Interview

Tver had expected his status as a Durmstrang student to pose some obstacle, but he had not expected it to become Dumbledore's greatest source of suspicion.

He couldn't exactly say that he was after the Philosopher's Stone...

"To learn." Though his thoughts were in turmoil, Tver maintained a gentle smile. "I have no intention of disparaging my alma mater, but Durmstrang is somewhat behind in its research into certain branches of magic."

"That is why I wish to come to Hogwarts—to fill the gaps in my knowledge while serving as an assistant professor."

Dumbledore leaned forward, his slightly narrowed eyes sharp as blades.

"However, as I understand it, seven years ago, you rejected Hogwarts and chose the magical school farthest from home in all of Europe."

"And now, seven years later, you have decided to return to Hogwarts. That makes it difficult for me to believe that learning is truly your purpose."

"Besides, Durmstrang's curriculum is hardly lacking. At the very least, it is enough for you to live in the wizarding world."

Dumbledore's meaning was obvious. Tver had chosen Durmstrang back then, yet now he was going to great lengths to return to Hogwarts, especially after graduating from Durmstrang.

He was not reassured about Tver's intentions.

Tver's smile immediately faded.

As though the gentle Dumbledore from moments ago had been an illusion, an overwhelming pressure like collapsing mountains and crashing seas bore down on him. This razor-sharp man was the true greatest White Wizard!

He had anticipated difficulties during today's interview, but he had not expected them to arise so quickly.

Fortunately, he still had one card to play—the book.

Tver calmly took out his wallet, summoned the book with the Summoning Charm, and handed it to Dumbledore.

"I truly came here to study magic—to learn the deeper magic recorded within this."

Seeing Dumbledore narrow his eyes and actually reveal a look of surprise, Quirrell beside them could not help craning his neck curiously.

But Dumbledore tilted the book at just the right angle to prevent him from seeing its contents.

The only sound in the headmaster's office was Dumbledore turning pages. Tver kept watching Dumbledore's expression, paying no attention to the visibly unsettled Quirrell beside him.

Dumbledore's expression was just as Tver had expected. First came astonishment at the contents of the first page, then he unconsciously turned to the next page, revealing the expected disappointment.

But unlike Tver, Dumbledore clearly had not had his mind controlled. On the contrary, he noticed it immediately.

"This book has a very... peculiar enchantment," Dumbledore said after a pause, smiling at him as though he were a student. "Its claims are interesting as well, but I do not believe a wizard like you would fail to see how childish those claims are."

Now that was a normal reaction. Tver chuckled softly and pointed to the words that had reappeared on the first page.

And that name—Rowena Ravenclaw.

Dumbledore's smile froze. Even his breathing stopped for a second. As his smile slowly vanished, Tver relaxed instead.

After a long while, Dumbledore let out a deep breath. "I need to borrow this book for a while. Would that be acceptable?"

"Of course." Tver had already memorized the entire book. "Then, does my reason suffice?"

"Hogwarts welcomes every sincere person, Fawley. I need to know whether you have the ability to become a professor at this school, even if only as an assistant professor."

Dumbledore set the book down, but covered the writing on it with his hand, leaving Quirrell able to see only a few letters.

Tver took out his wallet again. "If you need my Durmstrang transcripts—"

"No, I have already spoken with Headmaster Karkaroff. He spoke very highly of your professional knowledge."

Dumbledore stopped Tver's movement. His expression was serious, instantly reminding Tver of facing an examiner during an examination.

So the next words would be the test question.

"I need to know what you intend to teach at this school, and I need assurance that you will not bring Durmstrang's tolerance for Dark magic to Hogwarts."

Now this was an interview. Tver relaxed; he had prepared for this long ago.

"I applied for the position of assistant professor. Will I also be responsible for teaching classes?" Tver looked at Quirrell expectantly.

He remained interested in teaching students, especially the famed Harry Potter.

Quirrell had barely stammered out a few words before Dumbledore interrupted him.

"Professor Quirrell and I have discussed it. He is more than willing to entrust you with the students in third year and below."

Quirrell was not angered by the interruption at all. Instead, he forced another smile.

"Yes, I... would be very happy... to have someone share the workload."

"Then let me ask you, Professor Dumbledore: how do you believe one should defend against Dark magic?" A smile curled at Tver's lips as he watched Dumbledore smile in response with great interest.

The question was simple—so simple that Dumbledore would not refuse to answer it. Tver had no intention of waiting for that answer.

"By attacking." Tver folded his hands on the table and leaned slightly forward, staring into Dumbledore's eyes. "As long as you defeat the enemy, you can naturally defend against any Dark magic."

"Attack alone cannot defeat an enemy."

Dumbledore truly was tempted. He had reasons why he had no choice but to improve his students' combat ability.

And that was precisely why Tver had come.

"That is only natural. Before learning to attack, learning how to defend is equally important."

"Would you believe it? Half the Ministry's employees cannot even cast a proper Shield Charm, much less master the skills of combat."

"So in Defence Against the Dark Arts, I will teach the students, as much as possible, how to avoid danger and defeat their enemies."

"Not only when facing Dark Arts, but also when facing enemies filled with malice."

Tver looked at Quirrell, who was watching from the side. "Wouldn't you say so, Professor Quirrell?"

"Of... course," Quirrell said, momentarily stunned by Tver's sudden question. "But we... can't teach... Dark Arts."

Tver sighed. Because of Durmstrang's tolerance of the Dark Arts, as well as the emergence of the previous Dark Lord, people had always regarded the school with hostility and misunderstanding.

"This has always been a misunderstanding. My alma mater not only taught the Dark Arts, but also taught us how to defend against them. How can you defend against something if you don't understand it?"

"That is also why I agreed to let you become the Defence Against the Dark Arts teaching assistant. I hope you can teach the students your understanding of the Dark Arts in the proper way." Dumbledore nodded approvingly.

Tver broke into a delighted smile. "So, does that mean I passed today's interview?"

"To be precise, you passed it exceptionally well."

Dumbledore extended his hand again and shook Tver's, though his eyes turned toward Quirrell.

"Quirinus, please go back first. Tver and I still have a few things to discuss."