Snape's relentless hints were, in Jon's opinion, a bit much.
Still, given his long-standing grudge against the "Marauders," that "bit much" was not exactly surprising.
In fact, Snape's little performance wasn't entirely without effect—at the end of the lesson, Astoria leaned over and asked in puzzlement, "That's odd. Why would Professor Snape suddenly teach us how to identify and kill werewolves?"
No one, however, took the thought to its darkest conclusion.
Jon had no choice but to feign ignorance, pretending that Snape's pointed comments hadn't registered and that he hadn't noticed Lupin's "wolfish" slip.
...
Two weeks before the end of term, the foul weather that had lingered for months finally broke.
The sky cleared abruptly, the air turned sharply cold, and by the next morning the muddy grounds were coated in a glittering layer of frost.
Unlike the previous school year, these past months had passed without any real danger to life and limb. The 1993–1994 school year was, in fact, one of the most peaceful Hogwarts had seen in years. Even the presence of the Dementors and Sirius Black hadn't amounted to a true threat.
Jon was free to throw himself into his studies.
He had already mastered all the first- and second-year fundamentals in Transfiguration and Charms.
The simple defensive spells Lupin had taught were second nature to him now.
But most of his focus had gone into Herbology and Potions.
After months working as Professor Sprout's assistant, Jon could identify nearly every plant in Greenhouses One, Two, and Three—whether dangerous or medicinal. Professor Sprout had even entrusted him with a key so he could come and go as he pleased, and allowed him to take herbs for his own use as long as he left her a list afterwards.
In Potions, too, months of practice, experimentation, and study had paid off. Jon was confident he could brew everything required for the OWLs. Snape, begrudging as ever, had still been a significant help; whenever Jon hit a wall, he would ask, and Snape—though scowling and quick with a cutting remark—would point out the flaw in his method.
The only real regret was that he hadn't had a chance to get his hands on a Time-Turner.
If it truly worked as described in the original story, it was an incredibly powerful magical device—capable of traveling along the timeline, granting extra hours, perhaps even changing the past.
Even a few hours could be enough to undo mistakes or accomplish something worthwhile.
According to the books, Hermione Granger had secured one from the Ministry at the start of term—after signing heaps of promises with Professor McGonagall and swearing absolute secrecy. With it, she could attend several classes at once.
If Hermione could apply for one, there was no reason Jon couldn't.
Voldemort's return was looming, and as a Muggle-born wizard who would be a target, Jon needed to grow stronger—and above all, he needed more time.
Used wisely, a Time-Turner could effectively double his study hours for the year.
He already had a plan.
Hermione had kept the Time-Turner's existence from everyone, even Harry and Ron. Jon only knew her in passing—they exchanged nods, nothing more—so there was no way to learn such a secret directly.
Instead, he planned to "accidentally" spot two Hermione Grangers at once. Then, he would "mistake" one for Sirius Black in disguise, disarm her, grab hold, and threaten to take her to Dumbledore.
With the Time-Turner's strict rules, Hermione wouldn't be able to spare the time for such a detour. Missing her return point could have disastrous consequences. Faced with that, she'd have to admit the truth.
Naturally, Jon would then let her go at once—no need to actually put her in danger.
That way, he could "legitimately" know about the Time-Turner.
With luck, he might even persuade her to lend him an extra few hours in the Room of Requirement—or to fix a mistake from earlier in the day.
And when second year ended, he could use the same reasoning to apply to Professor Sprout for one of his own.
It was a solid plan, but reality posed a small problem.
Even after borrowing a third-year timetable from Hannah and making sure to "happen" by their classrooms during lesson changes, Jon never managed to catch sight of two Hermiones at once.
Which meant he had no chance to act under the guise of catching Black.
Clearly, Hermione was even more cautious with the Time-Turner than he had anticipated.
Still, with half a year left, there was no rush. Worst case, he could stake out the Hospital Wing on the night Sirius escaped.
...
The holidays were approaching, and the Christmas spirit filled the castle.
Professor Flitwick conjured hundreds of tiny, twinkling lights to brighten the Great Hall. With Hagrid's help, Professor Sprout cut down a fir tree and placed it in a place of honor, lavishly decorated.
All around, students chatted excitedly about their holiday plans.
Due to Black's earlier break-in and the presence of the Dementors, the number of students staying at Hogwarts was almost as large as the previous year — though the majority would still be going home for Christmas.
Jon's name wasn't on the official list, but he had decided, of his own accord, to remain at the castle.
Spending half a month in Southampton without magic would be a waste.
Besides, when Barty Crouch Jr. infiltrated the school later that year, Hogwarts would become far less safe. Better to enjoy the peace while it lasted.
He made a trip to the Owlery to send a long letter to Eric and Judy, hoping his parents would understand.
With nearly all the Hufflepuffs leaving, Jon said goodbye to each of them. Astoria, too, was heading to the Greengrass estate for the holidays.
Jon saw her onto the Hogwarts Express and then returned to an almost empty castle.