Born to Rule: The Story of the Slytherin Princess (paused)

Chapter 31

"We're not bad people.
We're like our emblem, the
snake: sleek, powerful, and
frequently misunderstood."

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Since the dubious tenure of Gilderoy Lockhart in their second year, "Defence Against the Dark Arts" had become a subject of notoriety among the students of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. But that all changed when Remus Lupin was appointed as the new professor for the course. With his extensive knowledge, experience, and a rare ability to connect with the students, Lupin quickly won over the hearts of many, including Clarissa White, who was known for her discerning tastes and high standards.

Clarissa, a formidable witch in her own right, found herself genuinely intrigued by Lupin's approach to teaching. His lessons were engaging, his explanations lucid, and his demonstrations captivating. She admired his deep understanding of the Dark Arts and his emphasis on practical skills. It was evident that Lupin had a genuine passion for the subject and a sincere desire to impart his knowledge to the students.

Despite Clarissa's satisfaction with her progress in Defense Against the Dark Arts, her friends Draco and Blaise were less impressed. They often expressed their disdain for Professor Lupin, making snide remarks about his appearance.

"Look at the state of his robes," Malfoy would say, his voice carrying in a loud whisper as Lupin passed by. "He dresses like our old house elf. I wouldn't be surprised if he was secretly one."

Clarissa couldn't help but chuckle at Draco's comment, though she was aware of the truth in his words. As much as she appreciated Lupin's teaching, she couldn't deny that his appearance was often disheveled and untidy, despite being a professor at one of the most esteemed schools in the Wizarding world.

Lupin's robes were frayed at the edges, and his hair was perpetually tousled, giving him a slightly unkempt look. His mismatched socks were a constant topic of gossip among the students, and some even whispered about his supposed aversion to combs and brushes. Clarissa couldn't help but notice these details, even as she tried to focus on his lessons.

While Lupin's knowledge and skill as a teacher were undeniable, Clarissa couldn't help but wonder why he didn't take more care with his appearance. After all, he was entrusted with the responsibility of moulding young minds at Hogwarts, a prestigious institution that demanded a certain level of decorum.

As the weeks passed, the students of Hogwarts delved into the dark and mysterious world of magical creatures. Having recently concluded their lessons on boggarts, they now turned their attention to a new topic: red caps.

Red caps were infamous creatures, known for their malevolence and penchant for dwelling in places where blood had been spilled. Commonly found in the dungeons of castles, old battlefields, or underground holes, these dwarf-like beings with their striking red eyes stood at a mere 3 to 4 feet tall. However, their diminutive stature belied their danger, for they possessed sharp and elongated nails that were capable of inflicting grievous harm.

Professor Lupin, their esteemed Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, regaled them with tales of red caps that sent shivers down their spines. He described their vile habits and ruthless nature, warning the students to be cautious and avoid encounters with these malicious creatures at all costs.

After their lessons on red caps, the class moved on to study 'kappas', a Japanese water demon notorious for its insatiable hunger for human blood. Lupin's lectures were as captivating as ever, as he described the peculiar appearance of these creatures. With their scaly, monkey-like bodies and webbed hands, kappas were a stark contrast to the majestic and awe-inspiring creatures that often dominated the wizarding world's folklore.