an: I had to do some serious editing and revision before this was ready to publish. An idea I had I changed my mind on and so ended up fixing. Hope you enjoy.
The next day the five occupants were gathered in the library. Marlene had told them that before they attempted the complex spell they should first have a basic understanding from the books. Sirius had thought this was not necessary but it wasn't worth an argument with the misses over something so small.
Once the three students had read the requested information the group took a small break before heading down to duelling room one. What followed was a long intense lesson in which the three teens felt quite frustrated. They had been told the spell was difficult and that turned out to be true.
By the time lunch rolled around Harry had managed a light vapour but nothing that would be strong enough to offer any real protection. Rose was also producing vapour but less often. Capella had yet to be able to produce even that much.
One of the problems that Sirius addressed was that they had no real test subject to help them achieve the goals but no one wanted to take on a dementor while they were unable to produce a strong shield.
The next few days fell into a routine. Patronus charm works for a few hours in the morning and recreation in the afternoon. Harry spent a lot of his recreation time flying or practising duelling which he was rather addicted to.
Capella and Rose would often join Harry on the pitch in the afternoon. But where Harry would duel Rose and Capella could often be found in the potions lab or library. They had perfected the capsule process for potions and were now onto added other spells into the formula allowing for the results to vary.
On the 23rd the occupants of the castle made their way to Diagon Alley for last minute shopping. This was much needed since Capella and Rose had yet to find the perfect gift for Ginny and Daphne. They had already bought Astoria a new Auror grade wand holster and some chocolate fudge, Daphne had let slip she was a fan.
After a little while of searching Rose and Capella found the perfect gift for their keen eyed friend. Eye drops that would increase the distance she could see along with low night vision. The eye drops did not last all too long an hour at most. Thinking that this would be a good tool in the war to come Capella bought some to experiment with.
Ginny was harder to shop for because she had already mentioned that the owl had been a too expensive gift and she expected a more moderate gift this year. After much consideration they had decided to get Ginny a Holyhead Harpies jersey and new Chaser gloves.
Without needing any prompting Harry decided to buy Ginny hand crafted owl perch he found in a jack of all trades store that had opened up in the alley. Here Rose found the perfect gift for Capella.
On Christmas day Rose, and subsequently Capella who had slept with Rose, were woken by a rambunctious elf. The elf in question was particularly happy that they would spend Christmas at the castle and woke the girls at 7am much to their annoyance.
Harry too had been woken up apparently, he was currently drinking a large cup of coffee and seemingly lost in his own thoughts. Capella and Rose declined the coffee and made their way into the sitting room where presents would be opened.
Rose, who was very pleased with her gift to Capella eagerly went first handing out gifts. Capella, who could feel Rose's excitement quickly tore into the package. Inside was a silver Headband. The head band had a small emerald on the left side. Capella, who often held her hair back with simple headbands, fell in love with the gift.
"It's unique, I will show you later." Rose told Capella after receiving a hug and a kiss.
While Capella received many wonderful gifts she loved her headband the most.
Once all the gifts were opened and everyone had time to admire the gifts they had been given Capella, Marlene and Harry were looking at Rose expectantly. Harry noticed that Sirius did not seem to be as interested, he must have helped.
"Uncle Sirius has been teaching us the importance of having a backup weapon for fights right? Well the headband serves a dual purpose. If you take it off, leave your wand in your pocket, point the head band down. Also make sure you're holding the end with the gem."
This had captured the attention of everyone in the room, except Sirius who was watching with avid interest. Once the headband was in Capella's hand she looked up at Rose expectantly. At this Rose looked to Sirius.
"Ah, here is where I jump in. what you need to do is concentrate on your magic and say the spell Expandium."
It took Capella a few attempts to get the spell right. After a few tries Capella nearly dropped the headband as the silver band changed into a thin short curved sword. The part below the emerald became a hilt.
Once the sword had formed instead of a headband Capella started to admire it.
"I didn't know there were spells like this."
"This spell is an old one and though you can find information about it in many defence texts not many people use it not fully understanding the need for a weapon like this. The silver was forged by goblin hands and will be near indestructible."
Listening to Sirius talk like this he sounded like a teacher, off to the side Harry and Marlene were looking shocked at the gift.
"To get your headband back you need to once more channel your magic and say Reditarum." Rose added happily glad to see that Capella was loving her gift.
"We should go to Gringotts soon and speak to the goblins' love. They are very protective of goblin made wares and won't be happy if they found out we have one. We can promise to give it back if the family lines ever end."
