The Ties That Bind
Chapter Eleven: The Beginning
March 12, 1972
Dumbledore walked towards the hospital wing, deep in thought. The professors who had been in Hogsmeade had gone to the Shrieking Shack, but Remus had already transformed and it had been too dangerous for them to enter. They had searched the surrounding area for the wizards, but they found nothing.
Tom...you need to stop this madness, he thought. He hadn't voiced his concerns to the other professors, not wanting to make too much of it. If it wasn't Tom, he didn't know who it could be. And the fact that he was gaining followers was not good. Not good at all.
Sirius lay on the bed, the black dots dancing in front of his eyes slowly fading.
"What happened out there, mate?" James asked. He and Leon were sitting next to Sirius' bed in the hospital wing. Madam Pomfrey had given Sirius a potion to help with the weakness but it was making him sleepy.
"Lupin...saved my life." Sirius' eyes were on the ceiling, only half believing it himself. Remus saved my life...he didn't have to...but he did... It thoroughly confused him.
"Really?" James arched an eyebrow.
"I wouldn't lie about that," Sirius said, looking over at James.
"I'm not saying you are," James shrugged. "It's just...odd, that's all."
"He's a good guy," Leon said, looking at them. "And a Gryffindor. I think you two need to give him some credit."
"He's still a know-it-all," James pointed out.
"But he can't be all that bad," Leon said. After what he did and from what I hear from everyone else, he's bookish but nice. Lily thinks highly of him. "Give him a chance."
"Just do it, James," Sirius said, closing his eyes. Sleep was converging on him fast.
"Okay, fine," James said, glancing at the sleeping Sirius and then looking back at Leon. If Sirius says its okay, then its okay by me, James thought. "But just because I'm giving him a chance doesn't mean we're going to be friends."
"We'll see." Leon gave him a knowing smile.
"Mr. Potter, Mr. Bones," Madam Pomfrey said, bustling over. "Your friend will be fine. He needs rest and you two should head back to your common room."
"Yes, ma'am," Leon said, standing. "Let's go, James."
James looked at Sirius as he stood. We'll give him a chance. He saved your life, so maybe there is hope for him. James smirked slightly and then followed Leon out, just as Professor Dumbledore walked in.
"How is he doing, Madam Pomfrey?" Dumbledore asked.
"Better, but he needs rest. How is Mr. Lupin?" Madam Pomfrey asked as she shut the door.
"As good as he can be. When I spoke with the professors they said they could hear him, so that's a good sign. In a few hours, once it's daylight, I'm going to go check on him."
"That was a very brave thing he did."
Dumbledore smiled softly. "That it was. Goodnight, Madam Pomfrey."
"Goodnight, Headmaster." Dumbledore left and Madam Pomfrey checked up on Sirius once more before returning to organizing the potion cabinet.
March 13, 1972
In the morning, James and Leon were heading back to the common room when Professor McGonagall stopped them. "Mr. Potter, Mr. Bones, Professor Dumbledore would like to speak with you."
James and Leon looked at each other, eyebrows raised, but nodded and followed Professor McGonagall to Professor Dumbledore's office.
"Rasberry pops," McGonagall said and the gargoyle moved to let them pass. James and Leon eyed each other before walking up to the Headmaster's office.
The entered, looking around, unsure of what to do.
"Mr. Potter, Mr. Bones," a warm voice said and they looked up to see Professor Dumbledore walking down a small set of stairs. He sat down at his desk, the boys watching him the entire time.
"Yes, Professor?" James asked.
"What happened last night," Dumbledore said, leaning forward to look at the two boys, "I think, was a lesson to us all."
"What about Remus?" Leon asked. I hope he's alright. "What happened?"
"That is not for me to discuss, just rest assured that Mr. Lupin is fine. I am not going to punish you because I believe that you've learned your lesson, am I right?" Dumbledore gave them a stern look.
They nodded. "Yes, Professor."
"Good." Dumbledore smiled, sitting back. "Just don't speak a word about what happened."
"Yes, Professor."
"Now run along to class, I wouldn't want you to be late."
James and Leon smiled. "Thank you, Professor." They turned, leaving.
