THE SHADOW PATH ⎯ james potter

[007]

chapter seven: a spell gone wrong

It was a chilly November morning, and the Great Hall buzzed with the usual morning chatter. Ellie sat at the Slytherin table with Charlotte and Dorcas, staring at the empty plate before her. The Hogwarts Christmas decorations had just begun to appear around the castle—evergreens draped over doorways, and the occasional enchanted snowflake drifted lazily through the air. She should have felt excitement, but instead, a sense of dread hung over her like a dark cloud.

From the Gryffindor table, Remus caught her eye and subtly nodded for her to sit with him. Ellie followed their Owl's flight and saw the brown-feathered bird dip toward Remus, carrying a letter she had been expecting for days now.

Ellie and Remus exchanged nervous glances as Remus unfolded the letter. He quickly scanned it, his face falling slightly before he passed it across to Ellie. She already knew what it would say before she even read the words.

Dearest Ellie and Remus,

We've spoken with Professor Dumbledore and Madam Pomfrey, and it would be best for you two to remain at Hogwarts over Christmas break. Madam Pomfrey will be able to help Remus, and you won't have to worry about traveling during the full moon. We'll miss you terribly but we'll make it up to you during the summer.

All our love,
Hope and Lyall

Ellie folded the letter and placed it on the table, feeling a strange mixture of relief and frustration. She had known this was coming, but it still stung to think about spending Christmas away from Hope and Lyall, despite the safety Hogwarts offered during the full moon.

Remus, who was sitting at the table with James, Sirius, and Peter, was trying to play it cool, but she could tell by the tension in his shoulders that he was just as disappointed.

James noticed Remus' stiff demeanor and nudged him with a grin. "What's that all about?" he asked, shoving a piece of toast into his mouth. "Love letter from home?"

Remus chuckled awkwardly, shaking his head. "Not quite."

Ellie could sense that Sirius and Peter were watching them too, their curiosity piqued. She could feel the weight of their gaze from across the hall, and when she glanced up, James was now looking over at her as well.

Before she could think of an excuse, Charlotte, who had followed her over, leaned closer and whispered, "What did your letter say?"

Ellie cleared her throat, forcing a neutral expression onto her face. "Uh... Just that Remus and I have to stay at Hogwarts over Christmas," she said casually, trying to keep her tone light.

"Oh, come on!" Sirius groaned, loud enough that anyone could hear him across the hall. "You're not seriously staying here over the holidays, are you?"

"We kind of have to," Remus added quickly. "Our parents think it's safer."

"Safer?" Peter asked, confused. "Hogwarts is safe all the time, isn't it?"

James frowned slightly, sitting up straighter. "You should come to mine, then. My parents won't mind. They love having the place full of people during Christmas."

The offer hung in the air for a moment. Remus hesitated, glancing at Ellie as they silently communicated. They had to think of a good reason, and fast. Ellie's mind raced, but every excuse she thought of felt hollow or suspicious.

"We can't," Ellie blurted out, her voice a little too sharp. "Our parents... well, they've already arranged everything with Professor Dumbledore. We'd hate to cause any trouble."