𝐫𝐞𝐝𝐚𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐲 / James Potter x Reader

Ch14 ★ Chalk Boards and Silence

chapter song:
Come a Little Closer - Cage The Elephant

The chilly November air nipped at y/n's cheeks as she made her way to Professor Slughorn's office. Her breath came in visible puffs as she rehearsed the excuse she had crafted to acquire the mandrake leaf and other potion ingredients necessary for the Animagus transformation. She knew she had to be convincing, as the slightest hint of suspicion could ruin everything.

"Professor Slughorn?" y/n called softly, peeking around the door.

"Ah, y/n, come in, come in," Slughorn replied, his eyes twinkling with curiosity. "What brings you here this evening?"

Y/n smiled warmly, stepping inside. "I was hoping to get some extra ingredients for a personal project I'm working on. I want to delve deeper into advanced potion-making, and I thought I could use your guidance and resources."

Slughorn beamed, clearly pleased by her initiative as his ego was fed from the request of his guidance. "Of course, my dear. What do you need?"

After carefully listing the required ingredients, including the crucial mandrake leaf, y/n managed to secure everything without raising any suspicion. Slughorn even offered a few tips on potion-making, which she gratefully accepted.

With the ingredients in hand, y/n hurried back to the Gryffindor common room where the others were waiting. She found James, Sirius, and Peter huddled together, discussing their plan in hushed tones.

"I've got everything we need," y/n announced, holding up the bag of ingredients.

James grinned, his eyes lighting up. "Great job, y/n. Now the real challenge begins."

"Remember guys, the nightly incantation is 'Amato Animo Animato Animagus', I have it written down for Remus to hold on to in case anyone forgets."
Y/n gave Peter a silly pointed look and he put his hands up in surrender.

"We should have a lightning storm some time after the month is up. Well everyone. This is goodbye to our voices, other than Remy of course."

Sirius wiped a fake tear.
"I'm gonna miss you guys' voices. Goodbye." He frowned in mock despair.

"Goodbye cruel world!" Peter exclaimed.

James looked at y/n and quickly squeezed her hand. "I'm gonna hate not talking, it's all I ever do. Goodbye voice."

"Don't I know it," y/n chuckled at James. "Goodbye, voice."

They all gathered around the table, distributing the mandrake leaves. With a mix of excitement and apprehension, each of them placed a leaf in their mouth, the first step in their month-long silence.

"This is gonna be so weird you guys."

The rest of the Marauders, whose new group name already spread like wildfire, nodded vigorously at Remus.

The first week was an absolute test. Remus played his part perfectly, explaining to curious classmates and professors that James, Sirius, Peter, and y/n were engaged in a bet to see who could go the longest without speaking. It was a believable story, especially considering the Marauders' reputation for pranks and bets.

Other students and even professors began their own bets of who would last the longest.

Peter himself overheard Slughorn betting galleons on y/n's silence, and McGonagall couldn't help but agree.

Y/n found herself relying heavily on her chalkboard to communicate with her friends. Regulus, Archie, Ellis, and Severus were particularly curious, and she had to be extra careful around them to avoid any slip-ups. She wrote her excuse on the chalkboard so many times that she could do it in her sleep.

"Why aren't you speaking, y/n!"Regulus had asked, his brow furrowed in concern.

'Betting with the Marauders. Who can stay silent the longest. It's silly, I know.' She had written, offering a sheepish smile.

"Thank Salazar, I hate your bloody voice," Severus remarked.

'Watch it, Sevvy, I know you love my voice!' Y/n scribbled quickly, sending Archie and Severus into fits of laughter.

"There's no way James Potter and Sirius Black will go longer than you not speaking," Ellis smirked and Regulus nodded in agreement.

Y/n simply shrugged.

The Marauders quickly adapted to their silent communication, often bursting into silent laughter at the absurdity of it all. They carried their small green chalkboards everywhere, scribbling notes to each other and to anyone who asked about their peculiar behavior.

In Potions class, the culmination of their hard work was finally revealed. James and y/n stood before the class, their chalkboards ready. They presented their Amortentia potion with pride, writing out detailed explanations and answering questions through written notes. Slughorn watched them with a mixture of amusement and admiration.

When it was time to assess their work, Slughorn approached them with a wide grin. "This is exceptional work," he praised, his eyes twinkling. "You've both exceeded my expectations. Top marks for both of you."

James and y/n exchanged triumphant glances, their silent communication conveying their shared sense of achievement. The rest of the class looked on in awe, realizing that the so-called bet hadn't hindered their abilities in the slightest.