Life for magicals in Europe a thousand years ago was very different. Knowledge was controlled by the wealthy and powerful, while the majority of people turned to religion to explain the mysteries of the world.

  Faith guided their decisions, offering comfort but also creating deep divisions. These divisions often led to conflicts, and at times, full-scale wars, as differing ideologies clashed violently.

  Back then, most of humanity shared a single belief. Magic, or any form of supernatural power, was not meant for mortals. Anyone discovered with such abilities was quickly labeled a servant of the devil or a demon. They were not just captured or imprisoned. Instead, they were sentenced to the cruelest fate of all, burned alive.

  For magicals, it was a dangerous time. There were no laws to protect them, and each witch or wizard had to hide their gifts from a world that saw them as a threat.

  Then, four remarkable individuals decided to change everything. Godric Gryffindor, Helga Hufflepuff, Rowena Ravenclaw, and Salazar Slytherin. They refused to be treated as outsiders. Instead, they chose to stand together, separating themselves from the non-magical world that saw them as nothing more than evil, alien beings.

  They gathered witches and wizards from all over, offering them a safe place to live without fear. Together, they built a large castle, hiding it behind strong enchantments to protect it from non-magical people and the dangers of the world.

  This castle, located somewhere in the Scottish Highlands, eventually became known as Hogwarts. Not only was it a refuge where magical people could live without fear, but also a school where knowledge could be passed down for generations.

  Over the centuries, the castle faced many challenges but overcame them all. Today, it stands as one of the most prestigious magical schools in the world, a true testament to the vision and determination of its founders.

  ...

  It was another typical day.

  The sun began to rise, painting the sky with a soft orange glow. The castle stood tall and silent, its towers cutting through the lightening sky, their sharp edges softened by the morning haze. The first rays of sunlight slipped through the windows, casting long shadows across the ancient stone walls.

  High in one of Hogwarts' tall towers, the deputy headmistress's office was peaceful in this quiet moment. A middle-aged woman in traditional witch's robes sat at the desk, an open book in front of her. Her face showed deep concentration, as though she were studying something important.

  The soft rustle of turning pages was the only sound, while the morning light poured through the large window behind her, casting a gentle glow on the polished wood of her desk.

  The office was spacious, with stone walls decorated by a few carefully chosen items. Framed awards and trophies were neatly arranged atop a shelf filled with old-looking books along the right wall.

  A fireplace stood in the middle of the left wall, and on either side of it, shelves held a collection of antique magical items. Among them was a delicate, well-worn broomstick, carefully placed apart from the others, as if it were the most prized possession.

  Behind her desk, above the large window, a portrait of a stern-looking witch hung, her gaze shifting slightly as though silently watching over the room. Through the window, the other castle towers and the grounds stretched out, offering a clear, wide view.

  It was a quiet, organized space that perfectly reflected its occupant, Minerva McGonagall, the deputy headmistress of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

  Turning the last page of the book, McGonagall let out a soft sigh, her expression thoughtful and pleased, before snapping it shut. Her gaze lingered on the cover, The Magic of Science, and a small nod followed, as if confirming a decision.

  Her eyes moved to the fireplace, then to the only door of her office, before resting on the clock above it. She leaned back in her chair, settling more comfortably, and picked up another book from her desk to continue reading.

  Time passed slowly until she closed the book as well and sat up straighter, as if she was waiting for something to happen.

  Her eyes kept fixed on the fireplace, and just then, green flames flared up, revealing a young man dressed in a sleek mix of wizarding and modern clothing.

  Her expression softened into a welcoming smile as she addressed the new arrival. "Mr. Caesar, right on time. Welcome to Hogwarts." She stood, walked around her desk, and extended her hand with a warm, firm gesture.

  "Thank you for the invitation, Professor." He shook her hand, offering a similar expression. "I've always wanted to see this legendary sanctuary built by the four Warlocks."

  McGonagall gave a small smile. "A sanctuary indeed," she said, her tone thoughtful. After a brief pause, she added, "Please, make yourself comfortable," gesturing to a chair.

  Maverick nodded, taking the seat as McGonagall moved to her own chair across from him.

  "Tea? Or perhaps breakfast while we talk?" she offered with a polite smile. "The house-elves here are exceptional cooks."

  Maverick shook his head respectfully. "Just tea, Professor. I've already had breakfast, but thank you."

  She nodded and called out an Elvish name, prompting a small creature to appear with a quiet pop. Moments later, their drinks were brought, and the house-elf disappeared, leaving them alone for their meeting.

  "In just two years, you've accomplished so much, young man," the older witch began, offering a warm compliment.

  She raised her hand, showing the elegant wristwatch on her wrist to Maverick. "I bought this from your shop, Caesar's Magitech, when I visited the States last month."

  A small smile appeared on her lips as she met his gaze. "The ideas behind your products are remarkable. Functionally, there are similar inventions already, but the design and the way you've made them more convenient... honestly, it's already transforming the magical world."

  Maverick let out a modest chuckle. "Thank you, Professor. But I can't take all the credit. It's the work of many talented witches and wizards in my company."

  McGonagall's smile grew warmer. "Humble, too. Not many alchemists have that quality..."

  It was true—alchemists, especially the old masters, were often known for their pride and arrogance.

  "Please, I hope that humility of yours stays with you, young man," she added, her tone firm but kind, before shifting subtly once more. "Well, I've had the pleasure of reading your book," she continued.

  Maverick nodded, the conversation now turning to the matter at hand, and he was honestly looking forward to her feedback.

  "It's quite... thorough, I must say." She glanced between the book on her desk and him.

  "Are you suggesting it's too advanced, Professor?"

  "Perhaps," she said, leaning slightly back in her chair. "I shared it with Albus. I hope you don't mind."

  "Not at all," Maverick said, waving his hand. "Was this Speaker Dumbledore's impression, Professor?"

  "Ours, actually," she replied after a brief pause. "For first-years, especially the children of pureblood families, it might be a bit overwhelming. But as an elective for sixth and seventh years, it would be just right."

  Maverick hummed, considering her unexpected words. He had written the book based on magical schools around the world that taught science, with some added knowledge of his own. To him, it seemed quite basic, but apparently, it wasn't basic enough.

  He sighed, a hint of dejection in his voice. "I understand, Professor."

  McGonagall smiled at his expression, realizing he hadn't quite grasped the point. However, that was a conversation she preferred to have with someone else present.

  "This is what Albus and I believe," McGonagall continued. "Speaking of which, he would like to meet with you about this matter, Mr. Caesar." She paused for a moment before adding, "That is, if you're still interested in teaching here..."

  Maverick's eyes lit up as he met her gaze and nodded without hesitation. "Of course. My words from two years ago haven't changed."

  McGonagall nodded appreciatively at his response. Truthfully, she would have considered Maverick for the position even if the book hadn't impressed her. His other skills, combined with the character she had grown quite fond of by now, made him an excellent fit for a professor in her eyes.

  She then heard him add, "I can adjust my schedule whenever Speaker Dumbledore is ready to meet."

  "That won't be necessary," she smiled. "In fact, Albus is expecting you now."

  "Right now?" Maverick asked, slightly surprised. This was Albus Dumbledore, after all. In his previous life, he had read enough fanfiction to feel a tinge of doubt about what to expect from the legendary wizard.

  The thought crossed his mind briefly, but he quickly pushed it aside. It didn't matter—he was confident in his abilities now. Besides, it was best to assume Dumbledore would be closer to J.K. Rowling's version rather than jumping to conclusions.

  "Yes. If you don't mind, we can head straight to his office," McGonagall suggested, her expression staying the same.

  Maverick nodded without hesitation, his mind made up. "Of course, Professor."

  McGonagall smiled and rose from her seat at his words. "Come, let's walk. You'll have a chance to see a bit of Hogwarts along the way." She stopped briefly before reaching the door as Maverick stood up as well.

