章 146: 0146 Lupin's Ambition

When they returned to the bustling Diagon Alley, Harry noticed that there were obviously many more wizards coming and going than in the morning. He followed Professor Watson, who was wearing a dark blue cloak and a pointed hat, looking down at the cobblestones that reflected the dazzling sunlight, and said nothing. He felt a mixture of curiosity, confusion, and anger in his chest, but he didn't know how to express it.

Because neither of them had time to eat breakfast in the morning, they ordered some food from Tom, the friendly pub owner of the Leaky Cauldron, and found a place far away from the group of guys who were smoking pipes and chatting loudly. They sat on a wooden bench next to a small round table, where a candle was burning dimly.

Both of them had their own thoughts in their hearts, so no one spoke. The only sound was the clinking of cutlery and plates.

Bryan chewed on the bread slice, silently recalling the huge mural in the central temple of Avalon Island. The vivid colors and intricate details still lingered in his mind. The legendary wizard Merlin stood alone in front of the huge temple, gazing at the distant sky, with a solemn and lonely expression on his face. His long white beard and hair fluttered in the wind, and his robes were stained with blood. What happened afterwards was not recorded. It was as if time had stopped at that moment. After that No one knew where Merlin went or what he did.

Bryan was thinking about a question. The mysterious tower in the underground world, if it was really left by Merlin as rumored, then when did he build the tower, before or after the duel?

If it was before the duel, to be honest, Bryan would not be too interested in whether Merlin left any treasures in the tower or not. He had seen enough wonders and secrets in his life. But if it was after the duel… Bryan narrowed his eyes, his eyes became deep, and his mouth stopped chewing.

"The shadow in Morgan Le Fay's body. The plot of the four founders of Hogwarts. The Twin-Serpent Staff. Merlin's black stone tower. If these are connected, it seems that an answer can be obtained."

Unconsciously, Bryan put down his cutlery, his fingers lightly tapping on the uneven wooden table, gathering his wisdom, He tried to sort out the clues and find a logical connection.

"The logic is reasonable, but there are still problems. Why can I touch the twin snake wand that even Godric Gryffindor can't pick up? The prophecy of the former priest of Druidism also inexplicably involved me. And what revelation did that woman Cliodna get?"

He frowned slightly, feeling that he was close to something important, but still missing some key clues.

"Professor." Harry blinked his glasses and stared at Professor Watson who was a little absent-minded, with worry in his eyes. "I seem to have heard you say Gryffindor?"

"Ah–"

Bryan came back to his senses and pursed his lips. He smiled to reassure Harry's anxiety.

"I was just thinking about some questions. It's nothing to worry about."

He glanced at Harry's eyes and found that there was a turbulent halo in the eyes of the little wizard in front of him. After a little thought, he chuckled and asked,

"Are you still confused and angry about what you saw in the underground world?"

Harry didn't say anything, just lowered his head and said nothing. After a while, he asked sullenly,

"That place. Those dark wizards who treat magical creatures as commodities to buy and sell. Does Professor Dumbledore know all these things?"

"Existence is reasonable, Potter. You think that underground cave and those wizards in it are evil and unforgivable. But you have to understand that at any time, there is always darkness in this world. Now, there is a place that can restrain those darkness together. And there is a relatively reasonable order to restrain them. Don't you think this is actually a good thing? Otherwise, those dark wizards who run around will only hurt more innocent people."

Bryan did not answer Potter's question directly, but instead talked about something else from a different perspective. He also did not expect Potter to agree with him easily. He knew that Potter had a strong sense of justice and compassion for others.

However, his reasoning did not seem to enlighten Potter. Looking at Potter's confusion still not dissipating from his face, Bryan thought for a while and then comforted him.

"Don't worry too much about understanding all this, Potter. Some truths can only be truly understood after years of polishing and experience."

Bryan was about to say something else, but suddenly, a wizard who came in from the back door wearing a patched robe and carrying a shabby suitcase made Bryan's eyes freeze. And that wizard also quickly noticed Bryan after entering the pub. He showed surprise first, then some joy on his pale face. But after noticing Harry sitting opposite Bryan, he hesitated for a moment and did not approach immediately.

