Chương 71: Burdens of Memory
Lucas lowered the wand taken from one of the incapacitated wizards, and a deep sigh escaped his lips, the weight of the situation settling heavily on his shoulders.
His gaze fell upon Fyodor's lifeless form, the man's body contorted in an unnatural position, a twisted remnant of the depraved monster he had been in life. Lucas's shoulders tensed as the vile acts Fyodor had committed, witnessed firsthand through Legilimency against the man's will, were forever seared into Lucas's eidetic memory - the innocent lives violated, the perverse satisfaction Fyodor took in tormenting others. The horrific images and sensations were now a permanent part of Lucas's mind, causing waves of disgust and rage to churn within him.
"A beast," Lucas spat through gritted teeth, fingers tightening around the wand's handle until his knuckles turned white. Part of him wished he could have inflicted unimaginable suffering upon this wretch, either manually or through his own magic, to make Fyodor understand true agony. Yet, as skilled as Lucas was, he knew the wanded Cruciatus Curse would have been a more effective means of torture than any physical cruelty he could muster.
So he had cast it, directing every ounce of disgust and hatred simmering within him. Pointing the wand squarely at Fyodor's trembling form, he had uttered those three dreadful syllables with cold determination. The curse demanded true desire, an earnest wish to see one's victim subjected to unbearable pain. Lucas hadn't needed to manufacture those feelings - they welled up naturally, fuelled by the repugnance he felt towards this subhuman filth who showed no mercy, not even to innocent children.
As far as Lucas was concerned, Fyodor didn't deserve the courtesy of being treated as a human being.
A grim realization settled over him then - the two other wizards were likely no better, both harbouring their own sordid pasts and depraved tendencies. Their traumatic childhoods, the abuse they endured, it explained their monstrosity but certainly didn't excuse it. Rising above one's trauma was a choice, overcoming it the mark of a strong person. Instead, these three had embraced depravity, becoming even more twisted than their tormentors.
Lucas shook his head slowly, mouth set in a hard line. He flicked his fingers, conjuring a small gout of flame that arced gracefully through the air before landing on Fyodor's corpse. Hungry tongues of fire lapped at the dead flesh, quickly consuming it in a greedy blaze. For now, he would let it burn.
His eyes settled on the Resurrection Stone, sitting innocuously beside the burning corpse. A deep frown creased his brow as he studied the deceptively ordinary-looking artifact - one of the three legendary Deathly Hallows, and not nearly as straightforward as the storybooks portrayed.
Not only could it summon shades of the deceased, or at least convincing facsimiles drawn from the user's mind, but it also exerted a disturbing influence over those who wielded it. The Tale of the Three Brothers mentioned how Cadmus Peverell became obsessed with the resurrected spectre of his lost love, ultimately taking his own life to truly join her.
Before witnessing the Stone's effects firsthand, Lucas hadn't fully grasped what transpired with Cadmus. But now, after subjecting Fyodor to its power and examining the wizard's psyche, he possessed a clearer understanding.
The remorse, the guilt over past atrocities that bubbled up within Fyodor's mind - it was an unnatural influence, foreign emotions implanted by the Resurrection Stone's insidious magic. But Fyodor accepted them without question, completely unable to recognize the intrusion. The Stone twisted his mind, opened him to feelings he should have experienced naturally but never did due to his depraved nature.
Lucas's jaw tightened grimly. The Resurrection Stone was incredibly dangerous, its powers seductive yet corruptive. While potentially useful, he would never wield any of the Deathly Hallows directly, not after witnessing the effects of the Resurrection Stone firsthand. Whatever abilities they possessed, he was certain he could reproduce them through more conventional magic eventually.
His concealment spells were always improving, rendering him undetectable through various means. Even if the Invisibility Cloak was currently better than his own invisibility spell, his magic was under his own control and could always be improved further. As for the Elder Wand's reputed prowess, his own wandless abilities combined with the Elemental Sphere he created were more than sufficient.
The Resurrection Stone, however, gave him pause. If it could summon the actual spirits of the long-dead rather than only those who recently died, its potential value was immense. Conversing with the illustrious witches and wizards of ages past could give him access to secret knowledge lost to time.
