Arc IV: Part VI

As Red walked down the building's hall, small dragon replicas buzzed around him, carrying scrolls and whizzing past his head. He carefully dodged them and climbed the stairs to the first floor, where he finally arrived at the Wards maintenance team headquarters. Standing at the doorstep, he gently knocked his knuckles on the open double doors, peering inside at the group of men and women gathered around a large round table made of rock with a surface plagued by numerous protuberances.

However, before he could announce his arrival, a voice suddenly shouted 'ATENȚIE!' and Red instinctively jumped back, narrowly avoiding a jolt of red light that fuzzed in his direction. The raucous laughter and chatter of the group shut down in an instant as all eyes turned in his direction, letting a heavy silence take over the place for a long awkward moment before the men and women burst into laughter, leaving Red more than a little out of place.

Red, his heart still racing in his chest, staring at them with an apparently confused expression etched on his face and his ear still buzzing from the spell he dodged. After a short moment, a man stepped out of the group, to come meet him with an extended hand and a smile extending from ear to ear.

"You must be Red!", the man exclaimed, with a surge of energy carrying his voice as his hand overwhelmingly gripped Red's hand, shaking it vigorously.

"I am", Red whispered, blinking taken aback by the man's display of enthusiasm as he still tried to make sense of the encounter.

The man patted friendly his arm and introduced himself as Ermindo Acuña, the head of the Sanctuary's wards department. "Welcome to our headquarters", Ermindo said, motioning him to follow him.

As Red walked toward the group, Red cleared his throat. "Why did you attack me? Didn't I disturb the protocol or something?", Red inquired with a voice tinged by curiosity and anxiousness.

Ermindo chuckled, turning around, "Not at all!", then he gestured toward upside the door, and Red eyes widened as he caught sight of the unconscious jaguar nestled on a pile of cushions on a small alcove above the entrance. "We figured that becoming our Alarm's system morning snack wouldn't be a pleasant first-day experience", Ermindo explained, then patted his shoulder hurriedly, "Let's introduce you to the rest of the team…Everyone is eager to finally meet you."

Ermindo's commanding voice boomed through the room's, capturing the attention of everyone, as he proclaimed, "Attention everyone! Our guest has finally arrived…Red, as I mentioned last week, will be volunteering in the sanctuary for a few weeks. Hence, I trust all of you to welcome him properly and use your experience to prove him with the guidance he'll need during his stay among our ranks."

Soon Ermindo's words were voiced, the group applauded and approached Red with outstretched hands, and welcoming words. Amidst the warm reception, a man that introduced himself as 'Ruslan', passed an arm around his shoulder and nodded at the sleeping jaguar with a grin. "That's Blue, you'll find her adorable once you'll get to know her…Still make sure you watch behind your back around her meal time, she likes sneaking behind people". Ruslan said, leading toward the large rock placed in the room's center. Red returned the smile, feeling a sense of relief wash over him in the middle of the warm welcome, and stood in front of the rock in a space cleared for him in the circle the ward team members formed around the large rock.

From a closer look, the rock represented a thoroughly detailed map of the Sanctuary and a portion of its surroundings. Ermindo cleared his throat, directing his attention towards Red, and said, "As you can see, this is a map of the sanctuary", then waved his wand above the rocky surface. Immediately, numerous light circles materialized at various locations on the map, before ascending to shape domes of different sizes, all encompassed by a grandiose dome that stretched above the entire Sanctuary's grounds.

"All the wards you can see now are meant to safeguard the village and other important locations from the Dragons hosted inside the Sanctuary", Ermindo continued, his voice resonating with pride. "The wards repel the Dragons and ensure the population's safety, while the entire sanctuary falls under the protection of the ultimate ward- the one concealing the sanctuary from the outside world."

Red nodded, leaning forward. His eyes roved over the intricate patterns meticulously etched into the rock, his mind captivated by their complexity. His gaze was caught by enigmatic circular ripples emanating from certain points of the wards, making the magical structures softly vibrate. He frowned his brow and asked, "What are these waves?"

Bilyana, an experienced middle-aged woman sporting a quidditch cap atop her head, took the lead in responding, "Oh…The waves indicated clearly of a breach attempt", she replied with a tone exuding her knowledge. With a thoughtful expression, she continued, "Based on the altitude of the disturbance, it's highly probable that a dragon has pushed the boundaries of its designated zone, prompting the ward to swiftly repel the trespasser."

Bisera, a dark-haired woman, joined the conversation, adding her insights. "That's it… "The wards not only serve to repel and guide the dragons, but they also act as vigilant sentinels, probing for any signs of unusual activity."

Red nodded, yet still intrigued. "What kind of activities can these wards detect?", he inquired.

With a voice tinted with expertise, Bisera responded swiftly. "If a Dragon were to sustain any injury, these wards would swiftly detect the problem so we immediately could notify the rangers posted in the area. They are well-equipped to intercept the Dragon and determine the most appropriate course of action."

"So…If I understand. This department work consists in surveilling the wards and continuously provide the Rangers with information regarding the Dragons' movements."

Bilyana granted him an approving nod. "It's one of our foremost duties. However, we also diligently uphold the integrity of the wards and charms cast in the sanctuary. We conduct daily inspections throughout the field. As you can see at this moment, the wards are all showing a pristine white transparency that indicates the absence of any concern or incident. However, it's crucial to note that diverse scenarios can occur and each would be highlighted here with a specific color."

She gracefully swept her hand above the map, directing Red's gaze back down to it. "…the level of risk associated with the dragon sanctuary depends on a number of factors, including the behavior of the dragons, the level of care they receive, and the measures in place to ensure the safety of both the dragons and any visitors to the sanctuary. So, we have:

- Code 1: Color green. This code signifies a minor incident with no significant consequences. This may include minor problems in the control system of the wards, minor issues in the structure of a ward, or any other minor issues that are easily correctable.

- Code 2: Color yellow. This code signifies an incident with some negative consequences, but not serious enough to cause significant harm or damage. This may include more serious problems in the control of the ward or unauthorized or unmonitored cross of a dragon from a zone to another.

- Code 3: Color orange. This code signifies an incident with moderate consequences. It may be related to the health of a dragon, such as an injury.

- Code 4: Color red. This code signifies a serious incident with significant consequences, such as a major injury or significant damage to our professional facilities. Sometimes a dragon may escape from its enclosure or usual territory, harm other dragons, or act particularly strange.