The three children in the room looked surprised but interested to hear what Marlene had said. Sirius was nodding his head in agreement.
"I hadn't thought of that. I am sure they would let the Black lines keep it with a promise of return if the time comes."
"I don't understand," Harry said to Sirius and Marlene.
"Well Goblins more often than not only make things for a specific person. Goblin traditions dictate once the owner passes the item made is to return to the maker so he can re-sell it or make an agreement with the family to have them keep it in their possession. Normally a Goblin will request a small fee to insure the item's safety with the new owner."
"So my Headband technically belongs to a goblin?" Capella asked not wanting to have to hand the headband over.
"For now I suppose but don't worry, the Blacks and Potters are friends of the goblins and I'm sure they will let it stay in our family."
Sirius told her, hugging his daughter lightly.
"I didn't know that, I promise, I'm sorry I just thought it was a cool gift." Rose said feeling a little upset her gift may not be kept.
For a moment Rose and Capella were quiet. Sirius and Marlene were starting to feel a little concerned this would affect their Christmas but after a moment Rose and Capella started smiling and hugged each other.
"Perhaps you should turn the sword back into a headband before hugging." Harry laughed hoping to help break the tension.
Capella started laughing hearing this and after just a couple of attempts the sword was once more a gleaming headband and placed back into Capella's hair. This done Capella threw her arms around Rose once more.
Seeing that Rose and Capella were once more happy Marlene led the family to the potions room. Once there she opened a cabinet in the wall smiling.
"We have one more gift for you all but before you are allowed it you must promise not to attempt what follows alone." Marlene told them her look was quite serious and bartered no room for discussion.
"What exactly are those?" Harry asked, looking at them.
"These are one of the secrets of the Marauders' success." Sirius responded though not telling them what was in the vials.
"DADDY! Are they what I think they might be?"
"What are they?" Rose asked, looking at Capella.
"These potions are animagus trance potions. They force the drinker into a trance where they can connect with their animal." Marlene told them.
"James would have been so excited finding out what his childrens forms are." Sirius said wistfully and more to himself than the group. Seeing that Sirius was still thinking about their parents Harry and Rose hugged him lightly.
"So who wants to give it a go?" Sirius asked loudly, trying his best to rid himself of his melancholy thoughts.
"Me, me, me!" Capella shouted before anyone could stop her.
"Is it safe?" Rose asked cautiously.
"I brewed it myself and can say it is perfectly safe." Marlene told her, smiling and handing a vial to each of the children.
For the next twenty minutes Sirius and Marlene watched over the sleeping teens. Harry was the first to wake but he didn't tell anyone what he saw until the others woke up when Capella and Rose woke, at the same time, they looked at each other confused.
"We have the same form." Capella told the group.
Before anyone could tell what their forms were Mimsey popped into the room.
"Sir Kinglesy Shacklebolt has arrived and is waiting in the sitting room."
"We have no plan on registering you with the ministry so I recommend we keep this present a secret from Kingley. You can tell us your forms later." Sirius said, looking at a watch on his hand.
The group made their way to the sitting room to meet Kingsley once they had greeted him they sat down to enjoy the day. Kingsley had bought Rose a new bag to carry her school things and even though he didn't know Harry and Capella too well he brought them a selection of sweets from honeydukes.
The rest of the day was spent having fun and enjoying their holidays. The feast provided by the elves could have fed twice the number and was exceptionally good. After the meal the family and Kingsley gathered to play some muggle board games that Marlene had bought.
By late evening Kingsley and Sirius had hit it off well and both were rather drunk on firewhiskey. Marlene had opted to stay sober though she had a little wine. Seeing her Uncle King and Uncle Sirius getting along so well Rose wanted to include Kingley in the war prep.
After speaking to Marlene about this she was hesitant to agree. It was well known that Kingsley was a good friend to Albus but since Rose found Harry Kingsley had been thinking about his trust.
That night in bed Rose and Capella were discussing the animagus trance.
"Aren't magical animal forms really rare?" Rose asked Capella hoping she would know more.
"I heard only really strong wizards can have a magical form. It seems unlikely we would both have the same magical form."
"What about the two form thing? Is that possible?"
"I read a story once where Merlin had many forms but people think he wasn't actually an animagus and he was using some other form of magic. Other than that I haven't read anything, not yet at least.
"I think we should tell people our non magic form and pretend that is all we have until we know more."
Agreeing with Rose' suggestion the two girls went to sleep snuggled into each other. The next morning the pair were woken by a surprised Kingsley who had hoped to see Rose before he left. Being an Auror he had to work today.
