Once again, Gryffindor Tower was filled with tension; anyone who entered the tower upon returning from the short Christmas break could feel the thick and heavy atmosphere almost instantly. The Christmas holiday had done little in the way of helping the Smith Twins co-exist; if anything, it felt like their relationship had somehow broken down even more. (Y/N) had been thrilled when Lily and Marlene had returned with stories of their Christmas and New Year celebrations. Sirius had been the same with Remus, Peter, and James when they, too, stumbled through the portrait hole with bright smiles and ready for the new term, a renewed sense of determination to see their risky plan through, no matter how long it would take.
"Let her sleep," called Sirius upon noticing Peter creeping closer to (Y/N), napping peacefully on the sofa closest to the fire. The book she'd previously been reading resting on her chest, just as her cauldron and potion ingredients had long since been abandoned in front of the sofa. Upon returning from the Christmas break, everyone who'd seen (Y/N) noticed her exhaustion. Instead of enjoying the peaceful break, she'd spent it being the unwilling mediator between the warring muggle-born sisters. "The last two weeks have taken their toll," he added, moving from the armchair he'd previously occupied to sit with Remus in front of the sofa (Y/N) had fallen asleep on. Peter quickly took his spot on the free armchair, where James had long since flung himself over the other.
"That rough?" asked James, recalling the letters Sirius had sent over the short holiday, remembering how his best friend had worded his concern for the Metamorphic Witch finally resting. All the drama between the Smith twins had come at the cost of (Y/N)'s sanity; not only had she lost her smile and curiosity, but she also lost control of her abilities. McGonagall had advised her to leave the immediate area, while James had given Sirius the idea to take (Y/N) to the empty dorm to gain some much-needed time to recuperate.
"To be honest, it wasn't that bad when they were apart or around the professors," replied Sirius, recalling (Y/N)'s siblings helping as best they could. Joaquin had taken Isolde out several times, hoping to separate the sisters. In contrast, Helena had retrieved (Y/N) just as many times, even inviting Sirius to thank him for caring for her little sister. Qimir, on the other hand, had done all in his power to turn Allegra's attention to him, something she had ignored for the most part due to him being a seventh-year student. She'd avoided him more after her failed attempt at dueling him. "It's when they're together when things get explosive. It's gotten to the point they can't be alone together. Allegra's jealousy finally made Isolde snap; even old Slughorn couldn't break that fight up."
"Ah, so that's what Lil and Mar are doing," commented Remus, refusing to even imagine what the girl's dorm looked like. After all, Allegra wasn't above taking and destroying things that weren't hers, and Isolde wouldn't hesitate to give her a taste of her own foul medicine. "I'm glad we get the simple task of making sure this one sleeps," he added, gently removing the book (Y/N) had been reading before it slipped out of her slowly loosening grip. Gently, he placed it with her cauldron and potion ingredients. Upon noticing what she'd previously been reading, a soft smile appeared across his lips.
"Animagus," voiced Sirius upon noticing the chapter. "She's been doing a lot of research to help us out," he added, picking up some potion ingredients to inspect them. Now he thought about it. (Y/N) had spent most of the time away from the Common Room researching the process of becoming an Animagus, if only so she could help them further and ensure everything went as it should. A smirk soon appeared upon Sirius' features upon noticing the parchment filled with scribbled notes hidden under (Y/N)'s cauldron.
"Here comes trouble," warned Peter, his voice the normal trembling squeak. His words were shortly followed by Allegra shouting as loudly as possible from the walkway above the Common Room, shouting at anyone who got in her way regardless of the year they were in. Mere seconds later, Allegra stomped down the spiral stairs, pushing everyone out of her way, anger written across her reddened features, her lips pursed into a thin tight line, her eyes of judgment blazed with fury as she stomped through the Common Room.
