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She didn't listen to what Albus Dumbledore was saying. She tried to focus on not letting her emotions get the better of her common sense. Her eyes were closed until she heard her name and surname being spoken by the old wizard. She cleared her throat twice as her throat became dry due to her nervousness. She reached for a cup of water and after taking a few sips, she began to speak. - "Thank you, Headmaster, for such kind words of welcome." - she smiled, hiding her hatred for this wizard behind her fake smile. "You're welcome, Dolores." - he muttered, more out of habit than politeness. Looking around the full Great Hall, she immediately saw the boy who was one of the reasons she returned to this school. Harry Potter was so much like his father that for a moment she felt like she was eleven years old again and witnessed the newly chosen seeker bullying her peers. “I must admit it's wonderful to be back at Hogwarts.” - she shouldn't lie like that, eventually someone will find out - “And see so many happy faces turned towards me.” - the disgust on the students' faces was too visible, she almost smiled at their reactions, because they didn't know what was really waiting for them yet. - “I would love to get to know you all and I'm sure that over time we will become good friends.” - she took a breath and then spent a moment observing those who started talking among themselves. After another moment, without trying to sound friendly, she said, "The Ministry of Magic has always believed that the education of young wizards and witches was of exceptional importance. Therefore, when the minister learned about the difficulties that the headmaster of Hogwarts encountered in filling the position of professor of defense against dark arts for this year, he decided to meet expectations and extend a helping hand. I will be a professor only this year. And if this experiment is successful, the ministry will choose also the next year's professor. I hope that we will work well together this year and that you will remember this time fondly in the future.” She sat up, seeing out of the corner of her eye that this wasn't what was expected of her. She saw the greatest surprise in Severus Snape's eyes. A Slytherin who was luckier than her boyfriend. xxx As he sat in the darkness of his office, he wondered about one thing. Does what he has been planning for so many years make sense? He was afraid that the way they responded to unforeseen circumstances might ruin what they were striving for. Dolores, like himself, was still filled with pain. What happened because Albus Dumbledore was too willing to turn a blind eye to what James Potter and his friend were doing connected him with Dolores forever. - “I miss you, my love.” - when he squeezed the glass in his hand, he didn't even realize when the glass broke and his blood began to drip onto the floor.
He knew that he would never forget the day he found out that his son had committed suicide because he couldn't stand what the wizards called Marauders were doing to him. He knew he would never forget the moment his pregnant wife suffered a hemorrhage. And he knew he would never forget the day he lost everyone he loved.
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“Welcome, James Potter.” - the stranger played with his wand in silence before, after a tense moment, he added - “Long time no see.” The former Gryffindor tried to remember where he last saw the wizard sitting in the chair, but he was unable to. Still, he saw something familiar in the part of the face not obscured by the brim of the hat. And that's what froze him. “How did you get here?” - James asked, trying to find his wand in his robe pocket, a wand that wasn't there - “This house is under spell.” When the wizard raised his head to make eye contact with him, Potter realized that the man's eyes were empty. - “For a Ministry employee, finding this house wasn’t a difficult task. Did you really think that the use of the Fidelius Charm wasn’t recorded? It is registered in case any fugitive criminal wants to hide from justice.” He swallowed, wondering what he was getting at. Before he could scream, warning Lily of the danger, the intruder appeared right next to him and whispered directly into his ear - “Today marks the first anniversary of the day I lost my family because of you. And today is the day you will pay for what you have done.” - at that moment James felt like he was starting to lose his breath. - “But I'll be more merciful. You and your wife will lose your life. And your son... If I'm not mistaken about Albus' intentions... He will die when he fulfills the destiny that this old man has placed on his shoulders. Greetings from Scott Fudge. A boy who committed suicide because of you. He fell limply to the ground and the last thing he saw before his death was the intruder climbing the stairs towards the room where his wife and son were sleeping. xxx According to the prophecy, the child who would threaten him was to be born in July last year. For a long time, Tom Riddle couldn’t find the magical children who were born that July and came from a family that could meet the conditions set out in the part of the prophecy given to him by Severus. For an equally long time he couldn’t decide whether he should do anything to prevent the fulfillment of the prophecy. He knew from experience that predicting the future wasn’t a very precise science. However, he finally decided to go in and just talk to them. He would make a decision later. As he approached the ordinary-looking house, he noticed a door ajar. He didn't even bother to ring the bell. He just walked in. The first thing he saw was James Potter lying dead at the stairs, looking as if his face had frozen in a moment of great terror. He looked up and walked towards the child's whimpering. He pulled his wand from the holster on his forearm and, tightening his grip on the familiar wood, walked carefully towards the source of the sound. When he got upstairs he entered the room. There was a dead Lily Evans on the floor and a man he didn't know was standing over the toddler's bed, holding a boy in his arms. A boy who was desperately clinging to the coattails of the man who was hugging him. “I didn't think I'd have to wait so long for you, Riddle. We'll see how useful you can be to me.” The green flash of the killing curse was the last thing Tom Marvolo Riddle remembered from that evening. xxx “Holy crap Cornelius!” - Dolores screamed with obvious relief as soon as she saw him. - “What happened there?” He was extremely tired, but also satisfied that he had won the duel with Lord Voldemort. He stood trying to endure the pain of several broken ribs. However, he knew that this meeting could have ended much worse. “James Potter is dead. Lily Evans too. I'm sure their son will change his place of residence today.” - The witch, who, despite what happened, he treated as his daughter-in-law, wrinkled her nose. Just like she always did when something didn't feel right to her. - “What's on your mind?” “I heard Tom Riddle was one of the best duelists in his year. Did you distract him somehow?” - she walked up to him and, running her wand over his torso, whispered a few spells. He had the impression that the sound of the bones coming together was louder than the one he heard when they were broken. He laughed even though he still felt pain. - “I worked in Intelligence for several years. I had to learn a few things to help me gain information and survive. I managed to weave a tracking spell into the boy's magical core. Dumbledore shouldn't have noticed this and we will now know his location.” He moved away from her, ran his hand over her forearm, and slunk over to sit in the nearest chair. When he entered the room, he heard a question asked by Dolores, who was still standing in the corridor. - “Do you regret it?” “No.” - he answered immediately truthfully. He didn’t regret killing James Potter, who had no regard for anyone who wasn’t his friend. He didn't regret killing Lily Potter, who turned a blind eye about what her husband was doing with his friends. The only thing he could regret today would be if he killed a boy who wasn’t guilty of anything. By sparing him, in some twisted way, he gave him a chance. And it will depend only on Harry Potter whether he will follow Albus Dumbledore like a lamb to the slaughter or choose independent thinking.
