Hogwarts' Nightmare

Hearing Dumbledore's invitation, Lin Du maintained a calm facade, but waves surged within his heart—

An invitation from Hogwarts? This truly caught him by surprise.

Legend had it that Voldemort had once desperately wanted the position of Professor of Defense Against the Dark Arts, only to be firmly rejected by Dumbledore.

So he had cursed every wizard who took up the post of Professor of Defense Against the Dark Arts at Hogwarts without exception.

Since then, no professor had ever safely taught into a second year.

The curse was certainly daunting, but another piece of news concerned Lin Du even more—

The legendary "Boy Who Lived," Harry Potter, was currently studying at Hogwarts.

A baby who had survived that fatal attack had now grown into a teenager. That alone meant all manner of trouble was bound to surround him.

Lin Du recalled an old Chinese saying: a wise man protected himself.

His circumstances were not particularly difficult at present, but keeping his distance from someone born with such legendary qualities and acting cautiously was the sensible thing to do.

Getting too close to a Child of Destiny often meant endless trouble, which ran completely contrary to his original desire for a peaceful life of research.

"Professor," Lin Du said, raising his eyes with a sharp gaze, "I seem to have heard that Gilderoy Lockhart was your chosen candidate for the next professor? His book, Magical Me, has been selling rather well."

Dumbledore leaned back slightly, revealing a helpless expression. "Indeed. His application letter was just like his books... full of drama."

"So," Lin Du said, leaning forward, "you're telling me that between an Order of Merlin recipient and a wanted Dark Magic researcher like me, you chose me?"

"To be precise, I chose between a 'fraud' and a 'scholar.'"

Dumbledore's blue eyes gleamed sharply. "Lockhart? He cannot even do the things he wrote about in his own books. Having him teach Defense Against the Dark Arts would be like having a Squib teach Transfiguration."

"Even so," Lin Du pressed, "this cursed position... Professor Quirrell has already proved its danger with his life. Are you inviting me because you think I can endure the curse better than Lockhart?"

"Precisely because it is dangerous, it requires someone truly capable." Dumbledore's voice lowered.

"If someone as useless as Lockhart came, he might not even survive until Christmas. But if it were you—with your strength and understanding of the nature of magic, you could not only survive, but perhaps even uncover the secret of this curse."

Their gazes clashed in the air as the scent of tea slowly spread through the silence.

"What we need is a helmsman capable of steering through a storm," Dumbledore finally said, "not an actor who cannot even row a boat. Since genuine talent is available, why should I settle for a second-rate alternative?"

"Then," Lin Du said, setting down his teacup and probing cautiously, "can I refuse?"

The smile on Dumbledore's face remained gentle, but a sharp light flashed through his blue eyes. He lightly picked up the Elder Wand, as though it were a casual gesture, yet the surrounding air instantly grew heavier.

"Of course. Everyone has the freedom to choose, Mr. Lin." His tone was gentle, but it carried the weight of a mountain.

"Choice one: accept Hogwarts' invitation, continue your research within certain boundaries, and use your knowledge to teach the next generation. Choice two..."

He paused, his blazing gaze settling on Lin Du. "I will have no choice but to ask you to return with me to the Ministry of Magic on charges of 'endangering the safety of the wizarding world' and 'repeatedly attacking Aurors.' The Dementors of Azkaban will no doubt be very interested in a wizard with such abundant Magic Power."

Though he had expected it, hearing this almost naked threat in person still made Lin Du's heart sink.

He knew this was not a choice at all. It was an ultimatum.

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A direct conflict with Dumbledore and the entire British Ministry of Magic was by no means wise.

After a moment of deliberation, Lin Du took a deep breath and made his decision.

"It seems I have no choice." He shrugged helplessly. "I accept the appointment, Professor."

The severity on Dumbledore's face instantly melted away, replaced once more by that kindly smile, as though the threat from moments ago had never happened.

Lin Du immediately changed the subject. "However, if I am to take this position, I want complete control over the Defense Against the Dark Arts curriculum. In my opinion, Hogwarts' current teaching methods are far too childish and lax."

The undisguised contempt in his words made Dumbledore's expression stiffen slightly.

"I would like to know—what is your teaching plan once you become professor?"

"First, all four Houses will attend class together." Lin Du went straight to the point. "Two additional practical combat sessions every week."

Dumbledore had just begun to speak when Lin Du raised a hand to stop him. "Every class begins with a ten-minute quiz, with a comprehensive assessment once a month. Students who remain at the bottom of the rankings must attend Weekend Training Camp."

"Training camp?"

"Intensive training personally supervised by me." Lin Du's gaze was sharp. "Physical fitness, rapid-fire spellcasting, hazardous-environment simulations—none of it can be omitted."

Dumbledore frowned deeply. "Hogwarts is not a military camp..."

"Precisely because it is not a military camp, practical combat training is needed even more." Lin Du refused to yield an inch. "When real Dark wizards stand before them, are they supposed to rely on their lively natures to save their lives?"

Their gazes clashed in the air, and the office fell silent.

Dumbledore suddenly tilted his head, mischief glinting in his blue eyes. "Surely you do not intend to teach the students the Unforgivable Curses in class? After all, this is Hogwarts, not Durmstrang."

Lin Du was momentarily choked by the sudden joke, but answered expressionlessly, "Of course not. I have no intention of letting the Ministry of Magic's Auror force storm into my classroom."

"Very good, very good," Dumbledore said cheerfully, pressing his fingertips together.

"After all, I would not want to see a headline in the Daily Prophet reading, 'Hogwarts Professor Teaches Students How to Cast the Cruciatus Curse.'"

He grew serious again, though amusement still lingered at the corners of his eyes. "Back to the matter at hand, I understand your concerns, but this level of intensity..."

"It is necessary." Lin Du's tone was resolute. "I can guarantee that after one year of training, every student will be able to hold out for ten minutes in actual combat without being defeated."

Dumbledore fell into thought—

Tom would soon return, and the practical combat education Lin Du emphasized did indeed seem more urgent amid the faintly emerging shadows of the current situation.

At last, he slowly let out a breath.

"Although your methods differ somewhat from the educational philosophy I uphold..."

He chose his words carefully. "I cannot deny that under the present circumstances, it is indeed necessary for the students to develop stronger practical combat abilities in advance."

He rose to his feet and extended a hand to Lin Du. "I look forward to your performance at Hogwarts, Professor Lin."

"I will not disappoint you." Lin Du calmly withdrew his hand.

At that very moment, far away at Hogwarts, Professor McGonagall seemed to sense something and lifted her head. Looking at the night sky, which had suddenly darkened, she let out a soft sigh.

For some reason, she suddenly felt an inexplicable concern for the students of Hogwarts.

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