"Dragging a child out of school to suit her own agenda. It's not right, I tell you." James had been complaining about Sirius' absence from the moment class ended.

"Parents are permitted to bring their children home when needed," Remus said, a bit defensively.

"Oh Lupin, don't pretend it's the same as when you go home," James said. "You go home to tend to your sick mother. Sirius was just pulled out of school for a family party."

"You don't know that," Peter argued. "It could be a wedding, or a funeral, or -"

"If it were a funeral or a wedding it would have been announced in the Daily Prophet," James said rejecting the idea. "No - his mother is just bringing him home because she can."

"Maybe she misses him," Peter suggested.

"Tosh. We were just home for the Christmas holiday and we'll be back for the Easter holidays soon enough."

"Why does it bother you so much, James?" Remus asked as he reached for some roasted potatoes.

"It's unjust for a parent to lord their power over their kid like that," James told him. But his rant was cut off when Eliza Corsica, Mary MacDonald and Lily Evans sat down for dinner.

"Hello Remus, James, Peter." Eliza smiled. "Where's Sirius?"

James wasn't sure what to make of Eliza. Earlier in the year he thought she'd fancied Sirius, but then she'd started asking after Remus. Girls were confusing.

"He had to go home for a family event," Remus told them.

Eliza frowned. "Is that allowed?"

"It's not unheard of, but it is unusual," James told her.

Lily sniffed. "I'm sure a family like his thinks they can do whatever they want, no matter what the rule. I don't think it's right to pull a student away like that. Can't family events be planned during the holidays?"

"That's what I'm saying!" James said, excited she agreed. Lily, however, looked rather surprised they were in agreement.

"Has his grandfather written any other nasty articles lately?" She asked.

"Here we go again," James heard Peter mutter to Remus. But James was on the offensive already.

"You need to stop judging Sirius for his family," James told her. "You have him all wrong."

"Do I though?" She asked. "Do you deny he's privileged, arrogant and a bit of a bully? Because that's certainly how he comes off in class"

"So growing up well-provided for financially for is a crime now, is it?" James shot back. "And he's not arrogant, he's simply confident in class. And who does he bully? Your little pal Snape?"

Lily rolled her eyes, which only served to frustrate James further. "You would defend him. You're just the same as him."

This, especially coming from a girl he somewhat fancied, infuriated James. How could she so fundamentally misunderstand him? "I won't apologize for my parents having money," he told her. "I'll have you know my father worked hard for years to restore the family fortune. Should a man not enjoy the fruits of his labors? Should a man not provide for his family?" He was gaining steam, and stood up on the bench. "And what you call arrogance, I call confidence." He pounded a fist on his chest dramatically. "Should a man not hold himself in high esteem? Should a man not be proud of his talents - and use them? What kind of world is it, when a man is expected to make himself small? What kind of world, I ask you?"

Eliza, Mary and Peter were laughing about his little performance, but Remus looked embarrassed and Lily still looked unimpressed. "Oh, get down Potter, you're making a scene," she said.

"Should a man stand down so easily when his character is questioned?" James shouted. He was drawing attention from the entire table now, and he was getting a kick out of it.

"James…" Remus said.

"No Lupin. I will not be silenced!" James raised his fist into the air. "I may be but a lowly first-year student, but I have dreams you know. A man who dreams big must live big to live up to them! Call it arrogance, call it impetuousness - call it whatever you like. But one day I'll show you."

Lily shook her head. "What are you even talking about?"

James grinned at her. "You may not understand now, but one day you'll understand just how amazing I am."

"Weren't we talking about Sirius?" Peter asked, looking confused.

"Down from the bench, Potter," Kingsley Shacklebolt called from down the table. "And hush up, some of us are trying to enjoy dinner."

"Sir, yes sir," James said, hopping down and saluting. He then turned his most charming smile on Lily Evans. "You know, Evans, I'm starting to get the impression you don't think much of me and my friends."

