Chapter 4
Halloween Secrets
"And that is why you should always be careful around the poison tipped Spernunctula." Professor Green droned on at the front of the greenhouse, gesturing to an acid green plant with little spike tipped tentacles. Sirius whispered something into James' ear and they both sniggered. Remus automatically plugged his ears. James and Sirius sniggering meant there was an explosion of sorts coming in the near future. They had quickly been named the two biggest tricksters Hogwarts had ever seen. Sirius produced a water balloon out of his cloak and pointed his wand at it. It grew so cold little ice crystals formed on the outside. Sirius passed it to James who pulled out his own wand.
"Wingardium Leviosa!" He hissed. Remus knew what was coming and he couldn't help but laugh under his breath. The balloon zoomed through the air and levitated right above Green's head. All eyes were fixed upon him and some people were trying hard not to laugh out loud.
"What's the matter?" He asked, sounding bewildered. This made the whole situation even funnier. At once the balloon plummeted down and burst all over his head and the entire class roared with laughter except for some Slytherins in the corner who boycotted Gryffindor jokes.
"DENTENTION!" He yelled. He didn't need to check to know who'd done it. "LUPIN, POTTER, BLACK! YOU ALL GET DETENTION!" Sirius opened his mouth wide.
"But, sir! Remus and James didn't have anything to do with it! It was only me!" He yelped. "You owe me one . . ." He added quietly to James.
"No! No excuses! This is the last straw! You all get detention!" He growled, dripping with water. They all moaned simultaneously as the bell rang. They shuffled out after they'd got their slips.
"Sirius. . ." Remus hissed dangerously, eyeing him with anger. He sheepishly smiled. As they stepped outside Sarah and Judy ran up to them.
"You guys! Help Pettigrew, Malfoy's got him in quite a fix . . ." Sarah requested. James looked to the side. Malfoy had jinxed Pettigrew so that he was hanging upside while caught between the branches of a very tall tree. He was squealing pathetically and Malfoy, Wesley, Narcissa and a group of other Slytherins were doubling over with laughter.
"Leave him alone, Malfoy!" James shouted. Remus, not wanting to get in more trouble magicked Pettigrew to float safely to the ground. He lent him a hand and helped him to his feet. Pettigrew's eyes were large and watery and he looked at the trio with such rapture. While they were asking whether Pettigrew was all right, Malfoy crept up behind them.
"Stupefy." Malfoy said lazily while pointing at James who got blasted and crashed to the ground.
"What's going on out there?" Boomed Professor Green's voice from the greenhouse entrance.
"You guys grab and get out of here, I'll take the blame! Hurry, GO!" Judy commanded, whipping out her own wand. Remus got James under the arm and Sirius supported his legs and they ran away, Pettigrew trailing after them. When they were out of Green's eyesight Remus pulled out his wand and countered Malfoy's curse. James woke up, still thinking Malfoy was attacking.
"Than you so much!" Peter whined, looking like an overgrown child. "I don't know what I'd've done without you.
"Don't mention it . . ."James said bitterly, brushing the dirt of his robes and rumpling his hair to his liking. From then on Pettigrew followed them everywhere. Remus, at first, saw this as very irritating but after a few weeks he got used to having him there.
Remus' secret was very close to becoming reveled in Defense Against the Dark Arts, and he was sure Smithers had planned it that way.
"Werewolves, as I told you before," He fingered his short white beard. "Are quite allergic to silver. When it comes in contact with their bare skin it will begin to burn it away. Stabbing them with a silver instrument, or inserting any type of the element into their bodies can result in fatalities Which is why you should always keep something handy around someone you suspect to have the curse. The Argentium potion, which is a recent discovery, made with one part quicksilver and other part wolfsbane along with other various ingredients is the most powerful known werewolf killer. So much as a splash on their skin will instantly stop their heart from beating." He gave a wicked smile, showing several rotten black teeth. "Now, as a bit of a surprise I've prepare a weapon for each of you." He gestured to a box of small, spiked poles on his desk. "You may each have one to ensure yourself safety within the school." Remus swallowed.
"But sir," Frank started up in a whiny voice. "They wouldn't let a werewolf attend Hogwarts, would they? What if-"
"You'd be surprised of the things they do today, Mr. Longbottom." He said bitterly.
"Sir, but even if there was a werewolf among us, it would be murder to kill them!" Lily called out bravely, coming to Remus' rescue without even knowing it.
