Arc IV: Part I

July 1st, 1985:

The air in the Romanian countryside was warm and humid, while a gentle breeze blew through the window, caressing Sirius' face. In the late hour, he could only hear the chirping of crickets and other insects, the croaking of frogs in the nearby ponds and streams, and the occasional hooting of Denise's owl and other nocturnal birds. The leaves of the nearby forest rustled in the breeze, occasionally breaking the silence with the sound of a branch snapping under the weight of a squirrel or a cat.

As the night wore on, the ambient sounds grew more muted, and darkness fully enveloped the region. The cloudless sky sparkled with stars, and Sirius' eyes slightly widened as he caught a glimpse of a shooting star streaking across the heavens.

Seated by the window, with Ludvik's reading recommendations in his hands, Sirius was lost in the pages, transported to another time and place. As he read, his eyelids grew heavy, but he was reluctant to put the book down. He turned another page, and then another, unable to resist the pull of ancient knowledge. The words seemed to dance before his eyes, drawing him deeper into their enchantment. And so, the night wore on, oblivious to the passing of time.

With a satisfied sigh, Sirius closed the book, set it aside, and quickly extinguished the light spell. He then cast a Disillusionment Charm on himself before leaning forward to observe a curious hooded man who had apparated a short distance from the garden's portal. The man stood apart for a while until Sirius noticed Ludvik sneaking out of the house and heading toward the portal. They shook hands, exchanging furtive worried glances at the house before swapping goods. Despite his temptation to approach and gather information for future blackmail, Sirius decided to leave them to their business.

Sirius had often considered Ludvik to be a bold man, unafraid of challenges that seemed daunting to most wizards, confident in his decisions. However, Sirius knew that Ludvik's involvement with shady businesses and suspicious associates near Denise was more a sign of senility than courage. The ridiculous tactics and continuous whispers of "I know! I know! You have my word!" that they exchanged, accompanied by anxious glances at the house, only further confirmed Sirius' opinion.

Once Ludvik returned to the house and the calm of the night resumed, Sirius leaned back in his chair, gazing at the closed book on his desk before glancing outside at the night sky. The more he delved into the realm of mind arts, the more he realized how thin and fragile the barrier was that separated light magic from its dark counterpart. The more he practiced in this field, the more he felt its mark upon him.

After a moment, just as Sirius was about to retire to his bed, a majestic owl silently swooped down from the starry sky of the countryside. Its large wings spread wide as it gracefully landed on Sirius' desk, shedding a few feathers in the process. Perched on the desk, the owl held a letter in its beak, delicately balanced between its talons.

The owl gave Sirius what he interpreted as a contemptuous glance, which furrowed his brow. It raised its leg, gesturing for Sirius to take the letter it carried. Sirius shook his head and accepted the letter from the owl, which scrutinized its surroundings by turning its head from side to side, searching for its intended recipient. Sirius quickly recognized the Hogwarts red wax seal stamped on the envelope, glowing in the dimming light.

Sirius,

I have been back in Scotland for weeks now, and unfortunately, I haven't received any news from you. It saddens me that you didn't take a moment to write, considering your unemployed situation and all the free time you have. However, I have come to accept the idea that the Sirius I once knew is long gone or has transformed into someone I must rediscover.

That being said, Dumbledore and I have searched in vain for your wand. The records at Azkaban's ward state that it has never been in the possession of the fortress, and the brigade that arrested you also deny any responsibility. Many have retired after the war and left the country for warmer skies.

However, it is possible that your wand has been sent to your vaults in Gringotts. Unfortunately (or fortunately), the goblins strictly refuse to discuss the contents of a vault unless the rightful owner is present. Therefore, unless you have already acquired a new wand, please send this owl back to Hogwarts with your reply, and I will visit Ollivander's shop here in Hogsmeade on your behalf.

I am looking forward to seeing you again. Until then, take good care of yourself.

Remus.

PS: I borrowed McGonagall's owl. It's the same one you painted in red and gold and pretended was your personal "Dumbledore phoenix" during our second year. I was curious to know if the owl would recognize you after all these years.

Sirius glanced at the owl and met its scornful glare. "He does, Remus, he does..." he muttered. Then, he placed Remus' letter on the desk and let out an annoyed sigh, running his hand through his hair. "Those idiots have lost my wand," he whispered in frustration.

Reaching for a quill from the ink bottle, Sirius flipped Remus' letter over to write his reply on the back. The owl hopped onto the desk, standing guard beside Sirius's arm, and stared intently at the parchment. Sirius gave the owl a curious look, and as he wrote, the owl followed his hand and words, occasionally using its beak to nudge Sirius's hand whenever it disapproved of his choice of words. It seemed to have acquired this habit after spending years alongside Professor McGonagall, absorbing her personality traits.

Sirius shrugged. "It's my letter, deal with it!" he told the owl, before softly blowing on the parchment to dry the ink. He then silently read the letter to himself.

Dear Remus, my dear friend,

I must express my deep shame and embarrassment for not meeting your expectations. Until now, I failed to realize the depth of our relationship, whether you consider yourself my girlfriend or my grandmother (I'll let you decide which title suits you best). The thought of you sitting by your window, wrapped in a warm blanket, howling at the moon with a lone tear running down your cheek tortures my mind. I sincerely hope that someday you can find it in your heart to forgive my rudeness.

That being said, I am incredibly frustrated about losing my wand. It held immense sentimental value for me, and it will never be replaced. However, at the moment, I am exploring a more subtle form of magic and rarely rely on the wand I acquired in France. Therefore, obtaining a new wand can wait until my return, as I also need to sort out any complications my long absence may have caused with the goblins at Gringotts.

