The Unicorn and the Wolf
by Jennifer Allen
"Of Elves and Minotaurs"
Remus woke and stretched his aching muscles. September's full moon had passed a few days ago and he still felt the strain the change caused on his body. He let out a big yawn, noting that some of his "other half's" habits were still lingering. His stomach let out a large growl, complaining about his missing dinner for two nights.
As he walked towards the bathrooms, he stole a glance over towards Artemis' room. A loud beeping was emanating from within. An angry cry and something smashing into the wall soon followed. Artemis stumbled from the room, holding the remains of her alarm clock. Her hair was a mess and there were bags under her eyes. Remus stifled a snicker as she located a wastebasket and tossed the clock in. She muttered something about the evils of muggle technology before shooting a look at Remus.
"Morning, Artemis. Sleep well?"
Artemis muttered some more before shuffling into the women's side of the bathroom. Remus could have sworn that she said something along the lines of 'no one should be so cheerful at this hour.' He stole a glance into her room and frowned. The goblet still sat on the nightstand.
'No wonder she's not Miss Sunshine.'
He ran his fingers through his hair and strode into the men's side. A nice warm shower would definitely help his sore muscles.
Artemis was late for breakfast. Remus noted that when she did come in and sit down, she looked like she had been running. Fang must have decided that walk meant to run and find every tree at Hogwarts.
He noticed, with mild amusement, that Severus was trying the smooth his already slick hair. To his annoyance, she gave Snape a small smile and began filling her plate with food.
"How'd you sleep last night, Artemis?"
"Like the dead. Thank you."
'Say it. Say it. Say it.'
Remus shoveled some eggs into his mouth as he listened to their conversation.
"I'll have another goblet ready for you tonight."
'Say it. For the love of God, say it!'
"Thank you, Severus..."
'Are you going to just sit there and do nothing?'
Remus began poking at his sausage and stealing glances at the blonde next to Severus. He had to tell her that what she was doing wasn't good for her. He certainly wasn't going to obey his inner-voice and confront her in front of the entire school.
'No. Later.'
His gray eyes watched as Artemis stood and left for class. He sighed.
The Gryffindors and Slytherins gathered around Hagrid's hut, waiting for Professor Southerby to begin class. Although Care of Magical Creatures was one of his favorite classes, Harry couldn't help but dread the second class in a row that the Gryffindors had with the Slytherins.
Professor Southerby was later than usual to class. She seemed a little tired, but she made sure to smile when she saw her students. Draco and his cronies sneered as she walked up, carrying with her a bunch of scrolls.
"What, no pretty horses today?"
"Shut up, Malfoy," threatened Ron.
"Class, I first want to return your reports. I'm sorry it took so long to grade them, but I am pleased with your research."
She began handing the scrolls out. Low murmurs came from the students as they looked at their grades. Neville nearly fainted when he noticed the high marks on his paper. Ron poked Hermione as he looked at her score: above perfect.
"Today, we're going to learn about elves."
"Like house elves, professor?" asked Lavender.
"No. Though house elves are related to elves, they are not the subjects of this class. The elves I'm talking about are usually forest dwellers. They are human-like in appearance, but tend to be slightly taller than most of us. Their ears are a little bit bigger than ours and instead of being round, they are pointed."
She pulled out an old scroll and showed the class the picture.
"Why are all those animals around him," asked Neville.
"Elves have a great love of nature," she explained. "For centuries, animals have trusted elves for protection against hunters and themselves. Animals respect elves and will often listen to what the elf has to say."
Hermione raised her hand earnestly, the "look" had appeared in her eyes. Harry smiled and shook his head while Ron sniggered.
"Professor Southerby, if ALL animals listen," Hermione sucked in some air, "werewolves will listen to them too, since during that time of the month, they become animals."
Sniggers erupted from the Slytherin class. Draco was smirking and whispering something to the other Slytherins.
"Hermione, that was very observant. Yes, because they are animals, werewolves will listen to elves," she explained while noticing the smirks from some of the students. "No elf has ever been attacked by a werewolf, according to the record."
