Inside Hogwarts Castle.
After many days, Aaron returned here again.
A few steps into the castle, he bumped into Snape and Dumbledore, who seemed to be talking about something.
He immediately pricked up his ears to listen:
"...Severus, we have discussed this many times. I think I cannot agree to your request."
"It's just for one semester, principal. I'm not asking you for this position. I'm just a substitute."
"Severus, curse..."
"I know that it shouldn't be a big deal if you only substitute for one semester."
"I don't want to risk your safety. Even if it's only for one semester, no one knows what will happen..."
At this moment, the two people's small conversation suddenly stopped - they bumped into the returning Aaron, who was dusty and still carrying a suitcase in his hand.
"Oh! Welcome back, Aaron!" Dumbledore greeted him first: "How was your trip to France? Did you have a good time?"
"Of course, I brought gifts for everyone - the chocolate over there is of very good quality."
"Oh! Thank you so much!" Dumbledore smiled so hard that he couldn't even see his eyes - it was obvious that he was sincerely happy.
Snape put on a polite smile and said very stiffly: "Long time no see, Castor."
"Long time no see, Professor." Aaron smiled and said, "I just seemed to hear -"
As soon as these words came out, Snape's face suddenly turned pale.
"Are you talking about the Defense Against the Dark Arts course?"
"Yes." Dumbledore nodded: "The Wizengamot sentenced Lockhart to life imprisonment. He harmed many wizards who should have made more contributions to society.
However, in the remaining semester, we will face the problem of not having a Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher. Severus was telling me just now..."
"Ahem!"
Snape coughed, interrupting Dumbledore.
Dumbledore knew it and didn't say any more. Unexpectedly, Aaron suddenly spoke at this moment:
"In that case, Principal, I may have someone I can recommend to you."
"Oh?" Dumbledore had a look of joy on his face - he had been worrying about this a lot in the past two days.
"I met a wizard in France - he was an Auror. He felt that the task was too heavy and he wanted to take a vacation. So I suggested to him that he could come to Hogwarts to be a temporary professor for a semester."
"What wizard? Is he reliable?"
Snape frowned and asked unhappily.
"Should be more reliable than a coward possessed by a Dark Lord and a swaggering liar."
"His name is..." Dumbledore asked gently.
"Astolfo Alverson."
"Ah!" Dumbledore suddenly realized: "A descendant of the Alfredson family - I knew Paston Alfredson. He has been dead for several years."
"That seems to be his grandfather."
"Well, you call this young man here, and I'll meet with him - I hope he can survive this semester safely."
At this moment, Snape's face suddenly turned ugly...
"Hey, Professor, what's wrong with you? Your face doesn't look good?" Aaron asked knowingly.
Snape's mouth twitched and he didn't answer.
"I think Severus is happy that we have found a more reliable professor - Aaron, you are right to go to France. It is already difficult to find such a candidate in the UK."
Dumbledore said with a smile. He took out a letter from his pocket and opened it. The white paper inside flew out automatically:
"Okay, let's talk about the next thing..."
Aaron looked at the envelope carefully and couldn't help asking:
"Principal, what is this?"
"This is a letter from Wagadu, the magic school in Africa."
Dumbledore said in a cheerful voice: "They only wrote for one thing. They hope to re-organize the Wizarding School Potions Championship - held at Hogwarts."
"Magic School Potions Championship?" Aaron seemed to have vaguely heard the name.
"This event has not been held for some years, but you don't know, maybe it's not normal. Compared to Miss Granger, Custer, you are a real know-it-all..."
Snape took over the topic with his light, sarcastic voice:
"It is jointly organized by Japan's Magic Institute, Africa's Wagadu, Russia's Kodosdorez, and Hogwarts. Students who have mastered superb potion skills will be selected to participate. The winner will receive a gold medal. Made crucible.
"Of course, it can't be used to brew potions, it's just a symbolic reward."
"Severus is right, this is an honor, and it is better than the actual connotation of the crucible." Dumbledore's tone was as good as Snape's:
"The re-hosting of the Potions Championship this time was initiated by Wagadu. The venue is Hogwarts. The Magic Institute and Kodosdorez have also agreed, and they will send teams to compete."
"If nothing else happens, we have set a time for the second half of this year. After the new school year starts, this will be a grand event. Three magic schools from outside Europe - their outstanding students and teachers will come to Hogwarts. , I think we were busy in the first half of the year.”
"This is also a good thing." Aaron said with a smile: "At least students can see the magical world outside Europe."
"I think so too. This is a good opportunity for them to broaden their horizons." Dumbledore nodded frequently.
"But why is an event that has been suspended for many years suddenly restarted recently?"
Aaron asked confused.
"Don't you realize? Castor." Snape said in a malicious voice:
"Of course it's because of you."
"I?"
"Yes, respected, talented and famous Mr. Custer! Haven't you understood yet? Golden Apple Potion!" Snape said:
"Its existence has spread, and many people have even gotten the news that you are opening a potion company. Magical governments in various countries will want to know whether it has as good an effect as rumored - the Potion Championship, which is A great opportunity for validation.”
"this……"
"Maybe they are trying to get the order from you first, Aaron." Dumbledore said with a smile:
"Many of my foreign friends have written to me asking about it. This thing is more valuable to those in power than you imagine. With it, they can even form an army of wizards!"
"However, no matter why they come, we should treat this competition well. We can use this to help the little wizards get a good education."
Dumbledore said with a smile:
"At this time, I think I should be lucky that there are two highly skilled potions professors in this school. I hope you can cooperate sincerely..."
Upon hearing this, Aaron and Snape looked at each other and could see the indifference in each other's eyes.
collaboration? With him?
