The Night the Rat Escaped

DISCLAIMER: I do not own Harry Potter characters in any way, shape, or form. The following is merely the ramblings of a bemused fan.

This is SLASH. If you do not like it, I'm sorry. You have been warned.

Author's Notes: This chapter has now been edited. I would like to thank Tanya J. Potter for pointing out my obvious act of ignorance, which has now been corrected. I hope you enjoy this edited version.


"Keep a firm grip on that rat," Sirius instructed. Harry nodded, his ridiculous smile still not fleeing his disposition. He was going to live with his Godfather, finally, and his God Father would be free, finally. Just a few short moments and his life would finally take a positive spin, unless,

"Oh no!" shrieked Hermione, "Look!" she was pointing, of course, at the full moon, which was now clearly visible in the night sky. Lupin had transformed before there eyes into a full-grown, terrifying werewolf,

"Don't worry," said Sirius, "Remus," Sirius approached the werewolf, "Keep your head Remus," Sirius grabbed him into a hug, "Keep your heart Remus, remember who you are, remember who I am, it's me Remus, it's Sirius, keep your heart,"

Miraculously he didn't attack; Sirius was nearly hanging off of him, but the werewolf didn't attack. Sirius finally backed away, looking amazed at his own power.

"It's alright." He told the kids, who all looked quite uncertain. "No need to look so frightened Ron, only his physical appearance has been altered. He's still very much Remus."

"Okay," screeched Ron,

"But you didn't take the potion," Hermione muttered, trying hard to figure it out.

"Sometimes these things can be changed in times of dire need," Sirius looked quickly up at Remus, whose yellow wolf eyes flashed a look that couldn't quite be deciphered.

Harry, Ron, and Hermione looked at each other furtively. For once that night, even Hermione had not a clue as to what in the world was going on,

"Now let's get this rat what it deserves," Sirius announced, loudly, obviously trying to detract the kid's attention from what had just happened.

The troupe decided to go to Hagrid's hut rather than the castle, as they knew that Dumbledore would still be there comforting Hagrid, and Dumbledore would be the one that had to be alerted first.

Sure enough Dumbledore was having a cup of tea with a bawling Hagrid, apparently distraught over the evening's occurrences, and became even more so when he heard the news that these individuals brought. He had been quite frightened at first when he saw Black. After all the last time Hagrid had seen Black in person was the night Lilly and James were murdered, and Black had tried to take Harry, as his rightful guardian.

Dumbledore listened patiently to their story, and believed them whole-heartedly. They were about to depart to the castle, when Snape finally awoke,

"Sir, I've caught him, Sirius Black! And him," he pointed shrilly at the werewolf who was Lupin, "He's been helping him all along!"

"Snape, I'm afraid you were unfortunately fed the same far-fetched tale as rest of the world, now if you will follow us to the castle, I would like you to wait in my office, I'll explain it all to you in a half hour's time," Dumbledore said, exercising all control over Snape that he had, and Snape of course obeying.

Everyone, except Lupin for he did not want to be seen in his current condition by those whom were unaware of his state, trudged up to the castle, only halting in their mission when they reached the dementors at the entrance to the castle. Dumbledore, exercising his power yet again, warded them off and commanded them to back away from Sirius, promising them another soul very soon.

Finally locating Cornelius Fudge, Professor Dumbledore took him to his office along with Snape, Sirius, and Peter Pettigrew, whom I might add scared the bejeezes out of Fudge. Leaving Harry, Ron, and Hermione with instructions to go to the Hospital Wing so that Madam Pomfrey could tend to them, they would be alerted of everything, he assured them when Harry persisted.