Arc IV: Part X
Alexa let out a loud yawn as she slowly awakened, her body stretching and limbs unfurling. Confusion clouded her senses as she opened her eyes, greeted by the enchanting sight of a star-studded night sky. Above her, the celestial canopy twinkled with a mesmerizing display of brilliance, akin to scattered diamonds adorning a vast canvas of darkness. The gentle glow of a crescent moon cast its serene light upon the earth below. The air, crisp and invigorating, carried with it the sweet fragrance of pine trees and wildflowers.
Stretching across the expanse of the sky, the Milky Way presented itself as a luminous ribbon of pale light, almost tangible in its ethereal beauty. Shooting stars streaked across the heavens, leaving ephemeral trails of radiance as if painting a celestial masterpiece. The constellations stood out clearly, with the proud figure of Orion commanding attention and the Big Dipper acting as a guide, pointing the way toward the steadfast North Star.
Seated upon a comfortable swing, Alexa found herself nestled on the porch of a secluded Woodwork Q. Victorian house. The expansive porch provided ample space, accommodating a collection of chairs and even a small table. Delicate columns, adorned with intricate scrollwork and floral patterns, supported the structure, exuding an air of elegance and craftsmanship.
The porch itself boasted an array of blooming flowers, verdant plants, and hanging baskets, enhancing the charm and inviting ambiance of the space. Facing the well-tended lawn, a small greenhouse stood as a testament to the care taken in cultivating the natural surroundings. A dense barrier of towering Douglas fir trees enveloped the area, creating a natural shield that rustled gently in the breeze. The distant hoot of an owl and the melodious chirping of crickets contributed to the tranquil atmosphere of the night, amplifying the sense of wonder and awe that arose from witnessing the stars come alive in a breathtaking display of nature's splendor.
Rubbing her eyes with her sleeve, Alexa began to rise from her seat, only to sink back into the comfort of her chair upon noticing the presence of the man who frequently visited her dreams. There he sat, beside her on the porch swing, evoking a familiar mixture of intrigue and anticipation.
"I thought you'd never wake up," he said with a chuckle, taking a sip from his soda can.
Alexa rubbed her legs and replied, "You look older than the last time we met."
"You'll see how time catches up with all of us," he said, uncapping a can and handing it to her.
"Thanks... Where am I?" Alexa asked, twisting her neck to peer out of the window behind her, the curtain concealing the room's interior.
"This is my place... How do you like it?" he asked.
"It's wonderful," Alexa replied, taking a sip from her can and gazing up at the sky. As the soda slid down her throat, her eyes widened, and she reached out to grab him, feeling the firmness of his forearm and its comforting warmth. She pondered silently for a moment, then looked up at him and whispered, "I'm not dreaming... You're real…This is a real place!"
He chuckled and replied "Of course, it's all real, right from the beginning. Although, your dedication to your work is starting to yield results, as your mind has become... shall we say, more structured."
"So, I've become stronger? More powerful?" Alexa asked, pinching his arm with one hand and touching her cheek with the other.
He shook his head and replied, "I said 'structured,' not 'strong.' I'm afraid you would still lose a fight to a squirrel."
Alexa snorted and leaned back in her seat. "I feel stupid! I believed I could foresee the future... That I was a seer. That you were from the future, guiding me towards something."
The man's expression softened. "Alexa, how could anyone catch a glimpse of the future if the future doesn't yet exist?"
"Then why do you keep appearing in my dreams?" Alexa asked.
"We've just established that this isn't a dream," the man said, smiling.
Alexa growled, holding her head in her hands. "I went to bed like I do every night, and now I'm here, and you're telling me it's not a dream! It's impossible!"
"No, you're simply inexperienced in all the paths that encompass magic... as we all are, regardless of how deep we immerse ourselves in its expanse. However, I never took the initiative to come to you, Alexa. Our encounters have always been unexpected, and we approached each one differently, from varying perspectives, drawing different conclusions," the man explained.
"Then I'm lost! Because I haven't drawn any conclusions at all…I'm even more confused after each time" Alexa said with a sigh.
