October 7th, 1996
Third Floor, Hogwarts School
Hermione and Daphne cornered Nathan in a hallway after their afternoon class was finished.
"What's up with you?" Hermione demanded. "You haven't been acting yourself for almost a year now, and it can't be because of stress."
"If it was stress, you would be more calculating than usual, not allowing your emotions to cloud your judgment. You would be emotionally withdrawn, not more prone to angry outbursts," Daphne spoke.
"I'm fine."
"No, you're not!" Hermione shouted. "For the past month, you've been becoming more and more of a recluse, while screaming at anyone who has the misfortune to draw your ire to the slightest extent! You may be physically okay, but mentally? No, you're not!"
Inside Nathan's mind, a battle was raging. One side wanted nothing more than to never see Hermione Granger ever again, but not before cursing her and the Greengrass girl until they were psychologically destroyed. The other, gaining strength as Nathan realized the thought that had just passed through his brain, was convinced that they were right.
"I... you're right, I'm not fine. I haven't been since Voldemort announced his return. I... I can't help it. I try to fight, and there are times I can think rationally, and I need you to listen, because I can't keep hold much longer.
"Daphne, here is the key to Chimera's Gringotts vault. Here, I'll write up a note." He scribbled on a piece of parchment. "Get this to the goblins as soon as possible, today if you can. You are now the sole person who can access Chimera's funds.
"Hermione, rescind my order regarding the chaos bombs. The twins are to only make them one at a time, and only when they have no other projects. This order is not to be overruled, by anyone. Not even me. I-" A shadow came over Nathan's eyes, and a grimace crossed his face. "I am getting better. I need a little more time. If I am acting strange, it is because I am working on a project that could end the war once and for all."
"A-alright," Hermione stuttered. "We'll... leave you to it, then."
-o-
"Did you see that?" Daphne demanded.
"The shadow? Yes, I did. What does that mean?"
"I don't know, but whatever it is, it can't be good."
"His eyes were clear when he was telling us to give the note to the goblins, and change Fred and George's production priorities," Hermione offered.
Daphne sighed. "It's for the best that we do that, then. He sounded... urgent... when he was telling us that."
-o-
Riddle Manor, Little Hangleton
Voldemort was peeved, to say the least. Something had gone wrong. His control on his puppet had slipped, and now his plan was put in jeopardy. Perhaps it was time for a change of pace... After all, it wasn't like the damage could be undone, thanks to the idiot child.
-o-
ICW News Report, October 10th, 1996
Madrid Falls to Death Eaters! Spain Capitulates!
In a surprise move by the international terrorist calling himself 'Lord Voldemort,' Madrid was attacked en masse by terrorist soldiers, called 'Death Eaters.' With the takeover of the magical government of Spain, other countries are surely not far behind...
-o-
ICW News Report, October 27th, 1996
Portugal Now Under Voldemort's Control!
Following the Blitzkrieg campaign to capture Spain, Voldemort seems to have set his sights on Portugal. Now, two weeks later, another country has fallen under his control. It is not known at this time what this terrorist aims to achieve, but it is clear that an international resistance effort is needed to oppose this new threat.
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