Hogwarts: A Chinese-Style Professor

Chapter 6 The Greatest Curse of Hogwarts
10:00 AM on August 25th.

Li Wei, dressed in all black and carrying a black dragon-skin briefcase, stood before the fireplace with two assistants.

"Hogwarts should have opened a temporary passage by now, let's go."

The two assistants nodded, calmly sprinkled Floo Powder, and left.

"Hogwarts Vice-Headmaster's Office"

With a burst of green flame, Li Wei's figure vanished.

The office of the Vice-Headmaster of Hogwarts.

When Levi arrived, Professor McGonagall was already talking with her two assistants.

Known for her sternness, she maintained her usual expressionless face. If it weren't for her very gentle voice, an uninformed person might have thought she was somewhat unhappy.

Unlike Camille's indifference, Jowell thought exactly the same thing—but thankfully, with the appearance of their teacher, the seemingly stern old woman's lips curled up slightly.

With just a slight curve, she suddenly appeared kinder.

"Your sense of time remains as meticulous as ever, Li Wei."

This student has been like this since his school days—never showing up early, never being late, always arriving at the perfect time, mature beyond his years.

"Professor McGonagall, it's been a long time."

Li Wei emerged from the fireplace and greeted them softly.

Two assistants stood silently behind him.

Professor McGonagall gave Levi a quick look and nodded.

In fact, this was the first time she had met Li Wei in person after so many years of exchanging letters.

It has to be said that Levi was much younger than she had imagined, almost no different from his two young assistants, except that his demeanor had become more profound—while Snape, who was the same age as him, already looked like a middle-aged man.

Professor McGonagall was quite surprised when she first received a letter from Levi, a student from Slytherin who was extremely low-key during his time at the school.

In the letter, Li Wei politely inquired about some magical issues she had encountered, using his usual official and polite language.

These were all thought-provoking topics, which piqued Professor McGonagall's interest.

Although Professor McGonagall wasn't particularly fond of Slytherin students, she wouldn't reject Levi just because he was from Slytherin.

The tone of the conversation was naturally not very enthusiastic.

After several exchanges, they completely abandoned polite small talk and focused solely on the issues themselves.

This method of communication has become completely fixed among them.

During this time, Professor McGonagall suggested that Levi share some of his findings in "Transfiguration Today," but Levi refused, citing his desire to avoid the limelight. After that, the two became even more strictly businesslike.

The feeling of meeting in person now is still a bit strange, even more subtle than meeting someone you met online for the first time.

They are like familiar strangers, but not in the complicated relationship of lovers.

"Sit down."

Professor McGonagall pursed her lips, unsure of how to respond, so she simply went straight into work mode.

She waved her wand, and the cabinet opened automatically, from which flew out one winged document after another, neatly stacked in front of Li Wei.

"Here is the information for students in all grades."

"Your office is located underground, next to Professor Snape's—"

"Professor, excuse me for interrupting."

“I’m not very comfortable in the underground atmosphere, you know—I stayed there for seven years, and I’m afraid that if I stay any longer I might catch rheumatism one day.”

"Then what do you mean?"

Professor McGonagall didn't believe Levi would get rheumatism, but she was someone who was open to other people's perspectives.

"I remember there's an abandoned classroom on the first floor. I wonder if I could use that as my office?"

"It's possible, but the area hasn't been cleaned yet."

“It’s alright, I have a house-elf to help me—speaking of which, I haven’t introduced him to you yet.” Li Wei opened his suitcase, and after injecting magic into the silver snake-patterned clasp, the house-elf Barton jumped out.

"Excellent Seamless Stretch Spell".

Professor McGonagall gave a subtle compliment.

Li Wei nodded his thanks and continued his introduction:

"This is my house-elf, his name is Barton."

"Barton, this is Professor McGonagall, my former Transfiguration teacher."

"Hello, elegant lady."

Barton, dressed in a miniature blue suit, bowed respectfully to Professor McGonagall as soon as he came out.

"Hello, Patton."

Professor McGonagall nodded, realizing that this house-elf was different from the ones she usually saw—this house-elf was not being restricted in its freedom.

That makes sense. Given Livy's personality, how could he possibly treat house-elves as slaves?

This small detail alone added another point to Professor McGonagall's opinion of Levi.

“He could stay here and work with the house-elves in the kitchen—I’m not sure if he’ll be able to adapt.”

"If he can't adapt, I'll find him another place."

"Well then, that's settled for now. I'll inform the house-elves in the kitchen about this as soon as possible."

Professor McGonagall nodded and moved on to the next item on the agenda.

"Given your research interests, I must make this clear in advance—you may teach students how to identify, resist, and break black magic, but you are strictly prohibited from teaching any offensive black magic spells."

Seeing Li Wei nod, she handed him two more pieces of parchment.

"This is your timetable. You will be responsible for teaching all seven grades in the school. The classrooms will remain in the same places."

Li Wei continued to nod, took the timetable and castle map, glanced at them subconsciously, and then his expression changed!

Li Wei suddenly realized that he had inadvertently overlooked an extremely important issue.
Right now, the parchment representing the timetable in front of Li Wei was completely filled with lessons, whether it was morning or afternoon, Monday or Friday, without exception!

"In addition to daily teaching, you are also responsible for lesson preparation, grading homework, and occasional supervision of confinement."

Professor McGonagall's voice was still ringing out, but Levi was starting to get a little uneasy.

With so many classes, it means he can only have time to focus on studying magic on weekends.
I thought I was going to live a secluded life in a paradise, but how did I end up as a pure black slave?

With a heavy teaching load of nearly 30 class hours a week, there is almost no time to breathe.

This...this is the greatest curse of Hogwarts, isn't it?
'Tsk, I was careless!'

Li Wei's brows furrowed slightly.

"Professor Li Wei, I must speak frankly."

Professor McGonagall was unaware of Levi's change in mind; her expression was serious yet sincere.

"The position of Defense Against the Dark Arts has exhibited unusual 'fluidity' over the past few years."

Schools and students need a stable and reliable professor.

We sincerely hope that you can be the one to end this unstable period.

"If you encounter any difficulties in teaching, or need any assistance—whether it's managing the classroom or dealing with some troublemakers—my office door is always open for you."

"Hogwarts is a century-old prestigious school, and we cherish every student here."

I believe that with your excellence, you can teach them something truly valuable.

After saying this, Professor McGonagall stood up, her expression softening slightly, and a warm smile appeared in her eyes.

"Welcome again, Li Wei. I hope you can find your place here."

(End of this chapter)