The soft crackle of firewood echoed through the room, its golden flames casting a warm glow on the dark stone walls of the fireplace.

  It continued, steady and unchanging, until suddenly, the flames flared into a vibrant green. They roared to life, rising high as a young man stepped out smoothly, the green flames swirling briefly around him before settling back into their calm state.

  The day after integrating his new characteristic, Maverick made his first stop at Hogwarts. Like every other professor, he had his own exclusive office, complete with a private Floo point for easy access whenever he needed.

  His office was a unique blend of old and new, with aged bookshelves and sleek, modern furniture seamlessly coming together in perfect harmony.

  It was brightly lit, unlike the typical rooms of other Hogwarts professors, with ceiling-mounted enchanted lights—products of his own brand—filling the space with a warm glow that made the room feel more inviting and welcoming.

  Walking to the center, Maverick paused for a moment, taking in the changes that had been made—just as he had requested. Thankfully, McGonagall had no objections to him personalizing as long as it stayed within the confines of this room.

  A smile tugged at his lips. It felt far more comfortable now, a refreshing change from the medieval vibe it had before.

  He glanced at the digital-looking clock mounted on the wall, nodded in acknowledgment, and made his way to the door.

  This visit was simply to submit the lesson plans to McGonagall and get an update on certain matters they had discussed during their first appointment.

  Stepping out, he found the hallways empty, with not a soul in sight. No surprise, considering it was the school holidays. His footsteps echoed off the stone walls as he walked steadily toward the only place where his passive Magical-Sense detected any presence.

  A couple of minutes later, he arrived at his destination: the Grand Hall. As he approached, the heavy oak doors swung open, revealing the iconic space where even the ceiling was said to be "bewitched." It was the heart of the castle, the place where students and staff gathered daily for meals.

  But today, the four long tables reserved for students were empty, and only the staff table was set with food. Two of his colleagues were seated, enjoying their breakfast. As he approached the raised platform where the staff table sat, he was met with the familiar faces of the two professors, McGonagall and Flitwick.

  "Professor Caesar, we didn't expect you to return so... soon?"

  Maverick heard McGonagall's sharp yet kind tone as he climbed the few steps to the stage, and saw the witch looking at him questioningly.

  "Good morning, Professor Caesar! Minerva's right, you know... we still have a whole month before the school starts..." Flitwick chimed in as well, following McGonagall's comment.

  A faint smile tugged at his lips as he listened to the two professors. They seemed surprised by his return so soon after his engagement, considering there was still a month left before the school term began. However, discussing his personal life wasn't why he was here today.

  He approached the long table with steady steps, offering a polite nod as he greeted them. "Good morning to you too, Professors," he said, then settled into a seat beside Flitwick before addressing their comments.

  "Isabella's busy with her own things, and I have a lot on my plate as well. Besides, we're young and not in any rush," he said, keeping the explanation short.

  The two professors were adults, sharp enough to understand what he meant. It seemed he was right, as he noticed them exchange glances and nod.

  Just then, a delicious-looking English breakfast materialized in front of him on the table, and he picked up the fork and spoon.

  But before taking a bite, he first glanced sideways at the Deputy Headmistress.

  "Professor," he asked looking curiously, "what about the matter with the other schools? Have you and the Headmaster visited any yet?"

  McGonagall arched a brow and smiled amusedly. "So that's why you're here. To see if we've been procrastinating again?"

  Maverick smiled sheepishly and shrugged, digging into his food. He heard the half-man beside him let out a low chuckle as well.

  The senior witch gave a thoughtful nod before clearing his doubts. "Well, to answer your question... it's going rather well."

  She spoke while gracefully cutting into the food on her plate. "Albus and I have already received confirmation from Germany and France. Severus is on his way to Durmstrang, and..." She glanced at Flitwick before adding, "Filius will travel to Koldovstoretz this week."

  "Its a rather isolated place compared to other magical schools..." Flitwick added, shrugging at the mention of his task.

  McGonagall raised an eyebrow at him. "Don't you have a good relationship with Headmaster Volkov?"

  "Oh, I do," Flitwick replied, popping a small piece of sausage into his mouth. "But this is official business. A whole other matter entirely." He turned to Maverick with a knowing look. "You've really thrown us all a lot of trouble this summer, young man."

  Maverick chuckled as he sliced into his breakfast. "It's just the beginning. This year will be hectic, sure, but by next year, the schools will be the ones eager to join. You'll see."

  McGonagall eyed him thoughtfully, her lips curving into a small smile. "I certainly hope so, Professor Caesar."

  Flitwick chuckled. "Well, I can't imagine Severus signing up for this every holiday. I can already hear him grumbling."

  The three of them shared a soft laugh, the sound echoing lightly in the nearly empty hall. As their chuckling faded, McGonagall turned back to Maverick. "How are you coming along with your lesson plans?"

  At her question, Maverick set down his fork and spoon, then retrieved a small stack of papers from his storage ring, floating them over to her.

  "Roughly finished," he said picking up the cutlerys once more. "I've organized the materials after referencing lesson plans from other schools' alchemy teachers."

  McGonagall took the papers, gave them a brief look, and then stored them in her own ring. She glanced at him with an approving smile. "I thought it might take you longer, considering this responsibility was rather suddenly placed on your shoulders."

  Maverick returned her smile. "The resources were there. I just had to organize them."

  The senior witch's face softened with satisfaction, and after a moment, she glanced at them both with a glimmer of excitement in her eyes. "I must admit, I am very much looking forward to the start of the school year."

  "Quite right," Flitwick nodded, briefly glancing to both his sides "It's going to be very interesting," he added, carrying the same enthusiasm as McGonagall's.

  They chatted more on various topics, the conversation flowing easily as they took their time enjoying breakfast. It was rare for the hall to be this empty of students and teachers, and for McGonagall and Flitwick, it was a rare moment to relax and savor the peace.

  After breakfast, Flitwick made his way to the Russian school of magic, while Maverick followed McGonagall to her office to review the lesson plans he had prepared.

  ...

  Time moved slowly, and the days of August passed one by one, leading up to the first of September, 1991.

  The bustle of King's Cross Station greeted him as he stepped into the thrumming heart of London. Looking around, he saw families saying quick goodbyes, travelers pulling heavy bags, and a few people rushing past. There was a mix of excitement and nervousness on their faces, which made the station feel alive.

  But he wasn't here for these busy platforms meant for non-magical travelers. His destination was hidden, tucked between Platforms 9 and 10, out of sight to anyone who didn't know where to look.

  Today, he wore a simple yet modern and a very Muggle outfit. A crisp, plain white long-sleeved shirt loosely tucked into brown trousers rolled above the ankle, with gray and white sneakers completing the look and adding a confident touch.

