"What kind of joke are you playing, Mr. Watson?"
Lupin's mouth fell open, his weathered and haggard face a mix of astonishment, shock and confusion. He thought Bryan was just making a bad joke, but seeing his solemn and serious expression, he realized this was not the case.
"You want me to apply for the position of Defense Against the Dark Arts professor at Hogwarts?"
This absurd suggestion made Lupin, who had survived the war years and had a wealth of experience, feel incredulous. He raised his eyebrows high and spoke hastily,
"Mr. Watson, you must remember that I am a."
He glanced around the pub, where guests were walking back and forth, and lowered his voice.
"This is a very good suggestion, don't you think?"
Bryan smiled, "Being a professor is a respectable and meaningful job, not only unrelated to evil, but also well-paid. It can save you from the hardships of life. You should know that Dumbledore is not the kind of person who cares about worldly views and rules, Lupin. You have good skills, I think you can do this job well."
When the crowd around them thinned a bit, Lupin continued to express his doubts about Bryan's proposal,
"It's not about that, Mr. Watson,"
He couldn't deny that this was a tempting offer, but reason told Lupin that this was impossible.
"Many people know about my werewolf identity, Mr. Watson. Do you think the board of directors of Hogwarts and the Ministry of Magic will let Dumbledore hire a werewolf to teach young wizards how to defend against dark magic and those dangerous creatures? That's too ridiculous. I am a dangerous magical creature myself!"
"If you can't face yourself, Lupin, how can you expect others to treat you with rational eyes?"
Bryan continued to persuade him patiently, "Dumbledore will take care of all the problems you worry about. Besides, there is also a master of potions in the school who can brew Wolfsbane Potion, which can spare you from the pain of those few days every month."
Wolfsbane Potion was almost the savior of Lupin and other wizards who were forced to become werewolves. Unfortunately, its high price was basically unaffordable for most werewolves. How many painful nights of transformation, Lupin prayed that he could have enough Galleons to buy this precious potion.
Mentioning this, Lupin obviously hesitated, but thinking of the potions master who had a grudge with him before, Lupin could only shake his head with a bitter smile.
"It won't be that simple, Mr. Watson"
Lupin smiled sadly, "If you have children, would you be happy to see their teacher is a werewolf who loses his mind and bites people's necks at any time?"
It took a lot of effort to think of this 'brilliant' revenge idea, how could Bryan give up easily? He patiently enlightened Lupin and spared no saliva to tell him how many benefits there were to becoming a respected professor.
"–Think about it, Remus,"
Bryan called Lupin's name affectionately, "If you can do well in this position, what wonderful things will happen then? People may change their image of werewolves and no longer look at you differently. Remus, you are saving all the werewolves who are forced to walk in the dark with heavy burdens like you!"
Bryan spoke passionately and eloquently. In the end, even he admired his own ability to bewitch.
Could it be that I really have the potential to become the third generation Dark Lord?
Looking at Remus Lupin who was only one step away from agreeing, Bryan suddenly had this thought in his heart.
Lupin let out a heavy sigh. After all, he was a Gryffindor wizard. After Bryan's persuasion, courage quickly gathered in his heart.
"But there has always been a rumor that the Defense Against the Dark Arts professor at Hogwarts,"
Suddenly remembering something, Lupin looked at the newspaper on the table and frowned,
"–is cursed by Voldemort himself!"
He pointed at the headline that read "Defense Against The Dark Arts Professor Quits After One Year Again". It was said that every professor who took this position would either die or suffer misfortune within one year. This was one of the mysteries of Hogwarts that had never been solved.
"Do you want me to take such a risk?"
Lupin asked incredulously, "Or do you think I deserve such a fate?" He looked at Bryan with suspicion and resentment in his eyes.
"Nonsense!"
Bryan shouted 'righteously',
"This is just a rumor, look at me, Lupin, I retired from that position safely, without any harm and even, after doing this, my luck has been good, I even made some money recently!"
He showed Lupin a bag of Galleons that he had earned from his various schemes.
From all aspects, Bryan's opinion was a very good proposal, but it was precisely because of this that Lupin always had a trace of alertness in his heart.
"Why, Mr. Watson?"
Lupin asked in confusion, "There is no doubt that I have offended you, if you had used the same methods to deal with me as you did with those brutal fellows of mine before, I would not be surprised at all, but you didn't do that, instead you kindly introduced me to a job, wanted me to make a living. , this is too strange, isn't it?"
He looked at Bryan with suspicion and curiosity in his amber eyes. He couldn't understand why Bryan would suddenly show such generosity and concern for him.
"Because I recognize your ability and kindness, Remus–"
Bryan smiled gently, he already knew that he was about to achieve his goal,
"I have done the professor of this course, and spent a few months with the little wizards in the school. They are all very lovely children. They should all receive orthodox and professional education. They should all have a bright future. And Gilderoy Lockhart's thing obviously proved that even the great Dumbledore sometimes makes mistakes. I can't bear to see those children waste their precious years. Remus, I think you have the ability to help them–"
He put his hand on Lupin's shoulder and looked at him sincerely. He tried to appeal to Lupin's sense of responsibility and compassion for the young generation.
The brightest noon sun dispelled the darkness in this somewhat gloomy pub, and also dispelled the fog in Lupin's heart. The doubt between his eyebrows disappeared and he showed a relieved smile.
"I have to go back and see if my herbs are still there, Mr. Watson,"
Lupin stood up and slightly tidied up his old robe,
"I hope no one has taken my herbs to feed the unicorns. Thank you very much for your hospitality, Mr. Watson, this meal will probably keep me going for a few days."
He thanked Bryan for the food and drink that he had offered him. He knew that Bryan might have some ulterior motives, but he also appreciated his kindness.
"About my proposal–"
Looking at Remus who was walking towards Diagon Alley, Bryan squinted his eyes and stood up as well.
"I'm sorry I can't give you an exact answer right now, I need some time to think carefully."
After all, he was a wizard who had come through the extremely cruel war years and wandered in the underworld for many years. Remus Lupin was more rational and alert than Bryan imagined. He didn't want to rush into a decision that might change his life forever.
"By the way,"
Lupin said, standing in the golden light. His relaxed smile made him look twenty years younger. He looked at the young wizard next to the table, his eyes twinkling with a hint of mischief.
"I think I understand why Albus was so lenient with you after learning what you've done these years. You're not quite like the you I remember."
"What do you mean?" Bryan asked, his expression suddenly tense.
Lupin smiled and waved at him, then walked into the light. A moment later, a gentle voice came from outside the door, reaching Bryan's ears and making him fall into a long silence.
"You have a gentle heart, Bryan."
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