The man behind Hogwarts

next day, afternoon

William had just walked out of the castle after finishing a potions lesson, and several young wizards were chatting around Hagrid.

Hagrid stood in the corridor of the castle. All the young wizards passing by raised their heads and looked at him. The more mature wizards could only marvel in their hearts, while the childish wizards had already opened their mouths.

"I didn't realize he was so tall when school started..."

"I heard that he has giant blood..."

"Hagrid, good morning, where are you going?"

"I'll wait for someone."

Most of the little wizards have no interaction with Hagrid. Those who can talk to them are all old-fashioned characters at Hogwarts, and a very few are naughty ones who were snatched out of the Forbidden Forest by Hagrid.

Seeing several students coming out with William in their arms, Hagrid quickly ended his chat with the little wizard and took a few steps forward, "William."

Hagrid winked, and William saw that he had something to talk to him privately, so he let his friends go first and took Hagrid to the courtyard, where the two sat down on a stone bench.

"Ronan came to me just now and said he had something important to tell you..."

Hagrid had just completed a patrol around the perimeter of the Forbidden Forest this afternoon. When he returned to the cabin, he saw Ronan the Centaur guarding the door, accompanied by Dave, another centaur. At that time, Hagrid was very puzzled. If it was okay for Ronan to find him, then something was wrong with Dave. His attitude towards him was very bad.

Ronan didn't say anything specific, but asked Hagrid to help bring a message to William, asking him to meet in the Forbidden Forest today. Thinking that it was already afternoon, Hagrid immediately came to the castle to find him.

"William, what happened?"

"I met Dave in the Forbidden Forest last night and had a fight with him." William explained briefly.

"What?!" Hagrid exclaimed, then covered his mouth and looked around. Seeing that no one was paying attention, he lowered his voice and said, "Why didn't you call me together? It's so dangerous inside."

He didn't ask William why he broke into the Forbidden Forest, but why he didn't take him with him. This shows that William brought him with him and had a subtle influence on him.

"It was too late. The lights in your room were all out. Besides, I wouldn't be in danger."

The two of them headed to the Forbidden Forest side by side.

On the way,

Hagrid explained Dave's situation.

The centaurs originally had a good relationship with Hagrid, but since the Acromantula incident, cracks have appeared between them. William knew this, having learned a little bit about it when he was looking for the Red Giant Bee.

When talking about Dave, Hagrid had a bitter expression on his face, and his loud voice involuntarily became lower.

"Dave is a marksman in the centaurs tribe. He can wear armor in battle. I had a good relationship with him many years ago, but because of Aragog's incident, the relationship deteriorated. He asked me to restrict the Octopus. The spider group expanded, but I couldn't do it, so we haven't spoken for a long time..."

Perhaps it's a different kind of love-to-hate relationship, where a pair of friends who have the best relationship become incompatible with each other.

"William, it's not that I don't want to restrict the Acromantulas, but I can't restrict them at all. Reproduction is the instinct of their tribe, even more than life and death, and Aragog can't make the decision."

"Yes, I understand." William expressed understanding.

In previous contacts, Aragog's intelligence was no worse than that of humans. The reason why Acromantulas have such a bad reputation in the magical world must be related to their uncontrollable instinct.

In the chat room,

The two of them had already arrived at the cabin.

Yaya was lying at the door,

When I saw them coming back, I immediately rushed up and waggled my tail.

"Go and talk to them. I'll...wait for you here." Hagrid looked at Dave from a distance and sighed.

Entering the Forbidden Forest, the sky turned gloomy for several seconds, and two centaurs walked out from behind the big tree.

Ronan, who has a red horse body, and Dave, who has a black horse body, stand together like an army. One person forms an army and one person rushes into battle. The horsemen gave William this visual experience.

Ronan was the first to speak, "I already know the whole story. William, I have to say sorry to you. I didn't expect this situation to happen. I gave you the arrow with good intentions, but I almost put you in danger."

Dave also apologized again and expressed his gratitude to William for his merciful behavior.

It can be seen that horse people are not good at apologizing.

Although Ronan was apologizing and Dave was thanking him, the tone of their speech was not as humble as ordinary people's apology. Instead, their tone was stiff and high-spirited.

What else could William say, of course it didn't matter.

The three of you say something to me,

The exchange atmosphere quickly became intense.

After learning about William's purpose last night, Ronan immediately agreed and was willing to teach him stargazing and divination. Dave wanted to join him, but Ronan pushed back, saying that he was not good at this.

In order to facilitate the meeting, the two agreed on a time, place and contact information. Dave thought to himself that he was really not good at divination, but he was good at archery. Unfortunately, William didn't want to learn and just accepted one of his arrow tokens.

Unknowingly, William's storage room had already collected two tokens.

You can walk sideways in the centaurs tribe from now on...

