Werewolf Mystery

[Ceridwen]

No: HPFGUIDX 153811

lanval1015:

> If werewolves do NOT as a rule attack to kill 
> (note that Harry  is 'shocked' at the idea), then the entire story 
> about Snape owing a  life debt to James falls apart.

Alli wrote:  You are absolutely right.  If the common perception that 
> werewolf  bites are not fatal is correct, then Snape doesn't owe 
James 
> a life- debt.  

PAR:
> In POA, Hermione actually ASKS: " What if you'd given the others 
the slip, and bitten somebody?".  Bitten somebody. Not killed 
somebody.  

Ceridwen:
Werewolfs have a XXXXX rating (Highest rating - "Known wizard-
killer / impossible to train or domesticate") in Fantastic Beasts & 
Where to Find Them.  In the text, the werewolf is referred to as 
a 'murderous beast' and says that, almost uniquely, the werewolf 
actively seeks humans in preference to any other kind of prey 
(FB&WTFT pg 41-42).

If Lupin had gotten hold of Snape (or any other human during his 
monthly prowls), he would have savaged him and tried to kill him.  It 
wouldn't have been Lupin's fault (unless he was in on the Prank in 
his human form beforehand, in case anyone asks ;) ) but it still 
would have happened.  Dumbledore was under the impression that this 
created a Life Debt between Snape and James.  So, I believe that 
Snape was in real danger and James really saved him.

Ceridwen.