Chapter Four Start of Something New
Start of Something new It feels so right To be here with you And now looking in your eyes I feel in my heart The start of something new ---"Start of Something New" High school musical soundtrack
When I woke up, everyone else in the dorm was gone. The pink rose still sat on my night stand. It was almost all the way open now and looked gorgeous sitting there. I saw I had an hour and a half till my first class of the year and then shuffled towards the showers. Once clean and my teeth were brushed, I pulled on my crisp white button down and pulled up my black nylon tights. I pulled up my skirt afterwards, tucking my shirt into it. I put on my red and gold tie and then pulled on my robes before slipping my feet into my required black shoes. I put what little make-up I wore on and then put a black ribbon in my hair like a headband.
Perfect. Almost.
I skipped downstairs into the common room in search of my friends. It was pretty much empty. Only Alice and Frank sat in front of the fire. They waved to me and I waved back. My stomach growled in hunger and I headed towards the Great Hall. James had to be down there. He and Sirius ate more then any normal person could in a week.
I wasn t really paying much attention as to where I was walking. My thoughts were drifting around the rose that still stood in my room. I wanted to know who sent it desperately. Kirsten could be right, but I doubted Sirius s immature mind could be that romantic. Besides, I knew Sirius s handwriting and it was not that neat. I turned a corner and
Slam!
Ow! I yelped as I fell back on my butt.
I m so sorry. I didn t see you! a boy s voice said. I looked up and was glad I was on the ground because I would have fallen.
It was Ben Carlson, a Ravenclaw in my year. He had light brown hair and deep brown eyes that were so soft you couldn t help but lose yourself in them. He played Chaser for the Ravenclaw Quidditch team and was very tall, especially next to me and my shortness. I ve had a small crush on Ben since 4th year, but no one knew. I never shared that type of stuff with even Lily and Kirsten. James suspected, I think. He once told me, while we were playing Quidditch against Ravenclaw, not to be so clumsy when Ben flew so close. But that could have just been because I kept dropping the Quaffle and we almost lost the game.
Oh, uh, no it s fine. I wasn t paying attention either, I said from the floor. Ben held a hand out for me.
Yeah, but I stayed on my feet, Ben grinned. He had a very nice smile. No dimples though. I took Ben s hand and he pulled me to my feet.
Thanks, I mumbled, straightening my skirt.
You re Libby Cullen, right? Ben asked. I looked up, my heart sinking that he wasn t even sure who I was. I wasn t that much of a loser last year.
Yeah, I said, my voice sounded offended and Ben heard it.
Oh, I knew that, he said quickly, I just well, we never really talked before and, er, you look a lot different this year,
Yeah, well, Lily and Kirsten gave me a make over I desperately needed, I said smiling. Ben shook his head, also smiling.
You didn t need one desperately, he said, You didn t need one at all,
Thanks, I blushed, But I own a mirror,
Ben laughed before looking at his watch, Hey, it was nice talking to you, but I gotta go. I left my Herbology book in my dorm. Catch you later?
Yeah, I said smiling. He took off again and I could feel my smile getting bigger. Maybe my new look wasn t such a bad thing if guys like Ben are noticing me . . .
I walked the rest of the way to the Great Hall. Sure enough, James, Lily and Sirius were sitting at the end of the Gryffindor table. I walked over and took a seat next to Sirius without meaning to. I regretted it the second I caught his scent. Why did he have to smell so good? I tried to ignore it as I poured some cereal into a bowl and then milk.
Hi, I said after I shallowed my first bite.
You hungry? James asked watching me eat. I frowned.
Yes I am, I said and put another spoonful of cereal into my mouth.
Finally, Lily sighed, The mail. It took longer then usual,
I looked up and sure enough, owls were soaring into the Great Hall with letters and parcels and newspapers. I didn t expect any letters. An owl landed in front of Lily with a letter in it s mouth. She took it and tore it open. I was watching her face show more and more disappointment when she looked up and gasp.
Libby! Another one! she said. For a minute I was confused, but then I saw one of the school owls infront of me. A pink rose and letter was in it s mouth. I gasped.
Oh my, God! I said all excited. James threw a confused glance at Sirius and then back at the flower and parchment, which were now in my hands.
What s it say? Lily asked.
What s going on? James whined. Sirius was watching me with interest, too.
I ignored my friends and read the letter. It wasn t as romantic as the last one. It said: Another rose to keep that smile I love on your face. Enjoy your first day of classe. I m thinking of you . . .
Read it! I said handing the parchment to Lily. James read it over her shoulder and frowned, a suspicious glint in his eye.