- Code 5: Dark red. This code signifies a very serious incident with severe consequences, such as multiple injuries or major damage to property or the environment. Dragon rage outbursts are unpredictable, and if not handled quickly, can lead to worker fatalities with possible effects on the security of the local population.

- Code 6: Purple. This code signifies a catastrophic incident with extreme consequences, which may be the consequence of failing to contain a code 5, like extensive environmental damage or harm to civilians. This level may be reached when a code 5 involves more than one dragon.

- Code 7: Color black. This code signifies a catastrophic incident with catastrophic consequences, such as a major disaster that could impact beyond the sanctuary's boundaries and break the statute of secrecy. That would be the worst-case scenario, it could lead to a complete disaster.

Red fixed his gaze on Ermindo, his curiosity piqued. "Has there ever been an incident that reached code 4?" he inquired; failing to conceal his anxiousness.

Ermindo chuckled, his eyes crinkling with amusement. "We've never even come close to a code 3," he replied, a note of reassurance in his voice. "We conduct regular maintenance and repairs, ensuring that any potential issues are promptly addressed. From us, the Rangers to the Academic crew are highly skilled and well-trained in handling Dragons. Anything beyond a code 3 is highly unlikely to occur. The safety of the village and all of Europe rests on the meticulousness and attention to detail of our department, so we work tirelessly to prevent any mishaps."

A slight furrow appeared on Red's brow as he pondered further. "The wards must be significantly stronger than a Protego Maxima or Fianto Duri to contain creatures as powerful as Dragons," he mused. "What exactly do you use?"

The group exchanged surprised glances before erupting into laughter, causing Red to feel momentarily perplexed. Bilyana, with a mischievous smile, finally responded, "That kind of information is classified and reserved only for us and Dragan, of course... It's a matter of security."

Red quickly responded, embarrassed from having asked. "Oh, I understand, of course…As it should be…Um…What would you like me to help with during my stay here?"

Ermindo's gaze softened, the corners of his lips lifting in a reassuring smile. "Well, newcomers often start by following one of our teams during inspections," he explained.

Kalal, a young man with round glasses, couldn't resist adding a jest. "And cleaning Blue's litter," he chimed in, earning a stern look from Ermindo.

Kalal immediately backtracked, addressing Red directly. "I was just taking the piss…. For now, your job will only be to observe us and take notes while accompanying Bilyana, Ruslan, and Bisera on their inspection in the fifty-fifth sector."


Cicero Zagorákis was a diminutive, elderly man with a long, flowing grey beard that he frequently had to toss over his shoulder to prevent tripping on it. Despite his advanced age, he moved with a sprightly gait as he led Mikhail down the hallway on the second floor. Mikhail had to hasten his steps to keep pace with the old man, as Cicero regaled him with fascinating anecdotes about the Library. Every few seconds, Cicero glanced up at Mikhail to ensure he had his full attention.

As they continued down the hallway, Cicero stopped abruptly in front of a massive, intricately carved wooden door. With a flourish, he pushed open the double doors, and Mikhail's jaw dropped as he took in the sight before him. The Library was an awe-inspiring sight to behold, and Cicero beamed with pride as he watched Mikhail take in the grandeur of the Library. "Impressive, isn't it?" he asked, his grin widening as he absently wiped his thick glasses on his wizard's robe, which was adorned with intricate symbols and runes.

The library was a grandiose expanse, spreading over twenty levels, dedicated to containing an extensive compendium of books and scrolls. The colossal shelves were upheld by black stone pillars that towered towards the heavens, adorned with fierce dragon heads spewing flames. Despite the immensity of its structure, the research area in the main nave was constructed with a narrower design, intentionally crafted to evoke a sense of tranquility and concentration in those who sought knowledge within its walls. The subdued light, filtering through stained-glass windows and rosettes, created an aura of serenity akin to that of a sacred place. The polished stone pavement, carefully laid out, reflected a minimum amount of light to provide ample illumination for the workstations. Deep niches, located on every side of the nave, harbored rows upon rows of shelves, labeled with delicate sky-blue files that formed a distant convergence of bluish, oblong dots, imbuing the sanctuary with an enigmatic and sacred ambiance. The galleries on each level allowed for access to niches of shelving similar to those below.

As Cicero led his guest through the nave, he elucidated on the significance of the library's vast collection, encompassing centuries worth of knowledge accumulated by Dragonologists, wizards, and muggles alike. The information was utilized by the rangers and the ward department for mission preparation and personal study, while the old man emphasized that knowledge was the bedrock of a Dragonologist's life, and the library was the sanctuary holding the world's understanding of magic, history, and Magizoology. When he decided to follow Red on his journey, Mikhail had never imagined a second that he would find such a treasure…A haven of knowledge worthy of the utmost reverence.

After a moment, Mikhail emerged from his awe and turned to face Cicero, his eyes widening in astonishment. "Dragan made it sound like you worked alone here... So, I would never have imagined the Library to be this massive, even less so prestigious. Yet, I can't but feel like we're the only ones here."

Cicero nodded, acknowledging Mikhail's observation. "We are indeed currently alone, as all the other scholars are abroad…Educating the world" he confirmed with a hint of pride in his voice.

Mikhail couldn't help but voice his concern. "Isn't this place too big for one person to handle?" he inquired, his brows furrowing in worry.

Cicero chuckled warmly, alleviating Mikhail's worries. "That's why I requested Dragan to assign you to assist me!" he said, his voice brimming with reassurance.

Mikhail nodded, a sense of purpose dawning on him. "Of course…I'm grateful you did...Although, could you please explain how I'll be assisting you?" he asked, eager to understand his role in this vast library.

Cicero's smile grew wider, appreciating Mikhail's willingness to contribute. "The sanctuary's workforce is divided into three departments. The ward maintenance and surveillance, the rangers, and the academic department. Each one relies on the two other departments to brilliantly fulfill its duties…And I should warn you. Due to the sensitive beasts we take care of, on excellence it acceptable!", Cicero solemnly said as he walked towards a high circular desk positioned in the very center of the immense Library.

With an elegant gesture of his wand, a section of the desk momentarily disappeared, and a comfortable armchair rose from the floor for Cicero to sit. Mikhail leaned his back against the desk, his eyes captivated by their expensive surroundings and intimidating silence, "I imagine it is quite a lot of responsibilities and pressure to endure…", he said, uncertainty tainting his voice.

