#84 - Bones, Professor?

Anduin had no idea what Vivian had misunderstood from his joke. Anyway, all the way on the train, Vivian kept asking Anduin about Charles.

After a long journey, the train finally arrived at Hogwarts. They were no longer first years and didn't need to take a boat to enter the school. After getting off the train, they walked in another direction, where carriages were waiting for them.

"I told you, I was just kidding. Charles didn't confess to you. I was just teasing you." Anduin felt like he was going crazy. Vivian had been subtly talking about Charles all the way, and now no matter how he explained, she wouldn't believe him.

"Hmph, you're still lying to me. You must be giving Charles some bad ideas. Don't think I don't know. Otherwise, why would he turn around and run as soon as he saw me? You tell him, if he has anything to say, he can tell me himself. He doesn't need you as a messenger." Vivian was now completely lost in her own fantasies. In her imagination, Charles was a timid guy who didn't even dare to confess.

When walking towards the carriages, they ran into Charles. Vivian glared at him fiercely, making Charles feel confused, not knowing what he had done to offend this little miss again.

Anduin stared at the carriage picking people up. In front of the carriage stood a Thestral, all black and skinny.

"What's wrong with you? Why are you staring at the air? Get in the car." Vivian said to Anduin in an annoyed tone.

Ever since Anduin witnessed Evan Rosier's death during the last Christmas program, he had been able to see Thestrals, this magical creature. Every time he saw this creature, he couldn't help but take a few more glances, thinking about when he could go up and touch one.

Anduin had occasionally seen some Thestrals that strayed out of the Forbidden Forest at Hagrid's place. Hagrid had also explained the characteristics of Thestrals to him. Only wizards who had witnessed death could see this creature. To others, they were invisible. There was a colony of Thestrals in the Forbidden Forest.

Putting aside his curiosity about the Thestrals, Anduin took a carriage back to Hogwarts School. In the Great Hall, he once again watched the new students begin the Sorting Ceremony. He always felt that the Sorting Hat seemed to be glancing at him, making him couldn't help but glare at the broken hat.

After the Sorting Ceremony, Dumbledore began his speech, which was still very brief, and introduced this year's new Defense Against the Dark Arts professor to all the students.

"I regret to say that Professor Orville Rob, who was responsible for teaching Defense Against the Dark Arts last year, passed away due to old age after the end of the school year. It is admirable that he was able to take on teaching at such an advanced age. At the same time, I would like to introduce this year's Defense Against the Dark Arts professor, Mr. Edgar Bones." Dumbledore said in a slow tone.

Ah? Did that old grandpa really die of old age last year? Anduin had been worried about the old professor's health throughout the last school year. Every time he lectured, he trembled, as if he was about to fall in the classroom at any time. After persevering through that semester, Anduin wanted to praise the old professor for his good health. Unexpectedly, he passed away right after the end of the term.

However, Anduin saw a familiar figure again. Wasn't that Edgar Bones, one of the founders of the Order of the Phoenix? When he was staying at Lily's house, he often heard Lily talk about this gentleman. He seemed to be an expert in Charms and Runes. Unexpectedly, Dumbledore invited him to Hogwarts to be a professor. Was it to strengthen Hogwarts' security?

Edgar Bones, who got up to signal to everyone, also saw Anduin. He had a good impression of this young wizard whom he had only met a few times, so he nodded slightly in his direction. Anduin also smiled and nodded to Professor Bones.

After the Welcome Feast, Anduin began his reclusive academy life again.

On this day, Anduin finished the first Defense Against the Dark Arts class of the new school year. Mr. Bones's teaching level was obviously much higher than that of the old professor last year. His classes were humorous and the content he explained was very accessible, allowing students to quickly understand the content of the textbook. The students obviously liked this new professor very much, and the classroom atmosphere was very active.

After the class, Professor Bones stopped Anduin.

Bones looked very rugged, with a face full of stubble that looked very masculine, but his tone was very gentle: "Anduin, I saw Lily before I came to Hogwarts. She said that you have a high talent and interest in Runes and Charms, is that right?"

Anduin looked at Professor Bones in front of him and said modestly: "You flatter me. Lily's guidance level is very high. I am indeed very interested in Runes. Recently, I have been thinking about developing a new Rune, but the progress is not ideal."

"Oh?"

Bones didn't know Anduin's learning progress. Hearing that he had even started trying to combine new Charms, he was immediately interested.

Dumbledore invited him to Hogwarts this year mainly because Dumbledore wanted to prevent Voldemort from reaching into the school. He usually had to spend a lot of time outside the school, and the Order of the Phoenix had just experienced a major loss, so he entrusted Bones to help. Due to his fear of Voldemort's curse on the Defense Against the Dark Arts position, he did not plan to teach for the entire school year and planned to resign before the end of the term.

The members of the Order of the Phoenix all knew about his coming to Hogwarts. Before he came, Lily had asked Bones to take care of Anduin in the academy. She knew that Bones was a Rune master, and if he could give Anduin some guidance, it would definitely save Anduin a lot of detours.

"Since you are so interested in Charms, come find me when you have time. Although my level is also very average, I have been researching Charms for more than ten years after all. I believe it won't disappoint you. How about starting tonight?" Bones said very modestly.

Anduin was overjoyed when he heard this, knowing that Bones was giving him special attention under Lily's care, and he quickly agreed.

He didn't expect to have a surprise at the beginning of the new school year.

That night, Anduin, who had just finished dinner, knocked on the door of Bones's office with great interest.

Bones, who opened the door, looked at Anduin and smiled: "You came very early. Sorry, I haven't finished my dinner yet. You may have to wait for me for a while."

Only then did Anduin say embarrassedly: "Sorry, Professor Bones, I was just thinking about learning Runes and didn't pay attention to the time."

Bones didn't take it seriously and led Anduin into the office. On Bones's desk was a tray with only half of the food eaten.