Oh my God! Lily squealed, Where s Kirsten? She has to see this!
Libby, Lily, what s going on? James asked as we both jumped up, my breakfast forgotten. I paused, not sure if I wanted to tell James about these little notes. But when I looked at James, I had to. We tell each other everything. Almost.
Okay, last night there was a rose and this really sweet and romantic letter on my pillow, I said with an excited giggle that was so not me, And now, another one! We don t know who could possibly be sending them and I want to know so badly. It s really exciting too, because I never get stuff like this because I m not pretty or flirty,
You are too pretty, James and Lily said automatically.
Whatever, I said, I m going to go find Kirsten and I have to tell Alice. Bye!
*^*^*^*^*^*
Transfiguration was my first class of the year. Professor Mcgonagall stood at the front of the room giving us the yearly lecture of what is expected of us. I was having a hard time concentrating on what she was saying because she had made us sit alphabetical order and of course I am stuck next to Sirius and his irresistible aftershave and that taunting dimple. I sighed for the hundredth time since class started and looked at the clock. Another 30 minutes and I m out of here.
I looked back at Mcgonagall. She was now talking about N.E. next year. We still had to get through 6th year! Why is she telling us about a test that no one wants to worry about till next year? Sirius leaning back in his chair. He pushed his black bangs out of his eyes with a flick of his head. Only he could make such a simple movement look so sexy. I looked away, frustrated.
I will not tolerate any work that is not to your best standards. It would be handed back and points taken away. I am offering extra credit and tutoring for those whom might need it. You will speak to me after class, Mcgonagall said. Sirius was yawning and stretching now. He was such distraction! Before I could think my hand shot up. Mcgonagall stopped and looked at me. No one obviously asked questions in the middle of her speech.
Miss Cullen? Mcgonagall asked.
Can I move to another seat? I asked desperately. Sirius let his chair fall back on all four legs with a thud and Mcgonagall raised her eyesbrows. Other girls in my class were shocked that anyone would give up sitting next to Sirius Black.
What s wrong with your seat now? Mcgonagall asked.
Sirius is being very distracting, I said a bit embarrassed and angry that thoughts of Sirius wouldn t leave my head.
What? Sirius asked, I m not doing anything!
I have to agree with Mr. Black, for once, Miss Cullen, Mcgonagall said looking suspicious, He hasn t done anything at all through class, she added with a worried look at Sirius.
It s the little things that s distracting me, Professor, I muttered, very embarrassed now, Please, can I move?
Maybe next class, Mcgonagall promised and without another word, she launched back into her speech. Sirius was smiling. Not that gorgeous smile that shows all his teeth and not a smirk. It was a crooked smile, that dimple more noticeable then ever. I took a deep breath to calm myself. So the guy had three smiles and I loved each one, who cares?
Sirius slipped a piece of parchment into my lap. I tried to unfold it slowly so I wouldn t be noticed. Then I looked down casually and read the note. Then I looked at Sirius, who was still smiling, and glared. The note said: Distracted by my marvelous good-looks, are you? I scribbled a note back.
Sorry to disappoint you, but no. I folded the parchment back up and slid it back over to Sirius when the Mcgonagall s back was turned. Sirius unfolded it, read it, and smiled. He picked up his quill and wrote something back.
Right. . .so, any idea who this sappy romantic that s sending you corny love notes is? Ha! Proof that Sirius isn t the one behind the roses! He would never insult himself! I knew he never would do something like that!
He s not sappy! He is romantic and sweet, unlike you who snogs girls just for the fun of it! But no, I have no idea. Would you? I pushed the parchment back towards Sirius. He read it and smirked before writing back.
I may have an idea, but why should I tell you? That was insulting! I watched Sirius from the corner of my eye as I wrote back. He looked pleased with himself.
Please, Sirius? I ll never insult you again! Even if it is the truth! I pushed the notes back. Sirius smirked again and shook his head.
No. Mcgonagall then made us start working on a spell we learned in second year. Only now, we were doing it nonverbally. I stuck our notes into my transfiguration book. The bell couldn t have rung fast enough. Sirius s arm brushed mine as he headed towards James, Remus, and Peter. I met up with Lily and Kirsten.
Potions with the Slytherins next, right? I asked. Lily nodded and started to lead the way to her favorite class with her least favorite teacher. Slughorn was like in love with Lily because of her skills in potion making. It was funny, actually.
At least if we have to sit in alphabetical order in that class I don t have to sit by Sirius again. He is the most distracting person I have ever had to sit by! I said pushing my curls, that freed themselves from my ribbon, out of my face.
