who is brewing love potion again??
Mon can barely sleep a wink as soon as her father’s car brought her to the parking lot of one of the summer houses they’d normally stay in Dorset. Butterflies, moths and the likes fleeting in her stomach; a mixture of excitement and agitation. She wouldn’t feel this much of eagerness if not for the fact that Sam would be here too, though only for 3 days.
From one whole summer - which was absolutely impossible, to one week of bargaining and finally, Sam’s grandma gave a green light for 3 days. Though Sam specifically informed her in a letter she sent last night that they were to meet at sunrise nearby a half ruined gloriette of Corfe Castle.
And here she was now, wrapped in her windbreaker kicking small pebbles by the ruin at the crack of dawn with her mom and their bulldog, Bon Bon on a leash. Why did Sam tell her to be there at sunrise? She has no idea but for her, she would.
A couple minutes more of waiting, and she heard a loud swoosh sound beckoning from above and there was she, Sam in her all black fit accompanied by her grandma, in dark robes as well, walked flawlessly out from the sky and landed neatly in front of an awestruck Mon, her mom and Bon Bon.
“Well met,” Khun Yha was the first person who spoke, her hands held out to shake first Mon’s mom and next, her. Sam managed to mumble a small ‘Hi’ to Mon and led the domineering woman take the lead.
“Welcome to Dorset, Lady Anuntrakul. My family is so happy to be able to welcome Sam for her short stay here in Dorset.”
“Likewise,” Khun Yha said, “We’re sorry to trouble you to meet at this hour. I believe if I were to send Sam in the daylight, muggles might find out as I’ve known Dorset is a popular summer destination.”
Sam bore her gaze pointedly at Mon, sending telepathy that maybe she thought it was a reach but Mon remained mum.
“Can I trust Mon to have Sam right at this spot at a specific time for her return?” Khun Yha’s sharp gaze fell onto her. “I’ve already arranged an enchanted portkey for her to come back home in three days time.”
“Of course, you have my word.”
Khun Yha’s eyes lingered on her for a moment, as if she was contemplating, or speculating, or maybe both, before she hastily nodded and turned to her mother where she ushered for a private talk. Sam waddled stiffly to her, a black briefcase clasped on her left hand and her right reaching out to give her a side-hug.
“Well that wasn’t awkward at all.” Sam muttered near her ear, taking a whiff of Mon’s hair. “How do you even smell nice at this hour?”
“Am I supposed to smell bad?”
“No, you smell nice all the time - like crushed Boom Berries.” Sam looked at her curiously, “Maybe this is what I will smell from the steam of Amortentia if I were to brew it.”
Mon blushed at Sam’s words; although they have been officially together almost two years, she still kept her off-guard with the straightforward compliments and oddly sweet comparisons.
Fighting the urge to not kiss Sam and make a scene, Mon switched the topic, “Do you know when our OWLs results will come out?”
Sam groaned at the mention, “Anytime now I suppose.”
“Is Sam Anuntrakul nervous?”
“No…well, maybe a little,” Sam didn’t elaborate though Mon knew the girl was always a bit stressed and touchy when it comes to future career path endeavours, but she didn’t push.
“Let’s forget all about that while you’re here and enjoy the beach and the whole Dorset with me.” Mon nudged, giving her best smile.
Sam hummed and soon Khun Yha and Mon’s mother returned from whatever discussion or talk they had. Mon later reassured how she will take good care of Sam here before Khun Yha soon left in a speed of light through apparition.
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Three days felt like three minutes.
Maybe Mon’s exaggerating but that’s exactly how she felt as she lay in bed, with Sam cuddled close to her body, face hidden at the crook of her neck. Her belly is full and warm with smores and hot chocolate that her mother made when they had a campfire just now.
Mon had the windows opened so that the night breeze could enter their room accompanied by the sound of the waves. Dorset was her favourite go-to summer vacation ever since she was a kid and she was happy she could share her happiness with another important person in her life.
The base of her neck vibrated and Mon realised Sam was mumbling something. “Huh? Did you say something?”
Sam looked up, her hair covering half of her face and her eyes half opened. Mon thought it was the most adorable sight, and something no one else can ever see except for her.
“I said, aren’t you sleepy?” Sam groggily spoke.
“I am.” Mon stifled a yawn that came as soon as Sam mentioned the word sleepy. “I’m just…relishing this moment.”
“So sappy.”
“It’s not like we can be like this at school.”
“Well….”
“Well what?” Mon raised a brow.
“Nothing,” Sam hid once again at her neck.