Cicero's smile remained steady, radiating a sense of calm. "The ingredient to pursue and deliver outstanding work, then continuously educate ourselves to improve. However, at first…You'll only assist me in my daily occupations. You'll primarily be classifying the information we'll receive from the other departments and aiding the Dragonologists that will come here to study. I will soon head to Japan for a seminar…Yet, rest assured, every single soul in this building will be more than willing to assist you during my absence."

Mikhail nodded, uncertain. "Is that all I'll be tasked with?", he asked.

Cicero sensed his doubts and said with a reassuring tone. "Yes… Initially at least. Don't be impressed, as after a few days you'll be fuzzing from one point to another as if you had built the place, my friend. Anyways, during your stay, you'll be granted access to all the documents and books contained in his library, except for the restricted area of course. Unless Dragan decides otherwise…". Then, Cicero hesitated a moment before whispering, "Ludvik said you ambition to explore the magical world's history …If it's the case, I strongly suggest you make the best of your volunteering here. Because it's the place to be…To tell you the truth…We rarely allow outsiders to access our archives. In my forty years here, it has only happened three times. One of them was for Dumbledore, and it led him to discover the twelve uses of dragon's blood, which he claimed would have been impossible without the countless hours he spent here."

"Albus Dumbledore?" Mikhail whispered, his voice betraying his surprise and wonder.

Cicero nodded, a glint of nostalgia in his eyes. "The very same…He was granted access to our library as a reward for his triumph over Grindelwald. Therefore, unless you plan on defeating a dark wizard and saving the world in the soon future, I suggest you embrace tightly this opportunity," Cicero replied, with a kind smile.

Mikhail's initial intimidation was quickly replaced by enthusiasm and determination. "Don't get me wrong! Of course, I accept! I'm just amazed by the significance of this place," he admitted, his voice laced with eagerness.

Cicero chuckled. "Don't be intimidated! They're just books, after all. They don't bite! Well, except for those in section 56787...And some of them spit fire… If you ever find yourself there, make sure to wear gloves and keep them away from your face, or they might nip your nose," he teased, a playful glimmer in his eyes.

Mikhail laughed. "I will," he replied, his excitement building as he surveyed the vast expanse of the library before him.


"WHAT THE FUCK DIDN'T YOU UNDERSTAND" Xenia shouted at Sirius, riling up the baby dragons even more as they flapped their wings behind the glass enclosures.

"Don't put the blame on me! It would be more useful if you took the time to explain, instead of speaking gibberish faster than a Golden Snitch!" Sirius retorted, shrugging his shoulders, and tapping his finger against the glass where a baby Chinese Fireball was attempting to escape.

"STOP THAT!" Xenia shouted, slamming her hand down on Sirius's and stepping between him and the glass. "This isn't a zoo!", as Sirius switched his interest toward a newborn female Hungarian horntail.

Sirius let out a bored sigh, dropping his shoulders. "Then, could you please inform me of our whereabouts?" he asked, glancing around him.

Amidst the long hallway, which separated two rows of expansive enclosures, lay a stunning tribute to the beauty of nature. Each enclosure had been designed with utmost care and attention, meticulously reproducing the natural habitat of every species they housed. Stretching endlessly from one end to the other, this hall bore witness to the birth of new life, with several Dragon species barely out from their eggs, heralding the beginning of a new chapter in their story.

"I've told you hundreds of times already!" Xenia wailed, rolling her eyes in frustration. "This is the nursery, and it's the most important place in the reserve."

Sirius raised an eyebrow in skepticism. "Is it really the most important place? More important than where the real deal is?"

Xenia frowned. "What do you mean, the real deal?"

"Come on, you know what I'm talking about!" Sirius grinned mischievously. "The big Dragons! Where are they?"

Xenia chuckled in amusement. "Keep dreaming, I'll never going to let you near them. You're too stupid! And this is the real deal!"

Sirius laughed. "Oh yeah? Opposite to what you might think, I've actually been listening to what you've been saying. So, it's hard to believe that the most important place in the sanctuary, is where you spend your day cleaning up baby-Dragon poop…Diarrhea in that little one's case."

Xenia was about to charge at him in anger, but restrained herself and instead explained, "The first three months of a Dragon's life are crucial! DRAGONS ARE SMART! During that time, they'll identify their caretakers as family, rather than a threat or food!"

Sirius's eyes widened in surprise. "So, when they're fully grown, you could ride the Dragons you took care of as babies?"

Xenia shouted, "NO! Of course not! What I meant was that they'll let you approach them, they won't attack you, they'll accept the food you leave around, they'll let you heal them, and most importantly, FEMALES WILL TRUST YOU WITH THEIR EGGS!"

Sirius chuckled. "In other words, you'll win the privilege to become their lackey. This is such a scam!"

"YOU DON'T EVEN KNOW WHAT YOU'RE TALKING ABOUT!" Xenia shouted at him.

"Whatever. This is boring." Sirius shrugged. "I don't know if this is some sort of hazing or just a bad joke, but when Dragan said I'd be assisting his right arm… I imagined something way more interesting than this, and with someone... let's say different. So, have a good day!" With that, he turned and walked away.


Later that day, Sirius sat on the grass, his back against a tree, with his wand resting on his lap. He couldn't help but chuckle at the sight of a curious squirrel scurrying down the trunk of the tree to nibble at his shoe. Sirius chased the squirrel away, then closed his eyes and took a deep breath, allowing himself to connect with his wand and feel the power of their combined magic.

As he reopened his eyes, Sirius found himself standing next to his grinning twelve-year-old self, along with his younger brother, Regulus. The two boys faced their mother's portrait, which was screaming furiously at Sirius and hurling curses in his direction. Regulus cast worried glances over his shoulder, clearly unsure of what the brothers did.

Sirius gritted his teeth, refusing to be intimidated by the portrait of his cruel and manipulative mother. He squared his shoulders and stood tall, determined not to let her get the better of him, even in this strange and surreal moment.

"You see, Reg?" Sirius asked, his voice resonating through the vacant halls of 12 Grimmauld Square. "It's just a foolish painting! There's absolutely nothing to be afraid of!"

Regulus gasped and clutched Sirius' sweater, pulling him back. "Stop it, Sirius! Mother will hear, and we'll be punished again! All because of you!"

"Quit being such a crybaby, Regulus!" Sirius retorted, pounding his fists on his chest and hopping around like an ape. "She's not even here! She's on the other side of the country, thinking she's invited to the Parkinson's Mansion."

"No... No... Don't tell me you did it again!" Regulus wailed. "This time, she'll know it was you all the time!"

