At the Great Hall, Arabelle was coming back with a few snacks for Regulus, when arrived at the Common Room however, he was not seen anywhere.
"Must be at the classroom" she thought.
Yet no luck after she checked all the possible classrooms where her house had lectures, after that, she tried looking for him in the library, the Great Hall, the Duelling Room, the Room of Requirements, but Regulus was not found at any of them, eventually, she went to the alternative of asking her friends, whom first were Samantha and Rian.
"Sam, Rian, have you seen Regulus?" Asked Arabelle.
"No, we haven't" Said Samantha "We thought he was with you at your common room" Continued Rian.
"We were, but I went fetch him snacks, I came back and I didn't find him, I'm worried he might have gone out of the castle" Said a worried Arabelle."Don't you worry, we'll help you find him" Said Samantha.
"It's most likely he's still in the school, it won't be long before you two are back together, I'm sure of it" Said Rian, going with Arabelle and Samantha to find Regulus.
"As I have told you time and time again, of course there are many Wizarding Schools, but the most notorious are, ours at the top of course" Said Edward proudly, sitting with Adelaide and an exasperated Esther "Castelobruxo in Brazil, Dursmstrang in Norway, Beubaxtons in France, the second best where my lovely Adelaide is from" kissing her hand.
Adelaide giggled "Eddie, I told you before, I was given the choice but I never went there" She said.
"I'm well aware Ade, but in light of the fact that you're a French witch, in my eyes, it's the same" Edward winked while Adelaide sighed and rolled her eyes "Now where was I? Oh yes, Beabaxtons in France, Uagadou in Uganda, Illvermorny in America, Koldovstoretz in Russia, and lastly, Mahoutokoro in Japan" Edward proudly placed both his arms behind his head "Challenge accepted, and won".
"Not just yet Mr Mystic, you forgot about the Salem Witches' Institute in Australia" Said Esther.
Edward gave a surprised gaze "Salem Witches' Institute? What are you on about Esther? There's no such place" He said.
"Fine don't believe me, ask her if I'm wrong" Esther pointed at Adelaide.
"Come on, Salem Witches' Institute...preposterous, there's no such Wizarding School in Australia my dear Adelaide, is there?" Awaited a chuckling Edward an answer from Adelaide, but she only replied with a sly smile and an innocent shrug "Wait, you mean to tell me there is?" Adelaide smiled and shrugged again "But there's no way it exists, it-it just can't, can it?" Edward turned to the now smirking and proud eyebrowed Esther.
"Well, have you taken my word yet?" Said Esther, then handing him a book "If not, see for yourself" Unbeknownst to Edward however, the book was a Weasley Wizard Wheezes product.
Edward flips the pages till he spots the Salem Witches' Institute as a Wizarding School in Australia "Well I'll be called Slytherin's Heir, there is a school named Salem Witches' Institute" He said.
"Sorry Eddie, you'll have to do Adelaide and mine's essay for next week" Said Esther, handing Adelaide a high five from Edward's back.
"Witches..." Sighed Edward.
"Don't worry, I'll help you if you need any" Adelaide kissed his cheek.
Then came a rushing Arabelle towards them "Whoa slow down Arabelle, you look like as if a Lthifold is chasing you" Said Esther.
"Have any of you seen Regulus?" Asked Arabelle.
"Sadly none of us have, why, has he gone missing?" Asked Esther.
"I don't know but I'm afraid he has, I've looked all the possible whereabouts in the castle and I couldn't find him" Said Arabelle.
"Have you asked others about where he could be?" Said Adelaide.
"Teachers, students, even the ghosts don't know where he's gone to, Samantha and Rian are already searching for him" Said Arabelle.
"Oh no...you don't suppose that he might have been-".
"We'll find him" Cut Edward Adelaide off before she presented the worst case "I'm certain he's somewhere in the school if we all look for him, and that's just what we'll do" She said.
"I'm sorry for dragging you guys, I just don't know where he vanished" Arabelle's hands started trembling.
"It's all right Arabelle, though the castle is large, Regulus couldn't have gone far or out of the school" Assured Adelaide.
"In that case, better if we took parts of Hogwarts separately, I'll search in the Hallways, Adelaide will take the Courtyard, Esther, it's better you go with Arabelle and help her through the upper floors, if any of us find him, we'll signal the rest to meet back here" Said Edward, then placed his hand on Arabelle's shoulder "Don't worry Ara, we'll bring him back safe and sound".
"Thank you Ed, and all of you" Said Arabelle, so the search for lost friend began once Edward, Arabelle, Adelaide, and Esther split up and went to their starting points.
On Edward's path, he searched for the Hallways and the rooms that were within, he looked left and right for their missing Ravenclaw friend, but without luck of traces nor tracks.
"Just where could you have gone to Regulus?".
When after a few moments of his search, he spotted a student with one of the Ministry Aurors, getting a closer look, that student was revealed to be Corina, but instead of going to ask them about Regulus's disappearance, he instead decided to stealthily follow them, as the Auror was leading Corina out of the school, for whatever reason it could be, it didn't do well to place good causes in Edward's mind, putting Corina in the lead, the Auror inspected if they were followed, which Edward managed to make himself scarce but kept watch on their every turn with low steps and breaths, until...
"Please tell me this won't be a time where I'll have to stop you from pulling a chaotic prank on your targets?".
"Shhh! For God sake, keep it down Jack before I'm caught" Said Edward.
Jack sighed heavily "You do realize even though we are not in the same house, as a prefect, I'm entitled to report you to your Head of House" Said Jack.
"Be assured, this is neither the time or place for me to be playing pranks, now hide before you are caught as well" Edward shoved Jack behind a wall.
"Just what on earth are you doing?" Asked Jack.
"Before I answer your question, have mine, have you seen Regulus lately?" Asked Edward.
"Not today I haven't" Replied Jack.
"Now I can answer, Regulus has completely disappeared from his Common Room and we're trying to find him, I was just about to ask Corina when I saw her, that is, until I saw her being lead by the Auror the Ministry sent" Said Edward.
"And just what business does it concern you? You know students are not supposed to interfere with Ministry affairs" Said Jack
"I'm well aware, but what reasons could it be that an Auror would take a student out of the school, when there are criminals and Death Eaters roaming about?" Questioned Edward
"I do agree it limits the explanations, but remember they must take whatever safety procedures possible, or would you rather us having to do the Aurors' works as you'd like?" Said Jack.
"I'm telling you Jack, this matter doesn't sit well with me, regardless of how many times I tried to swallow it" Said Edward, moving towards the other wall with Jack just before the Auror and Corina reached the Main Gate.
"Whatever the case, I once again must ask you stay out of it, this could have serious consequences on us, or Corina if one mistake comes out of our hands" Said Jack
"All right, then I say let's follow them and see where they'll lead us, if you're proven right, you may scold me as much as you like for an unlimited time" Said Edward, quickly following the Auror's lead, Jack sighed heavily while going after Edward.
The Auror took Corina with her to a path where it lead to the Forbidden Forest, Edward and Jack kept in the bushes without raising sounds louder than the dark earie of the forest, Corina became more frightful as they traversed deeper and deeper in.
"See? What have I told you, what madness could ever drive the Auror to take Corina into the Forbidden Forest, lest I have gone mad and they are in fact shape-shifting creatures" Said Edward.
"...Perhaps your senses proved right for once, what madness drove them indeed, but we shouldn't stay either or else we'll be sighted by the light of the moon or something worse catches our scent, I'll go tell the Headmistress" Said Jack.
"Wait!" Edward caught Jack's arm before he could leave "Look, they stopped" Said Edward.
Corina was lead to a wide area inside the forest, she was nervous and anxious, while the Auror stood in her place, unmoving, as if she was petrified...or cursed.
