The Raven's Call

Werewolves and Quidditch

Turn to page 394". Snape snaps as I appear next to Alex.

Snape? SNAPE?! Why is he teaching this class? Ah, great, we have him TWICE today. Potions after lunch. I sigh and open my book to the proper page. "Excuse me, Sir. Where's Professor Lupin?" Harry asks, as Snape passes him. "That's not really your concern, is it, Potter? Suffice it to say your professor finds himself incapable of teaching at the present time. Turn to page 394." Snape tells us, before tapping his wand on the projector beside him, turning it on. I find the page... Werewolves?? Today is all kinds of weird. "But sir, we've just learned about red caps and hinkypunks. We're not meant to start nocturnal beasts for weeks." Hermione exclaims. "Quiet. Now, which one of you can tell me the difference between an Animagus and a werewolf?" Snape asks the class, pacing down the aisles between our desks. Hermione puts her hand up, as do I and Alex, an actual animagi. 

"No one? How disappointing. Miss Malfoy." Snape says, ignoring us. Rude. Asteria takes a breath, about to answer, but Hermione interrupts. "Please, sir. An Animagus is a wizard who elects to turn into an animal. A werewolf has no choice. With each full moon, when he transforms, he no longer remembers who he is. He'd kill his best friend if he crossed his path. Furthermore, the werewolf only responds to the call of its own kind."

"Awooo!" Draco howls. 

"Thank you, Mr. Malfoy. That's the second time you've spoken out of turn, Miss Granger. Are you incapable of restraining yourself, or do you take pride in being an insufferable know-it-all?" Snape rudely reprimands her. "Five points from Gryffindor. As an antidote to your ignorance, and on my desk by Monday morning, two rolls of parchment on the werewolf, with particular emphasis on recognizing it." Snape demands, earning groans from most of the class, though I find it most exciting. 

"Sir, it's quidditch tomorrow." Harry protests. Snape leans onto his desk, causing Harry to lean back in his chair. "Then I suggest you take extra care, Mr. Potter. Loss of limb will not excuse you. Page 394." He stands again, strolling around the room. "The term 'werewolf' is a contraction of the Anglo-Saxon word 'wer' which means 'man,' and 'wolf.' Werewolf, man-wolf. There are several ways to become a werewolf. They include being given the power of shape-shifting, being bitten by a werewolf, and being born a werewolf." Snape lectures, and I make sure to take notes. 

***

From the sidelines, I watch as the Quidditch match unfolds on this wet and windy day. The rain pelts down relentlessly, turning the pitch into a sea of mud. Hufflepuff and Gryffindor players are locked in a fierce struggle, their determination evident in every move they make. Cedric, wearing the distinctive yellow and black of Hufflepuff, dives and swerves on his broomstick, dodging the chasers and their respective quaffles. He's a rock in the storm, dodging every bludger that comes his way, embodying the resilience of his house. On the opposing side, Harry, streaks through the air, his scarlet and gold robes standing out against the gloomy backdrop. He twists and turns, avoiding the bludgers and making daring dives to escape them. It's hard not to admire his fearless spirit, even as I cheer for my brother.

The Quidditch match is a chaotic dance in the sky, with players battling not only each other but also the unforgiving elements. The wind tugs at their broomsticks, and rain blinds their vision, but they press on with unwavering determination. I scan the sky, looking for the elusive Snitch, its golden glint obscured by the grey clouds. The excitement is palpable, and I can feel the energy from the players on the field radiating towards the sidelines. As I watch from afar, I can't help but feel a swell of pride for both my brother and Harry. They are out there, giving their all for their respective houses, embodying the core values of Hufflepuff and Gryffindor. It's a thrilling, if soggy, spectacle. I hear my friends cheer for Harry and the Gryffindors, while I silently cheer for Cedric. We may have our differences from time to time, but he's still my family. 

Cedric takes off into the clouds, Harry close behind. They must've spotted the snitch! I try to see any sign of movement from beyond the clouds and rain, but to no avail. I'll have to leave that up to my imagination as the rest of the players continue their game. Soon, I see Cedric emerge first, empty-handed, and hair standing on end, no doubt he'd just been electrocuted. "Cedric!" I call out in distress, leaning over the rails. He's obviously heard me over the crowd, giving me a thumbs up, the rain pelting his face, but he still has a smile. I sigh softly, relived. A few moments later, Harry falls from the clouds, plummeting towards the ground. The crowd gasps, as Dumbledore calls out a spell, "Aresto momentum!" Then everything feels like a blur. The game continues, and Cedric catches the snitch, but soon after is taken to the hospital wing along with Harry and another Gryffindor I don't recognize. I follow Hermione, Ron and Asteria to the hospital, then meeting with Neville, Fred and George, sitting around Harry's bed, waiting for him to wake. I take a turn and head to Cedric's bed, his fellow Hufflepuffs already surrounding him. He looks okay... a little battered and bruised, a soft lightning strike of a scar danced and branched up his dominant arm. But he'll live. Thank Merlin... 

I soon feel a tap on my shoulder. Fred, George and Asteria had come over to visit Cedric, Fred being the one to tap my shoulder. "How's he holding up?" He asks, taking a seat beside me as George and Asteria find more around the bed. Cedric's injury had been a grim reminder of the dangers that lurk in the wizarding world, but right now, the atmosphere is surprisingly light. Laughter punctuates our conversation as we reminisce about magical mishaps, and the escapades of the Weasley twins. Fred and George, always the life of the party, share stories that make even the tired and weathered Cedric chuckle. Cedric's eyes crinkle at the corners as he listens to the banter, his spirit undaunted by his recent ordeal. He reaches out to clasp my hand, a silent reminder of the bond we share as brothers. It's in these moments that I see the strength and resilience that made Cedric a true Hufflepuff.