Chapter 64

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Boom!

Cho pressed Wayne against the oak door of the castle, showing such strength that even Wayne was a little surprised.

"Are you crazy, Wayne?" Unlike her usual gentleness, Cho now looked like an angry cat, with impatience and anger clearly on her face. "Why do you want to be in the limelight? Even if you are reporting, you can do it alone. Why bring anyone else with you?"

Cho was really angry. She was mad at Wayne for being so reckless. Having received some Eastern education, she understood that many British people did not know how to be subtle. Once something becomes serious, the nature of the matter changes in the eyes of the superiors. Even if what you do is right with valid reasons, inciting others disrupts harmony and stability, ignoring the bigger picture. What would Dumbledore think of Wayne then?

Wayne could see that Qui's eyes even sparkled. His heart trembled. Without saying anything, Wayne raised his arm, and a fallen leaf turned into a tissue, gently wiping the corners of Qui's eyes. The young man's intimate action made Qui's face blush slightly, but she quickly adjusted herself.

"Don't interrupt me. What should we do now?"

Wayne smiled. "Don't worry, Qui. I understand your concerns, but I would not do this if it were a different principal." He raised his head and looked at the tower through the dark night. "But the current headmaster is Dumbledore, and he won't be angry."

Wayne was the second person in the world who knew Dumbledore best. The first one was imprisoned in Nurmengard Tower. Seeing how confident he was, Cho didn't know what to say. She looked around and then asked, "Where's Hermione? Such a big thing happened, and she didn't get angry at you?"

"Why not." Wayne smiled bitterly, stretched out his hand, and rubbed his waist. "It took me a whole class to get Miss Granger to calm down. It still hurts now."

Looking at Wayne's actions, Cho chuckled. Just as she was about to scold him, fire appeared in the air. This time it was not the Phoenix King who flew in but Fawkes, Dumbledore's phoenix. Fawkes circled around and landed on Wayne's shoulder.

"Chirp!"

"You said the principal is looking for me?" Wayne nodded, looked at Cho who looked a little pale, and comforted her. "Don't worry, I'll be back soon, nothing will happen."

In the principal's office, the huge desk was already filled with all kinds of envelopes. Dumbledore was holding a letter, reading it with interest. "It says that I accepted Quirrell's bribery to make him a Defense Against the Dark Arts professor. What a pity, I haven't fallen to that level yet."

Snape, who was sitting on the other side, sarcastically said, "If 600 galleons can make you change your mind, I can fill your office with gold galleons anytime."

To be honest, Snape was feeling a little happy now. He had been applying for the Defense Against the Dark Arts course for many years, especially after Harry arrived this year, and his request for the position became even more urgent. But Dumbledore actually gave it to Quirrell. Well, now, the students are going to rebel!

"Sorry Severus," Dumbledore said, reading one letter and opening another. "Your Defense Against the Dark Arts skills are excellent, but the Potions class at Hogwarts needs you more. Well, this letter is interesting. It says Quirrell deceived me with a love potion."

Dumbledore put down the letter and smiled. "I'm glad no one sent a howler. My old bones can't handle the noise."

"Don't tell me these letters are all genuine," Snape interrupted him irritably. He felt tired every time he chatted with Dumbledore because he couldn't get to the point quickly. "What are you going to do about it?"

Dumbledore looked confused. "What to deal with, and who to deal with?"

"Of course, it's Wayne Lawrence!" Snape raised his voice. "Didn't you hear what the fat monk said? With that kind of incitement, charisma, and his terrifying magical talent, aren't you afraid he'll be the next..."

Snape took a deep breath. "The next Voldemort?"

The portrait that had been pretending to be dead suddenly came to life, and Phineas Black even shouted, "That's right! I support Snape! You dare to complain about the professor and incite so many people to act with you. This is such deception! Expel him! He must be expelled! If this were my time as headmaster, I would have fired all the Hufflepuffs!"

Red-nosed Principal Hufflepuff couldn't bear it anymore and jumped into Phineas' portrait, punching him. "Shut up, you idiot!"

The daily beating of Phineas began. To avoid being disturbed, Dumbledore waved his hand, and the red curtains covered all the portraits, silencing the annoying shouts.

