The Wolf's Den [Remus Lupin]

21 - Gryffindor vs Slytherin

CW: Contains underage drinking and shows abuse

-Alula-

The first month of the new term was busy. McGonagall and I had met again and asked how the holiday had been but I lied through my teeth. I don't know why I couldn't tell her it was getting bad again, but I thought it best to wait until the summer to see if she would plan to intervene or worse. Anyway, if Finn and I work out some of our issues, I'll finally be seen to be following 'the family way.' I tried to push it from my mind.

Anywho, we had lots more homework and many more exams too. It felt like as soon as lessons for a new chapter started, everyone was already studying for the exam.

"Today class," Gabriella began, "we're going to be reviewing an older unit from last year's curriculum. Nocturnal Beasts." She pointed her wand at the board in front of the classroom and the words appeared on it. "I've looked at your grades from Professor Spindlewheel and I'm sorry to say that they are far lower than I would have expected from such bright young pupils like yourselves."

The class snickered and I heard James from behind me whisper, "Yeah, well, if 'ol Spindles wasn't such a weirdo, maybe some of us would've cared more to listen..."

I held back a chuckle. He was right. Professor Spindlewheel was one of the oddest teachers we'd ever had. He was very tall and skinny with bright pink eyes and auburn hair that was always tied back in a low ponytail. He had a squeaky voice and was very heavy on his feet so he always knew how to make an entrance. Even though what he taught was interesting, he was a lecturer like Binns, so as a class, we would monotonously take notes and beg for the class to let out early.

"I'd like to review a few main beasts before and after the break. So starting in alphabetical order, Acromantulas! Turn to page 204 and tell me..." I turned to the page in our textbook and started reading.

By the end of the class, we'd gone over everything from Chimaeras to Lethifolds. "Your homework for this week is to write an essay, no less than 4 feet, about the beast that stuck with you the most. Tell me why this creature is intriguing to you and how you think your first interaction with them might go."

The boys snickered behind me and Lily shushed them. "Hello there, good to meet you, Mr. Kappa," said Sirius under his breath.

"Ah yes," Peter sniggered. "A pleasure it is, Mr. Werewolf."

"Oh, shut It, both of you," Remus snapped at them.

"Is there something you'd like to share with the class, Mr. Lupin?" Bri raised an eyebrow at them.

"Uh, n–um no, professor, I'm sorry."

"As I was saying..."

I looked back at him. Since we'd gotten back from holiday, I'd noticed he had a fresh new scar that looked like it was a pretty deep gash. As a month had passed since we'd returned, it was starting to pinken. He noticed me looking at him and I quickly turned back to listen to Bri's closing remarks before class was over.

As I collected my books to leave, I thought about my essay. It would probably be safer to write about my first encounter with a werewolf since they're just people but anything I say to Bri, even through an assignment, would get back to my mother and I didn't need another repeat of this last holiday. I just couldn't understand how people could go through such agony each month and still have the will to carry on a normal life, but they do! Regardless, I decided I'd go the safer route and write about a Mooncalf instead. They're said to be gentle creatures. "Hey Lily, do you think Hagrid would mind introducing me to a Mooncalf?" We all knew the Gameskeeper was a huge creature lover and I'm sure if I approached him with Lil by my side he'd be pleasantly surprised and lovely to learn from.