CHAPTER SIXTEEN Leaving the Nest

Remus came bounding into the common room, a roll of parchment tucked under his arm. He collapsed onto the worn, leather couch next to Ophelia and Talia.

"What's wrong with you?" asked Talia, as Remus struggled to catch his breath.

"N-Noah an-and Helena... are leaving." he said, handing the letter to his sister. "They sent this today."

"Dear Remus, Ophelia and Talia," she began. "Your mother and I sincerely hope you are enjoying your school year thus far. We are moving to our estate in Versailles. We do not expect you to come with us, as we realize your home will always be in Edinburgh. However, Helena and I feel we can do no more in raising you. We would like you to spend the summer with us, but after that, you are free to do as you please. Our best wishes, Noah & Helena."

Talia and Ophelia exchanged a confused look. "They're... leaving?" asked Talia.

Remus grinned. "Have they ever been there, really?"

"But why now?" said Opehlia. "What can they do in France that they can't at the Manor?"

"You want them to stay?" Remus answered. "I doubt we'll even notice their absence."

Talia shrugged. "We can still visit them. I mean, they're not cutting us out of their lives, right?"

"It says they want us to come for holiday." said Ophelia. "Which kind of ruins our plans for the Animagi potion."

"Not necessarily." Remus answered, lowering his voice slightly. "James is certain that he's figured out how to properly brew it next time. He wants to try it again over break."

As if on cue, Sirius and James ran into the room.

"We... borrowed.. the last ingredient for our potion from Professor Caery's bureau." said Sirius. "If it ever comes up, we were with you, studying for...."

"Arithmancy?" Talia suggested.

"Sure. That sounds good." he agreed.

"Neither of you take Arithmancy." Ophelia reminded them.

Remus quickly told his friends about their new situation and it was agreed that they would attempt the potion for a third time over winter holiday.

Upon returning to the Manor, they had three weeks at their utter disposal, but it was used wisely and meticulously, paying special attention to every detail no matter how insignificant Peter deemed it.

By the end of their last day at the Lupines, they had finally gotten the potion right. It would have to ferment for the next seven months and would be ready for James, Peter and Sirius to take during the August full moon. Remus, Talia and Ophelia would not be there to oversee it, but they also wouldn't be needed.

"I wonder what animal I'm going to be?" said James, as they were taking a much needed break in the sitting room.

"A pig." giggled Lily, taking a sip of pumpkin juice.

"Ha ha." he replied dryly. "No, I'll be a lion." James imitated a growl.

"Maybe a kitten." said Sirius. "But don't worry, I'll protect you."

"Why? Think you're going to be a bear?" scoffed Ophelia. "Right."

"I will too."

"I'm going to be an eagle." said Peter, eager to join the conversation.

"Maybe a sparrow, Pete." answered Remus quietly.

The rest of the night's conversation went along these lines, with animals such as porcupines (Sirius), wombats (James) and sloths (Pete) being thrown out as suggestions.

They returned to school and their studies. Only Lily, Remus and Talia were wholly focused on their daily classwork. Ophelia spent most of her free time with James and Peter, going over their notes to make sure they hadn't made any mistakes that could prove fatal.

The potion was perfect. The quantities were exact down to the millimeter. There had been no miscalculations.

When it was time for Talia, Remus and Ophelia to leave for France, they left without any doubts that the transformation would go wrong in even the slightest way.

The next time they would see their friends, Sirius, James and Peter would be Hogwarts' youngest Animagi.

So that's the end of the first book in the Dark Side series. From here on out, it's smooth sailing and good reading. No more of the "Spring-turned-into-summer-turned-into-autumn" style of writing. A promise is a promise, and thank you for sticking it out this far. From here on, it only gets better. The sequel, The Lost Days, is posted and follows the Marauders in Fifth to Seventh Years. Be sure to check it out.