Lupin's Scandal

As the weather gradually warmed up, the snow and ice outside the castle melted as soon as they were done, and the little wizards couldn't wait to stuff their thick winter robes into their wardrobes.

It is worth mentioning that, due to some special reasons, the study of the Patronus Charm was not organized in February.

Professor Lupin is too busy. Apart from regular classes, he is never seen on campus during the rest of the time, whether it's after the last class in the afternoon or on weekends.

He would rush to Hogsmeade almost whenever he had a spare moment.

Gradually, rumors began to circulate in the castle.

Some people are certain that Professor Lupin is pursuing Madam Rosmerta of the Three Broomsticks.

Although there is no concrete evidence, this claim is accepted by most students.

Come to think of it, Hogsmeade is quite small, with only about ten shops at most. Going there once in a while is certainly novel, but going too often can get boring.

If it weren't to see someone, why would Professor Lupin be so eager to leave the castle at five o'clock every day and not return until after curfew... probably, anyway, no one has ever seen him before curfew.

Especially on weekends, you won't see anyone all day.

Thus, gossip about Professor Lupin and Madam Rosmerta began to circulate wildly throughout the castle, as did the clerks at the Scribbulus Writing Implements House, Madam Ander of the Owl Post Office, Madam Puddifoot's brother-in-law, the owner of the Hog's Head Inn, and many other versions of the story, covering all the shops in Hogsmeade.

Susan Bones even used these as her bedtime stories, and couldn't fall asleep without listening to a new version every day.

She even compiled all of this into a thick booklet, which many people asked to borrow every day, but very few were actually able to borrow it.

Susan treasured that booklet and almost never let it out of her sight.

Some people thought they had discovered a business opportunity, and early that morning, Fred and George specifically sought out Kyle.

"Katie Bell sent us to ask," Fred said. "She also has a booklet like this and wants to work with us."

"Cooperation? What do you mean?" Kyle asked.

"She provides these brochures, and we handle the copying and sales..." Fred explained, "And then we split the profits 30/70."

Kyle raised an eyebrow. "We copied it, we sold it, and we only got 70%?"

"Seventy percent belongs to her, and we're the third."

George said, "But don't worry, we definitely won't agree... but she said her bottom line is 50/50, no less."

"We've done our research, and if this deal goes smoothly, we'll get at least thirty Galleon ..." Fred added.

"How about it..."

Want to come together?

Fred and George picked up a cookie from the table and ate it while watching Kyle.

"Anyway, I'm not going to get involved," Kyle said calmly, holding a book.

Even if they each received thirty Galleon, let alone a total of thirty Galleon, Kyle would never agree to it.

What can you do with that House-elf?

"And I must remind you."

Kyle continued, "If you also want to go to Hogsmeade outside of visiting days, you'd better not agree to that either."

Otherwise, I guarantee that the moment you step into Hogsmeade, Professor McGonagall will receive the news, and you won't be able to escape even if you wanted to."

Kanna and Cedric, who were standing nearby, nodded in agreement; they shared Kyle's thoughts.

"Hmm...you're right." Fred shrugged.

"And that's what we thought too," George said.

"But we're teammates... We should at least ask."

"That's perfect..."

"If you don't agree, then it's none of our business..."

"That's because we're outnumbered."

Under Kyle's speechless gaze, the two chuckled and finished the last piece of bread on their plates. Then, with regretful expressions, they turned and walked towards the Gryffindor dining table.

Katie Bell had already finished breakfast and was waiting for them.

"I'm sorry..." Fred shook his head and sighed, "They all have other things to do, and they probably won't have much time lately..."

"We want to go help too..."

The two sat down next to each other and gave the excuse they had already prepared...

Meanwhile, after Fred and George left, Kyle finished his breakfast and got up to head to the library.

He borrowed a book a few days ago and just finished reading it yesterday.

Kanna and Cho went to Hagrid's place.

The success of the first lesson gave Hagrid a lot of confidence. He no longer thought about showing animals with sharp teeth and mouths, but instead showed all sorts of Fantastic Beasts as cubs.

Besides the initial Unicorn, he later introduced the Niffler and the Kneazle... and the response was quite good.

The students gradually accepted him as their new professor, though there were exceptions, such as some in Slytherin.

Hagrid initially took their sarcastic remarks to heart, but as he gradually got used to them, he chose to ignore them.

Last night, Hagrid brought them a note saying that he had found some new baby Fantastic Beasts and asked if they wanted to go see them.

Kanna and Qiu agreed without hesitation, and even got up very early today.

If Hagrid's cooking skills weren't so questionable, they wouldn't have even planned to have breakfast in the Great Hall.

Cedric went along too.

However, Kyle has seen plenty of Fantastic Beasts cubs... He even helped deliver a Nundu a couple of years ago.

Therefore, returning the book is more important.

Upon arriving at the library, Madam Pince sat in her usual spot, dusting the table.

Kyle placed the book, "The Great Potions," on the table.

He borrowed this to search for Wolfsbane Potion, and he just finished reading it yesterday.

Madam Pince picked it up, checked it as usual, and after confirming that there was no damage, she carried it to a shelf in the distance.

Kyle didn't borrow any other books, probably because they were only invented a few years ago. The records about Wolfsbane Potion in those books were too few. The most detailed ones only listed the materials needed and the order in which they were put into the crucible, and nothing else.

After Madam Pince left, Kyle turned around and prepared to go find Kanna and the others.

But just then, he suddenly noticed the two thick stacks of books on the table next to him.

The books were piled high, wobbling precariously, as if they would collapse at the slightest touch. Through a gap in the middle, Kyle could vaguely see a tuft of messy hair—it was Hermione.

Seemingly noticing Kyle's gaze, Hermione also looked up. She looked very tired, with heavy dark circles under her eyes.