“Sam, did you have fun being with me here?” Mon suddenly asked, “I know you don’t normally hang around with Muggles that often for vacations and stuff. You’d probably prefer going to Egypt like your Aunt Mary or maybe–”
“Egypt? Did you forget the part where my Aunt’s nephew almost got shut in a crypt. Or maybe the part where there’s dark magic near certain tombs and if you get hit by it, you’ll be cursed for life.”
“Ok but–”
“No, buts,” Sam wrapped her left arm to her waist, pulling her impossibly closer. “This has single-handedly been one of the best vacations I’ve had in years.”
“How come?”
“Because you’re with me.”
“Now, who’s sappy?” Mon giggled, but she felt assured. And her eyes slowly shut, savouring the warm breath hitting her skin.
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The Hogwarts Express rumbled through the countryside, the rhythmic clattering of wheels against the tracks harmonising with the excited chatter of students aboard. In a compartment near the middle of the train, Mon, Sam, Yuki, and Tee sat together - an unlikely scene if it were a couple years ago but here the couples sat; after Mon and Sam were relieved of their prefect duties.
Yuki exclaimed, "I can't believe we're already in our sixth year! Time flies."
Tee nodded, "True that. Let's see how everyone fared for OWLS. How did you do, Sam?"
"Great.” Sam answered, and everyone waited for her to elaborate more and she huffed, “I got straight 7 OWLs.”
“All O’s?” Tee’s jaw dropped, while Sam merely hummed.
“Are we surprised?” Mon grinned, while Sam gave her the side-eye. “I would be more surprised if she didn’t get all Outstanding for her OWLS considering how much she spends her time in the library.”
“True,” Yuki leaned forward, intrigued, “Anyway, what subjects are you all thinking of opting for or dropping? I’ve been contemplating to drop Ancient Runes.”
Mon answered, "I'm considering dropping Care of Magical Creatures. Nothing against Hagrid nor the magical creatures, but I'm more into charms and defence against the dark arts."
Tee smirked, "I might stick to the classics. Charms and Transfiguration for me. Can't go wrong with those. Although I wonder how relevant it will be once I’m done with NEWTs because I’m going to apply for Chudley Cannons.”
“And your parents are okay with that?” Sam asked, genuinely curious.
“My parents weren’t that keen at first to be honest,” Tee unwrapped a pumpkin pasty, “But considering I make a pretty great Beater they finally agreed as long as I finished my NEWTs.”
Sam, who hardly spoke of her personal dilemmas, finally sighed, "Well, I did well in everything, but my grandma expects me to be an Auror just like my sister and her.”
Yuki, ever the straightforward one, chimed in, "If you don't want to be an Auror, just tell your grandma. Simple."
Sam scoffed, “It’s not that easy. My family has a long line of Aurors, and my grandma has these high expectations.”
“Isn’t your eldest sister training for Auror too?” Tee questioned.
“Yeah.”
“Well isn’t that enough - I mean, at least there’s already one in the family.” Tee pointed out.
Yuki, empathetic, added, "Family expectations can be tough. But you should pursue what you're passionate about, Sam."
Mon, understanding Sam's predicament, offered some advice, squeezing the girl’s hand. "Sam, listen, pursuing a career just to meet family expectations won't make you happy in the long run. You've got to do something you're truly passionate about."
Tee nodded, "Mon's right. Do what makes you happy, not what others want. My parents weren’t cool with me wanting to be a Quidditch player at first, but you have to prove how professional you are in your lane till they get it."
Mon noticed a hint of gratitude in Sam’s deep, dark eyes. Even when she doesn’t say it, Mon knew Sam was thankful for the encouragement and she remained quiet for the rest of their ride, her left hand intertwined with Mon’s right till the end.
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The hallways of Hogwarts were bustling with students, their breath visible in the crisp January air. Mon, having just finished her Charms class, emerged from the classroom into the cool corridor. The scent of burnt fabric lingered, a testament to the morning's lesson on the Extinguishing Charm.
Mon noticed some of her friends, Pop and Pooh, with singed robes and slightly charred sleeves, evidence of the not-so-perfect mastery of the charm. Gryffindor and Slytherin students, having shared the class, exchanged amused glances and stories of near misses.
Tee, who had become a friend to Mon ever since they were dating Yuki, caught up with her as they left the classroom. "Hey, Mon! That was quite a show in Charms today. I thought someone set their robes on fire for real."
Mon chuckled, adjusting her perfectly unsinged sleeve, "Almost did! But hey, it adds a bit of excitement to the day, right?"
"True that,” Tee grinned, “By the way, I've been meaning to ask you about something. You're serious about wanting to be a healer, right?"
