𝐟𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐚 𝐥𝐢𝐨𝐧

━ thirteen

SIRIUS BLACK WAS IN deep shit. He had told Severus Snape how to get past the Whomping Willow in hopes to humiliate him. 

Maddilyn Snape would kill him. And just when they were on good terms.  

James and Peter were rushing around, getting ready to transform to help their friend under the full moon. 

Sirius spotted a black fox running into the forest, heading towards the four. 

The black fox was about to disappear, but it noticed Severus. And Remus had transformed before being able to reach the Shrieking Shack. 

"What is Snape doing here?" James asked, pushing aside the fact that the two hated each other. The black fox tumbled into Severus, her snout pushing Severus back. 

It was too late, and Remus already smelled the scent of a human. Remus launched himself at Severus, but was intercepted by the black fox. They all could hear the sickening crunch of bone. 

James immediately jumped into action and grabbed Severus. "Get out of here, quickly," James said. "Peter'll come with you." Severus didn't hesitate to run out of there. 

The fox attacked Remus again, but the two could tell that it was severely injured. 

Luckily for them the moon was just about to go down, and the sun would rise soon enough. 

They could see their friend transform back as the fox fell down in exhaustion, whimpering. 

"We should bring the fox back to the school," James said. "And Remus. And then you're going to explain why the Hell Snape was here."

REMUS LUPIN GROANED IN pain as he opened his eyes. "I feel shitty, and more than usual," Remus said, looking at his surroundings. He noticed his best friends, James Potter and Peter Pettigrew on one side, and Sirius Black on the other. James was glaring at Sirius. 

"Are you alright?" Peter asked quietly. 

"What happened?" Remus asked, glancing at his body. "I don't normally get this many scars." 

"Yeah, about that," James said. "Snape got past the Whomping Willow and followed us." 

"What?" Remus asked. 

"Sirius, do you want to explain?" James asked, eyes narrowed. 

"IkindatoldhimhowtogetpasttheWhompingWillow," Sirius said, faster than Remus could comprehend. 

"What happened?" Remus asked. 

"He told Snape how to get past the Whomping Willow," James said, crossing his arms. 

"What?!" Remus said, shooting up in surprise, and then doubling over in pain. "I could've killed him!" 

"I wanted to scare him, I didn't think that you'd transform so soon," Sirius said, looking away with guilt.

"Did I hurt him?" Remus asked worriedly. 

"That's the funny thing," James said. "A black fox appeared. They fought you, but you broke her leg. We decided to bring her back to see if Madam Pomfrey could heal her." 

Remus's blood ran cold. "A black fox?" Remus repeated slowly. 

"Yeah, why?" James asked. 

"Shit, is she okay?" Remus asked, ignoring James's question. 

"Why are you worried. She's just a fox," James asked curiously. 

"Because that is certainly not just a fox," Remus said. "That's Maddie Snape."