"Ms. Evans, the law seems to look the other way when people kill werewolves. Infact, it would be a noble thing to do, as it would get the immediate danger out of everyone's lives . . ." He ended grimly.
"I just don't think it's right. It's just as foolish as wanting to kill Muggle-borns." She said out loud, openly confronting the teacher. The Slytherins glared daggers at Lily, knowing she was from an all Muggle family.
"That's enough, Ms. Evans . . ." He said softly. "Now, come up and get your weapons, everyone." Everyone lined up, taking his or her miniature spikes out of the bin. Remus purposely picked the space at the end of the line, hoping the bell would save him in time, but it didn't. He approached the box, Smithers grinning happily at him. Remus looked him right in the eye and fished one out, trying to ignore the searing pain. It was as if the spike had been sitting in the fire for a couple of minutes. As he walked back to his desk, trying with all his might not to wince, a thin smoke rose from his clenched fist. Tears sprouted from his eyes as he sat back down. He threw the silver with force into his bag as the bell rang and raced out of the classroom, not waiting for the Sirius, James and Peter. Once he was outside, he examined his injured hand. The silver had burned away some of the layers of skin, revealing raw red burns, glistening with a thin cover of blood. It felt burning hot and his veins pulsed uncomfortably. He blew on it as if trying to cool it down. It didn't help.
"Remus, what happened?" Pettigrew's concerned voice said beside him. Remus shoved his hand in his pocket.
"My wand backfired." He lied, walking briskly down the corridor, Sirius and James behind him. They got back to the common room and grabbed some chairs near the fire. It had been getting increasingly chilly in the first days of October. Just as Remus had sneaked off to the bathroom to bandage his hand with the Ferula charm he heard a yelling outside. He walked out, his hand wrapped up nicely, to see what the commotion was.
Lily Evans was beating James over the head with her book, while holding the back of her skirt.
"YOU PIG!" She screamed, blushing furiously. She turned swiftly on her heel and marched up to the girls dormitory, fuming. Remus shook his head and went over to James.
"What did you do to her?" He asked, knowing that if James did it, it could be anything. He laughed a bit, nursing his forehead.
"We've been assigned to do the Diffindo spell for homework, you know the one that splits seams? Evans was just walking by, I couldn't help it." He grinned guiltily. Remus sighed and took his seat again.
"James only did because he fancies her. . ." Sirius said. James punched Sirius in the arm, looking nervously back to see if Luna Rosepyre, who was Lily's closest friend, had heard anything. She, however, was staring dreamily at the sparkling bracelet on Raleigh's wrist without the slightest idea that anyone beside herself existed. Remus breathed a laugh. He didn't know why, but he found that very likable.
"Do not . . ." James countered childishly.
The trees all over the grounds were turning brilliant shades of orange and red and brown and danced to the ground in the October wind. The brightly colored leaves decorated the pathways and the grass and crunch merrily as you stepped along them. The sky was now known to be blue and wide, seeming to stretch on for ages or at other times blanketed by a thin layer of clouds. The sunsets were always in warm hues that were noticeable even from the dormitory window. The castle had a lively air about it now that Halloween was on its way and nearly everyone's spirits raised. It almost seemed like Professor Smithers was even getting a bit nicer, if that was possible. At least there were no more silver spikes . . . Professor McGonagall celebrated the upcoming holiday by letting the transfigure a small pumpkin in a tea kettle.
On a shivery and extremely windy midnight Remus, James and Sirius were called upon for their detentions. Peter gave them a forlorn glance as they stepped through the portrait hole, almost as if he'd rather go with them than stay here without his three best friends. They waited for Argus Filch, the bad tempered caretaker, in the corridor outside. He came scraping in, his already ugly face contorted into a warped grin.
"Got in trouble, did we?" He coaxed, laughing hoarsely. Sirius was being sent to rake the grounds outside in the icy winds, while James and Remus were being made to polish suits of armor on different floors. Filch pressed a dirty rag and a bucket of cold, soapy water into Remus' hands and set him to work on the fourth floor. After he'd shined one set near the stairway fairly well, he moved closer in. When he just finished on the chest plate of the second suit, Filch's kitten Mrs. Norris who'd been watching him stepped closer.
"Shoo!" He hissed at her, waving the rag in her direction. She made no move. He put the cloth back to the metal and rubbed once. Then he felt the tiny cat streak past his legs swiftly and he lost his balance, toppling the armor with a deafening clang that was sure to raise the entire school. He clenched his teeth and grabbed the hair on his head. His heart leapt as the door beside him blasted open and Smithers charged out.