"Who cares... Ouch!" Sirius cursed, scrambling backward as something suddenly appeared between them and the painting.

"STAY AWAY FROM MISTRESS WALBURGA!" Kreacher, the ancient and loyal house elf of the family, shouted at Sirius, his thin arms extended to push him away.

Sirius stared at Kreacher, taken aback, and then burst into laughter. "Kreacher... Move aside, or I'll throttle you!"

The elf remained motionless, divided between the demands of the portrait, which screamed orders, and Sirius, trapped in the predicament of choice. Sirius counted to three, and then said, "As you wish, little gnome!" before seizing Kreacher by the neck.

Regulus screamed and immediately threw himself at Sirius, sinking his teeth into his arm and shouting, "Don't hurt him!"

"REG!" Sirius shouted, releasing Kreacher and kicking him with his foot, sending him tumbling down the stairs, seething with anger.

The atmosphere suddenly grew frigid, causing the children and the adult Sirius to shiver as they heard a deep voice nearby demand, "What is the meaning of this?"

Sirius and Regulus turned to face the man, their faces drained of color as they met his icy gaze. Orion Black possessed a strong jawline and shared Sirius's curly hair and gray eyes, and as usual, he was impeccably dressed, despite it being a Sunday.

After a brief moment of silence, dominated by Orion's stern demeanor, Sirius cleared his throat, bowed slightly, and spoke with solemnity, "Good morning, Lord Black! Master of the noblest and ancient House of Great Britain! So ancient, its traditions have remained unchanged since the stone age."

Regulus, casting his gaze downward towards his shoes, muttered, "Good morning, Father. We apologize for the disturbance."

"I don't!" Sirius retorted defiantly.

Orion raised an eyebrow and demanded, "Explain yourself, Sirius."

Sirius hesitated momentarily, then took a deep breath and said, "We were simply having a bit of fun, Father. No harm was done."

Orion observed them silently for a brief moment before snapping his fingers, drawing the curtains closed on the portrait, despite Walburga Black's continued silence since his arrival. He then turned his attention to his younger son and commanded sharply, "Regulus, go to your room and ready yourself... I expect to see you in the study room in five minutes."

Regulus quickly glanced at his brother before whispering, "Yes, Father," and departing. Left alone with Sirius, Orion pointed his finger at him and inquired, "What is that rubbish on your chest?" referring to the Gryffindor crest.

Sirius stood up defiantly to respond but suddenly found his body immobilized, unable to move or even breathe properly. He was compelled to keep his gaze fixed ahead as Orion leaned forward and ripped the Gold lion crest from his sweater, watching it disintegrate between his father's fingers while the red threads of the sweater mended themselves to repair the hole.

"There, much more respectable," Orion remarked with a slight smile before releasing Sirius from his spell, allowing him to instinctively clutch his chest. Sirius glared angrily at his father, who ignored him and instead produced an envelope from his suit's vest.

"I distinctly recall having explicitly forbidden you from associating with Potter's son... Didn't I caution you not to underestimate the importance of your school years, Sirius? By foolishly fraternizing with blood traitors and who knows what other abominations, you are jeopardizing your future career in the Ministry..."

"DON'T CALL THEM..." Sirius shouted angrily, but his father's finger moved, and he was levitated off the ground and forcefully pinned back against the wall, struggling to break free.

Disregarding Sirius's protests, Orion continued speaking, "I received an Owl from Hogwarts last night... Your first-term grades are outstanding, and Dumbledore informed me after a Wizengamot session that you are the top student in the school... Hence, I am left wondering why you persist in squandering your potential." Orion inquired, tucking his hands into his pockets and locking eyes with Sirius.

"You obstinately resent me instead of allowing me to offer my guidance... You are undoubtedly still young, but if you harness my experience, and connections, and draw from my wealth, you will one day rise to become the most influential figure in the Ministry of Magic this country has ever witnessed, before grasping the Supreme Mugwump's high position. The wizarding world would be at your feet, my son," Orion stated.

Sirius glared daggers at his father, his attempts to break free proving futile, while a rare smile formed on Orion's lips as he ruffled Sirius's hair. "Perhaps I am missing something... Maybe I should delve into that stubborn insignificant mind of yours," he remarked, locking eyes with Sirius.

Before Orion could say anything further, a timid voice broke the tension, saying, "Father?" Orion's attention shifted away from Sirius as he turned to face Regulus, who had returned and appeared concerned. "I'm ready," he stated.

Orion nodded and released Sirius from his spell, causing him to collapse onto his knees. Orion peered down at him and whispered, "What a waste... If only you could be a little more like your brother." With that, Orion turned his back on Sirius and descended the stairs, with Regulus following closely behind.

Sirius remained there, gazing at his tear-streaked face in disbelief and watching his father's retreating figure. Filled with anger, he retrieved his wand and aimed it at Orion's back. However, just as he was about to cast his spell, his younger self transformed into an oversized black squirrel that viciously attacked him, snapping him out of his reverie. Sirius blinked, finding himself back in the valley with the mischievous squirrel he had been chasing, attempting to steal his shoelaces.

Shifting his gaze from the squirrel, Sirius noticed the welcoming shade cast by a large figure. Blinking in confusion, he gradually realized that the shadow belonged to Dragan, who wore a kind smile and motioned for Sirius to remain seated. Sirius observed as Dragan settled on a nearby rock, "I heard your first day didn't go as well as I had hoped," Dragan said.

Sirius rubbed his face and responded, "Do rumors spread this fast around here, or did someone has made sure of it?"

Dragan chuckled and replied, "Well, you did openly denounce her behavior last night, so it's only natural that she returned the favor."

Sirius nodded, a soft chuckle escaping him. "I suppose that's fair. Are you here to play mediator?" he inquired.

"Would you blame me for attempting to?" Dragan asked.

"No, but if that's the case, you'll be confirming my suspicions," Sirius stated, shrugging.

Dragan's smile slowly faded, and they locked eyes for a moment of silence before Dragan finally nodded and said, "I want to hear your thoughts first."

Sirius straightened his back against the tree and began, "Initially, it was clear that we would assist in the reserve in exchange for the Dragon heartstring that Red needs. So, as the agreement was presented, you were the one doing us a favor by hosting us here. However, you involved us in taking part in quite valuable and captivating activities…Making this deal incredibly unbalanced in our favor. Moreover, the warm welcome we've received so far is very curious…"

"Would you prefer to feel unwelcome?" Dragan interjected.

