Chương 2: The Lanceworths
A couple of days had passed since the curfew was imposed, and the tension within Hogwarts had only grown thicker. I was lounging in the Slytherin common room, the warmth of the fire doing little to ease my restless mind. The chatter of my housemates buzzed around me, but I was lost in thought until a noise from the balcony caught my attention.
Curious, I rose from my seat and made my way to the balcony. There, I found Selena engaged in a hushed conversation with another woman. The newcomer was striking, with shoulder-length brown hair that framed her face in soft waves. Her green eyes were bright and intelligent, a sharp contrast to her fair, almost porcelain skin. She wore her robes with a casual elegance, giving her an air of effortless confidence.
Selena looked up as I approached, a sly smile spreading across her lips. "Adrian, I'd like you to meet Amelia. She's one of the Ravenclaw's best and my partner in crime for tonight."
Amelia extended a hand, her grip firm. "Nice to meet you, Adrian. I've heard a lot about you."
"All good things, I hope," I replied, smiling back.
Selena chuckled. "We were just planning a little adventure for tomorrow night. There's going to be a star shower, and we thought it would be the perfect time to sneak out, get high, and watch the stars. We could use someone with your charm and skills to join us."
The idea was tempting. A break from the constant stress and tension sounded perfect. "Count me in," I said, nodding.
The next evening, the three of us met in a secluded spot near the edge of the school grounds. The plan was simple: sneak into the greenhouse, grab some weed, and find a good spot to watch the star shower. But as we approached the greenhouse, we spotted Professor Fiona lingering near the entrance. She was tall and imposing, with sharp features and a stern demeanor. Her dark hair was pulled back into a tight bun, and her sharp blue eyes scanned the area with suspicion.
"Damn," Selena whispered. "Looks like Bliss left Fiona here to keep an eye on things."
I took a deep breath, my mind racing for a solution. "I'll distract her," I said quietly. "You two sneak in and get the weed."
Selena and Amelia nodded, slipping into the shadows as I approached Professor Fiona. "Good evening, Professor," I said, putting on my most charming smile.
She turned to me, her eyes narrowing. "Lanceworth, isn't it? What are you doing out here?"
"I was just taking a walk, clearing my head," I replied smoothly. "It's such a beautiful night. Would you care to join me for a stroll?"
Fiona hesitated, glancing back at the greenhouse before turning her attention back to me. "Very well, but only for a short while."
I led her away from the greenhouse, making small talk and complimenting her on her knowledge of magical plants. She seemed to relax slightly, her stern demeanor softening as we walked. I kept an eye on the greenhouse, watching as Selena and Amelia slipped inside.
"So, Professor," I said, steering the conversation towards her interests, "how did you get into teaching? You must have a fascinating background."
She raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued by my question. "I studied under some of the finest herbologists in the wizarding world. Teaching here at Hogwarts was a natural progression."
"That's impressive," I said, genuinely interested. "I'd love to hear more about your experiences."
We continued our conversation as we walked, the minutes ticking by. Finally, I saw Selena and Amelia emerge from the greenhouse, their pockets bulging with the stolen weed. They gave me a quick nod before disappearing into the shadows.
"Thank you for the walk, Professor," I said, turning back to Fiona. "I should probably head back to the common room now."
She gave me a curt nod, her stern demeanor returning. "Goodnight, Lanceworth. And remember, the curfew is still in effect."
"Of course, Professor," I replied, heading back to meet up with Selena and Amelia. They were waiting for me just beyond the greenhouse, grinning with triumph.
"Nice work, Adrian," Selena said, handing me a joint. "Now let's find a good spot to watch the stars."
We made our way to a secluded hill overlooking the school grounds,
The night air was cool and crisp, the sky above us glittering with the star shower. As we passed the joint around, the euphoria of the moment took hold, erasing the day's troubles. Selena leaned closer to me, her eyes gleaming mischievously.
"Adrian," she purred, "I think you owe me a favor for helping you with the weed."
I smirked, the weed and the night sky making me bolder than usual. "What do you have in mind?"
"How about you help me relax a little more?" she suggested, her fingers trailing suggestively down my arm.
I looked at her, seeing the desire in her eyes. "Alright," I said, my voice low and husky. "Take off your clothes and lie down on the blanket."
Selena's smile widened, and she didn't hesitate. She quickly stripped off her clothes, her body glowing in the moonlight, and lay down on the blanket, her breath coming in soft, excited gasps.