But before that, I am about to embark on a journey to the north, specifically to the dragon sanctuary. Red has asked for my assistance in concluding a deal with the sanctuary's warden. I have always dreamt of seeing dragons freely soaring through the wild. Perhaps they will even allow me to pet one. Dragons are among my favorite creatures, alongside dogs and needy wolves with self-trust issues.

Yours sincerely,

Sirius

PS: Not only did the owl recognize me, but it is also beside me, judging and physically abusing me.

Sirius nodded, folding the letter and tucking it back into the envelope it came in. He sealed the envelope by casting a spell with his finger. Attaching the letter back to the owl's leg, he said, "Here you go, have a safe flight back!" The owl hopped to the edge of the window, and turned its head back, squinting meaningfully with its large eyes at Sirius. Then, spreading its wings wide, it soared off into the night sky.

Feeling a yawn coming on, Sirius stretched his arms above his head and leaned back in his chair. He gazed at the owl's silhouette glowing under the moonlight until it eventually disappeared into the dark distance his eyes couldn't discern.

Finally, Sirius rubbed his face and undressed before slipping under his sheets. He let out a long, satisfied sigh as his back sank heavily onto the soft mattress of his bed.


A couple of days later, Sirius and Ludvik found themselves alone in the sitting room, near an open window. Despite being in the middle of summer, an unexpected shift in temperature had taken place. Instead of the usual heat, a cool breeze swept through the streets, carrying a sharp chill that sent shivers down everyone's spines. The sudden cold disrupted Aurea's cheerful disposition as she had to trade her short dresses and tank tops for jackets and sweaters whenever she ventured outside.

In a letter, Emma had expressed her discontent with the weather, complaining and longing for the warmth of the sun. Eventually, she had come to accept the truth that summer doesn't last forever in this part of the world. Unlike the others who embraced the change of pace and took advantage of the cooler temperatures, everything around them seemed refreshed. The fields shimmered with vibrant green, extending to the very tips of the branches.

The sky was now gray and overcast, with dark clouds looming overhead. The threat of rain hung in the air, intensifying the chill. However, Sirius found a certain beauty in the day despite the cold. The gray skies provided a dramatic backdrop to the tall trees of the nearby forest, swaying in the wind and creating a rustling symphony with their leaves. It was the kind of day that reminded people of the power of nature and its unpredictable ways, or so Sirius liked to think.

Inside the sitting room, Ludvik had lit a fire in the fireplace, its crackling sound bringing warmth and a soft glow to the room. The old wizard sat in his armchair by the window, with the light of the day casting a gentle glow on his weathered face. He wore a faded, comfortable sweater and tweed pants, crossing his long legs at the ankles. In his wrinkled hand, he held a long, curved pipe filled with fragrant tobacco.

As he puffed on his pipe, the room filled with the earthy scent of the tobacco, and wisps of smoke curled upwards, mingling with the ceiling. His other hand rested on the arm of the chair, fingers tapping lazily in sync with his wandering thoughts, his gaze fixed on the scene outside the window. The trees swayed gently in the breeze, and birds darted back and forth in search of sustenance.

Leaning against the window, Sirius also exuded an air of quiet contemplation. Lost in memories that his training had resurfaced, he found solace in sitting and smoking his cigarette, his thoughts wandering freely amidst the peaceful surroundings. The ticking of the grandfather clock in the corner of the room provided a gentle rhythm to accompany his musings.

"I have something for you," Ludvik absentmindedly stated, waving his wand slightly. On his lap, a long and narrow silver box materialized, measuring up to ten inches. The box was adorned with intricate gold carvings, depicting rune symbols that formed a winding pattern around it.

Ludvik tapped his wand on the box, causing the runes to retract, and a distinct 'click' confirmed that they served as a seal. He then handed the box to Sirius, who looked at it and followed Ludvik's gesture, carefully opening it.

Inside, he discovered a wand resting on an emerald silk scarf, which provided protection from any potential damage. Sirius smiled at Ludvik. "You've gotten me a new wand?" he inquired, his eyebrow raised in curiosity.

Ludvik chuckled softly. "That wand is older than you. However, it has been in my possession for many years. After long deliberations with Denise, we decided that it would be better off with you, rather than gathering dust in our Vault," he explained.

Sirius furrowed his brow. "I see... How much will it cost me?" he asked, expecting a price.

Ludvik shook his head. "It's a gift... We only ask that you prove yourself worthy of it," he replied.

Sirius raised an eyebrow. "A benevolent gift from you? I find that hard to believe, considering you charge Red for toilet paper," he remarked, expressing his skepticism.

Ludvik shrugged. "I assure you it is. That wand is unique, priceless. It cannot be sold or bought. Therefore, I suggest you accept it while my offer still stands," he insisted.

"You're becoming more suspicious with each passing second," Sirius noted.

"Would you prefer to have this conversation with Denise instead? I won't be offended if you do," Ludvik retorted.

"Alright... What makes this wand so unique?" Sirius inquired.

"The handle is crafted from black lacquer and measures 4 inches, seamlessly transitioning into an 8.66-inch length of acacia wood. But the true wonder lies hidden within its core: a horned serpent horn. It is one of the rarest and most complex materials in the art of wandmaking. When combined, acacia and horned serpent horn produce a wand of unparalleled power, but one that demands exceptional skill from its wielder. Mykew poured his life's work into crafting this masterpiece. He even confided in me that he had created it to rival the Elder Wand," Ludvik explained, his pride in the wand palpable, and Sirius could sense his sincerity. "Try it!" he urged.

Sirius was taken aback by the old man's excitement as he stared at him. With a shrug, he reached for the wand, but the moment his fingers touched the smooth handle, everything around him seemed to freeze. The wall clock in the study stopped ticking, and the flames in the fireplace turned an eerie shade of blue. Suddenly, an icy chill coursed through Sirius' body, and a drop of sweat slid down the back of his neck, leaving him feeling unsettled. His strength seemed to drain away as if his magic was being sucked out by the wand. His heart raced faster and faster, making it difficult to catch his breath. With all his might, he managed to pull his hand back, falling to his knees in exhaustion.

