Chapter 3: The Weight of Conviction

Albus sat across from Charles Xavier and Erik Lehnsherr in a modest sitting room, the air tense with uncertainty. A small fire crackled in the hearth, barely cutting through the chill that clung to Albus's skin. Magneto's sharp gaze hadn't left him since they entered, while Charles leaned forward with a mixture of curiosity and doubt.

"You say you're not a mutant," Charles said slowly, fingers steepled beneath his chin. "Yet you can manipulate light... and lift objects without touching them. That sounds like a mutation to me."

"I understand why you'd think that," Albus replied, choosing his words carefully. "But what I did wasn't some biological gift — it's magic. Magic drawn from knowledge, study, and discipline. Mutants... you have raw potential — powerful potential — but no one's ever taught you how to shape it properly."

"And you believe you can?" Magneto's voice was low, skeptical. "You think you can teach us to do... that?" He gestured toward the chair Albus had levitated moments earlier.

"Yes," Albus said firmly. "Magic isn't exclusive to wizards. It's tied to potential — something all mutants possess. The power you've tapped into is only a fraction of what you're capable of. Given the right training... you could master abilities far beyond what you've known."

Magneto's gaze darkened, his fingers curling against the arm of his chair. "I don't need anyone teaching me how to use my power," he muttered. "I've done just fine without some... wand-waving nonsense."

"You've done well," Albus acknowledged. "But you rely on instinct. And instinct can only take you so far. What if there's more? What if you could amplify your power, refine it, even expand it into areas you've never imagined?"

Magneto's expression hardened, but Albus saw the flicker of doubt beneath the anger. He knew he'd struck a nerve.

"Even if that's true," Charles cut in, his tone softer, "you haven't explained what you're really here for."

"First," Albus interrupted, "I want to prove something else. Professor Xavier, I'd like you to try reading my mind."

Charles blinked, surprised. "I... suppose I can," he said carefully. "If you're sure."

"Go ahead," Albus encouraged, leaning back in his chair. 

Charles's eyes narrowed slightly as he reached out with his mind. His expression shifted almost instantly — frustration flickering across his face. "I... I can't," Charles muttered. "Your mind... it's like a wall. I can sense you, but... nothing else."

"That's because of Occlumency," Albus explained. "It's a magical defense — the art of shielding one's mind from intrusion. Skilled wizards can guard their thoughts, memories, and even control what an intruder might see."

"And you've mastered this?" Charles asked, intrigued.

"Not entirely," Albus admitted. "Wizards also have a counterpart ability called Legilimency, which allows us to read minds like you can. The difference is, Legilimency requires eye contact and skill to access specific memories. Occlumency? It's far stronger at blocking unwanted entry."

"Fascinating..." Charles murmured, clearly impressed. "Your magic isn't just tricks and spells — there's discipline behind it."

"That's why I'm here," Albus said. "Magic isn't chaotic or wild — not when trained. Mutants already have the potential for greatness, but without structure, many will struggle. Hogwarts can give them that guidance."

"I'm building a school — a place for gifted individuals, for those with powers and abilities who don't fit into this world. A sanctuary where they can learn safely. Hogwarts will be more than a school — it will be a home. But I can't build it alone. I need teachers."

"And you want us?" Magneto's tone was sharp. "Two strangers you barely know?"

"I know enough," Albus said quietly. "I know what you both want. Charles... you want peace, a place where mutants can thrive without fear. And Erik... you want strength — a way to ensure mutants can't be oppressed. Hogwarts can offer both."

"You speak as though you know us," Magneto said coldly. "As if you understand what we've been through."

Albus hesitated, choosing his next words carefully. "I know enough to see what's coming. People fear what they don't understand, and mutants are the perfect target. The world isn't ready for you... yet. They'll lash out in fear, and when they do, mutants will need a place where they can be safe, where they can learn to control their abilities. Without that... things will spiral out of control."

Charles exchanged a worried glance with Magneto, but neither spoke.

"I'm offering you a chance to build something lasting," Albus continued. "A place where mutants — or anyone with power — can belong. Without fear. Without prejudice. Without war."

"And what if we refuse?" Magneto's voice dropped to a dangerous growl.

Albus met his gaze steadily. "Then I'll find others who will help. But this — this is a chance to build something powerful. Something that can change the world. Are you willing to risk missing that?"

Silence stretched between them. Charles rubbed his temple, tension creasing his brow. "This... Hogwarts," he said quietly. "What exactly do you expect from us?"

"I need guidance," Albus answered honestly. "You understand people — their strengths, their fears — in a way I never could. I need you to teach the next generation how to harness their power, how to thrive in a world that doesn't understand them yet."

"And me?" Magneto asked darkly. "What use would you have for someone like me?"

"Discipline," Albus said without hesitation. "Focus. Strength. Not every student will be peaceful. Not every lesson can be gentle. You know how to command respect, how to teach students to survive. I need that." He paused. "I need both of you."

Magneto's lips twitched upward — a grim smile. "You want me to be your enforcer."

"I want you to be a protector," Albus corrected. "For the students. For your people. For those who will come to Hogwarts seeking hope."

Magneto leaned back in his chair, silent once more. The weight of his memories seemed to hang over him like a shadow.

"We'll talk more," Charles said finally, voice quiet but certain. "I want to know more — about your magic, your school... and what exactly you're expecting from us."

"Agreed," Magneto added. "If you're telling the truth... I want to see what else you can do."

Albus smiled faintly. "I was hoping you'd say that."