Hermione and Lily were skipping ahead of the Marauders to their Potions class. Both girls had already formed a deep bond and Lily was happy filling Hermione in with all the gossip she could think of. Sirius was ruffling James' hair and annoying Remus whilst casting glances at Hermione every few seconds. James wanted to have fun too so he decided to make fun of Lily and Hermione, so grabbing Sirius he pranced in front of them and decided to skip. Remus and Peter quickly joined in and all 3 pairs of them were skipping their way to potions.
They soon found themselves in front of their classroom and made their way to their front seats. Hermione had no idea where she was supposed to sit but Lily pulled her down beside her and they waited for Professor Slughorn.
Oh no Hermione thought. I don't want to join his 'Slug Club'. Should I play dumb? Never. Should I play smart? Not a wise move. I'll just speak when spoken to. Hermione thought happily.
Sirius sat beside her and playfully pulled at her curls and Hermione kept swatting him away. Soon the class quickly filled and Hermione was on the look out for the boy from last night. She couldn't seem to get him out of her head. Probably because I have no idea who he is. Her eyes never left the door and she was rewarded when he suddenly appeared in the doorway. Her breath stuck in her throat.
She could immediately tell it was him because no-one else looked like him. He was unique. His pale complexion suited his black hair which looked soft and silky and his midnight eyes seemed to stand out brightly. He looked as though he played quidditch and was lean and graceful at the same time. His nose was prominent and his slytherin crest stood out.
That looks like... Merlin, no! She was looking at Professor Snape! The greasy bat of the dungeons was the boy from last night! She groaned and Hermione thought that she had said it under her breath but she was wrong.
"What's wrong?" Lily asked worriedly.
Startled, Hermione turned to Lily. "Nothing's wrong, just thought about something disturbing." she grimaced and looked towards Snape again. He had vanished from the doorway and was now sitting with a blonde boy who was gazing at her intently. Hermione raised an eyebrow at the boy who just winked at her back. Her face flushed pink and she looked away from him. I know I've seen his face before... but where? Her brow crinkled and she tried to think. Suddenly it dawned on her. Malfoy!
Severus glared at Abraxas as he winked at Hermione. Did the boy have no shame?
"Going after the gryffindor, Abraxas?" Severus asked snidely.
"I just might, she seems different than most."
Abraxas thought the girl was perfect. He watched as she grinned at that Black boy and a row of perfect teeth shone back at him. An enchantress...
Then Professor Slughorn appeared and started his lesson.
After the lesson, Hermione regretted her decision to only speak when spoken to. Her thirst for knowledge was nothing to be ashamed about and her gryffindor courage meant that even though she wanted to play it down a bit, she felt terrible urges to give detailed answers. After the first 5 questions, the urges increased and she found herself answering questions in detail.
She could feel the stares of the entire class as she finished descirbing the colour Euphoria should turn and how it sunshine yellow colour depicted cheerfulness which fitted with the potion as it would induce singing and nose tweaking.
Professor Slughorn had blinked owlishly and stared at her like she was a creature from mars. Then realising what an excellent addition the to slug club she'd be, he smiled like a cheshire cat.
"Well, Miss Granger, that was a brilliant answer. 10 points to gryffindor! I'd like a moment of your time after class." he said happily and began questioning other students again.
Hermione had sat with her head bowed for the rest of the lesson and quietly finished her work. Afterwards she had made her way over to his front desk and was sadly asked to join the slug club.
"I'd love to, Professor." a fake smile was on her face the entire time but she had to be polite.
The Marauders were waiting for her as she got out and she was feeling happier already.
"That was some answer, Hermione!" Peter grinned and clapped her on the back.
Hermione felt uncomfortable in his presence so when he clapped her on the back, she winced and timidly smiled back. There was nothing she could do to change the future and it hurt that she was growing so close to her new friends and that one day she knew when and how they died.
"Thanks, Peter." she answered. "Guys, what have we got next? Professor Dumbledore hasn't given me my timetable yet; he just told me to follow you guys."
"We've got flying next." Remus smirked evilly.
"Flying? Since when does Hogwarts do flying?" Hermione was very worried. There was no mention of flying classes in Hogwarts: A History apart from for first years. She had no skills in flying and could barely get off the ground.
"I know, it's ridiculous." Lily muttered.
Hermione remembered that Lily hated flying as well so atleast she had a friend with her.
The walk to the grounds was filled with laughter as the Marauders tried to cheer up both girls at doing their worst lesson.
They couldn't see the two demons sliently following them under a disillusion and plotting Hermione's death.
"We could use this to our advantage." Doris said maliciously.
"Make her fall off her broom at a great height or send a bludger her way?" Boris asked. He was constantly the one thinking of ways to get souls and they needed to make her heart stop beating to get it.
"Sounds good, my demon." Doris winked at Boris and they quickly made their way to the Quidditch stores.
Hermione would have no idea what hit her.
