Celestial Ascendancy
Chapter 66: We are Dragons.
Hogwarts.
Elias Black.
I returned to my girls, quietly closing down a bit the link between myself and the Aetherius. Even then, I could still feel the connection to the wardstone deep within me. The drain was noticeable but manageable.
It was a strange sensation. Wonderful, yet disorienting. My magic was refueling faster than it was being used.
The wings retracted and vanished as if they'd never been there, and I decided not to think too hard about it.
Even now, I could hear the whispers. Some were murmuring prayers... actual prayers as they looked at me in awe and hope. I didn't like that.
It made my skin crawl. I did my best to act normal, even if I felt more uncomfortable than ever.
Dumbledore looked at me with something close to wonder, though he quickly replaced it with a warm smile, glancing up at the golden dome.
"That was something else, my boy," he said, full of gratitude. "You gave these people something they sorely needed."
"Hope," Croaker grunted from beneath his mask, his eyes wide and just a bit crazed. "Hope is a powerful thing, young man. You did well. Word will spread. More people will come seeking refuge."
"I don't like that," I muttered, shaking my head. "I'm not perfect. And when something bad happens, they'll blame me for not being more... blame me for not stopping it."
"That was awesome, Eli," Iris grinned, clapping her hands excitedly. "Good thing I got that on video. Rias and Akeno are going to go wild over it."
"Heh," Fleur snorted softly, before she smirked. "Those two are like moths to a flame. The fact that you're so dangerous to their kind excites them."
"Isn't that only Akeno?" Hermione raised an eyebrow.
"I said what I said," Fleur replied, grabbing Mione's hand. "Rias isn't as normal as she acts."
"Please move out of the way!" an almost frantic voice shouted behind us.
A blonde girl I hadn't seen in what felt like months nearly bulldozed through a group of startled Aurors. They looked ready to stop her until Amelia raised a hand, letting her through with a curious glance.
She was crying, clearly shaken, and for a moment, I thought something terrible had happened in the school before the ward had finished activating.
"Daphne? What are you doing?" Iris asked, confused, as the blonde marched straight toward us in a near panic.
I'd never seen her like this.
Daphne Greengrass ignored Iris completely. Her eyes were locked on me.
In seconds, she reached me and threw herself into my arms, hugging me tightly and babbling into my chest.
I looked at the girls, hoping for answers. But they were just as confused as I was.
"Daphne, did something happen? What's gotten into you?" Hermione asked gently after a solid minute as the Slytherin girl continued babbling.
Daphne sniffled, looked up at me, and wiped her nose on her robe without an ounce of shame. I conjured a handkerchief with a wave of my hand and passed it to her.
She took it silently, fresh tears already welling in her eyes.
"Do any of you know what's going on?" I mouthed to Iris and Hermione.
Both shook their heads, their concern growing.
"Daphne, it's okay. Take a breath. Just… tell us what's wrong," I said softly, patting her back.
It took nearly a full minute before she calmed down enough to speak... or do anything, for that matter.
Everyone around us was watching now. Even the professors. Most of them knew her. Maybe not as a friend, but as the cold, quiet girl no one really messed with.
Seekvaira had nothing on her when it came to icy demeanor, and that said a lot.
Finally, she hiccupped and pointed toward the distance.
We turned.
Far off, near one of the main pathways, stood her little sister, Astoria, and what I assumed were their parents. All of them were crying, though not with grief or terror. These were different tears. Disbelieving tears.
I frowned.
The only thing I could tell was that it wasn't bad news. But it still didn't explain all this.
I glanced back at the girls.
Then I looked at the Headmaster. His eyes had widened, and he suddenly stepped forward.
"You know something, old man?" I asked, still patting Daphne's back as she clung to me.
"Oh dear," Dumbledore murmured, walking briskly toward the Greengrass family.
We watched in silence as he reached them. He waved his wand, murmured something under his breath… then shook his head in what looked like wonder. He turned to the parents and spoke in a quiet voice.
They collapsed around Astoria, hugging her with a mix of joy and disbelief. The girl sat stunned on the floor, tears still streaming down her cheeks.
Dumbledore returned slowly, a strange look in his eyes.
"Elias," he said, voice hushed. "You did something else today… and I'm not just talking about the ward."
