Chapter 5: Full Moon

'Believe those who are seeking the truth; doubt those who find it; doubt everything, but don't doubt yourself.' – Andre Gide

"I think McGonagall may be trying to finish us off with this homework." James huffed exasperatedly, flopping back into his armchair. "What does she think she's playing at asking for two scrolls of parchment?"

Sirius grinned, perching his feet on the table (ignoring Peter's squeal of protest as his socks rested upon his essay) and he feigned a yawn of boredom. "If only she knew what we were up to. I'm fairly certain she wouldn't be asking us to explain switching spells."

Peter and James chortled in amusement as Remus fought to keep a smile off his face. All of them could only imagine the horror on Professor McGonagall's face if she discovered they were trying to become animagi.

Despite planning their endeavours to help their werewolf friend ever since second year, it wasn't until mid-October that Sirius, James and Peter (albeit to a much lesser extent) were able to make significant developments in their quest to become animagi. Between lessons and inevitable detentions, it had been difficult to schedule in time to do the necessary preparations and studying.

Although Sirius and James were cocky about their abilities, even they had to admit that it was advanced magic that had the potential to be very dangerous if done incorrectly. So, they had reluctantly agreed with Remus that they had to take their time to get it right.

And, it seemed that their determination was finally starting to pay off. All their late nights seemed to be worthwhile after they had discovered they were so close to achieving their goal last week. It wouldn't be long until they could accompany Remus on his monthly 'excursions' and the prospect of being able to help their friend through his most difficult times was greatly pleasing to the group.

How long had they watched him suffer alone?

Of course, they would also be lying not to admit that the chance to enjoy dangerous adventures outside of Hogwarts wasn't a factor in their growing excitement.

"Are you sure you'll be alright to patrol tonight?" James asked Remus, raising his eyebrows in concern as Remus rested his head in his hands. The full moon was approaching and it seemed to be taking its toll.

But Remus nodded quickly, forcing a small smile onto his face as he endeavoured to hide the worst of his pain his friends. "I'll be fine." He paused for a moment before continuing. "Besides, Dumbledore made me a prefect for a reason and I don't want to let him down two months in."

Sirius scoffed loudly, clearly not happy with his friend concealing the truth from them. "I'm sure he'd understand. He's the one who-"

"Like I said, I'll be fine." Remus repeated firmly, interrupting Sirius's protest. "Besides I'm paired with Ava anyway, so it shouldn't be too bad."

Sirius fixed him with a suspicious look, his eyebrows raised in surprise. "That really depends on what your definition of 'too bad' is mate." He quipped, grinning widely and enjoying the resulting laughter from James and Peter.

Remus just shook his head in bemusement, smiling as he leant back onto the sofa. Perhaps things weren't too bad after all.

Unfortunately, things seemed to deteriorate for Remus around lunchtime and he found himself crumpled on the Gryffindor table, head down and praying that the sickening ache in his bones would stop soon.

"Hey, I just wanted to-"

Ava paused, halting in her steps as Remus met her gaze. At first, she seemed uncomfortable, perhaps even nervous at having to approach the Gryffindor table. However, her hazel eyes seemed to soften as she took in his appearance.

"Merlin, Remus you look awful." She murmured, concern evident in her voice as she carefully surveyed him.

Before he could open his mouth to explain, she quickly cut him off. "Don't worry about patrol tonight." She told him firmly, shaking her head as he attempted to protest. "I'll get someone else to cover."

"But I don't want to trouble-"

Ava just smiled kindly at him. "It's no trouble at all." She replied softly. "Besides, I'm not going to let you traipse around the corridors at night when you're sick."

Remus found himself speechless for a moment, taken aback by the fact anyone would even care that he looked unwell. Ava didn't owe him anything, but she was still going to go out of her way to help him. He nodded his head slowly and murmured his thanks.

"Who will you get to cover? Your charming housemate?" Remus asked, a teasing tone in his voice as he finally recovered his senses.

Ava glanced over at the Slytherin table in dismay. "Perhaps not Evan." She replied, a small smirk playing on her lips as she met Remus's knowing gaze. "In fact, think Avery's toad would be better company at the moment."

Despite his throbbing head, Remus found himself laughing at her joke. The more time he spent with Slytherin's newest prefect, the more he found himself enjoying her presence. He just couldn't understand why Sirius didn't seem to see the same humorous, good-natured person he did.

Although he wondered after their run-in at the Three Broomsticks whether that was changing at all…

"I can help." Lily offered brightly, snapping Remus out of his thoughts as she took a seat next to him. "Besides it only seems right that a fellow Gryffindor steps in?" She glanced up at Ava expectantly.

