"I am the daughter of Andromeda Tonks, but before marrying my father, she was called Black," explained Tonks, looking at her cousin, who showed no surprise at her revelation. She felt a sense of loss, as this encounter was not unfolding as she had thought. Her hair changed from purple to a dull blue.
Initially, she had hoped Asterion would be pleased to discover he had another relative, but the teenager seemed colder than the iceberg that sank the Titanic.
"I know who you are, Nymphadora," Asterion said, cutting off any further introduction.
But...
"Don't call me Nymphadora!" Her cousin spoke in a loud, angry tone, her hair changing color to a fiery red, full of life.
Asterion observed the change with interest. It seemed her cousin didn't have good control over her gift, which was not surprising. She hadn't had a teacher or access to the Black Family Heritage, which likely contained numerous books about her gift.
"I apologize, I didn't realize being called by your name was so... embarrassing?" Asterion spoke with an uncertain tone.
"When you're the butt of jokes because of your name, you start to dislike it," Tonks huffed, responding with an irritated look on her face.
"Surely it must not be very pleasant," Asterion nodded. "But you shouldn't care about what people say about you. By showing that you care about what others say about you, you become weak in their eyes."
Tonks opened her mouth in shock, not knowing what to say. She still couldn't believe she was receiving advice from a thirteen-year-old boy. Embarrassed and angry, she looked at her cousin resentfully.
Asterion pursed his lips abnormally in the face of that resentful look. He didn't understand how he had made her angry; he had just given advice.
In his eyes, women were definitely strange and somewhat illogical. Even without a valid reason to be upset, they found something entirely different and blamed you for it.
Daphne was just like Nymphadora in this regard.
"So, what did you want to do after meeting me?" Asterion let out a resigned sigh and asked calmly.
Tonks composed herself and looked at him seriously. "My mother misses the whole family," she said, maintaining her gaze on him. "I hope somehow they can reconcile, except for Bellatrix and Sirius, who are on the run and missing."
Asterion raised an eyebrow upon hearing her request. "You do realize your mother was expelled from the family for not practicing the Inherited Technique, right?"
Tonks fell silent. She understood the importance of the Inherited Technique for a Noble House; her mother refused to practice it and was expelled from the family.
"But can't they reconcile?" Tonks asked, a glimmer of hope in her dark eyes.
"Of course they can, but you need to understand that your mother's decision hurt many people. She chose to voluntarily leave the family," Asterion replied, sighing with a slightly softer look. He realized Tonks wanted to help in the reconciliation, but this decision wasn't in her hands; it was up to Narcissa, Bellatrix, and Arcturus.
Arcturus, in particular, never showed anger towards Andromeda for her decision; at least not that he spoke of. There was only a bitter and sorrowful feeling.
Tonks opened her mouth to try to refute and defend her mother's actions, but she remained silent. In the end, she muttered resentfully, "Why is that damned technique so important? More important than family itself?"
Asterion stayed quiet. Obviously, he knew why the Inherited Technique was so important, but he chose not to explain it to Nymphadora. Even though she might have the blood of the House Black running in her veins, she was still an outsider, called Tonks.
Observing Tonks in silence, Asterion decided to continue the conversation. "While I may not be able to do much, I can send a letter asking Narcissa to meet with Andromeda. However, whether she accepts the request or not is not under my control."
Tonks's dark eyes almost seemed to light up for a moment as she hugged Asterion and exclaimed excitedly,
"Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!"
She continued repeating the same word, unaware of the look of disgust on the boy's face.
Breaking free from her embrace, Asterion looked at her angrily and said coldly,
"Don't touch me, I don't like strangers touching me."
Tonks ignored his words and laughed cheerfully. While what he was doing might not have been particularly important to Asterion, it was different for her. It was a chance for her mother to improve, to get better, and to come out of a mild depression.
Unmoved by her joy, Asterion coldly gave the eviction order.
"Now go away, if they catch you in the Common Room, they'll want your head."
