As June approached, the days became cloudless and sultry, and all anybody felt like doing was strolling onto the grounds and flopping down on the grass with several pints of iced pumpkin juice, perhaps playing a casual game of Gobstones or watching the giant squid propel itself dreamily across the surface of the lake.

But we couldn't. Exams were nearly upon us, and instead of lazing around outside, everyone was forced to remain inside the castle, trying to bully our brains into concentrating while enticing wafts of summer air drifted in through the windows. Even Fred and George had been spotted working, much to my surprise as the two barely ever touched a book, for they were about to take their O.W.L.s (Ordinary Wizarding Levels). Percy was getting ready to take his N.E.W.T.s (Nastily Exhausting Wizarding Tests), the highest qualification Hogwarts offered. As Percy hoped to enter the Ministry of Magic, he needed top grades. He was becoming increasingly edgy, and gave very severe punishments to anybody who disturbed the quiet of the common room in the evenings. In fact, the only person who seemed more anxious than Percy was Hermione. Soon the schedule for the exams was posted.

Monday

9 o'clock, Arithmancy

9 o'clock, Transfiguration

Lunch

1 o'clock, Charms

1 o'clock, Ancient Runes

After glancing over the sheet of parchment posted on the notice board, I walked over to the fireplace and threw myself onto the couch with a groan, making the twins and Lee look up from their books.

"What's the matter with you?"

With my eyes closed I answered, "The bloody exams are what happened!"

George scoffed. "We're the ones with OWL's!"

"Exactly! I don't see why you're complaining." Lee added.

Opening my eyes, I turned to narrow them at my two best friends. "And I'm the one that's going to be in trouble with my mother!" And my eyes slightly widened thinking about how if I did do poorly on the exams, what'll be awaiting me at home, since grades mattered to my mother a lot. She was a top student in her time along with Lily, Remus and surprisingly, James and Sirius, who apparently barely put any effort in but happened to be naturally intelligent.

Fred laughed. "Love, you're saying as if our mother's any different. How about this? We all leave school early and open up a joke shop!" The three howled with laughter as my face contorted into horror.

"Oh no, Mum would kill me!"

Fred placed a hand on my thigh, sending shivers down my spine making me look at him. "Relax, love, we're only kidding."

I grinned mischievously. "Aren't you always?"

***

The week was spent with revision and writing the exams or performing the practicals. Remus was pleased with my performance, his exam being the second last one the third-years had to do.

"At least I can tell your mother you passed my class, not sure about how you did in the other exams though." Remus whispered in my ear with a chuckle.

I looked at him in mock offense, raising a hand to my chest. "I'm offended by how low you think of my intelligence!" I expressed, only making him shake his head at me, before he ushered me away as he had to tend to the next student taking the practical exam.

Now the trio was outside, underneath the shade of the huge oak by the Black Lake. Lee was sprawled on the ground, facing up. George was on the other side, leaving a gap between himself and Lee, on his stomach, staring at the lake. Fred was leaning against the trunk of the tree, slightly further back then the other two but in the middle. I smiled as I approached them.

"So boys, how does it feel to be done with the OWL's?"

The three turned to look at me, their faces lighting up.

"Wonderful, although I don't really care how we did, it's just to get Mum off our backs that we tried." George said before his face lit up mischievously when he saw the Giant Squid's tentacles poking out of the water, and he got up before walking over to the edge.

"Done your exams?"

I nodded before I threw my bag on the ground, and gently laid on the soft green grass. I placed my head onto Fred's lap. His brown eyes peered down at me, something flashed within them.

"You don't mind, do you?"

He shook his head, before his hand found its way into my black locks, absentmindedly stroking my head. I let my eyes flutter shut, allowing myself to soak in the peaceful atmosphere, and although I didn't open my eyes again, from the sound of George's yelps I had concluded he'd fallen into the lake itself.

"That look suits you!" Lee called out, and my gentle smile widened even more.

Although now we all were enjoying ourselves, I would find myself in a completely different situation a few hours later.

***

"I'll see you guys later." The three froze, their gaze questioning as they looked at me, before Fred and George grinned.

"You know if you wanted to cause some chaos," Fred began saying.

"You can take us all with you, we could go prank good ol' Filchykins!" George finished.

I rolled my eyes whilst smiling. "I'm not all about pranks, you know? You three, should finish your dinner," I gestured at their plates, "while I," I pointed at myself, "quickly go off to the library."

The twins shook their head in disappointment. "The exams are over! Why are you going to the library?" George exclaimed, his eyes wide. I reached over the table and smacked him on the head. He playfully glared at me, as he rubbed his head.