Sirius closed the box containing the wand and stood up shakily, perching on the arm of an armchair. "What was that?" he asked Ludvik.

"I already told you," Ludvik replied with a note of impatience in his voice. "This is a wand specifically crafted from the ambition, rage, and unyielding desire for revenge of Mykew, in order to rival the power of the Elder Wand. Its purpose is to bring down the wizard who stole the Elder Wand from Mykew, crush him, and crown its maker as the greatest wandmaker in history."

"Why on earth would you want me to have it?" Sirius demanded. "This is the most dangerous object I've ever seen."

Ludvik's expression turned serious. "My friend, this is not just any object. It is a test of your strength and your will. You will not be able to rise any higher unless you are willing to put your life on the line. This wand will never bow to anyone unless it is forced to acknowledge that person as superior to its previous owner."

"So, I need to become stronger," Sirius mused.

"Exactly. This wand has its own consciousness and power. Disarming someone usually shifts their wand's loyalty to you, but this wand follows different rules. Its loyalty remains with its original owner, and it is powerful and proud. If you accept the challenge, it will try to bend you to its will and pour the spirit of its previous owner into you...until you cease to exist."

Ludvik took a drag from his cigarette and blew a cloud of smoke into the air. "Do you understand what that means?" he asked gravely.

Sirius leaned in and whispered, "This shall be a face-off of legilimency and Occlumency," the tension in his voice palpable.

"Indeed, you must exercise utmost caution when touching it, ensuring your mind is securely locked and channeling your legilimency to force the wand's compliance. Otherwise, the wand will devour your soul. The training is over, Sirius, and it's time for the real challenge. If you win, you will be on par with the most distinguished magicians in the world," Ludvik explained.

Sirius stared contemplatively at the silver box in his hands, pondering the consequences of wielding such a powerful object. "And what might be the potential consequences of using it?" he asked.

"If you do not feel prepared, you may use the wand I confiscated from you," Ludvik responded nonchalantly, shrugging his shoulders.

"I recall you mentioning that the wand belonged in your Vault, thus to a relative of yours," Sirius said, attempting to gain insight into the wand's history.

"No" Ludvik replied, his smile fading quickly. "This wand belonged to a dreadful wizard that terrorized Europe before and after Grindelwald chaos, until he found his end."

Sirius paused briefly before asking, "May I inquire further?"

"I'm afraid I must stay silent", Ludvik retorted coldly, cutting him off abruptly, "An unbreakable vow to the Aurors office obliges me to remain silent. However, I can tell you that I managed to retrieve his wand and Mykew advised me to use it myself. "

"Have you ever used it?" Sirius asked.

Ludvik slowly shook his head, "I have never managed to bend it to my will. It has always overwhelmed me until I decided to lock her up in my vault."

In the days after receiving the new wand from Ludvik, Sirius was overjoyed to hear that Red had finally managed to gather all the items required by Gregorovitch. However, there was still one last item left to acquire - the elusive dragon heartstring. This posed a great challenge as it was difficult to obtain and could only be acquired through two means.

The first option was to resort to the black market, but this involved paying an exorbitant amount of gold which they could ill afford. The second option involved venturing into the dragon reserve and acquiring it directly from the source - a dragon. This option was not without its dangers and required careful planning and execution.

Thankfully, Ludvik had been able to negotiate a deal with the sanctuary's warden for Red to acquire the dragon heartstring in exchange for some help to be done at the sanctuary.

As if the prospect of encountering dragons was not exciting enough, their expedition talks had piqued the interest of Joan, who decided to tag along. His curiosity and enthusiasm added a new dynamic to the group and added to the excitement of their impending adventure.

Despite the dangers and challenges that lay ahead, the group remained undaunted and resolute in their quest to acquire the elusive dragon heartstring for Red. With each passing moment, their excitement grew, and they eagerly anticipated the adventures that on their way awaited at the dragon reserve.


July 10th, 1985:

Sirius and Hans faced each other in the center of the ring, their eyes locked in a stare-down as they prepared to fight. Hans began the match with a flurry of kicks and punches, his extensive jogging having made him faster and more agile. Sirius was quick to block and dodge his attacks, responding with a fierce elbow strike that landed squarely on Hans' jaw, causing him to stumble backward.

Hans quickly regained his composure and launched a counterattack, aiming for Sirius' midsection. However, Sirius was ready and deflected the attack with a sharp kick, causing Hans to momentarily lose his balance. Taking advantage of the opportunity, Sirius followed up with a series of rapid punches and kicks, driving Hans to the edge of the ring.

But Hans was not one to give up easily. He quickly regrouped and charged forward with a powerful kick, targeting Sirius' head. Unfortunately for Hans, Sirius saw the attack coming and ducked at the last moment, delivering a powerful punch to Hans' ribs. The small audience gasped as Hans doubled over in pain, struggling to catch his breath.

Despite the pain, Hans refused to give up and continued to deliver swift and powerful strikes that made Sirius reel. Sirius doubled back, delivering roundhouse kicks that landed squarely on Hans' chest, causing him to stumble backward and struggle to stay on his feet. Finally, a final punch from Sirius sent Hans crashing to the mat.

Aurea threw in the towel and jumped onto the tatami, kneeling next to Hans and removing his practice helmet. Sirius, Emma, and Walter also approached, all looking on with wide eyes as Hans lay unconscious on the mat. They glanced at Sirius with concern but sighed in relief when they saw Hans' head slightly turn to bury his face in his girlfriend's breast.

"Wow, what a moron!" Emma exclaimed as she helped Sirius remove his gloves and bandages. "You did a great job though," she added with a smile.

