"The beginning of change…"
Avada repeated Professor Benjamin Baker's words quietly.
"That's right."
Baker smiled. "The greatest affliction in wizarding society today is the excessive monopoly over knowledge and resources by pure-blood families. It has drained the entire society of vitality. And we—Nobby Leach University—have been fighting to change that for over thirty years."
"We gather knowledge, organize it, systematize it, and teach it properly to young people willing to learn. We allow more individuals to improve themselves and pursue their dreams. We enable more minds to contribute value to society. And at the same time, we provide a new path—a path where one can freely study and conduct research without falling into the darkness of becoming a Dark wizard."
"Today, we have dozens of professors. Over the past three decades, we have sent hundreds of witches and wizards into society equipped with advanced knowledge."
"We also apply knowledge to create more convenient and advanced magical or alchemical inventions, gradually injecting vitality back into society. Many of the cutting-edge products that have emerged in recent years—the Wolfsbane Potion, the Firebolt, and others—had our people involved in their development."
"In addition, we secretly oppose the pure-blood families. Our primary method is hunting the Dark wizards under their command, collecting their research, and redirecting it toward legitimate purposes. During the First Wizarding War, although we did not engage Voldemort directly, we took advantage of the moment when nearly all Dark wizards were exposed and gathered on the surface. We eliminated a large number of top-tier Dark wizards and secured vast amounts of knowledge. Most of the material in the book I gave you was compiled during that period."
"…Mm. Impressive admissions brochure."
When Baker finished speaking and looked at him expectantly, Avada had no choice but to clap awkwardly in approval.
"But I still have a few questions."
"I should clarify—that wasn't an admissions brochure," Baker replied dryly. "But go ahead."
"First question."
Avada leaned forward slightly.
"What is your relationship with Dumbledore?"
"He's also a major force against pure-blood dominance. He controls significant advanced knowledge and considerable resources. Logically, you would have every reason to recruit such a powerful ally. Yet not only did you refrain—you secretly brought his old rival, Grindelwald, into your circle instead. Why?"
"Because we are ultimately different from him."
Baker answered without hesitation.
"Dumbledore is too conservative. From beginning to end, what he has sought is to preserve the status quo—not to truly change it. Every enemy he has faced—Grindelwald, Voldemort, the pure-blood families—has been someone who first broke existing rules. Only then did Dumbledore step forward to oppose them. Otherwise, he would remain at Hogwarts, as he did years ago, quietly doing nothing."
"Is that truly how you see it?"
Avada narrowed his eyes.
"Dumbledore 'doesn't wish for change'? He's over a hundred years old. Has wizarding society changed little in that time? Does he object to every single transformation?"
"He doesn't wish for society to slide into darkness, nor for radical measures to endanger too many lives," Avada continued steadily. "From his recent declaration against the pure-blood families, it's clear he welcomes steady progress and is willing to expend his strength removing stubborn obstacles. How many pure-blood patriarchs has he sent to Azkaban already?"
"You cannot fail to see that—unless you have other intentions."
His gaze locked onto Baker's.
"That leads to my second question. What exactly is your relationship with Gellert Grindelwald?"
"An expected question."
Baker clapped lightly.
"I can practically see the script forming in your mind. A fallen tyrant unwilling to accept defeat, communicating from his tower, gathering old followers, building an underground empire in preparation for a grand return to impose his ideology upon the world… That's what you were thinking, wasn't it?"
"It wouldn't be unreasonable," Baker continued calmly. "Our philosophy does share similarities with Grindelwald's. We have indeed received his assistance. And believe it or not—after Nobby Leach fully explained his blueprint to Grindelwald, do you know how he responded?"
"How?"
"Grindelwald admitted, in front of the Headmaster, that his own ideology had been too conservative."
"?!"
Avada nearly bolted for the door.
Baker burst into laughter before clearing his throat.
"Ahem. In truth, our ultimate goal is the same as Grindelwald's—we wish to restore wizarding greatness. Eliminating the pure-blood stagnation is merely a critical step in revitalizing magical society. And once that is achieved… we will turn our attention to the Statute of Secrecy."
"That," he said quietly, "is the real reason we must remain hidden. No one would believe that a gathering of elite witches and wizards like this is merely operating a university."
"Not the pure-blood families. Not the Dark wizards. Not the Ministry. Not the Wizengamot."
"…And not Dumbledore."
Silence stretched between them.
"So," Avada said slowly, throat suddenly dry, "this is your true objective? After revitalizing wizarding society, unite wizardkind and conquer the Muggles? No—if Grindelwald called himself conservative compared to you, then you must be planning to—"
Even as he spoke, his real body had already shifted into a runner's stance. If Baker uttered the wrong words, he would sprint straight to Dumbledore's office.
"Conquer? No, no. We have no intention of conquering anything."
Baker shook his head.
"What we intend is simply for witches and wizards to reclaim what rightfully belongs to them."
"And what exactly is that?"
Avada was leaning so far forward he had to brace both hands against the desk.
"Living space. Resources. Social connections. Freedom. Opportunity."
Baker held his gaze.
"Everything a normal person ought to have."
"Other than the ability to use magic, how are wizards different from Muggles? We are the same species. We have the same needs, speak the same languages, share the same culture, and live upon the same land. Why should possessing magical talent require us to surrender our happiness? To hand over an entire vast world and shrink into a corner, surviving quietly in isolation?"
"Stop—I know what you're about to say."
He raised a hand to halt Avada.
"You must admit—it is a legitimate desire. The only dispute lies in how to achieve it. Muggles will not calmly allow a group they cannot understand or control to integrate into their society and divide their resources. Conflict would be inevitable. And we would need a way to win."
"And that," Baker concluded, "is where we differ from Grindelwald."
"Grindelwald's solution was to ignite a world war, weakening the Muggles."
"Our solution is…"
He paused, that familiar enigmatic smile returning.
"To build a magical society more advanced and more powerful than the Muggle world—so that they will willingly choose to coexist with us."
(End of Chapter)