The Marauders Rise (II)

Minerva's Offer

September 9, 1973

It is very late at night, and MINERVA is sitting at the desk in her office, grading papers. She sighs, begins to rub her forehead, and examines an essay heavily. Soon, a knock is heard on her door.

MINERVA: Come in.

JAMES enters, and closes the door behind him.

JAMES: You wanted to see me, Professor.

MINERVA Yes. Sit down, Potter.

JAMES sits down in the chair across from the desk, and MINERVA holds up the essay that she was examining.

MINERVA: I can't pretend I haven't seen this, Potter.

JAMES: (innocently) What is it?

MINERVA: This is Mr. Lupin's essay on Tortoise-to-Teacup transfiguration, and its conclusion bears a striking resemblance to your own.

JAMES: I- sorry, Professor.

MINERVA: You admit that you wrote at least part of this paper for Mr. Lupin?

JAMES: I- yes.

MINERVA: With full knowledge of my specific instruction that this was an individual assignment?

JAMES: Yes.

MINERVA: And with full knowledge of the consequences should you get caught?

JAMES: Yes, Professor.

MINERVA studies JAMES for a moment, then leans back in her chair.

MINERVA: Have a biscuit, Potter.

JAMES: I- what?

MINERVA: Biscuit, have a biscuit. (She indicates a small silver bowl of crumpets on her desk. JAMES, somewhat cautious, takes one).

MINERVA: I know why you did this, Potter.

JAMES: You- you do?

MINERVA: I know that you are close friends with Mr. Lupin. I know that the full moon was last week. And I know that you would never do this on your own terms.

JAMES: I- I was just trying to help.

MINERVA: I understand, Potter. Truly, I do. But you must understand that this cannot happen again. If Mr. Lupin is struggling with his schoolwork, then he must come see me and I will handle it. You understand?

JAMES: Yes, ma'am.

MINERVA: Now, concerning Mr. Lupin. I'm surprised that you are aware of his condition of lycanthropy. He was specifically instructed not to tell anyone.

JAMES: He didn't tell us! We just sort of- found out. It wasn't his fault.

MINERVA: Who is "us"?

JAMES: Me, Sirius, and- and Peter. That's it.

MINERVA: Well, I hope you know what a massive secret this is. And that you mustn't tell anyone, ever.

JAMES: I understand.

MINERVA: However, I can only imagine how difficult it must be for you to try and help your friend, with such little that you can control over the situation.

JAMES: It is difficult, ma'am.

MINERVA: (pursing her lips) I have a proposition for you, Potter. One that I think can benefit you and your friends, including and especially Mr. Lupin.

JAMES: A proposition?

MINERVA: Yes. I trust you know that I am a registered Animagus?

JAMES: Yeah, you told us before.

MINERVA: Well, what I'm beginning to theorize is that while it may be rather hard for you to help young Remus as humans, it might be easier for you help him as animals.

JAMES: You mean- us? Become Animagi? Can we do that?

MINERVA: You have to understand, this is a very unstable plan as of right now. Becoming an Animagus takes years of hard work, and because you are underage, you will not be able to register with the Ministry, but I think- given your devotion to your friend- that it might be in your best interest.

JAMES: And you can show us? How to do it?

MINERVA: I can tutor you, yes. Mentor you throughout the process.

JAMES: Wow. This is-

MINERVA: Quite a big decision, indeed, and not to be taken lightly. I suggest you think it over and discuss it with your friends before giving me an answer.

JAMES: Okay.

MINERVA: Very well, Potter, you are dismissed.

JAMES gets up from his chair and begins to exit the room, but before leaving, he hesitates at the door before turning around once more.

JAMES: Why would you do this? Why would you help us?

MINERVA removes her spectacles and gazes at JAMES for a long time. There is an interesting look in her eyes, almost one of sympathy.

MINERVA: Because I know what you're feeling, Potter. I know what it's like to have magic interfere in a relationship with someone you care deeply about. And I know how much that hurts.

JAMES nods before quickly exiting the office, leaving MINERVA alone in her office.