  Taking a deep breath, he steadied himself, both in mind and body. This was the day, the beginning of it all, and it was important to pause for a moment and take it all in.

  A while later, he stood just outside the barrier between Platforms 9 and 10. His eyes moved from side to side, his sharp Magical-Sense scanning for the hidden magic. It didn't take long before he detected the runic work—a beautiful piece of art. Not the wall itself, but the intricate runic ward embedded within it.

  A knowing smile tugged at his lips as he looked ahead at the magical wall that concealed Platform 9?. He knew exactly where to step.

  He walked forward, taking steady steps as he approached the barrier. With a smooth motion, he passed seamlessly through the wall. The world blurred for a moment, the sounds and sights swirling around him, before it all reassembled.

  When his vision cleared, he found himself standing on a different platform, one hidden indeed from the ordinary world. It was quiet here, away from the rush of the Muggle side. He was early, though, and he knew it would soon become just as busy, if not more so, as students and their families began to arrive.

  He took a moment to observe the Hogwarts Express. It didn't look much different from the one shown in the movies, but still, it appeared quite majestic, gleaming under the morning sun.

  With calm and deliberate steps, he walked along the platform, observing the few families who were also here early. He spotted a group of young students, likely first-years, clutching their trunks nervously while their parents stood beside them, probably offering last-minute advice not to cause trouble. Nearby, a mother and father embraced their daughter with pride before the bittersweet parting.

  He walked past them, the steady rhythm of the train's whistle in the background, and a few steps later, he reached the train. Without hesitation, he stepped inside and was greeted by the soft hum of voices and the faint scent of aged wood, mixed with the subtle aroma of old leather.

  Passing by a couple of cabins, Maverick noticed a few students, likely seniors, already onboard and unpacking. He overheard snippets of conversations about who would win the Quidditch Cup this year and the new alchemy course being offered.

  But Maverick wasn't interested in engaging with anyone right now. He was here simply to experience the experience. After all, as a teacher, it was important to take the train to school at least once—to truly understand what the students went through.

  He picked an empty cabin toward the back of the train, and the door slid open with a soft click. As he stepped inside, he glanced around—neatly polished seats with velvet cushions, and curtains swaying gently with the motion of the train. It was peaceful, for now at least.

  Settling into the seat by the window, he leaned back comfortably, allowing the momentary silence to soothe him as he observed everything through the glass.

  —————————

  It had been nearly an hour since Maverick boarded the Hogwarts Express, which was scheduled to take the students to the school for the new academic year.

  Looking out the window from his cabin, he saw the platform crowded with families bidding their final farewells, while the train had steadily begun to fill up.

  Students, from first-years to seventh-years, were settling into cabins in groups, and his had been opened a few times as well. However, perhaps because he looked a bit older or because of the way he dressed—like an outright Muggle—no one seemed interested in joining him.

  Even the Muggle-born first-years opened and shut the door in a flash, which felt even sillier, likely because they assumed he was a senior student, and their timidity got the better of them.

  Shaking his head with a small smile, his attention returned to the families and their children outside on the platform. He had already noted a few noteworthy names boarding the train, though some key characters had yet to make an appearance.

  Just then, he spotted a group stepping through the enchanted wall. They all had reddish-brown hair, and it wasn't difficult to guess they were the Weasley family. But among the group of redheads, he noticed another boy he was all too familiar with.

  Maverick glanced between the Boy Who Lived and Ron, and it was immediately obvious how much smaller and frailer the protagonist actually was. It was clear he hadn't had a pleasant childhood, and Maverick couldn't help but briefly consider doing something about the situation.

  However, he decisively dismissed the thought. He wasn't ready to interfere with the plot just yet. Perhaps he would, once he felt more confident in his personal strength.

  Call me a coward if you want, but I'd rather know my hand than bet blindly, he thought inwardly.

  He watched as the Weasley family gathered in a tight circle, exchanging hugs and promises of good behavior from the children.

  Mrs. Weasley's voice carried through the bustle, faintly audible even from inside the cabin. Maverick couldn't help but chuckle, understanding—at least in part—why her children feared receiving a howler from her.

  He leaned back in his seat, a smile tugging at his lips as he thought about the troubles he might soon face from the pranking professionals.

  Then, his attention changed from the platform to the door of his cabin as his senses caught two people approaching. They were young, likely freshmen. Maverick adjusted his posture, retrieving a book from his ring and beginning to read.

  Perhaps, he thought, pretending to be a nerd might convince a student to share the cabin with him—or at least help whoever opened the door overcome their timidity.

  A knock came from the other side, but before Maverick could respond, the door slid open, revealing two young witches staring at him curiously.

  He sat leaning comfortably, one leg crossed over the other, with a book in his right hand resting casually on the knee of the raised leg.

  From the corner of his eye, he first noticed the taller girl, her wide-eyed stare fixed on him without a hint of subtlety. When he turned his head toward them, her mouth shaped into a small "o" of surprise.

  Beside her, the other girl too seemed a little taken aback. Though she tried to hide it behind a blank expression, his sharp eyes didn't miss the subtle flicker of emotion in her eyes.

  The first thought that crossed his mind was whether he looked too pretentious, pretending as he was. But the thought was quickly dismissed when he caught a barely audible squeak from one of the girls. "So handsome," she muttered, only to slap her hands over her mouth in mortified realization.

  "Ah... one of those who lets their mouth run before their brain," Maverick thought to himself.

  They both looked like first-years. The taller one had dark hair and an air of eagerness, while the other, shorter and more reserved, had neatly arranged blonde hair and an observant gaze that spoke of caution.

  An awkward silence passed until Maverick arched a brow and gave them a friendly nod.

  "Looking for a cabin?" he asked, breaking the tension.

  Though one of them seemed like she might give him a few headaches, he still asked politely, noticing they hadn't left immediately after opening the door, unlike the previous students.

  He saw the taller girl blink and quickly turn to the blonde, as if seeking approval. However, her head bobbed like a pigeon the entire time, making the silent exchange far from subtle, and making it clear what she was trying to say.

  Maverick noticed the corner of the blonde's mouth twitch, betraying her mild exasperation, before she gave a small, reluctant nod.

  Finally, they stepped inside and settled into the seats across from him.

  "Thank you," the dark-haired girl said, her eyes fixed on Maverick with a fascinated expression that made him inwardly sigh.

  He had prepared himself for the chance that some teenage witches might let their hormones override their common sense, but running into one so quickly—and a first-year, no less—already had him worried about the trouble and headaches he might have to deal with.

  Swallowing his thoughts, he kept his expression neutral, and offered a polite nod. He wasn't going to go all edge lord on some little girls, not to mention they were going to be his students.

