The mastermind behind Hogwarts

Chapter 61 The Elf Professor of Defense Against the Dark Arts!

"My friend Gilderoy Lockhart asked me to help him apply to Hogwarts for the position of Defense Against the Dark Arts professor for the next school year."

To avoid revealing his master-servant relationship with Lockhart, Moriarty claimed that Lockhart had asked him to apply to Dumbledore, when in reality Lockhart was in Romania acquiring dragons.

The position of Defense Against the Dark Arts professor was Moriarty's Christmas gift to Lockhart.

The professors at Hogwarts enjoy immense prestige in the British magical community, especially the professor of Defense Against the Dark Arts, a highly controversial position that ironically makes it easier for Lockhart to cultivate a positive image.

After the discovery of the underground passage and the Chamber of Secrets incident, Moriarty's influence at Hogwarts increased significantly—regardless of whether Dumbledore or the school's board of trustees acknowledged it, his status as a Slytherin descendant was undeniable.

So Dumbledore really couldn't refuse Moriarty. He was extremely surprised: Had I misunderstood? Was the relationship between Moriarty and Lockhart limited to Lockhart bringing Moriarty back to England, and nothing more?

Moriarty glanced around at the portraits of past principals. They had been silent ever since Moriarty entered the office, but their eyes were wide open.

Just as Dumbledore had suspected, while everyone was wondering about Moriarty's relationship with Lockhart, no one expected that Moriarty himself would deliver Lockhart right under Dumbledore's nose!

This is practically a calculated move! Wasn't Dumbledore investigating Lockhart? Moriarty sending Lockhart to Hogwart clearly showed he wasn't afraid of Dumbledore's investigation!

It was obvious that Dumbledore was in a dilemma.

After a long silence, Dumbledore reached out to take a pile of cockroaches, but then pulled his hand back—the pile of cockroaches was already gone.

"Giddy Lockhart... Since you've brought him up, let's talk about him." Dumbledore sat up straight, his fingers interlaced on the table, his blue eyes as deep as the sea: "I remember he was a Ravenclaw student and wrote to me many times, hoping that I could start a school newspaper edited by him."

Ah, I've kept all those letters. His writing is a bit flamboyant, but you can tell he has a certain level of literary skill.

Moriarty replied casually, "I don't know much about Mr. Lockhart's past. You know, I lost contact with him after that novel became a hit."

Around Christmas, he sent me some gifts and a letter asking me to apply for a professorship for him, as he wanted to teach young wizards at Hogwarts.

"That's right, that novel!" Dumbledore glanced at the bookshelf beside him, and the novel *With Slytherin in the East* flew to his side. He picked it up and opened the pages. "I've read all of Lockhart's books, and this one is the best. Without a doubt, if Lockhart could replace the protagonist in every single one of his books with you, he would definitely be a world-renowned literary giant."

Moriarty didn't want to waste time testing Dumbledore, so he said directly, "Well then, if nothing unexpected happens, I'll reply to Mr. Lockhart now."

A hint of helplessness flashed across Dumbledore's eyes, and for the first time, he gave an apologetic smile: "I'm sorry, Moriarty, you're too late. The professor for Defense Against the Dark Arts for the next school year has already been chosen. I'm also pleased to announce that your new professor is Ms. Diana Savage."

Moriarty looked at Dumbledore in surprise. Had he found a new professor so quickly?

Dumbledore glanced at the silver clock on the table and shook his head slightly. "Please forgive an old man's forgetfulness. Before I knew it, it was noon. Professor Diana has arranged to meet me, and I think she will be here soon. If you don't mind, you can wait a moment."

As soon as the words were spoken, the door to the principal's office opened, and a woman wearing silver high heels, a fitted white shirt, and a black professional teacher's suit walked in.

She noticed that someone else was still sitting in the office, and a hint of displeasure flashed in her emerald eyes. She said softly, "I'm sorry, Professor, I didn't know there were other people in your office. I'll come back another time."

A simple sentence, yet it was as melodious as heavenly music. Moriarty turned around and looked at her curiously, but the curiosity in his eyes was quickly replaced by admiration.

The person in front of me was tall, with a slender waist, long legs and delicate feet. Even though the suit covered her up completely, it couldn't hide her snow-white face and neck.

The collar of the white shirt was unbuttoned, and Moriarty could easily see a deep, white cleavage along his neck. A faint, milky scent wafted into Moriarty's nostrils.

Moriarty looked away. Her long, wavy golden hair cascaded over her shoulders, emitting a dazzling light. Her bright green eyes revealed a cold and aloof beauty, but more so, indifference. She was also sizing up Moriarty. Her delicate, pointed ears added to her charm. She was an elf!

Moriarty glanced quickly at Dumbledore, his eyes conveying a clear message: "Last year's professor was a vampire, and this year you've found us an elf? When did Hogwarts' Defense Against the Dark Arts class become a museum of rare species?"

Diana snorted dismissively, puffing out her chest as if to prove herself, her red lips parting slightly to reveal her sharp little fangs: "You impolite young master, I need to correct you on one point. It was Professor Dumbledore who invited me to Hogwarts, not the other way around."

Dumbledore immediately said, "Gentlemen, I ask you to be more tolerant of an old man."

Moriarty and Diana both scoffed, thinking to themselves that anyone who mistook you for an old man was in big trouble.

"Moriarty, please keep Professor Diana's identity a secret," Dumbledore continued to urge. "And Professor Diana, as we agreed, will be the professor of Defense Against the Dark Arts for the 1989-1990 academic year."

"You're Moriarty? Moriarty Slytherin?" Diana's tone sounded like a fan meeting a pop star. Moriarty glanced at her and found her eyes to be like a pair of autumn waters, filled with light.

Seeing Diana's change, Moriarty suddenly had a bad feeling. He turned to Dumbledore and said blankly, "In that case, shall Mr. Lockhart be the professor for the 1990-1991 academic year?"

"I have no objection. I won't stay a single day longer than the end of the academic year," Diana stated first. After Moriarty disappeared from sight, she resumed her haughty demeanor.

Dumbledore finally smiled: "It's settled then! To gain two outstanding professors at the same time, oh~ I'm even more looking forward to Hogwarts next year and the year after."

"See you at the start of the semester, Professor." Diana didn't want to say anything more, gave Dumbledore a cold nod, and then walked out of the office.

Moriarty watched her leave. It was clear that Dumbledore wouldn't invite an elf to the school for no reason; there must be a reason!

This must be something that only elves can help Dumbledore solve!

Unfortunately... Moriarty glanced at Dumbledore; the old man was destined not to tell Moriarty his secret.

After discussing Harry Potter's fate and finalizing the position of Defense Against the Dark Arts professor, Moriarty and Dumbledore seemed to have nothing more to talk about. After a lukewarm farewell, Moriarty left the headmaster's office.

Paro, the gargoyle at the entrance, shouted at the top of his lungs as Moriarty came out, "Hey hey hey Mr. Slytherin! Look over here!"

Moriarty walked up to it, only to see Paro winking at him: "You know what? That beautiful elf who just went out? I saw her walk out with her legs tucked together!"

Volume Two has begun, and everyone is asking for more.

(End of this chapter)