Chapter 2
Slowly, the three animals melted back into their human forms. Traversing the lengthy tunnel, the students entered into a softly lit hallway of an old, abandoned house. The Shrieking Shack was the "ancient" new name given to this building. Seven years ago, villagers began whispering in startled half phrases about the new and mysterious noises that plagued them from the crumbling confines of the house. Many a brave youth had attempted entrance to the shack, only to be rebuffed by a mysterious force at the doors. As local legends tend to run, the story soon became one that had been passed on for generations, and the mist and haze of time descended onto reality.
Carefully climbing the creaking stairs, the boys stopped to mournful whimpers coming from the room at the top. "Mooney, we brought you some homework. See, you'll have plenty to work on now!" Sirius half-heartedly called in. A gentle snort, followed by a moan of pain was their only answer. Pushing the door in, the three entered the room.
In the corner, chained to the floor was a monstrous vision. The werewolf raised its long snout and sniffed the air. Its eyes were dark and cold. Long, jagged teeth gleamed from behind its lips as a harsh breath rattled in its lungs. Long arms and legs, ending in paws with wickedly sharp claws would have made many a brave person run for cover, but the soft moan sent James and Sirius racing to the werewolf's side. Peter hung back looking on in disgust before slowly making his way to his friends' side.
"Remus," whispered James, placing a hand on his friend's shoulder. "We're here now. It's going to be okay." The werewolf slowly raised and lowered his head as if in acknowledgement of what was said. Pain emanated from the crumpled form that lay prone at their feet.
Raising his wand, Sirius spoke the incantation that freed the werewolf of his bonds. "Let's get out of here. Would you like something to eat?" Reaching behind him, he grabbed the bag that James had left by the door. Opening it, he handed the werewolf several hunks of what appeared to be chicken. The werewolf gratefully took it, and placing it in his mouth, ate. Stretching his long, sinuous body, the animal slowly raised from the floor. Tossing his head and giving a quick shake, he motioned his neck towards the door. As if their thoughts were one, the three boys melted back into their Animagi forms. Together, the four left the house and the confines of the tree's hidden chamber.
Upon reaching the outside, Sirius lifted his head and howled to the full moon breaking from behind the clouds. The lingering sound was answered by Lupin's werewolf cry. Tossing his antlers high in the air, the silver stag galloped off towards the farthest knoll on the grounds followed closely by the dog and the werewolf. The rat, not able to keep up with his friends, contented himself with searching the base of the tree for food.
James, Sirius, and Remus stretched their lithe animal forms into an all out run. Together they ran as one; together bound by bonds tighter than blood they raced the wind The three animals racing in the moonlight would have caused many a disturbing thought for the tenants of Hogwarts Castle or the villagers of Hogsmeade, but no one was about to comment. Cresting a hill, Sirius looked back with longing and contentment at the only place he felt home, Hogwart's, and yelped in surprise.
A convoy of carriages sped with grace to the front of the castle. No markings were visible to distinguish them, but little doubt was left in Sirius' mind as to the level of importance of the owner of this convoy. The black carriages were each pulled by four beautiful, black thoroughbred horses. The harnesses glittered slightly in the light of the moon. Upon arrival at the front gate, the convoy stopped as one. Many cloaked wizards exited the carriages, hoods drawn over their heads so their faces were not revealed to any who might be watching, and briefly scouted the nearby vicinity. At last, a short portly caped figure was seen leaving the center carriage. The figure stopped, turned back, and reached a suddenly revealed hand back towards the interior. A small lithe foot touched the top step of the carriage; a delicate hand grasped the stoutly one offered. "She stepped out into the night, and all the star's light caressed her face," was the only thought swimming in Sirius' head before a harshly spoken word had her drawing the hood to shadow her face. The great doors swung open and the line of people entered. As if she could hear his heart thumping in his chest, the young woman briefly turned and looked in Sirius' direction. Sirius could swear her emerald green eyes locked with his before turning to disappear into the depths of the school.
Hours later, after the moon had begun its slow descent into morning, the three returned to the Whomping Willow to replace Remus' bonds and return the other three friends to their room. Upon arrival, James lifted his head to indicate that Peter was nowhere to be found. The three searched for a while, but as day began to crest on the eastern horizon, they slipped under the tree and into the shack. Quickly bolting Remus' chains, James and Sirius slipped under the invisibility cloak and raced outside. They still had not found Peter, but if they were to remain undetected and keep their secret they must return to the school and quickly. Sirius' mind remained transfixed on the figures they had seen earlier.