"That sounds good to me." Ava nodded in agreement, a kind smile playing on her lips. "Thanks Lily."

Remus suddenly found himself wondering when the two had found themselves on such good terms. It didn't seem like it was the norm for Slytherins and Gryffindors – especially when the former's housemates seemed to delight in tormenting muggleborn like Lily.

Sadly, the moment of interhouse peace came to abrupt end as James and Sirius barged their way onto the table, mumbling their greetings. Clearly, they must have been held back in class due to misbehaving as they immediately launched themselves at the food displayed in front of them – not even bothering to make conversation due to their hunger.

Ava flashed them a horrified look, crinkling her nose in disgust as Sirius eagerly tucked into a chicken leg. He looked much like a starved dog as he chewed enthusiastically, chuckling loudly at Ava's dismay.

"Got a problem Burke?" He questioned; his mouth still full which caused the food to spray across the table in a rather unsavoury fashion.

"And, that's my cue to leave." Ava announced, rolling her eyes at his gross behaviour. "Take care Remus." She told him kindly, shooting him a small smile as she made to move from the table.

Lily nodded in agreement. "That's my cue as well. I'll come with you." She declared, rising from her seat to follow Ava out of the Great Hall. The two seemed to engage in polite conversation as they faded from the Gryffindors' sight.

"Since when did they become so chummy?" James asked accusingly, crumbs flying from his mouth as he pointed at their retreating figures. "It's not right that!"

Remus could only give an exasperated sigh, resting his head in his hands in defeat as James launched into an all too familiar anti-Slytherin tirade. Funnily enough, this time he also seemed to focus his attention on Lily Evans an awful lot…

"I think I'm going to stick with Divination, you know?" Benjy announced, grinning widely as Dorcas shot him a confused expression. "Writing these dream diaries is pretty entertaining." He mused, leaning back in his seat and flashing Dorcas a teasing look. "Did you know that Mary Macdonald dreams about squirrels chasing her?"

Dorcas shot him a reproachful look. Undoubtedly, a lecture was on the tip of her tongue about the importance of sensitivity and keeping other's confidence.

Ava stifled a laugh behind her hand. "What's the meaning behind that one then?" She asked Benjy, smirking at the amusement twinkling in his dark eyes.

He shrugged nonchalantly. "That she shouldn't eat before bed."

Ava struggled to contain her laughter, her eyes watering as she attempted to keep the noise down. After all, Madam Prince had been lurking around the library scolding students all day for disrupting others from their studies. Thankfully, Ava managed to regain control of herself, wiping her eyes as she raked her dark hair back from her face. Benjy still seemed to be chuckling as Dorcas lost her fight to pretend as if she were unamused.

It was nice to spend time with the two of them again – especially in the comfort of Hogwarts. In fact, one of the few benefits of the internal dramas going on in Slytherin House was that it has allowed Ava to devote much more of her time to her other friends. The library was one of the few places the three of them could hang out without drawing unwanted attention.

"Burke."

Ava groaned internally at Snape's voice, frowning as he leered behind a bookshelf…it seemed like unwanted attention had managed to find her today. His eyes shone with an unnerving curiosity as he peered at her through his lank hair.

"Is it true that you're covering for Lupin tonight?" He asked, his tone strange as his dark eyes glinted eerily.

"I don't see how that's any of your business Severus." She replied quickly, rolling her eyes at his childish behaviour. She definitely understood why Snape hated Potter, Black and by extension their friends, but she didn't know why he insisted on poking his nose in everywhere they went. Surely it would just be easier to ignore them?

It might even make his life a little easier too.

The antagonism between Snape and the Gryffindors had only seemed to intensify each year. Ava would be lying if she said she didn't herself despise the way Sirius and James seemed to target Snape. After all, there was something so sad about her fellow Slytherin's circumstances and unkempt appearance – something that made her want to protect him from the relentless harassment.

However, he certainly didn't help himself when it came to his own poor behaviour and his constant meddling in Potter's affairs. Two wrongs didn't make a right…

She saw Dorcas and Benjy exchanged confused looks as Snape continued his interrogation.

"Don't you think it's odd? He seems to get sick so often…"

Ava sighed heavily, desperately wishing for some peace from interhouse conflict for at least one day. "I wouldn't know Severus. I don't make it my business to snoop in other people's lives. Why don't you do the same?"

A deep scowl appeared on his face. He was clearly disappointed that she wasn't impressed by his gossip and that even more so that she wasn't willing to indulge his hatred of the Gryffindor students. Ava was sure that her biting response would be fed back to the other Slytherins, but she was past the point of caring anymore.

Why did Snape even care so much about people he despised?

