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Seriously Talking

Peter laughed amusedly before coming to a confused halt. "I don't get it."

Remus couldn't look either James or Sirius in the eye. "How?"

"You almost killed us last night," Sirius replied dryly.

The brown-haired boy inhaled a deep, shaky breath. Then suddenly urgent; "None of you got scratched did you? Or bitten?"

They all shook their heads and he sighed in relief. There was an awkward pause while the usually relaxed group of boys studied each other hard.

"Look-"

"If you-"

"I understand-"

They dissolved back into silence again. "You go first," prompted James to Remus.

"I know this must be terrible for you all, I understand that. And I know that you'll want nothing more to do with me after this. I'd just like to say you were the best friends I could ever have had and I appreciate the time we've had together. I just request one thing, please could you not tell anyone of the nature of my malady. Parents would not want their children being in the same place with someone like me and I do not want to dishonour Dumbledore's school because he's been terrific to me." Remus sighed, seemingly content to get the speech off his chest and resigned to what he knew was coming.

"Dumbledore knows about you?!" squeaked Peter looking at Remus as though he'd grown a few extra heads. Remus was used to this reaction, he'd had the same from his parents and family.

Sirius looked thoughtful but James was shaking his head, his expression inscrutable.

"Lupin," James started, "if indeed we did decide to have nothing else to do with you, it wouldn't be because you were a werewolf." Remus looked startled, his eyes asking James to carry on.

"You've kept this secret from us for over three years," Sirius continued. "It's the basic rules of friendship mate; trust. You obviously didn't trust us enough to tell us of something that majorly factored in on your life."

"It wasn't that at all," Remus protested, pushing fingers awkwardly through his brown hair.

"It's a wonder you haven't killed us all in our sleep!" Peter cried hysterically. The two other boys looked at him sternly.

"Being a werewolf doesn't mean he's not still our friend, Peter," Sirius growled. It was that kind of prejudice that started wars.

"He almost killed us last night. I don't think you quite understand!"

"We were there too Peter – you wouldn't find two more understanding people. But this is Remus, our friend, if the positions were reversed do you think he'd – do you think we'd – abandon you?" James finished, watching Peter shrewdly.

The shorter boy seemed to be thinking hard. Eventually he shook his head, he reluctantly looked at Remus. "Sorry," he muttered.

Remus looked amazed. "It should be me apologising to you!"

"For what?" Sirius asked.

"Well, from what I understand, practically killing you?"

"It's not like you control the wolf," shrugged James. "But the point is, you didn't tell us at all! I mean we could have helped you or something."

"How?" asked Remus. "And I'm sorry I didn't tell you, but most people run for the hills. Why do you think I spent so much of our first and second years in the library, hidden away? I couldn't let anyone close enough to find out! But then you guys came, and you really are the best friends I've ever had, I didn't want to lose you!"

Sirius and James nodded, as did Peter after a moment's pause.

"Forgiven," Sirius said. "Now lets get you out of those pyjamas and into something wearable! We have a lot of scheming to do." He grinned familiarly, the memorable mischievous glint already in his eye.

Remus – for his part – was completely overwhelmed. He'd expected them to react as Peter had, to treat him like an inhuman beast, but they'd barely batted an eyebrow at the actual fact he was a werewolf. He left the Hospital Wing on cloud nine with his friends, his friends; the bond between them had incredibly strengthened now that everything was out in the open. The adversity they'd been through together only adding to their union.

After they'd gone, Lily alighted from behind the hospital bed at the end. She had forgotten her tie and returned to get it only to find herself blocked in by the 'Marauders'.

The conversation had shocked and confused her. She was now privy to a secret she wished she wasn't. It explained Lupin's cuts and bruises though.

But then if they were out the night before 'almost being killed' by the werewolf, when did they push her down the stairs? She puzzled the thought, walking slowly out of the Hospital Wing.

Actrez – yes but it's all ok for Remus in the end! Thank you SO much for reviewing Moonlit Carvings, I personally love the story but so far only you and Victoria27 have reviewed, which is VERY nice of you :) Anyway, you very much deserve your platinum star!

Crogirl – thank you for reading and reviewing my story! I'm glad you like it! I hope you enjoy this chapter also.

Child-of-scorpio – again, your review cracked me up. Please don't kill Snape quite yet – I need him for the rest of my story – but when I'm done you're free to do whatever you please! I very much look forward to more of your feedback, lol.

Xx Susannah xx