Moonlit Bonds: The Tale of Moony and Snowy

Chapter 37 - First Full Moon

The chill of a September night settled over Hogwarts, and the Marauders found themselves curious about Remus's frequent and sudden absences. Remus had always been somewhat secretive, disappearing once a month without any clear explanation. His excuses of being sick were becoming less convincing, and Eliza, James, Sirius, and Peter decided to get to the bottom of it.

"He's gone again," Sirius whispered one night as they sat in the common room, the firelight casting flickering shadows on the walls.

James nodded, his expression serious. "We need to find out where he goes."

Eliza glanced around, ensuring no one else was listening. "Let's follow him. Tonight."

They waited until the castle had quieted, the only sounds the occasional creak of the old building settling for the night. James pulled out the invisibility cloak, and they slipped underneath it, their steps silent as they made their way through the corridors.

As they neared the entrance to the grounds, they saw Remus slipping out of the castle, looking around nervously before heading towards the Whomping Willow. They trailed him, careful to stay hidden. Their hearts pounded with anticipation and fear of discovery.

"Where's he going?" Peter whispered, his voice barely audible.

Sirius narrowed his eyes. "Towards the Whomping Willow... but why?"

When they reached the Whomping Willow, they watched in amazement as Remus used a long stick to press a knot at the base of the tree, freezing its violent branches. He slipped into a tunnel that opened at the tree's roots.

James gasped. "He's going into the Shrieking Shack."

They followed him cautiously, crawling through the tunnel and emerging in the decrepit old house. Through a crack in the door, they saw Remus transforming into a werewolf. The sight was both terrifying and heartbreaking.

"Merlin's beard," Sirius muttered, eyes wide with shock.

James swallowed hard, trying to steady his breathing. "Remus is a werewolf."

Peter's eyes were filled with fear. "What do we do?"

Eliza's heart ached as she watched Remus's painful transformation. "We need to help him. He's our friend."

Sirius, always the first to come up with a plan, spoke with determination. "We need to be there for him. But how?"

James's eyes lit up with a sudden idea. "We should become Animagi."

"Animagi?" Peter echoed, confused. "Isn't that really dangerous?"

James nodded. "It is, but it's the only way we can be with Remus during his transformations and keep him company without putting ourselves in danger."

Eliza looked at Remus, now fully transformed and howling in agony. "We'll help you, Remus. You're not alone."

They stayed hidden until morning, watching over their friend from a safe distance. When Remus returned to his human form, exhausted and frail, they carefully made their way back to the castle, determined to keep his secret and to find a way to support him.

The next day, they confronted Remus in the Gryffindor common room, their faces a mix of determination and concern.

"Remus, we know," James said gently, placing a hand on his shoulder.

Remus's face paled, and he looked down, ashamed. "I'm so sorry. I didn't want you to find out like this."

Sirius shook his head. "You have nothing to be sorry for. You're our friend, and we're going to help you."

"But how?" Remus asked, his voice trembling. "I'm a danger to all of you."

Eliza stepped forward, her eyes filled with compassion. "James had an idea. We're going to become Animagi. That way, we can be with you during the full moon, and you won't be alone."

Remus looked at them, his eyes filled with both hope and fear. "You'd do that for me?"

James grinned. "Of course, we would. We're Marauders, remember? We stick together, no matter what."

Peter nodded, albeit a bit hesitantly. "Yeah, we're in this together."

With their decision made, they began to research the complex and dangerous process of becoming Animagi. The next few months were filled with intense study and practice, but they were determined to succeed. For Remus, for their friendship, and for the bond that made them more than just friends—they were family.

As they delved deeper into their studies, their bond grew stronger. They spent countless nights practicing, learning the intricacies of the transformation, and preparing for the day they could join Remus in his monthly ordeal. And through it all, Eliza's feelings for Remus deepened, her determination to help him only growing stronger with each passing day.