"AHHHH!!" He bellowed, his long pointed wand in his hand. Remus scrambled to his feet and ran as fast as his legs would carry. He remembered thinking it was much easier to run with motivation. Smithers caught up and he snatched Remus by the scruff of his neck and clamped on.
"Ah!" Remus squeaked, trying to escape feebly.
"CAUGHT YOU RED HANDED!" He roared, a twisted smile on his face. His eyes were popping and a vein throbbed in his temple. He ruthlessly dragged Remus up to a statue of a gargoyle and spat "Ice Mice!" venomously at it. It turned to reveal a hidden passageway with some moving spiral stairs. He charged up them, not waiting for Remus to get his footing and pounded furiously on the handsome oak door. Moments later, Professor Dumbledore opened it, eyebrows raised.
"Yes, Samuel?" He asked, sounding a bit wary as he eyed Remus struggling.
"He was prowling around trying to murder me in my bed! The little devil was-"
"I was serving detention and that cat knocked me over!" Remus cried indignantly.
"Lies! All lies!" Smithers roared, "He's a danger to the school!"
"Samuel . . ." Dumbledore started slowly. "What he says is true. He was serving detention tonight. You may confirm with Mr. Filch if you see need too. Now, if you'll excuse me, I think I'll go back to bed . . ." He shut the door with a short click and Smithers stood there fuming. When he finally let go of Remus he blustered down the stairs and disappeared into the night. Massaging his neck, Remus went solemnly back to his armor and began assembling it, piece by piece.
About three days before Halloween James and Sirius took it upon themselves to play twice the amount of pranks. Amazingly, the didn't receive another detention but came dangerously close in astrology when after smuggling a Muggle stapler from the Muggle studies room, then bewitching to attack all who came near. Remus couldn't help but laugh with them, although he did not approve of their choices.
Remus couldn't remember when he's been so happy before. Life at Hogwarts was perfect. He was on friendly terms with most of the Gryffindors and had close friendships with James, Sirius and even Peter. Even with his enemies he didn't mind so much, at least they weren't ganging up on him, throwing rocks and jeering in his direction.
More trouble arose the next day when one of James and Sirius' jokes went awry. They were charming collection of pond scum fresh from the lake to float dangerously above Malfoy's head when his back was turned, then withdrawing it when he looked to see what everyone was laughing at. When James decided it was time for the grand finale, Malfoy suddenly shifted and green, goopy mass landed right in the face of Severus Snape who was reading alone in the shadows. James clapped a hand over his mouth.
"Oh, Bloody Hell." He said with a little laugh. He went over to Severus who was making disgusted noise and wiping it viciously off of his already greasy hair.
"All right, Severus?" Sirius asked cautiously. "Real sorry about that, mate, lemme help you ther-" As Sirius extended his wand to help Snape slapped his hand away.
"Get away from me," He hissed. "You're no better than Mudbloods." Leaving them three stunned, Severus stalked away, seething with anger.
"He's a real, sweetie, don't you think James?" Sirius said mockingly very loud, hoping Snape was still near enough to hear. That night in the common room James told the story with a few minor additions to everyone who'd listen.
"He just got splashed a little on his sleeve and we checked to see if he was all right and he pulled out his wand and tried to curse us, then marched off, whining like a little baby!" He called to the crowd. Luna, Sarah, Judy and Raleigh laughed but Lily, sitting gloomily in the corner pretended not to hear. Afterwards, people began to pick at Severus. Remus felt sorry for him privately, he knew what it felt like.
That night he went down to the musty shack through the Whomping Willow on his own. The wind lashed as his robes and he rubbed his arms to help get a bit warmer. He couldn't help feeling there was someone behind him as he kept hearing footsteps. He squinted into the shadows for sign of movement but saw none.
"Flipendo." He said, shooting the knot with an electric blue beam of light. The tree ceased its thrashing arms and stood still long enough for Remus to get into the underground passage. It was very chilly down under the ground and freezing drops of water dripped steadily from the ceiling. Dead leaves caked in mud lined the passageway's bottom and Remus did not want to think of what small creatures had made it their home.
When he finally reached the musty shack and transformed it was well after eleven. He awoke at around Six A.M., exhausted and bleeding again. When he stumbled back to the passageway while massaging his temple, a horrible sight met him. James, Sirius and Peter (who looked terrified) blocked the exit. Remus stood and stared at them for a second, dumbfounded thinking of a way they could have found this place.