"That was intense!" Walter said as he lifted Sirius' arm and declared him the winner of the match. "And I held myself!" Sirius smirked at Hans, who was seated on the tatami.

"Liar!" Hans shouted. "But I'm proud to see that my training has finally produced some results."

"I'm not proud at all...my legilimency interfered. I could predict your intentions. In the beginning, I swear I heard your voice say, 'Right hook'," Sirius admitted.

Hans' eyes widened. "We said no magic! You cheated!" he accused, pointing his finger at Sirius.

Sirius chuckled. "I'm sorry, mate, but unfortunately, or fortunately, depending on the situation, I can't fully control it. Especially when the adrenaline is pumping," he explained.

Hans squinted his eyes. "Bullshit," he said meanly before shrugging. "But it's fine. Your opponents will have wands. So, we'll all sleep better knowing you can use your mind tricks wandlessly. Alright, next challenge! Aurea against Emma, three rounds of boxing. Hurry up!"

Aurea chuckled softly and shook her head. "Oh, gloves and me? That's a pairing that will never happen! Besides, why would I even consider sacrificing my impeccably manicured nails for some martial arts training when I have four fierce warriors ready to protect me?" she quipped, a mischievous glint in her eyes.

"Aurea, you know, learning to defend yourself can truly be useful," Emma emphasized, her voice tinged with concern. "Just imagine if you were walking alone at night and found yourself in a dangerous situation. It's always good to have some self-defense skills up your sleeve." As she spoke, Emma affectionately wrapped her arm around Sirius' waist. "But for now, let's focus on testing Sirius's abilities. The next challenge will be against me!" With a playful kiss on Sirius's cheek, she added, "Go quickly change into your keikogi, and I'll be waiting to beat your ass!"

Sirius shook his head firmly, "I'd rather have a match with Walter... you're my girlfriend. I don't want to take any risks and accidentally hurt you," he explained.

Hans chimed in sarcastically, "Oh, because it's perfectly fine to hurt me, right?"

Emma quickly raised a finger to her lips, hushing them both. She exchanged a knowing glance with Aurea and Walter, a mischievous smile formed on her lips, and she couldn't contain her laughter any longer, which soon spread to Aurea and Walter as well. She gently patted Sirius' cheek and teasingly remarked, "Oh, he's just so adorable... he actually thinks he stands a chance against me."

Shortly after Sirius stepped onto the mat, wearing his blue belt around his waist, he ignored Emma, who was tying her black belt and smiling mockingly. Once they faced each other, Walter signaled the start of the match, and the two opponents immediately locked eyes and began circling each other, looking for an opening.

Sirius was the first to engage by attempting a sweeping leg trip. However, Emma quickly countered by stepping over his leg and driving her own hip forward in a surprisingly powerful throw. Sirius went down hard but managed to roll out of the way before Emma could lock him.

Forced to play defensively, Sirius tried to keep his distance, but Emma pressed forward relentlessly with a series of feints and quick footwork that left Sirius dizzy. Soon, Emma's experienced eye found a new opening, and she launched a powerful throw that crashed Sirius onto the mat again. However, Sirius's determination pushed him to scramble to his feet and surprised Emma by taking the initiative, starting a set of quick attacks that forced her to backpedal.

However, Emma wasn't easily intimidated and used Sirius's initiative against him by seizing his wrist, pulling him forward, and following up with a final throw that sent him hard onto his back. Walter announced the end of the match, and Emma straddled Sirius, smiling at him and bending forward to kiss him. "I warned you," she said. She then grabbed his hand and pulled him up to his feet before they bowed to each other.

"How are you feeling?" asked Emma, concerned.

"Better than Hans," Sirius replied with a hint of disappointment.

Emma gave his arm a gentle squeeze. "Don't focus solely on the outcome, Sirius. You've made a lot of progress, and I'm proud of you."

Hans interjected, a smirk playing at the corners of his lips. "Where was your legilimency now, Sirius?"

Aurea rolled her eyes. "Can we please move on?"

Sirius glared at Hans and Walter before turning back to Emma. "Can the next challenge involve testing Padfoot's fangs and claws on them? Please say yes."

"We've had enough fighting for today. Let's hit the showers and head home," Emma declared, leading the way to the changing rooms.

Hans nodded in agreement. "I could use a shower myself," he added, following behind. But before he could join Emma, Aurea grabbed his arm and handed him a broom and a mop.

"Sorry, darling, but you and Walter need to clean the tatami and ring before you go," Aurea explained with a grin. "Consider it a character-building experience."

Walter, who had been standing nearby, looked confused. "What did I do?" he asked, furrowing his brow.

Aurea shrugged. "Guilty by association, I'm afraid," she replied before turning and walking toward the front desk.


As the lights dimmed and the opening credits of their favorite movie began to roll, Sirius and Emma settled onto the sofa, snuggling up close to each other. The warmth of their bodies intertwined, creating a cozy and intimate atmosphere. They leaned into each other, enjoying the comfort of the soft cushions beneath them. With a bowl of popcorn nestled between them, they munched contentedly as the movie unfolded on the screen. From time to time, one of them would lean over to whisper something in the other's ear or steal a kiss on the cheek. Their laughter mingled with the sounds of the movie, as they shared jokes and insights about the characters and plot.

As the story reached its climax, they both leaned forward, eyes glued to the screen, caught up in the action and suspense. When the tension finally broke, they both let out a sigh of relief, collapsing back onto the sofa and snuggling even closer. After a few moments of peaceful silence, Emma and Sirius held each other tightly, savoring the warmth and comfort of their embrace. Finally, Emma spoke up, breaking the silence with a soft tone, "I love that you changed your initial plan to stay away until mastering your mind magic... I hated how you disappeared for weeks."

Sirius placed a tender kiss on her forehead and replied, "I was wrong the entire time. It took me a while to understand that I was only hurting myself."

