Bound

Chapter Four

"We missed you last night Lil."

Says Draco as I sit down next to him. Blaise sits with Luna at the desk in front of us in D.A.D.A. They both turn around and smile, seeing I look and sound better than I did last night at dinner.

"Once detention was over, I went straight to bed. I was tired."

"You sound better than yesterday. Are you okay?"

Questions Blaise. They all know I suffer with depression, ptsd, and anxiety. Some days are better than others.

"Yea I'm okay. How are you Luna?"

"I'm good."

Luna says in her usual soft, sing-song tone. Our conversation is cut short as the classroom door flies open and hits the wall with a loud thud. All students turn their head and find Professor Snape walking up the isle between the desks, flicking his wand, closing all window shutters. He stops at the front of the room and tugs on the cord that hangs from the ceiling, presenting the white projection film.

"Turn to page 394."

Everyone opens their textbooks, some flipping faster than others. My fingers find themselves sweaty and I struggle to flip to the right page.

"It does not take all day to turn to the right page Ms.Riddle."

My book begins to take over, the pages flipping swiftly to the right page. I look up at Professor Snape who gives me a snide smile. He then begins to walk up the isle back to the projector.

"Excuse me Professor. Where's Professor Lupin?"

Says Harry.

"That's not really your concern is it Potter?
It seems your Professor finds himself incapable of teaching at the present time. Turn to page 394."

He says again, but in a more aggressive manner. You hear the faint tap as his wand hits the projector, making it cast an image on the film. A whimsical chime slips through my ears as Professor Snape casts the same spell on Ronald's book that he did with mine. At least I wasn't the only one who took to long for his liking today.

"Werewolves?"

Ron speaks up. His tone filled to the brim with confusion.

"But, sir, we've only just begun learning about Red Caps and Hinkypunks. We're not meant to start nocturnal beasts for weeks."

Hermione's voice chimes in. She wasn't here a moment ago, where'd she come from?

"Quiet."

"When did she come in? Did you see her come in?"

Says Ron nervously. His curiosity is humorous. Sometimes to oblivious to notice things, yet again, no one saw her come in.

"Now, which one of you can tell me the difference between an Animagus and a werewolf?"

His back now faces the class. Hermione's hand is the first and only hand to shoot up into the air.

"No one? How disappointing."

Professor Snape seems to be back to his usual self as well today. The sarcasm coats his tone like jam on toast.

"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."

Says Hermione.

Draco lets out a howl, mimicking a werewolf. A small laugh escapes from Blaise and myself. Crabbe can't contain himself once he hears us laugh.

"Thank you Mr. Malfoy."

Draco holds back a laugh, trying hard not to get into any trouble.

"That is the second time you've spoken out of turn Ms. Granger. Are you incapable of restraining yourself or do you take pride in being an insufferable know it all?"

My hands fly to my mouth. Applying slight pressure to muffle my laughter as much as possible.

"He's got a point you know."

Whispers Ron to Harry. Harry looks back at his book, trying to block all of this out. Hermione on the other hand, looks embarrassed. Draco mocks Hermione quietly, causing Luna, Blaise, and myself to almost piss ourselves.

"Five points from Gryffindor."

I bite my tongue as a last resort. A huge gasp is heard from across the room, which gives me the perfect opportunity to cough and cover my laughs. Draco finished folding a piece of parchment into a small bird. He lifts his hand, and exhales on the parchment. Sending it in Harry's direction until it falls gently on his desk in front of him.

"As an antidote to your ignorance, and on my desk by Monday morning. Two rolls of parchment on the werewolf with particular preferences on recognizing it."

"Sir, it's quidditch tomorrow."

Says Harry in disbelief. The rest of the class sounds just as upset as he does. Professor Snape holds onto the front of Harry's table, leaning forward. A mere four inches from his face.

"Then I suggest you take extra care Mr. Potter. Loss of limb will not excuse you. Page 394."

My laughter spiked again as I watch Harry slowly lean backwards to get away from Professor Snape.

"Term werewolf, is a contraction of the Anglo-Saxon word 'were', which means man. And 'Wolf', werewolf,  man-wolf. There are several ways to become a werewolf."

Draco nudges my elbow, bring my attention to a small note written at the bottom of his parchment.

"We need to talk later."

My eyes flicker up to make sure Professor Snape isn't watching. I lean closer to Draco.

"We'll talk after class, okay?"

"Would you like to share with the class what's so important Mr. Malfoy, and Ms. Riddle?"

"It was nothing Professor."

Says Draco. His eyes burning holes into his book.

"Well, let's see if Ms. Riddle feels the same shall we?"

I turn my head and lock eyes with Snape. His eyebrow raises, waiting for my answer.

"It was nothing I'd like to share."

Professor Snape's shoes thump as he walks to our table. One hand on each end. He leans down towards us.

"Fine then. Malfoy, Riddle. Detention."

He pushes himself up, causing the table to push back slightly. For the rest of the hour, not another word is spoken that isn't Professor Snape teaching. No one even dares to look away from their book in case it lands them a detention as well. At least I have Draco tonight.