"I'm not complaining. I appreciate the flattering accommodations that far exceed our contribution and the attentive care we receive from the staff…Such as that bird who seems to own a real estate agency, considering the number of nests it has" Sirius replied, glancing up at a branch where the bird he had encountered earlier sat, observing them.

Dragan appeared surprised by Sirius's response, then sighed and gestured toward the bird. Within seconds, the bird transformed into a middle-aged man with a long ponytail. He jumped down and addressed Dragan, saying, "I apologize, boss. I have no idea how he discovered me," before turning to Sirius and extending his hand with a smile. "Mr. Black, may I call you Sirius? I'm Bram Balan. I want you to know that I always had doubts about your guilt. It seemed too convenient; you know?"

"I appreciate that," Sirius replied.

"What gave me away?" Balan inquired, curious.

Sirius smiled and posed a question in return, "Why would a toucan be so far from South America?"

Balan nodded in understanding. "Ah, of course," he said, then turned to Dragan. "Well, I suppose I won't be needing to do this anymore?"

Dragan sighed and replied, "Indeed, you won't... Thank you, Balan. I think you should report back to the Library, and please keep this to yourself!"

"Absolutely!" Balan exclaimed before disapparating.

Sirius ran a hand through his hair and continued, "So, in addition to what I mentioned earlier, as expected, you reacted to my little trap yesterday and confirmed my suspicions today."

"What trap?" Dragan inquired; his brow furrowed.

"When I voiced my complaints about Xenia yesterday, you still partnered me with her. Today, despite my numerous attempts to provoke her anger, she remained patient with me, which indicates that you had an unpleasant conversation with her. Then, when she came to complain about me, you prioritized mediation over reassignment…Even though, I'll remind you again that you're supposed to be the one doing us a favor, and could easily have me replaced," Sirius said, stretching his hands above his head.

Dragan didn't share Sirius' amusement and responded with a serious tone, "Ludvik's opinion of you, along with closely having followed your journey since your escape, has caught my attention. Each time not only did the ICW Aurors fail to capture you, but they didn't even discover your presence until after you had achieved your objectives. Hence, I believe you possess the qualities I require for this sensitive task."

"What qualities?" Sirius inquired.

"A mind that can easily understand and adapt…A mind with room so that rational knowledge, sensation, and intuition can coexist," Dragan explained.

"Skills that you undoubtedly possess yourself; otherwise, you wouldn't be in charge of this institution... So why don't you take on this task yourself or choose someone from your inner circle? You must have someone better suited than me" Sirius asked.

"Xenia is my second-in-command…The most competent after me… Hence, she assists me in managing the sanctuary's resources…She would be suspicious if I were to assign her a partner. So, it is much more understandable and flattering to her ego to assign her a…" Dragan trailed off.

"A minion?" Sirius suggested.

"Student," Dragan clarified.

"Who or what does she need protection from?" Sirius questioned; his gaze fixed on Dragan.

Dragan let out a long sigh, "It began after Grindelwald's defeat… His followers went underground, reorganized themselves, and are now attempting a comeback. They formed a crime federation that has steadily grown in number and influence over time. Although the original members are long gone and the federation no longer subscribes to Grindelwald's ideology, it remains the largest criminal and magical organization on the continent. They call themselves 'Federatsiya,' meaning 'the federation.' Their activities range from contract assassinations and poaching to smuggling and various forms of trafficking. They control the black market and dictate the rules all criminals in this part of the world must obey," Dragan explained.

"I guess they would be interested in acquiring a Dragon?" Sirius questioned.

"Many would, but they are the only ones who could realistically take a shot at it, and provide a secure location to keep one…Along with providing the resource to sustain its needs." Dragan replied, nodding.

"So, why are you concerned about Xenia if their target is a Dragon?" Sirius inquired.

"Because we would all fight to the death rather than let them take one. Additionally, the International Confederation of Wizards (ICW) has the right to monitor the dome protecting the sanctuary. Even though they cannot interfere with it, they surely can detect any unauthorized crossing. So, if they want to smuggle out a Dragon, they will need control over both the reserve and the ICW," Dragan explained.

"Instead, they might opt to take a hostage to force you into a trade?" Sirius speculated.

"That's precisely what I fear," Dragan confirmed.

"What specifically makes Xenia so valuable, apart from being your second-in-command?" Sirius inquired.

"The fact that she's my daughter... my greatest strength and weakness. He knows that if he gets his hands on her, I will succumb to all his conditions," Dragan confessed.

"Can't you request increased security for your staff from the ICW?" Sirius suggested.

"That would be unwise. After Grindelwald's defeat and the Dragons emerging from the war unharmed, the idea of militarizing them began to gain traction. My predecessor fought against it, and we have managed to prevent it so far. However, with the rise of your dear compatriot Voldemort, the idea has resurfaced... Initially using Dragons as dissuasive weapons, but who knows to what extreme it would lead. If the ICW and the Ministries of neighboring countries perceive that we are overwhelmed by the situation, they will intervene and assume control of the reserve. I see that as a dreadful omen, Sirius... a terrifying one," Dragan admitted.

"Your fears are justified," Sirius acknowledged. "The Muggle world is similarly divided over a comparable concern."

Dragan nodded and asked, "So, will you help me?"

Sirius sighed and reluctantly nodded. "How can I refuse… But, for how long?"

"Xenia's team will be back in a month! The three men on her team are her childhood friends and secretly assigned to her protection by me, in addition to their regular duties," Dragan revealed.

"Why didn't you keep them here and send someone else instead?" Sirius questioned, his brow furrowing.

"You never miss a blind spot, don't you?" Dragan remarked with a smile before answering, "They are on an equally important mission."

Sirius nodded and said, "Fine... I'll return to the Nursery tomorrow and keep a vigilant eye."

Dragan nodded gratefully and patted Sirius's shoulder. "Thank you. I will never forget this."

With that, Dragan stood up and started walking away, but after a few steps, Sirius called out to him, "Earlier, you mentioned, 'He knows that if he gets his hands on her, I will yield to all his conditions.' Who were you referring to?"

Dragan paused for a moment, then turned his head to face Sirius and replied, "Zoran, the Pakhan of the Federatsiya."

"And what can you tell me about him?" Sirius inquired; his curiosity piqued.

Dragan's gaze briefly locked with Sirius's before shifting to the wand resting on Sirius's lap. "I can't fathom what Ludvik had in mind when he entrusted you with that wand. But that wand holds far more knowledge about Zoran than I could ever convey," Dragan stated before disapparating.


