Binge reading this has been my escape from a stressful weekthank you!
Your characters are amazing, they’re so balanced.

Just rereading and still loving it - can't wait for more!

amazing writing... keep going. want 2 read more! FIngers crossed. Lupin is my fav character

Ahhhhh! Just want you to know I've been following this story for around a year now, and right when I forget to check regularly (the last time I saw this, it was still on chapter 105) - there's suddenly 30 more chapters! You have no idea how delighted and shocked and happy I was when I saw. I've made sure to subscribe to this now. It's wonderful. It took me around eight hours or so to catch up.

There's something so amazing about the way you write your Marauders. They're so whole and fleshed out. I even love the tiny bits of tenderness from Peter escorting Remus to the kitchens for a plate of raw meat, seeing him be so kind to Remus especially - it's all the more heartbreaking knowing what happens in the future.

And it's lovely how you write Sirius and Remus' friendship, especially Sirius himself. They balance each other out so well - you really show how Remus' gentleness and assurance helps Sirius, as much as Sirius' stout loyalty and confidence helps Remus. (I don't want to annoy you, because I truly love what you've written, but I also hope you're not quite that certain on this not being a slash fic, because Remus and Sirius' relationship is so sweet and... very easy to read into. Especially once this reaches fifth or sixth year.)

Several times catching up to the latest chapter I'd read something that reminds me of what happens after they all graduate Hogwarts, and it's so awful. I remember reading a part you wrote about how helplessness was the one thing Sirius couldn't stand, and I suddenly remembered that Sirius was locked up in the house he was abused in for the last two years of his life, and I swear that bit just killed me.

I'm also so glad you're having Sirius and Regulus be civil, because I'd be crushed if they had a falling out this soon! I also love what you're doing with James, and especially how he interacts with Sirius - how they keep each other's heads clear, it's great how different James and Sirius' friendship is from Remus and Sirius' and yet it's clear that both relationships are both still so vital! I love their dynamic. And it's cute how all the Marauders are so protective of Remus, even Peter!

And the person I really really want to talk about is Culpepper! I hated him at first, with all that stiff sternness, but then he began reminding me of all my own past and present professors who demand only the best from you, and reward you generously when you meet their standards. And then it was suddenly very easy to like him. He's like a younger copy of Minerva. But I'm on edge now because I feel like with how much he approves of Remus now, it's only a matter of time before he becomes suspicious of Remus' monthly disappearances and figures out why! And then it's a case of whether he'll stand by Remus - knowing he isn't exactly an advocate of werewolf rights - or protest against the placement of his most favorite student in the school! Which would of course lead to him arguing with Dumbledore and being replaced next year. It's driving me nuts. I'm dreading it and I can't wait, either. Personally I hope the existence of Remus Lupin changes his mind about some things and makes him check his privilege. Learn from James, Culpepper, please!

Anyway. It's wonderful how this fic remains so faithful to the original series yet it still has its own unique touch. It's lovely.

I just find your writing has the ability to elicit great emotion from the reader. Every chapter we ride the roller coaster of emotions as we follow Remus throughout his adventures, and it’s wonderful. Keep up the great work!

I, too, was rather worried at the lack of a letter and know better than to hope it means anything good. It's so blessedly sweet of Remus to put Sirius' wand into his hand for him, I love that little detail. Onto the roses, though... well, I don't blame Narcissa for rejecting such an offer. Personally, I've never been much for receiving flowers in the first place - very impersonal gift, sort of just the "expected" gift alongside chocolates or small stuffed animals and the like. Though, I suppose that makes it the perfect gesture from Malfoy! I've always preferred more personal gifts, though I guess I'll allow that Narcissa might be a bit more classically romantic. At least it wasn't perfume! I feel a little bad for him (it's complicated, being who he is) and I do wonder how this situation is going to resolve... Such a public rejection widens the gap, so now I wonder if the Marauders WILL somehow be involved, though probably not intentionally on their part... Perhaps. Watching him stumble getting up like that really reminded me that he's just a boy, though - almost an adult, and certainly a prat, but also just a teenager experiencing a bit of heartbreak. Even Draco didn't have such a moment of public humiliation, though Draco's life was a good bit more complicated.