Fortunately, she was spared from continuing their bickering by the arrival of Lily who Snape eyed up admiringly. He shot Ava one last look of contempt, before following his friend to the back of the library. Ava frowned at their retreating figures, slightly confused by the odd friendship.

She supposed in a way it was nice that the boy who seemed so lonely had someone close to him. But Lily seemed so different, so passionate and so kind that it was strange that the two were drawn together. Perhaps Lily could see something hidden in Snape that others found so difficult to find?

"And, I thought this would be my place of solitude." Ava joked quietly, turning back to her friends.

Benjy chortled in amusement as he placed an affectionate hand on her arm. "No chance of that in Hogwarts."

Dorcas shot her a small smile before her gaze turned a new group of students arriving behind Ava and Benjy. The confusion and slight concern in her brown eyes made Ava wonder just who they were, but it all made sense as she turned to view the group.

Ava found herself slightly perplexed as Sirius, James and Peter strode past their table, looking strangely studious as they took seats at a free one nearby and immediately pulled out huge dusty-looking books. It must have been the only time anyone had seen the group of usually troublesome students behaving themselves in the library.

Sirius must have felt her eyes on him because his head flicked up, his grey eyes twinkling as he flashed her a confident grin. The sheer goofiness displayed on his features prompted her to return a small smile, pushing her long hair back from her face as she held his gaze for a moment.

Perhaps they had reached an understanding after their eventful encounter at the Three Broomsticks.

"What was that?" Benjy asked, a deep curiosity lacing his voice.

Ava glanced up in confusion at her friend, not understanding his question. "What was what?" She asked quizzically.

"Did you just smile at Sirius Black?"

She stared at him in bewilderment, the amusement and slight suspicion in his tone causing her heart to thud nervously. If she knew anything at all about Benjy, it wasn't likely that he was about to let this go…not without seriously embarrassing her first.

"Merlin's crusty socks, she did Dorcas!" Benjy exclaimed, clapping his hands together as he burst into laughter. He looked positively gleeful at his new discovery. To Dorcas's credit she tried her absolute best not to laugh, covering her face as Ava shot her a pleading glance.

"And, your point is?" Ava asked, desperately attempting to keep her voice even. She really didn't want to give Benjy any ammunition to tease her with.

Benjy shrugged coolly, grinning widely as he observed her flustered form. "I just never knew you two were such buddies. We'll have our own Salazar Slytherin and Godric Gryffindor on our hands soon." He reached across the table to gently nudge her arm.

Dorcas snorted in a very unflattering fashion as she attempted to hide her face in her hands. Ava rolled her eyes at her friends' antics, playfully swatting at Benjy's hand as she tried to divert his attentions back to the books. "Don't be ridiculous." She told him firmly, dipping her head back to her parchment as she tried desperately to evade his curious gaze.

"Dorcas, you're meant to be helping me with Charms homework." Ava whined, pointedly staring at her still giggling friend. "Please."

Dorcas smiled brightly, nodding in agreement as she mercifully turned her focus back to Ava's work, scrutinising her neatly written answers with great interest.

A comfortable silence fell across the table and for a brief moment, Ava thought she'd gotten lucky and her friend had let the incident slide. But it wasn't like Benjy to give up so easily and she was quickly proven right.

"You and Black did seem pretty close in the Three Broomsticks." Benjy whispered slyly, smirking at Ava's responding exasperated sigh. Sirius Black seemed to be a topic that could greatly frustrate her.

"Black may be…difficult." Ava murmured under her breath, trying to find the right word to describe the troublesome student. "But, at least he's not like Evan or any of their gang. I don't think he's capable of pure cruelty." She added, pondering her words carefully.

She supposed it was true. Sirius was capable of notorious troublemaking and occasionally harsh behaviour, but she had never doubted that his intentions were usually good. He seemed to care about his friends an awful lot…not to mention that he had stuck up for her against Evan and the gang of Slytherins.

Not many others would have risked their animosity…

"Ah that almost sounds like a compliment Ava." Benjy joked, smirking as he noticed the boy in question glancing over at their table – or more precisely at Ava as she rose from her seat, fixing Benjy with a warning glare before she examined the bookshelves behind her.

Unfortunately, her friend decided to push it further. "Did you figure this out during your DADA lessons?"

Ava merely hummed, attempted to ignore his efforts to pry information from her.

Benjy paused for a moment, chuckling softly at her stubborn behaviour. It gave him great joy to wind her up like this…it was just too easy. "So, there must be something you like about him then?"

Ava huffed in exasperation, popping a book back into the shelf before turning to face her friend. "I think Sirius Black is an arrogant toe rag most of the time Benjy." She told him coolly, determined to put an end to her friend's teasing. "However, even he has some redeeming qualities."