  "I'm Tracy," the dark-haired girl introduced herself as soon as she sat down, her voice full of enthusiasm. "And this is my best friend, Daphne Greengrass."

  Maverick had already guessed their names, recognizing the family crest subtly engraved on the ring the blond wore.

  "My name is Maverick... are you both freshmen?" he asked, offering a kind smile.

  "Yes, senior," Tracy replied brightly. It was clear she was the outgoing type, while the blonde beside her seemed more introverted, or perhaps she was simply trying to maintain a mysterious air.

  "We just turned eleven, and we're so excited to start school! Can you tell us a little about it? Is it true that the potions professor doesn't wash his hair?"

  Her words came out so randomly, as if she hadn't even thought before speaking, and the last part left him momentarily frozen, his mouth slightly open, unsure of how to respond.

  After a beat, he shook his head, silently mourning Snape's reputation.

  "First of all, I'm pretty sure Professor Snape washes his hair, and I'd advise you not to spread that rumor around," he said, maintaining his polite expression. "As for Hogwarts, do you really want me to spoil everything, or would you rather discover its greatness for yourselves?" He glanced between the two girls.

  This time, Tracy didn't respond immediately. Her brain caught up with her mouth, allowing her a moment to think. Just as she opened her mouth to speak, a polite knock came from the door.

  Tracy was about to shout, "Come in!" but paused as she saw the "senior" across from her move his arm.

  Maverick extended his finger and flicked it to the right, making the door slide open smoothly.

  A wizard with neatly combed hair stood in the doorway, looking a little shy. "Ah, sorry, I thought it was empty," he said, his voice soft.

  He appeared older, probably a third or fourth-year student, but Maverick couldn't recognize him.

  Before the boy could close the door, Maverick quickly called out, "Please, come in. There's one spot here beside me."

  The boy hesitated, scratching his head, then shrugged and entered, settling beside Maverick.

  "I'm Maverick," he introduced himself quickly, not wanting the boy to have second thoughts and leave. He figured it might be better to share the potential headaches that the little witch across from him might cause during the journey.

  He flicked his finger again to the left, causing the door to slide shut.

  "They are Ms. Tracy and Heiress Greengrass," he added, gesturing to the two girls across from him.

  None of the three students responded immediately, all of them staring at him with surprised expressions.

  He raised an eyebrow in confusion, but before he could ask what was wrong, Tracy exclaimed, "That was wandless silent casting... so cool! Was that the unlocking spell?"

  "Stupid. The unlocking spell doesn't close doors," Daphne finally spoke, rolling her eyes at her friend's comment, before turning back to him.

  All three stared at him, their expressions almost identical, as if they were waiting for him to explain himself.

  It seemed that his simple use of Magical-Energy was an impressive feat to these students. After giving it some thought, he realized it made sense, as the use of pure Magical-Energy wasn't something most wizards had seen. But he wasn't about to give them a lecture on that.

  "Ah... that... just a little trick I learned," he said, chuckling sheepishly and scratching his head before quickly changing the subject. "So, what's your name?" he asked, glancing at the boy sitting next to him.

  The boy seemed a little lost at first, gathering his thoughts. "Uh... My name is Roger Davies. A third-year Ravenclaw." Then, as if something had just occurred to him, he tilted his head, studying Maverick's face.

  "Senior, I... don't remember seeing you before in the higher grades."

  Maverick let out a sigh, realizing that his hope of keeping his identity as a professor a secret until they arrived at Hogwarts might not be possible.

  Or so he thought.

  "Oh... are you the new assistant to the Alchemy professor? I heard from my father that Hogwarts was looking for a teaching assistant from the recent graduates."

  Maverick swallowed back what he was about to say and decided to humor them. "I am indeed related to it... yes, I'm not exactly a student. Just catching the train to experience the journey since I graduated from another school."

  Maverick saw different expressions from the three of them. Daphne Greengrass looked at him with a doubtful gaze, while Roger Davies first showed confusion, then nodded in understanding. Tracy, however, seemed to believe his words at face value, believing every letter.

  "That is so cool! So should we call you professor or assistant professor? Where did you go to school—"

  Her words were cut short by the sudden whistle of the train, and all four of them turned toward the window.

  As they watched, the platform seemed to move as the train's wheels began to turn, and they felt the motion as the engine started pushing the massive express forward.

  "It seems we've started moving," Maverick said, breaking the brief silence.

  The cabin was once again filled with the hum of conversation. Mostly, it was the three of them talking, while Daphne Greengrass listening intently and occasionally nodding along to their words.

  Two hours passed, and the cabin grew quieter. Maverick was reading a book, as were Daphne and Roger, while Tracy, now resting her head on Daphne's shoulder, had finally tired herself out and was nearly drifting to sleep.

  The peaceful, rhythmic sound of the train continued, carrying them toward their destination, until—

  Bam!

  The door of the cabin was abruptly slid open with a loud thud.

  "Have you seen a toad?" a voice called out.

  —————————

  The rhythmic hum of the engine filled the air as the Hogwarts Express moved steadily along the tracks toward its destination.

  Two hours had passed, and the students were now settled, each engaged in their own activities. The older students were busy catching up with their friends, while the first-years were enthusiastically making new ones.

  While most cabins buzzed with lively chatter, a few were quieter, with some occupants engrossed in books and others taking naps, lulled by the soothing rhythm of the train.

  In one of the rear cabins, four people shared the space, seated two by two across from one another.

  On one side, a girl quietly read a book, while her companion rested her head on her shoulder, seemingly asleep. Across from them, a young man and a boy were each immersed in their own reading.

  But then, the peaceful atmosphere was abruptly shattered as the door slid open with a loud thud, startling the half-asleep girl upright from her comfortable position.

  The intruder, oblivious to the rudeness of their actions and the impact on the occupants, stepped in as if it were their own room and almost demanded, "Has anyone here seen a toad?" while looking at the four of them.

  Maverick glanced at the small figure out of the corner of his eye. His Magical Sense had already alerted him to the girl's approach, so her sudden and abrupt entry didn't catch him off guard.

  Bushy brown hair, a slightly round face, and some very noticeable front teeth. Yes, he was 99 percent certain this was the know-it-all lioness, and she looked much more like the Hermione Granger described in the books than Emma Watson from the movies.

  The memory of this exact moment from the film flickered in his mind—the girl barging into a cabin, asking about a toad, only back then, it was the protagonist and her future husband she confronted.

  The cabin remained silent as the new occupant stood there, seemingly unable to read the room.

  "Listen here, girl..." Tracy's patience seemed to have run out as she reprimanded her, her tone laced with clear annoyance. "Next time you decide to enter other people's cabins like that, at least knock... don't just barge in as if we owe you something."