I was rather surprised to find the boys suddenly investigating the Zodiac Killer, but I don't think it's out of place. I wonder what Professor Van Dorn is interested in it for, however... I was extremely afraid for a few paragraphs that he WAS the Zodiac Killer (don't know how I would feel about that) but being that he was working on the code I'm not going to go with that one just yet, haha. He's from the area, though, isn't he? I suppose he could have known a victim, or just been interested as many people were, for the sake of it. Bit ironic for Peter to be the one who loses his courage over the investigation, though, seeing as he's the one who's responsible for the largest mass killing in the modern Wizarding era... Ah, well, at least he's still innocent now. Interested to see where this thread turns unravels to.

Relieved to see that the Potions Caper Part Two was pulled off without a hitch, at least so far. I'm looking forward to seeing Slughorn's reaction to that one... he's going to be furious, especially with the amount of money he spent to keep it quiet. I wonder how long he'll keep it quiet for - there's a line between pride and money, I think, especially since whichever student is accumulating such a storehouse could have access to all sorts of potions if they were enterprising and skilled enough. No bathroom brewing for the Maruaders, though.

Here's hoping the winter is manageable for Remus, especially with the longer nights. Good luck with your difficult times, I'm sorry to hear they've been catching up. Saw on Twitter you have some essay work to attend to - I was always more of an essayist than a fictional writer despite my efforts, but they do take it out of you, don't they? Good luck!

Yours,
Raina

Oh the delight and anticipation at the end of a binge read... so hope this continues!

Just wanted to say that I miss your writing and hope everything is going well with assignments, I know it can be a very stressful time

I absolutely love this story! I even love it more then some of the HP books. I always wanted J. to write about those four but your are doing such a fantastic job that I don’t have that longing anymore.

I can’t wait to read about it when James, Sirius and Peter can start playing with Remus on the full moon!
Keep up the good work.

It’s so interesting how Remus protects those who he doesn’t even really like. I wonder if Iris will be able to get the name out of him, and what kind of consequences will follow.

The last part of the chapter was great too. It was nice to see that the school won’t accept that language forever. I’m interested in seeing who was behind it. Great job as always!

So much fun to read. I have caught up to you now I will be eagerly waiting for your next up date.

Great chapter, with a lot of emotion involved on Sirius’ side. I’m definitely interested in seeing how the relationship between Regulus and his brother continues to evolve. Your writing is fantastic as always! Keep up the good work.