Giving him a peck on the cheek, Tonks transformed back into Dorea and left regardless of Asterion's face growing colder with her actions.
With a cold huff, Asterion returned to reading his newspaper.
For some reason, women around him seemed to enjoy provoking him above all else.
-
Austria, Austrian Alps - Nurmengard.
Over the decades, with the constant increase of acolytes, the castle originally built to serve as a prison for Grindelwald's enemies had become the main gathering point for them. Countless renovations had turned Nurmengard into a vast complex entrenched within the very bowels of the mountain it was located in.
Seated at the round table, the Dark Lord known as Gellert Grindelwald observed his acolytes with a subtle smile.
Rising from his chair, he addressed the assembly with a penetrating gaze. "My brothers and sisters, the promised day is near. The day when we shall finally purify our beautiful planet of these abominations."
Almost fanatical expressions crossed the faces of most present. Decades of work were about to be successfully concluded; how could they not be in complete ecstasy?
Grindelwald continued speaking. "When our glorious purpose is fulfilled, we shall be reborn into a world free from the risk of our children being cruelly killed by monsters. A pure world that we can truly call our own. A pure world of magic and brilliance."
His voice, smooth and laden with emotion, echoed throughout the chamber.
"Brothers and sisters, we do not act for glory, wealth, or power. We do not kill for pleasure, hatred, or fear. We do what we do for a better world, even if ignorant fools think otherwise." Gazing at the fervent crowd of acolytes, Grindelwald clenched his fist and continued:
"But I do not blame them. This corrupt society has forced them to think this way. We are their salvation and their executioners to the end." The Dark Lord concluded.
Grindelwald took a deep breath and uttered, "For the Greater Good."
"For the Greater Good."
"For the Greater Good."
"For the Greater Good."
…
The acolytes echoed his words in unison.
"My lord, are you sure we will cooperate with them?" Aurelius, always by Grindelwald's side, questioned, his expression showing disgust at the mention of "them".
Grindelwald didn't respond immediately, his gaze shifting to the magnificent view through the window. Then, he turned back to Aurelius with a smile.
"Our organization and those lunatics will attack Hogwarts together, Aurelius. We only need the Ley Lines of Hogwarts to complete the final stage of our plan and nothing more," he stated, gripping his adoptive son's shoulders with his silver-eyed gaze, reminiscent of the moon.
"Our purpose in this world is more important than anything else," he spoke, releasing his shoulders. He turned his gaze back to the window and continued.
"If they want the life of that child with special eyes, so be it."
"Are we going to help kill her?" Aurelius asked, confused.
"Do you really think it's easy to kill a Special Grade Wizard, Aurelius?" Grindelwald didn't answer and threw the question back.
"Almost all Special Grade Wizards and Witches are similar in strength, unless it's an extremely destructive Inherited Technique, I find it difficult for one Special Grade Wizard to kill another," Aurelius responded without hesitation.
"That's right, if a Special Grade Wizard is determined to flee, they will flee; few can hold a Special Grade Wizard for long," Grindelwald agreed with his adoptive son's words.
"So, if this group of lunatics attacks Hogwarts, isn't it the same as suicide? The place has three Special Grade Wizards and two Semi-Special Grade Wizards," Aurelius became even more confused.
Albus Dumbledore, Rose Potter, Asterion Black, Minerva McGonagall, and Filius Flitwick.
"That's why they've allied with us, but we don't underestimate them, Aurelius; madmen often have even crazier tricks up their sleeves," Grindelwald laughed and looked out at the snowy mountains through the window.
"I'm coming, Albus. You still owe me a battle to the death," Grindelwald murmured to himself with an excited smile, like a child who had finally gotten what they wanted from their parents.
---------------------------------
Author's Thoughts: Can any of you think of what Grindelwald wants to do? It's not complicated... I promise. hehehehe
Support me to write more and read chapters ahead of all regular readers!
