Astra

XXIII - The Marauders' Map

MALFOY WAS ALMOST BESIDE himself with glee at Gryffindor's defeat. He had finally taken off his bandages, and celebrated having the full use of both arms again by doing spirited imitations of Harry falling off his broom. Malfoy spent much of their next Potions class doing Dementor imitations across the dungeon; Ron finally cracked and flung a large, slippery crocodile heart at Malfoy, which hit him in the face and caused Snape to take fifty points from Gryffindor and Astra to snort in amusement, which lead to Snape taking 5 points off Gryffindor because of that.

The other day, Hermione had confronted Astra about Professor Lupin, just as Astra had expected. Hermione had also expected Astra to figure it out, but was surprised when she seemed completely calm about it and told the bright witch not to tell anyone. However, she trusted Astra and decided to go on with her day, trying to forget about her defense teacher who was a werewolf.

Professor Lupin was back at work. It certainly looked as though he had been ill. His old robes were hanging more loosely on him and there were dark shadows beneath his eyes; nevertheless, he smiled at the class as they took their seats, and they burst at once into an explosion of complaints about Snape's behavior while Lupin had been ill. Astra knew that he had already learned about the homework, and that he would be back today, seeing as the full moon was over, but was still happy that her second favorite teacher was back.

"It's not fair, he was only filling in, why should he give us homework?"

"We don't know anything about werewolves --"

"-- two rolls of parchment!"

"He said we were really behind --"

"-- he wouldn't listen --"

"-- two rolls of parchment!"

Professor Lupin smiled at the look of indignation on every face.

"Don't worry. I already spoke to Professor Snape," he gave a small nod to Astra who pretended like she wasn't paying attention. "You don't have to do the essay."

"Oh no," said Hermione, looking very disappointed. "I've already finished it!"

They had a very enjoyable lesson. Professor Lupin had brought along a glass box containing a Hinkypunk, a little one-legged creature who looked as though he were made of wisps of smoke, rather frail and harmless looking.

"Lures travelers into bogs," said Professor Lupin as they took notes, well, everyone except for Astra, who simply watched the lesson. "You notice the lantern dangling from his hand? Hops ahead -- people follow the light -- then --"

The Hinkypunk made a horrible squelching noise against the glass.

When the bell rang, everyone gathered up their things and headed for the door, Harry among them, but --

"Wait a moment, Harry," Lupin called. "I'd like a word. Astra, you can stay as well."

Harry doubled back and watched Professor Lupin covering the Hinkypunk's box with a cloth. Astra gave him a soft smile, so he knew that he wasn't in trouble or anything.

"I heard about the match," said Lupin, turning back to his desk and starting to pile books into his briefcase, "and I'm sorry about your broomstick. Is there any chance of fixing it?"

"No," said Harry. "The tree smashed it to bits."

Lupin sighed.

"They planted the Whomping Willow the same year that I arrived at Hogwarts. People used to play a game, trying to get near enough to touch the trunk. In the end, a boy called Davey Gudgeon nearly lost an eye, and we were forbidden to go near it. No broomstick would have a chance." Astra knew the true reason why the Whomping Willow was planted, but continued to put her books away as she listened to their conversation.