"Prat, the library isn't just for studying, you know? I have a book to borrow." I explained while pulling out my pocket watch and glancing at the time. "It's almost curfew, so don't come looking for me, I'll meet you back in the common room."

Fred slightly pouted, "Do you have to go now?"

I stood up and before leaving I pulled his cheek, "Aw, don't miss me too much Freddie."

Fred's Point Of View

My cheeks tinted slightly pink while George and Lee exchanged a look, trying not to burst out laughing. I watched her retreating figure, her hair in shoulder length today, the black curtain flowing lightly side to side. I raised my hand to feel the spot that still had her lingering touch.

What magic are you casting on me? I seem to find myself falling for you harder and harder each day.

"Oh stop drooling loverboy!" George said, snapping me out of my trance and the pair across from me doubled over with laughter.

"That lovesick face you make around her is hilarious!" Lee stated, wiping away a few stray tears.

"Shut up."

Rubina's Point Of View

"Hey, Remmy!"

Remus looked up from the frailed parchment laid across his desk, giving me a tired smile. His appearance made me realise the full moon was really close. His posture was slouched, his eyes red and carrying bags underneath, his hair looking a little bit more grey than the usual sandy brown.

"Full moon soon?" I questioned, taking a seat across from my godfather.

He nodded, "Tonight actually."

I sighed, "I could leave if you want? I just wanted to see if you were free."

"No, no, it's alright you can stay for a bit, but, you should head back soon there's a few minutes till curfew.

I grinned with a joyous glint in my eye. I leaned back in my chair and crossed my arms across my chest with a smirk. "No one will catch me, it's alright."

Remus gave me a stern look, before his eyes froze onto the parchment before him. Curiosity piqued, I straightened my posture and leaned slightly forward to see the parchment. My grey eyes trailed over all the minuscule dots moving around on the Marauder's Map, with tiny writing in each little scroll underneath.

"Who are you looking for?" I questioned. Remus didn't answer but instead pointed to a spot on the map, specifically the area outside Hagrid's hut. I squinted my eyes until three familiar names registered into my mind.

"Why are Harry, Ron and Hermione at Hagrid's?"

Remus sadly sighed, catching my attention as I tore my gaze from the map to look at my godfather. "His hippogriff, Buckbeak, I'm sure you're familiar with him?"

I nodded and then it clicked, my lips turning downwards, "Buckbeak's getting executed, isn't he?"

"Unfortunately." Remus grimly stated. A silence befell the room, Remus' green eyes trained upon the Map while I occasionally glanced at it or the room, twiddling my thumbs, slouched in my chair.

Remus suddenly blanched, his orbs wide as his body froze completely, no sign of movement. I straightened immediately, alarmed by his sudden action.

"Remus! Are you alright?"

He jerked at being mentioned, and stared at me wildly. "I'm fine."

I rolled my eyes, slightly groaning. "Yeah like I totally believe that, seriously what's wrong?"

"Nothing, nothing." He muttered.

I narrowed my eyes at him suspiciously but didn't make any further comment, until he inhaled sharply a few minutes later.

I stood up, and snapped at my godfather, "Okay, now tell me what's going on!"

He didn't say anything so I placed my hands on the wooden desk, and leaned slightly forwards. I felt my mouth go dry at the name listed on the map, the one bearing the same surname as mine.

Sirius Black

He was bounding towards the castle, close to the clutter of the name of my friends. My eyes were wide, and I ran a hand through my hair as my orbs darted around the room, panic seeping through.

"Oh shit, this isn't going to end well." Making up my mind, I immediately turned and ran out, but Remus caught up not too long after.

"Are you mad! Where are you going!"

I paused, causing the Defense teacher to also halt in his tracks. "Well, where are you going?" I retorted.

His eyes narrowed onto me, his gaze piercing, "You aren't getting yourself involved in trouble, back up into the Gryffindor tower. Now."

I snorted, "As if that's stopping me from following you after."

Remus squeezed his eyes shut, pinching the bridge of his nose, a frustrated sigh escaped his lips. "What am I supposed to do with you? How am I going to answer your mother if something happens to you?"

"What if something happens to Harry? How are you going to answer her then? Or if something happens to Ron and Hermione?" I retorted, a triumph glint in my eyes, my lips pressed into a victorious smile. The inner battle my godfather was having with himself was written visibly across his face. I knew he didn't want me coming along, but he also knew he wouldn't be able to convince me to stay behind, which would only waste valuable time.

He slightly growled, "Fine, you can come."

***

"WE'RE UP HERE - SIRIUS BLACK - QUICK!"