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Lucius Malfoy was surprised to be invited to the Gala organized to celebrate the first anniversary of the fall of the Dark Lord. He could clearly see that the other guests were still suspicious of him. That's why he thought that the only reason he was invited to the Ministry was because there was a lot of money behind him. Bored, he looked around the Ballroom trying to find someone to talk to while Narcissa was talking to Minister Bagnold. “Who are you looking out for, Lord Malfoy?” - to his surprise, the minister called him directly. - “If you tell me who you are looking for, maybe I will be able to help you.” “Cornelius Fudge.” - he said the first name that came to his mind. - “I thought I would have the opportunity to exchange a few things with him about my idea...” “Cornelius said he would be late. He had something to do, which unfortunately he couldn't postpone.” xxx The next blow was accompanied by a splatter of blood on the wall and the sound of bones breaking. The interrogated wizard lost consciousness and Cornelius lost his patience. - “Holy crap... How many times has he fainted already?” - he looked at the clock and hissed when he realized how late he was. He was late, but thanks to that he got the answers he so desperately needed. He spent a whole year wondering why Tom Riddle didn't die in Godric's Hollow. He didn't expect that the answer he was looking for was so trivial. Horcruxes. This was what kept Lord Voldemort in the Land of the Living. If Rosier was right, his master planned to split his soul into seven parts. Unfortunately, he didn’t find out how many times he succeeded. There is a long way between making plans and implementing them. He locked cell in the basement and ran up the stairs to his bedroom. He had to change clothes and do his chores. He promised Milicent that he would show up at least for a moment. He always kept his word. But what in Salazar's name will he do with his broken fingers? xxx “I'm here, ladies.” Lucius watched in shock as Fudge, who was smaller than him, charmed the witches nearby with his mere presence. Without saying a word, he approached the minister, placed his hand on her cheek and, without embarrassment, leaned over to whisper something in her ear. The blush spread across her skin so quickly that he became convinced that Bagnold has a crush on the official under her command. “What happened to you, Mr. Fudge?” - Narcissa asked as soon as she saw the bandage on Cornelius hand. “Nothing importang.. - he smiled and, ignoring the concern of both witches, changed the subject by saying. - “I hope your husband won't mind if I ask you to dance with me.” Lucius wanted to say 'no' but was quickly extinguished by his wife's angry look. - I don't mind as long as I'm sure you'll give her back to me.” - he tried to joke and hoped that he succeeded. xxx He placed his hand on her waist and pulled her confidently towards him. Almost immediately he started leading her in a dance she didn't know, but she still had no problem following his movements. Narcissa would never have imagined that someone so inconspicuous could be so incredibly talented. She didn't even realize when the song ended and Fudge left her confused in the middle of the dance floor. xxx As promised, he appeared for a moment. He appeared with such force that no one will doubt that he managed to reach the Gala celebrating the fall of the Dark Lord. He wasn't going to celebrate it. He needed to rest because he had been using Skelegrow so often lately that the potion finally stopped working. Walking down the corridor, he took off his clothes until he finally entered the bathroom naked. He wasn't as tall as some of the wizards he knew. Only 173 cm made him feel like a dwarf next to some people. He also wasn’t handsome. Not with marks on his skin. Scar after appendectomy. A gunshot scar. Stabbing. Burn... He turned on the water in the shower and stepped under the ice-cold water. He was under it for so long that the water finally began to burn his skin. It was a difficult day. And it's not over yet. He will have to get rid of Rosier so that no one finds out that he was the one who kidnapped him from the Ministerial Remand Center, where he was sent after Igor Karakoff's testimony.
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Narcissa was determined to find her three-year-old son, who was once again hiding in one of the numerous rooms on their estate. Unfortunately, she couldn’t count on the help of the elves, who refused to cooperate after the last incident involving Lucius. It was almost time for the ball to start and her little boy was still in his pajamas. When she entered the library again, she heard her husband's voice right behind her. “Fudge sent confirmation of arrival?” - Lucius asked, still angered by their recent argument. “Yes. However, he also included a note saying he would be late.” - she replied, almost automatically, returning her memories to the previous year. Apparently her husband was thinking the same thing, because after a while he said. - “I wonder if he will appear also this time ony for one song.” - there was irritation in his voice, he still hadn't forgiven her for the admiration expressed towards Cornelius. - ”Where's Draco?” She was grateful for the quick change of topic. - “I'm looking for him right now. Our little dragon hid from again. We need to tell Severus to stop playing hide and seek with our son.” xxx “Helga Hufflepuff's Cup?” - he asked, surprised by what Dolores pulled out of her purse. - “How did you get it?” “Don't ask Cornelius. I'd rather forget about it.” Over the past year, they have managed to locate and destroy two Horcruxes. He wasn't happy about having to shoulder something as ridiculous as tracking down evidence of Tom Riddle's emotional instability, but he had to get things done before he regained his strength and returned to Magical Britain. “I hope you didn't have to sleep with someone to get your hands on this.” - he said, looking the young witch in the eyes, trying not to laugh, because in the pink suit she was wearing today, she looked like an overgrown toad - “Do you know that pink isn’t your color?” “I signed a contract with the devil to get into Bellatrix Lestrange's vault.” - she sighed before looking at her clothes. - “I know what I look like in it. However, I had a reason to push myself into it. For some strange reason, people find me harmless when I am sweetened beyond the limits of good taste. Back to the topic... We are destroying it or will you try to clean this cup first. No matter how you look at it, it is a memento to the founders of Hogwarts.” He smiled before saying, "We'll try to clean it up like we did with the Slytherin Locket. If it doesn't work out... It will be derstoyed. You have to have priorities. But we will do this later. We need to get to this year's Gala earlier than last year. I didn't go through the trouble of persuading Millicent to hand over the organization of the event to the Malfoys to miss the opportunity to find the diary belonging to Abraxas Malfoy’s friend. xxx “Who are you looking out for, Lord Malfoy?” - The Minister of Magic asked the wizard standing next to her. He looked at her almost immediately, and a frown of dissatisfaction appeared between his eyebrows. - “Do you also have a feeling of dejavu?” “Yes, I have. Another anniversary, another gala and Cornelius Fudge is once again late. This is quite puzzling.” She sighed for a moment, considering what her younger colleague had said. - “It's probably not so surprising when you know the reason why October 31 is important to him. Unfortunately, I’m not one of these people.” - she smiled, hoping that Lucius hadn’t noticed her little lie and would not pursue this topic, at least not today. Cornelius had the right to mourn. “It looks like we won't have to wait long for him today.” She turned around and saw the wizard they had just been talking about. Cornelius wore a black Muggle tuxedo with a green vest peeking out from under his jacket. The vest was the shade of green of the dress worn by his companion. She was sure that even though Lucius Malfoy was the host of the evening, Cornelius Fudge would be remembered. Once again. xxx “Do you know what to do?” - he asked as soon as they entered the ballroom, too decadent for his taste. “I know.” - she snorted dissatisfied. - “You don't have to tell me everything several times.” He laughed and said, "You know how cute you are when you're so nervous?" - After a moment of silence, he added - “You don't have to answer my question. We both know what the answer would be. Beware, the peacock will stir towards us.” “Peacock?” - Dolores asked surprised. “I mean Lucius.” xxx When he arrived at the party a solid two hours late, the first thing that struck Albus Dumbledore was the pomp with which the anniversary of Tom's fall was celebrated this time. He was surprised that the Minister allowed the organization to be handled by someone as inappropriate as... the Malfoys. Walking towards Millicent, he passed wizards with whom he exchanged casual pleasantries and silent smiles. He didn’t expect many of the invited guests to be present. Especially since many of them were suspected of favoring the wizard whose fall they were supposed to celebrate today. He finally met the person he wanted to talk to. - “My boy, I'm glad to see you.” - he said at the sight of Severus holding the little blond in his arms. - “I didn't think I'd see you here.” The Potions Master put the boy down on the floor, leaned down and whispered something into his ear. After a moment, Lucius's son's face lit up with a smile, and after another, the child was running in an unknown direction. “I know it was quite the opposite.” - Snape hissed - “You knew I'd be here considering I had to fill out a leave application for this evening. What do you want?” “Same thing as always. Information.”
