Hogwarts: I'm Truly a Model Wizard

Fudge didn't linger long in the Headmaster's office and soon left, taking the two unconscious Death Eaters with him. About half an hour later, the Dementors stationed around Hogsmeade received their orders and withdrew from the vicinity of the castle.

The castle was instantly lighter and livelier. Although most students had no idea what had actually happened, that didn't stop them from celebrating the departure of those ominous creatures, and an infectious, joyful atmosphere spread through Hogwarts.

The day before the holidays, Kyle made his way to the Hospital Wing to visit Professor Lupin, who was still recovering. Harry and his friends were there as well, accompanied by a large black dog… Madam Pomfrey stood nearby, observing them with a highly disapproving expression. She couldn't understand why the Headmaster had allowed students to bring their pets into the hospital wing.

Professor Lupin lay in bed, swathed in bandages, looking like a barely mobile mummy. Sirius, in his dog form, was perched by his bedside, licking Lupin's face in a display of loyal affection.

Seeing Lupin in this condition, Kyle felt a twinge of guilt. Technically, he'd had a hand in Lupin's current state. That night, after Fawkes had brought the werewolf and Devil's Snare to the Headmaster's office, Kyle had left him there. Perhaps because Sirius's and Peter's story had been so captivating—and the Devil's Snare had successfully silenced the werewolf—Lupin had been forgotten in the corner.

It wasn't until early the next morning, when the exhausted werewolf transformed back into Professor Lupin and fell unconscious, that he finally broke free from the Devil's Snare and crashed to the floor. The noise had alerted Sirius Black, who had spent the night leaning against the window, excitedly dreaming of a new future. Only then did he realize his old friend was still trapped in the office.

After spending the whole night bound, even Lupin's werewolf-strengthened body had taken a beating. By the time he was brought to the Hospital Wing, he had multiple fractures and was severely weakened, and he had yet to fully recover.

As Kyle walked into the room, he overheard Harry questioning Professor Lupin about the rumors circulating around the castle.

"I just ran into Malfoy…" Harry said, his voice full of worry. "He said you're a werewolf and that you're going to be expelled. Is that true?"

"Of course it's not true," Lupin replied with a smile. "I resigned of my own accord, I wasn't expelled."

"But why?" Harry asked. "Just because you're a werewolf?"

"Isn't that reason enough?" Lupin replied, calm but resigned.

"But no one besides us should know about your condition…"

"No, Harry," Lupin shook his head. "There are plenty of sharp students at Hogwarts like Kyle and Hermione. I'm sure they figured out my secret a long time ago."

"Malfoy must have spread the word—and Snape…" Harry said angrily. "Hermione said he practically announced you were a werewolf during his substitute lesson."

"It doesn't matter anymore, Harry," Lupin reassured him, smiling slightly. "The parent letters will arrive by owl this afternoon… They're not going to want a werewolf teaching their children… at least, most of them won't. And after what happened last night, I think they're right. I could have bitten you. That's a risk I can't allow again."

"You could always try planting Devil's Snare in your office…" Ron suggested hesitantly. "That might convince people to let you stay."

Hearing Ron's suggestion, Lupin felt the dull ache of his injuries flare up again.

Just then, Kyle stepped up to Lupin's bedside.

"Ron's suggestion isn't half bad," Kyle said with a smile, setting a large box of Honeydukes sweets on the cabinet beside Lupin's bed. "If you need it, I can lend you the Devil's Snare."

"No, thank you," Lupin shook his head, smiling. "I don't think I could handle that again. But, Kyle, why on earth do you carry around such a dangerous plant?"

"It was just a coincidence," Kyle replied vaguely. "Besides, I think Devil's Snare is quite safe."

In truth, among the plants Kyle kept in his suitcase, Devil's Snare was among the least harmful, ranking just slightly above purely ornamental plants like Dittany and Rue.

Noticing that Kyle didn't want to elaborate, Lupin didn't press further. Instead, he said, "I heard what Sirius told me, and I want to thank you on his behalf." The large black dog beside him looked over as well, eyes full of gratitude.

"I just had an idea," Kyle waved off the thanks. "Besides, it's too early for that. Let's wait until he's fully cleared."

"What are you two talking about?" Harry asked suspiciously. "Sirius is all right now?"

"Nothing," Lupin replied, shaking his head and not explaining further.

This was still a sensitive matter, not something Harry could know yet. After nearly a year of teaching Harry, Lupin had realized the boy wasn't particularly skilled at keeping secrets. So no matter how much Harry pressed, Lupin remained tight-lipped.

Seeing that he'd get no answers, Harry suppressed his curiosity and changed the subject. "So, where will you go next?"

"I don't know," Lupin sighed. "It's hard for a werewolf to find work…"

Sirius scratched at the floor with his paw, looking positively eager. He wanted to tell Lupin he could stay with him once he left Hogwarts. But Lupin didn't notice and continued on, lost in thought.

"Perhaps the Wizarding Examinations Authority… Since the Patronus Charm was on the N.E.W.T. exam this year and the students' pass rate was remarkable, Professor Marchbanks did ask if I'd be interested in working with them. But I'm not sure if she knows about my condition, and I doubt the Ministry of Magic would employ a werewolf."

Harry's face fell.

"Cheer up, it's all right," Lupin said with a soft laugh. "I'm used to it, and I've just been paid for the last month of school, so I'll be fine for a while."

"If you're interested, you could check out Romania," Kyle said suddenly.

"What?" Lupin turned to him, puzzled.

"The dragon reserve," Kyle replied. "No one there cares if you're a werewolf."

"Really?" Lupin's eyes lit up with faint hope. "Aren't they worried?"

"Do you think a group of people who deal with dragons and dark wizards every day are afraid of werewolves?" Kyle said, grinning. "Actually, it could be an advantage. A werewolf on Wolfsbane can do quite a lot, and just having one around could deter anyone with bad intentions. I've heard they've hired werewolves in the past, though many were dismissed for being unable to resist the temptation of dragon eggs."

Lupin looked down, considering this. Sirius, meanwhile, scratched at the floor faster, but no one paid him any attention.

Kyle continued, "Though you might find it challenging, especially on full moons, and may even have to face the dragons alone, the pay is quite appealing…"

Lupin fell into a thoughtful silence.

The hard work didn't bother him, nor did the danger of facing dragons. And the prospect of a high salary was tempting. The only thing giving him pause was the distance.

With Sirius on the brink of being cleared, he had so much he wanted to say to his old friend and didn't want to leave at such a crucial time.

Forget it, he thought. While I still have a bit of gold, I'll wait a little longer.

Lupin resolved to stay put, at least until the truth of Sirius's case was fully revealed, before considering a new job.