Emma snuggled even closer to him, and whispered with a hint of sadness, "Although we'll soon part ways again."

Sirius gently inquired, "Temporarily only... Are you and Walter still planning to hit the road tomorrow?"

Emma nodded and replied, "Yes, we'll depart after breakfast and drive the entire day."

Sirius offered, "I can apparate you both to Hamburg. I don't see why you have to spend so many hours on the road."

Emma's sigh carried a hint of vulnerability as she opened up, "It's been over a year since we last saw our parents, and considering the circumstances under which we left home, we anticipate that the reunion won't be a joyous one. We need this time on the road to mentally prepare ourselves, to process our emotions, and to find the right words to navigate what lies ahead."

Emma gently pushed him back onto the sofa, settling herself on top of him with her head resting on his chest. Sirius nodded, "I understand. I only want to renew my offer to accompany you if you ever need my support."

Emma smiled and replied, "Thank you, but we have to face this alone. So, you'll be leaving for the dragon sanctuary soon, right?"

"I'll take care of the Pub while you and Walter are away... Then, I will depart," Sirius confirmed.

Emma's eyes widened with curiosity, and she inquired, "Why is it called the dragon sanctuary?"

"It earned that name because it serves as a refuge for various dragon species from all corners of the world. It's a place where they can live without human interference or persecution," Sirius explained.

A puzzled expression crossed Emma's face as she asked, "Wait, you mean real dragons?"

Sirius nodded affirmatively and responded, "I do"

Excitement filled Emma's voice as she exclaimed, "You've never mentioned that dragons are real! What else have you been keeping from us? Are unicorns real too? Is the Loch Ness Monster actually a thing?"

Sirius shrugged casually and replied, "You should ask more questions! I have no idea what you think is real or not. But to answer your question, Nessie is just a muggle exaggeration. There's never been a monster in Loch Ness. It was only an accident from the time they were first testing time turners, a Plesiosaurus fossil got somehow relived, and they obviously didn't obliviate all the muggles. However, unicorns are real, and you'll find lots of them in the forbidden forest."

Emma raised an eyebrow, "Really? And I suppose giant squids, the Yeti, and big foot are a common sight as well?"

Sirius chuckled and responded, "The Yeti and big foot are actually not unique specimens but widespread magical been in Asia and North America. As to giant squids, they tend to prefer the open sea. James, Remus, and I always wondered why one of them decided to take up residence in Hogwarts Lake."

Emma stared at Sirius with suspicion, but he quickly reassured her, "I promise I'm not joking. All of this is true."

After a moment of contemplation, Emma shrugged and remarked, "Well, my boyfriend can transform into a dog, so why can't dragons and unicorns exist?"

A peaceful silence enveloped them as Sirius tenderly stroked Emma's hair until she looked up at him with concern etched on her face. Her voice was gentle and caring as she spoke, "Before I leave, I want to make sure you're fine."

Sirius appeared puzzled by her question and replied, "What makes you think I'm not? I feel great," attempting to sound convincing.

However, Emma sensed that he was concealing something from her. She pressed her fingers against her temples and closed her eyes in focus. "Bullshit I sense in you," she whispered softly, her eyes still shut.

Sirius let out a small chuckle, conceding defeat. "Alright... The training with Ludvik is really taking its toll on me. It's affecting me more than I anticipated," he admitted, sounding defeated.

Emma leaned in closer, her concern growing. "Would you feel comfortable sharing more about it?" she asked, genuinely wanting to understand what he was going through.

"To put it simply, Occlumency demands an immense amount of concentration, absolute control over one's emotions, and a vivid imagination to deceive intruders. Even with experience, it can be an exhausting practice. On the other hand, Legilimency requires more finesse as you delve into someone else's mind, interpreting their emotions and deciphering their intentions. Combining the two is overwhelming my mind," Sirius explained, appearing tired and defeated.

Emma bit her lip, deep in thought for a moment before speaking again. "Have you considered focusing on only one of them? Could you be doing too much in your rush to achieve results?" she inquired, genuinely concerned for his well-being.

"Ludvik assures me that I'm following the right steps and that this is all part of the learning process," Sirius responded, sounding somewhat uncertain.

Emma raised an eyebrow skeptically. "The same Ludvik who kidnapped you and the others?" she reminded him, emphasizing her concern.

"Yes, but we've moved past that now," Sirius reassured her, offering a small smile.

Though still unconvinced, Emma decided to let the topic rest for the moment. "If you ever need anything, don't hesitate to reach out to me. I'll always be here for you," she said, leaning in for a comforting hug.

Sirius held her close. "Thank you, Emma. You're amazing," he whispered into her ear.


July 15th ,1985:

Emma and Walter had departed for Hamburg to visit their parents, entrusting Sirius with the responsibility of running their cherished pub. Left in charge and with the freedom to be himself, Sirius reconnected with his long-lost carefree persona, relishing in the joy of bringing laughter and creating a warm and inviting atmosphere at the establishment.

Unfortunately, Hans, Sirius's reliable assistant, had to leave town for work, leaving Sirius to manage the pub single-handedly. This presented a daunting challenge, but Sirius was resolute in his determination to uphold the pub's position as go-to spot.

As the afternoon descended, the pub came alive with animated conversations and peals of laughter. Nestled in a corner, Aurea sat at a small table, enjoying a refreshing beverage with her students after her class until they parted ways, and she came to his assistance.

As Sirius finished his shift, he lowered the pub's curtain with a wave of his hand before joining Aurea around a table. She looked up, surprised to witness it, and raised an eyebrow inquisitively. " You don't need a wand anymore?"

Sirius beamed; a sense of satisfaction evident on his face. "Simple tasks like this are a breeze," he remarked, effortlessly levitating Aurea's sports bag. Aurea's gaze tracked her bag as it gracefully floated around the pub, leaving her visibly impressed by Sirius's newly acquired skill.