How was he distracting, Libby? Kirsten asked, I mean, before you asked I was watching him and he was actually quiet for a change. After you asked, I could see why. What were you writing to one another?
He was asking why he was distracting, I said quickly, Which is because he doesn t sit still and plays with things and it s just annoying,
Right. I bet he was just trying to get your attention, Kirsten smirked.
Nope, I said shaking my head, He wasn t. He doesn t like me. He didn t send me the roses,
How do you know? Kirsten asked, her eyes suspicious.
Because he asked me if I have any idea who this sappy romantic sending me corny love notes is. In those words, I said putting quotations around the phrases Sirius used.
So?
So, why would he insult himself? He s obsessed with his reflection! I said.
Geez, Lily said rolling her eyes, Libby for someone who doesn t like Sirius very much, you sure do go out of your way with him lately. And Kirsten, drop the whole Sirius likes Libby thing. It s getting annoying!
We both shut up for the rest of the walk down to the dungeons for double potions. Once we entered the potions room, I looked around. There was a sign on the board telling us to stand in the back of the classroom and wait for instruction. The whole class squeezed onto the back wall. The Slytherins were getting impatient and wanted to rest their pureblooded feet.
Finally, Professor Slughorn burst into the room. He strode to the front and grinned at us all. For being the head of Slytherin, he was very nice and not at all obnoxious. Of course, he focused his life on trying to get fame and popularity from others who work for it and he has really good connections and favors really badly with this whole Slug Club crap, but otherwise, he wasn t all that bad.
Welcome back! he said, I m going to split you up into groups right away. This will be your permanent partner for the year. No switching! You ll find a table with your partner and we ll start the class! Okay, so let s see. Lily Evans and Severus Snape . . .
Lily sucked in her breath. Snape. Figures Slughorn would put the two best potion makers in our year together. Lily shuffled over to the table Snape slammed his books down on. I felt bad for her, she was so pretty and smart and now stuck with a slimy, big nosed Slytherin. Poor girl. No one can get worse then that. I glanced at James. He looked pissed.
Kirsten Meyer and Peter Pettigrew, Kirsten slumped off. Everyone knew Peter s skills in Potions.
James Potter and, er, Samantha Orrin, Samantha looked at Susan excitedly before swiftly going over to a table where James put his things down. She moved her chair closer to him.
More names were read off. Remus was forced to go with Susan, who had obviously been hoping for Sirius. Frank Longbottom was put with Narcissa Black, to his dismay. The rest of the Slytherins were partnered together and my heart sank when I saw who was standing near the supply cabinets with a smirk.
And Libby Cullen and Sirius Black! Well, this works out perfectly! Slughorn grinned, Now, remember, who you are sitting by now is going to be your partner all year long! To get used to working with your partner, we re going to make a simple potion: the Silencing Potion. Directions are on the board. Begin, He went into his office.
Sirius went to collect the ingredients as I started the fire under the cauldron. Kirsten was watching me with a little smile. I glared at her and got out some things we ll need for the potion. Then I saw Lily and Snape. Already chopping and crushing the ingredients, not saying a word except for what they were doing. Sirius was back.
Why is it that you always seem to be around me now? Sirius asked putting the ingredients on the table. I stared at him.
I really have no idea. I feel like everyone is forcing me to talk to you and do things with you, I said sighing and beginning to chop up the caterpillars.
No kidding, Sirius said as he started to smash the ginger roots, The other night James was telling me that I should ask you to Hogsmeade or something.
You can t be serious, I said rolling my eyes. Sirius grinned.
Actually, I am, he said. For a minute I couldn t understand why he was smiling and then I laughed too. We were quiet for a moment as we continued to smash and chop the ingredients. Then Sirius said, So will you?
Will I what? I asked, confused.
Go to Hogsmeade with me? Sirius blurted out. Then added quickly, Not like a date, but as friends. I mean, it s going to be James and Lily s first real date and he s nervous so he thought we could double, but he wanted one of Lily s friends there, too, and because Kirsten kind of threw herself at me and I m sort of scared of her, I decided to ask you . . . instead,
So, what, it would be just as friends? I confirmed putting the caterpillars into my cauldron. Sirius nodded as he waited a minute before adding the roots.
Yeah. What do you say? Sirius said, he wouldn t meet my gaze.
