9 Professor Ethan
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Afterward, Ethan followed Dumbledore to Madam Malkin's Robes. Despite Ethan's repeated assertions that his Wolf school armor sufficed for any social occasion, Dumbledore remained unyielding, citing the Hogwarts dress code as his justification. He urged Ethan to acquire a set of wizard robes.
Mrs. Malkin, a genial, petite witch, warmly welcomed both Dumbledore and Ethan. Upon learning of Ethan's quest for wizard robes, she gestured, and a tape measure promptly set to work, meticulously gauging Ethan's physique.
Having gathered the measurements, Mrs. Malkin collaborated with Ethan to select a robe style. Ultimately, Ethan settled on a slim-fit robe with jet-black cuffs, adorned with golden thread at the corners. Noteworthy features included automatic ironing, repair spells, and constant temperature maintenance. Ethan willingly parted with a substantial sixty gold Galleons for this exquisite garment.
The transformation was striking. The witcher's mutated physique, once a formidable figure clad in Wolf School Armor and wielding a longsword, now exuded an air of mystery and nobility in the sleek black robe. Mrs. Malkin gazed at Ethan with admiration, promptly proposing him as a model during her free hours, tempting him with a generous monthly stipend of 50 Galleons. Mrs. Malkin, a shrewd businesswoman, sensed the commercial potential in Ethan.
Politely declining Madame Malkin's offer, Ethan hastened after Dumbledore, leaving behind a disgruntled shopkeeper. They exited the robe store, and following Dumbledore's counsel, Ethan proceeded to the Bookstore to procure a substantial tome of magic spells, eager to delve into the mystical arts of this realm.
With all necessary supplies in tow, Ethan, guided by Dumbledore, prepared to return to Hogwarts. Before using the Floo network at the Leaky Cauldron, Ethan couldn't resist a detour to the candy store, acquiring a sizable bag of cockroaches.
Dumbledore commended Ethan's choice, and the two returned to the Headmaster's office, engaging in pleasant banter as they utilized the Floo network.
In no rush to depart, Ethan lingered in the Headmaster's office. Dumbledore regaled him with a captivating tale about one of his former students. Enthralled, Ethan indulged in a bag of cockroaches, savoring them like popcorn.
"Ignorance will always triumph over civilization. People invariably repeat the same mistakes. Be they Muggles or wizards, the allure of power tends to corrode their inner light," sighed Ethan after absorbing the entire story.
"Your student, Tom, succumbed to the seduction of power and eventually turned to terrorism? And Tom isn't dead yet? Will he resurface?" inquired Ethan.
"I sense he's still alive. Unaware of how to evade death, Tom remains quite feeble, but a comeback is inevitable," Dumbledore responded with a trace of concern.
Aware of the Horcrux but choosing not to disclose it yet, Ethan hesitated to share this information with Dumbledore. The principal's office fell into a brief, somber silence. Eventually, Dumbledore broke the quietude, inviting Ethan to join him at the school dinner and introducing the new professor to the students.
Before leaving the office, Dumbledore persistently urged Ethan to relinquish the two swords strapped to his back, but Ethan firmly declined, likening it to shedding an equally unattractive purple hat.
Upon arrival at Hogwarts Hall with Dumbledore, several professors had already assembled. Professors McGonagall and Sprout, having been briefed by Professor Flitwick, greeted Ethan warmly, and he reciprocated the courtesy.
A dashing wizard approached Ethan, donned in an emerald green robe with impeccably white teeth.
"Hello, Professor Ethan. I'm Gilderoy Lockhart, an internationally renowned author, recipient of the Order of Merlin 3rd Class, and five-time winner of the Wizards Weekly Most Enchanting Smile Award. But let's not dwell on that; I didn't banish the Band Banshee with just a smile," Lockhart proclaimed.
Ethan responded with courtesy, fully aware of Lockhart's penchant for self-promotion. The professors settled into their seats, and Ethan found himself next to Lockhart.
As students streamed into the auditorium, they quickly noticed the unfamiliar wizard on the professor's chair. Ethan's cat-like amber eyes and the long sword on his back captured the attention of the young wizards.
As an increasing number of young wizards filed into the auditorium for dinner, a murmuring discussion about the unfamiliar figure occupying the professor's chair gradually took shape.
Meanwhile, Harry, Ron, and Hermione engaged in animated conversation. However, Ron's lively demeanor shifted abruptly when he glimpsed Ethan on the professor's chair. His face paled, and an unusual silence enveloped him. Harry and Hermione, noticing Ron's abrupt change, followed his gaze to Ethan. The trio discreetly lowered their heads and made their way toward the Gryffindor table.
Seated after their brief exchange, Ron couldn't contain his curiosity. "Why's he sitting on the professor's chair?" he queried urgently. Harry shrugged cluelessly, claiming ignorance. Hermione scrutinized Ethan on the professor's chair and whispered, "Perhaps he was flying toward Hogwarts that day to assume a professorship, and you accidentally collided with him."
Ron and Harry blanched at Hermione's suggestion, avoiding eye contact with Ethan. Unbeknownst to them, Ethan, seated at the banquet, had noticed the trio's reaction. A subtle chuckle echoed within him; evidently, he had cast a psychological shadow on the two young wizards.
As the students nearly completed their assembly, Dumbledore rose to address the gathering. "Before tonight's dinner, I have an announcement. The school has introduced a new class on Wizard's Close Combat, and I am delighted to welcome Professor Ethan, the newest addition to Hogwarts' faculty, who will be instructing in this discipline."
The auditorium greeted this revelation with somewhat muted applause. Students were taken aback by the announcement of a previously unheard-of class, and their curiosity shifted to the new professor.
Ethan, despite the attention, retained his composed appearance. The pure black wizard's robe with gold trim exuded a mysterious and noble aura. His tidy ponytail and unexpectedly youthful, handsome face, coupled with cat-like amber eyes, endowed him with an enigmatic charm.
Some senior girls blushed upon seeing Ethan and huddled together, engaging in hushed conversations. Lockhart, seated beside Ethan, observed this scene with a sense of inexplicable unease and impending competition.
Nevertheless, the dinner concluded successfully, and Ethan retreated to his office to prepare for lessons and delve into the intricacies of spell books.
