6th Year, Monday, First day of Classes-

You turn, turn, turn, turning me on . Like a slow fire burn. I know that it's wrong . Still I run, run, run, run right into you ... ~Matt Nathanson, Run (song)

Arianna got her schedule during breakfast on a gloomy Monday. Despite everyone's bad mood towards the horrible weekday, Arianna was intrigued to start her lessons. After comparing her schedule to her roommates she saw that they shared Potions, Astronomy, and Transfiguration together. Ari also shared Charms with Olivia (which was good since that was probably Ari's worst subject).

"The worst part about Monday's is waking up. I hate that feeling of dread when I first open my eyes and see that I'm already late. It's as if Monday purposefully tries to sneak up on you. I mean there has to be a better way to ease into the week after a nice relaxing weekend..." Claire rambled while running an annoyed hand through her short, layered blonde locks.

Arianna nodded half paying attention to the conversation while they navigated through the hallways.

"I wonder what we'll be learning in Potions this year," Olivia commented, effectively interrupting Claire's rant.

"Ya it should be fun. I heard Slughorn always made his first lessons really interesting," Claire added, while leading the way down the staircase that led to the dungeons. Slughorn had never taught any of the girls yet since there was a new Potions teacher for students below OWL standards.

"Ya I'm sure it will be just riveting," Olivia responded sarcastically with a toss of her long chestnut hair—Potions was not one of her most favorite subjects.

Arianna stepped in after Olivia and was immediately hit with the smell of many pungent fumes. Various colored vapor swirled out of three cauldrons that were simmering on an empty wooden table. Breathing through her mouth, Arianna followed after her friends to take a seat next to them. There were only a few students in the Potions class including 4 Slytherins, 5 Ravenclaws, 3 Hufflepuffs, and 3 more Gryffindors. The three Gryffindors happened to be James Potter, Fred Weasley, and Gage Finnigan. All three boys sat in the back of the classroom looking bored and effortlessly cool.

James caught Arianna's gaze and he smirked in her direction. With a small huff she returned her gaze back to her friends.

Suddenly a loud echo sounded as the door to the dungeon shut with an audible 'thud'. Professor Slughorn waddled in towards the front of the classroom where he surveyed each of the students—sometimes lingering on some in particular. Arianna's first impression of him made her think of a walrus. He easily imitated one because of his immense belly that threatened to make his gold buttons burst, and his white bushy mustache that reached his ears.

"Now then, scales and cauldrons out everyone. Don't forget your potion kits and your copies of Advanced Potion Making..." Slughorn commanded in a gruff voice while shuffling towards the front of the class.

There was series of clanking sounds and loud thuds as people got out there materials. Arianna sat attentively as she set her supplies up.

"All right then, I've prepared a few potions for you to have a look at because these are the types of Potions you will be expected to make after completing your N.E.W.T.s. Now gather 'round here so you can all see the potion," Slughorn said, moving sluggishly towards the back table where the billowing potions were located.

The sounds of scraping chairs were heard as people crowded curiously around the table.

"Now can anyone tell me what this potion is?" Slughorn asked expectantly while pointing to a potion that looked exactly like water.

A Ravenclaw answered quickly, "That's the Draught of Living Death, sir."

"Correct indeed, miss...?"

"Corner, sir."

Slughorn awarded her house 10 points, and moved on to the next potion. The next potion seemed to be made entirely out of smoke, but there was an obvious odor of something woods-y and fresh.

"What about this potion?" Slughorn asked the class, as he gave the potion a small stir.

This time Olivia raised her hand. "That's Wolfsbane Potion, sir."

"Good! Good!" Slughorn said delightedly, "10 points to Gryffindor," he declared while moving on to the final potion. This potion was the one that caught Arianna's attention the most.

The potion itself seemed to be made out of molten gold, and small drops of liquid would leap out of the cauldron every once in a while.

"This one...?" Slughorn questioned earnestly. To Arianna's surprise, it was James who answered.

"That's Felix Felicis professor," he answered, while leaning closer to the potion. There almost seemed to be a hungry gleam in his brown eyes. Slughorn must have noticed this also, since he chuckled nervously

"Excellent mister...?"

