Remus and Sirius reach an uncomfortable stalemate where they avoid each other while trying to maintain normal friendship dynamics. Remus increases his drug use to cope with the emotional strain and throws himself into his studies. During career meetings with McGonagall, all the marauders reveal their intention to join Dumbledore's fight against Voldemort after graduation, much to their professor's dismay. The full moon approaches with underlying tensions still unresolved between the friends.