Just Prod the Knot

Just Prod the Knot

"Remus, it's time to go," said Madam Pomfrey as she gently shook Remus awake. Remus opened his eyes, nodded and sat up. Madam Pomfrey draped his cloak over him. "It's a chilly night. Do try to stay warm. You don't need to catch a cold in your condition."

"I'll be fine," said Remus giving her a reassuring smile.

"Well, I must say, your transformations seem to be doing you less damage in the last year or so."

"I think you've got a point there."

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Severus Snape pulled his cloak more tightly around himself. He despised doing his prefect rounds on cold nights. His lip curled as he thought of Potter and Evans and how much they appeared to enjoy night rounds. Severus would have loved nothing more than to catch them on a round not doing their prefectional duties. They'd probably weasel out of trouble somehow being Dumbledore's favorite students.

Severus suddenly saw something out of the corner of his eye that interrupted his thoughts. There were two people crossing the grounds. Severus leaned out of the window and squinted to get a better look.

"Lupin," he whispered. But that's not Spinnet with him. Severus quickly ran down the stairs and outside of the castle. An all-encompassing feeling of triumph consumed him. The feeling was squashed like a bug when Severus saw that the person with Lupin was none other than Madam Pomfrey. Severus turned around with disappointment. If Madam Pomfrey were to catch him outside of the castle, he would almost certainly be expelled. Severus turned around to get one last look, but Lupin and Madam Pomfrey had disappeared.

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"Annie look, it's a letter from Veronica," said Lily as she opened the parchment she had untied from Guineviere's leg.

"What's it say?" asked Annie peering over her friend's shoulder. Lily's face fell.

"This Voldemort situation's getting worse. A group of Death Eaters tortured and killed some Muggles in Edinburgh two nights ago," said Lily. Annie dropped her fork with a loud clang on her plate.

"What's going on with you two?" asked Sirius. Lily handed him the letter. James and Peter read it over his shoulder. Peter began to tremble. "Gee, I wonder who could have been involved in that," said Sirius. His usual sarcasm was replaced by anger.

"After everything that's happened I can't believe that the wizard community still holds the Malfoy's in such high regard," said James.

"Not everyone," said Annie. "I just wish that Arthur Weasley had the money the Malfoy's have. If people like him held that kind of influence, I'd bet everything Voldemort would never have come to power."

"Do you guys have to keep saying his name?" asked Peter.

"Dumbledore told us not to be afraid to say it," said James.

"That's easy for Dumbledore," squeaked Peter. "He's the only wizard You-Know-Who is afraid of."

"I really wonder about that sometimes," said Sirius. "If he's so fearless and powerful, why doesn't he show himself?"

"Not to mention have the Death Eaters do his work for him." Added James.

"Hey Spinnet, where's your boyfriend?" called Narcissa Cross. The five friends looked up to see a sneering Narcissa with Daisy Flanders at her side.

"That's none of your damn business," replied Annie coolly. Narcissa and Daisy glared at Annie and stormed off. It had been much more difficult for them to infuriate her lately. "I'm going to visit Remus. See you in charms."

"Annie, you'll be late," Lily protested.

"I'll just say I had to go to the hospital wing. Besides, it's Flitwick. It's not like he's going to take points from Gryffindor or something."

As Annie got up and left, James climbed over the table, sat down next to Lily, put his arm around her, and grinned. Despite the letter she had received from Veronica, Lily's spirits were lifted. Out of all the cute boys at Hogwarts, she had fallen for the one with messy hair and goofy glasses. Perhaps her initial attraction to James was that he was the boy Petunia would be the least likely to approve of. But now there was so much more than Lily could put into words.

"Well isn't that sweet," a cold sneering voice came from behind Lily and James.

"Shove off, Snape!" said Sirius as he quickly climbed over the table and stood in front of Snape.

"Where's your buddy Lupin?" asked Snape with his lip curled.

"We already went over this with Cross," said Sirius. "That isn't yours or any other slimy Slytherin's damn business."

"I see, poor Lupi's sick again. Well maybe if he's lucky, some illness will finish him off before the Dark Lord does." said Snape. Sirius lunged for him, but Lily and James grabbed the back of his robes just in time.

