Author's note: the mist woman's manor is a vague reference to the books by Sarina Langer, and when they are mentioned the names in those books will be taken from Sarina's books; she's an excellent writer and you should definitely check her stuff out sometime! She gave me permission to use her stuff as fictional books in SL, thank you!

Also I want to talk a little bit about Kirke's punishment. I thought long and hard about it and decided not to expel or suspend him from school. This is a world where wild magic stuff happens all the time. Students are turned to stone or get parts of their bodies transfigured… so I am sorry if it doesn't seem harsh enough punishment to some but I hope you can understand. Thanks!

-x-

The Marauders didn't visit Remus again that day, although Aegis did after the game. He grudgingly admitted that Gryffindor beat Ravenclaw, 160 – 10. They chatted for a while, discussing some of their homework and some other things. Mostly theories about an upcoming book they both wanted to read, the fourth in a series. They both agreed that Kaida was most likely going to be killed, but disagreed about who was going to take her place as head potion mistress of the estate.

"I have it ordered already, do you?" Aegis asked.

"N-no…" He would only be able to read it if and when it came to the Hogwarts library, or if he somehow found it for cheap in a bookstore.

"You can borrow it when I am done, if you wish," Aegis offered, and Remus happily thanked him, glad he had at least one friend who was interested in The Mist Woman's Manor series.

Pomfrey shooed Aegis out, and shortly after took Remus to the house where he slept for the remaining hour until sunset. After waking up and stripping off, he sat in front of the fireplace with a blanket around him, waiting for the transformation which never came. He slept on and off throughout the night, waking up several times feeling a near-tug in his bones… but by the time morning came, he had spent the entire night as a human.

It was still raining heavily when Pomfrey fetched him, and they sloshed across the wet grounds to the castle. Remus ached to ask her if she knew anything about James and finally gave in after he changed into dry pajamas and was situated in bed.

Pomfrey put a serving tray across his lap, saying all she really knew was that Gryffindor had lost a hundred points. Remus flinched, wondering who had lost the points. James or Kirke? Surely if James was expelled Pomfrey would know, right?

Almost as soon as he finished the eggs and toast for breakfast he heard voices out in the hospital wing. Pomfrey shouting at someone to slow down, hurried footsteps, Pomfrey telling someone they needed permission first—and then the door burst open.

Sirius ran in. Then Peter. And then—

"James!" Remus put his tray on the table and got out of bed, flinging himself against his friend, hugging him tightly. "You're all right?"

James laughed, hugging back. "I am! Furious, and wishing my parents would sue, but all right!"

Pomfrey glared in. "Ten minutes," she said.

"Please, Madame Pomfrey, I know a lot happened yesterday," Remus begged.

The nurse sighed. "Very well, half an hour. But no jumping on the bed."

The Marauders all took their usual places and this time it was Peter at the foot of the bed and Sirius next to Remus. James sat on the edge of his seat, eyes sparkling, face a little flushed as he told Remus everything. He started from the beginning, going over what Sirius had said the previous day, then filled in the ending which Remus didn't know.

After Kirke confessed, he produced a vial of what he had thought was Flatulence Formula. Which looked a lot like one of the lesser-known strengthening potions… as it turned out to be. He claimed someone sent him a letter, asking him to put it in James's water before the game to give him a lot of gas. It was supposed to be a revenge prank. Kirke cried, swearing on his mother's life that he didn't know what it was… and after a long apology to both James and the Potters, he got off.

"Sort've," James said, bouncing in his seat. "He lost a hundred points, was given a month of detention, not permitted into Hogsmeade for the rest of the school year, annnnnd…!" He flung his arms out. "He's off the team! Not expelled, almost suspended but my father suggested it not happen because he pointed out to me later, I do kinda slip potions into people's drinks and food as a prank and if Kirke got suspended for it, it'd be unfair for me not to as well since Kirke swore it was just a prank, but hey. I don't have to deal with him whining about how much better I am than him. Want to know the best part?" Before Remus could say anything, James kept going. "Lily Evans—yes, the annoying and pratty Lily Evans—stood up for me!"

Remus's eyes widened. "She did?"

