A/N: For the Sherlock Competition (Part 1, Prompt 11: Write about the Marauders) and for my 12 Days of Christmas Style Challenge (Two canon fics 1/2)

Remus frowns as his friends find him in the Shrieking Shack. "I don't like this," he says, not for the first time, tawny eyes flickering nervously among the three boys. "It's too-"

"Brilliant?" James offers, leaning against the wall with a crooked grin plastered on his face.

"Of course. I thought of it," Sirius snorts.

Peter nods enthusiastically, squirming restlessly.

"Stupid," Remus corrects, pinching the bridge of his nose and silently wondering why he puts up with them.

But he knows. They had accepted him from the start. Even when his furry little secret had come to light, they hadn't loved him any less.

And here they are now with a plan that could go horribly wrong just to keep him company during his transformation. How can Remus live with himself if he repays their kindness by ripping them to shreds?

"Go away," he says at last, his voice quiet but anxious. "I'm begging you. Leave me alone. I've done this enough. I'll be fine."

To his surprise, Peter is the first one to speak. Peter, who has always contented himself to the background, never taking action. "Nah. What sort of friends would we be if we let you do this on your own? I mean, now that we can help..."

Remus feels tears moisten his eyes, and he blinks rapidly. "I could kill you..."

Sirius shrugs. "Worth the risk, mate," he says before transforming into a great black dog, the others following suit.