Alchemical Toys

August 30th, Hogwarts, Professor of Defense Against the Dark Arts' office.

"Qiao Weili, Jiamer, what do you think of this alchemical item?"

Li Wei softly called out to his two assistants, who were studying on their own, and showed them the results of his work over the past few days—two standard pistols, one silver and one black.

"Is this a Muggle weapon from the history books, Professor?"

Qiao Weili was almost the first to like the unique weapon at first sight. Jiamer's eyes flickered, but they didn't speak.

"Yes, I've modified them using alchemy and formations. These guns don't need bullets; they have built-in magic matrices and can cast the Obstacle Curse when fired."

As he spoke, Li Wei picked up the longer black gun, casually aimed it at a corner of the classroom, and pulled the trigger.

With that action, magic flowed from his fingertips to the gun, then quickly flowed back, stirring the magic within him.

The next moment, a transparent source of magic shot out from the muzzle, and where it landed, a meter-high wall of earth suddenly formed.

"Is this using an alchemical item instead of a wand? Professor, can you change the embedded formations?"

"Compared to using a wand, this weapon seems a bit cumbersome, but it has its advantages—"

"Indeed, using this kind of conduction weapon allows wizards who aren't proficient in spells to use the magic within."

Li Wei finished Jiamer's sentence, his mood quite good.

"I plan to use them as prizes for outstanding students, so I haven't embedded any complex spells. What do you think?"

"Very creative."

Qiao Weili smiled shyly, not voicing the desire in his heart.

"As expected of you."

Jiamer smiled and complimented him.

"Good, then—here."

He tossed the black gun to Qiao Weili and the white one to Jiamer.

"These are the first alchemical firearms I've made. They're for you. Your names are on the guns. I hope you like them."

The two, realizing what was happening, turned the guns over and saw the silver-inlaid script highlighting their names, clearly a unique touch.

"Thank—"

"Don't rush to thank me," Li Wei interrupted. "This is also your new assignment."

"Jiamer, I want you to embed the most powerful spell you can manage into this long gun.

Qiao Weili, you became my apprentice six years before her, so the difficulty will naturally be greater. You need to dismantle the magic matrix inside first, then do the same thing.

Of course, as always, you two can work together on this."

"Yes, Professor."

Qiao Weili solemnly put away the handgun, already planning to make a custom holster for it later.

Just then, he met Jiamer's gaze. Her eyes, like autumn water, blinked without stopping, holding an unspoken 'disdain.'

"..."

Qiao Weili suppressed the joy in his heart but couldn't help but smile.

He knew what Jiamer meant—these alchemical handguns were gifts for students, essentially toys, and it was immature to be excited about them.

But so what? He really liked them.

And he believed that both the students at Hogwarts and those far away would surely love the Professor's invention.

September 1st, the start of the school year.

Li Wei woke up precisely at seven in the morning.

When he walked out, his two assistants were already sitting at the dining table waiting for him to eat together.

"Good morning, Professor."

"Good morning. Let's go, we'll have breakfast in the Great Hall."

This was something they had agreed upon when he first took them on a tour of the school.

Since he was teaching at Hogwarts, he needed to integrate into the local environment.

If he continued to be secluded in his room for research as before, it would be somewhat inappropriate.

Moreover, Li Wei's mindset had gradually changed since arriving at the school—he was trying to embrace a certain psychological shift.

It was early morning, and the students on vacation had not yet returned. A few faculty members sat scattered in the Great Hall, making it seem a bit deserted.

When Li Wei arrived, Professor McGonagall was hurriedly finishing her breakfast. Seeing Li Wei, she seemed a little surprised.

"Li Wei, you're up so early?"

"Morning, Professor McGonagall. You seem to be in a bit of a rush."

Li Wei, with his two assistants, took their seats and quietly greeted Madam Pince, the librarian, beside them—she was the one he interacted with the most when he was a student.

"Not really—it's always a bit hectic around this time of year. Dumbledore is always hands-off, and the house-elves are preparing for the Welcome Feast tonight, so we're a bit short-staffed."

If it were during his student days, Li Wei would have just pretended not to hear similar words, but now...

"Is there anything I can help with?"

He forked a piece of fried egg into his mouth. The house-elf Barton had appeared by his side at some point, serving a medium-rare steak and pouring three glasses of orange juice for them.

"If you're willing, that would be wonderful."

Professor McGonagall gave Li Wei a surprised look.

Suddenly, she quietly approached Li Wei and whispered, "In fact, Mr. Filch will be responsible for decorating and cleaning the Great Hall, but you know that job is too strenuous for him. I really wish I could free up some time to help him check for any oversights."

Filch is a Squib who cannot cast spells. Heaven knows how he managed to complete all the decorations by himself and even replace the broken candles on the ceiling.

"I understand what you mean, Professor McGonagall. Leave it to me, I will assist Mr. Filch with everything."

Li Wei nodded, reassuring Professor McGonagall.

He personally held no ill will towards Filch—even though the man's mind was twisted, finding pleasure in physically punishing students.

But Li Wei was a model student during his school days. He rarely interacted with Filch, who patrolled for night-time wanderers, or Hagrid, who managed the Forbidden Forest, so there was no enmity or friendship to speak of.

After enjoying a pleasant breakfast, Li Wei, along with his two assistants, prepared to start working. Suddenly, he felt the air turn a bit chilly.

Snape, when did he arrive?

"Li Wei."

The corners of his lips curled into a mocking arc.

"I didn't expect you to actually become a Hogwarts teacher—Ha! How will a reclusive weirdo teach his students?"

"A reclusive weirdo? I feel like you're the least qualified person to say that."

"Snape, you haven't been thinking about what you're saying now since you went back last time, have you?"

Li Wei responded calmly, but Snape acted as if he hadn't heard him. He suddenly took a step forward and murmured in a low, oppressive tone, like the hiss of a Basilisk in the dark.

"Let me guess, how will our master teach his disciples?

I solemnly warn you, don't pull out those notes of yours that are so dry they could choke a troll. Those little monsters with straw brains can't grasp your intentions.

Of course, you can always ignore everyone like you always have and immerse yourself in your own world. After all, that's what you've always done, isn't it?"

"Don't get too close to me, Snape."

Li Wei held up a hand to ward him off, his tone showing some disdain, as if he truly disliked Snape's current demeanor.

Snape's lips twitched, and memories of the past flashed through his mind—"Teaming up with you to defeat James Potter and the others? What's the point of that? I don't have time to waste on you."

"Still the same."

This guy. He always managed to shut people up with just a few words—whether it was when he invited Li Wei to cooperate, or when James and the others extended an olive branch to Li Wei.

It was always like this.

Why would someone like this agree to teach at Hogwarts? It clearly brought him no benefit.

"Dumbledore doesn't know you, but I do!"

"Li Wei, what have you been doing since graduation? What is your purpose in coming to Hogwarts?"