Mon nodded, her eyes lighting up with enthusiasm. "I’m not sure how serious I am but Healing magic fascinates me. Plus, Charms is actually my strongest fort so ... .I may or may not be thinking of applying for an apprenticeship at St Mungo's after Hogwarts."
Tee's eyes widened with interest. "Well, you do know, both of my parents are professional healers. So, if you're serious about it, maybe I can drop a word or two, you know, vouch for you. And who knows, you could come by to the hospital for a visit."
Mon's eyes lit up with gratitude. "Really? That would be amazing, Tee! I'd appreciate any help I can get."
"Consider it done.” Tee winked, “You've got potential, Mon, while I have zero interest in following their footsteps. So, just let me know and I'll arrange a visit or something. Maybe you can even see some real-life healing in action - though it can be ugly.."
As they went separate ways down the corridors to different classes, Mon felt a bit light-weighted thinking of her future prospects after Hogwarts. Her mind wandered off to Sam who a month ago, after attending some career counselling with Mcgonagall, had the guts to tell her grandma of her wishes to be a potioneer on Christmas.
Sam said it was super tense and her grandma didn’t speak to her for almost two days but she eventually came around. Though now, Mon occasionally can’t help but to think of how the two of them might have to part longer than before since they will both be bound to be in two different paths.
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One evening, Mon decided to take a detour to the girls' lavatory to freshen up after a particularly hectic Transfiguration class. As she pushed the door open, she was met with an unexpected sight.
Sam, standing in front of the sink, looked like she was caught in the midst of a battle with the school sink. Her nose was red, and her expression seemed to alternate between wanting to blow her nose and wash her face. Mon couldn't help but suppress a giggle at the sight.
Her footsteps echoed, and Sam's head snapped up, her eyes initially displaying murderous intent. However, when she saw Mon reflected in the mirror, her expression softened.
"Hey, Sam," Mon greeted, a mischievous smile playing on her lips. "It’s too late to be Rudolph the Reindeer, don’t you think?"
Sam sighed, her shoulders slumping. "Those stupid Bouncing Bulbs got the better of me today. I think they've formed an alliance against me."
Mon chuckled, walking closer. "Need a hand? Or a quick fix?”
Sam sighed, looking very much annoyed still. "Fix me please.”
“Hold still,” Mon took her wand, swished it in motion to Sam’s nose and her spell must’ve worked considering Sam’s nose wasn’t red anymore and the small cuts on the girl’s cheeks were gone too. “You know you should consider wearing a helmet in Herbology at this rate.”
“Right, Miss Lifesaver.” Sam rolled her eyes but couldn't hide the smile that tugged at her lips. “If Professor Longbottom asked me to re-pot those bulbs again, I would burn each and every single one of those plants.”
Mon laughed, "Well, you're in one piece now. Anything else I can help with?"
“Yes,” Sam looked around, making sure there wasn’t anyone - or any ghosts, before pouting her lips, “Maybe one kiss will make me feel much better.”
“What an opportunist!” Mon uttered, before willingly gave the girl not one - but countless kisses.
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Mon thought her expertised in healing charms exponentially increase this year; not only because she had learned and mastered new ones; but some where she had to apply often as Sam was constantly in some sort of bleeding state post-Herbology lessons and the girl refuse to go to Hospital Wing so Mon was her personal healer.
“...we finally hit the jackpot with that one, Sam!”
Mon was having her early dinner with Jim at Gryffindor’s table and saw a group of Ravenclaws walking in; looking very much haggard in appearance including Sam whose hair appeared a bit dishevelled. Mon couldn't help but be curious about their escapade.
“...did you see how I trapped those sneaky little…”
And just as Sam was about to sit at the Ravenclaw table. Mon decided to call her over. "Sam! Over here!" Mon waved, trying to catch Sam's attention.
Sam, spotting Mon, made her way over, a tired but satisfied smile on her face. "Hey. Mind if I join you two for a bit?"
"Of course not. What's got you looking like you just wrestled a Hippogriff?" Jim took a big chunk of the chicken drumstick while she eyed Sam up and down.
Sam scoffed, "Close, but it was a Snargaluff plant. Kade, Opp, and I spent hours trying to pacify it. Finally got it under control."
Mon raised an eyebrow, "A Snargaluff? Those things are dangerous. How did you manage?"
Sam leaned in, her eyes sparkling with mischief, "Well, that's where the triumph comes in. We may or may not have used a few unconventional methods, but the plant is subdued now."
“Unconventional, huh?” Mon squinted her eyes suspiciously, “I can only imagine….”
