Chapter 440: Lupin's Departure
Chapter 440: Lupin's Departure
Fudge didn't stay long in the headmaster's office and soon left with the two unconscious Death Eaters in tow.
About half an hour later, the Dementors guarding Hogsmeade and the surrounding area also received their orders and withdrew from the castle.
There could not have been better news.
Although most students didn't know what had transpired, it didn't stop them from celebrating the expulsion of those pesky creatures, and a cheerful atmosphere permeated the entire castle.
The day before the holiday, Kyle visited Professor Lupin, who was still recuperating in the school hospital.
Harry, Ron, and Hermione were there, with a large black dog crouching beside them, while Madam Pomfrey stood by, giving them a scrutinizing look.
She couldn't fathom why the headmaster would allow students to bring pets here.
Professor Lupin lay in bed, his entire body wrapped in bandages, looking like a moving mummy.
Sirius Black propped himself up on his hind legs, panting happily at his friend.
Kyle also felt a bit embarrassed seeing Professor Lupin's condition.
Technically speaking, Professor Lupin's current state was partly his fault.
That night, after Fox had brought the werewolf and the Devil's Snare to the headmaster's office, he had been tossed aside.
Perhaps it was because Black and Pettigrew's story was too captivating, or maybe it was the effect of the Devil's Snare gag, but the werewolf, unable to make a sound, had been forgotten in the corner.
It wasn't until early the next morning, when the exhausted werewolf transformed back into Professor Lupin and fell unconscious, that he finally broke free from the Devil's Snare and crashed to the floor.
And it was this crash that alerted Sirius Black, who had spent an excited night dreaming about his future life, to the presence of his old friend.
Even though a werewolf's body was sturdy enough, being entangled in the Devil's Snare for an entire night had resulted in several broken bones for Professor Lupin. He looked utterly dispirited when he was brought to the school hospital, and he hadn't fully recovered even now.
As Kyle entered the hospital, he overheard Harry asking about the rumor that had been spreading throughout the castle.
"I just ran into Malfoy..." Harry said anxiously, "He said you're a werewolf and that you'll be expelled. Is it true?"
"Of course not," Lupin smiled faintly, "I resigned of my own accord; I wasn't forced out."
"Why?" Harry asked, "Just because you're a werewolf?"
"Isn't that enough?" Lupin replied calmly.
"But besides us, no one should know your identity..."
"No, Harry," Lupin shook his head, "There are plenty of clever students like Kyle and Hermione who must have guessed my secret by now."
"It must have been Malfoy and Snape spreading the word..." Harry said angrily, "Hermione mentioned that Snape has been hinting about your condition during his lessons."
"It doesn't matter now, Harry," Lupin said with a smile, "By this afternoon, owls will be delivering letters from your parents... They won't want a werewolf teaching their children, at least most of them won't.
"And after last night's events, I think they're right. I might have bitten you... That must never happen again."
"You could try planting Devil's Snare in your office..." Ron suggested tentatively, "I think that would convince most people to let you stay."
Hearing Ron's suggestion, Lupin felt his freshly healed wounds begin to ache again.
It was at this moment that Kyle reached the bedside.
"Ron's suggestion isn't bad," he said, placing a large box of Honeyduke's candies on the nearby cabinet, "If you need it, I can lend you that Devil's Snare."
"Let's not go down that path.
Compared to the other plants in the box, Devil's Snare was relatively harmless, only slightly more threatening than ornamental plants like borage and rue.
Seeing that Kyle didn't want to elaborate further, Lupin let the matter drop. "I heard about what happened from Sirius, and I want to thank you on his behalf."
The large black dog beside them also turned to look at Kyle with grateful eyes.
"I just gave some advice," Kyle waved his hand dismissively. "Also, it's too early for thanks. Let's wait until he's completely exonerated."
"What are you talking about?" Harry asked, looking confused. "Is Sirius alright now?"
Lupin shook his head. "It's nothing."
This matter was still confidential, and it wasn't appropriate to discuss it with Harry. After interacting with him for nearly a year, Lupin had discovered that the boy couldn't keep a secret.
So, despite Harry's persistent inquiries, Lupin remained silent.
Finally, Harry gave up, suppressing his curiosity and changing the subject. "So, where are you going next?"
"I don't know," Lupin sighed. "It's difficult for a werewolf to find employment..."
Sirius, propped up on his front paws, looked exceptionally agitated, eager to voice his invitation for Lupin to stay with him.
But Lupin didn't even glance his way, continuing as if lost in thought. "...Perhaps I'll go to the Wizarding Examinations Authority. Due to the Patronus Charm being included in this year's N.E.W.T.s, and the exceptionally high pass rate among students, Professor Marchbanks approached me and explicitly inquired if I'd be interested in joining the Wizarding Examinations Authority.
"However, I'm unsure if she's aware of my condition, and as a werewolf, it would be challenging to secure a position within the Ministry of Magic."
Harry looked somewhat dejected at this news.
"Cheer up, it's fine," Lupin smiled. "I'm used to it, and I'll be able to collect my salary for the final month from the school, which will sustain me for a while."
"If you're interested," Kyle suddenly interjected, "you could visit Romania."
"What?" Lupin turned to him, curious.
"The Dragon Reserve," Kyle explained. "No one there would care if you're a werewolf."
"Really?" Lupin's eyes widened, and he looked incredulous. "Aren't they afraid?"
"Do you think a group of people who deal with dragons and Dark Wizards every day would be afraid of a werewolf?" Kyle asked rhetorically. "Besides, it could even be an advantage for you. A werewolf who has ingested Wolfsbane Potion can do many things, and having a werewolf around could deter those with ill intentions.
I've heard they've hired werewolves in the past, but they were quickly fired because they couldn't resist the temptation of dragon eggs."
Lupin lowered his head in contemplation.
Sirius, growing more anxious, scrabbled at the floor with his front paws, but neither of them paid him any heed.
Kyle continued, "Although you might have a tough time there, especially during the full moon, and you may even have to face dragons alone, the dragon keepers earn a substantial salary..."
Lupin fell silent once more, deep in thought.
The prospect of hard work didn't bother him, nor did the idea of facing dragons. The high salary was a tempting offer.
The only thing that gave him pause was the distance.
With Sirius' name about to be cleared, there was so much he wanted to say to his old friend, and he was reluctant to be far away during this critical time.
Oh well, he thought to himself, I'll cross that bridge when I come to it. With a bit of gold left in his pocket, he decided to put off the job search for now.
Lupin made up his mind to wait until Sirius' name was cleared before considering employment options.
...
(End of Chapter)
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