Hello all Storm here with a new chapter! Yeah, it has been awhile, all I can say is school/college has started up again and I have been busy so sorry for that but I do try to work on my stories when I can and update when I can. So, without further ado.
I own nothing
Akane, the Enforcers, and the two Demon Sorcerers ended spending four days in Rome to see the sights, while Shendu caught Bai Tza up on modern technology and anything else he deemed important, such as everything Akane had told him about the magical world and the Chans, the latter of whom Shendu saw as possibly the only threat to them. Though, it doesn't mean he let his guard down on any other potential threats, either.
While in Rome, Akane had also bought numerous books on the different Roman Myths and Legends, along with some on Greek Mythology since it was the origin of the Roman Pantheon. The reason being that after meeting Shendu and learning about the existence of demons and Chi Magic, Akane began wondering on what else was real, but was passed off as just legends. While some legends might be just that, legends, Akane would prefer to learn everything she can, in the event she encounters something she didn't believe existed.
Now finally, they were back at Hogwarts with all of Akane's purchases stored safely in a small bag that she had put an Expansion Charm on to hold everything.
"Hmph, I must say brother, this is actually an impressive fortress you have acquired." Bai Tza, now back in her true form, said as she looked over Hogwarts.
While the palaces that they and their siblings originally resided in, when they ruled the Earth thousands of years ago, easily dwarfed Hogwarts in both size and grandeur, she did have to admit it was a marvelous castle.
"Yes, it has served me well as a base of operation. But perhaps once I have restored my palace, I may keep it as a sanctuary." Said Shendu, also back in his true form, figuring it'd be good to have a location to fall back on, just in case.
Bai Tza though didn't hear him, as her attention turned towards the Black Lake, pleased at seeing the large body of water. While she would have preferred her ocean domain, after centuries trapped in the bone-dry Netherworld, she was just happy to see a source of water.
"That's the Black Lake, it's home to some magical creatures that have difficulty living in muggle-inhabited areas. I know there are Grindylows, a giant squid, and merpeople living there." Akane said, seeing where Bai Tza was looking, and telling her what she knew about the lake.
Better to be on the good side of the Demon Sorcerers that don't need her alive. Sure, Akane knew, or at least hoped, Shendu wouldn't let his siblings kill her, she'd rather be safe than sorry.
Though she was worried when Bai Tza's head did a complete 180 turn with a dark glare.
"Merpeople?!" Bai Tza hissed, causing Akane to gulp and feel like she made a mistake.
"Ye-yeah, an entire colony living at the bottom of the lake." Akane answered.
Bai Tza gave a short screech/growl, before her entire body turned into water that shot out towards the Black Lake.
"Uh, what just happened?" Ratso asked no one in particular, while Shendu gave a dismissive snort as he continued into the castle.
"Nothing you should worry about, only know that within the hour, several of those merpeople will be left on display on the shores of the lake, once my sister is finished with them." Shendu said, while laughing darkly.
"Well you mind sharing why she got angry when I mentioned merpeople?" Asked Akane.
"Back when I and my siblings ruled, the merpeople were created by my sister to serve as her subjects. Though when the Eight Immortals challenged us and banished us within the Netherworld, several groups of merpeople turned against her and helped banish her. The ones living here are likely descendants of the ones who helped banish her and Bai Tza is going to exact her revenge. They'll either submit to her once again or be slaughtered." Said Shendu, while Akane placed a hand on her face as she silently groaned at inadvertently sending several merpeople to a very painful death.
The group reached the Entrance Hall and stopped when McGonagall came walking quickly towards them.
"What is it?" Shendu demanded with red eyes glaring down at her, causing McGonagall to gulp and bow down to the waist.
"Beg your pardon, Your Majesty, but a group of Aurors lead by Amelia Bones are in the Headmasters Office requesting a meeting with…with Professor Dumbledore in regard to where the Minister, his Undersecretary, Lucius Malfoy, and the Aurors that accompanied them are. I didn't tell them anything, I swear it!" McGonagall said, while adding the last part quickly, with Shendu smirking at the fear in her eyes.