March 16, 1972
It would be a few days before James and Sirius saw Remus again. By then, Quidditch started off again and Gryffindor pulled ahead, beating Hufflepuff. There were plenty of good things to go around, such as the older students bringing back butterbeer and candy for all the younger Gryffindors who couldn't go to Hogsmeade. One Gryffindor, however, wasn't in such a good mood.
Sirius slouched in a chair by the fire in the common room, the flames reflecting on his sullen face. He had been released from the hospital wing the day before and Dumbledore had told him he wasn't to speak about what had happened. Plenty of people had come up to him, asking what had happened. He told them about sneaking into Hogsmeade, but didn't mention a word about the dark wizards. James and Leon had done the same.
"Why the sad face, mate?" James asked, flopping down in a chair next to Sirius.
"The holidays."
"They're going to be brilliant," James said, grinning and sitting back. He folded his hands behind his head, closing his eyes. "My dad managed to get two days off, so we're going to go to the Mediterranean."
"That's nice."
James opened his eyes and sat up, realizing this was more than Sirius' indifference. "Okay, what's wrong?"
Sirius sighed and looked at James. "I'm not going home."
James looked confused. "What?"
"I said I'm not going home. Not with the way my family has been acting. No one wants me."
"Andromeda does."
"Then she's the only one."
"Well, since you're my best friend," James said, leaning on his knees, "and the fact that I'd probably be bored without you to nag me, I'll stay here."
"Just go on your vacation or –" Sirius stopped, looking at James. "What?"
James smiled. "I'll stay here, at Hogwarts with you."
"But what about –"
James shrugged. "I've been to the Mediterranean, and besides, knowing my dad, he'll probably end up working. And what's a friend for if they don't stay when you need them." He grinned.
Sirius smiled. "Thanks, James."
"Anytime."
At that moment, Remus walked in. Both James and Sirius looked over at him. Remus glanced at them and then turned, quickly walking away.
"Oh no you don't," James said, standing and moving to intercept him. Sirius reached the bottom of the stairs first.
"So," Sirius said, blocking Remus' way up to the dorm. "You're finally back."
"Yes, please move, Sirius," Remus said, trying to get around the taller boy.
"Not happening," James said, crossing his arms and looking at Remus.
"Last time I checked, I could still go to my own dorm," Remus said, trying to keep the nervousness out of his voice. Merlin, they know...now they're going to tell everyone. How could I have been so stupid?
"We need to talk," James said simply.
"About what?" Remus decided to try a different route to get to the stairs, hoping that they would leave him alone.
"You know what," Sirius said, blocking his path.
"Sorry, no. If you'll excuse me, I need to get up to my room." Remus tried pushing past Sirius, but that failed as well.
"Sirius, if you please," James said, motioning for Sirius to grab Remus.
"Let me go, Sirius," Remus said as Sirius grabbed his arm, but as Sirius was much stronger, Remus couldn't free himself.
"Not until you talk to us. Let's go," Sirius said, pulling Remus up the stairs. Once they were in their dormitory, James shut and locked the door. They all sat down on James' bed.
"We know what really happened," James said, not one for dancing around a subject. Now we know for sure, James thought.
"Y...you do?" Remus bit his lip. I knew it! I knew I shouldn't have gone...now I'm going to have to leave. I'm through!
Sirius and James nodded. "First, thank you for saving my life," Sirius said, looking as if this was hard for him to say. Which it was, considering that he had never really thanked anyone in his life. He had never had a reason to. "Second, we've suspected it before the holidays, but we weren't sure. After what happened in Hogsmeade, though, we knew."
"You're a werewolf," James finished.
Remus sighed, closing his eyes. This is it...I'm in so much trouble... He prepared himself for what they would say next and what they did say shocked him completely.
"We're not going to say anything," Sirius said.
Remus opened his eyes, looking at them, shocked. "What? But – the way you treat me, you hate me, why would you –"James held up a hand, cutting Remus off. "You saved Sirius' life, and for that, we owe you. So here's the deal. We won't tell anyone and we're square."
And for the first time, Remus had to smile just a little. "Thank you."
"What are friends for?" Sirius said, smiling.
"F-friends?" Remus stammered, shocked.
"You're still a bloody know-it-all and annoying at that," James said, "but, after what happened, yes, friends."
Remus didn't know why he suddenly felt so good, but when he smiled, a true smile, he felt so much better than he had in a long time. He stood. "You have no idea what this means to me."
