August 25th, 10:00 AM.
Levi, dressed in black and carrying a black dragon-skin briefcase, stood before the fireplace with two assistants.
"Hogwarts should have opened the temporary passageway by now. Let's go."
The two assistants nodded, calmly scattering Floo Powder one after the other before leaving.
"Hogwarts Deputy Headmaster's Office."
With a green flame, Levi's figure disappeared.
Hogwarts Deputy Headmaster's Office.
When Li Wei arrived, Professor McGonagall was already chatting with her two assistants.
Known for her sternness, she maintained her usual expressionless face. If it weren't for her very gentle voice, an uninformed person might have thought she was somewhat displeased.
Unlike Camille's indifference, Jowell thought exactly that—but thankfully, with the arrival of their teacher, the corners of this seemingly stern old woman's mouth slightly turned up.
Just a tiny curve made her appear instantly kinder.
"Your sense of time is as impeccable as ever, Levi."
This student had been like that since his school days—never showing up early, never late, always just right, mature beyond his years.
"Professor McGonagall, it's been a long time."
Levi emerged from the fireplace and greeted him softly.
Two assistants stood silently behind him.
Professor McGonagall quickly glanced at Levi and nodded.
In fact, this was the first time she had met Levi in person after so many years of correspondence.
It had to be said that Levi was much younger than she had imagined, almost indistinguishable from his two young assistants, only his demeanor had become more profound—even though Snape, who was the same age as him, already looked like a middle-aged man.
Professor McGonagall was quite surprised when she first received a letter from Levi—this student from Slytherin who had been extremely low-key during his time at the school.
In the letter, Levi, with his usual official and polite language, courteously inquired about some magical problems he had encountered.
All were thought-provoking topics, which piqued Professor McGonagall's interest.
Although Professor McGonagall wasn't particularly fond of Slytherin students, she wouldn't reject Levi simply because he was from Slytherin.
However, her tone of voice was naturally not overly enthusiastic.
After a few exchanges, they completely abandoned the polite small talk and focused solely on the issues themselves.
This mode of communication became firmly established between them.
During this time, Professor McGonagall suggested that Levi share some of his findings in *Transfiguration Today*, but Levi declined, citing a desire to avoid the limelight. After that, their interactions became even more businesslike.
The feeling of meeting in person now was somewhat strange, even more subtle than meeting an online friend for the first time.
Like familiar strangers, yet not in the complicated relationship of lovers.
"Sit down,"
Professor McGonagall said, pursing her lips, unsure how to respond, and simply went straight into work mode.
She waved her wand, and the cabinet opened automatically, from which winged documents flew out and were neatly stacked in front of Levi.
"These are the files for all the students in each year."
"Your office is underground, next to Professor Snape's—"
"Professor, excuse me for interrupting."
"I'm not very comfortable underground, you know—I spent seven years there, and I'm afraid I might catch rheumatism if I stay any longer."
"So you mean…?"
Professor McGonagall didn't believe Levi would get rheumatism, but she was open to different perspectives.
"I remember there's an abandoned classroom on the first floor; I wonder if I could use it as my office?"
"You can, but it hasn't been cleaned yet."
"No problem, I have a house-elf to help me—by the way, I haven't introduced them to you yet."
Levi opened his suitcase, and after channeling magic into the silver snakeskin clasp, the house-elf Barton leaped out.
"Excellent Unseen Stretch Charm,"
Professor McGonagall remarked calmly.
Levi nodded his thanks and continued,
"This is my house-elf, his name is Barton.
Barton, this is Professor McGonagall, my former Transfiguration teacher."
"Hello, elegant lady,"
Barton, dressed in a miniature blue suit, bowed respectfully to Professor McGonagall as soon as he emerged.
"Hello, Barton,"
Professor McGonagall nodded, realizing this house-elf was different from those she usually saw—this house-elf wasn't restricted in his freedom.
Of course, given Levi's character, how could he possibly treat a house-elf like a slave?
This small detail alone added another point to Professor McGonagall's opinion of Levi.
"He can stay here and work with the house-elves in the kitchen—I'm not sure if he'll adapt."
"If he doesn't, I'll find him another place."
"Hmm—that's fine then. I'll inform the house-elves in the kitchen as soon as possible."
Professor McGonagall nodded, moving on to the next item on the agenda.
"Given your research direction, I must inform you in advance—you can teach students how to identify, resist, and break dark magic, but you are strictly prohibited from teaching any offensive dark magic spells."
Seeing Levi nod, she handed him two more parchments.
"This is your timetable. You will be responsible for teaching all seven grades. The classrooms will remain in the same places."
Levi continued to nod, taking the timetable and the castle map, glancing at them subconsciously, then his expression changed!
Levi suddenly realized that he had inadvertently overlooked a crucial issue.
The parchment representing the timetable before him, whether morning or afternoon, Monday or Friday, was invariably filled with courses!
"Besides your regular teaching duties, you'll also be responsible for lesson preparation, grading assignments, and occasional supervision of solitary confinement."
Professor McGonagall's voice was still ringing, but Levi was starting to feel uneasy.
So many class hours meant he could only dedicate his time to studying magic on weekends.
He'd thought coming here was like finding a secluded paradise, but how had he suddenly become a complete slave?
Nearly 30 class hours a week, a heavy workload with almost no time to breathe.
This...this was the biggest curse of Hogwarts, wasn't it?
'Tsk, I was careless!'
Levi's brow furrowed slightly.
"Professor Levi, I must be frank,"
Professor McGonagall said, oblivious to Levi's change in mood, her expression serious yet sincere.
"The position of Defense Against the Dark Arts has exhibited an unusual 'fluidity' over the past few years.
The school and its students need a stable, reliable professor.
We sincerely hope you can be the one to end this unstable cycle."
"If you encounter any difficulties in your teaching, or need any assistance—whether it's managing a classroom or dealing with some troublemakers—my office door is always open for you."
"Hogwarts is a century-old prestigious school, and we cherish every student here.
I believe that with your excellence, you can teach them something truly valuable."
Having said this, Professor McGonagall stood up, her expression softening slightly, a warm smile appearing in her eyes.
"Welcome again, Levi. I hope you find your place here."
(End of Chapter)