Ch 5 the forest

It was quarter to eight and the boys were heading down to Filch's office.

"I hope we don't have to anything to dangerous. Knowing Filch he will be pleased to see us suffer."

"James, you're so negative. Have you ever just loosened up and done something?"

"What do you think I've been doing with you?"

"Ok, but if you never met me, would you still be this bad boy whose gotten another detention?"

"You have a point there mate, I guess I should learn to just give up on school and prepare for the real world."

"Good, now let's just get this detention over with. If Snivellus is there, well, I'd say spending time with him is detention enough."

"Agreed, oh in the name of all that is Merlin, here it is."

"After you mate." Said Sirius and James knocked on the door, expecting the worse.

"Ah, boys, come on in." said a voice in the shadows. James knew the voice to be Filch, and sure enough, when they walked in, Mrs. Norris was sitting on his old rotting desk and Snape was in a chair that looked as if it was going to fall apart.

"Now, first things first, you need to sign your names here. All three of you." Filch glared at Snape when he said this.

"Fine," said Snape and got up and quickly signed his name. Sirius and James did the same and then Filch put the card away and got up from his desk.

"Now, I will be taking you down to Hagrid's cabin. He will be taking you towards the edge of the forest towards the lake. The giant squid is sick and Hagrid needs your help to feed it a special brand of fish eggs. They come from Merpeople and Professor Dumbledore had to have a nice little chat with the Merchief to get these special eggs.

"Hagrid has been mixing the eggs with a special potion Professor Slughorn made up. Hagrid will explain what needs to be done when we get down there.

"Unfortunately, Dumbledore won't let me put you boys under torture like I did in the past. I'd have you screaming and you wouldn't do any bad at school. But enough talk, let's get going."

The four of them walked up towards the Entrance Hall then out the doors towards the little cabin at the edge of the forest.

"James, look, it's a full moon." Sirius was pointing towards the sky. He quickly glanced at Snape then at James.

"I guess our theory was wrong, eh?"

"Well, not technically. He could still change."

"James, I don't think McGonagall would send us out with a werewolf." whispered Sirius.

"We'll find the wolf, mate, don't you worry." James whispered back. Filch glared at them.

"No talking! You are out here to be punished!" and they continued to walk.

As soon as they reached the cabin, a dog started barking.

"Hagrid, will you shut that dog up." Filch roared.

"Don' ye be tellin' me what I should do, Filch. Stay Fang!" he roared behind him as a large chocolate brown dog tried to get out. "Bloody dog!" he muttered.

"Well, Hagrid, I'll pick them up at dawn. If you finish before, you bring them back up!"

"Get away you bloody squib!" said Hagrid and Filch shot him an evil look and walked away hunched.

"Now, boys," said Hagrid, while James and Sirius started to snigger. "The mixture is here, you'll each take a cauldron full. If you spill it, you'll be in toubl'. It was difficul' for Dumbledore to get his hands on these here eggs so it is very valuable. Now, grab a cauldron and let's go."

Hagrid bent down and grabbed two big cauldrons. James and Sirius looked at each other then at the cauldrons.

"We could always carry it together."

"Good idea, ok, you grab that side and I'll get this one." Said James and they stooped to grab one.

"Alright there Snivellus?" said Sirius over his shoulder.

"Yea, wouldn't want you to-! Wait a minute, how'd you do that?!" asked James.

"Well, Potter, seeing as I'm smarter than you, I used a shrinking spell." And Snape walked away with a cauldron that could fit in the palm of his hand.

"Know any shrinking spells?"

"Well James, that's one thing I never paid attention to." stated Sirius.

"Where's Remus when you need him?" asked James, glancing down at the cauldron.

"Well, let's go." And James and Sirius bent down and lifted the cauldron to the lake.

"Took ye boy's long enough, jut' set it over there with the other ones. Now, I'm gonna call the squid and then I need ye two te put the potion on this here tentacle."

"How are we supposed to do that?" asked Sirius.

