The Bonds of Spirit are stronger than the Bonds of Blood

Chapter Seven

Sirius' head jerked up at the sound. He relaxed when he saw it was Lily. He wouldn't spill Remus' secret, but a bright witch like Lily might have some idea of what to do! With a strained smile he said "Ah, Lily... I could really use your help! I have a theoretical question. If, hypothetically of course, a wizard wanted to change into another creature, what would he have to do?" Well, there was no turning back now. Sirius only hoped that Lily would have some sort of idea, and that she wouldn't ask any questions. Sirius wasn't one to ask for help, he could generally get through anything on his own, but he was desperate to help his friend. And if it meant finding a way to ensure Remus wouldn't have to suffer through the full moon anymore, then he was willing to do whatever it took. He watched as she puzzled over the question; clearly she had questions of her own, but she wasn't speaking any of them aloud. After a long silence, she finally spoke. "Well I suppose Transfiguration would be the only way, though I'm not exactly sure how. Professor McGonagall would have those answers. But why? Why do you need to know this?" And there came the question Sirius had been hoping she wouldn't ask. He didn't want to lie to her, but he couldn't tell her the truth. It was up to Remus to decide who to tell and when. He fidgeted in place, while trying to act calm, as he attempted to answer her. He knew that at this point anything he said would come out sounding like a stupid excuse, but what other choice did he have? Working up an awkward grin, running a hand through his hair, he sighed before giving her his lame, noncommittal answer.

Lily was dumbfounded when Sirius finally spoke. A wizard turning into some other creature? Why would he want to know about that sort of thing? Did it have something to do with why he was so pensive at dinner? She could tell by the serious look in his eyes that this question meant quite a bit to him, so she racked her memory for any ideas. Well transfiguration was the best bet, but she had no idea what spell would be useful. Were there spells to turn into specific animals at will? If so, they likely wouldn't learn about it for years. Maybe Professor McGonagall would know what to do. With that thought in mind, she answered Sirius before finally asking the question that had plagued her mind since he spoke. He seemed hesitant, practically awkward. This was a side of him Lily doubted anyone had seen before. Finally, he spoke. "Just curious, heh, yeah, just an odd thought..." He trailed off, clearly lying. Lily found it strange just how flustered he was. Sirius could lie well enough; he did on a daily basis, but this, whatever it was, seemed to be keeping him trapped in this awkward state. As he fidgeted and laughed awkwardly, Lily decided to drop the matter and let him keep this secret he so desperately wanted to remain a secret. With a smile she said "Well then, I suggest you talk to Professor McGonagall tomorrow. Goodnight, Sirius."When she walked away, Sirius replied "Goodnight Lily." Sighing in relief, he thought over her words. Transfiguration was definitely the key. If he was careful, maybe McGonagall would tell him everything he needed to know without him having to out Remus as a werewolf. With these thoughts on his mind, Sirius returned to his bed and attempted to get some sleep.

The next morning he dragged James with him to Professor McGonagall's office. James looked around the hall sleepily before saying "Where are you *yawn* taking me Sirius?" Sirius, determined in his mission, kept dragging James along as he replied. "To McGonagall's office. I've got an idea for how we can help Remus! So just trust me, and follow my lead!" Finally reaching their destination, Sirius knocked on the door. The second it opened, he pushed James inside before following and closing the door. Professor McGonagall stood there dumbfounded at the sight before her. Not only were there two students in her office, but they were two students notorious for arriving late to their first class of the day! "Potter? Black? What is the meaning of this?!" Sirius was the first to speak up. "Well you see Professor, we have a question for you. If a wizard wished to change into another creature, what would they have to do? Just a hypothetical question, of course!" Professor McGonagall was confused at first, but then it clicked. She didn't show it, but she understood their meaning. Raising an eyebrow, she waited for them to continue. Sirius spoke up again. "If, say, a wizard wanted to turn into an animal at will, could he?" Eyes refusing to give away any hint of her understanding, Professor McGonagall said "What you speak of is only able to be done by trained Animagi. It is some powerful, and dangerous magic to learn." Sirius and James exchanged a look. Determined, the boys faced their professor once more. Sirius said "Hypothetically..." James interrupted "Theoretically..." Sirius finished the thought with a smirk "What would it take to become an animagus?"