"–We don't have any other plans today, Potter,"

Bryan said calmly to Harry without changing his expression. He sensed Lupin's presence and decided to get rid of Harry first. He didn't want to involve the boy in their conversation.

"Now I think you'd better go upstairs and rest for a while. You can arrange your afternoon time freely. Well…you can go to that Quidditch boutique and take a good look at that beautiful big broom!"

When he mentioned the broom that was so expensive that it was hard to imagine, Harry finally cheered up a bit. He finished the food on his plate in two or three bites and then went upstairs. He cast a curious glance at Lupin, who was still standing by the door, but he didn't say anything.

"I'm surprised, Bryan. I didn't expect to meet you here–"

The grey-haired Remus Lupin came over and sat in Harry's seat just now, smiling gently. He tried to act casual and friendly, but he couldn't hide the nervousness in his voice.

'Sorry, are we very familiar?'

Bryan rolled his eyes and thought so, but he didn't bother to say anything. He just frowned and said coldly, "Why don't you sell your herbs downstairs? What are you doing in the Leaky Cauldron?"

"Werewolves need to eat too–"

Lupin ignored Bryan's coldness and just lowered his voice and said casually.

There was nothing wrong with this sentence. Whether it was a wizard or a half-human wizard, they all needed to eat. But Bryan still felt a bit strange, because he knew the poor economic situation of the somewhat premature wizard in front of him. He had seen Lupin's shabby clothes and suitcase, which were full of patches and holes. He knew that Lupin had been wandering around for many years, looking for rare herbs that could ease his pain during the full moon.

"So it seems–" Bryan looked at Lupin with a gentle expression and raised his eyebrows slightly. "You finally found a way to get some galleons for yourself?"

"It's all thanks to you, Bryan–"

Lupin nodded at Bryan and said softly. "I got some salary in advance from Dumbledore, which made me not have to worry about filling my stomach for a while."

'Got some salary in advance from Dumbledore?'

Bryan frowned in confusion, but then he realized it and showed a surprised expression. Lupin meant that he agreed to his previous "friendly suggestion" and became the Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher at Hogwarts?!

Because of the many things that happened during this time, Bryan almost forgot about this matter if it weren't for Lupin's reminder. However, Bryan's confusion still did not dissipate. At the end of the last meeting, Lupin's reaction did not seem like he was going to agree. He didn't expect that after more than a month, he actually quietly sent his resume to Dumbledore?

There must be something abnormal about this. There must be some reason he didn't know. Bryan squinted his eyes and scrutinized Lupin, who had "tricked" him last time. His voice was doubtful.

"You agreed…a wise decision. But, Lupin, this is quite surprising to me. I thought you couldn't get over that hurdle in your heart!"

He was referring to the hurdle of being a werewolf. Bryan knew that Lupin had always been ashamed of his identity and feared being discriminated against by others. He also knew that Hogwarts School Board had strict rules about accepting half-human wizards as teachers or students.

"I thought seriously about what you said to me last time, Bryan. As you said, if I can really contribute as a professor, maybe people will have a different view of werewolves."

Lupin's smiling face showed a trace of unnaturalness. He knew that the young wizard in front of him was powerful, but he didn't expect that he was also so wise at such a young age.

"You're lying, Lupin. I'm sure there's another reason." Bryan slightly raised his chin, his tone flat. Lupin didn't say anything anymore. Bryan's oppressive gaze made him feel very uneasy. He sat there, subconsciously avoiding Bryan's probing eyes.

Actually, no matter what reason Lupin had for going to Hogwarts according to his suggestion, it had nothing to do with Bryan. As long as he accepted this job, Bryan would also get his revenge for being 'betrayed' by Lupin before. But his evasive appearance made Bryan more alert.

"Could it be that you and Dumbledore are plotting something together…Lupin, meeting me here by chance, wouldn't it be something you planned long ago?"

Lupin smiled bitterly. He didn't expect Bryan to have such suspicions. Of course, thinking about how he had "framed" Bryan before, his vigilance was very normal.

"Actually." Bryan interrupted Lupin's hard-thought excuse directly.

"Unfortunately, Lupin, I happen to be good at Legilimency. If you're not a master of Occulumency or Mind arts, I think you don't have to bother lying to me."

