A week has passed since Commander Shepard moved in Grimmault Square. She kept herself busy by gathering as much informations as possible about the wizarding world. Harry and Hermione served as her primary sources of information, sharing their insights and experiences.

Shepard couldn't help but notice the avoidance from the Advanced Guard and the wariness displayed by the other members of the Order. She suspected that her refusal to directly engage in the war, coupled with her non-magical background and her dark witch-like appearance, fueled their concerns.

Fortunetely, Harry and Hermione quickly embraced Shepard's explanation regarding her implants. Having grown up surrounded by Muggle technology and science-fiction made them far more understandable than their fellow wizards. Even Ron and the other Weasleys siblings, despite their friends' assurances, struggled to be more openminded and engage in discussion with the Commander.

The Black Library proved to be an invaluable ally in Shepard's quest for knowledge. Althrough she only managed to scratch the surface of the vast treasure trove of knowledge, she gained valuable insights about the wizarding world and its history.

Engrossed in a book about genealogy, Shepard's attention was abruptly diverted by an alert that appeared before her eyes. Her cybernetics eyes, akin to a tactical visor, allowed the use of augmented reality to display informations.

With a wink, she opened the message, revealing its contents :

"Phase 1 of Protocol Burned Bridges completed. Beginning phase 2. Confirme ?"

Casting a discreet glance around the room to ensure her privacy, Shepard swiftly responded.

"Confirme"

Almost immediately, a familiar silhouette materialized before her eyes. The sight of EDI standing before her stirred a sense of familiarity. Shepard knew that the apparition was merely an illusion created through augmented reality, but she still could have sworn the AI was truly here.

"As per the requirements of Protocol Burned Bridges, technology usage has been restricted solely to discrete information collection until confirmation of non-immediate threats by the newly contacted faction. Here is a summary of the data acquired thus far."

Shepard listened intently as EDI confirmed most of the informations given by the Order of the Phoenix, the other inhabitants of the house and the Black Library aligned coherently. Until further notice, they will be classified as reliable sources.

The Commander interjected, her voice laced with anticipation, "Do we have any lead on a way to return home ?"

"At present, our digitalized books have yielded no mention of summoning techniques or comparable means of returning to our world. However, it is important to note that our exploration has encompassed less than 7% of the vast Black Library. Additionally, we cannot discount the potential resources available within the Hogwarts Library and private collections."

Shepard nodded, absorbing the information with a mix of disappointment and tempered hope.

"What about the Muggles ? Could their tech may be able to help us ?"

"Unfortunately, the house itself acts as a Faraday cage, preventing any electromagnetic signals from entering or exiting. To effectively scan for signals, we would need to venture beyond its confines. Furthermore, based on the information Hermione Granger provided regarding Earth's technological development, it is highly improbable for Muggles to possess the means for time travel or interdimensional travel, given their current pre-ezo type civilization."

A sigh escaped Shepard's lips. While she didn't think a solution would come up in a few days, she still had hoped for a less desperate situation.

"Understood, EDI. Adjust our priorities accordingly. Our objective remains to find a way back to our world and for that, we need more informations. Firstly, we must get out of the house and confirm the actual state of developpement on this Earth. Even if Muggles don't have advanced technology, they may still possess valuable knowledge."

EDI interjected, her voice tinged with a sense of caution, "Shepard, I must remind you of my limited capabilities. The version of me loaded onto your Omni is a mere shadow of my full self from the Normandy. I possess only the most rudimentary analytical tools, rendering me incapable of assisting in combat scenarios. Furthermore, your Omni lacks the proper sensors to facilitate my detections."

Shepard acknowledged EDI's limitations with a nod, "I know, EDI, I know. When you proposed to load a version of yourself on my Omni, it was always meant as a contingency rather than a complete replication of your abilities."

"Back on the topic. Secondly, we continue the digitalization of every book we can get our hands on. Allocate as much ressources as you can to analyse and classify them. Keep an ongoing record of potential libraries of interest, such as the one at Hogwarts. Thirdly, we may negociate with Dumbledore to get access to the ritual. I would like to avoid giving him too much information about our world and giving him a concise overview of the library within his own headquarters could be a good bargaining chip."

Indeed, the books of the Black Library were clearly organized according individual preferences rather than any discernible logic. It rendered tedious any kind of research.

Shepard pressed on, "Fourthly... If none of the above initiatices yield results, I will consider contacting Voldemort to negociate a safe return."