  "The students are in their final exams right now," she added, her tone carrying a hint of weariness."Please don't mind any odd behavior you might see."

  Maverick chuckled, finding her words a little amusing. "I've been through exam stress myself, Professor. I studied at Muggle universities too. I'm sure it won't be that bad."

  McGonagall's expression shifted to one of appreciation as she listened to his response, then softened. "True, I had forgotten you were homeschooled by that lion while attending Muggle schools." She paused, then added, "You must be the first magical to do so..." A hint of admiration appeared in her gaze before she opened the door and gestured for him to follow. "Come along..."

  A smile tugged at his lips as he fell into step beside her, walking side by side.

  She cast him a sideways glance as they walked. "I must admit, when I saw the headlines on New Year's Day, it gave me quite a shock."

  "Which part shocked you the most?" he asked playfully, giving a shy chuckle while his gaze swept across the grand surroundings of the castle.

  "All of it," she replied, amused, noticing how absorbed he was in his surroundings. "Muggle schools, Garling's apprentice, master alchemist... you name it. You were the talk of the wizarding world for weeks."

  Maverick chuckled again. "Fortunately, the fuss has settled down now."

  The older witch smiled at his nonchalance. Along the way, they didn't encounter any other professors, as it was still quite early. Only a few students shuffled by, none paying much attention to them, likely still half-asleep.

  They walked at a steady pace, with McGonagall answering most of Maverick's questions as they passed through the castle, while he marveled at the surroundings.

  After a few minutes and a long climb up a set of stairs, they finally reached the top of the tower where the headmaster's office was located.

  "Honey drops!" McGonagall said, speaking to the gargoyle statue beside the door before glancing at Maverick. "Albus has a thing for sweets, you see."

  Maverick smiled and shrugged. "Everyone has their quirks, Professor."

  The door opened with a soft creak, revealing the cozy yet eclectic interior of Dumbledore's office. Maverick followed McGonagall inside, his eyes immediately drawn to the sheer amount of detail packed into the room.

  The circular space was bathed in warm, golden light streaming through tall, arched windows. The walls were lined with shelves crammed with books, peculiar instruments, and trinkets that seemed to hum faintly with magic. A large, ornate desk sat at the center, its surface cluttered with parchment, quills, and a collection of silver gadgets that whirred and clicked softly.

  Portraits of past headmasters lined the walls, their eyes following the two, some whispering to each other in hushed tones.

  What caught Maverick's attention most, however, was the overwhelming sense of history that filled the room. It felt alive, as if the very walls were steeped in centuries of wisdom and secrets.

  His gaze stopped at a magnificent bird perched on a stand near the desk, its fiery plumage glowing faintly in the dim light. It radiated power, a feedback his passive Magical-Sense easily picked up. He had no doubt this phoenix was nothing like the turkey portrayed in the movies.

  —————

  Albus Dumbledore sat at his desk in the headmaster's office, half-moon glasses perched on his nose. A parchment rested in his hands, and as he read, a knowing gleam sparkled in his blue eyes.

  He sat upright, dressed in a purple robe over a crisp white shirt and gray vest, exuding both authority and ease. His neatly combed hair, streaked with silver, added to his quiet confidence.

  Though he appeared to be in the prime of his life, there was a depth in his gaze that made him seem far older, wiser—someone who had seen more than his appearance let on.

  The sun had been up for a while, and this was usually when he took some time for light reading before joining his staff and students for breakfast. But today, he had a feeling his usual routine would be different.

  He set the parchment down and looked toward the door, as if expecting someone. Moments later, the door opened, and in walked his trusted deputy, Minerva McGonagall, followed by a young man he didn't recognize.

  Dumbledore's curiosity piqued as his magical senses, always sharp, noticed something odd... nothing. The boy had almost no magical presence. His first thought was that this young man might not be a wizard at all. Then, he remembered a conversation with McGonagall from two years ago. He gave a small nod, silently agreeing with what she had said.

  He watched the boy walk in, his posture calm but alert. Every step was measured and deliberate. At first glance, he seemed like any other young man, but Dumbledore could tell—this boy, though unassuming, was far from ordinary.

  Setting his curiosity aside for the moment, he smiled warmly at both of them. "Minerva," he said in his rich, welcoming tone. "And you must be Mr Caesar."

  Rising from his chair, he gestured to the seats across from his desk. "Please, take a seat."

  McGonagall gave a polite nod and sat down first, and Maverick followed with quiet confidence.

  "It's a pleasure to meet you, Speaker Dumbledore," the boy greeted him politely before settling into the chair.

  Dumbledore chuckled softly. "Professor Dumbledore is fine, young man. Or Headmaster, if you prefer."

  "We had a brief chat before coming, but I thought it best to include you as well…" McGonagall added, casting a glance at her mentor.

  A comfortable silence settled over the room as they all relaxed into their seats.

  "Well," Dumbledore nodded to McGonagall, then turned his attention to Maverick. "I've been looking forward to meeting you for quite some time, Mr. Caesar. But before we get into it, how about some tea? Or have you had breakfast yet?"

  "Thank you, Professor, but I've already had breakfast and shared some tea with Professor McGonagall earlier."

  Dumbledore smiled gently and nodded. "Very well, then. Let's get to the matter at hand." He reached into a drawer, retrieved a book, and placed it carefully on the desk. "I understand you wish to teach Muggle science here at Hogwarts."

  Maverick subtly observed the famous wizard as he spoke. This was no frail old man—nothing like the typical wise wizard or a Gandalf figure.

  To the average person, Dumbledore would appear to be nothing more than warm, friendly, and effortlessly charming.

  But to Maverick, the calmness was almost too perfect, as if it had been honed over years of practice.

  That was his conclusion, formed from his keen observations and his familiarity with the character of Albus Dumbledore from the stories he had read in his previous life.

  There were no other subtle tells, no shifts in expression to analyze. His non-magical espionage skills were almost entirely useless against this quiet, controlled presence.

  Pushing the thoughts aside, he maintained his steady confidence and replied, "Yes, Professor. I believe it's necessary for the British magical community to learn more about Muggle science."

  Dumbledore's expression remained calm and measured, much like someone assessing a new staff member, as he listened to Maverick's answer. In truth, it wasn't far off.

  He leaned back in his chair, taking a moment before speaking with a thoughtful tone.

  "I've had a look at your work. It's impressive," he said. "The research and attention to detail really stand out. It's clear you've put a lot of thought into putting it all together."

  He glanced briefly at McGonagall before turning back to Maverick. "We've talked about this already," he said, "and we both agree that the course materials are well-rounded."

  Maverick could tell there was a "but" coming, but he didn't interject, allowing the wise wizard to finish first.

  "But before we go any further, I would be most curious to hear your thoughts. Why do you believe it is so important for British witches and wizards to take your course, especially when we already have something quite similar in place?"

  Maverick gathered his thoughts at Dumbledore's question. He decided to be blunt and met the old man's gaze. "The subject you're referring to... is it Muggle Studies?"

  When the headmaster gave a small nod, he continued.

  "Professor, I've reviewed Muggle Studies materials from several schools, and honestly, the Hogwarts curriculum... no offense, but it feels outdated—almost laughably so."

  He paused, watching for any reaction, but neither Dumbledore nor McGonagall refuted his claim. Their expressions remained neutral, and the older wizard even chuckled lightly.

  Maverick saw the amused curiosity in the old wizard's gaze before he asked, "That still doesn't explain why it's necessary to teach Muggle science to wizarding children."

  "Don't get us wrong, Mr. Caesar," McGonagall chimed in. "We approve of your book. In fact, it's a well-organized course. We're simply curious—why do you think it's important for it to be taught?"

  Maverick gave McGonagall a side glance before nodding and decided to go all out. He had prepared for this moment long ago and had the words ready.