"Yea, I mean, what do we do exactly?"

"Well, Snape and I will hold it for ye and ye will use the levitation spell an' pour it on."

"Ok, sounds easy enough." Said James but he looked at Sirius and the same this will never work look was mirrored on his face.

"At least we only have to put the potion on, we don't have to hold it like Snivellus."

"True enough, ok let's do it."

And the rest of the night was spend putting on the potion. It wasn't nearly as hard as James thought it would be. The first time James put Wingardium Leviosa on the cauldron, he almost tipped it over but then Sirius used it as well and they got the potion tipped on the tentacle and it was as easy using alohomora.

By the end of the night, Snape hated James and Sirius more than when they first started because Hagrid was booming about how well they did.

"Potter, Black, you should drop by me cabin fer some tea tommroa'"

"Maybe, we'll see about it." Said James to be kind, but secretly thinking that the only way he'd go for tea with a half giant was if he paid him a hundred gallons.

James was just staring to feel at home at Hogwarts, besides the fact that he had classes, he was enjoying himself a lot. There was still one thing he wanted to do though, wander the forest.

"Sirius, I've been thinking and I want to take the cloak and go into the forest."

"James, that's brilliant! Why didn't I think of that?"

"Well, Sirius, I expect it's your good boy manner." James laughed, "But we need to plan it out carefully. Hell, who am I kidding, let's wing it mate."

"Now you're talking, I believe you are becoming more like me everyday, James my friend. Now, if only we could figure out a way to get Snivellus."

"Haven't we've already done that?" asked Peter, arriving at the table.

"Peter didn't see you come up. You're as quiet as a mouse. Better yet, I'd say more like a rat. But yes, we have, but we got detention for it."

"But Sirius, we agreed to forget about it until the holidays arrive. You said you'd wait."

"I will, but I've already started to think about what we could do-."

"Sirius, I don't think you should get in anymore trouble." Remus had arrived with out notice either.

"Well Remus, you are probably right, but that's not going to stop me." Sirius said determinedly.

"Well, it's your choice I guess." And Remus got up and walked away from them.

"He's worried you'll ruin his chances at good grades."

"But isn't he already top of our class."

"He's absolutely brilliant in Transfiguration and charms."

"Yea, but if he hangs out with you he's just worried he won't be able to concentrate on his studies."

"Peter, you tell him not to worry. We won't mess up his studies, as long as he helps me with my Defence against the dark arts. Krunch is really angry I hexed him the other day and is threatening to fail me."

"I'll let him know Sirius." Squeaked Peter and scurried out of the hall.

"Now, back to our plan to get into the forest." And the rest of the morning, before class, was spent discussing plans.

It took about a week of planning. There was problem after problem to over come. The first of which was how to sneak out of the castle without notice. James and Sirius stayed up into the night discussing and planning and Sirius finally came up with the plan.

"All we have to do is put the cloak on and sneak out."

"Yes, but Sirius, the problem isn't what to do it's how to do it." Said James, rubbing his eyes, it was past midnight.

"Well, I've thought about that." Said Sirius, "You see, yesterday in History of Magic, while you were sleeping, I discovered a way to do it." James sat up properly, now fully awake.

"And you didn't tell me then because?"

"Well, I had to work out all the little details. I did a bit of research-."

"You did extra work?"

"It's not so unusual. But anyways, I found out a secret passage way I don't think anyone knows about."

"How did you find this out?" James was astonished, he didn't think Sirius had it in him to be so smart.

"Well, I asked this Seventh Year from Ravenclaw names Katie Molter and she told me her older brother accidentally stumbled around it one day and Filch never knew about it."

"And this Katie girl just decided to tell you this?"

"I persuaded her really, you know, turned on the charm." Said Sirius, laughing.

"Well, as long as there's a way."

"Here, I drew a map. I hope you don't mind but I nipped out last night with the cloak. I drew a map."

Sirius took out a piece of parchment. He had drawn a few corridors and lines on it from the Gryffindor common room.

