Author's Note: In the third book, when Remus 'disappears', it is supposed to be during the nighttime. For the sake of this story, I have changed that. Please, no comments on how it is 'supposed' to be. Thank you.

~*~

"Oh," the person said, lowering their wand. It was a girl, around the age of 15. She was rather tall and had shoulder-length dark brown hair. "Who are you?" she asked James, who stood rooted to the spot.

"My name is James. I'm a first-year," he explained hastily. Lily stepped around the corner as well, causing the girl to momentarily raise her wand again.

"I'm Lily. I'm also a first-year," she said quietly.

"Oh, well, you should get out of here. How'd you get down here anyway?" the girl asked.

James looked sheepishly at Lily. "We got lost and fell down here. Then we tried to find our way out, and…" the girl nodded.

"Well, you can get out if you follow this hallway. Stay out of here all right? I'll let you two go this time, but tell no one of this place! Got that?" They nodded. Her face softened.

"You wouldn't understand why this is here, just know that it's dangerous, and a place where you shouldn't mess around. Now go," she said, pointing ahead of her. They quickly started down the corridor to escape.

After they found the way out and figured out where they were, they hurried to see what remained of breakfast. Neither had said a word since the girl had ordered them to leave.

"Who d'you think she was?" Lily asked. James shrugged.

"Obviously a member of a secret organization or club or something. We must've stumbled onto their little hideout. At least she let us go, I doubt many others would have." Lily shivered.

"What would they have done?"

"Probably hexed us not to tell or something. I don't know." He seemed sullen. Lily decided not to further press on the subject.

"Well, I'm starved! Think we can find the Great Hall yet?" she asked jokingly. He shrugged again. He wasn't in the mood for jokes. They walked to the hall in silence, only to find that breakfast was just ending and it was time to report to their first class.

Lily took out her schedule and looked it over. She had Transfiguration first. She already knew that teacher! It was Professor McGonagall, of course. She knew James had the same class, but didn't follow him as he set off.

"You coming?" he turned and asked. She stuttered, surprised he had asked.

"Y-yes. I'm coming," she answered, walking up to him. Soon they were off to Transfiguration.

"Good morning class, and welcome to your first day at Hogwarts," Professor McGonagall greeted. "And welcome to your first Transfiguration lesson. The road to ultimate Transfiguration is long and hard, and not to be taken lightly. The power of Transfiguration is a magic you will use throughout life.

"Now lets begin. Open your books to page 36 and begin reading. You have 10 minutes." Class went by slowly as Professor McGonagall insisted on talking endlessly about the power of Transfiguration. It was a relief when the bell rang for them to exit to their next class.

James met up with Sirius, Remus, and Peter and they all left for Herbology. Lily, seeing this, decided it was best to go with Hestia, Crystal, and Jenny to that class.

"So James, hungry?" Remus asked sarcastically. James shot him an evil look.

"Yeah, where were you all morning? Sleeping?" Sirius added.

"No! I was," he paused, seeing Lily across the hall. "I was writing home. My parents insisted to hear from me the absolute first day."

"Oh," Sirius and Remus chorused. They continued the rest of the way quietly.

"So Lily, have a good sleep?" Crystal asked kindly.

"I wasn't sleeping the whole time," Lily said. She looked up and saw James looking at her. "I was finishing unpacking. I was too tired to last night!" She didn't know why she didn't tell them what had happened with James; it felt like a secret. She wondered if he had told his friends.

Their Herbology teacher outside of the classroom met them. He was a short man who was called Professor Root. He was pleasant and very eager to teach them all about Herbology. They went through the rest of the classes of the day meeting all of their teachers: Potions: Professor Traint, Charms: Professor Guidrick, Defense Against the Dark Arts: Professor Lyser.

They had double Potions with the Ravenclaws, and double Herbology with the Hufflepuffs. James got acquainted with a Hufflepuff named Harold Patil, and Lily a Ravenclaw whose name was Genevieve Chang.