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“If you wanted to play with someone, you could have chosen someone who wasn't a child.” - Cornelius smiled and then, using his hair as leverage, lifted wizard so that he could look him in the eye. - “Let's play. But remember that I play dirty”. - he released the man and as soon as his body hit the stone floor, he kicked the lying man in the stomach, so hard that he also vomited on Fudge's freshly polished shoes. This wasn’t how the evening was supposed to go. He was supposed to appear at the gala. He intended to become a minister in a few years, but for this he needed connections. It's hard to establish them if you don't show up at official events. He knew he would have to change his plans the moment he saw Dolores appear in the middle of his living room, holding a little girl in her hands. The child clung to his would-be daughter-in-law with her whole body, hiding her face in her neck. “Kidnapping?” - furious, he threw another kick, after which blood flowed onto the floor - “Rape?” - after another kick, the sound of cracking ribs rang in his ears, signaling that the next blow could be fatal. He didn't care. He kicked again. He preferred not to imagine what this child must have experienced, seeing what was happening to her mother. Fortunately, this muggle didn't have time to lay his hands on tht girl. If that had happened, his death wouldn't have been so... pleasant. xxx Severus looked at his friend with concern. Lucius had become extremely nervous since someone started a fire at Malfoy Manor during last year's party. And although nothing was actually damaged apart from a few rooms and part of the library, what worried them most was the fact that the Dark Lord's personal notes had disappeared. What was lost wasn’t his diary, which was kept elsewhere, but his notes on his research into magic. The young Potions Master finally had the courage to ask a question. - “Who are you looking out for, Lucius?” “I have the impression that this is slowly becoming a tradition. Another year has passed and Fudge hasn’t changed his habits. He's late again.” At that moment, Narcissa approached them, accompanied by Lady Parkinson. Draco followed them, refusing to talk to Pansy who was walking next to him. Lucius' wife greeted them and then said sadly. - “Cornelius sent an owl half an hour ago with the note that he wouldn't be able to show up. At the last minute, an urgent matter arose.” “What is this wizard doing?” - the blond hissed - “And to think that his name is being mentioned more and more often in the context of who will replace the current Minister.” I'm also curious what Fudge does, Severus thought as he remembered how contemptuously Albus Dumbledore spoke about him. xxx Walking up the stairs to the living room, he didn't expect the sight he found. Dolores had a gentle smile on her face as she played with the girl with toys. He had been increasingly furious for several months because, despite having Riddle's personal notes, they hadn’t come any closer to answering the question of how many more Horcruxes they had to destroy. The smile of the witch who was so dear to his son made him calm down a bit. “Now will you explain to me what you got involved in?” - he asked, sitting down in the armchair next to them. The girl looked at him with confusion. A look that showed she wasn't afraid of him. - “You were supposed to check information about Nagini and instead you showed up with her... What's her name anyway?” “Hermione.” - the girl replied, picking at the hem of her oversized sweater, and after a while she repeated with a slightly noticeable pride in her voice... - “My name is Hermione and I’m a witch.” “Do I really have to explain to you exactly what I found in the house next to the one I checked today?” - Dolores scoffed. - “I couldn't leave that child there. You know well what would happen to her. The Ministry wouldn't even care about her. It would be just another case in a vast archive of unsolved cases.” Wool's Orphanage. He wouldn't wish it even on his worst enemy. - “But what will you do with her now? When reporting it, we will also have to report the circumstances in which she came into our hands.” - he thought back to the man's corpse that was still lying in his basement. - “And whats about her mother?” “I've already told you. She is dead. In the morning I will appear there as a frightened friend so that her body is found. She needs to be buried. As for what we'll do with her... I have an idea. We'll just have to forge some documents.” “What?” - he growled so much that Hermione flinched - “How much do you think 'some' is?” “Birth certificate, pregnancy papers and... A magical trace in our ministry.” He gasped in relief, because he was afraid there would be more of it. - “When this is all over, we will either end up in Azkaban or in the grave.” “I know, Cornelius, I know...” xxx Jean Granger wasn't expecting any visitors that evening. They were still new to the area and didn't get to know anyone enough for anyone to pay them unannounced visits. That's why she was surprised when the doorbell rang. What surprised her even more was that after opening the door, that Dolores, whom she hadn't seen for a long time, standing on her doorstep. The last time they saw each other was just before she went to boarding school. However, despite the passing years, they still kept in touch. “Jean, could you do something for me?”
Without hesitation, she replied immediately. - “For you always.”
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Albus Dumbledore wasn’t happy that the Ministry forced him to organize this year's Gala. He wanted, as was his custom, to organize a Halloween Feast for his students and spend the rest of the evening sitting in his bedroom with a book in his hand. He still was thinking about something. Five years had passed and he still didn't know what was wrong with the night when Tom Riddle attacked James and Lilly Potter's house. When he saw their son, Harry seemed calm, even though he should have been terrified by what was happening. It was as if someone had taken care of him before he left their home. He doubted it was his former student. Merope Gaunt's son wasn’t a man who treated those weaker than himself with tenderness. Walking around the Great Hall, he not only looked for the first guests, but also looked for Cornelius Fudge. Perhaps this wizard didn't know yet that he was supposed to replace Millicent, but he already knew it. So he had to convince the future minister to cooperate. He could run for this position himself, but it would involve too much responsibility combined with being bind by the rules. He didn't need it. Cornelius Fudge looked and acted as if he was born to follow the rules. And that was why Albus hoped he would be easy to manipulate. xxx Dolores turned around when she finally heard familiar footsteps behind her. She smiled at the sight of Cornelius, even though his snow-white shirt was stained with blood. - “I guess I don't have to ask how it went for you.” - she laughed when she realized that she got to be used to the sight of blood. - “It's not often I see you so relaxed.” “Of course it worked.” - the wizard quickened his pace and when he started walking by her side he added - “It was a bit difficult, but I finally found out where to look for Nagini. If the information I received is correct, we will reach this witch before Riddle regains his strength and remembers that he wanted to turn one of the maledixus that had completely taken the form of an animal into a Horcrux...” - a satisfied smile appeared on his lips. - “However, there is one small problem. I don't know any Parseltongue. We need to convince her that we can help her regain her human form.” “Holy crap, Cornelius!” - she hissed. - “This isn’t a small problem!” In the darkness, all she could hear was his laughter. She then thought that her would-be father-in-law, without love for his deceased family, could turn into a madman. He was already monster. xxx “Hello, Lucius.” - Albus bowed to the newly appointed chairman of the Board of Governors, despite his disagreement Lucius Malfoy replaced his father, Abraxas Malfoy, in this position. - “I’m honored that you accepted my invitation.” The blonde wizard looked around before saying with a voice full of contempt, "We don't have to pretend that we wanted to see each other. I'm here because it's my responsibility. You are here because you had no excuse to refuse the minister's request. Is Severus at the castle today or did he manage to escape from you this year?” Albus felt that working with this boy would be difficult. Young Malfoy was still hostile towards him because of the way he treated his students. - “I think he'll show up soon. The last time I saw him was in the library.” “Thank you, headmaster.” He clenched his jaw as he watched the former Slytherin walk confidently, leaning on a staff topped with a snake's head, towards the exit from the Great Hall. I'm definitely going to have problems with him, he thought as he turned and headed towards Minerva. xxx This year he wasn't even going to appear at the gala. And he told Millicent so. Although she was dissatisfied with his decision, she knew there was no point in trying to convince him. He didn't change his mind easily. He was lying on the floor, staring at the ceiling. Dolores had finished tending to his wounds and he was wondering how he would get to Malfoy Manor again. “We need to get to Abraxas's manor.” - he whisper loudly enough for his companion to hear him. - “I don't know how, but we'll have to get in there.” “After what happened two years ago, Lucius turned his home into a stronghold.” - she muttered. - “I think we'll have to wait until Riddle's Diary surfaces on its own.” “Are you really so naive to think this will happen?” - he asked angrily. It took a moment for the petite witch to come into his view. With an irritated expression on her face, she stood over him and gently placed her foot on his ribs. Right next to his fresh wound. At that moment he knew he had overdone it. - “I’m not naive. I just have an idea. Tell me, Cornelius, what will Lucius Malfoy do if he suffers from the Ministry's increasingly frequent raids on his home? What will he do if the raids are always conducted by the same person? The person whose family the Malfoys have a conflict with that goes back so far into the past that no one really remembers it anymore when and why did this conflict start?” “You're genious.” - he shouted abruptly as he sat down, Dolores only avoided falling thanks to her reflexes. - “Arthur Weasley. Just a few years and Lucius will do everything to get Weasley to Azkaban. Including planting something belonging to the Dark Lord on him.” “We can use this time to prepare our background. Before Dumbledore realizes what's happening... He'll be standing at a dead end.” xxx “Next Death Eater has disappeared.” - Lucius said, looking into his friend's eyes. - “It started with Rosier. Then was Avery, brother of Thorus Nott…” He immediately saw understanding in Severus' eyes. - “I think your guesses turned out to be right. Someone is not only looking for information but also went on a hunt. Ivan Doholov, Anton's brother, was found dead the day after last year's gala. Someone first beat him, then dismembered him with the skill of an experienced butcher. Who disappeared this time?” “Fenrir Greyback….”
