later that evening, while Gemma was telling Sirius where Herbology could shove itself, Peter comes over to help.
"Hi Gemma." He says, sitting next to her. "I saw you were struggling a bit today with the Fanged Geranium."
Gemma sighs. "Yes." She says, ignoring the happiness on Sirius's face. "I just can't get my head around Herbology."
"If you want, I could read through your homework assignment." Peter says now. "And I'd be happy to help you out in class. I quite like Herbology. It's probably my best subject."
Gemma smiled at him. "Thanks Peter!" She said. "That would be amazing!"
"Of course." He replied. "Anything to help. I also have some books you might find interesting. You'd be welcome to borrow them."
Hmm, not sure I'd find them interesting... Herbology is boring!
"Thanks Peter. Maybe." She said, trying to be polite.
Peter left her to it and Gemma looked over at Sirius who was still looking amused.
"What are you finding so funny?" She asked him.
"Nothing." He said, his face saying otherwise.
Gemma stared at him for a while longer, before returning to her assignment. She then passed it over to Peter who read through and gave her some advice.
Gemma was very aware of Sirius staring at them, a small smile on his lips.
The following week, they had Double Potions with Slytherin.
Sirius starts telling Gemma about an idea he has for a prank on the new first years. But Gemma is struggling to concentrate, and accidentally adds an ingredient twice.
"Fuck." She whispers, watching their potion turn a much darker shade than it should be. "I've added too much Hemlock!"
Sirius laughs. "And here I was thinking it was just Herbology you were crap at." He says, smiling at her.
"Shut up, Sirius." Gemma replies. "This is your fault! You distracted me with your stupid prank idea."
She glares at him, as he widens his eyes in shock.
"Firstly, Arwin..." He says. "...it is not a stupid prank idea, it is an amazing prank idea. And secondly, you only have yourself to blame for getting distracted. You talk at me all the time and I manage to stay focused."
Gemma sighs, looking down at their potion, wondering if they can save it. Sirius sits back in his chair.
"Aren't you going to help me?" She asks him, slightly annoyed.
"You messed it up." Sirius replied.
"You'll fail as well!" Gemma says, hoping that will encourage him to help her.
Sirius shrugs and continues to lean back in his chair. He yawns, stretching his arms above his head.
Gemma shakes her head at him. Bloody typical!
She looks at the potion. The extra Hemlock hasn't done too much damage, but it is definitely darker than it should be.
Maybe I could blame the lighting... the dungeons are known for being dark and poorly lit…
Nah, everyone else's will look fine.
Gemma looks up at Slughorn who is starting to make his way round.
We need to present something! Or admit defeat. But I do not like get to be defeated!
Right... Slughorn is a clever man. He'll notice something is off if he looks close enough, which he will.
Unless he doesn't… we'll be the last ones to show and class only has about 10 minutes left.
Maybe if I distract him long enough he'll run out of time and just give the potion a quick glance… he does like a chat, especially about potions, surely I can think of something to keep him talking…
Gemma quickly springs into action, surprising Sirius with her sudden movement. She adds the final ingredients, completing the potion, albeit with extra Hemlock.
"What are you doing?" Sirius asks. "We've failed, may as well just accept our fate and move on."
"I've got a plan." Gemma whispers, as Slughorn approaches the desk. "Just don't ruin it, ok?"
Sirius nods slowly and Gemma turns to look up at Professor Slughorn.
"Professor!" Gemma cries, stepping to the side of their desk so their potion isn't in his direct eye line. "Sirius and I have been discussing the differences between the Antidote to Common Poisons and the Antidote to Uncommon Poisons."
"Fascinating." Slughorn says, smiling at her.
"We were hoping you could help us settle a small disagreement we've been having." Gemma says now, and she sees Slughorn's eyes light up.
She flashes a quick smile to Sirius, who is looking confused. Luckily he catches on in time, and nods in agreement.
