Marvel's Hogwarts Professor

SHIELD, Trident Building, Director's Office

Clatter! Clatter! Clatter!

Nick Fury's fingers tapped rhythmically on the desk as he scanned the report in front of him, his single eye narrowed in concentration. The crisp sound of his fingers striking the surface filled the room as he weighed the implications of what he was reading. Nearby, Natasha and Coulson exchanged a look, silently conveying their own thoughts.

With a slight smirk, Natasha pulled a sleek black card from her pocket, holding it up for Coulson to see. She gently twirled it between her fingers, a subtle gesture of pride. Coulson's eyes briefly flashed with envy as he observed the Level 4 magic card in her hand, one of the exclusive ones recently gifted by Gilderoy Lockhart to her and Bruce Banner.

Though Lockhart had previously gifted Coulson a magic card as well, it wasn't quite the same. His card was shared property, designated for SHIELD's use as a whole. In contrast, the cards Bruce and Natasha held were uniquely bound to them, usable only by the original recipients. Coulson's thoughts turned slightly bitter. I was the first to deal with Professor Lockhart, he thought. How is it that I ended up with the least useful card?

Yet, his face remained composed, betraying nothing of his inner thoughts.

Nick Fury, immersed in his review, seemed oblivious to their quiet exchange. His focus was entirely on the pages before him—a compilation of the latest intelligence gathered by Coulson and his team after their recent visit to Vientiane World. The document cataloged an array of magical items and potions available in the trading area, each more fascinating than the last. For Fury, the possibilities were tantalizing; he even entertained the idea of establishing a SHIELD-run store within the marketplace, imagining the potential to amass magic points through trade.

But there was a hitch: Lockhart had yet to permit the sale of technological weapons in his realm, focusing instead on magical items alone. Moreover, SHIELD lacked the means to produce a steady supply of magical resources. Disappointed, Fury dismissed the notion as a missed opportunity and turned his attention to the leisure area.

He was intrigued by the report on magic books accessible there, noting with mild surprise that Natasha possessed the potential to become a sorcerer. While the opportunity was certainly advantageous, he knew Kamar-Taj's strict policy: anyone joining its ranks would have to sever ties with SHIELD and, indeed, the world at large. Fury found this rigid approach baffling. Why does Kamar-Taj impose such severe restrictions? Do they even know what freedom and democracy mean?

Inwardly, he fumed. If a sorcerer had unrestricted freedom to meddle in worldly affairs, my first concern would be Lockhart's Vientiane World. Fury grimaced, realizing that SHIELD was ill-prepared to counter Lockhart's overwhelming power. Current analyses of Lockhart's abilities revealed no viable method to neutralize him; even nuclear options seemed futile.

The idea of sending Natasha to infiltrate Lockhart's ranks had crossed his mind in the past, but as he learned more about the magical world, he recognized the futility of such tactics. Magic contracts, he'd discovered, were practically designed to thwart espionage. While magic contracts could theoretically be broken, SHIELD lacked the necessary expertise or access to the means required to do so. Fury couldn't help but sigh, muttering inwardly, When you're behind, you're bound to be at a disadvantage.

His gaze shifted momentarily to the Cosmic Cube energy project, the one glimmer of hope amid SHIELD's challenges. The development progress had stabilized, offering a measure of comfort as he contemplated future strategies.

Breaking his reverie, Fury looked up and addressed Natasha. "Natasha, I'd like you to spend more time in the Vientiane World's leisure area. Focus on reading magic books, and remember to compile any insights you gather."

Natasha's face lit up at the assignment. "Thank you, Director. I'll make sure to organize my findings thoroughly."

A hint of excitement flickered in her eyes. The chance to explore Vientiane World on SHIELD's tab was too good to pass up. She'd been looking forward to sampling its facilities, perhaps even testing the practice spaces she'd heard so much about. Money had been the only limitation, and now that restriction was lifted.

Seeing her enthusiasm, Fury raised a brow, cautioning, "Natasha, remember that magic points are a valuable resource. Keep your spending in check."

"Understood, Director." She replied, her voice steady, but her mind already turning to how best to "optimize" her expenditures. If I'm aiming for high-quality intelligence, I'll need to experience the best Vientiane World has to offer, she reasoned, feeling justified.

