Ch 130
Not long ago, Lupin had been watching the Quidditch match. The sight of seven Firebolts had shocked him, but only briefly. He was, after all, just an ordinary spectator. Back then, he had once cheered for James in the stands as well.
As a teacher, he treated every House equally and never showed favoritism. Just as he was about to continue watching the match in peace, a familiar student suddenly stepped in front of him, blocking his view.
"Miss Granger, it's time for the Quidditch match," Lupin said gently, a smile appearing on his pale face. "Although I admire your diligence, there should still be a balance between work and rest. Watch the match properly. If you have questions, I'll answer them after it ends."
He genuinely liked this student. Few teachers disliked someone so hardworking.
Moreover, she reminded him of Lily—intelligent, studious. Of course, there were differences. Hermione followed the school rules meticulously, whereas Lily had never truly been a rule-abiding student. After meeting James, she had been "led astray" even further.
Thinking of that, Lupin couldn't help but smile.
"Professor Lupin," Hermione said calmly, stepping closer, "if you don't want me to suddenly shout, 'Our Defence Against the Dark Arts professor is a dangerous werewolf,' then please follow me to another place right now."
She handed him a small slip of parchment.
After reading it, Lupin's expression changed instantly. The warmth from his smile vanished. He crushed the paper in his hand and slipped it into his pocket.
…Alright. Perhaps she really was becoming a little "bad."
Lupin still believed this might be a prank—albeit a serious one. He stood up and followed Hermione up the stairs, his thoughts racing.
How does she know?
Perhaps it was during the Boggart lesson. Or maybe during those substitute classes Snape had taught. Lupin shook his head inwardly. At the very least, the fact that she dared to threaten him meant she wasn't afraid of him. That, strangely enough, brought him a trace of comfort.
If other students knew, many of them might not even dare to look him in the eye.
This was the power of prejudice. Once a label was attached, no amount of past goodwill could fully erase it.
"Miss Granger," Lupin said mildly as they walked, "threatening a teacher is not appropriate."
"I know," Hermione nodded. "I might even be expelled."
There was no nervousness in her voice.
They were now in a corridor beside an empty classroom. Most students and teachers were watching the match, leaving the passage deserted.
"You may say whatever you wish," Lupin continued. "Headmaster Dumbledore already knows my condition. Even if you don't trust me, you should trust him. He would never endanger students by allowing an uncontrolled werewolf to teach."
"Of course," Hermione replied softly. "You're an excellent teacher, Professor Lupin. The best Defence Against the Dark Arts professor I've ever had."
She paused.
"That's why I'm even more sorry."
Lupin frowned slightly, confusion crossing his face.
"Stupefy."
A voice sounded behind him.
A flash of red light struck the back of Lupin's neck. His body stiffened, then collapsed to the floor.
Behind him stood Sirius Black, partially revealed beneath the Invisibility Cloak.
"I didn't expect we'd meet again like this," Sirius said quietly, looking down at Lupin with complicated emotions.
"There's no time for reminiscing," Hermione said urgently. "We have to hurry."
Together, they hooked Lupin's arms over their shoulders and dragged him toward his office.
---
When Lupin regained consciousness, he found himself seated in his own office. His wand was gone. Thick ropes bound him tightly to the chair.
He struggled briefly, then stopped.
Raising his head, he forced a bitter smile at Hermione.
"Miss Granger," he said calmly, "this joke isn't funny. It seems you've found yourself a helper. May I know who he is?"
He closed his eyes for a moment, searching his memory. He couldn't recall ever mistreating this student. On the contrary, she had always been cooperative, attentive—one of his best.
"Is my homework too light?" Lupin added dryly. "Have I spoiled you?"
"Of course not," Hermione shook her head, clearly uneasy. "You're still one of the teachers I respect most. It's just… you don't understand what I'm doing right now."
She lowered her gaze.
"There's an old friend of yours who wants to see you."
Lupin opened his eyes again, curiosity flickering through them.
"Then I'm interested," he said lightly.
But the moment he looked up, his faint smile vanished.
"Sirius Black," Lupin whispered.
The Invisibility Cloak slid away piece by piece—from head to feet—until Sirius stood fully revealed before him.
Lupin's restraint snapped.
"You dare?" he roared, struggling violently. "You used the Imperius Curse on my student? And you're wearing James's Invisibility Cloak? You truly have no shame!"
"Anger clouds judgment, Remus," Sirius said hoarsely. "Calm down."
"I am perfectly conscious," Hermione said quickly, stepping forward. "Professor Lupin, I'm not under the Imperius Curse."
The room fell into a tense, fragile silence.