"Will you explain already? I'm getting weird looks over here," I exhaled, shifting my stance as Daphne still hadn't let go.
The old bastard chuckled softly.
"Miss Astoria Greengrass has suffered from a blood malediction since birth," he said. "The Greengrass family searched the world for a cure. Not even Madam Pranitha could cleanse it." He looked at me with marvel, "But you did. You freed her, Elias. She's cured."
"I don't know why you did it or even what you are, and I honestly don't give a fuck," Daphne said quietly, her eyes red and filled with tears, "But you did what everyone else failed to do. You helped my family in a way no one ever has… Thank you, Elias. Please, if you ever need anything, absolutely anything, just send an owl. My family will do everything we can to help you."
"I…" I opened my mouth, completely unsure what to say to such heartfelt gratitude... especially with the borderline reverence in her voice. "I'm happy to help, Daphne. I'm just glad your sister is healthy now. No need to thank me, it was my pleasure."
She shook her head firmly. "This is beyond thanks, Elias. But I can see how uncomfortable this makes you, so I'll go back to my family and dote the ever-living shit out of Astoria. She's a gremlin, but she's my sister… and I love her more than anything. Thank you."
She hugged me one last time, then smiled brightly at my girls and the Headmaster before retreating to join the emotional pile on the floor.
"I'll never get used to that," I groaned, willing my magic to cloak us. Shadows came alive and veiled the group from prying eyes.
"You're their savior, Eli," Iris teased dramatically, swooning with a hand over her heart.
The girls joined in, laughing softly.
I groaned louder as I heard the adults still within the dome chuckling to themselves.
"So… what's the plan?" I asked, turning to Bones, Croaker, and Dumbledore. "We hurt Voldemort today, but we haven't won yet."
"I'll speak with Rita," Dumbledore said, stroking his beard thoughtfully. "We'll use The Daily Prophet to announce Hogwarts as a sanctuary."
"When people start arriving, I'll increase patrols in key government areas. That should help a lot," Amelia added.
"Use someone else," I shook my head. "Rita's helping me track down Voldemort's last tether. I just need Sirius to finish his deal with the goblins, once that's done, he'll be mortal."
Croaker gave me a serious look. "How many of those things are left? Herpo's work, right?"
"You know your stuff," I chuckled, genuinely amused. "By the way, how are you bypassing the hundred, if not thousand oaths you're probably under to help us?"
"Intent matters, boy," he replied gruffly.
Iris snorted and fist-bumped him.
I stared, slack jawed, as he actually fist-bumped her back.
Shaking my head, I continued, "Whatever. I'm missing two. I've got one in my trunk and the other in Gringotts, Sirius should retrieve it soon. The only one left is with Voldemort or in some hidden location. Rita's hunting that one in her Animagus form, but I haven't heard back from her."
"She's an Animagus?!" Bones squeaked, then immediately scowled. "That's how she got so much secret information… that bitch. I should fine her into the ground."
"Amelia, dear… priorities," Dumbledore chuckled at the fuming redhead.
She huffed but held her tongue.
"What's the last one she's looking for?" Dumbledore asked, his eyes lighting up. "Maybe Severus has seen it."
"A snake. Voldemort's familiar," I answered seriously, and focused on Dumbledore.
He didn't flinch at the name. Weird.
"We'll keep an eye out," Croaker grunted. "Don't destroy the ones you already have. I've got an idea that'll piss the bastard off."
"Count me in, then," I smirked.
Timeskip 1 week.
Elias Black.
I grabbed the spare enchanted bag I left outside the castle and coated myself in fire, burning away the grime and blood clinging to my body. Getting through this ruin of a fortress in northern France had been a pain in the ass. Not because it was hard, but because of all the crap that had led me here in the first place.
Still, the sound of collapsing stone and burning debris was music to my ears.
Rita had come to me a few days ago with news about Nagini, and Snape confirmed that Voldemort had a hold here, meant to prepare outside forces before sneaking them into Britain. With that confirmation, I came to lay waste to every last bastard hiding inside.
Dumbledore had to use his considerable political sway to practically browbeat the French Ministry into allowing this operation. They hadn't even known about it and got pissy when we offered to fix their problem. But whatever. It was done. Nagini was nothing but ash on the floor now, along with over a hundred European mercenaries.
