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Chapter 368: Cedric and Fred
Chapter 368: Cedric and Fred
Amidst the boisterous chatter, Professor Lupin had to raise his voice and call out to the students scurrying out the door, "Get back here! I haven't assigned your homework yet!"
Perhaps it was just his imagination, but those students outside the door seemed to run even faster after he said that, disappearing down the stairs within seconds.
And now, even the students remaining in the classroom began to fidget, shifting in their seats and glancing toward the door from time to time.
But the next second, the door suddenly shut by itself.
"For homework, please read the chapter on Howlers and then briefly write about ways to deal with them."
Professor Lupin put away his wand and said lightly, "One foot in length. As for those who left the classroom early, it will be one foot and six inches... Please remind those from the same Houses to not forget to hand them in during the next class."
Upon hearing that their classmates would have six extra inches of homework, some students immediately patted their chests and assured Professor Lupin that they would definitely pass on the message.
"Rest assured, Professor Lupin. We're happy to help."
"Trying to skip out on homework... How despicable! They deserve those extra six inches!"
...
Professor Lupin nodded. "Alright, that's all. Class dismissed."
The students left the classroom, chatting excitedly.
"Kyle, wait a moment. I want to speak with you about something."
Kyle, who had just reached the door, stopped and turned around. "Yes, Professor? What is it?"
"It's just a small matter." Professor Lupin walked over.
It was just after class, and as this classroom was near the stairs, Professor Lupin watched the students bustling in the corridor before saying quietly, "Come with me for a moment. It won't take too long."
"Okay."
Kyle nodded and turned to Connor. "You go ahead to the Great Hall. I'll be there shortly."
"It's fine," Connor said. "Professor Lupin said it wouldn't take long, so I'll wait."
"Well... alright."
After parting ways with Connor, Kyle followed Professor Lupin through two corridors until they stopped outside the staff room.
"Go on in," Professor Lupin said as he opened the door and stepped back.
Kyle had been here once before, but at that time, the room had belonged to Professor Lockhart. Now, with Professor Lupin occupying it, all the flashy decorations were gone, leaving only a few old chairs.
When Kyle entered, he found that there was already someone there.
Professor Snape sat in an armchair, and when Kyle walked in, he turned his face, his eyes sparkling.
"Severus," Professor Lupin greeted him. "What brings you here?"
"Dumbledore told me about it," Professor Snape said. "I came to let you know that in another week, the potions will be ready. You can come and get them at any time, or I can bring them to you... whenever you need them."
"Thank you, Severus. You've been a great help," Professor Lupin said. "It's for the students' safety."
As they spoke, Professor Snape glanced at Kyle, seemingly unintentionally.
But Kyle merely twisted his head, seemingly more interested in the patterns on an old wardrobe next to him.
"Well then, I wish you both a pleasant chat."
Professor Snape rose and walked toward the door, but as he passed by Kyle, he suddenly stopped and casually asked, "By the way, you received the Second Grade Medal of Honor from the Order of Merlin for injuring a werewolf in St. Mungo's, didn't you?"
"Not exactly," Kyle replied with a faint smile. "It was only an injury, Professor, and it was only possible with the help of Professors Hagrid and Kettleburn."
Professor Lupin raised his eyebrows, his face turning slightly unnatural.
"Oh? I must have remembered it wrong, then."
A mocking smile played at the corners of Professor Snape's mouth as he strode away and shut the door with a loud bang.
"Now then." Professor Lupin walked over, opened a box in the corner, and took out several pieces of parchment, placing them on the table.
He then took out two Galleons and handed them to Kyle along with the parchments.
"Professor, what's this for?" Kyle asked.
"Do you remember? You lent me two Galleons on the train," Professor Lupin said with a smile. "Luckily, Professor Dumbledore gave me an advance on my monthly salary.
Professor Lupin's expression was serious.
"I understand," Kyle replied, taking the two Galleons.
"But I also want to thank you," Professor Lupin said, his smile returning. "Thanks to those two Galleons, I was able to buy a decent set of clothes before class."
He didn't hide his embarrassment and even joked, "The cheapest clothes in Hogsmeade Village are one Galleon and fifteen Sickles. The extra money could buy a box of Chocolate Frogs, which used to be my favorite... By the way, do you collect the cards?"
He took out a Chocolate Frog card from his pocket.
Kyle glanced at it... Salazar Slytherin.
"No, thank you," Kyle declined firmly.
Professor Lupin didn't mind and assumed that Kyle already had that card.
"And this is my token of gratitude."
Picking up the parchment, he said, "I recall that you also used the Patronus Charm on the train, but you weren't able to conjure a complete Patronus.
"This parchment contains my notes on learning the Patronus Charm, which should be helpful to you."
"Er..."
Kyle wanted to tell Professor Lupin that he actually knew the Patronus Charm quite well and was rather proficient at it. But since it was a gift, he decided to accept it to avoid embarrassment for both parties.
"Thank you, Professor," Kyle said.
"You're welcome," Professor Lupin smiled. "If you have any questions, feel free to come and ask me anytime."
"Mhm... I will."
"Alright, off you go now," Professor Lupin winked. "Don't keep your friend waiting."
"Goodbye, Professor."
As Kyle turned to leave, he suddenly found two people standing before him.
Cedric and Fred lay motionless on the floor, as if they were dead.
"Oh, it's a Boggart..."
Professor Lupin noticed it too and walked forward, saying, "I thought it had been eradicated, but it seems it hid here. Let me help you..."
Before he could finish, Kyle had already raised his wand.
Almost instinctively... towering flames burst forth from his wand, coalescing into the form of a fire dragon in mid-air.
"Bang!"
The fire dragon breathed a torrent of flames, and a scorching wave swept through the entire office in an instant.
All the windows shattered, and the desks and chairs in the room instantly turned into a pile of ashes.
Cedric and Fred's "bodies" were gone, and a dark mist-like entity twisted and contorted before the fire dragon, eventually vanishing completely...
It all happened too fast, and by the time Professor Lupin reacted, the office had been reduced to ruins.
"Stop!" he exclaimed in shock.
Facing the massive fire dragon, he drew out his wand hastily.
"Finite Incantatem!"
But it had no effect.
The "fire dragon" seemed to be enraged, turning its increasingly massive body and opening its jaws toward him.
At that moment...
"Expelliarmus!"
A burst of golden flames rose, latching onto the "fire dragon," causing its enormous body to rapidly shrink.
The "fire dragon" now struggled like the Boggart before, eventually vanishing completely.
Professor Lupin looked up blankly.
The office was in shambles, with the tables, chairs, cabinets, and windows all gone. Half of the door hung precariously from the frame.
Footsteps approached from outside, as if someone had heard the commotion and was coming to investigate.
"Sorry, Professor, I..."
"This is too dangerous..." Professor Lupin suddenly exclaimed. "Incendio is not to be used like this!"
After saying that, he hurried out of the office and shooed away the students before they could get too close.
"There's nothing to see here, go to the Great Hall for your meal... Hurry up and get back, don't be late for the afternoon classes."
"Oh, Professor McGonagall... You're here too... It's nothing, don't worry. It was just an accident with the Incendio spell, but it's all taken care of now."
(End of Chapter)
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