Chương 112: 112
Chapter 112: The Past
When Wade stepped out of the fireplace at the Leaky Cauldron, Lupin was already waiting for him.
Compared to their first meeting, Lupin looked notably better. He wore a dark blue wizard's robe that no longer appeared patched together. Most of the weariness had faded from his face, replaced by a calm demeanor and a hint of melancholy gathered over the years.
His improved appearance made him undeniably attractive, evident from the discreet glances young witches cast his way.
Ignoring the attention, Lupin smiled upon seeing Wade and greeted warmly, "Long time no see, Wade."
Despite rarely meeting in the past six months, their magical tutoring sessions continued daily through correspondence, making Lupin quite familiar with Wade.
Unlike typical children, Wade displayed remarkable qualities: focused, goal-oriented, with a strong spirit of enterprise. He listened well and expressed his ideas thoughtfully, independent of peer influence.
Lupin, having encountered various employers during his years of wandering, appreciated Wade's respectful attitude. Many employers treated him as a mere tool for their goals, unlike Wade.
Unbeknownst to Lupin, Wade had known about his lycanthropy from the start.
"Remus," Wade greeted, "I apologize for the sudden request. I hope it didn't disrupt your plans."
Lupin smiled softly. "I have no pressing matters at the moment. What's troubling you?"
"You know Harry and I are classmates and good friends," Wade began. "Since the holidays started, Harry has lost contact with everyone, and we're worried. I suggested visiting his house—"
At the mention of Harry's name, Lupin's expression faltered, a trace of pain or trance crossing his face.
Noticing Lupin's reaction, Wade continued carefully, "I heard Harry's parents were your friends from school. I thought you might want to help..."
His voice trailed off briefly. "If it's uncomfortable for you, forget I mentioned it. Dumbledore would intervene if Harry were in real trouble."
Lupin's face turned grim, as though cold water had been poured over him.
"No... not uncomfortable," Lupin spoke slowly. "I want to see him too, but... I've been unsure whether I should reach out..."
His uncertainty lingered.
"You should go," Wade urged. "No one should stop you from caring for your friend's orphan. Besides, Harry might need our help."
The word "orphan" struck a chord with Lupin, momentarily embarrassing him.
"You're right... I should have seen him sooner..." Lupin decided firmly, no longer hesitating. Together, they set off. To avoid attention, they changed into Muggle attire, took the tube, then a taxi to Little Whinging, Surrey.
Alighting at Privet Drive, they surveyed the rows of almost identical houses. Lupin asked, "Do you know where Harry lives, Wade?"
Wade glanced at the house numbers and replied, "It should be nearby. His uncle's surname is Dursley."
"Dursley... I remember him. Vernon Dursley, Lily's sister's husband," Lupin recalled with disdain. "A rude man."
"What happened?" Wade asked curiously.
In Wade's recollection, James Potter, though somewhat of a schoolyard leader, wouldn't confront Muggles openly.
Lupin sighed deeply. "He's the worst Muggle I've ever encountered. At James and Lily's wedding, he condescendingly asked James about his car. James mentioned his top-quality broomstick..."
Recalling the incident clearly pained Lupin.
"After James mentioned having substantial gold in Gringotts, Dursley dismissed it as nonsense, not understanding Gringotts. He stormed out with his wife, leaving Lily in tears."
Lupin shook his head bitterly. "James would do anything for Lily. He promised to reconcile with Petunia as soon as possible... But their attitudes... You can't imagine how we're seen as oddities in their eyes..."
Wade understood that unpleasant confrontations must have followed.
"I should have visited Harry earlier. I didn't know he was placed with the Dursleys," Lupin lamented regretfully. "Damn... I should have realized sooner, they're his only family..."
"But with your past, you wouldn't have been suitable to raise a child," Wade remarked.
"We're here," Wade interrupted suddenly.
Together, they stared at the house.
It was a replica of its neighbors, with gray roof tiles and weathered walls. A car sat in the driveway, and the garden was neatly tended.
An ordinary house, an ordinary life, nothing out of the ordinary.
The living room windows were shut, concealing any activity inside.
The setting sun cast faint shadows through the windows. Lupin squinted.
"Look at that window, Wade," Lupin said, his voice cold. "Doesn't the shadow seem odd to you?"
Wade studied the intersecting shadows. "It looks like they're all drawn closed."
"Good," Lupin said grimly. "Now we know why Harry hasn't been in touch."
"Stay calm," Wade reminded him. "Using magic on Muggles is illegal."
The Dursleys knew of wizards, so revealing magic to them didn't breach the International Statute of Wizarding Secrecy. Yet using magic to harm Muggles was strictly forbidden.
The Ministry's enforcement of these laws varied. Some incidents, if handled discreetly (ensuring witnesses forgot), could be overlooked; others led to imprisonment in Azkaban.
When Hagrid gave Dudley a pig's tail, he technically broke the law, but Dumbledore intervened.
As a werewolf, Lupin faced stricter consequences.
"Understood," Lupin agreed through gritted teeth, calming his anger. He rang the doorbell.
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