Shifting Moons

Chapter One

The werewolf is found worldwide, though it is believed to have originated in northern Europe. Humans turn into werewolves only when bitten. There is no known cure. Once a month, at the full moon, the otherwise sane and rational wizard or Muggle afflicted transforms into a murderous beast. Almost uniquely among fantastic creatures, the werewolf actively seeks humans in preference to any other kind of prey.

"Well, that doesn't help much," Sirius muttered to himself, rubbing at his eyes as he slammed the copy of Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them shut. "You, Mr. Newt Scamander, are no help at all."

Sirius Black had been in the library for hours, nose deep in books on werewolves, and had nothing to show of it. The only information on how to identify a werewolf had been on when they transformed, which didn't help him on his current mission.

As reckless as he seemed, and as much as his family would say the opposite, the twelve-year-old wasn't dumb. Sirius' knew something was up with Remus. The disappearing once a month, the growing number of scratches that littered the boy's body, the excuses he had given them about his mother being sick. None of it added up to him in a way that didn't scream 'huge secret.'

Of course, his being a werewolf was also a far stretch according to the books he'd read. Every single book had said that they were dangerous, cruel beasts that lost all control around the full moon, and it was hard for Sirius to picture Remus Lupin like that.

The young Gryffindor slowly reached out for another book, ignoring the pain behind his eyes. He wanted- no, needed to get enough information to confirm his suspicion before the end of the year. The raven boy didn't want to have to wait another three months before confronting his friend. He barely noticed the Slytherin approaching him from behind and jolted as the boy started to speak.

"I didn't know you could read, Black. I thought all the money your parents put into your education went to waste," Severus Snape sneered, and Sirius fought back the urge to hex him. He didn't need the other boy's misplaced jealousy complex interfering with his work.

"Not now, Snape. I'm trying to research my defense essay, and I need to focus," he spat out at the other boy, hoping the greasy git would get the hint to leave him alone.

"I was just making an observation," the Slytherin stated, irritation evident in his tone. The other boy leaned forward, and Sirius quickly moved to cover the title of the book. He smirked at the action. "Defensive much, Black? What, do you think I'm going to steal your idea for the essay? I doubt it would even be good enough."

"I just don't like having nosy grease balls looking over my shoulder," Sirius shook his head, moving to slide the small pile of books into his satchel. There was no way he'd be able to get back to work now that Snape had broken his focus. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I'll be heading back to my common room. I believe it's strictly snake-free."

"Wait!" The other boy called out, grabbing Sirius' arm. "Why are you researching werewolves? You turned in your essay a few days ago, and it's not on the curriculum until next year."

Sirius' brow furrowed. How would he have known that? He'd specifically made sure no one had seen him turn it in. He ripped his arm away from Severus' grip, a scowl on his face. "Not that it's any of your business, but it's a personal interest."

Sirius moved to walk away again before frowning as he heard the Slytherin speak up. "It's because of Lupin, isn't it?"

The raven boy whipped around to face him. "And what exactly do you mean by that?"

"What, like you're the only one who's put together the clues?" Severus taunted, a malicious smirk on his face. "Anyone could have gotten to the same conclusion if they just looked closely. All of his disappearances happen around the full moon, and he always spends a few days in the infirmary afterward. You'd have to be an idiot to have not put the clues together by now."