A/N: Thanks for all the great reviews. I hope I have fixed the scene
formatting problems. Read on.
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Chapter Four: Recovering and Resigning
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The Mediwitch of Hogwarts was roused from her sleep by the magical alarms rigged to indicate someone entering the Hospital Wing. This one was and incessant, loud bell that grew faster the longer it was left activated. It meant the patient was unconscious and gravely ill. Deactivating the alarm, she hurried into the main ward, not bothering to change or cover her muslin nightgown.
Poppy Pomfrey raised a questioning eyebrow when she saw Severus Snape standing at the nearest bed, apparently settling a student carefully on the cot. He nodded and acknowledgement of her presence as she approached. She gave a small gasp of surprise when she saw the blood that covered Miss Granger's chest and shoulders. She turned to Snape and asked, "What happened? How long has she been unconscious?"
Severus, uncharacteristically showed anxiety, as he pushed strands of his black, lank hair out of his face before explaining, "She barged in on Professor Lupin." Madame Pomfrey let out a gasp of realization what that could mean looking out the window at the full moon. "Unfortunately one of the ingredients in the Wolfsbane potion was incorrectly harvested making the potion useless. He was not in control of his wolf form. She walked in on me trying to contain him. He went for her before I could stop him. I do not believe that she was bitten though. The blood is just from his claws cutting her. She passed out shortly after I stunned him. From shock, I think. She has been out cold for about ten minutes," he finished.
Poppy turned pale and moved quickly to the girl's side. She cast a curtain around the bed and asked the professor to step out. She removed Hermione's out clothes, revealing the deep wounds. They continued to bleed profusely. Worry filled her eyes. A werewolf's claws were as poisonous as it teeth, but in a different way. They did not transfer the curse. The mediwitch cast a healing charm, but it only managed to stop the bleeding, instead of closing the lacerations as intended. The claws' poison, being magical itself, resisted the witch's charm. She cleansed and bandaged the wounds after applying a pain relieving potion. She cast as many spells she could think of to make sure she had no other injuries, only finding a few bruises from the werewolf falling on her. A half hour later, having done all she could for the girl. She clothed her in a plain loose gown and removed the curtain. Madame Pomfrey started when she noticed Snape sitting near by, having forgotten about him during her work.
Grudging resentment at admitting to caring colored his voice as he asked, "Will she live?"
"She was not bitten thankfully, but the claws of a werewolf are still poisonous as you know," she replied, surprised that he was showing interest. "The wounds resist proper healing. It will have to heal on its own, I'm afraid. She is only unconscious from the shock. She should wake up normally I hope. She will be staying here for at least the weekend."
"I will notify the Headmaster, but of course he will already know no doubt," he said, and left in a swirl of black.
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**One Hour Later**
I should have locked the door. She was my responsibility as a teacher. I let another one get hurt. I should have protected her, he thought with remorse. I need to atone for the lives I ruined in the past. I need to redeem myself, and now I only succeeded in lengthening the list of those I have failed to help. I will find a way to make up for it. I will not rest until I know she is safe. With that silent vow, he told the gargoyle the password, 'chocolate frog,' and entered the Headmaster's office.
The snowy-haired wizard looked up from his papers as the potions master entered. "Severus, you come to inform me of Miss Granger's condition, I presume," said Dumbledore. The twinkle was gone from his eye, replaced by worry for the girl.
Severus gave a mental shake of his head at the fact that the Headmaster once again knew everything that went on in this school. "Correct, Headmaster. While she was not bitten, she was seriously injured. The poison from the werewolf's claws does not allow for magical healing. Miss Granger will be in the hospital wing for a while, though she will live. No doubt she will be back pestering us all with her endless hand-waving and questions by Monday," he said sardonically, the earlier emotion completely erased from his voice.
That brought back the spark to the blue eyes on the other side of the desk. Smiling, he said, "Indeed, I hope so. She would be sore disappointed to get behind in her studies, extensive as they are. In the meantime she will be getting the best of care we can offer her. I will go consult with Poppy. I would suggest that you go check on Professor Lupin."
