Chapter 798: Chapter 701: Gubraithian Fire (3)
...
After both of them had packed what they needed, they took the cart back to Gringotts.
Since his mind was preoccupied, Sirius didn’t complain about the uncomfortable ride this time.
It wasn’t until they left Gringotts that he finally asked, "Do you think this will really help Remus?"
"All I can say is it’s possible. It’s a good opportunity, but whether it works depends on what Fudge decides." Kael said, "The werewolf issue has always existed—it’s not something where you can just erase the gap between them and wizards so easily."
"I don’t care about other werewolves..." Sirius muttered, "I only care about Remus."
"Then that’s much simpler."
Leaving Diagon Alley, the two returned once more to the Ministry of Magic and found Fudge.
"You’re really willing to donate a sum of money to the Ministry of Magic?"
Upon hearing why they’d come, Fudge immediately stood up.
How long had it been—ever since Malfoy suddenly disappeared, he hadn’t heard such good news in ages.
"Of course, Minister." Sirius said stiffly, "I know better than anyone how dangerous dementors are. I’m happy to do my part."
"Please sit, Mr. Black," Fudge said happily, "The Ministry of Magic certainly won’t forget your contribution."
"This is simply what I should do..." Sirius glanced at Kael.
Kael shook his head slightly, signaling him to relax and be patient.
After that, the three of them began to chat.
Fudge originally had other things to do, but right now, nothing was more important than a five thousand Galleon donation.
If handled well, that much money was enough for him to recover his image as something more than incompetent.
The discussion centered mostly on some details regarding the bounty on dementors—for instance, how to prevent people from destroying buildings while hunting them, or accidentally harming Muggles, and so on.
Most of the talking was between Kael and Fudge. Later, the Head of the Auror Office, Scrimgeour, and Alastor Moody—who had received Sirius’s message—both came in as well.
The Minister’s office was buzzing with discussion; Sirius, unable to get a word in, grew so sleepy he could only keep downing strong tea to stay awake.
Finally, after who knows how long, he heard a familiar name.
"Speaking of werewolves..." Kael kicked Sirius under the table, jolting him awake.
"I still haven’t figured out how to handle this problem," Kael said. "They’re not like giants, who took a clear side with the Death Eaters, and they’re not like dementors either—they read newspapers, so a bounty won’t work this time."
"Yes, werewolves really are a big headache." Fudge rubbed his temple.
"But..." said Kael, "I actually know someone who’s constantly working to solve the werewolf issue—and he wants nothing in return."
"Who?" Fudge grew interested.
"Remus Lupin," Kael said.
"Lupin..."
Fudge thought for a moment. "I remember, he was the Defense Against Dark Arts professor at Hogwarts a few years back... I think he was the only werewolf to graduate from Hogwarts in nearly three centuries, oh, and I believe he’s a good friend of Mr. Black’s as well."
Even though Fudge and Lupin had never crossed paths, it only took him a few words to lay out Lupin’s background—very thoroughly, at that.
Clearly, his position as Minister wasn’t just a stroke of luck.
"That’s right, we’re indeed friends."
Kael kicked Sirius again. He hurriedly added, "We were still trekking through the Dark Forest a few days ago. Over the werewolf issue, he hasn’t slept for days now."
"He’s really worked hard..."
Fudge glanced at Sirius. His tone paused for a moment, but quickly went back to normal.
"I heard he was the most popular Defense Against Dark Arts professor at Hogwarts. If it weren’t for his status as a werewolf, he probably would have been the first to get reappointed to that post."
"Who can deny it?" Sirius sighed. "Because he’s a werewolf, he gets blocked at every turn. Sometimes I really wish I could do something for him."
"How were his grades?" Fudge suddenly asked.
"He was a prefect," Sirius replied. "And after graduation, he earned ten certificates."
"Truly outstanding results." Fudge looked at the Head of the Auror Office. "Rufus, if I remember right, you’ve been complaining you’re short-handed? What do you think of him?"
"Remus Lupin?" Scrimgeour frowned. Weren’t they discussing dementor issues just now? How did it get here all of a sudden?
"But he’s a werewolf..." Scrimgeour said.
"I don’t see what’s wrong with that," Fudge shook his head. "Being a werewolf wasn’t his choice, and yet he’s still willing to help us—which is enough."
"And he absolutely meets all the requirements to become an Auror, doesn’t he?"
"But..." Scrimgeour still hesitated. "Letting a werewolf become an Auror, that’s something that’s never happened before."
"That’s just your own prejudice against werewolves," Moody growled.
"I am not prejudiced!" Scrimgeour said in a deep voice. "But I have to be responsible for the other Aurors. What if someone accidentally gets bitten?"
"Even if you bit someone, Remus wouldn’t." Moody snorted.
"Don’t forget..." Scrimgeour refused to back down. "During the full moon, a werewolf has no rationality at all."
"All right, all right, that’s enough." Fudge hurried to smooth things over.
"These are special times," he said. "We need more werewolves who want to live normal lives to see our goodwill and realize that joining the Death Eaters isn’t the only way for them."
"Remus Lupin is an excellent choice. Rufus, I really think you should give this some serious thought."