"I figured it could come in handy later, you know?"

"Yea, maybe we could get a whole map of the school by the time we finish seventh year."

"James, that's if we make it to seventh year." And they both started laughing.

"Well, as long as we have a way, I believe we should be able to get out and get it done."

"Good plan, now, have you figured out if the door is unlocked at all time?"

"Well, I found out Filch locks it every night at one. Hagrid is finished with his game duties by then and is out of the castle. So as long as we don't take longer than one we should get in and out.

"Just one condition though," James added.

"What's that?"

"We don't go out the night of the full moon."

"I guess that'd be smart. Don't want to risk running into any werewolves do we?"

"No, we really don't. I think it's time for bed though. It's twelve thirty."

"Alright, we can discuss when we'll do it tomorrow."

"Ok, let's get to bed." And the boy's both said nox and walked up the stairs to their dorms.

They changed in silence and climbed into bed. James stayed up for another hour thinking about what they were eventually going to do. He was a little worried they were going to get caught and expelled from the school. He couldn't get another detention. As these thoughts drifted into his head he slowly fell into an uneasy sleep.

Sirius woke up refreshed and ready for an early Defence Against the Dark Arts lesson, James on the other hand wanted to get back to bed. He had a nightmare of werewolves attacking Sirius and him in the forest and felt uneasy. He didn't dare mention any of it to Sirius because he didn't want him to think he was a coward.

James got changed grabbed his bag and text book and walked down to the common room to await the others. Remus was next to come, then Peter and finally Sirius. Sirius was looking a little different for a reason James couldn't figure out.

"James, you alright? You look a little tired." Remus asked.

"I'm fine, just had a rough sleep. Sirius, you look a little different." He added as an after thought.

"Oh, so you noticed. I did a little tinkering with my hair and lengthened it a little. It falls to my shoulders now."

"That sounds like a tricky bit of magic."

"Well Remus, when your uncle loves to play jokes on people when they are drunk, you learn a few things." Sirius said and followed Peter out the hole followed by Remus and James.

It seems James wasn't the only one to notice Sirius's change. Everywhere he looked, James saw girls of all ages looking at him. Even the seventh year Katie, who helped Sirius out, didn't seem to care he was a first year.

"Well, Professor Krunch should like my essay." Said Remus, "It was on redcaps, which we usually don't learn about for a while but they are quiet easy to understand. Not very friendly and-."

"Remus, if you don't mind, I'd like to eat my breakfast in silence." Said Sirius. Reus looked a little hurt but kept quiet for the rest of the meal.

The morning seemed to go buy fast. Defence was easy, as all they did was listen to Krunch talk about Pixies and then had them read a chapter on how to defend themselves. James was desperate to talk to Sirius but Krunch was a strict teacher who didn't like talk.

A first year Hufflepuff, who Gryffindors shared Defence with, raised her hand.

"Professor Krunch," Boshette Lockhart asked. She was a timid looking girl with brown hair and eyes. She was usually quiet and never asked questions.

"What is it, Miss. Lockhart?" asked Krunch.

"Well, my older brother, Gilderoy says Pixies are easy to handle."

"Ah, I remember your brother from when I taught Flying Lessons. A trouble maker and a terrible Quidditch player. He didn't know one end of the broom from the next. What is he up to these days?"

"He travels the world fighting against dark creatures." She said quietly.

"He never was a good student, I wouldn't be surprised if he turned up dead by next year." Krunch said, Boshette looked as if she was about to cry.

"Pixies are no joke, now please continue reading." He said and the class all went back to reading. As the end of the lesson came, Krunch spoke again.

"I am told to let you all know that flying lessons which I do not teach this year, will be taught by Madam Hooch and are starting Friday. The schedule will be put up in your common rooms tonight, be sure to look at them to know when your lesson will be. That is all, you are dismissed." He said as the bell rang.

The class started to pack up. Sirius caught up with James.

"Can you believe we have to learn to fly?" he asked.

