A rat skirted along the edge of the wall. The larger mammal pounced, growling as it watched the rat disappear into a small hole. It turned, and began to pace around the room. Something had changed. The room smelt the same, smelt of him and smaller animals. But, although nothing was different, the walls didn't seem as close as they used to.

The wolf leapt up, scratching at the window.

He whined, dropping back down and circling a spot on the floor. Stopping, he tilted his head back and howled. The knowledge sat at the back of his mind. It was new, fresh.

He knew that somewhere out there, there were others.

Somewhere beyond the walls there was a pack waiting for him.

X X X

In the early dawn light, Remus walked back to the castle. He was in nothing but a robe, a robe he had hidden in the shack, away from the reach of the wolf. He walked quickly, surprised at how alert he felt, how little pain there was. He knew it meant the wolf had either been happy or too sad to grow agitated, to grow restless.

Something had changed, for both of them.

He didn't yet know what it would mean for the wolf, but he knew he felt lighter than he had in a long time.

As soon as he reached the hospital wing, Madam Pomfrey bustled him into the bed, drawing the curtains and passing him a hot, steaming potion. The first time he had tasted it, after his first full moon in Hogwarts, he had almost thrown up. The drink was disgusting, but he had slowly grown used to it, and could now drink it without feeling the urge to gag.

Safe in the knowledge that he would fall asleep soon, Madam Pomfrey left him. Remus, from his bag under the bed, took out a piece of parchment and a quill, and began to write.

Dear Mr Galois,

I hope you do not mind me writing to you. Professor Harpo gave me your address, and seemed under the impression that contact between us would help. I think she's right. Already, I feel better just knowing there are others out there, and not just those who, like the wolf who attacked me, are vicious and cruel.

I know very little about other werewolves, but Professor Harpo mentioned packs. I didn't even know there were packs out there! For me, it's exciting, and

He stopped, frowning at the parchment. Was he coming across as too eager? Would Marcus Galois rip it up, laugh at him?

To his surprise, his hand was shaking.

He continued to write.

I would love to know more. I have some great friends here, and my parents have been very supportive since

I was five when I was turned. Like I said, my parents have been supportive, but if there are packs out there, if there are other wolves who I could someday meet, I would love to know more.

Thank you,

Remus J. Lupin

Feeling the potion begin to take effect, he rolled up the parchment and slid it into his bag, promising himself he would send it as soon as he was out of the hospital wing.

X X X

The owl circled the lake a few times before flying over the forest, soon disappearing from sight. James stepped back from the window, running a hand through his hair as he turned to face the other three, standing in the doorway.

"The owls don't like you, do they?"

Remus shook his head. "They're okay at breakfast, because they're used to me there, I think. But yeah, coming in here is a...problem."

"They're stupid animals, anyway," Sirius muttered, eyeing them. One turned its head, focusing its gaze on him. "All right, all right. You're not stupid. You're highly intelligent." The owl seemed to nod, before tucking its head under its wing. "Come on, let's go, I'm starving."

The others nodded in agreement before they walked down the steps of the Owlery, heading for the Great Hall.

"I've been thinking," James began.

"Don't do too much of that, mate, you'll hurt your head," Sirius quickly said, grinning at James.

"Shut up. Anyway, what I was thinking was that we need a name."

"A name?" Peter asked. "But we have names."

"Yeah, but I mean like a group name. Something we can refer to ourselves as with no one else knowing."

"That's not actually a bad idea," Sirius said, nodding slowly. "A name. Like a band! Yeah! How about The Amazing Sirius & The Three Not-So-Amazing Friends?"

James playfully slapped him across his arm, as Remus rolled his eyes. "Yeah," Remus scoffed, "like you need your ego getting any bigger."

"I actually already had a name." James glanced up and down the corridor, his eyes bright as he took a deep breath. "From that book Remus leant me."

"He didn't put it down the whole time you were away," Sirius sighed. "I was getting worried about him."

"What do you three think about..." He paused, his grin widening. "The Marauders?"

Remus burst out laughing, the sound bouncing off the walls around them. All three stared at him, James looking slightly hurt. Once the sound had died away, Remus wiped the tears from his eyes.

"James," he panted, "that's perfect."

X X X

The Marauders.

