Mistake 6—Not Getting Rid of My Blasted Potions Partner

So the first week of school was going smoothly. Well, as smooth as things ever seem to go. In fact, I would go as far to say the whole month was going by seamlessly.

Except that Potter was Head Boy. This meant I had to do weekly patrols with him. Then there were my weekly tutoring sessions with Emmeline.

Why were they cursed to be part of my life?

The good news was that today was Monday. Not only was it Monday, but it was the first Monday of October. This meant many things…

It meant I got to start the month over—all my fights with Potter. The fact that I'm not doing oh-so-hot in Transfiguration…all of it gets a re-do.

It's also Selene's birthday coming up in a few weeks.

Then, thirdly, it is Halloween. Who doesn't love Halloween? Although, Halloween is very different at Hogwarts than it is in the muggle world. I actually think the muggle world is cooler. It's become a popular muggle tradition to go trick-a-treating. You pretty much dress up whatever you'd like and collect candy. I guess I'd be too old for that now anyway…but you've got to admit—it's much more exciting than a feast. Although Hagrid's pumpkins are even bigger this year…

As you can tell, my Monday is off to a fabulous start—especially since my first class is Potions. Have I mentioned that I'm brilliant at Potions?

Because I am.

Now, I know you're thinking…'oh wow, she's so modest. Not.', but I felt that I should be able to brag on myself just a little bit. Especially after the whole Transfiguration fiasco—I mean, it's embarrassing that I have to be tutored—by Emmeline nonetheless. I promise that I deserve to be Head Girl, and I am a good student.

However, in my opinion, Slughorn lets too many idiots into NEWT Potions. That's why when Marlene and I grab our usual seats up front; we are surprised at Professor Slughorn's announcement.

"Settle down, settle down," he said, giving us smiles as if we were little children. He was a nice enough man, but he got on my nerves every class period. He particularly liked picking me out and asking my opinion on things. Not that I minded that part. It's nice to be the favorite every once in awhile. Then you can get away with murder. "Now…due to last week's…er…debacle," he said, his eyes falling on the Marauders. Sirius had exploded a firework in Sev's potion…again. Those boys really need to learn to grow up. Honestly. "We are going to work with assigned partners the rest of the summer."

Er…what?

Marlene shot me a frantic look, "Assigned partners?" she whispered. Marlene absolutely loathed Potions. She was only taking it, so she could be a healer. I feel that Potions are rather important to Healing, but when I tell Marlene this she just tells me to shove off.

I don't know how you can hate Potions. It's the most wonderful subject offered at Hogwarts. Well…Charms is a close second.

"Yes, yes I know," Slughorn was trying to quiet everyone down after all the chattering and groans quickly filled the classroom, "you may not think you deserve it, but I've matched you up according to skill level. Some of you need a little more help than others," he added, looking towards the Marauders.

I don't think he was happy that they'd managed to ruin yet another cauldron.

Although, I don't know how Slughorn ever believed that their melted cauldrons were just 'accidents'.

"To begin," he said, clearing his throat, "We'll start on the left side of the room. Let's see…we have Nicolette Richer and James Potter…." Emmeline who sat down the row from me, twitched. I had to hold in a giggle, "Next…Marlene McKinnon and Benjy Fenwick."

Marlene's expression which was a mixture of hatred and anxiety cleared instantly. She beamed at me, winking. I sort of wanted to lecture on making sure she got schoolwork done whether or not she was Benjy's partner. I knew her too well. She was going to end up drooling over him the entire class period whist being obnoxiously flirtatious. I hope she remembers that he still has a girlfriend.

I listened as Remus and Severus got paired up. They both looked intensely unhappy with their matchup. Maybe I'd get paired with a Hufflepuff, I thought, scanning the rest of the room. There were a handful of people who still needed to be paired up—

"Sirius Black," he announced, "And Lily Evans."

Er—what?

"You're with Mr. Black, Miss Evans," he clarified. I must've have spoken out loud. I turn towards the back, and Sirius winks, giving me a thumbs up.

Oh hell.

"I love Potions," Marlene said to us after we caught up with Selene after class. We met her out by the lake. It was beginning to get nippy out, but the sun was so bright and beautiful that we couldn't just stay indoors.

Selene raised her eyebrows at Marlene's comment and looked at me for an explanation. I threw Marlene a glare just for emphasis, "Yeah, well she only loves it because she gets to be dear Benjy's partner," I said mockingly, "She didn't get stuck with the devil reincarnate."

"Potter?" Selene asked. I shook my head, "Er—Snape?"

"Severus is not the devil!" I said, throwing her a furious look. I mean we're not mates but still! Selene muttered a quick apology, and I just nodded, "It's Black," I said, dropping my bag and sitting down against the tree, "Teachers hate me."