I stopped counting, which is probably better for my mental health.
Now, if only that crazy witch Walburga would show herself, I'd actually be satisfied. They kept sending me on wild goose chases, but we didn't have a choice. Every lead had to be checked.
Voldemort had gone silent after the Battle of the Ottery, and that was exactly what we didn't want. That's why Croaker suggested we provoke him into acting.
I didn't like the plan, because it involved me calling him out. If I'd known I'd end up speaking in front of every Ministry official and journalist in Wizarding Britain, I wouldn't have agreed so fast. But it was too late to back out now.
And Croaker wasn't wrong. If anything was going to make Voldemort move, it would be this.
"Ash," I called through the bond.
In a flash of golden flame, I was back in the castle, landing in the Room of Requirement, where my girls were already waiting.
They looked worried when they saw me, but I gave them a tired smile. This war… it was wearing all of us down.
Even with the absurd level of security surrounding Hogwarts, we lived every day in a state of readiness. The constant training and alertness wasn't healthy.
And inside the castle? It was chaos. The logistics alone of hosting over three thousand people were absurd. I was grateful I didn't have to deal with any of it.
Dumbledore, the professors, and a few Lords who'd taken refuge were handling the management. Surprisingly, Lord Greengrass, or Septimus, as he insisted we call him, was taking care of nearly everything himself.
He was scarily good at management.
He'd thrown his full support behind us after I helped Astoria, even if I didn't mean it.
Speaking of the gremlin, now that she was cured, she'd started gaining something of a reputation… primarily for trying to befriend the mourning Weasley twins.
Speaking of the Weasleys… what could I even say? They were a mess. All of them.
Molly was a shell of her former self. She took the younger kids under her wing, teaching them how to defend themselves. It eventually reached the point where Iris and Hermione took her example and started running dueling classes and group activities to keep people occupied.
Ginny wasn't doing well, either. But Iris tried her best to help, even if that meant beating the redhead into the ground during training until she couldn't move. It was sad, but Ginny was adamant. She wanted to be the best fighter here, not counting us. Her words, not mine.
We were... famous now. All of us.
Iris, Hermione, and Fleur led the so-called "club," working with some of the more combat-oriented professors. They destroyed everyone in practice. The only people who could hold their own against them were a few top Aurors, Flitwick, and Dumbledore, and that said a lot.
"Is it done, love?" Hermione asked as she took Ravenclaw's Diadem and set it gently on the table.
She adored that gift, and they all abused it nonstop. We even had a perfect replica ready for the press conference.
"Yeah," I muttered, slumping into the couch. "A hundred or so wizards and witches, some werewolves, and Nagini. All gone."
Hermione bit her lip, a hint of worry in her eyes, then gently pulled my head into her lap and began running her fingers through my hair.
"And what about you, Eli? Are you feeling okay?" she asked softly.
"Tired," I admitted, eyes fluttering shut. "I… I don't feel much when I get rid of people like that."
I paused. Then, added quietly, "Does that make me a bad person?"
"I think the answer to that is complicated, love," Fleur said from her seat, offering me a small but understanding smile. "War can make us do horrible things. But as long as we hold to our convictions, I don't think we're doing anything wrong."
"They called me a monster," I murmured, sinking deeper into Mione's thighs. Merlin, I needed to stop thinking about all this.
"For them, you might be," Iris said seriously. "But tell me, Eli… what do you think the people here see?"
"Some are scared of me," I snorted.
"And they should be," Hermione giggled. "Eli, you're something else to this world. No one in the past few hundred years has had your level of power. Maybe longer."
She sighed, "It's understandable they might be afraid. But you're a good person, Eli. You fight to protect them and you're cleaning out the rot the Death Eaters left behind."
"Let's hope you're right," I sighed. "How much time do I have before the conference?"
Iris pulled out her phone, thank God we'd finally gotten enough for everyone, and checked it.
"You've got thirty minutes to get ready, Eli," she said with a smile. "Want us to use you as our dress-up doll?"
"Fuck no," I smirked, "But I doubt you'll let me escape it."
"Damn right," Iris smirked back, then frowned. "Though I think we shouldn't make you look too good… too many girls have been following you lately."
"And they all want to join the harem," Fleur giggled. "You lit a fire under those witches, Eli."