It had a ring to it, a strange sense of legacy attached to the words. It felt, to the boys, like a name that would enter the realms of legend, a name that could be whispered in the halls in years to come. James' image was of future pranksters, saying the words with a sense of awe. For Sirius, it sparked off the idea of greatness, of being remembered for something amazing. Peter knew that just being part of the group would give him the chance to prove himself.

Under the name Marauders, Remus could feel fully accepted.

"We need a prank," James declared, as they sat in their usual spot in the Common Room that evening. "Something great. Our first prank as the Marauders."

Sirius eagerly nodded in agreement, grinning as he flicked through his transfiguration book. "What about turning Snivellus into a snake?"

"Nah, something simpler," James muttered, reaching across and taking the book from Sirius. He opened it up, scanning the page. "Something good but simple. Something we can do more than once."

"Like a signature prank?" Remus mused, leaning back in his chair with his arms crossed. "Well, it is Halloween this week..."

James put the book down, grabbing a nearby Charms one instead. "Homework..."

"At a time like this?" Sirius gasped.

"Nah, I meant for us," James chuckled, grinning. "Twenty-four hours from now, we meet up and brainstorm ideas. We have to go away and not speak to each other and come back and have something really good for the others."

"Not speak to each other?" Peter said, sighing. "That doesn't seem fair."

"But it's not a bad idea," Remus replied. "I mean, it guarantees that we're going to at least have different ideas."

"Exactly." James nodded before standing, lifting his arms above his head. "Now, if you excuse me, I'm going to go for a run. See you guys later." With a smile he turned and darted out of the Common Room. Sirius shrugged.

"Well...I'm...err..."

"I'm going to the library," Remus announced, gathering his stuff together. "I suggest you do whatever helps you think."

"Then I'm going to go to the pitch," Sirius muttered. "Might as well get some flying practice in. I'll walk down with you, Remus."

"Bye," Peter muttered, almost sadly as he stared at the other boys.

"Don't worry, Pete," Remus chuckled. "You'll think of something."

With that, Remus and Sirius left, walking through the corridors of the castle as they headed towards the library.

"So you're really okay with the animagus idea?" Sirius asked, lowering his voice as the Bloody Baron, the Slytherin ghost, floated past.

"Sure. If you guys want to go through it, then...well, I know how stubborn you can be, Sirius." He grinned. "There's really no stopping you, is there? Anyway, I meant to tell you guys, I think I found a spell that can show you your animal form."

Sirius gaped at him as they both stopped walking, having arrived at the doors of the library. "Really?"

"Yeah. It's complicated though – harder than producing a patronus. Even that's NEWT level. Most wizards don't bother, they just wait until they change the first time to see what they will be."

"So if we did master this spell, we should have no problem with the rest of the process?"

Remus nodded. "I suppose. But I'll talk to you about it tomorrow." He flashed Sirius a wide smile before turning and moving towards the door. "Have fun on the pitch."

"Yeah, cheers, mate," Sirius replied, thinking over what Remus had said and the idea of the spell, grinning as he made his way outside. He felt sure that, with the four of them working together, they'd be able to do the spell.

X X X

A large raven circled above the students in the Great Hall at breakfast the following morning. Many of the students gaped at it, as it eyed them all before swooping down and landing on the Gryffindor table, in front of Remus. He hadn't seen Sirius and James since the night before. Waking up that morning, he had glanced towards their beds to see both boys had drawn the curtains.

Peter sat opposite him, quiet and sullen, though he stared at the raven as Remus took the parchment tied to its leg, addressed to him.

He ripped it open and scanned the letter, grinning as he saw the name at the bottom. Still smiling, he munched on a piece of toast as he began to read it fully.

Dear Mr. Lupin,

Of course it is no problem to write to me. In fact, I was excited when Gabrielle (that's Professor Harpo to you)informed me that she would be teaching another werewolf this year, and it was my idea for her to give you my address. I understand how difficult it is as a lone wolf. I was barely fifteen when I was turned, and did not find my pack until I was in my early twenties.

There are certain things only wolves can tell you.

For starters, get a raven. Trained owls do not like us, as you may know. The owl you sent stayed just long enough for me to take the letter off, Ravens, on the other hand, are more than happy to remain in our company. The ones here even join us on the full moon.

I want you to know that if you ever find yourself in France, the pack will welcome you, during the full moon or otherwise.

Take care, and I look forward to hearing from you soon,

Marcus.

Grinning at the letter, he folded it carefully before slipping it into his pockets. Peter opened his mouth to say something, but then seemed to remember the arrangement, as he quickly shut it.

