Carry On

By: Teenlaunch

Disclaimer: Can't we just leave this out? It's so obvious. Anyway, no, I am not the proud owner of Harry Potter. If I was, SOME people wouldn't have died in the last book.

a/n: Oh wow. I bet a lot of you are angry with me this time. I promised two weeks, and it's been what, a month? I am so sorry. This chapter needed so much work it's not even funny. I added in about two pages worth of stuff, so, I hope you like it. Thanks for being so patient. Read and review!

Beta/n: So, this story came to me on Wednesday. And today is Sunday. So it's not totally Miss Teenlaunch's fault this chapter came out so late. I was really busy with a lifeguard class and I just didn't have time to edit. Sorry! -Jellyhead

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Harry couldn't believe his eyes. Lupin wasn't in class. Professor Grubbly-Plank was his substitute. Something wasn't right. Lupin never missed class if he could manage it. It was the day after the full moon, but wouldn't Lupin have at least warned him that he would be out? He had been out of control the night before but he normally wouldn't have let that keep him from teaching. And Lupin had obviously not planned on skipping out as Dumbledore hadn't mentioned anything the night before about Lupin asking for sick-leave. And, on top of everything else, Harry still hadn't figured out the clue Lupin had sent him. Maybe if he hadn't been so tired he would've understood, but as it was, the clue was way over his head.

But at least one thing had gone right. The Marauders hadn't seemed to notice anything was wrong…except Remus. He had been prying for information ever since they had gotten into the Great Hall and noticed Century wasn't there. Harry had just brushed him off, assuring him that Century was probably just sleeping in. After all, the teachers weren't required to eat in the Great Hall every morning. Remus, tired himself, hadn't seemed to buy it. Harry knew it wouldn't be long before Remus figured it out. It really wouldn't surprise him if Remus knew before lunch. But right now Harry had other things to worry about.

He was sure Dumbledore had set up the substitute for Lupin so that he could interrogate him for as long as he pleased. Being Dumbledore's favorite did have its advantages when it came to figuring out how the man's mind worked, but that wouldn't help him now. Harry had to talk to Lupin before the Headmaster had a chance. It wouldn't do for Lupin to be pressured into anything. Harry muffled a groan. This lesson was going to be one of the longest he'd ever had.

"Wonder what's wrong with Professor Century," James whispered.

Sirius propped his feet on his desk. "Dunno. What do you reckon?"

"Perhaps he's got Dragon Pox?" Peter squeaked in a frightened voice.

"Nah. That's not bad. Maybe he fell down the stairs and broke something."

"He'd be back by now, Sirius," Remus grunted, head on his arms.

"Oh, yeah." Sirius looked sheepish.

"What do you say, Harry? Harry?" James asked.

"Huh? What?" Harry asked, jerking out of his own thoughts to stare at the Marauders. "Oh, no idea."

"Would the peanut gallery please refrain from talking?" Professor Grubbly-Plank shouted irritably and the Marauders quieted. "Good. Now, I understand you have an essay to turn in. Hand it up." The class passed them forward, thankful to give it away. "You will now divide into four groups, five in each. You will be making a list of spells you could use in a duel and explaining how you could use them defensively. Understood? Begin!"

Harry was barely listening. Before he could even register what they were doing, the Marauders had crowded around him. Lily Evans huffed loudly, "And why do you get the best dueler, Potter?"

"Simple. We got to him first!" James smiled, albeit a bit guiltily.

"Go on, Evans, we'll see who has the better list!" Sirius waved her off.

"You made a bet that we can beat them at an assignment? What is this world coming to?" James sighed, handing Harry a quill and parchment.

"Wha-why me?" Harry protested. James shrugged and motioned toward Remus, who was staring with glazed eyes at Sirius's chair leg. Harry sighed, pulling the paper toward him. "Start naming."

The boys were all too enthusiastic. Remus even woke up long enough to chime in. Harry quickly finished his first page and started on a second, writing down the spells they hadn't already repeated twenty times. As the boys argued over the use of certain color-changing charms, a different conversation caught Harry's interest.

