Chapter 414: Lupin’s Scandal

As the weather warmed and the snow and ice outside the castle finally melted, the young wizards couldn't wait to stow away their thick winter robes in the wardrobe.

It's worth mentioning that, for some special reason, the Patronus Charm lessons were not scheduled again in February. Professor Lupin was far too busy. Aside from his regular classes, he was rarely seen around the school; every afternoon after the last lesson and throughout the weekends, he would disappear. Whenever he had a spare moment, he'd head off to Hogsmeade.

Gradually, rumors began to circulate through the castle. Some claimed, with absolute conviction, that Professor Lupin was courting Madam Rosmerta of The Three Broomsticks. Although there was no concrete evidence, most students were willing to believe it. After all, Hogsmeade was a small village with only about ten shops. It might be refreshing to visit occasionally, but going so frequently was bound to get dull. If Lupin wasn't meeting someone, then why did he leave the castle every day at 5:00 p.m. and only return after curfew? And on weekends, he was never seen at all.

As the gossip spread, Professor Lupin's supposed relationship with Madam Rosmerta quickly grew into elaborate tales involving nearly every shopkeeper in Hogsmeade. There were stories about the Quill Shop clerk, Madam Andell from the Owl Post Office, Madam Puddifoot's brother-in-law, and even the landlord of The Hog's Head. Each version grew more outlandish than the last.

Susan Bones even made it a ritual to hear a new version of the story as a bedtime tale each night, claiming she couldn't fall asleep without it. She had gone so far as to compile the rumors into a thick book, which became quite popular. Every day, students lined up to borrow it, though few managed to get their hands on it. Susan treasured the book and kept it close.

Sensing a business opportunity, Fred and George sought out Kyle early one morning.

"Katie asked us to come and check with you," Fred said. "She's collected a book like Susan's, and she wants to team up."

"Team up? How exactly?" Kyle asked.

"She'll supply the booklets, and we'll duplicate and sell them," Fred explained. "We split the profits 30/70."

Kyle raised an eyebrow. "We duplicate and sell, and we only get 70%?"

"70% goes to her; 30% to us," George corrected, "but don't worry, we're definitely not agreeing to that. She did say her bottom line is a 50/50 split, though."

"We did the math. If we go ahead with this, we'd make at least thirty Galleons," Fred added. "So, what do you say… want in?"

Fred and George picked up cookies from the table, watching Kyle as they ate.

"I'm not getting involved," Kyle replied calmly, glancing back at his book. Even if he stood to make thirty Galleons each, or even more, he wouldn't agree. What was the point of money like that? Bribing House-elves?

"And I have to warn you," Kyle added, "if you still want to visit Hogsmeade on days other than the official tour days, you'd better not agree. I guarantee that as soon as you set foot in Hogsmeade, Professor McGonagall will hear about it, and there'll be no escaping her."

Kanna and Cedric, sitting nearby, nodded in agreement. They shared Kyle's view.

"Well… you're right," Fred shrugged.

"That's what we thought too," George said. "But, since we're all on the same team… we figured we should ask."

"This way, at least…"

"If you say no, we're off the hook…"

"We're outnumbered," they said with exaggerated resignation, as they finished off the last pieces of bread on their plates, then headed over to the Gryffindor table with a feigned look of disappointment.

Katie Bell was already there, waiting for them after breakfast.

"Sorry…" Fred said with a heavy sigh. "They all have other commitments and probably won't have much time these days…"

"And we've got to help…"

The two sat down next to her, smoothly delivering the excuse they'd prepared well in advance.

On the other side of the room, after Fred and George left, Kyle finished his breakfast and stood up to head to the library. He had borrowed a book a few days ago and had finished reading it just the day before.

Kanna and Cho had gone to visit Hagrid. The success of his first lesson had given Hagrid a boost of confidence, and he had stopped bringing creatures with sharp teeth and pointed beaks to class. Instead, he'd shifted his focus to showing baby versions of various Magical Creatures. After the Unicorns, he introduced the students to baby Nifflers and Kneazles… and the response had been overwhelmingly positive. Gradually, the students were warming up to their new professor, though some Slytherins remained resistant, of course. Hagrid had been worried about their taunts at first, but he'd learned to ignore them over time.

Last night, Hagrid had sent a note saying he'd found some new baby Magical Creatures and invited them to come see. Kanna and Cho had agreed without hesitation, getting up extra early that morning to head out. If Hagrid's cooking hadn't been so questionable, they probably wouldn't have even bothered stopping for breakfast in the Great Hall. Cedric had gone along with them too.

But Kyle had already encountered his fair share of Magical Creatures—he'd even helped deliver a litter of Nundus two years prior. So, in comparison, returning his library book took priority.

When Kyle reached the library, Madam Pince was at her usual spot, dusting the tables. He placed the book, Great Potions of the World, on the counter. He had borrowed it to research the Wolfsbane Potion and had just finished reading it. Madam Pince picked it up, carefully inspecting it as usual to ensure it was undamaged, before taking it to a distant shelf.

Kyle didn't borrow any new books. Perhaps because it had only been developed a few years ago, information on the Wolfsbane Potion was limited. The most detailed information he'd found described only the necessary ingredients and the sequence for adding them to the cauldron, with little else beyond that.

After Madam Pince stepped away, Kyle turned to leave and go find Kanna and the others. But at that moment, he noticed two towering stacks of books on the nearby table. The piles were precariously tall and looked like they might collapse at the slightest touch. Through a small gap in the middle, he could just make out a tangled mass of hair—Hermione's.

It seemed Hermione noticed his gaze, as she looked up. She appeared exhausted, with dark circles under her eyes.