Chapter 100: Professor Kahn and Trustee Kahn (Additional Chapter 5/6 in Honor of the Grandmaster’s Generous Support)
“Godfather!”
After disembarking from the Hogwarts Express, Hermione immediately spotted Kahn in the crowd and eagerly ran over to him.
“Hermione, long time no see. Looks like you’ve been doing well at Hogwarts—at least you’ve grown a bit taller,” Kahn said with a smile, ruffling her fluffy hair before taking the luggage cart from her hands. “I’ve already spoken with your parents and booked a restaurant. When the time comes, you can tell us some interesting stories about Hogwarts.”
That struck a chord with Hermione; her favorite thing was having someone genuinely listen to her tales. Hearing Kahn’s plan, she couldn’t wait to sit down at the dining table.
“Godfather, where have you been before this?”
“I went to consult with someone about the issue with the dud spells. So far, it seems quite successful. I also hired a very skilled wizard. When the time comes, you can visit Diagon Alley and ask him about some spellwork…”
“Really? That’s great news! I was still undecided about what to do for summer vacation… Wait, did you just say the dud spell problem is solved?”
...
Kahn had reserved a restaurant across the Thames with a beautiful night view and exquisite dishes. After dining there, he even considered having Phil and Isaac come for culinary training.
It seemed house-elves’ cooking was all traditional and inherited; they cooked in large quantities but offered few varieties, mostly classic British fare.
Once Hermione sat at the table, she began recounting her school adventures.
Kahn had some knowledge of the magical world, so he wasn’t surprised. However, the Grangers were utterly fascinated—they couldn’t imagine what it would be like for hundreds of young witches and wizards to gather together.
The various amusing anecdotes from Hogwarts captivated the Granger couple so much that they even wished they could become young wizards and attend classes there themselves.
After dinner, Hermione went home with the Grangers, though her eyes clearly wanted to follow Kahn. She still hadn’t figured out the dud spell issue. But Kahn wouldn’t take her away so abruptly; after all, it had been a year since the Grangers last saw Hermione, and it wouldn’t be proper to whisk her off on her very first day back.
There would be plenty of time during the holidays; Hermione could come find him at Diagon Alley anytime.
While Kahn dined with the Grangers, Newt was receiving Dumbledore.
The Scamander family dinner was not British cuisine, as his wife was American, and Newt’s grandson was not there. Usually, the estate was just him and Tina.
“Newt, your letter wasn’t entirely clear, so I thought I’d come by to ask in person. I didn’t expect to be treated to such a delicious dinner… Thank you, Mrs. Scamander. I feel quite full,” Dumbledore gracefully declined Tina’s hospitality and then brought the conversation to his purpose for visiting.
“I don’t quite understand what you meant in your letter, Newt. Could you explain in more detail?”
“Of course, Dumbledore. You should remember the letter I sent you at the beginning of term,” Newt said, swallowing his food and wiping his mouth.
“Of course, thanks to Mr. Pender and Fawkes, Hogwarts has been renewed this year. Severus’s long-requested Potions classroom has even been refurbished,” Dumbledore nodded. The 35,000 Galleons hadn’t even been fully spent yet; next academic year, there’d be no need to persuade the Ministry or the Board for extra funding.
“He succeeded—using the blood of a magical creature, he enabled himself to wield magic, even possessing extraordinarily strong magical power,” Newt said excitedly to Dumbledore. “His control over magic allows him to perform silent and wandless spellcasting, although he only knows a few spells, mostly those learned from textbooks.”
“Did you notice the job posting in the Daily Prophet a few days ago? That must be Mr. Pender looking for a new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher.”
“Moreover, he’s a businessman. With his talents, he signed a contract with the Romanian Dragon Sanctuary. Dumbledore, if you ever want to buy fire dragon materials, you’ll probably have to go through him.”
During the days Kahn spent in Romania, Newt hadn’t been idle. He observed Kahn closely using his unique senses.
If Dumbledore couldn’t find a suitable professor for Defense Against the Dark Arts, Newt thought Kahn would be an excellent choice.
Though lacking a solid magical foundation himself, Kahn had a strong desire for magic. When Newt used unfamiliar spells around Kahn, he noticed Kahn secretly studying them.
After Newt used a spell three times, Kahn had completely memorized and mastered it, which astonished Newt.
After hearing Newt’s detailed account of Kahn, Dumbledore pondered for a while and then asked, “If that’s the case, his strength should be enough to teach Defense Against the Dark Arts to second years. But Newt, would Mr. Pender actually come to Hogwarts to teach?”
