Over the next few days, the Castle fell quiet. With the weather hot and final exams over, the young wizards planned to enjoy themselves in Hogsmeade before their results came out.
Su Er and Hermione were no exception. They planned to go to Hogsmeade in search of some cold desserts to lift their spirits.
But Harry ran over, panting, and stopped them with news that astonished Hermione.
"Professor Lupin... Professor Lupin and Sirius are leaving the Castle!"
"Could you help me... help me persuade Sirius to stay?"
Harry looked rather at a loss. Coming to Su Er for help already had something of a desperate grasp at straws about it.
He could understand Professor Lupin leaving. The Defense Against the Dark Arts post at Hogwarts had been cursed for years.
But Sirius was only a teaching assistant. He could take over Professor Lupin's post next school year and become their fourth-year Professor of Defense Against the Dark Arts.
There was absolutely no need for him to leave.
Seeing how anxious Harry was, Su Er and Hermione exchanged a glance. They could only reluctantly give up their chance for a date in Hogsmeade and go with Harry to the Defence Against Dark Magic office to see what was happening.
"I know you're in a hurry, but don't rush, Harry. If both professors are leaving at once, they must have reasons that leave them no choice," Su Er said.
"It might be because of the curse on the Defence Against Dark Magic post," Hermione added comfortingly. "Their leaving doesn't mean you'll never see them again. Don't forget, Sirius is your godfather. He certainly won't want to leave."
Harry pressed his lips together. He understood all that, but he was still sad.
Before long, the three entered the Defence Against Dark Magic office