the_debt_of_time

laws," she nearly quoted the classification legislation of 1811 verbatim as her blood pressure
began to rise.
"Ten points from Gryffindor for your tone, Miss Potter. And, while you are correct
in your Ministry classifications, said classifications fall under the Department for the
Regulation and Control of Magical.. ." He looked at her as if waiting for her to finish his
sentence, but before she had a chance to, he continued, "Creatures."
"I don't think Professor Dumbledore would want any students to know how
to kill someone," James chimed in, a look of righteousness on his face that helped to
replace the blind rage inside of Mia's head with pride and a feeling of solidarity. "Mia's
right, killing is just another word for murder."
"Very well." Professor Higgs waved his wand, and the word Kill on the board
changed to Defend Yourselves Against.
"That's hardly necessary now that we know the original intentions," Mia pointed
out. "Werewolves and vampires are not born but made, and they should not be treated any
differently than the rest of us. They are no more deadly with their conditions than an overly
arrogant wizard is with his wand or a Muggle with a gun."
"That may be your opinion, Miss Potter."
"It's fact, Professor."
He glowered down at her. "Ten more points from Gryffindor for insolence."
"Mia!" Mary hissed at her from behind, begging her to shut up so they would stop
losing House points.
Mia turned around, fiercely glaring at her friend with no intentions to lose this
argument.
"I was going to save this for next week's lessons, but since Miss Potter's bleeding
heart is under-informed on the consequences of dealing with dark creatures.. ." The
professor walked back to the desk and reached inside an expensive-looking dragonhide
briefcase, retrieving a stack of photographs. He dropped the stack of photographs right on
her desk. "These were leant to me by a friend who works in the Auror department."
She refused to look down, already knowing what they were.
"Care to tell me what you see, Miss Potter?"
"No, sir." She tightened her jaw, still refusing to look.