Just a Defense Against the Dark Arts Professor: No More, No Less

Chapter 1: Sherlock's Unexpected Inheritance

Sherlock's Unexpected Inheritance

Sherlock fumbled with a few pounds in his pocket, clumsily paying the taxi driver for the fare. Standing on the roadside, he couldn't help but be captivated by the dilapidated house in front of him.

It had been almost a week since he arrived in this strange new world. Sherlock Forrest was a typical Western English name, one he had grown accustomed to. This, however, felt like a cliché time-travel story.

Charlotte, a recent graduate living in 21st-century China, was tragically struck by an electric car on her way to her first job interview. A freak accident, not even a car collision, led to Charlotte drowning alongside the bike's owner who fell into the river.

Perhaps it was because the name Charlotte was associated with a more easy going personality. When he regained consciousness, he found himself inhabiting the body of a young British man lying in a hospital bed.

The sudden environmental shift left Charlotte, utterly unfamiliar with his surroundings, deeply confused at first. However, he maintained remarkable emotional control. He avoided any drastic actions or strange pronouncements during his hospital stay.

A team of blonde doctors conducted a thorough examination, diagnosing Charlotte with amnesia caused by a head injury. This perfectly explained his situation: no memories of his past life and no connection to his predecessor. Even his limited English speaking ability could be attributed to the amnesia.

Using amnesia as a convenient excuse, he openly inquired about his new identity from the hospital staff. Sherlock Holmes, an ordinary 20-year-old unemployed single man from Surrey, England.

Back in his previous life, a second-floor fall led to an accident and unconsciousness. Fortunately, a kind neighbor discovered him and rushed him to the hospital. When he awoke, the original Sherlock had been replaced by the time-traveling Charlotte.

The year was 1992, and the United Kingdom was in the midst of an economic downturn. The collapse of a northern superpower had just been announced, casting a shadow of gloom over Europe. A financial crisis triggered by currency devaluation loomed in August, with the UK expected to be the hardest hit.

Having occasionally dabbled in finance courses during his free time, this was the only significant event Charlotte, now Sherlock, was aware of in this new year. He never imagined such a fantastical plot from a novel would actually happen to him.

After two days in the hospital, he gradually came to terms with his reality. Charlotte had always been someone who went with the flow. Orphaned in his previous life, he had no strong ties to hold him back. Perhaps starting anew in England at the end of the 20th century wouldn't be so bad.

With his knowledge and vision far exceeding this era, he might even be able to escape the limitations of an ordinary life. Accepting his new reality, Sherlock fully embraced his identity.

Following a two-day hospital stay and a clean bill of health, he was discharged. It seemed Sherlock in this world also lacked close relatives. Otherwise, a week-long hospitalization and amnesia wouldn't have gone unnoticed by someone who cared.

For Sherlock, with no memories of his predecessor, this was a stroke of luck. He wouldn't know how to handle having parents or close relatives to deal with.

However, Sherlock wasn't entirely alone. The doctor, upon discharge, didn't ask him about the hospital bill. Instead, he handed him a note with an address listed as his home.

With the meager pounds in his pocket, Sherlock hailed a taxi to his new residence. To be honest, the two-story building looked rather shabby from the outside. Cracks marred the walls, weeds choked the neglected yard, and the iron gate was rusted. At first glance, one might mistake it for a haunted house.

Sherlock, now with a clearer mind, shook his head with a wry smile. Whether it was a mansion or a haunted house, having a place to stay was a blessing. He couldn't be picky. At the same time, his gaze upon the dilapidated house firmed with resolve.

This was just the beginning. Back in his previous life, he, an orphan, had managed to gain admission to a prestigious university and even secure a national scholarship. With the advantage of foresight in this new world, he truly believed his future held far greater possibilities!

Determined, Sherlock clenched his fists and muttered to himself, "Time to work hard!"

However, just as he was about to approach his house with newfound determination, the screech of tires halting behind him sent a jolt through him.

Turning around in surprise, Sherlock saw a luxurious car parked behind him, a brand he had only ever seen on television. The car door opened, revealing an elderly gentleman with snow-white hair and impeccably tailored clothes that likely cost more than everything Sherlock had ever owned in his previous life combined.