"Well now that's not fair. I haven't any problem with Remus or Peter."

Remus ducked his head, looking terribly embarrassed, but Peter laughed.

"So you strike now, when my dear friend Sirius is missing in action and thus not here to defend his honor, nor mine own."

"You're talking just for the sake of hearing your own voice, aren't you?" she said.

James sighed. It was clear he wouldn't change her mind in a day. "Believe what you want for now, Evans," he told her. "But I'll convince you to come 'round one day."

"That seems unlikely," she told him, turning away and serving herself some pumpkin juice. But James resolved not to let it bother him. In fact, Lily's attitude only made her more intriguing as far as he was concerned. Besides, he was James Potter. He'd charm her eventually.

But James Potter didn't feel quite right without his partner in crime. He spent a perfectly good Friday night in the library with Remus and Peter, doing homework. James Potter, doing homework on Friday night!

On Saturday, resolved not to waste another day away being studious, James sought out Flavius McLaggen and begged permission to watch Gryffindor Quidditch practice

The fifth year sighed. "You can watch - but no flying, and no distracting my players - understood?"

"You won't even know I'm there," James promised.

James had a tendency to lie to get what he wanted. It was a flaw he knew about, and he was working on bettering himself. Just not that day.

"No, no your middle Chaser should fly low while the one on the left goes in for the shot!" James cried as the team ran the play. "And why is the Seeker watching the play? You could miss the snitch that way!" He stood at the top of the stands waving his hands emphatically.

Flavius, who played Keeper, flew down and landed next to him. "Potter, last I checked first-years weren't even allowed on the team, which means you couldn't possibly be the captain here."

"I'm just calling it as I see it, Cap," James told him. "I reckon you need a good team manager."

"What I need is a practice field clear of distractions."

"But - "

"Find something else to occupy your time."

"McLaggen -"

"Go," the older boy told him, pointing back toward the castle.

"Fine, fine, no need to get your knickers in a twist," James mumbled, climbing down from the stands. Flavius flew off to rejoin his team, leaving the younger boy to his own devices when he reached the ground.

James sighed and looked around for inspiration. It struck in the form of the Whomping Willow.

For months now James had been pushing his friends to take a stab at touching the trunk, but they kept blowing him off. Well, James Potter would be a solitary explorer today.

Cautiously, he approached the tree, stopping when he saw it shiver suspiciously. He scanned the area carefully and this time he was sure of what he saw. Footprints in the mud. Two sets, actually. A boy and a girl, if he had to guess based on the sizes.

"I knew it," he said to himself. His eyes followed the tracks, which appeared to run behind the tree. But just how did they get there without being hit? There had to be some trick to it.

He picked a pebble up off the ground and tossed it toward the trunk. Predictably, the willow lashed out, smacking the tiny stone out of the air. James wondered if he could distract the tree with enough pebbles. So he began grabbing handfuls of rocks and pitching them at the tree.

This, however, only proved to make the tree angry. It swung and danced its branches all around, throwing up mud and dirt. But James was inspired now, and so he kept throwing things toward the base of the tree.

Then, all of a sudden, the tree stopped moving completely. Not even a shiver.

"Hmm…"

James wasn't sure how it happened. Obviously, he'd hit some kind of sweet spot. He wasn't about to waste the opportunity. He rushed under the tree, following the footprints around the base until the stopped at a curious little alcove. Eagerly, he crawled in and took a look around.

It appeared he was under the tree, sheltered by its massive roots. The space was relatively small - only really big enough for two or three adults. It was the perfect hiding place - a natural little cave. And judging by the condition of it, someone - a couple, James guessed - had already found it and made use of it.

He was excited by the discovery. But now, he had to figure out how he froze the tree. Exploring was really a bit of a trial and error sort of thing.

Once he figured the trick out, he would report back to Remus and Peter. Maybe he could even convince them to come down and take a look for themselves.

Feeling smug, he crawled back out and returned to the front of the tree. He just had to figure out the sweet spot.

