Chapter 84: Lupin's Remorse

Lupin looked at Ivan with distrust, he did not know why the boy was appearing outside the castle at this time. Obviously, this did not respond to common sense. But he wasn't going to investigate, just like him, everyone had their own secrets.

In fact, after more than two months of continuous contact, Lupin had a very good impression of Ivan.

In his class, Ivan always answered every question the first time. From the various assignments he had arranged, he could also see that Ivan had a deep knowledge and unique insight into Defense Against the Dark Arts.

Lupin had not seen such a good young man in many years, not to mention the good relationship between Ivan and Harry, as well as himself, James Potter, Peter Pettigrew and Sirius Black.

When he thought of Black, Lupin was distressed for a while. He couldn't believe that Sirius would betray James and swear allegiance to Voldemort. They were obviously best friends.

He shook his head, maybe he was always seeing the wrong person.

Black was so good at the time, but ultimately he chose to betray, the smarter a person is, the more profitable the pros and cons are, and friendship in his eyes is just a commodity that can be traded at any time.

Will this boy behave like Black and sell his friends for his own benefit!

Lupin looked at Ivan carefully and expected to see something in him.

The next second, his eyes widened and he seemed to see a familiar figure in the grass behind Ivan.

The tip of his wand emitted a light and flew into the grass with nothing in it.

Was it an illusion?

Lupin was relieved and with that relief he was now conflicted.

On the one hand he wanted to see Black to get the whole thing straight; on the other hand, he was afraid to meet him, afraid that Black would tell him personally how he had sold James and Lily to Voldemort.

Lupin couldn't remember how many times he was awakened by such a nightmare.

It had been twelve years since the event had happened. He had been blaming himself for not discovering Black's true colors sooner, so that he had the opportunity to sell James and eventually killed Peter Pettigrew.

Lupin thought this guilt would always be present in his life, but then Black escaped from Azkaban and everyone said he had escaped to kill Harry, his best friend's only son.

Lupin would not allow this to happen, so he accepted Dumbledore's invitation to return to Hogwarts to teach. He wanted to protect Harry. Maybe he could also capture Black and let him explain what happened that year.

Lupin took a deep breath, now was not the time to think about these things.

"Ivan, you should go back to the Great Dining Hall and be with the others." Lupin took two steps forward, then stopped suddenly.

He saw the patch of grass behind Ivan. Indeed, there was something there. He was not mistaken. It must have been Sirius Black's Animagus form. He had seen it many times and would never forget it.

Was it just a coincidence that the boy in front of him and Black were in the same place, or...?

When Ivan saw Lupin's expression, he knew what he was thinking. He didn't know what to do or how to explain this situation.

However, he didn't have to worry about it anymore.

When he was hesitating, something came out of the grass. Lupin clearly heard a sound and a strong light flew past. It was Crookshanks, who, frightened by the sudden brightness of the light, threw himself into Ivan's arms.

"Professor, I've gone out to look for this cat. It's my friend Hermione's pet. I just saw it run out of the castle. I was afraid there might be an accident, so I came to look for him." Ivan didn't know if Lupin would believe he was looking for a cat as an excuse. Lupin looked at Crookshanks for a moment with a look of relief.

The two returned to the castle. They turned the corner of the corridor and saw Dumbledore and Snape standing outside the Great Hall talking to each other.

"We've searched the entire castle, no sign of him." whispered Snape.

"Very well, Severus, I don't think Black will stay." Dumbledore said calmly.

"There is one thing, however, what I must report to you." Snape narrowed his eyes, "During the time we have been sweeping the castle, one of our professors, the one I told you about earlier, has disappeared."

Dumbledore said, "What do you mean, Severus?

"I mean, how did Black get into the castle, what do you make of this, Headmaster?" said Snape.

"Many, Severus, all are a possibility." said Dumbledore slowly.

"Do you remember our conversation, just before the semester started?" Snape's voice was low, and he apparently didn't want anyone to hear the conversation.

"I remember, Severus." There was something akin to a warning in Dumbledore's voice.

Snape said, "It seems almost impossible that Black could get into this school without inside help. Especially if that person hasn't been seen yet, you understand what I mean. I expressed my concern and you trust him with your life to..."

"I don't think anyone in the castle would help Black get in.".Dumbledore said, the tone of his voice making it clear that was the end of the matter, so Snape did not respond.

The person Snape suspected was Lupin. Ivan turned and saw that Lupin was quiet, as if he hadn't heard a word the two of them said.

"Severus, I must go to the Dementors," Dumbledore said. "I said we'd let them know when we finished the search.

"Are you planning to help?" said Snape.

"Oh, yes," said Dumbledore coolly. "But I'm afraid that as long as I am Headmaster, I will never allow them to cross the threshold of this castle."

Ivan watched Dumbledore approach the hall, froze slightly when he saw him and Lupin, and Snape walk toward them.

"Did you eavesdrop on our conversation?" Snape's eyes continued to wander between the two, and he finally looked at Lupin with a look of hatred.

Ivan hastily replied, "Professor, we didn't..."

"Be careful when you make up lies, Mason!" Snape's gaze shifted to Ivan. "I have to remind you that according to the Headmaster's orders, you should be sleeping in the Great Dining Hall, rather than leaving the castle with someone you don't know, and doing something sneaky."

"I..." Ivan was at a loss for words, Snape and Dumbledore were harder to deal with than the other, and he hastened to repeat to them his reason for leaving the castle.

"Because of this stupid cat, Gryffindor has lost some sense," Snape said in disgust. "Now hurry up and go to the Great Hall to sleep. That's where you should be."

Ivan ran towards the Great Hall and just as he was about to enter, he looked back and saw Dumbledore, Snape and Lupin still standing there, not knowing what to say.