Most of the magical creatures were safe within the forest, and did not wander out of the protective growth. However, on this night, shining in the moonlight, just a little ways from the dark canopy of trees, a large silver stag pawed the ground, impatiently. It seemed to be waiting for something, glancing at the moon, as if it could tell him when the awaited would arrive.
A mournful wind whispered through the trees, and the stag stood still, listening. Its ears pricked as the vibrations through the forest floor told him something was approaching. Closer, and closer. In the limited night, it could see the low shape of a silver wolf, snarling softly.
Lowering its magnificent head, the stag gazed at the wolf, walking slowly closer. A small edge of panic slivered itself into the stag�s brain, but James Potter shoved it away. He would have no need for that, no need at all. The deer knew not that this wolf would not harm him, but he did. The wolf slowly relaxed, easing out of his crouching position, he rolled over on the dark grass and gave the deer a mournful look.
"So, Remus, how�d it go?" James whispered softly, shaking the deer�s head. He too lay down on the grass, the best his deer legs could allow. The other remained silent and James stared at the wolf, his friend.
He sighed, shaking the deer�s body, ridding himself of small, dull aches throughout his body. The change from human to deer was painful, despite the fact that he was a fully qualified Animagi, a wizard with the powers to change into an animal, on will. An unregistered Animagi. For even grown wizards, becoming Animagi required years of diligent study, backed by the Ministry of Magic and powerful magic, in case anything went wrong. But they had none of that. Himself, Sirius Black, and Peter Pettigrew.
It was one of the hardest challenges in James�s seventeen years in the wizarding world, but he had to do it. How many times had he thought of backing out, finding alternate solutions? James frowned the best a deer could, recalling the last two years that his friends had spent training to become Animagi.
They didn�t do it for fun, but out of necessity. Even now, he could not recall where he could have found the bravery needed to continue, but the answer always came to him. He was in Gryffindor, one of the four Hogwarts school houses, the one for the brave. Indeed, all of his friends were in Gryffindor, even the wolf, Remus Lupin.
By far, Remus was the strangest of all his friends, for once or twice every month, he would fall ill, as regular as clockwork. As regular as lunar phases. In their fourth year of study at Hogwarts, his friends had concluded the awful truth, Remus Lupin was a werewolf.
At that time, James and his other friends began to study the art of Animagi. They were in danger as humans when Remus was in his full-moon state, so they had to become animals. Now, in their final year at Hogwarts, they had succeeded. Now, Remus transformed in the company of his friends, and ran about the Forbidden Forest, carefree and happy. But most importantly, not a single human lived in the forest, making the presence of a werewolf perfectly agreeable.
Remus affixed his wolfish eyes on the silver stag and shivered slightly, quickly standing. Slowly, James rose to his feet, his deer�s ears flickering to catch any sound, and indeed, someone was coming. Judging from the patterns of vibrations, Remus frowned, "James! It�s a human!"
His friend nodded quickly, and watched the wolf disappear into the depths of the forest, before running towards the school himself. In the dark, James could see someone walking cautiously, quickly approaching the forest. With a sigh, he switched into his human body, and wished he had the deer�s quick instincts and hearing, for he felt particularly vulnerable, so close to the forest.
Running a hand down his black wizard�s robes, James gripped his wand tightly, while his mind thought quickly of explanations for his presence near the Forbidden Forest in the dead of night. Unfortunately, before he could settle on anything concrete, the glowing light of a wand reached his eyes. Lighting his own wand with a whisper of "Lumos!" and a twirl of the now lighted wand, James hurried towards the approaching one.
It would probably be Sirius, for he too had arranged to meet them down at the forest, but since Sirius was Animagus, wouldn�t he have transfigured into his gigantic, bear-like dog form? He knew the dangers of Remus as a werewolf . . . James shivered, despite his warm cloak. The cold night air teased his spine, sending tingles along it. He frowned, it couldn�t be Sirius, and it probably was not Peter either, who had asked to remain in Gryffindor Tower to finish an essay for Transfiguration class. But then, who was it?
The figure approached, and in the limited wand light, James could clearly see who it was. Lucius Malfoy, a fellow Hogwarts student, but belonging to the rival school house, Slytherin. Yes, Malfoy perfectly fitted the description of a Slytherin; one with great hunger for power, and would do anything to achieve their goals. But all who thought of that particular house knew of its dark side. It produced far more dark wizards and witches than the other houses combined. In fact, the Dark Lord, (James shivered at the though of him) Lord Voldemort, was believed to be a Slytherin, himself.