Sirius chuckled, unable to contain his pride. "I won't downplay it, this is absolutely fantastic!" he exclaimed, gently landing the bag on the table. A hint of longing filled his voice as he continued, "Although, I can't help but wish I could the same to clean the floors and tables as well, now that Ludvik has my wand" His words carried a touch of wistfulness.

With a playful smile, Aurea offered to help Sirius clean up the pub. Together, they mopped the floors, wiped the tables, and rearranged the chairs, engaged in a friendly conversation.

With the pub looking spick and span, Aurea and Sirius locked up and walked out together, Aurea's arm looped through Sirius's. They decided to take a leisurely stroll through the town's park, enjoying the warm evening breeze and the town's serenity.

Sirius and Aurea sat on the balcony around a table that once belonged in the Pub, enjoying the breeze and the delicious dinner they had cooked together. As they finished eating, Sirius performed a quick wand movement, making the plates disappear and replacing them with two cups of tea. Aurea smiled, "Emma told me you'll soon head back to England."

Sirius nodded, "It's true but not before a solid month until that", he replied with a sigh.

Áurea raised an eyebrow and inquired, "What was that? I thought you would be happy to finally be able to go back home as a free man."

Sirius leaned back in his chair and said, "How about here? Isn't this my home as well?". Áurea chuckled, and Sirius asked, "Did I say anything funny?"

"Not at all. It's just that I recognize my own feelings and situation", Áurea replied, prompting Sirius to frown in confusion.

"What do you mean?", Sirius asked.

Áurea shifted her toward the distant sunset and whispered, "Sometimes it's hard for me to be in this country, with my relatives on the other side of the Atlantic".

"I thought you were from Hamburg, like everyone else," Sirius said, with a note of confusion in his voice.

Aurea replied with a smile, "It's so rare to hear someone does not question my identity based on my skin color…Yes. My mother is German, but my father is Brazilian. I was and raised in Fortaleza until I moved to Hamburg after graduating high school to start university."

Sirius silently cursed himself for his ignorance, and said, "I feel stupid for never having asked. Especially knowing how much I blabber about my life, problems…I've never noticed how self-absorbed and selfish…"

"And self-torturing you are?", Áurea asked with a chuckle. "Sirius, you went to hell. I just boarded a plane and had fun since I landed on this continent", she said, with a light-hearted tone meant to reassure him.

Sirius met her soft gaze and nodded before asking, "Do you miss your hometown?" he asked.

Aurea let out a long sigh, and her eyes lit up as she talked. "Oh, Sirius, you can't imagine how much! I miss walking every day on a long stretch of sandy beach, swimming, and surfing in crystal clear water, sunbathing the entire year, party on the beach. And the weather, Sirius... Warm all year long."

"It sounds wonderful," Sirius said, smiling.

"I hope we'll all go there sometime soon", Áurea said.

"I'll make sure we do", Sirius said.

Then, Áurea doubted before asking, "How about you? Do you miss England?"

Sirius shook his head negatively, "I honestly don't, and I wish I could just bring Harry here and raise him a muggle until he's on age to go to Hogwarts or else. Only, he's not any other child and his safety comes first."

"You know…Although I displayed a lot of excitement before leaving Brazil, I secretly doubted my wish to go abroad. I was terrified and sad to leave my life there, my family, and my friends." Áurea said.

"So…What made you leave if it wasn't your wish?", Sirius asked.

"My mom's feelings…After graduating from university, she took a sabbatical year to travel around the world. She met my father in Rio, they fall in love, and she chose to stay in Brazil. They got married and got me! Although, even if I spoke German with my mom at home…She always kind of feared I would drop and neglect my German roots. So, she wanted me to spend some years in Germany to get to know and experience her side of my biculturality. But, before boarding the plane, I focused very hard to keep all my memories of my hometown and friends in my heart. Thus, I would always carry my home with me, and find shelter inside it when I'm homesick" Áurea said.

"The day I run away from my parents' home. James told me something similar to what you just said. Although I was surprised by his sudden burst of wisdom at the time and rather made fun of him than listen. He told me that home isn't a mere work of masonry, but the place where my heart is. He said that what I consider to be my home, resides in my heart, and will always accompany me even in the darkest times and hours", Sirius said, smiling at the sunset before shifting his gaze on her, his legilimency progress making him sense her doubts. "Yet, what warmed your heart is starting to feel heavy. Am I wrong?"

Áurea nodded, looking sad. "It does… I met the love of my life here, grew attached to the life I've built here and the memories I have from the life I cherished back in Brazil start to become confused and blurred…Thus, I'm terrified to lose them.", she said.

They remained silent a moment before Sirius asked, "Have you talked with Hans about this?"

"We've been avoiding the conversation to prevent things from escalating. I have a feeling you know what I mean, right?" she said.

Sirius let out a deep sigh. "Emma and I know that our lives are about to get more complicated. We've promised each other that we'll make it work, and I'll do everything in my power to keep that promise. She's my soulmate, and I'll go to the end of the world for her."

Áurea put her hand on his and softly said, "Go on."

"I'm frustrated because whatever how much we will try and the sacrifices we're ready to do for each other, our story will always be incomplete," Sirius said.

Áurea frowned in confusion, "Why would you feel that way?"

"Because she'll never meet James and Lily. Because they'll never get to feel happy for me the same I was for them. I hate that I met Emma so late" Sirius said.

Aurea gave him a gentle smile, and squeezed his hand, "People find their soulmates when they're ready to. Six years ago, you were a completely different man, and Emma was a different woman. Perhaps you passed each other on the street without even realizing it. Perhaps you would have despised each other if you had met before it was meant. " she said softly.