"So, let me get this straight, Professor," sniggered Draco. "Elves speak to animals like muggles and some wizards speak to their dumb pets?"
Artemis frowned at Draco's remark and pushed some of her long bangs out of her face. She sighed, some things never change and a Malfoy, like a leopard, cannot change its spots.
"Professor, why is it that we haven't ever seen any elves," asked Harry.
Artemis stared at the group sadly. Hermione looked like she had the answer, but for some reason chose not to speak.
"Elves are a frail group. They do have long lives, longer than most wizards do but they are not immortal. Most elves now live in the forests, away from all types of human civilization. A few chose to live among the wizardry community under special circumstances. A few, the more liberal, even attended Hogwarts and became product members of our society. The last known full-blooded elf was seen a little over 30-years-ago. Voldemort killed him after he refused to join him. After that, no elf has been seen. They all went into hiding."
The class remained silent, staring in disbelief. Killed? No one, not even magical creatures like unicorns and elves were safe. What was Voldemort up to when he tried recruiting elves?
Professor Southerby began handing out slips of paper.
"I have a special lesson in mind for November and I need you to get these permission slips signed and turned in before Halloween. Class dismissed." Artemis turned her attention to Neville, who waited along with his friends for the Slytherins to leave. "Neville? You don't have to worry, I already sent a copy of the letter to your grandmother."
Neville blushed and she smiled at him.
"Thank you, Professor."
Remus sat next to the window in his office. His fifth year Gryffindor class should be arriving soon. He stared out the window and watched as students in black robes crossed the field. His sharp eyes made out the tiny figures of Draco and his cronies stalking back towards the school. He looked past their retreating figures and noticed four figures that he instantly recognized. Harry and his friends were easy to recognize. Only one girl had hair as bushy as Hermione's. Only one boy had flaming red hair. Harry looked so much like his father that it was never difficult to recognize him. Finally the smallest was Neville, who seemed, by the way he was walking, to be excited about something. Remus smiled. He'd find out soon enough what they were so excited about.
The students were already seated when Professor Lupin entered the room. He was very proud of his students. Even the worst of them always tried to do their best. His sharp hearing picked up some of the students' conversation.
"...special class..."
"...dangerous? How dangerous?"
"Must be pretty dangerous. We have permission slips."
Remus smiled and placed a small box onto the desk. He stared into their bright eyes and waited for one of them to inform him on what exactly was going on. Sure enough, Neville was the one who elaborated.
"Professor Lupin! Look!" He held out his extra copy of the permission slip.
Remus took the paper and stared down at it.
'Attention Parents and Guardians,
I am sure you are aware that the previous Care of Magical Creatures is on business. I am his replacement, Artemis Southerby. This November, I plan on teaching the students about a creature that is commonly taught about in DADA. That's where I see the fault. I believe that those stricken with the curse should not be outcast. That is why I wish to teach the students about and show them a werewolf. Please be aware that I have great experience dealing with many different species, including some werewolves. Your students will be thoroughly safe. I will be taking all the precautions. If have any questions, please do not hesitate to send an owl. Any student who does not attend the class will not be penalized in any way.
Thank you,
Artemis Southerby
Care of Magical Creatures'
Everyone stared at Remus, waiting for his reaction. He kept staring down at the letter in disbelief. 'What is she thinking?'
"Good-afternoon class. Today we are learning about," he paused for dramatic effect, "Minotaurs."
Everyone stared at him in disbelief. Minotaurs were said to be extremely dangerous beasts that were half-man and half-bull. Professor Lupin walked over to the box and opened it.
"As you might know from Greek mythology, the minotaur was the son of a cow and King Minos, thus its name: Minotaur or Minos' bull. In order to protect his people from his son, Minos had a labyrinth built to house the beast. Every year, he'd have seven beautiful women and seven young men sent to his island from Athens where they met a horrible fate at the hands of the beast."
He proceeded to pull out a tiny creature that stood no taller than 3-inches. The students could barely see him, but what they heard was unmistakable: the high-pitched angry snorts coming from the creature. Professor Lupin then waved his wand around the room. A bright flash of light erupted from the end of the wand and then nothing.