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Next Chapter: Chapter 52 - A Treacherous Game of Chess (1), Chapter 53 - A Treacherous Game of Chess (2), Chapter 54 - A Treacherous Game of Chess (3), Chapter 55 - A Treacherous Game of Chess (4), Chapter 56 - Magical Self-Defense Tactical Training Class (1), Chapter 57 - Magical Self-Defense Tactical Training Class (2), Chapter 58 - Magical Self-Defense Tactical Training Class (3), Chapter 59 - Magical Self-Defense Tactical Training Class (4), Chapter 60 - School Council, Chapter 61 - Mission (1), Chapter 62 - Mission (2), Chapter 63 - Mission (3), Chapter 64 - Mission (4), Chapter 65 - Mission (5), Chapter 66 - Consequences of the Attack (1), Chapter 67 - Consequences of the Attack (2), Chapter 68 - Invasion of Hogwarts (1), Chapter 69 - Invasion of Hogwarts (2), Chapter 70 - Invasion of Hogwarts (3), Chapter 71 - Invasion of Hogwarts (4), Chapter 72 - Invasion of Hogwarts (5), Chapter 73 - Invasion of Hogwarts (6), Chapter 74 - Invasion of Hogwarts (7), Chapter 75 - Invasion of Hogwarts (8).
Three weeks, that was the time he searched for the Chamber of Secrets, but the place was nowhere to be found in Hogwarts, as if it had completely vanished from the face of the earth. If it weren't for the Sorting Hat stating that the Chamber of Secrets existed, Asterion would have doubted its existence in this reality.
Rhythmically tapping his fingers on the table, Asterion delved into deep thoughts. If the Chamber of Secrets wasn't in Hogwarts, there was only one place it could be: the Forbidden Forest.
"Even if I don't follow the canon, will I be dragged into it eventually?" Asterion murmured to himself as he watched the orange flames of the fireplace. The comforting crackle of the flames seemed to bring him an inexplicable sense of calm.
"But, it won't be so simple to drag me into this mess," Asterion murmured with a cold smile, as he continued to contemplate the spectacle of the flames.
It was a game, a game involving Dumbledore, Voldemort, and himself, each with their distinct objectives. Dumbledore manipulated Hogwarts as if it were a chessboard, with the Philosopher's Stone as the prize for whoever could take down his "queen," all with the purpose of luring Voldemort out of the hole he called a hideout.
Even aware that it was a trap set for him, Voldemort chose to participate in the game in the hope of regaining his body.
Whether Dumbledore or Voldemort, both trusted their own lives to win in this game of manipulation, lies, and power.
But Asterion had no intention of becoming a mere pawn in the hands of two extremely powerful and experienced wizards. He knew he wouldn't stand a chance against Dumbledore and Voldemort when it came to manipulation. After all, at just thirteen years old, he definitely didn't have the same experience or patience needed to manipulate everything and everyone like they did.
"But don't blame me for flipping the chessboard when I lose patience," Asterion said, resting his head on his hand and displaying a sarcastic and ironic smile. He was determined not to submit to the plays of Dumbledore and Voldemort, even if it meant challenging the rules of the game.
-
Headmaster's Office.
Rose observed the office with great curiosity, but after a moment of analysis, she found nothing particularly interesting. It seemed just like a typical office of an elderly man, filled with portraits, common objects, and many books.
"Rose, thank you for coming." Dumbledore greeted her with a smile, but she only smiled back, not bothering to respond. She sat in the chair across from him and stared at him with her radiant blue eyes.
"Would you like something to drink, Rose?" He offered, with a gentle smile and a warm look.
"No, thank you. I've learned not to accept sweets from strangers, especially from suspicious old men." Rose replied, her smile tinged with sarcasm.
"Well said." Dumbledore laughed, taking a sip of his honey tea. He ignored the provocative words of the thirteen-year-old.
Then, he looked seriously at Rose and asked, "What do you think of the wizarding world, Rose?"
