Chapter 2

A disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter, nor am I making any money from this fiction.

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Harry Potter gazed out the window lost in thought. Who was the werewolf from last night? He had seen many brilliant and magical things since joining Hogwarts, but never had he seen a creature so magnificent. Its fur had shone like freshly spun silk, glossy and as dark as a raven's wing. It was the creatures eyes that had left a lasting impression on his mind. Unfathomable and golden.

Lupin paled significantly in compassion.

Lavender jabbed a sharp elbow into his ribs, eliciting an annoyed grunt. Startled from his thoughts he turned to face Professor McGonagall, attempting to listen. Or at least appear as though he was attentive. He wasn't sure what he had done to warrant being sat next to the airhead.

As the bell rang, Harry breathed a sigh of relief, escaping to the library. A question had been plaguing him since he scurried back in from the ground early this morning.

"Now I know something is up Harry Potter." A voice called out, stopping him in his tracks. He came face to face with another bushy haired beast. Hermione Granger. Her eyes were shrewd and there was a scowl upon her lips.

"The Harry I know does not go running off to the library during lunch. Nor does he spend most of the day ignoring me. So, are you going to tell me what's wrong?" She demanded, not far from stamping her foot.

Thinking on his feet he simply smiled, it usually worked on other girls, but not Hermione. She was waiting for an answer and it had to be good. "Alright Hermione, but not here, come to the library with me."

Crossing her arms she looked him up and down, evidently checking if his body language could give her any clues. Grabbing her arm at the elbow, Harry led her down the many flights of stairs to the library. They both smiled politely at Madam Pince, who greeted them with a prissy look. Well, at Harry at least she did, she thawed a little for Hermione. Bookworms tended to stick together that way.

Harry found a table far away from eavesdroppers, but not secluded in a corner, otherwise people would know they were discussing something important. "How did you know something was wrong?" Harry whispered, pulling out a chair.

"Harry, I'm your friend. Besides, you're not subtle, everyone knows when something is wrong with you. Your heart is always on your sleeve."

Harry sighed and put his head in his hands. Did he lie to her? Or enlist her help? Hermione always listened to him, and she could probably find the information quicker than he could.

"Alright, but this has to stay between us."

He only got an annoyed look in response.

"I was out late last night. On the grounds, and I saw something I probably shouldn't have." Hermione leant forward. "Well, first of all, I heard it howling and then I saw…"

"You're telling me you saw a werewolf?" Hermione shrieked at him, earning her a glare from the librarian. Seemed bookworms weren't that loyal to each other after all. Hermione whispered a, "sorry," before turning back to Harry. "Have you told Dumbledore? How did you get out of there alive?" She quickly looked over his available flesh, "Oh my God, you weren't bitten were you?" She panicked, eyes misting over.

"Calm down! How did you know I saw a werewolf?" Harry demanded.

"Come on Harry it's me." She scoffed, "last night was the full moon? You heard howling? I mean really, it isn't hard." She stared at his bare arms.

"I wasn't bitten. The reason I'm telling you is because I wanted to do some research on the creatures. About why they wouldn't attack a human."

"Harry, all werewolves attack humans, it's a part of what makes them so terrifying. A werewolf's main prey is humans, they tend to leave other animals alone... unless they're really hungry." Sceptically she looked at him. "You sure it wasn't a regular wolf you saw Harry?"

Harry bristled at her condescending tone. "I know what I saw Hermione, it was as big as a horse. A normal wolf would be about this high," he gestured with his hand, placing it against his waist. "Besides, I've seen Lupin as a werewolf, that's not something you can forget."

Hermione chewed her lip in thought. "Harry, all werewolves attack humans it part of their DNA. The werewolf that you saw must be taking the wolfsbane potion. The human host was controlling the mind."

"Why was it outside? Werewolves under the potion stay inside to avoid getting close to people." Harry was certain this particular wolf was not under the potion. Its eyes had too much wildness in them to be tame.

Besides, only one other person was clever enough to make wolfsbane besides Hermione, and that was Snape. Harry could not see someone who was affected going to Snape for help. Not since Snape had gotten Lupin fired for being a werewolf.

"Hermione, I'm sure it wasn't under a potion. Sirius once told me that Lupin acted like a puppy under the potion. All bark and no bite. This was different, I can't explain it but something wasn't right." How could he make her understand? He didn't even understand it himself. He just felt it and he tended to trust his gut.

"Harry, we should really tell someone about this. Those creatures are dangerous." Harry felt his jaw clench and Hermione sighed in defeat. "I'll look it up. I'll tell Professor McGonagall I need a book from the restricted section. Harry, maybe you should speak to Lupin. You haven't really spoken to him since Padfoot died. He's the perfect person to ask what happened. I can only tell you what the textbooks say. Many people that write them have no idea what being a werewolf is like."

