A/N: Thanks to everyone who reviewed! I appreciate it so much!

Alda Rethe: Don't worry, I know what you mean! Thanks for your review, and I hope you enjoy the next chapter!

Big Props to Elephant Wings, my most faithful reviewer! You always make my day!

Oh! means a flashback, k? On with the show!

A Wolf By the Ears

Remus Lupin ran stealthily through the halls before Potions class, avoiding the girls and the Marauders. He ran out of Hogwarts and down to an old tree by the lake. He was so pre-occupied with his own thoughts that he failed to see the mysterious violet eyes watching him from the shadows.

The Wolf felt the painful splintering of bone and writhing organs that signified his change from beast to man. His piercing howls dulled in his swiftly changing ears, becoming human yells. Eyes lost their keenness, and the scent of the Shrieking Shack, so distinct while in wolf form, lessened.

Remus lay in a huddled mass in the faint light of dawn, peeking into the windows of the Shack.

He came outside to see a furious James yelling a a sullen Sirius.

"What happened?" Remus asked.

Peter, who was cowering to the side, answered him.

"W-w-well, Snivellus, uh . . he said that the reason you went off every month wasn't because your mum was sick, but because you went to an insane asylum for your 'regular visits'. Sirius told him to go to the whomping willow at midnight and press the knot to see the real asylum. James got Snivellus out before you did anything, but . . "

"but?"

"He still saw you!" yelled James

"I see." Remus took a long, hard look at Sirius, who was looking ashamedly at his feet, before turning and walking away without looking back"

"Knut for your thoughts" a soft voice said behind Remus, releasing him from the prison of his memory.

Tabitha Moonstone sat down quietly next to him.

"Remember that fight I had with Sirius last year?"

"When you didn't speak for a month?"

"Yea. Well, it has to do with our secret."

"You know, we . . . you don't have to tell us if you don't want to."

"We promised. I won't let us go back on our word, I just . . "

"Is this about your being a werewolf?"

Remus looked at her, stunned.

"How'd you. . ?"

"I watch people. When you don't talk as much, you hear and see things others don't. You know that."

"Do the other girls know?"

"Lilly does. She figured it out in fourth."

"Oh. Great. I like being friends with you girls, but I don't . ."

Tabitha touched Remus' hand gently, cutting him off.

"Look, I'm not sure quite what happened with you and Sirius. But I do know that he wouldn't have bet us if he hadn't been sure you would win. And I know my friends. Don't worry about the girl's abandoning you. Trust me, they're very tolerant of . . .special circumstances."

"If you're sure . . ."

"I'm sure" Tabitha smiled lightly, "now stop being such a scaredy-wolf"

Remus brushed a stray, midnight black lock of hair away from her face, and tucked it behind her ear. She watched him with her violet eyes, unblinking.

"Thanks. You really made me feel better." Remus said quietly.

"Well, the way I see it, we have to unite, if only to keep our friends from massacring each other. And you are in big trouble."

"why?"

"While I have a free period, you are skiving potions. Professor Sevilla will eat you alive."