"Shove along," James made a motion for Remus to leave. "I don't want it getting sappy."
Remus nodded, taking that as his cue to leave and walked over to his bed, dressing and climbing in. He remained awake for a very long time, looking up at the ceiling. Thank you. He smiled, closing his eyes and finally falling asleep.
March 15, 1972
Peter lay in his bed thinking about the previous night. He had overheard Remus talking to James and Sirius, and wondered what he should do.
He looked over, watching as Remus dressed for class. Hauling himself out of bed, Peter stood and walked over to Remus. "Remus, can we talk?"
Remus looked at Peter and nodded. "Sure."
Peter caught a flash of something in Remus' eyes: fear, perhaps? "I heard you talking last night."
"You did?" Remus swallowed.
"Yes but I wanted to let you know that I won't tell anyone. I'm your best friend," Peter smiled.
"You're not afraid of me?"
"I'm afraid of a lot of things, but you're not one of them."
Remus smiled. "Thank you, Peter."
"Anything for you." Peter walked over to his trunk, pulling out his robes and dressing. "I want you to meet me downstairs in a few minutes."
"Okay." Remus eyed Peter, wondering what he was up to.
"You'll see." Peter grinned and ran downstairs. He saw James and Sirius sitting in a corner, playing wizards chess. He bit his lip, holding a book tight to his chest. Okay, I can do this. They haven't picked on me for a long time, maybe there's a chance. He took a deep breath and walked over to them. "I have an idea."
"We're busy," James said, not even looking up.
"Go away, Peter," Sirius moved his chess piece and grinned. "Checkmate! Finally!"
"Not quite," James smirked, moving his king.
"Bloody hell," Sirius cursed and bit his lip in concentration.
"It's really important," Peter persisted. "It's about Remus."
"What about him," James said, still not looking at Peter. "Are you going to move or what?" he asked Sirius.
"Patience, James. Great minds need time," Sirius said, glancing at his friend.
"Something you don't have," James smirked.
"Oh shove it," Sirius retorted, but was smirking. He knew James was only teasing him.
"Look at this," Peter said, getting tired of them and dropped the book right on top of the board. It lay open to a page with humans, animals, and a long column of writing down the center.
"Now look at what you did!" Sirius protested. "You've gone and messed up the game."
"This had better be important," James said, giving Peter a look.
Peter swallowed but kept his courage. "It is." Peter knelt down and pointed at the page. "This is on Animagi. People –"
"Yes, yes, I know what they are," James waved impatiently. "Get on with it."
Peter glanced at him, wondering how he knew, but looked back down at the chapter. "I heard you talking to Remus last night, and I had an idea to help him."
"Why would we want to help him?" James asked and Sirius elbowed him. James glared slightly at Sirius but closed his mouth.
"We should become Animagi," Peter continued, ignoring James' comment. "Think about it. Werewolves will hurt people, everyone knows that, but werewolves don't bother other animals."
"But why –" James began, but Sirius grabbed James' arm, hauling him to his feet and pulling him away from Peter. Peter watched them, wondering what was going on. What are they talking about?
"Think about it," Sirius whispered, glancing at Peter but looking James in the eyes.
"About what," James said, straightening his glasses.
"We become Animagi," Sirius grinned. "Think of the adventures we could have. What we could find. We could get into places where no one else can. We can sneak out of the castle so much easier, no more worrying about getting caught."
James looked thoughtful. "It would be fun. We could do a lot more..." James grinned. "Sounds good to me."
"Exactly," Sirius swung an arm around his best friend's shoulders. "Told you Peter wasn't that bad."
James rolled his eyes. "That was Leon."
"Same thing." Sirius grinned. "Besides, last night we told Remus we were his friends. This will keep up that guise, and in the long run, so much better for us."
"I like how you think," James grinned.
"I know." Sirius laughed and they walked back over to Peter. "Okay, we'll go ahead with your plan."
"Brilliant!" Peter smiled, standing. "Thanks!"
"Don't thank us just yet," James muttered and Sirius snickered.
Upstairs, Remus gathered his books and waited a few minutes before following Peter. What he saw downstairs surprised him. Peter was sitting with James and Sirius in a corner of the common room. When Peter saw him, he waved Remus over.
Remus walked over to them. "What's going on?"
