Hello Readers. There are two chapters remaining in this story. I would like to thank everyone for continued support. Please review!

I do not own Harry Potter.

Two weeks of intense potion-brewing, spell casting, swearing, and screaming in frustration later, the potion was almost ready. It was our second attempt. James had accidentally stirred it anti-clockwise instead of clockwise and it had evaporated, leaving us with an empty cauldron. We had very nearly killed him. Thankfully, it was so far so good with this one and Remus said that it would be ready in two days.

We were in the Great Hall when several school owls sporting identical envelopes descended upon the table. We untied the letters. The owls flew off without a second glance.

Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry

Dear Miss. Griffon,

You are required to choose a further two or three additional subjects that are to be examined on in your Ordinary Wizarding Levels. Classes will commence in September of your third year. Please fill in the form attached and hand it in to your Head of House within 10 days. Please order your preferences as spaces in each class are limited. The classes are listed below.

Ancient Runes

Arithmancy

Care of Magical Creatures

Divination

Muggle Studies

Professor Minerva McGonagall

Deputy Headmistress

"It's from Professor McGonagall, we have to choose our new classes for next year!" I heard Lily scream with excitement, her green eyes shining with happiness. I knew that my expression matched hers.

"Ancient Runes, at long last", Remus said dreamily. He gasped, "Arithmancy. I can't wait."

"Care of Magical Creatures!" Sirius, James and I screeched together, prancing around wildly.

"Um, Divination sounds okay and I suppose that I could handle Muggle Studies," Peter said uncertainly, his brow creased.

"How can we choose?" Remus moaned, clearly wishing to study them all. I hid a smirk.

In the end, we all took Care of Magical Creatures except for Peter. Sirius, James, Peter and I took Muggle Studies. Peter, despite receiving advice not to also put his name down for Divination. Remus was second to sign up for Arithmancy and Ancient Runes beaten only by a certain redhead.

"Ugh, I can't believe we have to wait until September to start the new classes", I groaned.

"It's not fair", Sirius whined.

"Moony, are you finished the potions essay?" James asked.

"Yeah" came the reply.

"Okay, come on then, let's go" Sirius prompted. "I'm going to get it tonight, I just know it".

We darted around the corridors and slipped, unnoticed, into our favourite secret passageway which James had christened 'The Patronus Practice Passage'.

"Come on guys, you can do it!" I encouraged.

Traces of laughter vanished from Sirius', James' and Peter's faces as they stood in a line. They gripped their wands in front of them as though they were a lifeline.

"Choose your memory", I told them. They stood in silence for several moments before nodding for us to continue.

"Wipe your mind blank of any distractions. Focus every molecule of your concentration on your chosen memory", Remus instructed patiently. "Allow the strength of the emotion attached to the memory flood through you. Don't lose focus as you twirl your wand and chant the incantation. The memory is your strength."

Their eyes were closed, frown lines creased across Sirius' forehead, Peter's mouth was half-open, a trail of saliva dribbling down his chin, leaving me to wonder if his memory was of the best pie he ever ate. A small trickle of sweat danced across James' forehead. I had never seen these boys look so concentrated.

"Expecto Patronum!" They exclaimed in unison.

The usual silver smoke came from their wands. My heart sank in disappointment. Then the atmosphere in the room changed, just like when the sun rose after a stormy night.

At almost precisely the same time, two huge silvery figures burst from the tips of James' and Sirius' wands. They darted beside each other.

James' Patronus was a breath-taking, majestic stag. He was about 8 feet in height, with a gigantic pair of prong-like antlers that easily stretched 5 feet across. Faint dapples could be seen across his stomach. He had a sense of freedom about him. He was utterly untouchable, nothing could harm him. He galloped across the room, his hooves hovering above the floor, his head held high. His frame was protective, intimidating and challenging but his eyes betrayed James' personality. He was the image of bravery and chivalry. It was James.

Sirius' Patronus was a huge, shaggy, bear-like dog. His hair, like Sirius' was long and tamed. His long tongue hung out of his mouth casually to one side, if a dog could laugh, this would be what it would look like. Even from the distance, I could see his long tail wag from side to side, resembling a Beater's bat. He bounded after the stag, playful, confident and at ease with the world. His wide eyes had depth to them, as though he had lost his innocence and was aware of the horrors of the world. Perhaps he had.

The Patronus' turned together to face their casters and blinked out of existence.

James and Sirius were standing shoulder to shoulder, wands still raised, with an astounded expression etched into their features. Their eyes were glazed over, their minds clearly replaying what they had just seen over and over again.

"Well done!" I laughed, throwing myself at Sirius.

"We did it!" He yelled with excitement, whirling me around.

"We cast the Patronus Charm!" James shouted, sounding like he had when he had gotten on to the Quidditch team.

"A dog"

"A stag"

Only Peter looked slightly put out. Everyone had managed to find out what they would turn into except him. Remus seems to read my thoughts because he casually slung an arm around Pete's shoulders.

"Don't worry Peter, you'll manage to do it too", he comforted.

"Thanks Moony, I hope so", Peter said a little sadly, "I just really want to do something really spectacular for once. I want to be someone who shines rather than someone in the background. I want to help you."

And with that shock confession, Peter slipped out of the Patronus Practice Passage.