I moved over her, trailing kisses down her neck and chest, making my way lower. As I reached her most intimate area, I glanced up at her, seeing the anticipation on her face. I began to pleasure her with my mouth, my tongue exploring her, drawing soft moans from her lips.
As I continued, I noticed Amelia watching us, her eyes dark with desire. Without a word, she began to undress, joining us on the blanket. She knelt beside us, her hands caressing Selena's body before moving to my shoulders.
"Don't forget about me," Amelia whispered, her voice breathy.
I reached out with one hand, sliding my fingers into her wetness, moving in time with the rhythm of my tongue on Selena. Amelia's eyes fluttered shut, her mouth opening in a silent gasp as I pleasured her.
The air around us was filled with the sounds of their pleasure, their soft cries and moans mingling with the rustle of the leaves and the distant hum of the star shower. Selena's body trembled under my touch, her breath quickening as she neared her climax.
I intensified my efforts, bringing her to the edge and pushing her over. Selena cried out, her body arching as she came, her hands clutching at the blanket beneath her. I didn't stop, continuing to pleasure her until her cries faded into soft whimpers.
Turning my attention to Amelia, I quickened the pace of my fingers, curling them inside her, hitting just the right spot. She moaned loudly, her hands gripping my arm as she reached her own release, her body shuddering with the force of it.
We lay together on the blanket, our bodies tangled, breathing heavily as we came down from the high of our shared pleasure. The night sky above us continued to glitter with the star shower, a perfect backdrop to our illicit tryst.
Selena turned to me, her eyes still glazed with satisfaction. "That was... incredible," she whispered.
Amelia nodded, a lazy smile on her lips. "You have quite a talent, Adrian."
As we lay there in the aftermath of our shared pleasure, the air thick with the scent of arousal and satisfaction, Selena and Amelia exchanged a knowing glance. Without a word, they moved closer to me, their hands roaming over my body, igniting a fire within me that burned hotter with each touch.
"Your turn, Adrian," Selena whispered, her voice low and sultry.
Selena and Amelia exchanged a glance, their eyes glinting with mischievous intent. Selena moved first, her fingers deftly unbuttoning my trousers. As she pulled them down, my cock sprang free, hard and throbbing.
Selena's hand wrapped around me, her grip firm yet teasing. She leaned down, her lips brushing against my shaft, her warm breath sending shivers up my spine. "I've been wanting to do this for a while," she purred, her eyes locked onto mine.
Without another word, she took me into her mouth, her tongue swirling expertly around my head. I groaned, the sensation almost too much to bear. I glanced over at Amelia, who was watching intently, her green eyes dark with desire.
"Don't just watch," Selena said, pulling away for a moment. "Join in."
Amelia needed no further encouragement. She moved closer, her lips meeting Selena's in a heated kiss before trailing down to where Selena's hand was still wrapped around my cock. Amelia's tongue flicked out, tasting me, before she took me into her mouth, her movements synchronized with Selena's.
The two of them worked in perfect harmony, their tongues and lips driving me to the edge of ecstasy. Selena focused on the tip, her mouth creating a tantalizing suction, while Amelia's tongue traced the length of my shaft, her hand gently cupping my balls.
My moans filled the room, my hands tangling in their hair as I surrendered to the overwhelming pleasure. Selena looked up at me, her eyes blazing with a mix of lust and satisfaction. "You like that, don't you?" she teased, her voice a seductive whisper.
I could only nod, the ability to form words lost in the haze of sensation. Amelia's lips left my cock for a moment, only to be replaced by Selena's, who took me even deeper, her throat constricting around me in a way that made me gasp.
Amelia moved to kiss my chest, her tongue teasing my nipples as Selena continued her relentless assault. The combined sensations were too much. I felt the familiar tightening in my core, the pressure building to a crescendo.
"I'm gonna cum," I managed to gasp, my voice hoarse with need.
Selena and Amelia exchanged another look, their movements intensifying. They wanted me to reach my peak, to lose myself completely to the pleasure they were giving me.
With a final, shuddering groan, I came, my cock pulsing as I released myself into Selena's mouth. She took it all, her eyes never leaving mine as she swallowed every drop. Amelia kissed her deeply, sharing the taste of me, their tongues intertwining.
Selena grinned, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "Told you we'd make it worth your while, Adrian."
Amelia nodded, her expression filled with satisfaction. "You were amazing, Adrian. We'll have to do this again sometime."