"Peter here just had a brilliant idea," Sirius said, smiling.
"I was shocked, of course," James shrugged. "But since we agreed to be friends yesterday, I decided we should listen."
"So what we're going to do –" Sirius began.
"Is something for all of us –" James continued.
"We want to help you," Peter finished.
"What?" Remus looked at them confused. Today was turning out to be a very strange day. Sirius and James, being nice? Peter...talking to them? Friends?
"Peter found this book," James said simply.
"It was one of Professor McGonagall's," Peter said. "She helped me study for the test last week and I remembered reading something. About Animagi."
"You mean people who can change into animals," Remus said.
The three boys nodded. "Right."
"It was in the last chapter, in the more advanced stuff," Peter continued.
"So that's what we want to do," Sirius said.
"Do what?" Remus asked, even more confused now.
"Become Animagi, of course," James said, rolling his eyes as if it were obvious.
Remus was stunned. "What? How?"
"Like I know," Sirius shrugged.
"We'll do it in secret," Peter said. "No one will know."
"We'll start next year, research and that," James said.
Remus sat back as the three continued to discuss it. He smiled, feeling extremely happy at that moment. They're going to try and become Animagi...to help me...I hope they manage to do it. He chuckled softly, thinking about the past year. They hated me in the beginning, or at least just saw me as a scapegoat for their pranks. Peter was my friend, and Lily, and now...I'm friends with two people I hadn't liked nor wanted to be friends with in the beginning. Maybe what I did wasn't that bad after all. I didn't kill anyone, thankfully, and I saved a lot of lives.
March 20, 1972
The day went smoothly and although James and Sirius weren't spending every moment with Remus, they weren't mocking him either. It seemed that they had come to a peace and even though Remus still didn't like how James and Sirius acted at times, he found that they made pretty good friends. And that afternoon, they proved it.
Peter sat in the courtyard, having about an hour break between classes, and he was in big trouble. Transfiguration was next and they had a huge essay due. Peter had spent all night working on it and had thought he had put it in his bag, but now, when he went looking for it, it was gone. He didn't know whether to storm or cry. This was worth quite a chunk of his grade and it was his worst class. If he didn't get this paper in, he didn't know what he'd do. And he knew Professor McGonagall had just about enough of his excuses.
Remus and Lily were passing through the courtyard to go to the library when they saw Peter frantically searching his bag. They moved to go over to him, but were beat to it by James and Sirius. Lily watched, confused, and Remus just observed quietly.
"Oy, Petey, what's wrong?" Sirius asked, looking down at Peter. Sirius had been calling him that for the past few days, and Peter didn't like it, but at this point in time, it was the least of his worries.
"My essay," Peter moaned, running a hand through his hair. "It's gone."
"It's not the end of the world. What class?" James asked, picking a piece of lint off his cloak. He looked back at Peter.
"Transfiguration." Peter looked at his upturned bag, dismayed. "My worst subject."
"And our best," Sirius grinned.
"Well, thank you, but I don't need bragging right now," Peter said miserably.
"Don't worry about it," James said.
"Easy for you to say."
"Come on, Petey, take some chocolate," Sirius said as he pulled a Honeydukes chocolate bar from his pocket. He held it out to Peter. "We'll help you."
"No – what?" Peter looked up at them, not quite sure how to react.
"He said we'll help you," James repeated, looking as though there were so many other things he could be doing at that moment.
"Really?" Peter's eyes lit up.
"I wouldn't have said it if I didn't mean it." Sirius paused. "Or something like that. Anyways, stop dossing about and let's go." Sirius pulled Peter to his feet.
"If we start now, I think we can manage to get your essay either found or done before class," James said.
"If there's one thing we're good at, it's finding things." Sirius grinned, picking up Peter's bag and handing it to him.
"Thanks – so much – I mean –" Peter stammered, not accustomed to this.
"You're welcome," James said, waving it off. "Let's go." The boys led Peter out of the courtyard.
"Did I just see what I think I saw?" Lily asked, watching the three boys leave. She looked at Remus, who was smiling a little.
"I think so."
"Sirius and James, not acting like complete gits, that's a bit shocking."
"You never know with them, but lately they haven't seemed that bad."
Lily looked at him. "I haven't seen them pick on you either."