Harry had avoided Lupin since Sirius's death. It was too painful. The bond between them was tainted by the death of someone they both held dear. But he was the best person to ask, Hermione was right.

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The worst part about being a werewolf was, in Severus's, mind simple. It wasn't the painful transformation, or being forced to do something against his will. That was a daily occurrence. No, it was the fur and the taste in his mouth afterwards.

After that tryst with the wolf and Potter, he had come across a rabbit, which had been foolish enough to run out when it did. Severus had no aversion to rabbit… when it was cooked. Waking up in the morning with pieces of rabbit fur in your teeth, its blood congealing in your mouth. That was just plain disgusting.

The fact that he had spent part of the night, not matter how slight, with Potter trumped all.

Severus had brushed his teeth, flossed and repeated about six times and was now picking the dirt from under his nails. He hated getting filthy. With Potter's scent all over him, he felt revolting.

There were some benefits to his infection. The heightened hearing, quicker reflexes, and an acute sense of smell. In this circumstance it was not a desirable trait. The wolf within him was docile and content. Usually, it was a constant struggle between man and beast which Severus won. Unless the moon was full.

A Tempus spell showed him it was just after seven, giving him time to shower. Adjusting it to a warmth that was soothing, Severus shed his clothes or what was left of them, and clambered in. His limbs were always stiff after a transformation. Lupin, he recalled, was usually off sick after a full moon. Artemis snorted in contempt.

That bloody name. The wolf, it seemed, liked it and was imposing it on Severus's brain. Severus refused to listen. It was not the full moon and it would not be for a long time. The wolf was back where it belonged and that is how it would remain. Wolf, not some ridiculous pet name.

Severus moved his arm painfully, pulling down some bottles. Smelling each he decided on the one labelled sandalwood and poured a liberal amount over his body. Working it up into a rich lather, he scrubbed his body vigorously, eager to get the smell out of his body. The wolf growled in his mind. It didn't want the smell of Potter gone.

Severus did.

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Artemis had to be somewhere nearby Harry thought, looking around the Great Hall.

No-one appeared to be looking his way or acted any different from usual. The realisation that he might need to be patient enough until the next full moon began to dawn on him.

Hermione returned from the library and sat next to him, grabbing herself some lunch. "Stop glaring at me Harry, I will do the research, but I need to eat. We've got potions next and on occasion the ingredients make me sick to my stomach. I need something in there."

Harry wrinkled his nose in disgust before his attention was caught by someone looking at him, someone who usually ignored him. Draco Malfoy was studying him for some reason. Not in the intense, I'm plotting your destruction kind of way, just in an I'm observing you kind of way. Harry looked over his shoulder to see if anyone was behind him, but it was only the bare wall covered by the Gryffindor tapestry.

Hermione halted, her sandwich halfway to her lips as she too noticed Malfoy watching them. "Why does he look so scruffy?"

He hadn't even noticed that. Malfoy did have dark rings under his eyes and his platinum hair was chaotic. That was new. Harry remembered that Lupin used to look ill and messy after a transformation. Maybe Malfoy was the werewolf? Harry had assumed the human would have ebony hair. Did hair colour actually matter at all? Lupin had brown hair and tawny fur.

Hermione was now chewing her sandwich thoughtfully, her glass raised to her lips. Her wide eyes surveyed the room mulling over potential candidates. It could have been anyone.

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Severus was not going to look at the boy. Even the though the wolf was trying to gain control over his eyes to look over at him. He could feel inklings of the wolf's protective urges coursing through his body. It was no business of his if Potter was reckless and foolish, flinging himself into danger.

Eating a meal that was cooked had Severus nearly smiling. He always relished his first meal after his change. Eating bugs, raw animals and anything else the wolf felt like always made him sick the next morning.

Eventually, he did look up at the students. He had to appear like he was a teacher and that cared about his students after all. Besides, how could he blame Potter for anything if he hadn't witnessed it first hand? Even if that hadn't stopped him before.

In an act of weakness, his eyes drifted to the Gryffindor table. Potter was talking to Granger and they seemed very interested in the students around them.

Granger! Severus choked on his food and had to spit it into a napkin. Civilised indeed.

Potter might have been a naive imbecile, but not Granger. That insufferable know-it-all was a genius. She alone out of Potter's year group had realised Lupin was a werewolf. Potter would have told her about last night, Potter told all his friends everything. Another indication of his immaturity. Weasley might not have been the flavour of the month but Granger was.