"She told McGonagall that there was no way I'd take any potions for Quidditch, that I was too arrogant!" He puffed his chest out like it was something to be proud of. "She said I considered myself the best player in the world—which I am—so why take any potions? Which she is right. I mean, besides the disgusting cheating aspect of it which I'd never do, there isn't any point for me to take anything. I'm already amazing."

Remus nibbled on his thumbnail, thinking. Not about Lily but about what James said. "Is Kirke good at Potions?"

"I've no idea, why?"

He shrugged, not expanding on his thought. He wondered if perhaps Kirke was telling the truth. He didn't think Kirke was very good in Potions… and the strengthening potion used was a rather difficult one to make. It was old-fashioned, and fell out of popularity when easier ones were discovered. Why would Kirke make that potion instead of one of the popular, easier ones? Just because he could pretend that he thought it was Flatulence Formula? Was Kirke that clever?

Snape is, and a master with potions, whispered a dark voice in the back of his head which he quickly banished. No, he wasn't going to think that. Snape wouldn't.

Would he?

Then again Kirke had done the anonymous love letter with the intention to humiliate James the previous year… did that mean he was savvy enough to do this?

"Yoohoo!" A hand waved in front of his face and he jumped a little, blinking at Sirius. "You got lost in your thoughts again there, mate."

"Sorry. So does that mean Cassandra is a full Chaser now?"

"Yes," James and Sirius chorused, Sirius looking proud.

They then explained why none of them had been able to visit the day before: after the game, McGonagall wanted Sirius to come in and give his statement about everything he witnessed at breakfast, and she also questioned him and Peter. They tried to get away, to say that they wanted to visit Remus, but they couldn't tell her they knew Remus was on a time limit without admitting they knew he was a werewolf. McGonagall let them go at three, about the same time Remus was falling asleep in the Hogsmeade house.

"We're very sorry," Peter said, fishing for a half-eaten bag of gummy ghouls to give him. Remus politely thanked him, not saying how much he hated sweets that seemed alive. The gummy ghoul he took out of the bag moaned and waved its arms until Remus bit the head off, to shut it up. Why did people enjoy eating things like that? It was horrible.

"It's fine, it's nothing you could help," Remus said after swallowing. "Making sure everything went well for James is more important anyhow. I'm glad you're all right, I've been worried."

They stayed until Pomfrey kicked them out and then, after Remus got some sleep, Lily showed up. Her eyes were shining with Gryffindor pride at their victory and confessed she was going to wear the shirt for James next game.

"He didn't get to play yesterday, it doesn't feel like I could live up to the agreement," she said, clasping her hands around one knee. "Christ, I cannot believe Kirke did that!"

Remus held back his thoughts that it hadn't been Kirke. Actually, the more he thought about it the more he believed it. When he returned to school the next day, he'd have to check the library for the complexity of the potion. Kirke most likely wouldn't have been able to purchase it from Hogsmeade, since it was such an unpopular potion. The stores would sell the newer, easier, better versions. Though there might be somewhere he could have purchased it. Or the ingredients. Of course—

Oh, he was being stupid! Naturally McGonagall would have looked into it! She would have contacted the stores in Hogsmeade… both the potion stores and ingredient stores, with Kirke's picture. Right? He'd have to talk to her. Not that she'd probably tell him anything, though.

After ten minutes Aegis showed up, and he and Lily left for lunch. Remus had a filling lunch of steak and mashed potatoes which he thoroughly enjoyed, mentioning to Pomfrey it was his favorite. He was startled when she said she knew, she remembered.

"You missed your first Hogsmeade visit, and you missed the game yesterday—even if Mr. Potter didn't get to play," she said as she whisked the tray away. "I thought I'd have the house-elves make you a treat."

His body grew warm and his eyes felt watery. "Th-thank you, Madame Pomfrey."

The Marauders visited again after lunch and Pomfrey said they could have a full hour… that is until the loud noises brought her in after half an hour. She saw the vase of flowers broken on the floor, and James's chair tipped over, and all four boys crowded on the bed. James had been standing on the chair moments before, proclaiming himself a master of Quidditch, when Sirius kicked the chair out from under him. He crashed into the table and then got on the bed as soon as Pomfrey came.

"An invisible ogre attacked," James tried.