"Even 'nothing' holds significance, Alexa… Nothing, is the starting point from which the universe expands," the man said, smiling before glancing down at a sleek, rectangular object with a smooth and glossy surface resting on his lap. "If it helps, each time we've met, you have foretold major events," his gaze darkened as he looked out at the trees and leaves swaying in the breeze.
Alexa was taken aback and felt a surge of anger. "You just said that..." she began but abruptly stopped as she heard a young girl's voice calling from inside the house. "DAD? DID YOU CALL ME?"
Alexa glanced back and forth between him and the window as he responded, "No, sweetheart. I must have forgotten to turn off the TV. Would you mind checking on it for me?" His eyes remained fixed on the trees as he whispered urgently to Alexa, "It's time for you to leave."
"Do you have a daughter?" Alexa whispered, furrowing her brow before her stomach churned as another man slowly emerged from the shadows of the trees. Clad entirely in black muggle clothes, he dropped a backpack on the ground and ran a hand through his hair, standing motionless as he observed them.
Despite the distance between them, Alexa locked eyes with the man, and her expression turned to shock. A wave of intense cold washed over her, her chest tightened around her heart, and a trickle of sweat ran down her spine. However, the crushing sensation lasted only a moment as her dream companion also stood up, emanating a powerful and warm magical aura that dispelled the newcomer's aura.
Alexa clumsily rose to her feet, her eyes shifting between the two men who now glared at each other with apparent yet silent animosity.
"Who is that?" she asked, her voice trembling with fear.
"The major event that apparently no one can evade... the one I fervently prayed to never encounter again," he replied icily. He clenched his fists so tightly that a long vein appeared on his forearm. The auras clashed midway between them, generating sparks, and Alexa abruptly opened her eyes in her bed, greeted by the sound of her mother's voice calling her from downstairs. She glanced at the window, observing the sunset outside, then slowly surveyed her room, realizing that she had merely dozed off before rushing downstairs to the kitchen to grab the telephone.
Many miles away, Dragan paced back and forth in his office, taken aback when Sirius entered with a scroll in hand. Dragan accepted the scroll and asked sharply, "What are you doing here? Didn't we agree that you would shadow Xenia?"
Sirius raised an eyebrow in surprise and responded, "We agreed I'd do it for a month…And the time is up"
"No! Our arrangement covers the time until her team returns to take over!" Dragan's anger was palpable as he angrily tossed the scroll aside.
Sirius followed the scroll with his gaze until it collided with the wall, then said, "They should have arrived by now. In any case, Xenia and I are finished, and I would like to get back to my life. Thank you for everything. It was both a pleasure and an invaluable learning experience."
"Unfortunately, I cannot allow you to leave just yet, Sirius," Dragan stated.
"Fortunately, I don't require your authorization and I'll also remind you that I'm not someone you can easily restrain," Sirius retorted sharply, turning his back on Dragan and heading towards the door. However, before Sirius could reach the door, it slammed shut, causing him to spin around, his wand at the ready. Yet, he discovered Dragan seated behind his desk.
Dragan shook his head and calmly motioned to the chair across from him. "Sirius, the team never arrived, and we are currently dealing with the worst-case scenario," he said.
Sirius lowered his wand and cautiously took a seat. "What happened?" he inquired.
Dragan reached beneath his desk and retrieved a wooden crafted box. "This arrived an hour ago," he stated, placing the box on the desk. "I immediately ordered Ermindo to lock sanctuary."
Sirius focused on the box, and Dragan nod invited him to open it. Leaning forward, Sirius cautiously lifted the lid, and he instinctively recoiled, narrowly avoiding knocking over his chair. Inside the box lay the decapitated body of a man, accompanied by his dismembered body parts and organs in separate transparent plastic bags.
"That's Maksim Obolensky," Dragan confirmed, closing the box. "One of Xenia's team members."
Sirius leaned back, rubbing his face, and asked, "Who did this? The Federatsiya you mentioned the other day?"
Dragan nodded. "Who else could it be?"
"What about the rest of the team? Xenia mentioned a child was with them!" Sirius inquired.
Dragan cast a quick glance at the window and responded, "Knowing Zoran, if he had captured them, he would have sent a larger box. So, there is a glimmer of hope that they are still alive or may have managed to escape. As for the Dragon... Zoran has it, without a single doubt."
