The Return to Hogwarts

“Indeed. But I dare not, Mr. Blaine. I’m afraid it’s difficult for me to explain this feeling to you. It’s just that I think it’s best for me to keep my distance from things that break the law, unless, one day in the future, I want to completely become like Graybury.”

How pathetic—that was the thought that crossed Amosta's mind after hearing Lupin's explanation.

As a werewolf, he would rather be poor and destitute than harm others. He is a kind and principled person. But sadly, people in the magical world do not change their impression of werewolves because of this, nor do they feel much sympathy for them. In fact, they do not even think about how much injustice werewolves have suffered. They only know how to reject all outsiders.

Amosta disliked werewolves because of Graybury and his gang, but he wasn't particularly prejudiced against them. Of course, he had no sympathy for these poor creatures who had suffered so much injustice and oppression to have ended up in such a despised state.

Suppressing the slight pity in his heart, Amosta cleared his throat and said with a cold laugh,

"So, Mr. Lupin, I think you must know exactly where our disagreement lies, right?"

“Yes, Mr. Blaine, I’m not surprised by your reaction when you saw me today—”

Lupin's wry smile deepened, and he nodded apologetically. "Albus wrote me a letter after you left Hogwarts, reminding me of your possible reaction if I saw you again—"

snort!

Amosta's cold gaze was as sharp as his snort; he stared indifferently into Lupin's eyes.

“I will spare your life, Lupin,”

The faint stench of blood in Amosta's deep voice almost made Lupin uneasy. He wanted to defend himself, but the young man opposite him didn't give him a chance to speak.

"But how have you repaid my kindness?" Lupin asked Dumbledore, inquiring about my identity.

You should know what the consequences of doing that might be. If Dumbledore is determined to kill me, then I only have two fates: either spend my whole life in Azkaban, or leave the European wizarding world and wander the world forever.

"Hmm, could it be that werewolves express gratitude differently than normal wizards, to the point that I simply cannot understand why you would act so 'ungratefully'?"

Lupin was speechless. After that fierce battle, to be honest, he was quite frightened by this young wizard who had only recently appeared in the underworld. Subconsciously, he wanted to find out the true identity of the Golden Viper. Without thinking much, he wrote a letter to Albus to inquire, indeed ignoring the consequences such a move would bring to Amosta.

Explanations and apologies are useless in front of a wizard like Golden Viper. To resolve this problem, you must offer him a 'benefit' that can sway him.

"I have some information here, Mr. Blaine, that might be of some value to you—"

After a long silence, Lupin raised his head. Though only in his early thirties, his long-term precarious existence and the trauma in his heart made him look like someone over fifty.

“Fenrir Graybuck has recently resumed his activities. He has arranged for his men to secretly inquire about your true identity, possibly hoping to find your family. In addition, he is also contacting some former associates. You should know who I am referring to. I think he wants to have a final showdown with you to settle old scores.”

"He's not dead yet?"

After a dismissive snort, Amosta said with a hint of surprise, "The werewolves' vitality is indeed astonishing."

"Unfortunately, Mr. Blaine, he is indeed still alive—"

Lupin took a deep breath and said.

"After our last fight, half of his body was basically burned. Normally, even a werewolf's vitality wouldn't be able to withstand such severe magical damage."

But he was lucky. On his deathbed, he suddenly remembered the reward he had received for a brilliant massacre while working for the Dark Lord, whose name was forbidden to be mentioned. It was a powerful healing spell that barely mended his shattered body, and after a period of rest, he finally regained his strength.

"It still has some value--"

Amosta nodded, then said coldly,

“But compared to the mockery I’ve suffered, if Lupin or Graybury comes looking for trouble again, I’ll make sure to burn him to ashes. You don’t expect that to appease my anger, do you?”

Lupin looked utterly helpless. He shook his robe to make the patches on it more noticeable.

“You already know my situation, Mr. Blaine. If you expect me to atone with Galleons, I’m afraid I’ll disappoint you.”

Amosta sipped his sweet wine, pondering the question in his mind.

To vent his anger by killing Lu Ping?

Amosta would never do that. He has always been extremely cautious about killing. His feud with Lupin is far from warranting taking his life with his wand. Besides, Lupin clearly has a special relationship with Dumbledore.

Amosta fell silent, while Lupin waited quietly for his decision. Neither of them spoke again. During this time, the bar owner, Tom, came over to ask if they needed anything else. Lupin looked hesitant, but Amosta generously waved his hand, telling him to order whatever he wanted.

Lupin devoured his food again. Amostella, lost in thought, turned Lockhart's face away, pondering as he casually glanced at the Daily Prophet. When he reached page seven, a job posting in the center of the paper caught his eye, and a meaningful smile spread across his handsome face.

Chapter 102 A Gentle Heart

"Are you kidding me, Mr. Blaine?"

Lupin stared wide-eyed, his weathered and haggard face showing astonishment, shock, and confusion. He seemed to think that Amosta was just playing a bad joke, but looking at his solemn and serious expression, he felt that it didn't seem quite right!

"You want me to apply for a professorship in Defense Against the Dark Arts at Hogwarts?"

This absurd suggestion was even difficult for Lupin, a man of broad experience who had lived through war, to accept. His eyebrows shot up, and his tone became urgent.

