Not long ago, Lupin was watching the Quidditch match on the field. The seven Firebolts did startle him, but it wasn't a big deal. He was just a regular fan; back in the day, he was just a face in the crowd cheering for James. [Full-text Reading]
As a teacher, he treated each house equally, without any particular favoritism. Just as he was preparing to enjoy the rest of the match as a pure spectator, a familiar student suddenly approached him, standing in front of him and blocking his view.
"Miss Granger, it's Quidditch match time. While I admire your studious nature, you still need to balance work and play. Watch the game, and I'll answer any questions you have afterward," Lupin said with a faint smile on his pale face. He was quite fond of this student; no one could dislike a diligent student.
Moreover, she resembled Lily in some ways, being equally intelligent and eager to learn. Of course, there were differences. Hermione was a good student, disciplined and obedient, while Lily was not one to follow the rules. After meeting James, she was also taught to be "bad."
Thinking of this, Lupin couldn't help but reveal a nostalgic smile.
"Professor Lupin, if you don't want me to suddenly shout here: 'Our Defense Against the Dark Arts professor is a dangerous werewolf,' then please come with me to a place right now," Hermione said as she stood in front of his seat, handing him a small note with these words written on it.
After reading it, Lupin's expression changed. The slight flush brought on by the smile quickly faded, and he crumpled the note in his hands, stuffing it into his pocket.
Well, perhaps the "bad" part was becoming more and more alike.
Lupin still thought it might be a little prank by this student as he got up and followed Hermione past the rows of stands, thinking to himself: How did she find out about this?
Maybe it was when using a Boggart to teach them spells, or perhaps during those two lessons taught by Snape. Lupin shook his head. At least this student was still capable of threatening him with this, which proved that she wasn't actually afraid of him, bringing him a sliver of comfort.
If other students knew, they might not even dare to see him.
That was the power of prejudice. No matter how easy and pleasant the previous interactions had been, when a fixed label was placed on someone, they couldn't resist it.
"Miss Granger, I must say that threatening a teacher is not the right thing to do," Lupin said with a smile, now having adjusted his mindset.
"I know, I might get expelled," Hermione said, nodding, but there was no sense of anxiety about being expelled in her tone. They were now walking through Hogwarts Castle, in a corridor next to a classroom. Students and teachers had all chosen to watch the match, leaving the place empty.
"You can tell me what's going on, Miss Granger. Although I care about this secret, Headmaster Dumbledore knows. Even if you don't trust me, you should trust your headmaster. He wouldn't be detrimental to you, letting a werewolf with no restraints teach your classes."
"Of course, I know. You're an excellent teacher, Professor Lupin," Hermione said, nodding slightly. "You're the best Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher I've ever had." Hermione paused, then said, "So, I feel even more sorry for what I'm doing."
This left Lupin with a bewildered expression.
"Stupefy!" Black suddenly appeared from behind, wearing an Invisibility Cloak, and waved his wand. A blinding light shot out from the wand, striking Lupin. The back of Lupin's neck was hit by the spell without any defense, and he collapsed limply.
"I didn't expect our reunion to be in this way," Black said, looking at the fallen Lupin with a complex expression.
"You don't have time to reminisce about the past, Sirius Black. We need to hurry," Hermione said, bending down and hooking Lupin's shoulders with her hands. Black also lent a hand, and they dragged Lupin towards his office.
When Lupin opened his eyes, he found himself sitting in his office. His wand had been confiscated, and his hands were tied to the chair. He tried to break free but found the ropes were very tight.
Lupin raised his drooping head and said to Hermione in a helpless tone with a wry smile, "Miss Granger, this joke isn't funny. It seems you've found an accomplice. Can I meet them?" Lupin closed his eyes again and began to think back. He couldn't recall any conflicts with this student; on the contrary, he thought he got along well with all the students. Hermione often cooperated with him in class, frequently volunteering to answer questions. At least he couldn't find any reason for the student to treat him like this.
"Could it be that I assigned too little homework? Are you not used to it?" Lupin even had the mood to joke now, speaking in a teasing tone.
"Of course not. You're still one of my most respected teachers, it's just that you might not understand what I'm doing now," Hermione said, shaking her head with some difficulty. Assisting a fugitive in attacking a teacher was no longer a matter that could be resolved by expulsion. Hermione didn't dare to think about what consequences would occur if she couldn't resolve this thoroughly this time.
"An old friend of yours wants to see you," Hermione said, looking at the ground before slowly speaking.
"Then I'm very curious who this old friend is," Lupin said, still maintaining a faint smile, as if he wasn't the one being tied up.
But soon, his faint smile vanished instantly.
"Sirius Black," Lupin murmured the name.
First, a floating head appeared before Lupin's eyes, then the neck appeared, slowly from top to bottom, until the soles of the feet. Finally, a complete Sirius Black appeared before him. He took off the Invisibility Cloak, appearing completely in front of Lupin.
"I really didn't expect you to still use the Imperius Curse, and you even dare to control my student, Black! You're even wearing James' Invisibility Cloak. You really have the nerve to do that!" Lupin began to struggle, causing the chair to shake. The calm tone from before completely disappeared, replaced by an angry roar.
"Anger will cloud your judgment, Remus. Calm down," Sirius Black said in a deep voice.
"I'm very clear-headed right now and haven't been Imperiused, Professor Lupin," Hermione quickly said.
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