Chapter 556: Testing the Waters
Sirius and Lupin worked quickly, and by the following day, they had already started cleaning up the Shrieking Shack.
As Kyle had warned, restoring a house that had been abandoned for years was no small task. The place was infested with pests like Doxies and Wood Lice, and Lupin even discovered two Boggarts hiding in the attic.
Sirius proposed demolishing the entire structure and rebuilding it from scratch, arguing it would be faster. However, Lupin disagreed, insisting that the Shrieking Shack was still structurally sound and it would be wasteful to destroy it. After a lengthy debate, they reached a compromise: they would keep the house intact but clear out everything inside, making the cleanup process more efficient.
Kyle had visited the Shrieking Shack once before, using the secret passage beneath the Whomping Willow. This time, while Sirius and Lupin busied themselves with the renovation, the noise they made attracted the attention of Hogsmeade's shopkeepers. Curious about the commotion, many of them gathered to investigate.
Some, like Mr. Ambrosius Flume and his wife from Honeydukes, even pitched in, helping to clear the yard of weeds and Flesh-Eating Slugs.
The shopkeepers were generally welcoming, as Hogsmeade was a tight-knit community, and the prospect of reviving the infamous Shrieking Shack intrigued them. Despite its eerie reputation, the Shack's dilapidated state had begun to tarnish the village's appearance, and they were glad to see it getting some attention.
Kyle didn't stay long, though. Lupin sent him home after about half an hour, assuring him that small tasks like cleaning didn't require his help. Besides, it wasn't a designated Hogsmeade visiting day, and if any professors spotted Kyle at The Three Broomsticks having a drink, he might face demerits or even detention. Understanding the risks, Kyle nodded and left without protest.
As he walked away from Whomping Willow, Kyle thought he spotted Harry, Hermione, and Ron on the school grounds.
The three seemed to be attempting to remain unseen, as they were draped in Harry's Cloak of Invisibility. However, their feet were still visible, creating a peculiar sight.