Chapter 81.3 Own Land (POV Remus Lupin)

POV Remus Lupin

Lupin noticed that Hoshino was finishing the main course and drinking his juice. And there's Luna! We've got to get the new issue of The Priggler — the eyes of father and daughter were shining too contentedly, as if they had discovered something interesting.

Out of the corner of his eye, Remus noticed the serving girl and two vases of ice cream. The boy glanced at Lupin, picked up both vases and walked over to the Lovegoods. Just as bluntly and brazenly, Hoshino took a seat at the blonde family's table and placed the ice cream in front of the girl. It was a shame that the wolf's hearing wasn't as good in human form, because it would have been interesting to listen to the conversation that all three of them had literally drowned in for a few minutes.

The dreamy and enigmatic expression on young Luna's face was often illuminated by a bright smile, Xenophilius was flushed from the interesting argument and at the same time killed the eclairs with cocoa the boy had ordered. You wouldn't know that these wizards had met ten minutes ago and knew each other so well.

Odd man out. Half an hour later, Hoshino said goodbye to the family, gave the girl something, and the girl withdrew from the world, devoting herself to the small box. Lovegood Sr. shook his new acquaintance's hand, invited him to visit again, and then walked away, motioning to his daughter, who never took her eyes off the box in her hands. Hoshino returned to his desk.

— So, your answer. — The only thing left of the former cheerful expression was a certain softness in the strangely colored eyes.

— You didn't specify the offered position. — I tactfully decided to clarify something.

— How tight you English are ... — he sighed heavily. — I need a jack-of-all-trades, I already told you. Personal assistant, advisor, representative. Gradually, we'll hire more people, but for now, you'll have to combine them.

— But my problem is rather unpleasant, and many people know who I am... or rather, there are only a few who don't... — The man hesitated a little, because this wizard probably didn't know about last year's story when he offered him such a job.

— It's not a problem. — The man shook his head negatively. — Every woman gets sick a few days a month, but they don't get fired for it. So what's worse than you? Dangerous? Come on, a real stone cellar, a strong chain and the matter is solved. I'm waiting for your answer.

Frankly, the guy's logic was confusing to Remus, and such a calm attitude towards the 'furry problem' was certainly a bribe. After so many years, the not-so-young man (as he considered himself to be) wanted some kind of stability. Even if he was quickly fired, at least he would have time to earn a little. Well, why not?

— I'll take it. — Remus replied firmly, looking into the boy's eyes.

— What was the point of dragging this out? — The boy muttered quietly and looked up, Remus could only see the ceiling. — Ok, let's go, we have a lot more to do... ....

— Sure. — The man picked up his case. — Where shall we start?

— The suit. — The man gave Lupin a look. — Your clothes are suitable for a walk in the countryside or a picnic, but not for a business meeting. That's why we're going to give you a serious wardrobe makeover. — After a special look at the man's face, the man added. — Don't worry, consider it a work uniform provided by your employer.

— If not... — still worried, Lupin muttered, the inner wolf sensing something from Hoshino, but not a clear threat, something that made the animal part grumble unhappily.

— Yeah, I kind of missed that. Your paycheck. We'll start maybe with sixty galleons a month in four installments. Will that suit you?

— D-dha. — His throat was dry again, which would have embarrassed a grown man.

— That's good. We will discuss business trips and other trips separately.

Hearing these words, a faint hope for tomorrow appeared in the man's heart.