"Pardon me, but why have gone to the Forbidden Forest? You said that you'll be taking me home" Said Corina.
Suddenly, a warning shout from inside the woods with horror in its tone "CORINA RUN!".
Edward and Jack were jumped by the voice, Corina would have ran if not making sure whether the voice belonged to whom she thought to recognize "Regulus?".
"I do forgive leading you to confusion" a dark menacing voice joined, and very soon, its owner as well "I should have specified that we'll be taking you to my home" Emerged Castor from the woods, and with him came a blonde female wearing a a dark dress with a Death Eater's cloak, holding a wand that was glooming green, it was Heather Black, Castor's younger sister.
"Well now, thanks very much Mrs. Auror for delivering Corina to us, thus we won't need to torture your body any longer" She said, the Auror collapsed lifeless on the ground as soon as the wand's light faded.
Edward and Jack watched with horror as the Death Eaters took Corina deeper into the dark wood.
"Oh my god...the Death Eaters, they're here, but they can't be here" Said Jack.
"And they've got Corina...oh no, that voice we heard, I think that was our missing friend, which means they've got Regulus too" Edward collapsed to the ground, he buried his face in his palms "I should have known...I should have known" He cried.
"It's not your fault, they must have killed Aurors so none of us might have known, meaning we're in much more danger facing powerful dark wizards" Said Jack.
As Edward lay on the ground, his crying tone changed to an angry, and rose up to his feet, angrily clutching his wand "dark wizards or not, I'll make sure they suffer the worst curses ever known in the Wizarding World, Regulus is one of my friends, and I won't let those scum harm him for a second" Said Edward, going where the Death Eaters disappeared before being grabbed by Jack.
"STOP! Have you gone insane? They've killed two Aurors already, how much luck do you think you'll have? Besides, who knows how many of them there are, could be well over a dozen or more, even if I joined fighting them, we won't manage with one" Said Jack, Edward believed him, but he cared much about Regulus than to listen "Come on, I'm with you that we should waste no time in rescuing Corina and Regulus, but our best option is to run back to the school and tell the Headmistress, now come with me" Edward and Jack ran quickly inside the castle, for all his preparation, Edward chastised himself under his breath for not being able to see this outcome, but he was determined that he'll use the remaining methods he learned to save his friends.
Edward and Jack were back inside the school, running as fast as they can to the Headmistress' office, when Edward stopped his tracks.
"Wait wait, we can't go to the Headmistress" He said.
"Forget it, I won't hear any insanity that would make us turn back and take them ourselves, now hurry" Said Jack.
"Listen to me, if we run to the Headmistress, she'll be more angered by the fact that two students have broken the school rules and followed dangerous dark wizards to the forest than worried about which students were kidnapped, she'll expel us both before she deals with the Death Eaters" Said Edward.
Jack thought for a moment on Edward's words an sighed with desperation "Right right...but what other choice do we have? The only Aurors that are in the school have both been killed by the Death Eaters, and there's no one else in the whole Hogwarts staff experienced with capturing Death Eaters" Said Jack.
But Edward thought otherwise, there was someone who he believed was more experienced and more capable than dealing with dark wizards, the one whom he considered his favourite teacher and the best one to give advices on becoming an Auror "Except professor Magnus, there's no one else I'd go to whenever there's dark sorcery to be dealt with" Said Edward.
"Right you are, then let's go" Said Jack.
"No, you'll go tell him of the situation, I'll go tell our friends the same" Said Edward.
"Are you sure that's a good idea?" Asked Jack.
"Maybe not so, but they're his friends as well, especially Arabelle who's the most worried about his whereabouts, it would be injustice to deny her that information" Said Edward.
"All right" Answered Jack reluctantly after moments "Go tell them, and I'll head straight for the professor, but no need to raise a panic in the school, only our friends must know this" Said Jack.
"Good luck Jack" Said Edward.
"The wish is mutual" The two went on their split paths after that, while Jack hurriedly rushed to Professor Blackwell, Edward ran with haste, to outside the school once more than the Great Hall where his friends were, his conscience was heavy for having lied to Jack as he ran, but he would rather nothing than to be seated when he has the spells and curses he memorized he prepared especially for dark wizards, even if it lead to his expulsion from Hogwarts, or his sentence in Azkaban.
"Regulus, Regulus, how I missed you my dear nephew, I hope your tie to your Black lineage proved useful in your years in Hogwarts" Said Castor, overlooking a tied Regulus and Corina.
Regulus was never more afraid in his life than this horrific moment, he was standing face to face with his uncle, the second wizard he feared after Voldemort, next to his aunt Heather, with his terrified expression stayed still.
"Surprised to see me? I can't blame you, your father has closed any opportunities regarding you visiting me in Azkaban, so I thought I'd visit you at Hogwarts" Castor chuckled menacingly.
"You'd think Hogwarts would put more than only two Aurors during an outbreak, the school must be losing its glory unlike our past days" Heather said when she came back from inspecting any signs for Ministry individuals, then clapped her hands when she saw Regulus "My sweet Reggie, did you miss me? Come say hi to your favorite aunt" Heather kissed Regulus' head.
"I must admit Heather, I thought of starting our reunion with Nikolaos, but I'm glad we got to see Regulus first". Said Castor.
"Quite, even though this a Black family reunion, I see no harm why Regulus's girlfriend can't join us" Heather played with Corina's hear.
"What do you want with us? Let us go, we won't tell the Ministry you're here, we promise" Said Corina
"Not just yet my sweet, we can't leave our beloved nephew without seeing if his true powers have been discovered yet, and yours as well in this case" Said Heather.
"What true powers? We've no true powers, we're only kids" Said Corina.
"Quite right, you are kids, but at the same time, quite the contrary, you do posses a rather rare and extreme power, as proven by our visit" Castor knelt down and faced Regulus "How are you son?" He asked.
Regulus kept to his petrified state, more taken by the situation to even breathe.
"Still the same shy boy are you? I do apologize for the traumatizing messages I've sent you in your dreams, but I simply needed to find a way to see without the Ministry interfering our reunion, no hard feelings eh? Don't worry my boy, we won't hurt you neither do we want to, we are simply here to discover your Oracle power, and we will be on our way, to your parents of course, but we'll let you be soon after that" Said Castor.
An Oracle, Regulus was sure he heard that name before but couldn't remember when or from who, though that word seemed to have broken Regulus's petrified curse "A-a-an-an Oracle? W-w-what that does that mean?" He asked though still shaking.
"Aaah, I should have guessed that your father has never told you about it, he was always the cautious and silent when it came to great power, unlike us, who prefer to explore it, you see Reg, an Oracle is a very rare but natural trait found in a wizard, it withholds unimaginable forces beyond an ancient wizard's capabilities, so you can imagine your aunt and our surprise when found out, that you held the characteristics of an Oracle, alas, for the Oracle's power to be awakened, a crucial moment in an Oracle's life must be met when it faces a life or death experience" Said Castor.
"I-I am an Oracle? W-wh-what powers does an Oracle posses?" Asked Regulus.
Heather giggled with frightening intentions could be read in her eyes "That's our first and foremost priority to find out" Said.
Back at the Great Hall, Adelaide, Rian, and Samantha were comforting a crying Arabelle "This is all my fault...I never should have left him...I never should have" Arabelle burst into tears,
"Please Arabelle, don't cry, we'll find him yet" Said Adelaide.
"He must have gotten lost somewhere or is occupied with one of the professors, but I'm sure he's fine" Said Samantha.
"If you were an intellectual Ravenclaw, where could you be found?" Asked Rian.
"The library most undoubtedly" Said Esther "Which we have searched over and over and over, even in the Restricted Section which I miraculously escaped uncaught"
"Just where could he be...? I'll never forgive myself if anything happens to him" Arabelle cried while Samantha and Adelaide wiped her tears away.