Selena's lips were soft against mine, her hands roaming hungrily over my chest, while Amelia's touch ignited a fire within me that burned hotter with each caress.
I groaned as Selena straddled me, her wet heat enveloping me as she took me deep inside her. My cock throbbed with pleasure as she rode me, her hips moving in perfect rhythm with mine. Beside us, Amelia moaned in ecstasy, her fingers teasing her swollen clit as she watched us.
The air was heavy with the scent of sex and arousal as we moved together, lost in the primal urgency of our shared desire. I buried my face in Selena's neck, inhaling her intoxicating scent as I drove into her with abandon, each thrust bringing us closer to the edge.
But our pleasure was short-lived as the tranquility of the night was shattered by a loud noise from the forest. We froze, our bodies still entwined, as the sound echoed through the night, sending a shiver of fear down our spines.
With a sense of urgency, we dressed quickly, the haze of passion dissipating as we scrambled to our feet. The forest loomed before us, dark and foreboding, its secrets hidden in the shadows.
Without a word, we ran, our hearts pounding in our chests as we raced back to the safety of the school. But as we neared the castle, a bolt of pain shot through me, and everything went black.
When I regained consciousness, I found myself lying on the ground, my head spinning with confusion. Selena and Amelia were nowhere to be seen, and a sense of dread washed over me as I struggled to my feet.
As I stumbled forward, a figure emerged from the shadows, his bald head gleaming in the moonlight. My heart sank as I recognized him, his cold eyes locking onto mine with a predatory glint.
"We've got a Lanceworth," he said, his voice sending a chill down my spine.
And then everything went dark.
****
I blinked groggily, my senses slowly coming back to me. My head throbbed with a dull ache as I struggled to focus on my surroundings. The sight of the dimly lit wooden cabin and the four looming figures was just what I was expecting.
I was tied to a chair, my wrists bound tightly behind my back, rendering me completely helpless. The leader, a bald man exuding an aura of menace, stepped forward, his eyes boring into mine.
"Where is it, Lanceworth? The Third Key. The Blood Key," he demanded, his voice like gravel scraping against stone.
I couldn't help but smirk at his theatrics, despite the gravity of the situation. "And here I was, thinking we were going to have a pleasant chat about the weather."
His expression darkened, his patience wearing thin. "We know you have it. So speak up, you bloody cunt."
With a casual shrug, I leaned back in my chair, my defiance masking the fear churning within me. "I'm afraid you're mistaken, gentlemen. I don't know anything about your precious Blood Key."
The bald man's eyes narrowed, a dangerous glint flashing in their depths. "You're not in a fucking position to be coy, Lanceworth. We have ways of making you spill up."
I laughed, the sound harsh and mirthless in the tense atmosphere. "Really? Do tell. I'm dying to hear all about your elaborate methods."
He stepped closer, his breath hot and foul as he leaned in. "We can make this easy, or we can make it very, very painful."
"Well, I've always had a high pain tolerance," I shot back, my voice dripping with sarcasm. "So why don't you save us both some time and skip the threats?"
One of the other men, a tall, gaunt figure with a scar running down his cheek, stepped forward. "He thinks this is a joke," he muttered, his tone incredulous. "Let's show the wanker how serious we are."
"Hold your tongue, Viktor," the bald man snapped, raising a hand to silence him. He turned back to me, his expression cold and calculating. "Last chance, Lanceworth. Tell us where the Blood Key is, be a pain in my arse and you'll regret it."
I met his gaze unflinchingly, my heart hammering in my chest. "I told you motherfuckers, I don't know anything about it."
The bald man sighed, as if weary of the whole affair. "So be it," he said quietly, raising his wand. "Crucio!"
A scream tore from my lips as white-hot agony lanced through my body, every nerve ending set ablaze. My muscles seized and twisted as the curse wracked me with unbearable pain. But even through the torment, I clung to my defiance, refusing to give them the satisfaction of hearing me beg for mercy.
"Still nothing?" the bald man asked, his voice a sinister purr. "How bloody disappointing."
I forced a smile, blood trickling from the corner of my mouth. "You call that torture? I've had hangovers worse than this."
His eyes blazed with fury, and he slashed his wand through the air again. "You arrogant bastard... Sectumsempra!"
The invisible blades sliced through my flesh, and I gasped, the pain sharp and immediate. Blood poured from the wounds, staining my shirt and pooling at my feet. My vision blurred, but I refused to let them see my fear.