"I think we're finally becoming friends." Remus looked at her. "Doesn't mean I like what they do sometimes, but, generally speaking, it's better than having them pick on me constantly."
She smiled. "Well, I'm just glad they decided to be decent to you. Something big must have happened, to make them change."
Remus shrugged, not exactly comfortable with lying to Lily, but he had to. "Yeah, something like that." Remus glanced up at the large clock on the tower. "We had better get going so we're not late to class."
Lily nodded. "Right. I hope Peter found his essay."
"Me too."
Remus glanced at where Peter had left with James and Sirius, and then headed inside to Transfiguration.
Remus didn't have a chance to talk to Peter before Transfiguration, but afterwards he caught up with his friend in the corridor. "Did you find your essay?" Remus asked, falling into step beside Peter.
Peter nodded, smiling brightly. "James and Sirius found one of the sixth years to do a locating spell and we found it!"
"Where was it?"
"In my bag," Peter said sheepishly, blushing red.
Remus smiled. "It's alright, it happens. But at least you found it."
"Thank Merlin too, I don't know what I would have done if I hadn't found it. James and Sirius are brilliant!" Remus was confused and surprised at Peter's happiness. He still didn't trust them completely and here Peter was perfectly content. He didn't want to ruin Peter's good mood, so he didn't bring it up, but he wasn't about to think that James and Sirius were suddenly their best friends. "Well, I'd better get going. I have to talk to Professor Moody before class."
"I'll see you in class." Remus watched Peter run off, nearly running into a group of students. He turned, intending to head to the library when he ran into someone. "Oh, sorry." Then he saw who he had run into and wasn't sorry at all.
Evan Rosier, along with Tom Avery and Christina Sanderlin, was sneering at him. "Watch where you're going, Lupin," Evan said coolly. "Don't want any of your half-breed to rub off on me."
"Give over, Rosier," Remus retorted. "That got old last term."
"What're you going to do about it?" Evan challenged, his arms crossed over his chest, smirking.
"Don't tempt me." Remus glared. "I know plenty to embarrass you in front of your friends."
"Oooh," Evan put up his hands, pretending to be scared. "The freak is threatening me."
Remus had had just about enough of Evan and was ready to whip out his wand and teach Evan a lesson. But he never had the chance, as someone stepped between them. Remus looked at the back of Sirius' head, confused.
"Shove along, Rosier, before I pound your face in," Sirius threatened, glaring down at Evan. When James stepped up beside Sirius, Evan glared but backed up.
"Let's go," Evan said, turning and walking away with his friends.
"Just run away, go on now, don't trip on your way out," Sirius called after them. He laughed, looking at James. "Some bullies they are. They can't even stand up to us."
"Of course not," James said, puffing out his chest. "We're too intimidating." He laughed, which sent Sirius into another round of laughter.
Remus muttered a quick "thank you" and was about to leave when someone grabbed his shoulder. He looked up and felt very small at that point. Rudolphus Lestrange looked down at him, very intimidating. Although Remus was quite brave, there was a point where bravery didn't last very long. And this was one of them.
"Know your place, Lupin," Rudolphus said coldly.
"Picking on people smaller than you, how courageous and inspiring," Sirius said, glaring.
"I'm amazed, Black," Rudolphus said, turning his icy gaze onto Sirius. "I didn't know you knew big words."
"I know a hell of a lot more than that," Sirius retorted, moving to go after Lestrange but James held him back.
"He's not worth it," James said.
"It'd be smart to listen to your friend," Rudolphus said, shoving past Remus, making him fall onto the ground. "Otherwise you might not live very long." He smirked, walking down the hall as Sirius fought against James to go after him."I can take care of myself," Remus said, looking at them, brushing his robes off as he stood.
James looked at him. "We know, but Sirius here has been itching to get at Lestrange for the past month. Nothing on you, mate."
Remus picked up his bag. "I don't need your help." He began walking away.
"You're welcome!" Sirius yelled after him.
Remus, however calm he looked on the outside, was not calm inside. He hadn't meant to brush off James and Sirius, but what Evan had said really got to him. Evan had been calling him a freak for awhile, but ever since the escapade with the Shrieking Shack, it was a touchy subject, even more so now than before. I know James and Sirius said they're my friends, but it's not like they have to protect me suddenly. I can fend for myself, I don't need them.