"Potter, what may you be doing here?" Malfoy snarled, an evil smile plastered on his face, "You can�t afford to loose any more house points for Gryffindor, now can you?"
"Then may I ask," James answered, glaring at the other, wand clutched tightly in hand, "What is the purpose of your visit down to the forest?"
Malfoy burst out laughing, "I do believe the headmaster did clearly state that all students must stay away from the Forbidden Forest, but of course - Head Boy, the wonderful, brave Gryffindor, James Potter, has to trek out here, just to prove that�s he�s brave enough. But then, all your kind consider yourself above the rules, do they not?"
"You dare insult Gryffindor?" Hatred blinding his eyes, James felt his heart beat increasing, staring hatefully at Malfoy. But the other held his wand at his side as well, "So what shall it be Potter? I hear Gryffindors are all for glory. How about this, a duel, you and me, for the glory of Gyffindor! Withdraw and -"
"Expelliarmus!" James screamed, hoping to use the disarming charm to take Malfoy�s wand away before the other could do any damage. However, his spell bounced off Malfoy�s shower of orange sparks which were flying from his wand, illuminating the dark sky. James�s mind whirled through the charms, spells and curses he had learned during his time at this school, and finally settled on the best one, "Stupefy!"
The jet of golden sparks flew from James�s wand, as his stunning spell hit Malfoy, who, however, had blocked it with a shielding charm, "Finite Incantatem!" casting the sparks off into the forest. For the longest second of James�s life, they both stared at each other, Malfoy laughing viciously.
"Wingardium Leviosa!" Malfoy screamed the simple spell, but at the same moment, James had also commanded his wand with the spell, "Mobilarbus!" After a split second of complete astonishment, James found himself suspended in the air by the flying charm, and Malfoy by his side, raised above the ground with help from James�s hover charm.
"Wow!" Malfoy gasped, smiling feebly, "How �bout we continue this on the ground?"
However, James was not given that choice. "Expelliarmus!" Both Hogwarts students stared at each other, wide - eyed, as their wands flew from their hands and into the hand of another. James gawked at his wand, clenched in the left fist of the last person James wanted to see that night. It was one of the most powerful wizards, Professor Dippit, the Headmaster of Hogwarts. Behind him, Malfoy shuffled his feet and gulped nervously, but James just stared, wishing that he could just disappear . . .
"Come with me," Professor Dippit, waved a long finger in their direction and headed toward the castle. Malfoy and James exchanged a look, but they could do nothing, but follow the tall, gnarled, tree-like wizard through the tall, dark, swishing grass. No one made a sound as they entered Hogwarts castle and walked into the large Entrance Hall, where James was relieved to see two others waiting patiently. One of the others, which James recognized to be the head, and the founder of his own house, Professor Godric Gryffindor, looked pleased to see him, but the other, clearly was not. Professor Salazar Slytherin frowned, and pulled his wand from his robes, he too was a powerful wizard, the founder and the head of Slytherin house.
Professor Dippit offered a brief nod to each of the wizards and headed up a flight of long stairs, which, from past experience, James knew lead to his office. Shivering slightly, James looked to Professor Gyffindor for help, and was answered by an understanding smile. His spirits lifted, maybe he was not to be punished after all! But what excuse did he have for wandering in the bush at night?
He did not have long to think of a reason, because the headmaster had already ushered them into his large, circular office, and had fixed a stern look on him. Eyes narrowed, Professor Dippit whispered harshly, "Potter, Malfoy, explain yourselves."
"I . . ." Malfoy began, but was at a loss for words, and gazed at Professor Slytherin for help. However, it was Professor Gryffindor who spoke next. "Headmaster, we all know why James was in the Forbidden Forest, just look out the window for your answer."
The headmaster turned his head and gazed out the window. James continued from there, "It�s a full moon tonight, sir, and, well, Remus was transforming and I wanted to be there . . ." He trailed off, remembering that no one else knew that he were Animagi, "I decided to transfigure myself into a deer, to watch over him. Professor Dumbledore showed me how to do it, especially, sir." James crossed his fingers behind his back and hoped that he would have time to tip off his favorite teacher, Professor Albus Dumbledore, who taught Transfiguration at Hogwarts.
Breathing a sigh of frustration, Professor Dippit seemed satisfied and turned to Malfoy, "And you, young man?"