They lapsed into a long silence, their eyes fixed on the breathtaking display of the sunset, as vibrant hues of pink and orange painted the sky. The world around them grew darker, and a cool breeze whispered through the air, chasing him inside. Their conversation continued on the couch until a subtle shift occurred, and Áurea tenderly guided Sirius toward her bed.

He sat up against the plush headboard, his eyes transfixed on her as she shed her dress. He reclined against the plush pillows of the headboard, captivated as she gracefully let her dress cascade to the floor, unveiling her flawless, caramel skin contours.

With a flick of her chestnut curls, she sensually moved towards him, straddling him on the bed. Sirius's hands instinctively found her waist, while her delicate touch caressed his arms, and their lips met tenderly, her bosom gently pressed against his chest.

She kissed him softly, her hands caressing her arms and Sirius whispered, "This is a mistake…You have a boyfriend and…"

Aurea grabbed his face, laughing, "Shut up or I'll knock you down with my tits".

In this intimate embrace, they lingered for a few stolen moments, their breaths harmonizing, their hearts synchronizing their beats. Within the peaceful confines of the bedroom, only the soft sounds of their entwined bodies could be heard, as their arms enveloped each other, drawing closer, surrendering to the sheer intensity of the moment.

Sirius's hands roamed with unrestrained desire, eagerly exploring every contour and curve of her body, utterly consumed by the fervor that enveloped him. As their kiss deepened and passion intensified, it was Aurea who, with a yearning hunger, disengaged from their embrace and traced her lips along his chest before engulfing his hardened length with her mouth.

As her lips remained enveloping him, her hands glided along his chest. He grunted loudly, as she bobbed her head up and down, sucking him harder and faster, until his hand gripped her hair as his cock twitched inside of her mouth, making him gasp. She lifted her head and smiled at him.

Their mouths fused together once more, engaging in a fervent dance of biting and sucking each other's jawline and earlobe. Fingers entangled in her tresses, holding her firmly, as the intensity mounted. In no time, he could feel the tight embrace of her aroused core clenching around his shaft. One hand gently rested upon his chest as she skillfully took him deeper with each rhythmic motion, simultaneously grinding her body against his. Time seemed to slip away as the tempo of their intimate connection escalated as she rode him with unbridled erotic passion, punctuating their connection with uninhibited moans, and kisses.

As her hips began vigorously bouncing up and down, he sucked her nipple while her fingers clutched his hair, pressing his face against her bristling breast. And then, in a moment of raw intensity, he drove his hips forward with enough force to penetrate her depths, while she stifled her cries by sinking her teeth into his shoulder.

Sirius swiftly flipped her around on her hands and knees, while Sirius positioned himself on the bed behind her, entering her again with ardor, and stopped to share a kiss that left no doubt about their shared desire, his hands squeezing her boobs. As his hardness explored her depth, her eyes fluttered shut, and she arched her back, a resounding cry escaping her lips, accompanied by an unceasing symphony of moans that reverberated throughout the room.

Every fiber of his being throbbed and quivered as the grip of his impending orgasm tightened. Yet, despite his vigorous efforts, it became evident that she desired to prolong their ecstasy for as long as possible. Even as his hips undulated wildly, resisting release, she cast a glance over her shoulder, capturing his gaze fixed upon her with longing and intensity. Sirius's eyes widened, teetering on the brink of losing control at any given moment. With deliberate slowness, he resumed the rhythmic motion of thrusting in and out of her, a newfound surge building within him, surging through every fiber of his being. As his legs quivered and trembled, signaling the impending release into the woman moaning beneath him.

Gripping onto her shoulders, she let out a primal scream, her impassioned plea for more echoing in the air, her rear trembling and arching back towards him, desperately clinging to their connection. A gratified groan escaped his throat as he unleashed one final surge of pleasure deep within her. The collision of their bodies reverberated with a resounding slap as they collapsed onto the bed, their breaths labored and heavy. The discarded blankets cascaded to the floor as Sirius withdrew from Aurea's embrace, sinking beside her atop the tousled mattress.

"That was intense", Sirius said between two heavy breaths.

Aurea nibbled his chest, before laying on her stomach and bringing her feet up, "It was insane", she said.

"It felt as if there is no tomorrow", Sirius said, looking at the ceiling.

Áurea rested her head on his chest and they remained silent for a moment, as his fingers softly stroked her back, until they hearth beats soothed. Only then, Áurea said, "It's because there is no tomorrow".

Sirius looked at her with s slight surprise, "What do you mean?"

She looked up at him, and softly said, "The four of us are playing with fire, Sirius. We must stop before it destroys what we have."

There was an intensity in her eyes that made Sirius feel like a child caught doing something wrong. "You've already seen men's weaknesses and the destruction that follows many times, haven't you? Because I've seen women's flaws, and I don't want it to happen to the four of us."

"Has Emma told you something I should know?", Sirius asked.

Áurea shook her head, "Not a word. Maybe she doesn't feel the same as I do, or maybe she's too proud to open up about some of her insecurities and fears. Although, I think it's the kind of matter that should be anticipated rather than let it build to something darker".

Sirius sighed, and gave her a nod of approval, "I don't want to lose her love, nor your friendship. We'll do as your say", he firmly said. ´

Áurea kissed his cheek, "Thank you", she said.

Sirius let out a heavy sigh, and whispered, "I'm going to miss your boobs so much."

Áurea shrugged, "Well, I've never said we must stop at this second. The night is still…", she said before gasping as Sirius flipped her on her back and climbed on top of her.


Mason's cry reverberated through the room, accompanied by a series of involuntary spasms in his legs, curling of his toes, and a tensing of his muscles. An overwhelming surge of pleasure coursed through his body, rendering him almost breathless as Kian collapsed onto him. Just as Mason leaned in for a kiss, Kian abruptly rolled away, departing from the bed. A frown creased Mason's confused face as Kian reached for his clothes, "Um…Hello!", Mason called.

