William pushed open the gleaming oak door, and a spacious, beautiful circular room came into view.
It overlapped almost perfectly with his memories from his student days, as if nothing had changed in over a decade.
Portraits of former headmasters and headmistresses lined the walls, most of them dozing quietly in their frames. On a spindly-legged table stood numerous strange silver instruments, whirring and puffing smoke. Behind the door, a brilliantly colored phoenix perched on a gilded stand, tilting its head curiously at the newcomer.
Behind the large claw-footed desk in the center stood Albus Dumbledore.
He wore star-patterned purple robes. His long silver hair and beard nearly reached his waist, and behind half-moon glasses his bright blue eyes sparkled with wisdom.
"Welcome back, William," Dumbledore said warmly, stepping around the desk and extending his hand. "Although your role has changed, I believe you will enjoy this place just as much as you did as a student."
"I certainly hope so, Headmaster."
William shook the slender hand and took the armchair opposite the desk at Dumbledore's invitation.
"Would you like something to drink?" Dumbledore waved his wand, summoning delicate teacups and a teapot. "Mead? Pumpkin juice? Butterbeer?"
"Lemon tea, please. Just a little sugar."
William answered politely. He suspected their standards for sweetness differed greatly.
The teapot poured automatically. Instead of drinking, William tapped the cup lightly with his wand.
A faint layer of frost spread across the glass—instantly turning the hot tea into iced lemon tea. He took a sip and smiled at the cool, sweet-tart flavor.
"A very creative approach. Perhaps I should try that myself," Dumbledore chuckled before his tone turned apologetic. "I'm sorry to interrupt your summer holiday, William. You were meant to receive your official appointment in a few days, but there were additional matters I wished to discuss, so I asked you to come early."
"No trouble at all, Headmaster," William replied casually. "As you know, I've just 'retired with honor' from the Ministry and am currently quite free. Please, go ahead."
Dumbledore sighed, folding his fingers on the desk.
"I had intended to visit and invite you personally. However, at the time, not only was the Alchemy position open—the Defence Against the Dark Arts post had also become vacant."
His tone carried helplessness. "You understand the situation with that subject, so I had to personally search for someone willing to take the role. That is why Severus delivered the message instead."
William set down his cup, suddenly uneasy.
"So… have you found someone?"
Dumbledore immediately looked troubled.
"Unfortunately, no. I travelled across most of Britain, visiting many accomplished witches and wizards—even some retired friends. The results were discouraging."
"As soon as they heard it was the Hogwarts Defence Against the Dark Arts post, they either fell suddenly ill… or declared they had sworn never to use a wand again."
William fell silent. The rumor that the position was cursed clearly carried more weight than he had imagined.
"I was delighted when Professor McGonagall told me you had accepted the Alchemy post," Dumbledore continued, his tone brightening like someone discovering a hidden sweet. "While arranging the timetable, I noticed something… quite interesting."
He paused, blue eyes twinkling with both expectation and mischief.
That look confirmed William's suspicions.
Taking a deep breath, William said slowly, "So besides the Alchemy position…"
"It seems we think alike," Dumbledore said warmly, cutting him off before he could refuse. "Alchemy is an advanced elective, usually taught only to sixth- and seventh-years. That means you would have just four lessons per week."
"Such abundant free time! Surely the Alchemy professor could also take on another position."
The blade had been drawn.
William rubbed his temples. "Headmaster, that could be exhausting. Defence Against the Dark Arts is compulsory for Years One through Seven."
"Perhaps only a little more tiring than other posts," Dumbledore said, pinching thumb and forefinger together to indicate a tiny difference. "But the holidays are nearly over, and I have found no candidate. If the class were left vacant, it would be terribly unfair to the children."
"This is truly a last resort, William."
Before he could refuse, Dumbledore presented his prepared incentives.
"Of course, since you would hold two posts, your salary and benefits will be doubled. In addition to the Alchemy office, the Defence Against the Dark Arts office and two staff quarters will also be yours."
"I imagine you will need space for experiments. One office might be too small. You may renovate those rooms however you wish—the school will fully support you."
Leaning forward, he delivered the final promise:
"If you have any other requests... academic or personal, please discuss them with me. As long as they are reasonable, I will do my best to grant them."
William fell silent.
Teaching at Hogwarts was already demanding—grading, disputes, lesson planning. Now he would be responsible for two difficult subjects, one compulsory for the entire school.
If teaching were his only goal, no salary increase would justify the burden. His family vault certainly didn't lack Galleons.
But…
His thoughts raced.
Because of the system, his goal wasn't merely to teach. He needed to reshape Hogwarts and intervene in student education to earn points.
He had prepared countless plans on how to request authority to influence school affairs—requests a new professor would likely have had rejected.
But now the situation had changed.
Now Dumbledore needed him.
Taking on the Defence post was a heavy burden, but also a powerful bargaining chip.
If he accepted this mess, he would gain leverage. Plans that would once have been impossible to approve were now open to negotiation.
The system was both blessing and a burden.
Seeing William deep in thought, Dumbledore waited patiently.
Just as he was about to speak again, William finally opened his mouth.