I knew Lily didn't want to go back, but I also knew she would. As a matter of fact, she did more than that, she herself led the way. Picking up the stick, poking the inside of the knothole, even leading the way through the passage. But before we reached the room, I had to intervene.

"Wait," I said, "We have to make sure he's still out, or he'll bite you and ... well… you know." Without waiting for so much as a nod, I signaled for her to stay there, changed into a stag, and cautiously entered the room. It was a relieving yet half-remorseful sight to see that Remus was still, indeed, unconscious. I returned to Lily.

"Well, all's clear and daylight's in about an hour."

"But what if he wakes before that?" I shifted my weight uncomfortably. I hadn't thought of that. "Well," she continued, "I think I have an idea." Following her lead, I walked into the room. Us. Together. Alone. In a room. With a Werewolf. Well… almost perfect.

The last thing I wanted to do was walk into that room again. But at least this time I was prepared for what I saw.

"Petrificus Totalus!" I said, quickly pulling out my wand. James looked slightly embarrassed.

"I should've thought of that." He muttered as he conjured a stretcher. I looked at him, puzzled.

"We could at least put him on the bed." James said, shrugging. I nodded in agreement. I approved of this James. He really didn't mess around when it came to his friends. This really must be Remus. I admit, however, that I was still in denial. How dare James pretend this werewolf was Remus just so he could spend time with me.

My face must have hardened at that point, for James, who had been gazing at me intently, looked away, a dejected expression on his face.

"James?" I took a deep breath, "Is something wrong?" He looked up, surprised.

"It's just," he started, sounding hesitant, "You don't believe me do you?" I couldn't help it; I shook my head, no. I didn't believe him. I was still in a state of flat-out denial.

"Well, then I'll prove it to you." He said.

He walked over to the other side of the room looking annoyed. After a while of silence, during which I took the time to think it all out rationally, I believed him. But I couldn't admit that, he was avoiding my gaze, so I couldn't even smile at him to pull him out of his grim mood. I also couldn't stand admitting to something like this. Besides, I was too tired for an argument.

Lily had been strangely quiet. I knew she was tired, but even a tired Lily isn't silent for almost an hour strait. Looking over, I found that she was fast asleep. Fighting the urge to go over to her and place her head in my lap, I simply walked over and sat down next to her. I was ready to wake her up so she could see that it was Remus.

Although I wasn't technically supposed to be telling her about all this, it was tearing me apart that she didn't believe me. I gazed at her with what was, I have to admit, a longing expression. The small rays of light sinking through the cracks in the boards blocking the windows lit her up just enough for me to see that her face was serene. Her hair glowed, a fiery, bright thing of color, contrasting with the dark, dull brown of the rest of the room.

My thoughts were interrupted by the realization that it was light. Therefore Remus was changing. "Lily! Wake up!"

I must have fallen asleep, because the next thing I knew, a small amount of sunlight was seeping through random cracks, and James was shaking my shoulder, calling my name.

But the most startling change was one much more important. The werewolf (I still refused to think of it as Remus) was changing. Paws changed to human hands, fur changed to smooth skin. I watched in horror, frozen to the spot.

"Crap." James muttered, fumbling for his wand. I didn't bother listening as he removed the full-body lock that I had placed on the werewolf. I couldn't stand what happened afterwards. The body started convulsing violently. Twitching and writhing. As the body returned to human form; as the mind became once again sane.

"James!" I was fully aware that I was shrieking, but I didn't care, "James! I can't stand this! Please! Make him stop moving! Body-bind him! Something!" Just as suddenly as it started the writhing stopped, the transformation had been completed, revealing Remus' face. "No!" I whispered, collapsing to the floor, heaving a huge sob. Crying. Crying for my friend.

I could feel James holding me. Tentatively at first, but then lovingly, as if daring me to pull back. When I didn't, I could feel James hesitantly gathering me in closer, into a tighter embrace. I let him, burying my face into his chest, willing myself to be soothed by his repeated words, "It's okay, Lils. It's going to be okay. Lily, Lily, Lily…"

I woke up to the sounds of crying. With a groan I remembered what had happened. Forcing my eyes open, I looked towards the direction of the sound. No! How could he? He wouldn't. But he did.

"James?" I said, feeling betrayed. So betrayed, so frustrated, I wanted to cry. Oh yes, the crying was Lily. James had told Lily what I was. Had shown her what I was. She was crying of fear. Hatred and fear, and disgust. After all, she did end up liking a werewolf.

James looked up at me. He looked horrified; probably because he had lost Lily for sure with this revelation. "Moony. Moony. I swear! I wouldn't ever have-"

"No!" I shouted, "No! You promised! You said you would never tell!"

"Remus," I jumped, it was Lily, her voice soft and weak from crying, "Remus, I don't care that you're a werewolf, really! I mean I care. I'm sorry for you. But I still like you. You're still the same person as ever." I calmed down. Just a little. I still couldn't bring myself to forgive James. Not yet.

"I'm going to the Hospital Wing," I muttered. Both James and Lily came over to me, ready to support me if there was any need.

"Lily?" I asked, "Why were you crying?" she gazed at me a moment before answering.

"Simple, dear Remus. I can't stand seeing friends in pain."

"Forgive me Remus," James pleaded, "Please. I only told her because I needed help getting Sirius to the Hospital Wing. Please." I couldn't help it. With that last whispered 'please', I forgave him.

I was overwhelmed by emotions: happiness, and care. So much care for the two people helping me through this moment. Happiness for them too. After all, who wouldn't have recognized the spark running through their eyes when they looked at each other? I knew I was looking at future Mr. and Mrs. Potter. I knew I was a friend to them, both of them, as well as Peter and Sirius. After the long struggle that had taken place so far in my life, I felt loved.

And that made me happy.