Sorry for the delay. . . . . . Does anyone else think it was a smart idea for me to take 6 class that involve major writing for the summer???

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  Lupin looked at Ivan in disbelief. He did not know why the boy appeared outside the castle at this time. This obviously did not meet the common sense. Just like himself, everyone has his own secrets.

  In fact, for two consecutive months of contact, Lupin’s impression of Ivan was very good.

  In his class, Ivan always answered all the questions the first time. From the several homework assignments he had arranged, he could also see Ivan had a deep understanding and unique insights about 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, just like James Potter, Peter Pettigrew and Sirius Black.

  When he thought of Black, Lupin was distressed for a while. He could not believe the Sirius would betray James and vowing allegiance to Voldemort. The were obviously best friends.

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

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

  Will the boy behave like Black and sell his friend for his own benefit?!

  Lupin looked at Ivan carefully and hoped to see something from it.

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

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

  Was it an illusion?

  Lupin felt relieved and with that relief he was now conflicted with his heart.

  On one hand he wanted to see Black to be clear about the whole thing; on the other hand, he was afraid of meeting him, fearing that Black would tell him personally how he sold James and Lily to Voldemort.

  Lupin did not remember how many times he was awaken by such a nightmare.

  It had been 12 years since the time had passed. He had been condemning himself and he blamed himself for why he had not discovered Black’s true colors earlier, so that he had the opportunity to sell James and finally killed Peter Pettigrew.

  Lupin thought this guilt would always be with his life, but Black escaped from Azkaban. Everyone was saying that the reason for his escape was to kill Harry.

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

  Lupin took a deep breath. Now is not the time to think about these things.

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

  He saw in the patch of grass opposite of Ivan. There was indeed something there. He was not mistaken. It must have been the Animagus of Sirius Black. He had seen it countless time. In this life he would never forget it.

  The boy is in contact with Black, is it just a coincidence or . . .

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

  However, he will not have to worry about this matter immediately.

  Just has he hesitated, something climbed out of the grass. Lupin clearly heard a sound and a strong light flew past. It was Crookshanks. It was startled by the sudden light and jumped into Ivan’s arms.

  “Professor, I cam out looking for this cat. It is my friend Hermione’s pet. I just saw it run out of the castle. I was afraid it would meet with an accident, so I came to get it.”


  Ivan did not know whether Luping would believe that he was looking for an excused. Lupin looked at Crookshanks for a moment, then showed a sign of relief.

  The two returned to the castle. They just turned around the corner of the hall and saw Dumbledore and Snape standing outside of the auditorium talking to each other.

  “The entire castle was checked and no traces of him could be found,” Snape whispered.

  “Very well, Severus, I don’t really ting that Black would stay.” Dumbledore said calmly.

  “But there is one thing that I must tell you,” Snape said with a wink. “We had a teacher missing during the time of the castle inspection. It was the one I told you about before.”


  “What do you want to say, Severus?

  “I mean, how did Black get into the castle, what do you think about this, headmaster?” Snape said.

  “Many, Severus, everyone is a possibility.”


  “Do you remeber out conversation, just before the semester began?” Snape’s voice was low, and he apparently did not want anyone to hear the conversation.

  “I remember, Severus.” Dumbledore’s voice contained similar warnings.

  “It seems almost impossible that Black can’t enter this school without internal help. Especially if that person has not been seen yet, you understand what I mean. I did express concern and you believe in life. . .”


  “I don’t believe anyone in the caslt will help Black enter.” Dumbledore said, his tone clearly showed that this matter has been talked about so Snape did not continue.

  The person that Snape suspected was apparently Lupin. Ivan turned and saw Lupin was calm, as if he had not heard a word of what the two said.

  “Severus, I must go to the dementors,” said Dumbledore. “I said that we would notify them when we have finished the search.

  “Do they plan to help?” Snape said.

  “Oh, yes.” said Dumbledore coldly. “But I am afraid that as long as I am headmaster, I will never allow them to cross the threshold of the school.”


  Ivan saw Dumbledore coming towards the hallway when he looked over and after a slight glimpse of himself and Lupin, Snape followed.

  “You’re eavesdropping on our conversation?” Snape’s eyes continued to wander between the two men, and he finally locked eyes with Lupin with a look of hatred.

  “Professor, we didn’t. . .”


  “Be careful when fabricating lies, Mason!” Snape’s gaze shifted to Ivan. “I have to remind you first, according to the command of the headmaster, you should be asleep in the Great Hall, instead of going out of the castle with someone you don’t understand, and doing something sneaky.”


  “I. . .” Ivan was speechless, and Snape and Dumbledore were better than each other.

  “For this stupid cat, Gryffindor has lost some point,” Snape said disgustingly. “Now hurry and get to the Great Hall to sleep. It is where you should be.”


  Ivan hurried towards the auditorium 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.