https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-1658-A-War-with-No-Victors-One-Hundred-and-Eight-/12529434/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-1660-A-War-with-No-Victors-Part-CXI-/12529438/
Chapter 1659: A War with No Victors (Part 109)
Chapter 1659: A War with No Victors (Part 109)
Albert's suggestion may have sounded like a joke, but as a former member of the Transfiguration Club, Cedric was more than proficient in the subject. If they couldn't find a suitable candidate, Professor McGonagall wouldn't mind inviting Cedric to become a Transfiguration professor, but it remained to be seen if he would accept the position at Hogwarts.
As for Harry Potter, Professor McGonagall was willing to believe that he had a good grasp of Dark Magic Defense. When he formed Dumbledore's Army, Harry even taught other students and thus had some teaching experience.
However, with Albert as a ready candidate, they could solve most of Hogwarts' problems in one fell swoop if they could convince him to stay on as a long-term professor. They might even have a successor for the position of Headmaster.
In fact, Kingsley had once had similar thoughts to Professor McGonagall. Unfortunately, despite his best efforts, he had failed to persuade Albert to join the Ministry of Magic.
This left Professor McGonagall feeling helpless. Even offering the position of Headmaster of Hogwarts didn't seem to attract Albert.
Albert had no aspirations in that direction, and no amount of persuasion would change that. Even if they forced him to stay, he would be nothing more than a nominal professor.
Given Albert's reluctance, Professor McGonagall decided to seriously consider his suggestion.
The two of them walked around the perimeter of the school grounds to ensure there were no safety hazards, then returned to the castle to rest and prepare for the upcoming New Student Welcome Dinner.
"Did you say something to Professor McGonagall?"
Not long after Cedric was informed of his seat at the professor's table, he pulled Albert into a corner of the Great Hall. "She just asked me if I wanted to stay and be a Transfiguration professor."
"You've noticed it too, haven't you? Hogwarts is short on professors," Albert replied.
"I know, but..." Cedric trailed off.
"Professor McGonagall had to take on the role of Transfiguration professor herself. Naturally, she's eager to find a suitable candidate. I remember you were excellent at Transfiguration," Albert shrugged, indicating that he was merely making a suggestion.
"If you're reluctant to give up your position at the Ministry, you can discuss it with Kingsley. You can keep your position at the Ministry and work at Hogwarts at the same time." Albert joked, "I know the Ministry has always wanted to extend its influence into Hogwarts. Now that the opportunity has presented itself, they definitely won't refuse."
"This isn't funny at all." Cedric glared at Albert, who seemed to be stirring up trouble. "You know..."
"If you don't like it, you can always refuse Professor McGonagall's offer!" Albert patted Cedric on the shoulder. "No one is forcing you. It's just another career option for the future."
"You..." Cedric was at a loss for words when it came to Albert.
He didn't want to discuss the matter further.
Time flew by as they chatted. The ceiling of the Great Hall gradually darkened, and with a wave of their wands, thousands of candles lit up. The ceiling, under Slughorn's wand, transformed into a beautiful starry sky.
All the professors of Hogwarts had arrived, with the exception of Hagrid, who was off leading the first-year students across the lake.
The most surprising addition was Cedric, the assistant to the Dark Magic Defense professor, who had been assigned a seat next to Albert. He seemed a little nervous.
Albert, however, was unperturbed. He had attended many large-scale events during his time at school and had no psychological issues with it.
At that moment, he was chatting with Slughorn about beauty potions and casually bringing up Professor McGonagall's dilemma.
"I recall you're quite close to Damocles, aren't you?" Slughorn asked abruptly.
"Yes, Damocles is highly skilled in Potions, and he would be a good choice. But he doesn't seem interested in teaching students here. Do you have any suitable candidates in mind? I know you're acquainted with many Potions Masters," Slughorn said.
"I'm not sure... Probably not," Albert replied. "As you know, those with extraordinary talent tend to have peculiar temperaments. They lack the patience to teach students, and truly talented Potions Masters are rarer than one might think."
"That's a shame," Slughorn said with a sigh. "Sprout is also looking for someone, I believe." He turned to the Professor of Hufflepuff.
"Yes, but I've found a suitable candidate," Professor Sprout said happily.
"Neville Longbottom?" Albert guessed.
"Yes, Longbottom. He has a real talent for Herbology. I've already discussed it with him, and he's very interested," Professor Sprout nodded. "However, he's currently working at the Ministry, and as you know, they're short on Aurors. So, it might take a few years. He's agreed to be an assistant professor for a year before taking over my position."
"I certainly don't want to die in this job," Slughorn said.
As they spoke, the returning students of Hogwarts began pouring into the Great Hall.
In that moment, Albert felt countless gazes fall upon him. He stopped his conversation with Slughorn and smiled at the students below, causing a small commotion. He even saw some students waving at the teacher's table.
"You're still as popular as ever!"
Cedric knew that Albert didn't particularly enjoy this kind of attention, and his mood lifted.
"I can now understand Harry Potter's predicament," Albert sighed softly.
"I think it's great," Slughorn said, winking at Albert. "I heard from an old friend that they've even included you in the Chocolate Frog Cards."
"Oh, that's a surprise," Albert said nonchalantly.
"You didn't know?" Slughorn was taken aback. "He also mentioned interviewing you. I suppose that was a lie, then."
"I've been swamped lately. I haven't had time for interviews," Albert said.
Albert didn't really care about the Chocolate Frog Cards. He already had Wizard Cards, and he didn't lack for fame, especially after personally killing Voldemort. The name Albert would forever be remembered alongside the Second Wizarding War.
(End of Chapter)
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