Perhaps Fyodor's failure stemmed from a lack of focus or an incomplete understanding of the person he attempted to summon. More spiritual fortitude, a greater exertion of Will, may have been required. It's what Lucas had hoped to inspire through the psychological torment - to push Fyodor to the brink of desperation where he would pour every ounce of his being into the summoning.
Sadly, the effort proved fruitless. Fyodor's psyche, twisted as it was, couldn't handle the strain.
Lucas's eyes drifted back towards the smouldering remains. With a subtle gesturing, he levitated the ashes into a small metal box which he then deposited into his expanded pouch. The Resurrection Stone followed, encased in a sheath of hardened earth to contain its corrupting influence until he could examine it further.
Turning his attention towards the next chamber, Lucas's lip curled in disgust at the sight of the two other wizards, naked and unconscious on the cold floor. After what he had seen of their compatriot's depravities, he had little patience remaining to deal with their ilk.
A slab of compressed earth materialized above the prone forms. With a clenched fist, Lucas brought the construct smashing down upon the wizards with tremendous force. Their bodies offered little resistance, flesh and bone pulverized into an indistinguishable slurry of gore that splattered across the chamber.
Lucas's shields deflected the viscera, the magical barrier causing the offal to bead and slide harmlessly away from his body. Even so, he conjured a high-pressure stream of water to hose down the room, ensuring every trace of the wizards was scoured away. Finally, he incinerated the remaining scraps and offal, reducing them to drifting ash to be swept away.
Only then did he turn and exit the Nazi bunker.
oo0ooOoo0oo
At the Hufflepuff table, Lucas sat nestled between his friends, munching contentedly on a piece of toast smeared generously with orange marmalade. The tantalizing aromas of sizzling sausages and fluffy scrambled eggs wafted through the air, causing his stomach to grumble hungrily despite the food already on his plate.
"Hey, anyone know who that guy is up there?" Justin piped up after swallowing his meal as he gestured with his fork towards the staff table.
Lucas followed Justin's gaze, emerald eyes landing on a man with tousled brown hair peppered with strands of grey. The man wore well-worn robes that had clearly seen better days, but his warm smile and kind eyes lent him an approachable demeanour that offset his slightly unkempt appearance.
"Nah, mate, no clue," Ernie shrugged, shovelling a forkful of baked beans into his mouth with gusto.
Hannah, her blonde pigtails swaying, leaned in conspiratorially. "He has to be the new Defence professor, right?" Her nose wrinkled in distaste as she added, "After the whole Quirrell thing..."
Lucas remained silent, recognizing the man from his past life's knowledge of the Harry Potter books – Remus Lupin, a close friend of James Potter and Sirius Black. But Lupin's presence here, now, was unexpected. In the original timeline, he hadn't taken up the Defence post until their third year.
The butterfly effect, Lucas mused, taking another bite of his marmalade-slathered toast. Sirius's release and Quirrell's early demise must have prompted Dumbledore to approach Lupin sooner this time around.
Susan nudged Lucas's side with her elbow, jolting him from his thoughts. "What d'you reckon, Harry? Think he's up for the job?"
A small smile tugged at the corners of Lucas's mouth as he shrugged nonchalantly. "If Dumbledore hired him, he must be qualified, right? The headmaster wouldn't just let anyone teach us, especially not after last week's mess."
As if on cue, Dumbledore rose from his seat at the centre of the staff table, his resplendent purple robes shimmering in the morning light filtering through the enchanted ceiling. With a subtle clearing of his throat, the chatter in the Great Hall died down as hundreds of young eyes turned towards the venerable wizard.
"Good morning, everyone," Dumbledore began, his voice carrying easily through the Great Hall. "As you are all aware, we have been unable to hold Defence Against the Dark Arts classes this past week due to Professor Quirrell's... unfortunate departure."
Some students shifted uncomfortably in their seats at the veiled reference to the grisly fate that had befallen their former professor.
"Nevertheless," Dumbledore continued, his blue eyes twinkling merrily behind his half-moon spectacles, "I am delighted to announce that we have found a highly qualified individual to fill the post. Please join me in welcoming Professor Remus Lupin to Hogwarts!"
Polite applause broke out as Lupin stood, offering the students an almost bashful wave. Lucas clapped along with the rest. Having Lupin as their Defence instructor two years earlier than expected could change a great many things – the man was an excellent teacher, and had this been the canon timeline, this might've helped out greatly in the future. But… I am here. With both Dumbledore and I at Hogwarts, there's probably very little that can threaten this school.