"Professor Grubbly-Plank, where's Professor Century?" Lily asked, handing in part of her group's list.

"Never you mind," Professor Grubbly-Plank answered, taking the parchment without even glancing at it. Harry's blood boiled. She had given him the same answer when he had asked about Hagrid in his fourth year. Did she treat every question that way, or was it just the genuine ones she liked to blow off?

"But, Professor!" Lily protested. "Please, is he ill or away or-"

"Miss Evans, you needn't worry your pretty head over a man who is years your senior."

Lily's mouth fell open in shock. "I never! All I wanted to know is why he isn't here."

"Miss Evans, your Professor-"

"He's ill," Harry answered, cutting through Grubbly-Plank's exasperated explanation. "No one's allowed to see him. You have to get permission from Dumbledore first."

"And I believe there are only two students in this room I will allow to enter." Everyone turned to look at the door. Dumbledore and McGonagall came into the room. Harry groaned. It seemed Dumbledore was ready to go along with his lie so that he could get his answers. "Mr. Lupin, you are first."

"Me, sir?" Remus stood up, fully awake now that he was being addressed.

"I believe you had something to discuss with him."

"Yes, sir. But perhaps I should wait until he's feeling better."

"Professor Century will not mind a short talk with yourself and Mr. Times. Just try not to tire him out, if you please. I have some very important business to discuss with him."

Remus nodded and almost tripped over his own feet trying to get to Professor Century's office. He opened the door carefully and peered inside. Seeing no sign of his professor, he slipped into the room and closed the door quietly behind him. "Professor?"

Remus started as a low groan sounded from the bed. Century's head popped up from the mass of blankets covering him. He blinked blearily at Remus, letting a slow smile take over his face. "Good afternoon, Remus."

Remus approached the bed tentatively. Century was lying on top of the covers, dressed in a loose short-sleeved shirt and slacks. Remus couldn't help but notice the large bruises and cuts that ran up and down Century's arms, a few even marring his face and neck. His hair was also rather disheveled and he moved as though he was confined in a body cast, showing how sore he was as he moved slowly onto his side and then into a sitting position so he could face Remus.

"Professor! Who did this to you?" Remus sat down on a stool beside the bed, trying not to stare at the angry red marks that stood out against Century's abnormally pale skin.

Century chuckled, his smile turning slightly bitter. "I believe it is in an instance like this that one finds there may be meaning behind cliché metaphors."

Remus frowned, not seeing how the answer satisfied his question. "I don't understand." Century sighed, still smiling. He carefully stood up and trudged over to a cabinet against the far wall. He took out his wand and waved it briefly over the lock. Century opened the cabinet and reached inside. He tried to reach something further back and Remus heard him gasp. "Is something wrong?" Remus stood up slightly, ready to help.

"No, no." Century waved an impatient hand and motioned for him to stay sitting as he continued searching. He sighed again. "It is not surprising that you do not understand me, Remus." He paused, the only sound the clinking of the bottles he was moving around. "Have you ever heard the saying, 'You are your own worst enemy.'?" Remus nodded, his eyebrows knitted together in confusion. Century chuckled. "Most people disagree, but, in my case, it is literal."

Century removed his hand from the cabinet, a large bottle clutched in his hand. "Here we are. I was wondering if I was out."

"What is it, Professor?" Remus asked as he watched Century pull out two metal beakers and fill them both with the contents of the bottle. Century slowly made his way back to the bed, careful not to spill a drop of the precious liquid. When he passed Remus, he pushed a goblet into his hands. It was warm and smooth under his fingers. Remus studied the contents for a moment, realizing what it was instantly. Spending at least one day a month in the Hospital Wing had taught him quite a bit about potions. Even more confused, Remus looked up at the professor. "Sir?"

"Just a pick-me-up, Remus. You could use it." Professor Century raised the goblet to his mouth but drew it away and stared at Remus for a moment. With a lopsided smile, he raised it slightly. "To…the Marauders."

