Taking Up the Post

August 25th, 9:50 a.m.

Scottish Highlands, outside the gates of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

The air seemed to be twisted tight by an invisible hand, producing a dull crack.

Lin Du appeared precisely in the open space before the school gates, the hem of his black robes fluttering lightly in the air.

He carried only an ordinary-looking black dragonhide suitcase. Within the shadows on his shoulder, Chao Feng's presence was perfectly concealed.

To his slight surprise, Deputy Headmaster Minerva McGonagall was already standing at the grand entrance of the castle, as though she had been waiting for some time.

She still wore her emerald-green robes, her expression as stern as ever, yet the gaze behind her spectacles visibly softened for an instant when he appeared.

"Right on time, Professor Lin."

Professor McGonagall's voice held its usual clarity and calmness. "I guessed you would use Apparition."

Lin Du stepped forward and gave a slight nod. "Professor McGonagall, thank you for waiting here in person."

He was indeed somewhat surprised. He had thought they would meet in the Deputy Headmaster's office.

As Professor McGonagall gestured for him to follow her into the castle, her eyes swept over the suitcase once more. The line of her lips softened slightly. "It seems it has been with you for a long time, and it has been kept in excellent condition."

She offered no further explanation, but Lin Du immediately understood what she meant—

This dragonhide suitcase, enchanted with an Undetectable Extension Charm, had been Professor McGonagall's farewell gift to him when he completed his studies as an Exchange Student and was about to leave Hogwarts.

"Yes, Professor."

Lin Du's tone also became much gentler, carrying sincere respect. "It has been extremely useful and helped me a great deal. Thank you for your gift all those years ago."

Professor McGonagall gave a soft "Mm," apparently satisfied with his answer. Her tone then became less tense, even taking on the concern of an elder.

"I remember you, Mr. Lin. In flying lessons... well, you were rather 'steady.' You were one of the few students who made Madam Hooch give up on having you attempt any dangerous maneuvers."

She paused, a trace of understanding flashing behind her spectacles. "And if I remember correctly, you also always avoided the Floo Network whenever possible."

The corner of Lin Du's mouth twitched. That memory of Madam Hooch firmly categorizing him as a "ground observer" was hardly a glorious one.

He could only admit it frankly. "I must admit, Professor McGonagall, neither the comfort of a Flying Broomstick nor that... uncontrollable mode of travel by Floo Powder has ever inspired much affection in me. What surprises me more is that you still remember such small matters so clearly."

Professor McGonagall did not slow her pace, merely turning her head to glance at him.

"I remember every student at Hogwarts, especially those from Gryffindor who achieved outstanding marks in all their O.W.L.s."

Her tone paused briefly. "Besides, you were neither the first nor the only one to complain about broom comfort, and it was hardly groundless—from an ergonomic perspective, the design of most broom handles truly leaves much to be desired."

That teasing agreement made Lin Du smile despite himself.

"Indeed. Perhaps the manufacturers believe keeping riders highly alert is also part of flight safety."

"Perhaps." Professor McGonagall agreed, then shifted the subject. "However, I hear the latest Nimbus 2000 has improved shock absorption and grip design. Perhaps you could give one a try. It may change your opinion."

Lin Du shook his head almost instinctively. "A Nimbus 2000? I've heard of it. Exceptional performance, but an equally 'exceptional' price. That is no small sum."

Professor McGonagall laughed. "Professor Lin, I think I should remind you that Hogwarts pays its professors quite generously, especially those holding positions involving... 'particular risks.' With your current income, purchasing a Nimbus 2000 would be more than affordable. I imagine this is because you have focused on personal research and paid little attention to such mundane affairs."

Lin Du froze slightly, only then realizing that he had apparently never seriously considered the salary of a Hogwarts professor.

He cleared his throat somewhat awkwardly. "You are right, Professor. It seems I need to take some time to look into my financial situation."

"A wise choice." Professor McGonagall nodded, ending the brief and lighthearted topic before returning her attention to business.

They crossed the towering entrance hall, where torches on the stone walls cast flickering light and shadow across the ancient masonry.

Professor McGonagall went straight to the point, her tone regaining the Deputy Headmaster's characteristic efficiency. "Given your former House affiliation, we have arranged your office near Gryffindor Tower. The lighting there is better, and I believe you will find it more familiar."

The arrangement was clearly more thoughtful than he had expected. Lin Du nodded slightly. "Thank you very much, Professor. It is indeed more to my liking."

Professor McGonagall did not linger on the matter, swiftly moving on to the next item, her expression becoming exceptionally grave.

"Given the nature of your research, Professor Lin, I must make Hogwarts's boundaries clear: you may, and indeed must, teach students how to identify, resist, and counter Dark Magic. However, you are strictly forbidden from teaching students any offensive Dark Magic spells themselves. There is no room for negotiation on this point."

"I understand and fully agree, Professor." Lin Du nodded solemnly. He researched Dark Magic to understand and surpass it, not to spread it.

Professor McGonagall seemed to relax. With a light flick of her wand, several sheets of parchment flew from her sleeve and settled steadily into Lin Du's hands.

"This is your timetable, along with a map of the castle. You will be responsible for Defense Against the Dark Arts classes for all students from first year through seventh year."

Lin Du lowered his eyes to the timetable, his gaze sweeping over the densely packed lessons—from Monday to Friday, morning through afternoon, with scarcely any gaps at all.

His expression stiffened almost imperceptibly for a moment.

"...In addition to daily teaching," Professor McGonagall continued, "you will also need to prepare lessons, grade assignments, and occasionally undertake Forbidden Forest patrols or supervise detention."

Lin Du fell silent.

Nearly thirty lessons a week, on top of the heavy supporting workload...

It would occupy almost all of his weekday hours. He took a deep breath inwardly, but his expression revealed nothing.

At that moment, he could almost sense Chao Feng silently snickering from within the shadows of his robes.

Professor McGonagall looked at him, her tone earnest and grave.

"Professor Lin, I must speak plainly. Defense Against the Dark Arts has experienced... unusually frequent changes over the past many years. The school, and especially the students, urgently need a stable, reliable professor. We sincerely hope you can be the one to end this cycle of instability."

She paused before continuing. "If you encounter any difficulties in teaching or administration, whether it is classroom discipline or... dealing with certain particularly challenging students, my office door will always be open to you."

"Hogwarts values every one of its students,"

she said at last, looking deeply at Lin Du. "I believe that with your abilities and principles, you can teach them something truly worthwhile: how to protect themselves should darkness descend in the future."

After saying this, Professor McGonagall's expression finally softened, and the corners of her lips curved into a faint yet genuine warmth.

"Welcome once again, Professor Lin. I hope you will find your place at Hogwarts."