"Well, there's only one thing to do, I'll go see the Aurors in the school, they might help make the search easier" Said Esther.
It was then Rian noticed Jack rushing with Magnus "Or you can go ask Jack and professor Blackwell, they're sure to have known where he is" She said.
"Good idea" Esther got up from her sent and went over to Jack and Professor Magnus "Jack, any luck finding Regulus?" She asked.
A worrying expression came over Jack and the professor "Unfortunately...yes" Replied Jack.
"Unfortunately? Oh no, is he hurt?" Asked Esther, beginning to worry as well.
"We hope not, based on what I've gathered, I fear my hope won't last very much longer" Said Magnus.
"Didn't Edward tell you?" Said Jack.
"Tell me what?" Asked Esther.
"That Regulus was captured by Death Eaters" Said Jack.
"HE'S BEEN WHAT?!" Exclaimed Esther, her friends and a few students turned to her.
"Shhh! No one must know this, it won't do anyone good to start a panic" Said Magnus.
"Well Edward hasn't told us, in fact, we haven't seen him since we began our search" Said Esther.
It was then that Jack realized, if Edward hasn't gone to his friends as he said, means he could have held his true intention from him, after all, a Slytherin was seldom trusted, a shocked but furious expression was found at Jack "Edward you idiot...you confounded bloody idiot!" Said Jack.
"I won't argue with you there at all, but what's he done this time?" Asked Esther.
"We found where Regulus was, a few Death Eaters were with him in the Forbidden Forest last we saw him, and I should have known right there and then that Edward would come up with a plan to get him back, by his lonesome" Said Jack.
"Jack, please speak plainly son, do you mean to tell me Edward has turned back to the forest alone?" Asked Magnus.
"I'm afraid so, and I can't believe I was so bloody gullible to believe him when he said he won't go there, not after I've seen that look of his" Said Jack.
"Edward..." Magnus sighed heavily and shook his head.
"What are we waiting for? Go tell one of the Aurors to get him back" Said Esther.
"Unfortunately the Death Eaters reached the Aurors before we have, but thankfully I contacted the Ministry before we left my office for support, they'll be here soon" Said Magnus "Nevertheless, I should waste no time in rescuing both Regulus and Edward, hoping Edward hasn't done anything to disrupt the attempt" Magnus readied his wand and made his way for the forest.
"Wait, let us come with you professor" Said Esther.
"Out of the question, the situation is too far dangerous, even for myself, otherwise I wouldn't have contacted the Ministry" Said Magnus.
"We don't want to be in your way either sir, but we'd rather you focus on helping Regulus escape, once we've caught up with Edward, we'll send him back to the school immediately" Said Jack.
Magnus was still against the idea of taking the students with him, these were Death Eaters that are not to be trifled with, and any mistake could cost one of their lives, though hearing of Jack's plan, Magnus gave a reluctant sigh.
Meanwhile, Edward transformed into his animagi state of a snake, he slithered around the wide area and began to spot, just as he feared there were more than just two Death Eaters, there also four other Snatchers seen, he went undetected through the ranks and spotted Regulus with Corina in the center of the area where Regulus's relatives held him, he found one Snatcher on guard for any unwanted visitor, though failing to notice Edward transforming back to his natural form, as well as failing to react quickly when Edward cast a non-verbal spell that left him unconscious, he then behind a tree and kept watch.
"Don't worry Regulus, I'm here" Said Edward.
Edward however should have kept watch for both front and back sides, another Snatcher creeped up behind Edward and was ready to make him Join captivity with his friends, if not for the spell that was cast from professor Magnus that took out the Snatcher.
Edward jumped when he heard the Snatchers thud, but more relieved when he saw who caused him to fall "Professor! I'm glad you're here, Regulus and-"
"I'm extremely disappointed in you Edward, out of the many mistakes you've made, none have reached the amount of foolishness" Said Magnus, arriving with Jack and Esther.
"I know professor, I know no apology can undo what I have done, but I implore you to understand that the cause was caring for my friends, no matter how dangerous" Said Edward.
"What you should be doing is not always acting the bloody hero, you're lucky we arrived before you were hurt, which wouldn't do any of us or this rescue attempt any good" Said Esther.
"We can talk of how stupid I am later, as of now, I suggest we focus Regulus and Corina, I should tell you professor, the Death Eaters aren't the only ones in the forest, there are four other Snatchers, well, two now since you've dealt with one and I as well" Said Edward.
"Very well, that does lower the danger of the situation, but you are to return to the school at once, Jack, Esther, escort him if you please" Said Magnus.
"You don't have to ask us twice sir" Said Jack.
"Hang on! Hang on! I'd do as you asked if it were someone else than my friends, but I beg you to let me stay until I can make sure Regulus and Corina are out of harm's way" Edward said to an unconvinced Magnus "Besides, any move we make may be noticed by the Death Eaters or the Snatchers, him for example" Edward pointed with his wand at the Snatcher lying on the ground.
Magnus shook his head with a regretful expression "You're to stay with me at all times, you're not to attempt at any act less I give you the order, and once this whole ordeal is done, you will be facing serious consequences at school, these heroics of yours must not go on as a lesson" Said Magnus.
"Yes sir, I will" Said Edward.
"Don't be too happy, our punishment will be much harsher than the school's" Said Jack.
"P-p-please uncle, don't hurt my parents, I'll do anything you ask, just please don't hurt them" pleaded Regulus.
"Calm yourself Regulus, we won't hurt you or them, at least not much, you'll have to forgive if your found our methods to be extreme, many years in Azkaban can and will drive a wizard mad, but at the same time, it gives you time to focus on what do when you've obtained your freedom" Said Castor.
"As well as it gives you new ideas for spells you can create, or in this case, curses" Heather laughed.
"You leave Regulus alone, I won't let you take him!" Said Corina.
"Oh, apologies, I forgotten about you during this family time, not to worry, though, we'll soon move to you once we've finished with our nephew, rejoice, your Oracle powers must be more powerful than his" Said Castor.
"What?" Corina was shocked to hear this.
"My mistake, did I forget to mention that too?" Said Castor, chuckling "Perhaps, we'll make a short trip to your family as well along the way, I'm sure they'll be much more understanding than our brother, but as of now..." Castor's moved closer to Regulus when a cry went behind him.
"Castor Black! Step away from the student!" Yelled Blackwell, keeping his raised wand at Castor, while the other three students held theirs at Heather and the two remaining Snatcher "I suggest you place your wand on the floor, and await the Aurors' arrival" He said.
Castor chuckled to himself "Well, I suppose our visit was taking too much time, you're more than welcome to join if you care to" He said, slowly placing his wand back inside his robe.
"Jack? Edward, Esther, what are you all doing here?!" Said a surprised Regulus.
"Don't worry Regulus, we'll have you back in the school in no time, after we've dealt with them" Said Edward.
"Mr Reeves, kindly relieve Regulus and Corina of their bonds" Magnus whispered to Jack.
"Now now, it isn't too nice to interrupt a family meeting now is it? All we want is to see our dear-".
"Don't even think of going near him" Esther kept her wand raised at Heather before she placed her hand on Regulus's head.
"Ooh, very touchy and emotional, you'll have to tell us about your friends soon dear nephew" Heather slowly turned back from Regulus, close to her brother.
Jack wasted no time with Esther to untie Corina and Regulus, Corina went straight for a shocked Regulus.
"Are you all right Reggie?" Asked Corina.
Regulus , while not being able to come out of his shock, simply nodded.
"Come on, we should get you inside quickly, Arabelle is about to collapse if you don't return soon" Esther gently held Corina and led her away from the forest while Jack attended to Regulus.
"Sorry to cut this visit short nephew, I suppose we'll have to come back some other time" Said Castor, a frightened Regulus looked one last time to his uncle before being taken away by Jack..
