The sun was sinking below the horizon when James Potter made his way to the shrieking shack. The marauders he waited impatiently underneath his invisibility cloak.
He knew Remus would be there soon, He hoped that his friend would understand. Normally the group would meet for the full moon transformation and keep"Moony" company but tonight was different. Peter landed himself in detention and Sirius was in bed with a stomach ache and a fever. James was sure it was Nothing serious 'but it was more than enough to cause concern when Sirius told them he was going to stay in bed that day.
"Maybe you should see Madam Pomfrey if you're that ill." James had suggested the day before. Sirius smiled faintly.
"I'll be alright,takes more than a little pain to stop me, you should know that by now."
"Then why didn't you get up, you let it stop you, that means it's not just a little pain, by your own words."Remus had added.
"I'll be there, don't worry about it." Sirius responded.
"dunno mate, you're a bit pale." Sirius sighed.
"James,I'm always pale,it's not uncommon for my family history."
"No, I mean more than usual, I didn't think it was possible but it's noticeable." Sirius had dismissed the idea of going to the hospital wing. James knew Sirius wouldn't be joining them this time, the second he woke to find his best friend awake and in obvious pain.
"You're never up this early in the morning pads, what's -" Sirius scoffed.
"Up early, who said I slept?" Sirius had replied.
"Your stomach pain kept you up?" James climbed out of his own bed and stood next to his friend. He reached out to feel his forehead only to have Sirius push his hand away.
"I'm fine." He said.
Yeah, you look like it." James shook his head. "Go to Pomfrey, you need some-"
"I need to rest, that's all." The ill boy insisted.
James heard Remus enter and hid behind a chair.
"Thank you Madam Pomfrey." Remus said politely and the nurse bid him goodnight before leaving him. After waiting several minutes, James stood and made his way to Remus.
"Moony, I'm afraid I have some bad news, I-"
"Sirius won't be joining us?" James shook his head.
"I wasn't expecting him to. He's been ill, I'd rather he get some rest. I just hope he feels better soon, it's odd to see him lie down so much, he's usually so lively."
"He'll be fine and back to his old ways in no time, it's padfoot, he'll be up and driving everyone mad probably the day after next."
"I hope so. For now, you had better transform, it's almost time." Remus said as the moon rose high above the shack, James changed quickly. He hated this part. It was always painful, not just for Remus but for him as well.