  Maverick didn't intervene, letting the children handle it themselves. He too felt a twinge of annoyance but reminded himself that this was just an eleven-year-old girl.

  He watched as she stared at Tracy with wide eyes while being scolded, her expression slowly crumpling. Before long, her eyes welled up with tears, which began to spill down her cheeks. Maverick couldn't help but wonder what had given her the audacity to act so boldly earlier, if she was this timid to begin with.

  This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

  Without a word, the future Minister of Magic—at least in the original work—turned and ran out as if she had just received a scolding from her mother, leaving the three students staring after her, baffled by the sudden turn of events.

  The little episode passed in under a minute, and the peaceful atmosphere once again returned to the cabin.

  Daphne huffed and returned to her book, while Roger shrugged and resumed his reading.

  Tracy, however, seemed to have lost her sleepiness, though she now appeared more confused than tired, still processing what had just happened. Her scolding came from being startled and annoyed, but she hadn't intended to teach the culprit a lesson harsh enough to make her shed tears.

  She glanced at the most senior among them, as if hoping he could make sense of the situation.

  Maverick sighed as he felt her gaze fall on him.

  "She's likely a witch new to all things magic... new to all of us," he said, explaining as best he could. "You didn't say anything wrong, and you shouldn't worry just because she cried after your... advice."

  "Witch or Muggle, doesn't excuse her blatantly rude behavior," Daphne added, glancing at Maverick after his comment.

  Maverick raised his hands and shrugged. "We learn from our mistakes..."

  "You sound like my dad," Tracy interrupted with a chuckle. "How old are you anyway, senior?" she asked.

  Maverick smiled back. "I'll be 21 this November," he said, then closed his book, sending it to his storage ring, then pulled out a stack of cards. "Wanna play a card game to pass the time?" He darted his gaze between all three of them.

  Tracy agreed first without hesitation, and then Maverick noticed Roger close his book as well, seemingly agreeing to the suggestion.

  Maverick then glanced at the Greengrass heiress, and both Tracy and Roger followed his gaze.

  He saw her let out a sigh before closing her book and making it disappear into her heir's ring.

  "Wonderful..." Maverick smiled, then began sorting the cards equally while explaining the game he had in mind.

  Knock! Knock! Knock!

  Just as they were about to start playing, there was another tap at the cabin door. With a flick of his finger, Maverick repeated his earlier motion, sliding the door open.

  "Good morning, children. Would you like to buy some sweets?" asked a cheerful lady, standing behind a cart loaded with magical snacks.

  Maverick didn't let any of the children pay, instead waving his hand to buy enough snacks for all four of them. He noticed Daphne's reluctant expression—likely due to her pride as the Greengrass heiress—but he politely insisted they accept his gesture.

  Fortunately, they were only children, so it didn't take much convincing before they relented. Soon, the four of them were enjoying the snacks while playing the card game Maverick had taught them.

  "Interesting piece of alchemy," Maverick remarked, holding up a box containing what appeared to be a frog—a chocolate frog.

  "Most people buy them to collect the cards," Tracy said, glancing at him as he studied the small box. "You get one card in each pack."

  Maverick didn't open the box, nor did he feel like eating it—it just felt odd to him. Instead, he handed it to Roger, who accepted it with a grin.

  The game continued as they chatted about various topics. Maverick spoke about Ilvermorny, carefully wording his stories to avoid revealing too much about his background or the fact that he had been Edward's student. Although his mentorship wasn't exactly a secret, he wasn't ready to discuss it here and now.

  Roger shared stories about Hogwarts, mostly about Quidditch, but at Maverick's suggestion, he held back from spoiling too much for the two first-years.

  "By the way, I heard the Savior is starting school this year too," Tracy said, throwing in a comment as the conversation flowed.

  "He should be on board right now, in another cabin," Daphne added, tossing a card onto the table.

  "The Boy Who Lived, huh?" The third-year Ravenclaw paused thoughtfully before joining in, "I wonder which house he'll be sorted into."

  "He's heir to House Potter, so probably Gryffindor... like his parents," Daphne replied, showing off her knowledge.

  "How'd you know?" Roger asked, giving her a curious look before it hit him that she was the heiress of one of the oldest and most ancient magical families in the country. As the Greengrass heiress, it was obvious she would know such things.

  "My father told me," she explained, not offended by the question. "I've been taught about world politics and the ancient families, both local and foreign, since I started learning to read."

  Roger nodded, looking thoughtful before his gaze fixed on the girl again, though he seemed unable to voice what was on his mind.

  The smart, blonde little witch noticed his hesitation right away, looking at his face. "Say what's on your mind, senior."

  Maverick watched their little interaction and noted how polite and unusually mature the eleven-year-old Greengrass girl's speech was for her age.

  Her parents must have carefully educated her from a very early age, he thought to himself.

  "Well..." Roger finally said. "You're probably the first pureblood I've seen being this friendly with me, a half-blood. Spending the entire journey... I mean, that's very rare." He paused, as if remembering something, and added with a little chuckle, "The Weasley twins don't count."

  Daphne huffed, though not rudely, just a little shy. "My best friend is a half-blood like yourself. Besides, my family isn't like those idiots who value blood over facts."

  Tracy, sitting beside her, smiled and hugged her from the side, making the already shy little blonde's face flush even more.

  "Well, it was really nice meeting you both. And you too, senior... I mean, teacher. Professor assistant..." Roger scratched his head, smiling embarrassedly after stumbling over his words, making the three inside chuckle at him.

  He glanced back at the two girls once more and added confidently, "I mean, if you two freshmen need any help, you can come and find me any time. Regardless of which house you're sorted into..."

  Maverick watched quietly, not adding anything to the children's conversation, his expression pleased. This was one of his main goals for the school, and by coincidence or not, he had somehow come across and gotten to know some very like-minded children on the very first day.

  His mind worked quickly, and right then and there, he made plans for the three of them to take on more active roles in the new events that would take place this year.

  The conversation continued, along with the card game they were playing, accompanied by shared stories, laughter, and the occasional snack.

  Even the cautious-looking Greengrass witch eventually relaxed her composure as the four of them grew more comfortable with one another. Before they knew it, hours passed in the blink of an eye, and the sun began its descent toward the west.

  As the sky began to darken, an announcement echoed through the train, instructing students to get ready, put on their uniforms, and prepare for their arrival at Hogsmeade Station.

  Daphne, Tracy, and Roger left to change into their robes, while Maverick stayed behind since he had no need for a uniform.

  "Senior, aren't you going to change into—" Tracy blurted out as soon as she returned to the cabin, but stopped halfway, realizing he didn't have to. "Ah, I forgot you weren't exactly a student."