They soon discovered that they also had double Charms…with the Slytherins. Luckily, as was the tradition in Hogwarts, the Potions teacher, Professor Traint, was the head of Slytherin house, not their current teacher, Professor Guidrick, who was, in fact, head of Hufflepuff house. Professor McGonagall was Gryffindor's head, and Professor Lyser, teaching Defense Against the Dark Arts (DADA) was the head of Ravenclaw.

The day went by quickly as tension built up among the first-years; their Flying Lesson would be the following day. "I've heard Madam Rose is a wonderful teacher!" Hestia exclaimed in the hallway that afternoon.

"I wish I had some frame of reference; I'll probably fall off or something," Lily said dismally.

"Oh Lily, don't talk that way! Of course you won't! Hardly anyone does!" Crystal assured. This statement only made Lily more afraid.

Lunch and dinner passed all too quickly before they were to retire to bed. Lily couldn't get her flying worries out of her mind, and let the others go off to bed while she sat alone in the common room.

It was then that the Fat Lady (still here, eh?) swung open, but for no apparent reason. Lily looked around, and considered asking her why she had just opened, until she heard a voice.

"Lily? Is that you?"

"James? Where are you?" She was utterly amazed as he pulled off a beautiful Invisibility Cloak, revealing himself to her.

"Where on earth did you get that?" she asked with interest, now standing and moving towards him.

"My dad passed it down to me instead of my brother; thinks that I'm better deserving; or that Magnus has got the brains in the family." Lily giggled, touching the cloak.

"Can I try it on?" she asked incredulously. He nodded, handing it to her. She pulled it on eagerly, then asked, "Can you see me?" He of course shook his head, even though her foot was poking out.

"So what are you doing up?" he asked.

"Nothing really, just worrying about flying tomorrow," she admitted handing back the cloak.

"Why? I've heard it's great fun! And who knows, you may have some talent on a broomstick!" he said encouragingly.

"I-I don't know…"

"Well, not like you have a choice anyway. So just go for it, and have no fear!"

"Yes, I suppose you're right." She yawned. "My, it is getting late, we should go off to bed, don't you think?" He nodded.

"'Night Lily!" he said, beginning to climb the staircase.

"Goodnight James."

~*~

"'Goodnight James'," Sirius mocked as soon as James entered the dorm. Remus sat chuckling while Peter appeared asleep.

"Oh, be quiet!" James said, a slight blush in his cheeks and grin on his face.

"You two seem to be getting along quite well!" Remus exclaimed, perhaps serious, perhaps not.

"Well, we are!" James said, half-indignantly.

"Where were you really this morning James?" Sirius asked suspiciously. Luckily, due to the darkness, they couldn't see the further color in his cheeks.

"Well, you all didn't wake me up, now did you? When I went downstairs, Lily was there, so we introduced ourselves and went off to breakfast. I suppose we were so engaged in talking we didn't notice where we were going; soon we were lost. We managed to find an empty classroom, went exploring, and, er, fell down a hole. It turned out to be a sort of secret hideout; some girl told us to scat, so we did. We then found our way to a late breakfast, then I met up with you guys," James explained truthfully.

"I knew it!" cried Sirius triumphantly.

"Now can we just go to sleep?" James suggested desperately. They all agreed and climbed into bed.

~*~

The next morning they all awoke and went down to breakfast together. Remus told them he had something to do and rushed off to Dumbledore's office without an explanation. They didn't see him the rest of the day.

~*~

Lily, Hestia, Crystal, and Jenny strode confidently in to their Flying Lesson, Lily trying to follow James's advice and have no fear. James, Sirius, and Peter followed shortly. It turned out that Lily found herself quite comfortable on a broomstick, while Madam Rose raved on about how much of a natural James was.

They went to all of their classes the rest of the day, Lily relieved. At dinner, Dumbledore had an announcement.

"As many of you older students have noticed, there is a new tree on the premises. And for you first-years, there is a new tree on the premises." A few people chuckled lightly. "It is a dangerous breed of tree known as the Whomping Willow. No one is to go near it. Now, off to your dorms and to bed!"

