James saw Mrs. Norris scamper away when they exited the dormitory. Minutes later Flinch appeared, ready to escort the Marauders to the Gamekeeper's hut. ''Wonder what Hagrid has in store for us tonight.'' Sirius whispered in James's ear.
'' No clue, probably something like setting werewolf traps. '' James suggested.
Remus laughed. ''He was going on and on the other day how he kept spotting a werewolf or two near by the school. He thinks it would be safer for the students if he sets up traps, and so forth.'' The other three nodded. Remus continued, ''So, I heard Dumbledore tell him that he should wait until he had some people who needed to serve detention and have them do it with him. ''
James looked at Remus oddly, ''In other words, Dumbledore has Hagrid setting up Moony traps with the Marauders helping? ''
''Exactly. ''
Sirius cocked an eyebrow, ''Mind if I ask, where the hell did you get this information?''
''Dumbledore.'' Remus replied simply. Sirius slapped himself.
Flinch glared at them. "I see that these detentions have done nothing for keeping you four in line," Peter whimpered, "if I had it my way, you all would be hanging by your heels in one of the dungeons." At this point in time, Peter went ahead and fainted. James quickly revived him, though, much to Peter's displeasure. Flinch went ahead and knocked on Hagrid's door. Hagrid appeared, greeting them all. Flinch laughed, ''Good luck, have fun in the Forest. ''
''W...w...we...we're going in...into the Forbidden F...F...Forest? '' Peter stammered. ''B...But were n...not allowed in there. '' He was shaking.
James stared at him. ''We go in there all the time, remember?'' Peter shook his head.
Hagrid looked at him, "Well, Peter, ya'll be going in with Sirius and I." Peter was near fainting at this point. Sirius! Of all people, he'll make the most of the fact that Peter was scarred out of his wits! He tried to concentrate on Hagrid's explanation on how to set up the traps, didn't work. Just the thought of being in the Forbidden Forest with made Peter nervous.
The contraption that Hagrid was holding up looked kind of like steel chicken coop. He explained how it was to be set up, and to set them up about 10 meters apart. Then he handed them a large bag of Mrs. Selene's Ever Magical Were Wolf Bait. "This smells good," was Remus's comment after opening the bag.
"Only you would think so." James whispered back.
"Gee, thanks."
"Any time"
"All right, now, Peter, Sirius and I will make our way round the left, and y'all make your way 'roud ta the right, we'll meet at the other side o' the castle. Clear?" Hagrid announced. All four boys nodded their heads and they were off, setting up their Moony traps. And, yes, they were Moony Traps, for the were wolf that Hagrid had been seeing was Moony, and, well, of course, he didn't know...
Sirius was helping Hagrid put up a trap (Peter was too scarred to do anything) when they heard the most awful yelling- that sounded frightfully like Remus. James sent out red sparks from the end of his wand, calling for help. Sirius leaped up, and raced over there. Hagrid and Peter followed close behind. He reached them to see that Moony had fallen into the Moony traps, and was, well, caught. "Can someone please get me out of here?"
Hagrid chuckled, "Ya'll be out in a minute Remus." He pulled out his pink umbrella. It was now Remus's turn to looked as if he would faint. Hagrid with a wand, now that was something from your nightmares. Hagrid mumbled a few words, sending Remus soaring into the air.
"Oh, lookey, Moony learned how to fly!" Sirius said through his laughter.
"Only appropriate that he is the one to get caught in the traps."
"So true, Prongs, So true." Sirius and James were doubled over with laughter. Even Peter forgot he was so scared. There was a huge crash in a bush near by as Remus came back to earth. James rushed over to help him up, still laughing.
"Sorry 'bout that Remus." Hagrid apologized, "Didn't know there was that much strength in this thing. Oh, can you all do me a favor and not mention this to Dumbledore?"
"Sure" Remus spoke for all of them. Rubbing his arm, which he just happened to fall on, he stated, "I don't think these traps are very humane..."
Hagrid had to agree, anything that had to do with catching a dangerous animal was inhumane in his book, but still, werewolves and wizarding schools don't mix. "Got a better way to get rid of the werewolves by the school?"
Remus nodded, "Yeah, just place the bait further out into the Forest, and they will go there, instead of catching them." His then switched into the most serious tone, "They are humans, too, you know."
It took Hagrid a minute to think about what Remus had just said. "Ya have a good point. Well, then, lets pick up these traps. See why Dumbledore made ya a prefect..." So the Marauders and Hagrid lifted up the whole two traps that they had managed set up. "Thank ya all for yer help." Hagrid said, once they got the traps all packed away.
Peter yawned as they walked toward the castle. "Long night, Wormtail?" James inquired.
Peter nodded sleepily. "We better take good ol'flying Moony up to Madam Zarah to get that arm checked out."
Remus whimpered. "Next time I see Hagrid take out his umbrella, remind me to run."
"Certainly will, and I think I'll join you in your running."