Newt waved his hand. “Of course, Dumbledore. A Hogwarts professor gets access to the library and even the Restricted Section. Considering Mr. Pender’s wealth, I think you could even invite him to be a member of the Board of Governors. It seems Mr. Pender has a Muggle-born goddaughter.”
“Yes, that’s first-year Hermione Granger. I’ve heard she excels in every class.”
Dumbledore thought for a moment. After the incident with Quirrell, he had been considering whom to invite as the new professor. He already had a candidate in mind with a prepared invitation. But after receiving Newt’s letter and hearing his suggestion, he hesitated.
Newt’s proposal stirred something within him: a genius with potential to become the most powerful wizard, and possibly a Board member; another could expose a fraud and reveal the truth behind stolen stories of wizards.
“Dumbledore, do you already have someone in mind? If so, you need not worry about my suggestion. Perhaps my information is outdated,” Newt guessed from Dumbledore’s expression. He didn’t want to put Dumbledore in an awkward position, so he spoke first.
“This is just my suggestion; whether Mr. Pender agrees remains to be seen.”
“No, your proposal is excellent, Newt.”
Dumbledore quickly made up his mind. There were many ways to expose Lockhart’s lies, and having him join Hogwarts only served that purpose. But inviting Kahn Pender was different. If what Newt said was true, Dumbledore would strongly support Kahn becoming a Board member.
Recently, pure-blood families had been exploiting the Board and Ministry’s influence to interfere in Hogwarts’ normal operations. If Kahn Pender was interested, the Board might return to proper functioning.
“I’ll visit Mr. Pender soon. Thank you, Newt.”
Newt smiled. “Glad to help, Dumbledore.”
...
“Godfather, you can do silent and wandless spellcasting? That’s incredible! According to what I’ve read, those are advanced skills only S-level students can master, and you can do both…”
Kahn read the Daily Prophet while listening to Hermione’s enthusiastic praise of her godfather.
Since summer began, this had become routine. Hermione wasn’t interested in ordinary travel, so she came to Diagon Alley almost every day.
After the Grangers left for their trip yesterday, she practically moved in, dragging her luggage. Kahn could only marvel at their trust—handing over their twelve-year-old daughter to him.
“Hermione, you can do it too. I only have an age advantage. At least in potion-making, you’re better than me,” Kahn generously praised her. Under his influence, Hermione’s interest in potions grew, and she often studied with Ketel during the holidays. Ketel was amazed by her progress.
He believed that by fourth year, Hermione could attempt the S-level exam.
Ding dong!
Suddenly, the doorbell rang downstairs. Isaac immediately went to answer, while Phil came to the study to report to Kahn. Kahn and Hermione loved spending time in the study, which housed an extensive collection of books.
“The wizard we invited should have arrived. Hermione, come with me to see.”
“All right, Godfather.”
Like a little rabbit, Hermione jumped up and slipped her small feet, wrapped in white stockings, into slippers before following. She liked sitting on the floor to read, so wearing shoes would be uncomfortable. Besides, Phil and Isaac cleaned the house daily until it was spotless, with not a speck of dust.
Even barefoot, her white soles wouldn’t get dirty.
At the door, Hermione immediately recognized a familiar wizard and exclaimed in surprise, “Professor Dumbledore? What brings you here? Are you… looking for Godfather?”
She wanted to ask if he came for her, but recalling she had delivered a letter to Dumbledore for Godfather at the start of term, she asked instead.
“Yes, Miss Granger. Mr. Pender hoped I wouldn’t mind dropping by unannounced.”
Dumbledore apologized somewhat; after all, he hadn’t given prior notice and had come with Lupin.
Kahn shook his head with a smile. “Not at all. Please come in, Professor Dumbledore. And this is…”
Remus Lupin quickly extended his hand, saying, “Lupin, sir. Remus Lupin. We corresponded via owl yesterday. I’m here applying to teach summer wizardry.”
“Mr. Lupin, Professor Dumbledore, please come in.”
After inviting them inside, Kahn turned to Hermione. “Hermione, have Phil bring tea and some snacks.”
“Got it, Godfather.”
Seeing the great wizard Dumbledore, Hermione was delighted, like meeting an idol. Hearing Kahn’s words, she quickly scampered off to the kitchen.
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Chapter 100: Professor Kahn and Board Member Kahn — Free Reading.