Chapter 414: Rumors About Lupin
Chapter 414: Rumors About Lupin
As the weather gradually warmed, the snow outside the castle melted, and the little wizards eagerly packed away their thick winter robes.
It is worth mentioning that, due to some special reasons, the Patronus Charm was not taught again in February.
Professor Lupin had been extremely busy. Besides his regular classes, he always seemed to be elsewhere during his free time. Whether it was after the last class of the day or on weekends, he was never to be seen within the school grounds.
He would rush off to Hogsmeade whenever he had a spare moment.
Gradually, rumors began to circulate within the castle.
Some claimed confidently that Professor Lupin was pursuing Madam Rosmerta of the Three Broomsticks.
Although there was no concrete evidence, most students accepted this notion.
After all, Hogsmeade was but a small village with a handful of shops. While an occasional visit might be novel, frequent trips would inevitably lead to boredom.
Unless one had a particular reason to go, why would Professor Lupin be so eager to leave the castle every day at five o'clock, only to return after curfew? That was likely the case, as no one had ever spotted him before the curfew.
Especially on weekends, he would disappear for the entire day.
Thus, the gossip about Professor Lupin and Madam Rosmerta spread like wildfire within the castle, involving various characters—from the employee at Scrivenshaft's Quill Shop to Madam Andora at the Owl Post Office, Mr. Padfoot's brother-in-law, and even the owner of the Hog's Head—covering all the shops in Hogsmeade.
Susan Bones even made these stories her bedtime tales, unable to fall asleep without hearing a new version each day.
She had compiled them into a thick booklet, which many students borrowed daily, though few succeeded in getting their hands on it.
Susan treasured that booklet and seldom let it out of her sight.
Sensing a business opportunity, Fred and George sought out Kyle early one morning.
"It was Katie who asked us to come and ask you," Fred said. "She's also collected a booklet like this and wants to collaborate with us."
"Collaborate? What do you mean?" Kyle asked.
"She provides the booklets, and we handle the replication and sales," Fred explained. "Then we split the profits, seventy-thirty."
Kyle raised an eyebrow. "We do the replication and sales but only get thirty percent?"
"Seventy percent is hers, and we get thirty," George clarified. "But don't worry, we won't agree to that. However, she said her bottom line is fifty-fifty, no less."
"We've done our research, and if this goes well, we'll each get at least thirty galleons..." Fred added.
"So, what do you say...?"
"Are you in?"
Fred and George picked up cookies from the table and munched on them as they watched Kyle.
"I'm definitely not getting involved," Kyle said calmly, holding a book.
Even if they were offered thirty galleons each, he wouldn't agree. What could that amount achieve anyway, except maybe feed the house-elves?
"And I should remind you," Kyle continued, "if you still want to go to Hogsmeade outside of visiting days, it's best not to agree to this. Otherwise, I guarantee that the moment you set foot in Hogsmeade, Professor McGonagall will receive word, and you won't be able to escape."
"And that was our initial plan," George added.
"But since we're teammates, we figured it wouldn't hurt to ask," Fred explained.
"It's just convenient timing..."
"If you're not interested, it's not our problem..."
"Blame it on our lack of numbers."
As Kyle looked on, bemused, the twins finished off the last piece of bread on their plates with mischievous grins, then donned regretful expressions as they turned to leave for the Gryffindor table.
Katie Bell had already finished her breakfast and was waiting for them.
"Unfortunately..." Fred shook his head and sighed, "they all have other commitments and probably won't have much time lately..."
"We have to help out too..."
The twins took their seats beside her, reciting the excuses they had prepared earlier...
On the other hand, after Fred and George left, Kyle also finished his breakfast and made his way toward the library. He had borrowed a book a few days ago and finished reading it the day before.
Connor and Qiu had gone to Hagrid's place.
The success of the first class had greatly boosted Hagrid's confidence. He no longer focused on showcasing creatures with fangs and sharp claws but instead brought various magical creature babies to his classes.
After the initial unicorn, he had brought in young creatures like Sniffles and Kneazles, which were well-received by the students.
The students gradually accepted him as their new professor, except for a few exceptions, like some students from Slytherin.
Hagrid initially paid attention to their mocking remarks, but as time passed, he chose to ignore them.
The night before, Hagrid had sent them a note, saying he had found some new magical creature babies and asking if they wanted to see them.
Without hesitation, Connor and Qiu agreed, and they even woke up extra early that day.
If not for Hagrid's questionable culinary skills, they might have skipped breakfast in the Great Hall altogether.
Cedric had also joined them.
However, for Kyle, seeing magical creature babies wasn't anything new... In fact, a couple of years ago, he had even helped deliver a litter of Boomslangs.
So, for now, returning the book took precedence.
Upon reaching the library, Madam Pince was still seated at her usual spot, dusting the tables.
Kyle placed the book, 'The Great Potion Master,' on the table. He had borrowed it to research the Wolfsbane Potion and finished reading it the day before.
Madam Pince picked up the book, inspected it as per routine, and only after confirming there was no damage did she carry it back to its designated shelf.
Kyle didn't borrow any other books. Perhaps due to its recent invention, there was scant information about the Wolfsbane Potion in the book. The most detailed description merely listed the required ingredients and their order of addition to the cauldron, with no further details.
As Madam Pince walked away, Kyle turned to leave the library in search of Connor and the others.
However, his eyes suddenly landed on the two stacks of thick books on the adjacent table.
The books were piled high, wobbling precariously, and through the gap in the middle, Kyle could make out a mess of unruly hair—it was Hermione.
Seemingly noticing Kyle's gaze, Hermione looked up, her eyes betraying exhaustion, dark circles prominent beneath them.
(End of Chapter)
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