"Redeeming qualities eh?"

Ava's heart sunk as the familiar drawl echoed behind her. She wanted the earth to swallow her up as Sirius stepped out from the shelves behind her, a wicked grin spreading across his face as he revelled in her horrified expression.

"I'd like to hear more about them." Sirius teased, flashing her a mischievous wink as he took a step closer. He ran a hand through his dark hair casually, the elegance radiating off him more unbearable than usual given Ava's embarrassment. "Tell me Burke, what qualities do you so admire?"

Ava spluttered in shock, mortified at how he had misconstrued her words. Why hadn't she been more careful and checked her surroundings? And, why was it suddenly so hot in the library? She struggled to keep her composure as a bright crimson blush crept across her cheeks. blushes "That's not what I-"

But all it took was one glance between Sirius and Benjy for her to realise that her protest would be in vain. Even Dorcas seemed to be struggling to keep her composure, her lips twitching as she tried to fight off an amused smile. The teasing was inevitable and the situation rather hopeless. Luckily for her, Madam Prince swiftly swooped in to scold the group for disrupting the peace in her sacred library. Her intervention gave Ava the opportunity to grab her bag and make a quick dash from the awkward situation, not even daring to look behind her as she raced past the bookshelves.

Who would have thought that Madam Prince would ever be her saviour?

It was late when James, Sirius and Peter stumbled through the pitch-black night into the hospital wing to see Remus. James grinned widely as he saw Madam Pomfrey's door closed, pulling the invisibility cloak off the three of them before gesturing over to the bed in the far corner where their friend lay.

Remus's head turned towards the group as they approached, his eyes filled with emotion as they flashed him small smiles of support. Even after the worst of transformations, their company was more than welcome.

"How are you doing mate?" James asked, an unusual concern in his hazel eyes as they swept over the nasty cuts and dark bruises already forming on Remus's skin.

Remus forced a weary smile onto his lips, but couldn't bring himself to speak. At one time he foolishly believed that the transformations would get easier as he got older and grew used to them, but as time went by the pain was only intensifying.

Back in second year, his friends had made it a tradition to sneak into the hospital wing after hours to comfort him – usually bringing his favourite chocolate in an effort to lift his spirits. This time they had brought him exciting news instead…

"We're getting close." Sirius told him quietly, taking a seat beside his bed. "You won't have to go through this alone for much longer mate."

"We spent all day studying." Peter added pointedly, seemingly pleased with their achievement.

"You lot spent all day in the library?" Remus raised his eyebrows in disbelief. The mere thought of his troublemaking friends locking themselves away to read instead of wreaking havoc in the corridors seemed bizarre. They all chuckled softly as they nodded in confirmation.

"I actually found some of the books interesting." Peter squeaked, smiling as Sirius ruffled his hair affectionately. "Of course, you did Peter!"

"Sirius seemed to find something else of interest in the library too." James quipped, flashing his friend a sly smile as he leant back to observe his reaction.

Sirius was taken aback by his comment and strange tone of voice, hesitating for a brief moment before shaking his head. "I have no idea what you're on about mate."

Remus and Peter's eyes flicked between the two as they tried to decipher what was going on between their friends.

"I'm talking about a certain Slytherin." James teased, growing increasingly amusement by Sirius's evasiveness. "Small, brunette who you seem to find any excuse to be around."

Sirius stared at him stunned for a moment, before letting out a bark of laughter. "I just like winding her up…that's all." He declared, shrugging his shoulders as he coolly raked a hand through his dark hair. "Tormenting her makes the day go a bit quicker."

The others chuckled at his joke, granting him an amnesty as they began to discuss what animals they hoped to transform into.

"I wonder if it will be the same as when we produce the patronus charm?" Sirius asked curiously, resting his head on his hands as he balanced on the side of Remus's bed.

"Bet you're looking forward to that DADA lesson given who your desk mate is…" Peter replied slyly, bursting into laughter at the irritated glare Sirius shot him. James patted him on the back to congratulate him on his joke, prompting a deep blush to appear on Peter's cheeks as his eyes shone with pride.

It was so rare that Sirius was on the receiving end of jokes that James then decided to intervene before an argument ensued. "The point is that we're almost there mate." He smiled softly as he touched Remus's shoulder. "Just hang on a little bit longer."

A/N Sorry for the delay in updating – I've been travelling a lot this past month and found this chapter so hard to write (sorry if it's a let down!). The next chapter should be up next week and will be Halloween themed! As always, please do let me know what you think and thank you so much to everyone who has reviewed so far. 😊