Satine timidly raised her hand, "Professor, what color of werewolf are you? I mean you are so pretty everyday, so do you know if you are a...well...if a werewolf could be...are you that pretty in werewolf form?" she said with a smile...she just couldn't imagine that she was an ugly werewolf since she was so pretty....

Clifford still couldn't quiteget over the fact that Professor Lupa - Professor Lupa who on some occasion he'd actually been ALONE with - was a werewolf. A proper.. werewolf.

He wanted to ask her if she'd ever wanted to eat him.. but thought better of it.

"Is - Is there really.... no cure for it, Miss?" He asked somewhat nervously, raising a hesitant hand.

Kevin was really shocked still so he allowed all of his fellow students to ask questions because Kevin could not think of any questions to ask and basically he was feeling rather scared

Fallon smiled as Aaron joined her and held her laughter as he got yelled at for running. She listened in awe as Professor Lupa talked about being a werewolf. She could tell by some of the other students looks that they were frightened. Fallon had a feeling some of these students parents probably wouldn't let them go to school her next year. She sighed and waited for Professor Kazimeriz to talk about the Wolfsbane Potion.

Kazimeriz rose and took up a place at the podium, taking a moment to squeeze Alessia's hand supportively. He leaned down and whispered into her ear: "Brilliant, my dear. You are handling this beautifully." He tipped her a tiny wink and turned to face the student body.

Kazimeriz cleared his throat and smiled gently at the young girl. What a sweet question! "She is the most radiant werewolf I have ever seen-- and I have seen a fair few in my time. As you will have the opportunity to witness, she has brown fur."

Kazimeriz looked at Mr. Carden to acknowledge the question, clearing his throat to begin his lecture. "In answer to your question, Mr. Carden, no-- there is no cure currently. But perhaps one of you will one day even be inspired to find a cure for the illness." His eyes moved about the room, pausing to glance meaningfully at several of his more promising potions students, as if challenging them to try to cure the disease.

"As Alessia has mentioned, I have been working with her since her childhood to help her learn to manage her condition and learn to cope with the prejudices that uneducated people often hold toward lycanthropes. It is my hope that each of you to come away from this assembly enlightened about the condition, and that you will regard lycanthropes with empathy and understanding, not misconceptions and foolish prejudices."

"That being said... I taught her to brew the wolfsbane potion, which I will discuss now. Wolfsbane potion was invented by Damocles Belby in the 1970s. Incidentally, Damocles was one of our own alumni, taught under Horace Slughorn here at this very school." Kazimeriz smiled, remembering his old classmate and friend. "As one might suspect, Wolfsbane potion's key ingredient is the wolfsbane plant, also known as aconite or monkshood. Professor Bunbury will educate you more on the plant itself, so I will focus on the potion."

"Wolfsbane potion is used to lessen the effects of lycanthropy. Its chief magical effect is its ability to stop the dementia that accompanies transformation... In other words, the lycanthrope who has been taking a regular regimen of wolfsbane will not lose control of his or her mind and will retain his or her human mind and self control. This obviously is a great benefit to the lycanthrope, for they will be lucid and therefore will be able to suppress any dangerous behavior when transformed. This has helped many lycanthropes to live normal or near-normal lives despite their condition." Kazimeriz nodded in acknowledgement to Alessia before he continued.

"Wolfsbane potion is extraordinarily difficult for even a fully trained potioneer to brew; only a handful of wizards and witches with less than a potions master certification can manage to get it right. Those of you who have been taking my classes, especially my NEWT level students, will likely recognize that it shares many properties in common with wit sharpening potions and calming draughts, though it may surprise you to learn that many of the ingredients you find in wolfsbane potion actually would be more commonly found in potions to induce hysteria or euphoria-- alihotsy leaves, for example. This is just one example of many instances in potions making where there are exceptions to the rules and it is not only your ingredients and process that matter, but knowing how the ingredients interact that makes a difference. Aconite is one plant that actually transmutates the way other ingredients interact in your potion, and this is something you need to keep in mind when brewing this or any potion." Kazimeriz paused, looking around at the students, hopin they were paying careful attention. He used his wand to lift the bottle of wolfsbane potion up off the distant table so all the students could see the translucent purple fluid inside before he continued.

"Further, as I am sure Professor Bunbury will describe in further detail, there are many varieties of aconite that are referred to by laymen as 'wolfsbane'-- but the only one that works in wolfsbane potion is Aconitum lycoctonum vulparia. I cannot emphasize this enough! Many wizards are confused by the fact that the completed wolfsbane potion is purple and use one of the other subspecies of aconitum, most commonly one of the many varieties with purple blossoms-- aconitum lycoctonum. This can be disastrous. The wrong subspecies of the plant can cause permanent damage or death to the lycanthrope, excessively violent behaviour --even for a werewolf-- or it may result in madness even after the lunar cycle has passed and the transformation cycle is over."