A few hours later, Sirius knelt on the grass, his breathing labored, and his hair drenched in sweat, as he stared at the raging fire engulfing the line of trees just a few feet away. He had foolishly attempted to cast a spell, but now he stood devastated, watching the vivid red and yellow flames dance before his eyes, devouring the spruces. Sirius's gaze dropped to his wand, and a wave of shame and anger washed over him. He had believed he had finally gained mastery over it, only to realize that the wand had been manipulating him all along, playing him for a fool.

At first, it had responded well to his initial spells, leading him to a false sense of confidence. However, gradually, it demanded more and more magic from him, draining him of his strength. Sirius couldn't even determine how long he had remained in control of his own mind while wielding the wand, as it constantly veered between memories of the masked wizard's life and his own long-forgotten childhood, leaving him overwhelmed with anguish, fury, and guilt. Clutching the wand tightly, Sirius could feel it taunting him, as if he were the one bending to its will rather than the other way around.

Suddenly, two apparition sounds shattered the silence, and Sirius turned to see Red and Mikhail hurrying to join him in extinguishing the fire before it could spread further. He let out a sigh of relief but couldn't shake off the feeling of powerlessness as he watched them work. When they were done, they exchanged concerned glances before approaching him.

Kneeling beside him, Red asked, "What happened?"

"Are you okay? Was it a dragon?" Mikhail inquired.

"No, it was all my fault... I was training, and things got out of hand. Help me up!" Sirius responded, and Red offered him a hand to stand.

"Are you sure you're alright?" Mikhail pressed.

"Yeah... But I'll feel much better after a decent meal!" Sirius forced a smile.

Night had descended, and they gathered around a table at the inn. Sirius listened silently as they recounted their day, occasionally interjecting a few words when scholars or members of the wards team approached Red and Mikhail for a chat. It seemed that they had been warmly welcomed and quickly integrated into the staff, a sharp contrast to his own experience, Sirius thought, observing Xenia's entrance into the inn. She discreetly flipped him the finger as she walked past his table, settling onto a stool at the counter.

"How was your day with the dragons?" Mikhail asked.

"Any thrill?" Red chimed in, barely containing his laughter.

Mikhail regarded them with a puzzled expression. "What thrill?"

"Well, beneath his 'I'm too cool to care' façade, Sirius isn't that hard to read," Red shrugged.

Mikhail furrowed his brow and then hastily turned his head to steal a glance at Xenia, enough so Sirius thought he might strain his neck with the abrupt motion. She then turned back to him, a knowing expression on his face. "I knew it!"

Red smirked at Sirius. "See? You're too obvious."

"But don't be fooled by her appearance, Sirius. I'm almost certain she's a Veela, even if she tries to conceal it," Mikhail whispered.

Red appeared taken aback. "That's exactly what I think. Anyway, what happened between you two after I left this morning? Tell us everything."

Sirius let out a sigh. "We had an argument, and I walked away. End of story."

Red rolled his eyes, and Mikhail pressed, "Why? What triggered it?"

"I'll tell you what happened. Sirius here has a big crush on her, but unfortunately, he also possesses the emotional intelligence of a fourteen-year-old. This brilliant mind believes..." Red trailed off.

"This brilliant mind might just turn you into a bug and squash you," Sirius hissed.

"...that treating her poorly will somehow make her fall for him, instead of heeding my advice to be kind and act like a gentleman," Red finished, glaring at Sirius.

Mikhail turned to Sirius and shook his head. "You're stupid."

Sirius chuckled and took a sip from his pint. "If she's a Veela, why aren't you both affected by her? Why are you pushing me towards her, instead?"

"Oh, believe me, she has quite an effect on me. Didn't you see how fast I reached for that pillow this morning? It was like a NASA mission down there. I mean, I'm not a pervert, but those tight shirts and tank tops... man," Red confessed, taking a gulp of his beer.

"So why don't you make a move on her instead of busting my balls?" Sirius asked.

"Um... it's embarrassing to admit, but she's way out of my league," Red replied with a hint of dejection.

"You're pitiful," Sirius sneered, then turned to Mikhail. "And what about you?"

Mikhail looked uneasy and took a long swig before responding, "Because I'm gay."

Red patted his back. "And we still love and support you. Although, I only see you as a friend, in case you're getting any ideas."

"You wish, asshole!" Mikhail retorted, and they all shared a laugh.

Red looked at Sirius and asked, "So, what's your excuse?"

Sirius sighed and glanced around the Inn's main room. "She's far from being the center of attention here," he remarked before finishing his pint and leaving.


Sirius closed the door behind him and paused before reaching for his wand. After a moment's hesitation, he swiftly waved it above his head in large circles, casting privacy charms that would soundproof the room. Sitting on his bed, he massaged his aching legs and removed his shoes and belt. He then reached into his bedside drawer to retrieve his mirror. With a quick comb of his hair and the removal of a tomato sauce stain from beneath his mouth, he called out Emma's name. Within seconds, Emma's face appeared in the mirror, a broad smile on her face.

"I'll be there in a moment! Just need to close the balcony door!" she exclaimed, tiptoeing. Sirius heard the door close and furrowed his brow as he watched her peculiar gait, her eyes fixed on her feet until she collapsed onto the couch. She asked, "So, how was your first day?"

"The teacher has been mean to me," Sirius sighed, leaning against the pillows and stretching his legs on the bed.

Emma's eyes widened. "Should I have a word with the principal and complain?" she offered.

"DON'T…Otherwise, all the other kids will hear of it and make fun of me!" Sirius quickly replied, with evident concern.

"Alright, big boy," Emma shrugged. "So, have you seen any dragons?"

"Other than yesterday when a gigantic one snatched a sheep just a few feet away from me?" Sirius asked.

"Stop it!" Emma exclaimed.

Sirius chuckled. "It was insane... It could have been one of us! I wish it was Red, considering how childish he has been today…Anyway, they send me to work in the sanctuary's nursery. They have lots of baby dragons there! Noisy, but somehow cute. Although, I strongly doubt it will last... I managed to take some pictures when the boss wasn't looking, and you should receive them tomorrow by breakfast.", Sirius said before pondering a short moment, "Now that I think about it, it might be the reason they suddenly got so excited," he mused.

"I can't wait to see them!" Emma chuckled. "What about the training? How's it going?"

Sirius shrugged. "To be honest, I haven't made much progress. My head hurts all day... Nightmares, reliving old memories, some mine and some that aren't. This afternoon, I almost set a forest on fire."