Severus nodded consent before sweeping from the room, followed by Albus Dumbledore.
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**One Hour Later**
"How is she?" asked a soft male voice, sounding far away.
"The wounds won't heal. The venom of a werewolf's claws is almost impossible to cure. I'm afraid she may not make it. If she wakes up she will have a better chance of fighting it off. But if it makes it too far in to her blood stream it can cause coma or death. The longer she stays asleep the worse it will get. I didn't tell Severus, he seemed to be blaming himself and I didn't want to make it worse," explained a worried female voice. Who was it? She sounded familiar.
Hermione was worried. Who were they talking about? She wanted to wake up. She felt like she was trying to push her way through a wall of taffy. I need to wake up. Why can't I wake up? Wake me up. Please wake me up. Please, she begged as her thoughts turned to a panicked state. She mentally beat on the barrier keeping her asleep. She was vaguely aware of a dull pain coursing through her body that started in her shoulders. Was she injured? When? She couldn't remember. Why don't I remember? Maybe those people know? She focused once again on the conversation.
"Albus, I'm worried that if she does wake up, the trauma may be too much for her to handle. The poison could leave her paralyzed or with a seizure disorder, if she even lives," said the female voice.
She heard a sigh. "Have you tried the awakening spell?" Dumbledore asked.
"I didn't want to wake her unnaturally. It could have made things worse," came the reply.
"Try it. If being conscious helps, then we should do all we can to wake her."
"Ennervate," came the spell cast by the Mediwitch. Hermione felt a tingling sensation run through her nerves as if she were coming alive after holding still for too long. After what seemed like hours she felt the barrier fade like water running down a drain, and she opened her eyes. Everything was a little fuzzy, but quickly became clear. She was staring up at the vaulted ceiling of the Hospital wing. Unfortunately, the pain became clearer as well. She let out a groan as she lifted her head to look around at her surroundings.
"What happened?" she croaked. She attempted to sit up but her body seemed to not be able to respond. "Why can't I move? Headmaster. Madame Pomfrey. What happened to me? Why can't I remember anything?"
They moved over to the cot so she could see them better. The witch nodded at the Headmaster to explain. Trying to rid his face of worry, he addressed the young woman lying prone on the bed, "What do you remember?"
Her brow furrowed in concentration as she contemplated her answer. Finally she said, "I was with Harry and Ron. I wanted to ask Professor Lupin a question about our homework. I was about to enter his classroom. I don't remember anything else. Why don't I remember, Sir?" She was pained at the thought of not being able to remember something, when she was known for remembering everything.
"You did go to Professor Lupin's office. Unfortunately you failed to remember the full moon. Also unfortunately there was a problem with the Wolfsbane potion and it failed to keep him in his right mind. You were attacked when you attempted to help Professor Snape. You were not bitten, "He reassured her seeing the fear in her eyes. "You were wounded by his claws though. You may know this already, the claws are poisonous also but in the more normal sense of the word. This is more direct than the teeth. It is paralytic venom that affects the entire body. That is why you can't move. If your body is strong enough you may pull out of the paralysis on your own. We will be searching for an antidote to help you in the meantime. The trauma of the experience is the most likely cause of your slight amnesia. It is not testimony to your regular memory. It is currently Saturday morning though very early. Hopefully we can have you up and around by Monday morning," he said inject as much hope as possible into his tone.
"Did Professor Lupin know what he was doing?" Hermione asked apprehensively. How would she act if he had known that it was her he was attacking?
"I do not believe so. He mostly likely will blame himself and try to resign," Albus said with a sigh.
"If he does tell him that I don't blame him and will still want him as my teacher. He's the best DADA teacher we've had so far," Hermione reassured the Headmaster.