"It was great, but I have to leave", Kian replied, putting on his shirt.

Mason's eyebrow arched, "Leave? I thought you'd spend the night", straightening himself against the headboard.

"I know but after second thoughts, tomorrow might be frenzy…So, it would be better if I spend the night home and get some sleep", Kian replied, sitting on the chair to tie his shoelaces.

"Ooh, of course", Mason nodded then said, "I understand, because you only come here for a reason. Not that I'm worth much more than being your shot sock."

Kian chuckled, "That's not what I said", he replied.

"Although, It's pretty much what it seems", Mason retorted.

Kian sighed in exasperation, irritating Mason, "Listen…I don't have the energy for this", he said.

"Well, find it. Because you owe me an explanation", Mason said.

"It takes two to do what we do. I don't owe you anything", Kian replied.

Mason jumped out of bed, "Why the fuck are you like this? I just want to know why? Is it something I did?", he shouted.

Kian sighed, rubbing his forehead, "For fuck sake… I've just told you I don't have the energy for this. All right…Um…It has nothing to do with you, it's all me. My mood keeps changing, this is how I am and there is nothing you can do about it" he said.

Mason let out a sarcastic chuckle, "I don't understand you, and I would really love you to help me do!"

"I don't need you to understand me", Kian replied standing up. "Yet, I would appreciate if you stopped overthinking so much."

Mason pushed him, and shouted at him, "YOU'RE A PIECE OF SHIT, DO YOU KNOW THAT? YOU'RE A FUCKING SOCIOPATH! GET THE FUCK OUT OF MY HOUSE!"

Kian chuckled, "All right…I was leaving anyway", he said before leaving, slamming the door behind him.


A few hours later, Kevin slinked through the bustling trading floor, his sharp eyes scanning the sea of computers and massive scrolling boards. The numbers and characters flickered in front of him, taunting him with their chaotic dance. He snatched a small plastic cup and filled it with water, his movements slow and measured. With the cup in hand, he sauntered over to his workstation.

As he settled into his chair, its squeaky wheels grated against the hard floor, sending a jolt of pain through his throbbing head. He cursed under his breath, the headache had been nagging him since he left the club, and now it was getting worse. He knew he needed something to take the edge off. He reached into the drawer on his right and retrieved a tube of aspirin, his fingers fumbling with the cap as he twisted it off.

He flipped a tablet into the water and watched as the effervescent reaction erupted in front of him. The bubbles rose to the surface, popping like tiny explosions. He closed his eyes, half in pain, half in pleasure, as he savored the moment before guzzling the entire glass down.

Mason glanced at Kian who sat across f him, already busy. Kian was the CRO and 5 years older than Mason after celebrating his 35th birthday a few days earlier. While his computer was booting up, Mason kept looking silently at Kian who stared intensively at his computer screen, still slightly frustrated by their argument.

Then, the Windows logo appeared on the screen and Mason readjusted his chair, turning his gaze to look at his computer screen as well. He let out a sigh as he observed the numbers that appeared in columns and the curves that rose and fell at irregular intervals. Mason scrolled down the screen, completely focused, until the elevator's door opened and four people stepped out, each carrying large file boxes. They walked down the long, glass-enclosed hallway that ran the length of the trading floor, completely unbothered by the eyes that followed them since their arrival.

Mason looked at them walking, confused until Kian's voice whispered to him with a knowing nod. 'Yeah, it's them,' Kian said, unbothered to look away from his workstation.

'Damn... They're already here?' Mason whispered back, peering discreetly at the four people from behind his computer screen.

Kian nodded and leaned back in his chair; his eyes now fixed on the four people's backs. As Mason made to talk, Kian interrupted him, "Don't mind them...just keep working", his gaze still following the group until they disappeared behind an office door, and their boss lowered the sky-blue curtains.

Mason nodded then, after a short moment of hesitation he leaned forward and whispered to Kian, "Listen…About last night, can we talk later?"

Kian looked at Mason and nodded at the screens before putting on his headphones and pressing his Walkman's Play button. Deafening the whispers that erupted on the trading floor with rap music, he drowned his thoughts in the numbers that kept appearing on his computer screen.

Mason let out an exasperated sigh and shifted his focus to his work, letting the minutes flow until he saw a man leaning on Kian's workstation, a finger poking his arm. Kian startled and followed Mason's nod to see one of the people from the earlier group standing on his left, his lips moving. Kian took off his headphones and asked, 'I apologize... were you saying something?'

"Kian Andrews?" the man asked with a smile.

"I'm sorry?" Kian asked, feeling confused and pausing the music.

"Are you Kian J Andrews?" the man persisted.

"Oh...yes, that's me," Kian replied, nodding in affirmation.

"We would like to speak with you," the man stated.

Kian glanced discreetly at Mason, who pretended to be engrossed in his screen. "With me? Why?" Kian inquired.

The man gestured for Kian to follow him. "This way, please," he said.

Kian nodded, as hushed whispers broke out on the floor. He placed his headphones on his desk and followed the man. As they made their way along the entire length of the floor, all eyes followed their progress. They headed toward one of the conference rooms, and the general interest waned the moment the doors closed behind them. However, Mason's gaze remained fixed on the room's door.


Hello everyone.
After consideration, I decided to start updating this story with one chapter per week rather than uploading the entire Arc. Even though it's all already written, I rather use the time gap to review each chapter before uploading (Because this arc is way longer and dense than the previous ones, centered on two main characters and also the last arc of this book) and start writing the first draft of the following book.
I would be very grateful if you could take a moment to share your thoughts on my story, share and follow. I can't improve without your feedback. Moreover, let me know if you are writing a story. I'll review, and promote it here.
Thank you for reading, I hope you'll like what is coming next!