"And a couple of wizards," Hermione added with a shit-eating grin.
I shivered. I definitely didn't swing that way.
"Let's change the topic, loves," I said with a wry smile, earning a round of quiet giggles.
"Fine, fine," Iris grinned, standing up and grabbing a mokeskin bag from the table. "Sirius got the Cup. Everything's ready."
"Then I better change my robes," I nodded, kissing her brow. "Now, who wants to use me as their Ken?"
The bright, wicked smiles on their faces told me everything I needed to know.
My suffering was going to be worth it.
-Scene-
Hogwarts' courtyard had never been this full; of that, I was certain. Everywhere I looked, hundreds of people waited in silence, eyes fixed on the podium where I was meant to speak.
I was going alone, mostly because, like it or not, I'd become the face of the so-called light side.
Which I neither liked nor appreciated.
Dumbledore, the bastard, was hiding a smirk behind his hand. I just knew he was enjoying the freedom of no longer carrying that weight while I got stuck with it.
Hell, he probably found it hilarious.
I walked steadily forward. And strangely enough, I didn't feel nervous. Uncomfortable as hell? Absolutely. But not nervous. Deep inside, this felt... right. Like it was meant to be.
The front row was packed with Ministry officials and Lords of significance. Neville's grandmother, Septimus, Amelia, the new guy, Fudge. It was a full house.
It was practically public knowledge now that those who weren't here were likely helping the other side, even if no one dared admit it out loud.
Behind them were reporters from every publication in Britain and even some from abroad.
Obviously, most of the traditionalist block hadn't shown up. They didn't dare.
Merlin… I hadn't even finished reading Croaker's script. Welp, it's time to wing it.
"People of Britain," I began, my voice clear and a bright smile, like I was born to do this. "You've been wronged."
A ripple moved through the crowd. I smiled sharply.
"You've been let down. Left in the hands of corrupt politicians, spineless cowards, and monsters who think wearing black robes and chanting Latin makes them powerful."
I let that hang in the air, "They want you afraid. Broken. Willing to accept whatever leash they throw your way just to feel safe. But I'm here to tell you… not anymore."
I didn't even need to raise my magic. My words were enough. I saw backs straightening and chins lifting.
"Tom Marvolo Riddle," I said, letting the name ripple through the air, "you're not a Dark Lord. Hell, you're not even a proper dark wizard. You're a scared little man hiding behind a name you stitched together when you were a teenager."
Gasps rippled through the crowd as my wand traced glowing letters through the air, shifting into I am Lord Voldemort.
"You don't face your enemies. You send others to die for you. You don't lead; you sow fear. You don't conquer; you crawl like the bug you are. Your entire existence is just one long, pathetic attempt to run away."
I stepped forward and continued firmly. "You ran from death. You ran from your name. You ran from your blood. You ran from your own fucking soul."
There were murmurs now, some of show, some awe, some fear. I grinned.
"You claim to be immortal. And sure, you've returned from the dead." The fear deepened, but I continued despite the hush that fell into the crowd.
"But you know what?" I shrugged. "You're not untouchable. You're no god. And as of today…"
Iris tossed me the Cup. Hermione levitated the fake Diadem. Fleur stepped up, holding the Nagini replica.
"As of today, you're just a mortal man." Magic built around me, my light flooding the stage like a sunrise. My voice took on an ethereal edge.
With a flick of my wrist, the Horcruxes were obliterated. The Cup shrieked as it died, swallowed in a wave of cleansing light.
"A mortal, scared little man, Riddle," I said into the silence. "And one who won't live for long. You'll try to run like the coward you are. But I will find you."
I turned my eyes to the crowd. "And to those who follow him, or even those waiting to see who wins… " I scowled, "You're cowards. Every last one of you. But I don't blame you. Some of you are scared. Others enjoy preying on the weak. A few think you're being smart by staying out of it and supporting the winner."
"Well, I'm not scared of you. We're not scared of you," I raised my voice, letting it echo across the courtyard.
"And we, the brave Aurors, the professors, the civilians! Hell, even the students will face you! Because WE. ARE. NOT. AFRAID."
I let the silence settle.
Then, I lowered my voice just enough to make the crowd lean in.
"Everyone knows the school motto, Draco Dormiens Nunquam Titillandus. And we? We are the dragons."
