"...Harry, has something gone wrong with his health?"
Since the sixth-year Defense Against the Dark Arts class was on Wednesday, William finally met Lupin, who had been busy since the start of the school year, as he didn't have any time during the entire summer to prepare for some reasons. Lupin had been occupied with preparing the teaching content for all grades.
The earlier years were manageable, since finding the magical creatures needed for them was quite easy. But fifth and seventh years—the two most urgent ones—required substantial effort just to produce a few mock O.W.L. and N.E.W.T. papers, not to mention the practical exercises needed for Defense Against the Dark Arts.
Due to a certain current Azkaban prisoner—Mr. Lockhart, the number of students enrolling in this year's sixth-year Advanced Defense Against the Dark Arts class was pathetically low, so much so that the four houses could be combined into one class. After all, everyone feared Dumbledore might have brought another Lockhart or Quirrell into the school.
Another Quirrell would be fine, as following the syllabus wouldn't stop them from self-studying—but a second Lockhart would be a disaster. Last school year, few serious students wanted to attend his showy classes, and even the unserious ones were scarce.
Moreover, since the old Lockhart had already been caught before the holidays, his fans naturally had no inclination to enroll.
In the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom, besides William and Lupin, there were two Gryffindor students who had arrived early and were whispering together. Now, however, they were looking somewhat puzzled at Lupin, who seemed a bit out of sorts.
"Yes, but why are you reacting so strongly?"
"You're talking about Harry's health—"
"I didn't say it couldn't be solved."
"Oh, that's good... So, it's not a big issue?"
"No, it's quite significant, and I can't solve it."
"..."
Lupin's face settled into calm, not because he felt no turmoil inside; quite the contrary. He was unsure of how to react to William's contradictory words. Harry is the descendant left behind by his best friend, and in the current circumstances—
James and Peter are both dead, Sirius may have escaped from Azkaban, but Lupin doesn't think he could marry and have children under the Ministry of Magic's pursuit; the best outcome would likely be leaving the island of Great Britain. Due to his own health issues, Lupin himself has no such plans. Hence, Harry is likely the only next generation out of their group of four.
Whenever he thinks of this, it inevitably brings a touch of melancholy to Lupin's face that appears already past middle age.
Even though Lupin hasn't seen this friend's child many times, under such a perception of affection, he naturally displays a concerned demeanor about the health status of Harry that William proposed, and the worry in his eyes is entirely genuine.
"Feeling calmer?"
Seeing Lupin, who wasn't speaking but was only staring at him with a complex expression, William didn't mind, continuing on his own, "The issue is not severe, just involves some soul aspects, not easy to tackle. I don't currently see any harm... Remember that Dementor?"
Upon hearing William's words, Lupin's mind ignited, instantly recalling scenes from his memory—
In the narrow compartment, a shadow-like figure akin to the God of Death descended, attempting to reap the life of the boy enveloped by its silhouette.
He struggled with all his might, recalling all his few happy moments in life to finally, with barely enough strength, release his incomplete Patronus Charm, barely stopping the Dementor's actions.
Recollecting up to this point, Lupin instinctively looked at William standing in front of him, feeling an ache in his eyes...
While knowing long ago that William's understanding of magic was beyond comprehension, Lupin could feel his own perceptions being refreshed time and time again.
Seeing Lupin lost in thought again, William continued, "Experimented a bit, such a situation arises when he was lifted and sucked in by the Dementor—currently can't determine if it was due to sensing the taste of death or something else... Needs some more time to discern soul-related issues."
"...Maybe let's talk after class."
Frowning, Lupin's gaze swept over the classroom door that opened again, as time passed, the once empty classroom now seated many students, and each person who opened the door instinctively glanced at the two standing at the front...
He realized it wasn't a good time for pursuit, so he simply shook his head and sorted through the lecture notes on the desk.
"...Come over after dinner, I'll send someone to guide you."
...
One must admit, Lupin's teaching ability compared to last year's Lockhart... no, if a comparison must be made, it would be the difference between a grasshopper and a Transformer. Compared to that chatterbox winner of Wizard Weekly's Most Charming Smile Award, Lupin's reputation spread even faster in the academy—
This time it was a good reputation. Before this, Hogwarts' Defense Against the Dark Arts class had been deteriorating for many years. While there were still some proper professors, among them, prevailed those who seemed to have been dug out from some corner by Dumbledore. Now, finally, a normal professor had arrived...