"Potter."

At that moment, it was as if, Slughorn had a heart attack. His watery blue eyes widened in shock, and his knees buckled.

"J-James Potter?" Slughorn clarified, while clutching the back of a chair, and studying James in awe.

"Yes sir," James replied, looking slightly confused and concerned for the professor.

"My, my, my...it's been several years...to think that he's in my class..." Slughorn suddenly clapped his hands, "Very well then, back to your seats."

The rest of the lesson explained the basic rules of the classroom, and the course lessons that would take place during the year. Despite his age, Slughorn seemed very able to teach—aside from his constant digressions into his 'prime years'.

"Lastly, you'll each have a partner to work with for this entire year," Slughorn explained, while pulling out a long scroll of parchment. Almost immediately Arianna got nervous. It was always unfortunate that Claire, Olivia, and her had to be split up unfairly because of their odd number.

Slughorn began pairing people up, and with every pair, Arianna got more nervous. After all they had to work with these partners for the entire year. What if she got paired up with a harsh Slytherin? Or a know-it-all Ravenclaw?

"...Fred Weasley and Olivia Roth," there was an audible groan that came from Olivia, "and Arianna Knowlden will work with Mr. Potter..."

Oh Merlin, Arianna thought frustrated, while running a delicate hand through her wavy black hair. She had hoped to be paired up with Claire since Olivia was already taken. Almost dreading James' reaction, Arianna slowly turned towards him.

He was already sauntering towards her wearing his usual smirk, except this time it seemed smugger somehow.

"Hey Piff, looks like we're partners for the whole year," James greeted, while sitting way too close to Arianna. She could feel his body warmth, and she caught a whiff of...something.

Arianna's attention however was directed to Fred and Olivia. Fred was flirting outrageously, while Olivia was repeatedly pulling on her earlobes. Something she did when she was mad or nervous.

"You know, I always thought they would make a good couple," James commented while nodding his head towards the pair. Arianna gave James a look, before glancing back at her copy of Advanced Potion Making.

"Olivia doesn't date seriously," Arianna replied, while flipping through the pages of the textbook as the class awaited further instructions.

"How about you? Do you date seriously?" James questioned, completely throwing Ari off guard.

Arianna spluttered for a moment before mumbling, "Shut up James..."

"What? It's a question," he replied indignantly, but there was still a slight teasing tone that made Ari feel as if she was being mocked. Distantly, she heard Slughorn talking about the beginning lessons, so she lowered her voice to a whisper.

"And I can choose not to answer it," Arianna replied softly.

"Why are you avoiding the question?"

"Why are you so annoying?"

James flashed Ari a devilish grin and replied, "Annoyingly handsome that is."

That you are, said an evil voice in the back of Arianna's head. She immediately scolded herself and looked away from James—blushing slightly. When she glanced back he was chuckling slightly.

"I don't here you denying it, so I guess it's true," James flirted—leaning in closer to Arianna.

Before Arianna had a chance to retort, Slughorn was dismissing the class.

"See ya at tryouts Piff," James said giving her a parting wink. For a moment she just sat there stunned—Arianna had completely forgotten about tryouts! And they were tomorrow. And, of course, he had to be Captain of all people...

Merlin I hate Mondays Arianna thought savagely, as she grabbed her things and walked out of the classroom.

A/N: Oh man, I love writing about James. He's so fun and I'm loving the flirting. However I completely fail a the banter XD, must work on that. Anyways, tell me your thoughts on James (please feel free to squeal girlishly and swoon :P). Oh and tell me what you think of Arianna's friends: Claire and Olivia. There two of my favorite OC's that I've ever created.
REVIEW CHALLENGE: Please take this time to ask me ANY question that you like. That's right: ANY QUESTION. I'll answer them in a reply to your review, so ASK AWAY. However, if you don't have a question tell me about your Halloween plans (costume, trick-or-treating plans, and/or parties).
Oh and if you keep track of my other stories I'm deeply sorry that I haven't been updating them as much. Yes I realize it's been more than a week. Yes I realize that I'm a horrible person. But just give me a bit more time! I'll update over the weekend! Promise :)
Thanks so much for reading!
Pickles