Harry Potter: Reborn as a Prisoner in Azkaban

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"Sorry, William, it's getting late, I have to go take care of the plants."

After chatting for a bit in the corridor, Adams hastily bid farewell to William—'A batch of biting cabbages from the East are hearting, and they're in dire need of water.'

That's what Adams said, and he left so quickly he didn't even wait for William's reply.

'Biting cabbages?'

William scratched his head, remembering that this was one of the ingredients for the Skelegro potion.

'Why am I inexplicably thinking of hand-torn cabbage?'

Thinking of this, he let out a chuckle, then began to consider this batch of biting cabbages—the herbs grown within the school, except for the particularly precious ones, could be used by professors with just a report.

'If the potions haven't expired, they're still more reliable than magic. Although in theory, such severe injuries shouldn't occur, I think I should still brew some.'

Although applying for Skelegro would most likely be approved, those capable of brewing potions prefer to do it themselves for more complex ones, as they feel more assured about both the shelf life and efficacy.

After mulling over these thoughts, William began to ponder the curious idea that had just floated through his mind.

Find ghosts.

Not poltergeists like Peeves who stubbornly refuse to leave, but ghosts of wizards who have remained at Hogwarts for nearly a thousand years.

Compared to portraits, these ghosts can explore more places. Even the twins might not have explored as much as the ghosts—ghosts can pass through walls, and most of the ghosts in this castle have been here longer than Dumbledore!

'I should have thought of this earlier—Professor Binns's teachings limited my thinking too much. Not every ghost works a two-point-line schedule like Professor Binns, only going between the classroom and office every day.'

'I should go discuss it with Professor Binns, to get a letter of recommendation or some other token. Those ghosts are old-timers, and I'm an outsider. They probably won't cooperate if I just ask.'

Ghosts are different from portraits; most portraits would show professors respect, but those ghosts are divided by houses. For a wizard like William, who has no specific background, those ghosts can choose to ignore him—William had already experienced this on the first night of school.

'Others look for ghosts at night to build courage, but I'm looking for ghosts at dawn?'

'Wait,' William suddenly realized something was wrong. He looked at the completely dark window and remembered Adams, who had just left not long ago—'I really want to curse!'

—

In the brightly lit office, William knocked on the door, using the candlelight peeking through the crack.

"Come in."

Professor Binns's voice came from inside, and William pushed open the office door.

'So many books—'

Despite having been there several times, William still made the same exclamation as before—in fact, what was outside was only a small portion; the room behind, which other professors used as a lounge, was the main part. Perhaps because ghosts don't need rest, Professor Binns used the back room entirely for stacking books.

"Ah, Professor William—have new archives been completed?"

Professor Binns's unique voice rang out. He floated up from his spot, then asked with a smile that could shatter the worldview of a pile of students.

The smile didn't surprise William, but Professor Binns's speed genuinely startled him.

It was only Saturday morning, and the extra archives prepared by so many people last week were already used up?

"Oh, I apologize, Professor. Today is only Saturday. The written content can only be delivered on Monday."

Although students were exempted from Saturday detentions, having them write more on Sunday shouldn't be much of a problem—could those kids actually solve the case over the weekend?

"Monday? Well, I'll take these two days to organize the information on previous headmasters. Albus's information can't be compiled yet, so I'll start with Armando Dippet."

Professor Binns scratched his hair, but nothing fell off.

"Armando Dippet?"

William asked curiously. Professor Binns glanced at William, his eyes showing confusion, then bewilderment, and finally he let out a reluctant sound.

"Armando Dippet, the previous headmaster, Albus's predecessor. After he retired in 1956 for some reason, Albus Dumbledore became headmaster."

"For some reason?"

"That cannot be said, it involves Albus."

William, whose curiosity had just been piqued, felt like he was doing himself a disservice early in the morning—as early as when he discussed compiling the school history with Professor Binns, Professor Binns had already told William the rules for compiling school history.

The first and most important rule.

'When compiling school history, do not involve matters related to the current headmaster. When compiling magical history, do not involve matters related to the current government.'

William could understand this kind of statement, similar to not compiling contemporary history, but he desperately wanted to know the gossip about Armando Dippet, the former headmaster—don't you know, Professor, that it hurts when you only tell half the story?

"Do you intend to conceal something about Headmaster Armando Dippet's history?"

"Of course not. Once Professor McGonagall takes office as Headmistress, everything about Headmaster Armando Dippet can be fully recorded. Compiling history requires patience, Professor William."

…

That Professor McGonagall would become headmistress was beyond doubt, but William still felt that Professor Binns's patience didn't refer to waiting for approval or anything, but rather that he simply intended to outlast the headmaster before recording anything.

Since ghosts don't die, there was no doubt that Professor Binns would ultimately win.

"Is there anything else I can help you with, Professor William?"

"I'd like to ask some things of the other ghosts, but I'm not familiar with the ghosts of the various houses, Professor Binns. Could you introduce me?"

William saw a subtle hesitation on Professor Binns's translucent face—it seemed the professor was wavering between compiling history and wasting time on William, an outsider.

Eventually, he received a quickly scribbled note from the professor.

—

As the only employed professor ghost among a bunch of unemployed spirits, Professor Binns held considerable authority.

Although, from William's understanding since coming to school, Professor Binns's class was considered the most unpopular, this did not affect his prestige among the many ghosts.

William began to think Professor Binns was fooling him, but almost all the uncooperative ghosts, upon seeing that note, would more or less show respect and chat with William for a few minutes.

'Yawn—'

After finishing another conversation, William found that the side effects of waking up early were setting in.

He simply found an empty classroom and lay down on a desk.

'Turns out the hardest part wasn't asking ghosts, but finding them—where did all those ghosts go so early in the morning?'

'I'll lie down for a bit, then go look again. I still have to prepare for the dinner tonight… Phew…'