IN ANOTHER LIFE (James Potter x Severus Snape)

Chapter 12 - Yule Holidays

Serena, a petite figure wrapped in the shadows of the Room of Requirement, watched as the last swirls of the upgraded Wolfsbane potion settled, casting an iridescent sheen in the dim light. Her hair bangs shimmered in the soft light, her red lips set in a grim line of concentration, her small hands steady as she handled the potion.

She had been observing the Marauders for the past few weeks, seeing a shift in their behavior. The usually boisterous group was more subdued, their pranks less frequent and their laughter dimmer. They were exchanging quiet looks, their eyes speaking volumes in the silence. Serena suspected that they had finally pieced together the truth about Remus' lycanthropy. She remembered when she had uncovered the secret in her previous life and how it had changed everything.

Serena suspected that James was the leader in their endeavor to become Animagus. His talent in Transfiguration was remarkable. She recalled the shock she'd felt in her previous life when she'd learned of their achievement, and now, she found herself looking forward to becoming one herself. She had heard Lupin say that the boys took three years to become an Animagus. That is to say, the research took a while considering McGonagall wouldn't teach any students about the subject until they were at least in their senior years. The Marauders had to research themselves, learn the Patronus charm, collect all the ingredients needed for the potions, make it perfectly, and wait until the proper moment to proceed with the ritual itself. But it's a different story for Serena. She planned to start the ritual in her third year.

Pulling herself back to the present, she turned her attention back to the potion. She had to ensure that it was perfect. She told herself that it was only safety measures for herself and the rest of the students, not for the wolf's sake. Once Mr. Belby announced it to the world, she would give it to him.

Cleaning and finishing up, Serena stepped out of the Room of Requirement - only to come face to face with a pair of icy blue eyes that she knew all too well. Lucius Malfoy stood there, his pale blonde hair glinting in the dim light, an elegant figure leaning casually against the wall. His usually kind eyes, however, held a trace of suspicion that made Serena's heart skip a beat.

"Lucius," she started, her voice betraying her surprise. She hadn't expected him to be there, to be waiting for her. She had always been careful, always made sure she wasn't followed. But it seemed she had been too engrossed in her work to notice.

"Serena," Lucius replied, his voice smooth as silk, but the underlying tension was palpable. After a moment of silence, he finally asked the question she had been dreading. "Where have you been?"

She could see the curiosity in his eyes, mixed with concern. She was his friend, after all. Lucius had noticed her frequent disappearances and her vague responses. He was no fool, he knew she was hiding something.

"I...I've been working on a project," she said, deciding on a half-truth. It felt wrong to lie to Lucius, but she couldn't risk revealing the truth just yet. Not until she was ready, not until she was sure it was safe.

Lucius raised an eyebrow at her, clearly not convinced. "For two hours? And not at the library?" he asked, his tone skeptical.

Serena sighed. She knew she couldn't fool Lucius. He was too observant, too smart. But she wasn't ready to reveal her secret. Not yet.

"I...It's complicated, Lucius," she said, her voice a little shaky. "I promise, I'll tell you someday."

For a moment, Lucius looked like he was going to argue, to press her for more answers. But then, he sighed and nodded, his eyes softening. "Alright. I trust you. But Serena, please," he pleaded softly, his voice laced with a mix of intrigue and concern. "What was that room? I saw you come out of it, and then it disappeared. It's not like anything I've ever seen before."