Homework and Trials

After a friendly round of negotiations, Li Wei finally agreed with Headmaster Dumbledore on the terms for becoming a professor.

The two left the headmaster's office and attended the back-to-school feast in the Great Hall together.

"My dear children!"

Headmaster Dumbledore cast Sonorus on himself and announced loudly:

"Before the back-to-school feast begins, I have two matters to announce!

"First, the Defense Against the Dark Arts professor, Mr. Gellert von Witte, has temporarily left his post due to personal matters!"

The Great Hall fell silent. The young wizards were not surprised by Headmaster Dumbledore's announcement.

After all, Professor Witte was nowhere to be seen at the teachers' table during the feast.

Considering the curse on that position, as well as the frequent personnel changes over the past year and a half,

they had long grown accustomed to seeing new faces teaching Defense Against the Dark Arts!

"Second, the professor's position cannot remain vacant. After discussion, we have specially invited student Lee Wickens to serve as the Defense Against the Dark Arts professor. Please give him a round of applause!"

Dumbledore took a deep breath, announced Li Wei's appointment, and looked worriedly at the young wizards from the four Houses below the platform.

He was truly worried that appointing Li Wei as a professor would fail to win everyone's approval and leave Li Wei unpopular.

But to his surprise, the moment he announced the news, all the young wizards from first through third year in the four Houses began applauding in unison!

With the majority of students applauding—there were over a hundred first-years—even those fourth- through seventh-years who disliked Li Wei could only join in.

Wonderful, Li Wei really was popular with everyone!

Headmaster Dumbledore excitedly wiped the tears from the corners of his eyes with his fingers, and the weight