Snape and the Werewolves

In the following days, the talk of the school revolved around nothing else but Sirius Black. The theories about how Black had entered the castle became more and more far-fetched.

The ripped canvas of the Fat Lady was taken down from the wall and replaced with Sir Cadogan's painting with his fat gray pony. However, not everyone was pleased with the change. The knight spent half his time challenging the boys to duels and the other half inventing ridiculously complicated passwords, which he changed at least twice a day.

"He's completely mad," protested Seamus Finnigan, feeling very annoyed, to Percy. "Couldn't they have given us another painting?" The young wizard questioned the Gryffindor prefect.

"None of the other portraits wanted the job," said Percy. "They were frightened by what happened. Sir Cadogan was the only one brave enough to volunteer."

Harry, who was listening in, found the knight in the painting to be one of his least concerns. Now, he was being closely watched by the teachers, who sought excuses to accompany him when he walked through the corridors, and by Percy, who acted like a guard dog and followed him everywhere.

Finally, McGonagall summoned him to her office, wearing a somber expression. The only teacher who seemed to be acting normally was Professor WinterHeart.

"There's no use hiding this from you any longer, Potter," she began in a very serious tone. "I know it must come as a shock to you, but Sirius Black" Harry cut her off before she finished the sentence.

"I know, he's after me," said Harry wearily. "I overheard Ron's dad talking to Mrs. Weasley," he explained how he knew about Sirius.

The professor seemed very surprised. She paused for a moment and then spoke. "I see. Well, in that case, Potter, you'll understand why I don't think it's a good idea for you to practice Quidditch at night. Out there on the field with just other players, it's too exposed," she concluded.

Obviously, Harry didn't like the idea and retorted, "Our next match is this Saturday," he said indignantly. "I need to practice."

McGonagall regarded him with great attention. Harry knew about the teacher's keen interest in seeing the Gryffindor team win, as she herself had recruited him as a Seeker in his first year.

Thoughtfully, McGonagall responded, "Hmm... Well, God knows I'd like to see us finally win the Cup... but still, Potter... I'd feel more at ease if a teacher were present. I'll ask Professor WinterHeart to oversee your practice."

The weather worsened day by day as the match approached. Undeterred, the Gryffindor team trained more vigorously than ever under the watchful eye of professor WinterHeart.

'As the professor with no responsibilities in the nighttime classes, I've been 'invited' by the Gryffindor head to be here,' Nathaniel thought, observing the young wizards in their seemingly exhausting training despite the worsening weather every passing hour. However, not even the bad weather distracted him from staying vigilant about everything that was happening around him to be prepared in case action was required.

On the day before the match, the wind began to howl, and the rain poured down harder. Harry was already weary of hearing Malfoy bragging about his fake arm injury that postponed the Gryffindor vs. Slytherin match, and Wood still sought him out in every break to give him advice.

Harry, realizing he was late for class, hastened his steps.

Skidding in front of the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom, he swung open the door and rushed inside.

"Apologies for being late, professor Lupin, I.." He didn't continue speaking because it wasn't Lupin who looked up from the desk, but Snape.

"The class started ten minutes ago, Potter, so I believe I'll take ten points from Gryffindor. Sit down," Snape announced Harry's punishment.

Harry didn't move and asked Snape, "Where's professor Lupin?" Severus looked piercingly before responding, "He wasn't feeling well. And I already told you to go to your seat, didn't I, Potter? Five more points deducted for Gryffindor if you disobey me again; it'll be fifty next time," Snape spoke in a very serious and threatening tone to Harry.

Harry moved to his seat as Snape observed him.

"As I was saying before Potter rudely interrupted the class, Lupin didn't leave any notes on what they've studied so far," Snape's sarcasm and disdain in his voice were apparent.

Seeing an opportunity, Hermione spoke, "professor, we've already studied about boggarts, red caps, Kappas, and grindylows, and we were about to.." she was interrupted before she could finish her words.

"Be quiet," Snape said coldly. "I didn't ask for information. I was merely commenting on professor Lupin's lack of organization."

"Today we'll be starting to study another creature," Snape resumed the class. "Werewolves," he disclosed the creature they would be discussing.

"But, professor," protested Hermione, apparently unable to contain herself, "we can't study werewolves yet."

"Miss Granger," said Snape in a slowly calm voice, "I have the impression that it was I who was conducting the class, not you. I'm asking everyone to open their books to page 394," he glanced coldly at the class again, "Everyone, NOW," he commanded in a loud voice.

"Which of you can tell me how to distinguish a werewolf from a true wolf?" Snape asked.

Everyone remained silent and still, except for Hermione, who was visibly eager, as she was on almost every occasion when a teacher asked a question.

"Anyone? Nobody at all? What a disappointment," Snape insisted, pretending not to see the girl's hand. Before another student could speak, Parvati suddenly interrupted.

"We've already informed you," Parvati interjected abruptly. "We haven't reached the study of werewolves yet."

"Silence," Snape ordered harshly. "I never thought this class would be so far behind. I'll have to inform Headmaster Dumbledore about Lupin's lack of capability."

Hermione, already tired with her hand raised, decided to answer without being called by Snape. "A werewolf is distinguished from a true wolf by small details..." Before she could finish the response, she was interrupted by a glaring Snape.

"This is the second time you've spoken without being invited. Minus five points for Gryffindor for being a know-it-all." The hatred in his voice was evident for everyone to notice.

At that moment, Hermione turned completely red, lowered her hand, and looked at the floor with teary eyes. In the whole situation, the class glared at Snape with eyes full of resentment.

When Snape was about to resume his teaching session, as he described his way of teaching, he was interrupted by a voice even colder than his own.

"I don't think you're displaying a dignified posture on the podium, professor Snape." Everyone turned their heads toward the door where they found the new Charms Professor, Nathaniel WinterHeart, with icy eyes locking with Snape's.

Before Snape could protest the interruption, Nathaniel continued, "It seems not all Hogwarts teachers have the ability to teach a class of students," his eyes swept over each seated student, pausing at Hermione, who had tears in her eyes.

"I'll be taking Miss Granger to assist me with some tasks," nodding to Hermione, who was still surprised, she got up, organized her things, and walked over to him. "I'll be expecting you in the headmaster's office when you inform him about Lupin's poor teaching, because I'll also be informing him about your teaching methods," his once beautiful and attractive blue eyes were now cold and bloodthirsty, directed at Snape.

"You shouldn't get involved in how others teach," Snape said with tremendous anger in his tone.

Ignoring Snape, Nathaniel left the classroom with the young witch by his side.