"Is that the best you've got?" I taunted, my voice hoarse but steady. "I expected more from someone with such a dramatic entrance."
The bald man's face contorted with rage, but before he could strike again, the door burst open with a deafening crash. Irene McGonagall stormed into the room, her wand alight with fury.
"Expelliarmus!" she shouted, and the bald man's wand flew from his grasp.
The room erupted into chaos as Irene engaged the bald man in a fierce duel, spells flying in rapid succession. "Stupefy! Protego! Petrificus Totalus!" Her voice rang out, each incantation filled with power and precision.
The tall, gaunt man and one of his accomplices tried to flee, but Irene's spells were relentless. "Confringo!" she cried, and the ground beneath their feet exploded, sending them sprawling.
"Get out of here, Adrian!" Irene commanded, her eyes never leaving her opponents.
"I'm not leaving you," I protested, though my strength was rapidly fading.
"I said go!" she snapped, casting another spell that knocked the tall man unconscious. "I'll handle this."
With a final, reluctant glance, I stumbled towards the door, the sounds of the duel echoing behind me. I made it only a few steps before collapsing, the world spinning around me as darkness claimed my vision.
When I came to, Irene was kneeling beside me, her wand glowing softly as she cast a healing spell. "You're lucky I got here when I did," she murmured, her tone a mix of relief and reprimand.
I expected her to berate me for breaking curfew, but instead, she helped me to my feet and said, "Go to your dormitory, Adrian. We'll talk more in my office tomorrow."
I blinked in surprise. "But Headmistress—"
"No buts," she interrupted firmly. "You're lucky to be alive. Consider this your one and only warning. Your arrogance will have severe consequences"
Nodding numbly, I made my way back to the Slytherin dormitory, my mind racing with questions. What was the Blood Key, and why did those men want it so desperately? And more importantly, what did it have to do with me?
As I lay in bed that night, the events of the evening replayed in my mind. The mention of the Blood Key echoed in my thoughts, and I couldn't shake the feeling that it was somehow connected to my father.
"What are you hiding, Father?" I muttered to myself, the mystery pressing down on me like a leaden blanket. With that thought echoing in my mind, I drifted off into an uneasy sleep, knowing that the answers I sought lay just beyond my grasp.
****
In Irene's office, I sat across from her, my eyes fixed on hers as I broached the topic that had been consuming my thoughts since our encounter with the mysterious men.
"What is the Blood Key, Ma'am? And how is it related to me?" I asked, my voice steady despite the turmoil churning within me.
Irene regarded me with a somber expression "Years ago, there were rumors of a trio of wizards who sought to create a wand unlike any other. A wand that would grant its owner the knowledge of every spell in existence, as well as immunity to the three unforgivable curses."
I listened intently as she continued, her words painting a picture of ambition "These wizards were prisoners of Azkaban, condemned for their crimes against magic and humanity. One of them was Percival Dumbledore."
mention of the Dumbledore name, added a layer of seriousness to the matter, but Irene pressed on, her voice steady despite the weight of her words. "But the wand remained ownerless after Percival's death. Two of the wizards were unworthy of it, so they hid it away in a secret chamber within Azkaban, guarded by powerful enchantments and accessible only by three keys, each with a unique keyring."
I leaned forward, my mind racing with the implications of her words. "And what were these keys?" I prompted, my curiosity piqued.
Irene sighed, her gaze distant as she recounted the details. "The first key bore the eye of Percival, the second his finger bone, and the third a vial of his blood. Only when all three keys were united could the chamber be unlocked."
I couldn't help but feel a sense of unease creeping over me. "But why tell me this now? And how does it relate to me?" I asked, my voice tinged with apprehension.
Irene shook her head, her expression troubled. "I'm afraid I don't have all the answers, Adrian. But I do know one thing: whatever connection you may have to this Blood Key, it is not something to be taken lightly."
****
I stood outside Harry Potter's home, my heart pounding with anticipation as I prepared to confront him about my father. With each step closer to the door, my resolve hardened, fueled by a desperate need for answers.
When Harry finally opened the door, I wasted no time in getting to the point. "I need to know about my father, Harry," I said, my voice firm despite the nervous fluttering in my stomach.
Harry's expression tightened, his eyes flickering with a mixture of reluctance and resignation. "Adrian, I can't—"
But I cut him off, my frustration bubbling to the surface. "You owe me this, Harry. My father's past is tied to mine, and I deserve to know the truth."
