Chapter 171: Brewing Storms (4)

James Potter was quite sure this birthday was nowhere near his top five. Catherine was stuck serving detention with Thorne, Sirius was probably busy snogging Marianne in some broom closet, and here he was—stuck in the Gryffindor Common Room, trying (and failing) not to stare at Lily and Greg, who were cozily huddled in front of the fireplace laughing and chatting with a group of fifth-years, appearing perfectly happy.

"You might want to blink occasionally, you know." – Remus said, a smirk playing on his lips. James shot him an irritated glare.

"I thought I was cool." – he grumbled miserably – "How did I end up like this? No party, no girlfriend, and only half of my friends?"

"Flame should be back soon." – Peter said in a cheerful attempt to lift the mood– "Do you want me to get Nora? We can still throw you a party."

James scoffed, shaking his head. "Nah, it'd be forced at this point. Besides, I'm not expecting anything special..."

Before he could finish his sentence, the portrait hole swung open, and Catherine rushed in, her face flushed and hair slightly dishevelled, her green eyes blazing with excitement.

"Hurry up!" – she practically squeaked, her tone urgent. When the boys just stared at her, bewildered, she huffed impatiently – "Are you deaf? There's a thunderstorm outside!"

James' eyes widened, his gloom instantly replaced with enthusiasm. "Really?" - he sprang to his feet - "Now that's more like it! Let's go!"

"Where's Sirius?" – Catherine asked, scanning the room.

"Not here." - Peter replied, his face pale but his eyes gleaming at the prospect of the upcoming adventure.

"Thanks, Peter, I could gather that much." – the young witch snapped, her voice tinged with annoyance - "Honestly, why am I not surprised?"

"Don't worry, Flame." - James interjected quickly, trying to keep Catherine from getting too frustrated - "You and Peter head to the Astronomy Tower. I'll grab the Invisibility Cloak and find Sirius. He can't be far."

Catherine scoffed and stormed out of the Common Room, Peter trailing after her, while James dashed to the dormitory. He quickly rummaged through the chest at the foot of his bed, grabbed the Invisibility Cloak, and was about to leave when Remus appeared.

"I'm coming with you." – he announced flatly.

"You are?" – the other boy blinked in surprise – "I thought you wanted no part of this."

"I didn't." – Moony replied, his expression weary – "But you didn't listen and went ahead with that insane plan anyway. Now, I'm involved whether I like it or not. I'm coming to make sure you're alright. If you all drink the potion and something goes wrong, someone needs to be there to help."

"Nothing's going to go wrong." – James grinned, heading toward the door– "The potion's flawless. Flame knows what she's doing. But honestly, it'll be good to have you there with us."

"Not everyone feels that way." – Remus sighed – "I don't know what Sirius is trying to prove with his ridiculous behaviour, but I'm done apologising."

"He's just being stubborn." – the other boy said as they left the Common Room - "I think he's still upset that Flame chose you over him. And yeah, I know it's not like that, but he's so pissed, he can't see past his own jealousy."

"That's his problem." – Remus shrugged – "Instead of acting like a fool and groping Marianne every chance he gets, he could have just got his act together and asked Catherine out."

"I think he convinced himself she'd reject him straight away." - James said, a hint of sadness in his voice - "I'd have thought otherwise, but after that stunt he pulled in front of her, rejection is probably the most likely outcome now."

Taking a turn toward the stairs to the sixth floor, the two Gryffindors came face to face with the very person they were discussing. 

"What are you doing here at this hour?" – Sirius exclaimed, surprised, his eyes narrowing slightly when he saw Remus.

"Looking for you, obviously!" – James snapped – "There's a thunderstorm outside, the potion's ready. It's time! Let's go! Flame and Peter are waiting on top of the Astronomy Tower."

"Does it have to be now?!" – Sirius yawned, giving Moony a sideways glance – "I'm tired, and it's your birthday. Isn't there some sort of party?"

"Stop beating around the bush and just say what you mean." - Remus said coldly, though hurt flickered in his amber eyes.

