**Italics - Thinking**

The next day was a full moon, so Remus was taking refuge in the Shrieking Shack. James and Peter made their usual trip there at night to keep him company in their Animagus forms, and Sirius apologized for not going with them because he had a date with Hazel.

Hidden beneath the Invisibility Cloak, James watched the trees of the Forbidden Forest as him and Peter hurried towards the Whomping Willow.

When they reached the tree, James whipped the cloak off him and Peter, then folded it up neatly and placed it in front of the tree. A few seconds later, a flash of blue light erupted from both of their wands, and James had transformed into his beautiful stag Animagi (Prongs), and Peter into his grey rat (Wormtail).

Shall we get going? Prongs looked down at Wormtail, transferring his thoughts to the rat, which was they way they communicated to each other in their Animagi forms.

'Course, Prongs, Wormtail replied back, his wriggling nose pointed up at the stag for a moment before he stepped carefully towards the Whomping Willow, and touched his small paw to certain part of the tree to open the entrance.

Prongs ducked his head as he walked quickly through the entrance, and Wormtail scurried after him just before a branch from the lively tree almost hit him. Wormtail could hear the whip! of the branch hit ground as the entrance closed behind him.

Prongs led the way up the familiar path and stairs to the Shrieking Shack. When they reached the dark, gloomy upstairs room, Prongs and Wormtail saw Moony sitting in the corner, his arms wrapped around his knees and his head down. The werewolf looked up when he saw his friends.

Doin' okay, Moony? Prongs asked, as Wormtail climbed onto Prongs' shoulder and Prongs walked slowly over to Moony, his hooves clumping softly on the hardwood floor.

I guess, came Moony's reply, as Prongs shook his mane and sat down in front of Moony. Moony looked around for a moment. Where is Padfoot? he asked.

On a date with Hazel, said Prongs. He sends his apologies.

Alright, said Moony. He let out a slow sniff from his muzzle that was an unmistakable sigh.

What's wrong, Moony? questioned Wormtail, his nose twitching slightly.

I was just thinking, said Moony, his bright-yellow eyes glinting.

About what? Prongs asked.

Being like this, replied Moony.

A sharp sting of pity stabbed Prongs. He couldn't imagine being a werewolf every month, forced to hide in a gloomy, spooky old house so that he couldn't cause harm to anyone.

I would do anything to help you, Wormtail's thoughts replied quietly. Prongs could sense Wormtail's sadness.

I know, said Moony, as he opened his big paws and looked down at them with, what appeared to be, hate.

You know we'll always be here for you, Prongs said. You will never have to go through this alone.

Moony nodded. How can I ever thank you for all of you've done for me?

The stag grinned. You don't have to, he replied.

That's what friends are for, Wormtail said.

Prongs nodded fervently, his mane whishing in the air. Always.

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It was nearly four in the morning before Moony insisted that Prongs and Wormtail go back up to the castle and get some sleep.

Prongs changed back into James, and Wormtail into Peter, as James slung the Invisibility Cloak over both of them and walked back up to the castle, stifling occasional yawns.

"Poor Moony," said Peter quietly as they were heading up the Gryffindor Tower. "I hope they find a cure for it."

"They will," James said firmly, sympathy pouring out to Remus. "They have to."

Silence was between the two friends as they climbed the last set of stairs to the common room. James muttered the password ("Patronomia") to the portrait, and they climbed in, both covering their mouths as they yawned and walked into the common room.

Expecting an empty common room, James was surprised to see Sirius asleep on the couch, and the fire still crackling merrily. Sirius' head was leaned back against the couch, his hair covering his face slightly and his chest rising with the soft breathing of sleep. Hazel was snuggled under his arm, who was also asleep. James and Peter exchanged looks and shared a grin before they started up the stairs to the boys' dormitories.

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"So how was last night, Sirius?" James asked the next morning, trying to conceal a grin, as him, Peter, Sirius and Remus strolled down the Gryffindor Tower stairs. There were dark circles under Remus' eyes, and he didn't bother to comb down his ruffled light brown/grey hair.

"Great," Sirius said, his cheeks blooming slightly. James noticed and had to restrain himself from bursting into laughter. He pretended to be busy fixing his backpack strap, turning his head and laughing silently.

"What did you do?" asked Peter, his mouth twitching into a smirk.

"Nothing big," Sirius replied, the colour in his cheeks fading. He regained his usual composure as he put his big grin on. "We did have a snogging session, though."

Remus raised his eyebrows. "Don't tell me you're using this one, too."

Sirius looked like Remus had hit him in the face. "I would never use Hazel," Sirius said quietly. Remus looked at him.

"You know what? I actually think you might not be lying," Remus said, a look of satisfaction on his face. He then suddenly grinned. "You're actually growing up, Sirius."

James laughed and clapped Sirius on the shoulder. Sirius had his big, stupid grin on his face as they entered the Great Hall.

"Sirius!" called Hazel, her hair dancing behind her as she ran up to him and laid a kiss on his cheek. Dozens of Sirius' fans of every House were glaring at Hazel with loathing looks, all of them looking very put out that their beautiful Sirius had another girlfriend.

Sirius grinned and put an arm around Hazel. "How did you sleep?" he asked.

"Great," Hazel replied, her eyes shining as she looked around at James, Peter and Remus. "How do you do?"

"Fine, my lady," James grinned, bending down into a bow with his hand over his heart. Peter smiled shyly, and Remus put on his own smile as he bent his head and inclined, "Good, my lady, and yourself?"

Hazel laughed and clapped her hands together. She looked up at Sirius. "I love you're friends," she said.

"The best friends I could ever have," Sirius replied, smiling down at her before looking up at his friends. "I'll see you guys after Astronomy?"

James, Peter and Remus waved goodbye to Sirius and Hazel as the couple went to sit down and grab some breakfast, and the three went to their classes.