"Edward, follow your friends immediately" Said Magnus.
"With all due respect professor, there's no way you can convince me to leave you here with them, not until the Aurors arrive" Said Edward, turning his wand between Heather and the Snatcher.
Magnus was torn between admiring the boy for his bravery, or reprehend him for his recklessness "Then keep your wand up, we can't even allow them to have not one chance of escape" Magnus whispered and Edward nodded.
Esther heard about Edward's decision of staying, which she wasn't surprised about "Just as we expected Jack, Edward wants to play the Great Mystic again" She said.
"What else should we have expected? I went along with him, I'll take him back" Said Jack.
"Allow me, there's some things I'd like to say to that buffoon along the way" Esther turned back.
"Esther wait, why do you have to go back? Edward's got the professor with him" Said Corina.
"Exactly why I have to go, the professor can't keep his eyes on both the Death Eaters AND Edward, so someone has to" Said Esther.
"Be careful all right Esther?" Said Jack.
"Esther!" Esther turned around for Regulus "Don't underestimate Castor and Heather, and whatever you do, don't let Edward be caught between them" He said.
"I think you should be more worried about Edward getting caught by me" Joked Esther "Don't worry, I will" She said before she headed back with Edward and the professor, leaving Jack to escort Corina and Regulus back to the school.
While Edward was focused on the Snatcher and Regulus's aunt, Esther quickly returned with hers to join them "And just what are you doing back here? The professor told you to get Corina and Regulus back" Said Edward.
"Oh nevermind about me, I'm just helping you keeping your promise to go back as soon as we have Regulus, so come now before I turn my wand on you" Said Esther.
"No it's too late! We can't give them our backs for one second to them else we'll lose the advantage, we'll just have to await the Aurors' arrival" Said Magnus.
Esther gave a sight "If you say so professor Magnus, I certainly hope you're happy" Said Esther, turning to Edward.
"Not until I put a curse on one of them, just remind me I don't use one of the Unforgivable ones" Said Edward.
"Magnus...Magnus Blackwell" Castor repeated the name of a certain Auror whom was responsible for his capture, Castor chuckled heartily "Ahh yes, now I remember you, I could have sworn I've heard your name before, dear sister, I'd like to introduce to the Auror we had the pleasure of meeting before we were made official guests at Azkaban" Said Castor.
"Is he?" Heather went to take a closer look at the risk of Esther's wand "Why yes it is, the very one, why hello again Magnus" Said Heather.
Edward almost dropped his wand to the ground form the astonishing news "You were the one that caught them professor?" Asked a widely eyed Edward.
"Focus Edward!" Exclaimed Magnus, and Edward returned to his position.
"Right, who could ever forget that lovely moment, the only one who has ever come so close to us, nevertheless we must congratulate you sir, a great shame however your associate weren't so fortunate" Said Castor.
Magnus's wand hand started to shake with ire, for that day of Castor and Heather's capture came at the unlucky cost of Magnus's Auror-in-arms and friend.
"Come to think of it, it was exactly as this moment here and now, where you had us in the same spot you are, and your 'friend' was lying just beneath me here" Said Castor, with Magnus's hand clutches tighter on his wand.
"Breaks my heart it does, to know that if you had acted differently, we could've met him again on our release from Azkaban with you, oh well, perhaps we'll give you Bruce's-" A flaming bell suddenly went past by Heather that struck a tree and left a burning mark.
"Do...not...mention...him" Angrily warned Castor, Edward wasn't worried about the Death Eaters' demise by the time the Aurors arrive, but was concerned the professor might be in custody instead.
"My mistake, struck a nerve have we? Oh yes we've known how dear he was to you, you two were an inseparable duo in all your exploits, for a good four years as well, don't worry, I'm certain that wherever he is, he's not putting you at fault, when as a matter of fact, he met his end at your hand" Castor grinned.
"Be silent! Much as I wish you would be done by my own hand, I cannot, however, I promise you that I can guarantee you a worse fate than only Azkaban at the Ministry" Said Magnus.
Between surveying between the Death Eaters and Magnus, Edward found out that one of the snatchers has slipped by from his sight "Professor" Edward relayed the disappearance to the professor while trying not to give as much as a hint to the Death Eaters "One of the Snatchers is gone".
Magnus turned his gaze left and right while his wand was fixated on Castor "Then I suggest you both be on your double guard, Snatchers can dangerously unpredictable" Said Magnus.
"Well done Edward, we had the advantage until you lost an easy target, now we're truly in trouble" Whispered Esther.
Castor on the other hand could see that the escaped Snatcher has hid himself behind a tree with wand in hand, gesturing the plan to Heather "Well now, this all has been entertaining and all, but if you'd allow us, we would like to say our farewells to our nephew before taking our leave" Castor moved an inch forward before being stopped by warning spell.
"Not one step closer Castor" Magnus took a step instead.
It was then that Edward noticed Castor looking away from their party and was facing the trees, where Edward followed in suit, confused at what he was looking at, one of the local beasts perhaps, Edward thought, only to discover there were no such beasts as gleaming lights heading towards them with speed.
"Protego!" Luckily, he had time enough to block the incoming spell before it could have reached the professor "Over there!" Shouted Edward.
Magnus turned to the direction where the missing Snatcher had attacked them, but was immediately thrown away by a spell and slammed into a nearby tree, a spell cast by Esther's quick hand.
But Magnus was too late when he turned to face the remaining three, only to find that between Heather and Castor, the Snatcher was missing.
"Where is he, where is the Snatcher, where've you sent him?!" Demanded Magnus.
"Meaning Tommy? I sent him to look after Regulus and his friends, rest assured that none of them will be hurt, he's got a wonderous way with children" Smirked Heather
"You know, originally I was only planning to visit Regulus, but since you're already here yourself, I decided to make some alterations in my visit, we have our own business that we've yet to conclude after all, wouldn't you say?" Said Castor, moving left and right.
"Edward, my duties tell me that you must return to the school at once, but due to the current circumstance, I'm trusting you to look after Regulus and make sure the Death Eaters don't get him before you" Said Magnus.
"Forget it Professor, I'm staying with-".
"No Edward! I can only allow you to put yourself at risk too much before you are injured and we are wasting too much time, Esther, kindly relieve Mr Mystic of the forest" Said Magnus.
"With pleasure" Said Esther, grabbing Edward's arm and pulling him away from the forest "Come on you, I'm growing tired of you wanting to play the hero, this is no time for games Ed" She said.
In that crucial moment, Edward had to make a choice, his professor or his best friend, his reason for staying with Magnus were for revenge than protection, but Heather and a snatcher were after Regulus, whom his other friend Jack could so much before being overcome by the two, sighing heavily, he made his decision "Let's go rescue who we came her for" Edward took one last scene of the professor before heading for Regulus's direction, promising to return for Magnus.
Castor put his hands together with a chuckle "I was afraid we'd have to settle our dispute with the meddling children, but I am pleased you understood my meaning" He Said.
Magnus readied his wand and prepared for the duel "This time Castor, there will be no escape".
"Well then, I hope you won't mind making myself comfortable for the entertaining show" Heather leaned back on a tree.
"There's the school, let's hurry!" Corina shouted while leading the way out of the forest with Jack and Regulus, where a figure apparated in front of them, thinking they were the school professors, but who came out to meet them was not one of the staff.
"Hello hello hello, lost in the forest there, children? Don't you worry, I'll have you back with the pretty nice lady in no time if you come with me" The Snatcher gave a little grin approaching the trio.
Jack took ready to face off with the coming Snatcher, whom took his wand out "You might want to put that down boy, make it easy on yourself, and I don't like it when it's easy" Said the Snatcher, taking aim at Reeves.
"Expiliarmus!" The Snatcher's wand was thrown out of his wand and landed in the castor's hand, Rian, along came Arabelle, Samantha, and Adelaide with her.