"Look at how poor he looks!" Pomfrey snapped, waving her hand at Remus's pale skin and dark circles. His hair was especially limp that day, which didn't help anything. "Out! I should have known better than to trust you lot, he needs rest not a… a tornado!"

"May I stay, Madame Pomfrey?" Sirius asked sweetly, clasping his hands behind his back and giving her big, puppy-dog eyes. "Please? I'll be good. I promised to help Remus with the notes anyway. You won't hear a peep out of me."

"Peep," James said, and Pomfrey threw all three of them out, Sirius cursing violently at James as she did so. However, she allowed Sirius to come creeping back in not ten minutes later under the swear-on-his-heart-and-hair promise that he'd be quiet and good.

"What's all this nonsense about helping me?" Remus asked, shivering a bit as Sirius climbed into the bed with him.

"I did bring notes," he said, pulling them out of his satchel and dropping them in Remus's lap. "Mostly I wanted to keep you company."

"I forgot to ask, did the Gryffindors party last night?"

He flashed a grin as Remus began sorting through the notes from Herbology and Care of Magical Creatures from Friday. He already had Lily's notes from Herbology and Ancient Runes, but nothing for Magical Creatures. Sirius's notes didn't help; they were worse than they used to be. Some of the stuff made no sense whatsoever. At least he tried, though.

"Well into the night," Sirius said, pushing his hair back. "I believe McGonagall came in at two in the morning to tell everyone to go to bed, as well as reprimand the Prefects for allowing that to happen. Though from what I understood, she didn't sound too harsh."

Remus raised his head, surprised. "You were told? You weren't down there partying until two?"

Sirius shifted a little, looking uncomfortable. "No, I didn't party."

"But—Cassie—"

"I did a little, for her," he said quickly.

Remus frowned, setting the notes back down. "Were you and James and Petey up to something?"

He looked very uncomfortable now. "No," he admitted in a very quiet voice. Remus waited and finally he sighed the sigh of someone giving up. "It's hard for me to feel like partying when you—when you're—knowing that you're—you know."

"You… d-didn't party because of me?" he whispered and Sirius shook his head. "Not partying wasn't going to help anything, and besides it was raining all night. I didn't transform."

He shrugged, inspecting the ends of his hairs. "I wasn't sure. And it wasn't a matter of helping you. I know me sitting in the dorm all night wasn't helpful. But I didn't feel like partying. It made me sick, having fun and dancing and everything while you…" He dropped his hair and averted his gaze. "Couldn't. And were possibly hurting."

"Sirius, you can have fun during the full moons."

"No I can't."

"Yes you can."

"No. I can't," he said flatly, silver eyes finally meeting Remus's. "I don't want to. I don't feel like it. All I do is worry—" He stopped quickly, looking back down at the ends of his hairs.

Remus sat up a little straighter. "You shouldn't—"

"Don't tell me what to do," Sirius said in a joking tone. "You're not my teacher." He elbowed Remus lightly. "Yet."

Remus snorted, wanting to keep pushing but also feeling incredibly happy that things seemed to be back to normal between them. Perhaps the past week had simply been Sirius adjusting to his new role of Boyfriend To Cassie?

Instead, he asked Sirius what he thought about Kirke and told him his own suspicions. About Kirke perhaps not being behind it. Sirius looked shocked until Remus explained his reasons, and then Sirius began scowling.

"You're right, Kirke is a dolt, he probably wouldn't be that clever. You think it was Snivellus?"

"I don't know," Remus said, not wanting Sirius to go off the handle. "I think that we should find out if Kirke did buy the potion or the ingredients, or… look into his Potion grades, I don't know. Or maybe we should leave it alone. He's off the team… and he's been punished."

"If Snape's the one to do it—"

Remus jerked upright again. "There is something you could do. Go to the library—" Sirius groaned, "—and find me a book that has the potion in it. It's called Fortisium. Strengthening Solution is the one that most people would use, especially Kirke, unless he really did intend to pretend he thought it was a Farting Formula… but I don't know if Kirke is that clever." He pushed Sirius out of his bed. "Go, hurry. I'd say to ask Farrow if anyone's checked the book out lately, but he'll not tell you."

