A Professor of Magic at Hogwarts C.326: Lupin’s Confusion

Remus Lupin attached great importance to today's interview. He arrived half an hour early and silently reviewed the prepared materials on his way here. In his pocket, he carried precious clippings he had carefully collected.

"Regardless of background, it's all about ability. Those who excel far beyond the ordinary in any three of the following fields: Ancient Magical Scripts, Alchemy, Charms, Transfiguration, Magical Theory, Muggle Studies..."

Regardless of background, it's all about ability!

This phrase was exceptionally rare in the magical world's recruitment process. While the conditions were relatively strict, Lupin believed he wasn't lacking in anything except Ancient Magical Scripts. In truth, his greatest strength lay in matters related to Dark Magic defense. During his years of wandering, he had plenty of practical experience.

Upon receiving the interview invitation, the reply letter he got emphasized once again the company's dedication to practical magical research involving the improvement and transformation of numerous Muggle items. Lupin spent half a month specifically studying all sorts of novel things from the non-magical world.

His exploration led him into fascination. Lupin discovered a system entirely different from magic, one filled with precision and logic. Everything was traceable, yet regrettably, there was no room for magic here.

He wasn't sure if the owner of this 'future world' had recognized this, but even if he wasn't accepted, Lupin felt that witnessing the philosophy of this company was worthwhile. As he arrived according to the address, he saw an impressively upright castle surrounded by a large group of people.

He listened for a few minutes from the side and still found himself puzzled. What did it mean for a building to suddenly appear an hour ago? Was this place an empty space just two hours ago?

He even spotted a house-attired house-elf, which was strange in itself, but the serpent-shaped emblem on his chest caught Lupin's attention. Did it represent an ancient family, or alchemy? Or... a Runes Club?

After revealing his identity, the house-elf led him into the building. Lupin really liked the simplistic and unadorned interior style. They ascended a winding spiral staircase, with Dobby bouncing ahead.

"Please wait"

Lupin, near the banister on the second floor, gazed at the bas-reliefs on the ceiling. After cramming over the past few days, he might not recognize all the figures on the dome, but he could discern their professions, especially the one manipulating intricate machinery, possibly an engineer?

Lost in thought, he heard a rush of wind. Turning around, he unexpectedly met the cold face of Severus Snape. Snape stood two steps higher, his black robes pulled close in front of him, resembling a bat folding its wings. He looked down on Lupin from a higher vantage point.

"Lupin," Snape said softly, a smile tugging at his lips, "Welcome... to our establishment."

Lupin suddenly recalled Snape's expression when he first sent him Wolfsbane Potion; it was the same expression. After drinking it, he couldn't eat for two whole days.

"Hello, Severus," Lupin said gently, ascending the last two steps, "What a coincidence, meeting you here."

"A coincidence? No..." Snape said playfully, "I've been waiting for you for quite some time."

"You were waiting specifically for me?" Lupin frowned. The image of the serpent emblem on Dobby's chest resurfaced in his mind: pure-blood, the job requirement putting Ancient Magical Scripts as a priority...

"Perhaps your surname, Lupin, implies your identity," Snape's smile grew colder, "I've been studying the science of names recently, overlooked something in the past; names possess magic."

Lupin felt stung. He disliked it when this aspect was brought up. In certain cultures, the term 'Lupin' held the meaning of a wolf.

Snape sneered slightly, about to say more, but a commotion came from behind. Felix appeared with Percy and Penelope, both surprised by the tense atmosphere between them.

"Leave this place" Snape's cold aura filled the room.

Percy and Penelope exchanged glances, and Felix nodded at them with a smile. They quickly left.

Felix waved his wand, and the building's main doors slammed shut.

He leaned against the wall, calmly saying, "I've always been curious. Both of you professors were exceptional in your eraone a dueling master and the other a master of Dark Arts defense. So, who truly excels between you?"

"I had a chance to witness this scene, but I interrupted it. Now I finally have the opportunity to confirm it."

Lupin frowned and looked at Felix, "I'm here for an interview, not a fight."

Felix lowered his head, staring intently at his own nails, "You misunderstand, Professor Lupin. I admitted to you at your farewell party, yes, this is my company. I've gained enough understanding of your abilities throughout this year of collaboration. So, consider this a welcome activity for new colleaguesshow your skills, foster mutual understanding. Perhaps you could even curse me."

A red flash flew towards him, "Enough with the chatter, Felix," Snape said with a deadly tone. He looked at Lupin, "I rarely seem to interact with you; you always hide behind Potter and Black..."

"Oh, Severus," Lupin drew his wand, unable to suppress his anger any longer, "Dealing with them should be enough for you. Adding me to the mix would likely scare you into wetting your pants."

Snape's face contorted into a chilling smile, "Well said..." A red light shot out.

Lupin agilely dodged and swiftly cast a Disarming Charm in return. The two equally fiery individuals engaged in a fight, spells flying, illuminating the room. Snape felt a long-lost excitement; he genuinely felt alive again, though there was someone incessantly talking beside him

"No one's watching here, don't hold back, Severus. Where's your Dark Magic?"

"Oh, nearly got me there, Professor. Your aim's off"

Felix tilted his head and a spell exploded nearby. He smiled, "You started this with me, so don't say I'm unreasonable..."

He pushed himself off the wall, arms stretched out in a relaxed manner, a dark wand appearing in his hand. A gentle wave sent three bright rays of light simultaneously flying towards the two.

Lupin was surprised by his sudden entrance into the battlefield. He blocked the spells, looking a bit disheveled. He retreated a couple of steps cautiously and was astonished to see Snape also conjure a translucent barrier emitting a faint glow.

Both of them exchanged looks and watched Felix approach with his arms wide open. Snape said impatiently, "Deal with the nuisance."

But Felix was quicker. He advanced steadily, casting spells like rain, each not particularly strong, but their sheer quantity was overwhelming. The magic's light illuminated his body.

"Professors, you need to put in more effort."

Snape and Lupin exchanged a glance. Snape swiftly conjured a rapid burst of black mist, corroding the spells flying toward him. Lupin's wand slashed down like a blade, making a "whoosh" sound as stones from the floor quivered and shot towards Felix.

He felt somewhat lost at the moment, completely unable to comprehend what was happening. He came in nervously for an interview and ended up encountering his arch-nemesis Snape, who immediately poked at his sore spots. Another former colleague slyly provoked them, urging them to fight. Even he found a lame excuse to join in, and now he was forced to team up with Snape...

How did things come to this point, exactly?

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