Gryffindor Black brothers

Chapter 18

It was the second full moon of the year and the sun was starting to set. For the first time since the other marauders and Regulus had discovered his secret, the reality of facing the transformation with them was about to come to fruition especially since they were Anigmagi now.  

The other 4 were busy since September making sure they definitely had the transformations down so they could help Remus. 

"Are you guys absolutely sure? The transformations especially aren't pleasant," Remus asks his fear evident

James, Sirius, Peter, and Regulus exchanged glances, their expressions a mix of determination and empathy. They had spent months perfecting their Animagus forms, each taking the responsibility of learning and mastering their transformations with the single goal of ensuring they could support Remus during his full moon transformations.

"Of course we are Moony," Regulus replies 

"We've been practicing for months and you know we've gotten good! Even Pete is able to do it with ease now!" James says 

"Alright, alright. I'm going to go down to the medical wing. You guys follow me under the invisblity clock. Once Madam pomfrey leaves the shack you can come out," Remus says finally understanding that his friends won't ever leave him

As the first full moon of the year began to rise, casting a silvery light across the Hogwarts grounds, Remus led the way to the medical wing, his heart pounding with a mix of anxiety and anticipation. James, Sirius, Peter, and Regulus followed closely behind, concealed under the Invisibility Cloak, their footsteps muffled on the stone floors of Hogwarts.

The cloak's shimmering folds concealed them perfectly as they navigated the dimly lit corridors, and the only sounds were the occasional creak of the old castle and the soft scuff of shoes against the ground. Their breaths formed tiny clouds in the cold air, but they moved with purpose, aware that tonight was a significant moment for them all.

Upon reaching the medical wing, Remus hesitated just outside the door, gathering his resolve before pushing it open. Madam Pomfrey looked up from her desk, her face lined with concern.

"Ah, Mr. Lupin," she said, her tone both warm and professional. "Come in, come in. How are you feeling this evening?"

"I'm alright, Madam Pomfrey," Remus replied, trying to keep his voice steady. "Just a bit anxious."

Pomfrey nodded sympathetically as she examined him. "Any unusual symptoms? Any pain or discomfort?"

"Not particularly. Just the usual pre-transformation nerves," Remus answered, his hands clenched into fists at his sides.

She continued her questioning, checking his pulse and examining his eyes. "Do you have any new symptoms I should be aware of? Headaches, dizziness, anything?"

"No new symptoms," Remus reassured her, though his own unease was palpable.

Once Pomfrey had completed her checklist, she led Remus through the castle grounds towards the Whomping Willow. The massive tree's gnarled branches waved erratically, and its roots writhed as though sensing their approach.

With practiced ease, Pomfrey cast the spell that made the tree's movements freeze. The Whomping Willow became still, its branches resting motionless against the pale moonlight. Remus took a deep breath, steeling himself for what was to come.

"Alright, Mr. Lupin," Pomfrey said, her voice firm yet soothing. "You know the drill. I'll be back after moonset. Remember, you're to stay in the cleared area and avoid contact with the tree at all costs."

Remus nodded, his gaze flickering towards the immobile Whomping Willow. "Thank you, Madam Pomfrey."

As she made her way back towards the castle, Remus waited a few moments to ensure she was out of sight. He then turned to his friends, a hint of a smile breaking through his anxious expression. "Alright, you can come out now."