บท 283: Chapter 283: "Return to the Black Castle"
The Hogwarts Express steamed away from the station, a scarlet blur against the emerald countryside. Harry stood on the platform, watching until the last wisps of smoke disappeared over the horizon. Cedric, Roger, Reggy, and the rest had all departed with promises to write soon and plans to meet up over the summer.
Now, standing alone, he felt a mix of relief and anticipation. The quiet was a welcome change after the chaotic end of term, but he knew it wouldn't last. Turning away from the empty tracks, Harry made his way home to the Black Castle. There waiting for him was what promised to be another summer of training.
The grand hall was just as Harry remembered—ornate tapestries depicting the Black family history, suits of armor lining the walls, and the ever-present warmth that made it feel like home. The flickering torches cast a golden glow, highlighting the intricate details of the castle's storied past.
"Welcome back, Harry," a voice called out from the entrance. Harry turned to see Arcturus Black approaching, his tall figure clad in dark robes that seemed to absorb the fading light.
Harry smiled faintly. "It is good to be back. It was a hectic year. Where is Sirius?"
Arcturus sighed. "Caught up at the Ministry, I'm afraid. The aftermath of the events of the Triwizard Tournament has everyone scrambling. He sends his apologies."
Harry nodded. "I figured as much. He's going to be busy for some time."
As Harry neared the doors, a pop sounded, and Mira appeared, her tiny form emerging from a concealed spot. "Welcome back, Master Harry," greeted Mira with a warm smile.
"Thank you, Mira. It's good to be back in your care," Harry replied, feeling the familiar sense of comfort her presence provided.
Arcturus observed Harry keenly, his piercing blue eyes seeming to look right through him. "You seem... different," he remarked as they made their way to the sitting room.
"Do I?" Harry asked lightly, though he could sense where this was heading.
"Indeed. There's a weight on your shoulders that wasn't there before," Arcturus noted, settling into an armchair.
Harry took a seat opposite him. "It's been an eventful year."
Arcturus's eyes bore into him. "Eventful, yes. But I suspect there's more to it than that."
Harry met his gaze steadily but said nothing.
After a moment, Arcturus sighed. "You can drop the act, Harry. I know."
"Know what?" Harry asked cautiously.
"That you were the mysterious wizard who saved Charles, fought Voldemort, and decimated his Death Eaters," Arcturus stated plainly.
Harry's composure faltered for a split second before he composed himself. "What makes you think that?"
Arcturus gave a wry smile. "You're not the first Potter to take such bold actions. Your great-grandfather, Charles Potter, was much the same. The style, the strategy—it all points to you."
Realizing there was no point in denying it, Harry leaned back. "I suppose I shouldn't be surprised you figured it out."
Arcturus nodded. "You're becoming quite the formidable wizard. But such actions carry heavy consequences."
"Do you disapprove?" Harry asked carefully.
"On the contrary," Arcturus replied. "In times of war, difficult choices must be made. You did what you thought was right, and I respect that. However, the loss of so many pureblood wizards, misguided as they were, is regrettable."
Harry looked down, feeling a pang of guilt. "I didn't take any pleasure in it. But they chose their path, and without them, Voldemort will be much weaker in the coming war."
"Indeed," Arcturus agreed. "Let us hope their families can find a better way forward."
There was a moment of silence before Harry spoke again, his voice barely above a whisper. "So... you'll keep this between us? It is not good for even Sirius to know, at least not yet."
"Of course," Arcturus assured him. "It's not my place to reveal your secrets. Besides, we have more pressing matters to attend to."
Harry's eyes lit up with a mix of relief and determination. "Does that mean we can begin my training in the Dark Arts? I need to be prepared for whatever Voldemort throws at me next. I tried to finish Voldemort that night, but he escaped."
Arcturus held up a hand. "Patience, Harry. Your training will continue in due time. But first, we must focus on the upcoming Wizengamot meeting."
Harry blinked. "The Wizengamot?"
"Yes," Arcturus confirmed. "In light of recent events, an emergency session has been called. As the new Lord Potter, you are expected to attend."
Harry frowned, feeling a knot tighten in his stomach. "I had never paid any attention to how the Ministry of Magic worked. It looks like there are some things I am still clueless about."
Arcturus leaned back, his expression contemplative. "Claiming your title grants you a seat on the Wizengamot. It's time you learned how to navigate the political arena."