"I will tell him so. Madame Pomfrey will take good care of you and answer any questions you may have. Now, I must go check in on Professor Lupin, before Professor Snape hexes him to the next millennium," Dumbledore said the twinkle returning to to his eyes. Turning to leave he paused. Facing her once again, he said, "I would like to keep this a secret, for the Professor's sake. His lyncanthropy is not generally known to the public. So please, do not discuss these matters with anyone including Mr. Potter and Mr. Weasley. I will come up with an excuse for you to be absent this weekend. Goodnight, Miss Granger and try to get some rest." With that said he left the ward.
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**Two Hours Later**
Albus Dumbledore, Headmaster of Hogwarts, paused before the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom door, exactly where a third year girl had stood seven hour before. He heard muffled yelling and a loud growling sound. Cautiously, so as not to startle the occupants into doing something rash, the wizened old wizard opened the door and entered. Quickly he took in livid Professor Snape shouting obscenities at an enraged, and freed, werewolf Professor Lupin. The wolf's coat showed signs of curses, mainly singed fur and a few gashes, and looked exhausted from dodging the hexes and curses thrown at it.
"Cease this immediately!" he roared over the din. Severus cut off the curse he was in the middle of saying and looked at the wizard. The wolf took this opportunity to rest and recoups his energy for a renewed attack. Quickly Albus renewed the cage around the beast. "I am surprised at you, Severus. What would cause you to subject Remus to this kind of treatment? I thought he was caged and could only get out when released. Which means you released him and then cursed him," Albus said putting a hand on Severus' shoulder. Snape lowered his wand, years of obeying this man taking over his will to curse the other professor into oblivion.
Trying to stifle his anger, he replied, "I am sorry, Headmaster. I don't know what came over me." Giving the incapacitated Professor Lupin a scathing glare, he moved to the other side of the room and sat down before explaining. "I was angry, with myself, for letting Eliz...er... Miss Granger get injured. I admit that I was taking it out on the ...professor. As for releasing him, it was to legitimize me attacking him...in self defense. I realize that it doesn't justify but those are my reasons." This was all said with a slightly manic and sarcastic glint to his eye and a sneer on his lips.
A sharp yelp drew their attention back to the caged werewolf. He was now lying on his side writhing n pain. The limbs elongated and claws retracted into fingernails. The snout seemed to pull itself back into the face and the fur melted into clothes and skin. The amber eyes only changed shape but kept the agonizingly pained look. The canine howling turned into the cries of a grown man in pain as Remus Lupin reclaimed his human form. Dumbledore looked at the window and the creeping light of dawn was indeed revealing itself over the Forbidden Forest. He removed the cage once more.
"While your heart is in the right place in caring for Miss Granger, your anger at yourself is out of place. It is not your fault and does not excuse your use of curses against a fellow colleague," Dumbledore said admonishingly.
"You're wrong Albus. It is my fault, but not completely. It is also Lupin's fault. He deserves to be punished for attacking a student," Snape said resentfully. Finally recovered from his transformation, Remus Lupin looked up at this last remark.
"Who attacked a student? Why do I need to be punished, Snape?" he asked with a glare at 'the greasy git.' Slowly, he stood and stretched to relieve the stiffness in his joints. "What happened? I don't remember anything. Why didn't the Wolfsbane potion work?" he asked with an accusing look at the potions master.
Snape sighed exasperatedly. Sneeringly he explained, "The apothecary I bought the moonflower from lied about the date they were picked. They need to be picked during the first quarter moon of the waxing moon at midnight. These were picked during the new moon phase at ten o'clock. As for the attack, you did the attacking. After discovering the impure moonflowers, I came to head you off before you could escape into the castle and hoped to catch you before the transformation to give you a revised version of the potion. Unfortunately, Miss Granger, the intruding know-it-all, decided to pay you a late night visit. She attempted to help me control you, but only managed to draw you into an attack on her instead. She is now in the hospital wing being treated for her severe injuries." Finished, he smirked at the stunned look of the now pale-as-a-ghost DADA professor.
