Eclipsed

The air crackled with nervous energy as the first NEWT loomed. For Remus Lupin, however, the pressure wasn't just academic. The full moon, his unwelcome companion, fell smack dab in the middle of exam week, threatening to derail his entire plan to salvage his grades, so that maybe next year he could apply for a post-grad research position at one of the Wizarding post-graduate programs. 

The days leading up to the full moon were a blur for Remus, but thanks to the cocktail of potions and paracetamol, he sat through the first set of exams in a haze, his body aching and his mind foggy, but he managed to get through the defense, history, and arithmancy exams without a great deal of trouble. 

"Merlin's beard," Remus muttered, staring at the NEWT schedule plastered on his bedside table. "Theory on the day of the full moon? I’d rather kill myself?"

Sirius Black, sprawled on Remus' bed with a copy of "Mapping the Magical Body," glanced up with a concerned frown. "That joke isn’t funny anymore, darling."

Remus rolled his eyes. “Fuck off. You have one depressive episode, and now nobody will let me make my stupid jokes anymore.” 

James, ever the optimist, grinned. "Who knows, Moony, Nightshade might go easy on you. The wilder the theory, the better the grade."

Remus chuckled weakly. "Funny, Prongs. Real funny." The joke, however, died in his throat. The nausea intensified, and he felt his hand instinctively cover his mouth.

"Maybe you should lie down for a bit, Moons," Sirius suggested, seeing Remus suddenly go pale. 

"No." Remus swallowed, and took a deep breath before continuing. "I have to study. Don’t you have things you should be studying right now?"

"Nonsense," Sirius said, his voice a touch too loud. "You've been studying like a maniac, you've got the exam down. Besides, sleep is important too, especially today.”

“How about this,” James interjected quickly, sensing the beginning of a petty argument. “How about, Remus, study with me until I get tired and then we all go to bed?”

Everyone agreed, and after only an hour, the lights were off, and the boys were tucked into bed.  

The next morning heralded was a typical pre-moon morning, and Remus was a pale, shivering mess, so much so that the Ministry official asked if Remus should be in the hospital wing upon seeing him enter the Great Hall. His head was already heavy in his hands as Professor Nightshade and the Ministry official passed around the official exam paper. 

“Remus,” Marlene whispered to him, as the closest to him. She didn’t know he was a werewolf, but Remus’ poor constitution and frequent illness were a commonly accepted fact around Hogwarts. “Re- if you’re gonna show up, at least get your name down on the parchment, you knob.” 

As he forced his head up to begin, Remus felt a surge of despair as he scanned the densely packed pages. Each question seemed like a cryptic riddle, the words blurring at the edges of his vision.

He forced himself to focus, tackling the questions one by one. Some, to his surprise, clicked into place. But the deeper, more theoretical questions left him floundering. The explanations he managed to scrawl onto the parchment were shaky at best, riddled with gaps and fueled by sheer willpower.

As the minutes ticked by, the room grew warmer, the stifling air adding to Remus' misery. He felt his concentration slipping, the migraine intensifying into a pulsing throb that threatened to drown out everything else. With a supreme effort of will, Remus pushed on. He answered the remaining questions as best he could, his hand cramping from the constant writing. Finally, the proctor's voice echoed through the hall, signaling the end of the exam.

Peter, Lily, and Sirius were waiting for them outside; James’ exam was being administered in a different room by himself, so that all the questions and answers could be exchanged aloud. 

As Remus and Marlene approached, Remus began to make out Peter’s face, clearly etched with concern. "How was it, mate?"

Remus could barely force a groan in response, leaning heavily on Sirius, who had held out his arms to him as soon as Remus came into sight. "I doubt I managed to string two coherent sentences together."

"He did get most of it done... good on you, Remus- at least you showed up today, yeah?" Marlene handed him off to Sirius with an encouraging smile. 