"I don't know what you're talking about." - Sirius shrugged stubbornly - "But, honestly, I'm not sure I'm still on board with this Animagus thing. It sounds risky, and we'll be in a heap of trouble if we get caught, not just with the school. Besides, he's survived without us so far—clearly our presence isn't vital."

"Are you fucking kidding me?" – James growled, his frustration etched on his face – "After everything we've done—figuring out how to be with Moony, gathering the ingredients, brewing the potion—you come up with this lame excuse?"

"It's not an excuse." – Sirius replied, taken aback by his best friend's anger – "I'm allowed to change my mind about something so dangerous, aren't I?" 

"Do what you want!" - James snapped, his voice thick with disappointment - "But I hope you can handle the consequences of your actions. You're angry at Remus, but it's not his fault Catherine kissed him—it's yours! You never had the guts to tell her how you felt, and she's completely clueless about it. That's on you, not him. Remus has been your friend for years, and now you're refusing to support him because of your pride? I thought better of you, mate. Do we really mean so little to you? Make your choice, but I hope you can live with it once your anger fades."

With that, James turned his back on the stunned Sirius and dragged the equally surprised Remus along.

"You didn't need to do that. He's free to decide for himself." - Remus muttered as they climbed the stairs towards the top of the tower, the sound of the raging storm growing louder with each step.

"No one's arguing that." - James replied firmly - "But someone had to make him face reality. We've left him too long in an echo chamber of his own delusions. I believe he'll do the right thing."

They finally reached the top of the Astronomy Tower where Catherine and Peter were waiting by the door leading to the tower's peak. Four goblets lay at the young witch's feet, each already filled with the Animagi Potion, while she held four small wooden boxes.

"I put everyone's leaves in separate boxes." - she explained, noticing James' questioning look - "Ah, Moony, you came too! Where's Sirius?"

"Uh, he..." - James began, but he was interrupted by the sound of approaching footsteps. All eyes turned to see Sirius emerging from the shadows.

"About time." – Catherine snapped, thrusting the boxes at the boys.

"Careful, Flame, or you may turn into a wasp." - Sirius grinned, earning an eye-roll from the girl as she stepped outside into the pouring rain with her goblet.

"You changed your mind?" – James asked, a teasing glint in his eyes. Sirius didn't respond, heading straight for Remus instead. He placed a hand on the other boy's shoulder.

"I'm sorry, Moony." – Sirius apologised sincerely – "I know I've been a complete arse. But James is right. We've been friends since day one, and I…"

"It's alright, Sirius." – Remus interrupted, offering a small smile – "Let's just move on."

"I can't forget how I behaved." – the other wizard said, shaking his head – "But I promise, I'll make it up to you. The full moon's going to be the best time of your life from now on." 

With renewed determination, Sirius dashed out into the rain, dropping the leaf from his box into the potion. The liquid hissed, silver sparks flickering across its surface.

"Are you all ready?" – Catherine shouted, her words muffled by the crashing thunder.

"Yes!" - the three boys shouted, while Remus stood a little apart, his face pale and etched with worry.

The four teenagers drained their goblets in one go. "Arcanum Anima!" - they yelled in unison, their voices merging with the roar of the storm. A bright flash of lightning tore across the night sky, illuminating the scene as Remus watched his friends almost simultaneously collapse to their knees, their bodies shaking violently.

Peter screamed, though the sound was swallowed by the thunder. Sirius' muscles were twitching uncontrollably as his hands twisted into paws. His shoulders cracked as they transformed into the powerful, compact frame of a large black dog, thick fur bursting everywhere.

James writhed on the ground, bones grinding and shifting beneath his skin. His arms stretched outward, fingers merging and hardening painfully into hooves. His face elongated, nose and mouth pushing forward into a stag's muzzle, coarse fur sprouting as antlers extended from his skull.

A few paces away, Peter convulsed as his body seemed to collapse in on itself, ribs tightening, spine compressing, and limbs shortening rapidly until he was crouched low to the ground. A wave of nausea hit him, and he retched as his face transformed into a pointed snout. His fingers and toes melded into tiny claws, and his nose twitched as new, overwhelming scents bombarded his senses.

