The familiar feeling of Apparition twisted Toji's insides as he and Professor McGonagall reappeared in Dumbledore's office. The sudden change in scenery—from the bustling Quidditch stadium to the quiet, softly lit office—was slightly disorienting. McGonagall took a moment to steady herself, glancing over at Toji, who seemed perfectly at ease. He always was.
As they regained their bearings, McGonagall gave him a sidelong glance, the hint of a mischievous smile curling at the corners of her lips. "Harry, I couldn't help but notice Jennifer Keddle's... enthusiastic reaction to you. She looked quite taken."
Toji chuckled, leaning against Dumbledore's desk, crossing his arms with a sly smirk. "Oh? You noticed that?"
McGonagall shook her head, though she was smiling. "You were quite the charmer, weren't you? The poor girl looked like she'd never been flirted with in her life."
"Well, I aim to leave an impression, Professor," Toji replied, a playful glint in his eye.
McGonagall shook her head, though it was clear she was amused. The stern facade she often wore seemed to melt a little around Toji, giving way to something softer and warmer. They were still talking animatedly, McGonagall teasing Toji about Jennifer, and Toji responding with his usual mix of charm and arrogance, when they both noticed the room was not empty.
The rest of the Hogwarts professors were there, all of them staring at the pair with a range of expressions, from curiosity to bemusement. Dumbledore was standing beside his desk, his eyes twinkling, while Snape stood with his arms folded, an eyebrow raised. Flitwick and Sprout were seated nearby, clearly intrigued by the sudden arrival and subsequent banter.
McGonagall cleared her throat, her cheeks flushing slightly as she realized they had an audience. "Ah... Albus. It seems we're back."
Dumbledore smiled, eyes alight with amusement. "So I see, Minerva. And it sounds like the tryouts went well?"
Toji, undeterred by the audience, gave a confident nod. "Quite well, Professor Dumbledore. I impressed everyone who needed impressing. Now, it's in the Ministry's hands to decide whether I'll be allowed to participate in the World Cup or not."
The portraits of the former headmasters, hanging on the walls around the office, stirred to life. Several of them leaned forward, their eyes widening in surprise and admiration. Phineas Nigellus Black, one of the more vocal portraits, spoke up, his voice dripping with curiosity. "The World Cup? This boy is only a second-year, and he's already trying for the World Cup? Remarkable."
Another portrait muttered, "Dumbledore, it seems you'll be growing a lot grayer with Potter around."
A few of the portraits chuckled, clearly enjoying the spectacle. It seemed this was a running joke among them—secret gatherings of the headmaster portraits, sharing stories about the living, all while making playful bets about how much stress each new development would cause Dumbledore. The old headmasters knew entertainment when they saw it, and this new Harry Potter was certainly delivering.
Snape stepped forward, his dark eyes narrowed, a tinge of jealousy barely concealed. "Impressing a crowd is one thing, Potter, but I trust you have a proper report on the events. Including any... extra interactions with certain members of the Ministry?"
Toji's grin widened at Snape's pointed question, and he could feel the curiosity in the room heighten. "If you mean Jennifer Keddle, Professor, we did flirt a bit. Enough for me to secure a date during the winter break, just before the World Cup."
There was a moment of silence, followed by Professor Flitwick leaning forward, eyes twinkling with interest. "Only a date, Mr. Potter? Surely there must be more to it than that. After all, Ms. Keddle seemed quite taken."
Toji laughed lightly, shrugging. "Well, let's just say we'll stay in touch through letters. She's been quite helpful in pushing my entry into the National Team. Apparently, if you're talented enough, the Ministry is willing to forget you're underage, just so they can claim you as the youngest Seeker in history."
Professor Sprout's eyes widened, and a few of the other teachers exchanged looks of disbelief and astonishment. Snape, however, simply scowled, though it seemed more from begrudging respect than anything else. Even he had to admit that Potter's accomplishments were extraordinary.
"Are you serious, Potter?" Sprout asked, her voice full of amazement. "The youngest Seeker on a National Team since Quidditch began?"
"Seems so," Toji said, his tone light, though there was a sharpness in his eyes that suggested he was more than aware of the magnitude of his accomplishments. "I think they just want the publicity of it all."
Dumbledore beamed, his eyes twinkling behind his half-moon glasses. "It seems we will have to make some special accommodations for your training, Harry. I am quite certain that balancing your studies and playing for the National Team will be a considerable feat, but I have every confidence in you."
McGonagall, looking at Toji with a mix of pride and maternal fondness, nodded. "He'll manage, Albus. I've seen him do incredible things already. He just needs the proper support."
Toji gave McGonagall a sidelong smile, and she returned it with a small nod.
"Well, well, Mr. Potter," Dumbledore said, his voice warm and filled with admiration. "It seems that your journey here is proving to be most extraordinary indeed. Hogwarts is fortunate to have you."
Toji inclined his head, a sly grin playing at his lips. "Thank you, Professor. I plan to keep things... interesting."
The portraits murmured among themselves, some of them laughing, others nodding in approval. It seemed that, among them, Toji was rapidly becoming a legend in his own right.
As the meeting concluded and the professors began to leave, Dumbledore approached Toji, his eyes full of both pride and curiosity. "One word of advice, Harry—keep your heart open, and let it guide your actions. You are on a remarkable path, one that few could even dream of."
Toji nodded, his expression inscrutable. He had already resolved to forge his own destiny, one that was entirely different from anyone else's. He didn't need Dumbledore's advice, but he appreciated it nonetheless.
After everyone had left, Toji made his way back to the Slytherin common room. The day had been long, and yet, as he lay in his bed, staring at the ceiling, he felt exhilarated.
Jennifer Keddle's flushed face came to his mind, and he couldn't help but grin. The way she had been completely captivated by him had been almost too easy. He had used their correspondence to ensure that he would make the National Team, and now he was all but guaranteed a spot. He knew the Ministry couldn't resist the allure of the headlines: "The Boy Who Lived: Youngest Seeker in National History."
Everything was falling into place, exactly as he intended. He would keep pushing boundaries, keep breaking records, and, more importantly, keep gaining power. Hogwarts had no idea what it was dealing with.