"I...I...I didn't...Albus tell me it's not true. Please tell me I didn't attack Hermione," Lupin said pleadingly at his mentor and former teacher. Albus gave him a comforting look that confirmed the distressing revelation. With a defeated look, that Snape reveled in, at the wizard who had taken him in and given him a job despite his lyncanthropy, he said, "I resign. I can't be attacking people. What if I had killed someone? You can't guarantee the children's safety with me teaching them. I will leave on the first train tomorrow." He scowled at the smug look, the closest thing to out right joy possible, on Snape's face
Turning to go he stopped at Dumbledore's words. "You can not resign. I will not accept it. You are a good teacher. Hogwarts needs you. The students need you. You were not in control of your actions. You, Remus Lupin, did not attack Hermione. You of all people should know you couldn't control you werewolf side."
"But...but she is hurt. I could have killed her," he spit out in self- loathing.
"But you did not. She was not bitten. She was scratched. While her injuries are serious, she will live. She was awake and talking when I came here. She does not blame you, nor does she wish to have you thrown out. You will stay a teacher here until I you are no longer needed. Besides you promised you would join me in a tiddlywinks tournament. You can't back out now. Do you understand?" the Headmaster replied, his voice firm, his face determined.
Snape's face fell as he realized Lupin would not be getting sacked. He gave a disgusted snort and sneered hatefully before standing to leave. With one last contemptuous look at Lupin, he swept out of the room in a cloud of billowing black robes.
The professors left in the room exchanged a knowing look. "I think he is slightly disappointed you didn't fire me," commented the werewolf wryly.
"He will get over the disappointment. Until then I suggest you rest and take a restorative draught, or a shot of brandy, before going to sleep," said the Headmaster.
Remus, laughing softly, said, "I want to apologize to Hermione first. I need here it from her own mouth. I need to reassure myself that she is okay before I can even think about sleeping." Albus sighed and nodded assent. They left the disheveled room together and head for the Hospital Wing once more.
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A/N: Sorry it took so long to write this one. I wanted it to be a decent length but was having a little writer's block. I hope I didn't go out of character anywhere. Don't worry I will be getting to the more interesting parts....i.e. the romance and action...in the next couple of chapters. I will be jumping ahead a few years.
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Chapter Four: Recovering and Resigning
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The Mediwitch of Hogwarts was roused from her sleep by the magical alarms rigged to indicate someone entering the Hospital Wing. This one was and incessant, loud bell that grew faster the longer it was left activated. It meant the patient was unconscious and gravely ill. Deactivating the alarm, she hurried into the main ward, not bothering to change or cover her muslin nightgown.
Poppy Pomfrey raised a questioning eyebrow when she saw Severus Snape standing at the nearest bed, apparently settling a student carefully on the cot. He nodded and acknowledgement of her presence as she approached. She gave a small gasp of surprise when she saw the blood that covered Miss Granger's chest and shoulders. She turned to Snape and asked, "What happened? How long has she been unconscious?"
Severus, uncharacteristically showed anxiety, as he pushed strands of his black, lank hair out of his face before explaining, "She barged in on Professor Lupin." Madame Pomfrey let out a gasp of realization what that could mean looking out the window at the full moon. "Unfortunately one of the ingredients in the Wolfsbane potion was incorrectly harvested making the potion useless. He was not in control of his wolf form. She walked in on me trying to contain him. He went for her before I could stop him. I do not believe that she was bitten though. The blood is just from his claws cutting her. She passed out shortly after I stunned him. From shock, I think. She has been out cold for about ten minutes," he finished.
Poppy turned pale and moved quickly to the girl's side. She cast a curtain around the bed and asked the professor to step out. She removed Hermione's out clothes, revealing the deep wounds. They continued to bleed profusely. Worry filled her eyes. A werewolf's claws were as poisonous as it teeth, but in a different way. They did not transfer the curse. The mediwitch cast a healing charm, but it only managed to stop the bleeding, instead of closing the lacerations as intended. The claws' poison, being magical itself, resisted the witch's charm. She cleansed and bandaged the wounds after applying a pain relieving potion. She cast as many spells she could think of to make sure she had no other injuries, only finding a few bruises from the werewolf falling on her. A half hour later, having done all she could for the girl. She clothed her in a plain loose gown and removed the curtain. Madame Pomfrey started when she noticed Snape sitting near by, having forgotten about him during her work.