For a long moment, Harry said nothing, his gaze fixed on the ground as he wrestled with his inner demons. But finally, with a resigned sigh, he relented "come in and take a seat".
"As you know your father and I were colleagues," he began, his voice tinged with regret. "After I graduated from Hogwarts, I joined the Auror Office, and your father followed suit not long after. We worked side by side for several years, fighting against the remaining death eaters. Your father's name soon became a nightmare for them."
I felt a hint of pride at the mention of my father's bravery, but I pressed on, my curiosity burning brighter than ever. "But why did he leave England?" I asked, "Why did he raise me in the states?".
Harry's expression darkened, his eyes clouded with memories I could not see. "I wish I could tell you, Adrian. But your father... he took that fragment of my memory when he left. Whatever drove him to make that decision, it's a secret he carried to his grave."
A wave of disappointment washed over me, mingled with a sense of resignation. The truth about my father remained as elusive as ever, hidden behind a veil of mystery and half-forgotten memory.
"How do we retrieve the fragments?" I asked, my voice tinged with a mixture of hope and uncertainty.
"Your father won't take them to US as he wanted you to find them" Harry's eyes gleamed with determination as he met my gaze. "There's only one person who can help us with that," he replied cryptically.
"Who?" I pressed, my curiosity piqued.
Harry hesitated for a moment before answering. "Your uncle."
That hit me like a train, mention of an uncle, a relative I never knew existed. "I have an uncle?" I asked.
Harry nodded solemnly. "Yes, and he's the key to unlocking the truth about your father's past. But he's not an easy man to find, and even harder to persuade."
A surge of excitement coursed through me at the prospect of meeting my long-lost uncle, a man who held the answers to so many questions that had plagued me for years.
"When do we leave?" I asked, my eagerness palpable.
Harry smiled, a glimmer of hope shining in his eyes. "As soon as possible. We have a long journey ahead of us, Adrian, but I have a feeling it will be worth it in the end."
"How am I supposed to get out of Hogwarts?" I asked, voicing the question that had been nagging at me since our conversation.
Harry smiled knowingly, reaching for a quill and parchment. "Leave that to me," he said, his voice laced with confidence as he began to write.
I watched in fascination as Harry's quill danced across the parchment, crafting words with a fluidity and grace that belied his years of experience. When he finished, he handed me the letter, a sense of anticipation tingling in the air.
"What's this?" I asked, scanning the neatly written words on the page.
"It's an application for a two-week leave of absence from Hogwarts," Harry explained, his gaze meeting mine with a reassuring nod. "Starting from August 15th to August 30th."
****
As I made my way to Irene's office to deliver the letter, a sense of unease gnawed at the edges of my excitement. Would she approve my request so readily? And what would she make of my sudden departure from Hogwarts?
To my surprise, Irene greeted me with a raised eyebrow as I handed her the letter. "A two-week leave of absence?" she mused, her voice tinged with skepticism.
I nodded, my nerves jangling with anticipation. "Yes, Head Mistress. It's... a personal matter."
Irene studied the letter for a moment before looking back up at me, her expression unreadable. "If it were anyone else and any other situation, Adrian, I would say this is impossible," she said, her voice softening with understanding. "But considering it's Harry Potter and the circumstances you find yourself in... I suppose I can make an exception."
****
Harry and I stood outside the small, unassuming garage of his villa on the outskirts of London. The air was heavy with the scent of oil and magic, an odd combination. Harry reached out, pushing open the creaky door to reveal a sleek, black Aston Martin DB12 resting in the dim light. Its polished surface gleamed, a stark contrast to the grime and dust that coated everything else.
Harry turned to me, a faint smile playing at the corners of his lips. "Impressive, isn't it? Muggle engineering meets magical enhancement."
I couldn't help but stare at the car in awe. "What does it do?"
He walked over to the car, running a hand along its smooth, cool surface. "The Auto Mages are a talented bunch. They've outfitted this DB12 with some rather unique features." He paused, his expression turning serious. "We'll need every one of them for the journey ahead."
As we climbed into the car, Harry began to explain. "First off, it's enchanted with a Disillusionment Charm. Makes it invisible to anyone who doesn't know what to look for."
I nodded, impressed. "That'll come in handy."
Harry continued, "The engine's been enhanced with a series of runes. It can accelerate from zero to sixty in two seconds flat, and it's not just fast—it's silent. Perfect for a quick getaway."