"Bloody little runt! I'll-" Tommy the Snatcher flew off before he could react and smashed into a tree, due to Samantha's Knockback Jinx.
"Incarcerous" Casted Jack, Tommy was bound to the tree and laid there motionless.
"Arabelle?!" Shouted a surprised Regulus.
Almost immediately Arabelle threw herself over Regulus with both relief and grief, holding him tighter than ever she has before "Thank goodness you're all right" She said.
"Don't cry Arabelle, you saved me after all" Regulus mustered all his strength to overcome his tensity to embrace Arabelle himself.
"I'm sorry to intrude in this lovely reunion but wat are you doing here, the more important question is how did you know we'd be in the forest?" Asked Jack.
"Esther told us right before you left with the professor, I know we shouldn't have, but there was no way we'd leave you in any danger such as this" Said Samantha.
Jack gave a deep sigh "I suppose there's a bit of Edward's fond of bending the rules in Esther as well" He said.
"Speaking of Edward and Esther, where are they?" Asked Rian.
"They're with the professor, unfortunately the Death Eaters are also with them, but hopefully they'll" Corina heard a calling coming from the forest.
"Regulus! Regulus, you here?!" Shouted Edward appearing the woods with Esther "There he is and- guys? When did you get here?" Asked a surprised Edward at the arrival of his friends.
"And right on time as well, it's good you were here before we could" Said Esther.
"Adelaide? Did you have to invite her as well?" Asked Edward.
"Clearly you won't listen to either Esther or the professor, so I thought you'd listen to me" Said a crossed Adelaide.
"Well, now that we're all here with Regulus and Corina safe and sound, I suggest we make our back to the school quickly" Said Jack.
"Good idea, you guys go on, and I'll head back to the professor" Said Edward.
"For God sake Edward, this is no time for-".
"Jack listen to me! Right now, professor Magnus is all alone with two of the most dangerous Death Eaters in the Wizarding World, if we leave them there, we'd have left him for dead" Said Edward.
"That is none of our business, in case you've forgotten, we're only students, the arriving Aurors should handle-".
"Edward's right" Interrupted Regulus.
"What?" Asked Arabelle.
"My uncle alone is too much for the professor, with my aunt with him, I can only see the worst happening, none of you know them as I do, they will make short work of the professor before the Aurors will know what happened" Said Regulus.
"Not you too Reggie, you can't be serious, it's only a miracle we escaped them with help, what if they kill us too?" Exclaimed Corina.
An anxious Regulus took moments before answering "I wish myself that I never have to face them ever again, but Edward's right, we can't leave the professor to fend them off by his own".
All gave a disappointing sigh, except Edward who was smiling "Well, I'm quite sure that two students might raise the advantageous chances than one" Said Edward.
"Make that eight" Said Samantha "We weren't planning to go back inside until all of us are there, so you better had count it".
"Come on guys, don't do this for me" Said Edward.
"We're not, we're just making sure Regulus and Corina are safe enough away from the Death Eaters and you" Said Esther.
"Very funny" Said Edward, then noticed an even more upset Adelaide, he was afraid this day would come, where his recklessness might have cost him the girl he loved, but he wasn't about to let it be that day "Ade...I'm not sure which kind of words I have for this, I promise you this is not me trying to prove that I am great by going against your wishes, under different circumstances, I'd have handed you my wand, but please understand that I can't, not now".
Adelaide took her time while still being very exasperated, eventually however, she spoke "If anything unfortunate happens to any of our friends or you, I'll never forgive you".
"In my case, it doesn't matter to me, since I know that how much I love you will keep me with you" Said Edward, kissing her, with Adelaide returning the emotion seconds later.
"I love you too Ed" Said a less angry Adelaide.
"Well, shouldn't we not keep the professor waiting?" Said Rian.
"As much as I'd love to be of help, but I haven't my wand, and I doubt my wandless powers won't have that much effect either" Said Regulus.
"Oh right, I almost forgot, I thought I'd remind you to take it with you before you left the dorm, just in case" Said Arabelle, handing Regulus his wand.
"Thank you Arabelle" Smiled Regulus.
"Here Corina, I picked yours from the Snatcher who had it" Said Esther.
"You're a lifesaver Esther" Said Corina.
"Right then, since we're somehow going back to the place we've just escaped from, shall we? I feel as if Regulus's fears will become mine over the professor shortly".
Back at the forest, where Magnus's long-awaited moment to meet Castor has taken place, Castor surrounded Magnus with his circling-movement, waving his wand in the air, which raised Magnus's expectation for a spell or a curse at any coming moment, he kept his and his eyes fixed on the Death Eater at all times, though it did not slip his mind that Heather was present at the scene, he dared not give his back one slight second to Castor.
"Ironic, don't you think Blackwell?" Said Castor "That we both attempted to allow bygones be bygones, or at the very least, you attempted, here you are, and all it took was the life of an Auror".
"And Bruce was his name-o" Playfully commented Heather.
"But really now, all things considered aside, much as I am enjoying our reunion, I don't believe there need be anymore 'unnecessary' deaths, all I want is my nephew, once I have him, you have my word that we'll take our leave right away and never return to the school, perhaps we might conclude this some other day" Said Castor.
"I already have told you Castor, there will be no escape tonight" Said Magnus.
Castor gave a small sigh with a chuckle "Very well, I suppose I can agree to settling our encounter now than return to it years later, lest you cause another poor soul's demise" Said Castor.
"It's you who murdered Bruce! You cast the Killing Curse on him!" Confronted Magnus, the more he heard of his late companion's name, the more irate he became, soon enough, his priority was leaning towards kill than capture, although he attempted to resist the urge.
"Look at him Castor, I don't believe I've ever seen the renowned Auror Blackwell more angry have you?" Smirked Heather.
"Well well, I believe you are right dear sister, he may have his own dark secrets after all, but the question that truly asks itself, will he regain his composure, or will he forsake his code to avenge his former friend?" Taunted Castor.
His eyes became filled with anger, his shaken hand clutched on the wand, he soon became from a hunter to a prey, opened to cast a spell at any moment for a chance of reprisal, but would leave him vulnerable for the Death Eaters, though before any of them could cast a spell...
"Professor!" Shouted Edward from the woods.
Magnus look towards the voice once he'd recognized whom it belonged to "Edward?", then was flown into the air to a tree.
"Well that wasn't a very exciting duel" Said Heather.
"Patience Heather, it just might be very soon" Said Magnus when he noticed the nine friends appearing from the woods.
"There they are!" Edward and his friends found the two Death Eaters and faced them in the forest with their wands raised.
"And look , turns out Regulus is popular after all" Said Heather.
"But where's the professor, wasn't he with them?" Asked Esther.
"I don't know, but I'm not too keen on the idea where he might be- PROFESSOR" Edward shouted at the direction of the professor where he was lying unconscious against a tree, Samantha and Adelaide immediately ran to him.
"Is he...?" Rian hesitated to continue.
"No, but he is out cold" Said Adelaide.
"Means we'll have to take them on our own" Said Jack.
"All the more entertainment for us, I say" Said an angered Edward.
"Eddie wait, before you think of becoming the Great Mystic Edward again, bear in mind there's no telling if the eight of us could or will be enough to them" Said Corina.
"In this case or in any, I'd never agree with Edward, but it's either we let them take Regulus, or we'll hold them till the Aurors arrive" Said Esther.
"Come now children, don't be shy, a friend of Regulus is our friend" Said Castor.
Regulus took a deep breath to quench his fear "be careful, everyone" He said, while Adelaide and Samantha cared for the professor, Regulus, Arabelle, Jack, Corina, Rian ,Adelaide, and Edward faced Castor and Heather.