Remus looked at his friends with a mix of awe and prickling anxiety. Another flash of lightning lit up the scene, and his eyes darted around, searching for Catherine. He finally recognised the velvety black fur of a panther merging with the night's darkness. The vivid jade green eyes, with slitted pupils, made it clear this was the young witch.

No more than thirty seconds had passed before the four Gryffindors reverted to their human forms, panting and groaning on the rain-soaked stone, the storm drenching them as they lay sprawled on the tower floor.

"Bloody hell! This feels awful!" – James groaned, adjusting his glasses – "Did we make it past the one-minute mark?"

"I don't think so, mate." – Sirius growled, trying to stand – "Now I get what they meant by feeling uncomfortable after an unsuccessful transformation. It's like my body parts didn't shift back to the right places. It feels horrible. Can we try again now? I don't want to stay like this until the next damn storm!"

Peter was still on the floor, crying and unable to lift his head. Catherine crawled over with some difficulty, trying to soothe him before answering Sirius.

"I don't think it's recommended." – she said, biting her lower lip in frustration – "We knew there was a good chance we wouldn't get it right on the first try. We just have to tough it out."

"Well, we can't back off now, because that would mean asking for help." – James remarked with a frown – "We'll get it next time. But honestly, how cool was I?! I never thought I'd turn into a stag! I felt so powerful for a moment there."

"Same here." – Sirius grinned – "Although, I wasn't sure if I was a dog or a wolf until I felt the urge to bark."

"I just wanted to hide somewhere." - Peter said, trying to smile through his tears. 

"That's because you turned into a rat, Peter!" – James laughed – "But considering how much Flame hates rodents, your instincts were on point! By the way, didn't I predict you'd turn into a kitten?"

"You do realise I could eat you for dinner in animal form, don't you?" – Catherine smirked, helping Peter to his feet.

"You're welcome to try!" – James laughed – "These antlers aren't just for show."

"Yeah, animal or human, your hair's always a mess—sticking up everywhere." – the girl chuckled as she started heading back inside.

"It's not true!" – the young wizard protested – "It's called style, you know?"

"And what kind of style is that?" - Sirius laughed - "We might as well start calling you Prongs, mate."

"Oh, yeah?" – James shot back, mock-angrily – "And you look like that ghostly dog in Flame's book! What was its name? Padpaw?"

"Padfoot." – Catherine corrected as they carefully descended the tower's stairs.

"I've been called worse." – Sirius grinned as they once again found themselves in the dark, empty corridors – "How are we all going to fit under the cloak?"

"I think that Flame, Moony, and Peter should use it." - James suggested - "Catherine already has detention with Thorne, Remus was just here to support us, and Peter's the smallest. They'll be well-covered."

"Works for me." – Sirius said, throwing the cloak over Catherine's annoyed face.

By some miracle, they reached the Gryffindor Tower without encountering anyone, which was fortunate considering the wet trail they'd left behind.

"Finally." – Catherine sighed, taking off the cloak and handing it to James – "I can't wait to change my clothes. Thunderclap."

The portrait swung forward, allowing the group to quietly enter the seemingly empty Common Room, faintly illuminated by the embers in the fireplace.

"Where have you all been, sneaking around after curfew again?" - Greg McMahon's angry voice suddenly cut through the silence, stopping the fourth-years in their tracks.

"What's wrong with you, sitting alone in the dark like some kind of vampire?" – James shot back, his disdain for the Prefect clear on his face.

"This is not something, I plan on discussing with you." - Greg snapped, his eyes narrowing as he took in their drenched appearance - "Have you been outside again? Perhaps, sneaking into Hogsmeade? I thought Professor Thorne had already taught you how wrong this was."

Catherine's face flushed as she remembered her last encounter with the DADA teacher, but guilt kept her silent, and she decided to stoically endure her brother's scolding without saying a word.

"You really can't help being a prat, can you?" – Sirius said mockingly – "Have you ever broken a single rule in your life? You're so boring, even Binns would look lively next to you."