"I'M GOING TO TELL MCGONAGALL. AT LEAST THAT WAY I'LL HAVE THE DORM TO MYSELF!" screamed Allegra, her words being thrown to Isolde, who stood with Lily and Marlene on the walkway before she stomped off toward the Portrait hole, ignoring those around her, covering their ears and being offended by those who turned away to ignore her never-ending drama and chaos. Allegra stopped upon seeing the Marauders; they, too, had ignored her, whereas (Y/N) appeared confused, even infuriated at being woken by the screaming again.
"Please do," groffily voiced (Y/N), rubbing her eyes and trying to blink away the tiredness. She shook her head in confusion again when Marlene appeared, as if not understanding where she'd come from. "I'm sure McGonagall will be interested to hear the excuses you come up with to explain your never-ending drama over the holidays," she added, finally sitting up and shifting to move from the plushy sofa; she thanked Remus when he returned the book she'd previously been reading, at least before collecting her cauldron and potion ingredients.
"I haven't done anything," smugly replied Allegra, confidence ringing through her crocky voice, although she was quieter than before. She was undoubtedly rethinking going to McGonagall now, if only because the Head of Gryffindor House had scolded her and Isolde several times over the holidays. "It's all Isolde's fault. Plus, what would you know, you practically avoided both of us over the holidays," she rudely remarked, crossing her arms over her puffed-out chest and stamping her foot as if to signal the conversation was over and she'd won.
"What happens when a Metamorphmagi loses control of their abilities?" questioned James, concerned and curious. There was little information about Metamorphmagus' abilities due to how rare they were. The little information there mainly consisted of theories and speculations. All that was truly known was that the abilities had a tendency to appear at random; they weren't genetic or linked to one particular bloodline. Those with the abilities were known to have a curious, mischievous, and often clumsy nature.
"No one knows, mate," replied Remus, hinting that he'd done his research at some point. "If our dear, sweet, mischievous (Y/N) is anything to go by, then it won't be good. Especially with her talent and knowledge of spells and potions," he added, throwing a friendly but playful grin (Y/N)'s way if only to offer her comfort and subtle tell her he'd help her as she'd done for him on countless occasions. (Y/N) however, all but glared at Allegra as it finally dawned on her, who had disturbed her sleep again.
"That silencing spell is looking good roundabout now," spoke Isolde from the walkway above the Common Room, a cold expression of hatred painted across her features as she all but glared daggers at her twin sister. Although she hadn't told anyone what had caused the breakdown over the Christmas break, she was at least glad it had happened when (Y/N) hadn't been in the dorm. "Sorry we woke you up again (Y/N)," she added, her voice a little gentler and filled with sincerity and worry. She knew (Y/N) had suffered the most over the holidays, and it was taking its toll even if (Y/N) didn't say anything about it. Deep down, Isolde hoped the drama didn't affect their friendship.
"Where are you going, Wolffe?" asked James upon noticing (Y/N) heading towards the portrait hole. At first, he thought she would clobber Allegra but soon realized otherwise when she walked past the dramatic teenager without saying a word or even acknowledging she was there.
"My bolt hole," replied (Y/N), "You're free to join me, Potter, same with the rest of you," she added before climbing out the door with her potion equipment. Anywhere was better than being stuck with the warring Smith twins for another night. Marlene soon ran to follow, curious to know more about the hiding place, even more so when (Y/N) had mentioned finding a mysterious room while exploring the castle with her sister Helena during the holidays. Plus, Marlene wanted to catch up with her best friend and care for her if needed.
"Wolffe has a secret hiding place and didn't tell us?" spoke James, surprise lacing his voice as he acted hurt, placing a hand over his chest, although a playful grin soon took over, as he all but ignored the disgusted look painted on Allegra's features. "Sirius ... do tell us what we missed?" he added, gluing his attention on the pure-blood wizard across from him. Sirius merely grinned innocently before standing and grabbing hold of the vials (Y/N) had left behind.
"She found it during Christmas break, said the room just appeared out of nowhere," replied Sirius, remembering when (Y/N) had all but dragged him to the seventh floor to show him the room that had appeared after pacing the hall several times. "She found it by accident while exploring the castle with Helena," he added, recalling the quiet nights both had spent there and how the room's contents changed several times. Sometimes, it was a quieter replica of the Common Room, while others, it was a quiet space to practice spells and potions without the constant interruptions.