Remus sat stunned for a second then grinned, raising his own goblet to gently tap it against Century's, echoing, "To the Marauders." Remus quickly took a gulp from his goblet and felt warmth spread through him like fire. He felt his muscles relax instantly and sighed into the drink, too busy nursing his own goblet to bother looking up.

The silence as they drank was comforting. When they lowered their goblets, they gave each other lazy smiles and laughed as they watched steam billow from their ears. Remus looked down at the still smoking beaker, contemplating whether he should break the peace and confront Century. What other time would he have such an opportunity? He bit his lip. It was now or never. "Professor Century, I can't help but notice that, as I said before, you're a bit off color, sir. I'm sorry for yelling at you yesterday, by the way. I don't know why I got so crabby."

"Don't you?" Century teased, smiling over the top of his beaker.

Remus flushed, crossing his arms. "Alright. I know why I was crabby." Century nodded in understanding and took another sip of the potion. Remus watched him for moment then plowed on, "Sir, how long have you been ill?"

Century sat his beaker down on a tray beside the bed and looked up at Remus, his face still relaxed. "Since I was a child, Remus. It is an illness which never stops tormenting its host, but at least it's predictable." He grinned and turned away, picking up the plate left on the tray and examining the cold bacon. "How did you like the book I lent you?"

"It was very interesting. Thank you." Remus paused again, cursing himself for his hesitation. "Sir, I was wondering if your illness, I mean, if you've been diagnosed with…" Remus trailed off, wondering how he could let such a debauched sentence come out of his mouth when he knew exactly what he wanted to say.

Century's smile only widened as he turned his attention to Remus, putting the plate back down. "Remus, you are not going to offend me by anything you say. I have been through a lot of tribulation already. Nothing you say will make me violent. Although, I'm not sure I can guarantee that to others as their comments are usually more…demeaning." Century held out his hand to take Remus's beaker. The beaker had almost reached Century's hand when Remus noticed the bandage wrapped tightly around his palm and wrist. Remus grabbed Century's hand roughly. Century yelped. Remus unwrapped his hand and stared at it before he dropped it in shock, scrambling to apologize. "I'm sorry, Professor! I shouldn't have – Are those fang marks?"

Century slowly rebound his hand as Remus's mind reeled. He had never been so inarticulate in his life, not even when he was angry at the other Marauders!

As Century tied off the last knot in the bandage, he sighed. "What is it you wish to know, Remus?"

"You're a werewolf, aren't you?" Remus blurted. His eyes widened and again he found himself scrambling to find the right words, vowing to never speak again on the day after the full moon. If this was where it got him, there was just no use trying. "I'm sorry! I shouldn't have accused you of that."

"You only accuse someone when you believe them responsible for a certain action. Is that what you think of me? A common werewolf?"

"Sir, I didn't mean…of course I don't believe you responsible. It's just…I'm not sure what to think. I mean, every time someone talks to me it's like I'm-"

"A monster? Completely inhuman? Invisible? I know. The prejudices of the world can still have an effect on us so that we don't know what to think until we are faced with the situation ourselves. We may know our view, but any amount of fear can drive us to say things we never meant to leave the confines of our mind, maybe even some things that we never thought in the first place." Century chuckled. "As if the transformations weren't enough, we endure the persecution placed on us by every wizard who misunderstands us."

Remus nodded, deep in thought. "Where do you go during the full moon? You could come with me."

"I don't believe that wise, Remus. Werewolves, no matter how tame," Century smiled humorlessly, "will tear one of their own apart, especially the males. They will shred anything they can catch, as you and I well know. Some animals and animagi are the only exception to that rule. It's a good thing to remember. Most people don't know about it. Don't do their research." Century sighed. "Well, I believe you should be going, Remus. And I would appreciate it if you kept my condition to yourself. No one else knows yet."

Remus frowned, his thoughts flying immediately to Harry. Was Century lying to him, hoping he would forget about Harry? It was possible. Or perhaps Century just thought no one knew. But either way, could Harry really not know? He was too close to the man to not know.

