Wolfbite (A Harry Potter Fanfiction)

Chapter 13: The Marauders

Chapter 13: The Marauders

It's nearing the end of term again, and James invited us all over to his place again so they could work on their Animagus transformations. Suppose I should go, if only to make sure they don't bodge it up.

**

After quickly wiping and grabbing the Map off the desk, Leo and Remus took off, making all haste toward the Whomping Willow. Luck seemed to be on their side that evening as they managed to avoid teachers and students alike in their mad dash out of the castle. They moved quickly across the grounds, only halting at the Willow where Remus waved his wand, levitating a stick and prodding the knot at the trunk's base.

Leo quickly ducked into the passage, Remus not far behind him as they ran down the winding tunnel and made for the Shrieking Shack. The boy climbed out of the hole into the half-repaired room he and Sirius usually talked in. He turned around, helping Remus out as they glanced around furtively, wondering where they should go next. Their query was quickly answered by Hermione's voice.

"WE'RE UP HERE!" her voice screamed. "WE'RE UP HERE — SIRIUS BLACK — QUICK!"

The two exchanged a quick look before they thundered up the steps, bursting into the only room with a closed door, their wands raised threateningly. Their eyes flickered over Ron, lying on the floor, over Hermione, cowering next to the door, to Harry, standing there with his wand covering Sirius, and then to Sirius himself, crumpled and bleeding at Harry's feet with Crookshanks latched tightly on his chest. For the first time he could recall, Leo was truly angry at Harry.

"Expelliarmus!" he shouted.

Harry's wand flew out of his hand, as did the two Hermione was holding. Remus caught them as Leo ran across the room, pushing Harry aside and kneeling beside his uncle worriedly. With some gentle coaxing, he managed to convince Crookshanks to move.

"Where is he, Sirius?" Remus asked, his voice tense.

Sirius's face was quite expressionless. For a few seconds, he didn't move at all. Then, very slowly, he raised his empty hand and pointed straight at Ron. Leo turned his head quickly, eyes narrowing maliciously at the shivering bulge in the boy's robes.

"'Bout time he showed up," Leo groused. "I was beginning to worry he scarpered for good."

"What's going on -?" Harry asked loudly.

He didn't get to finish as Remus crossed over to the Blacks and he and Leo both hauled Sirius to his feet, hugging him tightly.

"I DON'T BELIEVE IT!" Hermione screamed.

"Son of a -" Leo jumped in surprise at the sudden loudness.

The Blacks and Remus released each other to stare at her. She had raised herself off the floor and was pointing at Remus, wild-eyed. "You — you —"

"Hermione —"

"– you and him!"

"Use your words now, Hermione," Leo stated in a dry tone.

"I didn't tell anyone!" Hermione shrieked. "I've been covering up for you —"

"Hermione, listen to me, please" Remus shouted. "We can explain —"

"I trusted you," Harry shouted at Remus, his voice wavering, out of control. His eyes turned to Leo, flashing with betrayal. "Both of you! And all the time you've been his friend!"

"Yup," Leo replied. "Well, nephew, anyway. I'd also use protégé, dog walker -"

"Not helpful, Leo," Remus informed him. "Please, let me explain -"