  A moment later, Daphne returned, dressed and ready, while the boy took the longest. A few minutes after that, Roger returned as well and saw the three of them arching a brow at him, which left him confused about what had happened.

  "Took your time... did you put on makeup?" Sure enough, the little witch Tracy couldn't help but jab, making Maverick chuckle lightly, and even the blonde sitting beside Tracy smirked.

  "What? Why would I?"

  Apparently, the third-year in the house of the smarts didn't catch the freshmen's sarcasm.

  Fortunately, Maverick spared him from any embarrassment. "Did you meet some friends? You took a while after going to change."

  "Oh..." Roger had a look of realization before adding, "I did. They thought I hadn't boarded the train because I didn't find them." He chuckled while explaining.

  They settled once again and waited, until finally, just before it grew completely dark, the train let out a loud whistle and came to a stop, signaling the end of their journey.

  The senior students in the other cabins rushed to get out first, quickly making the aisle outside noisy.

  The four of them waited in theirs for a while at Maverick's suggestion, only getting up from their seats when the bustling sounds of students walking down the train's narrow walkway began to calm down.

  As they made their way toward the exit, some students eyed the group—well, they were looking at Maverick—as if he were something completely out of place, not wearing the Hogwarts uniform or anything resembling magical attire. But Maverick didn't mind the stares and steadily followed behind the three little ones.

  —————————

  Hogsmeade, believed to have been founded in the 10th or 11th century around the same time as Hogwarts, is the only wizarding village in Britain where witches and wizards can freely use magic without worrying about Muggle interference. Its residents are said to be entirely of magical origin, making it a welcoming place for the wizarding community.

  It is also a special place for the students and teachers of Hogwarts. Located close to the school, it serves as a retreat where young witches and wizards, under certain conditions, are allowed to visit on weekends.

  It is also the final stop for the Hogwarts Express, where students disembark before making their way to the school's front gate. Of course, first years are an exception, as they have a different journey awaiting them.

  "First-years... First-years please follow me! Come on, First-years, this way!"

  Maverick heard a loud voice calling out as he approached the train's exit. Ahead of him, students were hurriedly disembarking one by one onto the Hogsmeade platform, and the train was quickly becoming empty.

  The children soon began to separate. The senior students headed off toward another area, likely to meet another professor or staff member who would guide them through the main gates of Hogwarts, while the first-years stayed gathered near Hagrid.

  Maverick saw the half-giant holding a lantern, greeting and counting the young first-years as he walked up and down the platform, ensuring everyone was accounted for before leading them to their next destination.

  From what McGonagall had told him, Hagrid was in charge of the first-year students and would be taking them to the school using a different form of transportation. It was a traditional method meant to give them a feel for how students traveled to Hogwarts when it was first founded by the four founders.

  Of course, Maverick already knew this from the story's memories. So far, everything seemed to be happening just as it had in the tale.

  Glancing around, he saw many of the first-year students were staring at him. It was to be expected—after all, he was much older and not even wearing a school uniform. Some looked at him with curiosity and confusion, while a few showed blatant disdain, likely because of his attire. He sighed inwardly, suspecting those few to be noble, so-called pureblood fanatics.

  Just then, Maverick heard a mocking voice cut through the hum of the crowd.

  "Look who we have here... Are you a lost squib?"

  Maverick turned to see a blonde boy walking toward him, a smirk on his face. Two others followed closely behind, almost like bodyguards. He didn't need anyone to tell him who the idiot and the two bigger idiots behind him were—it was obvious.

  The three of them walked with a sense of superiority, looking Maverick up and down with obvious disdain. Maverick raised an eyebrow but didn't respond, slipping his hand into his pocket. He wasn't going to engage with them—this was just childish drama, and he had no interest in entertaining it.

  As expected, when Maverick didn't react the way they had hoped—presumably showing timidity or some kind of response—they scoffed and shifted their attention elsewhere.

  The blonde boy's gaze then happened to land on Daphne and Tracy, who stood behind Maverick.

  "Greengrass, so you're here as well... and I see you're still with your—"

  "Ah... if it isn't Daddy's little princess..."

  The blonde boy, who Maverick assumed was Draco Malfoy, sneered at Daphne condescendingly. However, whatever insult he was about to finish was smoothly cut off by Tracy, who shot back with even better mockery.

  "You! What did you just call me, you stupid mud—"

  "Shut up, Malfoy," Daphne interrupted sharply, looking more like a little dragon than Draco himself. "Who I am with with is none of your business... Bugger off with your goons and find someone as idiotic as you to bother."

  Maverick watched the brief exchange and compared the two young heirs. Daphne Greengrass carried herself with impressive maturity, embodying the demeanor of a true noble, while young Malfoy acted like a typical spoiled rich brat.

  However, he understood that their behavior was a reflection of their early upbringing, and as their teacher, it was his responsibility to educate them, rather than judge or discriminate based on their current actions. That said, he wasn't going to show the extreme patience of Dumbledore, nor would he act like Snape.

  "You!" Draco huffed, pointing a finger at them, but couldn't even come up with a counter.

  The boy's behavior reminded Maverick of the arrogant young master characters from Chinese novels—only worse. At least those characters had the guts to exclaim "courting death," while little Malfoy couldn't even handle two sentences in a confrontation he had started. He stomped off, his followers trailing behind him.

  While briefly distracted by the children's drama, Maverick failed to notice the giant man approaching his way.

  "Professor Caesar!" Hagrid's booming voice called out, snapping his attention as he turned his head toward him.

  "I see you took the Hogwarts Express with the little ones. Are you taking the boats as well?" Hagrid asked with a friendly smile.

  Maverick sighed. He had planned to, but now that his identity as a professor had been laid out in front of everyone, he changed his mind.

  "Wait, so you're not an assistant teacher?" Tracy asked, looking up at him. Maverick glanced over and saw that both she and Daphne seemed taken aback.

  "I had a feeling that name sounded familiar. The master alchemist's surname is Caesar, but since your first name isn't usually mentioned in the newspapers or by the public, I didn't recognize it," Daphne said calmly, looking at him.

  Maverick played innocent, offering them both a sheepish smile. "Sorry kids, I didn't mention it earlier..."

  "Don't worry, Professor, and it's not like you lied..." Daphne responded politely, with no trace of childish reaction.

  Maverick sighed inwardly at her response. Her behavior almost seemed programmed at times. The Greengrass family's method of education too seemed to have some flaws, but he believed a smart witch like Daphne would find a balance as she grew older.

  He shrugged the thoughts aside and turned to Hagrid, who was now standing beside him. "Good to see you again, Mr. Hagrid."