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Kingsley Shacklebolt was reviewing the files of murder cases where victims were suspected Death Eaters. Each of these cases had a similar level of brutality. Unfortunately, due to differences in the method of killing, his superiors did not want to believe his premonition. And this premonition told him that the perpetrator could have been one person. The situation was complicated by the corpse of a Muggle from two years ago. His body hasn’t been identified yet. Kings, as his friends called him, leaned back in his chair, closing his eyes. He didn't know how to move it forward. And he didn't know whether he should chase this person or congratulate him. xxx A trail of blood ran across the floor towards the door. Cornelius was surprised that his…guest tried to escape. Right at the beginning of their acquaintance, he told this wizard that there was no way out of his basement. Well, unless you're dead. And he was almost dead. “Cornelius, I think you're starting to enjoy it.” - Dolores muttered in amusement, leaning on the door frame. - “I don't know if this is the correct development of this situation.” “How can you accuse me of this, my dear? I was just looking for the penultimate piece of the puzzle.” - he laughed, looking at her confused expression. - “Rowena Ravenclaw's Diadem is in the Come & Go Room at Hogwarts. I don't know how we'll get there long enough to have time to search the place. The positive side of this situation is that, according to my guest, Albus Dumbledore doesn’t know about the gift that Riddle gave him after the job interview. “Can you believe him?” He didn’t answer. After they heard the wheezing, they both looked at the dying wizard almost at the same time. After a moment, without taking his eyes off his bloody shoes, Cornelius asked. - “Do you know what time Nagini will come?” xxx “Kings, what are you doing here?” - Arthur Weasley looked at his friend. He once hoped that they would be partners, but his wife stubbornly opposed his transfer to the Auror Department. She didn't care that he was still performing Auror duties without the possibility of receiving a higher salary. - “You didn't go to this year's gala?” “Was I supposed to once again watch everyone fawn over everyone else? They're supposedly celebrating the fall of Voldemort, but in fact it's just another damn social gathering.” - he hissed when he remembered what happened last year. - “Why didn't you go?” He sat down on the nearest chair before saying sadly. - “Sometimes I put off coming home. Don't get me wrong... I love my family but sometimes I need a moment to myself. It's hard to do that when you have seven children and a wife who is so... Expressive.” - after a while, changing the topic, he asked, reaching for one of the files. - “What are you working on?” - On murders that no one wants to connect because the differences in methods are too great. Kingsley stood up and slowly opened the files, showing him more photos. Arthur was surprised to see familiar faces. However, he wasn’t surprised by the way these investigations were conducted. - “They're Death Eaters.” - he said without emotion. - “All but the last man. Who's that?” “A Muggle suspected of human trafficking.” - he saw that something was wrong, his feeling was confirmed when after a while he added - “And as I found out from a source in the police... A rapist who doesn't care about the age of his victim.” What no parent should ever imagine appeared before his eyes. First he felt acid taste in his mouth, and after a while, when he calmed down, he said with conviction. - “You know what, Kingsley? I don't know what you will do about the rest cases, but I wish with all my heart that this last one would remain unresolved.” xxx “What else are we looking for?” - she asked, concerned, watching Cornelius wash the blood from his hands. - “You mentioned earlier that Rowena Ravenclaw's Diadem is the penultimate piece of the puzzle.” She had to wait a while for the answer to her question. She didn't know if it was because the man she loved almost like her own father was wondering what he might say to her or because his thoughts had drifted off. This happened to him extremely often around Halloween. He finally turned to her and said with a blank expression. - “This will be difficult to do. I heard rumors that Nicolas Flamel was going to give the Philosopher's Stone to Dumbledore. I'm not sure why Albus needs the stone, but I can only guess...” “What are you thinking about?” “Bait on Riddle. Albus needs spectacular success. He can't keep riding the wave he got on after defeating Grindelwald. Not now that more and more people in the ICW want to review the trial of the previous Dark Lord.” She must have looked surprised, because it wasn't long before Cornelius finally got dressed and said something she didn't expect to hear. - “Riddle is unreachable for now, but there are people who followed him. They have no leader. But they have a high position in various organizations. And Grindelwald…” “He has been serving his sentence in Nurmengrad for forty years. No one who is sane will let him go!” “However, this doesn’t mean that there will not be someone who will try to do it. Albus faces two problems. Voldemort's possible return and his former lover regaining his freedom. The second one he will postpone as long as he can. I'm not sure about the first one... We don't know if he's aware of the existence of Horcruxes. The fact that he wants to get his hands on something that can bring back to life even someone who is practically dead is some indication that he may know something or suspect something.”
Dolores fell silent for a moment, deciding to try and piece together the information she knew. She didn't have to think long. She was beginning to understand what Cornelius was getting at. And she wasn't sure what to think about it.
