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Wolfsbane Potion, 1979
Sirius secured the last ingredient on this list in his bag, sighing in relief. In a few minutes, he'd be rid of the horrid spots. He and James retraced their steps back to where Hermione and Lily were still talking. (Just like girls, gadding their heads off) he mused. "Here, Hermione, everything on this parchment is in the bag," he said proudly, handing it to her.
"Wonderful," she said brightly, taking out her wand. She pointed it at Sirius, giving it a flick. Instantly his skin turned back to normal. She stepped closer to him. "Meet me here just before curfew tonight," she whispered in his ear.
Sirius gave her a quizzical look, but she ignored it. He would find out soon enough. Sirius nodded in agreement. In the corner of her eye, she saw Remus approaching them. Hermione noticed how close she was to Sirius and stepped away, not wanting to give Remus the wrong impression.
Remus saw Katie whisper something to Sirius. (I wonder what she could be so secretive about) He thought he knew, and felt jealous. He'd grown more and more attached to her, and the thought of her being with someone else irritated him. He observed her noticing him, stepping away from Sirius, and giving him a concerned look. (What could that mean?) "Hello," he said.
Lily glanced between Remus and Hermione knowingly. Hermione had told her about her feelings for him, and she could tell Remus liked her. (It's only a matter of time) she thought, smiling to herself. Hermione was cool, and Remus deserved someone like her.
The group casually returned his greeting. Remus noticed the bag Katie was holding. "What's in there?" he asked.
"It's a surprise," she said, smiling brightly at him. Lily's smile grew wider. Hermione had told her that she was going to make Wolfsbane Potion for Remus, something that would help him keep his mind during transformation. It hadn't been invented yet, so it needed to be kept hush-hush though.
Remus got the feeling that it was for him. (Or maybe I think that because that's how I want it to be. It's probably for Sirius) He smiled wanly at her and turned to James. "I have my History of Magic homework all set for you to copy," he informed him.
Hermione's eyes widened and she stifled a giggle. If she was able to return to the future, she'd have to remind Professor Lupin of this. (But I can't) she thought sadly. "You let him copy your homework?" said Hermione in a scolding voice. "Really, I expected more from you!"
Remus got the odd feeling that Katie knew something he didn't. He grinned sheepishly. "I can hardly blame him for not paying attention to Professor Binns."
"Really! You're just like Harry and Ron! I -" she cut herself off. (I almost said too much!)
Remus gave her a strange look. The others exchanged knowing glances.
"I have to go," said Hermione. "I've got to work on the surprise." She turned and left, heading for the Room of Requirement. On the way, she saw Peter, so she quickly took a detour. Once she was in the ROR, she began brewing the complicated potion. Ever since she found out that Professor Lupin was a werewolf, she'd taken it upon herself to learn it. She figured it'd come in handy someday, and her notion certainly proved to be right today. She grinned eagerly at how Remus would probably feel when he felt its effects.
Snape watched as a bushy-haired girl he didn't recognize pass him in the hallway, oblivious to his presence. (Good, all is clear) he thought. He put a concealment charm on himself, and set off for Hogsmeade. Once he arrived at the Hog's Head, he settled himself down at a table and waited. A cloaked, sinister man approached him quietly and sat next to him.
"You have information for me, Severus?" he questioned, his voice similar to the hiss of a snake.
"Invaluable information," Snape answered, a twisted smile on his face. "I know how you can get the blood you need for your potion."
"What reward do you seek?" the man asked.
"I want to become one of your own," said Snape eagerly.
The man paused, as if in thought. It was hard to see his expression, for his face was well hidden under his hood. "Very well," he aquiested. "Now give me your information."
"I know a werewolf," said Severus. "He's a student at Hogwarts."
"Really?" said the man, sounding intensely interested. "Where does he go for transformations?"
"A place called the Shrieking Shack," informed Snape. "The old house, not far from here."
"Show me," ordered the man. "I need to know where this place is, so I can pay him a little visit on the next full moon."
"As you wish, Lord Voldemort." Snape stood up.
"Once I have his blood, I will give you the Dark Mark," promised the dark lord.
Wolfsbane Potion, 1997
Remus heard a knock on his office door. "Come in," he called.
Snape entered his office, Wolfsbane Potion in hand. "I have your remedy," he spat. He wouldn't be doing this at all if it weren't for Dumbledore.
"Thank you Snape," said Remus tensely. "You can leave it on my desk." Snape quickly set the potion on his desk and marched out the door.
Remus watched his departing back. He remembered how Voldemort had attacked him in the Shrieking Shack almost exactly eighteen years ago. He never found out for sure who'd betrayed the information about his lycanthropy to Voldemort, but he thought he knew who. (Dumbledore trusts him now, though. He's good at Legillimens, so he knows what he's doing. I need to keep what is past, past)
Remus picked up the potion and downed it, grimacing at the horrid taste. He wished he'd had this when he faced Voldemort; perhaps things would have happened differently, and Voldemort wouldn't have gotten what he wanted. He sighed. He couldn't change it, it had already happened. (But Hermione could. I hope she doesn't end up getting hurt by Voldemort, or worse.) He shuddered at the consequences that could have. (No, I can't think about that. It hasn't happened yet, and she has a good head on her shoulders. She's faced him before with success, and she's heard about how Harry was able to fight him.) he reassured himself. (Things will turn out okay)
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Preview of next chapter: "It's potion," said Sirius.
"I know that," answered Remus. "I meant, what kind of potion? What does it do?" (Taking random things from Sirius is never wise, even if you are his best friend, he's such a prankster.)
Sirius paused. "It'll be a surprise."
"No thanks," said Remus, turning back to his book. Surprises and Sirius didn't blend together very well.
