HP: Professor From Azkaban

The excitement was over, and William had no choice but to let Dumbledore drag him back to the Start-of-Term Feast.

By now, the Sorting Ceremony was almost finished. The first-year kids had all found their places, and only seven or eight students remained, anxiously waiting for Professor Flitwick to call their names.

"Young William, what happened out there?"

When William sat down, an elderly professor with a white beard leaned in and lowered his voice to ask the question.

However, even though he had made an effort to speak quietly, his question still caused the nearby professors to prick up their ears.

Even Dumbledore couldn't help glancing over but quickly turned his head back as if nothing had happened. After all, the one asking the question was Professor Kettleburn.

This old man, who had dedicated his entire life to Hogwarts and never married, had been at the school even longer than Dumbledore.

Aside from Professor Binns, who wasn't present tonight, Kettleburn was the longest-serving Professor; and also the one who had been disciplined the most frequently.

Noticing Dumbledore's gaze, the mischievous old man even made a face in the Headmaster's direction. When Dumbledore didn't react after a while, Kettleburn let out a disappointed sigh.

"Ah, Albus is getting less fun these days. Back before he became Headmaster, he used to enthusiastically join in our school play rehearsals. Now, he doesn't even participate in drama studies anymore."

As he spoke, Kettleburn awkwardly stood up from his chair, striking a somewhat comedic pose as he revealed his full appearance.

Both of his legs were amputated halfway, replaced by wooden prosthetics that, along with a cane, helped him maintain balance. As for the hand holding the cane, it too was missing, replaced by a mechanical attachment that secured the cane to his left arm.

With a steady thud-thud rhythm, the old Professor's chair was brought closer to William's side.

"So, young William, I heard two students missed the train today and came here in a flying car. Is that true?"

If even Dumbledore couldn't deal with this professor, what could William do?

"That's correct. Two Gryffindor students couldn't get through the barrier, which had been tampered with. In the end, they chose to take a car and chase after the Hogwarts Express," William explained, revealing as little information as possible; though he knew that the truth of the matter would likely spread throughout Hogwarts by the end of the evening.

"Fantastic!"

The old professor exclaimed in admiration, though he quickly realized his mistake. Encouraging students to engage in reckless adventures was definitely not something a professor should do.

"I mean; it was rather reckless of them. Still, it's a shame. I probably won't get to meet those two students. I'm retiring next year."

"I hope you firmly remember that, Professor Kettleburn," came Professor McGonagall's voice from behind them, startling both men.

William, however, detected a tone of exasperation in her words.

"You've been suspended for investigation sixty-two times. Do you realize what that means?"

"That I've been teaching for sixty-two years?"

William, overhearing the number, couldn't help but feel astonished.

"To be precise, this year is still your probationary period, even though you're retiring next year," McGonagall replied in a resigned tone.

"All right, Minerva, I'm just showing concern for the school's students. That's all. Nothing more," Kettleburn said dismissively.

With a helpless sigh, McGonagall returned to her seat. As she turned away, Kettleburn made another playful face behind her back.

"Tell me, William me boy, is everything sorted out?" The old professor asked cheerfully, while Dumbledore chose to turn a blind eye.

After being asked repeatedly for more details, the elderly Professor, with more experience than even the Headmaster, cheerfully dragged his chair back to his original position.

Meanwhile, the enthusiastic professors around them began explaining Professor Kettleburn's accomplishments at Hogwarts, and soon a group started quietly criticizing Professor McGonagall for how rigidly she had handled this year's budget report card.

***

As Lockhart spoke grandly to the nearby professors, William was pulled into the circle of younger professors, listening to their advice on where to go for the weekend to avoid running into students who might stare at them in surprise when they were having a good time.

"I'll tell you, Professor William, you'd better stay away from Professor Snape. Although he's top-notch in both his abilities and in Potions, the one thing he dislikes most is the Defense Against the Dark Arts professor. Ever since I've known him, he's been urging Dumbledore to let him take that position. He's been unhappy with whoever holds the post for over ten years now."

[You have gained the recognition (disapproval) of a magical creature. You have received a treasure chest x1.]

That was fast, so accurate?

William could understand it, though. Probably every Defense Against the Dark Arts professor was disliked by Professor Snape. Just earlier, he had been eager to punish Harry, who didn't get along with him. This information came from an enthusiastic professor. So, it made sense that Snape would dislike William after their clash.

However, William was enjoying his conversation with the new professors so much that he didn't have the time to check the card and could only temporarily set the chest aside, planning to see what kind of card it was when he had the chance.

But soon, a series of notifications overwhelmed him.

[You have gained the recognition (disapproval) of a magical creature. You have received a treasure chest x1.]

[You have gained the recognition (disapproval) of a magical creature. You have received a treasure chest x1.]

[You have unlocked an achievement: Come at me if you dare.]

[You have unlocked an achievement: The Beginning of a Villain.]

???

What just happened?

He had just chatted with the other professors for a bit; he hadn't committed any crimes, hadn't offended anyone, and there were no sarcastic jokes or innuendo. Why had so many people suddenly started to dislike him?

Yet, the other professors were still deep in conversation, and William didn't want to miss the opportunity for camaraderie that the old Professor had brought him. So, he suppressed his curiosity and left the chest alone for now.

***

"Welcome!"

Dumbledore stood up, and the conversations at the staff table immediately stopped.

Soon, the whispers throughout the hall quieted as well.

"Welcome to Hogwarts for the new school year! Although I'm sure everyone is hungry, I must give you all a very serious warning in these few minutes before the meal. I hope that before the food captures your attention, you will remember this."

"I've noticed that many students have already begun spreading rumors about what happened today, and today's Daily Prophet even published a report about it."

"I don't want any students to imitate such behavior. This kind of action should not be encouraged. The students involved have already been severely punished, and for this reason, I want the heads of houses, as well as our newly appointed Head Boy and Head Girl, to ensure that no student engages in such high-risk actions again."