Snape, the Sunshine of Hogwarts.

Chapter 78 Knight Bus
After leaving Sherwood Forest, Severus and his companions left without using Apparition.

Neither Severus himself nor Lupin I ever went to Eastbourne, and if they wanted to use Floo Powder, they couldn't find a suitable Floo network in Nottingham.

So, with Granger by their side, they opted to take public transportation.

Severus raised his wand by the roadside, and soon after, a deafening "bang" resounded.

A three-story, bright purple bus suddenly appeared in front of the three of them!
Staring at the words "Knight Bus" written in large gold letters on the windshield of the bus, Granger was still dumbfounded after witnessing the wonders of Severus and Old Lupin's magic on the road.

"What's your mindset when you're filling a patient's tooth?" Severus suddenly asked Granger in a low voice.

Granger swallowed hard and replied.

"It's a very normal mindset, and most of the time I even feel a bit bored."

"Now, just think of this as if you're on your way to a patient's home to fill their teeth. Keep a calm mindset, treat everything as normal, and don't let the other people in the car realize that you're not a wizard."

Upon hearing Severus's words, Granger nodded in agreement.

Old Lu Ping then boarded the bus first, where an elderly female ticket seller was waiting for them at the door.

"Welcome aboard the Knight Bus, an emergency passenger service for witches or wizards in distress. My name is Nora Polk, and I am your ticket seller tonight."

The witch was warm and enthusiastic, and welcomed Severus and his companions.

"Gentlemen, where are you going tonight?"

“Eastbourne,” said old Lupin.

“Nottingham to Eastbourne, that’s quite a journey. A single ticket costs 1 Gallon and 7 Sickles.” Polk looked at the three of them. “There are three of you, so it will cost 4 Gallons and 4 Sickles in total.”

Old Lupin, the first to board, reached into his pocket and pulled out a few coins. He picked out 4 Galleons and 4 Sickles and paid them to Polk.

"We're all here. Are there any beds left on the second floor? We want to get some rest."

“Of course, gentlemen!” Polk said with a broad smile after receiving the money.

Then, old Lupin led the way, with Granger trying his best to restrain himself from looking around, and they went up the stairs to the second floor of the bus.

Severus didn't go up immediately, but instead took out a Galleon from his pocket and handed it to Polk.

"Please also prepare a cup of heated chocolate and a toothbrush and towel for each of the three of us."

He could see that old Lu Ping was struggling financially.

In his youth, this expert, who was once employed by the Ministry of Magic, did enjoy a period of glory. However, after Lupin became a werewolf, his family moved around constantly, and old Lupin never had a stable job.

Now, Lu Ping is self-reliant. His mother passed away from illness years ago, and Lu Ping has been living alone and destitute with no source of income.

After taking the money from Severus, Polk finally got a good look at the man's face.

She was stunned for a moment, then a look of surprise appeared on her face.

"Ern! Ern!! Look! Who is this! Who is this!"

She shouted excitedly, attracting the attention of the driver sitting at the steering wheel.

When he saw Severus's face, he immediately shouted as well.

"My God, who is this! It's Severus Snape!" Seeing their huge reaction, Severus could only helplessly make a shushing gesture, indicating that there were still people resting on the first floor of the bus.

Fortunately, the two of them still had some professionalism and did not react any further. However, Polk forced the Galleon that Severus had handed her back to her.

"I'm a huge fan of 'Blood Ties: Vampires and Muggles'! I even listened to the entire Wizengamot trial, your speech was fantastic! The hot chocolate, toothbrush, and towel today are on me!"

Finally, at this point, Severus experienced the benefits of being a celebrity.

Compared to before, when he was universally disliked wherever he went, the situation changed drastically after that trial.

He coughed lightly in his mind twice, deliberately showing off to Ghost Snape.

Severus did not refuse; he simply thanked him.

"Thank you for your kindness, ma'am."

"I wish you a pleasant journey!"

Severus then went up to the upper deck of the bus, where there was no one else but old Lupin and Granger.

Old Lupin was cleaning his glasses with his wand, while Granger, finally free to indulge his curiosity about his surroundings when no one was around, was examining a quirky, animated Sisters Band poster stuck to the car window.

“We should be able to reach Eastbourne around 7 a.m.,” Old Lupin estimated the time after seeing Severus come up. “But there’s not much information on that plank. We’ll need time to look for clues once we get to Eastbourne.”

Severus lay down on the soft bed and asked old Lupin what was going on.

"Does Lupin rarely go home?"

“Apart from his mother’s funeral, he has hardly ever come back over the years. He just writes me a letter every week, telling me about his experiences while he was wandering,” Old Lu Ping said calmly.

“He has been like this since he was a child. He is sensitive to his werewolf identity and feels that it is because of him that his mother and I have lived such a turbulent life. He silently bears all the pressure himself.”

"But actually, none of this is his fault."

Granger lost interest in the poster and comforted old Lupin.

“All children are the same. Hermione always thought she had a little secret, but Jane and I both knew that she was actually very concerned about her front teeth. We just pretended not to know anything and didn’t touch her sensitive area.”

Old Lu Ping shook his head, his voice low.

“He didn’t dare to see me because he was afraid that his identity would disrupt my life, but as his father, I have also been running away all along. I feel very guilty towards Remus.”

The atmosphere inside the carriage became somewhat silent. Severus, who was lying quietly to the side, could vaguely guess that old Lupin was probably feeling guilty about something.

He whispered a joke to Granger before the bus started moving again.

"Robert, don't forget to say goodnight to Nahan Temlit in the poster before you go to sleep. He'll play you a lullaby."

Granger stared in surprise.

Can I choose the song myself?

“Of course, radio host Severus Snape will be at your service,” old Lupin said, making a rare witty remark.

Laughter erupted from the men inside the carriage; they were enjoying this moment of peace.

(End of this chapter)