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Millicent had suspected for a long time that there must have been something behind Cornelius Fudge's regular lateness to the celebrations. There must have been something behind the fact that he sometimes didn't even show up at the gala commemorating the fall of Lord Voldemort. She watched from a distance as he first stood still, holding a bouquet of tea roses in his hand, and then crouched down and placed the flowers on the tombstone. In silence, she got closer to him so that the distance shortened enough for him to hear her. "So this is where you disappear every Halloween?" - she stood next to him and he didn't even flinch, she felt as if he expected her there. - “Josephine, Scott and Marianne Fudge? This is your family?” “It was my family.” - he replied in a voice seemingly devoid of any emotion. - “Were you following me? If you suspect me of something, you could have sent one of your Aurors after me.” “Of course I followed you. I did it unofficially out of simple curiosity. I know exactly what you are capable of, Cornelius. We worked in the same Unit for several years. I suspected you were still grieving, but apparently you're mourning not the person I thought you'd be mourning.” She recalled the day when they lost many of their colleagues. Only a dozen of them left. She had regular contact with some of them, some disappeared and some were simply hiding. She hoped that she would have the opportunity to see them again. “Can I still trust you?” - he asked, looking into her eyes. She shuddered because she hadn't seen such coldness in his gaze for a long time. She cleared her throat before speaking, completely convinced of the truth of what she was saying. - “Of course. You can still trust me.” - He leaned towards her and she became more and more terrified with every word he said. However, she didn't show it. She placed her hand on his forearm and tightened her grip, signaling him to stop talking. - “You're lucky I found out about it from you. At least now I know why those Death Eaters died due to the methods we used.” - she sighed before adding, seemingly changing the subject. - “I think I'll have to go on leave from work soon.” “Leave from work?” - he asked, looking as if he knew what she meant. - “How long will this leave from work be?” “I wanted to step down as Minister of Magic anyway. I wanted to do it this year, but the favor you need from me requires some preparation. At this time in three years, you will be the Minister and I will be a minor employee of the Ministry. And nine years from now at this time...” “I know, Millicent, I know...” xxx Lucius had been walking around his chambers for a long time, saying nothing. Severus was slowly losing patience with his friend's unpredictable behavior. Normally, at this time, the blonde wizard was preparing for the next gala organized by the ministry. Finally, he couldn't stand it anymore and hissed, asking, "Are you going to tell me what's going on or not?" “Nothing has happened in the last year. No unsolved murders, no kidnappings, nothing, just nothing.” The Potions Master frowned at first, not knowing what could have Malfoy so worried. Only after a while did he realize what this silence could mean. - “Are you afraid that someone who was looking for information found everything he needed?” - The look in his friend's eyes made him think he had hit the nail on the head. - “Sooner or later we'll find out what this was all about.” - Hopefully sooner rather than later, he thought, but he preferred not to say it out loud. xxx “Is someone helping you?” - she asked, although she was sure he wouldn't tell her the whole truth anyway. “Dolores Umbridge.’ - he whispered. - If the circumstances were different, she would become my daughter-in-law.” Millicent turned towards him, wondering what woman had caught Cornelius's attention. Ealier, she wasn’t aware that she had a family. She was really convinced that he was still mourning his partner who died during one ‘event’. ‘Event” that ended with their defeat, the death of several agents and the disbandment of their unit. “Anyone else?” “Another witch. I'd be happy to introduce her to you. I'd like to introduce you to both witches who help me.” “You are even more mysterious than you were in the past. Has anyone told you that?” “I'm not mysterious. I'm just tired. I'm so damn tired...” Without a word, she watched as tears rolled down his cheeks. She watched his body tremble. She watched as he tried his best to control his emotions. He needed a moment to calm down. And she gave him that moment. However, after few minutes she said firmly - “I'm not asking you about what else you have planned. I’m asking you to ensure that... another body doesn’t see the light of day.
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He knew he would have problems as soon as, for some unknown reason, he was called to St. Mungo's for periodic examinations. He hasn't had to show up for them for a long time, and even when he did it regularly, most of his injuries were not included in the files. The injuries were treated but there was no trace of them in his records. Fortunately, Millicent arrived just in time. “Who ordered these tests?” - she growled as soon as she stormed into the healer's office, Fudge was sure she wasn't pretending, Millie was really furious. - “Speak before I have you arrested!” The young witch was terrified and he couldn't help but feel sorry for her. He understood what she felt. He has been the recipient of Bagnold's wrath many times in the past. “I received an order from the Ministry signed by...” “Who?!?” He took advantage of the moment and put on a sweater. It was his day off and he planned to spend his time at home until he headed to this year's gala. Turning around, he saw how pale Healer Johnson looked. And how furious Millicent was. Someone tried to play behind her back. - “What happened?” - he asked sincerely interested. “Apparently the former, although unaware of this fact, the head of the Auror Department decided to exceed his authority, Cornelius.” - she replied, clearly trying to be polite, and then turned to the healer - “I'd like to ask for the files.” “Those are todays files.” “Not all!” - she hissed - “I'm asking for Cornelius Fudge's folder.” His files was quickly in the hands of the Minister of Magic. His friend quickly read what was written on the newest pages. It was obvious that she was becoming more and more surprised. She looked at him for a moment, looking as if she wanted to ask him to explain himself to her. That's why, as he put on and buttoned his pants, he smiled and said, "Well... I have been busy.” “Mrs. Johnson, everything you saw here must stay within these walls. If I find out that anything has leaked from here, then... You will be accused of treason and that is tantamount to the Dementor's Kiss. Understood?” - she asked the question, imperceptibly playing with something in her hands, and after a while she patted the younger witch's shoulder with the same hand. - “Don’t be afraid. You're about to lose consciousness. When you wake up, you won't even remember that you saw us here today.” They really didn't have to wait long. - “Where did you find it?” - he asked, bending down to pick up the healer, and when he picked her up, he added - “I was looking for this elixir. The only one who could do it is dead.” “Old supplies. I took a risk. I wasn't sure if it would work after all these years.” xxx “Did they call you too?” - Kingsley was surprised to see Arthur Weasley in the waiting room. - “I thought my boss brought us here after we found out that one of the Aurors was out of breath after running just a hundred meters up a hill. Smith was so furious that he shouted at us that he would check which of us were still fit for active duty, which of us should only work at a desk, and which of us should have retired long ago.” “He probably sent a note about tests to each of the departments. Let's hope the Minister doesn't find out about this, because your boss will have real problems. I know even those from the Archives are expected to be here today. And you know that despite their calm work, when they are angered by something, they are more aggressive than a flock of dragons.” The Auror knew that at that moment he must have turned so pale that he looked sick. The memory of his last visit to the archives appeared in his mind's eye. Not wanting to wait for the files he needed to become official, he went downstairs to look for them himself. It was his first and last visit to this place. And that was the moment he found out why older Aurors called the Archives the Vestibule of Hell. “I hope they won't take it out on other wizards, but on my boss.” - he said, terrified. - “I'm sure he'll handle it somehow.” “Auror Shacklebolt?” - they both jumped at the sound of Minister Bagnold's voice. - “Who is Smith supposed to handle? I hope it wasn't about me.” He felt embarrassed. He cleared his throat before quickly saying, "There's been a mistake. Instead of sending a request for examination to all Aurors, a request went out to all departments. Even to the archives.” “Are you sure it was merely, as you put it, a mistake and not an intentional act?” - he felt the threat in her voice. He didn't know how to answer that. “Come on. Mistakes happen. And even if it wasn't a mistake, the person who sent the note is to blame, not the one who showed up for the tests. Hello Kings, how's your serial murder case going?” - the auror saw a cheerful smile on the face of the accompanying Minister, Cornelius Fudge. - “I heard that your findings were finally taken into account.” “Unfortunately, the case was shelved due to lack of evidence, but I am still looking through the files of new and old cases looking for connections.” To his surprise, there was no negative reaction to his insubordination. On the contrary. He saw expressions of appreciation on both the minister's and Cornelius' faces. Millicent Bagnold sighed. “I know what you said was a mistake, but you will still have to be tested. And I'll leave the punishment of Smith to Mrs. McFayden. There's a reason no one gives her orders. This is her kingdom. Mr. Weasley, Mr. Shacklebolt, forgive me, gentlemen, but I must stop this chat. Some things won't wait for me.” xxx Dolores, like every month, came to see Jean while Hermione was at school. For the girl's safety, it was better if she didn't remember what ws happened in the past. For Cornelius' safety, it was better if she didn't remember anything. Looking around the living room, she saw even more books than she had seen here before. “You're anxious, Dolly...” - her friend said as she placed a cup of tea in front of her. - “You don’t have to worry. Neither Hermione nor Richard will be home any time soon. We can talk without fear of being overheard.” “In three years, Hermione will receive a letter from Hogwarts...” “I remember. You talked about it the day we decided to help you and became her parents. Say exactly what you mean.” “I don't know in what house she will be sorted to.” - she sighed when she remembered her difficult beginnings in Slytherin. - “One of the houses places great emphasis on the principles of good manners, as if straight from the Regency times...” She fell silent, hoping the brunette would understand what she meant. A few seconds passed and Jean's expression began to change. it went from understanding to outrage to acceptance. - “Do you want me to teach her the rules that my mother tormented me with? I will teach her everything I remember, including how to braid her hair so that she doesn't look like she was struck by lightning. What were you so worried about?” “I remember how much you hated it.” “I still hate it, but over time I've learned that everything Evelyn Travers insisted on is extremely useful.”