"Severus," Dumbledore put his hands together on the table and leaned forward slightly. His action made Snape hold his breath. "Don't judge our student with malice. He is only a first-year wizard."

"You still think of him as an ordinary first-year student?" Snape looked at Dumbledore in disbelief. "Don't you see his talent? Multiple transformations, magic skills well beyond his years, and even potions at the level of NEWTs. And that Celia shop he's involved with has earned thousands of galleons from my students!"

Snape was very excited. "If he's an ordinary first-year wizard, what does that make Potter? Preschool?"

"I'm glad the school has produced such a talented little wizard," Dumbledore said, pushing his glasses up with his middle finger. Snape always felt the old man was hinting at something. "You are right, Mr. Lawrence is indeed very talented. He is more talented than Tom. But you can't make a crude analogy between the two."

Dumbledore carefully analyzed Snape's concerns. "Mr. Lawrence was born in a Muggle family, but his family has a high status among Muggles. His personality is sunny and cheerful, and he had..." Dumbledore struggled to find a positive adjective. "A very fulfilling childhood. His family environment and intelligence won't lead him down Tom's path. Even in school, Mr. Lawrence has friends across all houses, which goes against Tom's pure-blood theory. To be honest, I'm a little envious of such good popularity."

Snape didn't say a word, but his expression softened. There was a brief silence in the office. Eventually, Snape was the first to speak. "So what are you going to do? Just pretend nothing happened?"

"How is that possible?" Dumbledore looked at Snape in surprise and pointed at the mountain of letters on the table. "Such a number of complaint letters have never appeared in the history of Hogwarts. It's very possible that after this incident, I'll go from being the greatest principal to the most notorious, surpassing Phineas. Of course, I have to handle it carefully."

Dumbledore smiled. "Before dealing with Quirrell, I have to ask the person involved for advice. Fawkes, can you bring Mr. Lawrence here?"

It's still the principal's office. Snape has disappeared, and the person now sitting in his seat is Wayne. Wayne was smiling broadly, unable to hide his happiness. The reason is simple: the notification sounds in his mind are almost maxed out.

This new turn of events had really made him a lot of money. 

"Mr. Lawrence, you seem very happy?" Dumbledore asked curiously.

"Of course," Wayne smiled shyly. "Seeing that you are not angry, Principal, means my punishment should not be too serious. My classmates are also innocent. They are all trying to support me. Please don't punish them."

Dumbledore looked at the boy sitting opposite him with relief. "Mr. Laurence, you are a true Hufflepuff. I'm glad the Sorting Hat noticed the sparkle in you."

The Sorting Hat, which had been sitting on the high stool, wanted to say something, "I really don't see how he fits Hufflepuff at all. I was completely lured into it. The most important thing is that the little wizard has not yet received the care tools he promised. Hats off!"

"But I think you misunderstood," Dumbledore comforted. "I don't intend to punish you or other students. On the contrary, I would like to solemnly apologize to you."

Dumbledore continued very sincerely, "Because of my negligence, everyone's magic progress was delayed. I came here to ask for your opinion."

"My opinion?" Wayne said in surprise. "Professor, my opinions are all in the letter. Either Professor Quirrell can teach some useful spells in class, or find a new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher."

"But..." Dumbledore frowned, a little embarrassed. "The semester has already begun, and it is too difficult to change teachers rashly."

"Professor," Wayne said confidently, "I have also heard about the curse of Defense Against the Dark Arts. You find people to die... Well, I mean, the class is very difficult. But the school year has already begun. If you change teachers from Christmas, find a substitute, and only teach for half a year, the curse will not take effect, right?"

Seeing Dumbledore's expression, he continued, "If that doesn't work, you can find a teacher from the school to take over. I recommend Professor Snape."

"Stop, stop, stop," Dumbledore quickly grabbed Wayne and said. "Professor Snape has already worked hard enough. It is unrealistic to ask him to take over the class."

Dumbledore felt a cold sweat in his heart. This is to send his right-hand man away directly. One disliked the little wizard and wanted to punish him in some way. The other one was even more ruthless and directly made him a professor of Defense Against the Dark Arts.

There is a saying now circulating in the British wizarding world: If you hate someone, recommend that they teach Defense Against the Dark Arts at Hogwarts.