"Remus . . ." Sirius looked grave. They all hung in a suspended silence.
"W-what are you doing here?" He whispered, heart pounding painfully.
"We followed you." Trembled Pettigrew. "T-to see where . . ."
"What did you see?" Remus demanded imperatively. The three exchanged glances.
"We know, Remus . . ." James said austerely. Remus stood frozen his eyes wide. Then he bolted through them, knocking them all to the side. He ran down the slippery stone passage way and flew up the misshapen stairs. He looked all around for someplace to go, not thinking clearly in his panic. The first thing he saw was the yellow, glowing windows of Hagrid's Hut. He raced up to the door; almost slipping on the dew covered grass and knocked on it. Hagrid opened it looking a bit suspicious.
"P-please let me in." Remus shivered, the adrenaline shaking his body. Hagrid opened up the door wider to let Remus in and shut it behind him.
"'Smatter with you?" he asked, sounding a touch worried.
"T-they found out . . ." He shook his head and covered his face with his hands. His whole world was falling apart. James, Peter and Sirius would abandon him and turn everyone in Gryffindor against him. Son the entire school would know and it was back to being hated and feared. Perhaps they'd expel him out of mercy.
"Hmm? 'Bout what?" Hagrid mused.
"That I'm a Werewolf! They're going to hate me now!" Remus nearly sobbed. Hagrid gave him a sympathetic look behind his bushy beard.
"I know what that's like . . ." He put sorrowfully. "You're bleedin' like a you've been through sumthun' nasty . . ."
"You've no idea. . ." Remus put miserably. Suddenly. There was a knock on the door. Remus froze. Hagrid trudged over and opened it and before he could do anything, James and Sirius squeezed their way in, followed by Pettigrew whose face was red from running. They ran up to Remus who cringed. Sirius reached into his pocket, obviously fishing for his wand.
"Don't hurt me! Please!" Remus put his guard up. There was no way he could expect to win a duel in his condition. When he dared to look again he saw Sirius was handing him a handkerchief. He looked stupidly from it, to Sirius face.
"Your face is bleeding." He said with a shallow smile. Remus took it softly from his and wiped the blood off his cut.
They didn't appear to be turning on him yet. Perhaps there was still a ray of hope left, but Remus didn't want to assume this. The disappointment would just make things even worse.
"Y-you guys don't have to be my friends anymore. . . I understand. Just don't tell anyone else, please . . ." Remus murmured somberly, handing Sirius back his kerchief.
"What are you talking about Remus? Of course we want to be your friends! You think something like that is just going to make us turn around and forget everything? But I must admit, it did come as something of a shock . . ." Sirius said, sounding like his old self.
"Yeah, I never really would've thought of you as vicious or a murdering fiend." James scratched the back of his head. Remus growled a bit.
"What Smithers says isn't true! Werewolves are just like other people . . . except on the full moon, that is. He's trying to blow it out of proportion because he's scared of all things that aren't human." Remus said, finally being able to voice his opinions.
"I feel right sorry for you . . . Must be horrible . . ." Sirius said.
"Yeah . . ." Said Remus.
"Um, not meanin' ter break this up, but ought you four better be back at the castle?" Hagrid said suddenly.
"Oh, yeah." Laughed James. "I almost forgot. Thanks Hagrid!"
They all went to the castle and made it up just in time for breakfast to start. Luckily there weren't many people in the Great Hall at 6:30 Am, so they had freedom to discuss things.
"So, how long have you, you know, been . . ." Peter asked warily.
"Since I was five. I didn't even think I was allowed to come to school until Dumbledore made these special arrangements . . ." Remus said, poking at his eggs but not eating them.
"Sounds really bad . . . Wish there was something we could do to help . . ." Remus shook his head.
"It's all right. It's not like it's anything new for me. I'm kind of used to it by now . . ."
"Wait!" James said suddenly. "I have an idea! Come on, Sirius!" He grabbed Sirius by his collar and tugged him up. Remus rose to go with them. "No, stay where you are!" James said.
"Why? Why am I not allowed to come?" Remus said, put out.
"Because you'll try and stop us!" James laughed and Pettigrew scurried after them. Remus sighed. He was frankly terrified of what James and Sirius were coming up with. Whatever it was, Remus knew it probably was legal at the school.
