I skipped a day…shame on me. But here it is!
A/N: For the purposes of my story, Peter Pettigrew does not exist right now because I don't like him. Also everything in italics is part of the story being told although not in the format of Lupin actually telling the story…if that makes sense to anyone but myself.
Good Friends and a Map
"You've had to miss another detention, haven't you Padfoot?" James said, teasing his friend.
"Wouldn't have it any other way." Sirius replied with a smile.
"You really shouldn't have done that. You'll just get in trouble again." Remus said looking at the other two.
Sirius glared. "We're helping you."
"I know. Thank you." Remus smiled.
The three boys made their way down the sloping lawn to the Whomping Willow. James prodded a knot at the base of the tree which immobilized it. They clambered through the secret passage entangled in the roots and made their way silently to the Shrieking Shack.
Once they reached the end of the passage, the sat on the wooden floor and waited in the semi-darkness. No one spoke for a while but the air was full of a tension so thick it could be cut with a knife.
"It's going to be okay." Said Sirius reassuringly, looking at Remus.
"Yeah, I guess." He mumbled back, staring at the floor.
"Moony, we'll change fast enough. Promise." James said.
"I just don't want…"
"We know."
The moon was starting to become visible from behind the clouds. Remus looked out the window and then at his friends who were smiling at him encouragingly. They were very brave. No one else would have bothered to become animagi to make sure he wasn't alone when he changed. They really were the best friends he could have asked for.
"So they learned to be animagi just for you?" Emmy said in awe.
"Yes." Remus replied with a smile.
"So what happened?"
Moonlight shone through the dirty window. Where Sirius and James had just been now stood a shaggy black dog and a stag who were guarding the door. And where Remus had just been now stood a werewolf who snarled viciously at the other two animals. Padfoot and Prongs stood their ground as the wolf advanced on them. And even though the wolf was in control, Remus fought it and backed down.
"They sound like really good friends." Emmy said quietly.
"They were the best friends I've ever had." He smiled sadly.
A/N: I know I didn't mention the map. I'm just quoting Lupin's (my) earlier remark...cos I'm sneaky like that. ;)