He tapped the dashboard, and a series of glowing symbols appeared. "This is the heart of the enchantments. The car's equipped with a variety of defensive spells. Protego Maxima for shielding, Repello Inimicum to ward off pursuers, and even a modified Confundus Charm to disorient anyone who tries to tail us."
I couldn't hide my amazement. "Sounds like we'll be riding in the safest car in the world."
Harry gave a grim nod. "We'll need it. The journey ahead can be dangerous, as your uncle is often on the bad books of vile folks and we can't afford to be caught off guard."
As we sped down the winding roads, the car's enhancements became evident. The ride was impossibly smooth, the scenery outside a blur as we moved at incredible speeds. The windscreen displayed a series of magical readouts, tracking everything from our location to any magical disturbances in the area.
I glanced over at Harry, the weight of our mission settling heavily on my shoulders. "Do you really think we'll find my uncle?"
Harry's grip tightened on the steering wheel. "We have to, Adrian. It's the only way to get the answers you need."
The hum of the engine was almost hypnotic, the rhythmic thrum blending with the low, urgent tones of Harry's voice as he outlined our plan. "Your uncle is a recluse, living off the grid. Finding him won't be easy, but the Auto Mages have equipped us with a magical tracker keyed to his unique magical signature."
He tapped a device embedded in the car's console, a small, glowing orb that pulsed with an eerie light. "This will lead us to him. But be prepared, Adrian. The path to the truth is rarely straightforward."
****
The journey to Lansworth Estate was swift, the Aston Martin DB12 gliding through the night with an almost preternatural ease. Harry's eyes were fixed on the road, but his mind was clearly elsewhere, burdened by the weight of our mission. The countryside gave way to the sprawling grounds of the Lansworth Estate, its ancient trees casting long, eerie shadows under the moonlight.
We pulled up to the main house, a grand yet dilapidated structure that had seen better days. The once-imposing facade was now marred by the passage of time, ivy crawling up the walls like the fingers of some relentless, unseen force.
Inside, the house was a labyrinth of forgotten memories and dust-covered relics. Harry and I moved through the rooms methodically, searching for any clue that might lead us to my uncle Thaddeus. The air was thick with the scent of age and disuse, every creak of the floorboards echoing in the silence.
We found ourselves in the library, a cavernous room filled with rows of ancient tomes and yellowing parchments. Harry scanned the shelves, his eyes narrowing in concentration. "Thaddeus was always a clever man," he muttered. "He wouldn't leave anything out in the open."
I nodded, my gaze sweeping the room for any sign of a hidden compartment or concealed message. "He must have left something behind, some clue to his whereabouts."
Harry's eyes landed on a large, ornate globe in the corner of the room. He moved towards it, his fingers tracing the intricate designs etched into its surface. "This globe... it doesn't belong here. It's too new."
I joined him, noting the peculiar runes carved into the base. Harry muttered a quick incantation, and the globe began to spin, faster and faster until it abruptly stopped, revealing a hidden compartment within the base. Inside, we found a bundle of letters and an old, weathered journal.
I opened the journal, flipping through the pages until I came across an entry not written in my father's unmistakable handwriting. The entry detailed writer's growing disillusionment with the wizarding world and his desire to disappear into the muggle world, where he believed he could live without the constant threat of magical conflict.
Harry leaned over my shoulder, reading the entry with a furrowed brow. "It seems Thaddeus wanted to escape the chaos of our world. But why would he hide so thoroughly?"
I scanned the letters, searching for any mention of a specific location. One letter, in particular, caught my eye. It was addressed to a muggle address in a small town not far from the estate. "Here," I said, pointing to the address. "This could be it."
Harry's eyes lit up with a glimmer of hope. "We need to go there. If Thaddeus left any more clues, they'll be there."
As we made our way back to the car, the weight of our discovery settled over me. My uncle had chosen to hide in the muggle world, forsaking the life of magic and intrigue for one of anonymity and peace. But why? And what secrets had driven him to such lengths?
The drive to the small town was tense, the quiet hum of the engine the only sound breaking the stillness of the night. As we approached the address, a modest house on the outskirts of town, I couldn't shake the feeling that we were on the brink of uncovering something monumental.
Harry parked the car a short distance away, and we approached the house on foot, moving cautiously. The house was dark, its windows shuttered against the night. Harry knocked on the door, his wand at the ready, just in case.