And later when they were both doing their nightly prefect rounds, Sam revealed to her that she had sneakily cut some of the vines from the Snargaluff to store it as her test-ingredient for future potions brewing.
Mon's eyes widened, "Sam, you can't just experiment with magical plants without knowing what they—"
Sam interrupted, "I know, I know. But imagine the potions and magical properties we could discover! It's like a treasure trove waiting to be explored."
Mon sighed, a mix of horror and amusement on her face. "You and your experiments. Just be careful, okay? I don't want to find out you turned yourself blue or something."
Sam grinned, "Don't worry, I'll be cautious. Besides, you will fix me up if anything goes wrong, won't you?"
Mon couldn't help but smile. "True. But just promise you won't go too overboard. I'd like to keep dating you in a form where I don't see you bleeding or hurt every other week."
Sam hummed, grabbing Mon’s hand, kissing it as a promise.
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Hogsmeade was bustling with students enjoying a break from the rigorous routines especially the sixths and seventh years with their tight schedule. Mon and Yuki found a spot at the very cramped Three Broomsticks, sipping on butterbeer and enjoying the warmth of the cosy atmosphere. She had asked Sam to join but the girl rejected stating she had a last minute reading to do.
“Mon, have you heard about the rumours?” Yuki randomly asked, as always the girl has a knack of knowing everything that goes about the school sometimes.
“What rumours?”
“The love potions rumour,” Yuki leaned closer and lowered her voice, “Some girls were talking about getting love potion stocks from someone who makes it in the school itself. They’re saying it’s really effective too.”
“That’s strange…” Mon frowned, “I mean obviously everyone knows it's banned in school but I do know some students might smuggle some from Weasleys Wizard Wheezes but to personally brew it…”
“Have the prefects looked into it?”
“I’m not sure,” Mon shrugged, “but love potions can be quite dangerous.”
Yuki nodded, “Agreed. But who could it be? It's not like we have any suspicious characters in our year…
The both of them pondered and Mon decided to do a little snooping the whole week. Rumours can be utterly ridiculous but this one was a huge possibility that it’s true and oh, how she seethed when she realised who was behind it.
Mon did her usual night rounds prefect duties rather swiftly that night and quickly rushed to the seventh floor. Remembering the tip she heard about waiting nearby the tapestry of Barnabas the Barmby teaching a group of trolls. She waited and waited, and suddenly a door emerged from the wall and out came a 5th year Gryffindor girl, looking all pleased as she hurriedly scampered back to her dorm, not noticing Mon hiding.
But what surprised her the most was her suspicion, coming out from the same room; confidently before her face contorted to shock when Mon made herself known.
“Just what are you doing Sam?”
“Mon, it’s not what you think it is…” Sam looked around guiltily.
“Oh, what do you think I’m thinking?” Mon took a step forward, gazing hard at Sam who looked like a deer caught in headlights.
“That girl…that just came out? You saw her didn’t you?”
“Yes.”
“First thing first,” Sam gulped, “I’m not having some sort of affair behind your back. Second, I was just…I was helping her out.”
“Sam,” Mon spoke in a disapproving tone, “I heard about the love potions. Please tell me it’s not true. Or it’s not you.”
“But they’re harmless.”
“Harmless? Sam, you can't control how people use those potions. What if someone gets hurt?”
“Hurt? People use those for crushes. What’s the harm?” Sam asked defensively.
“The harm is in the lack of consent.” Mon raised her voice, “You, a prefect, and of all people should know about this better.”
Sam crossed her arms, “People do it all the time. It’s not that serious, Mon”
“It is serious, Sam.” Mon answered firmly.
“I’m not mainly brewing love potions; I’m just doing some minor, harmless ones in exchange of ingredients. I don’t even charge them with Galleons.” Sam defended.
“Besides, I’ve also invented new ones along the way.”
“That doesn't make it right, Sam!” Mon frustrates, “You can't just brew potions in school without considering the consequences.”
“I really don’t mean any harm,” Sam softened, “I just wanted to create something unique, something people could deemed useful.”
Mon sighed, knowing Sam has been passionately devoted to her potioneer path ever since her grandma has accepted her choice. “There has to be a better way, Sam. We need to find a solution that aligns with the school rules and our values.”
Sam nodded, resigning at their argument. “Okay, but I need your help to find another outlet for my potion making.”
“Sure,” Mon outstretched her hand, waiting for the girl to take it, which Sam did like a sulking child while Mon soothed. “Don’t worry, I know your talents won’t go to waste. Proper opportunities will surely arrive to you soon.”