/

Remus felt guilty about it, but he was rather relieved when James disappeared Saturday. His friend had been watching him very closely ever since the embarrassing incident on the staircase, constantly questioning him on how he felt and trying to touch his forehead to check his temperature. Remus knew it came from a good place, but James had a way of refusing to back down when he decided action had to be taken, and Remus was getting sick and tired of being asked if he was sick or tired.

And so Saturday morning Remus finally was able to relax with a book while Peter snoozed and James ventured off to Merlin knows where. He even got a solid two hours of reading in before the door burst open and James Potter walked into the dormitory, covered in mud and scratches and with twigs in his already messy hair.

"What in the world have you been up to?" Remus asked, grinning at the spectacle.

"Adventure, my dear Remus," James said dramatically, shaking his hair out. He grinned back at him. "I finally found the secret behind the Whomping Willow!"

It was only thanks to many years of holding a poker face that Remus was able to prevent the grin from sliding off his face. "What do you mean?" he asked cautiously, willing himself not to panic.

"There's an alcove under the tree!" James exclaimed, throwing his arms in the air. "I'm not the first one there, surely - there were footprints leading to and from it."

"How did you get close enough to get under the tree?" Remus asked, his voice barely a whisper.

"There's a knot that freezes the tree!" James said, oblivious to Remus' rising heart rate. "It took a few tries to find it and - "

The black-haired boy's face suddenly swam in front of Remus, who knew his panic was taking over. James knew the secret of the tree. And others did too - others had used a secret hiding place just feet from the entrance to the tunnel where Remus escaped to the Shrieking Shack every month. What if someone had been hiding there one evening when he and Madam Pomfrey had been heading to the shack?

Remus dropped his book and closed his eyes, taking deep breaths to try to relax. But his whole body was shaking and he knew James had noticed.

"Lupin? Are you well?" James crawled onto the bed. Remus' chest felt like it was on fire. He was panicking, he realized, truly panicking. It was ridiculous - he'd never fallen apart like this before. But he felt like he couldn't breathe.

"My chest. It hurts." He managed to gasp out.

"Peter!" James yelled, throwing something toward the other boy, who was still in bed. "Wake up and get Madam Pomfrey, now!"

""Whaddayah saying?" Peter asked groggily.

"Go, now!" James demanded in a voice that made it clear he was in command. "Remus, just take deep breaths, okay?" James switched to his given name. He must look really bad.

Remus was trying to calm down, but the fear he felt coupled with another round of humiliation was making it hard to breathe and also hard to see, for he was crying tears of frustration.

"I'll get you some water - yes, water!" James said, dashing into the washroom and dashing out a moment later with a glass full. Remus tried to take it, but his shaking hands caused the water to splash all over the bed.

"I hate this!" He burst out, uncharacteristically angry. He threw the glass and turned away from James, trying to take deep breaths.

James didn't say anything else, but Remus could feel him staring. He just kept trying to breathe, wondering what was happening to him. Was it because of the wolf? Was his lycanthropy taking over his body in some way, even now, nowhere near the full moon?

Those thoughts only made it worse.

After what seemed like an eternity, Peter returned with Madam Pomfrey on his heels. She waved his wand and Remus felt a strange sensation. He realized it was the matron's diagnostic spell.

"Panic attack," she said sharply. "You'll need a calming draught, dear." She waved her wand and conjured a small bottle.

"Panic attack?" James repeated. Remus choked down a swig of the potion the matron held up to his lips. Almost immediately, the tightness in his chest loosened.

"Yes. Not uncommon for adolescents, really," the matron said. "Would you like to come down to the Hospital Wing for a bit?"

Remus shook his head. His hands were still shaking, though he was now able to control the trembling.

"But what causes a panic attack? We were just sitting here talking!" James said.

