Tewell anticipated that his status as a Durmstrang student would pose some obstacles, but he didn't expect it to become Dumbledore's biggest source of suspicion.
He couldn't just say he was craving his Philosopher's Stone...
"Learning," Tewell's mind raced, but he maintained a gentle smile. "I have no intention of disparaging my alma mater, but Durmstrang is somewhat behind in certain areas of magical research."
"So, I wanted to come to Hogwarts, to learn what I've been missing, while serving as an assistant."
Dumbledore leaned forward, his slightly narrowed eyes glinting with sharpness.
"But, as far as I know, you refused Hogwarts seven years ago and chose the magical school farthest from home in Europe."
"Now, seven years later, you've decided to return to Hogwarts. It's hard for me to believe you're here just to learn."
"Moreover, Durmstrang's curriculum isn't bad, at least enough for you to survive in the wizarding world."
Dumbledore's implication was clear: you chose Durmstrang originally, and now you're scheming to return to Hogwarts, especially after graduating from Durmstrang. He wasn't convinced of Tewell's intentions.
Tewell's smile faded instantly. It seemed like the mild-mannered Dumbledore from earlier was just a facade. The pressure of a landslide hit him, and now the true Dumbledore, with all his edges, was revealed — the real first wizard!
He had anticipated difficulties in today's interview, but he didn't expect them to arise so quickly.
Fortunately, he still had a card to play — that book.
Calmly, Tewell reached into his pocket, pulled out his wallet, used the Summoning Charm to retrieve the book, and handed it to Dumbledore.
"I truly came for the study of magic, for the deeper magic recorded in this."
Beside him, Quirrell saw Dumbledore's eyes narrow slightly, displaying a hint of surprise. Curiously, he stretched his neck forward.
But Dumbledore tilted the book in a way that Tewell couldn't see the content.
The headmaster's office was filled with the sound of Dumbledore flipping through pages. Tewell kept watching Dumbledore's expression, ignoring the uncertain Quirrell beside him.
Dumbledore's expression matched Tewell's expectations. He was first impressed by the contents of the first page, then involuntarily flipped to the next page, revealing a disappointed expression that Tewell had anticipated. But Dumbledore clearly wasn't being controlled by the book as Tewell had been. On the contrary, he noticed it right away.
"This book has a rather... peculiar magic," Dumbledore paused, wearing a smile reserved for dealing with students. "The content is interesting, but I don't think a wizard like yourself would be fooled by such naive ideas."
That's the normal reaction. Tewell chuckled lightly and pointed to the words reappearing on the first page, including that name — Royina Ravenclaw.
Dumbledore's smile froze on his face, his breath catching for a moment. As his smile gradually faded, Tewell felt a sense of relief.
After a while, Dumbledore let out a long breath. "I need to borrow this book for a while, is that alright?"
"Of course," Tewell had already memorized the entire book, "but I'm not sure if my reason is acceptable."
"Hogwarts welcomes every sincere person, Fawley. I need to know if you have the ability to be a teacher at the school, even as an assistant."
Dumbledore set the book down, covering the words with his hand, leaving Quirrell only able to see some letters.
Tewell reached for his wallet again, but Dumbledore stopped him with a serious expression, reminding Tewell of the examiners during an exam.
So, the next thing he said would be the exam question.
"I need to know what you will teach at the school, and ensure you won't bring Durmstrang's tolerance for Dark Magic to Hogwarts."
Now, this was the interview. Tewell relaxed. He had long prepared for this.
"I applied for the position of assistant, but will the school's curriculum also require my responsibility?" Tewell looked expectantly at Quirrell.
He still maintained an interest in teaching students, especially the famous Harry Potter. Quirrell hadn't even finished his stuttering words before Dumbledore interrupted him.
"I've discussed it with Professor Quirrell, and he's willing to entrust students, including those below third year, to you."
Quirrell didn't seem annoyed at being interrupted; instead, he flashed a smile. "Yes, I... am happy... to have someone to share the workload."
"So, I'd like to ask Professor Dumbledore, how do you think we can defend against Dark Magic?" Tewell smiled, looking eagerly at Dumbledore, who smiled back.
The question was simple, so simple that Dumbledore wouldn't refuse it, so he didn't plan to wait for an answer.
"It's by attacking," Tewell leaned forward with his hands crossed on the table, looking into Dumbledore's eyes. "As long as you defeat the enemy, you naturally defend against any Dark Magic."
"Simply attacking won't defeat the enemy."
Dumbledore was indeed intrigued. He had reasons to enhance students' combat abilities. Tewell was here for this very reason.
"That's a given. Before attacking, learning defense is also essential."
"Can you believe it? Half of the employees at the Ministry of Magic can't even cast a decent Shield Charm, let alone master combat skills."
"So, in my Defense Against the Dark Arts class, I'll teach students how to avoid danger and defeat enemies as much as possible."
"Not just facing Dark Magic, but also facing malicious enemies."
Tewell looked to Quirrell, who was watching the scene unfold. "Wouldn't you agree, Professor Quirrell?"
"Of... course," startled by Tewell's sudden question, Quirrell hesitated. "But... we can't teach... Dark Magic."
Tewell sighed. Due to Durmstrang's tolerance for Dark Magic and the previous Dark Lord's appearance, people always held hostility and misconceptions toward the school.
"It's always been a misunderstanding. My alma mater not only teaches Dark Magic but also teaches us how to resist it. If you don't understand it, how can you resist it?"
"That's also why I agree to have you as the assistant professor of Defense Against the Dark Arts. I hope you can teach students your understanding of Dark Magic in the right way." Dumbledore nodded approvingly.
Tewell's face lit up with a surprised smile. "So, does that mean I passed today's interview?"
"More than passed, I would say. It was very successful."
Dumbledore reached out his hand again and shook Tewell's, but his eyes turned to Quirrell.
"Quirinus, could you please go back first? Tewell and I have some things to discuss."