  "Professors," he began, his gaze moving from McGonagall and fixing on Dumbledore. "I've visited every corner of the world, magical and non-magical. It surprises me that this country, whose magical history is so rich, is now one of the most, if not the most, backward developing magical communities in the world."

  Both Dumbledore and McGonagall raised a brow at his blunt statement but chose not to interrupt. Maverick took their silence as tacit agreement and continued.

  "Muggle technology... it can't be ignored the way the British wizarding community is doing now," he said firmly. "It's advancing so rapidly that soon—I have no doubt—it will reach a point where it will seem indistinguishable from magic itself."

  This time, McGonagall couldn't help but interject. "Surely, that's a rhetorical statement, isn't it?" she asked, her gaze curious as she looked at him.

  Maverick turned his head, meeting her gaze directly. "I'm afraid not, Professor. Since Newton and Einstein, Muggle technology has advanced exponentially... frighteningly fast, even. Communication, entertainment, reconnaissance, energy, weaponry... every field has evolved at an incredible pace and continues to do so every day."

  He glanced at Dumbledore, but the old wizard offered no objection, only a slight gesture with his hand to encourage him to continue.

  "Do you know Stark, Professor?"

  "I do," Dumbledore replied, his tone thoughtful. "I've met the man on a few occasions. A brilliant mind, though unfortunately, his genius seems directed toward pursuits that are... less, admirable."

  Maverick nodded, continuing without hesitation. "First, it was Newton. Then Einstein. Each of them revolutionized the way Muggles understood the world and shaped their technological progress. And now, I believe Stark is next. He's already proving it with his innovations."

  As he spoke, his mind briefly wandered. By the end of the year, if things followed the events of the MCU, the Stark couple would be killed by the Winter Soldier. He hadn't decided yet whether he would step in or not. That was a problem for another day. Right now, he needed to stay focused on the discussion.

  "America, Russia, China... these superpowers have already started educating wizarding children about the wonders of science," Maverick said, his voice steady. "Everywhere I've been, it's already begun in their schools... except here, in Britain, Headmaster."

  He paused, his gaze intensifying as he locked eyes with the older man. "When the inevitable happens, we'll be the only ones left behind, the only ones who haven't caught up with the rest of the world."

  The room fell into silent. Neither professors spoke nor refuted his claim. Maverick didn't press further either, letting the weight of his words settle over them.

  But before the silence could stretch too long, another voice broke through.

  "Are you implying that the secrecy will soon be shattered, boy?"

  The sound came from above and to his right. Maverick instinctively turned his head and saw the portraits of former headmasters and headmistresses staring at him, their eyes sharp and curious, as though he were an anomaly.

  Just as Maverick's gaze lingered on the curious faces in the portraits, Dumbledore's voice gently pulled his attention back to the living.

  "Well," the old wizard began, his tone thoughtful, "this isn't quite where I thought our discussion would be heading… but," he glanced briefly at McGonagall, who remained silent, though it was clear she was teetering on the edge of asking her own questions, "I can't say I disagree, young man."

  Maverick raised an eyebrow. That wasn't what he expected to hear from the old wizard. He glanced at McGonagall, but she didn't seem as calm or accepting as Dumbledore. It was clear she had something on her mind.

  Maverick heard the older man chuckle, and when he turned back, he saw an amused glint in Dumbledore's eyes.

  "We may be wizards who care little for how Muggles are evolving," Dumbledore said with a trace of humor, "but we are neither ignorant nor stupid." He cast a glance at his deputy. "Isn't that right, Minerva?"

  McGonagall quickly regained her composure. Normally, she was calm and unshaken in any situation, but she realized she had slipped slightly today in front of this junior. Thankfully, her boss had stepped in.

  "That is correct," she said firmly. "Your claims hold some truth, and we haven't been blind to it either."

  Maverick cast a scrutinizing look at the two wizards. "Then why, may I ask?"

  At his question, Dumbledore sighed—a weary sound, as if faced with a task not impossible but undeniably difficult. "To be perfectly honest, we simply haven't had the time..."

  Maverick raised an eyebrow. Two words came to mind: bullshit. Deciding to push further now that this topic had surfaced earlier than planned, he said, "Professor, isn't it ironic that the headmaster and deputy headmistress of such a prestigious school are guilty of procrastination?"

  Dumbledore burst into laughter, a deep, genuine sound that filled the room. Even McGonagall couldn't suppress a chuckle, though she shook her head at his audacity.

  A comfortable silence settled over the room, dissolving the earlier tension, until Dumbledore spoke once more.

  "I agree, Mr. Caesar. It would be a pleasure to have you join us as a professor at Hogwarts. Though, I must say, our plans may differ slightly from what you have in mind."

  Maverick noted how effortlessly the old wizard steered the conversation in a new direction. He chose not to press further. This discussion could always resume at another time.

  Maverick's eyes lit up at Dumbledore's sudden declaration, and he met the older man's gaze.

  "Don't look so surprised, Mr. Caesar," Dumbledore said with a faint smile. "In truth, even if your book hadn't been as impressive, or if the discussion we just had wasn't as insightful, we still intended to bring you on board. In fact, had you delayed in sending your manuscript to Professor McGonagall, I would have instructed her to send you an invitation myself."

  Maverick cast a genuinely puzzled glance at both of them, and McGonagall met his gaze with a faintly amused expression.

  "Mr. Caesar, are you forgetting that you're a master alchemist? The youngest ever recorded in modern magical history?" she said, her tone carrying a hint of pride, even though she had no part in his accomplishment. That was simply who she was—a witch of great character, free from unnecessary feelings like jealousy.

  Maverick silently gave a mental five-star review to the motherly witch before returning to the matter at hand.

  He now understood what both of them were implying, but he had never planned to become a professor of alchemy—and still didn't. Without missing a beat, he responded firmly, "But, Professor, I wish to teach Muggle science, not alchemy."

  —————————

  In the headmaster's office at Hogwarts, three individuals sat at a large, ornate desk. Its occupants included Headmaster Albus Dumbledore in his rightful chair, with his deputy, Professor McGonagall, seated across from him and a young man sitting beside her.

  Their conversation had started off simply, with easy questions and clear answers, but gradually it became more serious, spiraling a bit out of control.

  Currently, the young man sitting beside Professor McGonagall appeared deep in thought, while Dumbledore and the deputy headmistress watched him intently, their expressions making it clear they were waiting for him to speak.

  "Headmaster, I would like to teach Muggle science, not alchemy," the young man finally said, making his intentions clear to the two expectant people.

  Hearing Maverick clearly express his thoughts, the old wizard let out a tired sigh. He briefly glanced at Professor McGonagall, offering her a silent nod, before turning his attention back.

  Maverick noticed the subtle exchange between the two professors. It wasn't exactly discreet, and he could tell they were choosing their words carefully.

  "Mr. Caesar, please, hear us out first..." He heard Dumbledore say, and at the same time, he noticed McGonagall turn to him and clear her throat softly.

  "Mr. Caesar, we have no objection to you introducing Muggle science as a new course at Hogwarts. But as I mentioned earlier, the material is too advanced for younger students and would be better suited as an elective for sixth- and seventh-years."

  Maverick nodded slowly, recalling their earlier conversation.

  "Professor, just to clarify, does that mean I'll be joining Hogwarts as a professor of Muggle science?"

  McGonagall nodded, her eyes briefly flicking to Dumbledore, who returned the gesture with a confirming nod. Maverick observed the subtle exchange between them, then heard the old wizard offer his opinion.

  "Your book is an excellent resource, Mr. Caesar. By the end of the course, I have no doubt that our students will have a deep understanding of science and its potential. But as Professor McGonagall said, it's best suited for older students."

  Maverick frowned, noticing how the two senior magicals kept emphasizing only sixth and seventh years. He wondered what he would be teaching the younger grades and whether he would need to simplify his book even further.

  "What about the younger students? First-years through fifth-years?"