"How can you be so certain?" Sirius pressed.
"This box is not a warning or a mere scare tactic, Sirius… This is his way of proclaiming his triumph… A celebration…Otherwise, he would have remained silent," Dragan explained.
"What about the others? Is there a way to locate them? Have you contacted the Aurors?" Sirius asked.
"We have many safe houses where they can seek refuge, and trusted individuals who can provide assistance if needed. As soon as they reach one of those safe houses, I will be promptly informed," Dragan assured.
"But what about the Aurors? Are they actively searching for them?" Sirius pressed.
"No, I prefer to handle this internally! Consider the implications, Sirius! If the Ministry of Magic or the International Confederation of Wizards learns about this," Dragan gestured towards the box, "or if news spreads that one of the world's most dangerous criminal organizations has captured such a young Dragon, it will end the reserve's purpose as a sanctuary dedicated to the welfare of Dragons! It would be catastrophic!"
Sirius stood up abruptly, slamming his fist on Dragan's desk as he yelled, "THIS IS ALREADY A BLOODY CATASTROPHE! A MAN BRUTALLY DISMEMBERED, A CHILD'S LIFE IN PERIL, AND A MISSING BABY DRAGON!"
Dragan sighed and responded, "All Dragonologists are aware of the risks involved in their profession." However, before he could finish his sentence, a deafening explosion reverberated outside, accompanied by cries of alarm.
Dragan and Sirius rushed outside onto the balcony overlooking the village and the entire region, witnessing a massive fire raging in the distance. Villagers emerged from their homes, pointing towards the inferno, and adults began disapparating while a loud siren blared. High above them, the once translucent protective wards began to glow red.
"That's where the silos are! Sirius, Xenia must have returned home by now. Bring her here! Tell her she's in charge while I investigate what happened. AND STAY BY HER SIDE, WHATEVER WHAT! GO!" Dragan commanded, his face contorted with rage, propelling him eastward before disapparating.
Sirius stood motionless, gazing into the flickering flames in the distance, before shifting his attention to the box resting on the desk inside the office. In a sudden burst of determination, he jumped off the balcony and apparated directly on Xenia's house's small front yard gate.
As he approached, he saw the lights inside the house glowing warmly and the door slightly ajar. His heart pounding with a mix of fear and hope, Sirius rushed inside, calling out her name as he searched every room, the urgency in his voice betraying his growing anxiety.
As he descended the stairs, the realization of what could be at stake hit him like a punch to the gut. He pulled out his mirror, hands trembling as he frantically contacted Red, his eyes darting around, taking in every detail of his surroundings as he awaited a response, willing to do whatever it took to bring Xenia back to safety, reckoning the memories the wands had forced him to observe earlier in the evening.
Sirius was staring at his reflection in the mirror when Red's face suddenly appeared on the communicator. "Sirius!" he exclaimed with a voice full of urgency. "Where are you? It's chaos over here!"
"I know," Sirius replied, his heart pounding. "I saw the explosion… Red, can you use the wards to locate Xenia for me?"
Red nodded; his expression serious. "I'm on it," he said before disappearing from the mirror.
Sirius waited anxiously, the sounds of chaos in the wards' team headquarters and shouting coming through the communicator. Finally, Red reappeared, his face grave. "Sirius, I'm sorry, but Xenia is nowhere inside the sanctuary grounds," he said. "She crossed all the sectors from her home to the east and left the reserve five minutes ago."
Sirius cursed under his breath, his mind racing. "All right…" he quickly said. "I can still catch her".
Sirius sprinted up the stairs to Xenia's bedroom, his eyes darting around the room in search of any clues. Finally, his gaze landed on a laundry basket, and he rushed over, a grimace twisted his features as he plucked a shirt from the pile, only to recoil at the stale scent. Without a second thought, he hurled it aside and bounded towards the window.
With a graceful leap, he soared out into the night, his body shifting seamlessly from rooftop to rooftop in successive apparitions as he made his way out of the village. At last, he reached the massive rock that served as entrance to the sanctuary and crossed hurriedly to the other side.
As Padfoot, he set off into the darkness, his senses on high alert as he followed Xenia's trail. The path was twisting and unpredictable, but he never lost his footing, his paws pounding the earth as he ran. Finally, the scent grew stronger, and he spotted her blonde hair in the distance.