"I . . ." Malfoy whispered again, "I wanted to be there to study wolfsbane, the herb, in its natural habitat, for Professor Slytherin�s potions class!" James rolled his eyes. Malfoy was a pathetic liar. Wolfsbane was found only in North America, not England. The Potions Master noticed this and James watched him scowl at Malfoy.
"I know that the house cup means a lot to both of you and your houses," Professor Dippit started slowly, and everyone listened. For righteous deeds, Hogwarts students were awarded house points, which were taken away with every wrong doing. The house, Slytherin, Gryffindor, or any of the other Hogwarts houses, Ravenclaw, or Hufflepuff, with the most points would win a large house cup. Malfoy and James nodded miserably, they both knew what was to happen . . .
"For your night wandering," Professor Dippit continued, "Potter, you shall lose twenty points, for at least you had a reason to be out of Hogwarts, but you, Malfoy, you shall lose fifty points. Oh yes, wolfsbane is not found in England, you may want to clear that up with Professor Slytherin. A further five points for lying, and another five for not knowing where wolfsbane is found. And . . ."
"But . . . !" Professor Slytherin protested, "You favor Gryffindor, Headmaster! If I had my way . . ." He pulled out his wand, and so did Professor Gryffindor, "Back down Slytherin, or answer to my wand!"
"I was not finished," Professor Dippit frowned, and waited for the two professors to calm down, "During the first seven weeks of school, I have addressed various reported problems between your houses.
"Yes, we all know that Gryffindor and Slytherin are opposing houses, but for the sake of the house cup, I have had fifty students injured, over half, severely. I will allow no more of this nonsense. One more incident, no matter how tiny, and I shall begin expulsions. Do I make myself clear?"
"Yes, sir." Malfoy echoed, rather pale, "Can I go, sir?"
"Yes," The headmaster sighed, handing James and Malfoy their wands, "Both of you, go, return to your houses. Hopefully, this incident is the last of its kind I shall ever have to address."
"It shall be, sir." Professor Slytherin swept himself and his student from the office, leaving James rather shaken, clutching his wand. Professor Gryffindor offered James a reassuring smile and together, they left Professor Dippit�s office, and walked along the large, darkened hallways of the castle and headed towards Gryffindor Tower.
Each of the four Hogwarts houses had its own tower with an entrance hidden somewhere within the castle, presently, James and Professor Gryffindor stopped before a large portrait of a fat lady in a flowing pink silk dress. More commonly known as the Fat Lady, this portrait was the doorway into Gryffindor Tower and opening it required a special password known only to Gryffindors.
Like all portraits and artifacts in the castle, the Fat Lady was alive, and could leave her painting to visit with others. Fortunately, when most Gryffindor students wanted to enter their tower, she was almost always there, for if she was not, the portrait hole could not be opened. Professor Gryffindor walked up to the Fat Lady, but to James�s surprise, did not enter. Instead, he turned towards James, whispering, "Where�s Sirius? I haven�t seen him anywhere."
James smiled sadly, "I don�t know what is wrong, Professor, but he seems rather withdrawn, and spends an awful long time in the library. Maybe pre-exam anxieties?"
"Could you find out?" Professor Gryffindor whispered, James nodded in reply, whispering the password to the Fat Lady. He quickly ran into the Gryffindor Common Room and bade Professor Gryffindor good night at the portrait hole.
Climbing the stairs to the boy�s dormitory, he let himself in quietly, and searched through his trunk at the end of his four-poster bed to find something missing. Smiling to himself, he knew perfectly well where Sirius was. Giving the room which housed four seventh year Gryffindor boys, himself, Remus, Sirius, and Peter, he quickly ran back down to the Fat Lady and pushed her portrait open.
Running quickly down to the Hogwarts library, he paused for a moment, considering the trouble he could be in if anyone found him lurking around Hogwarts in the middle of the night. The library was closed, of course, and the doors were also locked. James fished out his wand and pointed the opening charm at the door, "Alohomora!"
The large ebony door slowly clicked open, and James hurried inside, closing the door softly behind him. Even in broad daylight, with all the torches lit, the library was rather dark, between all the towering walls of books, but now, it was impossible. Almost. James whispered a few words to light up his wand and walked to where he was sure he would find his friend. Softly walking up to the table where the four friends usually sat, James saw no one, but he knew better. James called to his friend whispering softly, "Sirius! I know you�re there, and you have my Invisibility Cloak!"
