
Chapter 13
Professor Lupin smiles warmly as he walks into his classroom, with a wave of his wand the chalkboards turn over. One reveals a very detailed chalk drawing of a large white, hairy, humanoid creature. Greeting his class he sets small figurines of the creature on everyone's desk. It walks around, growling at people, before wandering around, looking at the things on their desks.
"Good morning class," He smiles, the entire room giving a completely different feel than the teachers before him. No longer is there a haughty cold air, it is warm, almost like home. "I trust we are all ready for another fascinating day of learning." At his class's grumbles and groans he chuckles. "Yes, yes. Very excited. Now," He clasps his hands, "As you can see I have placed a little creature on your desks, these are yetis. I am sure you are very confused as to how I brought you such small ones and fear not, these are mini creatures created by a friend of mine, Dr. Romero. They are practically harmless, though try not to lose them. If you do not like them you may return them at the end of the lesson."
Lily looks at her little yeti as it begins shifting the papers on her desk. Ari reaches past her and tries to touch it but it freaks out, growling and swiping at her. Ari's yeti jumps from their table, causing both girls to gasp in worry. Her yeti lands safely on the floor and begins to run to the front of the classroom.
Ari jumps out of her chair, "Professor Lupin, my yeti is running away!" Lupin gets the little guy and holds him out to her. Ari puts her hands out in front of her, "No thank you, sir. You can keep him." Lupin turns, putting the yeti back in a small snowy mountain display.
Lily and Ari watch as Lily's yeti begins to tear her paper, folding it together to make a small paper cave. She turns and whispers to Ari, "I wonder if they have names."
Lupin smiles, "Very good question Miss. Kathryn, they don't, in fact, have names. Feel free to name your yetis."
Lily reaches into the cave, and pets the back of her yeti with her finger. It turns, spitting and growling at her. She withdraws her hand quickly before going into her bag and pulling out one of the mini bags of goat meat treats she keeps for Claude. She places one outside the cave, watching as her yeti sniffs it, before devouring it. Seeing as it likes them she places a small pile, watching it eat them slowly, she pets its little furry back. The girls watch as the yeti turns, sniffing her finger. It goes back to eating, allowing her to pet it.
Lupin gives all of his students a moment to either get to know or give back their yetis, only a small handful don't give them back before he begins his lesson. After giving a brief, very brief, yeti anatomy lesson he gives them one more minute to name their yetis.
After defining her yeti as a girl, Lily decides to name it Ceba, meaning dear to hold.
With another wave of his wand, a piece of chalk begins to write on the other chalkboard. Key points of his lesson for the day begin to appear. He then begins his lecture, as each of his students quickly writes notes.
"In the wizarding world, the existence of magical creatures such as the Yeti is not merely the stuff of legend; it is a reality that we have come to accept and understand through centuries of study and observation. While Muggles may dismiss tales of the Abominable Snowman as mere folklore, wizards and witches know better than to underestimate the wonders of the natural world. The Yeti, also known as the 'Abominable Snowman' in popular culture, is a legendary ape-like creature said to inhabit the Himalayan mountains of Asia. Tales of encounters with this elusive being date back centuries among the indigenous peoples of the region. In Tibetan folklore, the Yeti is known as the 'Metoh-Kangmi,' which translates to 'man-bear snowman.'
Historically, reports of Yeti sightings have been met with scepticism from the scientific community. However, there are numerous accounts from explorers, mountaineers, and locals describing encounters with large, bipedal creatures resembling a cross between a human and an ape, with shaggy fur and towering stature. Despite the lack of concrete evidence, the Yeti continues to be a subject of fascination and study for cryptozoologists and adventurers alike. Expeditions to the remote regions of the Himalayas have yielded footprints, hair samples, and even supposed sightings, but definitive proof of the creature's existence remains elusive to muggles.
Yetis are deeply ingrained in the cultural and spiritual beliefs of the Himalayan people. They are often regarded as guardians of the mountains, with stories of their interactions with humans ranging from benevolent acts of protection to more ominous warnings against trespassing in their territory. As we explore the legend of the Yeti, let us approach it with a spirit of curiosity and respect for the traditions and beliefs of the cultures from which it originates. While the details of such a creature may remain a mystery, the stories and myths surrounding it offer valuable insights into the human fascination with the unknown and our enduring connection to the natural world.
One of my encounters with a Yeti occurred during my travels as a young wizard. I had the privilege of accompanying a team of researchers on an expedition to the Himalayas in search of magical creatures. While we did not encounter a Yeti firsthand, we did uncover evidence of their presence in the form of massive footprints and the occasional glimpse of a shadowy figure in the distance. But perhaps the most fascinating encounter I've had with a Yeti occurred under rather unexpected circumstances. Several years ago, there was a travelling magical circus that made its way through Europe, showcasing an array of extraordinary creatures from around the world. Among them was a Yeti—a magnificent specimen with fur as white as snow and eyes that gleamed with intelligence.