"Well, I ended up burning an entire batch of cookies that Aurea asked me to watch over, so I can relate... Why don't you tell me more?" Emma suggested, trying to lighten the mood.

Sirius nodded. "It's been proven that wands have their own will and choose their owner. But until today, I thought that when a wand refused to align with someone, it would simply remain inert... But this one is behaving differently!"

"As if it wants to control you, rather than just refusing to obey your commands?" Emma inquired.

"Exactly... It's like an ongoing, exhausting arm-wrestling match," Sirius explained.

Emma nodded, pondering for a moment, and scratched her nose before finally speaking, "Sometimes, it's not a bad idea to go with the flow."

"What do you mean?" Sirius asked, intrigued.

"Well... Based on your description, it seems that the wand is overpowering you," Emma replied.

"Well, I'm holding back too," Sirius admitted.

"Because you're afraid!" Emma interjected.

"Yes, it's true. I am afraid of it... But it's not just about the power it possesses. It's more about the memories it forces me to relive and how it drains my mind and magic," Sirius explained.

"And no matter how you try to confront it, it always gains the upper hand, right?" Emma asked.

"Go on," Sirius urged, his brow furrowing.

"Alright... Imagine yourself in the middle of a strong water stream. If you try swimming against the current, you'll resist for a while until you become exhausted and drown. However," Emma began… However, if you relax and let yourself be carried by the water, it will take you safely to land like a leaf," Emma suggested.

"Or straight into a waterfall where I'll plummet," Sirius added.

"No, you're a wizard! You can always apparate to safety! I can't," Emma replied, a smile gracing her lips.

"So, you're suggesting I surrender myself to the wand?" Sirius inquired.

"Not exactly my thoughts. I'm simply pointing out that the strategy you're employing favors the wand, and drains you… Sirius, wizard or not, you're human! Your body and mind have limits that you will quickly exhaust unless you optimize their use. On the other hand, a wand is an object unaffected by such concerns. If you ask Mike Tyson to punch a stone wall, he'll break his hands, while the wall would remain unchanged," Emma explained.

Sirius stared at her in silence for a moment before finally speaking, "I understand the idea... But every time I connect with it, it makes me relive some horrible things! Emma, you can't imagine the darkness its previous owner endured and what he poured into that wand."

Emma frowned and asked, "Its previous owner?"

"Yes… I witnessed moments of his life through his own eyes. Since he was a young boy, he was groomed to become a killing machine. What's even more perplexing is that I've never heard of him, his time, or what ultimately happened to him. Yet, his aura and cruelty could rival Voldemort's. This wand remains deeply loyal to him and deeply respects him… So, I feel like I must surpass him to earn its allegiance," Sirius revealed.

"Well, that's quite unsettling… What kind of memories does the wand seek? What draws it to your mind?" Emma inquired.

Sirius shrugged. "It delves into memories with Reg and my father, but mostly random moments with Lily."

Rolling her eyes, Emma remarked, "Boys... Nothing is truly random, Sirius," before suddenly looking away, gasping, and exclaiming, "No!"

Sirius furrowed his brow and asked, moving the mirror to get a glimpse of the living room, "What happened?"

Emma glanced back at the mirror, a playful smile on her face as she casually tucked her hair behind her ear. "Yeah, I'll show you, but promise you won't get jealous."

"Uh, after all the naughty things we've done with our best friends? I can't imagine what could possibly make me jealous," Sirius responded, sounding perplexed.

"Just promise!" Emma insisted.

"Alright, I promise," Sirius agreed, curiosity piqued.

"Cool! Give me a moment!" Emma said, placing her mirror on the coffee table and leaving the frame. Sirius found himself staring at the ceiling, wondering what was happening until Emma returned with a cheerful announcement, "I got us a puppy!"

Sirius stared at the mirror in silence for a few seconds, then burst into laughter at the sight of the tiny, squished, wrinkled faces with broad, square-shaped heads and short, snub-nosed muzzles that had appeared. "What is that?"

"It's an English bulldog! Isn't he the cutest?!" Emma exclaimed, showering the puppy's head with kisses.

Sirius squinted his eyes and asked, "Where are his eyes?"

"Right here!" Emma responded, showing him. "And look at his little tongue!"

"Oh, yeah… Why would I be jealous? I adore dogs. I'm practically one myself," Sirius remarked, playfully tapping his finger on the mirror, causing the puppy's nose to boop against it.

"That's exactly why! Isn't our apartment like your dog's kingdom? Because he's been peeing everywhere! Do you think he's marking his trying to steal your territory or something?" Emma questioned.

Sirius raised an eyebrow and inquired, "When did I ever... Are you taking the piss?"

"You're just too easy!" Emma teased, making the puppy dance in front of the mirror.

Sirius chuckled and asked, "So, how did you name him?"

"We haven't decided yet. Aurea and I are leaning toward Captain Squishy! That nut-head Walter wants us to name him Brutus, and Hans is pushing for Dutch," Emma explained.

"Captain Squishy? Are you trying to set him up to be bullied at the dog park?" Sirius joked.

"Oh, because Padfoot is such a badass name!" Emma retorted, chuckling. "What would you name him?"

Before Sirius could reply, they heard a knock on his door. He looked at it with annoyance and said to Emma, "Sorry, but I have to deal with this... When will you be available tomorrow?"

"Anytime!" Emma replied.

"Great... Thanks for your help. I'll do as you've said. Good night!" Sirius said, rising from his bed.

"Don't overthink it and try to get some rest instead. Good night!" Emma said, waving the puppy's little paws.


The following morning, Kingsley and Patil crossed the same bridge they had seen the previous day in the distance and approached the house with the yellow mailbox. They knocked, waited, and knocked again before a man in his slippers finally opened the door.

"Good morning, sir. We would like to have a word with Clair, please," Patil said politely.

The man frowned and asked, "And who's that?"

Kingsley and Patil exchanged glances before Kingsley responded, "According to our information, she is the owner of this house."

The man shook his head and replied, "I own this place. I bought it about three months ago and have been living here since."

"May we know from whom you purchased it?" Patil inquired.

The man raised his eyebrows and countered, "Who's asking?"

"Oh, sorry... We're the inspectors investigating the body found the day before yesterday. You must have heard about it by now," Patil explained.

"What does it have to do with me?" the man asked, shrugging.

"Nothing," Patil replied calmly, and the man tried to shut the door, but Kingsley blocked it with his foot.