Grudging resentment at admitting to caring colored his voice as he asked, "Will she live?"
"She was not bitten thankfully, but the claws of a werewolf are still poisonous as you know," she replied, surprised that he was showing interest. "The wounds resist proper healing. It will have to heal on its own, I'm afraid. She is only unconscious from the shock. She should wake up normally I hope. She will be staying here for at least the weekend."
"I will notify the Headmaster, but of course he will already know no doubt," he said, and left in a swirl of black.
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**One Hour Later**
I should have locked the door. She was my responsibility as a teacher. I let another one get hurt. I should have protected her, he thought with remorse. I need to atone for the lives I ruined in the past. I need to redeem myself, and now I only succeeded in lengthening the list of those I have failed to help. I will find a way to make up for it. I will not rest until I know she is safe. With that silent vow, he told the gargoyle the password, 'chocolate frog,' and entered the Headmaster's office.
The snowy-haired wizard looked up from his papers as the potions master entered. "Severus, you come to inform me of Miss Granger's condition, I presume," said Dumbledore. The twinkle was gone from his eye, replaced by worry for the girl.
Severus gave a mental shake of his head at the fact that the Headmaster once again knew everything that went on in this school. "Correct, Headmaster. While she was not bitten, she was seriously injured. The poison from the werewolf's claws does not allow for magical healing. Miss Granger will be in the hospital wing for a while, though she will live. No doubt she will be back pestering us all with her endless hand-waving and questions by Monday," he said sardonically, the earlier emotion completely erased from his voice.
That brought back the spark to the blue eyes on the other side of the desk. Smiling, he said, "Indeed, I hope so. She would be sore disappointed to get behind in her studies, extensive as they are. In the meantime she will be getting the best of care we can offer her. I will go consult with Poppy. I would suggest that you go check on Professor Lupin."
Severus nodded consent before sweeping from the room, followed by Albus Dumbledore.
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**One Hour Later**
"How is she?" asked a soft male voice, sounding far away.
"The wounds won't heal. The venom of a werewolf's claws is almost impossible to cure. I'm afraid she may not make it. If she wakes up she will have a better chance of fighting it off. But if it makes it too far in to her blood stream it can cause coma or death. The longer she stays asleep the worse it will get. I didn't tell Severus, he seemed to be blaming himself and I didn't want to make it worse," explained a worried female voice. Who was it? She sounded familiar.
Hermione was worried. Who were they talking about? She wanted to wake up. She felt like she was trying to push her way through a wall of taffy. I need to wake up. Why can't I wake up? Wake me up. Please wake me up. Please, she begged as her thoughts turned to a panicked state. She mentally beat on the barrier keeping her asleep. She was vaguely aware of a dull pain coursing through her body that started in her shoulders. Was she injured? When? She couldn't remember. Why don't I remember? Maybe those people know? She focused once again on the conversation.
"Albus, I'm worried that if she does wake up, the trauma may be too much for her to handle. The poison could leave her paralyzed or with a seizure disorder, if she even lives," said the female voice.
She heard a sigh. "Have you tried the awakening spell?" Dumbledore asked.
"I didn't want to wake her unnaturally. It could have made things worse," came the reply.
"Try it. If being conscious helps, then we should do all we can to wake her."
"Ennervate," came the spell cast by the Mediwitch. Hermione felt a tingling sensation run through her nerves as if she were coming alive after holding still for too long. After what seemed like hours she felt the barrier fade like water running down a drain, and she opened her eyes. Everything was a little fuzzy, but quickly became clear. She was staring up at the vaulted ceiling of the Hospital wing. Unfortunately, the pain became clearer as well. She let out a groan as she lifted her head to look around at her surroundings.
"What happened?" she croaked. She attempted to sit up but her body seemed to not be able to respond. "Why can't I move? Headmaster. Madame Pomfrey. What happened to me? Why can't I remember anything?"