Remus put one hand to his head. But if Harry did know about Century's lycanthropy, then that meant he had fooled the spell Remus had put on the ring during their questioning. Remus's frown deepened. That wasn't true. He had forgotten about the ring and hadn't even been watching it half the time, including when Harry had answered about Century. Was it possible Harry really didn't know and he had just forgotten to look at the ring? Remus shook his head and pushed his thoughts aside to ask innocently, "Not even Dumbledore?"

Century shook his head. "Not even Dumbledore." Seemingly as an afterthought he added, "And neither does Harry. I've kept it from him so that he…well, what would he think of me? He thinks I'm a normal wizard who happens to have a very low immune system."

Remus stared at him for a moment then laughed, pushing away all his suspicions about Harry. It was absurd. Harry had never given the Marauders a reason to doubt him. And Century's revelation had just confirmed that Harry was being as truthful as he could. Remus stood and walked to the door, completely at ease again. He stopped and turned around one more time. "Professor, that friend you told me about, it was you, wasn't it?"

Century smiled, picking up his goblet again. "Good day, Remus. Oh, and tell Harry I want to speak with him."

Remus left the room, a smile on his face. As he closed the door behind him, the entire class turned to look at him. Remus grinned sheepishly. "Uh, Harry, Century wants to see you."

Harry strode past Remus, giving him a smile and a nod. He disappeared behind the door, making sure it was closed. He looked around the office, but Lupin was nowhere to be seen. "L-Century?" he asked, passing the bed and the desk in his search.

"There you are, Harry." Harry looked around for Lupin again as he spoke, but still couldn't see him.

Confused, he asked, "Where are you?"

Lupin laughed. "In my living quarters."

Harry grumbled and opened the second door, revealing Lupin's tiny living quarters. It really was an almost exact replica of his office. Harry saw that everything was back to normal. Lupin was standing by one wall, adorned only by a floor length mirror that had obviously been protected the night before. Harry looked around the room again. "Why do they give the teachers such small rooms? This place isn't fit for one student let alone a grown person!"

Lupin laughed, a slightly mischievous smile on his face. "True. And that is why they give us this." He reached out to touch the mirror and his hand passed straight through. Harry started, astounded.

"Wh-what happened? Where-"

"Follow me." He started through the mirror but stopped suddenly. "Oh, and the password is Puking Pastilles."

Harry nodded dumbly and watched as he disappeared completely. He stepped forward cautiously, mumbled the password, and slowly passed one hand through the mirror. It was an odd feeling, like water or molten metal but it was neither wet nor cold. Harry pulled his hand back out and examined it, counting his fingers and nails carefully to make sure they were all intact. Confident that he would come out in one piece, Harry stepped through the mirror. As he came out on the other side he looked back to see it flexing gently, resuming its flat dimension. He shook his head, still amazed that he hadn't realized that the mirror must have had some magical properties. Harry turned to find Lupin and gaped.

An entire apartment was laid out in front of him. He was standing in the entrance to the living area. A small alcove off the right of the room revealed a kitchen, complete with all the food a man could want. Harry looked up to find a balcony with a small study above him, huge bookcases lining the three walls. Doors led off from the main room. Harry just looked at them each in turn, not feeling like exploring any more as his head was already reeling.

He turned to gape at the room and started when he noticed Lupin was lying on the couch, one arm thrown over his eyes, the other trailing on the rug. A fire was blazing in the enormous grate. Harry sat down in the nearest armchair and leaned back as he continued to examine the room. Pictures were hung on the walls, many of the Marauders and Lily. Harry was slightly surprised to see a lot of him, some of them newspaper clippings. The other handful of personal items that Lupin had managed to bring with him were obviously in his room. Harry shook his head, still dumbfounded.

"Why do none of the students know that the professors have these rooms?"

Lupin moved the arm covering his face so that he could see Harry and raised an eyebrow. "Because if the students knew about them we professors would never have a moment of peace."

Harry smiled. "And why have I never seen this before? I mean, as many times as I've been inside a teacher's office, I've never seen anything that could lead to another room."