March 23, 1972
When the spring holidays began, it was very much welcomed by all the students. Most of the students left for vacations and Gryffindor Tower was left nearly empty, save for four first-years and a few older students. James and Sirius sat on carpet in front of the fireplace, playing Wizard's Chess. Peter sat nearby, watching them.
Remus hadn't been able to sleep all night and had gone up to the Astronomy Tower to think. When he finally returned to Gryffindor Tower, it was well into the afternoon. He saw James, Sirius, and Peter and although he wanted to keep walking, he went over to them.
"I'm sorry," he said.
James and Sirius looked up at him. "For what?"
"I was rude after class the other day."
"Don't worry about it, mate," Sirius waved it off and motioned for him to sit. "Have a seat."
Remus took a seat, looking confused. "You're not mad?"
James moved one of his pieces and then looked at Remus. "Rosier's a slimy git and what he said wasn't right."
"He'll get his," Sirius said as he moved one of his pieces. "I'll make sure of that."
"What happened?" Peter asked, looking at them. Maybe I'll finally find out, Peter thought. Remus wouldn't even talk to me these past few days and he's been moodier than usual.
"Rosier was being his usual self," Remus said, leaning back on his elbows, watching as James beat Sirius.
"You really need practice," James laughed. "I've beat you every time."
"I really appreciate your modesty," Sirius said sarcastically.
"Are you okay?" Peter asked, looking at Remus.
Remus shrugged. "As fine as I can be."
"Just lead him to the Shrieking Shack, that'll teach him a lesson," Sirius snickered.
"No!" Remus sat up, looking horrified that Sirius would think that.
"Whoa, it's just a joke," Sirius said, holding up a hand. "Sorry."
Remus relaxed back, but only slightly. "Don't joke about that."
"It was a one-off. Won't happen again," Sirius nodded.
"Remus, you should play James," Peter suggested. "You'd beat him."
James puffed out his chest. "No one can beat me. I'm a Potter."
"Hah!" Sirius laughed. "We'll see about that. Come on, Remus, show him."
"Peter, I'm not that good," Remus said modestly.
"You are too," Peter said, shooing him towards James. "Go."
James looked at Remus smugly. "You can't beat me."
"I think we should make a bet on that," Sirius said, grinning. "How about...ten Galleons. And the loser has to nick Professor McGonagall's night cap."
"Won't we get in serious trouble?" Peter asked worriedly.
"Only if you get caught," Sirius pointed out.
"And of course I won't be the one doing it, so why should I be worried?" James said arrogantly, which resulted in a pillow hitting him in the face.
"We'll see." Remus scooted over so that he faced James on the board. "Your move."
"Today's match. James versus Remus!" Sirius announced, pretending to hold a microphone in his hand. "As we know, James has yet to lose a match. Poor Remus. Looks like he's going pranking tonight."
A few hours later, James and Remus were still playing and both were in deep concentration. It was getting tougher and it seemed as though the air stood still. Even Sirius and Peter were both watching in anticipation.
"Queen to E4," James said.
"Bishop to D3," Remus responded.
"Knight to D3."
Remus watched as his bishop was destroyed, but the expression on his face didn't change.
"He'd be good at poker," Sirius whispered at Peter.
"Definitely," Peter agreed.
"Queen side castle D3. Checkmate." Remus said and looked at James expectantly.
James' face took on quite a few expressions before it settled on defeat. "Bloody hell...you beat me."
Remus grinned. "And what was that about you not being worried?"
Sirius clapped James on his shoulder. "Have fun tonight, mate."
James just ran a hand through his hair and adjusted his glasses. "Always."
Sirius' stomach rumbled and they all laughed. "That would mean it's time for dinner," Peter said, grinning.
"Then what are we waiting for?" James cleaned up the chess board, setting it on a chair and stood.
"Not you." Sirius grinned, and laughed, running out.
"We'll see about that!" James laughed, running out after him.
Peter and Remus smiled at each other. "They really aren't that bad," Peter said.
"People can change." Remus looked at the portrait door. "Maybe they did." He and Peter headed out for dinner.
March 25, 1972
Two nights later, four sets of feet pattered down the corridor beneath James' invisibility cloak. Originally, it was going to be James going alone, but Sirius didn't want to miss out on any fun. And it wasn't like Remus and Peter had anything better to do, so they joined as well.
