It was Friday and Remus was standing in front of professor merrythought's office. He took a deep breath holding the book she had given him in his hands. As he raise his hand to knock on the door, the door opens and professor merrythought pouring tea with a smile, welcomes him in, "come in dear come in". Remus went in and the door closes on its on. Professor points him to sit and places tea in front of him with few other assortments that Remus politely declined.
Professor merrythought took a sip and then took a cookie to savor the flavor. Remus was silently watching her preforming this ritual. After a while he started, "professor… this book"
"Yes what about it?" She replied
"I came to return it" Remus said with a low voice.
"What did you learn from this book?"
"What did I learn?" Remus eyes were wide opened now…" I learnt … " before he continues, professor merrythought chuckles and says, this is my favorite novel written by muggles. "So tell me what did you learn from this novel, what did you got to know?"
Remus was shy now, his usually pale face was turning red . "Professor it's a love story between a werewolf and a human." He said in a low voice, with his face down, as if to hide himself. Professor merrythought, smiles at that and says, "ofcourse I know it's a love story between a werewolf and a human, but didn't you see, how proud he was of his existence and how clearly he handled himself without any shame or embarrassment about his blood? "
Remus looked up and nodded. So what do you think, can you become a character like that? Merrythought's eyes were enough to set Remus calm and to motivate him to say even his most Intrusive thoughts out loud. "But professor, everyone's scared of werewolves and I don't want to scare anyone. The werewolves in the novel, was a werewolf by birth, I on the other hand was dragged into this dark game". Remus's desperation was visible on his face now. Professor merrythought took another sip and said, " you are right, but you see sometimes our greatest miseries turn up to be our greatest blessings… who knows tomorrow you end up helping your friends with your gift".
Remus didn't say anything in response… he was just thinking. No one has ever told him that maybe he could use this curse in his own favor or that it was a blessing. Then professor merrythought broke his thread of thoughts with a throat clearing and said, "well, I guess, the message has passed, you can take your leave now, if you wish to". To which Remus gladly complied and hurriedly went towards the door, when he heard her say, "take care child, also it's full moon tonight". Remus had completely forgotten. So he quickly leaves the room and exists the building.
As he rushed towards a direction, James saw him rushing across the grounds, shoulders hunched, moving like he didn't want to be seen, while he was practicing quidditch.
He called after Remus but he didn't respond back. James frowned. "Well that's suspicious". Saying this he hopped on his broom and took off, gliding toward Remus until he was flying level with him.
"where is my boy going at this hour?! And in such a hurry? Snogging a secret huh?" James teased, smirking.
Remus flinched but didn't stop.
James's smirk faded. "Oi. I'm talking to you."
Still, no answer.
James looked closer and suddenly froze.
Remus's eyes were bloodshot, shining with unshed tears. His face was pale, his jaw clenched like he was barely keeping it together.
James had seen Remus upset before—mostly when they were teasing him... But this was something else. It was fear.
"Remus? Stop… listen to me" he tried again, softer now.
Nothing.
And then, just like that, Remus turned and sprinted even faster into the trees.
Before he could follow him, he heard a familiar voice calling him from behind,
"James!"
James turned to see Sirius Black come running toward him. His dark hair was windswept, his grey eyes gleaming with concern.
"Where the bloody hell did you go?" Sirius demanded. "I was waiting for you at the pitch while our dear Captain tried to murder me with strategy talk. I had to listen to Frank Longbottom go on about 'teamwork' and 'discipline' for ten minutes, James. Ten!"
But James barely heard him. His eyes were still locked on the place where Remus had disappeared.
Sirius followed his gaze, frowning. "What?"
James took a deep breath. "Follow me."
Sirius blinked. "Okay, but if this is about sneaking into the forbidden forest at this time of the day, I..."
James took off on his broom.
Sirius groaned but followed, grumbling, "You know, you better have a good reason for doing this to me Potter!
"Shut up, Sirius," James cried.
They moved quickly, dodging low branches as they followed the path Remus had taken. James's mind was racing. Then, they saw it.
The Whomping Willow.
James pulled to a sharp stop just outside the tree's reach, watching as Remus ran straight toward it.
Sirius came after him panting. As he saw Remus standing near the violent willow, he cried, "Remus! has you lost your mind mate! that thing will kill you!"
Remus looked back at them and before he could do anything, he started to change.
Sirius's mouth fell open. "what the bloody…"
James wasn't listening. He watched as Remus changed into a huge beast in front of them.
Then, before they could process what had just happened—
A howl split the air.
James felt his stomach drop. And sweat appearing on his forehead.
He turned to Sirius, and for once, the mischievous grin was gone from his face.
They didn't need to say it. Now they knew, what Snape was talking about, and to whom he was referring to. It all made sense now.
Now they knew Remus secret, he was a werewolf.
Then Sirius let out a breath and, because he was Sirius after all, he said, "Okay. I must agree! That's way cooler than I thought it would be! Remus Won!"