  "They'll continue with Muggle Studies, as they do now," Dumbledore explained. "However, if you're willing, we'd appreciate it if you could help update the curriculum to include some modern materials... not to the extent of your book, of course." He paused briefly before adding, "But it will still be taught by the current Muggle Studies professor, not by you."

  Maverick tilted his head, processing the information. "So, just to clarify, I'd only be teaching two grades?"

  Dumbledore hesitated, exchanging another glance with McGonagall. "About that..."

  Maverick noticed, for the first time that day, a hint of uncertainty in the old wizard's expression.

  "Mr. Caesar," Dumbledore began, his tone softening. "Hogwarts hasn't had an alchemy professor in years... over a decade, in fact. As you're surely aware, it's an exceptionally rare field. Those who achieve two stars or higher in alchemy typically pursue careers in the private sector or their country's ministry. The work is lighter, the pay is higher, and teaching is rarely their first choice."

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  Maverick raised an eyebrow. "Professor, aren't you a master alchemist yourself?"

  His question caused the wise wizard to pause briefly before letting out a light chuckle. "Ah, you are quite right. I am, indeed. But as you well know, I'm also the headmaster of this school, the chief speaker at the ICW, and the president of the Wizengamot, and a number of other titles... As much as I would dearly love to return to the role of a formal teacher, my many other responsibilities keep me rather occupied."

  Maverick observed the old wizard carefully. There was not a hint of deception in his words.

  He took a moment to consider the situation. Being a headmaster alone was no small task, let alone holding all those other heavy positions.

  The room fell into a quiet silence once again. Neither Dumbledore nor McGonagall spoke further, simply watching Maverick as he sat in thought.

  Maverick finally accepted that Dumbledore truly wouldn't have the time to teach while managing multiple positions. At the same time, it became clear to him that they wanted him to take on the role of alchemy professor while also offering him the opportunity to teach his proposed subject.

  However, he still had concerns, particularly about time. Two subjects meant double the classes, which meant double the work of a regular professor. So before making up his mind, he needed to ask and clarify.

  "Professor, first of all, I apologize for not considering your situation and doubting your responsibilities," Maverick spoke sincerely.

  Dumbledore waved his hand, signaling that it was no problem. "Oh, no need for apologies, my dear boy... no harm done..."

  Maverick nodded and didn't dwell on it any longer, instead brought up the matter at hand.

  "Professors... I'm willing to agree, but I need to clarify a few things first." He glanced between the two elders. "Teaching two subjects sounds like a lot of work. How will you arrange my schedule?"

  Dumbledore and McGonagall exchanged another glance of their silent communication.

  Sure enough, McGonagall turned to him and began speaking reassuringly. "Mr. Caesar, perhaps I wasn't clear earlier. Since alchemy hasn't been taught in years, it would begin with first-years only. Muggle science, likewise, would begin with sixth-years only. So, in the first year, your workload would be very, very light."

  Maverick nodded slowly, but that wasn't the answer he was looking for. "What about in the future, Professor McGonagall? At some point, I would have to teach all seven grades..."

  "We can assure you, Mr. Caesar, that you won't be overburdened," Dumbledore interjected smoothly. "Minerva and I will figure out a solution. For instance, Hogwarts currently schedules classes so that two houses attend a subject together. We can adjust the schedule so that alchemy and Muggle science classes would include all four houses. This way, even as you take on more grades, your workload will be halved."

  Maverick considered their proposal. It made sense—combining houses would reduce the number of classes he'd need to teach while still reaching all students.

  Once his doubts had been cleared, the decision no longer seemed difficult. He smiled at the two of them and nodded.

  "Then I agree, Headmaster Dumbledore."

  Dumbledore's face lit up with relief, and even McGonagall allowed herself a small smile.

  "Young man, you have no idea how much of a burden you've lifted from this old man's head," Dumbledore said, his face brightening. "I've been searching for a suitable candidate for years to bring alchemy back to this school. And fortunately, a talented master alchemist has agreed. On behalf of Hogwarts, I truly appreciate your willingness."

  Maverick couldn't help but smile shyly.

  "My pleasure, Professor. And thank you both for giving me the opportunity..."

  Dumbledore leaned back in his chair, a satisfied smile spreading across his face as he glanced at his deputy, who wore a similar expression.

  Maverick saw them exchange another round of silent communication before the old wizard spoke to him again with that tone as warm and thoughtful as ever.

  "Well then, my boy, I must say, this has been a most enlightening discussion. Now, is there anything you'd like to add? Or perhaps something you might need? Whatever it may be, rest assured, this old man will do his utmost to make it possible."

  Maverick glanced between the two, briefly searching his thoughts, wondering if he had overlooked anything. After a moment, his eyes lit up as he remembered something important he had intended to bring up later, but now seemed like a good time.

  Maverick smiled inwardly, then raised his hand. With a thought, a stack of papers appeared on the desk.

  Dumbledore and McGonagall both raised their eyebrows, intrigued. It seemed this young man had a habit of keeping his thoughts well prepared.

  They saw Maverick gently tapped the paper stack with his index finger, and it immediately split into two stacks.

  "Impressive silent, wandless casting," McGonagall exclaimed, her educator instincts kicking in.

  Maverick chuckled at her sudden remark, then slid one stack of papers toward Dumbledore and the other to McGonagall.

  "This is my long-term vision, Professors. In here, I have outlined in detail my plan to change this country's wizarding community for the better, and it all starts here at Hogwarts—with the children, bringing them all together."

  The two seasoned professors exchanged astonished looks. First, it was the idea of introducing science to bridge the gap between the wizarding world and modern advancements. Now, it had escalated to uniting the entire country's magical community. And with every question they asked, another book seemed to land in their laps.

  Maverick didn't realize that he was unknowingly giving the two seasoned wizards one headache after another with this single meeting.

  He misread their expressions, thinking they believed they had to go through the entire stack of papers. So, he quickly clarified, "You don't need to read everything right now. Just the first page... it's a quick summary. Please take a look and let me know your thoughts."

  Dumbledore and McGonagall let out an inward sigh. Though this young man's ideas promised more headaches, they were ultimately for the greater good of the country's magical community.

  Setting aside their initial thoughts, each of them picked up the topmost paper from the stacks and began reading with curiosity.

  Maverick observed as time passed slowly. First, they showed curiosity, then shock, and finally, admiration in their eyes.

  "This is..." Dumbledore started, but before he could finish, McGonagall interjected, completing his sentence.

  "Ingenious... truly."

  She turned to Maverick. "Your proposal here is remarkable, Mr. Caesar."

  Maverick smiled shyly and glanced at Dumbledore to see his opinion.

  "Minerva speaks correctly, Mr. Caesar," Dumbledore said. "If this can be pulled off, it will undoubtedly bring all the children of our school closer to harmony than ever before..." He paused, seemingly thought of something, then added, "But this will also burden your schedule, Mr. Caesar. How do you plan to cope with it?"

  Dumbledore's remark was indeed valid, but fortunately, Maverick had already considered it when he first developed the plans.

  "Professor," he began, flashing a bright smile at the old wizard, "just give me an assistant to work under me, and that will solve the problem. And if it's a burden on the school's finances, I assure you that once you've read the entire set of papers, you won't mind giving me ten assistants," Maverick added, joking lightly.

  Dumbledore raised an eyebrow, his curiosity growing as he looked at the stack of papers in front of him. After all, any plan that could potentially bring in more funds for the school was certainly most welcome.

  Maverick saw the old wizard wave his hand. "The school's finances are not a problem, Mr. Caesar. In fact, that sounds like a wonderful idea, and I agree." He paused, casting a glance at his deputy, gesturing for her to handle it.

  McGonagall turned to Maverick. "Just tell me what kind of witch or wizard you're looking for as your assistant."

  Maverick could sense McGonagall had no second thoughts about arranging an assistant for him, which made him wonder why other professors didn't have one. Was it because they were rejected, or simply because they never asked?

