"Monster, how should I feel?

Creatures lie here

Looking through the window."

"Monster" Meg & Dia

He could hear the growling and howling thundering in his ears while the pounding of his heart rushed by his eardrums in loud whooshes. Harry took several deep breaths as he stared at the DADA office door, frowning at the sight of it. He had not been near this door since . . . his incident. Yet, he needed to get his homework and return to Snape's quarters soon as his hour to collect any missed assignments was almost up. This was his last stop, and he wasn't sure if he would be able to step any closer to the door.

His dilemma was solved when the door suddenly opened, and Professor Huntington stepped out of the office only to pause at the sight of Harry.

"Oh, hello, Mr. Potter," Huntington greeted amicably. "Anything I can help you with?"

"Err, I need to know if there were any assignments I missed the last class period."

"Ah, Madam Pomfrey informed me you had fallen ill the other day," Huntington said with a nod. "Sick excuses are of no concern, otherwise, I was afraid I would have had to dock a full day's worth of points on your grade. That would not have been favorble for you. Come in, come in. I'll check my notes for your class to see if I assigned something."

Huntington walked back into his office, still talking away while Harry stared at the opened door with apprehension. Slowly, he urged his legs to walk forward, and he felt his heart quicken as he stepped into the room, his breathing heavy and sweat beading on his forehead. The snarling in his ears grew louder, and his head spun as he followed the professor to the desk in the very center of the room—except, it wasn't the same desk he had hidden under nearly thirty days prior.

The room had changed a lot from the way Professor Lupin had arranged it, and the changes were not lost on Harry as the snarling in his head died down and his heart slowed pace. The desk was a much larger, elegantly carved and antique-looking piece of wood, dark in tone. The throne-like chair behind it had red velvet cushioning. The shelves were littered with different objects: horns, feathers, organ parts floating in a bubbling liquid, even mirrors that glowed an eerie silver. When Harry stepped closer to one hanging on the wall, the face of a banshee flashed before him, and he jumped back with a startled cry.

"What's that?" Huntington asked, looking up from where he was shuffling through parchment on his desk. "Oh, yes, be mindful of some of my trinkets over there, Mr. Potter. They are not all suitable for a young wizard with your limited expertise. Come over here, I think I found my book with your year's information."

Harry frowned as he realized many of the items on the shelves were parts of a creature, dark or light, and were nestled on the shelves like trophies. He slowly made his way toward the desk, keeping close to the shelves as he studied the many different objects the professor appeared to have collected over the years. There were also items like knives, swords, and a whip-like item all on some kind of display, the metal objects glistening in the sunlight streaming in from the window.

He was about to turn toward the professor when he sucked in a deep breath and froze, his eyes widening.

Hanging on the wall, just to the right of the shelves, there was a large, tawny werewolf fur pelt with the head still attached, the eyes staring up dully at the ceiling.

Harry backed up several paces, backing right up into Huntington. He jumped away from the professor, who was giving him an amused look.

"Don't worry," Huntington said, flashing a smile at Harry. He gestured to the wolf pelt. "That beast can't hurt anyone anymore. Slayed it myself. It was terrorizing a small muggle town for months before I showed up and saved the day. The muggles were most appreciative."

It all made sense now, Harry thought as he took a few steps away from Huntington. The new professor was a monster hunter, a monster killer—that was why he had all these body parts and pelts hanging around—they were trophies.

"Are you okay, Mr. Potter?" Huntington asked. "You've gone a bit pale. Perhaps you are not completely well yet."

"Yeah," Harry agreed. "I'm still feeling a little . . . sick."

"Perhaps you should go lie down for the afternoon?" Huntington held out a slip of parchment. "Here. I've written down the homework I've assigned your class. Take your time to complete it; there's no need to stress yourself over it."

Goosebumps crawled up Harry's back as he stared at the parchment offered. He bit his lip before taking a single step forward, which got him close enough to snatch the slip away and retreat back a step once more.

"Thank you, sir," Harry said as he walked backwards. "I have to . . . err, I have to go. I'll be late."

Harry turned and ran out of the classroom, leaving a confused DADA professor behind.

After spending a long afternoon catching up on all of his classes and having Severus review each assignment, he had been given the all clear to return to his dormitory with his completed assignments, and Harry was relieved to be free of his Potions Master. Not that Severus had been terrible as he revised his homework, it was just weird to Harry that the professor really seemed to be trying to be . . . well, he really didn't have a word for it. UnSnape-like was the best he could come up with. However, if Severus was to be his new guardian here on out, Harry much preferred this version of the man than the irate person he knew Severus could be. Harry's thoughts were interrupted as he ran right into Ron and Hermione when he walked into the common room of his tower.