Lupin waved his hand lazily. "Most of the entrances are inconspicuous, blank walls, small portraits, furniture, even mirrors, as you now know. The replica that we call our living quarters is simply there to provide cover for our real living arrangements. And the reason why I never showed you before is because when I taught you, we were simply student and teacher, and letting you into my private chambers likely would have garnered a lot of unwanted attention, no? Besides, I was trying to keep a low profile that year. Inviting Harry Potter to visit me at any given time in my rooms would have blown that plan out of the water." Lupin summoned a few pillows and they came soaring out of one of the doors. Lupin used them to prop himself up. He leaned back, sighing in contentment. Seeing Harry's curious glance toward the door when the pillows had appeared, Lupin pointed to each door in turn. "Training room, storage, bathroom, master bedroom, guest room."

Harry nodded, noting the place of each door. "Right."

"So, how are you?" Lupin asked, sinking further into the pillows.

Harry snorted. "What do you think?"

"Always something I want to hear," Lupin groaned, sarcastically. "Wonderful. Tell me about it."

"Well, I had another nightmare last night," Harry grumbled. Lupin tried to sit up, but grimaced and leaned back again.

"And?"

"It was about…well, I wish I could have saved you some of that pain, Moony."

Lupin frowned. "What are you talking about, Harry? You don't usually call me Moony."

"I should." Harry rubbed his hands over his face then jumped up and started pacing. "I can't believe I didn't figure it out even with all those hints. You know, I'm still not sure what I was supposed to figure out, Rem-Lupin, whatever I'm supposed to call you!" Harry sat back down heavily.

"Call me whatever you wish, Harry, although, you know I prefer Remus or Moony in your case. Unfortunately that could be a bit trying for you at the moment." Harry nodded as Lupin shifted, trying to get more comfortable. "Tell me what happened."

Harry sighed and sat back in the squishy armchair. "I was a small animal with a silver right paw. I watched you transform, watched you bite yourself, and then I woke up. I came to see if the nightmare was real. I couldn't get in obviously. Then Dumbledore and McGonagall showed up."

"Dumbledore and McGonagall?" Lupin frowned, unhappy about the turn of events.

Harry nodded. "Dumbledore took down your barriers and opened the door. You stared at us a moment then came toward us. I'm sorry about your arm, by the way. It got caught in the door when I closed it."

Lupin was silent a moment, lost in thought. "How did you see my transformation?"

"I think I was Wormtail." Lupin blinked. "Voldemort must have wanted him to do something, and he tagged along or used legilimency or something to make sure he did it."

"You think you were Peter? But…that means they're here."

"He is at least. Voldemort could be anywhere if he was using legilimency. It's the only explanation I have. Unless you have another?"

"Besides that you have finally gone mental? No. I think you're right. That's the only possible answer."

"That's funny. I told myself the same thing." They fell silent, both thinking. Harry glanced at Lupin then asked quietly, "Remus, why were you acting that way?" Lupin was silent, simply staring at the ceiling. "I thought perhaps you'd forgotten to take your potion or something. I spent all night looking for some clue in that book you lent me."

Lupin sighed and sat up slowly, making Harry realize how hard the night had been on him, which was unusual in itself. "Harry, the book was the clue."

"How in the world was that the clue?" Harry asked, waving his arms. "There was so much information in that book that I could barely process it all!"

"And it was all about what happens to werewolves on the night of the full moon, right?"

"Well, yeah, but I don't-"

"I'm out of Wolfsbane Potion."

There was silence. Harry just stared at Lupin until he found his voice. "I'm sorry. Run that by me again. I thought I heard you say you're out of Wolfsbane Potion."

"That's exactly what I said. I gave you that book as a hint so that it might hold you off from asking until after the next full moon. I didn't want to come out and tell you. You would have done something drastic, I'm sure. The truth is that I only had enough of the potion for September. I'm sure you've noticed how jumpy I've been lately. It's because I'm used to the wolf being suppressed. Now I can hear, smell, see, feel…everything. My senses have been heightened and it's like overload. I'm almost used to it by now though."

"I thought your senses were heightened anyway."

"They were. But Snape put something into his mixture to try and suppress the wolf, the wolf's feelings. Honestly, I never liked it. I recently began making my own Wolfsbane Potion again. Unfortunately I've never been the same after taking Snape's. But I think I'll be back to normal after being off the potion for a while, and then I'll start taking my own again."

