Moriarty looked toward Lilith with deep, contemplative eyes, silently waiting for the proud eldest lady to relent.
Lilith noticed it, but as a woman destined to become queen, how could she allow herself to soften before a man?
Even if she liked him more than she let on, she couldn't forsake her pride.
The younger students sensed the strange atmosphere lingering between Moriarty and Lilith and began whispering among themselves.
Dumbledore pursed his lips and said, "Boys and girls, I have a suggestion for you. Would you like to hear it?"
Moriarty and Lilith turned their eyes toward the white-bearded wizard, who smiled warmly. "I think you won't find a better legal team than the members of the White Coats. From fusion spells to memory-captured enchanted cards, the mantras and the method of spreading legal knowledge are truly ingenious. Clearly, they've put considerable thought into their craft."
Dumbledore made no attempt to hide his admiration for the members of the White Coats, who beamed proudly at his praise.
Then, he turned to Lilith. "If Miss Piliwick chooses to work in the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, I believe that she and her team would make an exceptional legal force."
Lilith flushed slightly, partly from pride and partly from discomfort—after all, she truly had no desire to work for the Ministry of Magic.
"But," Dumbledore shifted the tone, "you mustn't regard yourselves as superior to others just because most wizards are unfamiliar with laws and regulations. I suggest you conduct small-scale legal support events inside the castle."
Gemma and Percy nodded in agreement.
Turning his gaze, Dumbledore addressed Moriarty: "Nicolas Flamel is a professor at Hogwarts, and you are a Slytherin student. This legal contract school you've formed with Nimbus… honestly, it's the first I'm hearing of it. Neither you nor Nicolas ever brought it to my attention."
He looked almost heartbroken, taking off his glasses and gently dabbing at invisible tears.
Everyone knew he was acting, but they played along with amused smiles.
"So, Professor, what do you intend to do?" Leon asked.
"Ah, thank you, Boys Chair, for pulling me back from my emotional theatrics. Otherwise, I might've drowned in the drama," Dumbledore chuckled, regaining composure. "Professor Flamel occasionally takes me to the Royal Theatre—his taste in plays is, let's say, quite… unique."
He looked around and chuckled softly. "Where was I?"
He walked back to the professors' chairs and sat down, the students well accustomed to his eccentric transitions, and they waited patiently.
"Well, the school won't intervene in this matter. That's wonderful, isn't it?" Dumbledore said joyfully. "How about assigning this case to the White Coats? I have full faith in their efficiency and ability. Miss Piliwick, what do you say?"
You're asking me to help Moriarty?
Lilith's emotions surged. She longed to be with Moriarty but feared she might ruin things.
"I don't think that's necessary," Moriarty spoke calmly, drawing attention. "Hogwarts used to have many societies. Lilith, you could form a society focused on legal support. You already have a ready-made team, don't you?"
He glanced toward the White Coat members. He couldn't recall their names, but they looked familiar. Most were girls, largely from second and third year.
Moriarty vaguely remembered them from every Slytherin Quidditch match—they always sat in the front row.
So, you're my fans?
A loyal fan group that had followed him from the beginning—Lilith had been one of the original organizers.
It made perfect sense now that she would rally a team for this cause.
The White Coat members stared at Moriarty as if gazing upon an angel.
Student-run societies were rare at Hogwarts. Each student in one was considered a top achiever, an elite in their grade.
Those who joined clubs often secured excellent jobs post-graduation.
The problem? Hogwarts' current clubs were all run by professors—not students.
Dumbledore pointed that out: "As you said, Moriarty, there used to be many societies here.
But perhaps you aren't aware—our former headmaster, Professor Armando Dippet, issued a ban on all student-run societies before his retirement. That decree remains ironclad, backed by every Hogwarts professor, the Twelve Governors, and even the Ministry of Magic."
Leon raised his hand, frowning. "But why did Headmaster Dippet ban student societies?"
Dumbledore gave Leon a long look. He opened his mouth, but no words came out. Professor McGonagall gave him a concerned glance.
It was clear Dumbledore didn't want to speak on the matter, but Lilith broke the silence. "Because of one man."
"Who?" the younger students asked in unison.
"Decades ago, he was so feared, even his name couldn't be mentioned. He nearly ruled the European continent, and his name is carved into magical history."
Lilith twirled a lock of her hair between her fingers, her eyes blazing.
"On the list of the most dangerous dark wizards in history, if he's not number one, it's only because a more recent threat claimed the crown."
Hissss—
Sharp intakes of breath echoed across the auditorium. Who could rival He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named?
Lilith gave the name: "Gellert Grindelwald. The original Dark Lord."
A subtle flash passed through Dumbledore's eyes—so brief that only Moriarty caught it.
The professors around him looked visibly shaken. The students stared in open shock.
Lilith took pride in the reaction, her voice turning icy.
"My grandfather told me that around 1937, when Grindelwald and his followers ran rampant, many Hogwarts students, led by Headmaster Dippet, took up arms and resisted them.
Hogwarts had many societies back then. They became the backbone of that resistance."
"Miss Piliwick speaks the truth," Dumbledore said gravely, his face weathered by memories.
"When the fog of war hung heavy over Britain, students formed societies to support the Aurors, defend the coasts, and combat Grindelwald's forces.
Principal Dippet himself led a society. I, Professor McGonagall, and Professor Flitwick were members of it.
But too many students fell during those turbulent times—ambushed by the Saints or perishing in battle. After the war, Headmaster Dippet dissolved all societies immediately."
The students sat in silence. None had expected such a bloodstained history behind the topic of school clubs.
"I believe student societies must be revived. Their existence is vital," Moriarty said, raising a hand, his tone resolute.
Dumbledore stared at him. "Why?"
"In war, societies played a vital role. That kind of courage and selflessness is worth learning. More importantly, in times of peace, we must foster creativity.
By reviving clubs and allowing students to form their own, we build an academic ecosystem where talent thrives, ideas clash, and souls grow. Such interaction enhances magical skill and personal growth.
Either way, it is a step forward."
Moriarty's gaze swept across the staff table, his sincerity unmistakable.
Dumbledore exchanged glances with his fellow professors but remained silent. Meanwhile, the students whispered excitedly among themselves.
Lilith fixed her gaze on Moriarty as if worried he might vanish. He's reviving clubs for me!
Her heart surged. She admitted she was touched—so much so, she wanted to leap into his arms and weep.
"Headmaster Dumbledore?" Jericho raised his hand cautiously. "I believe Mr. Moriarty makes a valid point. I propose we reopen the clubs."
"I second it!"
Upper-year students like Leon, Tonks, and Charlie raised their hands in agreement.
Before long, every student's hand was raised.
"Headmaster, bring back the clubs!"
"Headmaster, we promise to behave!"
"Professor Flitwick!"