"Sometimes the trigger has nothing to do with the current environment. Sometimes it does. Unfortunately neither wizards nor muggles have put a great deal of thought into the matter of mental health." She smiled at Remus. "I wouldn't worry over it dear. Why don't you come check in with me later once your vitals stabilize to make sure there's no underlying cause that I'm missing? It will only take a moment then you can return to your Saturday."

Remus knew she had missed nothing, and he also knew exactly what had triggered his attack, and suspected the matron wanted to know as well. Here she was giving him the perfect excuse to sneak away from his friends later to discuss. He was grateful. "Thank you, ma'am. I'll stop by on the way down to supper."

"Good boy," she said. "Now I'll leave you so Mr. Pettigrew here can have the privacy to change out of those pajamas. You know dear, it's nearly noon…"

Peter flushed scarlet and Remus again felt a rush of appreciation for the matron for her unique skill in diffusing and deflecting a situation.

Unfortunately, James Potter was incredibly shrewd, and the performance, skilled as it was, wasn't perfect. Once the witch left, he turned to Remus.

"You know, she's much easier on you than any other student. Anyone else she'd have dragged down to the hospital wing for observation. Why is that?"

"I don't know what you're talking about," Remus insisted.

"No? Yesterday Philomena Bletchley in third year burned her finger in Potions and Pomfrey made her take dinner in the Hospital Wing to make sure the balm she used worked and that the burn didn't fester."

"That's easily explained. It may have looked like a simple burn but the matron needed to ensure a stray splash of potion didn't hit the injury. And how do you know what goes on in third year potions?"

"The same way I know Ophelia Orbaucker in seventh year slipped down the stairs Thursday and Pomfrey made her stay overnight for observation."

"Maybe she was concerned she hit her head."

"She fell on her bum."

"Maybe she's pregnant." Remus made a silent apology to Ophelia.

James gasped. "With William Alderton's baby? There's been gossip…"

William Alderton was a seventh year Gryffindor. Remus hasn't intended to start a rumor, but the idea completely distracted James, so he let the other boy run with it. Before supper, half of Gryffindor was buzzing with the dubious news that Ophelia Orbaucker in Hufflepuff was carrying William's baby and that she was due in August.

Remus slipped down to the hospital wing as promised, and once he was sure he was clear, burst out with his concerns to Madam Pomfrey.

"James has figured out how to freeze the willow! And someone else did before him - there's an alcove underneath, a perfect hideout he says - what if someone's seen us - what if they follow?!"

"Calm down dear, and speak slowly so I understand."

"What's not to understand?! We've been compromised!" How could she not be alarmed by this news.

"We've hardly been compromised, dear. A Whomping Willow is a species studied by university herbologists. It's entirely possible a seventh year student interested in the subject came across the information that the trees were used as hideaways during Goblin Rebellions, and set out to find a way to do it themselves.

"Is that supposed to comfort me?" Remus sat on a bed and tore at his hair. "What if they find the passageway?"

"The passageway is protected by more than just a bush, dear," the witch said gently. "Did you really think we would leave your safety, and the safety of others, to chance?"

"What do you mean?"

She smiled at him. "The passageway cannot be simply stumbled upon. The Headmaster cast a spell - a rather powerful and complex one. The other people who can find the passageway are people who already know it's there."

"What if someone sees us go down it, though?" Remus asked. "Then they would know it's there."

"Now I see you doubt by own skills," she told him, frowning. "Do you really believe I haven't taken precautions against such a thing? I always cast Homenum Revelio before we head down."

"I've never heard you cast a spell, though," Remus said, still struggling to understand.

"You will learn non-verbal magic in sixth year," she told him. "Healers often cast non-verbally - it's faster. And during large-scale disaster calls, a spell to reveal a human presence is essential to find victims quickly." She smiled at him again. "Have I calmed your fears?"

"A bit," Remus admitted. "But James - "

"Was clearly never taught the old adage curiosity killed the cat," the matron put in. "I could ban him from the tree again, but that would only make it more appealing. But I have a suggestion. "Why don't you set James on a mission to distract attention from your own concerns?"

"What do you mean?"

