Chapter 3

Centre of Darkness

May 7, 2020

Staffroom, Hogwarts School (Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry), Scottish Highlands, Scotland.

It was a sombre atmosphere in the staffroom as the Potions Teacher, Professor Snape walked in. The other teachers silently nodded in salute as he passed. He signalled the History teacher, Joseph Alphonz, towards the window. Joseph joined the academy a few years ago, well-versed in both Muggle and Wizard History. Five foot and seven inches in height with brown skin, South Indian, he is well respected as one of Hogwarts teachers as well as the Guardian of the Gryffindor House.

"So Roger is dead. There is nothing to change in the curriculum as far as any change by Wizard Rules... Any movement from the students recently? " Snape inquired.

"Other than the bickering from both the purebloods and Slytherins, classes are going well. However, with Roger's death, anything will change, sir! " Joseph replied honestly. "I feel bad as both the World Government and Lord Voldemort will anticipate our next move. Glad that one of Shanks' fleet is guarding our castle."

"Still amazed at the success of a Muggle like you. As long as they know no secrets of you! "

"Whatever, Professor Snape, the level of hate is no matter of any concern, By the way, the concerned party wants you to have this parcel for further communication " Joseph handed a small bag to Snape. "It is very important as long their spies be among us and the Muggles."

"Astronomy Tower, at six before dinner!" Snape warned and left in a hurry.

"A reasonable chap Snape is!" The Charm Professor Filius Flitwick quipped. "Don't be disheartened by his demeanour yet he does hold the school's status quo together."

"Don't worry, Professor Flitwick! He will understand in time! He will!" Joseph smiled while staring into the outside horizon through the window.

May 7, 2020

History Classroom, Hogwarts School.

The teacher came in as well and the students saluted him. He paused for a few seconds and then warned the troublemakers to leave to avoid any chaos. He narrated that crucial incident that folded the future.

"May 2, 2000.

"Even after the Second Wizarding War in 1997, Lord Voldemort fought nevertheless despite losing. Many brave Wizards fell from both sides. However, there were new adherents to the Death Eaters. This continued until May 2, 2000, when the Dark Lord finally defeated and killed Harry Potter. The world seemed to be lost forever.

At that same moment, it seemed the Universe had turned upside down as numerous mysterious portals from another world opened. The Death Eaters have new foes in both the form of Pirates and Marines. The everlasting foreign war has spilt into our world. In an inexplicably shocking turn of events, the dead from the Order of the Phoenix are inexplicably resurrected. Like the legendary wonderful magical bird, destiny was kind enough as most of the friends and allies returned to balance the scales in our favour.

Soon Lord Voldemort and the Death Eaters went into hiding in some stations in Europe. It was a glorious moment when certain 'pirates' named Gold Roger, Edward Newgate, Kozuki Oden and many others saved many Muggles from the onslaughts of the Death Eaters. Many organisations and councils that supported the Dark Lord had vanished into oblivion. The world called the event THE HIGHLANDS INCIDENT.

However, the joy couldn't last forever as soon as evil pirates and The Celestial Dragons emerged. Humanity has faced one existential crisis after another as the power struggle and battlefields almost sunk the entire world. Many governments and countries have fallen. Fortunately, the United Nations, The Wizarding Councils and The Marines made the pact to ensure peace to avoid bloodshed by any means necessary. Nonetheless, our wizards and scientists could find the reasons and indications of the unknown resurrections for Dumbledore's Army.

Meanwhile, the Wizard Communities embraced and welcomed certain alien nobles into their fold. Many of them became distinguished wizards and contributed to the betterment of the new world order. Out of them, came a unique and wonderful clan who called themselves 'the Will of D'. They proved to be efficient warriors whose dreams manifest the shape of life we know."

On observing their actions, one would recall the late great Wizard Albus Dumbledore quoting "Happiness can be found even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light"."

The History Teacher, Joseph Alphonz narrated the history eloquently while the students understood it properly, barring a few troublemakers. Then he requested the students to stand a moment of silence for the departed before ending the class.

May 7, 2020

Cipher Pol Headquarters, an undisclosed island in the Indian Ocean.

Observing the martial arts training of the recruits, the mentor stood stoically and took notes of the future spies for the World Government. He is regarded as one of the dangerous silent assassins (barring Rob Lucci and the elite). He measures six foot and five inches and has a heavily built body and brown skin. Soon he was inquired to the Cipher Pol HQ office.

He entered the office cautiously until he heard the sound of a cane with a dangerous aura. It was Admiral Fujitora.

"Agent Sebastian Edwards Reporting, Sir!" The instructor saluted immediately.

"At ease, soldier!" Admiral Fujitora calmly ordered. "So how's the new recruits?"

"They are fine ...too bad only a few of them will go to the next round!... Huh...Do you need a super ramen bento, Sir?"

"I ordered it a few minutes ago!.. I liked your persistence in serving one of the dangerous Cipher Pol bases. Despite not shining along with Rob Lucci and the elite, you proved to be the humble yet elegant agent in Cipher Pol. Sakazuki is preparing to commission your name for the next mission."

"It's an honour, Sir! ...Pardon my intrusion ! .. Are there ..any serious ... matters ... concerning Roger's death and the disappearance of the Mega Scientist? " The instructor stammered.

"No, Agent Edwards! You know that the Head Admiral wanted to eliminate both the Revolutionary Army & the Pirates. However, the rise of the Death Eaters did bring chaos to shake the Tributes to zero."

"Hmm! I see! It seemed that the Dark Lord was still on the move. He will keep on hunting down both the Order of the Phoenix and the Will of D. Not to mention that ... those two kept evil at bay and made the world a better place for everyone."

"Roger's family and allies should be kept on vigil. That being said... What about one Professor Severus Snape? I don't believe he hates everyone!"

"One of our agents is a powerful Wizard and Auror in the Magic Ministry of Britain. He managed to get a hold of Albus Dumbledore's diary and learned about the ones who shaped the Wizarding World... Severus Snape was one of the efficient warriors and became an excellent spy for both the Dark Lord and the Phoenix Order... A triple agent for being Dumbledore's secret keeper and murderer. He was killed in action in the Battle of Hogwarts yet resurrected later due to the Highlands Incident along with others. He kept on protecting Hogwarts from evil pirates and wizards even now yet his behaviour towards everyone never changed...I say...He could be trusted to keep the balance in the World! "

"Thank You, Agent Edwards! I would love to meet Professor Snape! Other than Smoker and the Strawhat Kid, he seems to get my respect." Fujitora rose after his bento and handed a secret file to the instructor for his next mission. They both bowed in respect and headed towards the port for the Admiral's departure. Then, Edwards opened and read the contents of the secret file. He called his Snail Dial and informed the recipient.

"Oi, Amigo! A new assignment incoming !... The next target is ... Harry Potter!"

TO BE CONTINUED

Personal Notes:- New Original characters are added.