She was relieved to hear these words. More relief than she suspected she would feel in this situation.
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Thanks to what she had experienced that day so far, October 31st had become one of the most stressful days of the year for Petunia Dursley Evans. Eight years ago, on Halloween, she found out she wouldn't be able to have any more children. On the same day, from a letter attached to a child left on her doorstep, she learned that her sister had been murdered and that she was responsible for taking care of her offspring. A few years later, also on Halloween, a witch came to her house and hissed like a snake when she spoke. Her visit terrified her to such an extent that she still suffered from nightmares about it. She carefully got out of bed, put on her housecoat and, walking towards the kitchen, she knocked first on her son's room and then on her nephew's room. Both her son, Dudley, and her nephew, Harry, resembled their fathers. Although she didn't have the opportunity to meet James Potter, she saw him in the photos that remained in their family home after Lily moved out without looking back. Harry's resemblance to her sister's husband was striking. “Harry! Dudley!” - she shouted when she had been standing in the kitchen for several minutes and they still hadn’t come downstairs. - “Breakfast will be ready soon! If you don't come downstairs in 2 minutes, I'll eat it all myself!” She didn't know what her life would be like now if it weren't for the visit of that witch. The witch who patiently explained to her that the cupboard under the stairs wasn’t a suitable place for any child. Even for a moment. Five years had passed and she was still ashamed of what she had done when she found Harry on the doorstep. Her first instinct was to take him to the nearest orphanage. Then she thought it might be another chance for her to be a mother. However, over time, contempt began to grow in her heart, fueled by the letter left by Albus Dumbledore. She smiled when she saw both boys in the kitchen doorway. Both equally sleepy, both equally disheveled. - “I thought I wouldn't see you at all.” “Can I help?” - Harry asked as Dudley started setting out the plates without asking. “Start frying the bacon. No one does it like you do.” - she said as she walked past him and moved her hand under his head, ruffling his hair even more. When she finally accepted Harry's presence in their lives, she tried her best to create a strong bond between the cousins, because to her surprise, not only Lily's son was a wizard. They will be able to count on each other in the new school. xxx Dolores struggled to get out of bed after Nagini dragged her through the pubs in London all night. This wasn't what she expected from a witch of her age, but she wasn't surprised at all by this behavior. She was human again and making up for the time spent in snake skin. She carefully went down the stairs, wondering how it was that they were in Cornelius's house instead of hers. As she entered the kitchen, she froze when she saw her would-be father-in-law standing in the kitchen in only his pajama pants. Pajama bottoms that sat dangerously low on his hips. She stood there motionless until she heard a quiet, barely audible whisper - “I don't know what your opinion is on this matter, but I think you need to fuck someone.. If it continues like this, I'll soon find you in Fudge's bed.” “There's no chance of that. I admit Cornelius is attractive to me, but he is impossible to touch.” “Then we need to find someone for you.” Cornelius looked just like her Scott’s older version, she thought before loudly saying, "What's for breakfast?" “Scrambled eggs and orange juice. My favorite hangover kit.” - he turned around with a smile illuminating his face. - “I don't want to imagine how much and what you had to pour into yourself yesterday to get to this state.” Dolores felt her face begin to blush. She couldn't stand drinking large doses of alcohol. And that was why she never drank at Slytherin parties. xxx “I still don't understand why you suddenly cared so much about treating that bastard right.” - Vernon growled over his hastily drinking coffee. - “In my opinion, we treated this child well enough before.” Petunia looked at her husband, wondering why exactly he was still her husband. At first, their relationship was compatible, but over time they became more and more distant from each other, and although she had previously tried to get closer to him, Vernon seemed indifferent to her efforts. “Did you really want an Obscurus in your house?” - she asked, using a term that was a cold shower for her - “Did you really want me to threaten our family because of the request written in the letter from this old man?” - she muttered and left the kitchen, knowing that she wouldn't be able to explain her point of view to him.
She would have to work harder to find a job because their divorce was fast approaching.
