Chapter Three
Lucius Malfoy's Perspective: Headmaster's Office, Hogwarts

The familiar scent of old parchment and polished wood filled the Headmaster's office as Lucius Malfoy settled into the emerald green leather chair. His sharp eyes took in the details of the room—Dumbledore's desk, cluttered with curious objects, and the various portraits of former headmasters and headmistresses who seemed to be watching the meeting with muted interest. The atmosphere was heavy with the weight of history and magic, but Lucius remained composed, his mind focused on the task at hand.

Beside him, Marcus Williams, the American founder of GAIA Industries, shifted slightly. His presence was an anomaly in this world of magic—an outsider, a Squib, who had somehow made his way into the sanctum of one of the most powerful wizards alive. Lucius could sense the tension in the room, the slight unease in Williams' posture, but also the determination that had brought the man to this point.

Dumbledore's blue eyes, twinkling with that infuriating blend of wisdom and mischief, were fixed on them both. Lucius could feel the old man's scrutiny, as if Dumbledore were peeling back layers to see the true intent beneath Lucius's well-crafted exterior.

"Tell me, Mister Williams," Dumbledore began, his voice soft yet commanding, "why do you feel that the students of this school need to know about Mundane technology?"

Lucius watched as Williams blinked, the question seemingly catching him off guard. There was a moment of silence, broken only by the faint ticking of a nearby clock and the rustle of Dumbledore's robes as he leaned back slightly in his chair.

"Well, Professor Dumbledore," Williams started, his voice steadying, "I am what you call a Squib, but my parents never threw me from the family. Using their wealth, I got a good mundane education and found an interest in technology, particularly in computer science and programming. I used both my family's money and my savings to build my company, and with Mister Malfoy's help, I can finish my dream project and release it for the world to enjoy."

Lucius allowed himself a small, almost imperceptible smile as Williams spoke. The man was eloquent enough, though clearly nervous. The Headmaster's office had that effect on people, especially those not accustomed to the sheer power that pulsed through the very stones of Hogwarts.

Dumbledore's gaze shifted to Lucius, and the smile on the old man's face was one of polite curiosity. "And what is your interest in this, Lucius, if I may ask?"

Lucius met the Headmaster's eyes, his expression carefully neutral. "It is one of pure business, Professor Dumbledore. I feel it is time that the wizarding community of our great nation joins our friends in America by teaching the next generation everything they need. If that means educating them about mundane technologies like video games, then so be it."

Dumbledore studied him for a long moment, and Lucius could almost hear the wheels turning in the old man's head. The silence in the room was thick, almost oppressive, broken only by the crackling of a small fire in the hearth and the occasional creak of ancient wood.

To his surprise, Dumbledore finally nodded. "I agree with you, Lucius."

The words were so unexpected that Lucius felt a flicker of shock ripple through him. He quickly suppressed it, but not before Dumbledore's knowing smile deepened.

"You what!... I'm sorry, say that again," Lucius managed, his voice calm despite the surprise.

Dumbledore's eyes sparkled with something that might have been amusement. "I agree that we must change with the times or fall by the wayside as the rest of the world moves forward without us. To that end, Professor Williams will need a place to set up his classroom and quarters, as the students will be arriving in a few hours."

Williams looked both relieved and elated, his face lighting up with a smile. "Thank you, Professor Dumbledore. I'll get set up right away. Again, thank you."

"Think nothing of it, my good man," Dumbledore said with a dismissive wave, his attention already shifting back to Lucius. "Now, on to the change from the honored tradition of the Tri-Wizard Tournament to using Professor Williams'… Gaia Online, is it?"

"Yes," Lucius confirmed, leaning slightly forward in his chair. "I spoke with Cornelius regarding how dangerous the tournament was in the past and how, by using the technology that the students will be learning about this coming year, we could show that Hogwarts, as well as the greater wizarding community of Great Britain, is looking to the future of our children. The Minister would be remembered for his part in helping that future take shape."

Dumbledore's silence was telling, the gears of his mind turning as he considered the proposal. Lucius knew the man well enough to recognize when he was weighing options, calculating potential outcomes.

Finally, the Headmaster spoke. "How quickly can your project be set up and ready to go, Professor Williams?"

Williams, who had been staring at the floor in thought, quickly looked up. "When do the other schools arrive?"

"Students from both Beauxbatons and Durmstrang will be arriving on the 30th of October," Dumbledore replied.

"That will be more than enough time to set up, if I am allowed to use a few select members of my team from back home."

"Of course," Dumbledore agreed, his tone decisive.

Lucius rose from his chair, feeling a sense of satisfaction settling over him. "Well, now that everything is in order, I must see to other issues back home. Feel free to let me know of anything that I could help with."

As Lucius turned to leave, the door to the office opened, and Professor McGonagall walked in. Their eyes met briefly, a nod of acknowledgment passing between them before Lucius inclined his head towards Dumbledore and made his way out.

The cool air of the corridor outside was a welcome contrast to the stifling atmosphere of the Headmaster's office. As he walked, Lucius allowed himself a moment of reflection. Everything was falling into place. The pieces were moving on the board, and soon, very soon, the game would begin in earnest.

And Lucius Malfoy intended to be the one holding the winning hand.