They moved over to the cot so she could see them better. The witch nodded at the Headmaster to explain. Trying to rid his face of worry, he addressed the young woman lying prone on the bed, "What do you remember?"
Her brow furrowed in concentration as she contemplated her answer. Finally she said, "I was with Harry and Ron. I wanted to ask Professor Lupin a question about our homework. I was about to enter his classroom. I don't remember anything else. Why don't I remember, Sir?" She was pained at the thought of not being able to remember something, when she was known for remembering everything.
"You did go to Professor Lupin's office. Unfortunately you failed to remember the full moon. Also unfortunately there was a problem with the Wolfsbane potion and it failed to keep him in his right mind. You were attacked when you attempted to help Professor Snape. You were not bitten, "He reassured her seeing the fear in her eyes. "You were wounded by his claws though. You may know this already, the claws are poisonous also but in the more normal sense of the word. This is more direct than the teeth. It is paralytic venom that affects the entire body. That is why you can't move. If your body is strong enough you may pull out of the paralysis on your own. We will be searching for an antidote to help you in the meantime. The trauma of the experience is the most likely cause of your slight amnesia. It is not testimony to your regular memory. It is currently Saturday morning though very early. Hopefully we can have you up and around by Monday morning," he said inject as much hope as possible into his tone.
"Did Professor Lupin know what he was doing?" Hermione asked apprehensively. How would she act if he had known that it was her he was attacking?
"I do not believe so. He mostly likely will blame himself and try to resign," Albus said with a sigh.
"If he does tell him that I don't blame him and will still want him as my teacher. He's the best DADA teacher we've had so far," Hermione reassured the Headmaster.
"I will tell him so. Madame Pomfrey will take good care of you and answer any questions you may have. Now, I must go check in on Professor Lupin, before Professor Snape hexes him to the next millennium," Dumbledore said the twinkle returning to to his eyes. Turning to leave he paused. Facing her once again, he said, "I would like to keep this a secret, for the Professor's sake. His lyncanthropy is not generally known to the public. So please, do not discuss these matters with anyone including Mr. Potter and Mr. Weasley. I will come up with an excuse for you to be absent this weekend. Goodnight, Miss Granger and try to get some rest." With that said he left the ward.
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**Two Hours Later**
Albus Dumbledore, Headmaster of Hogwarts, paused before the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom door, exactly where a third year girl had stood seven hour before. He heard muffled yelling and a loud growling sound. Cautiously, so as not to startle the occupants into doing something rash, the wizened old wizard opened the door and entered. Quickly he took in livid Professor Snape shouting obscenities at an enraged, and freed, werewolf Professor Lupin. The wolf's coat showed signs of curses, mainly singed fur and a few gashes, and looked exhausted from dodging the hexes and curses thrown at it.
"Cease this immediately!" he roared over the din. Severus cut off the curse he was in the middle of saying and looked at the wizard. The wolf took this opportunity to rest and recoups his energy for a renewed attack. Quickly Albus renewed the cage around the beast. "I am surprised at you, Severus. What would cause you to subject Remus to this kind of treatment? I thought he was caged and could only get out when released. Which means you released him and then cursed him," Albus said putting a hand on Severus' shoulder. Snape lowered his wand, years of obeying this man taking over his will to curse the other professor into oblivion.
Trying to stifle his anger, he replied, "I am sorry, Headmaster. I don't know what came over me." Giving the incapacitated Professor Lupin a scathing glare, he moved to the other side of the room and sat down before explaining. "I was angry, with myself, for letting Eliz...er... Miss Granger get injured. I admit that I was taking it out on the ...professor. As for releasing him, it was to legitimize me attacking him...in self defense. I realize that it doesn't justify but those are my reasons." This was all said with a slightly manic and sarcastic glint to his eye and a sneer on his lips.