“Mr. Blaine, I think you haven’t forgotten that I am a…”

As customers moved back and forth in the bar, Lupin cautiously kept his mouth shut.

"Isn't that a very good suggestion?"

Amosta smiled.

"Being a professor is a respectable and meaningful job, not only because it has nothing to do with evil, but also because it is well paid and can save you from a life of hardship. You should know that Dumbledore is not the kind of person who is bound by worldly views and rules. Lupin, you are quite capable, and I think you can do this job."

Once some of the people around had dispersed, Lupin continued to vent about the confusion that Amosta's proposal had caused him.

“I studied at that school, so of course I know what a professor's job is, but that's not the problem, Mr. Blaine,”

Undeniably, it was an appealing proposal, but reason told Lupin that it was simply not going to happen.

“My werewolf identity is no secret to many people, Mr. Blaine. Do you think the Hogwarts Board of Governors and the Ministry of Magic would allow Dumbledore to hire a werewolf to teach young wizards how to defend against dark magic and other dangerous things? That’s ridiculous! I myself am a dangerous magical creature!”

"If you can't even face yourself, Lupin, how can you expect others to treat you with reason?"

Amosta continued to patiently guide him.

"Dumbledore will take care of all the problems you're worried about. In addition, there is a Potions Master at the school who can brew Wolfsbane Potion, which can save you from the pain of those days every month."

Wolfsbane potion could almost be considered a savior for wizards like Lupin who were forced to become werewolves. Unfortunately, its high price was something that most werewolves could not afford. On many painful nights of transformation, Lupin prayed that he would have enough Galleons to buy this precious potion.

When this was mentioned, Lupin hesitated noticeably, but when he thought of the past grudges between him and the Potions Master, he could only shake his head with a wry smile.

“It won’t be that simple, Mr. Blaine,” Lupin smiled forlornly. “If you had a child, would you be happy to see his teacher be a werewolf who loses his temper at the drop of a hat and bites people’s necks?”

Having finally come up with this 'brilliant' idea for revenge, Amosta was not about to give up easily. He patiently persuaded Lupin, sparing no effort in explaining to him just how many benefits there were to becoming a respected professor.

"--Think about it, Remus,"

Amosta addressed Lupin by his name affectionately.

"If you can do a good job in this position, then some wonderful things will happen. People may change their view of werewolves and stop looking at you differently. Remus, you will save all the werewolves who are forced to carry the burden in the dark like you!"

Amosta spoke with great passion and fervor, and in the end, even he himself admired his own persuasive power.

Could it be that I really have the potential to become the third Dark Lord?

Looking at Remus Lupin, who was only one step away from agreeing, Amosta suddenly had this thought.

Lupin let out a heavy sigh. After all, he was a wizard from Gryffindor, and with Amosta's encouragement, courage quickly gathered in his heart.

"But there have always been rumors that the Defense Against the Dark Arts professor at Hogwarts,"

Suddenly remembering something, Lupin's gaze fell upon the newspaper spread out on the table, and his brows furrowed.

"There have been some bad rumors, and this year's Gilderoy Lockhart seems to confirm them."

"What nonsense!"

Amosta shouted in a righteous and indignant tone.

"This is just hearsay. Look at me, Lupin. I stepped down from that position unscathed, without suffering any harm. In fact, my luck has been pretty good ever since I finished that job, and I even made a little money recently!"

From all perspectives, Amosta's suggestion was a very good one, but that's precisely why Lupin remained somewhat wary.

"Why, Mr. Blaine?"

Lupin asked, puzzled.

"Without a doubt, I have offended you. If you had treated me with the same brutal methods you used on my own kind back down there, I wouldn't have been surprised at all. But you didn't do that. Instead, you were very helpful in introducing me to jobs so I could make a living. Isn't that strange?"

"Because I acknowledge your abilities and kindness, Remus—"

Amosta smiled gently; he already knew he was about to achieve his goal.

“I taught this course and spent several months getting along very well with the young wizards at the school. They were all very lovely children, and they all deserved a proper, professional education and a bright future. Gilderoy Lockhart's case clearly proves that even the great Dumbledore can sometimes make mistakes. I can't bear to see those children waste their most precious years. Remus, I believe you have the ability to help them—”

The brightest midday sun dispelled the darkness in the somewhat gloomy bar, and also dispelled the fog in Lupin's heart. The doubt between his brows disappeared, and he revealed a relieved and reassured smile.

“I need to hurry back and check if my herbs are still there, Mr. Blaine,”

Lupin stood up and straightened his worn robe slightly.

"I hope no one will take my herbs to feed the horsemen. Thank you very much for your hospitality, Mr. Blaine. This meal will probably keep me going for several more days."

Regarding my proposal--

Watching Remus walk toward Diagon Alley, Amosta narrowed his eyes and stood up as well.

"I'm sorry I can't give you a definite answer right now. I need some time to think it over carefully."

Having lived through an incredibly brutal era of war and spent years wandering the underworld, Remus Lupin was more rational and vigilant than Amosta had imagined.

"in addition,"

Lupin stood bathed in golden light, his relaxed smile making him seem twenty years younger. He gazed at the young wizard at the table, a knowing smile playing on his lips.

“I think I understand why Albus was so tolerant after learning what you’ve done over the past few years. You’re definitely not the person I remembered.”