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“Why do you care so much about us going to the zoo today?” - Jean narrowed her eyes at her friend, she knew her well enough to know that something was on her mind. - “And don't tell me that you want us to see the opening of the new exhibition. We could have seen it on any other day until this exhibition will be closed.” It wasn't hard for her to see the moment when Dolores gave up and decided to say what was going on. Dressed in a suit in a terribly intense pink color, she reached for a cup of tea, took a sip, looking as if she was thinking about something, and then said - “Today at the zoo there will be a boy who is the son of a man because of whom...” - she could hear in her voice that it was difficult for her to said about it. “Do you want them to become friends?” “I want them to have the opportunity to get to know each other before they appear on Platform 9 and ¾. The rest will be up to them. I think that it will be good for all three children if they have someone to count on at the new school. Dudley is much more energetic than his cousin. Harry is quite calm. They can be a great support for your daughter.” Jean smiled at the witch sitting across from her. She saw nothing wrong with Hermione meeting someone with whom she would start her studies at Hogwarts. She suspected that there was a deeper meaning to this request, but she wasn't going to look into it. She trusted Dolores and knew that she would never do something that would put her family in danger. “So what does the family we are supposed to meet there look like?” xxx Following the two boys talking to each other, Petunia wondered what her life would be like if her nephew hadn't entered it. She was sure she would still be blindly staring at her husband. And she would still fulfill his every whim. Fortunately, it was a thing of the past. Vernon had moved out and she was waiting for divorce. While walking, she was so focused on her children that she didn't notice the brunette she bumped into. - “Boys, wait behind me!” - she shouted just before she bent down to help pick up the things that had spilled out of the purse of the woman she hit. - “I'm sorry, ma'am, I really haven't seen you.” Raising her head, Petunia noticed not only the brunette but also the curious look of the girl whose hair looked like a lion's mane. She gueddes that's what they were supposed to be, because girl had a nose and cat whiskers drawn on her face. - “Will you come with us?” “Hermione, darling... We can't impose our company on strangers.” “As for me, I don't mind. And I'm sure that my...” - she thought for a moment before saying - “...sons won't mind either.” xxx “Did you know that Burmese Pythons are one of the largest snakes? They are usually about three or four meters long, but some have been found that are over five meters long!” Jean could barely resist the urge to laugh at her daughter's enthusiastic monologue. After she moved in with them, she didn't say anything for a really long time. She only came to life when Dolores brought home a small pit viper. From that day on, Hermione devoured books about all kinds of animals. “Why are you giggling so much?” - her new friend asked. “My daughter finally found someone who was willing to listen to her spitting out facts at the speed of a machine gun. I'm glad she opened up to your boys.” They both watched in silence for a moment as their children established the first thread of understanding. Harry sat next to Hermione and asked more questions. At the same time, Dudley was looking at Hermione with flushed cheeks. Jean thought that maybe Dolores' plan had just succeeded. Petunia thought about how Hermione was trying to pay attention to both of her children. She herself never had any friends as a child, because most of the kids she met focused on her sister. However, both of them, independently of each other and without the other's knowledge, felt that they had made a good decision by going to the zoo on Halloween. xxx He straightened his tie just before he entered the Ballroom. Cornelius Fudge didn't even try to avoid the annual Gala this time. There was no point in it, because that year he was organizing this Gala. He organized it as the newly appointed Minister of Magic. And that evening he was accompanied by the outgoing minister. “Do you think there will be someone who will stop you?” Fully convinced of the truth of these words, he said - “Millicent... Only death can stop me.” - he dragged her to the middle of the dance floor and pulled her to him. Before he started dancing, he added, "My death."
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Chapter 11 - Another Beginning, September 1, 1991, part 1/2
When he looked at the calendar that day, he felt really old for the first time. Not only because he was getting older, but also because he realized how much time had passed since the day he, as a parent, appeared on Platform 9 and ¾ for the first time. And how long had passed since he last appeared there. Despite feeling bad, he smiled when he saw Dolores enter his office. Not only because he started treating her like his family, but also because the sight of her evoked in his rumors that could be heard more and more often in the corridors of the Ministry. He knew that the fact that they were suspected of having an affair was problematic for this witch. For him, It was becoming more and more funny. “Task completed.” - she said as soon as she closed the door behind her - “All three new Hogwarts students reached safely not only the platform but also the train. I almost discovered my presence in front of the Weasleys, but luckily I managed to contain my emotions.” “Weasleys?” - he asked, surprised because he knew that Arthur's family, just like the Malfoys and Notts, didn’t have to use this place to enter Platform 9 and ¾. - “What were they doing at Kings Cross?” “I have absolutely no idea. Molly violated Statut by talking about muggles in the muggle part of London. I know that this law is practically no longer used, but I really wanted arrest her based on this.” “Dumbledore must have sent them there. From what you said, in Harry's letter, the one with the surname Potter, there were no instructions about entering the platform from which the Hogwarts Express departs. I assume he wanted the Weasleys to take care of him.” - he smiled and then added - “So the operation to send to school these three children didn’t encounter any more problems?” “Hermione is protected by both Harry and Dudley. I had the opportunity to see one of the older students accidentally hit their friend so badly that she almost fell down. They quickly pacified him, but reached an agreement even faster. I really don't know what Petunia Evans started feeding her son. He is only eleven years old and, according to Helen, he is already 170 cm tall.” After a moment of silence, Cornelius said with confidence, "I'm glad they'll support each other. I’m convinced that Tom Riddle's goal that night was to eliminate the entire Potter family. I overtook him by killing James and Lily. I saved Harry and now this boy has a chance for his life to turn out better than what could have happened without my intervention.” “Do you regret what you did?” “I've already answered this question for you. My answer hasn't changed.” xxx “Lucius Abraxas Malfoy!!!” He was so focused on the place where, at least he thought, he noticed the familiar witch that only the scream of his wife pulled him out of his thoughts. - “What happened Cissa?” - He wasn't sure what Dolores Umbridge, who according to all the information he had, had never had a child, might be doing on Platform 9 ¾. “I'd like to know what's going on. Ever since Draco boarded the train, you started acting like a zombie. I thought that of the two of us, I would be the one who could not handle our son's journey to Hogwarts.” “I thought I saw someone I knew here. But I was most likely wrong.” - he preferred not to stess Narcissa. Not now, when they managed to father another child. - “How do you feel?” “Quite good Lucius, but I'm tired and I'd like to go home.” He walked up to her and took her in his arms. He was lucky that despite the mistakes he had made in the past, she still wanted to be with him. xxx “What are you currently doing?” - Dolores asked as soon as he sat down in the chair in the corner of his office - “You're more sentimental than usual today.” When did she get to know me like this?, he thought as he put his pen in the inkwell. - “You asked what I wanted for my birthday. Fountain pen. Geese are exhausting me...” “That doesn't answer my question.” - she hissed. “I know. If you hadn't interrupted me, you would have gotten the answer you wanted.” - he sighed - “Albus Dumbledore wants to resurrect the Triwizard Tournament. What's more, he wants the tournament to not have the traditional age limit this time. Unfortunately, I was outvoted, so the only thing left for me to do was to postpone it.” “Triwizard Tournament with no age limit? Has he gone mad?” He looked at her before saying - “The question is not whether he went mad, but WHEN he went mad. I'm sure he's planning something but I have no way of checking. I was trained in legiminency, but Dumbledore has a natural talent for occlumency. I'm sure he would immediately discover my attempt to tamper with his memories.” “So what are you planning to do?” “Gain some time to be able to access his private notes. We learned a lot from Riddle's notes stolen from Malfoy Manor. I'm sure we would learn even more from those written by Dumbledore.” He laughed at the confusion on her face. She had felt for a long time that he was too calm, and this was probably the first time he would have to admit that she was right. “Cornelius, you're getting into trouble again. We were supposed to wait with the 'antics' until the Diary belonging to the Dark Lord surfaced.” “Everyone needs a bit of adrenaline from time to time...”
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“We finally found an empty compartment,” Dudley said as he entered. “I thought we wouldn’t be able to do it. I wasn’t in a favour to spend this trip with people I didn’t know.”
Harry understood him perfectly. Dudley, despite the ease with which he made friends, was actually very closed to other people. Sometimes Harry wondered if it was because he had watched his parents’ divorce. Before his uncle moved out, there were intense arguments between them. And with each passing day, it was getting worse.
He mumbled, threw his trunk on the luggage rack, and sat down next to his cousin, saying, “It wouldn’t be a disaster if we met someone new on the way to a new school.” He was surprised when he felt a slight trace of mockery in his own voice. “However, I have to admit that travelling with just you and Hermione could be a pleasant experience.”
Almost at the same time, first they heard the door to the compartment they had occupied open again, then a nervous mutter. “I don’t like it when you talk about me like I’m not here.”
“But Hermione...” Dudley began, his face lighting up with a smile. “In case you haven’t noticed, we were alone in this compartment just a moment ago. It’s not our fault you left behind.”
“My trunk was heavy.” She said shortly.