One thing he made perfectly clear to all the teachers when he took over Hogwarts is that they'd show him the proper respect, befitting a Demon Sorcerer, and that if they tried telling anyone about what's happened, then not only would Shendu make them watch as he burned alive anyone they told, but their students as well. It was a good motivator to keep them in line.
"I know you wouldn't; if you did, then the Shadowkhan would have imprisoned you and our visitors to await your punishment and their deaths." Shendu said maliciously, with McGonagall shuddering at the thought.
Never in her life did the Transfiguration Professor think she'd ever meet someone that terrified her more than Voldemort. But compared to this dragon, Voldemort might as well be a toddler throwing a tantrum.
"And if they're for the Headmaster, then let's not keep our guests waiting." Shendu said as he transformed again, only this time taking on the appearance of Albus Dumbledore.
"Let us not keeping Madam Bones waiting Minerva." Said "Dumbledore", with McGonagall feeling sick at seeing her old friend's face being worn by the dragon. And even more so, since she had to go along with this farce, unless she wanted to see her students meet a horrible and painful end.
"You four, go and keep out of sight until our guests are gone, and you…" "Dumbledore" said to the Enforcers, before turning his attention to Akane.
"…See if you can get another trigram." He said, being intentionally vague with McGonagall still present.
While he has zero doubts that she'd be stupid enough to tell anyone what was said, or to try and take the Pan'ku Box, he'd rather not take the risk of anyone trying to be a hero. Granted, he'd just kill anyone who tried such a thing, but Shendu would prefer to not deal with the hassle.
With that, the disguised Demon Sorcerer and the Professor made their way to the Headmaster's Office, which Shendu had left pretty much the same in the event something like this happened. The only thing he did was get rid of was that annoying Phoenix, making sure it couldn't escape its prison.
Entering the office, "Dumbledore" saw five Aurors and who he guessed was Amelia Bones.
"Ah, Madam Bones how lovely it is to see you again. Though I do wish it was under better circumstances, given the reason for your visit." "Dumbledore" said with the same twinkle in his eyes and good-natured smile that the real Dumbledore wore.
"Yes, thank you Headmaster. Given you know why we are here, please tell me, do you know where the Minister, his Undersecretary, Lucius Malfoy, and the Aurors with them are? They never returned to the Ministry and they have not been seen since they came here." Amelia said worriedly, since they had managed to keep it hidden that the Minister was missing, but she wasn't sure how long they can keep up the façade.
"Hm, I can't say that I do. Cornelius and his party had informed me about the breach of the Statute of Secrecy by one of my students, which I can assure, I personally have taken care of. But afterwards, they had left schoolgrounds and I believed they had returned to the Ministry." Said "Dumbledore".
"Damnit." Amelia muttered, having hoped the Headmaster would have a lead.
"Though now that this has been brought to my attention, I believe I may have a theory." "Dumbledore" said with all eyes turning to him.
"And what might that be?" Asked Amelia, willing to take anything she can get at the moment.
"It's possible that they could have been attacked by Death Eaters." "Dumbledore" said gravely.
"But that wouldn't make any sense. Lucius Malfoy himself was a Death Eater, even if an unwilling one." Amelia said, while muttering the last part to herself, having not believed Lucius's claim of being under the Imperius.
"True, but Lucius also claimed to be under the Imperius Curse, while others proudly declared their loyalty to Voldemort and were sentenced to Azkaban or evaded capture. It's possible some of his former allies may hold a grudge against him, not only for being a member of Voldemort's inner circle but being able to continue living his life without fear of imprisonment. Combine that with the Minister being outside the Ministry and with minimal protection, it would make for a very tempting target for those that hold a grudge. Another theory could simply be a Death Eater seeking to elevate his/her position in Voldemort's ranks, should they believe their master still lives. Or infighting has broken out among them, should Voldemort really be dead." "Dumbledore" said ominously.
