Chapter 4: Foundations of Trust

The following morning, Albus sat quietly at the breakfast table in Charles's home. The scent of fresh coffee drifted through the air, but none of them seemed focused on their plates. Charles, reading a newspaper, kept glancing at Albus as if waiting for something. Erik, on the other hand, was distant — arms crossed, gaze sharp and calculating.

"So," Charles said, finally setting the paper aside. "You said you need teachers. What exactly do you have in mind?"

Albus placed his cup down and straightened. "I want you both to see what Hogwarts is — what it can become. Words won't be enough." He hesitated. "I'd like to take you there. Today."

Magneto scoffed. "You expect us to follow you to some ruin just because you say it's special?"

"It's more than that," Albus said firmly. "It's a place of potential — a place where mutants, wizards, anyone who doesn't belong elsewhere... can find a home." His voice softened. "I know you've both spent your lives fighting for those who are different. Hogwarts can be the place where no one has to fight to belong."

Charles's gaze lingered on Albus, thoughtful. "And how exactly would you protect them? A few floating chairs won't stop the kind of threats mutants face."

"That's why I need you," Albus said. "I know spells that can create barriers, wards that repel even the most powerful attackers. But magic — as strong as it is — can't replace leadership. The students will need guidance. They'll need hope." His eyes shifted to Magneto. "And they'll need strength."

Magneto tapped his fingers on the table. "If I do this," he said slowly, "I won't stand by and teach children to hide. If mutants are to survive, they must learn to defend themselves."

"They will," Albus promised. "I intend to train them in combat magic — defensive and offensive. They need to be prepared."

"And if they're attacked?" Magneto asked pointedly. "If someone comes to harm them?"

"Then they'll fight," Albus said. "And they'll win."

The room fell silent, only the faint clink of Charles stirring his coffee breaking the quiet.

"Show us," Charles said. "Show us this Hogwarts."

Hours later, they stood before the castle. The towering stone structure loomed above them, shrouded in a light mist. The air felt colder here, as if Hogwarts itself were still asleep.

"Not exactly welcoming," Magneto muttered.

"It's waiting," Albus said. "Come inside."

The Great Hall was cold and dark, its enchanted ceiling showing nothing but swirling gray clouds. The long wooden tables were coated in dust, and the floating candles had long since gone out. The castle felt... hollow.

Charles shivered slightly, and even Magneto's confident steps faltered. "This place feels... abandoned," Charles murmured.

"It's dormant," Albus corrected. "But not broken." He took a breath and reached for the magic within him.

"Lumos Maxima," he whispered, extending his hand upward. Light exploded from his palm, flaring to the ceiling like a miniature sun. The enchanted sky flickered, then reignited — swirling clouds parting to reveal a star-studded sky. The cold air seemed to warm as torches ignited along the walls, bathing the hall in golden light. Dust drifted away from the tables, the faint hum of magic returning to the air. The castle felt... alive again.

Charles exhaled softly. "Incredible."

Even Magneto's stern expression shifted slightly, curiosity flickering in his eyes.

"This," Albus said, lowering his hand, "is what Hogwarts can become. But I can't do it alone." He turned back to them. "I need people who understand power, who know what it means to be different. I need you both."

For the first time since they'd met, Magneto's voice lacked its usual edge. "And what happens when this place — this dream — is threatened?"

"Then we'll defend it together," Albus said quietly. "With magic, with strength, and with belief that we're building something that's worth protecting."

The silence that followed carried more weight than before. Finally, Charles nodded. "I'll help you," he said. "But this... this will take time."

"Time is something we have to make," Albus replied.

Magneto lingered a moment longer, staring up at the enchanted sky. "I'll help," he said at last. "But I make no promises about playing nice."

Albus smiled faintly. "I wouldn't expect you to."