Harry shrugged, amused, before relaxing and looking at his friend. “My cousin wanted to help you. It’s not our fault you wanted to carry your trunk to the compartment yourself.” Hermione often tried to be independent. It was as if she was afraid to ask anyone for help. Luckily (for them and for her), her stubbornness was showing itself less and less often. “Will you let me help you put your trunk on the shelf, or are you going to refuse again?”
Dudley didn’t give her a chance to refuse. He simply stood up, grabbed her trunk, and easily threw it up. “If I had to guess, I’d say your trunk is so heavy because you put your entire book collection inside. Why do you need so many books? Apparently there’s a library at Hogwarts. Quite a comprehensive library, even.”
With a heavy thud, she sat down opposite them, arms crossed and silent. Harry didn’t care, because since they first met, he had managed to convince himself that Hermione Granger wasn’t able to hold a grudge for long. At least, not towards those she cared about.
xxx
“I think I saw Harry Potter.” Theo said when he returned from a walk along the Hogwarts Express. He was looking for Pansy Parkinson. He was afraid that she might have sat in another compartment because she hadn’t found them. “Boy, who looks like James Potter, is with his friends a few compartments away from us.”
He immediately saw interest in Draco Malfoy’s eyes. “With his friends?” You’ve got me curious. Is there anyone among them who’s a Weasley?
“I’m sure there isn’t. There’s an overgrown, rather slim blond boy with him and a tiny, petite brunette with hair tied in a braided crown. Similar to the ones our mothers wore in school,” when Theo saw the hesitation on Draco’s face, he asked, “Do you want to take a closer look at them, or is it just me?”
“If you were sure it’s Potter, I’d go and greet him.” Malfoy paused for a moment. “Although... I promised my mother I wouldn’t cause any problems. I also don’t have to act like my father, who often gets carried away by emotions. It would be better to wait and see if this wizard is really Harry Potter. Maybe I’ll be lucky and he’ll be sorted into Slytherin, because where else could someone who defeated the Dark Lord would end?”
Theo sighed, sitting down opposite Malfoy. He sat down so that there was room for Vincent and Gregory, who were to join them in a moment. And for Pansy, who he had found engaged in a discussion with Cassius Warrington. “So you agree with our fathers’ theory about what happened that night?”
“There must be something in it,” Draco sighed. “Unless we’re missing some information.” When he heard someone approaching down the corridor, he fell silent, then stated, “After what happened years ago to Malfoy Manor, after the gala celebrating the fall of the Dark Lord, I can expect anything.”
xxx
A few hours later, the Hogwarts Express reached its last station in Hogsmeade, and the students, depending on their year, reached the castle either by boat or by carriages harnessed to the majestically ghoulish creatures. It seemed to Hermione that, together with Harry, she was one of the few who had seen them. She didn’t pay much concern to it, however, because the gigantic man who directed them towards the dock, where a row of boats were moored, diverted her attention.
When they were told to get on them, Hermione looked around uncertainly for help. She had been afraid of the water for as long as she could remember. But before the fear could completely take over her, Dudley took her in his arms, lifted her up, and put her on board. After a moment, he was sitting next to her, hugging her and whispering, “I’ll be with you the whole way. Remember that Harry and I can swim.” There was something in his voice that she couldn’t define.
She allowed herself to relax when almost at the same moment she heard Harry say, “Nothing will happen to you,” and felt Dudley’s lips touch her forehead.
xxx
“I would say Cornelius, that there is enough adrenaline in your life,” Dolores said sharply, looking at her almost would-be father-in-law. She could see that something had happened to him, but for some reason, he didn’t want to share it with her. “You’re hiding something from me. And I don’t know how I’m supposed to feel about it.”
He sighed loudly, sounding as if he had given up, then stood up and walked around the desk to stand between her and the oak furniture he had inherited from Milicent. Without a word, he loosened his tie, took it off in one movement, and then began to unbutton his shirt.
Dolores didn’t flinch, she didn’t try to run away, because she knew she was in no danger.
Suddenly, Cornelius pulled his shirt over his head and she finally saw what the problem was. There were visible bite marks on his stomach, chest, and right shoulder. Still healing bite marks. “Do you remember when we talked about the Philosopher’s Stone at Hogwarts?”
“I remember,” she replied, tracing one of his wounds with her finger. The muscles in his stomach trembled under her touch. She quickly lowered her hand to her torso and tightened her fingers around the hem of her jacket. Watching him get dressed, she asked, “But what does that talk have to do with those wounds?”
“I’ll put it as simply as I can,” he began. “Did you know that Cerberus, contrary to popular belief, won’t be satisfied with just any music? I’m not very talented in this area.”
Dolores’ thoughts began to swirl like in a kaleidoscope. When she had already formed her initial conclusions, she asked, “Are you telling me that Hagrid got Dumbledore Cerberus to guard the Philosopher’s Stone, which was a bait for Tom Riddle, in a school full of children? Do you also want to add that you broke into the place where they keep that creature? You don’t have much adrenaline in your life. You’re addicted to it.”
Tying his tie with a smile on his face, Cornelius said, “Perhaps you’re right. But thanks to what I did, I’m also the happy and sole owner of the Philosopher’s Stone, my dear.” He hissed when he realised he had to fix the knot. “If it will calm you down, I didn’t even try to break into Dumbledore’s office.”
Dolores hit him over the head, thinking he would feel reprimanded, but he gave her a radiant smile. “So, Dumbledore didn’t approach you with his Triwizard Tournament plans; instead, you went to him! You’re portraying yourself as a weakling, which will lead others to believe they can take advantage of you.”
“That’s precisely my aim, child. People don’t pay attention to the actions of those they consider useful fools. And that’s exactly what Albus thinks I am. His notes, journals, and letters are crucial to me. And I will get them.”
Cornelius finished speaking in a tone of voice that sent shivers down her spine every time. Dolores was increasingly starting to think that just as her he had teetered on the edge before, now he was getting closer to falling down. However, she also knew that she would help him get up as many times as necessary.
xxx
Dudley looked around with delight as they entered the Great Hall, to which a witch who introduced herself as Minerva McGonagall led them. The candles looked as if they were hanging. The ceiling, which was invisible, which made them feel like they were looking directly at the night sky.
However, there was something that lessened his delight. The glances of the students sitting at the tables. He had the impression that they were judging how many of them would be sorted into their houses.
He was still holding Hermione’s hand, which was still shaking like an aspen because of the boat trip. He was still holding Harry close to him, because it seemed to me that his cousin was becoming more and more anxious because of the whispers about Harry Potter. It didn’t take a genius to realise that they were whispering about him.
However, no one knew that Harry, like him, bore their mothers’ maiden name.
“It’ll be over soon,” he said, looking ahead. “And we’ll be sorted.”
“And what if they separate us?” Harry and Hermione asked almost simultaneously. “What happens then?”
He thought about his answer for a moment, because he had to put into words what he was feeling and he was never good at it. “The fact that we’re in different houses won’t change anything between us. It’s just school and what matters to us is our real lives. Besides... Do you really think we’ll end up in any other house than Slytherin? With your obsession with snakes? I’ll ask this damned hat to either sort me into Slytherin or whatever house you end up in. Depending on how they sort us.”
Without separating his hands from Hermione, he turned her around, so that she was now standing close to him and he was hugging her. She laughed, suddenly brightening up.
He was bloody scared of this school, but they didn’t need to know that.