"You two are awfully quiet," William, sitting a few seats down, drawled. "Missing your friends?"

Remus rolled his eyes. "It's just nice to sit and think, sometimes, that's all."

"Not that you would know anything about thinking," Peter muttered, looking surprised at himself as he stared at Remus. His look was quickly replaced by a grin as both Remus and Michael laughed.

"Aw, come on," Michael said, spotting the look on his friend's face. "That was kind of funny."

"I'd be one of the top in our year, actually," William snapped, "if it wasn't for Lupin and Evans."

"And James, and Sirius, and most of Ravenclaw, and even Snape," Peter replied with a sigh. Another look of shock crossed his features.

"I think James and Sirius are rubbing off on you," Remus laughed, shaking his head as William huffed and stood, quickly leaving the hall.

"You know what," Michael sighed, "he's been a pain in the arse since the Quidditch trials." He shook his head. "Think he was annoyed that James got on and he didn't."

Remus shrugged. "It's not James' fault. Or ours. And he can always try out again next year."

"I keep telling him that." Michael frowned, glancing down at the full English breakfast in front of him. "But his dad got onto the team in his second year. His dad is really good. I think he was expecting Will to do the same." Michael pushed his plate away, standing up as he grabbed his bag. "Just...ask James and Sirius to lay off a bit, will you? Please?"

"I'll ask them, but I can't promise anything."

"Thanks, Remus." With that, Michael left the hall, most likely to look for his friend.

Remus glanced at Peter. "The letter was from Marcus, by the way," he said, lowering his voice.

"Oh, what did he say?"

"To get a raven," Remus chuckled. "Apparently they make better...pets for...people like me."

"Do you think you'd be allowed one?"

Remus shrugged, before glancing up at the teacher's table. "I don't know. Only one way to find out, though. I'll see you later."

Peter nodded, as Remus stood and made his way from the hall, glancing at his watch. There were still twenty minutes until the first class, plenty of time for him to ask about the raven. Quickly, he moved through the halls, glad that, at least, the wolf gave him better instincts for finding his way around the place.

Eventually he stopped outside the office he was looking for. With a smile, as he remembered the password, he said, "Parma violets," watching as the gargoyle moved and revealed a staircase winding upwards.

Before stepping onto the staircase, he glanced up and down the corridor. Seeing no one there, he relaxed and moved forward. Soon, he was standing at the door of Professor Dumbledore's office. He knocked, and was greeted by the kind voice calling, "Come in."

The phoenix in the corner glanced at Remus as he stepped inside, before tucking his head under his wing. Professor Dumbledore was at his desk, papers strewn over it. He smiled as Remus stepped inside.

"Remus, what can I do for you?"

"I was wondering, sir..." He paused, trying to think of the best way to explain it. "Well, I...I've started writing to another werewolf, sir."

"Excellent, excellent," Dumbledore said, eyes twinkling. "There is nothing in life more valuable than the experience of our own peers. I assume the person you are in correspondence with is older?"

"Yes, sir."

"Then they can impart knowledge and wisdom that, alas, I nor any other in this school is privy to. I assume you have discovered something you wish to ask me about?"

Remus nodded. "Owls don't like werewolves, sir. But I was told that ravens can do the same job, but are better companions for...for someone like me."

The headmaster's smile grew. "You are wondering if you would be allowed to have a raven at Hogwarts, then?"

"Yes, sir."

"I see no problem with that." He nodded, slowly. "If any of your fellow students question it – I can imagine Mr Black being eager to have something similar – perhaps you could tell them it is a gift from an uncle, or a godparent."

Remus nodded. "That sounds like a good idea, sir."

"Very well. You should head to class, Mr Lupin."

"Yes, sir. Thank you." Remus turned, ready to leave, but stopped at the door. "Err, sir, if you don't mind me asking...why weren't you at breakfast?"

Dumbledore smiled. "I am afraid, Remus, that I wasn't feeling up to eating a full breakfast this morning. The elves will bring me something small soon."

"Oh, okay."

"Good luck with finding your raven."

"Thank you, sir." With a quick smile, Remus turned and left the room, his smile changing into a grin as he began to race down the stairs and head for class.

A/N: The birth of the Marauders, and Remus is getting a raven! What do you think? As always, love to hear your feedback. And please check me out on Twitter and on my blog - gracebunting and .com. Thanks!