"I have just cast a spell where the minotaur will think that from the chalkboard to the beginning of where your desks are is a room. There is nothing to worry about. He won't see nor hear you."
Lupin lifted the tiny beast up and moved the desk away from any possible danger. He then pointed his wand at the creature, muttered "Engorgio" and it soon grew to its terrifying 8 feet in length.
Harry and the others could now see the creature in all of its glory. Its thick, bulky body was covered in course fur, much like a bull. His arms were like tree trunks and he kept clenching his fists.
"Kinda reminds you of Crabbe and Goyle, doesn't it," sniggered Ron, causing several other students, including Hermione to laugh.
His face was very cow-like. His eyes were tiny and were at the moment glaring at Professor Lupin. Long, sharp horns protruded from his head. He proceeded to lower his head at Lupin and began pawing the ground, snorting.
"Minotaurs are much like bullies," Lupin explained while keeping a close eye on the beast. "They enjoy hurting others but can easily be outsmarted."
The beast charged at Remus and horrified screams echoed from the students. Remus easily dodged the lumbering beast, which recovered too slowly and bumped into the wall.
"Speed and quick-wittedness beats power any day. I don't expect everyone to be as quick on his or her feet," he mentioned as the minotaur began running towards him again. "Stupify!"
The minotaur stopped its attack and fell forward, stunned.
"Now, who wants to fight the minotaur?"
The minotaur's beady eyes widened when it came to the realization that it was going to have a VERY bad day. The days of him mauling wizards and muggles were over...
Remus summoned his courage after dinner and followed Artemis closely. His robes swept around him as he walked quickly behind her. He looked at the back of her head and watched with amusement as more blonde hairs slipped from the bun.
"Artemis?"
She took a quick glance over her shoulder and began walking faster.
"Artemis, wait!" Remus picked up the pace and hurried after her. He caught her wrist and spun her around to face him.
"Let go. That hurts." She glared at him with her dark blue eyes.
"I'm sorry," he loosened his grip. "I really wanted to talk to you. Why are you avoiding me?"
"Avoiding? Why do you think I am avoiding you," she questioned.
"I haven't seen you in 14-years and when I finally do get to see you and have a chance to talk to you, you avoid me."
She stared at him, the glare softening. A soft "sorry" escaped her lips.
"Artemis," his hands touched her shoulders, "what is wrong? Why can't you sleep without that potion?"
"Remus, please. I don't want to talk about it," she turned. "Please."
He stood quietly for a moment, watching her hurry to the teacher's quarters. He could have sworn that she was about to cry.
"Artemis, why won't you tell me?"
Artemis curled up onto her bed and began to cry. She hadn't cried about what happened between her and Remus since the day she left. She buried her head into the pillow and choked down a sob.
'Why is it so hard? Why?'
A knock interrupted her and she heard Severus' voice.
"Artemis? Are you okay? I brought your potion."
She wiped her tears and put on her night robe. When she opened the door, Severus was standing there. The goblet with her sleep potion was in his right hand.
"Thank you Severus."
"Is everything alright?" He stared at her slightly puffy face and her still tear-stained cheeks.
"I'm fine. Just really tired. I'll talk to you tomorrow."
"Good-night, Artemis."
She threw her arms around Snape and gave him a hug. He began to turn a bright shade of red.
"Thank you, Severus."
"For what?"
"For being a good friend." She released him from the hug.
Severus stammered, gave her the potion and backed up. "Right...um...I'll see you in the morning? G-good-night."
She smiled sadly and looked over at Remus' room. The soft glow of a candle could be seen from under the door. 'Remus.'
She stared down at the goblet. Her mind reeling. 'What can it hurt?'
She placed the goblet on the floor next to her room. Removing her robe, she crawled into her bed, flipped her tear-stained pillow and flicked her wand to turn out the lights. She lay her head on the pillow and stared up at the dark ceiling.
'Why are you so willing to speak to me, Remus? I don't deserve you.'
