NOVEL NEXT Chapter 9: Mysterious Hogwarts
September 1st.
After packing all his belongings into his wallet, Tver received a dark red robe handed to him by Jeff. The robe appeared black on the surface, but when set against true black, its deep crimson shade, reminiscent of congealed blood, was discernible.
"Young Master, it seems you've reached the age to take on a job," Jeff said with a smile, a hint of tears glistening in his eyes. From a mere child in his memories, Tver had grown into a professor, ready to educate others.
"Let's not make it sound like I've done something extraordinary," Tver replied, kneeling to give the small elf a hug.
"In my eyes, Young Master Tver, you always have been extraordinary," Jeff whispered softly.
...
Arriving once again at the grand entrance of Hogwarts, Tver noticed that the area seemed cleaner, perhaps after a meticulous cleaning, and the grand doors were wide open.
Was this the confidence of Hogwarts, unafraid of any ill-intentioned wizards making their way in?
"It seems you are ready to be a professor, Tver, no, I should address you as Professor Fawley now," said Professor McGonagall, scanning him and appearing pleased with Tver's appropriate attire and demeanor. His appearance alone was enough to make him one of the most notable professors at the school.
It was still Professor McGonagall who guided Tver, but her expression was more relaxed and comfortable.
"In your presence, I am still a student," Tver responded with a smile.
During this period, he had been corresponding with Professor McGonagall, primarily to understand the teaching operations at Hogwarts. To be honest, Tver was somewhat surprised.
The course schedule at Hogwarts was not overly demanding for the students, but it was much more so for the professors responsible for teaching. The school had seven mandatory subjects, which meant there were seven mandatory course professors, and now, an additional assistant.
These professors were responsible for the entire school's academic activities. However, there were seven grades and four houses!
Except for the sixth and seventh years, where students of the same grade studied together, the remaining five grades consisted of two houses sharing classes.
Furthermore, each subject required at least two classes per week, each lasting one and a half hours. This meant that the professors of mandatory courses had to work at least thirty-six hours over five days a week!
This didn't even include grading homework or preparing lessons.
Disrespectfully speaking, it's possible that Professor Binns, who taught History of Magic, had died of overwork... and the annual turnover of Defense Against the Dark Arts professors could also be due to the unbearable workload throughout the year...
Fortunately, Tver had applied for an assistant position, only needing to teach first to third years. This left Quirrell with some free time to attempt to steal the Philosopher's Stone.
How considerate!
"But how come I don't see your luggage?" Professor McGonagall asked curiously, noting Tver's light attire. "Professors live in the castle since there really isn't enough time to commute back and forth."
"I have a special little package," Tver replied, patting his pocket and winking at Professor McGonagall.
"Very well, then let me show you around your future workplace," she said.
As they entered the Hogwarts castle, Professor McGonagall, with great interest, began cleaning the statues and armor while introducing Tver to the specifics of Hogwarts. "There aren't many professors in the school, so it's quite busy. Especially Albus, most of the school's administrative work is handled by me, so feel free to come to me if you need anything."
Professor McGonagall's voice carried a hint of complaint, and Tver dared not agree outright. "It shows that you manage things to Professor Dumbledore's satisfaction, allowing him to entrust the school to you confidently."
"Speaking of which, you're quite different from the Durmstrang I had imagined," McGonagall remarked curiously.
"The typical Durmstrang?" Tver struck a gorilla pose. "The rough, bearded face, booming voice, body covered in muscles, and surrounded by an aura of dark magic?"
"My mistake, but at least you're much more humorous than I anticipated. You'll be very popular with the students," she smiled.
"I hope so," Tver responded.
Professor McGonagall led Tver to a room on the third floor, located between Professor Quirrell's Defense Against the Dark Arts office and the trophy room.
"This will be your office. Feel free to decorate it as you wish, but try not to make it too... eccentric."
Having worked with many Defense Against the Dark Arts professors, Professor McGonagall seemed to have seen her fair share of peculiarities. "It shouldn't be worse than arranging specimens in the classroom."
Tver recalled the scene in the dungeon, seeing the Potions classroom. Even at Durmstrang, they wouldn't casually display such things; it was almost like having "I'm not a good person" written on their foreheads.
The office was spacious, furnished only with a desk and some bookshelves, which Tver would need to fill himself. Deeper inside, there was another room—Tver's bedroom.
However, the bedroom wasn't as spartan as the outside; it was well-prepared and thoughtfully decorated with curtains bearing the Hogwarts crest.
"I wasn't sure what kind of office you'd prefer, so I didn't take the liberty of decorating it for you. If there's anything you'd like to add, feel free to let me know."
"I am very satisfied, I could not be more pleased. I can clearly feel your care for me," Tver responded appreciatively, nodding. His room at the manor might have been grander, but this was quite exceptional. Compared to the cramped Durmstrang, the spaciousness of Hogwarts Castle was evident.
Though there were many students, there were fewer professors, which meant ample living space for them.
Professor McGonagall then continued to lead Tver to the first floor. "This is Classroom Eleven, where you will be teaching the students."
Tver looked around the classroom in surprise; his office was spacious, but this classroom was at least twice as large!
"This is the largest classroom in the school. Dumbledore specially prepared it for you, saying you'd need plenty of space for teaching," explained Professor McGonagall. The classroom had rarely been used recently, its vast area large enough to fit an entire meadow.
She was curious about what Tver planned to teach in such a spacious room. Everyone would find out once classes officially started, so Tver didn't elaborate, instead expressing satisfaction with Dumbledore's thoughtfulness.
Under Professor McGonagall's guidance, Tver had now toured most of the castle, getting a preliminary feel for the ancient structure. The specifics, however, would come with time as he explored further.
As night fell, Professor McGonagall led Tver to the Great Hall. As he stepped inside, the clouds on the enchanted ceiling flickered briefly, and the candles overhead lit up under Professor McGonagall's spell.
"The magic here is quite peculiar; it has been this way since my time as a student at Hogwarts. It occasionally undergoes some clever changes," she explained.
"Very intriguing. The mysteries of Hogwarts make me look forward to the life ahead here," Tver said, a smile curling at the corners of his mouth.