October 23, 1973
In MINERVA'S office, JAMES, SIRIUS, and PETER are seated in front of MINERVA'S desk.
MINERVA: So. You've all made a decision?
JAMES: Yes, Professor. We want to try it.
MINERVA: (nodding) You all understand what a dangerous and difficult task this will be? Very many things can go wrong. With my supervision, a lot of mistakes can be avoided, but I don't want you all to get your hopes up. It will take at least a year and a half to successfully carry this process out from your position, if you are successful at all.
PETER: We understand, Professor.
SIRIUS: I'm excited.
MINERVA: (smiling) Well, then, let's get to work. There are many steps to this process, but one of most important and difficult ones will be a hold the leaf of a Mandrake in your mouth for a month.
SIRIUS: A month?
JAMES: How is that gonna work?
MINERVA: If you hold the leaf under your tongue, it will be difficult to speak but you still can if necessary. You'll only be able to eat soft foods, such as soup, stew, casserole, et cetera. It will be difficult, but it will be possible.
JAMES: How did you do it?
MINERVA: I took off work in the summer and lived in a secluded cottage for a month.
PETER: And you think we can do it here?
MINERVA: I believe it is possible. I will help, as much as possible.
SIRIUS: So when do we do this?
MINERVA: Professor Sprout will have the Mandrakes ready in a few days, I believe. Once we have the leaves, I think it best to start next week on Tuesday. That way, you can remove them at the full moon of November, at which the next step begins.
The three students look at each other cautiously.
MINERVA: Well, Gryffindors? Are you still up for this?
JAMES, SIRIUS, and PETER share another look before they smile and nod.
YOU ARE READING
The Marauders Rise (II)
FanficIn 1973, the Marauders enter their third year at Hogwarts and are immediately thrown back into a world of magic and mayhem. James, Sirius, and Peter, under the guidance of Minerva, devise an unorthodox way to help Remus during his transformations, a...