"Right then Regulus, shouldn't we get going my boy? All this fun and games have been entertaining but it should be family reserved only without any outsiders interrupting" Said Castor.
"And you won't feel lonely sweetie, your girlfriend will be joining of course, I'm not sure the same could be said about your friends here, but I suppose we can make that exception" Smiled Heather.
"After all what happened, you except we'll just hand him over to you? We said you won't take him and we meant it" Said Corina.
"Now now, no need to be hasty about things, we're only trying to discover your-"
"I won't go with you!" Regulus exclaimed, finally breaking the silence he held for them for so long "I've never understood about why you are so keen on making me an oracle, but now I do, you want me to go with you so you can temper with my powers and transform me into dark wizards such as you, that's what you've been trying to do all these years has it?" Said Regulus.
"Incorrect Regulus, we want to help you achieve that power so you'd be true to the Black name, and become a great wizard" Said Castor.
"So you joined Voldemort and murdered innocents to become great wizards, that same path you want to bestow on me to be true to my family name, I've done my best to avoid even mentioning your names all these years but I think it's time I've expressed myself for once, I will never be like you!" Shouted Regulus.
Castor took a heavy sigh "I believe we've been very soft on the boy, we'll have to resort to more strict methods" He said.
Heather shrugged and pushed herself away from the tree, placing herself next to Caster "If we must, but he is still our dear nephew and we shouldn't harm him, but just in case..." Heather revealed a malicious smirk, then suddenly disappeared from her position and reappeared on the students' opposite side, with Rian, Arabelle, and Esther turning to face her, leaving Edward, Jack, and Regulus for Castor "Terribly sorry about this children, but we've no time to play hide and seek again".
Even Edward attempted to hide his fear from the ill-will expression that the Death Eater showed, but even a force such as that won't tempt him to let his friends be in danger, instead he showed his disdain and livid.
"You know, I'd be completely mad to say this, but I had been hoping to meet you for a time now, for I've readied something in the event my wish is granted" Said Edward.
"Oh? And what would that be, young lad?" Replied Castor.
"VENEMUM!" With a whip of his wand, a green spark emitted from Edward's wand and shot at Castor, whom blocked it just in time before Edward's "venomous" curse could fill his veins him, leaving a shocked but surprised Castor, and an applauding Heather.
"Well, seems Regulus has been acquainted with the right friends" She said playfully.
"As well as meaning we won't have to pretend they're children anymore, they're dangerous students wit even more dangerous spells, but I must see that new trick again, go an lad, have another go" Said Castor.
"My pleasure Dea-".
"NO!" Entered Regulus before Edward could cast his curse again, for he knew his uncle's tactic too well "The second you attack, my uncle will have altered the spell to turn against you" He said, then turned his Castor "A lesson I had learned from you when you almost killed my father in Voldemort's time".
"Heh, perhaps I taught you too well, then show me what you have learned" Castor stood ready, resuming into his stance he had used with Magnus "Ready dear sister?" He asked.
"Whenever you are, I hope you dearies are ready as well" Said Heather.
"I'm ready to send you to the darkest hole in Azkaban for what you did to Regulus" Said Arabelle.
All six friends became on the defensive, knowing neither which Death Eater would attack first, but attacking was out of the question, as Regulus suggested, their plan was to block as many of the incoming attack curses as possible, until the outcome of the Auror's arrival, or Blackwell's recovery.
"Now pay attention children, we will now begin our first class, which is to..." Castor let his next word be a Stunning Jinx, which was blocked by Jack.
"Good try, but try harder" Said Jack.
"Very good, you passed your first lesson, now we begin the "real" class" Said a smirking Castor.
Both Castor and Heather then flew a volley of spells, jinxes, and curses at the six defenders, each of the six blew off any spell that came for them then countered with a spell of their own, a tactic they kept at for a time, much to the annoyance of Heather and Castor. which soon proved a success since Adelaide and Samantha had already healed Magnus of his arm injury.
"You'll be all right now professor" Said Samantha.
The professor stretched his arm and held his wand again "Thank you Samantha, now keep out of sight" and went on to join the skirmish, Samantha was heeding the warning, while Adelaide had other ideas when she saw her friends struggling against Heather.
"Come on Sam, we have to help them" She said, reaching for her wand.
"Wait, no, the professor told us to keep out of it, it's too dangerous" Said Samantha.
"One way or another we have to help them, we'll lose both of our friends and the professor if we linger here any longer, we came to save Regulus and Corina, did we not?".
Samantha, hesitant at first, but had the sudden growing motive to join the fray when Heather cast a darkening aura closing in on her friends, whom struggled to break free of.
"Awe, is getting a bit dark dearies? Just close your eyes and it'll be all over soon" She said, when suddenly a flying spell came at her without notice, breaking her enchantment.
"Sorry Heather, if you're going to face them, you'll face us too" Said Samantha.
"All the more pleasure for me" Smirked Heather.
Meanwhile, fierce opposition arose between Magnus and Castor, with attacking and defending spells flying back and forth, Edward, Jack, and Regulus aided the professor by throwing spells of their own while keeping curses and jinxes away from Magnus, the four managed to gain a footing spell by spell till Castor's back was to a wall, the skirmish ended with Magnus blowing Castor's wand away to his hand.
"Well done, Auror Magnus" Castor put his hands together "You been putting some work in your duelling since our last encounter, sorry Regulus my boy, I'm afraid we'll have to postpone our visit for next time".
"There won't be a next time Castor, that I promise you" Said Magnus, his wand raised at Castor.
"And this will be the last time you're near Regulus and Corina, it's good that wizards can grow to a lifetime, seems an appropriate time for you to spend at Azkaban" Said Edward.
"That's enough Edward, leave the big talk for the adults" Said Jack.
"Oh yes, very brave of you my boy, as expected from Magnus's students, then I should think you'd have no trouble with my sister over there, I believe she is taking her time with your friends" Said Castor.
Castor's taunt prompted Edward to look back where his friends were being pushed back "HEATHER!" Cried Edward as he went back for the rest of his friends.
"Edward no!" Cried Jack as he went after him.
While Magnus looked back at the boys, Castor took the chance to quickly disappear and reappear next to Magnus, retrieve his wand, and quickly dispatch Magnus, Edward, Jack, leaving a shivering Regulus to his own once more.
"This is more like it, I wish it had been like this from the beginning, a family private time, now then, dear nephew, I fear this location is a poor choice for conversation, shall we take it to your parents' home? I believe they'll be very anxious to await your return, perhaps even mine" As Castor moved closer to Regulus, coming to a halt to parry away a coming spell.
"Get..away...from him!" Said a staggering Edward.
Castor sighed heavily "Once again, you'll have to excuse me, this won't take long, oh, and sorry about this dear boy" Said Castor as he cast a Leg-binding curse at Regulus "You understand do you? Wouldn't want you to get lost in this large forest again".
Castor moved towards Edward, unable to help himself but let out a small laugh at the brave Slytherin "You're as brave as a Gryffindor Edward, I'll give you that, to have held out this long when the odds have been against you from the start, very well, I'd be happy to give you quick duelling lessons, would you like me to start or shall you?" Castor stood at the ready with his wand.
"Allow me, I've prepared a special kind of spell for such an occasion" Still staggering, Edward held his shaken wand-hand at Castor, and cried his incantation with great drive and resentment.
"VENEMUM!".
The green venomous spell flew at a quick pace at Castor, blocking at the last minute due to his unfamiliarity with the incantation, turning to Edward with a gaze of astonishment.
"What's this? A new curse, from a 7th year student? Oh bravo my boy, bravo indeed, I've met many powerful wizards in my time, but I don't recall to meet an extraordinary student with his own created spell, you've earned my praise and respect, perhaps Regulus is in the right place at Hogwarts...nevertheless, I must ask you once again to stand aside and I'll be on my way with my sister and nephew".