She shut her eyes and for the first time since she could remember, entered into the realm of dreams.
by Jennifer Allen
"Of Elves and Minotaurs"
Remus woke and stretched his aching muscles. September's full moon had passed a few days ago and he still felt the strain the change caused on his body. He let out a big yawn, noting that some of his "other half's" habits were still lingering. His stomach let out a large growl, complaining about his missing dinner for two nights.
As he walked towards the bathrooms, he stole a glance over towards Artemis' room. A loud beeping was emanating from within. An angry cry and something smashing into the wall soon followed. Artemis stumbled from the room, holding the remains of her alarm clock. Her hair was a mess and there were bags under her eyes. Remus stifled a snicker as she located a wastebasket and tossed the clock in. She muttered something about the evils of muggle technology before shooting a look at Remus.
"Morning, Artemis. Sleep well?"
Artemis muttered some more before shuffling into the women's side of the bathroom. Remus could have sworn that she said something along the lines of 'no one should be so cheerful at this hour.' He stole a glance into her room and frowned. The goblet still sat on the nightstand.
'No wonder she's not Miss Sunshine.'
He ran his fingers through his hair and strode into the men's side. A nice warm shower would definitely help his sore muscles.
Artemis was late for breakfast. Remus noted that when she did come in and sit down, she looked like she had been running. Fang must have decided that walk meant to run and find every tree at Hogwarts.
He noticed, with mild amusement, that Severus was trying the smooth his already slick hair. To his annoyance, she gave Snape a small smile and began filling her plate with food.
"How'd you sleep last night, Artemis?"
"Like the dead. Thank you."
'Say it. Say it. Say it.'
Remus shoveled some eggs into his mouth as he listened to their conversation.
"I'll have another goblet ready for you tonight."
'Say it. For the love of God, say it!'
"Thank you, Severus..."
'Are you going to just sit there and do nothing?'
Remus began poking at his sausage and stealing glances at the blonde next to Severus. He had to tell her that what she was doing wasn't good for her. He certainly wasn't going to obey his inner-voice and confront her in front of the entire school.
'No. Later.'
His gray eyes watched as Artemis stood and left for class. He sighed.
The Gryffindors and Slytherins gathered around Hagrid's hut, waiting for Professor Southerby to begin class. Although Care of Magical Creatures was one of his favorite classes, Harry couldn't help but dread the second class in a row that the Gryffindors had with the Slytherins.
Professor Southerby was later than usual to class. She seemed a little tired, but she made sure to smile when she saw her students. Draco and his cronies sneered as she walked up, carrying with her a bunch of scrolls.
"What, no pretty horses today?"
"Shut up, Malfoy," threatened Ron.
"Class, I first want to return your reports. I'm sorry it took so long to grade them, but I am pleased with your research."
She began handing the scrolls out. Low murmurs came from the students as they looked at their grades. Neville nearly fainted when he noticed the high marks on his paper. Ron poked Hermione as he looked at her score: above perfect.
"Today, we're going to learn about elves."
"Like house elves, professor?" asked Lavender.
"No. Though house elves are related to elves, they are not the subjects of this class. The elves I'm talking about are usually forest dwellers. They are human-like in appearance, but tend to be slightly taller than most of us. Their ears are a little bit bigger than ours and instead of being round, they are pointed."
She pulled out an old scroll and showed the class the picture.
"Why are all those animals around him," asked Neville.
"Elves have a great love of nature," she explained. "For centuries, animals have trusted elves for protection against hunters and themselves. Animals respect elves and will often listen to what the elf has to say."
Hermione raised her hand earnestly, the "look" had appeared in her eyes. Harry smiled and shook his head while Ron sniggered.
"Professor Southerby, if ALL animals listen," Hermione sucked in some air, "werewolves will listen to them too, since during that time of the month, they become animals."
Sniggers erupted from the Slytherin class. Draco was smirking and whispering something to the other Slytherins.
"Hermione, that was very observant. Yes, because they are animals, werewolves will listen to elves," she explained while noticing the smirks from some of the students. "No elf has ever been attacked by a werewolf, according to the record."