"Why d'you think he planted that new tree?" James questioned as they headed up the staircase to their common room. Sirius shrugged.

"Ward off intruders? Scare people away from that area?" he suggested.

"Peter, what do you think?" James questioned further. Peter, perhaps surprised at being addressed, had to think up a clever answer.

"Maybe they're trying to keep out Muggles or, or solicitors!" Knowing this as a joke, they all laughed.

"But, where has Remus got to? I haven't seen him all day!" Peter exclaimed, now feeling talkative.

"I honestly don't know. He didn't even forewarn us! He just got up and left!" Sirius said.

"Hey, would you guys fancy going to see that tree tomorrow? I think I know where it is," James offered, wondering what on earth a Whomping Willow looked like. They agreed and went to bed, Remus's bunk still empty.

~*~

The next morning Remus met them down at breakfast. "Where did you get off to yesterday?" Peter asked incredulously.

"Oh, my mother is quite sick, Dumbledore thought I should go visit her." He turned to his food nervously. "It might become a monthly routine!" he added quickly, beginning to eat. Sirius and James exchanged glances, but didn't say anything.

~*~

James met up with Lily during Herbology class with Professor Root, inviting her and her friends to come and see the tree as well. Remus had told them, rather reluctantly, that he knew where it was. Lily agreed and told the girls about it quickly, excitement in her voice. They, all eager to see it as well, agreed, and during their lunch break, the eight set off to see it.

Remus seemed quite uninterested with the tree, while everyone else marveled as it swung its dangerous limbs.

"I wonder why it's here?" James said again.

"Who knows? Can we go now?" Remus suggested quickly, not wanting to see the tree any longer.

They all went to Charms class after lunch, with the Slytherins. As soon as they were to set to work on the Lumos spell, Severus Snape walked stealthily over to the group of Peter, Sirius, Remus, and James.

"Where were you yesterday Lupin?" he asked icily, malice filling his voice. It sounded as though he were about to get Remus in trouble, the way he was talking.

"Visiting my mother, she's quite sick," Remus answered quickly, still sounding nervous.

"What's it to you, anyway?" Sirius asked, jumping into the conversation.

"What's it matter what I am to do with the information, Black?" Snape spat.

"It's not your information, Snape!" James said coldly.

"Potter…just because you've got bloody talent on a broomstick doesn't mean-" Snape began dangerously.

"Just go Snape, go play with your scary little friends!" Peter snapped, pointing back to the Slytherin half of the room.

"Oh, have something to say, have you Pettigrew?" Snape asked sarcastically.

"GO!" they all said in unison, pointing as Peter had. Snape turned angrily and left them to their charms.

"Always had a bad feeling about that Snape kid," Sirius said, watching him stalk away.

"Seems like the nosy sort, doesn't he?" Remus added.

"By the way, Peter! Nice going!" James congratulated. They all gave him high fives in light of his newfound confrontational abilities. Peter simply beamed at them.

Lily looked over at them, all celebrating over telling off that poor Snape boy. She made her way over to him, as if to say she was sorry.

"What do you want?" he snapped when she tapped him on the shoulder.

"Um, I saw how they just treated you, and, I thought it was really, um, inappropriate, and…"

"Say what you came here to say and be gone, you silly girl!" Snape snapped, concentrating again on his wand tip, trying to light it.

Looking outraged, Lily quickly said, "Y-yes, I thought it was mean, and you deserved it!" she shouted, storming back to her friends. James was watching her carefully, and went over to her once she was back among the girls.

"Lily, I wouldn't mess around with him," he motioned towards Snape, "he's a real prat."

"I noticed," she said icily, still fuming from his rudeness. "I was just trying to be nice, maybe…"

"Don't bother." Sirius, Remus, and Peter had joined them.

"Having any trouble with this charm, anyone?" Remus offered. They all shook their heads and quickly lit their wands to prove it. "Wonderful, because I am…" Remus said, attempting the same. They all laughed and began helping him.