"Proper wolfsbane for use in this potion will ONLY be of the lycoctonum vulparia subspecies, which has pale yellow to white blossoms. For the proper effect in the potion it must be picked under the light of a high waxing moon." He glanced around the room. "A helpful way to remember the subspecies is to think about the latin roots for the words-- lycoctonum by itself refers to wolf-slaying, but vulparia refers to foxes... Your intent in the finished potion is to 'slay' the inner wolf instinct while you retain the lycanthrope's crafty, clever-as-a-fox human intellect." At least, that's how Damocles Belby had explained it to him back in the day.

Kazimeriz paused, knowing he was throwing a lot of information at the students. "Before I continue, are there any questions so far?" He looked around the room at the students and staff, then briefly looked at Alessia. He wondered how she was fairing under this uncomfortable level of scrutiny; she seemed well, overall, but he hoped that the actual transformation would only intrigue and enlighten the students, not cause them to come to shun her.

Fallon never really liked Potions, but she listened intently still. She was shocked at how one little thing such as using the wrong subspecies of plant could jut make matters worse. She sighed. She wish she could think of a question, but she had none at the moment.

Oh that was alot of information to take in.Sarah's head was spinning as Kazimeriz continued his lecture on the Wolfsbane potion.Was there any questions? Hmmmm.Sticking her hand in the air,Sarah cleared her throat. "Ummm Sir.You say that the Aconite has to be picked under a high waxing moon,but does if have to be at any specific time of the year? Or are young,spring plants as good as older summer plants?"
Was that a good question? Did it even make sense?

Kevin listened hard as the potions professor explained all about the wolfsbane potion and he listened when sarah his third year friend asked a question about it and was curious to know what the answer would be

Woah. Information overload! Nikita had read some things about Wolfsbane, but this was enough info to brew it - something she had never planned on. Well, now she was all set to have a werewolf child or husband - there were loads of student questions, covering things she never would have thought up. Instinctively, Nikita memorized the specific plant: Aconitum lycoctonum vulparia. Maybe, but hopefully not, she would need to know all this later.

Though Diane had been watching for some time in silence, she was hesistant to comment or talk. The one question she could think of asking was the one question that she herself could never...

Her thoughts were interrupted by the explanation from professor Kazimeriz. It was an interesting topic, a very intriguing concept. But the incompletness of it made it all more intriguing. Diane raised her hand, "Professor Kazimeriz, if the Wolf's Bane Potion makes a werewolf retain its human mind, why not perform transfiguration into a human body? It should be fairly easy though not a real cure--

"Though maybe professor Lupa and others could do with assistance in the transformation, as I'm guessing it's not that easy to hold a wand in that shape." She looked at her own hands, as if appraising their size. "In transfiguration, we have been studying something of the sort... is that how you have been able to perform in class, professor?" she added the last towards professor Lupa.

She lowered her hands in consideration for a second that did not last much.

"If possible I would like to know, why did you feel it was necessary to conceal this before and why releaving it now?" Diane said as she raised her hand again. "Did something happen?" Her tone was non-judgeamental, merely curious.

Satine smiled at the Potions Professor for answering her question and then gave an encouraging smile to Professor Lupa...she had been raised in a family that had lycanthropy in their veins although it wasn't passed down active. She thought this was the bravest thing she had seen a Professor do all year and made a mental note to send her some flowers and give a standing ovation when this was over....from this moment on she would idolize and respect Professor Lupa more than any woman, next to Satine's mother and aunt. She smiled again at the Professor and kept a smile on her face for constant support...

William had sat back and listened to the others give out questions and receive answers, all the while writing furiously in his book. He had been kind of curious and nervous when he first had entered the great hall and wondered who it could have bee, knowing not to trust rumors but this had just been a shock he hadn't been expecting. After the initial shock had worn off though his respect for Lupa had grown ten thousands times over what it used to be and he found himself listening to every word, turning his head to look at Kazimeriz who went on to explain about Wolfsbane potion. Flexing his fingers he dove in again, this time writing nearly everything down. This was just too fascinating for him and he didn't want to miss a single thing.

This was bad. Very bad. Rachel was falling asleep. . . In front of the Headmaster. Her puffy red eyes stung with every movement and she longed to close them and be rid of this constant internal fight. NO! She HAD to stay awake - it was rude to fall asleep, not to mention unpractical in the given situation. The most she'd get out of her nap would be a month's detention and a stiff, painful neck.

Sighing, the fifth year tried to shift around a little as to wake up a little when she noticed suddenly that the empty space next to her was no longer empty. Jumping about a mile in the air, Rachel felt her foggy brain clear up at once as her heart beat fast and send fresh blood to her head. Smiling happily - but still looking worst than ever - Rachel shook her head and nodded towards the teachers who had begun talking.