Severus would have to be exceptionally vigilant. Potter would not find out who he was.

Potter was about to pay for last night. For the touching and boring him to death with his inane chatter. Today was a good day to be alive.

The wolf growled in warning but Severus ignored it. It was the wolf's turn to watch helpless as something transpired that it did not approve of. But first, he would need to return and make sure the glamour concealing his fatigue were still holding. Granger would not put two and two together. He could not allow that to happen. Not whilst Severus was still smarter than a sixteen-year-old.

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Harry looked at his potion in despair. He didn't even know what potion they were making! Snape had waltzed into the classroom in his usual dramatic fashion, barking at them to get started on the potion on the board. Harry thought he had added the ingredients precisely as indicated, but that man's handwriting was so damn small and loopy.

Everyone else had the same colour potion. Why did this always happen to him? He was reasonably competent in all his other subjects, what possible reason was potions required to become an Auror? One day he would work his way up to head Auror and strike potions off the list of requirements. If that didn't work Hermione would probably be Minster of Magic by then so he would just ask her.

It didn't help that he was the only one who had to wear glasses. Everyone else had near perfect eyesight except him. When combating the gloom Snape liked to work in and the vapours fogging his glasses up, Harry was surprised he could even see the cauldron in front of him.

Snape thus far had ignored him, apart from the usual scathing remarks. There had been no antagonising yet. The lesson was still young, and with his potion the way it was, torment was imminent.

"Bottle your potions, and line them up on my desk," Snape hissed.

This was it, he was doomed. Everyone's potions were clear. Harry's was murky grey. He did as instructed, waiting for a large group of people to put their potions up at the same time. Safety in numbers.

A few steps before he reached the desk, Snape suddenly turned towards him, nostrils flaring, dark eyes burning with hatred. Harry had never seen him so livid. The man's crooked nose creased in repugnance the closer he got. Harry might have been out late, but he had showered this morning.

Placing his vial on the desk and eager to make a quick escape, he turned on his heel prepared to run back to his desk.

"Do you seek to insult my intelligence at this abysmal attempt?" Snape whispered.

Harry felt his stomach churn. It was always worse when Snape whispered. Shouting was not Snape. He preferred the long drawn out torture. Filled with suffering and anguish. Bullies had to be stood up to, and Harry Potter was known for his courage.

"My potion sir," Harry deliberately made his voice sarcastic. He was going to get it in the neck anyway, why make it fun for Snape? He cherished nothing more than watching Harry get upset. Especially if it was by his own hands.

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Potter was going to fail. Potter's obvious weakness was his eyesight. This gave Severus all the motivation he needed to make the room dark and his instruction small. He awaited the boy's failure, keeping an eye on his other students.

He could barely wait for the hour brewing time to be up. Good things always came to those who wait, and sure enough, Potter messed up his potion. As anticipated. Now he could make the boy suffer, while his wolf watched in anguish.

Turning to the blackboard he rubbed down his chalk instructions, catching himself as his knees buckled. Just what was that luscious smell? Severus could hardly breathe as it assaulted his nose. It made him light-headed and giddy. The wolf howled in joy, creating echoes inside Severus's brain.

That's what the smell was then. Severus had to force the werewolf back down, no matter how much pain it caused him. It was agonising, but Severus was not going to let the wolf win. He turned and saw Potter's face standing out from the other students.

Potter was a bit fearful of his teacher's expression which eased the pain he was feeling slightly. He could do this.

"Do you seek to insult my intelligence at this abysmal attempt?" He tried not to growl, he was human not wolf.

"My potion sir," The boy told him in defiance.

The wolf escaped Severus's grasp and growled in annoyance. For once it and Severus were in agreement. Potter did not speak to them like that. They deserved respect from the disrespectful whelp. He would be taught submission.

"Why is it Potter you are the only student who failed?" Severus challenged.

Potter suddenly turned mute it seemed.

"I have no desire to keep imbeciles in my class, Mr Potter. If it wasn't for Professor Dumbledore you would have been out of my class a long time ago. Dumbledore may think you're talented, yet all I see before me is an egotistical fool, who uses people to his advantage. Dumbledore would never have allowed you to take this class if he knew your true talents," Severus scowled at the boy.

"Well just try and remember who your boss is then Snape," Harry retorted, face flushing with anger.

The class had cottoned on to their fight, and all were listening with baited breath. It seemed Potter had some fight in him after all. Severus was most pleased. Torturing students who rolled over and took it was never fun.

"Fifty points from Gryffindor Potter, and detention with Filch Thursday night. I've been assured Filch does a wonderful job in teaching rebellious students manners."