~*~

Before they knew it, almost a month had passed by in the term. Again, Remus made a strange disappearance; on the same date as the previous month.

"Do you really think he needs to see his mother on the same day each month?" Peter asked that afternoon.

"One wouldn't think so!" Sirius said, trying to figure out the mystery as well.

~*~

"Good news, guys!" Remus told them the next day. "I've only got to visit my mum one night each month, so I won't miss classes anymore!"

"Why always on the same date, Remus?" James asked.

"Oh, it's not. It's just turned out that, I mean, been most convenient these past two months, that's all," Remus assured them. They all nodded, but James felt himself and Sirius again exchange skeptical looks.

Charms class again rolled around that day, much to Snape's liking.

"Disappeared again, have you Lupin?" he asked delightedly.

"My mum is dreadfully sick, and it's all Dumbledore will allow," Remus said distantly.

"You must see her every month? What if she were to pass away?" Snape asked, a grin on his vile face.

"She's not that sick, she just needs me."

"But only once a month?"

"Yes, only once a-" Remus, as though just now hearing himself, quickly covered this ridiculous statement. "Why do you even care when I go see my mum? It's not like we're friends!" Remus snapped.

"Oh, it's just that…I can tell when people are lying, Lupin, and you quite obviously are…"

"Oh really, am I?" However, in a way, Remus was glad that James, Sirius, and Peter were currently working with Professor Guidrick on something or other.

"Come on, just tell me what you really do…if you tell now, maybe I'll keep it a secret…"

"I haven't got to tell you anything!" Remus said indignantly.

"Do they know?"

"No. I mean, what don't they know?" Remus said, feeling uncomfortable and nervous.

"So you admit you're lying?"

"No! And I'm not telling you anything! Now just leave me alone!" Remus cried.

"Class is over for the day, everyone! Have a pleasant weekend!" Professor Guidrick said merrily as Remus began walking again with Peter, James, and Sirius.

"What did Snape want?" James asked.

"Oh, same old, just drilling me on where I was yesterday," Remus answered casually. Sirius looked worriedly at James.

~*~

Lily and James met again in the common room that night, discussing Flying class with excitement.

"James, where do you go with that cloak?" she asked this night.

"Oh, everywhere! Usually, I'm just trying to get used to the castle and all."

"Oh, just wondering. Er, where does Remus go every-"

"To his mother's, or so he says."

"Oh, well yes…"

~*~

Month after month passed by, and once each month, Remus still disappeared. His friends were now getting worried, as he had begun to make up new stories. They began noticing certain things about each night that were similar; it was always a full moon, there were always clouds during the daytime, and Remus always seemed very nervous during classes.

Finally, each night that he disappeared, they went to the library to look up everything they could on these circumstances. One night, Sirius opened a book, found the exact circumstances…and laughed out loud. Madam Rise (the librarian) was not pleased about this, and threatened to kick them out. James apologized, and eagerly went to find out what was so funny.

Sirius pointed to the page, titled 'Werewolf' at the top, and James chuckled too, quickly showing it to Peter, who thought it quite amusing also. Nevertheless, James suggested they check out the book, and study it further.

~*~

Lily and James began meeting each night in the common room, long after everyone else. Eventually, they began leaving with the help of their friends under the Invisibility Cloak, while James showed Lily everything he knew of.

They came back to the same room with the large hole in it (they knew because James lit his wand and showed her), and sat to talk about why it was there. James suddenly put out his wand as someone entered, and dragged Lily over to the side.

It was Snape! James had half a mind to hex him right there, maybe Jelly-Legs would be amusing enough, but Lily stopped him, saying that Jelly-Legs wouldn't erase his memory of seeing them under an Invisibility Cloak out late at night. Finally James agreed, and they watched as he cast a spell on the hole, and slid comfortably down a slide.

After much convincing, Lily finally followed James down the slide as well, quickly getting back under the cloak to follow Snape. They heard his voice up ahead, and James, not wanting to miss a word, quickened their pace.