"From what I've seen, it's a rather backward, prejudiced, and quite authoritarian world, in my opinion." Rose responded, keeping her gaze fixed on Dumbledore.
"Hmm..." Dumbledore nodded, continuing. "Part of this is due to magical secrecy, which prevents Muggles from knowing about the existence of magical beings. Both worlds haven't delved deep enough. England, in particular, is one of the most conservative countries in this aspect. Many of our laws haven't been altered in over four centuries, a time when the nobility held particularly powerful sway."
The expression "particularly powerful" was a euphemism on Dumbledore's part. Four hundred years ago, Muggle-born wizards couldn't ascend in the magical society; without money, many were forced to return to the Muggle world, unable to continue their studies or research.
It was a time when blood determined everything. Blood meant power, wealth, and status. Without it, you were just a dirty, hungry peasant.
"My Magical History teacher is Professor Binns," Rose commented with a bored tone.
Dumbledore wasn't offended by her words. Stroking his long white beard, he looked at the girl with grandfatherly tenderness and let out a low chuckle.
"Patience is a virtue, Rose. There will be moments in your life when you'll need it."
Rose rolled her eyes at his words; patience was the last thing she had at that moment. All she wanted was to leave and, perhaps, tease Asterion a bit. She enjoyed trying to change that perpetually cold expression on his face.
Noticing Rose's growing impatience, Dumbledore shook his head and continued.
"With my status as Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot, I granted some rights to Muggle-borns and half-bloods, which threatened their status, angering the nobility. As you may have read in some books, unfortunately, this eventually led to war."
"A war because I granted 1% of the rights that belonged to the noble class to those who truly needed them. This enraged them so much that they embraced Voldemort as their leader, largely in part due to his connection with Salazar Slytherin. Combine an extremist and an equally extremist ideology, and the result is genocide against Muggles, Muggle-born wizards, and half-bloods, along with some pure-bloods."
Rose's eyes grew particularly cold at the mention of Voldemort, her parents' killer.
"Why are you telling me this?" She asked, sitting up straight in the padded seat.
"Rose, when I'm gone, the nobility will regain all the power they had before. Nearly fifty years of work will be thrown away. People need a leader, someone to protect their rights," Dumbledore explained bluntly.
These words caused Rose's eyes to widen briefly, looking at Dumbledore as if she were seeing a madman. With the explanation she had received from Asterion on the Hogwarts Express, she could understand the nuances in Dumbledore's words.
"You want me to take your place in the Light Faction?" She asked, still somewhat incredulous.
"Exactly. I want you to take my place as the leader of the Light Faction," Dumbledore confirmed with a nod.
Rose didn't know what to say. She wasn't naive; she understood perfectly the implications of Dumbledore's words. However, if she were asked if she wanted that, the answer would be an emphatic no.
Without Dumbledore needing to read her mind, he knew exactly what she was thinking.
"I know, Rose. You don't want this, but don't answer me now, my old bones can still hold out for a few more years." Dumbledore showed a smile and spoke, showing his arm with sagging skin, as if he wanted to reinforce his words.
Rose didn't respond and left the office without saying anything to Dumbledore.
Dumbledore watched Rose leave his office with a calm and serene look, he looked at his own hands aged by time and murmured to himself.
"Rose, you will learn that when the world needs you, it doesn't ask for your permission, it orders."
Leaning weakly in his chair, Dumbledore looked at his old friend who had just arrived and murmured.
"For the greater good, Fawkes."
The beautiful phoenix just chirped a lovely, comforting tune, bringing a smile to the lips of the Hogwarts headmaster.
-
Walking through the corridors of Hogwarts, Rose ignored the admiring gazes of other students, lost in deep thoughts.
Suddenly, she spotted Asterion carrying some books in his arms, likely from the Hogwarts library.
Without hesitation, she approached, took his hand, and dragged him into a nearby broom cupboard, to the surprised looks of the first-year students and the ambiguous, provocative looks from the older ones.
