Saturday afternoon, Defence Against the Dark Arts office.
"You mentioned in your essay that the International Confederation of Wizards maintains a standing task force in the mountains to help control the situation. That's correct—after all, XZ has one of the worst records for wizard secrecy, and Muggle sightings of the Yeti are far too frequent."
"However, I suggest you quote the specific wording of Article 73 of the International Statute of Secrecy. It will make the argument more rigorous; otherwise the logic feels slightly incomplete."
After finishing his feedback on Cedric's essay about the Tibetan Yeti, the student prefects packed their books and papers, said their goodbyes, and gradually left the office.
"Charlie, stay a moment."
Just as Charlie Weasley was about to leave with his brother Percy, William called him back.
Charlie paused, unsure why, but nodded for Percy to go on ahead. Percy gave him a curious look, then left with his books.
When the door closed, William waved his wand, cleaned the teapot, and brewed two fresh cups of tea.
"Sit. No need to be so formal." William slid a cup toward him with a smile. "As a professor, I shouldn't publicly favor any House—but privately, congratulations. Gryffindor winning the opening Quidditch match of the season was spectacular."
Charlie beamed, freckles stretching with his grin.
"Thank you, Professor. It's my final year at Hogwarts. Even with the pressure of the N.E.W.T.s, I still want to lead the team to one last Quidditch Cup. I don't want any regrets."
"Having a goal is a good thing." William sipped his tea casually. "I heard Professor Kettleburn mention that you don't plan to join the Ministry after graduation. You want to become a dragon keeper… or a dragon researcher?"
Charlie's eyes lit up.
"Yes. Ever since I chose Care of Magical Creatures in third year, I've wanted that. After graduation, I plan to apply to the Romanian Dragon Sanctuary."
William nodded approvingly. "Adventurous. I like it."
Then he changed direction.
"But I've also seen your passion for Quidditch. Your performance on the pitch is undeniable. Have you ever considered going professional?"
Charlie's smile faded slightly as he thought.
"I'm only saying this as an observer after watching the Gryffindor–Slytherin match," William added lightly. "You're talented. It would be a shame not to try. I still have contacts in the Department of Magical Games and Sports. If you're interested, I could write a recommendation or introduce you to scouts."
He smirked.
"Besides… England's performance in this year's World Cup qualifiers was painful to watch."
Charlie instantly agreed.
"It was a disaster! I still can't believe the Beaters let Romania's Seeker catch the Snitch right in front of them!"
But his frustration faded, and he sighed.
"I've thought about it before, Professor. But in the end, I still want to study dragons. If I must choose, I'll choose dragons."
"Following your heart is admirable." William set down his cup and leaned forward. "But I think you may be trapped in a false dilemma."
"A false dilemma?"
"You think you must sacrifice one passion to pursue the other. But sometimes, you can have both."
Charlie hesitated. "So… you mean I should study dragons and play Quidditch as a hobby?"
"No," William said. "The opposite."
"If it were me, I'd become a professional Quidditch player first. Then, after retirement, devote myself fully to dragon research."
Charlie gave a wry smile. "That still sounds like choosing Quidditch. Professional players are incredibly busy—I wouldn't have time for dragons."
"Let's do the math." William raised a finger. "Quidditch careers rarely last past thirty. You graduate at eighteen—that's roughly twelve years."
"Twelve years is nothing in a wizard's lifespan. At thirty, you'll still be young, with decades ahead to study dragons."
Then came the practical argument.
"Top Quidditch players earn astronomical sums—signing bonuses, salaries, endorsements. And dragon research is expensive. Sanctuaries burn through Galleons every year for equipment, food, and land."
"If you start as a dragon keeper, you'll be working for someone else. But if you retire as a Quidditch star with money and fame… you could fund your own research. Even establish your own sanctuary."
"With money, dragon research becomes far easier—and freer."
He gestured out the window.
"If you choose dragons immediately, you'll work exhausting shifts in remote mountains. You'll hardly touch a broom again. That's when you truly lose one passion for the other."
Charlie fell silent. He had never considered it that way.
He'd always chosen based on passion, encouraged by his parents to follow his heart—never considering finances or long-term planning.
William smiled and summed it up:
"You have two choices."
"Follow your favorite passion immediately and live a fulfilling but likely modest life as a dragon keeper—at the cost of a professional Quidditch career."
"Or enjoy both passions: let Quidditch fund your future dragon work. The only cost is postponing dragons by a decade."
"The choice is yours."
Charlie's frown slowly eased, eyes bright with new possibilities.
"That… actually makes a lot of sense. I never thought about using Quidditch money to fund dragon research."
But he didn't decide immediately.
"I need time to think about this. It's a big decision."
"Of course." William stood and patted his shoulder. "You still have over half a year before graduation."
He chuckled.
"If England reaches the World Cup final four years from now, I'll take some credit."
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