This Yeti, known as Yorick, was not merely a sideshow attraction; he was a gentle giant with a keen intellect and a playful spirit. Despite his imposing size, Yorick had a natural affinity for magic, delighting audiences with his ability to perform feats of levitation and telekinesis.
During my visit to the circus, I had the opportunity to speak with Yorick and learn more about his life and experiences. He shared stories of his adventures in the mountains, recounting tales of snowstorms and avalanches with a twinkle in his eye. Despite the challenges he faced as a creature of legend, Yorick embraced his role in the circus, bringing joy and wonder to all who beheld him. Yorick's presence in the magical world serves as a reminder of the rich tapestry of creatures that inhabit our planet, each with its own unique story to tell. Whether dwelling in the remote reaches of the Himalayas or performing under the lights of a circus tent, the Yeti embodies the enduring mystery and magic of the natural world."
As Lupin scans the classroom, he notices a few students with furrowed brows and raised hands. He welcomes their questions, eager to clarify any points that might have been unclear. However, his attention was drawn to Lily-Kathryn, who seemed hesitant, avoiding his gaze. "Miss. Kathryn, is there something on your mind?" Lupin asked gently, concern coating his tone.
Lily shifts uncomfortably in her seat. "Um, no, Professor Lupin. I don't have a question," she murmured, her eyes fixed on her clasped hands.
Lupin observed her for a moment, sensing her reluctance to speak up. He knew that sometimes students could feel intimidated or self-conscious about asking questions in front of their peers, especially when they felt uncertain.
"Kathryn, it's perfectly alright if you have a question," Lupin reassured her, his voice soft and encouraging. "Remember, curiosity is a sign of a keen mind. There's no such thing as a silly question in this classroom."
As Lupin observed Lily-Kathryn's reluctance to ask her question, he couldn't shake the feeling of concern that lingered in his mind. Despite his encouragement and reassurance, she remained hesitant, avoiding his gaze and refusing to speak up.
As the class continued, Lupin found himself periodically glancing in her direction, his worry deepening with each passing moment. He knew that her reticence could be a sign of underlying issues or struggles that she might be facing, and he felt a responsibility to ensure that she felt supported and heard.
After the lesson concluded, Lupin made a mental note to speak with Kathryn's head of house about the interaction. He recognized the importance of fostering a supportive environment for all students, where they felt comfortable expressing themselves and seeking help when needed.
As he gathered his belongings and prepared to leave the classroom, Lupin silently vowed to follow up with Lily-Kathryn and offer whatever assistance or guidance she might require. He knew that being a teacher meant more than just imparting knowledge—it also meant being a source of support and understanding for every student, especially during times of uncertainty or difficulty.
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Entering the library Severus scans the area, seeing Lily in the back of the room pouring over books, eyebrows furrowed. Recalling the conversation he just had with Professor Lupin he frowns, Lily's actions striking a chord with him, reminding him of his past struggles.
"Lily," Snape begins, his voice gentle yet firm.
Lily-Kathryn looks up, surprised to see her professor standing there. "Professor Snape?"
"May I join you?" Snape asks, gesturing to the empty chair across from her. She nods, and Snape takes a seat, his dark eyes studying her intently. "Lupin told me what happened in class today. Is everything alright?"
She hesitates, eyes flickering with uncertainty. "I... I'm just not sure if my questions are worth asking." She shrugs, looking away to Ceba, who is lying in a bowl of shaved ice, sleeping.
Snape's expression softens, understanding dawning in his eyes. "I understand that feeling all too well. You see, when I was your age, I faced a similar struggle. My father... he wasn't the kindest man. He made me feel like my voice didn't matter like my questions were a sign of weakness." Lily listens intently, her curiosity piqued by this glimpse into her professor's past. "But then," Snape continues, his voice tinged with emotion, "your mother, Lily Evans, came into my life like a beacon of light. She showed me that asking questions wasn't a weakness—it was a strength. She believed in me when no one else did."
Tears glisten in Lily-Kathryn's eyes as she realises the depth of her mother's impact on Snape's life.
"She helped me find my voice, little Lily Flower," Snape says softly. "And I believe she would want the same for you. Don't let fear or doubt hold you back. Your questions are valid, and your voice deserves to be heard."
Lily-Kathryn nods, a newfound determination flickering in her eyes. "Thank you, Professor Snape. I'll try."
Snape gives her a rare smile, his eyes reflecting pride and empathy. "That's all I ask. And if you ever need someone to talk to, someone who understands... I'm here for you, just as your mother was there for me."
With a sense of understanding and connection, Lily watches as Severus leaves the library, her heart a little lighter, knowing that she has Severus Snape's support in her journey to find her voice. And for Snape, it's a poignant moment of reflection, as he honours Lily's memory by offering guidance and support to her daughter, bridging the gap between their shared past and the future that lies ahead.
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