Moonlit Bonds: The Tale of Moony and Snowy

Chapter 187 - Pranking Therapy

With the stress of the full moon behind them and the looming pressures of N.E.W.T.s ever-present, the Marauders decided it was time to blow off some steam. James, with his characteristic glint of mischief in his eyes, proposed a grand prank to lift their spirits and remind everyone at Hogwarts of the Marauders' legendary status.

"We need something spectacular," James declared one evening in the Gryffindor common room. "Something that will leave everyone talking for weeks."

Sirius, lounging casually on the couch, perked up at James's words. "I've got just the idea," he said, a wicked grin spreading across his face. "How about a 'phantom potion party'? We can enchant the suits of armor to dispense a harmless but hilarious potion that causes everyone to float a few inches off the ground."

Remus, though initially hesitant about causing chaos, found himself intrigued. "As long as it's safe," he cautioned, his eyes meeting Sirius's. "We don't need anyone getting hurt."

Peter, who had been quietly listening, chimed in, "And it can't be something that gets us all expelled. McGonagall's been watching us like a hawk lately."

James waved away their concerns with a confident smile. "We'll make sure it's all in good fun. Besides, everyone could use a little laughter right now."

With the plan set, the Marauders got to work. They spent the next few days gathering the necessary ingredients and enchanting the suits of armor scattered throughout the castle. The potion they concocted was a light, effervescent brew that, when consumed, would cause the drinker to float a few inches off the ground for about an hour. It was harmless but guaranteed to cause a lot of laughter and surprise.

On the chosen night, the Marauders stealthily moved through the corridors, slipping the potion into the goblets of the suits of armor. James and Sirius handled the enchantments, while Remus and Peter kept watch for any patrolling professors or prefects.

"Almost done," James whispered as he finished the last suit of armor near the entrance to the Great Hall. "This is going to be brilliant."

Sirius chuckled, giving James a thumbs up. "Can't wait to see their faces when they start floating around."

The next morning, the Marauders gathered in the Great Hall for breakfast, their excitement barely contained. They exchanged knowing glances as the hall filled with students and staff, everyone oblivious to the surprise awaiting them.

As breakfast was served, the suits of armor began to move, dispensing the enchanted potion into goblets with a flourish. The students, curious but unsuspecting, began to drink, and within moments, the first giggles and exclamations filled the air as people realized they were floating a few inches above their seats.

"What's happening?" a Ravenclaw girl exclaimed, her feet dangling above the floor.

"This is amazing!" a Hufflepuff boy laughed, trying to steer himself back to his table.

Even the professors couldn't help but smile at the harmless fun. Professor Flitwick chuckled as he floated gracefully, his small frame bobbing in the air. Even Professor McGonagall, who usually maintained a stern demeanor, had a rare smile on her lips as she observed the joyful chaos.

Dumbledore, his eyes twinkling with amusement, rose from his seat at the head table. "It seems we have some unexpected levitation this morning," he announced, his voice carrying a note of fondness. "While I suspect our resident pranksters may have had a hand in this, I must say it has brought a delightful start to our day."

The Great Hall erupted in laughter and applause, students and staff alike enjoying the light-hearted moment. James, Sirius, Remus, and Peter exchanged triumphant grins, pleased with the success of their prank.

Eliza, who had been feeling the weight of her exhaustion, found herself laughing genuinely for the first time in weeks. The sight of her friends and classmates floating around, trying to navigate the hall with varying degrees of success, was too much to resist.

Sirius floated over to her, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "Feeling better, sis?"

Eliza nodded, her laughter easing some of the tension that had built up over the past weeks. "This is exactly what we all needed," she admitted, her smile broadening as she watched Remus trying to guide a first-year back to his seat.

Remus floated over, a playful glint in his eyes. "Care for a dance, Snowy?" he asked, extending his hand to Eliza.

Eliza took his hand, her heart light as they floated together, spinning gently in the air. "I think this might be my favorite prank yet," she said, her eyes meeting Remus's with warmth.

James and Peter joined them, the four friends floating in a small circle, their laughter and camaraderie a testament to the strength of their bond. Despite the challenges they faced, moments like these reminded them of the joy and mischief that defined their time at Hogwarts.

As the effects of the potion began to wear off and everyone gradually returned to solid ground, the Great Hall buzzed with stories of the morning's surprise. The Marauders' prank had brought a much-needed sense of levity to the castle, a reminder that even in uncertain times, laughter could be a powerful antidote to fear and worry.

Back in the common room that evening, the Marauders settled into their usual spots by the fire, the warmth and comfort of their friendship wrapping around them like a cosy blanket.

"Today was a good day," Eliza said softly, her exhaustion momentarily forgotten in the glow of their shared success.

James nodded, his expression thoughtful. "We'll keep making them, no matter what comes our way."

Sirius raised his goblet in a mock toast. "To the Marauders, and to never growing up."

"To never growing up," they echoed, their voices filled with the promise of many more adventures to come.