Defense Against the Dark Arts Professor

When Eli opened his eyes, the scent of potion hit his nose. He was in the Hospital Wing.

His body ached as Eli tried to prop himself up.

"Oh my, you need to rest. Lie back down at once."

Madam Pomfrey hurried over and pressed Eli back down.

"Madam Pomfrey, when can I leave the Hospital Wing?"

"You had multiple fractures when you were brought in, and your internal injuries were quite serious as well. I truly cannot imagine what you went through. Drink all this medicine and rest a little longer. You should be able to leave by this evening."

Eli obediently finished the medicine. "Burp... It doesn't taste too bad, but I prefer strawberry flavor."

Madam Pomfrey shot him a look that clearly asked whether he was an idiot, then left.

"May I see him?"

"Oh, Professor Dumbledore. Very well, but only for a little while. The patient needs proper rest!"

"Of course, I'll be mindful of that, Poppy."

Seeing Dumbledore suddenly arrive, Eli tried to sit up again.

"No need. You should rest properly."

"Professor, you're back?"

Dumbledore smiled at him. "Of course. And that is thanks to you, as well as Mr Potter and the others."

"It was what we should have done."

"No need to be so modest. This time truly put you through too much—facing Tom, and a Basilisk as well."

"Oh, Professor, what about Lockhart?"

Eli suddenly remembered that guy. He wondered whether the Mandrake had killed him.

Dumbledore raised an eyebrow. "Him? According to St Mungo's diagnosis, his brain received an extraordinarily strong shock. The preliminary conclusion is that it was caused by a Mandrake's cry. But he didn't die. Even the doctors were surprised."

"Professor, why... why did you hire him as the Defense Against the Dark Arts professor?" Eli finally