I hesitated before answering. The first Hogsmeade weekend has yet to be announced, but it would probably be at the end of the month, beginning October. It would be cool to go to Hogsmeade with a guy. But I felt like Lily and James s first date should be on their own. This whole nervous thing was ridiculous, considering how he and Lily have been alone a lot and are pretty much together. Neither has to impress the other. Besides, I wasn t so sure about going with Sirius.
Maybe I should just say yes, for James and Lily s sake. I opened my mouth to reply, but hesitated once more. James, who was sitting behind us, was listening intently to the conversation, but pretending to be working on his potion. I knew him to well to know he wasn t concentrating all that hard. It was a set up so Sirius and I would be forced together again.
And I almost fell for it.
Actually, Sirius, as much as I would want to be there for James and Lily, I m afraid I wasn t planning on going to the first Hogsmeade weekend. Not yet, anyways, I said. The disappointment on Sirius s face was obvious. Almost as if he really did like me. Could he? I m sorry, I added softly.
It s fine, Sirius said, his voice sounded forced, Don t worry about it,
Sirius! Don t! I said pulling his arm back, he looked at me, confused, The ginger roots go in after we mix in Frog Brains!
Oh...oh yeah, Sirius said, seeing his mistake. I let his arm go and he added the frog brains, You know, potions are sort of gross, he began, With frog brains, beatle eyes, rat spleen, and so on. I mean, people drink this stuff,
It is gross, now that you mention it, I said making a face at our potion, which was a bit lighter then the navy blue color the board said it should be. I put three drops of Salamander blood into the potion and it turned bright purple.
I never really liked potions, Sirius went on, Reminds me of cooking. I hate cooking,
I don t care for it either. Too much work. I d rather order a Muggle pizza and have it brought to my door, I smiled, glancing at James, who was now arguing with Samantha about how many drops of blood she added, and said James and I used to do that all the time. Haven t done it in a while,
You two were close? Sirius said, looking at me intensely. We were waiting for our potion to simmer for a while.
Yeah. He called me his sister he never had, I said sadly.
Sorry. That s my fault, Sirius said.
Not at all. I never did much to keep our friendship strong, either, I explained shrugging, Anyways, why do you hate cooking?
I don t know. I guess it s because of a time in the summer after first year. Mother was so mad at me for being sorted into Gryffindor instead of Slytherin. She and my father were cruel to me that summer. The worst was when my mother and I got into an argument about the Potters. She thought they were dirty blood-traitors and I thought they were the coolest. So, when the hag I call a mother lost her temper, she grabbed a spatula from the stove where our house elf was cooking and hit me with it, while it was still burning hot. It was the worst and while I cowered in the corner of the kitchen, I remember my mother laughing and turning to my brother, Regulus, saying Spatulas aren t used for just cooking. Sirius shuddered at the memory, It was horrible and I keep thinking about that moment whenever cooking or potions come to mind. I guess you can say I have a phobia of kitchen utensils and avoid them at all costs.
Honestly, I was shocked a mother could treat her child that way. To hate a kid because of whom he hung out with and to beat him because he wasn t like them? That was cruel. I suddenly knew where Sirius had gotten those bruises from this summer.
Did she beat you this summer, too? I asked. Sirius didn t meet my eyes again and I went on, You re so much stronger then her, though, aren t you?
Not if she has help, Sirius said, My father does most of it now. This summer I finally had enough and ran away. They weren t going to let me go to James s house this summer. They threatened to lock me in the basement with the rats until school starts again. Probably hoping I d die down there. But after my dad started beating me, I ran for it. Packed my things and left the house. I m living with James permanently now,
So we re neighbors, I laughed. Sirius smiled his crooked smile. Stupid dimple.
I guess we are, he said.
We finished our potion, adding a few more ingredients and stirring it some more. It was a double period and we still had a little more then a half hour left, but we were done, along with Lily and Snape. I put a sample of the potion in a flask and brought it up to where Professor Slughorn had instructed. As I walked back, Sirius and James, who were whispering to each other, turned away from each other. It looked like they were arguing over something. I let it slide, not caring.
Poor Lily, huh? Sirius said looking at Lily reading at her table. Snape was leaning as far as possible from her.
Yes, poor Lily, I agreed.
Stupid git will probably poison her if they ever have to test on their partners, Sirius said, under his breath.
I don t know. That might be too obvious, I said pursing my lips. I didn t like knowing that was possible.
I guess. Lily s to smart anyways, she knows the difference between the potion she has to try and a poison, Sirius said. Then, quite suddenly it was startling, he grinned, Hey, wanna make something blow up in his face?