I was joking secretly in my heart,

William sent away the two centaurs. They could not learn divination today, and there would be astronomy taught by Professor Sinistra in the evening.

"What did they say?" Hagrid came up and asked curiously.

"They came to apologize. They also said that I gained the friendship of their centaur clan and that I can ask them for help if I encounter problems in the future."

"Ugh……"

Hagrid sighed in disgust. He had it before, but it was a pity that he destroyed it.

"William, Aragog also said he was looking for you before. Have you seen him?" Hagrid asked.

"I have seen."

Not only had I seen it, but I also took away a pint of Acromantula venom. Unfortunately, the venom worth a hundred galleons was handed over to Laura before it was warmed in her hands.

Laura now lives in a suburban manor in Plymouth, and she has cast Muggle expulsion spells all around her. Xiao once wanted to visit but couldn't find the entrance. He was frightened at that time. He was looking for this house personally, so how could he suddenly Gone.

Think of the mysterious school where William studied,

Think again about Laura’s mysterious style,

Xiao had a bold guess, so he summoned his cronies and asked them to collect information.

Maybe one day he will actually discover the magic world. The existence of wizards is very secret in the ordinary world, but it is not unknown to anyone.

There have been massive leaks of secrets from the wizarding world in the United States, and the origin of the matter came from Laura's alma mater, Ilvermorny.

Things are shitty.

A girl in Ilvermorny fell in love with an ordinary person. For the sake of love, the girl revealed that she was a witch. Not only that, she also explained in detail what the magic world was, what a wizard was, and what a witch was. Ilvermorny, and how to enter Ilvermorny...

No information dealer is as good as her.

The girl ignored the magic world's confidentiality requirements for love, but what she got was not beauty, but disaster.

...The man she likes is the Purifier.

The "Purcers" organization has been around for a long time. It can't even be said to be an organization because it is very scattered and has no headquarters or organizational structure. To be more specific, the Purifiers are a group of people who come together because of their ideas. , named after the purifier.

In ancient times, witches were purged, and in the Middle Ages, witches were burned...there were purifiers behind these.

Because of this incident, huge changes occurred at the Magical Congress of the United States of America, causing turmoil in the entire magical world. Then the most stringent laws were promulgated, prohibiting any interaction between wizards and ordinary people. But it has now been abolished.

Laura seems to be a homebody;

She has rarely moved around the wizarding world since returning to England.

Now settled in Plymouth, she only has contact with William, Fulan and a few others.

……

Hogwarts, infirmary

Principal Dumbledore, who had a white beard and white hair, entered a ward under the leadership of Madam Pomfrey.

The ward was a single room, with a lone hospital bed inside. There was a curtain beside the bed to block the view. The door was lightly knocked, and a clear voice came from inside.

"Professor Quirrell, the principal is here to see you."

"Principal?!" Quirrell lifted the curtain, said hello in surprise, struggled to sit up, "Mr. Principal, you are very busy at work, don't come to my place, everything is fine with me."

Dumbledore asked Pomfrey to go about his business. He smiled and sat down in front of the hospital bed, first offering a few words of condolences.

He had already been here a few days ago when Quirrell was injured. The main purpose of coming again this time was naturally not to offer condolences. After a brief chat, Dumbledore expressed his feelings after the scene became warm.

"Mrs. Pomfrey told me about your condition. You still have about a month to fully recover... Professor Quirrell, I would like to ask, do you have any ideas about the next teaching arrangements?"

"Thoughts...can I still take Defense Against the Dark Arts?"

"You still want to teach this course?" Dumbledore looked at him in surprise and asked, "Maybe you were injured this time because of the reason for teaching this course. Do you still want to continue?"

Quirrell waved his hands indifferently and said: "I don't think the so-called curse exists. No one expected that a red giant bee would appear in the Forbidden Forest. In addition, this happened because of my carelessness. The curse cannot be blamed at all. Principal, I still want to teach Defense Against the Dark Arts."

He spoke firmly, and Dumbledore was silent for a moment.

There are actually such honest people in the school.

As the principal, he somewhat believed in curses, but he didn't care.

In the end, it is the skilled person who is bold or the ignorant person who is fearless.

Dumbledore looked up at his expression and saw that he didn't seem to be lying. It seemed that Quirrell really liked Defense Against the Dark Arts, just like Snape, who was so obsessed with this course...

What Dumbledore didn't know was that the fundamental reason why Quirrell was like this was because of himself.

"It's a pity that Quirrell didn't see Professor Sinistra's expression back then..." Professor Sinistra avoided this course like a snake or a scorpion.

"I received a letter from Professor Crohn. He said that he will come back in the near future and will finish teaching the Defense Against the Dark Arts class this year, and then he will not teach it next year."

Crohn doesn't teach anymore?

Quirrell was overwhelmed by the sudden surprise.

