A Professor of Magic at Hogwarts

Chapter 3: The Interview

July 21st, 10 AM

Felix Harp was dressed formally, standing by the fireplace. He tossed a handful of Floo Powder into the flames, calling out, "Hogwarts Deputy Headmistress's Office." After a flash of green fire, his figure disappeared.

Inside the Deputy Headmistress's Office at Hogwarts, Professor McGonagall was sternly organizing school documents.

The Transfiguration professor, known for her strict demeanor, usually wore an expressionless face, but at this moment, her mood was quite good. Gryffindor House had secured the House Cup after a long hiatus last school year, and the joy of Gryffindor's Head of House lingered.

"Pop!"

A burst of emerald firelight erupted from the fireplace, and a young, courteous gentleman stepped out.

Felix Harp surveyed his surroundings briefly, and nothing had changed. How long it had been! He smiled warmly at Professor McGonagall and said, "Professor McGonagall, hello. It's been a while."

Professor McGonagall pursed her lips, signaling a quick shift in her mood, perhaps into work mode. "It has indeed been a while, Felix."

She had taught him too; she was one of his professors. Her feelings toward this famous student were complex, certainly not of the Snape variety.

Before the long-awaited House Cup victory, Gryffindor had suffered seven consecutive defeats, an experience deeply connected to Felix Harp.

Apart from his first three years, Felix had endured a rather rough learning environment, which compelled him to rise and fight back, resulting in lost points. In the following years, after he found camaraderie with the Slytherins, he seemed to realize his true place as a Slytherin student, fighting for the honor of the House.

And in the years that followed, one could sum it up in a single phrase: "Glory belonged to Slytherin."

...

Felix Harp stepped forward, checking his pocket watch. "I hope I haven't missed the interview."

Professor McGonagall's reverie was interrupted. She stood up and led him to the Headmaster's office. "Chocolate Frogs," she said as an incantation, sending Felix Harp inside. Just before he entered, she added, "Your books are quite impressive. It seems you've had a fulfilling three years."

"Thank you, Professor McGonagall." He paused briefly, then smiled and ascended the staircase.

Three years since graduation, he hadn't been idly passing the time. Especially after his initial job application failure, he reflected and followed Dumbledore's advice: "Wander and observe."

He spent a year traveling the wizarding world, and the remaining two years working, uh, studying the Muggle world.

The results were remarkable—three years, three books; two on Muggle studies, one on ancient magical texts.

He had also amassed a substantial amount of wealth.

Climbing the long staircase, Felix Harp entered the Headmaster's office. It was filled with various books and alchemical objects, while portraits of past Hogwarts headmasters adorned the walls.

Beside the headmaster's desk, a phoenix dozed with closed eyes.

Dumbledore was engrossed in some study at his desk, and the entire office was steeped in tranquility.

“Headmaster Dumbledore, good morning," Felix Harp greeted aloud. As he spoke, the room suddenly came alive.

The portraits of the headmasters all opened their eyes, watching Felix Harp and pointing fingers, engaged in hushed conversations.

One portrait, in particular, was excessively dramatic. "Ha! The most outstanding Slytherin has arrived!"

The man in the portrait sported a goatee, thin eyebrows, and was wearing Slytherin robes. He was Phineas Nigellus Black, one of the least popular Hogwarts headmasters, according to the students. He was also a Slytherin.

Felix Harp gracefully bowed.

At this moment, Headmaster Dumbledore finally looked up. He had a distinctly unique appearance with his silver-white beard trailing down to his chest. His robe was somewhat disheveled, and he wore half-moon glasses.

Yet, none of this was as captivating as his eyes. His eyes were incredibly bright, and the deep blue irises seemed to shimmer.

Felix Harp found himself slightly entranced; time had left minimal marks on the headmaster, yet it also seemed to have left a great deal.

"Ah, ah! It's Felix," Dumbledore stood up, walking over with a lively step. "I've been waiting for your arrival."

Felix Harp shook the headmaster's hand with a touch of restraint. After all, he was here for a job interview, and he had been rejected three times already.

The two of them took their seats, Dumbledore's gaze penetrating through the thin lenses as he wielded his wand. "What would you like to drink? Pumpkin juice? Tea?" He blinked, "I also have fresh butterbeer."

"A cup of tea, thank you."

Dumbledore gave his wand a gentle wave, and a steaming cup of tea drifted in front of Felix Harp. He took a sip, and a tinge of bitterness filled his mouth and nose – it was aged tea. It seemed the headmaster didn't often drink tea.

"Sibyll sent me this tea, though personally, I can't discern its quality. But she says it comes from the distant East."

Charlatan!

Felix Harp thought inwardly, at least one of you is a charlatan.

After the tea was sipped, the conversation transitioned into the main topic.

"Felix, you've been doing exceptionally well these past few years. I've been reading your works, and I must say, your approach to Muggle studies is remarkably fresh and thorough... it has given this old man quite a lot to think about."

Felix Harp smiled, "Thanks to your advice, the Muggle world is truly fascinating, especially in recent decades; they've developed rapidly. As for my works... perhaps it's because I come from a Muggle background myself, I have an extra layer of understanding for them."

Dumbledore shook his head. "Your background doesn't diminish your effort. Many in the wizarding world come from Muggle backgrounds, yet not all excel in Muggle studies. They might have a deeper understanding of some common knowledge, but true comprehension is far from commonplace."

Of course, because I was a pure Muggle in my previous life.

Dumbledore waved his wand, summoning a book from his desk. The title read, "The Struggles of Muggles: A Journey from a Million Years Ago." It was one of Felix Harp's works. He realized that Dumbledore had been reading his book all this time.

"This book has been quite inspiring to me. I've read it more than once, particularly your perspective on the history of technology – is that the right term? – to explain how Muggles have progressed from primitive creatures over millions of years to their current state. I must say, it's a marvel."

"You also pointed out that Muggles experience rapid leaps in their technological level every once in a while, and the intervals between these leaps are growing shorter and shorter. You even predict the next leap is not far off – very thought-provoking!" Dumbledore praised his book endlessly.

Felix Harp humbly said, "This perspective isn't entirely mine. In fact, many sociologists in the Muggle world, or rather, Muggle scholars who study Muggles, have contributed to my understanding."

Dumbledore spoke calmly, "Many Muggles possess wisdom as well. Yet, in the wizarding world, few are willing to acknowledge this."

"I agree with you, Professor Dumbledore."

Dumbledore blinked shortly after, seemingly skipping over the previous topic. He playfully remarked, "So, I suppose you've read quite a few Muggle works? To be honest, many of my Christmas gifts are books. They seem to think I prefer books. But in reality, I quite enjoy a good pair of woolen socks."

"Of course, if it's a book from the Muggle world, I don't think I'd refuse."

A glaring hint...

At least he now knew what to give for Christmas gifts...

"Yes, even though they lack magic, some Muggles spend over a decade to complete a single book, meticulously exploring a single question or theory," Felix Harp murmured softly. "It's a laborious process, and thus, it's precious."

Dumbledore looked somewhat content. "It seems you've truly gained a great deal over these years." Suddenly, he posed another question, "So, why are you so determined to teach at Hogwarts?"