"Only for you would I go to the library, Remy," sighed Sirius dramatically as he headed for the door. "I shall return forthwith. Think of me fondly, would you?" With that he flung himself just as dramatically out the door, and Remus stuffed his fist in his mouth to stop the giggles.

Sirius returned over half an hour later, lugging three different books with him and complaining about Farrow being suspicious. "He questioned me," he said, dumping the books on the bed. "I suppose he thought I was going to use these for a prank, which I probably could…"

Sirius sat next to him on the bed while Remus went through one of the books, not wanting to tell Sirius it had been pointless to get three. He only needed one. Still, he thanked his friend as he went through the thickest tome. It was from the late nineteenth century. The Strengthening Solution had been invented in the 1920s.

"The Strengthening Solution is usually taught in the fourth or fifth year." Remus ran his finger over the instructions. "This one is certainly much more advanced—eh?"

Sirius was opening one of the newer, slimmer volumes. "I got this one to compare," he said, holding it up so Remus could see the title. Fifty Formulas For Fun. A book full of prankish potions. No wonder Farrow was suspicious! Also, Remus was glad he had brought that one too. It made sense, to compare. "Yes, look, they're almost identical."

They spread the books out. Both the Fortisium potion and the Farting Formula were a light brownish sort of color, the Fortisium one just a tiny bit darker. Even with pictures right in front of him Remus had a hard time telling the difference. And both dissolved into water, leaving no visible or tasting trace behind except a faint sort of tinny one in the case of the Farting Formula.

Both boys looked up at the same time, staring at one another.

"How advanced is that one?" Sirius asked. "The Forti… whatever, the strength one."

"I'd say if it was ever taught in Hogwarts, it would have been a seventh year potion. Kirke is a seventh year, but I doubt Fortisium would have been taught for a few decades at least."

Sirius shut his book. "Is he good enough in potions to make this? Would Snivellus be good enough to make a seventh year potion?"

Remus looked rather cross at that. "Sirius Black, you sit there and ask that when James and Peter made a potion that was even more complicated and advanced just last month? James is third and Peter is fourth in the class. I would definitely say that Snape, being the top in Potions, has the ability to do this."

Sirius held his hands up defensively. "You're right. I guess I just don't like to think of that greasy git as being able to do anything. What are we going to do?"

Remus nibbled at his thumbnail, looking down at the book. "I don't know."

"If Snivellus was behind it, he should be punished."

"I don't know if there's any way to prove it was Snape… he would have made the potion, not bought it, and the ingredients aren't very difficult to get. Some of the ingredients are in our own kits, and some can be found around the school grounds. The only one he would have had any difficulty finding, and therefore would most likely have bought is walrus whiskers and even those aren't too hard to come by."

Suddenly Sirius's hands covered Remus's. "If we do prove Snivellus is behind it, that means Kirke might be put back on the team."

"I—I don't know, even if he didn't come up with this plan himself he still put a potion in James's water right before a game." Sirius let go of Remus's hands and for a brief second he wished he hadn't said anything, to prolong the moment. He pulled his hands back, gripping the book again. "I don't think we could prove it one way or another anyway."

"I'd love for Snivellus to be expelled."

Remus gave a faint smile. "I know you would. I…" He really did think someone besides Kirke was behind it, pulling the strings, and it was disgusting to think they could get away with it. But unless Kirke kept the note… "Actually, it might not have been Snape."

"What? Why've you suddenly changed your mind?"

He closed the book and ran a fingernail down the cover. "Didn't Kirke say someone paid him to do this? Snape doesn't have much money. Does he? He's always in robes almost as—er, secondhand robes. And secondhand books."

"Almost as shabby as yours?" Sirius inquired and Remus flushed a little pink. "Yours aren't too shabby. They're mostly too big."

"Mum thinks I'll grow into them."

Sirius put his hand on top of Remus's head. "You have grown since summer. A couple of inches. You're probably five foot now, aren't you? Maybe a little more?"

Remus ducked his head, inspecting the end pages of the book now. "I don't know. Maybe. Anyway, if Kirke was paid it might not have been Snape. Unless it was only a little bit of money. Or Kirke lied about the money. I can see Kirke doing this to James for nothing, since he—"

Remus stopped as Pomfrey's footsteps approached the door. "Remus?" She peered in, frowning at the sight of Sirius in bed with him. "I think your company should leave soon. You really need to rest."

