Lights Will Guide You Home (And I Promise I Will Burn For You)

2

Over the next week, Harry was busy helping Snape with the potion in between Defense lessons and helping Blaise, Luna, and Daphne with their wandless magic and animagus transformation.

After a week's hard work, the potion was ready. As Harry had posited, the shade was slightly darker blue than the original, with a pale gray smoke that drifted up from the cauldron and gave it a mother of pearl-like sheen.

Remus took the first goblet they offered him and with a deep breath, knocked it back as quickly as possible.

He shuddered, and Harry shrugged apologetically. "As of yet, I haven't found a way to improve the taste."

Remus shook his head, smiling. "It's all right, Harry. What you have done is more than enough."

Harry blushed. "We still don't know if it will work," he reminded the werewolf.

Remus rested a hand on his pseudo nephew's shoulder. "I trust you, Harry. You've got a great mind in that head of yours. I believe in you."

Harry now resembled a tomato, as Remus left the room.

Snape rolled his eyes. "One of these days, Potter, you're going to have to learn how to take a compliment."

Harry threw a half-hearted glare at the Potions master, but didn't reply.

XXX

A week later, Remus and Sirius were preparing to leave for the full moon. They had planned to spend the night at Remus' old cottage. He hadn't really lived there in a couple of years, but it would make a good spot to wait out the night.

They received a surprise when they reached the entryway.

Harry and his friends were all waiting for them, similar expressions of determination on their faces.

Remus shook his head, suddenly worried. "No," he protested. "You're not coming."

Harry raised an eyebrow. "Who said you were going anywhere?" he asked reasonably. "The way I see it, we've got a nice expanse of land right outside these doors."

Remus wasn't giving in, though. "It's too dangerous," he said firmly, looking at Sirius for back up.

Sirius just shrugged helplessly.

Harry looked at Neville. Without saying anything, the Longbottom heir transformed into his wolf form and headed out the open door.

Harry turned back to Remus. "We're all capable of handling it," he said calmly.

Ron and Hermione both transformed and followed Neville.

Remus just kept shaking his head. "I don't..."

Harry glanced at Susan, and she transformed into an eagle, flying out through the open doors.

His eyes were amused as he turned back to Remus. "Face it, Remus. We're not letting you go through this alone. Being a wolf means being part of a pack. We're your pack."

Ginny transformed now, rubbing up against Harry's leg before bounding out the door.

Sirius chuckled. "Looks like you're outnumbered, Mooney. Best to know when you're defeated." He then turned into a dog and barked, wagging his tail.

Remus sighed, shaking his head. Harry shrugged, not looking apologetic at all. "Come on, Mooney," he jerked his head to the door. "It's almost time."

Harry then changed to a panther, and looked up at Remus, his green eyes pleading.

The Marauder groaned exasperatedly. Even in animal form, Harry knew how to hit him where it hurt. He just couldn't resist those eyes.

He nodded, sighing again, and followed Harry as he ran outside.