Sirius squeezed his shoulder reassuringly. "Don't be so hard on yourself, Moony. You did your best, and that's all that matters."

Lily closed in on Remus’ other side, offering only a concerned look. "You look like shit, darling. I think you should go down to Pomfrey, don’t you think, Sirius?” Sirius nodded, and Remus shook his head. 

“No, we have Arithmancy then Ethics tomorrow, Lily, I have to study for those two, especially Arithmancy because–” Remus tried to break away, but Sirius gently steered him in the direction of the hospital wing, and Remus couldn’t fight him. 

“I think studying will have to wait ‘til breakfast, love.” 

Sirius' arm looped supportively around Remus' waist as they trudged towards the hospital wing. The setting sun cast long shadows, mirroring the exhaustion etched on Remus' face. Every step felt like wading through treacle, his body a leaden weight protesting each movement.

"Easy there, Moony," Sirius muttered, as Remus swayed for a moment. "Let's get you to Pomfrey."

Remus nodded weakly, his throat too parched to speak. They navigated the bustling corridors, the chatter and laughter of students a world away from Remus' churning stomach and throbbing skull.

Madam Pomfrey, her brow furrowed with concern, fussed over Remus the moment they arrived in the hospital wing. "Honestly, Mr. Lupin," she chided, her voice a gentle rasp. "I told you not to push yourself on the full moon. You're far too pale, and that fever…"

Remus winced at her scolding but couldn't muster much of a defense. "Sorry, Madam Pomfrey. I just… I couldn't afford to miss the exam."

After a dose of a potent headache potion, a couple hours, and a quick goodbye to Sirius, Pomfrey escorted Remus to the Shrieking Shack. The dilapidated building loomed before them, its windows like vacant eyes staring out at the grounds. As Pomfrey unlocked the heavy oak door, a wave of damp, musky air assaulted Remus.

Before she left, Pomfrey placed a cool hand on Remus' forehead. "Seven years, Remus," she said, her voice filled with unexpected warmth. "Seven years you've gone through these transformations here… and not once did we ever regret it. You’ve grown into such a wonderful young man… I am so very proud of you.” 

Remus, touched by her words, offered a grateful smile. "Thank you, Madam Pomfrey. That means a lot."

With a final squeeze of his arm, Pomfrey turned and locked him in, heading back towards the castle through the tunnel, leaving the weight of the full moon heavy in the air.

Just then, the sound of hushed voices reached his ears. A grin, tinged with bittersweet joy, spread across his face. The Marauders had been hiding upstairs, under James’ Invisibility Cloak, and after hearing Pomfrey leave and counting to ten, they came stumbling down the stairs. 

"Alright, Moony?" James began, a smile on his face. “How’d that theory exam go for you? I felt okay, but the guy who read me my exam has got to have the biggest vampire-phobia on the planet; he smelled like straight-up garlic!” 

Remus, despite his exhaustion, cracked a smile. “Please don’t remind me,” he groaned, “I don’t think I managed to even spell my name right.”

Sirius stepped in, helping Remus undo the top clasps of his robes, as the other man’s hands were not cooperating. 

“Let’s bitch about exams later, Prongs… this is Moony’s NOT-THINKING-ABOUT-SCHOOL time, please,” Sirius said in a very Effie-esque, and the other three rolled their eyes. 

“Okay, Mum.” 

For the last time, the Marauders sat in the Shrieking Shack, chatting, laughing, doing their best to distract Remus from the impending transformation, just waiting for the moon to rise. About a half-hour later, the familiar prickling sensation began creeping across Remus' skin, and Sirius gave him a kiss on the head before ducking behind the door, just in time for the transformation to begin. 

The next few hours were a blur of controlled chaos. Wormtail, Padfoot, and Prongs, in animagus form, yipped and barked, leading Moony on a frantic chase through the Forbidden Forest, fueled by adrenaline and, cheesily enough, friendship. Finally, with the last stars disappearing from the night sky, the Marauders led a weary Moony back to the shack, just in time for the transformation back. .

