HP: Professor From Azkaban

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...

When a person becomes busy, time seemed to fly by.

Planning lessons, obtaining past exam papers through various channels, organizing them, purchasing new books, and practicing magic; William's schedule was completely packed.

During that time, Hagrid dropped by the pub twice for drinks. Before he knew it, a month of preparation had passed in a blur.

William had also spent some time house-hunting, but he couldn't find anything suitable. Fireplaces connected to Hogwarts were closely monitored, making most homeowners unwilling to rent out their properties.

Fortunately, the school informed him via letter that his office would include a small rest area. Though modest, it would suffice as a temporary solution.

With time running out, William gave up on finding a house and decided to settle temporarily at the school before considering off-campus housing again.

On the last day of August, William abandoned his plans for the day, indulging in a proper farewell drink with the patrons of the pub. The next morning, at eight o'clock sharp, he woke up, smiling as he said his goodbyes to his newfound friends. After settling his rent with Tom, he prepared to leave.

"So, you've finally decided to come out of that little room of yours?"

"If you're willing to sell, I wouldn't mind buying it," William quipped.

"Get outta here! I'll sell when I'm too old to lift a pint. As long as I can hold a glass, no one's taking over my pub."

"Guess that'll be in seventy or eighty years. When I retire from Hogwarts, I'll consider it."

"Retire; hah! Fine, just be careful at Hogwarts. Don't forget to drop by for a drink during the holidays."

"Got it. See you later!" William ignored the half-swallowed words at the start of Tom's sentence, waved goodbye, and stepped out of the Leaky Cauldron.

***

Using Muggle currency again was a novel experience for William. The British pound, however, brought him little sense of familiarity.

No internet, no smartphones, and passengers on the subway engrossed in books; the monotony was unbearable. Having only recently left the magical world, William was already feeling nostalgic.

Finally arriving at King's Cross Station, he nearly sprinted off the subway and into the station.

Yes, it was a bit embarrassing, but William had shamelessly requested a train ticket from the school.

He didn't have much choice. Though he had mastered Apparition, the curse he bore made him unwilling to risk such a long-distance trip with a still-rough skill.

The Floo Network was fast, but after his last experience in Hogsmeade, he resolved never to use it again unless absolutely necessary; it was worse than the Knight Bus.

The Hogwarts Express, on the other hand, was free, comfortable, and safe. Aside from being a bit slow, William couldn't think of a single reason not to take the train.

Humming a tune while pulling his suitcase, William began looking for the platform.

"Nine, ten; this way."

Noting that no one was paying attention, William quickly walked toward the wall and collided with it.

Instinctively closing his eyes, he reopened them to find a clear, open sky above.

A deep-red steam engine stood by the deserted platform, its nameplate reading; 'Hogwarts Express, 11 o'clock.'

"So this is the Hogwarts Express? Doesn't look much different from a regular train."

After a quick glance to satisfy his curiosity, William headed straight to the train's rear carriage.

Since he had arrived early and hadn't slept well after last night's drinks, he figured the back would stay quiet longer. It was the perfect spot to catch a quick nap.

William took off his hat and covered his eyes with it, leaning back in his seat and falling asleep almost immediately. He faintly heard the sound of bustling crowds at some point, but he paid it no mind until an urgent voice spoke near his ear.

"Wake up, Professor. Wake up."

Professor? Who's a professor? Don't bother me. I drank too much last night and still have a headache.

William waved his hand irritably.

The voice paused for a moment before he felt a small hand tentatively pushing his arm.

"Professor?"

Professor? Who's the professor; oh, right, that's me.

Shaking his head vigorously to clear the fog in his mind, he remembered that he'd pulled his hat down over his face.

Reaching up, he removed the hat. The sudden bright light made him shut his eyes again.

Using the hat to shield the glare, he finally noticed that the ones trying to wake him were two younger students.

One had brown hair, the other red. Both looked anxious.

"What's the matter? Did something happen?" Recalling his responsibilities as a professor, William asked with patient concern, showing no trace of his usual morning grumpiness.

It's probably something like losing an item or students fighting on the train, he speculated.

"My brother didn't make it onto the train," said the red-haired girl.

Didn't make it onto the train? Missed it?

"Don't panic. Take your time explaining. Didn't you all come together? How do you know they didn't board? Did you check if they're in another compartment or maybe just pulling a prank on you?" William's series of questions left the red-haired girl flustered and too anxious to respond clearly.

The other girl, however, managed to keep her composure.

"I boarded the train early, but she--" The brown-haired girl gestured toward her companion. "Her family arrived late, barely making it to the station on time. My two friends were at the very back of the group, and they didn't make it through the barrier before the train started moving."

"Have you sent an owl to inform the school?"

"Not yet. I spoke to the conductor, and he said there was a professor at the back of the train, so I came to find you."

"First, send an owl to notify the school. Tell Professor McGonagall that two students missed the train. I'll head to the station and see what's going on." William placed his hat firmly on his head and stood up.

The Hogwarts Express strictly prohibited Apparition, so William needed to speak with the conductor to arrange for the train to temporarily stop. Then, he would return to the platform, cross the barrier, and figure out what had happened with the two students who had missed the train.

"Wait, Professor, can I come with you?"

"You should go send the owl. I'll handle the situation with the two students," William replied, declining her request.

If he had his own owl; or if the train offered any for rent, he would have preferred to handle the message himself.

Having dismissed the extra burden, William strode purposefully toward the front of the train.

However, just as he stepped off the train, watching the Hogwarts Express leave and preparing to Apparate back, the same girl came running toward him.

"Sorry, Professor! I told the conductor you agreed to let me come along to find my friends. I'm really sorry; I'm just so worried about them." The brown-haired girl gave him an apologetic smile.

Underneath that smile, with her slightly prominent front teeth, one word came to William's mind; Trouble.

For a fleeting moment, William found himself deeply concerned about his future teaching career.

...

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