"Okay, Mr. Laurence," Dumbledore said softly. "Thank you for the suggestion you just made; it was a great inspiration to me. But firing a teacher is not simple and requires the board of directors' approval. Usually, teachers in this position leave voluntarily."

Wayne's mouth twitched slightly. "Automatic resignation...what a novel way."

"I will have a good chat with Quirrell before deciding which approach to take. For your unity and courage, I will add fifty points to Hufflepuff."

Dumbledore comforted Wayne for a moment and then let him leave. Wayne stepped out of the principal's office, and Snape pushed open an invisible door and walked out with a terrifyingly gloomy expression. He heard the conversation between the two just now. Although he also wanted to be a Defense Against the Dark Arts professor, Wayne was obviously not here to help him achieve his wish. 

This kid... Snape thought for a long time and came up with a word that was more extreme than birth. What a damn Tang San!

After leaving the office, Wayne walked downstairs at a brisk pace. Cho was still waiting for his news in the auditorium. The auditorium was still overcrowded. They all already knew that Wayne was taken away by Phoenix and were waiting nervously. As soon as he opened the door, countless eyes fell on Wayne. The hall became silent, and even the professors couldn't help but be curious.

Wayne didn't hide it. He smiled widely and said the words everyone was concerned about, "Professor Dumbledore said he would take our opinions seriously and gave Hufflepuff fifty points!"

Boom! Thunderous applause and excited roars resounded throughout the auditorium, as if the stars on the ceiling were shaken. Everyone hugged the classmates next to them excitedly. Cho finally stopped worrying and looked at Wayne with a smile on his face.

Hermione snorted softly, closed the thick book, and turned around to leave. She didn't realize that the books had been placed upside down just now.

"That's so cool!" Ronald's hands turned red as he clapped. He looked at Wayne, surrounded by the little badgers, and shouted, "It turns out that reporting is really useful! Harry, let's complain to Snape! Get rid of the old bat, and our lives will be easier!"

When the little lions around heard Ronald's words, their eyes lit up. Yes! Since complaining about Quirrell is useful, then complaining about Snape is justified. Let him favor Slytherin every day, and even grab Gryffindor to deduct points. 

As long as Snape is gone, don't they have hope of winning the Academy Championship? Now not only Harry's heart was moved. The other little lions were also eager to try. They prepared to imitate Hufflepuff and fill the gargoyles at the door of the principal's office tomorrow morning.

There were too many people around, and it was difficult for Wayne to get away. He could only briefly talk to Cho and make an appointment to meet at the Black Lake after class tomorrow but was pulled back to the common room by two roommates.

Not only was Wayne not punished for today's action, but he also earned fifty points for the students, which must be celebrated. As a Hufflepuff, it's so easy to celebrate. At the door is the kitchen. Several senior students went in, ordered a lot of snacks and cakes, and asked the elf to get a broom and buy some Butterbeer.

"Wayne, here's to you!" Pierre, the seventh-grade prefect, raised his glass and touched it with Wayne. "Professor Dumbledore wouldn't have said that if you weren't so brave. Finally, we can get rid of this fake professor Quirrell!"

Pierre's face turned red with excitement, and Wayne smiled and agreed. However, he didn't have much confidence in driving Quirrell away. Is it necessary to sacrifice the young wizards' Defense Against the Dark Arts course progress for a year or to observe Voldemort's movements right under their noses?

Dumbledore's choice was obvious. This is consistent with what he always said. All for the greater good. However, Wayne wouldn't spoil everyone's interest by speaking out. At least in the future, Quirrell must make some changes. Otherwise, even Dumbledore will not be able to convince the public.

The celebration lasted until eleven o'clock, and everyone dispersed one after another. Wayne also returned to the dormitory. Toby and Norman kept asking about the conversation between him and Dumbledore, and Wayne didn't hide it. 

After hearing that he recommended Snape to be the Defense Against the Dark Arts professor, the two quickly turned around. Toby said seriously, "Wayne, how could you do this?"

"That's right." Norman was also a little dissatisfied. "How can Professor Snape be a substitute professor? He must attend the entire semester! I suggest that everyone continue to write a joint letter next semester to recommend Snape as the Defense Against the Dark Arts professor!"

Wayne: "...You are still ruthless."