6 Wednesday

Noelle was out of bed and raring to go before anyone in the dorm that morning. She was surprised at how excited she was to try out Dungeons and Dragons. Her father had always talked about playing when he was a kid and he'd seemed nostalgic about it. The night before after the feast in the great hall, Noelle had stayed an hour later with Kade to make her character.

Now she had to suffer through Potions and History of Magic before she would be able to see what it was she had to look forwards to. She sighed and grabbed her books for the day's classes.

Potions was first, with Professor Slughorn this year. It felt weird to not walk in and see Snape, but instead this strange man who she'd never met before. He seemed to be rather quirky as well. Several other students were already there, including Kade and Hermione Granger.

She pulled out her book and went to an empty table, setting it there and going to stand with the others. Professor Slughorn looked at the clock a few times as the students began to get edgy and then finally stood and made his way over.

"I suppose this is it then. Let's begin." He opened his mouth to continue but Harry and Ron Weasley chose to make their entrance just then. His eyes widened and he turned. "Ahh! Harry my boy, there you are. I was beginning to worry. And you brought someone with you I see." He nodded to Ron.

"Ron Weasley sir, born dead awful at potions. A menace actually so…" He started to back out of the room.

"Nonsense, we'll sort you out. Any friend of Harry's is a friend of mine. Get your books out."

Harry spoke up. "Sorry sir, I actually haven't got my book yet. And nor has Ron."

"Not to worry, get you one from the cupboard. Now, as I was saying. I prepared some concoctions this morning. Any ideas what these might be..?"

Noelle rolled her eyes. Harry of course would get no flack from Slughorn. The only thing she knew about the man was that he was notorious for picking several star students and they would receive rewards of a sort for their work in potions.

Hermione raised her hand and went up, identifying a love potion and stating that it smelt different to each person depending on what attracted them individually. Curious, Noelle leaned forwards and gave an experimental sniff. Pumpkin, pine, and fabric softener. She smiled softly and leaned back once more.

Another student pointed to a small vial held aloft by a metal instrument. "Professor, you haven't told us yet what's in that one."

"Oh yes…" He went and unscrewed the device, pulling free the vial and holding it up for the students to view. "What you see before you ladies and gentleman, is a curious little potion… Known as Felix Felicious, or as it's more commonly referred to as-"

Hermione interrupted. "Liquid luck." She was another who could get away with it.

"Yes Ms. Granger. Liquid luck. Desperately tricky to make, disastrous should you get it wrong. One sip," his voice got low, "and you will find all of your endeavors succeed." He chuckled as the suspense grew. "At least until the effects wear off."

He then proposed a challenge to the class. The student who could brew the best Liquid Death potion would receive the vial of Liquid Luck. Noelle would take a bet on who he expected to win. Going back to her seat, she found her "lab partner" if you would, was Hermione. She tried to ignore the girl and did her best to follow the instructions to the T.

Lost in her work, she eventually pulled her attention away during a part where the potion could sit momentarily and noticed Harry several steps ahead of everyone else, eyes glued to his book as he worked. She furrowed her brow. It was almost as though he'd brewed this before or been taught to by someone. Other students looked frazzled and were having troubles, including ever Ms. Granger whose hair was in all sorts of disarray.

Harry finished his and Slughorn came to inspect it, dropping a leaf into the cauldron. "Merlin's beard! It's perfect!"

Noelle frowned and eyed his dog-eared book. Harry won, but she would strive to do better. She didn't think it was personal skill involved here.