Chapter 3

James and Remus began formulating a plan as soon as they could. They had to figure out a way to get Jamie to meet with Wormtail at the next Hogsmeade visit. And it wasn't going to be easy. For the next couple of weeks they talked about it, until the Hogsmeade visit was right around the corner.

"Okay James, remember the plan? I'll take care of Zach. You just make sure Wormtail gets inside that pub with Jamie." Remus reviewed the plan as they marched out of Hogwarts to the village.

"I got it, mate." James winked, "Don't worry."

Remus sighed. Usually when James said not to worry things turned out bad. But he had to trust him if this plan would ever work. Remus parted with his friend and hurried towards a group of Slytherins not far away. He approached a large, pig looking one and stopped him.

"Hey Zach, can I have a word?" Remus asked politely.

"Bugger off, you filthy Gryffindor." Zach said, pushing Remus aside, "I have to meet up with my girl. She owes me something." He laughed, his friends joining him.

"I can't possibly imagine what she must owe you." Remus muttered as they walked away. Zach quickly jerked around and trudged towards Remus.

"What did you say you piece of dung?" Zach yelled, his face red and veins popping.

"I said, I can't imagine why such a pretty girl is with...well you." Remus laughed, unafraid of the giant menace standing before him fuming.

"Why you little..." Zach reached for his wand, but Remus was ready. He sent a flash of light with his own wand, and ran for the hills. Zach, infuriated rushed after him.

Remus sprinted down the hill as fast as he could, glancing at his giant enemy behind him.

"Okay, I did it. Now hurry James." Remus whispered to himself.

"Peter! There you are. Where have you been?" James yelled at his friend when he saw him standing by the sweets shop.

"I've just been..."

"No time, Peter. We better get off to the pub, Jamie's waiting for you." James grabbed Peter and led him down the street quickly to the pub entrance.

"Okay..." James sighed, "Straighten your hair! And brush this dust off! Okay, now go for it. She's in there. Don't be nervous."

James opened the door and sent Wormtail inside.

"Just don't freak out, Pete." James whispered to himself and slumped down on a bench nearby.

Remus was beginning to lose breath as he darted through the woods next to Hogsmeade village. And his enemy was beginning to gain distance on him. Remus had almost reached his destination when a tree limb barely caught his foot and sent him crashing to the ground. It wasn't long before his enemy was standing over him, breathing heavily in anger.

"You filthy smart ass." Zach whispered, "You'll pay."

Zach slammed his fist into Remus jaw sending him flying back against the ground. He tried to stand up and reach for his wand on the ground beside him, but dizziness overcame him and he stumbled to his feet. Remus felt another fists slam the side of his face. This time was enough. Everything went black and Remus fell to the forest floor.

When he awoke, he found himself wandless and alone in the woods. His head hurt and his face was bruised. Then a great fear suddenly overcame him. Zach was headed back to Hogsmeade village. He had failed. When Zach would return to the village to find Peter flattering his girlfriend, he wouldn't take kindly to it. This could turn out very bad, Remus thought to himself. With great strength, Remus stumbled to his feet and sprinted towards the village, hoping for the best.

To be continued...