Chapter 467: New Professor
Chapter 467: New Professor
"Although I have to hide, these days, cautious Wizards try to avoid drawing attention to themselves", Slughorn said. "Dumbledore wants me to teach at the School, but taking a position at Hogwarts right now would be like publicly declaring my support for the Phoenix Order! I admire those brave people, but I must admit I'm not that kind of Champion." The old man spread his hands.
"Teaching at the School isn't the same as joining the Phoenix Order. How could it be so risky?" Harry was somewhat disdainful of Slughorn's excessive nervousness, even cowardice. "Most teachers aren't members of the Phoenix Order, and none of them have been harmed. You must know that Voldemort only fears Professor Dumbledore. I can't think of a safer place than Hogwarts Castle."
Hearing the name Voldemort, Slughorn shivered and grumbled reluctantly. "Yes, you do have a point. The one whose name cannot be spoken does indeed fear Dumbledore. Since I don't want to be a Death Eater, they certainly won't see me as one of their own... If that's the case, I should be safer by Albus's side. Think of poor Bones; she might have died if not for her good luck this time. I can't say my defenses are better than the Ministry of Magic's protection for her home—"
"Horace", Dumbledore reentered the room, holding a Muggle magazine, "I hope you don't mind if I take this. I quite like the knitting patterns. Well, Harry, we've taken up enough of Horace's time. I think we should go."
Harry stood up, and Slughorn looked uneasy. "Of course, take it, but you can't leave now, can you?"
"Since you've refused the position, there's no point in us staying. Goodbye." Dumbledore turned and walked out the door with Harry, not looking back. "If you change your mind, you're welcome to visit the School. I promise we've added many new safety measures this year."
Just as Harry and Dumbledore were about to leave, a shout came from behind. "Alright, I'll do it."
Dumbledore turned around to see Slughorn standing at the doorway, out of breath. Under Dumbledore's gaze, Slughorn seemed a bit excited. "I must be crazy, but I'll teach at Hogwarts this year. However, you can't be stingy with my compensation, such as giving me a raise and the Deputy Headmistress's old quarters on the second floor—"
"Alright, we'll see you on September 1st." Dumbledore waved his hand and continued walking with Harry. "Well done, Harry."
"But I didn't do anything. What I said couldn't have convinced such an experienced old man", Harry said, puzzled.
"No, you did a lot", Dumbledore said as they walked down the hill. "Slughorn is a classic self-seeker. He has always enjoyed associating with famous, successful, and powerful people to make his life more convenient. He even formed a club around those he believed would excel in various fields, introducing them to each other to build useful connections, and always reaped some benefit, whether it was a free box of his favorite pineapple preserves or an opportunity to recommend a clerk to the Goblin Liaison Office."
"Why did you choose him to teach at the School?" Harry asked, still confused.
"Ah, as a professor, he is quite competent", Dumbledore explained. "Even during the most dangerous times, as the Head of Slytherin and a member of an ancient pure-blood clan, he didn't side with Voldemort and treated students of different bloodlines fairly. That's enough."
"By the way, you need to remember that Professor Slughorn will want to take you under his wing. Harry, you will be the jewel in his collection: The Boy Who Lived... or, as they've recently started calling you, 'The Chosen One.' I advise you to remain cautious, but there's no need to be hostile, as he means no harm."
After giving these instructions, Dumbledore had Harry place his hand on his arm. When Harry recovered from the dizziness of Apparition, he saw a lopsided silhouette in front of him—it was The Burrow, his second-favorite place in this world. Just as he was about to go inside, Dumbledore stopped him.
"Harry, there's something I need to tell you", Dumbledore said seriously. "At the end of last term, I treated you like a child, which led to a series of unfortunate events. I apologize for that."
"But it was mostly my recklessness", Harry said, his voice tinged with emotion. "Last term's end was just a matter of luck; otherwise, I might have lost two of my friends. I've been thinking about this during the holiday... look at Boneswife, look at Emmeline Vance... the next one could be me, right? If it comes to that, I'll fight to the end. Even people like Liam, who have little to do with this war, are willing to fight to the death at the Ministry of Magic. I have even less reason to run away."
"Well said, worthy of James and Lily's son", Professor Dumbledore nodded slowly. "There are some things you can tell your friends and godfather, such as the Prophecy." He raised a hand to stop Harry, who looked like he wanted to say something.
"You might not want to reveal these things, or you might not want your friends to worry about you. But you must understand that they are fighting for the same goal, and they are willing to risk their lives for it. You should trust them as much as they trust you."
Seeing Harry nod in agreement, Dumbledore continued, "Also, I believe you already know what you are facing, so I will give you some specialized training. Of course, this means you won't be able to take Occlumency lessons with Professor Snape."
"That's great, those classes were just—" He stopped himself, resisting the urge to complain.
"I understand your feelings; those lessons were essentially useless for you", Dumbledore sighed, shaking his head. "Well, Harry, before we part, there are two more things. First, you should always carry your Invisibility Cloak, even at school. Second, The Burrow has received the most stringent security measures the Ministry of Magic can provide. These measures have caused some inconvenience for Arthur and Molly—like having all their mail reviewed by the Ministry before delivery. But they don't mind at all; they are solely concerned with your safety. If you take unnecessary risks while staying with them, it would be a great disservice to them."
"I understand", Harry nodded.
"Good. I'll be going now. You should go inside. Have a pleasant summer vacation." Dumbledore waved his hand and then with a pop, Apparated away.
Harry looked at The Burrow, where the lights in the windows glowed warmly in the dark night. The silhouette of Ginny at the window brought a happy smile to his face.
(End of Chapter)
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