Potions class was taught by Professor Rhett, who stood in front of his mix of Gryffindor and Ravenclaw students, excited to start the year.
"Good mythical morning!" He said, eyes twinkling, "Welcome to potion making for 5th years. Today, the first day, I've decided to kick things off by getting right into the swing of things. Do any of you know how to make Pepperup Potion? Let's talk about it."
Professor Rhett began lecturing about the potion of the day, but Zoe just couldn't concentrate. When she arrived at class, the only available seat had been in the back row, next to a small Ravenclaw girl with very short platinum blonde hair. Zoe remembered her from last night- she was a Prefect as well- but she just couldn't place the name. It was driving her nuts. Maybe she should ask. Should she ask? Would that be rude? Zoe fingered the sleeve of her robe, nervously. Suddenly, the girl glanced at her.
"Hi. I'm Hannah," the girl whispered, glancing from Zoe back to the professor. "And you're Zoe, right?"
"Yeah," Zoe smiled, completely forgetting about class. "Hi. Are you excited about being tonight?"
Tonight meant first ever official Prefect duty. A pretty big deal.
Hannah clenched her jaw, "Uh, yeah. Just really nervous. Like, super nervous."
"I'm sure you'll do great," Zoe encouraged.
"You're lucky you got partnered with a friend," Hannah remarked, "I don't know who that Grace girl is at all."
"Well, who knows? Maybe this will be the start of a friendship."
Suddenly, Mamrie appeared, slightly slouching next to Zoe.
"Mamrie?" Zoe stared at her friend in shock, "What are you-?"
"I really need you to switch partners with me," Mamrie said quietly, trying to keep it down as Professor Rhett animatedly spoke.
"What?" she whispered shouted, as Hannah looked on in confusion. "Why would-"
"Because," said Mamrie, "I'm allergic to cute British 4th years,"
Zoe's leaned back to look at where Mamrie had been sitting- and sure enough there was Alfie Deyes, staring straight ahead. She felt her cheeks start to burn.
"Now move, Z, before Professor-"
"Excuse me," Professor Rhett folded his arms and looked directly at the Gryffindor duo. "Am I interrupting something?"
Mamrie reacted quickly, "No sir! I was just borrowing a quill from Zoe. Now she'll return to her seat." Mamrie stepped on Zoe's foot and she shot up, clumsily. Embarrassed beyond belief Zoe grabbed her bag and shuffled over to Mamrie's old spot- taking great care to avoid any and all eye contact with Alfie.
"Very well," said Professor, "Now anyway- back to Pepperup! All you have to do is. . ." Professor Rhett continued his explanation, while Mamrie silently turned towards her new partner.
"Hi, I'm Mamrie Hart," she said, enthusiastically placing a hand on her chest.
The Ravenclaw's blue eyes widened, "Oh my gosh! My name's Hannah Hart."
Mamrie's mouth dropped, "Um, are we actually long lost sisters reunited?! Did we just Parent Trap all up in here?"
Finally Potions Class was finished. Mamrie and Hannah spent the whole time whispering and giggling back and forth, making plans to meet up that night for dinner. Zoe, on the other hand, had considerably less luck with her partner. Meaning she did not talk, look, or breathe in his general direction at all.
Alfie stood and shoved his book into his leather bag. After that crazy girl Mamrie randomly left, he assumed it was because he was the only 4th year in this class and everybody automatically hated him. He thought that he was going to be the only loser who didn't have a partner because nobody wanted him. But then The Zoe Sugg sat next to him. Him! Alfie! He couldn't believe it. Zoe was like Gryffindor royalty- she was kind, and pretty, and funny, and smart. And she was currently packing her things and starting to leave.
"I'm Alfie. Deyes. Hello." He blurted out. Oh my god, he thought to himself, I'm the world's biggest idiot.
She turned and stared at him with her gorgeous, big, blue eyes. Alfie felt like singing. Or barfing.
"Hi. I'm Zoe." She smiled. As if I don't know who you are, she thought.
As if I don't know who you are, he thought.
"If you don't mind me asking, why did you and Mamrie switch?" Alfie asked, and prepared for the worst. I felt sorry for you, I was paid to, etc.
"Oh," he could've sworn the tops of her cheeks turned a bit pink, "um, she just really wanted to trade."
"Oh." He said. They were nearly the last kids in the classroom- besides Jack and Dean, Ravenclaw boys, who lagged behind as well, clearly having some sort of exciting discussion.
"So Alfie, if you don't mind me asking what's a 4th year doing in a 5th year class?" Zoe began walking towards the door and he eagerly followed.
"The only 4th year potions is last class of the day," Alfie explained, walking by her side, "but since I play Quidditch, Marcus makes all of us start practice during last class. So they had to move me up."
"Wow, that's amazing," she said, happily. "When do games start again?"
"About a month," he ran a hand through his hair, "I'm real excited. Everybody's so good."
"Not as good as you," Zoe quickly realized how that might've sounded, and quickly back tracked, "I mean, not as good as the team- not that you're not good, you're great! You're a, heh, a real keeper."
Alfie started laughing, which sounded an awful lot like Kermit the frog, with made Zoe start laughing, too. Suddenly Alfie gave a jump.
"Crap! I'm late to Charms."
"That's Professor Link, right?" she said.
"Right."
Zoe made a face, "That's on the other side of the castle!"
Alfie immediately took off running, calling over his shoulder, "I know. Bye Zoe!"
Zoe watched him run, a smile slowly stretching on her face. She'd have to remember to thank Mamrie later. Nothing made her happier than the fact that she and Alfie were partners.