8th September 1971
'Potter, Black am I boring you?' snapped Minerva from the front of the classroom.
Her sudden outburst had the desired effect and both boys spun around clearly shocked. Minerva placed the chalk she had been holding back on the surface of her desk before striding towards the two boys, her footsteps the only noise in the deadly silent room.
'May I remind you that you are not in the Great Hall but in a classroom and I wish you to treat it as such,' she informed them, not even allowing them the time to explain themselves – Pomona had told her they had a certain knack for worming their way out of trouble. Straightening her back and standing to her full height, Minerva pursed her lips and looked down at the two boys who, to her extreme annoyance, looked more amused than ashamed, 'If you do not behave accordingly then you will be sent straight to the Headmaster's office. Have I made myself clear?' she asked sharply.
'Yes ma'am,' said James Potter seriously, however, the second Minerva moved her attention to Sirius Black she saw the former smirk.
'Yes ma'am,' agreed the other, barely able to conceal the broad grin, which appeared on his face when he thought she was no longer looking at him.
Minerva eyed them suspiciously, 'Good,' she said, before turning on her heel and walking back up to the board she had previously been writing on.
Picking up the chalk she tried to remember where she had left off and then started to write, 'The Avifors Spell is a transforming spell that can be used to change a target into a bird or several of them.'
Turning around Minerva made sure that everybody was taking notes before continuing, 'It must not be confused with the bird-conjuring charm which is Avis…'
However, she did not get any further because the rest of her sentence was drowned by the sound of many footsteps and chatter from overhead. Checking her watch which was strapped around her wrist she noticed that the hands of the clock were showing ten to eleven - only a few seconds before the end of the lesson. Sighing because she had not managed to finish what she had wanted to complete that lesson she nevertheless still turned around, 'The bell is about to go, you may pack up,' she said, her words instantly greeted with the sound of 15 chair legs scraping the floor followed by heavy footsteps as people started to leave the room.
'Mr Lupin,' she called out, suddenly remembering something, 'May I have a word please.'
Remus Lupin turned around and Minerva almost wanted to add that he was not in trouble due to the terrified expression, which had now taken over his face.
'Professor?' he squeaked, once he had reached her desk.
Minerva almost smiled. She had forgotten how wee the first years were, 'You are not in trouble, Mr Lupin,' she said, deciding to take him out of his misery.
The boy breathed out deeply, his shoulders sagging as he let out the breath he had no doubt been holding since she had called out his name.
'We, the Headmaster, Madame Pomfrey and I, have found a place for you to have your,' Minerva faltered, not very sure how to approach such a delicate topic with a student who had only met her for the first time last week. Finally settling on a word she powered on, 'transformations. I am not sure if you know about the Shrieking Shack?' she asked, pausing to let the boy have some time to answer. Lupin nodded and Minerva continued, 'Well it has been decided that at every full moon I will escort you to the Shrieking Shack and then pick you up again the next day. Madame Pomfrey will then let you stay in the Hospital Wing so that you can rest and, she will ensure that you get a private room if that is what you wish.'
Minerva stopped and eyed the boy up and down. He had not spoken once and for a moment Minerva feared that he was not happy with the plan. However, she had no need to fear.
'T-thank you, Professor,' stammered the boy, his words reflecting his expression that looked a mix between grateful, relieved and perhaps even relaxed.
'Not at all, Mr Lupin,' said Minerva, 'I will make sure that you will be given no homework around that time and if ever you have any questions or if ever you need to speak to me my door is always open.'
Lupin nodded vigorously, a small smile creeping up his pale face, however, it disappeared almost as quickly, 'What do I tell the others?' he whispered so quietly Minerva had trouble hearing what he said.
'What do you tell the others when they notice your absence?' said Minerva, arching an eyebrow. Lupin nodded vigorously. 'According to them you are visiting your grandmother who is feeling unwell,' she replied smoothly, picking up a wet cloth and wiping down the board quickly.
Lupin smiled tentatively and Minerva felt suddenly very proud of having such a brave boy in her house.
'Thank you, professor!' repeated Lupin, heaving the strap of his bag back onto his shoulder.
'Since you are here Lupin, how are you finding Hogwarts?' she asked. Having seen him a few times in the company of James Potter and Sirius Black, she knew how hard it could be to be in a group with two very outgoing people.
'It's absolutely brilliant!' he said, and then instantly blushed, clearly embarrassed at his enthusiasm.
'I'm glad,' said Minerva, almost chuckling at his clear excitement, 'Well then, Lupin, I will see you at dinner tonight but if you ever have any questions or difficulties don't hesitate to ask.'
Remus smiled, then started to leave the room, 'Goodbye, Professor,' he called, as he left the doors of Minerva's classroom.
Minerva walked to the doorway, 'Goodbye, Mr Lupin and no running in the corridors,' she added half-heartedly as she listened to the sound of his quickened footsteps, as he tried to catch up with his friends for break.
Hope you enjoyed this chapter! Have a great day! :)