The conversation soon circled back to the Charon Detective Society that Harry had founded.
Douglas poured Lupin a cup of milk tea and asked, "So, how have things been going with Harry lately?"
Lupin smiled wryly. "Not bad, actually. But I haven't told him anything truly useful yet—not after you insisted we give them some real challenges first, and only reveal the truth once they've completed them.
Still, it seems he's already learned quite a bit from Hagrid and some of the other students' families—about Wormtail, for example. He also heard about the Fidelius Charm and the concept of a Secret Keeper from Professor Flitwick.
So I asked him: since he knows Padfoot was the Secret Keeper who betrayed his parents, why doesn't he just close the case and come to you for the reward? Guess what he said?"
Douglas curled his lip, though he already knew the answer. Weekly meetings and the daily recruitment sessions gave him a front-row seat to everything through the surveillance spells.
Of course, Lupin was usually busy in the magical practice room at those times, and Sirius would never bring up such things—he was far too ashamed.
Feigning curiosity, Douglas asked, "What did he say?"
Lupin looked quietly pleased. "He said that anything you can learn so easily from others is unlikely to be the whole truth—and that you'd never set such a simple task. What he wants is solid evidence—proof that Sirius betrayed his parents and killed all those people.
And you know what? They actually tracked down the trial records from Padfoot's case and found all sorts of suspicious details.
For instance, the Ministry of Magic never tested Padfoot's wand—one of the older students, who knows about Prior Incantato, pointed that out. They also learned from various sources that, even though Padfoot came from the infamous Black family, he'd always fought against You-Know-Who. But they couldn't find any reason why he'd suddenly betray them. Most suspicious of all, Padfoot didn't react at all during his arrest…"
Lupin's voice softened, his eyes glistening. "Douglas, you've taught this boy well. I think James and Lily would be proud to see Harry like this."
Truthfully, Douglas knew far more than Lupin. The detective society's ongoing debates had already produced the theory that Sirius had been framed—otherwise, why hadn't he killed Harry for Voldemort when Hagrid first picked the boy up? Why wait all these years?
When Douglas heard that, he'd nearly dragged George and Fred in for a scolding—how could they have had the Marauder's Map for so long and still failed to spot Pettigrew right beside their brother?
Even Luna had offered a new perspective: if everyone knew Black and Harry's parents were close friends, why not secretly swap the Secret Keeper?
What really surprised Douglas was that Hermione not only wrote down Luna's theory, but also asked her to publish a call for evidence of Sirius's alleged crimes in her family's magazine, The Quibbler.
He'd seen Hermione scoff at Luna more than once—but now she was taking her seriously.
Eventually, Lupin discovered the secret of the fireplace when Sirius crawled out of it right in front of him.
He'd been utterly shocked—after all, the Floo Network was monitored by the Ministry. If Sirius used it daily, how had he escaped detection?
After Sirius and Douglas explained, Lupin was left in awe of Douglas's magical prowess. Back in their school days, their greatest dream had been building a secret passage out of Hogwarts.
Sadly, they'd never managed it before graduation.
In the end, Lupin promised to keep their secret from everyone else at Hogwarts.
That day, Lupin officially began his "sick leave," holing up in Douglas's office to keep Sirius company as he studied.
Douglas, meanwhile, switched into "monthly exam mode," promising that any student in third year or below who passed their theory exam could participate in practical training next week.
The students buzzed with excitement—especially the first-years. They'd been at Hogwarts for a month now, constantly hearing stories from upperclassmen about the hands-on activities in Defence Against the Dark Arts. They'd even learned about last year's practical lessons from second- and third-years, practicing spells in anticipation.
The fifth-years, however, were the most miserable. While other years only had to sit a monthly exam for Defence Against the Dark Arts, they had to take one for every subject they'd signed up for.
—
That evening, the students due for detention filed into the classroom—only to find Professor Snape waiting for them, not Lupin.
Harry glanced around and asked, "Where's Professor Lupin?"
With a twisted smile, Snape replied, "Oh, he said he's feeling rather unwell and won't be joining us tonight.
Potter, next time you want to ask a professor a question, kindly raise your hand. I think that's worth five points from Gryffindor. Now, sit."
George and Fred exchanged startled looks. "This isn't even a classroom, is it?" "Definitely not Potions class, either."
Before Snape could dock them more points, Harry blurted out, "What's wrong with him… Professor Snape." He caught himself, then hastily raised his hand.
Snape's black eyes glinted with satisfaction. "No danger to his life. But he refused my potion and chose to let your precious Professor Holmes brew for him… Well, who knows what'll happen now."
Harry instinctively turned, only to remember Hermione wasn't there—she'd never landed herself in detention. Ron had, but only briefly.
He looked instead to George, Fred, and a few other detective society members.
Snape spoke again, "Potter, I believe I said 'sit down,' yet you're still standing… Oh, and for talking back, Messrs. Weasley, that's twenty points from Gryffindor."
George and Fred quickly dragged Harry to an empty seat.
They didn't care about the points anymore. With all the detentions they'd earned, what difference did a few more or less make?
Their days were packed—classes, spell practice, and at night, detention, which they spent mostly on homework. Afterward, they'd use the Marauder's Map to monitor the castle's secret passages, hoping to catch a glimpse of Black and claim the ten-thousand-Galleon bounty. If they managed that, they'd finally be free from Douglas's financial threats and could do whatever they pleased.
Tonight, as they pulled out their usual magazines or textbooks to copy, Snape interrupted, holding up a book. "Tonight's detention," he announced, "is to copy passages from this."
With a flick of his wand, the book enlarged and stood upright at the front of the classroom.
By candlelight, they could make out the title: Lawless Wolves: Why Werewolves Don't Deserve to Live, by Emerett Picardy.
Snape flipped to the first page, his cold smile returning. "This is a treatise on werewolves. The author argues that even in human form, werewolves are lawless and lacking in morals.
Clearly, Holmes's methods in Defence Against the Dark Arts have failed—you lot know nothing about werewolves…"
At that, George and Fred let out matching groans. "Oh no, not this again! That's a painful memory." "We remember everything the textbook says about werewolves—too well."
The werewolf chapter was at the end of the third-year textbook, so most students hadn't memorized it yet.
But for fourth-years and up, the memory was vivid—the textbook drills and entrance exams had left a mark.
Surprisingly, Snape didn't scold the Weasley twins. Instead, he said flatly, "If you remember so well, then recite it for the class."
George and Fred exchanged wary glances. They'd been bracing for a scolding—had Snape turned over a new leaf?
After a bit of silent debate, Fred began to recite: "Werewolves, sometimes called lycanthropes, are humans who transform into wolf form under the full moon. This condition is caused by lycanthropy infection. Although werewolves can appear as wolves, there are still differences between them and ordinary wolves…
Applying a mixture of silver powder and dittany to a fresh werewolf bite can heal the wound, allowing the victim to survive as a werewolf…
Werewolves cannot choose whether to transform, and after transformation, lose all sense of self—even seeking to kill their closest friends…"
At this, Harry caught a glimpse of Snape's undisguised, almost triumphant smile.
His experience in the detective society had taught him to look at things from every angle.
He couldn't shake the feeling that Snape hadn't just brought out a book on werewolves to criticize the Defence Against the Dark Arts professor. No, Snape definitely had a scheme in mind.
🔥 Want to read the next 20 chapters RIGHT NOW?
💎 Patreon members get instant access!
⚡ Limited-time offer currently running...
👉 [Join on - patreon.com/GoldenLong]