"I see I haven't been told something important here." He said calmly once he recovered from his shock
"Uncle King! What are you doing here?" Rose replied a little embarrassed at being caught.
"I have to go to work and am coming to say that I will see you soon. I assume Sirius and Marlene are aware of this?"
Capella, despite being caught lying in Rose' arms, was smiling.
"I'm glad we are not old enough to be sleeping without clothes." She joked making Rose blush dark red and Kingley snicker before looking away.
Rose, untangling herself from Capella, went to hug King but not before bopping Capella on the nose.
"Please don't say embarrassing things like that."
Capella did not seem to be embarrassed or concerned with her little scolding, just smiled and stayed in bed. Once Rose had said goodbye to Kingsley she pulled Capella out of bed.
"Wake up love. We are using the capsule today. Wonder how many people we can get with it."
This had Capella out of bed and bouncing off into Rose' on suite.
"Hey, you have your own shower." Rose called to her back but made no effort to stop her from using the shower.
"You can come in with me if it bothers you." Capella called back, glad Rose couldn't see her deep blush, and hoping the other girl would not call her bluff.
"You know we are not ready for that." Rose shyly said, looking for clothes to wear today, she wanted to look her best for entertaining their guests.
A short while later the girls were well fed and waiting for guests to arrive. Shocking everyone in the room, the Weasleys were the first to arrive, further surprising everyone Percy, Charlie and Bill too stepped into the room.
Ginny had hugged both Rose and Capella upon arriving and was nervously debating hugging Harry too, seeing her hesitance Harry hugged her this action turned her cheeks the same colour as her hair.
"Mimsey can you please get the spare brooms ready. I think we will be playing today." Harry asked the small elf. She smiled up at Harry.
"I is having all the brooms ready and polished Master Harry."
"You're a good elf thank you Mimsey." This comment made Mimsey tear up and pop out of the room.
The Greengrass's arrived exactly on time, Mr Greengrass and Mrs Greengrass were dressed like the proper pureblood wizards they were. Daphne and Astoria were happy to arrive in casual clothing.
Getting Mr and Mrs Granger to the castle was a little harder since muggles couldn't normally see the castle but with some tweaking of the wards they would be allowed in if apparated in by Sirius or Marlene and so they promptly left to collect them.
Upon entering the castle Hermione started telling her parents all that she had learnt about it from her last visit, watching the interaction it was clear where Hermione got her keen interest for learning, her parents were soaking up the information and asking questions. That was until Rose started to laugh reminding them that they had yet to actually say hello.
The Greengrass' in an attempt to show that they did not adhere to pureblood supremacy introduced themselves to the Grangers. The Grangers were clearly a little intimidated but thankfully that didn't last too long as the collection of wizards calmed down.
The people gathered split into smaller groups with the adults moving to the second sitting room, Fred and George wanted to show Bill and Charlie the duelling room. This left Rose and Capella talking to Ginny. Harry was talking to Ron and Hermione. Percy, who never had any real interest in making friends with Harry, Rose or Capella went in search of the library on his own, which he didn't find without the help of an elf that saw him wandering.
When Fred and George returned Capella snuck off with them to show them the new capsules they had made. Rose and Ginny took this time to join Harry and Ron. Harry was trying to stop Ron from sulking about spending time with the "Enemy".
After a light lunch everyone took to the Quidditch pitch. Charlie, who had a plate for Gryfindor and was rumoured to be good enough to play for England, was eager to play against Harry so he captained one team.
Ginny, Capella and Rose were his chasers with Sirius and Bill as a beaters, Marlene joined as a keeper. Daphne, Astoria and surprising everyone Mrs Greengrass joined Harry's team as chasers. Fred and George beaters for that team, Ron despite not liking half the people on his team was the keeper.
The game was exceedingly competitive. It turned out that Daphne and Astoria worked really well together. Ginny who had never had a broom as good as the Nimbus 2000's that the potters kept for guests was slow to get into her flow. This unfortunately led to some teasing from Ron, Fred and George.
They were soon forced to shut up when Ginny got into it. She was an exceptional player; her reflexes and knowledge of what she needed to do paired with Rose's skills made them a fierce competition.
With both teams quite evenly matched it came down to the better seeker. In the end Charlie managed to catch the snitch but he had been really impressed with Harry and took him off to the side to teach him some skills that would really help him.
They went from quidditch to the dinner table. The meal passed with pleasant conversation by dessert. Rose and Capella were becoming a little nervous as they would be able to test their new product today.