"Sirius," called Isolde from the walkway, sorrow written across her features as she truly realized how much the tension and constant arguing affected those around her and Allegra, affecting the innocents who deserved better. "Tell (Y/N), I'm sorry, please. I didn't realize how much of a nightmare Christmas break had become because of us," she added with sadness before walking to the stairs with Lily. Lily noticed when Allegra had all but beamed with pride about causing another to suffer as if it was all part of the larger plot she was working on. No doubt, the plot to ensure Isolde suffered one way or another.
"Don't worry, Issy. I'll let her know," spoke Sirius with a gentle nod of support, as if silently letting her know he didn't blame her for fighting back, just as he suspected (Y/N) didn't either. "You keep working on that silencing spell, yeah," he encouraged, suspecting even the prefects would help if needed, especially Fennec and Finnick Hazard. Shortly after Sirius left the Common Room, followed by James and Peter, Remus was just ahead, having run to catch up with the girls. "So what's a transfiguration potion?" asked Sirius with curiosity upon taking a close look at the notes (Y/N) had scribbled down on the parchment piece.
"Turns the drinker into a predetermined animal or object, not sure which yet," replied (Y/N) as the group turned onto the grand staircase. As expected, the stairs were moving around, making getting to a chosen location more difficult than it had to be. "See you guys there," she added before climbing to stand on the stone banister, allowing herself to fall from the other side with a grin on his lips.
"I hate it when she does that," commented Marlene as she ran to the banister with worry painted on her features. She'd looked over only to see a raven perched on the banister on the floor below and across from them. It gawked in response to her comment as if laughing at each of them for their hurried reactions.
"At least she is not a dragon this time," replied Remus, recalling the pandemonium that had been caused. Professor Dumbledore had personally given (Y/N) two months detention for such a prank, although Peeves had enjoyed the display and the ensuing mayhem. Professor Dumbledore had advised (Y/N) to stick to the patronus regarding the havoc involving dragons.
"So, are we cluing Mar into our little plan?" asked James, as he threw an arm around Marlene's shoulders and walked with her up the changing staircase, being sure to dodge the steps with the boogy traps and security measures to catch intruders.
"Which plan?" questioned Sirius, seeing Marlene throw a curious glance in his direction. "The map or the other one that breaks most school rules and is potentially life-threatening?" he elaborated, moving some of his fluffy hair from his eyes after tripping up one of the steps. He quickly righted himself before continuing as if nothing had happened; a playful grin appeared when the others chuckled. Even the raven (Y/N) had turned into appeared to be laughing.
"(Y/N)'s clumsiness rubbing off on you?" commented Peter.
"Nah, I just wanted to give the step a hug; it doesn't get the appreciation it deserves," replied Sirius before running off in an attempt to catch the raven (Y/N) had transformed into, almost as if it was a game the two had started at some point during the holidays.
"I'm both curious and terrified about your plans," voiced Marlene, resigning herself to the fact her best friend was likely already aware of both plans and was involved in at least one. She had little doubt the potion the boys had asked (Y/N) to make was somehow connected to the plan to break all the school rules and potentially put each in life-threatening danger.
"The map on is harmless, merely to settle our curiosity of how big the school and Hogsmeade are," replied Remus, as if attempting to settle Marlene's nerves and concerns. His smile growing upon remembering Severus Snape, of all people, had given them the idea, even if unintentionally. "The other one is what we needed (Y/N)'s help with. We found out before the holidays that the potion is a git to brew. So we thought it would be better to have someone with expertise in brewing dangerous potions around and someone we trust in case anything went disastrously wrong," he elaborated. Plus, there was another reason why they'd asked (Y/N) to help instead of an older student with more experience. "(Y/N)'s metamorphic abilities are the closest to what we're trying to achieve."
