The story has been updated, so I apologize for any inconsistencies.
A School Fit for a King
Mobius and Loki followed the mysterious professor through the orange, rectangle portal of the TemPad, only to find themselves in a very eccentric, elaborate room. It looked like a private office, only it was on a much grander scale. It had an exceptionally stretched ceiling. Bookshelves upon bookshelves, lined the walls, filled with tomes of every size and color. Several portraits also hung on the walls, neighboring some of the bookshelves, but these were no ordinary paintings; they moved. They seemed to be alive, interacting with one another, gossiping amongst themselves about the newcomers, right in front of Loki and Mobius without a care in the world. Each portrait was trimmed in some form of detailed golden frame, adding to the room's opulence and mystery.
Spherical trinkets and trophies of various shapes, sizes, and materials adorned more shelves and mantelpieces or hung from the ceiling. They glinted and sparkled in the ambient light, drawing the eye to their intricacies. Glass bottles and flasks of peculiar liquids, some emitting a soft glow, were arranged neatly on rich wooden cabinets and tables. A large, fiery red bird, its plumage like living flames, perched regally on a stand next to a dark, ornate oak desk. The creature's eyes glittered with intelligence as it regarded the newcomers.
Sunlight streamed in through an enormous window, creating patterns of dancing light and shadow on the richly carpeted floor. A large pendulum swung back and forth just outside the window, its rhythmic ticking providing a soothing backdrop to the room's otherworldly atmosphere.
The most enigmatic feature in the room was a wide pedestal in the corner. At first glance, it resembled a glorified birdbath, but its purpose remained shrouded in mystique. Loki felt oddly drawn to it.
"Wow …" breathed Mobius, still gazing around the room. Albus smiled delightfully as they took in the room.
"Well… this greatly exceeds Renslayer's office," Loki quietly teased him.
"This exceeds anyone's office," he whispered back. Mobius leaned in slightly closer towards him for a brief second realizing his choice of words. "Don't tell her I said that," he added quickly.
"Enjoying ourselves are we?" chuckled Dumbledore, giving his bird a gentle stroke on its cheek. The magnificent fowl cooed. They turned around, giving him their full attention.
"What is this place?" asked Loki.
"This ... is Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry … and I am its headmaster," said Dumbledore proudly. Loki blinked hard twice.
"Hang on … what did you just say?" he said a bit too excitedly. Dumbledore's smile broadened, and his eyes practically twinkled. Mobius snickered hard.
"Oh god... This place is perfect for you," he muttered to Loki under his breath. The headmaster stepped away from his red bird, finally arriving at the point.
"Now then, there are a few conditions should you choose to aid us," he began, but Loki was too astounded to really listen. "I would like you to act as an assistant to our Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, while you look for your Variant. The students are unaware of the details, and I think it wise that it remains that way … for the time being," said Dumbledore firmly. Loki's jaw fell lower. Mobius noticed and just shook his head, and laughed to himself.
"Do not let the students know why you are here, do not tell anyone exactly who you are without my permission, find your variant, and return them from whence they came. Fail to do so or cause any unnecessary trouble, and I will personally send you straight back to the TVA. Understand?" he continued, noticing that the Trickster's face was still frozen in a child-like shock.
"Loki?" asked Mobius when he didn't answer.
"This … this is a trick … right? There's a catch?" he demanded, highly skeptical.
"I believe I just listed all the catches," he said kindly.
"And, I'll have my magic back … is no one concerned about that?" he probed with open palmed arms. The headmaster leaned forward with a gentle smile, peering over his half-moon glasses.
"Oh, you're not the only one who can perform magic here, Mr. Laufeyson," added Dumbledore in a calm tone. With a wink, a cabinet behind them caught fire. Green flames roared. Mobius and Loki jumped back together in fear. With a simple wave, the headmaster made the flames die out and the cabinet unharmed. Mobius and Loki didn't even realize they were holding on to each other from the jump scare. They let go awkwardly and straightened their clothes.
"Agent Mobius," announced the headmaster.
"Yes …"
"While I have no problem with your company at this school, there are others who might," said Dumbledore sadly.
"What's that supposed to mean?" sneered Loki, offended for him.
"Unfortunately, there are some who discriminate against those who cannot perform magic. I fear if you stay, your safety will be more at risk," he said honestly.
"What? That's ridiculous!" said Loki. The TVA agent couldn't help but be slightly happy that the mischievous scamp was angry for him.
"Loki …" he said calmly.
"Those people wouldn't be saying any of that if they took one step in the TVA!"
"Loki! It's okay," said Mobius. He reached in his pocket and flashed his TemPad.
"I can watch from afar, remember? You do what you have to do here. And I'll do what I have to do there. Sound fair?" he said to both of them. Dumbledore gave a respectful nod. Loki sighed, not wanting to compromise. He trusted Mobius, but not this supposed grand wizard.
"Besides, someone has to watch for any branching in the timeline," he said, giving Loki a pat on the shoulder. Mobius loaded up his portal behind him. "I'll be in touch," he said warmly and stepped through the glowing orange light. Once it disappeared, one of the very few people he trusted other than himself was gone, leaving him alone with no way out except for a child's prayer.