"So, let me get this straight, Professor," sniggered Draco. "Elves speak to animals like muggles and some wizards speak to their dumb pets?"
Artemis frowned at Draco's remark and pushed some of her long bangs out of her face. She sighed, some things never change and a Malfoy, like a leopard, cannot change its spots.
"Professor, why is it that we haven't ever seen any elves," asked Harry.
Artemis stared at the group sadly. Hermione looked like she had the answer, but for some reason chose not to speak.
"Elves are a frail group. They do have long lives, longer than most wizards do but they are not immortal. Most elves now live in the forests, away from all types of human civilization. A few chose to live among the wizardry community under special circumstances. A few, the more liberal, even attended Hogwarts and became product members of our society. The last known full-blooded elf was seen a little over 30-years-ago. Voldemort killed him after he refused to join him. After that, no elf has been seen. They all went into hiding."
The class remained silent, staring in disbelief. Killed? No one, not even magical creatures like unicorns and elves were safe. What was Voldemort up to when he tried recruiting elves?
Professor Southerby began handing out slips of paper.
"I have a special lesson in mind for November and I need you to get these permission slips signed and turned in before Halloween. Class dismissed." Artemis turned her attention to Neville, who waited along with his friends for the Slytherins to leave. "Neville? You don't have to worry, I already sent a copy of the letter to your grandmother."
Neville blushed and she smiled at him.
"Thank you, Professor."
Remus sat next to the window in his office. His fifth year Gryffindor class should be arriving soon. He stared out the window and watched as students in black robes crossed the field. His sharp eyes made out the tiny figures of Draco and his cronies stalking back towards the school. He looked past their retreating figures and noticed four figures that he instantly recognized. Harry and his friends were easy to recognize. Only one girl had hair as bushy as Hermione's. Only one boy had flaming red hair. Harry looked so much like his father that it was never difficult to recognize him. Finally the smallest was Neville, who seemed, by the way he was walking, to be excited about something. Remus smiled. He'd find out soon enough what they were so excited about.
The students were already seated when Professor Lupin entered the room. He was very proud of his students. Even the worst of them always tried to do their best. His sharp hearing picked up some of the students' conversation.
"...special class..."
"...dangerous? How dangerous?"
"Must be pretty dangerous. We have permission slips."
Remus smiled and placed a small box onto the desk. He stared into their bright eyes and waited for one of them to inform him on what exactly was going on. Sure enough, Neville was the one who elaborated.
"Professor Lupin! Look!" He held out his extra copy of the permission slip.
Remus took the paper and stared down at it.
'Attention Parents and Guardians,
I am sure you are aware that the previous Care of Magical Creatures is on business. I am his replacement, Artemis Southerby. This November, I plan on teaching the students about a creature that is commonly taught about in DADA. That's where I see the fault. I believe that those stricken with the curse should not be outcast. That is why I wish to teach the students about and show them a werewolf. Please be aware that I have great experience dealing with many different species, including some werewolves. Your students will be thoroughly safe. I will be taking all the precautions. If have any questions, please do not hesitate to send an owl. Any student who does not attend the class will not be penalized in any way.
Thank you,
Artemis Southerby
Care of Magical Creatures'
Everyone stared at Remus, waiting for his reaction. He kept staring down at the letter in disbelief. 'What is she thinking?'
"Good-afternoon class. Today we are learning about," he paused for dramatic effect, "Minotaurs."
Everyone stared at him in disbelief. Minotaurs were said to be extremely dangerous beasts that were half-man and half-bull. Professor Lupin walked over to the box and opened it.
"As you might know from Greek mythology, the minotaur was the son of a cow and King Minos, thus its name: Minotaur or Minos' bull. In order to protect his people from his son, Minos had a labyrinth built to house the beast. Every year, he'd have seven beautiful women and seven young men sent to his island from Athens where they met a horrible fate at the hands of the beast."
He proceeded to pull out a tiny creature that stood no taller than 3-inches. The students could barely see him, but what they heard was unmistakable: the high-pitched angry snorts coming from the creature. Professor Lupin then waved his wand around the room. A bright flash of light erupted from the end of the wand and then nothing.
