The Ice Queen [s.b.]

↠bad moon on the rise, 1.28

January 12th.

The next D.A. meeting, everyone is bouncing in anticipation. The hours feel like forever. But, the time finally comes.

The twenty kids burst into the room thirty minutes before the actual time.

"What are we doing today?" Dedalus asks eagerly.

With a warm smile, she says, "I was thinking we'd finish our patronuses."

Everyone cheers at that.

"How do we start?" Emmeline asks eagerly.

"Think of your happiest memory," Sirius commands next to Anna, his arm secured around her waist. "Think real hard. It won't work if it's just some random day you laughed a little hard."

"Does everyone have it?" Anna asks a moment later.

People nod, so Lily continues, "Draw a circle in the air with your wand. Practice the words 'expecto patronum'. Remember guys, this is post-N.E.W.T. level magic, don't feel bad if you don't get it perfect right away."

An hour later, everybody had finally conjured at full patronus. They all laugh and depart from the Come and Go room.

January 14th.

"I'm coming with you guys tomorrow night," Anna announces as she walks into the Gryffindor common room housing only the Marauders.

"I'm sorry?" Sirius asks in greeting.

Anna cocks an eyebrow, "You know what I mean. Moony 'n' all."

"No," Sirius says immediately.

James looks up sharply at Sirius. "Risky," is all James says.

Right on cue, Anna says to Sirius, "Excuse me?"

"No," Sirius repeats. "It's too dangerous."

"Bad move," James commentates. Remus, meanwhile, watches with interest. Peter sighs and returns to the book he's reading.

"Too- too dangerous?! Does that mean I shouldn't let you go?" she scoffs.

Sirius automatically says, "You're not the boss of me."

James snickers, "There it is."

Anna sends James a proud glance with a smirk on her face.

"Well fancy that. That's what I was about to say. How's this? I stay behind if Remus tells me I can't go and you stay with me," Anna bargains with such a big smile, Sirius knows he's done for. Without waiting for a response, Anna continues, "Hey, Reemes?"

"What can I do for you, Annie?" he asks with a knowing smile.

"When fighting a battle, you always want more people, true?" she says pleasantly.

He smiles wider, "Why yes, Anna. I do believe you do."

"Building off that, it makes it safer for all those involved, correct?" she continues.

"Correct," he confirms.

Sirius glares at him.

"So you would think that it's quite alright for me to join you, wouldn't you?" Anna smiles warmly.

"Well if it's okay with Sirius," Remus says thoughtfully. "Oh, wait! It's not his choice!"

Anna beams. She points at Remus, "You are now my best friend. And, Sirius, I'll see you tomorrow night!"

Sirius groans. Anna leaves the room.

Sirius rounds on Remus. "My own best friend!" he exclaims. "I've been betrayed!"