"I'm warning you, Snape," said Sirius as he struggled against his robes. "Leave Remus alone. He's never done anything to you. If you want to come after someone, come after me."

"I know that Lupin has a little secret, Black, and I'm going to find it out," whispered Snape silkily. Sirius tried to lunge again but Lily and James still had a good grip. "You see, going after Lupin is going after you. Good day."

"He'd better back off of Remus," Sirius hissed.

"Forget it, Sirius," said James. "Snape's all talk."

"He knows an awful lot of dark magic for someone who's all talk James."

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One month later

:

"Urgh! Petunia's marrying Vernon!" Lily cried in horror as she read the letter from her mother.

"What's wrong with that?" asked Annie innocently. "They're a perfect match." Remus was sleeping with his head in Annie's lap as she was twirling his hair around her fingers (okay, here's where Annie becomes a Mary Sue, he-he). Lily gave her friend a melodramatic look.

"I am going to be related to the Dursleys!" Just then Sirius, James, and Peter entered through the portrait hole.

"What's wrong, Lils?" asked James as he approached them.

"She's gaining a brother-in-law," said Annie.

"You mean to tell me that Dursley's finally proposed to your sister?" asked James as he took a seat next to Lily.

"Yeah, he got a promotion at that drill company so now he can afford to buy a house," said Lily. Sirius doubled over with laughter. "What's so funny, Padfoot?"

"The great Vernon Dursley works for a drill company. How appropriate, he's compensating!" said Sirius. He fell to the floor with a thud that startled Remus awake. Remus looked around and realized that he had his head in Annie's lap in a room with other people. His face went scarlet and he sat up quickly send a wave of nausea through his head.

"C'mon," said Annie. "Madam Pomfrey is probably expecting you by now." Remus groaned as Annie helped in to his feet.

"I'm in for a lecture today," he said as they walked toward the portrait hole.

"Aw, cheer up Moony, it could be worse," said Sirius. Remus made a gesture at Sirius behind his back as he and Annie exited through the portrait. Sirius unfolded what they had so far of the map they were writing. "You know, I think Moony was right about the one-eyed witch. Reckon there could be a secret passage under there. You guys want to go see if we can figure out how it works."

"Definitely," said Peter eagerly.

"I think I'll keep Lily company," said James.

"Have it your way, Prongs. C'mon Wormtail, let's leave these lovebirds to nest."

"Sirius!" cried Lily indignantly. Sirius grinned at her, winked at James who chucked a cushion at him, and left through the portrait hole with Peter following at his heels. When the picture of the Fat Lady swung shut, James turned to Lily and propped his head up on his right hand.

"Your sister marrying Dursley really bothers you doesn't it?" he asked. Lily shrugged.

"I know I shouldn't care, but he's really horrible. There's always been a part of me that's wanted to be close to my sister. If she marries Vernon, that will never happen." James slid his arm around her and pulled her close. She rested her head on his chest. "Will you go to the wedding with me?"

"Lily, I'd face a pack of dragons for you, but attending Vernon Dursley's wedding..." Lily grabbed a cushion and hit James playfully with it. "Alright, alright I'll go."

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"What d'ya think, Padfoot?" asked Peter as Sirius ran his hands over the one-eyed witch's hump and pondered.

"It's probably a really simple spell," said Sirius thoughtfully.

"A simple spell, Black? Why, you know we're not allowed to use magic in the halls. I'm afraid I'll have to take ten points from Gryffindor," Snape said silkily. Peter quickly ran behind Sirius.

"Would you like me to tell you where you can shove those points, Snape?" asked Sirius with his hands balled into fists at his sides. A smug grin spread across Snape's face. Sirius wanted to wipe that smug grin off with a passion. Things had become more difficult since Snape had been made a prefect.

"I saw your poor little, sickly friend Lupin going to the hospital wing again. He looks really dire this time. Poor fellow. I really have to wonder what is so wrong with him that Madam Pomfrey has to sneak him across the grounds."

For a brief moment, Sirius felt the colour leave his face, but the sneer Snape was wearing caused his blood to boil. Then an idea came to him. He knew exactly how to wipe that sneer off of Snape's face. "You really want to know, Snape?" For a moment, Snape was taken aback but he quickly regained his composure.