Hearing this, Lupin's forehead showed a few fine lines. He felt a chill in his spine, knowing that Bryan was not bluffing. He had heard of Bryan's extraordinary talent in Legilimency, the art of penetrating the mind of another person. He knew that Bryan could easily read his thoughts and emotions if he was not careful.

The reason why he decided to go to Hogwarts as the Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher was not just simple poverty, but there was a deeper reason. He got some information from Dumbledore's letter…information that the Ministry of Magic had not made public yet. Some information about the purpose of his "old friend" who had been imprisoned in Azkaban for twelve years.

Bryan Watson, Lupin knew he didn't have much friendship with this person, but Dumbledore seemed to appreciate him very much.

"I think…Bryan, you must have already known about Black." Lupin said cautiously, trying to gauge Bryan's reaction.

"Oh!" Bryan's star-like eyes suddenly opened up, and his face showed a look of realization. He seemed to have guessed what Lupin was implying.

"Oh!" Bryan repeated, his voice rising with excitement and anger.

"I underestimated your ambition, Lupin!"

Bryan clenched his left fist and slammed it on the table, making a loud noise that startled the other customers in the pub.

"I've become so dull. I didn't realize… You also want to get the Ministry of Magic's Fifty thousand galleons reward, right?"

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章 147: Iam Sick

Dear readers,

I regret to inform you that I am feeling unwell and need some time to recover. Therefore, I won't be able to update chapters for the next two days. I apologize for any inconvenience this may cause you and I appreciate your understanding and patience.

I will try my best to resume writing as soon as possible and deliver quality content for you. Thank you for your support and love for the story. Please stay tuned for the next update and take care of yourselves.

Sincerely, Your author

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章 148: 0147 Cooperation

What is called 'having a foot in the door', this is it!

In the wizarding world, the wizarding public was still uneasy about the whereabouts of Sirius Black after he escaped from Azkaban, the most secure prison for dark wizards and witches. But Remus Lupin, who had a close relationship with Dumbledore, the headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, had already figured out the real purpose of Black's escape and took action!

"Uh–"

Lupin held his breath, blinked in confusion, and after a few seconds, his brain finally figured out what Bryan Watson was talking about.

"Yes, Bryan, " Lupin's eyes flickered, pursed his lips and said, "Cough…just like you said, the Ministry of Magic's Fifty Thousand galleon bounty, such a large sum of money. Well, if I could get it, I probably wouldn't have to worry about eating for the rest of my life."

Bryan nodded approvingly. If it wasn't for a very lucky situation, his annual 'output' was probably only five or ten thousand galleons. Fifty thousand! Since graduating three or four years ago, he might not have earned that much money in total!

"By the way–"

Bryan tapped the table lightly again, looked at the werewolf in front of him who would soon be admitted to the 'VIP ward' of St. Mungo's Hospital for Magical Maladies and Injuries, his eyes sparkling, and a wonderful idea suddenly popped into his head.

"Hey, Remus, how about we cooperate?" He whispered eagerly.

"Cooperate? You mean–"

Looking at Bryan Watson who suddenly became eager, Lupin suddenly felt a chill in his heart. Now, the one who became alert was him. Bryan leaned forward to the table, as if afraid of leaking important business secrets,

"We all know that Black escaped from Azkaban for revenge. He will go to Harry Potter sooner or later–"

Bryan Watson who was so eager didn't notice that his words made Lupin's hand under the table tremble.

"–It can be foreseen that he will try his best to get close to Harry Potter. Although Hogwarts has Dumbledore, he is not omnipotent. Just like last year's Chamber of Secrets in Slytherin, Dumbledore failed to stop the plot in time,"

Bryan continued with a hint of sarcasm in his voice. "My point is, since you can appear in Hogwarts openly and honestly as the new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, you can help keep an eye on Potter. You are very alert, Remus. If Black really tries to approach Potter, you will definitely find some clues. At that time, you give me the clues and I will track down Black. If we succeed, we can split the 50,000 galleons into seventy and thirty!"

Lupin remained quiet with a strange silence and didn't say a word. And his attitude caused Bryan some misunderstanding.

"You think it's too little?"

Bryan frowned and his tone became unpleasant. "You know, Black is a very dangerous dark wizard. With your skills, even if you find him, you may not be able to deal with him."