They heard him conversing with the same girl who had caught them before, and listened intently. "Cynthia, I just don't think it's a believable story!" Snape exclaimed through the darkness. Were they meeting in secret?

"Listen, we're to investigate the planting of the Whomping Willow, not the fake story of a Gryffindor first-year!" the girl, Cynthia, snapped. Who are they talking about? James thought. Lily wondered the same.

"But, I think he's a-"

"I DON'T CARE ABOUT REMUS LUPIN!!!" she finally screamed, causing both James and Lily to jump in surprise as it echoed around them. Cynthia lit a nearby torch on the wall and caught her breath.

"All I want to know," she continued in a much calmer voice, "is why the Willow was planted, and how we can use it."

"That I don't yet know," Snape said, defeated.

"Then call me for another meeting when, and only when, you do," she said coldly, storming down the hallway. Snape stood there for a moment, then picked up the torch and stalked after her. Lily and James quietly followed, trying to keep their distance yet stay in the light all the same.

Suddenly Lily stubbed her toe on a loose floor tile, causing a slight thump. "What's that? Who's there?" Snape questioned, lifting the torch behind him. After a few seconds of seeing nothing, Snape continued on.

Lily had her hand clasped over her mouth to stop herself from crying out at the sudden pain, but she and James still followed safely behind Snape.

They returned to their dorms for the night after only briefly talking about what they had heard.

~*~

The next morning, James told all of them what he had overheard, to Remus's great dismay. "Why does he care so much, after all? He has no right to know where I go!" he cried. At this, they all eyed him strangely, but he seemed not to notice, suggesting breakfast.

Lily told only Hestia what had happened, because Hestia was the only one who cared at all about where Remus went. Plus, she felt Hestia the most trustworthy of the group. Hestia listened with her hand clasped over her mouth at the horrible news.

"What is he to do?" she asked worriedly. Lily shrugged.

"What can he do?" she returned, looking very stressed. "Snape has power we obviously don't even know about; I really don't think he's someone to mess around with!" she further exclaimed.

"You know what I think you should do?" Hestia said, a suggestive glint in her eye.

"What?" Lily said, instantly intrigued.

"Well, If Snape sneaks out during the night, follow him. You and James can find out more of his plan!" she said excitedly.

"Oh, I don't know…why don't I ask James to borrow the cloak and you and I can go?" Lily suggested. Hestia shook her head.

"I'm not one for adventures and such…I just like hearing about them and giving advice!" she said. Lily nodded, a little disappointed nonetheless.

"Then, yes, I'll suggest it to James during Charms next lesson."

~*~

So Lily told James, muttering due to Snape's constant listening. "Stupid prat," Sirius said under his breath, sniggering. They soon informed Remus, who seemed quite uninterested. Perhaps he was just acting, though.

~*~

It was a few days afterward that James pointed out (to Peter and Sirius) that the day was cloudy, and sure enough, Remus was acting his usual, jittery self. James studied the moon during their Astrology lesson to find that it was indeed a full moon that night.

"James, how about tonight we again follow Snape, and go to their hideout?" Lily suggested that afternoon. James, trying to think of an excuse on the spot, was soon saved by Peter.

"We've got a lot of extra work to do tonight that we want to get going on, so perhaps another night? Sorry," he said, seeing the look of disappointed upon her face. James felt bad too, but he knew they had studying to do.

"Lily, how about tomorrow night? I just-can't tonight. Please forgive me," he begged worriedly.

"No, really, it's all right. I can wait another night, if you're really that busy," she said honestly.

"Okay, thanks."

~*~

That night, Sirius, James, and Peter all returned to the library once Remus had left. They would not leave this mystery unsolved for long. James walked away from the other two, who were deep in conversation anyway, and opened the book he had checked out long ago; the one with the werewolf information.

He opened it, keeping it from their view, and looked at the page with interest. Why should they completely boot the idea of the possibility of the unthinkable…? He saw the exact circumstances that came over Remus once each month:

Happens once every month person has bite…Clouds gather over place where they reside regularly…Full moon required…Becomes nervous or jittery during daytime…

Every last symptom, every single word described Sirius and his behavior and circumstances. Maybe, just maybe…

"Guys," James said, summoning his courage, "I think we should take another look at this," he said flatly, hurling the book onto the table.

