Hogwarts: I am Snape

Chapter 69 New Candidate

“However,” Dumbledore’s eyes gleamed with cunning, “I also have some good news to tell you.”

"Have you found clues about other Horcruxes?" Snape leaned forward slightly and asked warily.

Has the headmaster already discovered the existence of the ring? If so, he'd better keep a close eye on Dumbledore.

"No, it's another piece of good news," Dumbledore said slowly, waving his hand gently. "Your Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher for next year has finally been chosen."

“That’s barely good news,” Snape raised an eyebrow. “With teachers changing every year for so long, it’s quite remarkable that you’ve managed to find someone willing to take the position.”

“Yes, I’ve troubled many old friends over the years,” Dumbledore sighed, pulling a letter from the pile of parchment on his desk. “For their safety, I always make them resign, either voluntarily or involuntarily, before the end of the school year.”

“So, Professor Grappleland will be leaving Hogwarts in a few months,” Dumbledore shrugged helplessly, then gestured for Snape to open the letter. “She doesn’t even want to wait until your exams are over.”

Snape picked up the letter, unfolded the parchment, and discovered it was a letter from Abraxas Malfoy to Dumbledore.

Abraxas is Lucius Malfoy's father and Draco's grandfather before he was born.

In the letter, old Malfoy strongly condemned Dumbledore's educational policies and the recent dueling club tournaments.

Mr. Malfoy the Elder stated:

"No one would think that it is in accordance with justice and fairness to put purebred wizards and Muggle wizards on the same stage to compete."

"If any Muggle wizard were to defeat a pure-blood wizard by means of despicable methods or by a sneak attack, it would bring disgrace and shame to the entire wizarding world."

"It needs to be emphasized that, in the first place, I believe they should not have existed in this school at all."

“I, Abraxas Malfoy, have submitted my application to the Board of Trustees to teach Defense Against the Dark Arts next academic year…”

After reading it, Snape's face showed a strange, mysterious expression: "Why are there still people rushing to their deaths?"

“Yes, I think so too,” Dumbledore said with a knowing smile. “I suspect he might consider himself Voldemort’s most trusted Death Eaters. Mr. Malfoy might naively believe that Tom’s curse will spare his servant.”

“I agreed to Mr. Malfoy’s request without hesitation. He had absolutely no need to pressure me through the board.”

“That’s certainly good news, Professor.” Snape nodded in agreement. “The fewer of these old guys, the better. They should have been phased out by the times long ago.”

“Your thinking is still too extreme, Severus,” Dumbledore said.

"What else can we do?" Snape smiled faintly. "Someone has to pay the price, so why can't it be them?"

“Oh, Professor,” Snape said suddenly, as if remembering something, “I have a suggestion for you. Perhaps you could investigate the previous generation of the Gaunt family. Of course, as always, I would like to go out with you.”

He decided that he still needed to take the initiative, otherwise living in constant fear was not a solution.

“Thank you, Severus,” Dumbledore’s voice was gentle, his eyes filled with satisfaction. “I have some leads. Years ago, a Ministry of Magic official named Bob Ogden encountered members of the Gaunt family while on a mission. Since you’re still interested, let’s visit Mr. Ogden together next weekend.”

Snape secretly rejoiced, glad he had spoken up; Dumbledore's efficiency truly lived up to his strength.

The next day was the day to go to Hogsmeade.

The sunlight finally pierced through the thick clouds and shone on the path leading to Hogsmeade. However, the temperature was still very low, and a cold wind was still blowing.

Barty Jr. joined Snape and his group. Now, he could no longer, and did not need to, attend Wolpugis's gatherings.

This time, Snape sent a message in advance via owl to Mrs. Rosmerta of the Three Brooms, ordering a large table.

As soon as they pushed open the wooden door with three brooms, a warm, cozy steam, mixed with the sweet aroma of butterbeer, rushed out. They quickly dodged the cold wind and went inside the bar.

They had only been seated for two minutes when Ms. Rosmerta swayed her hips as she walked towards them from the bar.

She was carrying several bottles of butterbeer and a bottle of wine, and her shiny black high heels made a crisp sound as they clicked on the ground.

Today, Ms. Rosmerta wore a sky-blue, lace-trimmed headscarf, which made her skin appear even whiter.

“Thank you, ma’am.” Snape’s eyes followed her. “Why did you bring this over? We were just about to go get it.”

“Happy birthday, Abbott,” Mrs. Rosmerta said with a squinty smile. “Severus asked me to save a table for you, saying they want to celebrate your birthday.”

"Oh dear!" Snape exclaimed, a hint of reproach in his voice. "Madam, we were planning to surprise him!"

“I personally brought you the wine, isn’t that a surprise?” Mrs. Rosmerta gave Snape a reproachful look, then said with a playful laugh, “This bottle of wine is an extra gift for you, Abbott, I hope you like it.”

"This is such a wonderful surprise!" Abbott blushed slightly, looking happily at the wine on the table. "I love it! Thank you, ma'am!"

“Wait a minute,” Snape suddenly remembered the bottles of wine he had taken from the Hogwarts kitchen—wine made by house-elves using the method of treading grapes. “Madam, was this wine made by house-elves?”

“No, I brewed it myself.” Mrs. Rosmerta looked at Snape with a puzzled expression. “Why are you asking such a strange question? Does it matter who brewed it?”

"How did you brew it?" Snape asked instinctively.

“Use magic,” Mrs. Rosmerta said, already picking up the tray and preparing to return to the bar. “I really don’t understand what you’re thinking, Severus.”

“Oh, okay,” Snape said, feeling a little disappointed for some reason.

　Thank you to DreamyCrazy, AskAgain, and FeatherS for the monthly tickets.

　　
　
(End of this chapter)