"I admit, I'm curious."

"Well, you know the Whomping Willow?"

"Of course I know of the Whomping Willow, get to the point, Black."

"Alright, take a stick and just prod the knot at the bottom of the trunk and follow the tunnel."

"The tunnel?"

"The tunnel."

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"I wonder what's taking Peter and Sirius so long? Remus'll tear himself apart by the time we get there," said James as he glanced nervously out the window at the risen moon.

"They're probably just nicking some food from the kitchen or something," said Lily. Annie was pacing back and forth nervously.

"Well, they'd better hurry or Remus won't be in one piece by the time you guys get there." Just then, Sirius and Peter burst into the dormitory. Sirius was grinning broadly.

"Well, you look rather pleased with yourself, Padfoot," commented James. As Sirius was about to answer, Annie cut in.

"Where have you guys been," she asked impatiently. "Remus is probably chewing his leg off at this very moment!"

"I was setting a plan into motion for wiping that sneer off that slimy git Snape's face," said Sirius proudly.

"What are you talking about?" asked Lily.

"Sirius told him how to freeze the Whomping Willow so he can get into the tunnel," squeaked Peter.

"You-what?" asked James jumping to his feet.

"He's going to see a werewolf and wet himself," said Sirius. "Oh I can't wait to see the look on his face."

"Sirius, are you nuts?" James asked just before he tore from the room.

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What does this tunnel have to do with Lupin?

Severus thought at he made his way down the tunnel. He suddenly heard a howl in the distance and stopped dead in his tracks. This tunnel leads to the Shrieking Shack! Oh Black will pay dearly for this. Severus still felt the urge to keep moving. If there was something he could use against Lupin...Lupin, Mr. Defense Against the Dark Arts Genius. The great conjurer of Patronous charms. The elite member of Potter's little gang. No one appreciates what I can do. A lot of people can fight dark creatures, but how many people can brew potion as well as I? I know magic that Lupin will never be able to do and I can't even practice it legally.

Severus' train of thought was interrupted when he realized that he was standing on the threshold of the Shrieking Shack. There were violent noises coming from upstairs. It couldn't possibly have been violent spirits. Suddenly someone was jerking him out of the house.

"Snape, let's get out of here," said James Potter with a note of panic.

"Get off, Potter!"

"Snape we have to get out of here right now."

"This is some joke you, Black and Lupin have thought up. You'll pay for this, Potter."

"This is no joke, Snape. We have to get out of here RIGHT NOW!" An ear splitting howl rang through the air. Severus froze as he looked up and saw a large werewolf run across the hallway at the top of the stairs. James gave one finally jerk on his robes and Severus broke into an all out run. The two boys ran down the endless tunnel, out from under the Whomping Willow and finally stopped at the entrance of the castle to catch their breath.

"You-and-your-friends-tried-to-kill-me," said Severus.

"No, no one was trying to kill you," said James earnestly.

"Tell it to Dumbledore, I'll see that you're expelled for this, Potter!"

"James and Remus had nothing to do with this," said Sirius as he came outside.

"So, Black. Lupin's a werewolf and the three of you thought it would be funny to feed me to him." Severus had regained the silky texture to his voice. Sirius' hands began to shake at his sides.

"I told you, I acted on my own Snape. Leave James and Remus out of this."

"Oh it's so noble of you to try and take all the blame, but I'm afraid I'll have to report Lupin to the Disposal of Dangerous Creatures Committee. We can't have a werewolf in the school, after all."

"I'm warning you, Snape. Leave Remus alone," said Sirius through gritted teeth.

"I'm going to Dumbledore," said James with a steely note in his voice.

"So, you want to dig your own grave, Potter?" asked Snape.

"Are you coming, Severus?" asked James.

'I wouldn't miss this for all the gold in Gringott's." Snape was dying to see Potter and Black try to weasel their way out of this one. Dumbledore's favorite boys had attempted murder.

"Peppermint toad," said James as they reached the stone gargoyle which granted the boys entrance. Professor Dumbledore was sitting at his desk writing a letter. The normally cheerful wizard looked quite weary. His eyes did not display their usual twinkle. He looked up soberly as the boys entered. James felt his stomach lurch.