~*~

That night, Peter, Sirius, and James all slept with pits in their stomachs; their information was quite unsettling. James wondered whether to tell Lily the truth…not yet, not until it was absolutely confirmed and safe.

~*~

The next morning, they met Remus as usual in the Great Hall at breakfast. "Remus," James began, looking nervously at the lot of them, "can we talk? Somewhere more secluded?" Remus, looking puzzled and scared, uneasily agreed, and followed them to an empty classroom.

"Listen," James continued heavily, "we know you've been lying about what happens to you every month. Where you go, or whatever. Please, admit to that!" James said suddenly, turning pleadingly to Remus.

"Yes, y-yes I'll admit to that," he said shakily. "My mum's not even sick…"

"All right. Are you going to tell us where you go, or are you about to hear what we think we've found out?" Remus looked skeptical that they could even figure it out, but decided he'd like to hear their guesses. There were probably way off anyway.

"Let's hear it, then," he urged. He looked very weary. James, not wanting quite to tell him their truth, looked pointedly at Sirius. Sirius sighed and stepped forward.

"Remus, we think you might be a werewolf," he said bluntly, casually. Remus looked taken aback, for reasons only he knew. Perhaps he was surprised at the truth in the statement; perhaps abashed at their accusation.

"Well…?" Peter stepped in feebly. Remus lowered his head.

"I thought you'd never figure it out. I thought you'd never dream, nor have the courage to accuse…but I suppose I don't know you well at all, do I?" His voice cracked as though he was prepared to cry, but James couldn't quite believe it still.

"Remus, are you joking? I mean, all signs point to, but then I thought it couldn't be…" James pleaded, as though he thought Remus was playing some sort of joke. Remus shook his head.

"I received the bite when I was very young, I can hardly remember it. I do remember a lot about it though…

"I was wandering in the forest near our home, and I could hear my mother calling me inside. I heard my father's chuckling voice as he told her to let me have a little fun. I faintly heard my mother say something about werewolves, but I was too young to be worried or understand. My father must have hushed her up anyway…because on I went.

"Well, there were werewolves, and don't think I didn't fight! It jumped upon me, ripping my clothes and tearing at skin. Then it sunk its teeth into my arm, leaving a permanent scar," here he paused and lifted the right arm of his robes, revealing a bite scar, "on my right arm.

"My parents eventually found me; I had passed out in the forest from the pain. They brought me back and immediately called a doctor, who confirmed their horrible beliefs. From then on, every month, I transform into a horrible monster, a danger to all humans near me." Remus sounded as though he was finished, but there were still so many questions they wanted, needed to ask.

"And you still…" Sirius trailed off, no words being necessary. Remus nodded. There were definite tears streaming down his cheeks.

"Where do you go?" Peter questioned.

Remus laughed lightly, softly.

"Another story, which is in need of telling," he said quietly. "Professor Dumbledore has planted the Whomping Willow on my behalf," he said wistfully, leaving a small pause here for his words to sink in.

"Every month I go out there, touch the knot on the trunk, and travel down a passage into a small shack to transform. It is completely secluded from the school, so all students, and everyone else in Hogwarts, is safe."

"Does it hurt?" James asked, a pained look in his eye.

"Oh, yes, very much. I won't bother you all with the horrid details, as I've become quite used to the pain." James still couldn't believe what he was hearing. How could it be true? It made no sense…what was he thinking, it all made perfect sense! The bite, the clouds, the moon, the behavior…it all added up. But what could they do now?

"You say, Remus, you can only hurt humans? Not animals?"

"Correct, James."

"Oh, yes…" Now that James knew this, how was he to use the information?

"Well, I believe we've been in this room talking for quite long enough, don't you think?" Peter suggested, as though trying to pick up the mood. They all slowly agreed, and left to see what was left of breakfast and to get off to classes. James had almost completely forgotten his promise to Lily until she mentioned it during Charms class.