"That sounds like Hermione." I whispered, horrified by what may be happening on the floor above. Remus beckoned with his hand for me to follow, thundering up the stairs and across the landing. Remus threw open the door, while I came in after only halting beside him, my eyes widening at the sight before me.

Ron was lying on the floor, while Hermione was cowering next to the door. Harry was standing with his wand covering a bleeding man, whom I knew to be my father.

"Expelliarmus!" Remus shouted, causing Harry's wand to fly out of his hand, along with the two in Hermione's grasp. Catching them, Remus moved to stare at Sirius, who apparently had Hermione's cat, Crookshanks, on his chest.

"Hey, Ron, are you alright?" I asked with concern, seeing he looked the most disheveled, his face not visible of any color. He gave me a look saying Do I look alright to you?

I rolled my eyes but before I could question the other two, Remus' voice caught my attention.

"Where is he, Sirius?"

My eyes widened with surprise as to how my godfather was talking with the convicted escapee, causing my eyebrows to furrow in confusion. Sirius remained frozen until he very slowly pointed his empty hand in the direction of Ron, causing the ginger to share the same bewilderment as myself, Harry and Hermione.

"But then..." Remus muttered, staring at Sirius so intently it seemed he was trying to read his mind, "... why hasn't he shown himself before? Unless-" Remus' eyes suddenly widened, "- unless he was the one... unless you switched... without telling me?"

Very slowly, his sunken gaze never leaving Remus' face, Sirius nodded.

"Professor," Harry interrupted loudly, "what's going on?"

"Remus," I said, my face scrunched up in confusion, "what are you going on about-" But I didn't finish my question as my voice died in my throat as I saw what was happening before me. Remus had lowered his wand and moved forth to Sirius' side, and seizing his hand pulled Sirius to his feet so Crookshanks fell to the floor while the two embraced like brothers. "R-Remus," my voice shook, causing the two to break apart. I pointed a finger at him, "I-I thought you said that he," my finger moved to Sirius, "was guilty, but you make it seem as if you're working together..." I trailed off breaking my gaze with him as I turned away, running a hand through my hair.

"I DON'T BELIEVE IT!" Hermione screamed, pointing at Remus, wild-eyed. "You- you-"

"Hermione-"

"-you and him!"

"Hermione, calm down-"

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

My eyes widened as I realised where Hermione was headed and I swiftly turned in her direction, "Mione, wait!"

"Hermione, listen to me, please!" Remus shouted. "I can explain-"

"I trusted you," Harry suddenly shouted at Remus, his voice wavering out of control. "And all this time you've been his friend!"

"You're wrong," said Remus. "I haven't been Sirius's friend for twelve years," Relief flooded through me at these words. "but I am now... let me explain..." This caused me to think, and I knew Remus must have a reason for his actions.

There's something going on. Remus wouldn't support Sirius without a reason, right?

"NO!" Hermione screamed, "Harry, don't trust him, he's been helping Black get into the castle, he wants you dead too-"

"Hermione, NO!"

"He's a werewolf!"

A ringing silence overtook. All eyes were on Remus, who looked remarkably calm, but pale.

"Not at all up to your usual standard, Hermione," he said. "Only one out of three, I'm afraid. I have not been helping Sirius get into the castle and I certainly don't want Harry dead..." An odd shiver passed over his face. "But I won't deny that I am a werewolf."

Ron made a valiant effort to get up again, but fell back with a whimper of pain. Remus, concerned, made a move towards him, but Ron gasped, "Get away from me, werewolf!"

My blood boiled and I stormed towards Ron, lowering my face to his, eyes narrowed to slits, "Apologize, Weasley."

"No." Ron huffed, irritation written all over his face.

"Rubi, it's alright-"

"No, it's not!" I snapped, straightening myself and turning behind to look at Remus who stood not too far away from me. "You can't let people put you down for this!" Despite the situation, my godfather's scarred face cracked the tiniest form of a smile.

"Just like your parents." Behind him, Sirius' eyes lit up at the words that left Remus' mouth, and I squeezed my eyes shut, clenching my fists.

"No. Only like my mother." I opened my eyes to find the Azkaban escapee's expression dark once again, much to my satisfaction since I didn't want to let him think that I was similar to him, in any way.

Remus cleared his throat before speaking, his gaze shifting on to Hermione.

"How long have you known?"

"Ages," Hermione whispered. "Since I did Professor Snape's essay..."

"He'll be delighted," said Remus coolly. "He assigned that essay hoping someone would realize what my symptoms meant... Did you check the lunar chart and realize that I was always ill at the full moon? Or did you realize that the Boggart changed into the moon when it saw me?"

"Both," Hermione said quietly.

Remus forced a laugh.

"You're the cleverest witch of your age I've ever met, Hermione."

