HP: Professor From Azkaban

"Hello, Professor William, how did your first class feel?"

In the faculty lounge, William had just pushed the door open when the Herbology Professor, Adams, and the Alchemy Professor, Singed, surrounded him, eager to hear his impressions of his very first class.

It was only the first day of term, and neither of them had classes scheduled. When William arrived after finishing his lesson, the two were in the middle of a game of wizard chess.

Although every professor had their own office, they mostly spent their downtime in the lounge unless occupied with other tasks—being alone in an office could get dull.

A minute earlier, as William had pushed the door open, Professor Singed, who was about to lose the chess game, stood up in apparent surprise. In his excitement, he accidentally toppled half the chessboard. Amid the small, grumbling voices of the animated chess pieces, he greeted William with the enthusiastic question that had started the conversation.

Professor Adams, unwilling to be left out, promptly joined in.

"Alright, mate. It's just one game of chess. Right now, it's more important to welcome our new colleague. Don't you agree?"

"Fine, I'll let it go this time. But if I recall correctly, wasn't Professor Lockhart also teaching his first class today?"

Lockhart? That new Professor?

William, who had felt slightly more relaxed after completing his first class smoothly, suddenly grew tense. Over the past two days, he had gained a rough understanding of just how legendary the chatterbox Professor Lockhart was.

Despite the man flaunting his smile and achievements incessantly, as if his dentures had come to life, the exploits he described were undeniably spectacular.

William, with his experiences from two lifetimes, swore that no one could fabricate such vividly detailed and lifelike adventures out of thin air. He had skimmed through one of Lockhart's books, and the level of realistic detail in those stories was far beyond that of typical fiction.

The legendary 'Romance of the Three Kingdoms' was immersive because the author had genuinely been a strategist. Yet even the wild tales in that classic seemed grounded compared to Lockhart's adventures.

If someone claimed Lockhart's stories were made up, William would be the first to jump in and silence them.

Some people craved fame, others pursued profit; both were normal in William's eyes. He had seen people conducting charity work while ensuring the whole world knew about it, but they were still spending real money on good deeds.

Thus, William had no doubt about Lockhart's actual abilities. Seeking attention and possessing skill were two entirely separate matters.

***

The faculty lounge was a long room filled with mismatched, old chairs.

Compared to the professors' private offices, this space was far more casual. It didn't even have many tables, but the entertainment options were well-stocked, with ample board games and card tables.

Though it was late summer, a weak fire burned in the hearth to drive away dampness. The space by the fireplace, however, was unoccupied. William followed the two other professors back to the table where the chessboard had been set up, and they began discussing what it felt like to teach students.

It became apparent that Professor Adams was quite focused on Lockhart. As the three chatted about the little antics of the students during lessons, Adams managed to bring up Professor Lockhart every few sentences.

Strangely enough, half an hour had passed since the class ended, yet Professor Lockhart still hadn't appeared in the lounge.

Professors who had taught the first class of the afternoon and didn't have another class following it had trickled into the lounge one after another. Every time a professor pushed the door open, Adams would glance toward it expectantly.

It was then that Professor Singed asked slyly, "Adams, do you admire Professor Lockhart?"

I'm still here, you know? If you two are close, can't you discuss this privately? William thought. Surely we're not at the level of sharing such personal matters openly, right?

Not just Adams, but even William was startled by the question.

What surprised him even more was that Professor Adams actually admitted it.

"Admire might be too strong a word," Adams began earnestly.

"It's just that sometimes, I can't help but envy him. While I love teaching Herbology, caring for the plants in the greenhouse day after day, and nurturing students as if they were my own herbs, I still envy Professor Lockhart."

Adams spoke seriously, "Look at him; he gets to venture into dangerous places effortlessly, deal with magical creatures, explore exotic herbs, and take in all sorts of breathtaking scenery. I've been at Hogwarts for three years now, and while I still deeply love this place, I can't help but imagine myself going on adventures like that, seeing the world's potions and herbs."

So, he really looks up to Professor Lockhart as a role model, William thought, slightly surprised but quickly understanding.

From what he had learned so far, Professor Lockhart was already famous throughout the wizarding world thanks to his books. Returning to Hogwarts to teach seemed more like a way for a notable alumnus to add the title of professor to his résumé. Though, in essence, it was just an honorary label.

Adventure was his primary occupation; writing books was just his side job. Based on his accomplishments, he was more than qualified to be a professor. Adding the title to his already glittering reputation made him a natural idol for some.

However, it was clear that Professor Singed didn't see things the same way.

"That's not right. You're so capable! You even handle greenhouse issues all by yourself. And Hogwarts has long summer holidays. There's plenty of time for you to go on adventures!"

Blind man, you've hit the nail on the head!

Adams' face suddenly flushed red. After glancing around nervously, he fixed a fierce glare on Professor Singed. His burly frame, developed through years of manual labor in the greenhouse, exuded an oppressive air.

"Keep your voice down! You know perfectly well—I barely passed Defense Against the Dark Arts with an A in fifth year! I don't even have a N.E.W.T. certificate!"

He lowered his voice as he spoke, not bothering to hide this revelation from William.

Defense Against the Dark Arts… an A...

William immediately understood. So, despite your tall and sturdy appearance, your combat skills are barely at the level of a few geese?

In other words, apart from himself, who had been drafted into this teaching position, it seemed the other professors likely excelled in their specific fields but didn't necessarily fare well in others.

This wasn't really a problem. Even in top high schools, most teachers wouldn't perform beyond average on standardized tests outside their own subjects; unless it was the same year they had taken the tests themselves. At Hogwarts, where certifications were awarded separately for each subject, overall academic performance was bound to be uneven.

But suddenly, Singed chuckled. Though his laugh was quiet and quickly repressed, the ever-watchful Professor Adams noticed.

"Bastard, what are you laughing at?"

"It's nothing, just remembered something funny."

William had been holding back his own laughter, but at that moment, he couldn't keep it in anymore.

"Professor William, what are you laughing at?"

"I..." William forced himself to stop before the rest of the sentence could come out. Just then, the door opened.

Professor Lockhart was coming in!

...

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