Castor moved towards Edward, whom cast an unbalanced Basilisk Venom curse once more, which Castor easily flicked away, countering with knocking Edward off his feet "Allow me to offer you my gratitude Edward, you've brought to my knowledge a new kind of curse, and seeing as fond as I am of learning new tricks, I believe I shall add it to my array of spells, I am curious as to what extent is your curse's effect and result, in return, allow me to "teach" you one of my own" Castor held a smirk to Regulus, then back to Edward with a raise of his wand.
Regulus was beyond horrified, unsure of what spell it might be, he never knew someone to survive his uncle's curses, fearing that Edward would come to know of, at that very moment, Regulus replaced his fear of his uncle with his urge to save Edward, wanting nothing more than the needs to alter Edward's ill fate, suddenly, a great surge of power was channelled to him, with both courage and determination, he cried a great cry.
"STOP!".
An enormous blue aura was carried with his cry that spread among the Forbidden Forest, the aura formed a great power that all who witnessed it were taken aback by its force, the magnificent aura covered the vicinity of the forest as a great explosion of blinding light, the the eight friends and Magnus covered their eyes and attempted to hold themselves from being blown away by it, once the light was dimmed low and the aura flickered, all was silent and shocked.
"What...what was that?" Said Arabelle.
"Is everyone all right, are any of you hurt?" Rian called for her friends.
"Despite being half-blinded, I'm all right" Said Esther.
"Careful!" Warned Corina as she prepared to defend from Heather who "seemed" as she were attacking, though her wand was held in its place for several moments, something was amiss.
"Why isn't she moving?" Asked Samantha.
"There's only two explanations I can give, either she's been cast with the petrifying curse or the time-stopping spell" Said Arabelle.
As was the case with Edward when he noticed that Castor's figure was unmoving, as a live statue, he cautiously got near the Death Eater silhouette, poking him with his wand, no response, he turned attention afterwards to Regulus, whom was trying to make sense out of the ordeal, though the last thing Edward remembered was he saw a bright blue light emitting from Regulus before he too covered his eyes from the shine.
"Did you...do this?" Asked Edward.
"I...I...don't know, all I tried to do was stop him from killing you?" Said Regulus.
"And stop him you did indeed" Edward turned to the paralyzed Castor.
"I know that wasn't a spell unless I heard you wrong" Said Edward.
"I didn't speak any spell, none were in my mind anyway, all I said was stop and...well this happened, whatever it was" Said Regulus.
"An Oracle" Said a wounded Magnus approaching.
"Sir?" Asked Regulus.
"That was an Oracle's power, a rare kind of power found within special wizards, an oracle posses an extraordinary power that outdoes the magic of capable wizards, I believe that is why Castor attempted to take you" Said Magnus.
"An Oracle? Did you know this?" Asked Edward.
"I heard him saying that I was an Oracle, but I didn't think he was telling the truth, nor did it occur to me that I was an oracle" Said Regulus.
"And now you know, and Castor and Heather have as well, one way or another" Magnus looked at the unmoving statures of the Death Eaters.
At that moment, when everyone were regaining their sights, two wizards appeared suddenly at the scene.
"More of them?!" Said Edward, raising his wand.
"Rest easy Edward, your rescue mission is over, the Aurors will take over from here, now gather your friends and stay put, the Aurors and I will gather Castor and the Snatchers that remained, check with your friends if anyone is injured, we'll be heading back for the school immediately, here's hoping my memory serves me well in making Ministry reports..." Said Magnus as he moved towards the Aurors.
"Regulus!" Arabelle wasted no time in running to Regulus.
"Arabelle, I'm so glad you're all right" Regulus embraced Arabelle tightly.
Later, the nine friends were reunited with each other, a bit bruised, but no lasting injuries, while awaiting for Magnus to take them back to the school as he and the Aurors were rounding up the Death Eaters and the Snatchers.
"Well, I'd say that went very well for our first battle with Death Eaters" Said Edward, before getting smacked by Esther "Ow! What was that for?".
"For thinking you could take on Death Eaters on your own and almost getting us killed" She said.
Seconds pass as Jack as well gives Edward another "Ow! What else did I do?" Edward rubbed his head.
"That's for lying to me about warning our friends and putting Regulus and Corina at risk".
"They're safe now aren't they? Also I would like to point out that it was me who discovered their whereabouts and had you warn professor Magnus of their location, which eventually took all of us to save them, not to mention, Regulus discovered his powers and his Death Eater uncle and aunt were finally caught, correct, well?" Edward awaited a response from Jack and Esther.
"Well...at least you didn't keep this to yourself as I expected you to" Said Esther.
"I suppose it's mainly your doing as well that we were able to know that there were Death Eaters in the school grounds, even if you have broken one of the most restricted rules" Said Jack.
"Exactly, so I think for once, it's my turn" Edward gave a smack to Jack and Esther's head, whom were rubbing it soon after "Hurts doesn't it? Best you remember it then".
He then turned to Adelaide "Well Ade, go on, I think no time is better than this to say that I'm your hero" Said Edward proudly, expecting praise, instead all he got was a slap from a crossed Adelaide "Ow! Not you too".
"Are you trying to get yourself killed? May I remind you that you were very close to that today, suppose that your plan didn't work as well as you thought, what then?" Said Adelaide.
"Well, there's no reason why we can't remain together even if I were a ghost" Chuckled Edward, Adelaide was not amused "Yes yes okay, I won't deny that most times I'm more foolish than brave, but I hope you know that what I did was because I care for my friends and can't stand around doing nothing while they're in danger, whether it were Regulus or Esther or you especially for that matter, meaning if it were you in Regulus's place, I'd go through every curse and danger to see that you're out of harm's way, whether it would be directed at me later on or not" Said Edward.
Expecting another criticism, he found Adelaide wrapping her arms around him and giving him a kiss "I also hope you know that I wouldn't have stayed with you after this if I didn't love you as well" She said.
"Yes, I know" returning the kiss.
"Edward" Said Regulus "Normally I'd be siding with our friends on your brash actions lately, but you did save me and Corina, thank you" He extended his hand.
"Is that all the gratitude I get? Come here" Edward pulled Regulus closer for a hug "I told you before didn't I? We're friends Regulus, I wouldn't allow to call myself that if I did nothing while you're kidnapped after all" Said Edward.
Arabelle went on to hug Edward as well "Thanks very much Ed, we're very lucky to have a brave and reckless like you, will that suffice?" Arabelle chuckled.
"Yes, I think it will, but I'm afraid to say that we're not done yet, Regulus has another dark wizard that will be after his trail" Said Edward.
An almost frightened expression was seen on Regulus "Wh-who is it?" He asked fearfully.
"Why the Great Mystic Ed of course, since you've a power that can rival mine, I shan't rest till I obtained yours and make it my own! Bwahahaha" Said Edward.
"Oh professor Blackwell! You missed one!" Said Esther.
"All right all right, you win this battle for now" Said Edward.
"I don't know about you guys, but as soon as we head back inside, it's a large butterbeer tankard for me" Said Corina.
"Awesome, I think I'll have one as well, Merlin knows we all need it after today" Said Rian.
"It's settled, I'll have two large ones for me" Said Edward.
"Oh no, this is for the people that didn't anything stupid as almost getting themselves killed, you'll be spending the rest of the night at the common room" Said Esther.
"Come on, you can't be serious" Said Edward.
"I agree with Esther, it's for your own good, unless you'd like us to tell the truth if asked by the Headmistress about our whereabouts" Said Jack.
Edward rolled his eyes and sighed "You know, I actually am starting to be more careful in the future so I won't fall into your hands like this in the future" Said Edward.
"Good, he's finally learning" Said Jack.
"Don't worry Ed, I'll sneak you one to your room, as thanks for saving me" Whispered Corina.