Sure enough, the soft, deep voice of his friend came back, "But James! You said I could use your Invisibility Cloak!" James laughed, he had spent practically forever saving up for his light, silvery cloak that could make its wearer invisible. But finally last year, he had finally be able to obtain it, to the delight of his friends.
"Sirius," James began, rather cautiously, "Why are you hiding here? In the dark? You seem to be spending a long time in the library alone. Do you need help with your Transfiguration?"
"No," His friend sighed, and slipped off the invisibility cloak, pushing it across the table, "I just like it here."
"It was Remus�s night," James began, but Sirius gazed at him, shocked, "You mean, it was a full moon out? Oh, I�m so sorry! I should have been there and . . ."
"That�s okay." His friend shrugged, and quickly filled him in on his trip to Professor Dippit�s office, including the threat of expulsion, at which the other frowned at. James frowned, pulling out a chair and sitting opposite to Sirius, "You haven�t told me why you�re sitting in the dark."
"The dark matches my mood. I can think better." Sirius groaned, staring at his friend, "I have to think."
The other Gryffindor studied his friend. They both had raven-black hair, although James always seemed to stick out more, and Sirius was more like the dog he had chosen to become Animagi with. James sighed, "What do you mean, think better? Is anything the matter? Is it school? I could always help you . . ."
"No," Sirius moaned, yet again, "It�s just that . . . that . . . Lily, well, she said that she wouldn�t go . . . with me, to the Yule Ball. You know, the annual Christmas dance held here at Hogwarts? And she said she wanted to go with someone else!"
Lily? James smiled, she was one of their friends, Head Girl this year at Hogwarts. Also in her seventh year at Hogwarts, Lily was an outstanding student, and James knew perfectly why she had refused to go to the Yule Ball with Sirius . . . he had already asked her to go with him, and she had agreed! James smiled and shook his head, "So, you�re just desperate for a date for the Christmas Yule Ball? Come on Sirius! That�s over two months away! I haven�t even thought of that yet! Anyway, the closest holiday now, is Halloween tomorrow. Hogwarts always does something for that, remember the decorated Great Hall?"
"Yeah," Sirius sighed, "I�m here, waiting for Lily. She usually comes around in the mornings to study. At least we�re still friends . . . and I�ll bet that over the course of the next two month�s I�ll find someone willing to go with me!"
"Come on," James smiled, picking up the Invisibility Cloak off the table, "Let�s head back to Gryffindor Tower for a few hours of sleep before tomorrow. I hear Professor Dumbledore�s going to give us a surprise Transfiguration test tomorrow . . ."
"Transfiguration?" Sirius laughed and got up, "I�ll do fine in that . . . Hey, if all else fails, do you think I can conjure up someone to go to the ball with me?"
"Sure, Sirius," Laughing, James rolled his eyes, and reaching to open the library door, "Whatever you say . . ."
"Shh, Malfoy!" Sirius warned, raising a hand for quiet, he put his head to the door and so did James. Through the thick wood, Malfoy�s voice filtered through, dripping with venom, "Oh Great Mighty Gryffindor James Potter thinks he can get the better of lowly Slytherin Malfoy, does he? Do all Gryffindors snub their noses at Slytherins? I had to put up with it before, but no longer! Not with my new alliance! With it, Gryffindor shall be no more!"
"Alliance?" Sirius whispered, "James, what is he talking about? An alliance with whom?"
James shrugged and pushed his ear into the door even further, what did Malfoy mean? Destroy Gryffindor? He and Sirius exchanged a look of pure shock, and Sirius whispered, "Let�s get out of here . . ."
From underneath Sirius�s hand, the door knob slowly twisted, and the door slid slowly open. Someone was coming in here! James�s heart flew up into his throat and quickly threw the Invisibility Cloak onto himself and Sirius, hiding them from view.
A dark shape filled the doorway, and advanced towards them. Panic seized James, the cloak blocked him and Sirius from view, but the figure advanced further, and James was surprised to see Malfoy wearing a pair of large green-tinted glasses. He and Sirius both knew what those were, Invisibility Revelers. Magically green tinted glass could see through any invisibility spell and even Invisibility Cloaks!
All Malfoy needed to do now, was to glance around the library, to see both James and Sirius. With the smooth fabric of the cloak over them, Sirius glanced quickly around their options for an escape route. There were none. Malfoy stood in the only door to the large room. They were trapped!