To our surprise, the door creaked open almost immediately, revealing a tall, gaunt man with a wary expression. His eyes widened as he took in our appearances, recognition dawning in his gaze.
"Harry Potter," he said, his voice a mixture of astonishment and apprehension. "And you look like Adam, you must be Adrian."
I nodded, my heart pounding in my chest. "Are you Thaddeus Lansworth?"
The man nodded slowly, stepping aside to let us in. "I am. But what brings you here, after all this time?"
Harry stepped forward, his expression earnest. "We need your help, Thaddeus. We're looking for answers—answers only you can provide."
Thaddeus sighed, his shoulders slumping as if a great weight had settled upon them. "Very well. Come in. There's much to discuss."
Inside Thaddeus's modest house, the atmosphere was thick with anticipation. Harry and I exchanged a glance, both of us silently acknowledging the significance of this moment. Thaddeus motioned for us to sit down at the small, worn table in the center of the room.
"Before we dive into the specifics," Thaddeus began, his voice tinged with weariness, "I need to know exactly what you're looking for. What brought you here after all these years?"
Harry leaned forward, his eyes intense. "We need to know about Adam Lansworth. Specifically, if he left anything behind before he disappeared to the United States."
Thaddeus's face tightened at the mention of my father. He nodded slowly, rising from his seat and moving towards a dusty cabinet in the corner of the room. After a few moments of rummaging, he produced an old, copper box, its surface tarnished with age. He placed it on the table with a solemn reverence.
"This belonged to Adam," Thaddeus said, his voice barely above a whisper. "And Dorothy."
My eyes locked onto the box, my breath catching in my throat. The names "Adam Lansworth" and "Dorothy" were engraved on the lid, but Dorothy's surname had been scratched out, leaving only a few illegible marks behind.
I reached out, my fingers trembling as they traced the engraved names. "Why is my mother's surname scratched out?" I asked, my voice wavering.
Thaddeus shook his head. "I'm not entirely sure. Your father was always secretive about certain aspects of his past. Perhaps he had his reasons for obscuring it."
Harry, ever the pragmatist, urged us to focus. "What's inside the box, Thaddeus?"
Thaddeus hesitated for a moment before opening the box. Inside, we found a collection of seemingly mundane items: a faded photograph of my parents, a small leather-bound journal, and an intricately carved wooden key.
"This journal contains your father's thoughts and observations," Thaddeus explained, handing it to me. "He was meticulous about recording everything, especially after he decided to leave for the United States."
I opened the journal, skimming through the pages filled with my father's elegant handwriting. Each entry painted a picture of a man deeply troubled by something he could never quite escape.
Harry examined the wooden key with a thoughtful expression. "This key... it looks familiar. I've seen this type of craftsmanship before."
Thaddeus nodded. "It's a family heirloom. Passed down through generations. Your father believed it was connected to something important, though he never elaborated on what that was."
I closed the journal, my mind racing with questions. "Why did my father leave? What was he running from?"
Thaddeus sighed, his gaze distant. "Adam was a man haunted by his past. He believed that leaving England and starting anew in America would provide a fresh start for you and your mother. But whatever he was running from, it seems to have followed him."
Harry placed a reassuring hand on my shoulder. "We'll find out the truth, Adrian. We have more pieces of the puzzle now."
Thaddeus watched us with a mixture of concern and resolve. "There's more to this story than even I know. But whatever you discover, know that you're not alone in this."
As I examined the contents of the copper box, a nagging feeling tugged at the edge of my consciousness. Something didn't seem right. The cavity of the box wasn't as deep as it should have been for its size. My curiosity piqued, I reached out to touch the base of the compartment, my fingers tracing the edges with a growing sense of unease.
"Harry," I said, looking up at him. "I think there's more to this box. The bottom isn't deep enough."
Harry stepped closer, his wand already drawn. "Alohomora," he intoned, aiming the spell at the box. But nothing happened. The base remained stubbornly in place.
"Let me try," I suggested, taking out my own wand. With a deep breath, I focused my thoughts and cast the unlocking charm. "Alohomora."
To my astonishment, the bottom of the box gave a slight shudder before falling away completely, revealing a hidden compartment beneath. Two vials tumbled out and landed in my lap—one spherical with a red liquid, and the other cylindrical with a transparent liquid.
Harry's eyes widened as he saw the contents. "Adrian, do you know what these are?"
