Chapter 84 Lupin's Remorse

Lupin gazed at Evan incredulously. He did not understand why the boy appeared outside the castle at this hour; it made no sense. Nevertheless, he had no intention to investigate. Just like him, everyone held their own secrets.

Indeed, after two consecutive months of interaction, Lupin's impression of Evan was exceedingly positive.

In class, Evan consistently answered all questions first. Through the various assignments he had given, Lupin also noticed that Evan possessed a profound understanding and unique insights into Defense Against the Dark Arts.

Lupin had not seen such a talented student in many years, let alone witnessed the strong bond between Evan and Harry, akin to the one that existed between James Potter, Peter Pettigrew, and Sirius Black.

At the thought of Black, Lupin was momentarily distressed. He could not fathom how Black had betrayed James and pledged allegiance to Voldemort. They were evidently the best of friends.

Shaking his head, Lupin conceded that perhaps he had always been mistaken.

Black had once been honorable, yet ultimately chose betrayal. The shrewder a person, the more they weighed the pros and cons, viewing friendship as a commodity that could be traded at will.

Would the boy emulate Black and betray his friends for personal gain?

Lupin scrutinized Evan closely to learn more about him.

Suddenly, his eyes widened as he glimpsed a familiar figure in the grass before Evan.

He used the tip of his wand to illuminate the area and ventured into the grass, but there was nothing there.

Was it an illusion?

Lupin felt relieved, yet perplexed.

On one hand, he yearned to confront Sirius, but on the other, he dreaded facing him, fearing that Sirius would personally recount how he had betrayed James and Lily to Voldemort.

Lupin could not recall how many times he had been awakened by such nightmares.

It had been 12 years since the incident. He had been blaming himself for not uncovering Black's true intentions sooner, thereby enabling him to betray Lily and James, leading to Peter Pettigrew's murder. He felt it was his own fault.

Lupin believed this guilt would haunt him for life, but then Black escaped from Azkaban. Everyone claimed his escape was to kill Harry, the son of the man who had once been his best friend.

Lupin could not let that happen, which was why he accepted Dumbledore's invitation to return to Hogwarts. He wanted to protect Harry. Perhaps he could also apprehend Black himself and compel him to explain what had transpired that year.

He took a deep breath. It was not the time to dwell on these matters now.

"Evan, you should return to the auditorium and be with the others," Lupin said, taking two steps forward, then abruptly halting.

He observed the patch of grass on the opposite side of Evan moving in a certain direction. There was indeed something there. He had not erred. It must be Sirius Black's Animagus. He had seen it countless times and would never forget it in his life.

Was the boy in contact with Black, or was it merely a coincidence, or...?

As Evan caught Lupin's expression, he knew what was on his mind. He was unsure how to explain this matter to Lupin.

However, there was no need to fret over this issue for now.

Just as he hesitated, something slithered out of the grass. Lupin distinctly heard the sound and quickly directed the light there. It was Crookshanks. Startled by the sudden light, the cat leaped into Evan's arms.

"Professor, I went out to look for this cat. It was my friend Hermione's pet. I just saw him running out of the castle. I was worried he might get into trouble, so I followed him."

Evan wasn't sure if Lupin would believe his excuse. Lupin glanced at Crookshanks for a moment, showing a gesture of relief.

The two returned to the castle. They had walked from the corner of the corridor and saw Dumbledore and Snape standing outside the auditorium, engaged in a conversation.

"The entire castle has been searched, and there is no trace of him," Snape whispered.

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

"But there is something I must inform you about," Snape whispered. "We had a missing professor during the castle inspection. It was the one I had mentioned to you before."

"What do you mean, Severus?"

"I mean, how has Black entered the castle? Do you have any idea about this, headmaster?" Snape inquired.

"Many, Severus. There are many possibilities."

"Do you recall our conversation just before the semester began?" Snape's voice was low, seemingly not wanting anyone else to overhear their discussion.

"I do, Severus," Dumbledore's voice carried a similar tone of caution.

"It seems almost impossible for Black to have entered this school without internal assistance. Especially if that person remains out of sight, do you understand what I mean? I expressed concern, and you believe in life..."

"I don't think anyone in this castle would assist Black," stated Dumbledore. His tone clearly conveyed his assurance, prompting Snape to remain silent.

The person Snape suspected was clearly Lupin. Evan turned around and noticed Lupin's calm expression, as if he hadn't heard what the two had said.

"Severus, I must go to the Dementors," Dumbledore stated. "I have said we will notify them when we have finished the search."

"Do you plan on having them help?" Snape inquired.

"Oh, indeed," Dumbledore replied coolly. "But I fear that as long as I am the headmaster, I will never permit them to cross the school boundaries."

Evan watched Dumbledore walk down the hallway. Before he and Lupin even considered moving, Snape was already by their side.

"Were you eavesdropping on our conversation?" Snape's eyes continued to shift between the two men, eventually settling on Lupin with a look of disdain.

"Professor, we..."

"Be careful when crafting your lies, Mason," Snape turned his gaze towards Evan. "I must first remind you that you are supposed to be sleeping in the auditorium instead of being here talking to me, as per the headmaster's orders. Someone unaware might think you sneaked out of the castle for some cunning purpose."

"I..." Evan was left speechless, realizing Snape was much stricter than Dumbledore. Hence, he reached out for Crookshanks and pulled him towards himself.

"For this foolish cat? 10 points deducted from Gryffindor!" Snape expressed disgust. "Now hasten to the auditorium, where you should be."

Evan hurried towards the auditorium. As he was about to enter, he glanced back and saw Dumbledore, Snape, and Lupin still standing there, unaware of what they were discussing.