https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-421-Valentine-s-Day-in-Hogsmeade/13454004/
Chapter 422: A Chance Encounter with Lupin
Chapter 422: A Chance Encounter with Lupin
The famous Three Broomsticks dimension is quite small, and the room is filled with a warm fire. So when Liam pushed open the door and entered, he found the place a bit misty. The entire teashop was decorated in a cute style, with ruffles and bows adorning everything in sight.
And because today was Valentine's Day, the teashop had special decorations: small golden cherubs were flying above each round table, occasionally showering pink confetti on the people below.
"The atmosphere here, well, it’s a bit different from what I expected", Hermione said, looking a bit bewildered. Indeed, the place might not be entirely suitable for her taste. The senior students who recommended it to Hermione probably just suggested a place suitable for Valentine's Day without considering her preferences.
"Let's go to the Three Broomsticks instead", Liam suggested, as a date should ideally be a place where everyone can relax. So, before the plump, black-haired Madam Puddifoot squeezed between two tables to greet them, they quickly opened the door and left the teashop.
The rain had intensified by the time they reached the door. They quickly covered their heads with their robes and dashed out, soon arriving at the entrance of the Three Broomsticks. After ordering two warm Butterbeers, Liam brought the mugs to a round table in the corner.
"Ah, I feel much better. That place really made me uncomfortable", Hermione said, taking a large sip of the warm Butterbeer. Suddenly, she turned her head to look at the door. "Why are they here?"
"Who?" Liam turned to look at the entrance. He saw a young witch with bubblegum pink hair pulling another person, Hans, into the teashop.
"Professor Lupin, Tonks, over here", Liam and Hermione called out simultaneously. When Lupin and the others saw them, they walked over. As they approached, Liam noticed that Tonks had taken Lupin's hand. It seemed their relationship had started earlier than he had imagined.
"It’s great to see you both", Tonks said, waving enthusiastically. During the summer, as one of the few young women in the Order of the Phoenix, she had gotten along well with Ginny and Hermione. "What are you two doing here? Didn’t you go to Madam Puddifoot’s?"
"We did, but the atmosphere there wasn’t quite right for us", Liam said, shrugging with a somewhat helpless expression.
"Ah, I know exactly how you feel. It made me feel incredibly awkward when I went there", Tonks laughed.
"Lupin, what have you been up to recently?" Liam asked Lupin in a low voice while Hermione and Tonks were chatting about girl stuff.
"I’ve been reaching out to some werewolves", Lupin said, glancing around to make sure no one was eavesdropping. "Thanks to your and the Weasley Twins' help, some of the more mild-mannered werewolves I know found decent jobs at your shop. They are now working on the farm you bought in Northern Norway, producing some of the materials you need. The place is really great, far from people, so we don’t have to worry about hurting innocents. It also provides a good opportunity for them to earn a living."
"That’s what I should be doing", Liam said. "I believe the best way to prevent werewolves from joining the Dark Lord is to give them normal jobs so they can support themselves. Otherwise, hungry and cold werewolves will inevitably follow anyone who can offer them a way to live. Not to mention, the laws against werewolves in the magical world are far from just."
"You’re right", Lupin nodded in agreement. "Honestly, not all werewolves are evil. In fact, most of them are just like ordinary people, hoping to live a peaceful and normal life. Unfortunately, the anti-werewolf laws drafted by Umbridge two years ago have forced them to take desperate measures."
"I understand; after all, it’s about survival." Liam nodded solemnly. "That’s why I’d rather reduce my profits to establish that farm in Northern Norway. Every additional employee in the farm means one less terrorist for the Dark Lord."
The topic brought a somber mood between them, but Lupin soon thought of a more uplifting piece of news. "Do you know, I’ve found my work with the werewolves much easier this time around compared to the last war."
"Why is that?" Liam asked curiously, because Voldemort clearly had more to offer, and most werewolves, due to long-term discrimination, were generally more inclined toward the dark side. How could it be easier to rally them now?
"Remember the recent mysterious disappearances of the giants?" Lupin continued after Liam nodded. "That, along with the massacre of the Cepesh Family at Castle Cepesh when you were kidnapped, has had a significant impact on dark creatures."
Lupin glanced around warily before continuing. "Now, whether it’s werewolves or vampires, they all believe Dumbledore has changed his approach over the past few decades. They say Dumbledore won’t be as merciful as he was during the last war, and instead, he will purge all dark creatures who side with Voldemort. So, in this situation, very few dark creatures are willing to risk their lives by openly supporting Voldemort."
"To be honest, if I didn’t know Dumbledore’s character, I’d be scared too. The last time the European wizarding world saw such a large-scale killing was centuries ago, let alone the complete extermination of an ancient vampire clan and almost all the European giants. Now, Dumbledore is seen by those dark creatures as even more terrifying than Voldemort."
"How can they be sure it was Dumbledore?" Liam knew it was because of his own actions, but for safety, he asked why the dark creatures believed Dumbledore was responsible.
"First, the vampires and giants who were eliminated had clearly offended Dumbledore. For example, the vampires kidnapped Hogwarts students and collaborated with Voldemort, and the giants chose Voldemort’s side after driving away Dumbledore’s messenger. Second, in this world, the only one with the power to accomplish such a feat in such a short time is Dumbledore." Lupin looked somewhat puzzled. "But the problem is, it really wasn’t Dumbledore. At least when the vampires were eliminated, Professor Dumbledore was at Hogwarts, setting up a search party."
"Regardless, this situation is beneficial to us for now", Liam interrupted. "We should treat the unknown actor as an ally. We’re already at a disadvantage against the Dark Lord, and we can’t afford to make another enemy."
"You’re right", Lupin finished his Butterbeer in one gulp. "I was overthinking it. Sometimes, overthinking isn’t helpful."
"By the way, what’s going on with Tonks?" Liam asked with a smile.
"I’m currently researching new products in the room behind your shop, and Tonks often comes to visit. Sometimes, we even have afternoon tea together, and that’s how we got to know each other better", Lupin said, looking a bit embarrassed.
"Just got to know each other, huh?" Liam teased.
"You know I’m a werewolf; there are some things I shouldn’t aspire to." Lupin gave a bitter smile. "She should find a young, handsome Auror to marry, not an old werewolf like me."
As Lupin was wallowing in self-pity, Liam suddenly said, "Professor Lupin, would you be willing to help me with an experiment? I’ve been wanting to delve deeper into the study of werewolves."
(End of Chapter)
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