Flames ( HP Fire Series #1)

12. Christmas II

Autumn's p.o.v.

"I'm an unlovable monster. I've never had real friends before, being the one feared by most. Full moon was damn hard for me. The beast within unleashes and I can't help it but hurt people! I can't control myself, I am always so guilty for it, watching people suffer because of me..." Remus ranted on at the effects of the truth potion.

My mouth widened with shock, not knowing what to do. My heart ached at the thought of Remus undergoing all of that. Without thinking, I pulled him into a hug.

"You'll always have someone. These boys. And now, me. You're never a monster to me." I whispered, nudging at the boys.

They looked at me sheepishly and joined in the hug. We stood there for a few minutes, simply holding each other. The silence was almost comforting when Remus emerged from our tangled arms. 

"Thanks guys. I appreciate that but maybe I'm too dangerous..." He mumbled softly but I cut across him.

"You're never a threat to us. We'll become animagi for you. We'll endure the full moon together." I promised him.

"Seriously?! You don't have to do that! I'm not worth it. Besides, it's ridiculously advanced magic!" Remus spluttered when Sirius interrupted.

"We'll do it, mate. Right, James? Peter?"

"You bet." We high-fived when I suddenly recalled something.

"James..." I looked at him expectantly. Sighing, he pulled out 50 galleons and I pocketed them. 

"If you insist, I, James Potter, honoury Marunder, hereby proudly declare Autumn Rivers as one of us, Marunders, with the nickname..."

"Fire?" Sirius suggested and I froze. How did he know?

"What?" He said, seeing my expression. "You do have a fiery personality and a bloody phoenix..." Hearing that, I visibly slumped in relief. So my secret wasn't out after all.

"Flames! That's great! Flames and Blaze, it rhymes!" James jumped up and down like a child. 

"Who in the hell is Blaze?" Sirius scratched his head quizzically.

"The hell of her phoenix of course!" James started muttering incoherent comments about how vulgar Blaze was when I smacked him behind his head.

"Be respectful!" I chastised playfully while Remus just shook his head.

"Flames. I like it." Peter smiled at me. 

"Welcome to the pranking group, Flames!" Sirius shouted and whooped as they twirled me around. Laughing, I asked about their nicknames.

"Well, Moony for one." Remus obviously didn't look too pleased with it but went along with the boys.

"We haven't decided on ours yet cuz this group is kinda new."

"You bet we'll decide them when we successfully become animagi." I smirked, excited to start at once.

"Wait, you go to Beauxbatons, Autumn. How are you going to find us in Hogwarts?" Peter pointed that out.

"I have a phoenix, remember?" I patted him confidently. "Anyways, I'll tell you all after I research! I better get going or the girls will kill me. Coming?" I waved cheerily at them while they groaned at the prospect of more work.

"You bet! I definitely want to see more of Beauxbatons' lovelies." Sirius batted his eyelashes and I rolled my eyes.

"Careful, Rose and Hazel aren't so easy to talk to. Aurora is sweet though." I warned them to be on their best behaviours. Peter snorted while Sirius looked unfazed.