I'm so glad how you decided to write this chapter! My very first review (which I looked up out of curiosity, will be 6 years ago next month!) I said something about wanting to see how James and Sirius would feel when they finally realize the reason for Remus's disastrous transformation the month they found out. And at long last, the satisfying discovery is unveiled!
Poor, poor Remus. Was it mostly coincidence that led to this overwhelming nausea this month? Or was there another contributing factor that made things turn out differently this way?
His pain and inability to do anything but accept his situation is just terrible. My favorite line is "the air came back out in a silent scream that faded to something that could have been a sob, if there had been strength enough to form one.” It's so wonderfully awful!
Thank goodness for Madam Pomfrey's quick arrival and constant caring assistance. I truly adore her so much, and can't wait to see more about her.
Reading the aftermath of this transformation and the little things like testing his shoulder for broken bones after reading the painful chapter five of In Desperate Measure... gahhh. It's so brutal that he has to cope on his own in such horrid circumstances! I'll need to try to focus on how he has her right now, instead of dwelling on that. But I can't help but think of it!
One thought I've had in a few different chapters - after rereading DH, I got a reminder of just how tiny the tunnel is. How could that possibly work for when Remus is older and needs to get there before his transformations, let alone when Madam Pomfrey needs to maneuver him out on a stretcher without causing any further pain.
Remus's paralyzed limbo state definitely does make sense in context of the effects of anesthesia! I'm so glad he's heard it all, though.
James's worries and Sirius's earnest attempts to reassure him are so wonderful. James's comment how he wishes he could forget the morning they confronted him... I'm sure someday he'll gain more horrifying memories as the war goes on, but for a long time that terrible image of his injured friend will haunt him for a long time. Especially with the revelation about to occur to him and Sirius...
Sirius really is right that it'd be so hard for them to see Remus go through another hard moon. But ooh, James's comment about what it would do to Remus to hurt anyone. That can only make me think about The Incident - the risk of how both Severus and James could have been hurt so so easily, despite what Sirius says that Remus would never hurt his friends. He was thinking about them as Animagi I'm sure, but the dramatic irony in those two lines back to back!
Oh man, the way talking about Elsie's kitten led to Jams both actually contemplating the details of what being Animagi could involve, and stumbling across the reason that transformation was difficult for Remus. James's righteous anger about hearing about the kitten when Sirius should have realized that upsetting Remus made the transformations worse... that and Sirius's contrition once he realizes now. Both so painful and angsty to read!
But oh man. None of that angst compares to James putting it together. That whole part is highlighted in my PDF, because it's so beautifully painful to read and I need it saved...
“The first one, the worst one,' James lamented. His voice was muffled, as if buried in his arms. 'When he almost… when he might have… it was us. It was us, Sirius.” His reaction to finding out is just perfectly done. I can just imagine the look on his face - if you could see it buried in his arms that is. I'm so glad they finally know, because the angst payoff is just as satisfying as I'd always wanted. Sirius's near inability to say anything... gah, it's just perfectly painful.
And then James agreeing they'll become Animagi. That quote is also highlighted, because I love every single bit of it from James voice being taut as he tries to fight tears, the resolution that any single solitary chance is worth helping Remus through his pain, and his repeated fever pitch of telling Sirius "you're right." Dear James...
I'm glad Remus couldn't move despite all of his efforts and determination, as it made sense that Madam Pomfrey's spell would hold and it works well that this conversation is resolved just between Sirius and James. Now that both of their iron wills are solidly aimed towards this goal, it's no wonder they inevitably succeed!
All of the trouble Sirius lists as worth risking to help Remus... obviously they never get caught, but I have to wonder what could've happened if they had been. Many AU potentials there... and I know Sirius would still have found it just as worth it for him, and now James understands just how much it is too. These precious wonderful boys, I'm going to cry at how loyal they are.
Now that Remus is awake and moving again... his thought about the pain of the cramp enticing the wolf to gnaw at his leg is very angstily interesting! I wondered for a second how Madam Pomfrey could have known what he was thinking, but then she just saw him turn away and told him not to be ashamed "whatever his thought was" so all she knew was how to recognize misplaced shame. I love her so much!
Peter's arrival! I love the fact that he wasn't present for the earlier revelation was due to their determination to take notes for Remus. It's so interesting that Remus briefly wondered if James and Sirius's realization then was a dream - though I wonder what it meant that “it had not gone in the way his imaginings usually did.” Does he still have nightmares now, all these months after his friends have shown their unequivocal acceptance of him?
And aww, their thoughtfulness about not wanting a Howler to disturb Remus in the hospital wing! And the first pondering of Remus as to who is mysteriously telling Mrs. Black about Sirius's Muggle Studeis attendance...
I wonder if James and Sirius didn't yet have the chance to tell Peter what they'd realized, and what they'd decided to do about it? It seems they haven't yet.
Peter's sympathy for Remus is so endearing - he truly is a good friend, but Remus is absolutely right that goodness doesn't determine suffering. Peter is right too that it's not fair that things are so awful, but Remus unfortunately has no illusions left that the world is always fair.
Ah, James said they need to talk all four of them, meaning for now his newfound agreement with Sirius is just between the two of them as far as he knows! I didn't remember that when trying to see if Peter knew yet. Remus is right on one hand that now the iron-willed duo would be nearly impossible to dissuade from researching Animagi, as James had been able to point out the flaws in Sirus's plan to stop it. But he's just so heartbreakingly, tragically wrong that he's not worth it, and I HATE how much he believes it. I wonder if the others, even for a second, realize how deeply undeserving Remus feels and how determined he is that he's not worth the risk. Obviously James and Sirius and Peter all feel otherwise, but do they understand just how deeply Remus doesn't think they should? Also, I notice that if Peter doesn't know now, will James and Sirius ever explain to him what they realized and how that made James change his mind? If he realizes the dreadful truth also of why Remus's transformation was so bad that month... more angst could be on the horizon, and I am always ready for that!
It's interesting how Peter thinks Sirius should cave in and drop Muggle Studies - as well as fascinating how Remus momentarily thinks Peter is talking about the Animagi. Peter's point about Regulus though... I wonder if Sirius's refusal to drop the class to spare either of them the constant humiliation will lead to some of the divide between them and the hurt that Regulus feels.
Remus is so right, that Sirius is learning so much by being able to stand up to his mother. He unfortunately does understand just what risks he's facing from her wrath, and yet he's really fighting for himself. How is Remus as this young boy so wise and insightful!? Painfully, I have to wonder though how he'll look back on these words when he was forced to believe that Sirius had in fact changed his ideals so drastically and in such betrayal...
Peter realizing how Sirius's proud stance means a lot to Remus in his acceptance... If only Remus believed fully how when “he's standing up for you, too, and the idea that you're worth fighting for” he really is worth it to his friends! Worth any amount of personal risk, any.
Peter's subsequent concern of the matron overhearing is so sweet, and then his assurance to Remus he would've sat the detention for Remus "proudly" also. He's such a good friend right now!
