"Hogwarts shouldn't fall behind, especially since the founder of this training technique was one of our own."
McGonagall frowned, clearly unsettled.
"You know that's not the issue, Albus.
Offering advanced training is fine, anything that benefits the students is worth considering. But are you really thinking of inviting him back to teach?"
Dumbledore raised an eyebrow, a hint of curiosity in his eyes.
"What's wrong with him?
I recall you were quite fond of him during your school days."
Minerva's smile faded as she leaned forward.
"There's nothing wrong with his abilities, and I'm proud to have taught such a gifted student.
But the problem is his reputation."
She sighed deeply.
"You're well aware of how he's viewed across the wizarding world.
And don't forget, he just won the International Wizarding Duel Championship recently. That only adds to the controversy."
Even now, he works as an Auror training consultant for the Ministry of Magic in several countries. He's also an equipment supplier internationally and a senior researcher at the International Alchemy Research Center.
On top of that, he's known as the founder of tactical training.
A pioneer of a whole new approach. To outsiders, he's practically seen as another young Dumbledore!
McGonagall glanced at Dumbledore with a look full of complaints.
"Don't say I didn't warn you. Do you really think a man as busy as him would just invite you back to Hogwarts as a professor if you asked? You'd only end up getting rejected, and that would be embarrassing for you."
Dumbledore chuckled at her words.
"Minerva, it's nice to know you still care about me, but your worries are unnecessary. You're right about his achievements, they're truly impressive. Sometimes I can't help but marvel at how far he's come. But exactly because he's so capable, Hogwarts needs him even more."
He sighed with a hint of sadness.
"You know how the Defense Against the Dark Arts classes have been lately. It's been difficult to find good teachers year after year. If this keeps up, Hogwarts will fall behind the other magic schools. As for whether I can convince him to come back, I'm confident. I believe the offer I'm preparing will catch his attention."
McGonagall nodded thoughtfully.
"So, you want him back not only as a training professor but also to help fix the problems in the Defense Against the Dark Arts program caused by the recent decline."
"That's right," Dumbledore agreed.
"He's always had a talent for managing students. I still remember the positive changes he brought to the houses during his last two years here, even if things have slipped back since then."
"But..." McGonagall hesitated.
"Even if that's true, is it really necessary to invite him personally? Wouldn't bringing back one of the Aurors he's trained be enough to fix the problem?"
She eyed Dumbledore suspiciously.
"Have you heard any strange rumors about him lately? Is there some prophecy from a Divination professor that's got you so interested?"
"Hehe, you don't have to always be so hard on Trelawney, Minerva. She's actually doing a good job in her role," Dumbledore said with a smile, shaking his head gently.
McGonagall gave him a blank look.
"You mean because she always predicts students' deaths every year? If that's the reason, I don't think it's something to praise."
Dumbledore's expression turned serious as he looked at her.
"Minerva, the boy who's enrolling next year needs her."
McGonagall hesitated, caught off guard by his words.
"He... well, I can't really explain. You'll just have to trust me on this."
After their chat, McGonagall left the office deep in thought.
Meanwhile, Dumbledore stood by the window, watching the young wizards below celebrating the end of term.
"I'm afraid your good days are numbered," he murmured to himself, a hint of sadness in his eyes.
Remembering a rumor McGonagall had mentioned, he added quietly, "Sorry, Minerva. As I get older, I find myself growing more superstitious."
He then muttered an old prophecy under his breath: "The blessing of the seventh star of the Big Dipper will guide the savior through darkness. Will the silver lightning finally pierce the night sky?"
His gaze hardened with determination before he vanished in a flash.
When he reappeared, he was standing in the bustling Diagon Alley, heading straight into a lively shop known for its constant buzz.
'Now I see why Minerva called him "grand".'
Dumbledore looked up at the enormous Wilson's Arcane Alchemica that stretched over thousands of square meters, packed with all kinds of magical goods.
Inside the Wilson's Arcane Alchemica, cheerful music filled the air, and colorful magical creatures danced in the light, making it feel like a tiny enchanted zoo.
Beside him, nearly a hundred wizards smiled warmly as they moved back and forth between counters filled with all sorts of unusual alchemy items.
They chatted about the latest gadgets in the store or gathered around the record counter, carefully picking out their favorite albums.
Some of them could be seen wandering the shop every day, though they never bought anything, they were just enjoying the music and the cool air conditioning.
"Is this quiet scene just because it's the off-season? I can't imagine what it's like once the kids come for summer vacation," Dumbledore said with a hint of emotion as he shook his head.
Then, he made his way toward the innermost counter.
At that moment, behind the commercial bank counter, a husky dressed in a tuxedo was expertly counting money for customers.
Even regulars often wondered how the dog managed the cash register so skillfully.
"Fang," Dumbledore called out gently, not wanting to disturb the busy dog, but realizing he couldn't wait all day without interrupting.
"Wow?" Fang looked up in surprise.
When he saw Dumbledore, he smiled broadly.
"Principal Dumbledore! What a surprise to see you here today. I'm not on vacation, unfortunately, I'm too busy to come out and greet you properly."
"That's okay," Dumbledore said, smiling at the dog's cute expression.
"I'm here to find Alex. Is he in the shop today?"
"Let me check," Fang replied quickly. "He's meeting guests on the third floor, but they're all people you know. Wait a moment, I'll have someone take you up to find him."
Without missing a beat, Fang called out, "David! David!
Where are you?"
Soon, David, who had graduated over a year ago but still looked a bit shy, hurried over holding a box of alchemy amulets.
"You kid, after more than a year here, you're still so timid! Didn't you see Principal Dumbledore come in? You don't know how to welcome him properly. Take the principal to the office on the third floor, quickly!"
At that moment, Fang was pointing at David like a boss giving orders to his subordinates, almost like a dog barking commands.