She smiled, this time mischievously, and though she was a full-grown witch with no resemblance, Remus was suddenly strongly reminded both of James and of Sirius. "You need a plan that will leave him focused, then, once complete, make him believe there is nothing more to be found there and get him away from the willow. Why don't you suggest to him that you catch the couple that's been hiding under there?"

It was unlike Remus to engage in the type of behavior that would threaten someone else's privacy. But he had to protect his secret at all costs.

"That could work…" he said, wheels turning. "That could work well…"

/

It was an engagement ceremony.

Bellatrix Black and Rodolphus Lestrange. That's what Sirius had been pulled away from school to attend. Narcissa and Andromeda had also been pulled, though they looked far more cheerful about it than he did.

The 12-year-old fidgeted unhappily in his dress robes. Engagement ceremonies between ancient houses were long and dull affairs. In the case of he Blacks and the Lestranges, they were also swirling with dark connotations and blood pacts.

He did not officially have to be there, but as heir to the Black family name, it was expected. And though Bellatrix was a cousin, not a sister, and years older than he, he was still expected to be part of the handing off ceremony, for one day he would be head of the Black family.

It was all rather miserable for him. Knowing what he now knew about Rolph's activities in school, he fervently hoped the boy - now a man - would not return for a seventh year. But at the same time, he wondered why their families were rushing into the engagement when Rolph wasn't even finished with his sixth year - couldn't it have at least waited until summer?

"Isn't love grand?" Andromeda whispered teasingly in his ear. He rolled his eyes.

"How much longer do we have to stand here? My feet hurt."

"At least you're not in heels," she retorted. "I believe all that's left is the blood-letting. Just a small cut on the palm of the hand for the engagement, a much deeper one from the wrist for the marriage."

"Sounds like something out of the dark ages," he grumbled.

"It is," she told him. He looked up at her to make sure she wasn't lying, but her face told him she was serious.

"You're not going to go through this whole charade someday, are you?" He asked her, still keeping his voice low.

She shrugged. "I suppose that depends on whether Daddy approves of my choice."

Sirius sniffed. "You don't really think you'll get to pick, do you? I've never seen you show much interest in anyone."

She glanced down at him out of the corner of her eye. "It will all come down to willpower," she told him. "Love and willpower."

Something about the way she said it left Sirius unsettled.

After the ceremony finally winded down the two families sat down to an elegant brunch. Sirius found himself placed between Andromeda and Narcissa, with Regulus across the table. His younger brother, who he'd hardly seen over Christmas break due to his punishments, peppered him with questions about Hogwarts.

"What is the Gryffindor common room like, Sirius? Is it also under the lake?"

"It's in a tower," Sirius told him. Regulus wrinkled his nose.

"So you have to take all those stairs just to get back to the common room at night?"

"And more into the dormitory," Sirius told him.

"Gryffindors are like dogs. They need to run off excess energy, Reggie," Narcissa told him. Sirius turned to glare at her, and Andromeda cleared her throat.

"What?" Narcissa said. "I rather like dogs. They're cute as puppies. As long as they're trained up all right, they turn out just fine." She looked Sirius in the eye. "Remember that, dear cousin."

Sirius resisted the urge to roll his eyes (he did a lot of that when at home) and stabbed his sausage with a bit more force than necessary.

"What's the food at Hogwarts like?" Regulus jumped in with more questions.

"It's good - just like Dromeda and Cissy say, and Bella said before them," he told his younger brother.

"But what if they don't ever serve my favorite foods? Or what if I get hungry and it's not mealtime?"

"Then you can slip down to the kitchens and ask the house elves to whip you something up," Sirius said without thinking.

"You sneak into the kitchens?" Narcissa asked, a bit sharply. "Why not just call for a house elf to come to your common room?"

"You know, that never occured to me…" Sirius said.

"It never occured to you to call on a servant?" The blonde looked amused. "And you've never seen anyone else in Gryffindor do it?"