As the applause tapered off and students returned their attention to their breakfast, Lucas caught Hermione's eye from across the table. Her eyes were alight with that familiar gleam, the one that meant she was about to ask many questions all at once.
"This is so exciting!" Hermione gushed, bouncing slightly in her seat as she clutched her fork tightly. "I wonder what sorts of things Professor Lupin will teach us? Do you think he'll start with the basics of dark creatures, or jump right into defensive spells and counter-curses?"
Before Lucas could respond, the loud clatter of dishes and cutlery echoed through the Great Hall as the prefects began making their way down the long tables, distributing updated class schedules to the students. While the Hufflepuff prefect approached, Lucas caught a glimpse of the parchment in her hands, neatly inked with rows of subjects and time slots.
"Hey, Ernie, catch!" The prefect called out, tossing a small stack of schedules towards their group.
Ernie, mouth full of sausage, fumbled for a moment before managing to snatch the parchments out of the air. He handed them out to the others, and soon the first-years were eagerly scanning the updated timetables.
"Wow, we've got Defence Against the Dark Arts first thing!" Justin exclaimed, his eyes widening as he traced his finger down the list of classes.
"What, today?" Hannah asked, leaning over to double-check Justin's schedule.
Neville nodded, excitement playing across his round face. "Yeah, looks like it starts in an hour."
A buzz of chatter spread through the group as they discussed the prospect of their first Defence lesson. Hermione, in particular, seemed practically vibrating with barely contained energy as she turned to Lucas.
"Isn't this brilliant, Harry?" she gushed. "Our very first Defence class at Hogwarts!"
Lucas couldn't help but smile at her enthusiasm, though he kept his own reaction more subdued. "It'll be interesting to see what Professor Lupin has in store for us," he agreed, taking a sip of water.
The minutes ticked closer to the start of their Defence lesson, and the Great Hall slowly emptied as students finished their breakfasts and headed off to their respective classes. The first-year Hufflepuffs lingered, chatting excitedly and speculating about what they might learn in their upcoming lesson.
Eventually, it was time to make their way to the Defence classroom. The group gathered their bags and books, joining the steady stream of students filtering out of the Great Hall and into the castle's winding corridors.
"Do you think we'll actually get to practice any spells today?" Sally-Anne wondered aloud as they climbed a set of moving staircases.
Lily shrugged, adjusting the strap of her satchel. "I really hope so, it would be nice to see what we'll be learning."
They approached the Defence classroom, and Lucas couldn't help but feel a twinge of nostalgia. He remembered this very room from his past life's memories, though the circumstances were quite different. In the original timeline, Lupin's first lesson with the third-years had involved a practical demonstration with a Boggart – a shape-shifting creature that transformed into one's worst fear.
Lupin would almost certainly not start off with such a practical demonstration for the first lesson of the first years, but he was curious to see how the class would progress.
The group filed into the classroom, taking their seats at the desks arranged in neat rows facing the front. Lucas settled into a chair towards the middle, Hermione and Neville on either side of him, while the others scattered around nearby.
When the last student had taken their seat, Lupin cleared his throat and stepped forward, offering the class a welcoming smile.
"Good morning, everyone," he began, his voice carrying a friendly, approachable tone. "And welcome to your first Defence Against the Dark Arts lesson. In this class, we'll be learning about the fundamentals of defensive magic and how to protect ourselves and others from various magical threats."
He walked along the front row of desks, well-worn robes swishing softly with each step. "We'll cover a range of topics, from understanding and dealing with magical creatures to mastering basic defensive spells and counterjinxes."
Lupin paused, his gaze sweeping over the students. "But more than just learning spells, this course is about developing a keen awareness of the world around you and the potential dangers that exist within it."
He leaned against his desk, crossing his arms casually. "Throughout the year, we'll have a mix of theoretical lessons and practical exercises. You'll be expected to participate actively, complete assignments on time, and maintain a respectful and collaborative atmosphere in the classroom."
The students nodded, some jotting down notes on parchment with quills while others listened intently.
"Now, let's dive into the basics of defensive magic," Lupin said, and his eyes sparkled with enthusiasm. "Can anyone tell me why learning defensive magic is so important?"
