"My friend Gilderoy Lockhart asked me to help him apply to Hogwarts to be a professor of Defense Against the Dark Arts for the next school year."
In an attempt to keep his relationship with Lockhart discreet, Moriarty claimed that it was Lockhart who had asked him to apply to Dumbledore. The truth, however, was that Lockhart was in Romania purchasing a Fire Dragon. The position of Defense Against the Dark Arts professor was a Christmas gift from Moriarty to Lockhart.
Being a professor at Hogwarts carried significant prestige within the British wizarding world, especially as a professor of Defense Against the Dark Arts—a position known for its volatility. It would provide Lockhart with the perfect opportunity to continue crafting his public image.
After the events involving the Chamber of Secrets and the opening of the underground passage, Moriarty's influence within Hogwarts had greatly increased. Whether Dumbledore and the school administrators admitted it or not, Moriarty's identity as a descendant of Slytherin was well-known.
Dumbledore found it difficult to refuse Moriarty's request, and he was puzzled, thinking, Am I mistaken? Is the relationship between Moriarty and Lockhart limited only to Lockhart bringing Moriarty back to England, with no deeper connection?
Moriarty surveyed the portraits of the past headmasters hanging on the office walls. The portraits remained silent since Moriarty's entrance, but their eyes widened in curiosity.
As Dumbledore pondered the connection between Moriarty and Lockhart, it was clear that no one had anticipated Moriarty sending Lockhart straight to Dumbledore's office. It was almost a strategic move—a subtle conspiracy. Hadn't Dumbledore been investigating Lockhart? Sending Lockhart to Hogwarts meant Moriarty wasn't worried about Dumbledore's inquiry into Lockhart's background.
This left Dumbledore in an awkward position.
After another long silence, Dumbledore extended his hand toward the cockroach pile but quickly retracted it—someone had already eaten it.
"Gilderoy Lockhart… Since you mentioned him, let's discuss him further," Dumbledore said, sitting up straight, his fingers steepled. His blue eyes were as deep as the ocean. "I recall he was a Ravenclaw student and wrote to me several times, asking if he could start a school newspaper edited by him."
Moriarty responded indifferently, "I don't know much about Mr. Lockhart's past. Since his novel became a success, I've lost touch with him. However, this past Christmas, he sent me some presents and asked me to apply for a professorship on his behalf. He expressed his desire to teach the young wizards at Hogwarts."
"Ah, yes, that novel!" Dumbledore glanced at the bookshelf next to him, and the book In Eastern Tibet with Slytherin flew off the shelf into his hands. He opened the pages. "I've read this book. It's quite remarkable. There's no doubt that if Lockhart could replace the protagonist with you, he would be a world-renowned author."
Moriarty didn't want to waste time engaging in a back-and-forth with Dumbledore. He said bluntly, "Then, if there are no issues, I will respond to Mr. Lockhart."
There was a brief flash of helplessness in Dumbledore's eyes, followed by a smile of apology. "I'm sorry, Moriarty. You are a step too late. There is already a candidate for the Defense Against the Dark Arts position for the upcoming school year. I'm pleased to announce that your new professor is Lady Diana Shawa."
Moriarty blinked in surprise. Had Dumbledore already found a new professor so quickly?
Dumbledore glanced at the silver clock on the table and shook his head slightly. "Please forgive an old man's forgetfulness. At noon, Professor Diana made an appointment with me. I believe she is arriving soon. If you don't mind, you may wait for a moment."
As soon as Dumbledore finished speaking, the door to the office opened, and a lady in silver high heels, a close-fitting white shirt, and a black professional suit entered.
Upon seeing someone else in the office, her emerald eyes flashed with dissatisfaction. "I'm sorry, Professor. I didn't know there was someone else in your office. I'll come back at another time."
Her voice was melodious, like the sound of nature. Moriarty turned to look at her, his curiosity quickly turning to admiration.
She was tall and slender, with a narrow waist, long legs, and delicate feet. Though her suit was tightly fitted, it did little to hide the beauty of her snow-white face and neck.
The neckline of her shirt was unbuttoned slightly, revealing a glimpse of her fair skin. Moriarty could smell a faint scent of milk as it drifted towards him.
Moriarty quickly averted his gaze. Her long wavy golden hair cascaded over her shoulders, glowing in the light, and her piercing green eyes carried an air of coldness—yet also indifference. As she looked back at Moriarty, he noticed her finely pointed ears, making it clear she was an elf.
Moriarty quickly glanced at Dumbledore, his expression clearly questioning: Last year we had a vampire as the professor, and this year you've found us an elf? When did the Defense Against the Dark Arts class at Hogwarts become a Rare Race Museum?
Diana snorted disdainfully, puffing out her chest as if to assert herself. She parted her red lips, revealing her pointed tiger-like teeth. "You rude little gentleman, I need to correct you. It was Professor Dumbledore who invited me to Hogwarts, not me begging to come."
Dumbledore immediately intervened, "You two, please be more patient with an old man."
Moriarty and Diana exchanged a knowing look, silently thinking that anyone who treats you like an old man will soon find themselves unlucky.
"Moriarty," Dumbledore continued, "Please keep Professor Diana's identity a secret. And Professor Diana, as we agreed, will be the Defense Against the Dark Arts professor for the 1889 to 1990 school year."
Diana's gaze shifted to Moriarty, her voice now tinged with admiration. "Are you Moriarty? Slytherin?"
Moriarty glanced at her and noted how her eyes shimmered like autumn waters, full of light.
Seeing her shift in demeanor, Moriarty suddenly had a bad feeling. He turned to Dumbledore and said, "In that case, shall Mr. Lockhart take the position for the 1990-1991 school year?"
"I have no objections," Diana replied. "After this school year ends, I won't stay another day." She quickly reverted to her arrogant attitude after Moriarty left her sight.
Dumbledore smiled, finally satisfied. "That's it! We'll have two outstanding professors at the same time. Oh, I'm looking forward to what next year and the year after will bring to Hogwarts."
"See you at the beginning of the school year, Professor," Diana said coldly, nodding to Dumbledore before leaving the office.
Moriarty watched her walk away. It was obvious that Dumbledore didn't invite an elf to Hogwarts without a specific reason. There must be something only the elves could help him with.
Sadly, Moriarty knew that Dumbledore, the old headmaster, would never share his secrets with him.
Having secured the Defense Against the Dark Arts position and discussed Harry Potter's future, Moriarty and Dumbledore seemed to have reached the end of their conversation. Moriarty left the office.
Outside, Paro, the enchanted stone beast at the door, spotted him and called out, "Hey, hey, Mr. Slytherin! Look here!"
Moriarty walked up to it, and Paro winked at him, "You know that glamorous elf who just left? I saw her walk out with her legs all tucked in!"