Chapter 129 Courage
All the young magicians held their breath, their eyes fixed on Evan, who was being tightly embraced by the werewolf.
Suspicion was evident on their faces that this slender boy could be bitten at any moment by the fierce werewolf.
Yet, it did not happen, and Evan remained calm as if there was nothing to fear.
On the other hand, the werewolf embracing him was shedding tears silently. Everyone witnessed the terrifying face of the wolf soaked in tears.
After Evan, Harry also stepped forward and embraced Professor Lupin.
He was a bit clumsy in his movements, but he held him for much longer than Evan did.
"Professor, whether you are a werewolf or not, I trust you." Harry wiped away his tears, struggling to speak. "You were a friend of my father's and the finest Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher I've ever known."
Professor Lupin trembled upon hearing Harry's words.
If Evan reminded him of Sirius Black, Harry, on the other hand, was exactly like his father, James.
Looking at Harry's face, Lupin traveled back in time, recalling his feelings from his school days.
The office was silent, and nobody spoke.
What Evan and Harry displayed was a tangible demonstration. The young magicians were contemplating the possibility that Lupin might be safe.
Everyone was familiar with Harry and Evan.
At Hogwarts, the two boys were almost equally renowned.
Indeed, in comparison to the Savior Harry, many young magicians had a better impression of Evan and found it only natural to trust him.
Although Harry had a better reputation for defeating Voldemort, many young magicians inexplicably associated Harry with Dark wizards every time they saw him. Due to his character and his ability to speak Parseltongue, there were still rumors that he would end up becoming the third Dark Lord.
As for Evan, even though his parents were mere Muggles, since he entered school, the boy had showcased to everyone his noble self-confidence, excellent learning ability, approachable character, unmatched courage, and innate qualities of royalty and leadership.
While such things might sound vain, there was a reason why everyone believed in Evan. With his unparalleled magical newspaper, handsome appearance, and great magical power, Evan left a profound impression on all students, especially on the girls.
Last semester, he ventured into the Chamber of Secrets to hunt the Basilisk Serpent. He then drove away the Dementors on the Quidditch field a few months ago. And just today, he faced and survived an attack by a werewolf. Evan was becoming very popular, the center of attention for all the school's students.
Although no one spoke of it, many young magicians and even senior students secretly admired him.
If only Harry trusted Professor Lupin, there would still be doubts from many people.
But when Evan also asserted that this terrifying werewolf was safe, telling everyone that Lupin had taken the Wolfsbane Potion, he proved it by embracing Remus. Almost all young magicians started to ponder whether they should trust Lupin or not.
The discussion was gradually heating up, but suddenly it came to a halt.
Everyone was astonished to see Hermione emerge from the crowd. Her teary eyes sparkled as she looked at the three, Evan, Harry, and Lupin. She seemed moved by the scene.
Step by step, she approached Professor Lupin in his werewolf form. The latter could see that the young girl still had some fears in her heart, but her eyes showed determination.
She moved forward and embraced Professor Lupin.
"We all trust you, Professor!" Hermione whispered.
Upon hearing Hermione's words, Lupin was shaken by an uncontrollable tremor.
Hermione's actions proved even more moving than those of Evan and Harry.
After all, he had not had much contact with Hermione before now. Lupin never expected her to.
"You're right, Hermione!" Evan looked at the other young wizards and asked gently, "Who else trusts the werewolf and who wants to approach him for a hug?"
No one spoke, nor did anyone move.
Under Evan's burning gaze, everyone hung their heads.
Many thought they would easily hug Lupin in the past. But with his current horrifying appearance, they appeared hesitant.
Knowledge was not enough to move them. Not everyone possessed such courage.
After a brief silence, an unexpected figure stood out from the crowd.
It was Neville. He trembled as he walked forward, his face flushed. He shuddered as he approached Professor Lupin.
Passing by Snape, the latter gave him a sly look. It scared him so much that he nearly stumbled.
However, he managed to stand his ground. He still remembered that in class, when facing the Boggart, it was Professor Lupin who gave him the courage to confront his deepest fears.
Although he normally lacked such courage, he recalled the feeling of that day.
It was bravery!
Neville slowly walked towards Professor Lupin and quietly embraced him.
He said nothing. His flushed face was filled with pride. Embracing was just a simple gesture. But here, the one being embraced was a werewolf. Doing so in front of the whole school required great courage. Not just anyone could do such a thing.
In that moment, Evan knew that Neville had just overcome many struggles in his heart.
Compared to himself, Harry, and Hermione, this simple embrace was especially meaningful for both Neville and Professor Lupin.
Seeing Neville's actions, the young wizards were moved once again.
Unlike the three ahead of everyone, Evan, Harry, and Hermione, Neville was just an ordinary student in everyone's eyes. Generally, he had nothing to do with the limelight, and his name among those who knew him was synonymous with forgetfulness and cowardice.
No one ever thought he would have the courage to do such a thing.
Neville was panting. In the eyes of others, he barely briefly hugged Professor Lupin, but for him, it was a challenge of an unprecedented caliber.
Evan quickly approached and helped Neville up. He seemed a bit weak in the legs.
"I did it, Evan," Neville said with a trembling voice. "I'm not afraid. I hugged Professor Lupin. I believe he won't hurt anyone."
Everything seemed like a dream. Even Neville himself could not believe he had just embraced a werewolf.
"Yes, you're the best, Neville!" Evan led Neville to a chair beside him.
Honestly, Evan did not expect that after finishing his words, Neville would be the first to step forward.
He had to admit that this forgetful and commonplace boy by his side had the courage that no one else could match.
Unlike Harry, Neville's character was introverted and delicate. The courage in his heart was often well hidden. But like a true Gryffindor, Neville was definitely the most reliable companion in critical moments.