For the Department of Intoxicating Substances on the Ministry of Magic Discord.


"And now what?" Remus asked, frowning. "You're just going to wait for lightning to appear? It's June."

"Yeah, yeah." Sirius waved a dismissive hand. Then, with a flick of his wrist, he produced a small vial. When he shook the vial, the sickly grey liquid inside changed to a molten gold. "We've thought about that. Well, James thought about that. Drink up."

Remus blinked. But even in his confusion, he still reached out and plucked the vial from Sirius' fingers. As he popped it open, he looked expectantly at James for an explanation. He was trusting, but not a fool. He wasn't about to down the liquid without even a hint.

"It's Felix Felicis," James explained. "You know, for luck."

"Then shouldn't you lot be drinking it?" Remus said, his tone doubtful. But his eyes were wide. And although he wouldn't admit it, he was impressed that they'd thought of such a solution, let alone imagined to brew it. "You're the ones waiting for something."

"Well, no one else seems to have bothered with it," James responded. "Maybe it interferes with the Mandrake Leaf or the dew or whatever. We can't risk it."

Sirius nodded somberly. "Merlin knows we can't do another month of this. Peter's barely managed to the end of this month as it is."

"Oi!"

"Anyway, we figured since we're doing it for you, it might work if you drink it," James finished, glaring at both Sirius and Peter for the interruption. Then it was his turn to look expectant. He gave Remus a nod. "Go on then."

And so, under James' gaze, Remus tipped the vial back and sipped at the liquid. When James rolled his eyes, Remus sighed. But he obliged, once again lifting the vial to his mouth and swallowing every remaining drop. He then made a show of tipping the glass upside down. Not a single bead of potion trickled out. James, finally satisfied, gave a nod.

"And now?"

"Now we wait."