"For now," Kingsley stated firmly, "we have reason to believe that the person we initially thought to be the owner of this house, is a person of interest. Therefore, unless you want us to add more names to our list... I strongly advise you to cooperate and avoid wasting our time and yours in unnecessary police procedures."

Patil frowned at Kingsley, and the man maintained his gaze for a moment before reluctantly reopening the door. "All right... Good morning, inspectors. How can I help you?" he asked.

"Start by giving us your name and occupation," Kingsley instructed, while Patil took out a pen and a small notebook.

"Richard Bailey... Accountant," the man replied.

Kingsley nodded. "How did you acquire this house?"

The man sighed, rolling his eyes. "By paying money," he quipped. Then, noticing Kingsley's stern expression, he continued, "I bought it from a bank... The previous owner lost the house after failing to repay various loans she subscribed to, and the house was listed as collateral. Long story short, I got wind of it, acted swiftly, and here I am! The happy owner of this charming countryside house, in his a fucking town with only the police to knock on my door"

Kingsley nodded in acknowledgment, and Patil asked, "Do you happen to know the whereabouts of the previous owner?"

The man shook his head. "No, I don't. I received the keys from the bank's emissary, and the house was empty when I moved in," he explained.

Patil tapped his pen on his notebook, studying the house for a moment, before saying, "We heard that the woman who lived here before you, actually grew up here in the village..."

"So?" the man asked, his curiosity evident.

"It's possible that leaving this house behind was a painful experience for her. She might have been lurking around or observing the house from a distance. Have you ever noticed a woman in her mid-thirties behaving suspiciously or approaching you since you moved in?" Patil inquired.

The man stared at them silently for a moment, his defiant attitude slowly fading away. He stepped closer to them and whispered, "Quite the opposite..."

Kingsley and Patil exchanged glances, intrigued. Kingsley whispered back, "What do you mean?"

The man bit his lip, contemplating his response. Finally, he replied, "Since I arrived here three months ago, I've barely exchanged a few words with my neighbors. Maybe I'm imagining things, but they seem to avoid strangers around here. So, have I been approached by a woman since I arrived? Inspectors, I haven't even been approached by the mailman."

Patil furrowed his brow and asked, "What about your workplace?"

The man nodded towards the house and replied, "This is my workplace. I didn't come here just for the house. I've been prospecting for months to find a town without accountants and business advisers, a place with a high demand for the services I can offer. I thought I had found the perfect opportunity."

"What did you miss?" Kingsley inquired.

"That damn university, that's what I missed. The professors keep everyone's books here, for free. You've seen the hospital on the highway?" the man asked.

Patil nodded, saying, "We've been there."

"Well, it was built by the university and belongs to it. It's a private hospital, yet free to all the town's folks... Therefore, it's impossible for an outsider doctor to settle in town. The same applies to every other field. This town belongs to that university," the man explained.

Kingsley nodded and said, "Alright... Thank you for your time, sir. Have a good day," before turning to walk away.

Patil followed suit but handed his business card to the man before leaving the house. As they walked side by side on the bridge, they stopped in the middle.

"I'm going to put an APW on Claire Docherty before she leaves the country! " Patil stated.

Kingsley shook his head, leaning against the bridge's edge and gazing at the distant forests and hills. "If she wanted to leave the country, she must already be far. If not, plastering her face everywhere will only push her to flee or disappear."

"How do we find her then?" Patil asked, a hint of frustration in his voice.

Kingsley's bottom lip slid under his teeth as he contemplated the question. Finally, he responded, "Let me put my guys on it… We'll have something before tomorrow."

Patil raised an eyebrow, surprised, and asked, "That fast?"

"They work incredibly fast," Kingsley reassured him.

"All right... Shall we pay at visit to that university?" Patil asked, eager to gather more information.

Kingsley shook his head, dismissing the idea. "Too soon... Let's dig into Kian Andrews and Claire Docherty. I want to know what made those three stand out and get chosen" Kingsley said.

Patil shrugged, suggesting, "Their grades, perhaps?"

Kingsley remained silent for a moment, considering other possibilities. Finally, he responded, "Or else..."

They walked back to the small square in town where the police station faced the two-story town hall. Kingsley made a stop at a telephone booth, waiting for Patil to enter the police station before tapping his wand on the telephone and dialing the Auror office number.

Shortly after, Amy, one of the five Aurors under Kingsley's command, answered the call. "Good morning, boss! We were just about to owl you," she greeted him.

"Good morning, Amy. Has everyone arrived?" Kingsley inquired.

"Yes, sir," Amy confirmed.

"Good... I'll need all of you to find someone for me," Kingsley instructed.

"Sure, who are we looking for?" Amy asked.

"The name is Claire Docherty, thirty-five years old, born in Grimstone. Find her, tail her, but don't engage yet. Contact me as soon as you find her. Understood?" Kingsley ordered.

"Got it!" Amy responded confidently.

Kingsley hesitated for a moment before asking, "Has Rufus asked about me?"

"Not yet, boss. The Wizengamot is holding a trial this morning" Amy informed him.

"Good... Make sure all of you leave the office before he comes back and leave a note saying I deployed you in the field," Kingsley instructed.

"All right..." Amy replied before suddenly arguing with another girl in the background. Kingsley could hear the commotion and another voice saying, "IS IT HIM ON THE PHONE? GIVE IT TO ME!"

"I've got to go, boss!" Amy hurriedly said before ending the call.

Kingsley frowned at the telephone as Amy's voice faded into a long beep, signaling the end of the call. He left the booth and was about to climb the few stairs leading to the police station when he noticed Andy, the delivery man, waving at him from a distance where he was loading cases into his 4L trunk.

As Kingsley stood there, his foot on the first step leading to the police station, he couldn't help but notice the unusual behavior of the villagers surrounding Andy, the delivery guy. They seemed to be discreetly observing him, their attention focused on his trunk. Some approached him and quickly glanced at what he was carrying, while others stared at him from their living room windows, balconies, or behind their newspapers as they sat on the benches in the square.

Captivated by the suspicious atmosphere, Kingsley swiftly cast a Disillusionment Charm on himself, rendering himself unseen by the villagers. He carefully observed their faces, watching their expressions and movements. He remained invisible until Andy finished loading his trunk and drove away, still trailed by the curious eyes of the villagers. It was only when Andy's 4L vanished from sight did everyone disperse and returned to their own activities, the villagers remained the main focus of Kingsley's watchful gaze, and Auror's sharpened instincts.


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