Feeling much more awake now, and happier too because LIVVY of all people had shown up, Rachel settled comfortably and began paying attention to what was being said, a spark of interest ignited within her as they talked werewolves.

Ooooooohh! Rachel's eyes widened in surprise as Professor Lupa - her very own Runes teacher - told everyone that she was a werewolf. A WEREWOLF! Like in the Harry Potter tales, with the Lupin guy but instead of Lupin it's LupA! As she watched the professor silently, Rachel couldn't help but feel a new sense of respect for her. It must have been really hard to say that in front of a hall full of people, people whom the majority would not hesitate to make a snide remark or two. They were kids after all.

Pity welled up inside her as the fifth year noticed for the first time how Professor Lupa looked. After seeing something remarkably similar in the mirror every day for the past week, Rachel had not noticed something wrong straight away. Poor Professor Lupa - it just shows how much our teachers are dedicated to their jobs. She was willing to TRANSFORM into a werewolf right before their eyes just to let them see what it looked like.

The things teachers did for the sake of education...

Listening to Kazimeriz did two slightly unexpected things to the deaded fifth year: 1. Wake her up even more since for some reason this whole subject was absolutely fascinating and 2. Spark up her interest so much that she forgot about being tired, forgot about the fact that she looked like a hag, forgot her permanent dull headache and actually pay lots of attention.

Smiling, she felt her brain switch on to Lesson Mode and quickly reached behind her to put her hair up in a ponytail so that it wouldn't get in her vision. That always annoyed her whenever she wanted to study.

"I will let professors Lawson or Kazimeriz answer the first portion of the question. As for your second question," She looked over to Pepe and then back to the student. "It certainly wasn't something I was trying to conceal. If someone had asked if I was a werewolf... then I'd have told them. I was a little apprehensive however of... telling everyone, as there are some students" she looked over at Clifford, "who will no longer look at me the same way. Whether it be in a good way," she looked at Satine and Cyrus. "Or bad..." she turned to Clifford and Kevin, "it's still different. I thought it might distract you, but Professor Lawson, Professor Kazimeriz and the Headmaster all think this will be good for you to know." though papa Valon didn't want it to be me, she thought to herself. "I am no different than any of you, I just grow fur 3 nights a month."

AWWEEEE.

Whether she was a werewolf, Cam just wanted to give her a nice old hug right now because she looked soooooo unhappy-ish--whereas he thinks everyone should be delighted and ALWAYS happy. Well, not now. Because he was still a bit afraid of the werewolf thing, maybe later, when there was no full moon. He grimaced at the scar she showed them. "Eeeep."

He continued biting and biting his chocolate frog nervously, accidentally biting his lips after remember what she had said about the... bones breaking and regrowing and the... euguhuh. That... must've felt BAAAADD.

Turning to Professor Kazimeriz, he took more notes. Oh that old man spoke SO much, he was like... a nerdy old man. WAAAY too many words and WAY too many words he didn't understand. But he wrote it down anyways, if it could prove to be helpful in the fuuuture.

Was tonight a full moon...?

OMG LUPA IS A WEREWOLF!!! Theo's head was ringing. He didn't like the idea. And he liked her. Now she was horrible and going to eat him. He would never go near her again. AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH HHHH!!! His head screamed. His mouth dropped open. A little hiss crept out.

Woah. Professor Lupa was a werewolf. Vanessa had really not seen that coming, and oddly enough she wasn't feeling scared, not that much really. But instead she felt like she kind of admired Professor Lupa. It must have taken a lot of courage and bravey for her to get up infront of all these students and Professors, a lot of courage that Vanessa did not have.
Vannie sat silent, watching as a few of the students asked questions, before she thought of her own, but it really didn't have anything to do with what Professor Kazimeriz had just began to speak about. Oh dear. But if she didn't ask it know she was going to forget it.
Raising her hand, although maybe a little timidly she smiled at Professor Lupa. "Erm..I was just wondering, if you want to answer of course, what you felt after you had been bitten?" She asked, trying to speak clear, but she was sure her voice was being quiet. She hoped that her question wouldn't make Professor Lupa upset, but she was just curious.

Miles felt like he was going to hyperventilate or something.
He had once angered Professor Lupa, not properly but enough to make her ignore him a bit for a lesson, which was scary enough for Miles as she was a WEREWOLF. Hyperventilate. GAAAH! His legs shook a little, thankgoodness he was at the back or he was sure he would have been toast. He wondered whether or not if tonight was a full moon? He would have understood if it was, so they could see the ... transformation. ZOMG! Was that why there was a cage?