"Don't be dramatic," said Marlene, chuckling as she sat down beside me. She was laughing at my misfortune. Laughing! She would have ranted for hours if she got stuck with him as partner.

Selene was also frowning, and I guess I should've seen this coming as she sat on my other side, "Sirius is not the devil reincarnate!"

You see, I sort of forgot she fancied him.

"You're so lucky!" she swooned, "He's really smart too, so you don't have to worry about getting paired with someone who's awful at Potions—"

"Selene," I interrupted, "This really isn't the time." I did not want my Monday to be ruined—particularly by Sirius Black. I didn't want to argue with Selene over whether or not if Black was an arsehole. She's obviously mentally unstable.

Marlene snorted, "When is it ever the time?"

"I think you guys would really like him if you gave him a chance," Selene said stubbornly. I wanted to say that she didn't even know him, and that her basis for liking him was completely shallow, but I didn't. I just exchanged looks with Marlene.

At least she hates Black too.

Speaking of which, they were all headed towards us. The Marauders were laughing and making their usual ruckus. I immediately stood up, grabbing my bag. I wasn't going to stick around for this. Like I said—my Monday was going to be fabulous—the Marauders were not going to ruin it.

"Ah! My new Potions partner!" Sirius cried. I think he was doing this on purpose…just to see if he could push my buttons. I was not going to let him.

"Yes," I sighed, "Bugger off, will you?"

"Lily," Selene hissed from behind me.

"Hey Lily," James greeted. I wanted to roll my eyes, but I didn't. I don't think I mentioned this, but James has been obstinately cheery recently whenever we cross each other. He always waves and says 'hello' as if trying to prove he's this fabulous human being that I shouldn't hate.

Or maybe he's just happy because he has Emmeline now.

He actually probably has ulterior motives. It is Potter, don't forget. Just because I can't figure out what his motives are, doesn't mean they don't exist.

"Mind if we join you?" James asked, sitting down.

Uh. Yes. I do mind, actually.

"No, not at all," Selene said before Marlene or I could answer. Oh Selene—look what your awful crush on Sirius is doing to me!

Marlene had pulled me back down, hissing in my ear, "You're not leaving me alone with them!"

"You've got Selene," I muttered back.

"Yeah, well she's making googly eyes at you-know-who."

"Did you just say Selene makes googly eyes at You-Know-Who?" Peter asked, frowning at Marlene.

Marlene blinked, "Uh…yeah….i did."

"Don't you have other girls to bother?" I saked before Marlene got herself in trouble. Peter seemed to still be confused on the Marlene's question and gave me a blank stare.

"Ah, but you're our favorites…besides," James shrugged, "Emmeline thinks it's too cold outside."

Right. Dearest Emmeline.

"Right…and what Emmeline says goes," Sirius muttered bitterly.

"What?" James was frowning.

"Er—never mind. Anyone want to go for a swim?" he asked, ripping off his shirt. Selene let out a little gasping noise that didn't go unnoticed. Sirius smirked at her.

"Like what you see?"

"No," Marlene cut in, "Put your shirt back on. You aren't seriously considering going into the lake are you? It's going to be freezing!"

"Is that a dare?" Sirius asked, his eyes twinkling.

"You're so immature," Marlene said, crossing her arms, "I hope you get eaten by the giant squid."

"I dare you," Remus said, smirking.

"Well…" Sirius contemplated before breaking out into a grin, "If you insist…" With a running start, he dove into the lake.

I felt cold just watching him. While it was nice out, it definitely wasn't warm. I was wearing a long sleeve shirt, and the wind made me feel a bit chilly since I'd left my cloak inside.

"He really isn't all there mentally, is he?" Marlene asked out loud. The boys just laughed, but I don't think they realized she was being serious.

"I don't think so…and to think I'm stuck with him as Potions partner."

"I'm sure you could get Slughorn to have you switch," Marlene smirked, "You are Sluggy's favorite."

I just shrugged, "I think I can handle Sirius Black."

Oh how wrong I was.

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I was dreading tutoring…as per usual. I guess I shouldn't complain. I got an 'E' on my last homework assignment.

Emmeline was rattling off about something, but I have was having a hard time focusing tonight, "Does that make sense?" she asked.

No.

"Yes," I said, nodding then I hurriedly added, "Well look at the time!" I forced a grin before she could start on a new subject that would only further confuse me, "I think I'll be able to finish it from here."

"Okay," Emmeline nodded, "Hey, Lily," she began.

"Yeah?"

"I actually wanted to talk to you about something," she said, frowning slightly.

I blinked at her, "About what? It's okay if you can't make it next week—"

"Not about tutoring," she interrupted. I nodded, waiting impatiently, "It's actually about…well you and James."