This did nothing to ease Amelia's worries, that would mean they were either killed or are being held captive for who knows what purpose.
"That isn't good a thought and if it is true, then that means there are still Death Eaters bold enough to attack us, even from the shadows, and we may currently be caught in the middle of a Death Eater civil war. Thank you for your time Headmaster, should anything else come up, please let me know." Amelia said, with "Dumbledore" nodding in agreement.
"Of course, my dear. And if you require further assistance, my door is always open." "Dumbledore" said, with his eyes twinkling.
Nodding, Amelia and her Aurors left through the Floo Network. Once they were gone, "Dumbledore's" eyes returned their glowing red color and smirked. Unknown to Amelia or the Aurors, he had his Shadowkhan enter their shadows before they left, now soon he will have the location of the Ministry of Magic itself, along with a list of individuals that may prove troublesome and will be dealt with accordingly.
Once these individuals were dealt with, then he could begin subjugating the rest of the Magical World and freeing his remaining brethren.
It was all just a matter of time.
*Timeskip-Five Days*
Five days have passed since Akane, the Enforcers, and Shendu had returned to Hogwarts, while accompanied by Bai Tza. Things were just as tense as before, only now everyone felt like they were standing on the very edge, with the presence of a second demon. Especially after seeing several merpeople strung up on shore of the Black Lake. They weren't even dead, Bai Tza had them tied up just out of reach of the water to let them gasp and flail as they died from being unable to breath. One student had been foolish enough to try and help the creatures, only for their head to be encased in a sphere of water and drown to death from water being forced into their lungs.
It was rather horrifying for those that witnessed it, and increased the fear the students and staff already felt.
Though one teacher saw this as an opportunity, that teacher being Quirinus Quirrell and the spirit of Voldemort in the back of his head. With everyone distracted by the appearance of this new demon, this provided Quirrell the chance to acquire the Philosopher's Stone and restore his master to full power.
Getting past all the chambers and tests guarding the stone was easy enough, and now here he was, in the final chamber with the last protection being the Mirror of Erised, Dumbledore's own protection.
Now if only he could figure out how to get the bloody stone!
"I can see myself presenting it to my master, but how do I get it? Do I break the mirror?" Quirrell muttered to himself, not sure what he was supposed to do to get the stone.
Just as Quirrell was about to try and just break the mirror, he was suddenly lifted into the air by an unseen force. He immediately paled in fear, realizing what was happening, even more so when several Shadowkhan emerged from the shadows with weapons drawn.
Then without warning, the wall with the entrance to the chamber exploded as Shendu entered the chamber with a growl.
"Aaah, at last you have made your move." Shendu stated while pulling Quirrell towards him, with the Professor feeling a flash of confusion at the Dragon's words.
"Wh-what? H-how did yo-you kn-know?" Quirrell stuttered, with Shendu scoffing at his words.
"Please, did you really believe my Shadowkhan didn't hear you whispering to yourself, moving about at night. I have them patrolling every inch of this school, and I have known the entire time you were planning something. The only reason I didn't just publicly burn you was because I wanted to see just what it was you were doing, and now I have." Shendu said, while going past Quirrell and towards the Mirror of Erised that contained the Philosopher's Stone.
From what his Familiar has told him, the Philosopher's Stone is an alchemical creation that produces the Elixir of Life, that makes the drinker immortal as long as they drink it regularly and can turn any metal into gold. While Shendu had no need for either of those things, being immortal and able to heal from any injury thanks to the Horse and Dog Talismans, and already possessed the Lost Treasure of Qin Shi Huang.
But the Philosopher's Stone would be a great addition to his collection, plus it would be good leverage to offer unlimited wealth and immortality to greedy individuals or those that proved their loyalty.
Though before he takes the mirror and find a way to retrieve the stone, there's just one thing left to do, as Shendu turned to Quirrell. With a flick of his talon Shendu removed Quirrell's turban revealing the face on the back of his head.
