Albert's proposal might have sounded like a joke, but as a former member of the Transfiguration Club, Cedric's accomplishments in Transfiguration were by no means lacking. If they truly could not find a suitable candidate, Headmistress McGonagall would not mind inviting Cedric to become the Transfiguration Professor—though she did not know whether he would be willing to work at Hogwarts.
As for Harry Potter, Headmistress McGonagall was also willing to believe that he had considerable skill in Defence Against the Dark Arts. When Dumbledore's Army had been founded, Harry had even taught the other students, so he had some teaching experience.
However, with Albert right there as an obvious candidate, if they could persuade him to remain at Hogwarts as a long-term professor, they could solve more than half of Hogwarts's messes in one go. They would even have a future candidate to succeed her as headmaster.
Kingsley had actually entertained thoughts similar to Headmistress McGonagall's. Unfortunately, despite trying many methods, he had failed to persuade Albert to join the Ministry of Magic.
That was what left Professor McGonagall feeling rather helpless. Even using the position of Hogwarts headmaster as bait seemed to hold no appeal whatsoever for Albert.
Albert's ambitions lay elsewhere. No matter how much she tried to force the matter, it would be useless. Even if she managed to keep him by force, Hogwarts would merely gain a professor in name.
Since Albert was unwilling, she ought to seriously consider the suggestion he had offered.
The two walked around the outer walls of the school. After confirming that there were no security risks, they returned directly to the castle to rest and prepare for the upcoming welcome feast for the new students.
"Did you say something to Professor McGonagall?"
Not long after being told where he would