"Well, James, all right?" Lily said, waving a hand in front of his face.

"Huh, what?" he said, coming out of a daze.

"I said, are we still on for tonight? Or are you still quite busy?" she asked gently, hopefully.

"Yeah, yeah, sure. I can. We'll follow Snape then?" he asked, not hushing his voice in the least.

"Did I hear my name? Got something to say, Potter?" Snape asked coldly, making his way over.

"What? Oh, no, not right now, just go back over there, will you?" James continued in the distant voice. Snape snarled and stalked away.

"James, we need to talk! Come here," Lily said in an ordering tone to get his attention. She dragged him to a corner and wouldn't let him speak.

"What is wrong? I can tell that something is quite amiss about you, please tell me what it is," she begged, looking him in the eye.

For a fleeting second, James considered it. He wanted so badly to tell her the truth…she was after all, concerned and all. He looked over his shoulder, straight into the laughing face of Remus. Then it all changed.

"Nothing, Lily, just dreadfully tired, that's all. Sorry if I seem distant, we're certainly on for tonight, though!" he assured her. She smiled a smile then that made him again want to burst with truth.

"Wonderful! I was just a bit worried, but if you're sure…"

"Quite," he said quickly, perhaps to block out other oncoming words. They went quickly back to their lesson then.

~*~

That night, they couldn't have been luckier. Snape was stalking around outside the Gryffindor common room, obviously thinking about something. Then he started off, but they didn't follow him. Instead they went to the empty classroom again to wait so they could go safely down the slide. James promised to listen closer to the spell to master it.

They waited for a long time, with bated breath…

~*~

Sirius, having just let Lily and James out, also saw Snape walking menacingly around, when he got a truly horrible idea. Snape began walking away, and, rather panicked, Sirius followed him.

He proceeded to the library, taking a book about werewolves from a shelf, enraging Sirius further. Finally, Sirius calmly approached Snape from behind, and whispered secretly in his ear.

"You'd like to know what happens to Remus every month, wouldn't you?" Snape whipped around, facing him.

"Don't sneak up on me like that Black!" he said dangerously. "But yes, I'd be quite intrigued to know what you know…" Sirius smiled.

"Well, I don't have to tell you anything, now do I?" Sirius taunted.

"Then why have you come?" Snape retaliated. Sirius was at a loss.

"All right, I'll tell you where he goes, and how to get there…" Sirius muttered, though there was no one else within earshot. Snape stood in silence, waiting for the information he so longed to know.

"You know the Whomping Willow, I'm sure?" Sirius continued, getting only a nod from Snape. "Have you seen it?" Another nod. "You've seen the knot then, at its trunk?" Another exasperated nod, Snape becoming impatient.

"You can prod that knot with a long stick to freeze the tree, then climb up that passageway; there you'll find him…" Snape's expression changed various times, first happiness, then a pained look to hide the happiness, then doubt.

"How am I to trust you?" he asked suspiciously.

"What other information are you to trust, except what I've just told you?" Snape was now at a loss. Sirius gave a satisfied grin and turned on his heel, exiting the library with a swish of his robes.

Snape sat staring after him, wondering if there was truth in his words. He'd just have to find out the next time Lupin disappeared, now wouldn't he? He suddenly realized the valuable information Black had just given him, whether or not he knew it. Snape quickly tapped something behind his ear, a communication device no doubt, and hurried off to the room where Lily and James were waiting.

~*~

He arrived, surprising the both of them with his ragged breathing and hurried pace. They wondered what was the matter. James couldn't make out the words as he made the slide appear, but quickly forgot about it as they followed him, eager to find out his problem.

"Took you long enough," Cynthia spat at the sight of him. "Got anything on that tree that's useful, or do you dare to go on about that Lupin kid?" she asked coldly, glaring at Snape.

"I know, something, very, very valuable, about the, Willow," he said, his breath still ragged.

"Well out with it, I haven't got all night!"