"Well the house elves aren't really our servants - they're servants of Hogwarts."

"And you're a student at Hogwarts," Narcissa said, as if that settled the matter. "They are there to serve you. There's no need for you to wander down to the servants' level just for a snack. Really Sirius...what are they teaching you in that house?"

"Now Cissy," Dromeda jumped in, again playing peacemaker. "Sirius has always liked to explore. There's no harm in young boys having a little adventure down to the kitchens once in awhile."

"Speaking of young boys - did you know that little Lupin boy you hang out with is a half-blood? You should really find better friends."

Sirius thought of Remus, and how he was always there with a comforting word or a chocolate bar, and felt his temper flare. "My friends are just fine, thanks."

"But if your mother knew -"

"And that is why we're going to keep our voices down and not tell Auntie anything," Dromeda said, looking first at Cissy then at Regulus. "When you were a first year you hung out with Celia Hermes because you thought she was related to the designer. Let him test the waters for himself. He'll decide for himself if the Lupin boy is worth keeping around."

Dromeda had said it coldly, but Sirius knew she was actually on his side.

"Well what about that James Potter? He's so rude."

"James Potter?" Sirius' father had overheard. "That's the son of Fleamont Potter that we saw you with getting on the train, correct?"

Sirius nodded, hating Cissy and her loud mouth. But thankfully his father was several cups of champagne in and feeling friendly. "Sirius, m'boy, I know the pureblood pickings are slim in Gryffindor house. I suppose you could do worse than Potter - they fell from grace last generation, but I understand Fleamont has worked to fix the finances."

"He created Sleekeazy's Hair Potion," Sirius said quickly, wishing to change subjects.

"He did?" Even Narcissa looked impressed. "I love that potion - I use it at least once a week."

"Clearly it works, then," Dromeda said, running a hand through her sister's hair playfully. "Look how beautiful you are."

Narcissa loved praise, and this distracted her from any further criticism of Sirius. The conversation at the table flowed freely and nothing notable happened until everyone rose to leave.

The elder LeStranges, distracted by conversation with their future daughter-in-law, did not seem to notice when their son approached Sirius.

"We're to be family soon," he said. "It would be nice if we could put our differences aside, don't you think?"

"Whatever differences are you talking about?" Sirius said defiantly, knowing he was safe from harm, at least here.

Rodolphus narrowed his eyes. "You may only be a first year, and I'm sure you're feeling safe and secure locked away at Hogwarts, but someday you'll graduate and reenter this world - the real world. Don't let your school years, and your mudblood and half-blood schoolmates, make you forget where you actually come from. You'll want to come back to us someday. And, if you have the right attitude, we'll be happy to take you back with open arms."

Sirius felt rage burn in his belly. "And if I don't?"

Rolph chuckled. "Well, then Hogwarts and Gryffindor house won't be there to protect you."

The burn in Sirius' belly intensified. "People will get hurt, won't they?"

"Ahh, so you're smarter than you look," the older wizard said. "Sometimes, violence is the key to getting what you want. But if you're on the right side, you won't have to worry about that." He turned to follow his parents out the door.

"We'll see about right and wrong sides," Sirius hissed when he was out of sight.

/

Peter had been sticking to the Gryffindor common room as much as possible after Friday's events. When he was forced to leave, he stuck as close to Remus or James as possible.

It was a weird weekend. Sirius was missing, which meant James was even more restless and reckless than usual, shooting off spells at every Slytherin that walked by, and at one point missing and hitting an unfortunate Hufflepuff who had to be rushed to the hospital wing when his tongue grew so large he started choking.

Then there was Remus. On Saturday the sandy-haired boy had some kind of attack. The matron had assured them it was minor, but it had been rather frightening, and Peter had, once again, felt entirely useless. And even though there were not supposed to be any residual effects, Remus had seemed on edge, and the boy normally so patient and understanding seemed to be snapping at James for every little thing.

