The grand feast celebrating the arrival of the visiting schools had finally ended, though the Great Hall still buzzed with whispers about the Valvas arrival and the thunderous helicopter spectacle. Students drifted out in excited clusters, but Roy remained behind, following his grandparents and Dumbledore through the quieting castle corridors.
Private Conversation — The Valvas Legacy
Inside a private guest chamber prepared specially for Darius and Clara, the fire crackled warmly. Roy entered after Grayfia respectfully closed the door and remained outside.
Clara:
"Roy, come here."
She pulled him into an uncharacteristically tight hug.Darius watched with quiet pride.
Darius:
"Your headmistress letter said you were thriving.But thriving is an understatement."
His sharp eyes hardened.
Darius:
"There is… noise in the magical world lately. Death Eaters falling.Feuds erupting. Families collapsing."
Roy stayed silent.
Darius smirked.
Darius:
"You're not obligated to tell us anything, boy.But be assured—your… handiwork has not gone unnoticed."
Clara sat beside Roy, voice softer but sharper than steel.
Clara:
"Lord Nott. Lord Parkinson. Marcus Flint.""All dead. Their houses losing influence."
She placed a hand on Roy's.
Clara:
"Whoever orchestrated these events… did so cleanly enough that even ICW investigators saw no traces."
Roy gave a small, unreadable smile.
Roy:
"Then perhaps it was simply… fate."
Darius snorted.
Darius:
"If fate fights your enemies for you, boy, remind me to recruit fate into the Valvas army."
Roy laughed, but his eyes held shadows.
Clara exchanged a look with Darius—one of concern.
Clara:
"Roy… power is a blade.Sharp, useful—but even a master can be cut by his own edge.Do not drown in the dark corners of this world."
Roy nodded slowly.
Roy:
"I'm careful. And I'm not alone."
Darius placed a strong hand on his shoulder.
Darius:
"Good. Because the coming months will not be quiet.Your grandfather plans to keep an eye on things."
Roy blinked.
Roy:
"So… Dumbledore invited you?"
Both grandparents exchanged subtle smiles.
Dumbledore Reveals His Plan
Later that night, Roy entered Dumbledore's office.The portraits murmured excitedly—the Valvas arrival had stirred every ancient voice.
Dumbledore sat as if he had been waiting for hours.
Dumbledore:
"Roy. Please, sit."
Roy took the seat opposite him.
Roy:
"You sent for my grandparents. Why?"
Dumbledore leaned back, eyes twinkling, but the weight behind them was unmistakable.
Dumbledore:
"You see too much, Roy.You break patterns others don't notice.You question things even I overlooked."
He folded his hands.
Dumbledore:
"Someone like you will inevitably attract Voldemort's attention."
Roy didn't react.Dumbledore noticed.
Dumbledore:
"I know you have already altered the balance of power.""There are whispers—stories—of Dark families collapsing from within."
Roy remained silent.
Dumbledore continued:
Dumbledore:
"Your grandparents being here…is both a shield for you and a message to the world."
Roy:
"A message?"
Dumbledore:
"That Hogwarts is no place for snakes to crawl into.That the boy they might wish to recruit, manipulate, or eliminate…is not alone."
Roy exhaled.
Dumbledore rose from his chair and approached the window, looking out toward the Hogwarts grounds.
Dumbledore:
"The Triwizard Tournament will not be safe, Roy.I believe dark forces will move.Someone will try to resurrect Voldemort."
Roy's eyes sharpened.
Roy:
"Barty Crouch Jr."
Dumbledore gave him a long, piercing look—neither surprised nor alarmed.
Dumbledore:
"You see too clearly.That is why I need your grandparents here.To ensure you are not targeted… or tempted."
Roy smirked.
Roy:
"I'm not interested in being anyone's weapon."
Dumbledore nodded approvingly.
Dumbledore:
"I know. But Voldemort doesn't understand people who reject power.He will try to break or claim you."
He turned fully toward Roy.
Dumbledore:
"I invited Darius and Clara because I trust them.And I trust you.But the world may soon become very dark."
Roy stood.
Roy:
"Then I'll just have to keep the lights on."
Dumbledore chuckled softly.
Dumbledore:
"Just try not to burn the castle down in the process."
Roy smirked.
Roy:
"No promises."