  "Professor, so will you take the boats with us as well?" Hagrid repeated his earlier question.

  Maverick shook his head, offering a polite smile to the half-giant man.

  "No, I'll go with the senior students. You should take the first years to the school quickly. I'm sure Professor McGonagall is waiting outside."

  "I see..." Hagrid said, nodding his head. "Well, I'll see ya at school then, Professor."

  Maverick nodded in return, gave a quick wave to Daphne and Tracy, and then headed toward the older students, who were now a little farther away.

  But after covering a little distance, he turned and walked in another direction, coming to a stop near a quiet corner. He then retrieved a black long coat from his storage space and draped it over his shoulders, presenting himself in a more wizarding fashion.

  Then, casting an invisibility spell on himself, he flew toward the castle, aiming to arrive before anyone else.

  A short while later, he entered the Hogwarts Great Hall and found most of the professors already gathered and seated at the long teacher's table. McGonagall and Rolanda Hooch were absent, likely because one had gone to greet the first-years while the other guided the seniors.

  Walking steadily, he climbed up the elevated stage, giving a polite nod to his colleagues. The only one among them he hadn't met and wasn't familiar with was Quirrell, the new hire, just like himself.

  "Ah, Professor Caesar! Welcome," Dumbledore greeted him warmly, "I thought you said you would be arriving with the freshmen," he added with a curious smile.

  "Thank you, Headmaster... well, I changed my mind and decided to welcome the students like everyone else," Maverick said with a shrug.

  "I see..." Dumbledore replied, pausing briefly before turning his head to the right. "Please, allow me to introduce you to Professor Quirrell," Dumbledore said, gesturing toward a timid-looking man wearing a turban who was seated next to Professor Snape. "Our new professor for Defense Against the Dark Arts."

  Maverick turned his head, meeting the man's eyes, and gave a polite nod. "It's a pleasure, Professor," he said, keeping the greeting short.

  Quirrell offered a nervous smile, stumbling over his words as they exchanged brief pleasantries. Maverick didn't bother to comment on the man's attempts to appear humble. He pretended not to know anything, and after the brief exchange with the man, he walked behind the table and settled into a seat between the Headmaster and Professor Flitwick.

  However, something felt off to him. His sharp magical senses didn't pick up anything unusual from Quirrell, as if the man were completely ordinary. For a moment, he wondered if the plot had changed, but then quickly dismissed the thought. It wasn't hard for someone skilled and knowledgeable to hide their presence, and if Voldemort was anything, he was certainly both.

  Nonetheless, Maverick was certain Voldemort had some connection to the man. His eyes flicked briefly to the large turban on Quirrell's head, noting the faint smell of garlic lingering in the air. It wasn't as strong or exaggerated as described in the films, but it was unmistakably there.

  Shaking off the thoughts, Maverick settled comfortably into his seat. He engaged in light conversation with both Flitwick and Dumbledore, who inquired about his experience on the train and how he found the journey overall.

  Time passed slowly, and about ten minutes later, Madam Hooch entered the hall, followed by students from second to seventh year. The quiet atmosphere of the hall changed instantly from that point as their chatter filled the room while they took their seats at their respective house tables.

  Many students cast curious glances toward the staff table, particularly at Maverick and Quirrell—two new faces among the familiar ones.

  The news of Hogwarts starting alchemy course had spread across the English wizarding community, and the hiring of a master alchemist had generated even more buzz. It was clear that the students' curious gazes were mostly because of that.

  Maverick didn't mind the attention and continued the light conversation with the two professors on his left and right. Meanwhile, Madam Hooch made her way to the stage, giving him and everyone else a nod before taking her place at the staff table.

  Another fifteen minutes or so passed, and Hagrid entered the hall, making his way to the staff table and taking his seat as well. Moments later, the large oak doors swung open once again, and Professor McGonagall came in, leading the first-year students.

  She walked all the way to the elevated stage, climbed the few stairs, then stopped and turned to face the group. "Please wait here," she instructed, signaling for the first-years to remain still.

  Next to her on a stool was the famous Sorting Hat. Maverick had encountered it before and even checked its extraordinary characteristics. It wasn't anything special, with a basic-grade storage ability and a basic-grade mind-reading characteristic. He had no intention of replicating any of that.

  As he looked down at the group of first-years, Maverick noticed Daphne and Tracy glancing up at him. He gave them both a smile and a polite nod in return before focusing on McGonagall.

  He saw her take a parchment, hold it vertically, and address the students. "Now, when I call your name, you shall come forth. I will place the Sorting Hat on your head, and you will be sorted into your houses."

  She gave the young ones a brief moment to register her words, then glanced at the parchment again and read out a name.

  "Hannah Abbot!"

  Maverick watched as a familiar young witch walked timidly up the stage and sat on the stool beside McGonagall.

  The deputy headmistress then placed the Sorting Hat on the girl's head. After a brief moment, the hat called out loudly, "Hufflepuff!"

  Glancing at Dumbledore beside him, Maverick murmured, "Headmaster, is there any chance I could study the Sorting Hat? I just had a very interesting idea."

  Dumbledore, his eyes fixed on the students, responded after a brief pause, "That, I'm afraid, you will have to ask the Hat itself, my boy."

  He sighed and refocused on the ceremony. He understood that the old wizard had politely declined his proposal, but he planned to do exactly as the Headmaster had suggested, and would ask the Hat itself. Perhaps he could convince the thing, he thought.

  Moreover, it wasn't a lie that he had a very interesting idea for a new invention after seeing the Hat again today, something that could become very useful and practical fir him in the future.

  The names were called one by one, and slowly the first-years were sorted into their houses. The only noticeable moment came when Harry Potter's name was called. The hall fell into silence, with only hushed whispers filling the air, creating an atmosphere of anticipation as if the lottery numbers were being drawn.

  After the Hat's decision, the hall erupted in cheers, especially from the Gryffindor table, with the scene unfolding almost exactly like in the books. Hermione was sorted into Gryffindor, and so was Ronald, while Tracy and Daphne were placed into Slytherin. With everything following the script, the entire sorting ceremony felt a bit bland to him.

  —————————

  Ding, ding, ding.

  McGonagall tapped her cup sharply, the sound ringing through the hall and instantly silencing the students' excited chatter, causing the four long tables filled with hundreds of students to turn toward the staff table in unison.

  Now seated to Dumbledore's left, the Deputy Headmistress stood up, her calm and confident presence instantly drawing the room's attention.

  "Before we start with the feast, the school's Headmaster would like to say a few words," she said, smiling kindly at the students before sitting down.

  Just as she sat, Dumbledore stood up from his majestic chair. His eyes moved from left to right, passing over every table.