"Good. I hope that's better for you."

"I've been so worried about it, that I think I've become more attuned. I learned to tone everything down. I think I actually missed having heightened senses."

"You're telling me you're out of the potion now?" Harry snapped, rubbing his temples as he finally lost his grip on the situation.

"I'm sorry, Harry. The problem is the ingredients. I can't go around asking for Wolfsbane!"

"But I thought it's already being used."

"It's not. It'll be discovered in exactly a year. And unless there's a secret grove on the Hogwarts grounds, I can't go looking for it."

"So, that's it. You'll have to revert back to biting and clawing yourself." Harry fumed. "No, I won't let you. There has to be something I can do."

"Harry, there's nothing you can do. Don't get involved."

"I will find a way to help, Remus. I've hurt enough people. It's time to help someone."

Someone knocked softly on the mirror, making them look around. Lupin started to stand up but Harry got up and moved toward the portal. He stopped short and just stared at it then looked around at Lupin, looking sheepish. "Er…how do I open it?"

Lupin smiled. "From this side? Act like you're reaching for a doorknob."

Harry reached out toward the mirror and closed his fist slowly. Something hard pressed into his palm. A glass knob had appeared. Harry turned it and pulled the mirror toward him. It swung open like a normal door, revealing Dumbledore and McGonagall. Harry blinked in surprise then moved back so they could come in. Harry watched as they sat down facing Lupin. He turned to leave, reluctantly admitting Lupin could take care of himself, but paused and looked back around at the chair he had been sitting in. His cloak had fallen off at some point and was hanging over the chair arm. Harry closed the mirror with a soft click and moved to pick it up. Turning back toward the door, he mumbled, "I'll just go then." Lupin immediately grabbed his arm, his hand closing over Harry's irritated wound. Harry winced as Lupin kept a firm grip.

"Stay, Harry. Please?" Harry nodded stiffly, dull stabs of pain shooting through his arm.

"Harry, is that the arm you injured last night?" Dumbledore asked.

Harry tried to pull away from Lupin, rotating his arm to loosen his grip but to no avail. "I don't know what you're talking about."

Lupin let go of his arm and grabbed his wrist instead, using his free hand to roll up Harry's sleeve. Three long, red gashes marred his skin. Lupin dropped Harry's arm in revulsion. "I did that, didn't I?" He asked, his voice thick with remorse. He didn't even wait for Harry to answer. "I could have killed you."

"But you didn't! I'm fine, all in one piece. Don't start that again."

"He is right, Professor Century. You have not hurt him very badly and he does not blame you in the slightest." Lupin nodded, still looking sullen. "Now, as I am sure Harry has already told you, Minerva and I have realized your lycanthropy. I asked Harry for your name last night. " Lupin frowned again. Today was just not his day. "Do not worry. Harry refused to break your trust in him." Lupin smiled softly and scooted over as Harry sat down beside him. Dumbledore beamed. "So, I have decided to ask you myself. Will you give me your name?"

Lupin stared into the fire, massaging his arms gently, avoiding the biggest bruises, his movements slow. "I…will tell you my name. But I ask that no one is told nor that anything will change between us."

Dumbledore nodded. "Of course."

"Are you sure about this?" Harry asked. "I shouldn't have told McGonagall who I am. You don't have to tell."

Lupin nodded. "It's fine. As long as word doesn't get out then it really shouldn't matter. Besides, Minerva should know that I am fine."

Harry rolled his eyes. "She's probably fine. She trusts you."

"True, but having us both disappear may have driven her to extreme measures." Lupin laughed suddenly. "Your father would have a field day if he knew that."

"Yeah, maybe, but he'd probably be making fun of Mr. Moony too. After all, being a Professor is against the Marauders' code, is it not?"

Lupin snorted. "I believe it is, but I don't think they would object much." He looked over at the Professors, smiling. "Allow me to introduce myself. I am RJ Lupin. Pleasure to meet you, again, Professors. And, Minerva, put down the firewhiskey. Harry and I are alive and well. You haven't lost us."

