Weeks went by and slowly, Sirius, James, and Remus got used to Peter being around. Soon the timid boy was known as a friend. Not only did the first-year boys have a fresh addition to their circle of friends, but it became easier to pull off pranks. The more pranks the group produced, the better they became. Sirius and James would come up with new mischievous acts, Remus would then refine the details to minimize detentions, and Peter would trail along, occasionally taking part in the simple, dirty, less glamorous components.
October passed easily. Halloween was uneventful, but the décor was astonishing. By the time November rolled in, Sirius, James and Peter had become accustomed to Remus disappearing for his monthly transformations. Remus's friends wished desperately that there was something they could do to accompany him on his 'excursions'. They were positive he felt lonely, and they themselves didn't quite feel the same without him. (Sirius and James seemed to get more detentions during his absences, as well).
Early one beautiful Saturday morning, Remus departed to the Hospital Wing to be prepped for November's transformation. Whenever Remus was gone, Sirius, James, and at times, Peter, would be found perusing the bookshelves in the school's library, always watched by beady-eyed Madam Pince.
"Come on, James, we have to go to the library!" Sirius insisted, tugging at his friend's arm impatiently. James was staring lazily out one of the Gryffindor Common room's windows. He looked longingly out on the grounds, where students of every age were enjoying the pleasant Saturday. Suddenly, Sirius's words registered with James, and he realized he must go to the library, instead of joining the other students on such a sunny day.
"Oh...right!" James said standing up.
On the way to the library, neither boy spoke. Both were deeply lost in thought. The castle was silent, and they could hear their footsteps echoing around them.
After turning a corner on the third-floor corridor, Sirius broke the silence. "I would have thought we'd have found some useful information by now."
"I hope we find something soon! There can't possibly be many more books on the subject of werewolves. The library is not very big," James replied.
"We'll just have to keep looking; we may need to get into the restricted section."
"How will we ever make up a good enough excuse to get permission?"
"Why do you think we will need to get permission?" Sirius replied malevolently.
James laughed.
As they entered the library, James lowered his voice to a hushed whisper, "I really wish we could be spending our time doing more productive things, like making fun of Snape!"
"I know! I'm really getting sick of reading, but this is all for Remus," Sirius reminded him.
"True. He is the only reason you'd catch me in the library during my free time."
Sirius rolled his eyes and thought, "I wouldn't be surprised if he'd come to the library for Lily."
Sirius and James began searching for books along a deserted row of bookshelves. They had already combed through a quarter of the bookshelves in the library, and were slowly approaching the restricted section. Carefully, the schoolmates started scanning all of the book spines. Some were old and some were new, and most were thick and heavy. Occasionally, they slid books out from their places and added them to an ever-growing stack. After locating about fifteen books, the boys sat down and embarked on a tedious search for information. James lifted a book entitled Everything About Werewolves off of the stack, and Sirius grabbed Werewolves: Beasts of the Night.
After reading half their books, Sirius and James had found no relevant information. Many books mentioned ways to treat werewolf bites, or explained how to avoid contact with werewolves, but none seemed to have any information regarding ways to spend time with a werewolf, without the risk of contamination. Disappointed yet again, the blokes left the library with several heavy books in tote. They dropped the books off in Gryffindor Tower, where they met Peter, and reluctantly headed down to the Great Hall for lunch.
Between bites of food Sirius, asked, "So, Peter, how did the remedial transfiguration go?"
"Not bad. Have you guys had any luck reading?" Peter replied.
"Nope, we haven't found any helpful information what so ever, James said. "We're stumped! How are we supposed to figure out how to keep Remus company while he is a werewolf? I don't fancy becoming one, there has got to be another way. I swear I'm reading the same things over and over again."
"I've got an idea!" Sirius exclaimed, and scooped a large dollop of mashed potatoes into his mouth. After swallowing, he continued, "Well, I was thinking, it is almost December, and that means Christmas Holiday is coming up. Even though I was hoping I could stay here, at Hogwarts, instead I can see if I can convince my mother to let me come home. She hasn't exactly gotten over the fact that was sorted into Gryffindor. Not allowing me to come home is fine with me, but until now, I haven't a good reason to go back."
"Hurry up and get to the point!" Peter interrupted impatiently.
"All right, all right!" Sirius said, "At my house there are tons of creepy and revolting books. My guess is there are probably some about werewolves. I'm thinking the books at home will be more useful than the ones here. Hogwarts definitely doesn't have books like them, or at least, we won't be able to find them. Some of the books at home have loads of dark magic in them. I'm sure I can find at least a couple of books that may be helpful."
"That's a great Idea, but I hope you're not suggesting we use dark magic!" James exclaimed.
"Of course, that's not what I'm saying!" Sirius replied, agitated. "I just think they may have different information."
"For now, we can keep checking the books here, to see if we find anything." Peter said.
After finishing their lunch, the three friends ventured out onto the grounds to enjoy what was left of the afternoon. They were happy to escape the books for a few hours. It was a crisp, autumn day. The sky was a brilliant blue splashed with milk-colored clouds. The leaves of the Forbidden Forest had already turned vibrant shades of red, yellow, and orange, making the forest seem considerably less foreboding. With the blast of colors, even the Black Lake seemed a little brighter.
As the refreshed boys retired, to Gryffindor common room, the sun was setting in the sky, turning it golden. Immediately, they dove back into reading the books about werewolves. It was nearing midnight when the droopy eyed boys finally set the books aside, to no avail, and left the crackling fireside. Back in the dormitory, before James climbed into bed, he glanced out the window. Quickly, he found the full moon in the sky, and silently he wished Remus good luck.