Hogwarts' new term had begun, but the atmosphere on campus was rather strange.
Students were always gathering in groups of three or five, whispering about something.
But whenever a professor came near, they scattered like birds.
"They're discussing that matter. They won't talk about the contents."
In Professor McGonagall's office, Lupin sighed and continued, "The students don't seem to trust us. The Wizarding Association, the Falconers, and the Candle-Bearers have played a decisive role in this."
"You mean they've all joined those three organizations?" Professor McGonagall asked with a frown.
"Those few who haven't joined also show signs of being ostracized."
Lupin shifted uneasily in his seat. Professor McGonagall noticed the gesture, but it didn't surprise her.
She knew Lupin was a Werewolf.
That identity had made Lupin somewhat withdrawn from childhood, so his unease when talking about these ostracized children was understandable.
"Perhaps I should talk to Harry. He always..."
Professor McGonagall hadn't finished speaking when Lupin interrupted, "I don't think that would be appropriate."
"Why?" McGonagall asked.
"If he speaks up, he'll be ostracized. If he doesn't, it'll only make things more complicated, so... it's better not to approach him."
Lupin's gaze was calm, but deep beneath that calm was a concern that, though subtle, was genuine.
Professor McGonagall knew how close he had been to Harry's father, so after thinking it over, she abandoned her suggestion.
"All right, then. I'll find time to go to Hogsmeade Village. I'm sure the students' parents will give us an answer." Professor McGonagall rubbed her temples as she spoke.
She had been under a great deal of pressure these past few days.
First, there was the workload that came with the start of term, and then there was the lack of progress in the investigation.
Finally, there was the frequent back-and-forth