  He dismissed the thought and thought about how to respond to McGonagall. After a moment of quick thinking, he explained. "A good, disciplined graduate from this school, Professor. Preferably one to graduate this year... good at Quidditch, and most importantly, someone who has no significant conflicts with other houses."

  McGonagall gave him a doubtful look. "If you want all of those boxes checked, Mr. Caesar, that may be a bit difficult."

  Maverick quickly waved his hand, realizing that was indeed the case. "I understand, Professor. It doesn't need to be all of the options. Just someone good at Quidditch and with a generally good relationship with everyone will be fine..."

  "Well, that shouldn't be too difficult, should it, Minerva?" Dumbledore chimed in, turning to his deputy with a light smile.

  McGonagall shot him a flat look.

  A moment later, McGonagall sighed and nodded in agreement. "I'll try to hire someone before the next school year starts."

  Maverick smiled. Although it meant more work for her, he knew she would do her best to fulfill the task.

  "Well, now that this matter is settled," Dumbledore said with a thoughtful pause, "there is one other important issue that must be addressed..."

  Both Maverick and McGonagall turned to him.

  "If we want to accomplish this, we'll have to speak with the other schools as well. Only if they agree will this be possible."

  Maverick nodded, understanding what Dumbledore meant. However, he had no doubt that the other schools would reject the proposal.

  Time passed slowly, and more than an hour had gone by since Maverick started explaining everything to the two senior wizards. He covered what needed to be done, how it would work, and the timeline to make it all happen.

  After that, Dumbledore and McGonagall briefed Maverick on what he needed to take care of before the school year began in September.

  Dumbledore then gave Maverick access to the Hogwarts fireplace network and even agreed to connect it to a private location of his choosing. To hire him, the master alchemist, the old wizard spared no effort in providing conveniences for him.

  Before Maverick left, Dumbledore asked him to return in a few days so he could give him a proper tour of the school, introduce him to the other staff and professors, as well as meet with the school board.

  Fortunately, Maverick didn't have to get involved in the formal process of registering Muggle Science as a subject, as Dumbledore assured he would take care of it.

  Standing in front of the fireplace in Dumbledore's office, Maverick turned to the senior witch and wizard, both of whom had left him with a very positive impression.

  Dumbledore was no manipulative figurehead trying to brainwash others, and McGonagall was no mere follower who agreed with everything Dumbledore said. These two were nothing like the characters he had read about in the stories from his previous life. Then again, maybe he had just read too many fanfictions and ended up mixing up their personalities.

  He extended his hand first to McGonagall, shaking it before moving on to Dumbledore.

  Just as Maverick extended his hand and shook Dumbledore's, a sudden sensation washed over him, sending a faint, uneasy ripple through his body. It was something he shouldn't have picked up, especially not from the world's greatest white wizard.

  Dumbledore, as keen as ever, didn't miss the subtle shift in Maverick's demeanor. However, he kept his expression neutral, calm, with no outward reaction. He shook the boy's hand gently, then released it and met his eyes.

  "I was hoping you wouldn't notice," Dumbledore said quietly, "but it seems your perception is as impressive as your alchemy, Mr. Caesar."

  Maverick instinctively narrowed his eyes and fell silent, carefully gathering his thoughts.

  People had their own secrets, and as long as they didn't pose a threat to him, he wasn't the type to pry. He was just a little startled, considering this was Albus Dumbledore, after all. Finally, deciding not to address the strange sensation from the old wizard's left hand, he concluded it was none of his business.

  Noticing Maverick's silence, Dumbledore let out a soft sigh and spoke slowly, his tone a touch dejected.

  "An accident," he said calmly. "I'll share the details with you another time, if you don't mind."

  Maverick quickly shook his head, dismissing the thoughts swirling in his mind. Realizing he had taken a bit longer to gather his thoughts, he quickly explained, "Professor, I don't need to know, really. But if you'd like to share, I'd be glad to sit down for another chat sometime."

  McGonagall watched the exchange quietly, her expression shifting through several emotions. When Maverick finally responded so graciously, she smiled inwardly, appreciating his maturity. She was glad he wasn't a nosy person.

  Dumbledore's smile grew, his eyes twinkling with approval. "Ah, thank you, my dear boy," he said softly, pausing for a moment before continuing, "It has been a true pleasure to meet you. We shall have plenty of time to converse in the future. Until then, I shall see you in a few days..."

  Maverick smiled in return, his respect for the two wizards deepening. He nodded to both Dumbledore and McGonagall, then stepped into the fireplace. A moment later, with a green burst of flame, he disappeared.

  As the echoes of the fire faded, Dumbledore turned to McGonagall, a thoughtful expression crossing his face. "A remarkable young man, don't you think?"

  McGonagall nodded thoughtfully. "Indeed, Albus... How I wish I had the chance to have been his teacher."

  —————————

  Author's Note:

  Warning!! Cringy romance ahead. I swear I did my best to keep it from making you all throw up. Please leave some constructive feedback... it'll help me spot my mistakes and improve. Thanks!

  ....

  The last couple of weeks had felt almost like a dream for Maverick. Any devoted fan of the Harry Potter story would have felt the same. After all, it was his first time stepping into the legendary castle of Hogwarts and meeting the equally iconic Albus Dumbledore, names he had heard so much about in both his lives.

  At first, he didn't expect much to come from the visit and assumed it would just be a simple meeting with McGonagall to talk about his book and maybe bring up the idea of becoming a professor.

  But who would have thought? Not only was his book acknowledged by both the Headmaster and Deputy Headmistress, but he also received confirmation of his appointment as a professor. On top of that, he managed to present his plans for the school much sooner than he had expected.

  After that first meeting, he returned to Hogwarts a few days later for a proper tour of the castle. McGonagall proved to be an excellent guide, taking him through the grand halls, the massive library, and the classrooms. She even showed him secret passageways and some of the school's hidden areas.

  Finally, he was formally introduced to the staff and professors. Their personalities mostly matched what he had expected, even if they didn't look like the actors he remembered from his past life.

  She gave him an overview of everything, and by the end, he had a clearer understanding of the grand castle and the responsibilities he was about to take on.

  There were still two months before the academic year began, giving him plenty of time to prepare. It was the last Friday of June. Today, he temporarily put aside his preparations for Hogwarts and his business affairs, as he had a very important appointment, a meeting scheduled two years ago with someone very important.

  ....

  The sun had been up for a while, and Maverick lay awake, his mind drifting through thoughts of the past weeks and the day ahead. Finally, he got out of bed, quickly went through his usual morning routine, and dressed in a simple outfit—a plain white long-sleeve shirt and brown pants. Standing in front of the mirror, he took a moment to look at himself.

  Over the past two years, he had grown a few centimeters taller, now standing at about 1.83 meters. He gave a satisfied nod at his reflection. He wasn't model-level handsome, but he didn't look bad either. If he had to describe himself, he'd say he resembled a younger version of Christian Bale, though his hair was a darker mix of black and chestnut compared to the actor's.

  This place was located in the heart of Diagon Alley, where he had made significant upgrades, giving it a unique look that stood out from the typical style of the area. His "apartment" occupied the topmost floor, while the lower floor and ground level served as his shop and office, displaying and selling the products of his business.

  He glanced at his watch and saw that it was time. Casting a variant of the Notice-Me-Not Charm and a Disillusionment Spell on himself, he performed Apparition and vanished from the spot.

  ....

  Garling Residence, Manhattan, New York.

  It had been two years since Maverick last visited this familiar place, but the memories remained vivid in his mind. Even though he had only spent half a year here, it had been one of the most defining periods of his life—of growth, learning, and some very unexpected connections.

  As he stepped through the main gate, he couldn't help but smile at the familiar sight, the lush green stretching out in all directions, with the home standing proudly at the center.

  Silvia was the first to greet him, just as he remembered—warm and full of life. Her husband Edward stood nearby, offering a smile and a nod. He and Maverick had met frequently over the past couple of months for business matters, so their greeting was quick and casual.

