Professor of Defense Against the Dark Arts

Inside the abandoned factory, the surging magic gradually subsided, leaving only scattered debris and a faint ozone smell in the air.

Lin Du and Dumbledore stood several meters apart, their wands lowered, a brief and intense exchange just concluded.

Lin Du exhaled a light breath and broke the silence first: "Professor Dumbledore, you didn't seem to go all out just now. It appears your purpose here isn't simply to 'arrest' me?"

Dumbledore's smile was noncommittal, inscrutable on his lined face.

He waved the Elder Wand, and two relatively intact chairs and a small table flew over from the wreckage.

"Standing and talking isn't proper hospitality, Mr. Lin. Perhaps we could sit down and have something? Pumpkin juice? Or a glass of mead?"

At "pumpkin juice," Lin Du's mouth twitched.

"No need, Professor." He refused bluntly, while taking an antique tea canister and a simple tea set from his magical pouch. "I respectfully decline English food culture—sweet enough to kill, sour too harsh."

With practiced skill, he began brewing tea, the elegant Eastern fragrance quickly dispelling the surrounding smell of gunpowder.

Dumbledore watched his movements with interest, blinking his blue eyes at the remark. "Oh? I've always found Hogwarts' meals quite delicious."

Lin Du pushed a cup of freshly brewed tea toward Dumbledore, then looked up and added coldly: "That's assuming it's made by house-elves, not any British chef."

Dumbledore let out a light laugh, seemingly amused by the sharp comment.

He picked up the cup Lin Du had pushed over, gently sniffed the tea's aroma, and took a sip. "A very unique flavor. Thank you."

He set down the cup, his gaze deep as he looked at Lin Du. "Your magic is very unique, Mr. Lin. Neither purely Western nor any Eastern school I recognize."

"A bit of inspiration from home, combined with an understanding of magic's essence." Lin Du brushed it off, unwilling to delve into his own secrets. He was more concerned about Dumbledore's intentions.

"Professor, you came in person—surely not just to verify my magical approach?"

"Of course not." Dumbledore leaned forward slightly, his expression turning serious.

"Let's talk about the core of your research—Dark Magic, specifically, your understanding of the Unforgivable Curses."

Lin Du met his gaze, a faint, barely perceptible curve at the corner of his mouth as he countered: "Professor, do you want the Ministry of Magic's standard answer, or my personal, research-based opinion?"

"On an occasion like this," Dumbledore said with a gentle smile, tapping the table lightly with his fingertip, "I think we're both not very interested in official rhetoric."

"Good." Lin Du also leaned forward slightly, forming a confrontational yet communicative posture. "Then, take the Killing Curse as an example. Do you know that this curse, now a symbol of death, was originally invented to save lives from disease?"

Dumbledore's eyes behind his half-moon spectacles flickered. He didn't answer but made a "please continue" gesture, signaling Lin Du to go on.

"Ancient Aramaic texts record that its original meaning was 'let that thing be destroyed,' and 'that thing' originally referred to illness."

Lin Du's tone was low. "A third-century Roman physician used it to write disease-banishing charms. More thought-provoking is that if its original essence was 'release' and 'separation,' then does it mean that, in theory, reversing its final form is possible? After all, any magic should follow some internal logic and balance."

Dumbledore tapped the edge of the teacup with his finger. "That's a rather dangerous inference, Mr. Lin."

His voice carried a clear note of warning. "Pursuing such possibilities is often more dangerous than mastering the curse itself."

"But understanding how it was twisted is the first step to finding a way to counter it." Lin Du met his gaze without fear. "I'm not seeking to kill, but exploring the possibility of protection."

"A very interesting perspective." Dumbledore seemed thoughtful. "And what about the Cruciatus Curse? Its origins don't seem to have that 'goodwill.'"

"Completely different." Lin Du immediately responded, as if expecting the question.

"Its Latin root directly points to 'cross,' tied to torture and interrogation since its birth. It requires the caster to truly 'enjoy' inflicting pain—this curse, from its first syllable, is etched with malice."

"And the Imperius Curse," Dumbledore seemed to naturally pick up the thread, "comes from 'rule,' born for control."

"Exactly." Lin Du nodded, his gaze sharp.

"So, studying them isn't about fearing their power, but understanding why they became what they are today. Avada's fall reveals how magic is twisted by desire; Crucio's stability proves that certain malice has existed since ancient times, deeply rooted. These three curses are like three mirrors of Dark Magic's history."

Dumbledore listened quietly, his face showing neither approval nor disapproval.

He didn't press for specific theoretical details, as if just confirming Lin Du's line of thought.

A long silence flowed between them, only the tea's fragrance lingering.

Finally, Dumbledore gently set down the teacup, producing a crisp clink.

He looked up, his face showing an expression completely different from the serious discussion—somewhat humorous and formal.

"Mr. Lin, after our exchange just now," he said with a smile, "I believe your understanding of Dark Magic, though dangerous, has indeed reached a rather profound level. More importantly, I see your inner boundaries and that pure pursuit of magical truth, not a thirst for power."

He paused, as if announcing an important decision.

"Therefore, on behalf of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, I formally extend an invitation to you."

Lin Du was stunned, not reacting for a moment.

Dumbledore continued: "We hope to invite you to serve as the Defense Against the Dark Arts professor for the coming school year."

"What?" Lin Du almost thought he misheard.

One minute discussing whether the Killing Curse could be countered, the next receiving a job offer from Hogwarts? The shift was too abrupt.

"As you can see, this position... has had rather notable turnover."

Dumbledore gave a slightly helpless smile. "You know, we're always looking for suitable candidates."

"We believe a professor who truly understands the essence of Dark Magic and can teach students how to defend against it at its root is exactly what we need now. You can continue your magical research within Hogwarts' framework, under certain supervision—though the Unforgivable Curses are absolute off-limits. At the same time, pass on your knowledge and insights to a new generation of witches and wizards."

He looked at Lin Du's incredulous expression and added with a smile: "So, Mr. Lin? Would you be willing to accept this invitation, return to the place where you once briefly studied, and continue your... exploration in a different way?"