Chapter 326: Lupin's Doubts
Chapter 326: Lupin's Doubts
Remus Lupin took today's interview very seriously. He arrived half an hour early and reviewed the materials he had prepared on the way, with a cherished clipping in his pocket.
"…regardless of background, solely based on ability. Those who excel far beyond the ordinary in any three of the following fields: Ancient Runes, Alchemy, Charms, Transfiguration, Magical Theory, and Muggle Studies…"
Regardless of background, solely based on ability!
This phrasing was extremely rare in the magical world's job market. Although the conditions were relatively stringent, Lupin believed that apart from Ancient Runes, he was not bad in the other areas. In fact, his strongest suit was related to Defense Against the Dark Arts. During his years of wandering, he had many opportunities to practice.
After receiving the interview invitation, the company's follow-up letter reiterated their commitment to practical magical research, involving a significant amount of improvement and transformation of Muggle items. Lupin spent half a month specifically to learn about various novel things in the non-magical world.
He became fascinated by this exploration. Lupin discovered a system entirely different from magic, one filled with rigor and logic, where everything had a traceable path. However, it was unfortunate that there was no place for magic in this system.
He didn't know if the owner of the 'Future World' had noticed this, but he felt that even if he wasn't hired, it would be worth it just to witness the company's philosophy. When he arrived at the address, he saw an imposing castle surrounded by a large crowd.
He listened for a few minutes but was still confused. What did it mean that the building had suddenly grown an hour ago? Was this place just an empty lot two hours ago?
He also saw a House-elf wearing clothes, which was strange enough on its own. However, the ouroboros ring on the elf's chest caught Lupin's attention. It represented an ancient family, or perhaps Alchemy? Or could it be the Rune Club?
When he identified himself, the House-elf led him into the building. The simple, unadorned interior appealed to Lupin. They ascended a winding spiral staircase, with Dobby hopping and skipping ahead.
"Please wait—"
Lupin stood near the railing on the second floor, looking up at the ceiling's carvings. Thanks to his recent cramming, he could identify the professions of the figures depicted, especially the one fiddling with complex machinery. That seemed to be a mechanical engineer?
While he was lost in thought, he heard a sudden gust of wind. Turning around, he saw Severus Snape's cold face. Snape stood two steps above him, pulling his black robes together in front of him like a bat folding its wings, looking down at him from a height.
"Lupin", Snape said softly, a smile curling at the corners of his mouth, "welcome… to our humble abode."
Lupin suddenly remembered the first time Snape had delivered the Wolfsbane Potion to him, with the same expression. After drinking it, he couldn't eat for two days.
"Hello, Severus", Lupin said gently, walking up the last two steps. "What a coincidence to meet you here."
"Coincidence? No…" Snape said with a sardonic tone, "I've been waiting for you for a long time."
"You were waiting for me specifically?" Lupin frowned, the ouroboros symbol on Dobby's chest flashing in his mind again. Pro-Muggle, with Ancient Runes listed first in the job requirements…
"The Lupin surname may hint at your identity", Snape's smile grew colder, "I've been studying the magic of names recently. I overlooked a point before; names have magic."
Lupin was stung. He hated being reminded of this. The word 'Lupin' in some obscure uses in certain countries means 'wolf.'
Snape sneered, about to continue, but a commotion behind him interrupted him. Felix emerged with Percy and Penelope, both surprised by the tense atmosphere between them.
"Leave here—” Snape said, his entire body radiating coldness.
Percy and Penelope glanced at Felix, who smiled and nodded at them. They hurriedly left.
Felix waved his wand, and the building’s doors slammed shut with a loud bang.
Leaning against the wall, he spoke slowly and deliberately, “I’ve always been curious. Both of you professors were outstanding in your time—one a dueling master, the other a master of Defense Against the Dark Arts. I wonder who is the superior.”
“I had the chance to witness this before, but I interrupted it. Now, I finally have the opportunity to confirm it.”
Lupin frowned and looked at Felix, “I came here for an interview, not a fight.”
Felix lowered his head and stared intently at his nails, “You’ve misunderstood, Professor Lupin. At your farewell party, I already acknowledged you. Yes, this is my company. I have a thorough understanding of your abilities from our year of collaboration. So, you can consider this a welcome activity for new colleagues—showing off your skills and getting to know each other better. Perhaps, you can even cast a curse at me.”
A red flash flew toward him, “Cut the crap, Felix.” Snape said with a menacing look. He turned to Lupin, “I rarely deal with you. You always hide behind Potter and Black…”
“Oh, Severus,” Lupin drew his wand, unable to contain his anger, “They are enough to keep you busy. If I join in, you’ll wet your pants in fear.”
Snape’s face twisted into a cold smile, “Well said…” A red light shot out from his wand.
Lupin nimbly dodged and countered with a Disarming Charm. The two, both brimming with anger, engaged in a fierce duel, spells flying and sparks everywhere. Snape felt a long-lost excitement, truly feeling alive, except for the constant chatter from the sidelines—
“No one’s watching, don’t hide, Severus. Where’s your Dark Magic?”
“Oh, almost hit me, Professor. Your aim is off—”
Felix tilted his head as a spell exploded nearby, and he smiled, “You started it, so don’t say I’m being unreasonable…”
He straightened up from the wall, arms outstretched, and a dark wand appeared in his hand. With a light flick, three dazzling beams of light shot out, heading toward the two men.
Lupin was taken aback by Felix’s sudden entry into the battle and struggled to block the spells. He cautiously stepped back, surprised to see Snape also raising a shimmering barrier.
They looked at each other, then at Felix, who was approaching with his arms spread wide. Snape, thoroughly irritated, said, “Take out the obstacle.”
But Felix struck first, closing in and casting spells like rain. Each spell wasn’t particularly strong, but their sheer number was overwhelming, the magical lights making him glow.
“Professors, you need to try harder.”
Snape and Lupin exchanged a glance. Snape flicked his wrist, sending a burst of dark mist that corroded the incoming spells. Lupin’s wand sliced through the air with a sharp “whoosh,” sending a shower of stones from the floor toward Felix.
He was still bewildered, completely unsure of what was happening. He had come for an interview, only to run into his arch-nemesis Snape, who immediately poked at his sore spots. His former colleague, Felix, was subtly provoking them, inciting a fight, and even found a flimsy excuse to join in, forcing him to team up with Snape…
How did it come to this?
(End of Chapter)
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