"Where have you been?" Hermione asked frantically after hugging Harry. "We've been worried, and all the headmaster would tell us was that you were ill."

"And Madam Pomfrey wouldn't even let us visit," Ron said. "We didn't even see you there."

Harry swallowed dryly as he fought with his brain over what to say to his friends: to lie or tell the truth. He trusted his friends with his life, and he knew they would never turn on him. Or at least, he prayed they would never turn away and abandon him over something he could not control. He glanced around the common room cautiously.

"Not here," he said. "Follow me."

Harry led the way to his dormitory, and after making sure there was no one else inside, he sat down between Ron and his beds, crisscrossing on the floor, and Ron and Hermione followed his lead.

It was hard to begin, but once he started telling the story, he couldn't stop, nor could he stop the tears that started welling in his eyes. He stubbornly wiped the tears away, refusing to cry anymore than he already had. Once he had shared his horrific tale with his friends, Ron was frowning in concern, his face pale and tight, while Hermione was openly crying for Harry.

"I'm so sorry, Harry," Hermione said. "I should have said something earlier, but I thought he was doing everything right."

"What are talking about?" Harry asked with a frown, and Ron turned to give Hermione a confused look as well.

"I knew he was a werewolf," Hermione confessed through her tears. "Ever since Snape substituted the class and taught us about werewolves, I realized Professor Lupin was one, but I also read about all the prejudice they faced and it seemed like everything was going well for him—he had to be taking the potion and keeping quiet at night—I never thought something like this would happen! This is my fault."

"No, it's not," Harry said. He was surprised Hermione even knew of Remus's secret, but he was not about to blame her for not coming forward with it. "This is my fault, Hermione, I shouldn't have been wandering at night, and I shouldn't have unlocked his door. None of this would never have happened if I hadn't been so stupid."

"Or if a werewolf had never been hired," Ron added. "As much as I like Lupin, hiring a werewolf in a boarding school is just really risky. Is that why Lupin was sacked?"

"I don't think he was fired," Harry mumbled. "I think he left on his own."

"Probably for the best. Obviously, something like this can happen again, and no one wants that. At least you've got a steady supply of Wolfsbane coming your way, but what are you going to do on full moon nights."

"Go down to my new guardian and stay in his place," Harry said. "In a locked room behind an enchanted wall."

"A new guardian?" Hermione frowned. "Who is your new guardian?"

"Temporary guardian. Professor Snape is my new temporary guardian."

Ron winced at that.

"Blimey, that's rough, mate. Talk about a horrible case of bad luck."

"He hasn't been that awful, actually," Harry said. "I almost had a panic attack when I saw the room I'm supposed to stay in on full moon nights but he calmed me down and helped work me out of it. He was decent when I worked on catching up on my missed assignments too. I think he's really trying to be . . . I don't know, a good guardian, I guess?"

"At least it's only temporary," Ron said. "Is the headmaster looking for a better guardian for you in the meantime?"

Harry shrugged. He wasn't sure what anyone was doing where he was concerned, and that thought freaked him out a little. Where would they send him off to? What if his new guardian was worse than the Dursleys? What if the person they found hated werewolves? Or what if they were too afraid of him to handle keeping him around? He pushed those thoughts away and wrapped his arms around his knees.

"Well, I hope they find someone good for you," Ron said with a shrug of his own.

"But Harry," Hermione began, frowning once more. "How is the headmaster sure you won't bite anyone? Not that I want you to leave the school or anything, but Professor Lupin slipped and hurt you. And he's had years to learn to control himself and stay on top of his potions and stuff. You're new to all this and, well, what exactly is the plan?"

"I guess the plan is for me not to do this alone," Harry said. "That's why Snape is going to help me, even when I do get a new guardian. He'll stay on top of everything and make sure I do exactly what I'm supposed to."

"Maybe having someone else help will keep everyone safe," Hermione said. "I mean, werewolves are still wolves, essentially. They thrive in packs. Maybe Snape is exactly what you need."

"Don't say that!" Ron exclaimed. "Snape's been nothing but awful to us for the last three years. Bet he was forced into helping Harry. He's just waiting for him to slip up so he can finally expel him. You be careful Harry. We'll help you make sure you follow any rules the headmaster gives you and that you never hurt anyone. We'll be your pack."

