Hogwarts: A Chinese-Style Professor

Chapter 8 Alchemical Toys
August 30, Hogwarts, the Defense Against the Dark Arts professor's office.

"Joely, Camille, what do you think of this alchemical tool?"

Li Wei softly called to his two assistants who were studying alone, showing them the results of his work over the past few days—two standard-issue pistols, one silver and one black.

"Is this the Muggle weapon that's mentioned in history books, Professor?"

Jowell took a liking to the unique weapon almost at first sight, while Camille's eyes flickered, but she remained silent.

"Yes, I modified them using alchemy and arrays. These two guns don't need bullets; they have embedded magic matrices that can be used to fix the use of barrier spells by firing them."

As he spoke, Li Wei picked up the longer black gun, casually aimed it at the corner of the classroom, and pulled the trigger.

With this action, magic is transmitted through the fingertips to the gun body, and then quickly flows back, affecting the flow of magic within the body.

The next moment, a transparent source of magic shot out from the muzzle of the gun, and the ground where it landed suddenly deformed into a wall about one meter high.

"Is this an alchemical tool instead of a wand? Professor, can you alter the embedded magic circle?"

"Compared to using a wand, this weapon seems a bit cumbersome, but it also has its advantages—"

“That’s right. Using this kind of conductive weapon allows wizards who are not proficient in spells to use the magic within it.”

Li Wei picked up where Jia Meier left off, and his interest seemed quite high.

"I plan to give it as a prize for outstanding students, so it doesn't have any complicated incantations embedded in it. What do you think?"

"Very creative."

Joe smiled shyly, not revealing his inner desires.

"As expected of you."

Jia Meier smiled and complimented her.

"Okay, that's good—here you go."

He threw the black gun to Jowell and the white one to Camille.

"These are the first batch of alchemical firearms I've made, and I'm giving them to you. They have your names on them, and I hope you like them."

The two belatedly turned the gun over and saw the characters engraved in silver patterns, clearly showing that unique thought had been put into it.

"Thanks--"

"Don't rush to thank me," Li Wei interrupted the two. "Consider this my new assignment for you."

“Jamie, I want you to embed the most powerful spell you can into this spear.”

Jowell, you became her apprentice six years earlier than her, so the difficulty is naturally greater. You need to dispel the magic matrix inside first, and then do the same thing.

Of course, as before, the two of you can work together to move this forward.

"Yes, Professor."

Jowell carefully put away his pistol, planning to have a custom holster made for him later.

Just then, he met Jia Meier's gaze. Her eyes, as clear as autumn water, were unblinking, containing unspoken 'contempt'.

"."

Joey suppressed his joy, but couldn't help but laugh.

He knew what Camille meant—these alchemical pistols were gifts for the students, essentially toys, and they were too immature to be excited about them.

But so what? He just really likes it.

Moreover, he believed that both Hogwarts students and those students far away from the school would love to learn this invention from the professor.

September 1st, the first day of school.

Li Wei woke up at seven o'clock in the morning as usual.

When he walked out the door, two assistants were already sitting at the dining table waiting for him to have a meal together.

Good morning, professor.

"Good morning, let's go to the auditorium for breakfast."

This was agreed upon when I showed them around the school. Since they've come to teach at Hogwarts, they need to integrate into the local ecosystem.

If we continue to shut ourselves in our rooms all day doing our own research as before, it would be somewhat inappropriate.

Moreover, Li Wei's thinking gradually changed after he came to school—he was trying to embrace a certain psychological change.

It was morning, and the students on holiday had not yet returned. A few faculty and staff members sat in twos and threes in the auditorium, making it seem rather deserted.

When Levi arrived, Professor McGonagall was hurriedly finishing her breakfast. She seemed pleasantly surprised to see Levi.

"Li Wei, you're up so early?"

"Good morning, Professor McGonagall. You seem to be in a bit of a rush."

Li Wei took his seat with two assistants and greeted Mrs. Pince, the librarian, in a low voice—she was the person he had the most dealings with back in school.

"It's alright—it's always a bit hectic around this time of year. Dumbledore always leaves things to the house-elves, who have to prepare for the newborn dinner in the evening, so there's a bit of a shortage of manpower."

If this were during his student days, Li Wei would have pretended not to hear anything similar, but now...
"Is there anything I can do to help?"

He forked a piece of fried egg and put it in his mouth. The house-elf Barton had appeared beside him at some point, serving a medium-rare steak and pouring a glass of orange juice for each of the three of them.

"If you'd like, that would be even better."

Professor McGonagall glanced at Levi with some surprise.

Suddenly, she quietly approached Li Wei and whispered:

"In fact, Mr. Filch will be responsible for setting up and cleaning the auditorium, but as you know, it's too much work for him. I would love to make time to help him fix any mistakes."

Filch is a Squib who can't cast spells; heaven knows how he managed to do all the decorations by himself, and even replace the broken candles on the ceiling.

“I understand what you mean, Professor McGonagall. Leave it to me. I will assist Mr. Filch in accomplishing everything.”

Li Wei nodded, indicating that Professor McGonagall could rest assured.

He personally didn't have any ill feelings towards Filch—although the guy was quite twisted and took pleasure in physically punishing students.

But during his school days, Li Wei was a model student. He rarely interacted with either Filch, who patrolled the night, or Hagrid, who managed the Forbidden Forest, so there was no question of any enmity or friendship between them.

After enjoying a pleasant breakfast, Li Wei, along with two assistants, prepared to get to work when he suddenly felt the air grow rather chilly.
When did Snape arrive?

"Li Wei".

A mocking smile curled at the corners of his lips.

"I never imagined you'd actually become a teacher at Hogwarts—ha! How will this eccentric, reclusive freak teach his students?"

"A reclusive freak? I feel you're the least qualified to say that."

"Snape, you haven't been thinking about what you're about to say ever since you went back last time, have you?"

Li Wei responded calmly, but Snape acted as if he hadn't heard him. He took a sudden step forward and murmured in a low, oppressive tone, like the hiss of a basilisk in the darkness.

"Let me guess how our master will teach his disciples?"
I solemnly remind you, don't take out those dry notes that could choke a troll; those little trolls whose brains are equally stuffed with reeds won't understand your intentions.

Of course, you can just ignore everyone and immerse yourself in your own world, as you've always done, haven't you?

"Please don't get too close to me, Snape."

Li Wei reached out to block it, his words tinged with disdain, seemingly genuinely repulsed by his current appearance.

Snape's lips twitched as memories of the past flashed through his mind—"Team up with you to defeat James Potter and the others? What's the point? I don't have time to waste on you guys."

"It's still the same."

This kid always manages to leave people speechless with just a few words—whether it's him inviting Levi to collaborate, or James and the others extending an olive branch to Levi.

This is all the case.

Why would someone like that agree to teach at Hogwarts? It clearly wouldn't benefit him at all.

"Dumbledore doesn't know you, but I do!"

"Li Wei, what have you been doing since graduation? What exactly is your purpose in coming to Hogwarts?"

(End of this chapter)