"You're trying to become Animagi," commented Marlene, displaying her knowledge of the subject and likely previous research. A small grin appeared across her lips mere seconds later when James and Peter shared a concerned look and questioned if they were that obvious or if Marlene was more observant than they realized. "The only ability one can learn remotely similar to a Metamorphmagi is Animagus, the ability to turn one's self into a specific animal, normally whatever animal you are at heart," she explained. However, she never stated how she knew what an Animagus was or had researched it for another reason during their second year.
"Guess we weren't as sneaky as we thought," replied Remus, acting as if he too was a part of the plan to become Animagi if only to hide his werewolf secret a little longer and keep the reason he disappeared every month hidden from Marlene if only to protect them both. Although James, Peter, Sirius, and (Y/N) had been accepting and willing to help, he was certain others wouldn't be as kind or friendly. After all, he was a werewolf, something many considered a dangerous and often inhumane creature; he was something nearly all of the wizarding world would look down upon.
"Hey, I only know about it because I stumbled upon it while looking for information about Metamorphmagus' abilities," quickly replied Marlene, defending herself and settling the boys' nerves that she wouldn't share their secret. However, she would admit she'd found the information on Animagus intriguing even if she'd discovered it by accident. She'd be lying if she said she hadn't thought about trying it, if only so she could understand (Y/N) unique abilities and share something with her. "I thought about trying it, but I'm still not sure about the risks involved," she admitted, looking up in time to see (Y/N) return to normal, although with a confused expression painted upon her features, Sirius at her side with intrigue painted on his.
"Woah, who turned you to the dark side?" called Sirius, his infamous cheeky grin appearing as (Y/N) chuckled from his side as if she had quickly put two and two together to come up with a possible answer.
"(Y/N) did," replied Marlene with a genuine smile, "You're my best friend; I wanted to look out for you, help you when you needed me. When I came across the Animagus thing, I thought it could be something we could bond over. At least that way, I stood a better chance at understanding your gifts, and you wouldn't feel so alone," she explained, her words directed toward (Y/N) as she displayed her reasonings were selfish; instead, she aimed to understand her best friend better.
"Guess I got another reason to do it," declared Sirius from the Seventh Floor walkway, waiting for the rest of the little group to catch up. "Can't have my dragon feeling lonely," he added, chuckling upon seeing (Y/N) throw him another confused look, again displaying she was just as clueless as normal.
"Your dragon?" questioned (Y/N), putting Sirius on the spot, although it was clear she wasn't bothered by his choice of words or his proclaim she was his dragon. It wasn't long before she laughed at his reaction of tripping over words as he attempted to explain or correct his previous statement.
"Since when was Black so damn open about his crush?" whispered James as the group turned onto the seventh floor. Marlene grinned widely as if realizing Sirius was likely testing how much he could get away with before (Y/N) truly noticed like it was a game between them.
"Looks like we missed more than just the war between Allegra and Isolde," replied Remus truthfully. However, he'd admit he was glad something good had happened during the holidays, even if Sirius would deny it and (Y/N) was blissfully clueless about it.
"Oi, Sirius, James wants to know when you became open with your crush on Wolffe?" yelled Peter before James could muffle him with a hand over his mouth or a whispered shout of Shhh! Once again, Marlene chuckled, as if understanding the family-like sense the group had created as if she finally understood the Marauders weren't just friends but a small family ready to support each other.
(Y/N) and Sirius glanced at each other as (Y/N) paced the corridor length several times as if she had lost something as she waited for the rest of them to catch up. Sirius chuckled to himself, whereas (Y/N) eyed James and Peter with suspicion as if determining if they were guilty of an unspoken crime.
"What crush?" asked (Y/N), loud enough that those approaching could hear her. Another playful giggle escaped her shortly after as James and Peter looked between themselves as if to figure out a way to explain. Remus simply questioned if she was really as clueless as she had made out. On the other hand, Marlene smiled widely, finally working out (Y/N) was playing a game with all of them, including Sirius, to keep them guessing.