Exhaustion, brought on by both the transformation and the physical exertion, crashed over Remus. He collapsed on the dusty floor, his wolf form trembling slightly. A couple moments later, Remus, drained but thankfully unharmed, shifted back into his human form. He lay there, shivering despite the rising heat, a quiet sadness hanging in the air. The boys all turned back, Peter reaching for James’ shoulder, and Sirius running to Remus’ side, making sure he was comfortable before they had to disappear from Pomfrey’s view. 

"Last time, Moony," Peter said, his voice barely a whisper.

Remus cracked a weak smile, the exhaustion evident in his voice. "Last time here, Pete. But not the last time we'll be together."

Sirius ruffled his hair affectionately. "Course, mate. We'll always find a way."

They slipped out the door as she bustled inside, under the cloak, for the last time. 

“You know,” Peter said quietly, once they were in the hall, “It’ll be great, you know, to be done with school, but what will happen to Remus if he has a bad you-know-what? Like without Pomfrey there, what’s gonna happen to him?” 

Sirius sniffed. “He’ll have me, Wormtail,” he said haughtily, his pureblood accent coming out as it did when he felt slighted. “That’s the whole idea of me being a healer, asshole.” 

Peter blushed, embarrassed. “Right, sorry Pads,” he quickly said, before James sighed loudly. 

“Not the time, Pads, not the time. I have an exam in about four hours, and if I have the same garlic-breath reader as last time, I will definitely projectile vomit all over him without at least a short nap before.” 

Collecting Remus for the Ethics N.E.W.T proved to be less challenging than Sirius thought it would be. He had his Potions exam in the early afternoon, but since that was one of Sirius’ best subjects, he hadn’t been too anxious to do more early morning study, unlike Peter, who’d opted to look over some last minute notes instead of joining Sirius in the Moony-Hospital-Extraction plot. 

The sterile white walls of the hospital wing felt like a tomb compared to the thrill of the full moon chase just the night before. Sirius, his usual pep dampened by his lingering exhaustion from running around with a werewolf all night, found Remus lying in his usual private bed, looking every bit the picture of post-transformation misery.

Remus, paler than his usual shade of pale, winced as he shifted in his bed. His normally bright eyes were dull, and a faint sheen of sweat clung to his forehead.

"Hey, Moony," Sirius said softly, pulling a chair up beside the cot. "Feeling rough?"

Remus cracked a weak smile. "Like a troll sat on me and then used my head for a bludger practice session."

Sirius chuckled, the sound lacking its usual warmth. "Sounds delightful. But you know the drill. Ethics of Magic exam in an hour."

“I… I don’t think I can do it today,” Remus murmured, closing his eyes again, and attempting to turn away. 

“Darling, you need to. If you don’t go, you don’t pass, you know that. You’ve worked so hard to bring your grades up.” Sirius sat on the edge of the bed, running a hand over his boyfriend’s sweaty head.

Remus knew Sirius was right. Missing this exam could jeopardize the last few weeks of intense work, not to mention his legacy of almost seven years of straight O’s and E’s. He couldn't let that happen. He took a deep breath, mustering what little strength he had left.

The door to his room creaked open, revealing Madam Pomfrey, her face a mask of disapproval. She knew all too well about the "plan" – a desperate attempt to ensure Remus could graduate despite his condition, and spending almost the entire Spring term failing his classes. While she sympathized, a part of her worried for his well-being.

"Mr. Lupin," she said, her voice laced with concern, "are you truly up for this?"

Remus, his voice hoarse, managed a weak smile. "I have to be, Madam."

"We'll take good care of him, Poppy," Sirius assured her, his voice earnest. "Promise. Just a few Pepperup Potions and a strong cup of tea, and he’ll be good to go, you know our Remus."