  After a brief but heartfelt exchange, they moved inside and settled into the cozy living room. Silvia quickly offered to prepare something to eat, but Maverick insisted on waiting, as today was the day the exam results would be announced, and Isabella would be returning home with her transcripts to show her parents.

  This visit was meant to be a surprise for Isabella, as only her mother and father knew about Maverick's arrival. Though they hadn't seen each other in person for the last two years, they had often exchanged letters through Shisui, and their relationship had only grown stronger over time.

  They sat and chatted in the living room, and eventually, Maverick revealed the real reason for his visit. Two years ago, along with his family and the Garling family, they had all agreed that Maverick and Isabella would get engaged as soon as Isabella finished school.

  For a normal Muggle family, this might sound too early, but for magical families, especially highly influential ones, their sons or daughters start courting a partner chosen by their parents from a very early age.

  This is because they prioritize forming strong, stable alliances that can benefit both families. In their world, magical abilities, political influence, and social status often hold significant weight, and securing a compatible and powerful partner is crucial for maintaining or enhancing these aspects.

  Early courtships allow time to carefully assess compatibility, foster trust, and ensure that the union will strengthen the family's position in the magical community. Additionally, such arrangements help avoid the complications that can arise from late or hasty marriages, giving both families a chance to build a lasting bond before formalizing the relationship.

  Today, Maverick had come to once again ask for Isabella's parents' blessing, and to finally propose to her, making their relationship official. He didn't want to delay the engagement any longer, even though he knew Isabella wouldn't mind waiting. But once their relationship became official, she would at least be approached by fewer people trying to get on her father's good side through her.

  Furthermore, Maverick was already like a son to them, and they were like his second parents, so it came as no surprise when they immediately agreed and welcomed him with open arms, ready to officially make him a part of the family.

  However, it all depended on Isabella's answer. He knew she would agree, but he was still nervous to the core now that the time had finally come.

  Time passed slowly, and more than an hour went by as they engaged in light conversation. Maverick shared a quick recap of his travels around the world with the couple, as well as updating them on his current affairs, particularly the progress of his business and his recent acceptance as a professor at Hogwarts. Needless to say, they were happy for him on everything, even proud, like a mother and father would be of their child.

  Just as the clock struck noon, Maverick and Edward both sensed a magical fluctuation coming from the fireplace. Maverick immediately gave a quick nod to the couple, vanishing from sight as if it were planned.

  Not a moment later, the fireplace in the living room flared with green flames, and Isabella stepped into the house.

  Hidden under the invisibility spell, Maverick watched his childhood sweetheart, Isabella Garling, with quiet admiration. She had changed so much since the last time he saw her, maturing into a confident and breathtakingly beautiful young woman.

  Now seventeen, her golden hair was more radiant than ever, resembling her father's, and her graceful demeanor only enhanced her charm. Clad in the elegant Ilvermorny school uniform, her bright eyes sparkled with confidence, and her poised posture exuded an air of quiet strength.

  The sight made Maverick's heart skip several beats in a row, almost causing him to lose focus and disrupt the spell he had cast on himself.

  Isabella raised a brow as she stepped into the living room, noticing her parents sitting together with peculiar expressions on their faces. Her instincts told her something was off, but a quick glance at her father immediately dismissed the thought. What could possibly go wrong with him around? she mused silently.

  "I got it," she said, waving the envelope in her hand and flashing a small smile at her parents. However, it was clear to them that her excitement wasn't as exuberant as it had been when she had received her OWL results.

  Her parents exchanged a subtle look and easily guessed the reason behind it, but they held back from commenting—after all, the "culprit" was present, hidden from sight, and it wouldn't be long before things took a turn for the better.

  Isabella walked over to the sofa, sat down across from her parents, and placed the envelope on the table before leaning back. "Shall we open it now?" she asked, looking at them.

  Edward raised a brow at her, noting her emphasis on the word "now," and understood what she was trying to say. However, he kept his expression neutral and pretended to be unaware, following the plan Maverick had set.

  "Go ahead. I'm confident you aced it all," he said, grinning as he looked at his daughter.

  "Yes, honey, open it!" Silvia chimed in enthusiastically, her tone laced with excitement as she played her part perfectly.

  Despite her parents' encouragement, Isabella's face briefly betrayed a flicker of disappointment, though she quickly masked it and began to open the envelope. At this point, she realized that the person she wanted to see—the one who had promised to be here on her graduation day—would not be here with her today.

  Trying her best to push the thought aside, her fingers moved with ease, and soon, she pulled out the parchment inside. After scanning its contents, a faint smile appeared on her face, and without a word, she held it out for her parents to read.

  Silvia, unable to contain her curiosity, snatched it mid-air and quickly read through it. Her face lit up with joy and pride as she turned to pass it to Edward.

  Edward took the parchment, glanced at the grades, and nodded with a satisfied expression. He met his daughter's eyes, a beaming smile spreading across his face as he rose from his seat and opened his arms wide.

  "Come here, kiddo, I'm proud of you..." he said warmly.

  Isabella smiled back, her earlier disappointment faded a little, and rushed into her father's embrace. Silvia joined them immediately, and the three shared a warm, heartfelt family hug.

  Suddenly, the serene atmosphere got interrupted by the soft, distinct chorus of piano notes playing in the distance.

  ( ??Ed Sheeran - Perfect?? )

  Isabella focused, her head tilting slightly as she strained to hear. "Do you hear that?" she asked, her voice uncertain as her eyes darted between her parents.

  Silvia exchanged a quick glance with Edward before replying, "It sounds like it's coming from outside. Why don't you go take a look, sweetheart?"

  Isabella shot her mother a suspicious look, narrowing her eyes as she sensed something was off. Her mother would never send her to check on something uncertain, especially while her father was present.

  She quickly turned to the man, but his expression was blank—too blank—and as his daughter, she was now certain that something was really off about all this.

  However, since both her guardians showed no objection, and her curiosity got the better of her, she decided there was no harm in checking and went ahead.

  As she neared the door, the melody grew louder, its notes carrying a soothing, almost magnetic charm. Without even realizing it, she found herself drawn into the rhythm, enjoying it more with every step.

  Once outside, the lush greenery of the garden greeted her, but her focus was entirely on the music that seemed to wrap around her like a gentle embrace. She quickened her pace, her curiosity driving her toward the source of the enchanting sound.

  In the shade of a large tree, she spotted a figure seated at a piano, his back turned to her. Her steps slowed, her eyes widening as her heart skipped a beat. The figure's back was familiar—so very familiar—yet there was something subtly different about it.

  As she stood rooted in place, the singer's voice filled her ears, blending perfectly with the soft, rhythmic notes of the piano.

  "Cause we were just kids when we fell in love, not knowin' what it was...

  I will not give you up this time...

  Oh, darling, just kiss me slow, your heart is all I own...

  And in your eyes, you're holding mine..."

  Isabella's breath caught in her throat. Her feet, seemingly of their own accord, began moving toward the figure. The lyrics washed over her like a gentle tide, each word carrying an unspoken confession, a tender appreciation that made her heart swell.

  Her steps slowed as she neared, not wanting to interrupt the melody. She didn't want the singing to stop—it was too beautiful, too perfect. The words spoke to her in a way that felt deeply personal, as though they were meant just for her.

  "...I have faith in what I see, now I know I have met

  An angel in person, and she looks perfect..."

  She began to hum softly along with the melody, her head swaying gently to the rhythm. By the time she reached the figure, she was completely lost in the moment, her heart pounding with a mix of emotions she couldn't quite describe. She didn't dare interrupt, savoring every second until the music gradually faded into a gentle stop.

  She watched him turn around slowly, and her heart skipped a beat as the familiar face smiled at her.

  "Hi..."

  He greeted her as he stood up, now towering a head taller than her, his eyes locking onto hers.

