Inside the Headmaster's office.
Watching the portraits aggressively spectating her, Hermione felt annoyed.
But they were all former Hogwarts Headmasters. She couldn't say anything. Could only silently endure the pointing and whispering.
"Wait a moment." Dumbledore didn't look up. "Let me sign a few documents first."
Hermione nodded. Wandered around on her own.
Suddenly, a fiery red shadow caught her eye.
Beside Dumbledore, a blood-red bird perched on a stand. Head down, plucking its somewhat balding feathers.
Hermione gently picked up a feather.
[Magical Creature][Phoenix][Reborn from ashes after death, tears can heal wounds]
"I assume you know what it is."
Dumbledore looked up. Stacked the documents in hand. Said flatly.
Hermione nodded. "Indeed. Just didn't expect you to have one."
"The phoenix is the Dumbledore family's guardian. Fawkes has been with me over a hundred years. Nearly time for rebirth again—that's why he looks like this."
Seeming to notice Hermione's confusion, Dumbledore explained for Fawkes.
Hermione naturally knew, but patiently listened to Dumbledore's account.
After finishing, Dumbledore handed Hermione the documents.
Opening them, an exaggerated moving photo appeared. Text beside it.
Gilderoy Lockhart.
"This is Lockhart's resume. He'll be this year's Defense Against the Dark Arts professor."
This year... Noticing Dumbledore's wording, Hermione couldn't help rolling her eyes.
"Heard you met Lockhart at Diagon Alley. What's your assessment of him?" Dumbledore asked.
"Hmm..." Hermione chose her words carefully. "How to put it... He's someone who's... very good at telling stories."
Dumbledore smiled. "Very accurate assessment. Frankly, I believe this man has no real skill. His fame comes from stealing others' experiences. Insufficient to teach Defense. But I still invited him to teach at Hogwarts."
"Initially he was worried about being exposed. But after I told him he could teach you and Harry Potter, he immediately took the bait."
As expected, you know about this course's problem. Deliberately brought Lockhart to take the hit.
You calculating old...
"So you called me here just to say this?"
Hermione was puzzled.
Initially thought it was routine inquiry about the train incident. Didn't expect Dumbledore wouldn't even ask—just started explaining about Lockhart.
Dumbledore said, "Of course not. This time mainly wanted to ask a favor. Lockhart is the main reason."
"Look at what you're holding. Below Lockhart's resume is another document. Needs your signature."
Hermione suddenly had a bad feeling.
Below the resume, an employment letter appeared.
Hermione read softly: "Hereby sincerely invite Miss Hermione Jane Granger to serve as Hogwarts Defense Against the Dark Arts Assistant, assisting Professor Lockhart in teaching..."
Before finishing, she suddenly looked up. Threw the letter back on the desk. Backed away repeatedly.
What are you trying to do?!
Don't want it!
Seeing Hermione's reaction, Dumbledore knew what she was thinking. Expression somewhat surprised. "Seems you know something."
"I don't know, but previously I could see dark aura hovering above Quirrell's head. This morning at Flourish and Blotts, saw Lockhart had the same dark aura."
"I was confused before." Hermione said expressionlessly. "Until I heard he'd become Defense professor. Finally understood what was happening."
"Probably, Defense Against the Dark Arts has some curse on it."
Dumbledore's eyes flashed with amazement.
"Your magical talent truly surprises me. In over a hundred years, I haven't seen anyone with your ability."
Hermione didn't speak. Just looked at him sideways.
Dumbledore nodded helplessly. "You're right. The one who cast this curse was him."
"Years ago he wanted to return to Hogwarts to teach this course. I refused... So he cursed it. Anyone teaching this course cannot serve more than one year. The curse is powerful. Even I struggle to break it."
Hermione glared at him. Somewhat angry. "Then you still want me to..."
"Don't worry." Dumbledore smiled. "Since I'm asking you, I'm confident. The curse only applies to Hogwarts' official professors. Assistants aren't included."
Stared at him a while. Hermione slowly stepped forward. Picked up the employment document. Saw there were indeed no words like "professor." Finally relaxed slightly.
"Plus I remember when you took the Stone, you promised to grant me one condition. This is that condition."
Under Dumbledore's half-moon spectacles, a gleam flashed.
Old Dumbledore, so you were waiting for me here?
"Lockhart can't complete teaching duties. You need someone to fill in. I understand that."
She paused. "But how did you think I'm capable of this job?"
Dumbledore explained, "Originally I was hesitant. Though your talent is remarkable, you defeated Quirrell... But you're still young. I didn't know what level you'd reached."
"However, when I heard today you performed precise Apparition twice consecutively, bringing Harry and Ron along, I was certain—you've definitely reached ability far beyond ordinary adult wizards. Sufficient to teach any Hogwarts student."
"As for unlicensed Apparition, don't worry. I'll handle it."
Hermione was speechless. By now, she could see—from that night, Dumbledore had already been planning this.
Didn't say it then because he wasn't sure of her level. After the train incident, she could consecutively Apparate with passengers—definitely decided on the spot.
Sighed softly. Hermione nodded. Agreed.
No choice. Who told her to take his treasure?
Actually, strictly speaking, her magical power was currently only ordinary adult wizard level. Not as high as Dumbledore estimated.
But Apparition was an extremely special case.
Due to the magic book's existence, Apparition didn't need to worry about accidents. That's why she dared operate like this...
Could even perform extremely risky consecutive short-distance teleportation recklessly in combat.
Just like Dumbledore and Grindelwald back then.
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