A month before the end of first year, Sirius, James and Peter were all sitting in their dorm, looking out the window. They were watching Remus trudge along the school grounds, followed by Professor McGonagall. The figures reached the Whomping Willow, Professor McGonagall stopped it and Remus dissapered underneath. Once he was gone, the Professor released the tree and returned to the school.
Sighing, they moved away and sat in a circle on Remus' bed.
"We have to do something about this, we have to..." James waved his hand through the air, "Help him."
"Somehow" Peter added glumly. They all sighed again and sat in silence for a few minuets. Sirius suddenly jumped up, bouncing the other boys on the four poster bed.
"I've got it!" He whispered excitedly, setting back down on the duvet. "You know how McGonagll can turn into a cat and back at will?" The others nodded but looked confused.
"What has this got to do with helping Remus?" James asked. Sirius waved his hand in a shushing guesture.
"I'm getting there, I'm getting there." He said impatiently, "In Defence Against the Dark Art's, how Professor Manley told us that a Werewolf only attack's humans?" He was getting exitied, bouncing on the bed. "Well, if we can turn into animals then we can be with him during his transformation's!"
The other two just stared at him as he settled back down smugly.
"You mean, us..." James gestured at them all, "becoming Animagi?" Peter frowned.
"Isn't that seriously complicated magic?" When Sirius nodded, Peter looked worried, "How do you expect three eleven year olds to become fully fledged Animagi? How do you expect me to become an Animagi? Look what happen's to me with the simplest of spells!"
Sirius frowned, he hadn't counted on this. Then he smiled and moved to Peter.
"Don't worry," he said, "James and I will be there to help you! And maybe, just maybe your just such a powerful wizard that the simple spells we learn in first year are beneath you?" Peter didn't look very convinced and muttered,
"Yeah right" into the mattress, his voice dripping with sarcasm. But in the end, they all agreed to give it a try.
And so they entered the first stage of becoming an Animagi, the determination. However, they kept this a secret from Remus. This was because something could very easily go wrong and they knew he wouldn't want them taking that risk for him. James and Sirius sneaked into the library and found several books on Animagi in the restricted section. Then their first year ended. Each of them returning home with high spirits and anticipation to get back to Hogwarts for their second year. And even more mystery's and adventures.