  For a moment, she was at a loss for words, but then her instincts took over. She reached out and pulled him into a long-awaited embrace.

  This time, Maverick didn't just pat her back lightly as he had in her room a year and a half ago. He hugged her just as tightly, a clear sign to Isabella that the person she had unconditionally fallen for felt the same way about her.

  However...

  After a while, as they separated—

  *Bam!* Isabella punched him firmly in the stomach.

  There was no warning from his Magical-Sense, as if it had vanished, nor did his fighting instincts kick in. His eyes widened, his body instinctively bent forward, and he let out a cough.

  "That's for not coming to see me for two years..."

  *Cough!* Maverick winced, closing one eye and offering a wry smile as he straightened up. "Okay... I deserved that..."

  Isabella didn't say anything more. She just looked him up and down, her expression softening quickly before she pulled him into another hug.

  Maverick sighed with a smile, hugging her back and whispering in her ear, "I missed you..."

  Isabella's face flushed, and she whispered back, "I missed you too."

  When they separated again, Maverick reached into his pocket and pulled out a small box. Isabella's eyes widened immediately—it was obvious what was inside.

  "Isabella," he said, locking eyes with her, his voice sincere and steady. "From the time we were children, every moment spent with you is something I'll cherish forever. The times we played together, the times we studied and learned, and even the letters we exchanged when we were apart. Through it all, there was one constant... my feelings for you."

  Her eyes stayed fixed on his, hanging onto every word.

  "I've thought about this moment every day for two years," he continued. "You're my inspiration, my partner. Isabella Garling, will you marry me and build a future together?"

  Tears welled up in Isabella's eyes, and a radiant smile spread across her face. She nodded, her voice trembling as she whispered, "Yes, a thousand times yes!"

  Maverick gently took her hand, his touch warm and steady despite the whirlwind of emotions inside him. He slid the ring onto her finger, where it fit perfectly, as if it had always belonged there.

  As soon as the ring was in place, Isabella threw her arms around him again, her tears spilling onto his shoulder as she laughed softly.

  They pulled back just enough to look at each other, their faces inches apart. In that moment, it felt as if the entire world had narrowed down to just the two of them.

  "I love you," Maverick said, his words carrying the weight of all the years they had shared and the promise of the future they were about to create.

  "I love you too," Isabella replied, her voice steady now, filled with certainty.

  From a distance, Edward and Silvia watched silently, their smiles wide and proud as they held each other's hands, knowing their daughter's happiness was in good hands.

  —————

  About an hour later, the family gathered in the dining room for lunch. The warm sunlight streaming through the windows cast a golden glow over the polished wooden table, where a feast of mouthwatering dishes had been laid out.

  Isabella sat beside Maverick, occasionally glancing down at her ring. Each time she caught sight of it, a silly smile tugged at her lips, and she'd quickly look away, biting the inside of her cheek in a futile attempt to contain her joy.

  Edward and Silvia exchanged amused glances at their daughter, who seemed completely absorbed in her own world. It was a rare, genuine moment of pure happiness, and they couldn't help but share a warm smile as they quietly watched her.

  Maverick who sat to Isabella's right appeared more natural, but his smile, though subtle, lingered longer than normal, and his eyes often flickered to Isabella, softening with every glance.

  A moment of comfortable silence filled the room until Edward leaned back in his chair, glancing between his daughter and her soon-to-be fiancé. "Well, that is one magnificent-looking rock... and the color of the metal... it's not gold or silver, is it?" he asked, raising a curious brow at Maverick.

  Isabella's gaze snapped up from the ring, her cheeks flushing slightly. "What do you mean, Dad?" she asked shyly, unaware the question was directed at Maverick.

  "Nothing..." Edward said, feigning innocence as he reached for his drink, amused by his daughter's reaction.

  Maverick chuckled, leaning back slightly. "The rock," he began, pausing for effect, "is something I got from South Africa. As for the metal..." A smirk tugged at his lips. "I'll let you guess, teacher... But no, it's neither gold nor silver."

  "Oh..." Edward's curiosity was clearly piqued, and it wasn't just him. Silvia and Isabella were now just as intrigued.

  "If it's not gold or silver, then..." Edward trailed off, giving Maverick a pointed look. "Obviously, you're not cheap enough to give my daughter a random ring made of some common metal."

  "Edward Garling!" Silvia cut in sharply, shooting him a glare before turning to Maverick. "Don't listen to his nonsense. He's just being... him."

  Isabella quickly joined in, giving her father a glare of her own. She glanced at Maverick, then down at the ring on her finger and smiled shyly. "I don't care what it's made of," she said softly. "It's perfect just the way it is."

  "That's not what I meant," Edward said, his mouth slightly open, raising a finger before letting it fall. It seemed his wife and daughter had clearly taken sides.

  He sighed and looked back at Maverick. "Alright, out with it. Either you enchanted it heavily, or it's made from some rare mix of metals. Which is it?"

  Maverick chuckled, shaking his head. He glanced at his teacher, "Yeah, it's enchanted... I did it myself. Same protective measures as the one you gave me, but, you know, better." He finished with a grin.

  Edward didn't doubt his student's alchemical skills, but he arched an amused brow. "And the metal?" he pressed.

  Maverick leaned forward slightly. "Do you remember Rogers?"

  "Rogers?" Edward repeated, narrowing his eyes in thought. "If you're talking about that Rogers, then yes..."

  A hint of melancholy crossed his face as he added, "Good man... he was."

  Seeing his teacher's reaction, Maverick briefly considered mentioning that Rogers might still be alive. However, he quickly dismissed the thought, deciding to steer the conversation in a different direction. He wasn't ready to mess with the bigger MCU plots just yet.

  "If you know him," Maverick said, "then you should also know about his shield."

  Edward tilted his head, puzzled for a moment, before his eyes widened momentarily in realization. "Adamantium? Is it adamantium?"

  Silvia and Isabella exchanged glances, first looking at Edward, then at Maverick. They weren't sure what they were talking about, but judging by their expressions, it clearly seemed like something extraordinary.

  "Not quite..." Maverick grinned, shaking his head before letting the words drop. "It's... Vibranium."

  "Vibranium?" Edward straightened up, leaning forward with a sharp look. "How on earth did you get your hands on that?"

  "What's that?" Isabella asked, glancing at her father, who seemed a bit less composed than usual.

  Edward shot a quick glance at his daughter. "A very rare ore. It's the same metal used to make Rogers' shield... but for us magicals, it's far more than just the strongest metal on Earth." He turned back to his student. "You know, right?"

  Maverick smirked. "I'm a master alchemist. Of course I know!"

  Edward nodded thoughtfully. "The only metal with a natural affinity for magic." He retrieved his wand and placed it carefully on the table. "My wand has a small amount of Vibranium infused with the wood. It's an incredible conductor of magic... far more efficient than materials like yew, holly, oak, or even elm. But..." he paused, tapping the wand lightly, "it's extremely rare. Incredibly rare."

  Maverick chuckled sheepishly. "I stole it..."

  The room fell silent, everyone giving him a mix of stunned and confused looks.

  "Stole... it?" Silvia was the first to speak, her voice hesitant.

  Maverick glanced at her, then at Edward, before smirking. "I stole it from a weapons trafficker. A big chunk of Vibranium... oh, and a whole stash of U.S. dollars in cash." He paused and added, "By the way, got any tips on how to wash the money?"

  Edward blinked, ignoring the latter part entirely. "A... big chunk?"

  Then, Maverick noticed his teacher's usual demeanor changing into something entirely different—an odd mix of eagerness and flattery, which didn't quite suit the usually domineering Arch-Magus.

  He saw his teacher oddly cough, straighten up, and ask him in an weirdly sweet tone, "I mean... my beloved student, if it's a big chunk, you wouldn't mind sharing with your dear teacher, right?"

