Chapter 6: The First Invitation

The Great Hall flickered dimly that evening, its torches casting a muted glow as Albus pored over the Book of Acceptance. Pages shifted on their own, revealing names etched in shimmering ink. Some names glowed faintly — wizards marked by magical birthright. Others glowed brighter, like embers burning strong — mutants, their potential untapped but powerful.

Charles and Magneto stood nearby, watching in silence.

"You're really trusting this... book to know who belongs here?" Magneto asked doubtfully.

"The Book has never been wrong," Albus replied. "It recognizes those with potential — not just talent, but those who need a place like Hogwarts." His fingers stopped on a name. "David Monroe."

"I've heard of him," Charles said quietly. "He's powerful — a mutant with energy manipulation abilities. But he's... troubled. Aggressive. He's hurt people before."

"Which is exactly why he needs guidance," Albus said. "If he's ignored — or worse, targeted — his abilities could become dangerous. We need to help him."

"And what if he's already too far gone?" Magneto asked. "Some people can't be saved."

"That's a risk I'm willing to take," Albus said. "We'll never know unless we try."

Two days later, Albus stood outside a decaying apartment block on the outskirts of Chicago. The air smelled of rust and rain. Graffiti lined the brick walls, and shattered glass glittered on the pavement. This was where David Monroe lived.

Charles had warned Albus that David was volatile, but Albus had insisted on coming alone. If Hogwarts was to be a place of safety, he believed students needed to trust him first — to see he wasn't afraid of their power.

The area was grim. Piles of discarded newspapers and broken bottles littered the streets. Faded posters hung on cracked walls — some political, some warning about mutant-related incidents. The tension in the neighborhood was palpable.

He knocked twice. The door swung open violently, and a tall figure with gaunt features and tired eyes glared out. Sparks flickered around David's fingertips. His eyes were bloodshot, dark circles suggesting sleepless nights.

"What do you want?" David snapped.

"I'm not here to hurt you," Albus said calmly. "I'm here to offer you a choice."

David's eyes narrowed. "You a cop? One of Xavier's people?"

"I'm a teacher," Albus replied. "And I'm building a school — a place where people like you can learn to control your abilities... to grow stronger."

David scoffed. "I don't need a school. I need people to stop chasing me."

"I know," Albus said quietly. "But if you come with me, you won't have to run anymore. You'll have a place to belong. A home."

David's expression twisted with bitterness. "I don't belong anywhere," he muttered. "People don't want me — they're afraid of me. They should be."

"Then show me," Albus said, stepping closer. "If you're as dangerous as you believe, prove it."

Energy crackled in David's palm. Sparks danced across his knuckles, the air around him vibrating with unstable energy. For a moment, Albus braced himself — wandless magic prepared at his fingertips. But David hesitated. His hand trembled, sparks flickering out as his control faltered.

"You don't need to be afraid of yourself," Albus said gently. "You just need someone to teach you how to use your power — to control it, not bury it."

David's expression softened, anger giving way to exhaustion. His hand dropped to his side, fingers curling tightly. "And you think you can teach me that?"

"I can," Albus promised. "And you won't be alone. There are others — people like you — waiting at Hogwarts."

David looked past Albus, staring down the empty street as though expecting someone to emerge from the shadows. The tension in his body hadn't faded entirely — he seemed on edge, ready to lash out if threatened.

"You don't get it," David muttered. "People don't stop coming for guys like me. They never stop. They always find me."

"Not at Hogwarts," Albus said firmly. "I'll make sure of that."

David's gaze sharpened. "And if you're wrong?"

"Then I'll fight beside you," Albus said without hesitation. "We'll keep this school safe together."

David stared hard at Albus, searching his face for any sign of weakness or deception. After a long pause, his shoulders sagged. "Fine," he muttered. "I'll come. But if this is some trick..."

"It's not," Albus said firmly. "It's a second chance."

David stepped back inside and grabbed a worn duffel bag from behind the door. The bag was torn, patched with crude stitches. Albus couldn't help but imagine how long David had been living like this — drifting, isolated, unsure where to turn.

"Let's go before I change my mind," David muttered as he stepped outside.

Albus smiled faintly. "Welcome to Hogwarts."

Inside the castle, David followed Albus through winding corridors and narrow staircases. The cold stone walls seemed to press in on him, and every creak of the floor made David tense. Hogwarts felt alive, but it wasn't just the magic — it was the silence, the strange stillness that seemed to watch him.

"Where is everyone?" David asked, his voice low.

"We're still building," Albus said. "You're one of the first students. But that will change soon."

David snorted. "Great. Guess that makes me a guinea pig."

"Think of it more like... an opportunity," Albus replied with a faint smile. "You'll be part of something new. Something important."

They stopped at a doorway. Albus tapped his hand against the wooden door, and it opened on its own. The room inside was small but comfortable — a modest bed, a desk, and a window that overlooked the Hogwarts grounds. The walls were bare, but Albus knew that would change with time.

"This will be your room," Albus said. "You'll have space to practice your abilities, and I'll be working with you closely."

David slung his bag onto the bed and stood awkwardly by the door. "I don't need someone babysitting me."

"I'm not here to babysit," Albus replied. "But you'll need control, and I can help you get there." He paused. "You've spent a long time on your own, haven't you?"

David shrugged. "People don't exactly like to keep me around."

"That's going to change," Albus said. "At Hogwarts, you're not a threat. You're a student. Someone worth teaching — worth trusting."

For a moment, David said nothing. Then he lowered his gaze and muttered, "We'll see."

Later that evening, Albus sat with Charles and Magneto in the dimly lit staff room. The castle still felt too quiet, its vast halls seeming to whisper of a past not yet restored.

"He's going to need time," Charles said, breaking the silence. "David's angry — defensive. He's not ready to believe this place can be home."

"He's stronger than he realizes," Albus replied. "I saw it when he held back. He thinks his power makes him dangerous, but it doesn't have to."

"You're betting a lot on one student," Magneto said. "If you're wrong, he could burn this whole place down."

"Then I'll teach him how to control it," Albus said firmly. "We're not giving up on him — or anyone else."