Title: A Time For Change
Author Name: DarkForest214
Rating: PG-13
Spoilers: "Transforming Thoughts"
Summery: Sequel to "Transforming Thoughts." Follow Lily and James in their new relationship while keeping an eye on their mischievous friends Remus Lupin and Sirius Black.
Disclaimer: I do not own any of these characters or Hogwarts School. I did not write this to try and make money. I am not stealing from JKR and the publishing companies and whatnot… I own nothing!
Author's Note: Wow, I just realized how long it's been since the last time I was online and updated. I am so sorry… Here is the next chapter, I hope you find it in your hearts to forgive me. Now Review!
Chapter Fifteen
Padfoot and Moony went after the badger and tracked it all the way to it's den. They didn't encounter too many other creatures, then again there weren't that many creatures that would dare cross paths with a werewolf.
When they reached the badger hole Moony immediately started digging and clawing at the ground. Prongs and Wormtail were slow to join them. Taking their time so as to remember the way out.
Suddenly the furious badger attacked to defend the remains of his home. It shot out of the hole and bit down on Moony's snout, clinging on for dear life. Moony shook his head and clawed at the creature, but it still wouldn't let go. A short yelp and Padfoot had his permission to join in the fight.
He hated doing this, but Padfoot aimed for the vicious badger's throat. Moony stopped thrashing around long enough for him to get a good grip. Biting down hard enough to close off his airways, but not snap his neck or break the blood vessels.
Fighting for air the badger slowly released his hold on Moony's nose and he was able to break free. As soon as Moony was free Padfoot released his hold and backed away as Moony moved in for the kill.
Squirrels were innocent fun. They always managed to escape. But other prey, larger prey…Moony didn't hold back.
Prongs stood stone still; Padfoot, unable to watch, turned his head. Moony on the other hand stalked the recovering badger and pounced before it had the chance to attack again.
Trapped between Moony's strong jaws the badger let out a blood curdling scream. Shaking his head ferociously the three animagi heard a snap and the scream soon died.
Even after the animal's death, Moony continued to shred it's body into pieces. It was therapeutic for the wolf. The smell of the blood, the warm, metallic taste in his mouth, the dying screams ringing in his ears; the wolf needed this. His rage and energy spent he stood over the remains panting heavily.
"Done?" Padfoot dared to whine.
"Done." the wolf growled.
"Good," the rat squeaked. "Moon…"
"Get him back to the shack," Prongs snorted.
"Let's move," Padfoot barked.
Prongs led the way, Wormtail riding upon his back watching the setting moon's path while Padfoot and Moony followed, play fighting and nipping at each other. When the edge of the forest was in site Padfoot barked, "Race?"
"Where?" Moony growled in response.
"That big tree. Aim for the whole."
"You're on," Moony growled.
And the two shot past Prongs and Wormtail and ran as fast as they could for the Whomping Willow. They dodged past flailing branches and Moony shot into the hole first.
"Keep going," Moony snarled. And the two ran the length of the tunnel. The trap door was open and Moon leapt up into the Shrieking Shack and landed on all fours. He let out a triumphant howl that got cut off by a tremendous shudder.
They had gotten him back just in time. Padfoot watched as the wolf fought to remain in control, but the gentler Remus always broke through once the full moon was gone. He withered as he shed his fur, snout shrinking into a mouth and nose, ears returning to the side of his head, tail disappeared, spine shortened and claws returned to feet and hands. Padfoot returned to human form and rushed forward to catch his friend before he fell.
"Remus? Remus, speak to me," Sirius called out as he struggled to keep his hold. "C'mon Rem."
"Is it clear?" James called from the tunnel.
"Yeah," Sirius grunted. "Get up here and help me."
James scrambled into the Shrieking Shack and lifted Remus's body off of Sirius and helped lower him to the ground. He was soaked in blood from the badger and a huge gash on his cheek near his nose and a second on his chin continued to bleed.
Sirius cradled Remus's head in his lap as James did a quick inspection of his friend. "Come on Remus, let us know you're with us…" Sirius continued to urge his friend to let them know how he was doing.
"Probably unconscious this time, it was a rough one," said James. "How will he explain that to Pomfrey?" he asked, indicating the bite marks on his face.
"Same way as always," said Sirius with a shrug. "He doesn't remember what happened."
"We should get going then," said James as he stood. Sirius nodded and made Remus as comfortable as possible, moving him gently when a moan escaped his lips. Any movement for Remus after a transformation was painful.
"Clean up our bloody footprints first," said Sirius. "And some of the excess blood so Pomfrey doesn't suspect anything…"
"Right," James agreed. Aiming his wand carefully he scroungified their foot prints and the bulk of the bloody mess. When he was done Sirius stood by his side, casting a regretful glance at their friend they turned and left.
"Have I ever mentioned that I hate leaving him like that?" said James with a half-hearted smile.
"Yeah, and forgive me for sounding like a broken record, but he understands," said Sirius. They donned the invisibility cloak — Wormtail safe in Sirius's pocket — and emerged from the tunnel.
The trudged through the starry, early morning back to the school and warily returned to the Gryffindor common room.
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