"Well, this sounds like it would have been a very interesting conversation." Slughorn says. "Please, Miss Arwin, go on." He gestures to Gemma to continue.
"Well." Gemma says. "My understanding is that the main difference between the two is the inclusion of Mistletoe Berries in the Antidote to Common Poisons. However, Sirius here, believes the difference is actually Unicorn Hair, which is only found in the Antidote to Common Poisons. We managed to get ourselves into such a muddle and now neither of us know what's right any more."
"I see." Slughorn says slowly, a smile on his face. "Well, it's really very interesting. You are both correct!"
"Really?" Gemma asks, pretending to be surprised. She decides to not look at Sirius, for fear of laughing.
"Yes." Slughorn says. "Both Mistletoe Berries and Unicorn Hair can only be found in the Antidote to Common Poisons."
"Thank you, Professor." Gemma says.
"You know, Miss Arwin, I have a very interesting book I think you would love to read." Slughorn says now, gesturing towards his desk. "It details all the specific differences between the two Antidotes. It covers the background of both as well as a few other interesting potions. Would you care to borrow it for some light evening reading?"
"Oh yes Professor." Gemma replies, a bit too enthusiastically. "That would be fascinating. Thank you!"
"Of course." Slughorn says turning back to his desk. He spots the time and calls out to the class. "Tidy up please. Well done everyone. You all passed."
He continues to his desk to collect the book for Gemma, having not once looked at Gemma and Sirius's potion.
Gemma turns to Sirius, who is looking a bit astounded.
"You ok to tidy up?" She asks, with a quick wink and a big smile.
She then heads up to the front of the class to continue her conversation with Slughorn. He is extremely excited about the interest she has taken in the two Antidotes.
Eventually Gemma escapes, leaving the classroom a few minutes after everyone else. Sirius is waiting just outside for her.
"That was bloody brilliant!" He cries, clearly impressed. "Slughorn didn't look at our potion once! And all that crap you were saying... he lapped it up!"
Gemma laughed. "I feel a bit bad, but I'm actually amazed it worked." She admitted. "I knew Slughorn likes to chat. I just hoped I could distract him long enough!"
Sirius chuckled and Gemma felt oddly proud.
I quite like that I've impressed Sirius with a stunt like that!
"I saw what you did in there, Arwin." A cold voice from behind them calls out.
Gemma and Sirius turn to see Severus Snape standing behind them.
"You may have fooled Professor Slughorn with your ridiculous conversation, but you didn't fool me." He says, stepping towards them.
"Well, it's a good job Professor Slughorn is the one whose opinion I care about Snape" Gemma says. "And not yours. Maybe you should just focus on making your own potions, and stop watching other people." Gemma turns to walk away.
"How about you keep your greasy nose out of other peoples business Snivellus." Sirius says angrily at Snape.
Gemma glances back, surprised to see that Sirius has his wand raised. Snape looks nervous, edging backwards, so Gemma grabs Sirius's arm.
"What are you doing?" She asks him. "He said his piece. I've said mine. Let's just leave it."
"You better watch yourself, Snivellus." Sirius continues, ignoring Gemma. "All this snooping around is going to get you into trouble one day."
Finally, Sirius lowers his wand. Snape sneers at them both, then quickly turns and disappears.
"I know he's annoying, Sirius, but there was no need for you to raise your wand and threaten him like that." Gemma says, slightly annoyed. "He was just being… Snape. I don't know why you hate him so much."
Sirius continues to glare in the direction of where Snape was standing a few moments ago.
"He's filth Arwin." Sirius says. "He deserves everything he has coming to him."
Gemma eyes him suspiciously. "What is that supposed to mean?" She asks.
"That he should watch himself." Sirius replies, turning to face her.
"Are you planning something?" She asks now.
"No." Sirius says. "Not yet." He turns and walks back towards the common room, ending the conversation.
Gemma frowns, then slowly follows him. She decides it better to not ask any more questions.