"Professor Dumbledore, Potter, Black and Lupin tried to kill me!" Snape blurted.

"Did they now?" asked Professor Dumbledore. "Would you be so kind as to explain to me just how they tried to kill you, Mr. Snape?"

"Black told me how to get past the Whomping Willow knowing that his werewolf buddy would be there waiting to attack. If Potter hadn't gotten cold feet, I'd be dead."

"I acted on my own. James and Remus had nothing to do with this!" said Sirius vehemently.

"Save it, Black," said Severus. "Everyone knows you never do anything without Potter."

"I ACTED ON MY OWN! GET IT THROUGH THAT GREASY HEAD OF YOURS, SNAPE! EVERYONE KNOWS YOU'VE GOT IT IN FOR JAMES AND REMUS!"

"That will be quite enough," said Professor Dumbledore calmly. "Sirius, James, if you two will kindly return to your common room. I shall speak to you tomorrow."

"But Professor," Snape protested. "Potter, Black, and Lupin tried to kill me! They must be expelled! Lupin's dangerous! He needs to be handed over to the Committee of Dangerous Creatures or something!"

"Severus, if you would kindly remain here, I must have a word with you," said Dumbledore, still very calm but with a slight steely note. "James, Sirius, I believed that I asked the two of you to return to your common room." James and Sirius turned and left without another word. "Sit down please, Severus." Severus stared at Dumbledore for a moment and took his seat. "I must ask you not to tell anyone about Mr. Lupin's condition."

"What! But sir, there is a werewolf here in this school. He's dangerous!"

"I assure you, we have taken all the necessary precautions. As long as no one is in the shack with Remus during the full moon no one will be in danger. I must insist that you keep this a secret."

"Why don't you just perform a memory charm on me?" asked Severus bitterly.

"I do not feel that is necessary, Severus. I believe that I can trust you to do as I ask."

"And the werewolf?"

"Sirius says that he was acting alone when he told you how to get past the Whomping Willow. I see in his eyes that he was telling the truth. Neither Remus nor James is guilty of trying to kill you."

"What ever you saw, Sir, the fact remains that Lupin is a werewolf. He is a dark creature."

"Severus, Remus was the unfortunate victim of an attack and he must live with a curse. He has shown himself to be one of the most worthy and most talented students at this school, as have you. He has just as much right to be here as you do. I am trusting you not to take his education away from him."

"Very well, Sir. I won't breath a word of what I've found out," Severus answered bitterly.

"I believe you, Severus."

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James and Sirius made their way up to the common room in complete silence. As the approached the portrait of the Fat Lady Sirius decided that he couldn't bear it any longer. "Are you going to hit me or not?"

"What?" asked James with a startled look on his face.

"You and Remus could be in a world of trouble because of me."

"I don't think that either of us is in trouble with Dumbledore."

"That isn't what I'm talking about," Sirius hissed. "Snape knows about Remus now. Who knows how he'll use it against him."

"Dumbledore won't let that happen." Sirius looked at James for a moment then leaned against the wall and slid to the floor hiding his face in his hands.

"What have I done?" Sirius moaned.

"It's alright, Sirius. Snape'll be fine."

"I don't give a damn about Snape. He needed a lesson in humility. But Remus'll never forgive me."

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"Remus! Remus wake up! Oh God! Remus!" said Madam Pomfrey as she poked Remus cautiously but firmly. Remus let out a pitiful moan. His entire body was scorching with pain.

They didn't come last night,

Remus thought. Why didn't they come? Moony had waited for his playmates and they had failed to show up. Moony had gotten angry. Moony had gotten violent. Moony had punished Remus.

"I'll have to put you on a stretcher, Remus. Don't try to move," said Madam Pomfrey in a very shaky voice. Remus let out another pitiful moan to show that he understood. He must have passed out after that because he had no memory of the next few hours. The next thing he knew, it was late afternoon. He was lying in his usual hospital bed. The pain was not nearly as bad as it had been. Now his body just ached dully. Remus looked over to see Annie sitting next to the bed. She gave him a forced smile and squeezed his hand gently. Remus could tell that something other than his condition was bothering her.