"I teach, I teach! Mr. Principal, I am willing to take over."

"But you're still teaching Muggle Studies."

"This……"

There is currently a serious shortage of teachers at Hogwarts. Defense Against the Dark Arts is taught by people hired by Dumbledore, while Muggle Studies is taught by Dumbledore himself.

Lao Deng's education level is nothing to say, and all the young wizards who have taken Muggle Studies applaud him.

But everyone knows,

The principal cannot teach for a long time. The principal's affairs are many and complicated, such as communicating with the school board, communicating with the Ministry of Magic, communicating with parents, paying attention to the employment situation of students, etc...

According to gossip, the principal often stays up late into the night during this time.

In the ward,

The two of them fell into deep thought at the same time.

Dumbledore secretly thought that it was a pity that his first choice was Lupin. After Lupine received his news, he went to Knockturn Alley as soon as possible and successfully bought a sun bracelet at the Full Moon Store. For this, he spent all his savings, and Dumbledore suggested coming to Hogwart. Tzu teaches classes.

For various reasons, Lupine refused.

The second choice was Gilderoy Lockhart.

If Lupin was invited to help him, Lockhart was invited to punish him. Something happened that made Dumbledore even more depressed. Lockhart knew that he was shallow and politely but firmly refused his request.

"Headmaster, I have an idea." Quirrell said softly, "Professor Crohn doesn't want to teach Defense Against the Dark Arts. How about asking him to teach Muggle Studies? I'll swap with him."

"Well...this is also a way."

Seeing that Quirrell was very eager to teach him defense against the dark arts, Dumbledore decided to give him a chance and study the curse again. He would keep an eye on Quirrell in the next year to see how the curse would harm him.

……

A month passed in the blink of an eye,

The little wizards at Hogwarts are getting busier and busier, and before they know it, it’s already March, and in a little while, this year’s studies will be over.

Within this month, some big things happened in the school.

Professor Colin Crohn is back, rushing back to the school before the end of the three-month vacation to take over the Defense Against the Dark Arts class again. Fran is the happiest about this. He is looking forward to the stars and the moon to wait for him to come back so that he can ask Dark Arts for advice. Magic defense.

Correspondingly, Professor Quirrell returned and was still studying Muggle Studies.

The principal's office has received many letters recently, all from wizards in society. Their letters have only one purpose, to apply for teachers.

Although Crohn agreed with Chilo's opinion to conduct a course swap the next year. But Dumbledore also realized that the school's teaching staff was tight, so he spread the word to the outside world that Hogwarts was interested in recruiting teachers.

As soon as the news came out, the magic world was in an uproar.

If there is an iron rice bowl in the wizarding world, then it must be the Ministry of Magic and magic schools.

It should be noted that Voldemort wanted to teach at Hogwarts again and again, and its appeal is evident.

The letters applying for jobs are pouring in.

Minister of Magic Fudge also sent his men to Hogwarts, and the person who came was named Dolores Umbridge.

Professor McGonagall picked her up at the main entrance of the school. The first time he saw her, McGonagall subconsciously felt a little unhappy. McGonagall went to the Ministry of Magic for several meetings on behalf of Dumbledore, and Umbridge did not leave a good impression on her.

Umbridge is the Senior Under-Minister of Magic.

She just doesn't seem to be easy to get along with. Wearing a fluffy pink cardigan, a black velvet bow on the top of her head, and heavy bags under her eyes. I don't know whether it's because she applied a lot of powder or because she was born like this, but her big face is very pale and bloodless.

"Ms. Umbridge, welcome to Hogwarts, the Headmaster is waiting for you."

Enter the school through the gate,

Pass through the castle complex and pass through the corridors along the way,

Passed by many classrooms.

The little wizards looked at this strange visitor and talked curiously.

Umbridge had a disgusting smile on her face and stopped to talk to the young wizard from time to time, just like the leader of the inspection, which made McGonagall even more disgusted.

"Professor McGonagall, the students are so lively."

"I wonder who the current Head of Slytherin is?"

McGonagall said: "It's Professor Snape, who also serves as the Potions teacher."

"It turns out to be Mr. Snape, the master of potions. It's amazing. Although I have been busy with the Ministry of Magic, I have also heard of his name. His potions are a golden name in the wizarding world. I can meet him. ?"

"Want to buy a magic potion?"

"Uh..." Umbridge choked on her words and turned to look at McGonagall. Seeing that her face was serious and she was only talking about business. For some reason, Umbridge always felt that McGonagall was mocking her.

"Of course not. If I need potions, I can buy them from Mr. Slughorn. He will definitely not refuse me." Umbridge then said:

"I just want to meet the Dean of Slytherin. After all, I was once a Slytherin. I miss everything here."

Ha ha,

Mag smiled secretly and did not answer her words.

