0076 Problem

Words : 1118 Updated : Sep 12th, 2025

The next day after breakfast, Adrian appeared punctually at the door of Dumbledore's office. However, he had again forgotten to ask Dumbledore about the password for the office door. Fortunately, this time he only had to try a few times before the statue at the entrance moved aside. Today's password was "Licorice Wand." Just as Adrian was about to step onto the spiral staircase, he suddenly heard footsteps coming down from above. Considering the narrow staircase, Adrian stopped and waited. However, to his surprise, it was not Dumbledore who came down. "Professor Quirrell?" Adrian looked up to see that the person coming down was indeed Quirrell. Quirrell seemed somewhat absent-minded at the moment, his head was lowered, and he did not immediately notice Adrian's presence. After hearing Adrian's voice, Quirrell raised his head and stuttered a greeting: "G-good morning, Professor Westeros." When he saw it was Adrian, Quirrell remembered the strange fruit Adrian had given him some time ago. That thing had caused him no small amount of torment. Even now, Voldemort could only parasitize some small animals, having not found a suitable host, and was barely surviving. Thinking of this, beads of sweat appeared on Quirrell's forehead. "Are you alright, Professor Quirrell? You look like you've eaten a large jar of not-so-fresh pickled herring," Adrian asked with friendly concern. "Would you like me to escort you to Madam Pomfrey?" "I'm fine, thank you... thank you for your concern, Professor Westeros." Quirrell forced a stiff smile, walked past Adrian, and hurried down the stairs. At this moment, he had only one thought in his mind: Stay away from this fellow! When Quirrell walked behind Adrian, Adrian turned his head, his gaze instinctively sweeping over the back of Quirrell's head. He noticed that his turban was somewhat loose and even had a corner slightly turned up, revealing a small patch of skin underneath. At this moment, Quirrell seemed to sense Adrian's gaze and nervously covered the turban on his head with his hand. Then, he paused, as if remembering something, relaxed again, and removed his turban, adjusted it, and put it back on. Now that Voldemort was gone, he didn't need to be so nervous anymore. Adrian saw Quirrell's movements very clearly. He was shocked to discover that Quirrell was actually bald! Well, that might not be the most important thing. What was important was that the back of Quirrell's head was completely bald, just like many other bald people. Adrian was stunned until the headmaster's office door closed, only then did he come to his senses. With these questions in mind, Adrian entered the headmaster's office. Dumbledore was sitting behind his desk, wearing his glasses, holding a piece of parchment, concentrating on its contents. "Ah, you're here," Dumbledore put down the parchment and looked up at him when Adrian entered. "Please sit down, Professor Westeros, in that chair in front of you." As Adrian sat down, he casually scanned the surroundings. In the corner to his left was a tall object covered with a cloth. Judging by its shape, it should be the Mirror of Erised from last night. It seemed Dumbledore had placed it in his office. "By the way," Adrian asked after sitting down, "Professor, I just saw Professor Quirrell on the stairs. He... um... seemed a bit odd. Has something happened?" Dumbledore removed his glasses, put the parchment aside, rubbed the bridge of his nose, and replied: "Ah, yes, Professor Westeros. In fact, that's why I called for you... it's quite troublesome affair." Adrian was startled, feeling somewhat confused. Adrian frowned slightly, feeling vaguely uneasy, and asked tentatively: "What exactly is the problem?" Dumbledore sighed, then said: "Professor Quirrell told me a few days ago that he's been having some health issues recently and needs some time to recuperate at St. Mungo's Hospital for Magical Maladies and Injuries. Just now, he formally submitted his application to me." seaʀᴄh thё Nôvelƒire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. So that's it. That's probably why Quirrell came to the headmaster's office just now. However... going to the hospital to recuperate? This was obviously an excuse; Quirrell's true intention certainly wasn't just this. Moreover, he had just discovered that Voldemort had disappeared from Quirrell, which probably had some connection to this matter. "Then, what does this have to do with me?" Adrian asked, feeling puzzled. Dumbledore blinked and said, "A problem has appeared. Quirrell's temporary departure means that until the Christmas holidays, the position of Defense Against the Dark Arts professor at Hogwarts will be vacant. You know, Adrian, this is quite a challenge for our students, as Defense Against the Dark Arts is a very important subject." In fact, whether Quirrell was there or not made little difference, as his Defense Against the Dark Arts class consisted of just reading from the textbook. Hearing Dumbledore's words, Adrian was taken aback, feeling somewhat uneasy: "Headmaster, are you suggesting...?" Dumbledore smiled slightly, "Adrian, I hope you can temporarily take on the role of substitute professor for Defense Against the Dark Arts until Professor Quirrell returns. Ah, not for long, just one week." By now, Adrian had already guessed what was coming, and indeed it was so. Be the Defense Against the Dark Arts professor? He was unwilling, especially given the precedent set by previous Defense Against the Dark Arts professors—almost none of them lasted long. Thinking of this, Adrian waved his hand at Dumbledore, saying apologetically: "Me? I can't do it, Professor. I still have Care of Magical Creatures classes to teach, and time-wise I might not be able to manage..." "That's not a problem," Dumbledore seemed well-prepared. "Professor McGonagall will help arrange your schedule, and... you only need to be responsible for the first to fifth-year courses—which shouldn't be difficult for you. I've looked at your timetable; there are no time conflicts. As for the other classes, I'll find others to help." Just as Adrian was about to try to decline again, Dumbledore handed him the parchment he had been holding on the desk. "?" "Your new timetable, Adrian," before Adrian could respond, Dumbledore said, "I believe you'll do very well." At this point, Adrian had no way to refuse; he had no reason to decline. Dumbledore had calculated everything. Being a Defense Against the Dark Arts professor for just one week, and only for three year levels, shouldn't be a problem... right? "Very well, Professor Dumbledore, I'll do my best." Finally, Adrian nodded and agreed. ________________ /IamLuis

0076 Problem

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