"Thanks," Harry said softly, smiling at his friends. He wasn't really sure what to make of Severus's behavior as of late, but deep inside, he hoped that the professor wasn't looking for an excuse to have him expelled. If there was ever a reason for it, now was the perfect time. He was a messy, bloody accident waiting to happen.


A week later, the entirety of Gryffindor house waited in the common room anxiously while the entire castle was searching for Sirius Black. Somehow, he had managed to slip by Sir Cadogan after reading off a list of the entire week's passwords for the house, and Ron woke up screaming at the sight of Black standing over him with a knife. It was only nearing dawn, but the house could not sleep knowing Sirius Black had been so close. However, Professor McGonagall returned to inform everyone that Sirius Black had managed to slip away again, and then told everyone they should all try to get some more sleep.

Sleep was the last thing on anyone's mind. It turned into a long night of fitful rest and tossing and turning until it was time for breakfast. Ron had become an instant celebrity and was more than eager to share with anyone who asked about his encounter with Black. He seemed to enjoy the attention, and Harry was glad to have that attention off him, especially as he was still acclimating to his new gifts of heightened senses and newfound strength.

A visit with Hagrid revealed that poor Buckbeak had a trial coming up with the Committee for the Disposal of Dangerous Creatures, and the thought of such a committee existing sent chills down his back, and Harry thought back to Huntington's office.

"You don't think Huntington works for that department, do you?" Harry asked Hagrid.

"The new professor?" Hagrid asked. "I don' think so. The Committee is more of a desk job, though there is an executioner, but he been workin' for the Committee fer years an' still is. Why do you ask?"

"Just wondering."

"Last I heard, Huntington was a traveling researcher in the field of Dark Studies and the defense against them. Not sure what else he may have done fer work, but he was more than qualified fer the job accordin' to the Headmaster."

"I see. Thanks."

"Why are you asking about Huntington?" Hermione asked. "Honestly, he's not so bad. He might just be the next best professor we'll have."

"Oh, nothing. Like I said, just wondering."

After bidding goodbye to Hagrid and Buckbeak and wishing them both good luck, the trio walked back inside, only to run directly into Severus.

"After the most recent sighting of Sirius Black," Severus said, crossing his arms at the trio, "I would think you three would take more precautions in your whereabouts."

"Hagrid walked us to the entrance," Ron said. "We weren't alone."

Severus narrowed his eyes at the trio before sighing and unfolding his arms.

"Potter, I need to speak with you in my office." Without another word, the professor turned with a sweep of his robes.

Ron rolled his eyes at the dramatics while Hermione elbowed him and gave him a look. Harry gave his friends an apologetic look before he ran after the professor to catch up to him, then had to speed walk after him to keep up. When they arrived at the Severus's office, Severus was quick to grab a vial off his desk and hand it over to Harry.

"You forgot to take this at breakfast," Severus said. "You know you are required to take these twice daily for the next few months. They appear at your mealtimes, we can't possibly make them any easier for you to take."

"Right, sorry," Harry said. It was the nutrient potion to help his deficiencies, and he accepted the vial. "I was a bit . . . distracted this morning after last night."

"Forgetting is not allowed," Severus said. "You must learn to stay on top of all the potions you are required to take. This one may not be so debilitating, but one of another kind may just be the difference between life and death."

Harry took the potion, which allowed him to avoid saying anything. He thought back to what his friends had said about having someone else assisting him in staying on top of his required potions, and he figured it really wasn't such a bad thing.

"How are you feeling, Potter?" Severus asked suddenly.

"Huh?" Harry asked once he swallowed the potion. That was not a question he had expected to hear from Severus.

Severus pinched the bridge of his nose and rubbed at it as if there was an irritating itch he could not get rid of.

"A deranged murderer made it into the castle last night and was hovering over a bed not three feet away from you with a knife and you question why I ask how you are feeling?"

"Oh. I'm okay. He was gone before I was even fully awake."

"Are you sure?"

Of all the concerns in his head, Sirius Black was the least of his problems, though a very real threat that remained in his life on top of everything else he had been through. However, while Sirius Black may have been able to break into Gryffindor Tower, Harry's perceived threat of Black was pretty low as the man was always out of sight and so, out of mind. However, the secrecy of the wolf he had become was now at the top of his mind, along with the discovery that the new DADA professor may not be overly fond of werewolves. Harry wasn't sure what he was supposed to be more afraid of: Black, Huntington, or himself.

