Ever since the boys started working on transfiguring into Animagi, one question kept popping up. "What do you reckon we'd turn into?" They would often sit together and wonder about it. Of course, there was no way of knowing it until they actually achieve it. Today was the day they were going to do it.

After coming back from their Christmas break, they were on pins and needles. Waiting for an Electrical storm was hard. The boys kept staring out of the windows, in the hopes of not missing it.

When it finally happened, the boys ran out in the pouring rain. Their hearts were already in their mouth. They needed to find a place big enough, but secluded at the same time.

"Is this space big enough?" asked Peter, looking around. They stood in the pouring rain in the Forbidden forest. It was big enough and no one dared to come to the Forbidden forest. Except Hagrid – but he wouldn't be venturing out in such heavy rain.

"None of us are going to turn into a dragon," replied Sirius, as he pushed his wet hair out of his face.

"Let's do it!" cried James with impatience. The thunder roared overhead, and James looked up at the sky. He smiled as soft raindrops cascaded down his face.

Pulling out their wands, the boys put the tip of it over their heart. "Amato Animo Animato Animagus!" they chanted in unison. Their heart was already thumping against their chest.

Picking up the mixture they had created for Peter, Sirius passed it over to him. "Peter, do it," he instructed. Peter emptied the contents in one huge gulp.

Sirius picked up his own mixture and handed James his. "Let's do it," said Sirius, looking at James with a grin.

"Yes," beamed James, nodding fervently.

As soon as the mixture went down his throat, James felt like his insides were burning. He wondered if he was going to get sick, as the container slipped from between his fingertips. He clutched onto his stomach, waiting for himself to get sick. But that didn't happen. Instead, he hunched over, and his limbs turned into something – reddish brown. He had hooves! Raising his head, his eyes widen at the sight of Sirius.

But it wasn't Sirius at all. In his place stood a huge black dog. He looked elegant, standing tall. Somehow, James could still recognize that it was his best friend.

His eyes drifted off to where Peter was. Hearing a squeak, James looked at the ground. There was a big, fat rat. He snorted, but it shocked him when it sounded nothing like human. 'Oh right, I'm not a human,' thought James.

Once the boys successfully transformed back into their human form. Their transformation was all they could talk about. The rain hadn't stopped pouring, but the boys had to make their way back to the castle. They had been in such hurry, that they had forgotten the invisibility cloak.

"Remus is going to lose his mind!" exclaimed Sirius, hopping about as he walked, with a grin plastered on his face.

"I can't believe I am a rat," squeaked Peter, he looked like he was going to cry. He had a frown, his eyes fixed on the wet ground underneath his feet.

"Hey, it's not that bad," assured James, giving Peter's shoulder a light squeeze. To be honest, it was hilarious. How was it that Sirius and he were dog and stag, but Peter was a rat? He hoped for something grander than that.

"Says the one who turned into a stag," mumbled Peter, wiping his eyes with the back of his hand.

"You looked majestic!" beamed Sirius, pointing towards James.

It made James smile too. More than the compliment, it made him happy that Sirius looked happy. "Are you happy?" asked James, his eyes glistening with joy.

"I am happy being a dog," replied Sirius, nodding his head fervently. "When do we tell him?"

"The full moon is in two days. I reckon it'd be perfect then?" wondered James out loud. The other two boys agreed in a heartbeat.

The boys were sure that Remus was not going to notice their absence. He was already asleep when they sneaked out. Yet when they sneaked back in, the lights in the room were switched on. And Remus was standing in the middle of the room.

He turned around, his hands resting on his hips. "Where were you?" scolded Remus, like he had caught them with their hands in the cookie jar.

The boys froze for a moment. James reckoned all of them were ransacking their brain for an excuse. But Sirius was the fastest. "Why are you up?" he questioned back.

"Thunderstorm," replied Remus, his eyes on the boys as they stepped inside gingerly. "Did you go outside?"

"Remember we told you we have a special Christmas gift for you?" replied Sirius, with a grin on his face.

"Yes, but it's almost a month since Christmas," said Remus, narrowing his eyes.

"Late Christmas gift then," corrected James. A shiver went down his spine, as he shrugged out of his cold wet clothes. He dropped them near the foot of his bed.

"What is it?" asked Remus, sitting down on his bed. He waited for the boys to change into drier clothes.

"We're waiting for the perfect time to give it to you," replied James, after changing his clothes. He sat down on his bed too, letting out a sigh of relief.

"If you're planning a prank on me –" started Remus, eyeing them suspiciously.

James shook his head, stopping him from getting the wrong idea, "No, we're not."

"I can't wait!" exclaimed Sirius, bouncing like a child. James chuckled at his antics. Who would believe Sirius was the oldest of them all?

