Ethan turned his head, his cobalt-blue eyes calmly observing Quirrell.
In the professor's feigned dull expression, Ethan caught a fleeting glimpse of hatred.
Interesting.
Had he forgotten the charm of his paintings?
Ethan lightly curved his lips, opening his palm as twisted, soap-bubble-like iridescent colors emerged from within.
Ethan didn't think Quirrell would dare attack him in front of Professor Dumbledore, so he had to strike first!
Under everyone's gaze, Quirrell lifted his foot and stumbled toward Ethan. His stiff, awkward movements were like a zombie or a puppet controlled by strings.
"Ugh!"
Harry suddenly clutched his forehead as his lightning-shaped scar inexplicably began to throb with pain.
No... don't...!
Harry stared at Quirrell with difficulty, instinctively not wanting him to approach Ethan.
Just then...
"Whoosh!"
A pitch-black portal suddenly opened in front of Professor Quirrell. The distance was so close that Quirrell had no time to react and stepped directly into it.
Then he tumbled out in front of Ethan. With a thud, he knelt down.
"..."
Quirrell looked up, staring at Ethan's pure little face in bewilderment.
"Saved you a few steps, no need to thank me, Professor Quirrell," Ethan smiled.
In the Great Hall, everyone's mouths fell open as they stared at this scene in shock. Even the professors were stunned.
Harry: "..."
The scar on his forehead suddenly stopped hurting.
Indeed, rather than worrying about Ethan, it was better to worry about those he targeted!
After two seconds of silence, the Great Hall suddenly erupted in intense discussion! The buzzing conversations merged into one, making the atmosphere instantly boil!
Why is the Defense Against the Dark Arts Professor Kneeling to a Student?!
Shocking! The Untold Story Between the Garlic Turban Weirdo and the Pure Little Wizard!
Professor Quirrell's First Act Upon Return: Kneeling to Ethan! The Real Reason Will Make Men Silent and Women Cry
First-hand news, all in The Daily Hogwarts Morning Post!
An excellent journalism club member had already begun writing furiously. No rationality, only desire for explosive articles.
Professor McGonagall stood up abruptly. She looked toward Quirrell with worry and anger, wanting to help. But seeing Headmaster Dumbledore remain motionless, she could only restrain herself for now.
Fine, let's see how Professor Quirrell would punish the naturally evil little artist.
"..."
Quirrell's mouth twitched, his entire face like a mask about to crack.
In his lifetime, except for his Master, he had never knelt to anyone else! What utter humiliation!
Quirrell wanted to use Avada Kedavra on Ethan on the spot. Now he suspected that if there were another Mirror of Erised, he wouldn't see the Philosopher's Stone but this brat's corpse.
However, the Master's orders could not be disobeyed.
His throat rolled several times, and under countless curious gazes, Quirrell squeezed out words through gritted teeth:
"M-Mr. Vincent! W-would you be willing to let me be your guidance teacher?"
"I-I swear! I will teach you well!"
His sharp, hoarse voice echoed through the Great Hall.
Now even Professor Dumbledore raised his eyebrows in surprise.
Students looked at each other.
"What did I just hear?" Ron looked around in amazement, mocking, "Professor Quirrell wants to be Ethan's guidance teacher? Him?"
"Maybe he wants to get revenge on Ethan by lowering his IQ," Harry joked, pushing his glasses.
Hermione clasped her hands together anxiously: "That's too vicious!"
Harry: "..."
Sister, you're the most innocent and pure one here.
BOOM!
Professor McGonagall stared with wide eyes as if struck by lightning.
Looking at Quirrell kneeling before Ethan with a pleading expression, she found the scene too surreal. So surreal that even she, Hogwarts' Transfiguration professor, couldn't accept it.
Quirrell was asking Ethan to let him be his guidance teacher?!
This was your method of punishment?!
What... what had happened to this world?
Regardless, the plan to punish the evil little brat had completely failed.
Just how many good sons did Ethan have? Could Ethan be Quirrell's father?
Professor McGonagall felt dizzy and collapsed into her seat, eyes vacant. She reached out and sipped hot milk, pretending it was butterbeer.
On the other side...
"Crack."
Professor Snape gripped his cup tightly, making a dangerous sound.
Quirrell... So you want to compete with me for a student?!
Snape glared at Quirrell darkly, several curses ready on his lips.
No. He had already hinted to Ethan beforehand that he could come study with him... Ethan's Potions grades were so good, he wouldn't choose a stuttering Quirrell.
Suddenly, Snape realized that not only in Potions, but Ethan had achieved top grades in every other subject. Only "Know-It-All" Miss Granger could compete with him.
No... although Quirrell was somewhat strange, in Ethan's eyes, he should just be an incompetent stuttering professor. Anyone with a normal brain wouldn't choose him...
Wait! Ethan's brain wasn't normal!
Snape suddenly felt uncertain. He stared intently at the silent Ethan, waiting for his answer.
Not just Snape. All professors and students held their breath, waiting for Ethan's response. Even Headmaster Dumbledore leaned forward with interest.
Ethan: "Oh, sure. I'll choose you then."
Actually, Ethan immediately understood that Quirrell was being ordered by Voldemort to actively curry favor and approach him. Probably for his painting magic.
Perfect. Professor Quirrell was actually a powerful dark wizard who could break into Gringotts and escape unscathed. Plus there was a Voldemort in the back of his head.
Double teaching. Open-minded thinking and pleasant conversation. He would definitely help with his living portrait research.
Moreover, when someone delivered themselves to your door, how could you not take advantage?
Ethan curved his eyes, showing a pure and innocent smile, friendly extending his hand to the stunned Quirrell.
All faculty and students: "..."
"CRACK!"
Professor Snape completely crushed the cup in his hand, demonstrating the arm strength he used for stirring cauldrons.
Such a casual sentence dealt critical damage to all faculty and students!
"Pfft!"
Ron spat out a mouthful of pumpkin juice, and even though it sprayed onto Hermione's plate, she didn't notice.
"Bloody hell..." Ron murmured, pumpkin juice dripping from the corner of his mouth, "Ethan actually agreed..."
Harry was confused: "Why would Ethan agree? Is it because he's kind? But Professor Quirrell is incompetent... what could he teach?"
Hermione clenched her fists determinedly: "Ethan must have his reasons for doing this!"
Harry & Ron: "..."
Ethan's mental influence was terrifyingly powerful.
[Chapter Complete]
***
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