With a burst of speed, he transformed back into his human form and appeared before her, his wand at the ready as he deftly deflected the stunning spell, she hurled his way. Raising his hand, he spoke with a firm and reassuring tone, his eyes never unlocking from hers.
Sirius shouted, "Where do you think you're going like this?"
"Fuck off, Sirius! This has nothing to do with you!" Xenia retorted, pushing him out of her way.
Sirius grabbed her arm and said urgently, "Your father sent me to fetch you! Everything is in chaos there and they desperately need your leadership. So, you're going toward the opposite direction!"
Xenia yanked her arm away and shot back, "I know what's happening! That's why I'm leaving. Now, piss off!"
Sirius looked at the imposing dome in the distance, then back at her. He sighed before sending his Patronus to the reserve, then pointed it at her. "I just informed Dragan of our location and intentions... He'll be here soon! So, unless you tell me your plan, I'll have to hold you until he arrives."
Xenia cursed under her breath and glanced nervously at the dome. After a moment of hesitation, she relented. "Fine! Zoran sent me a letter. He threatened to kill my friends and detonate bombs planted by his spy in the reserve unless I go meet him! So, please! Let me go!"
With a steady and unwavering stare, Sirius locked eyes with her, his legilimency probing deeply into the depths of her soul. He could sense the full weight of her desperation, the heaviness of her heart, and the burden of her troubles. It was as if he could see into her very being and feel every ounce of fear and desperation that she carried. 'All right… I'll go with you.'
'No, you're not!' You're going to go back to the sanctuary and mind your own fucking business!' Xenia's voice crackled with a potent mixture of exasperation and anger as she spoke. Her frustration punctuated each word with a forceful push that sent Sirius stumbling backward. With a sharp turn on her heel, Xenia strode away.
'Go back to what? Tell a father I abandoned his daughter? I'm coming with you,' Sirius's voice boomed with a furious intensity as he lashed out at Xenia. "What kind of life I would go back to? A life of staring at my reflection in the mirror, tortured by the thought of having turned a blind eye while others suffer and lose it all? A selfish life? That's not what I want my life to be!"
His words hung in the air like a challenge, daring Xenia to question his determination. "And what kind of friend would I be if I didn't do everything in my power to help you regain what you've lost? I understand the weight of remorse and the pain of watching everything you love slip away… That's why I refuse to simply stand by while it happens to you." Sirius's voice crackled with emotion, his passion burning like a vibrant flame. Ever since that fateful night in De Reis' dungeons, Sirius had transformed into a man on a mission. His life had become a testament to unwavering loyalty in the face of evil. The memory of the horrors he had witnessed that night had seared itself into his mind, igniting a fire within him that grew brighter with each passing day. He could no longer be content to passively observe as injustice and cruelty ruled unchallenged.
Xenia suddenly halted and turned to face him, her voice tinged with uncertainty and concern. "I know you want to help, but Zoran is unlike anything you've ever encountered… He's an absolute monster who reigns over the criminal underworld with an iron fist. Even the most nefarious wizards pale in his presence... If he hears about you, there will be no turning back! So, please! Take a second to consider the gravity of what you're embarking upon."
Sirius maintained his gaze, his hand instinctively tightening around his wand. "I'm already committed," he declared, his determination unwavering. However, the abrupt sound of a loud crack shattered the silence, signaling Dragan's arrival.
Xenia shot him an angry glance before urgently whispering, "If we're going to do this, we must bail immediately." She cast a quick glance in the direction of the apparition sound, her expression tense with apprehension.
Kingsley paced patiently in the grand hall of the bank building, his eyes scanning the surroundings with a keen gaze. The hall of the building was grandiose and bustling with activity. People were rushing to and from, going about their daily affairs. The walls were adorned with ornate decorations, and the floor was polished to a shine. The air was filled with the sound of chatter and footsteps echoing off the walls. Men in suits huddled together in conversation, while others stood in line waiting for their turn. It was a busy and vibrant space, with a palpable sense of energy in the air.
