A Broken Inheritance

Chapter 15: For What It's Worth

Chapter 15: For What It's Worth

That night, the Marauders set out to execute their latest plan to prank the Slytherins. They gathered in the Gryffindor common room, huddled around a table covered in maps, sketches, and an assortment of prank supplies.

"Alright, here's the plan," Sirius began, his eyes gleaming with mischief. "We'll set off a series of dungbombs in the Slytherin common room. The spell will delay their explosion until they're all settled in for the night. Then, we'll flood their common room with enchanted water balloons filled with Weasley's Swamp Potion."

Remus grinned, adding, "And to top it off, we'll charm their robes to flash embarrassing messages whenever they try to cast a spell."

James laughed, already imagining the chaos. "Perfect. I'll be the lookout, make sure no one catches us in the act."

With their roles assigned, they set off under the cover of darkness. James, cloaked under his invisibility cloak, roamed the corridors with the Marauder's Map in hand, scanning for any signs of movement.

So far, everything was running smoothly.

James leaned against the cold stone wall of a corridor, the map spread out before him. Tiny inked names moved about the castle, most clustered in the dormitories, save for a few late-night wanderers. His eyes swept over the parchment, pausing on one particular name: Anastasia Gaunt.

Her dot was making its way toward the library.

James frowned. "She's at it again," he muttered under his breath. He knew better than to let himself get distracted. He'd told himself countless times that her nocturnal ventures were none of his business. He'd made his peace—or so he thought.

Still, his eyes lingered on her dot as it wove through the castle. He told himself it was out of habit, a reflex after weeks of trying to look out for her. Not because he cared. Certainly not that.

He pulled his gaze away, focusing back on the task at hand. Sirius and Peter's dots were steady, indicating they were waiting for their cue. Remus was still in the Great Hall, likely muttering spells under his breath as he worked. All was fine.

And yet, his eyes drifted back to the map, to her name. She had reached the library now, her dot moving steadily between the shelves.

"Get a grip, Potter," he muttered, shaking his head as if to clear it.

But then he saw it.

Argus Filch.

The caretaker's dot, accompanied by Mrs. Norris, was heading directly toward the library.

James's stomach twisted. He watched as the distance between their names grew smaller, the lines of the castle's corridors narrowing to bring them closer and closer.

"Not my problem," he said under his breath, his grip tightening on the map. "She can handle herself."

But as he stared at the map, his resolve wavered. He knew exactly what would happen if Filch caught her. She'd lose the books she was using—books she clearly thought were important enough to risk sneaking into the library for. If word got out about what she was researching... James didn't want to imagine the fallout with Tom Riddle or the consequences for her.

And if she couldn't help Regulus, that would hurt Sirius. It would hurt all of them.

He let out a sharp exhale, his mind racing. She wouldn't thank him for this. She might even be furious. But the alternative—her being caught, her plans falling apart, the potential danger—was enough to make his decision for him.