Chapter 2: The Search for Allies

Albus sat at the empty desk in what should have been the Headmaster's office. The chair's wooden frame creaked beneath him, and the faint scent of dust and parchment clung to the air. The room felt hollow, stripped of the life and magic it was meant to contain. The portraits — empty. The shelves — bare. The ancient desk, once Dumbledore's or Snape's, was just a forgotten relic.

He stared down at the Book of Acceptance, fingers idly tracing the spine. Its presence grounded him, but only barely. His thoughts swirled, chaotic and tangled.

"I need allies," he muttered. "People who can help me build this place back up." His mind kept circling back to Charles Xavier and Erik Lehnsherr — two powerful figures he knew could be invaluable.

His system interface flickered into view — the Hogwarts System panel glowing softly.

[Hogwarts System Panel]

Name: Albus

Role: Hogwarts Headmaster

Magic Power Level: Level 2 (Magic Student - Enhanced)

Spells: Charms (Level 7), Transfiguration (Level 7), Defense Against the Dark Arts (Level 7), Potions (Level 7), Herbology (Level 7), Divination (Level 7), Care of Magical Creatures (Level 7)

Items: Book of Acceptance, Hogwarts Staff Emblem (Grants Authority Over Castle Wards)

Current Missions:

Primary Mission: Develop Hogwarts into the No. 1 Wizarding School

(Reward: ???)

Current Mission: Recruit Professors for the 7 Compulsory Courses

(Reward: Elder Wand)

Mission Progress: 0%

Albus read the objectives again, the reality of his situation sinking in. He had no wand, no students, and barely enough power to defend himself. The Gift Pack had filled his mind with knowledge, but it hadn't given him the experience or control he needed to wield it confidently.

"I can't fail," he muttered. "If I mess this up..."

The panic he'd suppressed since arriving began to rise again. His breathing grew shallow, the sheer weight of his circumstances pressing in. He clenched his fist and forced himself to calm down.

"Think logically," Albus muttered. "I need Charles first. He's the best chance I have at building something stable here. If I get Magneto too, even better. But I can't trust them blindly." He took a slow breath, forcing calm. "Charles is reasonable... Magneto? Less so. But if I can stay neutral, stay in control, I can convince them both."

Opening the Book of Acceptance, Albus focused on Charles's name. The ink glowed faintly before revealing a location — a countryside estate on the outskirts of Westchester County.

"So he hasn't started the school yet," Albus whispered. "Good... I can still influence things." His mind raced.

If Charles and Erik were still early in their partnership, there was room to sway them. The risk was still enormous — Magneto's distrust, Charles's cautious nature — but he didn't have a choice. He had to try.

The journey was exhausting. Albus's system knowledge helped him navigate, using minor spells to avoid trouble and stay hidden. Without a wand, these small tricks drained him faster than he'd anticipated. By the time he reached Westchester, the weight of fatigue clung to him like a shroud.

The estate stood at the end of a long dirt path. A sprawling building, stately yet somewhat weathered. Its windows were dark, save for a faint glow on the lower floor. Albus approached slowly, his nerves tightening with every step.

"Calm," he whispered to himself. "Don't rush this."

He knocked on the door, each rap echoing too loudly in the quiet night. Footsteps approached — heavy, deliberate. The door creaked open, and a familiar figure stood on the threshold. Charles Xavier, a younger man than Albus remembered from the films — sharper features, with his hair still neatly combed. He looked at Albus with polite curiosity.

"May I help you?" Charles asked.

"Professor Xavier..." Albus began, pausing. "I know this is unexpected, but I need to speak with you. It's important."

The polite smile faltered, and Charles's expression turned wary. "I don't believe we've met before."

"No, but you will know me soon enough." Albus forced a calm tone. "I've come to offer you an opportunity... something that could change the future."

A shadow appeared behind Charles — Erik Lehnsherr. Magneto's presence filled the space with tension. His sharp gaze locked onto Albus like a blade.

"Who are you?" Magneto demanded.

"Someone who knows what you're trying to build," Albus said carefully. "And someone who can help."

Charles's brows furrowed. "And how exactly would you know that?"

Albus clenched his fist. They were already suspicious — too suspicious for him to bluff. He took a calculated risk.

"I know you're both extraordinary... gifted," Albus said. "I know about the powers you possess... and I know more than that." He took a step back, raising his hands cautiously. "I can prove it."

He closed his eyes, focusing on the magic now etched into his being. With deliberate precision, he cast a minor charm — a simple Lumos — with no wand. His fingertips flared with white light, illuminating the dim entryway.

Charles's eyes widened. "You're... a mutant?" he asked, intrigued.

"Something like that," Albus replied vaguely.

"Impressive," Magneto said, stepping forward. "Light manipulation without technology or equipment? Fascinating." His interest seemed piqued, but suspicion still lingered.

Albus reached out toward a wooden chair and focused. "Wingardium Leviosa," he whispered. The chair floated gently into the air, causing Magneto's gaze to sharpen.

"Telekinesis... with non-metal materials?" Magneto muttered, stepping closer. "That's... unexpected."

"It's not telekinesis," Albus said carefully. "And I'm not a mutant. I'm a wizard."

Charles and Magneto exchanged a look — disbelief and curiosity mingling in their eyes.

"Magic is real," Albus continued. "And mutants... you're magical as well. The only reason you rely on your natural abilities is because no one's taught you to harness magic properly. I can teach you."

Magneto's eyes narrowed, but there was intrigue beneath the suspicion. "You believe our abilities are... magic?"

"I know they are," Albus answered firmly. "You've tapped into something powerful — but you've only scratched the surface."

Silence stretched between them. Charles looked to Magneto, and for once, the older man said nothing.

"Give me a chance," Albus said quietly. "That's all I ask."

Finally, Charles nodded. "We'll talk more. Come in."

Albus stepped inside, feeling the weight of their scrutiny. The path ahead was uncertain, but one thing was clear — this was the first step in building something far greater than himself.