My magic pulsed, and my presence increased just enough to be felt by everyone.
"I don't run, I don't hide... I fight. And I'm not alone. We fight! For every student in this school. For every family that lost someone. For every child who deserves to grow up without fear."
The cheers had already begun, but I kept going, my voice coming out as if I was siging.
"So come out, Riddle. We might lose people… but we're prepared for that. And those we lose? They'll be honored. Because their lives mattered. Because they stood for what was right. We take care of our own. And no one will be forgotten."
-Scene-
"Was it too much?" I asked, my lips twitching as the girls looked at me weirdly.
We were all together, finally. Even Rias and Akeno were here in the Hollow. I'd escaped the courtyard feeling a bit ashamed, but the people had eaten it up... like crazy, and that was enough. Tomorrow, every single paper in the country, and possibly Europe, was going to plaster that speech on the front page.
God that was embarrassing.
"We are dragons!" Rias cackled with Iris while the rest giggled behind their hands.
"Oh, Iris. You just made my day with this video," she smirked and snuggled with Iris on the bed, repeating scenes and laughing.
My face burned.
"I liked it," Akeno said as she calmed herself and sat on my lap. Her eyes were bright, a happy and sincere smile on her face. "The people believed in you. It did its job. So, don't feel ashamed, Eli."
"Thank you. You're the only one on my team," I smiled at her.
Her dimples showed as she pressed her forehead to mine. "I'll always be. You know that."
I stole a quick peck and pulled her tightly against me. "Thank you for coming. I missed you two."
"It's our pleasure, Eli," Rias finally turned off her phone and crawled toward us. "We missed you all. It's not the same anymore. Also, my peerage was asking if they could do something to help."
"Oh! And I have news!" she added excitedly. "I got a new bishop!"
"Oh? Did Pranitha finally give in?" I smirked at her.
Akeno smirked as well. "Told you he'd know."
Rias pouted, hugging me from behind. "Yes… she accepted. And something peculiar happened."
"Oh? Do tell. Were there any complications?" I asked, a bit worried. I liked the woman, all of us did.
"No, no," she quickly shook her head, earning sighs of relief all around. "It's just… her demonic power is different than usual. She can still use Wizarding magic without any issue, and her reserves grew. A lot. She will enter the Ultimate class with some training."
"Really?" Iris asked excitedly with a weird glint in her eyes, "How does that happen?"
"Well," Rias pursed her lips, "she was already high-class, but like I said, her reserves almost doubled, and her magic has this new weight to it without losing versatility. She's currently the strongest member of my peerage."
"You don't say," Hermione murmured with the same glint as Iris.
I smiled at her, and she blushed.
They were sold. I just knew it. I doubted anything would happen before things settled in Britain, but I suspected they'd become devils sooner or later.
They probably would've done it already if it wouldn't get Rias in trouble for participating in this war.
"I'm glad, for both of you. Pranitha is a kind person. And now that she'll live longer, I can see her becoming an absolute beast," I said softly to Rias. "She'll take care of you all."
"And we'll take care of her," Rias said firmly. "She's helped us more than we like to admit… she'll be family."
"Seeing how things progressed between us," I shifted slightly to look at the three who didn't know my secret, "we decided to clue you in on my… peculiarities."
Fleur smiled sweetly. Rias and Akeno looked confused.
I explained everything about the Grimoire. Mainly how it worked and what perks I currently had. And boy, did they have questions.
Naturally, they focused on two rolls: Man-Made Messiah and the Aetherius.
It took over an hour, maybe two. When I was done, they were stunned.
"That's absurd," Akeno shook her head. "Like… that's even worse than a Longinus."
"We know," Iris said seriously. "But we're trusting you to keep it to yourselves."
"You have Gacha," Rias murmured with shining eyes, before she panicked.
"That would put you at risk even with gods, Eli," Rias clutched my arm worriedly. "We'll never speak a word of this to anyone. I swear that on my name."
Her magic fluttered, and I blinked at her, completely stunned.
"I swear that I will never speak a word of this to anyone not in the know," Akeno said, lifting her hand as a magic circle formed over her chest.
Before I could say anything, Fleur joined in.
"I, Fleur Delacour, swear upon my name and magic that what I learned today will never leave my lips unless I'm speaking with one of us," she said, smiling at me.