"I have just cast a spell where the minotaur will think that from the chalkboard to the beginning of where your desks are is a room. There is nothing to worry about. He won't see nor hear you."
Lupin lifted the tiny beast up and moved the desk away from any possible danger. He then pointed his wand at the creature, muttered "Engorgio" and it soon grew to its terrifying 8 feet in length.
Harry and the others could now see the creature in all of its glory. Its thick, bulky body was covered in course fur, much like a bull. His arms were like tree trunks and he kept clenching his fists.
"Kinda reminds you of Crabbe and Goyle, doesn't it," sniggered Ron, causing several other students, including Hermione to laugh.
His face was very cow-like. His eyes were tiny and were at the moment glaring at Professor Lupin. Long, sharp horns protruded from his head. He proceeded to lower his head at Lupin and began pawing the ground, snorting.
"Minotaurs are much like bullies," Lupin explained while keeping a close eye on the beast. "They enjoy hurting others but can easily be outsmarted."
The beast charged at Remus and horrified screams echoed from the students. Remus easily dodged the lumbering beast, which recovered too slowly and bumped into the wall.
"Speed and quick-wittedness beats power any day. I don't expect everyone to be as quick on his or her feet," he mentioned as the minotaur began running towards him again. "Stupify!"
The minotaur stopped its attack and fell forward, stunned.
"Now, who wants to fight the minotaur?"
The minotaur's beady eyes widened when it came to the realization that it was going to have a VERY bad day. The days of him mauling wizards and muggles were over...
Remus summoned his courage after dinner and followed Artemis closely. His robes swept around him as he walked quickly behind her. He looked at the back of her head and watched with amusement as more blonde hairs slipped from the bun.
"Artemis?"
She took a quick glance over her shoulder and began walking faster.
"Artemis, wait!" Remus picked up the pace and hurried after her. He caught her wrist and spun her around to face him.
"Let go. That hurts." She glared at him with her dark blue eyes.
"I'm sorry," he loosened his grip. "I really wanted to talk to you. Why are you avoiding me?"
"Avoiding? Why do you think I am avoiding you," she questioned.
"I haven't seen you in 14-years and when I finally do get to see you and have a chance to talk to you, you avoid me."
She stared at him, the glare softening. A soft "sorry" escaped her lips.
"Artemis," his hands touched her shoulders, "what is wrong? Why can't you sleep without that potion?"
"Remus, please. I don't want to talk about it," she turned. "Please."
He stood quietly for a moment, watching her hurry to the teacher's quarters. He could have sworn that she was about to cry.
"Artemis, why won't you tell me?"
Artemis curled up onto her bed and began to cry. She hadn't cried about what happened between her and Remus since the day she left. She buried her head into the pillow and choked down a sob.
'Why is it so hard? Why?'
A knock interrupted her and she heard Severus' voice.
"Artemis? Are you okay? I brought your potion."
She wiped her tears and put on her night robe. When she opened the door, Severus was standing there. The goblet with her sleep potion was in his right hand.
"Thank you Severus."
"Is everything alright?" He stared at her slightly puffy face and her still tear-stained cheeks.
"I'm fine. Just really tired. I'll talk to you tomorrow."
"Good-night, Artemis."
She threw her arms around Snape and gave him a hug. He began to turn a bright shade of red.
"Thank you, Severus."
"For what?"
"For being a good friend." She released him from the hug.
Severus stammered, gave her the potion and backed up. "Right...um...I'll see you in the morning? G-good-night."
She smiled sadly and looked over at Remus' room. The soft glow of a candle could be seen from under the door. 'Remus.'
She stared down at the goblet. Her mind reeling. 'What can it hurt?'
She placed the goblet on the floor next to her room. Removing her robe, she crawled into her bed, flipped her tear-stained pillow and flicked her wand to turn out the lights. She lay her head on the pillow and stared up at the dark ceiling.
'Why are you so willing to speak to me, Remus? I don't deserve you.'
She shut her eyes and for the first time since she could remember, entered into the realm of dreams.