{1} The Marauders and the Whomping Willow ✔️

Chapter 20: Godspeed

On the last day of school Remus brought Gerald to the edge of the lake and set him free.

"I know." he said talking to Gerald who kept running back to Remus. "I'm going to miss you too. But you need to get outside experience the great outdoors."

The duck looked at him quizzically and almost as if he had understood Gerald took a tentative step towards the lake and dipped its webbed feet in. Remus felt a sort of motherly tenderness within him as he watched Gerald swim away without looking back.

"Godspeed." It was something his mother used to say him just before every transformation.

With that he turned and walked to his waiting friends.

"Let's go!" Said Peter. "Or we'll miss the express."

They ran up to the Hogwarts express panting, making it just in time.

"Anybody find out where Malfoy got that limp?" Asked Remus as they sat down in their carriage.

"Yeah." Said Sirius. He flushed red.

"You really don't want to hear it." Said James.

"Tell me." Implored Remus.

"Well you know how he and my cousin Narcissa are going out right?" Said Sirius.

"Yeah and they like to get it on in the classrooms."

"Well they were getting it on in the classroom and apparently Lucius was uh...getting a little ...passionate and he managed to trip over and twist his ankle."


"Who told you that?" Asked Remus. News like this usually spread like wildfire around the school if someone found out.

"Lucius himself." Said James. "We, regrettably, coaxed it out of him."

"How the hell did you do that?"

"Aggressive negotations." Said Sirius leaning back against the seat.

~~~

"Is that her?" Asked James.

"When you look at her do you feel the life drain from you?" Asked Sirius. "Like you..."

"Umm she's glaring at you."

"Yeah that's probably her. See you all in September."

He waved back joining his family dreading the moment he would have to go back to that nightmare. Yet instead of heavy silence his parents embraced him. He briefly wondered what was going on. Then he saw his brother, a bruise at his cheek.

No Reg. He thought. I was the one who was supposed to protect not the other way around. Soon they left.

Next Mrs. Potter arrived with Mr. Potter quick at her heels. She embraced the other two boys like sons.

"I'm so proud of all of you." She said kissing their cheek as James begged her to stop embarrassing her.

Next Remus's parents arrived shaken but obviously relieved to see their son again, even if his arm was in a sling. Remus turned to Peter.

"See ya Pete!" He waved his book still in his hand.

At that moment something clicked in Peter's head. The book he had been reading it on the train when they first met. But...it was also in the shack the night they took down Woodbead.

Dumbledore's words So it happens the lone wolf can prove to the most invaluable member when it joins a pack.

Could it be possible that...no. But yes it all made sense.

~~~

A/N - And my lovelies we are finished with the first book in this series.

Keep and eye out for the sequel.

Title and Plot reveal will be the next chapter.