Jerry and the others passed through the Dark Passage and emerged into an open area. The Castle lights slowly came on, illuminating the space.
"Professor Snape? What are you doing here?"
Everyone looked confused and surprised to see Snape return.
Just then, a bank of heavy clouds drifted aside. Bright moonlight spilled down, casting mottled shadows across the ground and bathing them in a soft silver glow.
Suddenly, Snape rushed forward and put himself between Jerry and Hermione and whatever lay ahead.
At the sight, Black stopped at once and stretched out an arm to shield Harry, Neville, and the injured Ron.
Harry caught a glimpse of Lupin's profile. He looked strangely rigid in the moonlight. Then his body began to shake uncontrollably, as though an unseen force were consuming his reason.
"Lupin hasn't taken his Potion tonight," Snape warned calmly. "This is extremely dangerous!"
"I'll handle him. Get out of here!" Sirius's voice rang firm through the tension.
A terrifying roar erupted. Lupin's head began to lengthen, and his whole body stretched rapidly. His shoulders rose high, thick fur spread across his face and hands, and his fingers curled into sharp claws. In the moonlight, the transformation was horrifying.
Crookshanks's fur stood on end, and he backed away in fear.
The Werewolf reared up on his hind legs, his long jaws opening and closing as though he were roaring.
At the same moment, Sirius vanished from Harry's side. A dog as large as a bear burst forward and hurled himself at the Werewolf. As the Werewolf fought to break free, the huge dog clamped down on his neck again and dragged him away from Harry and the others with all his strength. The two tore at each other with teeth and claws.
Neville had been supporting Ron, but the