A Rough Start
My name is Elena Briarwood, I was a fifth year Gryffindor at Hogwarts. I had a big secret, I was a wolf shifter, meaning I had werewolf blood in me, but unlike werewolfs I could shift at will, however it was still painful and still made me extremely tired. I had always been average in class, not the best, but not the worst. Though sometimes I was a bit distracting to others or a distraction to myself, but, Professor Lupin always said I was a good kid. I always said he was just saying that because he’s a teacher and has to say that. Lately however I had been distant and unable to pay attention in class. I was pulled from my thoughts as the bell rang.
“Alright everyone! remember to practice all the spells we covered in class today- keep practising- your exams are coming up soon!” Professor Lupin said to the class, his gaze fell on me concerned, soft. He walked past, gently tapping on my desk and discreetly murmuring, not wanting to embarrass me or draw attention.
“Wait after class, please.” he said before returning to his desk. As the rest of the class filed out, professor Lupin waited for me, cleaning some quills and organising his desk while he waited. Once the two of us were alone, he leaned on his desk, his eyes fixed on me. I sat in my seat waiting for him to speak.
“You've been... preoccupied- in class, the past few days. Is everything alright?”
I nod, “Yes professor, I’m just tired that’s all.” His eyes narrowed a little, the concern still there. He knew I was different- not cursed like him. But it was still werewolf blood in me, and that would lead to some of the same consequences.
“Have you been sleeping, or eating enough?”, I nod. He watched me for a moment, as if studying me to see if I was being truthful.
“You're sure? You've just seemed... unwell, recently. Unwell even for how- ah, your condition affects you.” He crossed his arms over his chest, his eyebrows knitted together.
“I’m sure professor”
He held my gaze for a moment, studying me. Then he just sighed, rubbing a hand over his face
“You'd tell me if you weren't, would you?”
He was more than a little worried at the thought that I was lying, that maybe the consequences of being like- but not the same as- him, was having more of an effect on me than he'd realised.
“Of course, I promise” I say sincerely. He nodded, “Well, if you're absolutely sure. But... well, my office is always open if you need, alright?”
“umm, thanks, i'll tell you if i'm not fine...bye professor see you tomorrow” I exit the classroom, walking down the hall, the sound of my shoes could vaguely be heard.