"If you touch the knot at its trunk it'll freeze!" he said quickly, causing Lily to audibly gasp while James's mouth hung open in horror. Cynthia however, looked delighted.

"Are you sure?" she asked excitedly.

"Not, quite sure, but it's a reliable source," Snape assured, catching his breath now. Luckily, Cynthia had been too amazed at Snape's discovery and Snape had been too proud and out of breath to have heard Lily's gasp.

"Wonderful, Snape, wonderful! You'll be rewarded for this, don't you worry!" she assured brightly. "Now, we'd best be to bed, can't arouse suspicion," she said quickly, starting for the exit. Snape followed readily, and Lily and James shortly afterward.

Once they were safely back in the common room, James raged. "Who was it, Sirius, or Peter? One of them had to let slip to Snape!" he practically shouted while Lily cringed before him.

"James, calm down! For all you know, someone else discovered it and told them, all right? Relax, will you?" James finally calmed down, deciding not to question them about it after all.

"Now, you obviously need rest, so off!" Lily ordered, pointing up his staircase. He went without protest, and she did the same, going to her dorm. Both decided they'd keep the information they'd found this night a complete secret.

~*~

"How was your time with Lily last night?" Remus asked the next morning at breakfast.

"Just fine. Snape never came though, so we just sat and talked," James lied. He couldn't possibly tell Remus what Snape knew.

"Er, Remus, when's the next full moon?" Peter asked quietly.

"Tomorrow night. So don't be surprised when I leave, all right?" Remus said, equally as quiet. They all nodded.

"Something's going to happen tomorrow night…" Lily said to Hestia that morning as well, sitting down the table from James and the gang.

"What?" Hestia asked with interest.

"I don't know, tomorrow's the full moon, right?" Hestia nodded. "Yes, I can just feel something terrible brewing…"

~*~

Indeed, the next night came all too soon. Remus disappeared as usual around sunset. Sirius, looking forward to what was to come, lied saying he was going to go out and watch the sun set and study up on astrology. James and Peter returned to the common room, James feeling a bit uneasy.

After about a half hour, Peter suddenly burst out, "Sirius told Snape about Remus and Snape's going to find him tonight!" Then he covered his mouth in fear.

"What!?" James said in disbelief. "Who, did he tell you this?" Peter nodded.

"He didn't want me to tell you, he thought you'd try to stop Snape."

"Well, he was right. I'm going. He'll be killed!" With that, James rushed off to stop Snape from getting himself killed.

~*~

He was in time to watch as Madam Pomfrey led Remus out to the Willow, and Snape lurk out from behind a large tree.

He was still too far; Snape would be able to get in before James could do a thing about it.

Sirius watched in childish joy as Snape snuck out, a long stick in hand, to approach the tree after Remus. James had to stop momentarily, his breath was caught.

Snape prodded and poked at the knot in the tree, finally succeeding to freeze it. Sirius began silently laughing as Snape made his way toward the entrance.

James was now running at a sprint, desperate to stop him before he saw anything…

Sirius was horrified to see a tall, spindly figure tear after Snape, already halfway up the passage by now; the figure he recognized as James Potter.

James hastily grabbed the back of Snape's robes, pulling him forcefully out of the tunnel and back onto the grounds. But it was too late; the damage was done. At the end of the tunnel, Snape had indeed seen the full-grown, fully dangerous werewolf who was Remus Lupin.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Not exactly a cliffie, or what? Long enough? I was going to make it the entire year, but it turned too long…and I couldn't keep you all waiting a moment longer!

Also, I realize that technically, Snape is supposed to be jealous of James's Quidditch skill to particularly dislike him, and also that Snape is supposed to see Madam Pomfrey take Remus out to the tree before Sirius told him anything, but this worked out much better for me. Hope you enjoyed! I'll try to get the next chapter out soon, but it depends on how long it is.

Oh yes, and THANK YOU!!!!! All of you are just wonderful, your comments are great and I'm so happy you all like the story so much! Keep reviewing!!!