The Witch and The Hunters

CHAPTER SIXTY-THREE

Page count: 10

"... Let's move on to our final topic," Hermione said, stepping forward after nearly three hours of lecturing. She was barely winded. Half the class looked like they needed a nap. Dean and Sam were both leaning forward in their chairs, hooked on every word.

Hermione loved this part.

"How can we identify a Werewolf?"

Several hands shot up.

"You," she said, pointing to a Hufflepuff boy.

"There's no certain way," he replied. "Not without checking the Werewolf registry in the Ministry's Hall of Records, being told directly, or witnessing a transformation."

"Correct," Hermione said warmly. "What signs might make you suspicious? What patterns should you look for?"

A Gryffindor girl raised her hand.

"In the week leading up to the full moon, a Werewolf might be tired, irritable, hyper, hungry, or more sensitive to light, sound, smell, and taste. The changes get more noticeable closer to the full moon. After transforming, they'll be exhausted and need rest and food — especially protein and sugar — but by the next morning they should be back to normal."

Hermione smiled brightly. "Well done."

Dean blinked at that girl like she'd just delivered a full dissertation. Sam looked impressed but unsurprised.

Hermione continued, folding her hands behind her back.

"Despite being classified as level five creatures, Werewolves are harmless for twenty-nine days of the month. And thanks to Wolfsbane Potion — invented by...?"

"Damocles Belby," a Ravenclaw supplied.

"Correct. Wolfsbane allows the wolf to retain human memory and some control over their actions. It does not remove the pain of transformation, but it keeps them mentally present. Unfortunately, the potion is extremely expensive and inaccessible for most Werewolves, which forces many of them into isolation."

She let that sink in.

"Werewolves are not monsters," she said firmly. "One individual's actions do not define an entire species. Yes, there have been horrific Werewolves — Fenrir Greyback, who is thankfully no longer a threat — but there have also been extraordinary ones."

She scanned the room.

"Who here has heard of Remus Lupin?"

Hands rose instantly.

"Remus Lupin was one of the kindest, smartest, most selfless men I've ever known. He was the Defence Against the Dark Arts professor here, and if you ask anyone around my year — even the Slytherins — they'll tell you he was the best we ever had. He fought in the war, and he and his wife, Nymphadora Tonks, died in the Battle of Hogwarts. They left behind a one-month-old son. They died so that all of us could live freely."

She paused. The class was silent.

"And Remus Lupin," Hermione said with quiet pride, "was a Werewolf."

A ripple of shock rolled through the room.

"Not all Werewolves are monsters. Most simply want to live peaceful lives, but prejudice forces them into the woods, into isolation, into poverty — all because of a stereotype. That is why the laws are changing. Werewolves deserve the same rights as everyone else: to own property, to marry, to access medical care, to walk into a public building without fear."