The twins were the target for this experiment along with Ron. Ron was easy; they had asked an elf to put the capsule in his food. Fred and George would be harder and they had decided to break the capsule into powder and put it in their drink.
For a little while it seemed like nothing was going on. But soon Ron and the twins were moving in their seats, unable to sit still. Thanks to Capella telling Fred and George about the capsule earlier on they realised what was going on and were trying to get Rose to fix their underwear that was rapidly shrinking.
Openly laughing now Rose informed the twins that they would not be able to help since the trace was active on their wands. Sirius who was a Prankster at heart still was enjoying the twins and Ron's discomfort.
Molly, seeing that her children were acting rather strange, was not impressed. In order to not upset Molly, Sirius fixed the prank, acting like nothing had happened.
"Honestly boys, are you trying to embarrass your father and I?"
Before any of the Weasley boys could answer, Marlene spoke up.
"How about we don't use pranks at the dinner table?"
Rose and Capella did not respond, not wanting to agree so that they could do it at a later stage without breaking the agreement.
With dinner over the children under the supervision of Sirius made their way to one of the training rooms eager to show their friends the start they had made with their patronus'.
Bill, who had gone with them, was very impressed to see that they were taking on this challenge and informed the group that he had struggled to learn this spell himself. Upon being asked his sphynx joined Sirius' dog in the room.
As the guests left the occupants of the castle retired to their favourite sitting room on the first floor.
"So Animagus forms?" Sirius asked excitedly.
"Well I actually seem to have two, that's not normal right?" Harry asked Sirius and Marlene.
"Wait you too?" Rose asked, forgetting that they were only going to tell the group about one of the forms.
"Let me guess one is magical too?" Capella added seeing that they wouldn't be able to hide it after that announcement.
"Magical form?" Marlene asked, slightly confused.
"We both have one." Capella told her mother.
"Yeah one is magical, but how?" Harry asked.
"Having a magical form is rare. I can't believe you all have one." Sirius told the group.
"What are your forms?" Marlene asked excitedly.
"I am a Panther and a Griffin." Harry told the group this caused Sirius to laugh and raise an eyebrow.
"A Griffin? You almost had me there. This was a good prank." At this point he started laughing more, Marlene looking at him not believing they were being pranked.
"The heir of Gryffindor a Griffin. It's a good joke." He added seeing no one else was laughing.
"But I am not joking or pranking you?" Harry said, confused and looking to Rose to back him up.
"I am a white tiger and a magical bird I've been struggling to find information about." Rose told them.
"I have the bird form too when I saw it in my trance it was creating a fierce storm. My other form is some kind of Husky." Capella told them. This made Sirius stop laughing.
"You really have two forms? I don't know of a bird that creates storms." Sirius told them once he had started taking them seriously again.
"I think they are describing a Thunderbird but they haven't been seen on the British isles before. If you are a Thunderbird then that could be why the Hippogriff respected you."
"I bet they would respect Harry too if he is a Griffin." Sirius commented before scratching his chin and talking again. "My only concern here is that I would have no Idea how to help you transform into a magical being."
For the next hour the group discussed the animagus process, grabbing books on animals and beasts from the library so that they could examine their animals and learn about them.
After extracting a promise not to attempt any transformations without adult supervision the children went to bed leaving Marlene and Sirius to contemplate what they had learnt.
For the remainder of the holiday Harry, Rose and Capella worked hard to master their patronus and the animagus transformation. By the time the Hogwarts express was ready to leave Harry seemed to be close to a corporeal Patronus, Sirius had suggested that he may need to face a
real Dementor to break his block but to keep trying.
Rose and Capella seemed to both be stuck on making mist but not quite managing to achieve much more than that.
As far as Animagus training went none of the three were having too much luck with it. Sirius had told them that it takes a huge amount of concentration and a calm focused mind.
On the train Daphne and Astoria were both very keen to learn about the animagus process both wanting to persuade their father to let them try it too. The weasleys had actually asked their parents who ultimately said no.
Harry and Rose had decided that they would keep their magical forms secret from their friends for now until they could work out just how they obtained it and why, Capella didn't really want to keep secrets but agreed all the same.
The topic of animagus temporarily finished talk turned to the extra activities Rose had suggested. Knowing that Dumbledore had told them it would be brought before the other teachers and the board, the group thought that only Snape might refuse.
When Ginny asked if the board would agree, Daphne smiled and told them that her father thought it was a great idea and it had been quite well received by the board, though they were surprised the idea came from a student.