missgranger: Tonight's transformation.

Tonight's transformation.
Don't think me insensitive, but I was quite looking forward to watching Professor Lupin transform tonight. I've seen it before, of course - accidentally, when Professor Lupin was here during my third year. It was horrifying then, and I haven't forgotten it; I think of it often when the moon is full, actually, or when I hear a wolf howling somewhere in the Forbidden Forest. In retrospect, we were very lucky not to be hurt or bitten, as the professor was most definitely not in a cage at the time!

It is not particularly the physical transformation in itself with is frightening, in my opinion. It is most obviously extremely painful, which makes it all the more difficult to watch; loss of control can be a scary thing, and watching a grown man being overtaken by this force within him is what I find unnerving. Hearing someone screaming (and indeed, a beast howling) in pain is emotionally trying. Of course, I have implicit trust in Hogwarts, Professor Lupin, Professor Black, and Professor Dumbledore, so I wasn't worried at all when I showed up. Professor Lupin said we could take notes if we wanted to, so I bought extra parchment and two quills, just in case, as well as my clock, so I could watch for the time limit and note any interesting changes with the exact time next to it. I asked Harry if he wanted to use one, but he said it was okay. His hand must be tired from all the things he's copied for me lately. However, I set up camp right in front.

Which probably wasn't the wisest decision I've ever made.

Here are the notes I did manage to take down before the transformation, since Harry wanted to know what I got:

8:15 PM

Cage ~~silver~~? ~~Metal~~? 1st assumption correct: metal infused w/silver.

8:19 PM

Body rigid, trembling uncontrollably
Body and limbs lengthening, curling
Tail! V. interesting!
Cage seems to be repelling ~~Profess~~ wolf -- (silver)
D. Malfoy already left running, looked v. scared

8:20 PM

Wolf biting own limbs, is that quite safe?

However, I had to stop when a loud snarl caused me to knock my jar of ink all over myself. Most of the audience had moved far back; I was definitely the closest one other than the Professors. I do not know if any one of us was truly prepared to see our kind instructor as - forgive the term, Professor - a monster. It was an incredibly frightening experience to be so close to a beast with such amazing ferocity and strength and beauty. My heart is still pounding! It certainly put a lot of things we've been learning in class about werewolves in perspective. Unfortunately, many people (fellow Prefects among them) left early because it was so intense, and yes, scary. Harry and I stayed for the full half-hour, but I was shaking by the time we left. I don't think I'll be pulling a late night in the library tonight... I'm nearly finished with my project, but I feel like curling up in bed with a good book to try and get my mind off things. I am ready for Easter hols, so I can work on my H.O.P. presentation.

wehaveseven @ 2003-04-16 09:22 pm UTC

Oh, Hermione darling I DO wish you ahdn't sat so close, you never know what could happen! I've half a mind to tell that son of mine off for not protecting you, but if you were with Harry......

In any case Hermione, I've sent you an owl last night and it's Errol who's taken it but I'm certain it will get there tonight and it's very urgent! Of course I don't mean to interrupt if you're busy dear, but if you could read it tonight you don't have to owl back because I'll know your answer!

Love,
Mrs Weasley

missgranger @ 2003-04-16 09:50 pm UTC

Oh, Mrs Weasley! I didn't even know I'd gotten mail, but there was a letter on my pillow when I went to go to bed, and I came right back to the lab to post an entry to you saying I'd gotten it! I would love to come! I've emailed my parents asking for permission and I'm sure I'll have a definite answer for you by tomorrow.

Love,
Hermione

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