Edward winked and smiled.
Magnus then returned with one of the Aurors to the group, as the other Auror was returning the prisoners to Azkaban.
"All the snatchers and the Death Eaters have been caught, but children should never play heroes with Death Eaters, best count yourselves lucky for tonight, and I hope you all learned a valuable lesson" Said the Auror.
"Yes ma'am" Said the students all together.
"What's done is done, we'll return to the school immediately" He then moved with slightly disappointed eyes at Edward "But I hope you realize Edward that as soon as we do, there will be consequences" Said Magnus.
"Yes professor, I'm prepared to take each of them with responsibility" Said Edward.
"Good, now let's not waste any more time, everyone follow me" Said Magnus, leading the students back inside.
Suddenly as Edward turned to Jack, he noticed a strange shadowy figure moving from afar, he couldn't make as who or what it is, except that it was moving towards them, he realized it was one of the Snatchers when a small green aura was forming from its wand, revealing its owner in the light, without hesitation, he shoved Jack out of the way, with a ready wand, he cast the nearest spell he could think of.
"VENEMUM!".
The venomous curse struck the Snatcher before his spell was released at Jack or those close, the snatcher fell to the ground, just as soon as it happened, all who witnessed the scene turned and looked to Edward with massively shocked expressions.
"Oh...my...god" Gasped Rian.
"What...have you...done?" Asked Jack.
"You, boy! Which spell did you cast?" Intervened the Auror.
"I...I..." Edward hesitated to answer.
"Answer the question! Which spell did you use?!" Asked the Auror again, but Edward didn't answer, thus the Auror decided to check on the Snatcher on the ground.
"Edward, answer me truthfully, which spell did you cast?" Asked Magnus.
Edward hesitated once more, trying to find words other than the curse's definition, but eventually, he spoke "I...I cast the Basilisk-venom spell".
Magnus and the Auror were shocked at the answer, gazing horrifyingly at Edward for moments, before Magnus spoke "Then...you killed him?".
"No...yes...I don't-".
"No he's not dead, although it's a deadly spell, but Edward told us that if it was used on someone, he a minute to die unless Phoenix Tea-, Ed, hand me the potion" Said Esther.
"What potion?" Edward asked.
"The Phoenix Tears potion you said you made just in case, give it to me, quickly!" Said Esther.
Edward searched his pockets inside out "I- I can't find them" Panicked Edward.
"Oh for the love- Accio Phoenix Tears potion" Cast Jack, a potion of Phoenix Tears appeared in Jack's hand and gave it to Magnus immediately, who wasted no time in rushing to aid the Auror with the unmoving Snatcher.
"Edward...why...why did you kill him?" Asked Samantha.
"I didn't want to kill him, I never did, but he was about to kill Jack, I didn't have time to think which spell to cast at him before he did, and besides, what if I did? He's evil, who's going to miss him, us?" Said Edward, showing no signs of remorse or empathy.
"Have you lost your mind?!" Shouted Jack.
"What? Would you rather I let him kill you instead? Mind you he was about to cast his killing curse at you or at any one of us, so I did what I had to do, the least you can be is grateful" Said Edward.
"Grateful?! Grateful for what?! For taking a life?! For using a lethal curse?! Just because dark wizards cast curses at us, that doesn't justify us using them in return!" Jack's voice arose in anger.
"Well, perhaps I should have stayed my hand and watch while the Snatcher kill you if you are this ungrateful" Edward's frustration began to grow as well.
"Shush you two! The professor's coming back" Said Esther.
Magnus returned to the group of friends with a distraught expression, and a more discontented one for Edward.
"Well professor, is he...is he alive?" Asked Rian.
"I-I'm pretty sure he's alive, I saw the professor and the Auror race to the Snatcher as soon as we gave him the potion, it-it-it didn't pass a whole-".
"He's dead Edward" Magnus shot at Edward with irking eyes.
All the nine students stood motionless to the most grim news, while all turned slowly with disbelief at Edward, a guilt rose within him, though not overwhelming "I did what I had to, it's a shame it ended with the man's demise, but it was either him or us, he made his own choice" Said Edward, remorseless.
The confession forced all his friends around him to back away with him, soon enough, Edward noticed that their expressions have been moved from shock to fear "Wh-why do all of you look this frightened? I said I didn't want to kill him, but I was merely acting out of protection for Jack, not out of intention with killing him" Edward's words fell on deaf ears as his friends continued to keep their distance "Come on guys, Regulus, Arabelle, Corina, professor, believe me" He tried to search for a friend that believed him, finding none, he turned to the one person he knows that will "Ade, you don't believe that I'd want to kill someone do you? Why would I anyways? I'm not a dark wizard or a murderer".
But he only saw the fear in Adelaide's tearing eyes, the more Edward was closing to her, the more distance se put between her and him.
"Ade...it's me, you know me as well as my best friends do, please believe me that-".
Edward was then pushed to the ground by Jack's fist, attempting to push him further down the earth.
"YOU BLOODY IDIOT! YOU ALWAYS ATTEMPT TO MAKE YOURSELF A HERO BY ATTEMPTING RASH ACTIONS THAT EVENTUALLY LEADS TO MORE DANGER FOR US, WE TRIED TO TELL YOU MORE THAN ONCE THAT YOU CAN'T SAVE EVERYONE BUT YOU NEVER LISTEN, BECAUSE YOU ARE A SELF-CENTERED EGOMANIAC ALWAYS TRYING TO PROVE THAT YOU ARE A GREAT WIZARD, WHEN WILL YOU EVER LEARN?!" Screamed an enraged Jack while grabbing at Edward's collar, whom now looked to have a black eye.
What happened next was that Edward replied with a punch of his own, turning the tide around at Jack, pinning him to the ground and following with two more fists to Jack's now bleeding nose, while everyone watched, speechless and motionless.
"BECAUSE YOU ARE MY FRIENDS! HOW MANY TIMES DO I HAVE TO TELL YOU?! THE THINGS THAT I DO AND THE DANGERS THAT I RISK OF EVERY MOMENT I HAVE ENCOUNTERED WAS TO MAKE SURE THAT NONE OF YOU ARE IN HARM'S WAY, AND YOU KNOW WHAT ELSE?! OUT OF EVERYONE, YOU ARE THE MOST UNGRATEFUL FRIEND I HAD KNOWN FROM THE COUNTLESS TIMES I ATTEMPTED TO HELP YOU, BUT YOU NEVER HAVE APPRECIATED THAT FACT ONCE EVER!" Screamed Edward in fury.
"EDWARD!" Magnus forcefully pulled Edward away from Jack "That's enough! And you have certainly done enough today! I had hoped you'd never reach this point where you'd do something as...as despicable as this, but you have already crossed the line of no return, therefore, I must insist that you are punished this time" Said Magnus.
Immediately, the Auror confiscated Edward's wand and held his arms.
"Wa-wait, what's going to happen to me?" Asked a now shaking Edward, but even before Magnus could answer, Edward saw the ever dreadful answer in Magnus's eyes.
"I'm sorry for this, but...Edward Mystic, you are hereby charged with the crime of murder, by the law and order of the Ministry of Magic of Great Britain, you shall be relieved of your wand, and shall be taken to custody and await your sentence at court. to be judged by the ministry whether your action shall be proven of guilt or not".
Edward's words were held at his throat, he looked to all, with now tearful eyes, his favorite professor, his best friends, and his girlfriend, "no...no no no no, I'm not a murderer, I'm not a murderer, you have to believe me, you all have to believe me, I never wanted to kill him, professor, believe me, I can prove to you if you only allow me the chance to explain myself, I'm no murderer, I'm no-".
Without continuing his plea, Edward had vanished into thin air with the auror, leaving only the shocked friends and the heavy-hearted professor with a corpse in the deep, dark, forest, alone.