"You three didn't have to do that," I sighed, pulling them all into a hug.
Iris and Hermione chimed in with similar words as we all embraced.
"It was for the best, Eli," Fleur shrugged.
Rias nodded firmly. "But enough of that. Show us!" she demanded with wide eyes.
Grinning, I pulled out the Grimoire and opened it.
400 Points Remaining
Just You, Me, and Them – Deathloop (400 Points)
Whether magically or technologically, you have the ability to lock down a district or smaller area in order to trap a particular target. The target is unable to escape unless they perform a certain task in order to lift the lock—such as destroying a magical pillar or downloading unlock codes from a tower. While inside the lockdown, you and your allies gain boosts to your physical parameters, such as reaction speed, movement speed, accuracy, and strength.
Bought. 0 Points Remaining.
"Huh," I murmured as the girls watched me like hawks.
"Well? What did you get, Eli?" Rias asked, practically bouncing on the bed.
"Deathloop," I said slowly, and the surroundings were immediately cut off by a translucent barrier. I felt the instinct to set a condition for release, and I chose three glowing seals on my body that had to be hit.
My body shone with golden light as three marks formed and began to glow, drawing the girls' attention.
I quickly explained what the ability did, and they all studied the dome curiously.
"Want to help me test it out?"
The girls squealed and began launching attacks like maniacs, and to my surprise, nothing even dented the dome.
"Try hitting the glowing areas," I said.
Iris threw a Stunner at me. The magic tickled, but the moment it hit a seal, that seal broke.
"Interesting," Hermione murmured, then stepped up and punched my abdomen, right on the second seal. It broke cleanly, even if the hit felt like nothing.
Rias walked over, turned me around, and touched my calf.
The dome shattered instantly.
"I can see so many uses for that," Hermione said, eyes gleaming. "It's perfect for minimizing collateral damage, Eli. And you can go all-out without risking us if we're outside it!"
"Yeah," I grinned, "this is awesome."
"I want to try teleporting inside. Activate it again!" Rias asked excitedly.
"Deathloop," I murmured, but nothing happened.
"Huh. Seems like it has a cooldown. Should be good to go again in an hour."
"Damn," Iris pouted. "Well, whatever, it's still a super good roll, Eli."
I nodded and waved my hands, my girlfriends squealing as they were lifted up and thrown into a pile on the bed, and I jumped straight into it.
"Now we rest," I said into the pile, smiling as they each chose their favored positions, "Love you all."
Golden Dawn Headquarters.
Third person PoV.
Ancient runes hummed faintly beneath the stone floor as five figures stood around a polished obsidian table. Photos thrown onto the table showed the new wards above Hogwarts, as well as pictures of Elias Black, Dumbledore, and their inner circle.
The ancient woman broke the silence.
"Her Highness demands an answer," Isadora Greaves, Royal Magician of the British Crown, narrowed her eyes behind her glasses. "We have been forced to give the wizarding world its independence for centuries. But now? Explosions in Little Hangleton. Light pillars seen from space. Their war is endangering everything. What will we do?"
The man across from her leaned back with a scoff. Cassian Thorne, a High-class magician of the Golden Dawn, gave her a lazy smile. "Do?" he drawled. "Nothing. It's not our mess. Let Dumbledore and his little bastard handle it."
"I can smell your fear and jealousy, you pedantic relic," Isadora hissed. "You all swore to help. Should Britain face an unnatural threat, your Orders swore to protect the Isles. Or have you conveniently forgotten all the help the Royal family gave you?"
A flicker of irritation crossed Cassian's face, but he said nothing.
The other Golden Dawn mage, Michael Rowntree, sighed and adjusted his mantle. "We are watching, Lady Greaves. Our observers confirmed it. Voldemort is no longer a mere nuisance. His return… it's stabilized. Even if the boy's right and he is mortal, none of us can stop him without making a mess."
He paused, "But he's not the core threat."
"Then who?" asked Ser Gareth Pendragon.
Michael looked around the table as he continued grimly, "The Hexennacht. Our spies alerted us weeks ago. Odin's strike forced them underground, but it didn't destroy them. It pushed them to unify. We believe they're preparing for something big."
Gareth frowned. "And you want us to charge into battle with what? Our knights and students? Walburga is an Ultimate-Class magician by herself, not counting that blasted Longinus! She'd carve through us like dogs. That's not even talking about her allies!"