  "I have a few start-of-term notices that I wish to announce... First-years, please note that the Forbidden Forest is strictly off-limits to all students... and a few of our older students ought to remember that, as well."

  Maverick observed the students as the hall listened intently to the Headmaster's words. He couldn't help but wonder how many of them actually took his warnings to heart.

  "No magic is to be used between classes and in the corridors," Dumbledore continued. "Also, our caretaker, Mr. Filch," he gestured to the elderly man sitting at the far left of the staff table, "has asked me to remind you that the third-floor corridor on the right-hand side is out of bounds to anyone who does not wish to die a most painful death!"

  The silencein the hall grew eerie, as a few hushed whispers echoed the space.

  Dumbledore paused again, either for dramatic effect or perhaps to observe the students' reactions—Maverick wasn't sure. His mind drifted back to a memory from his previous life upon hearing the last warning given to the students.

  He vaguely remembered from the Harry Potter movies that the old wizard had asked some of the teachers to help set up security measures in the forbidden third-floor corridor. Even Quirrell himself had assisted with the traps.

  However, it seemed that nothing of that sort had happened here—not that he knew of, anyway. He hadn't been called upon for such a task, nor had it been mentioned by any other teacher to him.

  It made him wonder—was it that Dumbledore didn't trust him, or had the Headmaster simply chosen not to include him in his little game with Quirrell? Either way, Maverick wanted nothing to do with it and was glad he had not been involved.

  Dismissing his thoughts, he refocused on the present as the initial warnings and advice came to an end, and the new announcements started. Dumbledore had just finished introducing Quirrell as the new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, and the students' enthusiasm was sparked once again.

  The hall erupted into applause, some students standing and others even whistling. The noise continued for a while, gradually fading into silence only when Dumbledore raised his hands in a gesture, gathering everyone's attention.

  "As you may have heard," his voice resonated through the vast hall, "Hogwarts has reintroduced the ancient and esteemed subject of Alchemy into its curriculum." He let the words hang in the air for a moment.

  The mention of Alchemy sparked a ripple of murmurs across the tables, with students exchanging whispers filled with curiosity.

  "And with that," Dumbledore continued, "we are honored to welcome one of the youngest and most accomplished alchemists of our time. A master in his craft and an innovator who has chosen to share his wisdom with us."

  He turned, and gestured toward Maverick.

  "Professor Maverick Caesar... please join me in welcoming him to Hogwarts."

  The hall erupted in thunderous applause, the sound rolling through the room like a tidal wave. Maverick felt the weight of hundreds of eyes on him as he stood from his seat, offering a polite smile to the Headmaster before inclining his head in a courteous nod to both the students and staff.

  The applause lingered, louder and longer than the previous announcement, before gradually subsiding into a respectful silence once more.

  "I trust that Professor Caesar's time here will inspire greatness in all of you... But that is not all." Dumbledore paused, sweeping his eyes across the four long tables. "Some of you may have noticed that this year we've introduced a new elective course. For those sixth-years who chose to take the subject, the new course, Muggle Science, I am pleased to announce that Professor Caesar will be the one leading it as well..."

  Another round of applause echoed through the hall, and after a moment, it came to a sharp halt as the Headmaster raised his hand.

  "Now, for the last, and perhaps the most exciting announcement for you children before we begin the feast," Dumbledore said, turning to Maverick. "I would like to call on Professor Caesar, the man behind the ideas you're about to hear, to explain them to you all." He gestured for Maverick to stand before taking his seat, while the applause rose, now mixed with whispers of curious excitement.

  Maverick stood to his feet, nodded politely to the Headmaster, and focused his attention on the hall of students. The applause slowly faded into a hush silence as every witch and wizard, student and professor alike, turned their attention to him.

  "First of all, I would like to add a little something to the Headmaster's last announcement..." Maverick's steady, calm voice echoed, amplified throughout the hall.

  "For the Muggle Science elective, students from any year... whether you're a first-year or a seventh-year... are welcome to sit in my class, as long as it doesn't conflict with your other lessons." He glanced at Dumbledore, who nodded in affirmation, then turned back to the students.

  "Now, with that out of the way, let me share some details about the exciting event we have planned for this year."

  The students all perked up their full attention on him, causing the hall to fall completely silent.

  "This year, there will be a Quidditch tournament held at the school, separate from the traditional four-house tournament. This additional tournament will feature a single all-star team, made up of students from all houses, who will compete in an inter-school tournament against other schools."

  "The tournament will begin at the end of November, with the participating schools being Beauxbatons Academy of Magic, Durmstrang Institute, Koldovstoretz, and, of course, Hogwarts."

  Maverick did not let the applause begin and continued his speech without pause, keeping the excitement already bubbling in the students' eyes from fully erupting.

  "The team selection will start one month from now, with the list to be finalized before Halloween."

  "The tournament will be hosted by Hogwarts this year... however, starting next year, it will be held at different schools, selected through a fair and random draw."

  "Now, I'm sure you have many questions about this sudden announcement, so I invite the prefects from each house, along with the Quidditch team captains, to come to my office this Saturday after dinner. I will clarify any doubts and provide a more thorough explanation of everything, and after that, you can share the details with everyone."

  "Now, I don't want to keep you all starving, so that will be all for now on this matter." He gestured to Dumbledore to take over and announce the start of the feast before sitting down.

  But before Dumbledore could even stand, the hall erupted into a tsunami of applause, mixed with loud chatter from all four tables.

  Dumbledore, who had been about to stand, paused mid-motion and sat back down, allowing the hall to settle. He cast a helpless glance at Maverick and sighed. After a moment, when the applause finally quieted, he rose to his feet, amplified his voice, and cleared his throat, finally bringing the hall's attention to him.

  "Thank you, Professor Caesar," Dumbledore nodded to Maverick, a gesture on behalf of the school. Then, with a warm smile, he spread his hands toward the students and added, "Now, let the feast begin!"

  The moment those words echoed through the hall, the empty golden plates and cups magically filled, and the room erupted into lively chatter. Most students eagerly discussed the newly announced Quidditch tournament, while only a handful mentioned the two new courses. At the same time, they eagerly dug into the spread of mouthwatering food and drinks that seemed to materialize out of thin air.

  At the staff table, Dumbledore turned to Maverick seated beside him, and gave him a grateful glance as soon as he sat down. "Thank you, Professor, for keeping it brief..."

  Maverick nodded, returning the smile.

  Just then, the staff table's empty plates began to fill up as well with delicious food and drinks, causing everyone's faces to brighten with smiles.

  With Dumbledore taking the lead, everyone eagerly dug in, enjoying their meals while engaging in conversations with one another.

