"I must say, I've long been intrigued by those adorable creatures. The last Pokémon competition you organized was absolutely fascinating."Professor McGonagall's eyes gleamed with enthusiasm as she spoke.
Ever since retiring from the Hogwarts Quidditch team, it had been years since she'd felt that kind of rush again. Watching Quidditch matches from the stands was enjoyable, yes—but it could never compare to actually being in the air, broom in hand.
Beside her, Professor Flitwick looked a little hesitant."To be honest, I'd love to participate," he said, "but my concern is… we probably know even less about Pokémon than some of the students. Are we really qualified to serve as Badge Guardians?"
Though most students were still beginners, compared to professors who had zero experience, they were practically veterans.
Charles smiled and shook his head."That's nothing to worry about, Filius. A Pokémon battle isn't only about commanding your Pokémon. What I want to cultivate is the combined strength between a wizard and their Pokémon. Meaning—wizards can fight alongside their Pokémon. I don't think that should be a problem for our reigning Dueling Champion."
Hearing the compliment, Professor Flitwick beamed with delight.
Pokémon might not be his specialty—but dueling? That was another matter entirely. Don't be fooled by how little he stood out in the Battle of Hogwarts; Flitwick's strength was nothing to scoff at.
Still, according to the Harry Potter Encyclopedia Charles had read in his past life, the strongest of the four Heads of House had been generally acknowledged to be—Severus Snape.
And it wasn't undeserved.Snape had been proficient in the Dark Arts since childhood; by the age of eleven, he already knew more spells and curses than most seventh-years—and had even invented quite a few of his own.
Voldemort valued him not merely for his talent in potion-making, but also for his raw power. After all, this was the man who could knock out two Death Eaters with a single flick of his wand.
"I actually already have one Pokémon," said Professor Pomona Sprout with a warm smile.
She was referring to the Oddish Charles had given her some time ago. It had never battled before, so it was still quite low-level—and hadn't yet met the conditions for evolution.
"Catching more Pokémon shouldn't be a problem," Charles said kindly. "They could even help you tend to the Herbology greenhouses. Oddish just might not be much of a fighter."
He occasionally checked on Oddish himself and was pleased to see it well cared for.
"That's all right. I've never been good at dueling anyway," Sprout replied cheerfully.
It wasn't that she lacked strength—she simply disliked conflict. Still, she accepted the role of Badge Guardian with grace.
"I think the children need someone who isn't too strong—someone they can challenge to build confidence."
Charles nodded in agreement. It seemed Professor Sprout would make an excellent Guardian for beginner-level challengers.
"By the way," Charles added, "you don't need to accept every student's challenge. That would be far too hectic. You can set conditions first—perhaps ask them to complete a task, like helping with Herbology work, or test their skill in Charms or Transfiguration before they're eligible to battle."
At those words, Snape—who had been silently listening from the corner—suddenly sat up straighter.
Set tasks for the students?
What a beautiful idea.
He had so many magical ingredients piling up in his storeroom waiting to be processed… and now, the thought of free labor made his black eyes gleam with greed. He was practically ready to throw himself at Charles's feet and beg to be made a Badge Guardian.
More importantly—Harry Potter was a member of the Pokémon Master Club. Which meant Potter might eventually have to challenge him.
That would be perfect.Under the guise of a "Badge Challenge," he could finally string the boy upside down and teach him a proper lesson.
Just imagining it filled Snape with unspeakable joy.
Unfortunately… there was his pride.
Only minutes ago, he had refused Charles's proposal.Now to go back and ask for it?Wouldn't that make him look pathetic?
Snape, after half rising from his chair, froze mid-motion and sat right back down—his expression twisted as though suffering severe constipation.
And right at that moment, Dumbledore decided to chime in.
"Would it be possible for me to participate as well?" the Headmaster asked, eyes twinkling. "Serving as a Badge Guardian sounds delightful."
"Albus, you're interested?" McGonagall exclaimed in surprise. She couldn't remember the last time she'd seen Dumbledore so enthusiastic about anything—not even Quidditch had stirred this kind of energy from him.
"I do need to enrich my retirement life somehow," Dumbledore replied playfully. "And as one grows older, one craves companionship. Poor Fawkes gets rather lonely, you know."
"Of course you can," Charles said, smiling. "We can even design a special Hogwarts Badge just for you—maybe with a wild boar as the emblem. What do you think?"
After all, Hogwarts—"Hog" literally meant "boar."
McGonagall, however, thought that might look a bit undignified. She suggested instead using the Sorting Hat as the emblem's design, which everyone agreed suited the school much better.
"In that case, allow me to craft the badges myself," Dumbledore offered cheerfully.
Charles readily accepted. Dumbledore's Transfiguration skills were at least on par with McGonagall's—and as a longtime friend of Nicholas Flamel, he had no small talent in alchemy either.
As the professors eagerly discussed badge designs and enchantments, Snape sat apart, seething in silence.
All this fun and glory—and none for him. Happiness for everyone else; humiliation for Severus Snape.
He wanted nothing more than to stand up and shout:
"Charles Gold! I am the Head of Slytherin House!""The Slytherin Badge Guardian position is mine!""No one else is worthy!"
But alas—he was a tsundere.
While Snape brooded in quiet misery, kind-hearted Flitwick finally spoke up."Professor Snape isn't interested in becoming a Guardian? I think it's quite an exciting opportunity."
He genuinely thought Snape was simply disinterested.
Upon hearing that, Snape nearly burst from joy.
Filius Flitwick—you are a true hero!
His greasy hair couldn't quite hide the faint upward curve of his lips. Still, though elated inside, he kept his tone cool and slow, maintaining that trademark drawl.
"I am… very busy—preparing potions and refining materials. Winter is coming soon—the Hospital Wing's entire stock of Invigorating Draughts must be replenished. Then there's Essence of Dittany and Skele-Gro for the Quidditch season… you never know when some poor soul will fall off a broom."
He looked every bit the picture of indispensability.
"However," he continued languidly, "since it concerns Slytherin's honor, I suppose it would be… somewhat improper for me not to participate. Given your insistence, I could perhaps—reluctantly—accept."
Charles didn't even let him finish.
"That won't be necessary, Professor. Really."
"Troublesome? Then don't bother." (flips table)
"Forcing someone into something against their will isn't my style. Besides," Charles added with a hint of mischief, "I used to be a Slytherin myself. I can always take care of it for you."
Dumbledore chuckled behind his half-moon spectacles, clearly enjoying the show.
(End of Chapter)