Remus realized what time it was; he'd have to go in less than half an hour. "Yes, I am getting very tired." He turned to look up at Sirius. "I'm sorry. Thank you for helping me with my—my notes."

"Anytime." Sirius tucked the Formulas book into his bag. "Do you want me to leave those books for you to look at—er, later?"

"Yes, thank you."

"I'll come visit later this evening, if you're up for it." Sirius hopped out of the bed and gave Remus's head a pat. "Get some rest."

"I'd like that, thank you. See you later this evening."

Remus watched Sirius go and then tucked the two remaining books into his satchel. He curled up for about twenty minutes before Pomfrey fetched him, putting the cloak around him to sneak him out.

As they left his room, Remus froze when he saw Magpie approaching Pomfrey, some flowers in her hand. She glanced at Remus but the cloak was hiding his features and also made him look taller. He probably appeared as an older student, or perhaps an adult visiter. "Hello Madame Pomfrey, I was wondering if I could visit Lupin?"

"I'm sorry, dear, he's just fallen asleep and really needs his sleep," Pomfrey said smoothly.

Magpie's face fell. "Oh. Oh I see."

"Are those for him?"

"Y-yes…"

"Here, I'll give them to him when he wakes up."

Magpie hesitated. "I could come back later and give them to him. Or—or—no, here, you—you d-do it!" She suddenly shoved the flowers at Pomfrey, her face brilliantly red. "Tell him—tell—oh, nothing!" She turned and fled from the room.

Remus felt very embarrassed and was grateful when Pomfrey had the tact not to say anything. She opened his door and put the flowers in the new vase she had brought earlier, then returned to his side to take him to the Whomping Willow, not mentioning Magpie's strange behavior once.

-x-

It wasn't just Magpie's flowers waiting for Remus when he returned in the morning, weary and covered in bandages. There was also a card from Sirius which seemed unusual. Remus didn't look at it until after he had some breakfast and a little bit of sleep. Then he ripped open the card (the envelope was stuck together with a permanent sticking spell) and read the inside.

I think you're right. I don't think Kirke did it. I broke into Slug's office and looked at some of the assignments he had already graded. Kirke is, at best, as good as you, but barely. And you get great grades on your theoretical stuff, he doesn't. I think he was tricked. I haven't told James or Pete yet.

Remus read and reread Sirius's beautiful handwriting, feeling dizzy. For a moment he was furious that Sirius had broken into Slughorn's office! Then he started thinking about the fact Kirke wasn't too great in the class. Of course, writing about potions and making them were two different things as Sirius incidentally pointed out. Kirke could very well be terrible at theoretical and written work, but be very good at actually making the potions.

He methodically tore up the card into tiny bits and hobbled to the bathroom, setting them on fire in the sink and rinsing the ashes down the pipes. He returned to his bed and curled up, falling back asleep before he could think any more on the matter.

Though it wasn't long until he was awoken by the Marauders visiting during the free period between Potions and Defense Against the Dark Arts; Remus was very tired and could hardly keep his eyes open, and fell asleep not long after they settled into their seats. He woke up at one point to hear them quietly discussing what they could do next to try to help him and James said something about 'further research' into something. He stirred a bit, and lifted his head which silenced them. He decided not to snap at them and instead fell back asleep.

-x-

Remus probably should have skipped all his lessons that day, but after lunch he put on a clean uniform and limped outside to the greenhouses. His legs were still covered in bite marks and there was a particularly nasty one that tore into his left leg's hamstrings, which made it difficult to walk. But he forced himself anyway, despite being sweaty, pale, and exhausted by the time he collapsed at the table where the other Marauders sat. They all whispered that he probably should have stayed in the hospital wing a bit longer and he waved his hand at them, ignoring their worries, promising them that he felt fine.

Except the lesson was a very physical one, involving carrying pots and bags of soil and fertilizer. Remus's arms ached from wounds and even with his superior strength he couldn't do a very good job. He grabbed one bag of soil by the corner and dragged it a few feet before collapsing, trying not to make any sounds of pain. His legs felt like they were on fire and he could feel something warm trickling down the back of his left leg.