Once again, I have to adamantly express my adoration of Madam Pomfrey. I'm glad Peter thanks her for her care of Remus, and to see her tender care and words towards him. She's so absolutely wonderful, and if I absolutely had to pick just a few favorites from this story, she would rank SO high up.
James's "pained concern" for Remus is so touching! His pitiful attempts at guarding his thoughts from showing on his face - I feel Harry must inherit that from him. I hate how Remus feels angry at himself for directly indicating to his friends just how bad the full moons can be, even though they have a fraction of an understanding by now of that. But James continues to be the standout here in his moving words - and spot-on characterization! I love his abrupt segue into the fact he's agreed to Sirius's plan, and that he now thinks it's a good plan. The "firm finality that Remus had never heard from him before" - oooh, that's just so well-written and wonderful! James really would be as resolute in this as he's been about anything thus far in his life, and I love him so dearly for it. I mentioned in the beginning of this chapter how it's been the answer to my very first review of ATM ever, but I feel it's also appropriate to think back now on how utterly I adore James, largely thanks to you. This story really changed how I saw him and reminded me how complex but truly good his character had to be to fit with canon, rather than the few scenes we only occasionally saw of him. Since reading this so long ago, I've found many more reasons to love James, but I've started on this wholly thanks to you! And for so many chapters now, I'm finding myself adoring James's actions and characterization in particular, with stand-out moments of loyalty and beautiful devotion to all of his friends - though of course by nature of the plot, often Remus in particular!
Anyways, that's a long ramble, but suffice to say I adore James in this chapter and I want to thank you so much for your brilliant and rich characterization.
Remus's attempts at dissuading them... I know it'll trouble him so much, but I'm glad it won't work!
Sirius's delegation of James as chief researcher is hilarious! I imagine he's planned it from the moment James planned his classes, since it was clear in the summer at Godric Manor that he was imagining James could use his extra time to pursue the Animagus research! I wonder what resources they'll turn to in search of the Animagus process - the Restricted section could have something I suppose, but McGonagall's notes are a better bet. Obviously whatever research they do, it will have to take months and months before they've found it and start on the process itself. I'm so curious about this!
I love Sirius's justification for why they can go ahead and steal McGonagall's notes. If they're out there and possible for anyone to steal, I'm sure the Marauders could manage it. And they are posterity who will be putting it to incredibly good use! Obviously she can never find out since nobody had an inkling about them being Animagi, so whatever they do they'll put it off well (or if they get caught breaking into McGonagall's office, they'll believably pass it off on harmless mischief rather than indicating their actual goal!)
Remus's attempts again to dissuade them... I know there's no way he wouldn't try, but it's so painful to see! I wish Peter hadn't interjected when he did because it would have been good for Sirius - or James as well - to realize just how deeply Remus believes they can't risk it "for the sake of a werewolf." But of course, Peter interjecting is only to be expected! I have a lot of sympathy for him in this, and his determination that he can't stand Azkaban... poor kid.
I have to laugh at James saying Marauders never get caught when they do so catastrophically in one of the newer chapters - and not for a calculated reason like with the Andrews twins, or even with an unforeseeable variable like with Meyrigg's office, but just sheer foolishness!
Sirius's insistence on how righteous this cause is though, and how they have to help him. I love him so much - his devotion is just ferocious, I don't know another word for it!
I'm chuckling at how Remus manages to reassure Peter he could also become an Animagus, even when he so desperately wants to assure his friends of anything but! He really is a wonderful friend. I love James's words here (once again!) “It's only a restricted feat of advanced magic that can end in permanent disfigurement or death. How hard can it be?” Truly the Marauders' outlook on this!
"Helplessness, more than any other thing, was intolerable to Sirius Black" oooh, the foreshadowing is so strong it might as well be fore-spotlighting it! Not that I mind of course; I love these so much. I still adore the line where Sirius expresses sympathy for Professor Meyrigg "being shut up while someone you love is off risking their life" in such perfect parallel. You have such a knack for this!
It's so interesting Remus finally acquiesces thinking nothing will come of it. One thing I'm thinking that while obviously we know it doesn't come to pass - what would it have done to Sirius in particular to fail at this? Obviously there are catastrophic ways they could have failed at becoming Animagi, but even without those harmful results, what if they'd hit a dead end in helping Remus and been forced to give up hope like his mother had? It was such a painful concern of Remus's last year, though I suppose now it's eclipsed by the more considerable risks of this plan than just what it would do to his friends' hope. He's so sure they'll just come to a dead end... what would it do to each of them if they did though?
I wonder how much Remus actually expected them to research but not try anything! Even in less important of a situation, finding the answer and then not acting upon it would be agonizing. Obviously it will take them a while to find the process, but not as long as Remus would like.
I love Peter's desire to avoid breaking into McGonagall's office, even though I considerably doubt that (even if they didn't need to for Animagus research, they inevitably will at some point!) I wonder if they plan to check out books from the Restricted Section, or sneak around? James could potentially use the clout of the Potter name to get Slughorn to sign a permission slip, or lead McGonagall to think he's just curious - although that obviously would be more than suspicious for a student who while academically excellent is hardly an overachiever! Maybe they'll have to convince Remus to ask McGonagall for a permission slip... or find another teacher if they want legitimate access to the Restricted Section! As we know from canon and they have already suspected from the werewolf research, an Invisibility Cloak isn't enough protection from the enchanted books! It'll be an interesting process to see happen, that's for sure. I don't need Mack or Trelawney to foresee them getting in trouble with Pince, and entertaining rides along the way!
And then the last little bit of the chapter. More foreshadowing, with how Remus can't even bring himself to deny his wonderful friends of a plan to help him, let alone in the future stop them from their mischief. Once again I'm angry that he can't see how he *is* worth it and his friends are right to be so loyal and true... but I understand.
"He could always put a stop to things later on" ohhh so he thinks... I wonder how distressed Remus might become when they do begin to succeed and he cannot stop them. Obviously they'll persevere past many obstacles - he should know that, considering how he's witnessed James and Sirius tackle the problem of the portrait to get into the kitchens when it was late and freezing! They'll never decide he isn't worth the effort and risk, and surmount every single challenge for his sake. Even though Remus will unfortunately really never in his life realize just how worthy he is of these friends, of basic human decency and respect and love, I'm so glad that at least his friends did realize this and wouldn't forget it.
There was just SO much to say about this chapter, and I probably even left some things out! It was absolutely wonderful to read for the first time, and I'm so glad I've finally had time now to come back and reread to review. I hope this review encourages you some and makes you even half as happy and satisfied as this glorious chapter made me! I don't know how many words this all is, but it's still really not enough to say how wonderful it is, and how much I loved James and Sirius finally realizing. Just everything I could have asked for, and as always I'm in awe of how you've crafted this story and these characters. Thank you so much for an exquisite chapter.