Uh, I dunno, I said frowning, I m not one to enjoy getting in trouble,
You re no fun, Sirius pouted. I rolled my eyes, he looked like such a kid pouting, with his arms across his chest. Suddenly, the look changed. Please? he said giving me the puppy dog face. Oh no. It was so convincing.
Fine, but you re taking the blame, I snapped, angry that I had given in.
That I can do, Sirius laughed. He watched Snape for a minute. The cauldron on the table was still filled with potion, even though they had already turned in their sample. Sirius shook his head and turned to James, Prongs, call Lily over asking for help,
Why? James asked. I don t know how, but Sirius must have told James exactly what we were planning to do because James smirked and called, Lily Flower!
Yes? Lily asked turning around. The entire room looked their way.
We need help with our potion, James whined, making a big show out of it. Samantha looked confused and eyed the potion which was simmering on the fire only slightly darker then what the board said. Lily couldn t see that, though, and walked over. As soon as she started peaking into the cauldron, Sirius pulled his wand out.
Watch the master, Libs, he said winking at me. Pointing his wand at the cauldron across the room, he whispered a spell. For a minute, nothing happened, then the potion began to boil. Snape, noticing this, put his potions book he was scribbling in away and peered into the cauldron. The fire was off so he couldn t understand what was happening. Then
BAM!
The potion exploded, drenching Snape s head and shoulders. Everyone jumped and looked towards the source of the noise. Sirius quickly pocketed his wand and laughed with the rest of the Gryffindors. Snape was angry, his face turning red. He spun towards Sirius as Slughorn came out of his office, searching for the source of the noise. He gasped at Snape.
Severus! What happened? he gasped pulling out his wand and cleaning off the greasy Slytherin.
Black, Cullen, and Potter, Snape spat. I was shocked he had said my name in there with Sirius and James s.
What? Slughorn looked at us sternly. He really had no idea what we could have done.
Please, sir, Libby had nothing to do with it, Sirius said, None of us did. I was sitting here talking to Libby about, uh . . .
We were talking about what the new Defense teacher must be like. We are curious to meet her, I stepped in, We were just as surprised when Snape s potion exploded as the rest of the class. As for James, he s still working on his potion and just needed Lily s help. We did nothing, I added innocently. I kept my face blank as Slughorn decided whether to believe me or his best student.
Well, I guess if no harm was done. Silencing potions are very safe, Slughorn explained, Do be more careful next time, Severus, He hustled back into his office.
Wow, Sirius said smirking at me, I thought you were going to make me take the blame.
What? Something that stupid could easily pass for an accident. I said smiling, You would have gotten into trouble for something stupid,
Right, Sirius said, What happened to, He raised his voice really high and said, I m not one to enjoy getting in trouble,
Well I m not, I said. The bell rang a few minutes later. I collected my things and swung my bag over my shoulder. Kirsten and Lily met me by the door.
So, Kirsten said, You looked very comfortable talking to Sirius in there,
I was. He s not too bad when he isn t making fun of me, I explained, Actually, it s sort of nice to talk to him,
Aw, I think our Libby is finally beginning to see the good side of Sirius Black, Kirsten smiled and pinched my cheeks.
Go away, I said. There was no argument with her words. I was seeing a whole new Sirius and I liked his new side.
The rest of the day past in a blur. I wasn t forced to sit next to Sirius in any other classes and we didn t have Defense. Though, we did hear that the new teacher was totally awesome and really knew her stuff. I was highly disappointed that I didn t get to see her till after lunch tomorrow. For a double period! Instead, I went through Divination and Herbology. I took a quick shower after Herbology because smelling like Dragon dung was not cool.
Afterwards, I went down to dinner to eat before I started my homework. Professor Mcgonagall barely even taught today and we had an essay to write, Potion questions to answer for Slughorn, and a drawing to do in Herbology. I suppose it could be worse. I just didn t like thinking I had homework to do.
My hair was still damp when I entered the Great Hall. I had changed out of my school uniform as many others had and made my way to the Gryffindor table. Kirsten and Lily joined me shortly afterwards.
Our first day is over, Lily said taking a sip of her pumpkin juice.
We re getting old, Kirsten said pouring herself a glass, We re getting old and I don t like it,
I wish we could freeze time and be 16 forever, I said smiling.
You re not 16 yet, Lily pointed out, Not until October,
Rub it in, why don t you? I snapped. But they knew I wasn t mad because I was grinning at them with a mouth full of food.
Lily! Kirsten! Libby! Peter came running into the Great Hall as fast as his legs can carry him. We all looked up, frowns on our faces.
What? I asked.
James . . . and Sirius... Peter began, panting.