"Help, I'm going to be abused...", Asterion said sarcastically inside the broom closet, looking at Rose.
Rolling her eyes at his words, Rose stared at him seriously.
"Little Star, I want you to answer something," she said with an extremely serious tone, leaning against the wall.
Asterion was surprised by the seriousness in her voice and nodded, agreeing with her words.
"If I become the leader of the Light Faction, what will happen to me?" Rose asked.
"Dumbledore offered you the position," Asterion understood the seriousness of Rose.
Honestly, he was surprised. Dumbledore spoke to Rose! That truly surprised him; he thought the old manipulator wouldn't reveal the truth until a few years later.
"You don't seem surprised," said Rose, noticing his lack of reaction, her eyes slightly narrowed.
"It's obvious. Think carefully about your life and see that almost everything in it has Dumbledore's hands behind it," Asterion replied coldly, uncaring about Rose's feelings.
This made Rose clench her fists tightly. She took a deep breath and calmed herself, feeling that if she continued to dwell on this, Hogwarts might cease to exist.
"To answer your question, I have to ask something first. Do you want me to answer as your cousin or your future enemy?" said Asterion, leaning against the door, looking at Rose with a cold gaze.
Rose furrowed her brow and responded determinedly. "Both."
"Very well," said Asterion. "As your future enemy, I advise you not to accept his proposal. With your conviction to irritate me, it's possible that I might try to kill you at some point in your life. You're particularly irritating."
His words made Rose's lips curl into a smile.
Asterion continued speaking, this time with a cold and chilling tone. "Prepare to be my enemy; I won't hesitate to make you bleed in the Wizengamot. I'll do whatever it takes to achieve my goals, including killing your supporters."
Rose narrowed her eyes at Asterion; she didn't doubt his words.
"As your cousin, I advise you to accept. The political and personal power it will bring will make you one of the most important people in the world. You'll have the entire legacy of the most powerful man in the world, who was considered the second coming of Merlin. Whether it's knowledge, wealth, political power, or access to his entire organization, you'll have it all," Asterion finished.
Rose remained silent, delving into her deepest thoughts.
Did she want all that power? For what purpose? To change the world? To engage in political disputes in a magical parliament?
Rose wasn't sure. She didn't feel rushed to answer. As Dumbledore had said, she had a few years to respond to Albus Dumbledore's proposal.
----------------------------
1700 words. Things started to work out, all sides began to make their own moves. I hope you enjoyed.
Support me to write more and read chapters ahead of all regular readers!
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(Just remove the hyphen to access Patreon normally.)
Next Chapter: Chapter 53 - A Treacherous Game of Chess (2), Chapter 54 - A Treacherous Game of Chess (3), Chapter 55 - A Treacherous Game of Chess (4), Chapter 56 - Magical Self-Defense Tactical Training Class (1), Chapter 57 - Magical Self-Defense Tactical Training Class (2), Chapter 58 - Magical Self-Defense Tactical Training Class (3), Chapter 59 - Magical Self-Defense Tactical Training Class (4), Chapter 60 - School Council, Chapter 61 - Mission (1), Chapter 62 - Mission (2), Chapter 63 - Mission (3), Chapter 64 - Mission (4), Chapter 65 - Mission (5), Chapter 66 - Consequences of the Attack (1), Chapter 67 - Consequences of the Attack (2), Chapter 68 - Invasion of Hogwarts (1), Chapter 69 - Invasion of Hogwarts (2), Chapter 70 - Invasion of Hogwarts (3), Chapter 71 - Invasion of Hogwarts (4), Chapter 72 - Invasion of Hogwarts (5), Chapter 73 - Invasion of Hogwarts (6), Chapter 74 - Invasion of Hogwarts (7), Chapter 75 - Invasion of Hogwarts (8), Chapter 76 - Invasion of Hogwarts (9), Chapter 77 - Invasion of Hogwarts (10).
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