Amazing, this is the best story I've ever read. You are a wonderful writer, please keep updating this!

Hello! I've really been looking forward to having the time to review this chapter! I actually read it the day it came out, and I especially loved it because it was the day before I had to teach my first lab class. I felt a special kinship with Remus as first time teachers!

This opening scene was adorable. I always love it when you show affection between the boys. I also loved the shock that both boys felt when the other thought they were brave. Sometimes you get so caught up in the struggle of your own situation that you can't see how strong and brave you truly are. It helps to have friends to remind you! And James was funny with his, "Your welcome." I can understand Remus' anxiety; whenever I give a presentation I like to be so prepared that I have the whole thing memorized to perfection, otherwise I feel anxious that I might forget something.

I'm so proud of Remus for giving his lessons! I think he did really well organizing it. Quick intro, puns, a map to engage the class, even prepared enough to answer tough questions. Well done! It was great to see how supportive his friends are too :) I laughed at James remark that it was only his first lesson approved by a teacher. I can relate because I've tutored/helped my friends with homework lots of times, but this is my first semester teaching an actual class!

Oh no, poor Remus! To feel so good about himself and then have the mood dashed by wolfsbane. I'm glad he was able to skip the lesson; I don't think he would have done well that day (but it was rude of Slughorn to say so out loud without offering to help him). But of course, Sirius and James are going to plan another raid! I wonder how many of these it will take before Slughorn gets the message, lol. Also, the news about Narcissa and the aftermath of the prank gave me mixed feelings. On the one hand, she is a jerk, so she deserves some criticism from her peers. But on the other, destroying those clothes and humiliating her on purpose isn't right. You've written this very well because I sympathize with both Sirius' and Remus' view of the prank (but mostly Remus).

Thanks again for such a great chapter!