The first class this afternoon for Gryffindor was Defense Against the Dark Arts. Since there was no notice of cancellation or substitution, they would see Professor Lupin. Even more peculiar, other teachers had notified them in advance that Slytherin and Gryffindor would be having class together.
In the reports about Peter Pettigrew's escape in the Daily Prophet, this teacher was also said to have participated in the battle, only to be injured while rescuing a female student.
Fortunately, the injuries were not very serious.
Of course, in Hermione's eyes, all of this was false propaganda. She clearly remembered all the details this time, and she wanted to take advantage of this class to ask what exactly had happened afterward that led to such a turning point.
Before the class started, the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom was already full of students.
They spent the boring time waiting for class to start with enthusiastic discussions.
They waited like this until the bell rang, and Lupin appeared in the classroom on time.
He no longer had that travel-worn appearance, and his pale complexion had also disappeared. There was a lot more color in his face, and most importantly, his smile showed a genuine happiness.
The old, patched-up wizard's robe had also been replaced with meticulously crafted attire. The hem of the robe was inlaid with silver threads, and the robe itself was embroidered with mysterious patterns, like constellations or ancient runes.
Lupin looked at the rows of students sitting in their seats. At this moment, his heart was filled with lingering fear. If that matter had not been resolved perfectly, he dared not imagine what would have happened in the future. Would he still be able to stand here calmly and teach this group of students?
Peter Pettigrew gradually gaining Harry's trust, and then betraying them at a critical moment?
The truly wronged person, after losing twelve years of freedom, being imprisoned again, unable to live an ordinary life, and enduring endless injustice for the rest of his days?
Time was very tight then. Hermione and Black could only do so much. It was already very rare for the three of them to trust each other. As for other information exchange, there wasn't much.
In addition, Black's pride as an adult wizard was at play. He didn't think being schemed against by teenagers and a Squib was something to be proud of and publicize.
So, in Lupin's current understanding, the Daily Prophet's report must have had some deviations, but it was generally accurate. He couldn't imagine that Peter Pettigrew, who had finally escaped, would dare to turn around and attack them. If Moody hadn't arrived in time, it would have really been a disaster.
Lupin and Sirius Black would never have thought that the spell that knocked them down was cast by Moody. They had had this idea when they were tied up in the car, but after they regained their freedom, they realized they must have suspected the wrong person.
As for Moody's harsh words in the car, it was obviously his dissatisfaction with their distrust of him, which was understood as a little complaint.
In the eyes of an Auror, things must be done according to the rules. Their behavior outside the rules would definitely not make Moody happy. Those tense words of his should have just been a slight punishment.
After all, from Moody's perspective, the most correct thing to do when encountering suspicious things is to report to the Aurors as soon as possible.
Honestly, at that time, he really thought Black would be sent back to Azkaban prison, and of course, himself as well.
"It's really something to be thankful for."
Looking at the admiring eyes of the students in front of him, he felt grateful but also a little ashamed.
The exquisite robe made Lupin very uncomfortable. Lupin was more accustomed to wearing his old clothes to teach the students. Having lived frugally, he had basically never worn such clothes, but it was said that this was a requirement of the Ministry of Magic, that he needed to dress more formally for interviews, and their officials might come at any time.
Adjusting his mood, Lupin then spoke to the students: "Everyone must already know about what happened not long ago. This fully illustrates that even though Hogwarts is the safest place in the world,
there will still be loopholes. Dark wizards not only have cruel methods, but also use people's reverse thinking to achieve their plans, such as Peter Pettigrew. No one would have thought that he would dare to swaggeringly take all the credit. I believe that in learning to resist the Dark Arts, understanding the psychology of criminals is a crucial step. You must guard against the opponent's constant sneak attacks."
At this time, Lupin turned his gaze to Hermione, who was the student who had the deepest understanding of this. Peter Pettigrew successfully exploited the weaknesses in their hearts and found loopholes.
"When facing suspicious people, the first thing we need to ensure is our own safety. You can trust the morality and kindness in your heart, but you can never rely on the mercy of your opponent."
Lupin continued seriously: "We made a mistake, actually trying to persuade him to surrender. This is where we were careless. Long-term peace has made us lazy. If it were a dozen years ago…" Lupin seemed to realize something and suddenly stopped his words, halting what he was saying.
If he continued, he might have mentioned the Dark Lord.
"Cough cough."
He coughed lightly, forcibly changing the subject.
"My course tends to be practical. You must all be used to the previous courses, but today is different. In the past, the objects of your practice were all kinds of strange little creatures, but today, you should learn to face living people."
Lupin's eyes narrowed.
The Gryffindor and Slytherin students sitting in their seats began to discuss in low voices. They were very curious about how today's course would unfold. Even if Harry had countless questions in his mind, he temporarily put them aside and was full of curiosity about the current course.
"This person will be me. The role I will play next will be that of a dark wizard, and you will be responsible for fighting against me."
Lupin took out his wand, pointed it at his nose, and said.
"Of course, I allow for a certain amount of compensation for the experience gap brought about by age. You can form groups of several people to cast spells on me. Too unfair a battle will not serve to hone your skills."
Lupin stroked his chin, looked at the group of students, and continued, "Of course, if you choose to swarm me, then I can only flee in panic."
Many students laughed happily at this.
"Alright."
Lupin put on a serious expression, "For the sake of fairness, the later groups will have fewer people, because I believe that in the process of watching, you will be able to gain some experience."
Lupin looked around at the eager students and continued, "In order to mobilize your enthusiasm, I will consider suggesting to Professor Dumbledore that your performance in today's class can become one of the judging criteria for the final exam."
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