"No, I'm just–"

Lupin seemed to have something stuck in his mouth and spit out one word at a time.

"I'm just confused, Bryan. Dumbledore appreciates you very much, you can write a letter to him. He will definitely not stop you from returning to Hogwarts. But you–"

"I have my own reasons, Remus," Bryan said regretfully. "I plan to stay in Hogsmeade village near Hogwarts. If something happens at school, you can notify me at any time by owl."

Lupin fell silent again for a long time before slowly asking in a very tired voice,

"If -, If You really catch Black someday, Bryan Watson. What will you do with him?"

Bryan twitched his eyebrows and was a bit surprised by Lupin's question.

"Of course I will hand him over to the Ministry of Magic for a reward, Remus. Isn't that the purpose of our cooperation?"

He said matter-of-factly.

"You don't intend to kill him?" Lupin looked gloomy. "He is guilty of heinous crimes. He betrayed James and Lily to Voldemort and killed Peter Pettigrew and twelve Muggles with a single curse."

"Judging sin is Wizengamot's business, not mine," Bryan said lightly.

Then he added, "And besides, he might be worth more alive."

Looking at Bryan Watson who had already made up his mind to make a fortune in front of him, Lupin suddenly felt deep sadness in his heart. This sadness was not for Bryan Watson or himself but for his old friend Sirius Black.

Back then when he decided to betray their friendship and defect to Voldemort, that evil madman, and offer James and Lily's location to him, he must have thought that he would surely gain Voldemort's trust and be given unprecedented glory by him. But did he ever think that one day he would fall into this situation because of that sin and be regarded as prey by newcomers who wanted to make a name for themselves in the wizarding world?

"I have a condition, Bryan Watson, if you agree then we'll cooperate."

Lupin's expression became solemn and he said in the coldest tone, "If Sirius Black ever falls into your hands someday, I hope you can hand him over to me."

Noticing Bryan Watson's confusion, Lupin gasped and said, "He killed three of my friends. Very good friends. I have to kill him myself."

He clenched his fists and looked down trying to hide the pain in his eyes.

Silence.

Bryan stared deeply at the vicissitudes of Lupin and realized that he had made a mistake in his previous guess. This werewolf suddenly agreed to go to Hogwarts as a professor not for money but for revenge. He wanted to face Black himself and end their tragic history.

"Okay, I agree to your request. If I catch Black, I will hand him over to you and let you kill him." Bryan nodded.

"But after that, you can only take 20% of the reward." He added with a cunning smile.

In the end, Bryan and Lupin reached an agreement and signed a magical contract. Bryan Watson who had been cheated once before by 'someone' clearly stipulated in the contract that Remus Lupin was not allowed to tell anyone about the cooperation between the two. He also made sure that the contract was bound by blood magic, so that any breach would result in severe consequences.

"I noticed something–" Remus's mood stabilized a lot. "The contract only restricts me from revealing the plan but not you?"

He asked suspiciously. Bryan stood up and stretched, waving his wand to put away the contract.

"My mouth is tight, Remus, but I'm not sure if you'll turn around and tell Albus Dumbledore. After all, there is a precedent for this." He said sarcastically, referring to Lupin's confession about his identity to Dumbledore.

After this was done, the two talked for a few more hours, not about Black but about the little wizards at Hogwarts.

Although he went to Hogwarts as a professor for a large part of the reason to catch Black, as Bryan said before, this was indeed also a good opportunity to improve the negative image of werewolves in the wizarding society.

Lupin hoped that by showing his kindness, intelligence and courage, he could change the prejudice and discrimination that many people had against his kind. If he could do well then in the future when these children enter the wizarding world and learn that one of their impressive Defense Against the Dark Arts professors was a werewolf they might not hate werewolves so much. They might even respect them and treat them as equals.

Time passed quietly in the plain and cozy room of the Leaky Cauldron where they met. The sun set and the stars came out. Soon the day of school will come.

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Author's Note: Hello, everyone. I hope you are all doing well. I want to thank you for your kind words and support, I feel better and I'm ready to resume writing for you. I appreciate your patience and understanding during this difficult time.

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For More Chapters; patreon.com/FicFrenzy

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