I'd really like to run a bit with this story, so please be so kind as to review or follow if you'd like to see any continuation.

Happy reading!
I don't own anything Harry Potter

Chapter 1

Remus slowly opened his eyes, wishing desperately he could have had a decent night's rest. He was going to need all the energy and fortitude he could procure if he wanted to survive the coming evening remotely intact.

Slowly he forced his leaden body out of bed, his brows knitting in response to the considerable effort the simple task demanded. Already his joints were in protest of his movements. This realization sent a mild wave of anxiety through his system. The symptoms of a full moon rarely hit him so hard the morning of - tonight would definitely be hellacious. Determined not to allow himself the luxury of worry, he struggled into his day clothes and cautiously took to the stairs.

Upon arriving in the kitchen (slightly out of breath), Remus saw Sirius standing at the stove. He couldn't help but envy his friend this morning as he watched his futile attempts at cooking a moderately edible meal. Sirius' health had returned to him and then some. All the rugged handsomeness of his youth had only seasoned with age, his inky hair glistened and his athletic stature blended both grace and command. No stranger could possibly imagine the man had ever been subjected to Azkaban's cruel imprisonment. And while Remus was truly overjoyed for his best friend, it was impossible not to wish for such health.

Interrupting Remus' longings, Sirius noticed his company. "I made breakfast, but it's certainly not going to be winning me any awards. Harry's lucky he's at the Weasley's." His stormy eyes twinkled with unbridled energy.

Remus smiled and approached the other man, but stopped shy as his stomach curdled. The smell of eggs and juice was nauseating. This hyper sensitivity unnerved Remus a bit, but rather than fighting his body he flicked his wand, producing a plate of barely cooked meat.

Sirius' mouth began to open in mock offense at his culinary rejection, but instantly saw the real reason as Remus gingerly lowered himself to the table.

"Bloody hell, tonight's a full moon!" Sirius couldn't believe he'd forgotten. He'd been so tied up at work all week it completely slipped his mind. He sat down across from his friend, really seeing him as he was.

Remus' face was haggard, the skin looking too gaunt and pale for Sirius' liking. His modest clothes hung from his slight frame - no doubt he had lost weight the last few days. Yet what he really noticed was the careful movements and controlled facial expressions of his closest friend. Full moons hadn't always taken such a harsh toll on the man. In fact he had not too long ago managed to hold a teaching position at Hogwarts without drawing unwanted attention to his condition. Well, at least not for most of the school year.

Finding his most convincing smile, Remus reassured Sirius as best he could. "Don't even think twice about it. You have the big sentencing today; you've had a very full plate lately getting prepared."

He tried to keep the mood light, although he was slightly disgusted by himself. Eating nearly raw meat before noon was certainly not how he liked to start his day. It was as if the beast inside was attempting to steal away his day as well as his evening.

"There's no excuse. I can come here straight after the sentencing - perhaps even duck out early. I could possibly even make it before nightfall."

Remus was genuinely touched by his friend's devotion but would have no part of it. "Nonsense," he started, wiping dripping juice from his chin, "You've been on this case for months, and I know how important it is. Besides, I've done this countless times alone before."

"I don't care about what you've had to do; we both know very well it's easier on you with interaction." Sirius felt foolish for forgetting. Transformations were the one thing he could ease for Remus, and he hated the thought of missing even a single one.

Remus swished his wand again, the plate, now full of bare bones, vanished. "I know, but things happen. I won't hear another word about it."

Silence settled over the two men momentarily, the werewolf with his eyes shut in exhaustion and the Animagus watching in quiet concern. Sirius spoke first. "At least you have the Wolfsbane now. That gives me some piece of mind."

The werewolf sighed, too fatigued to lie. "I have to go without tonight. The last full moon demanded my last dosage."

Sirius was dumbfounded. "What!" He immediately dropped his voice as Remus rubbed his temples and winced at the volume. "I thought Snape -"

" - I'm no longer an employee of Dumbledore's. Severus has no obligation to volunteer his expertise free of charge. It's no easy potion to fund or produce, so it was quite the imposition. Besides, circumstances aside I don't believe for a second that he fancied assisting me in the slightest."

Sirius was appalled at the idea of Remus not only transforming alone but doing so all natural after having grown accustomed to Wolfsbane potion. "Is that why the symptoms are so strong today?"

Closing his eyes again Remus shrugged. "That was my guess as well. I suppose this is a withdrawal of sorts."

"This won't do, Remus. It's cruel. I'll see if I can find any resources at the Ministry today. Surely the potions experts there will be able to aid somehow."

Remus' normally soft brown eyes flew open. They were already glowing amber. "I will not have you do any such thing. I am no charity case, Sirius Black. Don't you dare forget that."

The Animagus lifted his palms in surrender. He knew better than to tread on Remus' pride. The social stigmas of his condition were damning enough. Couple that with the constant pain of illness and the irregular employment and you have an understandably volatile mix.

"Promise me you'll contact me if you change your mind?"

"Of course."

Sirius made an effort not to stare as Remus slowly peeled himself from his seat and deliberately tackled each stair to his bedroom. Every bone in his body wanted to help him up, but he cared too much for Remus' independence to intervene.