Chapter 13

Durmstrang, January 5

Jean Granger wondered what they were going to do now. She knew they should get back to work. She and Richard were both lucky that in their profession they didn't have to be permanent in their work place. She was an anthropologist, he was an academic lecturer. He lectured on the history of European folklore. He was currently on study leave. He was writing his next book.

- We should go home. - she said to her husband, ignoring the fact that they weren't alone in the office.

Her husband took her forearm in his hands. With gentle movements he moved to her fingers and intertwined their hands together. - Why darling?

- I don't like being idle. I need work.

Aleksiej Ivanovic looked at the marriage couple. He couldn't let Jean out of Durmstrang. He thought that this woman forgot about it. He couldn't release an unregistered potential werewolf into a non-magical society. They could register her, but in the end they hoped it wouldn't be needed. The potion has yet to be revealed. Not when Severus' safety was still under threat and the Patent Registry was public.

- You can stay here. Richard can help teach Wixen Culture and Beliefs. I have read the book he recommended to me and much of what is just folklore for you is reality for us. And you Jean ... If that wasn't a demotion for you, you could help the Library. There is always a shortage of hands to work. The Durmstrang Institute boasts a collection of books and scrolls of over 25 million titles. It is not one of the biggest, but it is sufficient for our needs.

Jean breathed a sigh. She was aware that, being a ticking bomb, she shouldn't go far away from this place. She didn't want to be useless. She just wanted to ...

Aleksiej walked over to her. He grabbed her chin and lifted her face so that the woman could look him straight in the eye. - When you are nervous you are like an open book. Even a wizard with not very good skills in legilimency would have no problem reading your fears. I can't let you go until we know if the potion worked. Besides ... As long as your daughter is here, it will also be your home.

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Ice Tower, Middle of the Wasteland – January 5

Not many of the witnesses to this magic survived. Those who managed to do preferred not to tell anyone about it. The calm blue fire couldn't be extinguished as long as the spellcaster's wrath continued. It was burning everything that could breathe in its path. It avoided what was dead.

The Ice Tower flared up again.

If someone were in the Wasteland now, they would see the flames consuming the whole area. And in the middle of everything there is an almost naked wizard covered in runes. Each rune glowed. Together they formed the text of the oath.

An oath that was originally made by families endowed with magic, and an oath most of them had not kept.

HE was ONE of theFOUR who still lived up to her words.

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Hogwarts, January 5

The atmosphere during the students' return to Hogwarts reminded Minerva of what she felt last year. After all, there was no awkwardness about Severus Snape's disappearance. At least she thought so. She was just walking past James Potter and his friends. She saw the boy smile. He was smiling as if nothing had happened.

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Minerva McGonagall wasn't aware of what the real cause of the boy's smile was. He was relieved that although he was far away from him, Severus Snape was safe. James was beginning to understand slowly that he had destroyed whatever might have been in between them. He no longer counted on something romantic connecting them. He wanted to try to get something similar to that what connected Severus and Lucius.

- I see you've finally stopped grieving after Sniv … - Sirius quickly corrected himself as soon as he saw Remus' angry look. - Severus.

James smiled even wider. - But only because I know he's safe.

- What did you say? - Black was surprised. He hadn't expected such an answer.

- I will tell you how we will be in our dormitory. I have a lot to say. Anyway, I think Lily should also be interested in it.

Curious Sirius followed James, who headed for the Gryffiindor Tower. After a moment he stopped as he realized Remus wasn't going with them. - Damn it! Are you coming or not?

Remus was tired. He dreamed that this curse with his lycanthropy would finally end.

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Albus Dumbledore wondered why he had declined the invitation to Lord Malfoy's Yule at all. He had rather celebrated Christmas himself, but if he had gone he might have seen what has been said since December 21st. Most of the witches weren't aware of what they actually saw. Phantom Flame. He would like to get the caster in his hands. Even Gellert was unable to cast this spell.

Albus knew his greed would doom him someday. However, he hoped that before this happened, he would be able to achieve all his goals.

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James Potter carefully closed the dormitory after Lily entered. - By the way, it's strange that we can't enter girls' rooms and the other way is possible.

- Stop it J-A-M-I-E. - Sirius snorted. He wanted his friend to get down to business.

- As you know, I celebrated Yule this year at Lord Malfoy's Ball. I didn't want to go, because my father and I haven't celebrated this holiday for a long time, but my mother insisted ... At this ball, in a certain sense of the word, Severus Snape appeared. At least I think so.

Lily felt as if she was paralyzed. Every letter she sent to her friend returned to her unopened. - How is that? - The red-haired witch felt tears flowing to her eyes. She grabbed James by the arm and looked at him for an answer.

- At the opening of the ball, a flame appeared that took a human form and greeted Lucius Malfoy in Severus' voice. Then he hugged him. Mom said it was a Phantom Flame. According to her, you need a lot of strength and skills to conjure it up.

- It means he's safe. - Remus Lupin concluded without emotion in his voice. - How did you feel when you heard him?

James looked at Lily and said. - I felt as if the hole in my soul ceased to exist for a moment. I hope that when Severus completes the Swap Ritual, I won't feel that way anymore.

- We'll see how you react to him next year. - Peter finally cut in on the conversation. - Lily told me recently that it was impossible for such a talented wizard not to be selected to represent the school in the Triwizard Tournament. I agree with her. I may not like him, but even I know that a duel with him alone is pure suicide.

Sirius Black thought of a memory. He preferred not to think about what Severus Snape would do to him if he challenged him to a duel in retaliation for this werewolf joke. Peter was right. They pressed a print on a wizard whose anger is not worth playing with.

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Prince Manor, January 5

Augustus Prince was sitting at the desk in his office. He finally found out why he couldn't find his daughter anywhere. What he learned only increased his determination to finally find his grandson. He hadn't expected young Lucius Malfoy to talk to him at the end of the ball. The information received from him was confirmed with Kate Bennet.

It was true.

Severus didn't need his parents' permission for his transfer from Hogwarts, not only because he was a veela, but also because both Eillen and her husband, Tobias, died in a car accident. The irony of fate was that it wasn't their fault. They died because a drunk driver pushed the bus they were traveling on from the road. They were returning from a meeting of anonymous alcoholics.

Lord Prince laughed. He had known for a long time that fate had a rather twisted sense of humor.

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The Wolf's Lair , 5 January

Fenrir watched Lyall. Only yesterday did he regain consciousness. And since yesterday, he has only spoken as much as necessary. He was concerned about the condition of his younger friend. On the one hand, he wanted to leave him so that he could take care of his well-being, but on the other hand, he had to know what really happened then.

He slammed his fist on the wall just above the young werewolf's left shoulder. Lyall flinched. It wasn't his normal reaction.

- Tell me what happened at last. - Greyback ordered in a calm voice.

The boy bowed his head so as not to have to look him in the eyes. He cleared his throat and looked at him again. - You better not know. I found out one that day. Muggles are not as powerless as wizards think.

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How did you like the chapter? Are you satisfied with it or rather disappointed? Did you miss something? Regards, katie-krum