To the wizards, these words were no longer a question of right or wrong. They completely shattered the worldview they had built over the years.
Some Muggle-born and half-blood wizards sank into thought, dazed...
They had no intention of arguing with Manus over the definition of magic. His knowledge of the field far surpassed theirs.
But Manus claimed that Muggles could use magic too... No, the two sides did not even share a definition of magic. How could they skip over that definition to discuss the issue?
"Perhaps you can't understand, but that doesn't matter. Not everyone's path needs to be understood."
Manus shook his head with some regret. Was I still too impatient...? Still, the outside conditions were more or less in place. There was no harm in making his stance a little clearer.
"All you need to do is witness it."
After the first morning lesson, everything remained unremarkable. Only after the second lesson did the effects of Manus's remarks begin to emerge...
"Manus!"
Severus strode along at a furious pace, no longer bothering to act natural. His voice through the Communication Charm was intensely urgent.
"What you said earlier has made Slytherin—"
"Calm down, Severus. Let them come."
Manus's calm voice quelled Severus's unease. That understanding and certainty made Severus realize that Manus had anticipated this development... and naturally, had prepared for it.
"Go on. If I remember correctly, your potion will be ready for the next step in half an hour."
Severus froze.
"But—"
"Don't worry. They're just a few youngsters who haven't even graduated. It's not as though Voldemort is here."
Speaking through the Communication Charm carried no risk of triggering the magic Voldemort had placed on his own name, but Severus's heart still tightened slightly. That fear had been ingrained by the obituaries and