Huh? "Er—what?"

Emmeline threw me an irritated look, "I don't know what you've been saying to him, but you need to leave him alone—"

"Ah…Vance, Evans…lovely to see you ladies," came an intruding voice, causing both of to turn to see Sirius Black walking toward us with his usual swagger. Oh Merlin. He's so annoying.

Did Black really need to show up now of all times? And what on Earth was Emmeline talking about? I did leave Potter alone! He's the one who's constantly pestering me!

"We're busy, Black," Emmeline said haughtily, "So you can run along now."

I sighed and looked at Emmeline, "I don't know what you're talking about," I said, ignoring Black for the time being, "I haven't said anything to him since we did rounds last week. I've got to go…" I muttered, eager to get away from the both of them. Well, my wish was half granted.

"Yeah, Evans and I are Potions partners," Sirius said, grabbing me by my arm and pulling me along with him. How is that even relevant? Who cares if we're Potions partners?

I frowned, pulling my arm away. "What do you want?" I asked rudely.

He seemed unperturbed, "Well, my partner," he said emphasizing the word, "I needed a favor."

"A favor?" I asked skeptically.

"I need you to help me get rid of Emmeline."

Er—what?

Sirius ignored my bewildered look, "She's driving all of us mad—James included. He just needs a push…and that's where you come in."

He must be joking. I waited, but he continued to look at me, waiting patiently for an answer. Oh he is so full of himself sometimes!

"Wait, you want me to help…" I glanced around, making sure no one was within earshot, "Help you break up James and Emmeline?" I said in a low voice. Sirius nodded. "Why?" I asked, nonplussed.

"She's annoying," Sirius shrugged, "James has never dated anyone for so long. We always thought if he did, it'd be you. I'm used to the idea of you—even though you're a bit annoying too."

Thanks, I thought dryly. He really knows how to win you over.

"Sirius," I interrupted, "This is a terrible idea. I'm not getting myself involved. Potter can date whoever he'd like," I said, frowning at him. I mean, yeah, I didn't like Emmeline, but if she and Potter wanted to be unhappy together, it was fine by me. Sirius tried to say something else, but I ignored him, heading back to the Gryffindor Common room by myself.

I didn't think about Sirius' stupid idea again. I'd forgotten about it and had managed to avoid talking to him until our next Potions class. We were working on complex antidotes today, so I knew it was going to take a great amount of concentration and skill.

Needless to say, I was nervous about having to be partnered with Black after his silly proposition. Rightfully so. I said bye to Marlene and headed to my own seat which was in the back unfortunately. Benjy had walked in, and I knew she wanted to spend all her class time flirting with him. (I have to keep reminding her that he already has a girlfriend—Nicolette).

"Hey partner," Black greeted in what he must've thought was 'smooth'. Hmphf.

"Black, get off my desk," I snapped, "Okay, listen, it is very important for this potion that you do exactly as I say—"

"And why should I do that?" he asked, raising his eyebrows.

I blinked, "Excuse me?"

"Why should I listen to you?" he asked, "You don't go around doing me any favors."

"This—what?" Oh. I saw where this was going. He was not going to force me into anything, "This is entirely different. This is so we both get good grades. It's not some twisted plot to break up someone's relationship," I snapped.

"I don't really care about my grades. I'm sure we'll scrape an 'A'," he said, shrugging carelessly.

An 'A'? I do not get 'A's in Potions. When I said this, Black just smirked and said, "You do now."

"Are you bloody serious?"

"Why, yes. Yes, I am," he said, his grin widening. Oh boy. He's lucky I'm Head Girl. Otherwise I would've have hexed him so badly—wait—I can still hex him….if Professor Slughorn isn't looking…

Discretely, I pull out my wand and give Black my most intimidating look, "You're going to do what I say Black, or help me God…"

"Listen, Evans," he said, pushing my wand away from his face. He ignored it when a few sparks shot out of it, "I do what I'm supposed to in this class," he paused, giving me a sharp glance before continuing again, "and you help me split up Miss Prude and my best mate, okay?"

Haha. He thought Emmeline was a prude?

"Fine," I grumbled, "Just don't screw this up." I really wish I had a different partner. Life would've been so much easier. Now I'm going to be stuck plotting up ridiculous things to 'break them up'. I wonder if I'll get to dye her hair multi colors or maybe fill her bag with those weird Peppermint imps. I mean, yeah, they're tasty when they don't nip your fingers off.

Okay. Obviously I don't really know how to prank people. I still don't see why he wants my help.

Sirius just smirked, "I knew you'd see my side of things, Evans. And just think! You get to my partner for the rest of the year! We're really going to bond, I think."

I hate him. I really do.

A/N: Reviews are lovely :)