Courage

-33-

Book: Courage
Chapter 33
Word Count: 4206

Harry spent the weekend in the hospital wing, but by Monday, he was out and alright. While Layla was disappointed that Gryffindor lost during her first ever match, Draco 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.

Draco 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.

"If Snape's teaching Defense Against the Dark Arts again, I'm skiving off," said Ron as they headed toward Lupin's classroom after lunch.

"No, my dad's back in today," Layla reassured, causing Ron to sigh in relief.

The class took their seats in Defense Against the Dark Arts, and they burst at once into an explosion of complaints about Snape's behavior while Remus had been ill.

"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!"

"Did you tell Professor Snape we haven't covered them yet?" Remus asked, frowning slightly as he glanced at Layla, the two sharing a significant look as if they were having a silent conversation.

The babble broke out again.

"Yes, but he said we were really behind—"

"—he wouldn't listen—"

"—two rolls of parchment!"

Remus smiled at the look of indignation on every face.

"Don't worry. I'll speak to Professor Snape. 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. Remus 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 Remus as they took notes. "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, but Layla stayed behind. She waited until everyone had left before pulling out her wand.

"Muffliato."

Once the room was sound-proofed, Layla turned to her dad.

"Snape really hates your guts, doesn't he?"

"Yep. He always has," said Remus with a sigh.

"Do you think he's trying to expose you?" asked Layla. "I mean, how does he even know what you are?"

"You know I went to school with him. He hated me," said Remus, shrugging. "It's a long story, Lay, involving some friends of mine. But Snivellus found out and he's apparently out to get me."

"So, what are you going to do?" muttered Layla.

"Don't worry, I'll handle it," said Remus. "Just leave it to me, okay? Go grab some lunch, honey."

"Okay," said Layla. "I'll see you later."

Layla quickly hugged her dad before leaving.

As the end of November rolled around, Ravenclaw beat Hufflepuff in their Quidditch match. Gryffindor were not out of the running after all, although they could not afford to lose another match. Wood became repossessed of his manic energy, and worked his team as hard as ever in the chilly haze of rain that persisted into December.