Shepard was disgusted by the fourth option. Even with magic, there were always people thinking themselves superior to the other. Aligning herself with such detestable individuals went against every fiber of her being. Nevertheless, her goal was more important then her feelings. It always has, for better or worse.

-MExHP-

Twelve Death Eaters in full regalia occupied their respective seats around the grand table within the opulent chambers of Malfoy Manor. Excitement and fear were palpable among the assembled loyalists. Each of them were had been present at their master's fateful resurrection, yet none were aware of his plans.

"Welcome, my esteemed generals."

Voldemort's voice, tinged with a newfound sense of deference, resonated through the hallowed hall. Everyone rose and bowed at the salutation but the tension permeated the gathering. It had been a long time since the Dark Lord had displayed any inkling of respect to them.

Voldemort took his seat at the head of the table, gesturing for his supporters to do the same.

"Let us not waste time. My downfall was an unfortunate setback, yet it granted me the opportunity for introspection. The last war was riddled with poorly thought-out plans, foolish mistakes and overall incompetence. I will not tolerate any of that anymore." Voldemort declared, his crimson eyes penetrating the soul of each individual present.

Every Death Eater in the room was relieved to have their face concealed behind a mask, as none could hide the shock of hearing the Dark Lord admit his mistakes.

"Today, we shall inaugure a new era. No longer shall we engage in open warfare, leaving ourselves vulnerable to our adversaries. As long as we operate from the shadows, we shall possess the element of surprise. I will entrust each of you with a mission, a duty that demands your unwavering dedication. Each week, we shall meet again and I expect tangible results."

His gaze swept across the assembly, the weight of his expectations sinking deep into the hearts of his devoted followers.

" Rowle, master of enchantment and transfiguration, I task you to create a set of armor for our duelists. These garments must be both discreet, light enough to be concealed beneath everyday clothing, and durable enough to withstand up to Class C Combat Spells. You will present a demonstration at our next gathering."

"Amycus and Alecto Carrow, your mission is to locate a suitable location upon which we shall construct our impregnable fortress. This bastion shall serve as our headquarters, from which we can marshal our army. Prepare a list of potential sites and present your proposed plans at our next assembly."

Voldemort continued to allocate missions to each duo of Death Eaters, ensuring that their specialized skills and expertise were put to optimal use.

"Gibbon, you shall head to Germany where Grindelwald still commands many followers. Explore the possibility of forging an alliance that might serve our common objectives.

Selwyn, I task you to go to the giants. Persuade them to join our cause, train them and ensure they are properly equipped for the battles that lie ahead."

As their master assigned duties to each Death Eaters, they found themselves eager to start their work. They had all joined the Dark Lord in the early stages, when he actually formulated plans and didn't crucioed any one at the first little contrariety. It seemed that his introspection had pulled him back from the precipice of madness that had consumed him during the previous war.

Snape, your mission is to oversee the establishment of our Inferi Army. Assemble the necessary ingredients and identify locations where we can readily procure fresh bodies. Skeletons shall be of no use to us. Prepare a detailed strategy to be presented at our next assembly."

Yaxley and Lucius Malfoy were singled out, their assignment being crucial in the overthrown of the Ministry.

"By our next meeting, I expect a full report on our standing in the Ministry. Identify those who align with our cause, those who can be coerced into compliance, and those who must be eradicated. Our grip on the Ministry shall be unyielding."

With a measured pause, Voldemort concluded.

"Gentlemen, you have been entrusted with essential tasks. Disappoint me and the consequences shall be dire. In this war, I require not only generals but also Inferi. Choose wisely how you shall serve me."

With that proclamation, their master left the room. As each Death Eater pondered their task, they realized the gravity of their role in shaping the course of the wizarding world. The era of their new lord had begun, and they would determine whether it ended in triumph or ruin.

-MExHP-

Hello everyone,

I hope you are well. I just wanted to answer to some of the latest reviews about the uselessness of magic in war.

Yes, magic has its shortcomings. Spells can be blocked but bullets too. What is incredible with magic (and will be a pivotal thing in my story) is its versatility. With a simple stick, your soldier has unlimited ammunitions for explosions, piercing and cutting. That's just the basics of what a trained wizard can do because a wizard has litterally the means to break physics. He can levitate his cover with him, teleport and turn invisible. A wizard can be a one man army just with spells and it doesn't account for enchanted objects and potions.

That also why wizards don't bother with technology. Why spent incredible amount of time and ressources on tech when a wave of your wand can solve your every day problems ?

I was really glad for the reviews I got so please continue.

Have a nice day,

Alykto