With the Five-Wizard Tournament due to begin in October, preparations were underway to welcome visitors from four schools and the wizards accompanying them.
Not only was Hogsmeade rushing to finish its work, but Hogwarts had also begun a thorough cleaning.
The Castle's house-elves, who had never appeared during the day before, could now be seen everywhere, running about with cloths and basins of water.
Sirius and Lupin walked slowly onto the grounds. The young wizards passing by greeted Lupin politely but ignored Sirius.
Seeing how orderly the young wizards were, Lupin could not help marveling.
"It all looks so familiar, yet it feels different. The young wizards have improved, too."
Sirius pursed his lips. He had grown used to the young wizards' unfriendly attitude.
"What's so good about that? Look at them, all stiff and proper, without a spark of energy. Nothing like us back then. We were full of life."
Just then, Snape swept over from the side. He cast a contemptuous glance over the two of them before settling his gaze on Sirius, looking at him as though he were dog crap.
"Hah. Hogwarts really has set its hiring standards too low. Any stray cat or dog can get in."
The old enemies met, and their mutual loathing was plain.
Sirius immediately exploded.
"Who are you calling a dog, Snivellus? Want a fight?"
Snape was utterly unfazed. He had been waiting here for precisely this purpose. He drew his wand and gestured provocatively at Sirius.
Helpless, Lupin pulled his close friend away while trying to reason with him in a low voice.
"Are you mad? Snape's deliberately provoking you. The young wizards all know that disputes are settled with duels at the end of the month.
"If you attack him, Shawn will definitely use it as an excuse