At last it was the right time and the dark-robed figure left the sanctuary known as Hogwarts to cross the grounds and enter the Forbidden Forest. It paused for a moment, waiting…listening. The silence was all-encompassing…like rich velvet draped over the horizon, blanketing the world in restful quiet.

But not for long.

The sound of breaking twigs signaled the arrival of a second figure who did not say a word, but simply raised a questioning glance.

"There is not much time. Let us go with haste," the first figure urges.

Nodding, the other runs into the forest, forcing the first to follow as best as possible…mainly by listening to the sounds of disturbed underbrush.

Finally, they reached a small clearing. The first figure watched as the second carefully examined every square inch of ground…searching…searching.

With a glad cry, the second figure pointed to a small copse of blue-white flowers that were just opening in the moonlight. The first figure ran over and, with trembling hands, harvested the delicate flowers and placed them gently in a drawstring bag attached at the belt.

"Thank you, Remus," Madame Pomfrey whispered gratefully as she gently patted the werewolf on the head, hoping that he would not take it as an offence.

The werewolf howled in what she supposed was a friendly manner. Sitting down beside him, she looked at the flowers now in her possession.

"These flowers are among the rarest in the world. They only bloom when there is a second full moon in a month and they are among the most difficult to find. For some reason, only werewolves are able to detect their presence."

She absently scratched between the werewolf's ears affectionately.

"The flowers are useful in treating madness. I am going to try out an idea that might help Neville's parents. I only hope it works."

The werewolf licked her hand…as if to encourage her.

"If only I could do something for you, Remus," she sighed, looking away…

…if only…

"All I ask is for you to be my friend," Remus transformed back into his human self and quickly availed himself of the spare robes she had brought with her.

"It is not much," she said as they both stood up to return to Hogwarts.

"It is everything."

She smiled at him and nodded.