Halloween Secrets
"And that is why you should always be careful around the poison tipped Spernunctula." Professor Green droned on at the front of the greenhouse, gesturing to an acid green plant with little spike tipped tentacles. Sirius whispered something into James' ear and they both sniggered. Remus automatically plugged his ears. James and Sirius sniggering meant there was an explosion of sorts coming in the near future. They had quickly been named the two biggest tricksters Hogwarts had ever seen. Sirius produced a water balloon out of his cloak and pointed his wand at it. It grew so cold little ice crystals formed on the outside. Sirius passed it to James who pulled out his own wand.
"Wingardium Leviosa!" He hissed. Remus knew what was coming and he couldn't help but laugh under his breath. The balloon zoomed through the air and levitated right above Green's head. All eyes were fixed upon him and some people were trying hard not to laugh out loud.
"What's the matter?" He asked, sounding bewildered. This made the whole situation even funnier. At once the balloon plummeted down and burst all over his head and the entire class roared with laughter except for some Slytherins in the corner who boycotted Gryffindor jokes.
"DENTENTION!" He yelled. He didn't need to check to know who'd done it. "LUPIN, POTTER, BLACK! YOU ALL GET DETENTION!" Sirius opened his mouth wide.
"But, sir! Remus and James didn't have anything to do with it! It was only me!" He yelped. "You owe me one . . ." He added quietly to James.
"No! No excuses! This is the last straw! You all get detention!" He growled, dripping with water. They all moaned simultaneously as the bell rang. They shuffled out after they'd got their slips.
"Sirius. . ." Remus hissed dangerously, eyeing him with anger. He sheepishly smiled. As they stepped outside Sarah and Judy ran up to them.
"You guys! Help Pettigrew, Malfoy's got him in quite a fix . . ." Sarah requested. James looked to the side. Malfoy had jinxed Pettigrew so that he was hanging upside while caught between the branches of a very tall tree. He was squealing pathetically and Malfoy, Wesley, Narcissa and a group of other Slytherins were doubling over with laughter.
"Leave him alone, Malfoy!" James shouted. Remus, not wanting to get in more trouble magicked Pettigrew to float safely to the ground. He lent him a hand and helped him to his feet. Pettigrew's eyes were large and watery and he looked at the trio with such rapture. While they were asking whether Pettigrew was all right, Malfoy crept up behind them.
"Stupefy." Malfoy said lazily while pointing at James who got blasted and crashed to the ground.
"What's going on out there?" Boomed Professor Green's voice from the greenhouse entrance.
"You guys grab and get out of here, I'll take the blame! Hurry, GO!" Judy commanded, whipping out her own wand. Remus got James under the arm and Sirius supported his legs and they ran away, Pettigrew trailing after them. When they were out of Green's eyesight Remus pulled out his wand and countered Malfoy's curse. James woke up, still thinking Malfoy was attacking.
"Than you so much!" Peter whined, looking like an overgrown child. "I don't know what I'd've done without you.
"Don't mention it . . ."James said bitterly, brushing the dirt of his robes and rumpling his hair to his liking. From then on Pettigrew followed them everywhere. Remus, at first, saw this as very irritating but after a few weeks he got used to having him there.
Remus' secret was very close to becoming reveled in Defense Against the Dark Arts, and he was sure Smithers had planned it that way.
"Werewolves, as I told you before," He fingered his short white beard. "Are quite allergic to silver. When it comes in contact with their bare skin it will begin to burn it away. Stabbing them with a silver instrument, or inserting any type of the element into their bodies can result in fatalities Which is why you should always keep something handy around someone you suspect to have the curse. The Argentium potion, which is a recent discovery, made with one part quicksilver and other part wolfsbane along with other various ingredients is the most powerful known werewolf killer. So much as a splash on their skin will instantly stop their heart from beating." He gave a wicked smile, showing several rotten black teeth. "Now, as a bit of a surprise I've prepare a weapon for each of you." He gestured to a box of small, spiked poles on his desk. "You may each have one to ensure yourself safety within the school." Remus swallowed.
"But sir," Frank started up in a whiny voice. "They wouldn't let a werewolf attend Hogwarts, would they? What if-"
"You'd be surprised of the things they do today, Mr. Longbottom." He said bitterly.
"Sir, but even if there was a werewolf among us, it would be murder to kill them!" Lily called out bravely, coming to Remus' rescue without even knowing it.