"Professor, I don't think Remus is doing too well," Peter said, waving his hand when he noticed his friend on the floor.

"I'm f-f-fine," Remus lied, struggling to get to his feet. "Only a little tired. I'm fine, Professor."

Professor Sprout eyed him. "You were in the hospital wing all weekend, weren't you?"

He wiped his hands off on his trousers, leaving dirty streaks. "Yes, Professor. But I am feeling b-better."

"You don't look it," Lily piped up and Remus tried not to shoot her a dirty look.

"I'll be all right." He seized the bag and dragged it all the way back to the table to prove he was fine, and right when he reached their spot there was a flash of horrifying pain, like someone had stabbed his leg. He did cry out, and fell over, resisting the urge to grab his leg. His 'disease' was in the blood, so it would look odd for him to clutch his leg.

"I'll take him back to the hospital wing," Sirius said and suddenly scooped Remus up. That would have been bad enough on its own for Remus's emotions but as he picked Remus up, one arm was under his legs and pressed against the very bad wound. Remus made a gulping sort of croaking sound as he held back a scream.

"I'm—fi—ine! St-stop making a sp-spectacle of it all!" He couldn't try to wriggle his way out of Sirius's arms because of the arm against his wound, it hurt enough being still.

Professor Sprout made her way over to them. "Mr. Lupin, if you aren't feeling well you should not push yourself to be back in class."

He was well aware of every single eye on him during all this, and wanted to cry. He hated being the center of attention. Why had Peter spoken up? Ugh, it wasn't fair! Arguing more would draw the scene out, keep everyone's eyes on him. If he left then all they'd have was gossip, and he'd be away from those eyes.

"All right."

Sirius left, carrying Remus as gently as he could but with each jostling stride it hurt. Once they were away from the greenhouse Remus whimpered, begging to be put down.

"I can walk!"

"Are you sure?"

No. "Yes."

Sirius set him down then looked at his sleeves. He had taken his robes off in the greenhouse and only wore the white shirt and grey jumper. There was something dark smudged along the sleeves of the jumper that was not dirt. Sirius brought his forearms to his nose and sniffed.

"I think it's… blood?"

Remus tried to look at the backs of his legs but his robes were covering them now. "I must be bleeding again," he mumbled. "I'm sorry. I'm sorry, I d-d-didn't—I didn't know—I—"

"Come on, let's get you to the hospital wing—"

"No," Remus argued, ignoring Sirius's scowl. "I'd rather go to my dorm. I can rest there. I will rest there."

"All the way to the seventh floor?" he demanded, grabbing Remus's arm. "Are you daft?"

"I'm friends with you and James so I must be," Remus joked, trying to lighten the moment. Sirius pursed his lips and his brow furrowed. "I'll make it, I promise. You can walk with me into the castle a little ways then go back."

Sirius did so, trailing along slightly behind Remus as he limped into the castle and along the corridors, which Remus soon realized was to block the view of the blood on his trousers. "Why did you even try to come to class?"

"I don't like missing my lessons."

"Hmph."

When they were alone on a flight of stairs Remus paused to look at him. "Did you really break into Slughorn's office?"

"Yes, to look at Kirke's stuff. What do you think?"

"I don't know. What did you take? Or leave?"

Sirius's eyes widened. "What? Remy, how could you think that? Why would you? You really think that I would do something like th—all right, I put a dusting of whizzing worms on his ice, in that drawer where he keeps all the things to make his drinks? I was going to put it in a cup but it might be more noticeable, so I put them on the ice instead. When he drops it in… hah!"

"You're awful."

"You're grinning."

Remus shook his head, still grinning. "Get back to class."

"Yes, Professor." Sirius gave Remus's back a gentle pat. "Be careful, and if you can't make it please go to the hospital wing."

Remus lied and promised he would. Sirius bounded down the stairs and Remus headed up the rest, clinging to the railing. It took ages to get up to his dorm and by the time he did his trousers were soaked in blood. He peeled them off, dropping them into the laundry bin. His left leg was covered with red smears which he washed off as carefully as he could before putting clean bandages around the wound and pajama bottoms on.

He climbed into bed, and fell asleep instantly, having dreams about filling cups with dirt and worms.