"Does that mean you'll be joining me then, to learn some for yourself?" Harry challenged, not backing down.

The growling in his head grew louder and it was aimed more at Severus this time. The wolf did not want Severus to carry on goading the boy. It didn't want to distress Potter.

Well too bad.

"Make that a hundred and fifty," Severus snarled, hearing the gasps from the Gryffindors around him. Potter clamped his mouth shut. Severus could see Potter was wrestling with himself. He wanted to continue his quarrel with Severus, but his loyalty to his house was stopping him.

Severus smirked as Potter walked dejectedly back to his seat. His house mates turning their backs on him. Severus knew that above everything, this would cause Potter the most anguish.

Life was excellent.

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Harry waited for Lupin's firecall. He had sent Hedwig with a note requesting Lupin called him, that it was urgent. Harry had also told him to call Gryffindor tower at one in the morning. ensuring all students would have gone to bed by then. He felt slightly selfish. Lupin would have been exhausted and ill after last night but he needed to know.

Staring into the burning embers Harry could feel himself drifting off.

He couldn't get the werewolf out of his mind. Even after everything that had happened to him today, Harry could not stop thinking about the creature. It was stupid he knew. He had only seen Artemis for a few hours, but it felt like the wolf had really understood him, which was more than anyone else around here.

Eventually, Lupin's head appeared in the fireplace, his face frowning with concern.

"Harry? Are you alright?" He whispered urgently.

Pulling his dressing gown tighter to his body, Harry got off the sofa and sat in front of the fireplace. "Yes Lupin I'm fine, I just needed to ask you some questions. About Werewolves."

Lupin was taken aback for a few seconds. "Werewolves? Harry, I thought something horrible had happened to you. I thought Voldemort had resumed his manipulations of your dreams again. Why are you bringing up werewolves? Did you read about Dolores Umbridge in the Daily Prophet?"

Harry felt the scars on his hand tingle in phantom pain at the mention of her name. "She was lost in the forbidden forest last I heard. Serves her right," Harry growled.

"Harry, I'm touched you're worried about the new conditions in the anti-werewolf legislation law. I must admit I'm impressed, you're often naïve about things concerning the wizarding world."

What was happening?

"I have to admit I don't understand what she's trying to do. I thought I would ask a werewolf personally." Harry went along with the flow of conversation.

"She's trying to change the laws so that all known werewolves have to register with the Ministry. Then they will be magically bound under the protection of a witch or wizard. All those who don't comply will be culled."

"WHAT! How can she do that?" Harry hit the chair nearest him, breaking its leg. "That's a breach of confidentiality! What are you going to do Lupin?"

"I would be more concerned about Hermione with the new Muggle-Born Registration Commission she's trying to put in place. It hasn't been agreed upon yet, Fudge isn't over keen on the idea. But the new werewolf laws are going ahead. With quite a lot of public backing, I might add."

"What are you going to do sir?" Harry whispered, afraid for his parent's oldest friend.

"Register I'm afraid. People already know I'm a werewolf. Tonks has already agreed to be my saviour. Call me Remus by the way," he laughed gently.

"Remus, how can you laugh at a time like this? This isn't right. You have rights you know. You aren't some sub-human that needs taking care of. You're not dangerous."

Remus shook his head sadly. "But I am Harry. If I don't take my potion, or if for some reason it doesn't work. How many people around me would I infect? Kill even? If my powers are bound to another person at least I can control the wolf. Enough not to kill or maim anyway," Remus sighed as he saw Harry was confused. "With Tonks magic adding to my own, I can retain my mind more. Put more of a cage around the wolf. This way I also have someone looking out for me all the time."

"Tonks will be a werewolf caretaker? Why aren't you angry about this?" Harry could not understand. The Ministry had been biased towards the dark creatures forever. This wasn't right.

"I know what you're thinking Harry, but they have got a lot of public support. If Tonks can help me stay in control of myself…then I'm more than happy. I'll never get a job, but I already knew that. I just hope there are not many werewolves who refused to be registered. Those who won't will be hunted down and killed, and there is nothing I, or any werewolf can do about it."

Harry felt his heart beat painfully in his chest, his palms sweaty. "If you're sure you're going to be alright," Harry trailed off.

"I'll be fine Harry, honest. But thank you for your concern. It really is touching," Remus smiled happily.

Harry felt his stomach squirm uncomfortably. "I better be going Remus. I still have school tomorrow."

"Yes, of course, Harry. Still going to the Burrow for Christmas?"

He made himself nod when all he wanted to do was be sick.

"Good, I'm glad. I'll see you in a few weeks then Harry. Take care."

Harry didn't even notice he was gone. He had to try and warn Artemis.

TBC