"Then give it already," said Remus, rolling his eyes. But James could see a hint of smile on his face.

Sirius shook his head, his face growing thoughtful, as he said, "No, no, we want a proper reaction."

"You seem too excited about it," noted Remus, crossing his hands in front of his chest.

Sirius looked over at James, beaming brightly. "You cannot imagine!"

"I hope it isn't extravagant," mumbled Remus, his eyes drifted towards his feet.

"It's not something money can buy," assured Sirius.

"If it's a hug –" started Remus. James snorted, remembering how Sirius forgot to buy Remus a present on his birthday last year. He played it off by giving him a hug. He said it was a present no amount of money could buy.

"No, we don't need perfect timing for that, we can just give it to you right now," said Sirius, moving closer to Remus. He had his arms open, a grin spreading on his face.

Remus backed up in his bed, before Sirius reached him. "Don't. I want to sleep," said Remus, shrugging under his covers.

The full moon arrived soon – but not fast enough. It was hard to keep their mouth shut. Remus kept trying to figure out what they were going to do. James believed he was waiting for it as eagerly as them.

"It's time to give Remus his gift," breathed James. Madam Pomfrey had left Remus in the Shrieking Shack like always.

"How do we get past that in our animagi form?" huffed Sirius, pointing towards the Whomping Willow. They couldn't fit under the invisibility cloak in their animagi forms.

James thought about it for a moment, and then looked at Peter. "Peter!" he exclaimed, grinning.

"Me?" squeaked Peter, pointing his index finger towards himself. He had already turned pale.

James draped his hand over Peter's shoulder, turning him towards the Whomping Willow. "There is a knot at the base," started James, pointing towards the knot. "Do you see it?"

"Yes," replied Peter, nodding.

James grinned, looking at Peter, "In your Animagus form, you're small enough to press it."

"Genius!" exclaimed Sirius, patting Peter on his back. "Can you do it?"

Peter gave his friends a firm nod, "Let's do it!"

With much difficulty, the boys were able to fit through the Whomping Willow. James had his heart in his mouth. He reckoned he was so excited about showing Remus their Animagi form, he forgot everything else. It was also going to be the first time they were going to see Remus's werewolf form.

James's ears were filled with painful screams. His heart clenched when he realised it was Remus. His best friend was screaming as he clawed on his own flesh.

Sirius nudged open the door separating them from Remus. James followed his other two friends inside. He could feel his heart pounding. But as soon as his eyes landed on Remus, he felt like his heart stopped. It was an image like no other.

In front of him stood a large beast with grey fur. His fur was covered in his own blood. His human eyes – the eyes James would always recognize, looked at them. The screams were no longer filling the dreadful silence.

'Mate it's us!' thought James, hoping Remus would understand him.

The boys helped Remus out of the Shrieking Shack. His human form was much fragile than his werewolf form. "How did –" choked out Remus.

Sirius and James helped him sit in his usual spot after full moons. "Surprise!" exclaimed Sirius with a face splitting grin.

James didn't know what kind of reaction they were expecting from Remus. But tears busted forth like a dam being broken. Remus covered his face with his hands.

"Oi, we didn't do it for you to cry," cooed James, pulling Remus's hands away from his face. James patted his tears dry, being careful not to touch Remus's fresh wounds.

"Thank you," whimpered Remus, as more tears cascaded down his face.

"No need to thank us. We're friends after all," said Peter, with a proud smile.

"Brothers," corrected Sirius, his hand resting on Remus's shoulder.

James looked at Remus with a comforting smile, as he repeated, "Brothers."

"Why did you do something so complex?" asked Remus, wiping away his tears.

"So that you don't have to be alone," replied Sirius in a nonchalant manner. James and Peter nodded in agreement.

"It could've been so dangerous," whimpered Remus once again, shaking his head.

"It was fun!" assured Peter, sitting in front of Remus.

James knew the weight those words held, as Remus kept saying, "Thank you."

"What are you all doing here?" bellowed Madam Pomfrey. The voice made the boys freeze in their spot. James had stopped breathing!

"Madam Pomfrey," mumbled Sirius, as they turned around.

They met with a stunned look on Madam Pomfrey's face. She looked mortified. Her already big eyes were bigger, "What are you boys doing here?" She placed her hand over her heart, "This isn't allowed."

Sirius shook his head, as he spoke, "We were helping Remus."

"Helping?!" cried Madam Pomfrey, as if she hadn't heard something more absurd. Her brows furrowed, as she glared at the boys, "It could've been dangerous."

"No, we just sit out here –" started James, hoping to get the situation under control.

"At the edge of the Forbidden Forest?!" asked Madam Pomfrey, her jaw slacked.

She helped Remus up, and looked over her shoulder. The boys were still frozen in their spot. "Come along now," instructed Madam Pomfrey.