"Ms. Evans, the law seems to look the other way when people kill werewolves. Infact, it would be a noble thing to do, as it would get the immediate danger out of everyone's lives . . ." He ended grimly.
"I just don't think it's right. It's just as foolish as wanting to kill Muggle-borns." She said out loud, openly confronting the teacher. The Slytherins glared daggers at Lily, knowing she was from an all Muggle family.
"That's enough, Ms. Evans . . ." He said softly. "Now, come up and get your weapons, everyone." Everyone lined up, taking his or her miniature spikes out of the bin. Remus purposely picked the space at the end of the line, hoping the bell would save him in time, but it didn't. He approached the box, Smithers grinning happily at him. Remus looked him right in the eye and fished one out, trying to ignore the searing pain. It was as if the spike had been sitting in the fire for a couple of minutes. As he walked back to his desk, trying with all his might not to wince, a thin smoke rose from his clenched fist. Tears sprouted from his eyes as he sat back down. He threw the silver with force into his bag as the bell rang and raced out of the classroom, not waiting for the Sirius, James and Peter. Once he was outside, he examined his injured hand. The silver had burned away some of the layers of skin, revealing raw red burns, glistening with a thin cover of blood. It felt burning hot and his veins pulsed uncomfortably. He blew on it as if trying to cool it down. It didn't help.
"Remus, what happened?" Pettigrew's concerned voice said beside him. Remus shoved his hand in his pocket.
"My wand backfired." He lied, walking briskly down the corridor, Sirius and James behind him. They got back to the common room and grabbed some chairs near the fire. It had been getting increasingly chilly in the first days of October. Just as Remus had sneaked off to the bathroom to bandage his hand with the Ferula charm he heard a yelling outside. He walked out, his hand wrapped up nicely, to see what the commotion was.
Lily Evans was beating James over the head with her book, while holding the back of her skirt.
"YOU PIG!" She screamed, blushing furiously. She turned swiftly on her heel and marched up to the girls dormitory, fuming. Remus shook his head and went over to James.
"What did you do to her?" He asked, knowing that if James did it, it could be anything. He laughed a bit, nursing his forehead.
"We've been assigned to do the Diffindo spell for homework, you know the one that splits seams? Evans was just walking by, I couldn't help it." He grinned guiltily. Remus sighed and took his seat again.
"James only did because he fancies her. . ." Sirius said. James punched Sirius in the arm, looking nervously back to see if Luna Rosepyre, who was Lily's closest friend, had heard anything. She, however, was staring dreamily at the sparkling bracelet on Raleigh's wrist without the slightest idea that anyone beside herself existed. Remus breathed a laugh. He didn't know why, but he found that very likable.
"Do not . . ." James countered childishly.
The trees all over the grounds were turning brilliant shades of orange and red and brown and danced to the ground in the October wind. The brightly colored leaves decorated the pathways and the grass and crunch merrily as you stepped along them. The sky was now known to be blue and wide, seeming to stretch on for ages or at other times blanketed by a thin layer of clouds. The sunsets were always in warm hues that were noticeable even from the dormitory window. The castle had a lively air about it now that Halloween was on its way and nearly everyone's spirits raised. It almost seemed like Professor Smithers was even getting a bit nicer, if that was possible. At least there were no more silver spikes . . . Professor McGonagall celebrated the upcoming holiday by letting the transfigure a small pumpkin in a tea kettle.
On a shivery and extremely windy midnight Remus, James and Sirius were called upon for their detentions. Peter gave them a forlorn glance as they stepped through the portrait hole, almost as if he'd rather go with them than stay here without his three best friends. They waited for Argus Filch, the bad tempered caretaker, in the corridor outside. He came scraping in, his already ugly face contorted into a warped grin.
"Got in trouble, did we?" He coaxed, laughing hoarsely. Sirius was being sent to rake the grounds outside in the icy winds, while James and Remus were being made to polish suits of armor on different floors. Filch pressed a dirty rag and a bucket of cold, soapy water into Remus' hands and set him to work on the fourth floor. After he'd shined one set near the stairway fairly well, he moved closer in. When he just finished on the chest plate of the second suit, Filch's kitten Mrs. Norris who'd been watching him stepped closer.
"Shoo!" He hissed at her, waving the rag in her direction. She made no move. He put the cloth back to the metal and rubbed once. Then he felt the tiny cat streak past his legs swiftly and he lost his balance, toppling the armor with a deafening clang that was sure to raise the entire school. He clenched his teeth and grabbed the hair on his head. His heart leapt as the door beside him blasted open and Smithers charged out.