Umbridge also studied at Hogwarts and was a student of Slytherin, including Slughorn in her mouth, who had similar abilities and resume to Snape.

He is also a student of Slytherin, he also served as the dean of Slytherin, and he is also a master of potions.

They even have the same quote - increase reputation, brew glory, and even prevent death.

Principal's office,

gargoyle,

There was no need to say the secret word, because the office door was open, and Mag and the others knocked on the door and entered.

"Oh, Principal Dumbledore, nice to meet you." Umbridge immediately greeted with a smile, "Minister Fudge has something to do today, so he sent me here with his regards."

She is worthy of being an official of the Ministry of Magic, and she has a perfect grasp of the officialdom culture.

"Please sit down."

Dumbledore maintained his usual kind face, "Fudge has become the Minister of Magic now, so it's normal to be busy... Ms. Umbridge, what's your purpose of coming today?"

Ado,

Go directly to the topic.

Umbridge said seriously: "I heard that Hogwarts is recruiting teachers, and they are related to Defense Against the Dark Arts and Muggle Studies. Is it true?"

"Is there such a thing?" Dumbledore pretended to be confused and looked at Professor McGonagall, who also pretended to be confused.

"Our school has enough teachers and there are no recruitment plans at the moment."

"Really?" Umbridge pursed her lips and watched the double act between the two. "What Minister Fudge means is that if Hogwarts really needs to recruit teachers, our Ministry of Magic is willing to help. After all, the best talents are there. The Ministry of Magic, isn’t it?”

"What exactly does it mean?"

"We can assign an official to be a teacher, such as me. I am a student who came out of Slytherin. I would love to return to Hogwarts to teach. This is my dream."

"What class do you want to teach?"

"Defense Against the Dark Arts!" Umbridge said the name of the course without hesitation.

It’s Defense Against the Dark Arts again,

What is the attraction of this course?

First it was Snape, then Quirrell, then this Umbridge...how many more followed?

This question puzzled Dumbledore deeply.

"I'm sorry that your trip was in vain. Hogwarts has no plans to recruit teachers. We currently have sufficient teachers."

"Pity."

Umbridge sighed and turned to another matter: "Principal Dumbledore, I heard that there is a student in Ravenclaw named William Sides. Can I meet him?"

"No problem." Dumbledore nodded in agreement, and Professor McGonagall went out to call for someone...

Go down to the second floor,

Turn around and enter a corridor,

Professor McGonagall knows the class schedules for all grades and all houses. At this time, first-year Ravenclaw is... the History of Magic class.

"Professor Binns, let me interrupt. The principal wants to see Mr. Sides for something."

"Um...no problem."

Professor Binns was the ghost professor. Hearing McGonagall's words, he didn't react for a moment, but he nodded in agreement.

There were students from Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff sitting in the classroom, and everyone turned their attention to William.

Evelin whispered: "What's wrong, William."

"I don't know, don't worry, it's fine." He took the book and followed Mag.

Professor McGonagall slowed down as she approached the Headmaster's office.

"William, if you encounter any problems later, don't rush to agree. Just leave it all to Dumbledore."

"Okay, thank you, Professor McGonagall."

……

In the principal's office, Dumbledore and Umbridge were chatting. You said something and I said something. The principals on the wall also interrupted from time to time.

When Umbridge was studying, Dumbledore's group was not there yet, but there was another headmaster on the wall.

Not long after, Mag and William arrived.

"Hello Headmaster. This is Ms. Umbridge, hello."

"William?" Umbridge stood up and looked at William, with a kindergarten teacher-like smile on her face. She looked at him from beginning to end and was even more satisfied after seeing his stern face and calm attitude.

"Now you can tell me why you are here." Professor McGonagall said coldly.

Umbridge didn't take it seriously and said with a smile: "A good thing, a huge good thing."

"William, do you still remember the article about the Sun Bracelet that was published a month ago? The one published in Wizard Weekly."

"Of course, I still have the original books and periodicals."

"After inspection by officials from the Ministry of Magic, the function of the sun bracelet is consistent with the description in your article. Minister Fudge is very happy to have an outstanding little wizard like you. He asked me to praise you!"

"Huh? Praise?" William's face darkened slightly. He was a little wizard, but not a primary school student. He reluctantly said: "Thank you, I will continue to work hard."

"very good!"

Umbridge suddenly said sharply: "I want to know one thing. Did you invent the sun bracelet entirely by yourself, or did someone cooperate with you, or did someone invent this thing and leave it to you to publish... William, I hope Can you tell the truth!"

As soon as these words came out, the atmosphere froze slightly.

Dumbledore frowned.

Professor McGonagall tightened her cheeks,

...William smiled faintly.

He said calmly: "Of course I invented it by myself. Is there any controversy about this?"

"Or do you think the little wizard is not worthy of inventing such a thing..."