I shook my head, my fingers trembling as I picked up the vials. "No, but I have a feeling they're important."
Harry took the cylindrical vial from my hand, holding it up to the light. "This... this is one of my memory fragments," he said, his voice filled with a mix of surprise and relief. "Your father must have hidden it here before he left."
I examined the spherical vial more closely, its red liquid glinting ominously in the light. "And this one?"
"That could be the blood key, or at least part of it. If my father went to such lengths to hide these, then they must be crucial." I couldn't believe what I was holding. My father's secrets were finally beginning to unravel, each piece fitting into a larger, more complex puzzle. "Why would he hide these here?" I wondered aloud.
"To protect you," Harry said softly. "And to keep them out of the wrong hands. Your father must have known that someone would come looking for them."
Thaddeus, who had been watching silently from the corner, stepped forward. "Your father was a cautious man, Adrian. He would have done anything to ensure your safety."
I nodded, the weight of the vials heavy in my hands. "We need to figure out what to do next," I said, my voice steady despite the turmoil inside me.
Harry placed a reassuring hand on my shoulder. "First, we'll need to restore this memory. Then, we'll decipher the significance of the red liquid. One step at a time, Adrian. We'll get to the bottom of this."
The tranquil moment shattered with the sound of curses being cast, and before I could react, three dark figures lunged at us. It was the same three men from that night in the cabin—the bald leader, the tall man with a sinister grin, and the short, scarred fellow.
"Harry, look out!" I shouted, but it was too late.
The tall man sent a curse flying towards Thaddeus. He collapsed instantly, the life draining from his eyes before he hit the ground. A cold, burning fury ignited within me, but there was no time to mourn. The red vial was yanked from my grasp, and the attackers turned to flee.
"Expelliarmus!" Harry's voice rang out, his wand pointed at the short, scarred man. The spell hit its mark, sending the man's wand flying. With a swift, fluid motion, Harry cast another spell. "Stupefy!"
The scarred man fell, his body crumpling to the ground, lifeless. But the other two, the bald leader and the tall man, disappeared into the shadows, escaping with the red vial.
"Adrian!" Harry shouted, turning to me. "Are you alright?"
I nodded, my heart pounding in my chest. "Yes, but Thaddeus... they killed him."
Harry's eyes darkened with anger and sorrow as he glanced at Thaddeus's lifeless body. "We need to get out of here. Now."
We hurried away from the estate, my mind racing with the events that had just unfolded. Once we were at a safe distance, Harry turned to me, his expression urgent. "Who were those men? Why were they after you?"
I took a deep breath, my mind flashing back to that night in the cabin. "It started a few nights ago. I was kidnapped by those men and tied up in a cabin. They were looking for something called the Blood Key, specifically the third part—the red vial."
Harry's gaze sharpened, his grip on his wand tightening. "The Blood Key? What is that, and why do they think you have it?"
"I don't know the full details," I admitted, my voice strained. "They believed I had it, but I didn't. They tortured me, but I refused to give in. Irene rescued me before they could get any answers."
Harry nodded, piecing together the fragments of my story. "And now they've come for it again. This is worse than I thought."
He looked around, ensuring we were still alone, then turned back to me. "We need to figure out who these men are and why they want the Blood Key."
"We have to go to Azkaban, Harry," I said firmly, my voice steady with resolve. "We can't let those men unlock the secret chamber and get their hands on Percival's Wand."
Harry's brow furrowed with concern as he processed my words. "But why this tale, Adrian? Out of all the legends and myths surrounding the wizarding world, why do you believe this one to be true?"
I took a deep breath, steeling myself for his reaction. "Because it's the only explanation that makes sense," I replied, my words echoing with conviction. "Think about it, Harry. Why would those men go to such lengths to find the Blood Key if there wasn't something of immense value hidden within that chamber?"
Harry's expression softened with understanding as he considered my words. "You may have a point," he conceded, his voice tinged with uncertainty. "But even if Percival's Wand does exist, what makes you think those men can unlock the chamber?"
I met his gaze head-on, my resolve unyielding despite the odds stacked against us. "Because they have the keys, Harry," I said grimly. "And if we don't stop them, they'll unlock that chamber and unleash who knows what kind of chaos upon the wizarding world."
Harry nodded, his expression grave as the weight of our mission settled upon us. "Then we have no time to waste," he said, his voice tinged with urgency. "We'll go to Azkaban, Adrian, and we'll stop those men, no matter the cost."
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