Harry sighed, frustration bubbling beneath his calm exterior. "Politics wasn't exactly what I had in mind for the summer. I thought of a future in politics, but not this soon."
"Very few young men dream of joining politics," Arcturus said with a chuckle, though his eyes remained serious. "But it's a necessary part of our world. Power isn't wielded only with a wand."
"Alright," Harry conceded. "When do we start?"
"Tomorrow morning," Arcturus replied. "I will begin with the basics and help you identify key figures in the Wizengamot. You'll need to be well-prepared."
"Understood," Harry said, his resolve solidifying. "I'll do whatever it takes."
"Good," Arcturus said approvingly. "Now, get some rest. You'll need a clear mind."
As Harry made his way to his room, he couldn't help but feel a mix of excitement and apprehension. He had heard only bad things about being in politics in his previous life and had no other knowledge of it. This was going to be a challenge, but he was determined to rise to it.
---
Meanwhile, in a shadowed chamber far from the Black Castle, Lord Voldemort seethed with rage. The room was dimly lit, the only illumination coming from flickering candles that cast sinister shadows on the stone walls. Around him stood a handful of Death Eaters, their dark cloaks enveloping them like wraiths awaiting their master's command.
Voldemort paced back and forth, his serpentine eyes gleaming with fury. "How could it come to this?" he hissed, his voice echoing menacingly. "I have returned, and already I have suffered a significant loss. That insolent wizard escaped only because I had just been resurrected and was not at full power. If he dares to face me again, I will show him why people fear to even speak my name."
The assembled Death Eaters remained silent, their gazes fixed on the cold stone floor. None dared to interrupt their Dark Lord's tirade.
"Explain to me," Voldemort snarled, his gaze piercing each of them in turn, "where were you when I summoned everyone? I could have used your talents there, Greyback. With your senses, that interloper could not have appeared so suddenly before me."
Fenrir Greyback stepped forward, his feral eyes reflecting the dim light. "My Lord, I was outside the country and could not return swiftly enough. I accept any punishment you see fit."
Voldemort's lip curled in disdain. "Yes, but count yourself fortunate that you are needed right now. I will deal with your failings after I have dispatched that meddlesome brat. If only I knew who he was."
Greyback bowed his head. "My Lord, I can command the werewolves to be on the lookout for that wizard."
Voldemort's eyes narrowed thoughtfully. "Good. See to it. Find him, and inform me immediately. I want him captured so I can exact proper revenge for what he did."
Greyback nodded eagerly, his expression one of savage anticipation. "Yes, my Lord."
Voldemort then turned his gaze to Severus Snape, who stood with his head slightly bowed, his face a mask of composure. "And you, Severus. How fortunate you are to have avoided the fate of the others."
Snape met his gaze briefly. "My Lord, I was unable to respond to your summons without arousing Dumbledore's suspicion. He keeps a close watch on me."
Voldemort regarded him with cold scrutiny. "Your loyalty has always been... complex."
"I am ever your servant," Snape replied smoothly, his voice devoid of emotion.
"See that you are," Voldemort warned, his tone icy. "I will require your expertise in potions to restore my strength fully."
"Of course, my Lord," Snape agreed with a deferential nod.
Resuming his pacing, Voldemort's expression darkened further. "Our losses have been substantial. With so many of my faithful gone, we cannot strike as openly as before. The Ministry refuses to believe I have returned, which works to our advantage for now. The recent incidents have diminished the fear wizards once held for me. We must lie low, strengthen our numbers discreetly, and then strike when the Ministry is utterly unprepared."
Greyback snarled, a predatory gleam in his eyes. "Let me bring you the werewolves. They have no love for the Ministry. They will fight for you."
"And the giants," another Death Eater suggested tentatively. "They could be swayed to our cause."
Voldemort dismissed the idea with a wave of his hand. "Tempting, but without sufficient resources, we cannot offer them what they desire. Gold, freedom—these things require influence we currently lack."
Another Death Eater stepped forward—a dark wizard whose name was whispered with fear in the hidden corners of the wizarding world. "My Lord, there is a faction of dark wizards who have remained hidden, who fight for the same cause as us. They might be persuaded to join our ranks."
Voldemort's interest was piqued. "Oh? Tell me more."
As Voldemort leaned in, the air thickened with anticipation, hinting at alliances waiting to emerge from the darkest corners of the wizarding world.
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