From his left, his younger cousin Brienna Pendragon spoke softly, "Then we wait?"
"No," Isadora said sharply. "We plan. The Crown already sent a liaison to the ICW. They've yet to return."
Michael Rowntree met her gaze, "Then let's admit it… times are changing. If we don't stop them, the Hexennacht will shatter the Ancient Pact and drag the wizarding world into the open."
He turned to the photo of Elias Black, the dome of light shining as he activated it, "He managed to cut her hand… let's hope he can stop her before she ruins everything."
Cassian scowled, "If she breaks the Veil… the world will change forever."
Department of Mysteries.
Third Person PoV.
Three masked figures stood around Cornelius Fudge as he answered their questions mechanically. None of them spoke, simply listening to the Minister's dull recounting.
"They're working fast," he said, swaying slightly on his feet. "They didn't tell me much, but someone under Amelia is quite happy to share everything. I think he wants her job. He said the new ward is something that shouldn't be possible… but that blasted young man made it work, somehow."
Fudge blinked slowly, then kept going. "I asked Dumbledore for details, as you suggested, but he was vague. Too pleased with himself. Said Hogwarts is now quite literally the safest place in the wizarding world. A sanctuary, he called it, for anyone who doesn't want to fight."
The cloaked figures stayed silent. One of them shifted but said nothing.
Fudge rubbed his temple like the words gave him a headache. "The boy gives them hope. He's too strong, too good in the eyes of the public. They think they can keep him on a leash, but we know better. They've got bigger problems, too."
He paused. "They've got an inside man. Scrimgeour let it slip. I don't think he meant to, but I promised help for the next election. He said they knew where to strike because someone inside Riddle's camp tipped them off."
Fudge grimaced. "That's how they found the snake. The one that animal girl gave the boy."
That finally earned a reaction. One of the figures leaned forward, close enough for Fudge to feel his breath.
"Who do you think it was, Cornelius? This is of vital importance."
Fudge frowned, licking his lips before speaking. "I… I think it's Snape. Dumbledore saved him in the last war. I don't think he did that for any other Death Eater."
The three men exchanged a glance. Then they stepped back in unison.
"You've done well, Minister," said the one in the center. "You just made Britain a little safer."
Fudge smiled lazily. "Of course. Anything for Britain."
"Leave us," the voice said sharply.
Fudge bowed with a wince, still rubbing his forehead, and walked toward the lift.
Silence fell again.
Then, the leftmost figure chuckled. The sound was warped through layers of magic, but the other two shivered.
"How interesting," he murmured.
A purple magic circle spun to life beneath his feet. In a pulse of violet light, he vanished. The other two masked figures shook their heads as if they were dizzy, before looking at each other in confusion.
Elias Black.
Two weeks later.
"Why are we here again?" I asked, feeling the eyes of hundreds of people looking at me from the tables of the Great Hall.
"They need to see you, Eli," Iris whispered from my right. "It's important to them."
"And I'm sure that you three won't take shots at me for this, right?" I drawled as the girls giggled.
"Of course not, love," Fleur replied after calming herself. She was walking next to Hermione, grabbing her hand. We were going directly to the farthest and emptiest table, where Dumbledore sat. I didn't understand how, but it turned out that Dumbledore could adjust the size of the Great Hall. Hence, it was capable of housing almost everyone inside the castle. Even then, there was a schedule for things like this, and I didn't know them.
They didn't apply to us, after all.
"Old man," I groaned, slumping into my seat next to Dumbledore. The girls followed suit.
"Where's the rest of the professors?" Hermione asked, looking at some of the empty seats.
"Elias, Miss Granger, Miss Potter, Miss Delacour," Dumbledore nodded his head. "I believe Minerva is making rounds to ensure everyone is behaving. She has found her new nemesis."
"Oh?" I lifted my eyebrow as I buttered some bread. "Do tell, who's brave enough for that?"
"Miss Astoria," Dumbledore chuckled. "She somehow managed to get the Twins out of their grief, albeit only at times. They have been teaching her a lot of their ways, and she's soaking in their lessons."
"Oh, Merlin," Hermione gaped as Iris snorted.
