The ground floor of the pub was already bustling with people, including curious students and even several professors. Orli thought Sirius's idea was quite clever. Although Hogsmeade had several pubs, a Quidditch-themed one was bound to attract students. However, she suspected Sirius was more interested in having fun than seriously expecting the pub to turn a profit.
The most eye-catching figure at the bar was Hagrid, with a massive tankard of mead in front of him, holding four pints. Professor Flitwick was almost entirely hidden behind Hagrid's enormous frame, and it wasn't until Orli approached the bar that she spotted him. The diminutive Charms professor held a glass of iced fruit soda, its rim adorned with peculiar umbrella-shaped shells. Orli couldn't help but grimace at the thought of how it might taste. Professor McGonagall sat nearby, with only a glass of pure canyon water by her side—no sugar, no alcohol.
"Oh! You've all come!" Hagrid boomed, his voice resonating from his chest. His face was already turning red.
"Children, finally you can relax a bit, right?" Professor Flitwick winked at the quartet. "Don't worry; you all did quite well on your exams."
"Filius!" Professor McGonagall shot him a reproachful glare before turning to Orli and the others. "You four may have some juice, but no alcohol, understood? Especially you, Sirius! You know what children should drink!"
"Oh, of course, of course, dear Professor McGonagall," Sirius said with a grin, raising his hands in mock surrender. "Remus, could you get the kids some apple juice?"
Orli turned her head in surprise and realized the person busy behind the bar was none other than Professor Lupin.
Lupin raised his head, revealing a mischievous smile no one had ever seen before. Orli clearly saw him sneak a few spoons of redcurrant rum into the four glasses of apple juice.
"Professor Lupin? Are you helping out here?" Hermione asked.
"Oh, absolutely," Lupin replied, rolling up his shirt sleeves. "In fact, I've already resigned from my position at Hogwarts. Sirius plans to hire me..."
"Hey, Remus! I'm not hiring you; we're partners!" Sirius protested loudly.
"Alright, alright. Partners," Lupin said with a resigned smile at Sirius before continuing, "And you know, I can't teach for one week every month..."
"You can't leave us because of that!" Harry exclaimed.
"But this isn't a long-term solution... In reality, Dumbledore has been under tremendous pressure because of my presence at the school. Perhaps Orli could explain it to you," Lupin said, nodding toward Orli.
"We already know!" Harry whispered, leaning so close to the bar he was practically lying on it. "But..."
"If you leave, what about our Defense Against the Dark Arts classes?! Don't go!" Hermione pleaded softly but urgently.
Lupin shook his head. "Thank you for liking me so much. But honestly, staying in Hogsmeade with Sirius will be more comfortable for me. Dumbledore will find you a better teacher..."
"Oh? It seems you've just mentioned me," Dumbledore's voice came from the entrance of the pub. He was dressed in a grand purple robe adorned with silver stars of various sizes, and his pointed hat sparkled as he walked in.
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