Ch 2

Okay, Here we go. Disclaimer in Ch1

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"Today we shall discuss...werewolves." Snape said as he flipped to the back of the 3rd year book.

"But Sir," Hermione said, unable to keep silent, " We're not suposed to do werewolves yet. We've only started on hinkypunks." The sneer Snape gave her almost equaled the glare in his eyes.

"Miss Granger, I was under the impression that I was teaching this less, not you. Now turn your books to page 394." He said evenly, his glare silencing any other words of protes. Hermione sank into her chair slightly, her face red.

"Now, which of you can tell me the how to distinguish a werewolf from a true wolf?" He asked, looking over the class with an unpleasent sneer. "Are you telling me Professor Lupin hasn't even taught you the basic distinction?"

"Please Sir, " Hermione interupted, "The wolf and werewolf differ in several..." Snapes angry voice interuppted her.

"That is the second time you have spoken out of turn Miss Granger. Five points from Gryffindor for being an insufferable know-it-all." Ron and Harry looked as if they were about to say something but Hermione only shook her head and lowered her face.

"Since this class is so unedcated on the subject I want two rolls of parchment on the ways to recognise and kill a werewolf by Monday." The sneer had become a full blown grin as Snape turned away from the class to write on the board. Behind him, whispers and complaints sounded. "Quiet or I'll make it three" He growled as he whirled around.

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"Miss Granger,at it again are you?" A voice said from behind Hermione. Looking up from her book she turned and saw professor Lupin behind her. He looked tired and worn since the last time she had seen him. His ragged robes hung loosly on his thin form and there were dark bags under his eyes.

"Professor Lupin, what?" She asked, distractedly. He tapped a finger on the books stacked next to her. "Another book you've buried yourself in." Hermione blushed slightly and smiled.

"I'm finishing my essay for your class actually. The one Sna..err Professor Snape gave us when you were gone." Lupin looked at her, puzzeled.

"I didn't have an essay set. What is it on?" Lupin asked, sitting beside her.

"He asked us to write 2 rolls of parchment on how to recognise a werewolf and how to kill one." Lupin's eyes widened and he paled. "Professor..are you alright?" Hermione asked, putting a hand on his arm.

"Err..yes. I'm fine. I uh..I just didn't expect Professor Snape to jump so far from the lesson's we're on. Lychanthropy is a subject that is hard to teach on. As you mentioned before, the only text available is really just biased opinion." Lupin said, recovering quickly, but not enough to stop Hermione from wondering.

"The notes you gave me really helped. I'm just looking for a bit more and I'll be finished."

"I hate to have wasted your time Hermione, I don't think I'm going to make anyone do the essay. It's too far ahead for the subjects we're on in class." Lupin said, smiling at Hermione's look of dissapointment. "However, since you've gone so far out of your way, if you want to finish yours I'll take it and give you the points. Maybe what you've written could change the theory on werewolves as we know it." He said encouragingly.

"Alright Professor. Thank you so much. I think out of the past three DADA proffesors this school has had, you have been the best." Hermione said quieting as she finished. Lupin gave her a genuine smile and moved to stand.

"It's students like you that make the lessons worth teaching. I'll see you in class Miss Granger, for now I think I'm going to rest. I've been feeling a bit under the weather lately."

"Professor Lupin, is that why you weren't in class on Friday?" Hermione asked cautiously, watching his reaction. There was only a slight change in his posture, nothing more.

"Yes, I was ill and Professor Snape was kind enough to take over for me." he said, smiling.

"That's too bad Professor. You seem to get sick alot. You need to take better care for your health. Maybe Professor Snape could brew you a potion to help with your..illness." Hermione said casually. The mild recognition in Lupin's eyes giving her more to think about later.

"Perhaps. Goodbye Hermione." Lupin said with a forced smile as he turned and exited the Library. 'I don't bloody believe it.' he thought as he walked away quickly.

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Sitting in the darkend dorm room, Hermione looked over her list. Each time she reread it the facts screamed at her. 'He can't be. He can't be. He's too nice. too..human to be. I don't believe it. Professor Lupin is just a tired man with too much on his mind. That's why he's sick and pale and gone sometimes. Always gone during the three days of the full moon. Always back with dark circles under his eyes. Always with some new cut or bruise on his face. That's why he's...he's...he's a werewolf.'

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