I cleared my throat, but Remus ignored me with a side glance, only receiving from me a loud hmph!

"I'm not," Hermione whispered. "If I'd been a bit cleverer, I'd have told everyone what you are!"

I frowned at this, turning to look at Hermione with narrowed eyes.

"But they already know," said Remus. "At least, the staff do, and Rubi." He gestured in my direction, shock filling the faces of the other teenagers.

"You knew?" Harry exclaimed with a hint of betrayal in his eyes.

I shrugged, "I figured it out like Hermione, but I actually confronted Remus about it."

Harry's brows furrowed together, "Why are you calling him Remus-"

"Dumbledore hired you when he knew you were a werewolf," Ron suddenly gasped. "Is he mad?"

"Some of the staff thought so," said Remus. "He had to work very hard to convince certain teachers that I'm trustworthy-"

"AND HE WAS WRONG!" Harry yelled. "YOU'VE BEEN HELPING HIM ALL THE TIME!" He was pointing at Black, who suddenly crossed to the four-poster bed and sank onto it, his face hidden in one shaking hand. Crookshanks leapt up beside him and stepped onto his lap, purring. Ron edged away from both of them, dragging his leg.

"I have not been helping Sirius," said Remus. "If you'll give me a chance, I'll explain. Look-"

He separated Harry's, Ron's and Hermione's wands and threw each back to its owner.

"There," said Remus, sticking his own wand back into his belt, "You're armed, we're not. Now will you listen?"

"If you haven't been helping him," Harry said, with a furious glance at Sirius, "how did you know he was here?"

"The map," said Remus. "The Marauder's Map. I was in my office examining it-"

"You know how to work it?" Harry said suspiciously.

"Of course I know how to work it," said Remus, waving his hand impatiently. "I helped write it. I'm Moony - that was my friends' nickname for me at school."

"You wrote-?"

"The important thing is, I was watching it carefully this evening, because I had an idea that you, Ron, and Hermione might try and sneak out of the castle to visit Hagrid before his Hippogriff was executed. And I was right, wasn't I?"

He had started to pace up and down, looking at them. Little patches of dust rose at his feet.

"You might have been wearing your father's old cloak, Harry-"

"How d'you know about the cloak?"

I rolled my eyes with a gentle smile at my cousin's constant questions.

"The number of times I saw James disappearing under it..." said Remus, waving an impatient hand again. "The point is, even if you're wearing an Invisibility Cloak, you still show up on the Marauder's Map. I watched you cross the grounds and enter Hagrid's hut. Twenty minutes later, you left Hagrid's, and set off back toward the castle. But you were now accompanied by somebody else."

My brows furrowed together in confusion, my lips pursed.

"What?" said Harry. "No, we weren't!"

"I couldn't believe my eyes," said Remus, still pacing, and ignoring Harry's interruption. "I thought the map must be malfunctioning. How could he be with you?"

"No one was with us!" said Harry.

"Hang on!" I suddenly yelled, "Is that why you were acting like a lunatic back in your office? But," my nose scrunched slightly, "I didn't see anyone else on the map apart from these three."

Remus shot me a look but didn't answer. "And then I saw another dot, moving fast toward you, labeled Sirius Black... I saw him collide with you; I watched as he pulled two of you into the Whomping Willow-"

"One of us!" Ron said angrily.

"No, Ron," said Lupin. "Two of you."

He had stopped his pacing, his eyes moving over Ron.

"Do you think I could have a look at the rat?" he said evenly.

"What?" said Ron. "What's Scabbers got to do with it?"

"Everything," said Lupin. "Could I see him, please?"

Ron hesitated, then put a hand inside his robes. Scabbers emerged, thrashing desperately; Ron had to seize his long bald tail to stop him escaping. Crookshanks stood up on Black's leg and made a soft hissing noise.

Remus moved closer to Ron. He seemed to be holding his breath as he gazed intently at Scabbers.

"What?" Ron said again, holding Scabbers close to him, looking scared. "What's my rat got to do with anything?"

"That's not a rat," croaked Sirius Black suddenly.

My eyes widened as realisation dawned upon my face.

They don't mean...

"What d'you mean - of course he's a rat-"

"No, he's not," said Lupin quietly. "He's a wizard."

"An Animagus," said Black, "by the name of Peter Pettigrew."

Hey!

I'm back on updating this book after months, hehe! Anyways, this was a very long chapter, hope you liked it somewhat and yeah! Hoping to wrap up PoA soon and get started with GoF, because as much as I love PoA I've dragged it on too long and I have plans for GoF!! Votes are appreciated!

Have a great day and remember, you are awesome!

Take care! 

-S. B.