The Boy Who Fought: OC X Hermione

Sir Cadogan and Werewolves

"What villains are these that trespass upon my private lands!" Was what the new Gryffindor tower painting said, as Carson tried to get into the common room after lunch. Sir Cadogan, the temporary painting for Gryffindor tower, would not let him in.

"Who dares challenge Sir Cadogan! Back, you scurvy braggarts! You rogues!" Sir Cadogan yelled, denying the third years entrance to the common room.

"He's barking mad!" Seamus shouted, finally getting into the tower.
"What d'you expect? After what happened to the Fat Lady, none of the other pictures would take the job." Dean said to him, making a good point. Nobody wanted to see Sirius Black if he were to show up again.

"But he keeps changing the password. Twice just this morning! I've taken to keeping a list." Neville said, holding up a worn piece of parchment.

"Farewell, comrades! If ever you have need of noble heart and steely, call upon Sir Cadogan!" he shouted, as the group made their way to the next class.

"Yeah, we'll call you... if we ever need someone mental." Carson said, Hermione holding his hand tightly.

She had not let Carson out of her sight since Black had broken into Hogwarts. Except when he was asleep in his dorm, but that was about it. He didn't mind her company; it took her mind off fighting with Ron. They had been fighting about their pets yet again. They never seem to stop. Carson had honestly wished Scabbers would just die already. He's lived thirteen years, way too long for any ordinary rat.

The golden quartet made their way to DADA, sitting down in their regular seats. They had seemed to beat Professor Lupin there, and just waited until he showed up.

However, instead of professor Lupin, Snape showed up. "Turn to page 394." Snape said, as he entered the classroom, shutting all the curtain windows.

"Excuse me, sir, but... where's Professor Lupin?" Harry asked, curious to why Snape would even be here.

"That's not really your concern, is it, Potter? Suffice it to say, your Professor finds himself incapable of teaching at the present time. Page 394." Snape said, in his usual monotone voice.

"Werewolves?" Carson whispered, wondering why they were learning about creatures they weren't supposed to until springtime.

"But, sir, we've only just begun learning about Red Caps and Hinkypunks. We're not meant to start nocturnal beasts for weeks!" Hermione said, raising her hand as she did so.

"Quiet!" the professor snapped, Carson glaring at him.

He took Hermione's hand in his and she gave him a reassuring smile. They turned their attention back to the class before Snape could catch them. Harry and Ron were muttering about how they did not see Hermione enter the room before Snape started talking again.

"Now. Which of you can tell me the difference between an Animagus and a werewolf?" Snape asked, Hermione's hand shooting up instantly.

Snape looks at the entire class, ignoring Hermione's hand. He gives them all a glare before muttering, "No one? How... disappointing."

"Please, sir, an Animagus is a wizard who elects to turn into an animal. A werewolf has no choice in the matter. Furthermore, the werewolf actively hunts humans and responds only to the call of its own kind." Hermione says factually, as Malfoy lets out a wolf howl.

"Quiet, Malfoy! Though one must admit to feeling your pain. That is the second time you have spoken out of turn, Miss Granger. Tell me. Are you incapable of restraining yourself? Or do you take pride in being an insufferable know-it-all?" Snape snapped, making Hermione look down, tears coming out of her eyes.

"You asked her a question and she knows the answer! Why ask if you don't want to be answered? She is not an insufferable know it all! She's actually someone most people would love to have around, unlike you. Greasy haired bastard." Carson said to the professor, before he walks over and slammed a book to the back of his head.

"Five points from Gryffindor. I suggest you keep your mouth shut Mr. Marshall or it will be worse." Snape said, before going back to the class.

"As an antidote to your ignorance, I prescribe two rolls of parchment on the werewolf by Monday morning, with particular emphasis placed on recognizing it." He drawled out, before leaving the room.