"You don't know anything about me, Black." – the fifth-year hissed, his blue eyes flashing with anger – "This is your final warning—not to test my patience. My family doesn't take kindly to disrespect."

"Enough of this!" – Catherine intervened firmly – "Let's just go to bed."

"Not so fast." – Greg said, his voice cold – "Twenty points from Gryffindor, and detention with Filch for all of you."

"Bloody wanker!" – Sirius shouted, moving to draw his wand.

"I already have a detention." – Catherine muttered, grabbing her friend's sleeve in order to prevent him from getting into a fight with her brother.

"Now you have two." – Greg smirked, unapologetic – "And if I catch you again, it's straight to Professor Thorne. He's very interested in who sneaks around the castle after dark."

"Yeah, so we don't interrupt him making out with McGonagall in random corners of the school." - Catherine scoffed.

"What?!" – her classmates exclaimed, completely stunned.

"I'll tell you later." – she grinned, but her smile faltered under Greg's furious glare – "Or maybe tomorrow. It's late, and we're all… uncomfortable." 

With a bit of grumbling, James and Sirius headed to their dormitory, Remus and Peter following close behind. Catherine waited until their footsteps had faded, ensuring they were out of earshot, before slowly approaching her brother. He stood with his back to her, staring into the embers of the fireplace.

"Are you still mad at me?" – she asked softly.

"What do you think?" – Greg replied sharply, not turning around – "It seems that once you've made up your mind, nothing else matters—no one else matters. It's all about what you want."

"That's not true." – the young witch said, keeping her voice calm – "We weren't even outside. We only went up to the Astronomy Tower."

"I suppose there's no point in asking why." – the boy sneered, finally turning to face her. Catherine shifted awkwardly, nervously twirling a strand of her short hair.

"It's not my secret to share." - she said, choosing her words carefully - "I know you don't believe me, but I do appreciate how fiercely you try to protect me. What you did with Borealis was incredibly brave, and I'm truly sorry it came to that. It was never my intention for things to end up like that. And as for the true fire—I used it only to protect myself. I'd never… you know… not again."

Greg studied his sister for a moment. She stood less than a meter away, her gaze fixed on the ground, her face slightly flushed. It took him a moment to realise what she was referring to.

"Are you still hung up on that incident from years ago?" – he asked in disbelief – "I never held it against you, did I? I know it wasn't intentional. Just let it go already." 

His words were cut off as Catherine practically launched herself at him, wrapping the young aristocrat in a tight hug. To say Greg was stunned would have been an understatement. This was the first time his sister had ever initiated such an intense physical contact with him. Wondering if he'd somehow fallen asleep and was dreaming, Greg slowly enclosed her in his arms, resting his chin on top of her head.

"You're really soaked." – he said gently – "You'd better change your clothes before you catch a cold."

"I will." – the young witch mumbled, clearly embarrassed – "Would you still help me find out more about the other major Houses?" 

"Of course I will." – the boy nodded – "I promised, didn't I? I'll also try to look into your question about healing werewolves over Easter break." 

"I'm sure you'll have the chance to bring it up." – Catherine smirked – "With me gone, Mum and Dad won't need to hide or pretend to be busy just to avoid me."

"That's never been the case." – Greg insisted firmly – "I know studying Occlumency is important for you, but you could've come home and started lessons with Dad instead of Dumbledore. He's a brilliant Occlumens."

"I doubt he'd want to spend any time with me, let alone teach me." – the girl replied bitterly – "He hasn't bothered to see me once while training you all this time."

"I'm not going to defend him—mostly because I don't know everything that goes through his mind." – the young wizard said thoughtfully – "But I do know that he's always watching out for your safety, even if he doesn't show it. In his mind, he'd rather face your anger and disappointment than risk you getting hurt."

"That's a pretty lousy excuse." – the girl scoffed, turning toward the dormitory.

"I know exactly how he feels, though." – Greg murmured to himself, his eyes lingering on the door she'd just disappeared behind.