A sharp yelp drew their attention back to the caged werewolf. He was now lying on his side writhing n pain. The limbs elongated and claws retracted into fingernails. The snout seemed to pull itself back into the face and the fur melted into clothes and skin. The amber eyes only changed shape but kept the agonizingly pained look. The canine howling turned into the cries of a grown man in pain as Remus Lupin reclaimed his human form. Dumbledore looked at the window and the creeping light of dawn was indeed revealing itself over the Forbidden Forest. He removed the cage once more.
"While your heart is in the right place in caring for Miss Granger, your anger at yourself is out of place. It is not your fault and does not excuse your use of curses against a fellow colleague," Dumbledore said admonishingly.
"You're wrong Albus. It is my fault, but not completely. It is also Lupin's fault. He deserves to be punished for attacking a student," Snape said resentfully. Finally recovered from his transformation, Remus Lupin looked up at this last remark.
"Who attacked a student? Why do I need to be punished, Snape?" he asked with a glare at 'the greasy git.' Slowly, he stood and stretched to relieve the stiffness in his joints. "What happened? I don't remember anything. Why didn't the Wolfsbane potion work?" he asked with an accusing look at the potions master.
Snape sighed exasperatedly. Sneeringly he explained, "The apothecary I bought the moonflower from lied about the date they were picked. They need to be picked during the first quarter moon of the waxing moon at midnight. These were picked during the new moon phase at ten o'clock. As for the attack, you did the attacking. After discovering the impure moonflowers, I came to head you off before you could escape into the castle and hoped to catch you before the transformation to give you a revised version of the potion. Unfortunately, Miss Granger, the intruding know-it-all, decided to pay you a late night visit. She attempted to help me control you, but only managed to draw you into an attack on her instead. She is now in the hospital wing being treated for her severe injuries." Finished, he smirked at the stunned look of the now pale-as-a-ghost DADA professor.
"I...I...I didn't...Albus tell me it's not true. Please tell me I didn't attack Hermione," Lupin said pleadingly at his mentor and former teacher. Albus gave him a comforting look that confirmed the distressing revelation. With a defeated look, that Snape reveled in, at the wizard who had taken him in and given him a job despite his lyncanthropy, he said, "I resign. I can't be attacking people. What if I had killed someone? You can't guarantee the children's safety with me teaching them. I will leave on the first train tomorrow." He scowled at the smug look, the closest thing to out right joy possible, on Snape's face
Turning to go he stopped at Dumbledore's words. "You can not resign. I will not accept it. You are a good teacher. Hogwarts needs you. The students need you. You were not in control of your actions. You, Remus Lupin, did not attack Hermione. You of all people should know you couldn't control you werewolf side."
"But...but she is hurt. I could have killed her," he spit out in self- loathing.
"But you did not. She was not bitten. She was scratched. While her injuries are serious, she will live. She was awake and talking when I came here. She does not blame you, nor does she wish to have you thrown out. You will stay a teacher here until I you are no longer needed. Besides you promised you would join me in a tiddlywinks tournament. You can't back out now. Do you understand?" the Headmaster replied, his voice firm, his face determined.
Snape's face fell as he realized Lupin would not be getting sacked. He gave a disgusted snort and sneered hatefully before standing to leave. With one last contemptuous look at Lupin, he swept out of the room in a cloud of billowing black robes.
The professors left in the room exchanged a knowing look. "I think he is slightly disappointed you didn't fire me," commented the werewolf wryly.
"He will get over the disappointment. Until then I suggest you rest and take a restorative draught, or a shot of brandy, before going to sleep," said the Headmaster.
Remus, laughing softly, said, "I want to apologize to Hermione first. I need here it from her own mouth. I need to reassure myself that she is okay before I can even think about sleeping." Albus sighed and nodded assent. They left the disheveled room together and head for the Hospital Wing once more.
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A/N: Sorry it took so long to write this one. I wanted it to be a decent length but was having a little writer's block. I hope I didn't go out of character anywhere. Don't worry I will be getting to the more interesting parts....i.e. the romance and action...in the next couple of chapters. I will be jumping ahead a few years.
