"Since you came all this way, I assume you have something important to discuss."
Dumbledore met Alex's straightforwardness and said earnestly, "Your tactical innovations have sent shockwaves through the international wizarding community these past two years."
It was truly a groundbreaking achievement.
"From what I know, many wizarding schools are already preparing to offer courses based on this new approach, and Hogwarts is no exception."
"So this is what you were referring to," Alex said with a knowing nod.
About six months after his trip to Germany, he officially published his first book, *Tactical Training*.
The book covers a wide range of topics, including training techniques, tactical strategies, and equipment use.
It offers a fresh perspective on magical power, spellcasting, and magical sensitivity, even setting new standards in these areas.
One of the most impressive contributions was the "Wilson training method," which Alex developed himself.
He discovered a way to enhance "magical sensitivity", a concept many had only vaguely understood before.
Not only did he clearly define the term, but he also created measurable standards and active training methods to improve it.
As a result, *Tactical Training* quickly sparked lively debates in the international wizarding academic community, gaining widespread support for Alex's ideas.
After more than a year of collaborative experimental testing by scholars worldwide, it was confirmed that the training method genuinely improved magical sensitivity.
Once the Ministries of Magic from various countries officially endorsed the findings and published the research, *Tactical Training* surged to the forefront of magical education once again.
Naturally, this also boosted the reputation of both Alex and the Wilson's Arcane Alchemica.
Now, not only have mainstream academics recognized Alex's work, but several magic schools are considering adopting his training method.
"No problem, Hogwarts wants to introduce the training method, and of course, that's not an issue," Alex muttered as he lowered his head.
"Azalea will head to Durmstrang, Moody has finished his work at Ilvermorny but still needs to go to Beauxbatons..."
"I'll talk to Fudge later and arrange for an Auror from the Law Enforcement Department, one who's received my personal training, to go to Hogwarts. Maybe Mavis would be perfect; she has both the theoretical knowledge and practical skills. She's outstanding and more than capable of serving as the school's training instructor. Whether we appoint her directly as a professor or have her guide the students for a while first, I don't think Fudge or Meiweis will have any objections."
After considering this, Alex immediately thought of Dumbledore and confirmed the plan in his mind.
"No...," Dumbledore shook his head with a wry smile.
"I want to invite you to Hogwarts to be the professor of Tactical Training."
Alex raised his eyebrows in surprise.
"Me? And it's a tactical training school?"
"Principal, are you joking?" Alex said, still surprised.
"You haven't seen how busy the Wilson's Arcane Alchemica Firm keeps me. I just settled a project that's going to take years, I can't just drop everything."
Dumbledore nodded understandingly.
"I know. Usually, the students only need to learn the basics, the 'Training Method' part. The full 'Tactical Training' is reserved for combat personnel like Aurors."
"You heard me right," Dumbledore said firmly, looking Alex in the eye.
"I want you to teach the complete Tactical Training course."
"As for your schedule, I can promise some privileges, like free access to the school and reduced teaching hours. I hope you'll seriously consider it."
Alex paused, deep in thought.
Then he asked, still puzzled, "Can you tell me why you need me so urgently?"
He knew Dumbledore wanted him personally. This wasn't just about the subject.
Dumbledore's expression turned serious.
"Darkness is coming, Alex. I sense the mysterious man is about to return. You know he's not truly dead. I'm old now, and Hogwarts needs someone strong and determined to protect it."
"You mean Voldemort?" Alex said calmly, showing no fear at the name.
"I'm prepared for him. The Dark Mark hasn't faded, and the Defense Against the Dark Arts curse is still in place."
"But that doesn't mean I have to be at Hogwarts myself, does it?" Alex asked sharply.
"Principal, promise me this, if the Dark Lord starts to rise again, I won't just stand by. I'll never forget Lily's sacrifice."
Dumbledore nodded, impressed.
"I knew you had courage. But the Dark Lord's target will be Hogwarts, because Harry will be there. He's enrolling this year. Don't you want to teach him yourself?"
Alex hesitated, then nodded.
"Well... you make a very good point."
To be honest, Alex was a little tempted, but he quickly shook his head.
"It's not enough to impress me," he said firmly.
"I believe that as long as you're involved, Harry's safety at Hogwarts won't be at risk."
"Besides, he doesn't have to be taught only at school. I can be his guardian and provide the best care for him."
"With just a few breaks here and there, I'll make sure he learns how to protect himself, even if Voldemort is standing right in front of him!"
Alex's confidence only made Dumbledore more certain of his earlier thoughts.
This kid was more predictable than he had expected.
With a change in his expression, Dumbledore smiled and turned to him.
"Alex, are you ready to hear the conditions I have for you?"
When Dumbledore expressed his eagerness to return to Hogwarts, Alex couldn't help but ask about the conditions.
Curious, he said, "Alright, I'd like to hear what price the headmaster is willing to pay."
Dumbledore then pulled out a small box, opened it, and placed it in front of Alex.
"I'm not sure if this interests you, but if you agree to join Hogwarts, I can provide you with five pieces of this material."
Alex's eyes immediately sharpened when he recognized the familiar magic alloy inside the box.
"Flame alloy?" he asked, sitting up straighter.
It was just a small block, but having five pieces was a big deal. He had just used one recently.
Still, after a moment's hesitation, he shook his head firmly.
"Sorry, but just this isn't enough for me."
Although the flame alloy was precious, it wasn't something he urgently needed, since he didn't lack it.
Seeing Alex's reaction, Dumbledore realized the young man must be familiar with the alloy. An alchemist who could stay so calm around such a rare material had likely seen it before, maybe even had some on hand.
He hadn't expected Alex's family to be so wealthy that they could treat flame alloy so casually.
Feeling a bit at a loss, Dumbledore decided to play his trump card.
"What about the Sorcerer's Stone? Would that interest you?"
Alex's eyes widened in surprise at the mention of the Philosopher's Stone.
"The Philosopher's Stone? You mean Nicholas's Philosopher's Stone?" he asked, looking at Dumbledore in disbelief.