"They didn't come last night," said Remus.

"I know," said Annie in a hoarse voice.

"Are they alright?" asked Remus slightly alarmed.

"They're fine, they just got detained last night."

"Detained?"

"Let's just say that Snape was lurking around."

"Why doesn't he keep his abnormally large nose out of other people's business?" asked Remus sourly. Annie started to giggle.

"Abnormally large nose?"

"Well yes, it is rather large."

"I agree with you there."

"Then what's the problem?"

"There is no problem. It's just that only you would refer to Snape's nose as 'abnormally large." Annie caressed Remus' forehead lightly with the back of her hand. "That's just one of the little things that makes you, you." Annie and Remus both went scarlet.

"Er-so, what happened last night?" asked Remus. Annie began to shift uneasily in her seat.

"Can we talk about that later?" Annie asked earnestly. Remus sighed and nodded. He could see that something wasn't quite right, but decided that trying to get Annie to talk would be a futile effort.

"Oh, you're awake I see," said Madam briskly as she came around the curtains. "I'm afraid I'll have to asked you to leave now, Annie. Remus needs his rest." Annie nodded, squeezed Remus' hand, and left silently. Remus found it very odd that Annie did not do any of her usual protesting.

"Are James, Sirius, and Peter alright?" Remus asked Madam Pomfrey.

"Well, none of them have been in here if that's what you mean, dear," Madam Pomfrey answered as she took Remus' pulse. "How are you feeling right now?"

"Sore and tired, but other than that fine."

"I must say, I had a good fright when I found you this morning. You had a very rough night, Remus. I don't think you've ever had a night that bad." Remus could have sworn that Madam Pomfrey was trembling.

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Annie knocked the secret knock on the boys' dormitory and James answered.

"How's Remus?" he asked as he stepped aside to let her in. Annie shrugged soberly.

"He had a rough night, but Madam Pomfrey's taking good care of him. She kicked me out after he woke up."

"He woke up?" asked Sirius quickly jumping to his feet. He had been sitting on the floor.

"Yes," said Annie. "He wanted to know if you guys were alright."

"That's typical of Remus," Sirius snorted. "We-I let him down and he's not even angry."

"D-did you tell him what happen?" squeaked Peter nervously.

"I just said that Snape was lurking around. He kind of bought it, but he knows that there's something more to the story." Sirius slumped to the floor, put his head between his knees, and clawed the back of his head.

"Stop beating yourself up, Sirius," said Lily. "What's done is done. Remus isn't going to blame you."

"No, he'll blame himself," said Sirius looking up again. "It'll be just like our first year again when he thought he didn't have a right to be here."

"Then we'll just have to work hard to convince him otherwise," said James. "I think we'd better tell him what happened before Snape does though."

"If that greasy git tries anything, I'll make him sorry he was ever born," said Sirius looking murderous.

"Don't worry, Sirius. Dumbledore won't let him," said Lily.

"I still don't understand why Dumbledore didn't just use a memory charm on him," said Sirius.

"Neither do I," said James. "But Dumbledore always has good reasons for doing the things he does. I'm going to visit Remus in the morning. Are you coming, Sirius?" Sirius shook his head.

"I don't think I should see Remus after what I've done to him."

"He'll want to see you, Padfoot."

"No, Prongs!"

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Padima and Violet were looking at a letter and giggling as Lily and Annie entered the girl's dormitory. Padima looked up.

"There you are, Annie. Where have you been?"

"Visiting Remus. He's feeling ill again," said Annie.

"I'm surprised Madam Pomfrey let you stay that long," said Violet.

"So am I," said Annie. "What are you two reading?" Annie asked deciding that she ought to change the subject.

"Oh, Violet's got another letter from her Muggle boyfriend," said Padima.

"What, Martin Finnigan?" asked Lily. Violet nodded.

"Does he know you're a witch yet?" asked Annie. Violet shook her head. "Er-then how do you explain the fact why owls deliver your letters?"

"Well, my cousin knows how to use the Muggle post, so I just owl the letters to her and she sends them to Martin."

