Chapter 414: Lupin’s Scandal
As the weather warmed and the snow and ice outside the castle finally melted, the young wizards couldn't wait to stow away their thick winter robes in the wardrobe.
It's worth mentioning that, for some special reason, the Patronus Charm lessons were not scheduled again in February. Professor Lupin was far too busy. Aside from his regular classes, he was rarely seen around the school; every afternoon after the last lesson and throughout the weekends, he would disappear. Whenever he had a spare moment, he'd head off to Hogsmeade.
Gradually, rumors began to circulate through the castle. Some claimed, with absolute conviction, that Professor Lupin was courting Madam Rosmerta of The Three Broomsticks. Although there was no concrete evidence, most students were willing to believe it. After all, Hogsmeade was a small village with only about ten shops. It might be refreshing to visit occasionally, but going so frequently was bound to get dull. If Lupin wasn't meeting someone, then why did he leave the castle every day at 5:00 p.m. and only return after curfew? And on weekends, he was never seen at all.
As the gossip spread, Professor Lupin's supposed relationship with Madam Rosmerta quickly grew into elaborate tales involving nearly every shopkeeper in Hogsmeade. There were stories about the Quill Shop clerk, Madam Andell from the Owl Post Office, Madam Puddifoot's brother-in-law, and even the landlord of The Hog's Head. Each version grew more outlandish than the last.
Susan Bones even made it a ritual to hear a new version of the story as a bedtime tale each night, claiming she couldn't fall asleep without it. She had gone so far as to compile the rumors into a thick book, which became quite popular. Every day, students lined up to borrow it, though few managed to get their hands on it. Susan treasured the book and kept it close.
Sensing a business opportunity, Fred and George sought out Kyle early one morning.
"Katie asked us to come and check with you," Fred said. "She's collected a book like Susan's, and she wants to team up."
"Team up? How exactly?" Kyle asked.
"She'll supply the booklets, and we'll duplicate and sell them," Fred explained. "We split the profits 30/70."