Embers of Discord

Twenty-Three

Sirius-

Exhausted, I collapse onto my bed, the weight of weariness engulfing me like a shroud. The events of the previous night's full moon replay in my mind, a vivid and chaotic blur of running through the dense forest in pursuit of Moony. It was one of those nights when his transformation took a terrifying turn, driving him  complete berserk.

Now, in the hushed aftermath, Moony lies on Prongs's bed, his heavy snores reverberating through the room. The sight of his battered body, covered in deep gashes, fresh wounds, and countless lesions, fills me with a mixture of concern and sorrow. We did our best to tend to his injuries, applying healing salves and spells, but the scars of his tumultuous night remain.

As I wake from a much-needed nap, the sun's rays filtering through the window, I find Moony already awake, his gaze fixed on the outside world. There's a certain distance in his eyes, a reluctance to meet my gaze. I understand the weight of guilt and shame that burdens him.

"Did I hurt you?" Moony's voice trembles with worry as he finally breaks the silence.

Shaking my head, I approach him gently, trying to convey reassurance. "No, Moony. We're all okay," I assure him. "You didn't hurt any of us. It's you who got hurt."

A flicker of relief passes through his eyes, albeit briefly. "I'm glad... I didn't want to... I didn't mean to..."

Placing my hand on his shoulder, I offer him a small, understanding smile. "We know, Moony. It's not your fault. We're here for you, always."

A hint of gratitude and vulnerability appears in his expression, and I can see the internal struggle he faces. I decide to lighten the mood, attempting to bring a smile to his tired face. "How about I go grab some snacks for you? You need to replenish your energy."

Moony nods, appreciating the gesture. "Thank you, my friend. I appreciate it."

Leaving the room, I descend the stairs, where I find Mum engrossed in her morning newspaper, and Prongs sulking over his unfinished breakfast. Apparently, Evans left today without any final goodbye. 

"Is Remus still sleeping?" Mum inquires.

I pause for a moment, thinking on my feet. "Yes, Mum. He's not feeling well, so we decided to let him rest a bit longer."

'Should I check on him?'

'No, uh, it's not necessary. He wants to rest so we better not disturb him'- I return to the room hastily. It's good that we healed his face lest Mum should get suspicious. 

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After resting the whole day, I decide to knock-out my transfiguration homework. It's a task long overdue, one that has been looming over me since my fifth-year detention for the explosive incident involving Filch's office and a collection of Dung-bombs. Professor McGonagall, or Minnie as I fondly refer to her, will undoubtedly be less than pleased to discover my procrastination.

The particular work is on Animagi.

With a confident smirk, I open my transfiguration textbook to the section on Animagi, but quickly realize that I don't need it. The knowledge I possess on the subject is far beyond what any book can offer. After all, I've spent the better part of the past year honing my skills as an Animagus.

I skim through the assignment, each question bringing a nostalgic sense of familiarity. The theory behind Animagi transformation, the risks and benefits, the process of obtaining the animal form—I know it all by heart. It's not just academic knowledge for me; it's a part of who I am.

I pick up my quill and start jotting down the answers effortlessly. The memories of my countless nights spent running in my Animagus form flood my mind, each transformation etched into my being.

To be honest, I never expected to be a dog- shaggy, wild-haired and strong-willed. There's a certain wave of pleasure in galloping in the forest with your best mates without any care in the world. But it's not all sunshine and roses, especially when Moony's transformation takes a ferocious turn. There are times when the primal instincts of our animal forms take over, and we navigate the fine line between danger and exhilaration. Yet, even in those moments, there's an undeniable allure to the raw power and untamed energy that courses through us.

It's the reckless freedom that captivates me the most.

"Padfoot."

"Yeah?"

"Ahava has paid us a visit," Prongs informs me. 'She requires some help with her homework. Could you lend her a hand, mate?' He drops onto the couch, letting out a prolonged yawn.

I cast a glance at Moony, peacefully slumbering. This is how we spend the day after the full moon.

In the reading room, I locate Ahava engrossed in her books, holding them in her hands.

As soon as she catches sight of me, she squints her eyes. "Where's Remus?"

"Well, hello to you too. Remus is taking a little nap."

"And Potter?" Wow, she even prefers Prongs over me.

"Same situation. Why are you here all by yourself?"

"Well, Ruhani has gone out with Ammi to buy groceries. I need to complete my DADA homework."

Although classes haven't commenced yet, the professor assigned us some preliminary research.

"What is it you need help with?"- I ask.

"I need Remus. You wouldn't be familiar with the spells," she replies hesitantly.

"Listen, I excel in Defense Against the Dark Arts every time. Even, I managed to achieve an Outstanding in it. So, you can either sit here and read 'Romeo and Juliet' or we can complete your homework together," I respond bluntly.

I detest it when people underestimate me.

She appears uncertain for a moment but eventually agrees.

As she hunches forward to write, her hair keeps falling onto her face.

"You should tie your hair back," I suggest.

"I didn't ask for your opinion on managing my hair. I asked for the spell for full body-binding," she retorts.

"It's called Petrificus Totalus."

"Are you sure it's called Totalus?"

"One hundred percent."

"I believe it's Tolus."

She searches the textbook to verify the spell, and to my satisfaction, I am proven right.

I had come across these spells during my fifth year. Although I don't dedicate much time to studying, Defense Against the Dark Arts remains my favorite subject. Learning new spells and applying them has always fascinated me.

She continues to search for other spells, hoping to find an instance where I am wrong and she is right.

Eventually, she closes the book, acknowledging the correctness of the spells. I can't help but smirk.

"Why is it so hard for you to admit that I'm better than you?"

"Who says it's hard for me?" she retorts, shooting me a glare.

"Do you ever stop glaring at me?" I respond, raising an eyebrow.

"Ever think if you stopped being an idiot, I wouldn't need to glare at you?" she states sharply.

"I just helped you out," I point out.

"And thank you for that," she says, her tone softening slightly.

Then she abruptly gets up and leaves the room.

I can't deny it... but she does look rather cute when she's angry.

'