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When he woke up the next morning, Remus was in considerably less pain than he had been the day before. Madam Pomfrey told him that she wanted to keep him in the hospital until late afternoon just to be safe. After breakfast Annie came to visit him. This time she was accompanied by Lily, James, and Peter.

"How are you feeling today, Moony?" asked James.

"Better than I felt yesterday," Remus answered. "Where have you been and where's Padfoot?" James took a deep breath. Remus began to shift uneasily in his bed. He knew that look.

"There's something we need to tell you Moony," said James.

"What's wrong?" asked Remus.

"Well, er- Snape um found out that you're a werewolf." What little colour Remus had in his face left it.

"What? How?"

"He was lurking around when Sirius and I were trying to figure out how that one-eyed witch works," said Peter.

"And he over heard you talking?" asked Remus. Then he lowered his voice. "He doesn't know that you guys are Animagi, does he?"

"No, he doesn't know that," said James. Remus' face relaxed a little.

"Snape was being a real jerk," said Peter. "He took points from Gryffindor just because. So Sirius wanted to wipe that smug look off his face and he kind of told Snape how to get past the Whomping Willow." Remus froze. Peter decided to finish his story. "Well, we told James what had happened and he got there in time to pull Snape out."

"You mean he got all the way to the Shack?" Remus asked giving James a pleading look. James hesitated and nodded soberly. "Did he...see me?" James took a deep breath and nodded again. Remus put his head between his knees and clutched his hair as though he was trying to rip it out of his scalp. Annie walked up to him and put her arms around him as best as she could in the position he was sitting. James squeezed his shoulder.

"Look, Remus, it's alright. Dumbledore's taken care of everything. Snape won't tell anyone," said James. Remus looked up.

"Is Snape alright? I mean, he wasn't bitten was he?" James gaped at Remus. After everything he had been through he was concerned about Snape.

"No he wasn't bitten. He may have wet himself, but he wasn't hurt at all."

"He could have been killed because of me," said Remus. A look of self-loathing appeared of his face. "I shouldn't be here. I'm a danger to everyone."

"Dammit, Remus," said Annie. "You're not a danger to anyone. What happened wasn't your fault." Remus tried to think of a reply, but words failed him. He closed his eyes and the memory of being bitten came to him very vividly. He did not want to put another human being through that. Not even Snape. As he opened his eyes again he noticed that there were tears in them and quickly brushed them on the sleeve of his shirt hoping that no one would notice.

"So where is Sirius?" he asked.

"He feels really guilty about what happened and doesn't think he has the right to see you," James answered. Remus bit his lip. He probably should have felt anger toward Sirius, but couldn't. Sirius was his friend and had always been there for him in his darkest hours. Sirius had helped him create some of the happiest memories of his life in both human and canine form. He knew that Sirius had a temper and was a bit impulsive when it came to Snape. No, he couldn't hate or be angry with Sirius.

"He has every right to be here," said Remus.

"That's what we tried to tell him, but he doesn't feel that way right now. He thinks he betrayed you or something," said Lily.

"He made a mistake," said Remus. "After all we've been through together, I'm not going to throw our friendship away for one mistake."

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Sirius sat in the library looking over the notes Remus had been making about the grounds of Hogwarts. He suddenly came across something that Remus had written shortly before he had to go to the hospital wing two days earlier. Dissendium. So Remus had figured out the spell to get past the one-eyed witch.

"Shouldn't you be visiting your werewolf friend?" Snape hissed in Sirius' ear. Sirius quickly slammed his notebook shut.

"Shove off, Snape!" said Sirius through gritted teeth. He feared that Snape had seen his notes. It was bad enough that he knew about Remus, but if he found out about the map, things would be disastrous.

"Touchy aren't we?" said Snape silkily. "You're not so cocky now that I know Lupin's little secret."

"I told you to leave Remus alone. He's never done anything to you!"

"He's a dark and dangerous creature. He could have killed me if Potter hadn't gotten cold feet."

"For the last time, Snape, I acted on my own. James and Remus had nothing to do with it. So keep your mouth shut about Remus or I'll go to Dumbledore."