"So, you are this so-called 'Dark Lord' Voldemort that everyone seems to fear. Yet from where I stand, you are little more than a parasite." Shendu sneered, while looking down at the Dark Lord.
When he had first heard about this "Dark Lord", Shendu honestly wasn't that impressed. Especially when he had heard the reason for his downfall, vanquished because he couldn't kill a helpless infant.
"I am Lord Voldemort, you worthless creature! And I will have that stone!" Voldemort said, while glaring at Shendu, who only stared at him blankly.
"No, you won't. And you are no Dark Lord, to me you are nothing, just another human that believes they are powerful and untouchable. I have met several humans like you, and I have killed each and every one of them, and you will end up just like them." Shendu said, before blasting Voldemort and Quirrell with his heat vision, turning them both to ash.
Though from the ashes, a streak of black smoke with Voldemort's face rose up before flying away with an enraged scream. Seeing that made Shendu frown in annoyance, having expected something like this.
Shendu suspected that Voldemort had desired the Philosopher's Stone not only to regain a body of his own, but also as another form of immortality. After all, anyone who would have a name that means "flight of death" or "theft of death" is someone who desires immortality.
While Shendu didn't know the exact method that Voldemort used to achieve this form of immortality, living as a disembodied spirit, it was likely a dark form of magic.
"Take the mirror, then bring me every book in this castle related to dark magic and the soul." Shendu ordered the Shadowkhan, who saluted and went to do just that, while the Demon Sorcerer left the chamber making plans for how to permanently destroy Voldemort.
He refused to have that parasite interfering in his plans.
*With Akane*
"Come on you stupid box, just work!" Akane, who is currently within the library, said through gritted teeth as she worked on the Pan'ku Box, trying to solve another trigram and has had little success so far.
She had thought that after the first trigram, the others would be easier to solve, but clearly solving the first one had just been a stroke of luck. Luckily Shendu was busy doing whatever it was he did in his free time, and Bai Tza was focused on reestablishing the pecking order amongst the aquatic magical creatures.
Though while Akane was focused on solving the box, she didn't notice Hermione and Daphne walking up to her, at least until they cleared their throats, getting her attention.
Looking up from the box, Akane looked at them warily, while they weren't among the ones that have glared at her, she was still wary of any students that approach. She could also see the hidden Shadowkhan ready to pounce if they made any moves.
"Can I help you two?" Akane asked, while Hermione and Daphne exchanging glares, given they were still in rival Houses, silently deciding who would talk first.
After a few moments Hermione step forward first.
"I just…wanted to hang out with my friend, you know. Since we haven't really seen each other since…" Hermione trailed off, given the last time they saw each other was when Harry blew up at her, and even before Akane showed up with that dragon, they hardly hung out since Hermione was focusing on helping Harry and Ron learn more Nicholas Flamel, along with what Snape was trying to steal from the Third Floor Corridor.
That, and Hermione didn't really want Akane to be alone, given the only people she really interacts with anymore are those four muggles and the Dragon. Plus, recently things haven't been good with the Golden Trio, with Harry and Ron getting angry at her whenever she defends Akane.
Nodding slowly, Akane then turned to Daphne to hear what her reason is.
"I wanted to…apologize for how I treated you before and to thank you for your help with my books, along with protecting me from the Shadowkhan. I also want to try and…make amends." Daphne said slowly, since she wasn't used to apologizing for anything.
Looking between the two girls, Akane felt like they were sincere, but would still keep her guard up in case this was some elaborate ploy.
"Well you can sit down if you want, but I'm kind of busy." Akane said going back to the Pan'ku Box, with the Slytherin and Gryffindor girls looking at it in confusion as they sat down across from her.
"What is that? Some sort of puzzle box?" Hermione asked.
"Uh-huh. It's to locate and unlock the other portals containing the other Demon Sorcerers." Akane answered, not really worried about telling them the boxes function, as while the teachers might try something, she doubted any of the students would risk Shendu's wrath.