"That's cute," Fleur smiled, straining her head to look at the Gryffindor table where the three sat. "They seem a bit better."
"This war has barely begun and already changed them," Dumbledore mused sadly. "This is what I wanted to avoid. I failed them."
"I doubt that it will last much longer," I grunted. "Where's Snape, by the way? Did he have any new info?"
"Severus is visiting his family home. He should return in a couple of hours. And no, just that Tom is preparing an all-out attack here." He shook his head.
"Are you nervous, Headmaster?" Iris asked softly.
Dumbledore looked a bit lost, his eyes staring into the distance as he continued eating mechanically. He looked at every table, their people eating in peace. The weight of the war had not affected them significantly, and some kids were even having fun.
"Of course I am, dear," he smiled. "But that doesn't mean I'm not ready."
"What about you four?"
"I'm getting antsy at the silence," Iris scowled. "We matched Dolohov, and we've grown stronger ever since. We're ready for that bastard."
"The diadem is a marvelous invention," Hermione replied primly after chewing her food. "And Eli's glasses multiply the effects by a lot. I've finished all the books Madam Pranitha suggested."
"Soul magic," Dumbledore frowned before he sighed. "It's quite a peculiar and dangerous branch of magic, my dear. But I trust you will use it responsibly."
Hermione nodded firmly and smiled, mouthing her thanks.
"What about you, Miss Delacour?" he asked, looking at the Veela with a smile.
"I've been using them as well, and Professor Flitwick started his lessons even before I expected. He has also been teaching me how to use the bow. He is insanely good with mundane weapons."
"Goblins tend to be quite capable in that," Dumbledore chuckled. "Madam Pomfrey and Pomona were quite interested in that venom, too. I can see its uses even with my untrained eye."
"It's quite a good bow," I chuckled. "What…"
Three Patronuses entered the room in a hurry, streaks of silver light cutting through the air as they flew toward our table. The five of us paid attention. An uncomfortable silence fell into the Great Hall.
The first one spoke in the voice of Director Bones.
"Attack on Diagon Alley! Dozens of Death Eaters, werewolves, and even vampires. Led by Bellatrix Lestrange. They have breached the wards. They're pushing toward Gringotts. Goblins are helping for now, but we're stretched thin. Civilian casualties rising."
The projection vanished before the words had time to settle. I clenched my fists. My aunt.
The second Patronus formed next. A hawk-shaped glow, and then came the voice of Croaker.
"The Ministry has fallen under siege. Voldemort is here. Fudge is dead." He paused. "The new guy, Alaric, is engaging him. He's holding, barely. We're keeping the chaos contained, but the atrium is a battlefield. I repeat, Voldemort is at the Ministry."
The crowd gasped in alarm.
We all turned toward the final Patronus, which behaved erratically. A silver owl, almost vanishing. This voice was unfamiliar and weak.
"Muggle Manchester is under attack. Over five hundred Dementors have descended. Civilian casualties increasing by the minute. We've managed to evacuate part of the city, but the rest is trapped. Something strange is happening. Unknowns arrived and are slowing them. They are using the same magic Lord Alaric used to shield during the Azkaban attack. Some even managed to kill them."
"Elias, go to Manchester. You are the only one capable of finishing that," Dumbledore barked, his face a rictus of anger I had never seen on him before. He was fuming.
I nodded. "What about you all?"
"Croaker said young Alaric is slowing Voldemort. Between the two of us, we might make him retreat. I've been training too," he said with a tone of finality. "You three, focus on Diagon Alley. There should not be many civilians there, but help who you can. Please."
"Please don't allow this loss of life to continue," he gritted his teeth so hard I heard a crack.
The girls stayed silent for a second before nodding, looking at the Headmaster worriedly.
"So it has begun," I sighed. "Send a Patronus to the professors and every fighting force here if they wish to participate. Take care, and if you are getting overrun, escape."
"You three hear me?" I glared at my girls, who nodded meekly. "Your lives are more important to me than anything else. I want you to take care. Always. Take the armors and the bow before leaving. Cover each other. I trust you all to return to me."
And with a final but quick kiss, Ash appeared for a second, and we both were gone.
If you enjoyed this chapter and want to support my work and get early access to new content, you can find me on Patr* on at pat*e* n.c om (slash) Infinityreads99.
Every bit of support helps me write more!