"I must say," Severus continued as he took the empty vial back from Harry, "your silence speaks volumes. What is on your mind?"

Harry hesitated, then said, "Buckbeak is going on trial for what happened at the start of the year with Malfoy. He might be executed because of it, but it wasn't even his fault."

Severus sighed heavily through his nose as he studied Harry, his eyes narrowing slightly and his lips thinned. Harry had that strange feeling that somehow this man was reading his mind, and he dropped his gaze to the floor. Maybe if he didn't make eye contact, Severus wouldn't see the millions of questions and fears running through his head.

"I find it hard to believe," Severus said, "that a hippogriff's potential execution is your main concern at the moment. However, I'll play along—for now. Regardless of the outcome the Committee agrees upon, I am sure everything will work itself out in Buckbeak's favor. Now, I would like to discuss Sirius Black. As I'm sure you are aware, Black was able to sneak in the castle with a list of passwords left carelessly lying around by one of your housemates. I've been informed that Longbottom is not allowed to know any passwords going forward, but other security is being instilled in the castle after this recent attack."

"Like what?"

"The Fat Lady's portrait will be returned to the tower's entrance. Obviously, the current portrait has no sense in keeping out intruders despite them having a list of passwords or not. Professor Flitwick is adding enchantments to the front doors as we speak to keep out Sirius Black, and Mr. Filch is doing his best to board up any loose ends around the hospital. Security trolls have been hired to guard the Fat Lady's portrait, one of the stipulations of her return, I'm afraid."

"Trolls?" Harry asked. "Like the thing I fought in my first year?"

"Don't get any ideas." Severus gave Harry a mild glare. "These ones have had some more training than the blundering monstrosity you encountered before. They will not harm you. They've been shown pictures of Black and will only attack if they see him."

"I guess that makes me feel a little better," Harry said, hoping to appease Severus and get out of the conversation.

"I want to reiterate the importance of keeping yourself safe by obeying all of Hogwarts rules. There is no roaming around the castle freely or leaving the safety of the castle alone."

"Yes, sir."

"The dementors still guard the school grounds, so it would be in your best interest to stay within the school as much as possible."

"That reminds me," Harry said, "Remus was giving me lessons on the Patronus charm. I still haven't figured it out yet and what if they come close to the school again unexpectedly?"

"While Lupin has resigned, he has not left the area yet that I know of. I believe he may still be interested in continuing his lessons with you."

"With Remus?" Harry's eyes widened and he shook his head as he took a few steps back. "He's still here?"

Severus gave Harry a curious look.

"He is around. Planning out his next move, I'm sure. I believe he may also wish to speak with you."

"No, I don't want to speak to him." Harry backed up a few more steps toward the office door.

"Do not leave yet," Severus said. "I understand your fears, Potter. He put you through a traumatic event, it is no surprise you have no desire to see him. You had brought him up, so I assumed you were perhaps in a forgiving place. I would understand if you never wanted to see him again."

"I don't . . ." Harry shrugged and shook his head. "I don't want to see him right now."

Harry had no clue how seeing Remus might affect him. He could barely walk into the man's old office without a borderline panic attack, forget meeting face to face. His heart was thundering in his chest at the very thought of it. He didn't even notice Severus walking toward him until the professor was right in front of him.

"He will keep his distance as long as you need it," Severus said. "Calm down. No one is forcing you to do anything you do not want to do. If you would like, I can take over teaching you the Patronus charm."

"Really?" Harry turned stunned eyes to Severus. "You would do that?"

"I feel you are far too young to master the spell fully," Severus said, quirking a brow, "but you have surprised me before. If you show me you are putting one hundred percent into the lessons, I will continue working with you on them. I do not want to waste my limited time trying to teach you something you are not actually interested in."

"I'll pay attention, sir!"

"Good. Then I will make time in my schedule to accommodate these lessons. I will let you know when your first one will be."

"Thank you, sir!"

"Think nothing of it," Severus said, waving his hand dismissively. "It is a useful charm to know. You are dismissed. Do not forget your nutrient potion again or I will drag you back down to this office to feed it to you."

"Yes, sir," Harry said with a smile.

As he left the office, closing the door gently behind him, Harry had a strange, unknown feeling in his chest, something new mixing with all the fear and worries, but it was drowned out by the stronger emotions, and Harry frowned as he walked away from Severus's office, feeling as though he should have spoken up more about what was really going on in his head.