Ancient Wizards Return to Hogwarts...

Chapter 155 Nirvana and Judgment

“I understand, Professor Dumbledore.” Lupin’s expression was perfectly calm, as if the topic he was discussing had nothing to do with him. “But someone has to do it, doesn’t he?”

"If that spell proves to be effective, then children infected by werewolves will be saved."

"Remus..." Dumbledore's expression became extremely complicated. He was silent for a few seconds, then solemnly said to Lupin, "You should sign up boldly. Even if Mr. Henry's spell doesn't work, I will give it a try. I feel that the spell is effective."

Dumbledore made his promise: he would cure Lupin's werewolfism no matter what. He had carefully studied the Slytherin manuscript and was convinced that the spell could save a werewolf.

More importantly, Severus had already prepared the slow-release wolfsbane medicine.

With such a significant advantage, if Dumbledore still can't solve the wolf-like condition, he might as well resign and retire to Nurmengard.

Dumbledore never mentioned Lockhart, but deep down he knew whether the writer-professor could turn a werewolf back into human form.

Unlike the atmosphere in the principal's office, Lockhart felt like he wanted to set off firecrackers in the school hospital.

He couldn't stop grinning as he looked at the news about recruiting werewolves in the Daily Prophet: he felt like the heavens were smiling upon him!

Initially, he planned to feign a worsening illness to get through the month—he had even come up with a reason: when he exorcised the female ghost in Bane, the ghost had left him with terrible aftereffects, forcing him to stay away from the teaching front and also preventing him from treating werewolves…

He was even using private channels to find specially made potions to make himself exhibit specific symptoms. Lockhart thought having a giant eye growing on his back would be incredibly cool, and it would also give him a convenient excuse to quit his job.

But these methods are no longer useful!

He could openly claim that there weren't enough werewolves and that he couldn't participate in the experiment—what a perfect excuse!

Of course, in order to maintain his image, it wouldn't be good to openly refuse to go. He could reluctantly agree when the Ministry of Magic was at a loss, and then let Henry go first on the day of the experiment. This way, he wouldn't lose out either way, and he could also find a way to continue to ride the wave of popularity.

Lockhart chose the riskiest but also the most rewarding move. This strategy will undoubtedly turn his reputation around completely!

Lockhart can already see a bright future ahead: the headlines for the next two weeks will all belong to him, Gilderoy Lockhart!

What a wonderful twist! Cheers and applause for me, British wizarding world!

Just as Lockhart was laughing heartily while holding the Daily Prophet, Cornelius Fudge arrived at Hogwarts.

His purpose in coming was clear: he wanted to see Lockhart and see if he was willing to participate in the experiment with only one werewolf.

"Minister Fudge, this is such a pity..." After hearing Fudge's request, Lockhart frowned and put on a look that said, "I am also in a very difficult position."

Fudge felt a throbbing pain in his temples.

His worst fears came true.

The old bureaucrat's intuition told him that Lockhart and Henry Greengrass had to participate in the experiment together, otherwise there would be endless trouble in the future.

But we're missing one werewolf!

If kneeling and kowtowing could make a werewolf fall from the sky, then Minister Fudge would have already smashed the floor to pieces.

Seeing Minister Fudge's troubled expression, Lockhart decided to stop while he was ahead. After all, his goal was to participate in the experiment and change public opinion without revealing his true strength, rather than causing trouble for the Ministry of Magic. So he cleared his throat.

"Minister Fookie—"

"I am a werewolf, and I volunteer to participate in the Ministry of Magic's experiment on the Human-Restoring Charm." A calm voice interrupted Lockhart's words. Lockhart and Cornelius Fudge both looked blankly at the ward door, their brains frozen by that sentence.

"Okay, thank you for your contribution to the cause of magic—wait, what did you say?" Fudge subconsciously uttered a formal platitude before suddenly realizing what the man in front of him was saying.

"I said I'm a werewolf, Minister." Lupin said the most awe-inspiring words in the gentlest tone.

Fudge: ...

No, I haven't even kowtowed yet! How did a werewolf suddenly appear? Should I kowtow or not? Fudge even had an utterly absurd thought pop into his head.

"Impossible! Absolutely impossible! A werewolf, a werewolf!" Lockhart roared, almost in a frenzy. "A werewolf, in Hogwarts Castle!"

His mind has lost the ability to think.

"Nothing is impossible, Mr. Lockhart," Dumbledore's voice rang out behind Lupin. "It was because of the sudden appearance of the Restoration Charm that I hired Remus, a werewolf of great character."

"Yes, absolutely!" Fudge's cheeks flushed with excitement. "You truly possess great character!"

Lupin's willingness to step forward and do the verification was a huge help to him, so he was showered with praise one after another.

Lockhart was completely frozen in place.

Now he wants to escape by "fleeing due to illness," but with Dumbledore and Fudge around, how is that possible?

"My bones haven't fully healed yet."

"I have a very useful spell."

"I am actually under a curse."

"Let me check...nothing's wrong, you're perfectly healthy!"

"I……"

……

Lockhart tried every excuse he could think of, but Dumbledore defused them one by one in front of everyone. In the end, Fudge's face was very gloomy, and Lockhart dared not play tricks anymore, so he had no choice but to agree.

"It's a deal." Fudge stared at Lockhart and said, "Two days from now, on the night of the full moon, we'll be—"

"The Quidditch pitch at Hogwarts is a very nice location," Dumbledore remarked with a smile.

"That's right, it'll be held at the Quidditch pitch." Fudge's eyes became meaningful. "Mr. Lockhart, we look forward to your performance."

Lockhart: ...

Two days passed quickly. Lockhart tried everything he could, but he couldn't change the fact that the experiment would take place as scheduled. To him, the experiment was no different from a trial.

He could only hope that Mr. Henry's spell had failed.

For Lupin the Werewolf, this was his rebirth.

As the news spread, the magical world was in an uproar, and magic ministries from various countries sent officials or reporters to witness this grand occasion.

Perhaps from now on, werewolves and wolfification will become history.

The night of the full moon has arrived amidst everyone's anticipation.

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

The second update is here!

Fun illustrations for each chapter—Ron Ketchum in 19th-century Russian style if Harry Potter were...

(End of this chapter)