"AHHHH!!" He bellowed, his long pointed wand in his hand. Remus scrambled to his feet and ran as fast as his legs would carry. He remembered thinking it was much easier to run with motivation. Smithers caught up and he snatched Remus by the scruff of his neck and clamped on.
"Ah!" Remus squeaked, trying to escape feebly.
"CAUGHT YOU RED HANDED!" He roared, a twisted smile on his face. His eyes were popping and a vein throbbed in his temple. He ruthlessly dragged Remus up to a statue of a gargoyle and spat "Ice Mice!" venomously at it. It turned to reveal a hidden passageway with some moving spiral stairs. He charged up them, not waiting for Remus to get his footing and pounded furiously on the handsome oak door. Moments later, Professor Dumbledore opened it, eyebrows raised.
"Yes, Samuel?" He asked, sounding a bit wary as he eyed Remus struggling.
"He was prowling around trying to murder me in my bed! The little devil was-"
"I was serving detention and that cat knocked me over!" Remus cried indignantly.
"Lies! All lies!" Smithers roared, "He's a danger to the school!"
"Samuel . . ." Dumbledore started slowly. "What he says is true. He was serving detention tonight. You may confirm with Mr. Filch if you see need too. Now, if you'll excuse me, I think I'll go back to bed . . ." He shut the door with a short click and Smithers stood there fuming. When he finally let go of Remus he blustered down the stairs and disappeared into the night. Massaging his neck, Remus went solemnly back to his armor and began assembling it, piece by piece.
About three days before Halloween James and Sirius took it upon themselves to play twice the amount of pranks. Amazingly, the didn't receive another detention but came dangerously close in astrology when after smuggling a Muggle stapler from the Muggle studies room, then bewitching to attack all who came near. Remus couldn't help but laugh with them, although he did not approve of their choices.
Remus couldn't remember when he's been so happy before. Life at Hogwarts was perfect. He was on friendly terms with most of the Gryffindors and had close friendships with James, Sirius and even Peter. Even with his enemies he didn't mind so much, at least they weren't ganging up on him, throwing rocks and jeering in his direction.
More trouble arose the next day when one of James and Sirius' jokes went awry. They were charming collection of pond scum fresh from the lake to float dangerously above Malfoy's head when his back was turned, then withdrawing it when he looked to see what everyone was laughing at. When James decided it was time for the grand finale, Malfoy suddenly shifted and green, goopy mass landed right in the face of Severus Snape who was reading alone in the shadows. James clapped a hand over his mouth.
"Oh, Bloody Hell." He said with a little laugh. He went over to Severus who was making disgusted noise and wiping it viciously off of his already greasy hair.
"All right, Severus?" Sirius asked cautiously. "Real sorry about that, mate, lemme help you ther-" As Sirius extended his wand to help Snape slapped his hand away.
"Get away from me," He hissed. "You're no better than Mudbloods." Leaving them three stunned, Severus stalked away, seething with anger.
"He's a real, sweetie, don't you think James?" Sirius said mockingly very loud, hoping Snape was still near enough to hear. That night in the common room James told the story with a few minor additions to everyone who'd listen.
"He just got splashed a little on his sleeve and we checked to see if he was all right and he pulled out his wand and tried to curse us, then marched off, whining like a little baby!" He called to the crowd. Luna, Sarah, Judy and Raleigh laughed but Lily, sitting gloomily in the corner pretended not to hear. Afterwards, people began to pick at Severus. Remus felt sorry for him privately, he knew what it felt like.
That night he went down to the musty shack through the Whomping Willow on his own. The wind lashed as his robes and he rubbed his arms to help get a bit warmer. He couldn't help feeling there was someone behind him as he kept hearing footsteps. He squinted into the shadows for sign of movement but saw none.
"Flipendo." He said, shooting the knot with an electric blue beam of light. The tree ceased its thrashing arms and stood still long enough for Remus to get into the underground passage. It was very chilly down under the ground and freezing drops of water dripped steadily from the ceiling. Dead leaves caked in mud lined the passageway's bottom and Remus did not want to think of what small creatures had made it their home.
When he finally reached the musty shack and transformed it was well after eleven. He awoke at around Six A.M., exhausted and bleeding again. When he stumbled back to the passageway while massaging his temple, a horrible sight met him. James, Sirius and Peter (who looked terrified) blocked the exit. Remus stood and stared at them for a second, dumbfounded thinking of a way they could have found this place.