He paced around until his attention was drawn to a young woman in a tailored suit making her way toward him. She moved with a purposeful stride, her heels clicking against the polished floor. As she drew closer, Kingsley noted the determination in her eyes and the confidence in her step.
When she finally reached him, she greeted him with a firm handshake and a warm smile.
"Good morning, Madam. I am Inspector Schaklebolt, and I have an appointment to meet with Mr. Layton," Kingsley stated.
"I am Brianna Dillon. How may I assist you, Inspector?" she inquired in a professional manner.
"I would like to have a private meeting with Mr. Layton if it is possible," Kingsley requested politely, maintaining a pleasant smile.
"I'm sorry to inform you that Mr. Layton is currently unavailable," she responded apologetically.
"Actually, he's expecting me. We have a scheduled meeting in his office once all security cameras have been deactivated, and his floor cleared" Kingsley clarified, looking directly into Brianna's eyes while maintaining a firm grip on her hand.
Brianna appeared momentarily puzzled before comprehension dawned on her face. "Oh… I understand now...I apologize, you are certainly scheduled for today inspector. Please follow me this way," she instructed, leading Kingsley toward the security desk.
Following Brianna's lead, Kingsley made his way to the security checkpoint, where he produced his identification badge and credentials to the agent. After passing through the security screening, they were granted access to the lift. Upon reaching the top floor, Brianna confidently led the way to the office, with Kingsley following closely behind.
As they entered the room, Brianna courteously introduced Kingsley to the hedge fund's CEO, before excusing herself to attend to other matters. Kingsley was left alone with the man, who greeted him cordially. "Good morning, Inspector! I am Richard Layton. CEO of the B.I.F.C" and invited him to take a seat. The man was in his late forties, with sharp features and a well-defined jawline, short, and dark hair neatly styled.
The office was spacious and well-lit, with large windows allowing natural light to flood in and the walls were adorned with art pieces and framed diplomas and awards. There was a seating area consisting of a sofa and a few armchairs with coordinated fabric, arranged around a low coffee table adorned with fresh flowers in an elegant vase.
Mr. Layton led Kingsley to the center of the room, where a large, polished reddish-brown desk stood. Behind the desk, Mr. Layton sat facing the floor-to-ceiling windows, which offered a panoramic view of the city skyline.
"Thank you for accommodating me on such short notice," Kingsley expressed cordially.
"I'm surprised the authorities took so long to reach out to us, considering we were the ones who reported Kian missing. How may I assist you, Inspector?" Mr. Layton responded.
"We would like to learn more about Kian. Could you provide some information about him?" Kingsley inquired.
"Of course! Kian was an exceptional young man, a highly valued asset cherished by all our staff. Since joining our company, he consistently delivered outstanding results and earned the admiration of his peers, eventually rising to become the head of his team," Layton explained.
Kingsley nodded and then asked, "What was his role in this bank?"
"Oh no! We are not a bank, Inspector. We operate as a hedge fund," Mr. Layton corrected.
"Would you mind clarifying the difference?" Kingsley requested.
"Sure… A bank is a financial institution that provides various banking services, such as deposits, credit, and payment services. It generates revenue from these services, which it then distributes directly or through intermediaries. Additionally, banks offer supplementary services like investment and insurance. On the other hand, a hedge fund like ours is a private investment fund that aims to generate high returns through a range of investment strategies that may not be available to the general public," Mr. Layton explained.
"All right... Could you please provide an overview of your operations here?" Kingsley inquired.
"Sure... We analyze and invest in various financial markets to generate returns for our investors. Our analysts and traders use their expertise to make informed decisions while minimizing risks. For example, Kian was a risk analyst… His role involved identifying and analyzing investment opportunities while minimizing risks through diversification, currency trading, and other strategies," Mr. Layton responded.
"So, Kian held a crucial position within the company?" Kingsley asked.
Layton nodded and replied, "Yes, the global market can be volatile, and Kian's responsibility was to mitigate risks and ensure our financial stability, as well as that of our clients and partners. He regularly analyzed investment trends and recommended strategies during meetings where we reviewed our investments."
"I see… Did Kian have access to sensitive information about the fund?" Kingsley inquired.
Layton nodded. "Yes, that's why his disappearance alarmed us," he said.
"How would you describe your relationships with other hedge funds, banks, or financial institutions?" Kingsley asked.