Fury nodded, turning to Coulson with a contemplative expression. "Coulson, you handled the recent mission well. Given the increasing interactions with the magical world, I've decided to establish a new division within SHIELD. I'm calling it the Paranormal Affairs Defense Department."

Coulson's face shifted from surprise to excitement as Fury continued, "You've already developed a strong rapport with Lockhart and have experience handling supernatural matters. I want you to head this division and focus on all mystical and paranormal affairs from now on."

Then, Fury glanced back at Natasha. "Natasha, you'll be joining him. Together, you'll spearhead SHIELD's response to these new challenges."

Coulson straightened, a wide grin spreading across his face as he accepted a folder Fury handed him. "Director, I'll handle it." His enthusiasm was palpable as he opened the file, scanning the bolded heading: Flaming Skull: Rider of the Blazing Motorcycle, Strangler of Evil. Coulson's brow furrowed as he took in the photo—a man with a fiery skull astride a roaring motorcycle.

Meanwhile, in Kamar-Taj, David's Alchemy House

Master Heck settled into a seat in the living room, facing his colleague David, who listened intently as he brought up a recent meeting. "David, I represented our alliance in the peace talks with Lockhart. During our discussions, he seemed open to an agreement but had one request."

David raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Oh? What is Lockhart asking for? Is it something unreasonable?"

Heck chuckled slightly, though a hint of tension lingered. "Not unreasonable, exactly. Lockhart seems a bit wary of the way we've targeted him in the past. He wants to sign a contract—essentially a safeguard."

"A contract?" David's expression turned wary. "What sort of contract are we talking about?"

"Lockhart is frustrated by what he calls 'unrestrained plagiarism' in the magical world. He's proposing a patent-like agreement, a form of protection for any new potions, spells, or magical knowledge he creates. Others would be barred from copying and selling his work without permission."

Heck paused before adding, "Of course, if approached amicably, he's open to licensing agreements."

David's face shifted as he considered the implications, and Heck continued, "The contract would be reciprocal, protecting innovations on both sides. If any of us develop a new potion or spell, it would also fall under the contract's protection, ensuring fair compensation and a strong incentive for future research."

Lockhart's intentions were clear to David. The offer, while practical, was also a shrewd attempt to consolidate influence, weaving a web of mutual interests that would tie prominent sorcerers to him. The proposed Magic Patent Alliance would not only protect intellectual property but also deepen ties between Lockhart and Kamar-Taj's most influential figures, creating a formidable network of allies.

David's mind raced, contemplating the implications. If the patent alliance succeeds, it'll inspire Kamar-Taj's brightest minds to focus on new innovations, knowing their work is secure. The incentive structure would revolutionize the field, turning independent research from a mere hobby to a financially viable pursuit.

And Lockhart would benefit the most. Once established, the alliance would forge a lasting bond between him and Kamar-Taj's leading alchemists, potion masters, and magic scholars. If Lockhart succeeded, his influence would be cemented in Kamar-Taj, enabling him to shape its future—a chilling prospect for David.

"Yes, the benefits are clear," David acknowledged, a faint frown creasing his brow. "But I can see Lockhart's true aim: he wants an alliance that binds him with Kamar-Taj's elite."

Heck nodded. "You're right. It's an alliance of interests that could reshape our order, but it may be our best option. And the Sorcerer Supreme seems to be supporting it, either directly or indirectly. There's little doubt this has the Supreme's tacit approval."

David clenched his fist under the table, concealing his unease. If the patent alliance took root, Lockhart would be untouchable. Kamar-Taj's most skilled sorcerers would rally to his cause, and opposing him would become an insurmountable task.

Lockhart's rise was undeniable. In just a year, he had embedded himself deeply within Kamar-Taj, positioning himself to wield influence beyond what any outsider had achieved.

As Heck departed to share the alliance proposal with other sorcerers, David's expression darkened. This cannot go on, he thought. If Lockhart succeeds, he'll have allies too powerful to counter.

For David, there was only one answer. If he was to achieve his own goals—to unlock the secrets of chaos magic, to transcend mortality, to conquer the dimensional realms—Lockhart could not be allowed to survive.

Lockhart, your end is near.

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