James expected something like this to happen. He and his friends made way to the headmaster's office. But that wasn't his concern. Remus must be lying alone in the infirmary.

"Professor Dumbledore," whispered James, as the boys stood in the entrance of his office. The large and circular room, with funny little noises, was very interesting. Everywhere James looked, he found something he couldn't look away from.

"Come inside," said Dumbledore in a calm voice. He was writing something, that he kept away. The boys padded across the room, James leading them. They stopped near Dumbledore's desk.

"Madam Pomfrey reported to me that you followed Mister Lupin to the Whomping Willow, is that true?" asked Dumbledore, giving his full attention to the boys.

Was there a point in denying? "Yes sir," replied James, with a firm nod. He could hear Peter whimpering on his right. But his eyes remained fixed on Dumbledore.

"Do you realise you've broken a dozen of school rules?" The question alone made Peter whimper again.

Taking Peter's hand in his own, James gave it a light squeeze. "Yes sir," said James.

Dumbledore's eyes drifted towards James and Peter's hand. He looked at James in amusement as he spoke, "Do you realise you can be expelled for it?"

"Yes sir," whispered James, feeling his heart drop to the pit of his stomach. He supposed his parents would understand? Who was he kidding? This was beyond something he could fix by smiling at his parents.

"Is there an explanation you'd like to offer?" asked Dumbledore, his eyes gliding over the three boys.

"Sir, Remus is our friend – brother, and we were only trying to help him – at least emotionally," started James. But he knew his explanation wasn't good enough. He wondered if they'd at least get to say goodbye to Remus.

"What you did had put your own lives at risk, do you understand the gravity of the situation?" asked Dumbledore, inclining towards the boys.

"We couldn't let him suffer alone," said Sirius. James whipped his head in Sirius's direction. Sirius held Dumbledore's gaze; his brows furrowed. "It wasn't his choice to be infected by Lycanthropy."

James looked at Dumbledore. He must've lost his mind, but he could've sworn, Dumbledore smiled. "I appreciate the sentiments Mister Black," said Dumbledore, reclining back in his chair. "And that is why I'll let you all go with a warning."

"Warning that we shouldn't help out friend?" asked Sirius, narrowing his eyes. James could hear the irritation in Sirius's voice.

Dumbledore chuckled, as he spoke again, "Warning to be more careful next time."

James's jaw hit the floor. Did he hear that correctly? "We will not be expelled?" he couldn't help but ask.

This time, Dumbledore did smile as he said, "Not today Mister Potter."

The boys were able to make it on time for breakfast. Remus was already in his usual spot, waiting for the boys. He looked exhausted. The boys sat down, and Remus jumped. He hadn't seen them come in.

"How do you feel?" asked James, picking up a toast. He nibbled on it, waiting for Remus to reply.

"Overwhelmed," answered Remus, truthfully.

"I reckon breakfast can help with that," said Peter, serving all of Remus's favourite's in his plate.

"Did you get in a lot of trouble with Dumbledore?" asked Remus, his lips turned down in a frown. His eyes were filled with tears.

James shook his head as he assured him, "No, we didn't get in trouble at all."

Remus froze in his place, perhaps waiting for James to rectify his statement. But when James only shrugged, Remus continued, "Are you going to tell me when did this happen?"

"I will!" exclaimed Sirius, his hand shooting up in the air. "But mate, I have a question."

"What is it?" asked Remus, turning towards Sirius.

James too watched intently, waiting for Sirius's question. "Why didn't you tell us you had a tail?"

As luck would have it, James was stepping out of the bath. He enjoyed the privilege of using the Prefect's bathroom. James stopped in front of the entrance. A pair of green eyes glued him to the ground. James could hear his heartbeat in his head.

Evans too, stood in the entrance, looking at James. Neither of them speaking for what seemed like eternity. James was aware of the two of them being alone in the Prefect's bathroom.

"Alright Evans?" his voice was barely a whisper, but he cringed at how loud it sounded.

As if breaking the beautiful dream, Evans rolled her eyes. "Sod off Potter," she spat, trying to walk past him.

"You can say Hi to me, you know that, right?"

"Why would I?"

"Basic manners," replied James with a shrug, as he stepped in front of Evans.

Her nose scrunched up in disgust, as she walked past him. "I don't think you should be preaching about manners."

"Why aren't you nice to me?"

"Have you looked at yourself?"

"Everyday," replied James with a nod. He rumpled up his hair, flashing a grin.

"You're insufferable," scoffed Evans, glaring at him

"Maybe that's because you haven't tried to get to know me."

"Why would I waste my time like that?"

Yet, when James saw her in the Great Hall a few days later. He couldn't stop himself. "Hello," he greeted Evans. She was walking past him, but he had stopped her.

