Skuld Weasley - [A Harry Potter Fanfic]

Skuld Weasley was fully aware of her accomplishment. At just thirteen years old, she had succeeded in becoming an Animagus, a feat that had taken others years, sometimes decades, to master. And she had done it alone. 

Of course, she knew going to the Ministry to declare her achievement would be nothing short of suicide. Breaking school rules had always thrilled her, but now she was defying the laws of the magical world itself. 

It was Halloween, but Skuld wasn't interested in the festivities. Instead, she leapt from tree to tree in the Forbidden Forest, reveling in the forbidden freedom her Animagus form offered. 

Then she saw it. A massive black dog emerged from the tunnel beneath the Whomping Willow. 

Curiosity sparked in her mind, and without hesitation, she followed. 

Her imagination raced. 'What if he's an illegal Animagus too?' 

For once, her wild thoughts were correct. 

As she closed the distance, she noticed something unusual about the dog. Perhaps it was the piercing gray eyes that seemed too human or the strange aura it carried, an aura Skuld recognized immediately. 

It was the same as the one Ron's rat exuded. 

The black dog glanced back, noticing the small squirrel trailing behind him. One look was all it took for him to recognize her as one of his own. 

The dog veered off the main path, slipping behind a cluster of bushes. There, he transformed back into his human form, a tall, gaunt man with long, matted hair, yellowed teeth, and deep gray eyes. 

Skuld stopped, watching him from the underbrush. 

"Come on," he called with a crooked smile. "I know you're an Animagus too." 

Skuld hesitated for only a moment before her instincts kicked in. Something told her this man could be trusted. Slowly, she transformed back into her human form. 

Sirius Black's breath hitched as he took in the sight of the red-haired girl. She reminded him so vividly of the Marauders, of the woman who had driven both his best friend and himself mad with affection. 

"It's nice to finally meet you, Mr. Black," Skuld said with a confident smile. 

Sirius blinked. She wasn't afraid. There was no trace of fear in her voice, no hesitation in her words. Instead, she radiated a calm determination that surprised him. 

"You're just like her," he murmured, his chest tightening. 

"Remus says that a lot," Skuld replied with a shrug. "I'm Skuld Weasley, Mr.Prisoner of Azkaban. You can relax, I'm not going to say anything. If I did, we'd both end up with the Dementors. I doubt anyone would be pleased to learn a third-year girl has committed something this illegal. Besides," she added with a sly smile, "if my family tree is right, you and I are distant relatives." 

"I…" Sirius began, but Skuld cut him off. 

"You don't need to say you're innocent. I know. I've seen the rat, and now it all makes sense. I can help you, if you'll let me." 

Sirius stared at her for a moment, then smiled. There was something about this girl that was both refreshing and comforting. 

---

Later that night, after carefully arranging pillows and drawing the curtains in her dormitory with a flick of her wand, Skuld transformed into her Animagus form. As a squirrel, she scurried out of the dungeons, avoiding prefects, ghosts, and teachers with practiced ease. 

The grounds were silent when she reached them. Sirius, already in his Animagus form, was waiting near the Whomping Willow. They were joined moments later by Crookshanks, the orange cat whose intelligence seemed to surpass theirs combined. 

Once they passed through the tunnel beneath the tree, Skuld couldn't hold it in any longer. She transformed back into herself, laughing uncontrollably. 

Sirius, grinning, followed suit. His laughter echoed hers, rich and full of life. 

It had been an exhilarating night. 

---

The following day, Draco Malfoy was relentless in pestering Skuld. 

"I saw you leave the castle yesterday afternoon," he declared smugly. 

"For the last time, Malfoy, I didn't leave the castle," Skuld lied smoothly. 

"Yes, you did!" he insisted. 

"How can you be so sure you didn't see Ginny instead?" Skuld countered, attempting to throw him off. "We look alike, and we were both wearing the same colors yesterday." 

"You're not the same," Draco blurted without thinking. "You're prettier. Taller, too. And your hair's brighter. Hers is dull and ugly." 

Skuld raised an eyebrow, stifling a laugh. "That's quite a compliment." 

"It's the truth," Draco continued, oblivious to his own words. "You've got the looks of the Weasleys, but better. And your eyes, they're green. Way better than blue or… brown. Everyone knows gray and green are the best eye colors." 

"Whatever you say, Draco," Skuld replied with a smirk, walking away before he could say more. 

---

During lunch, Marcus Flint and his lackeys approached her table. 

"What brings you to my table?" Skuld asked without looking up from her book, a knowing smile tugging at her lips. 

"We'll be direct," Marcus growled. "Do our homework for us, or deal with us." 

Skuld burst into laughter. 

"What's so funny, carrot?" Marcus leaned closer, his breath foul enough to make her wrinkle her nose. 

"That you're empty-headed enough to think a third-year girl with three times your intelligence would be intimidated by you," she retorted. "Want me to demonstrate just how good I am with spells?" 

Marcus opened his mouth to reply, but Terrence Higgs grabbed his arm, pulling him back. 

"Stupid blood traitor," Marcus muttered as they walked away, muttering insults. 

Skuld returned her attention to her work, her face calm and unbothered. 

From across the hall, Harry Potter watched her. There was something about the freckled girl with the fiery hair and mischievous grin that captivated him. 

Without a doubt, Harry was falling for temptation.

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