Hermione's hand shot up, nearly knocking her inkwell over in her eagerness. Lupin nodded towards her with an encouraging smile.
"It's important because there are many potential threats in the magical world," Hermione answered confidently. "By learning defensive magic, we can protect ourselves and others from harm."
"Completely right, Miss Granger," Lupin praised. "One point to Hufflepuff."
Hermione beamed, her cheeks flushing with pride as she sat up a little straighter in her seat.
Lupin waved his wand, and a piece of chalk began scribbling on the blackboard behind him. "Defensive magic encompasses various branches, such as jinxes, counterjinxes, protective charms, and curse identification," he explained as the chalk listed each category.
He turned back to the class, while his expression grew more serious. "However, it's crucial to remember that defensive magic should only be used when absolutely necessary and always in a responsible manner. It's not about showing off or seeking confrontation, but rather about being prepared and able to defend yourself and others when the need arises."
The students nodded in agreement.
"Now, let's talk about the fascinating creatures that inhabit our magical world," Lupin said, his tone lightening. "From the harmless and cuddly to the downright dangerous, there's a wide variety of beings out there."
He flicked his wand, and an image of a small, twig-like creature with spindly limbs and beady eyes appeared on the blackboard. "Can anyone identify this little fellow?"
A few hands tentatively rose, and Lupin pointed to a Ravenclaw boy with sandy hair. "Yes, Mr. Boot?"
"Is that a Bowtruckle, Professor?" Terry Boot asked.
"Spot on, Mr. Boot," Lupin confirmed with a grin. "Two points to Ravenclaw."
He proceeded to explain the Ministry of Magic's classification system for magical creatures, using the floating chalk to create a simple diagram. "Creatures are ranked from X, meaning boring, to XXXXX, which is a known wizard killer," he said, tapping each category with his wand.
"Throughout the year, we'll be learning about various creatures and how to handle encounters with them. It's important to remember that while some creatures may seem harmless or even cute, they can still be unpredictable and require caution."
Lupin clapped his hands together, drawing the students' attention back to him. "Now, I think it's time for a little interactive lesson," he announced, his eyes twinkling mischievously. "Everyone, please stand up and move to the back of the classroom."
The students exchanged curious glances as they rose from their seats, the scraping of chairs and shuffling of feet filling the room. With a wave of his wand, Lupin vanished the desks, leaving a large open space in the centre of the classroom.
"We're going to play a little game called 'Dodge the Doxy,'" he explained, conjuring a small, fairy-like creature made of cloth with shiny, beetle-like wings and a mischievous grin. "Doxies are pesky little things that like to bite and can cause a nasty allergic reaction. Your task is to avoid getting bitten by moving out of the way when it flies towards you."
The students eyed the Doxy warily, some shuffling their feet nervously while others looked eager to begin.
"Remember, this is just a friendly exercise to get you thinking on your feet and reacting to potential threats," Lupin reassured them. "I'll be controlling the Doxy's movements, so it won't actually harm you. Just do your best to dodge and have fun!"
With that, he flicked his wand, and the Doxy began zipping around the room, eliciting gasps and laughter from the students as they ducked and weaved to avoid its playful lunges.
Lucas couldn't help but smile as he watched his classmates engage in the light-hearted activity. Lupin's approach to teaching was refreshing, blending serious topics with interactive elements to keep the students engaged and motivated.
When the Doxy buzzed towards him, Lucas sidestepped smoothly, body limber from yoga practice since he was a toddler. He glanced at Hermione, who was giggling as she tried to dodge the creature with her hair flying about her face.
The lesson continued, with Lupin guiding the students through various exercises and discussions related to defensive magic and magical creatures. By the end of the class, everyone was smiling and chatting animatedly, and their faces were flushed with excitement.
While the students filed out of the classroom, Lucas hung back for a moment, catching Lupin's eye. "Professor," he said, tone polite but confident, "thank you for a fantastic first lesson. I'm really looking forward to learning more from you this year."
Lupin smiled warmly, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Thank you, Mr. Potter. It's a pleasure to have you in my class. I've heard great things about your academic prowess, and I'm excited to see what you'll achieve in Defence Against the Dark Arts."
Lucas ducked his head slightly, a small smile playing on his lips. "I'll do my best, Professor."
With a final nod and a wave, Lucas shouldered his bag and met up with his classmates who were waiting for him.
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