"I would describe them as excellent," Mr. Layton said. "Instead of being in constant competition, which I won't deny exists, we find more benefit in coexistence than concentration… Whether it is from the authorities or ourselves, the main concern is that concentration would restrict access to finance, and contribute to instability and mistrust in financial organizations due to the moral hazard problems often associated with institutions that are too big to fail."
Kingsley furrowed his brow. "So, it's in your competitors' best interests that your fund generates profit?" he asked.
Mr. Layton let out a chuckle. "Going into the intricacies would be quite cumbersome, so let's just say that we all benefit from maintaining a rich and diverse ecosystem," he explained.
"I understand," Kingsley acknowledged. "Who approaches you for investment opportunities?"
"I'm afraid I can't disclose specific names," Mr. Layton responded, "but our clients range from individuals investing their savings for retirement, parents seeking to build financial assets for their children, affluent individuals looking to increase their income, and large corporations."
"I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Walsh, the chancellor of Grimstone University. He mentioned that you manage the university's endowment," Kingsley mentioned.
Mr. Layton let out a soft chuckle. "Indeed, we do."
"Could you provide more information about it?" Kingsley inquired.
"Of course," Mr. Layton replied. "Grimstone University and we share a long-standing financial and academic relationship. Grimstone acts as something of a training ground for us. …We ensure that the university's funds are invested in profitable enterprises that we believe will appreciate in value over time…As specialists in financial assets, we encompass transferable and tradable securities or contracts that offer income or capital gains to the holder, albeit with some level of risk exposure. Hence, our operations function on a time-share basis, with investors receiving shares representing a portion of the portfolio…The variable capital structure allows investors- in this case, Grimstone's university- to subscribe and redeem at any time…Previously, we sit and discuss with the university about our management methods, including the type of financial assets, management policies, objectives, fees, share amounts, and value calculation rates. The transparency and trust between our two institutions empower both sides to select the most suitable strategy based on the investment goals and circumstances," Mr. Layton explained.
"Interesting...Was Kian currently working on any specific matter? Was he on the university's investment?", Kingsley asked.
"No, the university is managed by the second floor…Kian was on something much more important. You see…Lively discussions are currently underway regarding the revision of the Treaty of Rome, with the aim of establishing a single European market by the next decade. This move would eliminate tariff and non-tariff barriers to cross-border trade between member nations, providing a boost to the union's economy," Layton elaborated." And Kian's role is to assess risks and devise a strategy to position us favorably in the market by then," Layton stated with a grin.
"I see... Well, let's return to Grimstone. Were you a student there?" Kingsley inquired.
"Absolutely! I was even Mr. Walsh's roommate for five years," Layton replied.
"Did you actively participate in campus life?" Kingsley probed.
"In a way, yes. While I wasn't part of any sports teams, like all students, I had a close-knit group of friends, and our camaraderie has endured over the years. Initially, I enrolled in the debate club, but eventually, my focus shifted entirely towards my career aspirations," Layton explained, pausing briefly before adding, "To be honest, my college memories go back several decades. After all, what are five years in the life of the old man l am?" Layton asked, his smile hinting at nostalgia.
Kingsley nodded. "I understand… Before I depart, I wanted to inquire if your firm provides loans to individuals?"
"It's uncommon but we do…we provide financing to other firms in distress, emerging from bankruptcy, or those with compelling business plans but lacking the steady cash flow required by traditional banks. Our flexibility makes us an excellent option," Layton stated.
"But not to individuals specifically?" Kingsley inquired.
"It is possible…Do you have someone specific in mind?" Layton asked.
"Claire Docherty," Kingsley replied.
Layton took a moment to contemplate, rubbing his chin before responding, "This is the first time I've heard this name… Why don't you allow me some time to investigate, and I will get back to you later?"
"Thank you, Mr. Layton. I appreciate your cooperation…I will be in touch shortly to arrange interviews with your staff," Kingsley said, rising from his chair.
"Of course, Inspector. Please keep me informed of any developments," Mr. Layton said, standing as well, and shaking firmly Kingsley's hand before the Auror departed.
Hello everyone, I hope you're enjoying your summer! Thank you for reading, and please review!