"Well, yea, I mean its part of being a wizard isn't it. Completes the package kind of thing."

"Hell, I think it's ridiculous." Said Sirius. "I've been flying since I was a child. It's simple."

"Others may not think so," James said, "I mean, can you picture Peter on a broom?"

"That is a pretty funny picture," said Sirius laughing.

"Yea, but we have double charms then lunch. We still need to discuss when we will do it said James," putting emphasis on it.

"I know, we History this afternoon, we can talk then." Said Sirius and walked into the Charms room, James following and Peter and Remus behind, who evidently missed the whole conversation by having a conversation of their own."

"So, we are clear, we're going tomorrow night. We can sneak out of the common room at around eleven, I'm pretty sure there will be seventh years coming in still, and then we'll follow te map to the doors and sneak out, walk across the grounds to the forest and wander around. The only thing is, we can't remove the cloak, I'm sure Hagrid may be in the forest taking care of some of the animals."

It was dinner time, Sirius and James were sitting at the end of the Gryffindor table away from everybody, even Remus and Peter. They were deep in discussion about their plans and sorting out all lat minute problems.

"Your probably right, Hagrid may be taking care of the centaurs or something like that, I've heard rumours of a lot of different animals, some with no names at all."

"Like animals that have been bread or something?"

"Exactly, anyways, we'll go out, explore a bit then come back. I don't think it'd be too smart to stay out too late in there, especially being under age wizards with not a lot of skill yet."

"Point well made, so, we're on for tomorrow?"

"Yes, so, let's get back to the common room, get our homework done, spend time with our friends and then get some sleep. We'll have a long day ahead of us tomorrow."

"Good plan, Oi, REMUS! PETER!" James yelled down the table, they looked up in surprise.

"What?"

"Want to come study with us later?"

They looked a little surprised but relived at this.

"Sure,"

"Good, I'll need my essay's checked." said Sirius, joining in the conversation.

"I'd be glad to help," said Remus smiling and turned back to Peter and finished their conversation before the four of them got up from the table and walked together to the common room to finish their homework.

"James, it's time, go get the cloak." muttered Sirius. It was just before eleven and the common room was half full but emptying slowly. The only students up were older student trying to finish homework. James quickly ran up to his dorm, grabbed the cloak and looked around. The boys all seemed to be asleep. James threw the cloak over himself and snuck back down the stairs.

Sirius was waiting for him by the fire place. James crept up to him and whispered, "Now!" Sirius bent down and James lifted the cloak a little so Sirius could see his feet and he slipped under the cloak. They walked towards the portrait hole. James was about to open the hole when he heard voices behind it.

"Calvin, I told you to go back to your dorm. It's way past curfew."

"but Ernie, I'm afraid. This boy said he was going to curse me."

"Then go to your head, I've got to get in. Good night." The hole opened and Ernie Towlesmeth snuck in. James and Sirius walked out and past the little first year from Hufflepuff. He was a short blonde boy and really skinny. James led the way towards the corridor that led to the secret oath they were going to take.

"Now, your sure n one knows about it?" James whispered. He still wasn't sure about the path.

"Quit talking and yes," Sirius hissed back. James guessed he was worried they any get caught so he kept quiet. The boys continued to walk silently. The only major trouble they passed was Peeves.

"Whose there?" Peeves asked. "I hear your footsteps. I know there's someone. Are these students out of bed?" James looked at Sirius who gave a mischievous grin.

"Peeves, out of my territory." came another voice before Sirius could even open his mouth.

"You bloodiness, I'll leave straight away." Peeves said a little scared and zoomed through the ceiling.

"Bloody Poltergeist." And the bloody baron floated past James and Sirius with out even thinking Peeves was on to something.

The boys continued to walk. Surprisingly they reached the Oak Doors quickly and found they were open. James waked through first then Sirius snuck after him. They walked towards the forest. The only trouble was Hagrid. He seemed to be sneaking into the forest without anyone's knowledge. James and Sirius silently agreed, by looking at each other, to follow.

