"…That's just wishful thinking."
After a long moment of contemplation, Avada finally lifted his head again.
"There are at least hundreds of thousands of witches and wizards across the world. How can you possibly assume everyone will think the same way you do? Grindelwald rallied enormous support with a single call to arms. That alone proves a significant number of wizards still harbor the desire to dominate Muggles."
"And according to your plan, you intend to make wizarding society more advanced and more powerful than the Muggle world—so that Muggles will willingly coexist with you. In other words, the only thing preventing oppression or domination would be wizarding 'conscience.' There would be no external force capable of restraining wizards. You understand how fragile that kind of 'coexistence' sounds, don't you?"
Avada could tell that everything Professor Benjamin Baker had just said was sincere. That was precisely why he was willing to voice these doubts openly.
Of course, sincerity did not equate to trust. Not yet. At the very least, he would need to see the rest of the organization's leadership before forming any real conclusion.
Still, deep down, he genuinely hoped Baker was telling the truth—that this organization truly sought to reform society, spread knowledge, and eliminate Dark wizards.
And wizarding society truly did need a university.
As Baker had said, progress had become painfully slow. Efficiency was abysmal.
"I understand everything you've said," Baker replied calmly. "In fact, most of the professors here do."
"But let me correct one point—it's not 'conscience' that prevents oppression. It's law, and Auror wands."
"In our blueprint, wizarding society will surpass Muggles not only in strength and technology, but also in thought and social ethos. We will eradicate the soil that allows Dark wizards to thrive. We will drive blood supremacist ideology and prejudice from the minds of the majority. We will prepare for integration long before it arrives. This will take decades."
"With proper laws, oversight, and strict regulation of dangerous magic and artifacts, we can ensure that wizarding society as a whole treats Muggles with goodwill. As for individual extremists causing harm…" He shrugged slightly. "Even Muggles haven't solved that problem among themselves. How could we claim to?"
"All we can do is ensure that any wizard who actively harms Muggles pays the price."
"And don't underestimate Muggles either. Their own power is not insignificant."
"Besides, discussing post-coexistence scenarios now is premature. At the very earliest, that's a matter for decades—perhaps a century—from now."
He seemed satisfied as he watched Avada's expression gradually soften.
"For now, and for the foreseeable future, our objectives and methods are logical and morally defensible. That much is true, isn't it?"
"…Yes."
Avada nodded slowly.
Baker was a senior figure in the organization, and up to this point, he had been honest. For now, Avada was willing to believe the university was what Baker claimed it to be.
As for the deeper truth—
If he wasn't mistaken, he would have plenty of opportunities to verify and supervise it himself.
"In that case, Mr. Ken—"
Baker suddenly leaned forward, palms resting on the desk.
"I should clarify something. What I told you earlier wasn't recruitment."
"It was a job offer."
"Interested in becoming a professor?"
He stood, smiling, and withdrew a sheet of parchment from his robes, placing it before Avada.
"Yes."
Avada accepted the parchment almost without hesitation and read it carefully.
It was an employment contract reinforced with binding magic.
Frankly, he couldn't imagine a reason to refuse.
In many ways, this university had already taken on the very tasks he had intended to pursue himself—opposing the pure-blood families, reforming magical society, advancing magical knowledge, and ultimately abolishing the Statute of Secrecy to integrate wizards and Muggles.
And they were doing it well. The black tome alone was proof.
If everything Baker said was true, Nobby Leach University was practically a base delivered to him by fate itself.
And if darker secrets lurked beneath the surface…
Did they really think a magical contract could restrain him? With a bit of effort, he could erase the imprint in a matter of days and act accordingly.
The contract was meticulously drafted. No hidden clauses. No concealed tricks in the wording or parchment. Responsibilities were clearly defined and fairly balanced. The salary fluctuated with circumstances, but even the base amount was generous.
That only increased his confidence.
After reading every word, he drew his wand and signed his true name. The magical imprint, carried through the connection of the Vanishing Cabinet, etched itself into his mental field.
For him, it wasn't particularly strong. Removing it would take a few days' effort.
For anyone unable to perceive mental imprints, however, it would be nearly impossible to break.
"Excellent."
Professor Baker beamed as he collected one of the two contract copies and left the other with Avada.
"Welcome to Nobby Leach University, Professor Nathan Clarke."
"It's too late tonight. Tomorrow, you can meet the Headmistress, decide what courses you'd like to teach, or take on other assignments. You're fortunate you ran into me—most professors don't have the authority to recruit new faculty. We have spare guest rooms; you can stay there tonight. We'll arrange your own office tomorrow."
His smile faded slightly.
"You've been investigating the werewolf matter, haven't you? Now that you're a professor, you're authorized to know more… but that will have to wait until tomorrow."
"After you complete the formalities, go see Professor Damocles Belby. He's our expert on lycanthropy and is leading the investigation into the recent werewolf incidents. I imagine he'll be glad to have assistance."
"…Understood. Thank you, Professor."
Avada nodded somewhat absently.
A strange feeling lingered in his chest.
On one side, he was a fourth-year student at Hogwarts, preparing to participate in one of the world's most advanced magical experiments.
On the other, he had just become a professor at Britain's only magical university. When Nobby Leach University eventually stepped into the public eye, this identity would make him one of the most prestigious figures in the country.
So what about his original body?
That identity carried its own accomplishments and reputation—perhaps even greater ones in the future.
If wizarding society truly stabilized one day, if threats were eliminated and reform succeeded…
Would there still be a need to maintain two separate existences?
And if not—
Which one would he abandon?
(End of Chapter)