Author note: This is about the Marauders' journey to becoming Animagi. Except Remus 'cos he's, like, a werewolf and all.

1971-- Late Second Year

Peter stared at the book. It was rather frightening for some reason. It was just a book after all. But it was a huge book filled with the tiniest calligraphy and the most complicated illustrations and diagrams. It was covered in dust, its pages were yellowed with age and it smelt like old parchment and hard work. Remus would absolutely love that book. It was quite Remusy. But it was not, by any stretch of imagination, Petery. He poked it with his wand and stared at it in a bemused fashion. That was all it was to him, something to be poked and stared at. To Remus it would be something to be read for pleasure. For James it was a challenge. For Sirius fun. But as for Peter he was content with just poking it and not opening the old leather bound covers to be devoured by the terribly hard work within.

"Stop poking it will you Pete?"

Peter stopped poking it but continued to stare. At least he'd have James and Sirius to help him with the Hard Work that lay ahead. After all it was their idea.

"Remus would love this book." Peter stated, "It is big and boring and incredibly hard work and he would love it. Why can't we just give it to him?"

"Because," said James patiently "Remus can't know about it. It's a surprise."

"It'll still be a surprise, he just won't have to wait as long."

"But that's not the point Pete," Sirius said, "We have to be the surprise. Not some dirty great book."

"But Remus likes dirty great books."

"Well he'll like this better. Lets get started."

James opened the book and Peter groaned. The first page was one hundred percent writing. No pictures, No great big title or anything. The author had obviously not wanted to waste any time, straight to the writing. Even James looked slightly overwhelmed.

"This is okay. We'll get through it." He said sounding reassuringly confident. "Eventually." He added, shattering Peter's sudden visions of hope. He was sure they'd all be dead before they finished reading the introduction let alone actually become Animagi.

"Becoming an animagus is perhaps one of the most difficult and advanced magics a witch or wizard could hope to achieve." Sirius read, "What an encouraging first sentence."

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Authors note (continued): This first part is short because it's prolouge-ish and whatnot. But the other chapters will be longer. And it's not all in Peter's POV, it's got Sirius, James and Remus too. so yeah. enjoy. and review.