"Viktor," Dumbledore's voice was calm and pleasantly warm.
"I'm very glad to see you've returned safely. The Siberian tundra and those poachers didn't cause you and Tom too much grief, I hope? I hear you even earned yourself a rather nice little 'medal' out there."
Viktor stepped fully into the room and closed the door behind him.
"Professor Dumbledore, there was some trouble, but it's all sorted now."
He moved to Newt's side with a smile. "Granddad."
Only then did Newt snap out of his intense focus on the misty Occamy hatchling. He turned, saw Viktor, and his face lit up with a shy but utterly delighted grin.
"Ah, Viktor! You're back—good, good. Tina said you caught some poachers? You weren't hurt, were you? Those Siberian poison-horns in summer, when their horn magic is at peak activity, can be extremely—"
"They've all migrated to safety, Granddad," Viktor cut in smoothly and gently, heading off the impending lecture. "And I'm fine."
Newt exhaled in visible relief and rubbed his hands together.
"That's good, that's very good. Albus has brought the official offer from Hogwarts."
He gestured toward an elegant envelope on the desk, stamped with the Hogwarts crest.
Viktor stared at the familiar-yet-strange parchment for a moment, momentarily lost in thought.
Dumbledore rose, picked up the envelope, and held it out to him.
"The Hogwarts Board—and I personally—believe you are the ideal person to succeed Professor Kettleburn. Not only because of your family name and lineage, but because of the years you've spent travelling the world, your deep and unique understanding of magical creatures, and…"
He paused, his gaze growing noticeably deeper.
"…your experience dealing with true darkness. Hogwarts today needs a professor who can teach knowledge, protect students, and… spot the unusual before it becomes dangerous."
Viktor accepted the envelope but didn't open it yet.
He glanced at Newt, who gave him an encouraging nod.
"Professor," Viktor met Dumbledore's eyes directly. "I'll take the job. But I need to know—what exactly do you mean by 'unusual' and 'darkness'? Is it just… certain dark magical creatures? Or something more?"
The study fell quiet for several seconds. Newt shot a worried look at Dumbledore. Dumbledore steepled his fingers in front of him.
"Voldemort has returned, Viktor."
Dumbledore's tone remained even, but the weight of the words made the air feel momentarily heavier.
"Though the Ministry refuses to admit it, his power is growing in the shadows. His followers are moving. Certain dark creatures and Dark creations are becoming restless."
"I need eyes—eyes that can notice the 'off' signs, whether inside the castle, deep in the Forbidden Forest, or even around the students themselves—anything tied to dark forces."
"Magical creatures are often the most sensitive barometers of change in our world. And you understand them… and you've seen real cruelty."
He stepped closer and placed a hand on Viktor's shoulder.
"Of course, the primary duty is to pass on Professor Kettleburn's passion and knowledge for these wonderful beings, and to keep the students safe while they interact with them. I believe you'll do that wonderfully—perhaps even better."
Viktor finally opened the letter. At the edge of his vision, the system panel flickered silently:
[Mission Updated: Report to Hogwarts]
[Position: Professor of Magical Creature Protection]
[Reward: Grand Roulette Draw ×1 (Available Anytime)]
"I understand, Professor." Viktor nodded. "I'll do everything I can to keep the students safe. I just hope no one holds it against me that I'm a Hogwarts dropout."
Dumbledore chuckled softly. "I very much doubt that. I think everyone will like you quite a lot."
"Wonderful!" Newt exclaimed, clearly thrilled. He half-raised his hands as if to clap, then looked a little embarrassed and lowered them again. "Your case… I mean, your special one—is it ready? Hogwarts may want you to demonstrate your teaching habitat… and the students really ought to meet the new little ones."
"It's been ready for ages, Granddad. I can 'move in' anytime."
Dumbledore smiled. "Then welcome to Hogwarts, Professor Viktor. Before term begins, perhaps you could come to the castle a little early to familiarise yourself with the grounds. Minerva will need to coordinate with you on the practical side."
"I imagine Hagrid will be over the moon to have a new neighbour. The two of you always got on splendidly—oh, and speaking of your teaching assistant…"
Before he could finish, the study door exploded inward with a thunderous BANG!—leaving a perfect cat-shaped hole in the thick oak.
Tom stood in the doorway, half a sardine dangling from his mouth, crumbs of scone dusting his whiskers.
The instant he spotted Dumbledore and Newt, he gulped the fish down in one frantic motion.
Then—still chewing—he frantically shoved the section of door he'd knocked loose back into place, pulled a hammer and nails from… somewhere, and hammered everything back to normal with cartoonish speed.
Satisfied with his repair, he tossed the tools behind him (where they vanished into his fur), straightened up, and tried to look deadly serious. He even smoothed his whiskers with one paw.
In a blur of motion he stuffed the bearskin hat into his backside fluff, then yanked out a full set of deep-purple robes embroidered with moons and stars—exact Dumbledore style—plus a pointed wizard hat. He wrestled himself into the outfit in record time.
Finally he marched to Viktor's feet, puffed out his chest, wizard hat standing tall, and patted himself proudly before pointing at Viktor.
Then he turned to Dumbledore, gave a huge thumbs-up, flashed a massive toothy grin, and stared with pure, shining expectation.
Dumbledore watched the entire performance with keen interest. His eyes twinkled behind the half-moon spectacles.
"So this is Tom? Truly… one of a kind. If he's willing, and if you can guarantee classroom order, perhaps a position as 'Special Teaching Assistant' isn't entirely out of the question?"
Tom exploded with joy. His whole body puffed up a size larger. He launched into an impossibly high backflip right there in the study.
He landed perfectly, caught the pointed hat that had finally flown off during the manoeuvre, jammed it back on his head, and delivered the most extravagant bow imaginable—practically folding himself in half at the waist.
Viktor pressed a hand to his forehead. "Professor… I think you might come to regret this decision."
Dumbledore only laughed, the sound bright and genuine, echoing through the book-and-creature-filled room.
"Hogwarts has always welcomed unique souls, no matter what form they take. So—we'll see you again in a few days, Professor Viktor… and Assistant Tom."
"Goodbye, Professor Dumbledore."