  Maverick bit back a laugh. He had never seen his teacher act this flattering, ever. He gave him an amused look. "Sure, but you'll have to help me process the cash."

  "Of course! Of course!" Edward nodded eagerly.

  "Excuse me!" Silvia exclaimed, glaring at both of them. "Are you two serious right now?" She looked between her husband and Maverick, disbelief written all over her face. "Stealing? Money laundering? Who even are you people?"

  Maverick scratched the back of his head, glancing at Silvia apologetically. "That... Aunt... I procured it from a very, very bad guy. Technically, I did the world a favor."

  "Exactly!" Edward chimed in, his tone righteous. "My student would never steal!"

  "Can someone explain what's going on?" Isabella interrupted, grabbing Maverick by the shirt.

  Maverick smiled and turned to his fiancée. "Well, you see, Vibranium is an incredibly rare and expensive metal. For magicals, it's even rarer. Alchemical items made with it allow magic to flow dozens of times more efficiently than with any other material." He gestured to her hand. "Like your ring."

  Isabella blinked, her gaze shifting to the ring as he continued, "It's even better than the one on my hand. The runes engraved are far more efficient, making the protective measures function much better. I can confidently say it's leagues beyond the noble families' heirloom rings. In fact," he smirked slightly, "It should be much more powerful than your father's."

  Isabella's expression shifted from astonishment to pride, and a moment later, her face softened into a loving look. She didn't seem to care about anything else at the moment and gave Maverick a warm gaze.

  Maverick met her eyes and smiled. "You didn't think I'd settle for a typical diamond ring, did you?"

  Isabella shook her head. "No. I mean, I wouldn't have minded even if it wasn't, but thank you, Ricky." She leaned over from her chair and gave him a hug.

  Cough.

  Edward cleared his throat, feeling like an awkward third wheel in front of his student and daughter.

  Blushing, Isabella quickly sat back in her chair, smoothing her dress as if nothing had happened.

  "Okay, never mind the stealing... or, sorry, 'procuring'... of that metal or whatever," Silvia interjected, her tone pointed. "But what about the money laundering?" She glanced between her husband and Maverick, clearly unimpressed.

  Edward raised his hand as if to calm her. "Don't worry, honey. It'll be handled through the goblins." He turned back to Maverick. "You might lose about five percent, but once they're done, it'll be spotless."

  Maverick nodded. "That's fine. I need No-Maj capital urgently, and this will help me get started."

  Edward raised an eyebrow. "Why U.S. dollars, and not Galleons?"

  Maverick shook his head. "Caesar's Magitech is expanding rapidly, so I can't touch the existing Galleon capital I have. The dollars are for investing in No-Maj companies... and to start one of my own."

  "Oh..." Edward leaned back, his mind recalling something they had discussed. "So, you're starting... is everything going smoothly so far?"

  Maverick nodded but didn't comment on it. He then added, "I'll give you five kilograms of Vibranium, teacher. And another five... help me find a buyer. "

  Edward immediately shook his head. "No need to sell it for anyone else. I'll take all ten..." He paused, taking a brief moment to think, then added, "How about 50 million dollars?"

  Maverick stared at his teacher, baffled.

  Edward chuckled as he leaned back. "Little Rick, you have no idea how valuable this ore is to magicals. I'd bet even the entire ICW treasury doesn't have a kilogram of it. Actually, you know what... make it 70 million—"

  "No, teacher," Maverick interrupted quickly. "Fifty million is fine. Just help me clean the cash."

  Edward gave him a thoughtful look before nodding. "Deal!" he said with a grin.

  Maverick retrieved a suitcase and two irregularly shaped pieces of metal, levitating them toward Edward. His teacher quickly snatched the Vibranium with excitement.

  Edward didn't even glance at the suitcase before sending it to his storage ring. Instead, he examined the metal pieces with obvious delight, turning them over in his hands. After a moment, he sent them into his storage ring as well and looked back at Maverick. "I'll have the cash cleaned in a couple of days and transfer it, along with the 50 million, to your account."

  Maverick smiled and nodded. "Thanks, teacher."

  Edward cleared his throat again. "Just out of curiosity, how much Vibranium did you manage to... procure?"

  Maverick gave his teacher an amused look before replying, "About 50 kilograms or so." He half-lied, as there was actually over a hundred kilograms safely stored in his independent storage dimension.

  Edward's eyes widened momentarily, but he quickly masked his surprise and asked, "Who the hell is this trafficker?"

  "A No-Maj warlord named Ulysses Klaue," Maverick said casually. "The guy had all sorts of dangerous weapons and drugs stashed on a warship. It happened about a year ago. I got the intel, raided it, took what I needed, and lit the whole thing up like a festival..."

  Edward nodded, his expression neutral. His student's actions were well within his moral boundaries—in fact, he would've done the same in Maverick's position, and they both knew it.

  "You two can be completely unrecognizable sometimes," Silvia said, shooting a pointed look at her husband and Maverick, her tone a mix of exasperation and disbelief. Turning to Isabella, she added firmly, "And don't you go learning such things from them!"

  Isabella shrugged lightly. She trusted Maverick and, of course, her father. She knew they wouldn't cross any serious lines. She wasn't na?ve or foolish because Edward had taught her well about how the world worked.

  "Alright, let's move on from the ring," Edward said, changing the topic. He looked at his daughter with a smile. "Now that you've graduated, when are you planning to start working on the thing you have always wanted to do?"

  The hours passed easily as they sat together, sharing stories and laughter. The cheerful atmosphere never changed, even when the conversation had touched some unexpected topics.

  It might have seemed like Silvia had overreacted, but she wasn't naive. She and Edward had been married for many years, their bond of love and trust strengthened by the challenges they had faced together. She trusted his every decision completely, even if his methods occasionally seemed unorthodox.

  Another topic that came up was the engagement celebration and how to announce the news. It was important to make sure the right people knew that Isabella was now taken, to keep the unwanted attention at bay. Without such an announcement, there would be no end to the so-called "hyenas" who might try to vie for her affection.

  After discussing the matter, they agreed to hold a small engagement ceremony in three days, inviting close friends and family from both sides.

  Time passed, and soon three days had come and gone. On the fourth day, a few select newspapers reported the engagement of the Garling heiress. The news was mentioned, but not on the front page—rather, it was tucked away in the social column, a brief mention amid other stories, just as Edward and Maverick wanted, enough for those who needed to notice, to take note.

  Aside from the union of the young couple, the articles highlighted on the important individuals who attended the celebration ceremony. Among them were well-known figures like Albus Dumbledore, Agilbert Fontaine, the Scamander couple, Simon Walker, Sarah Walker, and a dozen or so Great Magus.

  Maverick's father, the Prime Minister of Britain, accompanied by two Great Magus-level wizards, was also highlighted. This was another move they had planned, presenting the engagement as more than just a simple union, but a political and magical alliance, ensuring no one would question the decision. After all, there would always be idiots who thought they knew better, and Edward would rather avoid those nuisances than answer them.

  One thing was clear from all the articles. This was a gathering of those with substantial influence in the wizarding world, and the name Maverick Caesar was once again brought to the forefront of the wizarding community.

  —————

  Author's note:

  That's the end of this arc. I'm not entirely happy with it, especially the romance part. When I read it now, it feels so forced, but hey, what's done is done. Over 30 chapters have already been written after this, so I can't exactly change anything. I will try my best to improve on this aspect in the future.

  As for the Vibranium, following the MCU canon, Klaue managed to bypass all Wakandan security and successfully infiltrated Wakanda to steal a quarter-ton of Vibranium. I have big plans for it in the future, and it's going to be exciting.

  Next up, I'll be diving into the first book of Harry Potter. Just a heads-up, this won't be a babysitting story about the Golden Trio. They'll be important, but not enough to dedicate whole chapters to them. Trust me, you won't be disappointed with what I'm cooking.

  Please leave feedback. I'd really, really appreciate it!