When he caught her glance, Clifford quickly looked down, slightly ashamed. He'd recently come to the conclusion that Professor Lupa was COOL. She'd been kind enough to share her awesome rare chocolate with him and everything. Now he'd been looking at her like she was some sort of freaky monster.

... Now he felt a little guilty.

Cy beamed to Lupa as she gave a glance in his direction. The kid didn't discriminate, in fact, her ailment made him respect her that much more. Any person living with that had to be a strong individual.

I am no different than any of you, I just grow fur 3 nights a month, Cyrus let out a small laugh whenever the Professor said that. "HERE HERE!" He called out, nodding in appreciation.

Kevin caught the glance the Professor Lupa had given him and relaxed a little she was cool but not scary the way he was thinking and basically knew that she was taking the wolfsbane potion to keep her human mind so he had to relax a lot around Professor Lupa

Wesley tried to keep a straight face. She really, really, really tried. But she couldn't.

Sobbing in chocking bursts, the first year was clutching her chest, eyes welling with tears.

Professor Lupa. Her Runes Teacher. The beautiful, pretty lady who shared. She shared so much. Knowledge and little gifts and compassion. And she was HURTING. She was hurting so bad...

She hurt every month. And she grew hair. And she couldn't do anything fun for 3 days. And she couldn't look at the full moon and try to see the face. Because she would be hurting.

And people where staring at her. They where scared of her. But the professor didn't do anything wrong. It wasn't her fault. It wasn't her fault. She didn't do anything bad. She was a good girl. She was a nice girl. It wasn't her fault.

Wesley couldn't bear to look at the professor, to see her pain and fear. And her sadness.

Gasping for breath, the tiny girl crouched inward, her small frame shaking. If she was brave, she would have hugged Professor Lupa. But Wesley wasn't brave. She was a coward. And hugging never worked, it always turned out bad. Images of the friendly wand man flashed in her head. She had been so happy, then she had hugged him. Accidentally of course. And now he hated her. So Wesley wasn't going to hug Professor Lupa. But she wanted to. Oh, how she wanted to.

Kazimeriz listened to Lupa, nodding, and then took the podium again. He chuckled at Cyrus' comment. "Indeed, Professor Lupa is giving you all quite a gift by allowing you to learn from her ailment. We owe her our thanks. As to your question, Miss Entelequia... Unfortuantely, the bite of the werewolf carries a cursed mental and transfigurational effect. At the present time, while wolfsbane potion eases the mental effects, no spells or wandwork can be used to effectively resolve the physical changes that occur when a werewolf transforms." He looked at Alessia and then continued his lecture.

"In answer to your other question: Wolfsbane must be harvested during the waxing full moon. For the potion, you harvest the blossoms-- specifically, the spurs and the nectar from the flowers. As such, you would obviously need to harvest while it is in bloom... Which is, I believe, from March through November?" he looked at Bunbury and raised an eyebrow as he sought confirmation.

Kazimeriz raised his wand and waved it to summon his little part in this show and tell. Teeny tiny phials of a translucent purple potion appeared at every place sitting in front of all the students and even the staffers. "For this assembly, I have prepared for each of you an inert wolfsbane potion sample. This potion does not deliver the effects of actual wolfsbane, but in taste, smell and texture is exactly the same as what a lycanthrope must take regularly in order to retain his or her mental facilities during the full moon. Please-- feel free to uncork your phials and smell the potion, then taste it as well... this particular sample potion has been brewed specifically to give no magical effect whatsoever to the drinker, but will give you an appreciation of the scent and taste of true wolfsbane potion."

"You will notice that the potion has a strong odor, and the taste reflects ingredients including ginger, troll toenail fungus, and armadillo bile, which gives it that sour yet yeast-like scent. Adding sugar would improve the flavor tremendously, but it would sadly render the toenail fungus and armadillo bile inert, so the lycanthrope unfortunately must endure this particular flavor combination for the potion to be effective. Toenail fungus and armadillo bile are not exactly 'two great tastes that taste great together'. Try it and see for yourselves!"

"Please feel free to ask any questions you may have... In the meantime, I shall return the floor to Professor Lupa as we approach the next phase of this educational seminar." Kazimeriz stepped aside to let Alessia take the floor again.

Alessia stepped close to Kazimeriz as he stepped down and she whispered "Thanks, Papa" and took the podium. She stood there smiling and looking at the children. "So... questions?"

Fallon took a risk and decided she would taste the potion to understand what her Professor was going through. She uncorked the phial and cautiously smelled the potion. It had a horribly strong odor. Bracing herself, she tipped the phial back and drank the potion. It wasn't good at all! After she managed to swallow it, she looked up at Professor Lupa and gave her a warm smile. She had a new found liking for this Professor she barely knew. Fallon especially understood the bravery of being able to talk about this in front of everyone.