"Oh, the headmaster forbid me to tell anyone and I have every intention of obeying his wish. But I'll tell you this, Black, if the werewolf takes one step out of line, I shall take it upon myself to rid this school of the danger he presents." Sirius made like he was going to lunge at Snape but stopped himself as a thought occurred to him. A broad grin spread across his face.

"You know, Snape, James saved your life when he pulled you out of the Shack. You're in his debt." Snape's lip curled.

"I'll be keeping an eye on you as well, Black. You have shown that you are capable of murder. If you step out of line, I shall be the one to catch you." With that said, Snape turned and left the library. Sirius scowled after him.

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"Masters of Magic Mischief?" asked Sirius as he James, and Peter stood over the piece of parchment that was becoming a map of Hogwarts. James made a face. Peter looked quickly back and forth between Sirius and James. "Right, it's dumb. How about Kings of Magical Mayhem? Urgh! I can't believe I just said that!"

"How about Purveyors of Aids to Magical Mischief Makers?" Sirius, James, and Peter all jumped and turned around to see that Remus had just entered the dormitory. He was looking fixedly at Sirius who was at a loss for words. There was an awkward pause, which felt like an eternity. Sirius couldn't bear the silence.

"Aren't you going to hit me or something, Moony?" asked Sirius.

"Why would I hit you, Padfoot?" asked Remus without the slightest hint of sarcasm.

"I don't believe you! I nearly cost you everything because I can't stand Snape and you're just brushing it off as though I added the wrong ingredient to your shrinking solution or something!"

"You're my friend, Sirius and you made a mistake. I know you weren't trying to hurt me. So there's no reason for me to be bitter and let everything fester." Sirius just stared at Remus in disbelief. How could Remus be taking this so lightly? At that moment Remus did something that caught Sirius completely off guard. He quickly strode across the room and embraced Sirius. They had been friends for nearly six years and had never hugged. It felt good. Remus broke away and smiled reassuringly.

"So what do you think about 'Purveyors of Aids to Magical Mischief Makers?'" Remus asked his three friends.

"I think it's brilliant," said James with a grin.

"Me too!" squeaked Peter.

"Sirius?" asked Remus.

"I think that the one who came up with the name ought to right it down," said Sirius as he held out a quill.

"So you do like it?" asked Remus.

"It's brilliant! What's not to like? Hell, I love it!" Sirius said with his signature grin. Remus took the quill and carefully wrote across the parchment:

Messrs. Moony, Wormtail, Padfoot, and Prongs

Purveyors of Aids to Magical Mischief Makers

Are Proud to Present

THE MARAUDERS MAP

"The Marauders Map," said Sirius. "Ruddy brilliant, Moony!" Remus grinned at him. He then pulled out his wand and tapped the map.

"Mischief managed." Remus said and the map went blank.

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Epilogue

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Severus thought back to the night he had seen Lupin in his wolf form all those years ago. Dumbledore could have performed a memory charm on him to stop him from telling people, but the headmaster had decided to take a chance and trust Severus. After everything Severus had done that was against the things Dumbledore stood for, the old wizard had trusted him with a rather large secret. After every service Severus had done for Lord Voldemort, he was still treated like scum because he did not bear the prejudices against Muggle born wizards that the other Death Eaters had. Severus was a slave to Lord Voldemort and no longer wanted that life. He stared in disgust at the black skull on his arm. It was the Dark Lord's claim on him. It was the taking of his free will. It was hateful.

Severus took a deep breath and knocked on the door. Dumbledore opened the door and his eyes twinkled. "Severus, how nice to see you again! Do come in," said Dumbledore as he stepped aside to grant Severus entrance. "What brings you here?" Severus took a seat.

"I have a confessor to make, Headmaster," said Severus as he pulled up his sleeve to reveal the Dark Mark.

"I see," said Professor Dumbledore.

"I no longer want to be a slave to this mark, nor the wizard who burned it into me. I need your help."

"You shall have it, Severus, if you truly want it."

"I do truly want your help. In return I will provide you with whatever I know about Voldemort's activities." Dumbledore gazed at Severus for a minute before he spoke.

"I accept your offer, Severus. You have shown great integrity by coming to me and putting your life in danger. You have shown me in the past that you can be trusted, so I shall trust you now."

"Thank you, Headmaster."