James pushed open a door and they passed through, except for Peter who ran smack into the wall. "Just because you're invisible, doesn't mean you can walk through walls," Sirius laughed quietly, ruffling Peter's hair.
"Hey," Peter protested. "It's too dark."
"Just follow the leader," Remus whispered. "It's what I do."
"Shh," James whispered. "Let's go." They continued their walk down another corridor without any more casualties. They finally stopped outside of Professor McGonagall's bedchamber. Thank Merlin for Sirius' sticky fingers, James thought with a grin. Alex really shouldn't leave this sort of information in locked drawers.
Standing outside the chamber, they waited. Professor McGonagall always left her room at this time and returned a short while later. James had been scoping out her room for the past few nights, as part of his duty being the loser of the chess match.
Sure enough, within minutes, the door opened and Professor McGonagall left, locking her door. When she finally returned, they snuck in quietly, Sirius keeping his hands on Peter's shoulders to steer him clear of the doorway. The door shut just as they cleared the entrance and they huddled against the wall, waiting until they were sure she was asleep. When McGonagall snored, it startled all of them, making them jump.
Sirius snickered and James elbowed him. James made a motion to keep quiet. They looked around and Remus nudged them, leading them over to the bed, as he could see a lot better in the dark. They snuck over to the edge of the bed. Here comes the tricky part, James thought. James slipped a hand out of the cloak and reached over.
McGonagall snorted and James froze, his eyes the size of saucers. He took a deep breath and touched the fluffy top, his fingers enclosing around the fabric. He pulled it off, ever so slowly and as soon as they had it, they ran.
Once they made it to the common room, they collapsed onto the couches, laughing with relief. "We did it. We pulled it off." Sirius grinned.
"I don't think my heart's ever going to stop pounding," Peter said. "I was so nervous."
"You weren't the one nicking the cap!" James said, looking at him.
"Still.""That was fun, though," Remus said, looking around at them.
"Pranking always is," Sirius said, grinning.
"Well, I'm going to sleep," Peter said, standing. "I need it after that."
"I'll join you," Remus said, walking over to Peter.
"Night," the remaining two chorused.
"Night," Remus and Peter replied and the left.
Sirius looked at James. "You're being pretty nice to them."
James shrugged. "It's not as hard as I thought."
"So you are beginning to like them?"
James was silent for awhile and then nodded. "Actually...yeah, I am."
"Same here." Never thought that would happen, Sirius thought.
"So what do we do with our trophy?" James grinned, holding up the night cap.
"Put it on her desk in the morning. She won't know what happened," Sirius laughed.
"We'll have Peter do it."
"The way he worships you, he would," Sirius laughed.
"Yeah," James agreed, laughing. "Not a bad thing."
"Except for your head getting bigger."
"It is not."
"It is." Sirius put his hands on either side of his head, making a motion for his head growing larger. "See? Big...bigger..."
James laughed and threw a pillow at him. "You know you want to be as good as me."
Sirius laughed. "Sorry, mate. I'm good enough as it is."
"Now who's arrogant?" James grinned. Then he heard footsteps and made a motion for Sirius to get under the cloak. They hid, watching as Lucille walked in. She was one of the Prefects. They slipped up to their dorm without her noticing and closed the door.
"Whew, that was close." James pulled off the cloak, putting it away in his trunk. He set the night cap in there as well.
"Tomorrow night we should sneak into Hogsmeade."
"Sounds good."
"Let's take Remus and Peter."
"Okay."
They changed into their pajamas and slipped into bed. "Night, James."
"Night, Sirius."
Sirius looked up at the canopy of his bed. They really aren't that bad. And Remus...it's hard to see him as a werewolf. Even if in the beginning this was only another way to prank more...it's not anymore. Sirius turned over onto his side, falling fast asleep.
James lay awake for a while longer, thinking as well. Friends. I like it. I can't believe he beat me...no one beats me at chess. If he wasn't my friend, things wouldn't be going as smoothly. Hah...I just called him my friend...shocking, but true. I know he won't rat us out. Dad...I wonder if you guys went on the vacation...Mom'll be pleased that I finally let up on Remus and Peter. Two more months and we're back for summer. This will be fun. He finally fell asleep, but it was full of strange dreams.