"You can't just go shooting hexes off indiscriminately. It's dangerous," Remus told James after the incident with the Hufflepuff.

"Remus, there are always casualties in any war," James told him.

"Yes, but we're students at school, not soldiers at war. All this silly spell-casting doesn't make you a warrior, it makes you a bully."

"The Slytherins started it," James grumbled back. "You know how they are with Sirius."

"So two wrongs make a right?"

"In this case, it makes justice."

Peter could see this point in this, especially after what he saw Rodolphus Lestrange pull, but it apparently frustrated Remus, who stormed off to check in with Madam Pomfrey before supper.

When Remus returned he was in a better mood, but asked an entirely un-Remus-like question.

"Do you know who it was down there under the willow, James?"

The question delighted James. "No - there were just footprints - nothing really identifiable. But I was thinking we could stake it out!"

"Tonight?" Peter broke in, dreading the thought of standing outside and exposed on a dark February night when there were murderous Slytherins about. Surely Remus would talk sense into James and reject this mad plan.

"It's supposed to snow tonight, James. I doubt anyone will be sneaking off for a romantic rendezvous. Plus we'll leave footprints, even under the cloak."

Thank god for Remus, Peter thought. Only, it almost seemed as though Remus was only rejecting the plan as it applied to the weather...

"We'll have to wait until the snow melts," Remus said. "Then we can try for a stakeout."

What?! Remus was always the reasonable one. Perhaps that attack had done something to frazzle his brain.

"Are you sure it's a good idea to stake out the willow looking for older students?" Peter asked anxiously. "I mean, what if they don't take kindly to being spied on."

"They'll never see us under the cloak," James told him.

"But this is ridiculous!" Peter exploded. "You yourself keep pointing out what the Slytherins do. What if it's a Slytherin couple? What if, while we're hiding out where no one else goes, hidden under a cloak where no one else can see us, our enemies come across us?!"

"Petey, I think you're overre-"

"I'm not overreacting! Not everyone is as powerful a spellcaster as you, James."

"But Peter, we'd all be together. We'd have your back," Remus broke in.

"Whose side are you on, anyway, Remus?" Peter asked him angrily. "You've never been interested in this kind of mischief before."

Remus looked ashamed, but James jumped back in. "Petey, it's just a spot of fun. If you don't want to come along, that's fine, but it's hardly dangerous."

"You always say that."

"Because it's true!" James insisted. "What's the point in being young if you don't let your guard down and do something silly once in a while?"

"It's the letting our guard down part I have a problem with."

"Peter, what harm could come of this?" Remus asked.

Peter stared down his friend. This was not like Remus at all. But at the same time, Remus was the only one who'd never led him into a dangerous situation. Maybe he was overreacting. Maybe Remus was just trying to entertain James while Sirius was gone. Besides, his protest would never stop James - James was never particularly concerned with anyone's opinion but his own.

Peter sighed. "But I don't have to sit out in the snow tomorrow?"

"No, no, Remus has a point about the tracks," James said. "I should really figure out a spell to fix that problem…"

"You could do research at the library while Peter and I finish up our Transfiguration essays," Remus suggested.

Ah, yes. This was the Remus Peter knew. He breathed a sigh of relief.

It wasn't until much later that night, when he was snuggled up in bed, that Peter really began to wonder over Remus' behavior. It wasn't that Remus didn't enjoy fun, and even a little mischief - Peter knew there was a bit of a troublemaker under the studious exterior - one that Sirius and James were trying very hard to draw out. But spying simply to have a piece of gossip - that was more of a James thing. James liked to know everything about everyone and tell everybody. Remus was more willing to allow for a little privacy. That was why the suggestion was so strange.

The logical solution, of course, was the one Peter came up with earlier - that Remus was trying to entertain James. But surely someone as bright as Remus could have been more creative. And Remus was always warning them away from the willow. Why had that changed?

It didn't add up in Peter's head, but his bed was comfortable, and soon he found himself drifting off to sleep, the mystery all but forgotten.