Greetings, dear readers. Now, I won't say this is my first HP fiction so be kind, because you shouldn't, be even more critic. And I won't say English is only my second language so be understanding, because I was assisted by the very kind SongOfStars.
This concept came to me on a sleepless night, so don't look for theories and such. It's all in good fun. And I was influenced by too many fics and authors to name.
I'd like to thank SongOfStars and Moa.Elanor for their preciousssss help.
On with the story!
A day in the life
Chapter 1
Wednesday, May 16th 1973
Footsteps sounded in the lifeless library. Had one been present at this hour of night (or of the early morning, whatever suits you), he or she would not have been able to locate the source of the silence's disturbance. Such was the advantage of wearing an invisibility cloak. Sirius, under said piece of fabric, which actually belonged to his buddy James, was making his way through the tall rows of volumes to the restricted section. Discretion was the least of his worries at the moment; the whole castle was asleep, Filch and his cat had auspiciously their hands (and paws) full of Peeves and the odds of Sirius getting caught were negligible. The cloak had been brought along more out of habit than utility.
Neglected has been the purpose of Sirius's doings so far. He was there to research on Animagic. Then where were James and Peter, you might ask. Even though they were trying to achieve it as a group, they had agreed searching on their own would prove more constructive. Doing it during the day would give them away. As would be going as a group. Yes, what they were preparing was to be kept secret. Why? First, because it was illegal. Second and more importantly, because of Remus.
They had informed him of their plan to become Animagi earlier that year. Not a wise choice, reckoned Sirius whenever he thought back on it. Never on a new moon had Remus been so edgy.
"WHAT!"
"I said we're going to become Animagi."
"I think his hearing isn't the issue here, Jamesie."
"No way! I won't let you do it!"
"Calm down, Remmie. Why not?"
"It's way too dangerous. It could go awfully wrong. You could be trapped in animal form . . .Or worse!"
"Danger never frightened us before."
"This isn't some random prank. This is serious!"
"No I am."
"Shut it, Sirius."
"The risk isn't important. We want to help you, Remus, whatever the cost may be."
"Guys, I'm not worth it."
Remus had always shown chronic modesty, caused by his low self-esteem. It was irking at some point, and revolting when you knew it was because he considered himself lower than everyone else, what with his "condition".
"What do you mean "not worth it"! You experience hell once a month. As your friends, it is our duty to help you."
"Sirius, drop it. There is too much at stake. I survive."
"It pains us to see you suffer like you do."
"Have I even mentioned it's illegal?"
"You haven't. And it's better that way. Come on, Rem. Accept our help. We know that deep inside you really want it. Think about yourself for once."
"What matters is that you'll be endangering yourselves for me. I won't have it."
"I believe you underestimate us there, my friend."
"Even if you do succeed, what if I attack one of you during the full moon? I couldn't live with myself knowing I injured you, even worse contaminated you."
"Now listen here Rem . . ."
"No you listen! I know you want to help but it would do more harm than good, trust me!"
"Take a deep breath, mate. We won't do it if you're absolutely positive you don't want us to. But think about it. You would stop biting and scratching yourself, ending up half dead the day after. And you wouldn't pass the night alone; we'd all be there with you."
"I appreciate your concern guys but I want you to forget about it."
With a nod from James, Sirius and Peter, the subject was then closed. Remus should have known better than to trust them on that one. Their little discussion had proved that their lycanthropic friend didn't think himself worth the trouble, but James, Sirius and Peter were determined to show him he did. Besides, they were certain Remus would be inescapably pleased if they succeeded, even if he hadn't expressed it.
And so it was that the three friends were studying Animagic for over two months now. They dedicated each full moon to group research, as there was no possible way Remus could barge in their secret meeting.
Sirius slipped promptly into the restricted section and began scanning through the shelves for some relevant tomes. This task might prove itself long so let me provide you some details while we wait for Sirius. It was 1973; the Marauders were now at the end of their second year at Hogwarts. Last December, they had discovered the terrible truth of Remus' true nature. It had been quite a shock, but in the end it had brought the four of them closer, the secret creating a withstanding bond.
I see Sirius found something possibly pertinent. Advanced Transfiguration and Metamorphosis. But where was I? Yes, the discovery. They now knew the reason of Remus's monthly disappearance, and it hurt them to see him come back drained and pained after each transformation. Apart from what their DADA course had taught them, they knew near to naught of what their werewolf friend was going through. He barely spoke about his "furry little problem" at all. What Sirius had retained is that it was agony for Remus each full moon and that he would not wish his curse to anyone, even the greasy git that was Snape. It did intrigue Sirius, as he was a curious 13-year-old lad. His imaginative mind could conceive with ease how it would feel to be a wolf-man, hunting in the woods on a full moon night, searching for a prey. But he also could grasp the gravity of such a plague; the lies, the persecution, the pain . . . Remus, wise beyond his years, always said with a note of melancholy that no one could understand what he went through, even on a daily basis, except perhaps another afflicted. Not that the will wasn't there for Sirius. Comprehension, he felt, was the least they could give him, the poor bloke. So he could share the burden that was rending him slowly. But even that was out of reach. They were giving him support and sympathy but it wasn't enough. That was why they were becoming Animagi, so they would lessen his suffering. They would be there for him, when he needed it the most, on the full moons.
Sirius knew Remus unconsciously longed for interaction with his kin, someone who could really understand. His three human friends couldn't fill this yearning. Nor could Animagi. James, Sirius and Peter would give their best to make him smile and enjoy life none the less.
But was comprehension really out of reach?
It is with those thoughts that Sirius searched through the table of contents of his sixth book (all this talking had given him time to progress in his search). No Animagic in there either. But one spell caught his attention. A very interesting spell. Flipping through the pages, he reached the description of the said spell. He skimmed the text quickly, his innocent curiosity for lycanthropy rising with each line. Very interesting indeed. Picking up his other books (two of them if you need to know), he retired silently to his dormitory. Yes, he would do it. Sirius was one impulsive guy. Besides, he had three full days to prepare himself. Which was more than enough on Sirius's standard.
When he reached his dorm, he threw (silently of course) his newfound books underneath his bed. What a hiding place, you might say; but the three friends knew Remus was too genteel to even consider rummaging through their possessions, including what lay under their bed.
Speaking of Remus, Sirius glanced at the sleeping form of his brown-haired friend. He was very pale, as he normally was two days before the full moon. Poor chap, he really has it hard, thought sadly Sirius. Yes, he would do it.
A rational wizard might have wanted to seek advice before attempting such a complicated spell, or to check after effects, or at least to ponder a little more on it than was done, but let us not forget it is Sirius we are talking about. Jumping on his four-poster bed (silently of course), he thought resolutely about what was to be undertaken on the morrow before sinking into deep sleep. Yes, he would do it.