Dumbledore's Invitation

After returning to Number 13, Privet Drive, Lucifer immediately spoke, "Mu En, quickly set up those shielding spells you had before. We're about to cross into Germany."

Mu En stretched and flopped onto the sofa. "Alright, just let me rest for a bit."

Germany was also a major magical power, and border control was quite strict. Furthermore, Lucifer's concealment spells were weakened by several levels during operations.

Therefore, every time this happened, Mu En had to go outside the castle to reinforce some powerful concealment spells.

The reason those goblins had broken in last Christmas was due to the gradual failure of the formations Mu En had set up during the holiday.

After resting for quite some time, Mu En twisted the passageway door and entered the mountain forest outside to begin setting up the formations.

Harry, meanwhile, continued with his daily studies.

The next morning, in the washroom, Mu En had just finished bathing, wearing a robe, and was trying out the newly purchased Slick Hair Potion in front of the mirror.

Maine Coons all had large ruffs, like little lions, long and thick. Taking care of them had become a major undertaking lately.

However...

"It really works well!" Mu En exclaimed, grooming his ruff.

But his grooming was soon interrupted!

"Mu En, someone's here to see you!" Lucifer said, emerging from the washroom's fireplace flue.

"Who?!"

"An old man with a white beard. He looks a bit more normal than that giant from yesterday..." Lucifer said.

Mu En frowned and went downstairs to open the door.

As expected, Dumbledore was standing outside!

Mu En, with residual bubbles on his face, looked displeased. "What do you want?!"

Dumbledore looked at Mu En's appearance and opened his mouth, clearly somewhat astonished.

Although he had known Mu En had disguise spells on his face since their first meeting, this was the first time he had seen Mu En in this state.

"What's with that look? Is my fur more exaggerated than your beard that drags to your waist?" Mu En asked irritably.

"No, it's nothing. I just didn't expect your appearance to be like this," Dumbledore said with a gentle smile.

"So, what do you want?" Mu En looked at him unhappily. "Are you here to test me again?"

Dumbledore shook his head and said calmly, "No, I just wanted to talk. Also, I must say, I truly didn't anticipate this yesterday."

A slight curve formed on Mu En's lips. "Guys like you, who aren't pure-hearted and only think about self-interest, how could you possibly predict my thoughts using your methods?!"

With that, Mu En turned around. "Come in. If outsiders see this, they'll think I'm bullying an old man."

Dumbledore walked into the house and looked around. It was a simple, clean room, not at all messy, completely unlike a wizard's dwelling.

At the same time, he could feel the magic permeating the surroundings of the house at all times.

No wonder the Book of Admittance couldn't pinpoint Harry's exact location.

After sitting down, Dumbledore spoke first, "Your face is?!"

"An Animagus mishap," Mu En said, leaning back on the sofa. Lucifer had disappeared somewhere; clearly, he had been quite startled by Hagrid's performance yesterday.

He was now reluctant to appear before unfamiliar wizards, lest he encounter another "pervert."

"So, what's your purpose for coming here?" Mu En glanced at him.

"Oh, yes, back to the main topic. After Hagrid returned to Hogwarts yesterday, he spoke very highly of you, so I was wondering if you would mind going to Hogwarts?"

Mu En stroked his chin. "I admit that although I look young, I'm indeed past the age for attending school."

"Uh... no, I was wondering if you've considered working at Hogwarts," Dumbledore said. "Coincidentally, there's a vacant position at Hogwarts.

It's in the library, the best in all of Europe, with a thousand years of collection – the Hogwarts School Library!"

Upon hearing Dumbledore's words, Mu En's face broke into a smile, and he sat up a bit straighter.

"A vacant position? I can browse freely?!"

Dumbledore nodded. He understood that this had piqued the interest of the person before him.

For wizards who had reached their level, there weren't many things that were appealing.

Coincidentally, precious knowledge was one of them.

"Go!" Lucifer's voice also echoed in Mu En's mind.

"Living here is truly quite lonely and boring," Lucifer said. "Go to a place with many excellent wizards, make some friends, and perhaps it will be more effective against your curse.

You've slowed down considerably now, but Mu En, humans are social animals. You've really shut yourself away in the castle.

I think that's a mistake."

Mu En pondered for a moment. Since even Lucifer said so...

"Alright then, I accept this job," Mu En said, nodding.

Dumbledore drew a parchment scroll from his sleeve and slowly unrolled it. Above the parchment was a unique, fiery red feather imprint.

"This is the contract," Dumbledore said, pushing the scroll toward Mu En.

Mu En took it and examined it closely, immediately sensing the surging magic within.

Clearly, this contract held extraordinary power. However, its terms were quite lenient.

The tenure was for one year, and if unforeseen circumstances arose, the position could be resigned early. Hogwarts would also provide a series of employee benefits, including accommodation and meals.

As for salary, Mu En glanced at it and then dismissed it.

After reviewing everything, he didn't hesitate further and signed his name.

The next moment, he felt a thread connected to him, pointing to a distant location.

His spirit extended along this thread and, in a haze, he saw a colossal castle standing amidst the grassy meadows of the Scottish highlands.

"After signing the contract, you have gained admission permission to Hogwarts. You also now know Hogwarts' address. The owls you send and receive will automatically be granted permission to enter Hogwarts," Dumbledore explained, then rolled up the contract.

"On behalf of Hogwarts, I welcome you," Dumbledore said with a smile. "When would you like to go to Hogwarts? If you want to travel with Harry on the Hogwarts Express, you can do that too!"

"I'll think about it," Mu En replied, shaking his head.

"Alright, then I shall take my leave. Oh, and please send my regards to Harry," Dumbledore said as he stood up.

As he reached the door, he turned back again.

"Oh, right. I'll ask a friend at the Ministry of Magic to help clear up some of your minor mistakes from a year ago."

With that, he opened the door and stepped out, then vanished with a Disapparation...

Lucifer suddenly emerged from the fireplace. "That guy... he's so strong."

"Indeed," Mu En agreed with a nod of approval. "And very experienced."

Dumbledore must have known Mu En was the wizard who caused significant destruction in Knockturn Alley a year ago when they first met.

After all, when he clashed with Dumbledore, he had taken out that unique and conspicuous wand.

However, Dumbledore had no intention of bringing it up at first.

Because doing so would likely create unnecessary animosity.

So, he waited until the contract was signed before finally saying those words...

"When do you plan to go to that Hogwarts school?" Lucifer asked.

"I'm not sure, but I'll definitely go ahead of time. That castle possesses very strong magic. To 'open' there, I must go and see it first."

Mu En let out a long sigh, murmuring, "Finally, something important to do..."