Hagrid walked into the forest with a crossbow. He seemed to think there was danger ahead. James drew his wand but kept it under the cloak. Sirius did the same and they continued to follow Hagrid. Before long they were past the first row of trees and walking on a apt hint he forbidden forest.

James had never been in a forest at night before. He thought it looked a little scary but Sirius seemed at home. Is he afraid of anything? Thought James.

Hagrid continued to walk down the path until he walked off it. James stopped suddenly and Sirius almost knocked him over.

"What's the mater?" Sirius whispered very quietly so Hagrid couldn't hear.

"He's going off the path we should go our own way." Whispered James back.

"Alright, let's follow the path." And they decided to leave Hagrid alone and go their own way.

The forest was a very interesting place to be, the trees seemed to hide secrets. The only things that creeped James out were the fact that owls kept flying out of trees and he had the feeling of being watched, even though he was under the cloak.

"I think it's safe to take the cloak off." Said Sirius. When he talked, James jumped a little. They hadn't said a word for a while.

"Alright, I'll keep it in my pocket." Said James. He pulled the cloak off and stuffed it into his robes.

"Let's sit for a bit." Sirius agreed and they sat in a clearing on some rocks.

"Pretty spooky, huh?" asked James.

"Not really, I mean all you have to remember is the fact that animals live in here and owls fly around,. I don't think there's anything scary really."

"Well, what about a feeling of being watched."

"If anyone's watching us, we'd be in trouble by now. I think we're fine." Just asked Sirius finished speaking they heard the cracking of twigs. James pulled the cloak of fast and threw it over themselves, stood up and backed into a tree to be sure not to be seen.

"Hagrid, the stars are telling us danger awaits us."

"Bane, I think you are bein a lil' paranoid. Danger isn't a head, the only danger in the world is You-Know-Who and I don' think he'd do anythin' stupid right now."

"Hagrid, please don't ignore our warnings, take the proper precautions and protect the students."

"What you talking about?"

"Danger lives in the trees, the city you call Hogsmead and the little shack on the hill."

"Bane, go back to the other centaurs and leave us alone. I gotta kind a Unicorn that had just given birth." Hagrid walked away. A centaur walked into the clearing and looked around. It was as if he sensed someone but then he looked up at the stars and said, "The humans will suffer," and walked away.

James and Sirius looked at each other.

"I think it's time to go back." Sirius nodded and they walked out of the forest.

"What danger do you think that Bane was talking about?" asked James.

"Obviously the werewolf. He mentioned Hogsmead and the shack."

"I guess, but what does it mean?"

"I don't know, Centaurs are smart creatures. They are stargazers but aren't stupid."

"I know, my dad's told me stories. I just hope this danger doesn't involve anyone getting killed."

"The last person to die at this school was a muggle born like 30 years ago. It's a mystery of why she died and how but my Uncle told me it was Slytherins Heir and his monster in the Camber of Secrets."

"I've heard those rumours too. When my dad first told me I didn't believe him, but later I thought he may have been on to something. I read the legend in Hogwarts: A History and it fits."

"Yea, shh, someone's coming." Sirius said suddenly and looked towards a tree. They were close to the grounds now and when James turned left it turned out to be a cat.

"Someone's stupid cat," said Sirius, They continued to walk to the ground. Once they reached them, they had to be quiet cause teachers always roamed the ground at nights, just like the corridors. They reached the Oak front doors, snuck back in a crept back up the passage they came. They reached the Fat Lady. James looked at his watch, it was almost one.

"Squawk."

"If you wish," said the Lady and swung open. There was no one in the common room. The boys pulled off the cloak, sat down and James closed his eyes.

"Some night, eh?"

"Interesting, the forest is some adventure."

"Agreed, but I need sleep, we have that test tomorrow in Potions and I can't remember what Snivellus said bezoar was."

"Just ask Remus in the morning." Said Sirius getting up. James grabbed the cloak and they both walked up to their dorm.