Daphne and Hermione looked at her in shock that she was helping to free even more demons.
"You're going to free more of those demons?! Why?!" Hermione questioned, fearful of more demons like that Dragon and the mermaid looking one showing up.
"Because if I don't, then Shendu will just find someone else to do it. Probably the teachers or the older students, only he won't ask nicely or give them a choice." Akane said, while frowning in concentration, as she looked at the green trigrams on the top and bottom of the box, before looking at the pieces she had to turn, getting an idea of how she could solve the box.
That made the girls gulp in fear, knowing if that happened, it would their lives on the line if anyone refused to help the Dragon. Though Daphne was also curious about something.
"What's it like? Being the Dragons Familiar?" Daphne asked, causing Akane to pause in doing her task to look at her for a moment.
"That's…the first time anyone's asked me that." Muttered Akane, since no one's ever asked her what it was like being Shendu's Familiar.
"It's…interesting to say the least. Nothing's really changed, besides a few things. I'm basically Shendu's backdoor entrance to Earth from the Netherworld, even if he's sent back, he could just use me to get out again. I am also compelled to help him if he's ever in danger and I follow any commands he gives me, thankfully he hasn't given any actual commands and just ordered me to do things. Besides that, nothings really changed, though I still don't really understand the Familiar Bond, so who knows what will happen." Akane said, while looking at one of the trigrams, three broken lines, and then at the quarter pieces of the box.
Getting an idea of how the box could be solved, Akane turned the top and bottom pieces three times each, first top then bottom. Once the sixth turn was completed, the box glowed brightly and floated into the air, surprising Hermione and Daphne, with one of the pieces sliding up as the map was projected again, showing the next portal location.
"Pamplona, Spain." Akane said, while smiling that she finally figured out how the box could be solved.
Once the map vanished, Akane grabbed the box and ran out the library to tell the Shendu the next portals location.
"Great, another one is going to be freed." Hermione muttered, knowing there will likely be a third demon at Hogwarts soon.
"Yeah." Said Daphne in agreement, though she wasn't looking at Hermione or the direction Akane ran off in, instead she was looking out a window.
A window with a view of the Black Lake.
*With Akane*
Entering the throne room, Akane stopped short when she saw the Shadowkhan putting a mirror against the wall with Shendu observing them.
"What's with the mirror?" Akane asked, confused as to why Shendu would set up a mirror here of all places, while Shendu glanced at his Familiar.
"Good, I was just about to send for you. I require your assistance in retrieving the Philosopher's Stone." Said Shendu, with Akane now looking at him with wide eyes.
"The Philosopher's Stone?!" Said Akane, shocked that he wanted her steal something like that.
"Yes, the now deceased Headmaster placed it within this mirror, I want you to get it out." Shendu said.
Looking between Shendu and the mirror, Akane sighed, wondering how he thought she could get it out. Walking up to the mirror, Akane stared at her reflection for a moment before suddenly feeling a weight in her pocket.
'Don't tell me…it couldn't be that easy…' Akane thought with a deadpan expression as she reached into her pocket and pulled out a red stone.
For a few moments, Akane just stared at the Philosopher's Stone blankly, before silently throwing it over her shoulder at Shendu.
"The next portal is in Pamplona, Spain. I'm going to go get ready." Akane said, before leaving.
So, what did you think, good. Yep Shendu now has Shadowkhan infiltrating the Ministry in preparations to take over the rest of the magical world, along with now having the Philosopher Stone and begun searching for how Voldemort attained immortality in order to permanently destroy him. Meanwhile on Akane's side she has been approached by Hermione and Daphne who both, for their own reasons, seek to make amends with Daphne also showing interest in what it's like being a demons Familiar. Finally Akane has solved another trigram along with how the Pan'ku Box works, meaning the Demon Sorcerers will be released much earlier and in different orders, with the second one being known with the portals location. So, review if you liked go away if you didn't.
Storm out