"What's your problem?" asked Evans, placing her hands on her hips. It was comical that she had to crane her neck to look at James. Especially when he stood that close to her.

"Nothing," replied James, shaking his head. He had started garnering attention. People were looking at them, perhaps waiting for Evans to hex him. There were whispers.

"Why do keep trying to talk to me?" asked Evans, letting of a sigh. She massaged her temple, closing her eyes.

"Isn't it obvious?" asked James, cocking his head to the left. She was smart enough to figure out.

Her eyes flung open, and the hatred returned. "What? That you're trying to irritate me?"

"What?! No!" cried James, throwing his hands in the air. How in the world did she come up with that? The last thing James wanted was to irritate her.

James took a deep breath and smiled, "I fancy you."

Evans's eyes grew wide, her face turning the same shade of her hair. There were audible gasps from people around them. James waited for her to speak again. Tell him, that she understood. He was waiting with her to speak with his heart in his mouth. But she dashed past him, breaking into a sprint at the door of the Great Hall.

"You rendered her speechless," said Sirius. Apparently, he wasn't just focused on his food. He had been listening to the whole conversation. Even though he had his mouth stuffed with bacon.

Remus shook his head, and glared at Sirius. He then looked at James and pinched the bridge of his nose, "I'd say you embarrassed her."

"Did I?" asked James, pursing his lips. He looked at where Evans had disappeared. He didn't want to embarrass her! He frowned thinking about her reaction.

"Don't listen to him," assured Sirius, rolling his eyes. But Sirius was hardly any consolation.

James was walking back from Herbology with his friends. Evans had spent the class ignoring him. She was standing as far out of his sight as the classroom would allow. Much to James's dismay, she was standing next to Snivellus.

"POTTER!" the annoying voice James recognized so well called him out. Hearing his voice alone made James shake with anger. But when Snivellus blocked his path, James gritted his teeth.

"Get out of my face Snivellus," warned James. He pushed past Snivellus, his fists clenched by his side.

"HOW DARE YOU?" yelled Snivellus.

James turned around. He could feel the veins of his neck throbbing. "WHAT?" James spat back.

"HOW DARE YOU MAKE FUN OF LILY IN FRONT OF THE WHOLE SCHOOL?"

"When did I do that?" sneered James, cocking his head to one side.

"I'm warning you now, play your sick pranks elsewhere," spoke Snivellus from between his teeth. His mean black eyes were glaring at James.

"I didn't prank her," said James, his fists were shaking by his side. He could feel his nails digging in the flesh of his palm.

"You fancy her?" scoffed Snivellus, rolling his eyes.

James had a sudden urge to punch Snivellus. He knew his face was flushed. "Why is it any of your concern? Put your stinky nose up someone else's business."

"Don't ever do it again," growled Snivellus, as he pulled out his wand. Pointing it towards James, he had his other hand clenched in a tight fist.

James stepped closer to Snivellus, smirking, "Use it. I dare you." James was hardly scared of Snivellus. "I've been waiting to see what dirty magic you have up your sleeves?"

"If I ever see you near Lily –" started Snivellus.

"What? What will you do?" asked James, raising his brows.

Snivellus spoke in a matter-of-fact voice, "She hates you."

"Do you think she likes you?" asked James, scoffing. He turned around to look at his friends as he chuckled, "Snivellus thinks Evans likes him."

Sirius roared with laughter, as he remarked, "Thick head."

"Stupefy!" was the last thing James heard.

James woke up with a jolt. As if it was an emergency, his heart was beating too fast. It took his eyes a moment to adjust to the bright light. And then, he looked around to find himself in his room.

"James are you okay?" asked Peter. James noticed the boys were hurdled around his bed. Looking at him with relief washed over their faces.

"Yes, where is Snivellus?" asked James, gritting his teeth. He was ready to jump out of the bed and teach Snivellus a lesson.

"In the infirmary," replied Sirius in a nonchalant manner.

"Why?"

Remus was the one to reply this time, "Multiple hexes." He shrugged as if it was an obvious.

James's mouth remained agape, as he registered the nonchalant look on his friends' faces. The last thing he wanted was for his friends to get in trouble for him. "You didn't have to," mumbled James, pushing his lower lip out in a pout.

Sirius scoffed, rolling his eyes, "Yes, we did." He shifted to sit more comfortably in James's bed as he continued, "Next time I see him, I'll knock his teeth out."

James chuckled, and then spoke, "I'll join you."

"He's obsessed with Evans," observed Peter and Sirius nodded in agreement. If they had noticed it too, then James wasn't wrong. There was no reason for Snivellus to meddle in things that concerned Evans and not him. Unless she had asked him. But if James knew something about Evans, he knew she'd never ask someone else to fight for herself.

James looked out of the window as he mumbled in a low voice, "Creep."