“Poppy?” She laughed, before studying Sirius’ face for a long moment, her gaze unwavering. Finally, with a resigned nod, she muttered, "Very well. But Mr. Black, if he collapses mid-exam, I will be having a very stern word with both of you."

Relief washed over Sirius. "Thank you, Madam Pomfrey. We won't let you down."

“Straight back here after the exam, no arguments, alright?" They gave her their reassurances, and she stepped out of the doorframe, leaving the two young men alone. 

"Ready to face the music, Moony?" Sirius asked, his voice laced with a playful challenge.

Remus managed a weak laugh, the sound brittle and strained. "Always, Padfoot, you know I’m an exceptionally skilled dancer.” 

Sirius chuckled, his heart clenching at Remus' evident exhaustion. "I always knew you had it in you, darling. But first, let's get you some breakfast and a pain potion, eh?” 

Remus groaned good-naturedly, allowing Sirius to help him to his feet. His arm acted as a steady support as Remus winced with each step. The walk to the exam hall felt like an eternity, each step an agonizing reminder of the toll the transformation had taken.

As they entered the exam hall, Remus felt a wave of nausea sweep over him. The room, usually bustling with nervous students, seemed to tilt and sway. He clung to Sirius' arm for dear life, his vision blurring at the edges.

"Easy there, Moony," Sirius whispered, his voice a steady anchor in the storm of Remus' discomfort. "Just a few hours, then you can rest."

Remus nodded, his throat too dry to speak. He knew he wouldn't win any scholarships for his performance that day, but giving it his best shot was all that mattered at this point. He owed it to himself, to his parents and teachers, to Sirius, and to the life he was hoping to lead beyond the walls of Hogwarts.

The next two days were just as challenging. Remus, drained from the transformation but fueled by determination, focused solely on getting through the exams. James, Sirius, and Lily, their faces etched with fatigue, acted as his guides and cheerleaders, relaying questions and answers in a well-rehearsed rhythm.

Finally, the last exam was over. Relief washed over Remus, leaving him feeling strangely hollow. He had done it. He had endured the full moon, the exams, and the constant physical and emotional strain. His brain, completely fried from weeks of relentless catchup studying and the lingering effects of the full moon, had hardly made it back to the dorms in one piece, much less back to Pomfrey, who was expecting him. 

The warm morning sun did little to dispel the exhaustion clinging to him like a Dementor's cloak. He had one last duty – helping with the graduation party setup on the Hogwarts grounds alongside his fellow prefects, including Lily and James. 

However, the moment he slumped across his Gryffindor dormitory bed, books cascading to the floor as he tossed his bag off the bed, he was out like a light. The last vestiges of magic from a Pepperup Potion buzzed faintly in his veins, a futile attempt against the malaise he’d been dealing with over the last few days as a result of taking no rest before or after the June moon. 

When it was time to set up for the party, early in the afternoon, Lily and James came looking for him in the dorms, hoping to walk together to the lawn to set everything up. 

A gentle nudge woke him. Sunlight streamed through the window, casting long shadows across the room. He blinked, disoriented, his muscles protesting at the slightest movement.

"Remus?" It was James' voice, a hint of concern in his tone.

Remus croaked out a greeting, his throat parched. He sat up slowly, wincing at the sharp pang in his hip.

Sirius, perched at the foot of his bed, placed a soothing hand on his shoulder. "Easy there, Moony. Lily and James came to ask you to help with the party set-up, but…" he shot them with a pointed look, "I think they've decided to let you sleep."

Lily, a small smile playing on her lips, spoke up. "Don't worry about a thing, Remus. We've got everything under control. You just focus on getting some proper rest."

James chuckled. "Yeah, Sirius is right. The only thing you need to do today is settle your sleep debt."

A wave of gratitude washed over Remus. His friends, his pack, they understood. They knew that pushing himself further right now would only set him back. He lay back down, exhaustion pulling him under once more.