  "So, how confident are you that this event will be a success, Professor Caesar?" Professor Aurora Sinistra, seated next to McGonagall, asked curiously, leaning forward and casting a sideways glance at Maverick.

  Maverick turned his gaze to the Astronomy professor. "Very confident. My company will be releasing a new product at the end of this month called Magic Vision. It's inspired by Muggle television, but far superior. The picture quality is many times clearer, and it will be used to broadcast the tournament worldwide, giving the participating schools unparalleled exposure in the magical community."

  "This will not only heighten the excitement surrounding the event but also bolster their reputation by highlighting their athleticism, skill, and dedication to magical sports, earning them greater recognition within the wizarding community."

  "Also, uniting students from different houses and schools will cultivate stronger camaraderie. It will bring them together in pursuit of a shared goal, fostering a sense of pride and belonging to their respective schools."

  He paused briefly and seeing the witch nodd in agreement he added while turning his focus back to his plate in front of him. "There is also the bennifits of Cultural Exchange. Hosting teams from different countries and backgrounds would allow students to learn about each other's magical traditions, cultures, and playing styles. This could lead to cross-school collaborations and the sharing of knowledge in other areas as well."

  "And like i said, this event will be broadcasted to a lot of eyes. Outstanding players could gain recognition from professional Quidditch teams or sponsors, potentially earning scholarships or professional contracts. This would raise the profile of each school's athletic program."

  "And finally, the tournament would serve as a way to strengthen ties between rival schools, creating a friendly atmosphere for competition. It may also provide a platform for resolving old rivalries or misunderstandings in a healthy, competitive environment."

  All the professors, except for Dumbledore and McGonagall, widened their eyes in genuine surprise. Everything Maverick had mentioned—and more—had already been detailed in the proposal he had submitted to the Headmaster and Deputy Headmistress.

  It was this thorough presentation, full of facts and data, that had convinced Dumbledore and McGonagall to support the idea. Without it, they wouldn't have spent the entire holiday visiting other schools, tirelessly working to persuade them to participate in the event.

  "That... is very eye-opening, Professor. Truly, what you've introduced will no doubt go down in the history of this school... no, in all of wizarding Europe," Professor Sinistra remarked, finally convinced after hearing all the facts.

  "But... you're also using the school and the tournament to promote your business, aren't you, Professor Caesar?"

  Maverick caught the emotionless voice coming from the far left side of him. He looked over to see Snape, who was cutting into the food on his plate, arching a brow at him glancing in his direction.

  Maverick wasn't particularly close to the potions professor having interacted with him only a few times since joining Hogwarts. His bluntness didn't bother him, especially since Dumbledore and McGonagall had already approved the arrangement—albeit with certain agreements in place.

  "It's a fair deal," Dumbledore interjected before Maverick could respond. "Professor Caesar is sponsoring the tournament in its entirety, covering all expenses."

  This made all eyes turn to him once more, prompting him to have to say something in return.

  Maverick sighed, taking a brief moment while his gaze swept across the table and then began to speak. "I am a businessman, ladies and gentlemen. Of course I'm going to use this opportunity to showcase my products. But as the Headmaster pointed out, this will not be a loss for the school... My company will bear all costs... from organizing the event, to food, to even providing the brooms and jerseys for the students of Hogwarts."

  He paused for a moment, making sure they understood well enough not to raise the question again, then continued with a smirk. "Besides, I guarantee you that in two or three years, companies will be practically crawling over each other to get a piece of the action, lining up to beg the Headmaster for sponsorships."

  With a chuckle, Maverick glanced back at Snape, locking eyes with the man to see if he dared to use his favorite skill on him to check if everything he'd said was true. Snape didn't, or rather, he just didn't have the balls to try it on an adult, preferring to stick to intimidating children instead.

  Maverick didn't have any personal grudges against the greasy bat. In fact, he even felt a bit of sympathy for the man, especially considering how his story ended in the original story. However, that didn't mean he agrees of Snape's immature behavior, like blaming a son for his father's mistakes or being a complete dick to every student who wasn't in Slytherin.

  He was here to change this outdated, decadent ways of the school, and to do that, this man-child behavior of Snape was the first thing that needed to go.

  Brushing the thoughts aside for now, Maverick shrugged and turned back to his plate, casually adding, "Of course, that won't be happening. See, the Headmaster's already signed a long-term contract with Caesar's Magitech. We're the exclusive sponsor for the tournament. So, no other company's getting in on this."

  A moment of silence passed at the professors' table as they all glanced at him once again, as if seeing him for the first time.

  Cough.

  The Headmaster cleared his throat, breaking the awkward silence, then it was Flitwick who burst in to laughter getting the attention of even some of the students.

  Maverick raised an eyebrow at the man, listening as he spoke. It was obvious he was trying to change the topic.

  "By the way, how did you manage to replicate Muggle technology like that?"

  Maverick smiled, then glanced at the Charms professor. "I'd be happy to share the principles if you're willing to take a magical oath not to disclose what you learn."

  Cough!

  Cough! Cough!

  Flitwick paused mid-bite, nearly spitting out his food as his eyes widened. He hadn't expected that a seemingly casual question would lead to a request for a magical oath. Magical oaths were no trivial matter, and they were treated with the utmost seriousness in both dark and light circles.

  Quickly swallowing a sip from his drink, he asked, "Is it truly that serious?" drawing the attention of the other professors.

  Maverick met their curious gazes, remaining calm as he explained, "Absolutely. I believe this is the first time in history that an invention like this will be introduced to the magical community. Its potential goes far beyond broadcasting live events. It could be used in schools, hospitals, and even news organizations. However, the full details will be unveiled at the launch event... and as the owner of the company, I am formally inviting you all to attend the launch and see it for yourselves."

  "That sounds wonderful," McGonagall said, glancing at him with an amused smile. She had noticed the brief tense exchange but didn't seem bothered by it. To her, it was nothing more than a harmless squabble, and she trusted her colleagues to be mature enough not to behave like children.

  Moreover, she was genuinely curious after Maverick's quick explanation of the Magic Vision, which he said would be like Muggle television. "When will it take place?" She asked.

  "On the 30th of this month, in America, where Caesar Magitech's main office is located. The event will occur in the evening..."

  "Well, we can't all go, now, can we?" Dumbledore added, cutting off any immediate agreement from the table. His sharp senses had already caught the sight of mouths half open in eager response. "Some of us must stay and look after the children," he continued with a knowing smile.

  A chuckle escaped Maverick as he observed the surprised faces of the professors, and soon, the rest of the table joined in, the atmosphere lightening and returning to harmony.

  The feast continued, the hall alive with the hum of student chatter, while the professors at the staff table carried on with their own animated discussions, marking the beginning of this new academic year as one to remember for them all.