McGonagall sputtered. "I hope you are talking to my future self, sir."

"Of course," Lupin replied innocently.

Dumbledore chuckled, the twinkle in his eyes brighter than ever. "I should have known. I cannot say that I did not notice some things, but still, I should have realized it. Nice to know that I was correct in my assumption that you were familiar."

"Glad to know I'm so predictable."

"Not predictable, my boy, well known."

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"Harry, Harry, wake up." Harry groaned. He was too tired. Couldn't they leave him alone for one minute? "Come on, man! Sirius is already on my case for leaving you here to study! Wait until he gets you for skipping dinner!" Remus shook Harry's shoulder. With a loud grunt, Harry woke up.

"Huh? What? Sorry, Remus. What were you saying?" Harry rubbed his eyes and stretched.

"You missed dinner for one. Two, you've been in here for two days solid. I thought you weren't into studying," Remus teased.

Harry yawned and stood up. "I'm not. But I guess I'd do anything for a friend, even study at the unearthly hour of four in the morning." Harry gathered the books strewn across the table into his arms. "Can you get the last two, Remus?"

"Sure."

Harry and Remus started toward Gryffindor Tower, walking in a comfortable silence. Remus looked at the books in his hands and raised his eyebrows. "What are you researching anyway? I don't remember being told to study for any of this."

Harry kept looking straight ahead. "It's just a little extra credit stuff. Nothing too big."

Remus nodded in understanding and fell silent, still tempted to open them and read at least the introduction.

When they entered the common room, everyone looked around at them, as usual, and many of them started sniggering. Remus nudged Harry. "You get the feeling something's not right?"

Harry nodded slowly. His head felt heavy and he didn't like how quiet it was, despite the chuckling. Harry noticed the other Marauders were sitting by the fire, each wearing a large grin. They glanced at each other then back over at Remus and Harry.

Sirius suddenly burst out laughing and most of the common room followed suit. Remus glanced over at Harry as James fought to stay in his chair. "Uh, what is so funny?" Remus asked tentatively, his voice carrying over to the Marauders.

They made their way over to their three friends and sat down Harry's stack of books. "You two are what's funny!" James howled.

"Why?" Harry asked.

Sirius conjured a mirror and held it up for Harry to see. Harry gasped, grabbing the mirror from Sirius. Harry gaped at his reflection. He now had the tail, ears, and antlers of an animal. He reached up slowly and felt his ears, but quickly moved on to his antlers as he realized the ears reminded him of the times Sirius had sat beside him, allowing Harry to scratch his own dog ears. He turned to look at his tail as it swayed gently behind him. "What did you do to me?" Harry asked in a strangled voice, turning back to the mirror. His eyes widened as he noticed that they had become slanted, almost like a cat's.

James smiled. "We were bored, so we set a little prank for you. But we couldn't decide what animal to give you, so, we gave you four. Remus only has a wolf's tail and ears." Harry looked over at Remus and smirked, fighting the urge to laugh. Remus's ears and tail fit him perfectly, as did the annoyed glare he was sending in his friends' directions. James went on, ignoring Remus. "You, however, have a wolf's tail, tiger's eyes and claws," Harry looked down at his hands, "dog's ears, and stag's antlers. So, what do you think?"

"I think you need to change me back!"

"Why would we ever want to do that?" Sirius asked innocently. He smothered a laugh, leaned over, and whispered to James. "Too bad he can't change at will."

Harry turned to him sharply. "What?"

"What, what?"

"Nothing," Harry murmured, frowning slightly.

James snickered and faked a sigh. He took out his wand and gave it a lazy flick. Harry nodded in satisfaction as he returned to normal, but his mind wasn't completely focused on the prank. A sudden thought had occurred to him. The Marauders had turned him into part of an animal, some of their animals. They were animagi! What was keeping him from becoming one too?

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The wolf will live with the lamb, the leopards will lie down with the goat, the calf and the lion and the yearling together, and a little child will lead them.

-Isaiah 11:6