Chapter 6 Hogwarts

July 31st.

Tewell arrived half an hour early, choosing to Apparate directly to the gates of Hogwarts. The reason for opting for Apparition over the more convenient Floo powder was purely because using Floo powder was always somewhat inelegant. Tewell didn't want to appear covered in soot in front of anyone, especially considering that every person at Hogwarts was someone he needed to treat cautiously as a former Death Eater. Moreover, under the influence of his teachers, managing his image in front of others was always more important.

However, he arrived a bit too early. The gates were closed, and there was no "personal guide" as mentioned in the letter. He sighed in resignation.

Because of the appearance of Rowena Ravenclaw's name, Tewell had been studying that strange book during this period. However, there had been no instances of his mind being controlled, and the content of the book hadn't been substantially helpful. It was all just general information, almost more superficial than his graduation thesis in his past life.

"Good morning, you must be Mr. Fawley, right?" Tewell muttered to himself, and at that moment, an elderly but graceful witch appeared beside him. The witch wore square glasses, had black hair twisted into a high bun, and wore a meticulously tailored dark green robe, giving off the aura of a stern teacher.

"I am Minerva McGonagall, the Deputy Headmistress and Transfiguration professor at Hogwarts. You may call me Professor McGonagall." Sensing Tewell's scrutiny, Professor McGonagall introduced herself promptly.

Tewell's dusty memories suddenly resurfaced. This Professor McGonagall was renowned in his previous life, but unlike the portrayal in the movies, her expression seemed a bit more aloof.

"You can call me Tewell. Would you mind showing me the way?" Tewell smiled warmly at Professor McGonagall.

Seemingly softened by his demeanor, which was less characteristic of a Death Eater, Professor McGonagall nodded slightly, her lips relaxing.

"Professors Quirrell and Dumbledore are already waiting for you. Let's go inside."

"I hope I'm not late," Tewell followed Professor McGonagall into this long-awaited dreamland.

Professor McGonagall didn't bother introducing Hogwarts to him, merely responding casually, "They are looking forward to this interview."

Her expression still seemed somewhat aloof, as if his affiliation with Durmstrang Academy irked her. Tewell wondered what Dumbledore thought about it.

Hurriedly walking through the castle, the usually mischievous staircases behaved themselves in front of the Deputy Headmistress, naturally leading them to the eighth floor.

"Lemon sherbet," McGonagall uttered the password.

The gargoyle at the entrance jumped aside, and the wall behind it split in half, revealing a slowly ascending spiral staircase in front of Tewell.

"Go on in, they're waiting for you in the Headmaster's office."

"Thank you very much for your guidance," Tewell bowed slightly and then ascended the stairs.

As the staircase slowly ascended, reaching the top, a shiny wooden door appeared in front of him.

He took two steps forward, and the door automatically swung open for him.

Before him was a quaint yet exquisite circular office.

Portraits of former Hogwarts headmasters adorned the wall to his left, all squinting their eyes, scrutinizing him as he appeared.

To his right, there was a row of bookshelves and a curtain blocking his view.

In the middle was a long table, adorned with some peculiar silverware that spun continuously, emitting puffs of smoke.

Behind the long table, a crimson-gold phoenix stood on a perch, tilting its head to look at him.

Sitting in front of the table was a young man wearing a large scarf, his hands clasped together on his chest, occasionally trembling.

And behind the table, there was an old man with a white beard. His long beard was partially obscured by the table, and his bright blue eyes shone through half-moon spectacles, fixedly gazing at Tewell.

"Welcome, my friend from afar." Dumbledore approached Tewell with an agility that belied his age, circling around the table to stand before him. "Albus Dumbledore, the current Headmaster of Hogwarts."

Dumbledore maintained eye contact with Tewell, but the latter didn't feel uncomfortable at all. "Tewell Fawley, I dare say, even young wizards who haven't started school yet know your name."

Tewell calmly shook hands with this legendary figure, meeting the first White Wizard with no sense of pressure, feeling surprisingly relaxed. Perhaps his experience in such situations was extensive?

"Please, don't say that. Such praise is too heavy a burden for an old man," Dumbledore said with a smile, turning to the cloaked man. "Let me introduce you. Quirinus Quirrell, he will be the new professor of Defense Against the Dark Arts."

Quirrell had been standing aside, his facial muscles twitching as he forced a stiff smile, his gaze evasive. Even his body trembled slightly when shaking hands with Tewell. "I heard... that there would be an assistant... so excited that I could hardly sleep."

His speech was stuttered, and Tewell had to exert twice the effort to understand. "I'm also looking forward to working with you, but we still need the approval of Headmaster Dumbledore, don't we?"

Dumbledore chuckled lightly, not speaking, but gesturing for Tewell and Quirrell to sit down. Once they were settled, Dumbledore waved his wand and asked, "What would you like to drink? Tea? Pumpkin juice? Or perhaps some wine? I heard Durmstrang students like to drink."

"That's just a prejudice from outsiders. In fact, not all Durmstrang students enjoy drinking. Personally, I'd prefer a glass of pumpkin juice right now."

Tewell locked eyes with Dumbledore, his gaze seemingly suggestive. Dumbledore, lost in thought, waved his wand again, and a glass of pumpkin juice floated before Tewell. Eager to taste the famous pumpkin juice, Tewell took it and had a sip, immediately brightening up at its sweet and creamy flavor.

"It seems you really like pumpkin juice. Do you need me to send you some? I have a whole barrel full," Dumbledore noticed Tewell's slight reaction.

Seems like you enjoy playing on the edge...

Tewell sighed. Prejudices against Durmstrang seemed deeper than he had imagined, even Dumbledore was somewhat guarded.

"No, thank you. I prefer not to overindulge."

"I rarely see Durmstrang students who speak as eloquently as you."

Seeming to tire of cryptic conversation, Dumbledore suddenly got straight to the point.

"Especially Durmstrang students who apply to be assistants at Hogwarts. As far as I know, you're the first to do so."

"So I'm curious. Can you satisfy my curiosity?"