"Remus . . ." Sirius looked grave. They all hung in a suspended silence.
"W-what are you doing here?" He whispered, heart pounding painfully.
"We followed you." Trembled Pettigrew. "T-to see where . . ."
"What did you see?" Remus demanded imperatively. The three exchanged glances.
"We know, Remus . . ." James said austerely. Remus stood frozen his eyes wide. Then he bolted through them, knocking them all to the side. He ran down the slippery stone passage way and flew up the misshapen stairs. He looked all around for someplace to go, not thinking clearly in his panic. The first thing he saw was the yellow, glowing windows of Hagrid's Hut. He raced up to the door; almost slipping on the dew covered grass and knocked on it. Hagrid opened it looking a bit suspicious.
"P-please let me in." Remus shivered, the adrenaline shaking his body. Hagrid opened up the door wider to let Remus in and shut it behind him.
"'Smatter with you?" he asked, sounding a touch worried.
"T-they found out . . ." He shook his head and covered his face with his hands. His whole world was falling apart. James, Peter and Sirius would abandon him and turn everyone in Gryffindor against him. Son the entire school would know and it was back to being hated and feared. Perhaps they'd expel him out of mercy.
"Hmm? 'Bout what?" Hagrid mused.
"That I'm a Werewolf! They're going to hate me now!" Remus nearly sobbed. Hagrid gave him a sympathetic look behind his bushy beard.
"I know what that's like . . ." He put sorrowfully. "You're bleedin' like a you've been through sumthun' nasty . . ."
"You've no idea. . ." Remus put miserably. Suddenly. There was a knock on the door. Remus froze. Hagrid trudged over and opened it and before he could do anything, James and Sirius squeezed their way in, followed by Pettigrew whose face was red from running. They ran up to Remus who cringed. Sirius reached into his pocket, obviously fishing for his wand.
"Don't hurt me! Please!" Remus put his guard up. There was no way he could expect to win a duel in his condition. When he dared to look again he saw Sirius was handing him a handkerchief. He looked stupidly from it, to Sirius face.
"Your face is bleeding." He said with a shallow smile. Remus took it softly from his and wiped the blood off his cut.
They didn't appear to be turning on him yet. Perhaps there was still a ray of hope left, but Remus didn't want to assume this. The disappointment would just make things even worse.
"Y-you guys don't have to be my friends anymore. . . I understand. Just don't tell anyone else, please . . ." Remus murmured somberly, handing Sirius back his kerchief.
"What are you talking about Remus? Of course we want to be your friends! You think something like that is just going to make us turn around and forget everything? But I must admit, it did come as something of a shock . . ." Sirius said, sounding like his old self.
"Yeah, I never really would've thought of you as vicious or a murdering fiend." James scratched the back of his head. Remus growled a bit.
"What Smithers says isn't true! Werewolves are just like other people . . . except on the full moon, that is. He's trying to blow it out of proportion because he's scared of all things that aren't human." Remus said, finally being able to voice his opinions.
"I feel right sorry for you . . . Must be horrible . . ." Sirius said.
"Yeah . . ." Said Remus.
"Um, not meanin' ter break this up, but ought you four better be back at the castle?" Hagrid said suddenly.
"Oh, yeah." Laughed James. "I almost forgot. Thanks Hagrid!"
They all went to the castle and made it up just in time for breakfast to start. Luckily there weren't many people in the Great Hall at 6:30 Am, so they had freedom to discuss things.
"So, how long have you, you know, been . . ." Peter asked warily.
"Since I was five. I didn't even think I was allowed to come to school until Dumbledore made these special arrangements . . ." Remus said, poking at his eggs but not eating them.
"Sounds really bad . . . Wish there was something we could do to help . . ." Remus shook his head.
"It's all right. It's not like it's anything new for me. I'm kind of used to it by now . . ."
"Wait!" James said suddenly. "I have an idea! Come on, Sirius!" He grabbed Sirius by his collar and tugged him up. Remus rose to go with them. "No, stay where you are!" James said.
"Why? Why am I not allowed to come?" Remus said, put out.
"Because you'll try and stop us!" James laughed and Pettigrew scurried after them. Remus sighed. He was frankly terrified of what James and Sirius were coming up with. Whatever it was, Remus knew it probably was legal at the school.