No 13 Privet Drive
The boy, his tousled hair and oversized glasses giving him a scholarly air, slipped quietly out of his cramped space beneath the stairs. Sunlight filtered through the windows, casting a warm glow over the deserted hallway as he tiptoed towards the main living room. It was early afternoon during the summer vacation, a time when his guardians, preferring to sleep in late, were lost in the depths of their slumber.
His eyes scanned the room, seeking a distraction from the monotony of his mundane existence. The glossy magazine lying on the coffee table caught his attention, and he quickly made his way towards it. With a delicate touch, he picked it up, his fingers tracing the glossy cover before flipping to his favorite section—the one that delved into the mysteries of aliens.
His heart quickened as he immersed himself in the vivid illustrations and intricate theories presented within the pages. Could life truly exist on other planets? With a subtle flick, he turned his attention to the television set. The screen flickered to life, casting an ethereal glow across the room. The narrator's voice, shrouded in mystery and conspiracy, whispered secrets that sent shivers down his spine. Government cover-ups, the existence of alien technology, and the clandestine military bases buried deep beneath the mountains, harboring enigmatic beings from distant worlds. His gaze shifted between the magazine and the television screen, each revelation igniting a spark of fascination within him. He imagined a world beyond the confines of his small existence, a universe brimming with enigmas and possibilities waiting to be unraveled.
The Daily Prophet
Giovani Family Declared Traitors!
In a stunning revelation that has sent shockwaves through the wizarding community, the prestigious Giovani family has been pronounced traitorous from the international wizarding world. This unprecedented verdict was delivered during an emergency session of the International Confederation of Wizards (ICW), marking the highest level of condemnation for violating the sacred Statute of Secrecy.
Reports reaching the Daily Prophet directly from the United States of America indicate that the Giovani family, known for their extensive global influence, has been implicated in a series of appalling activities. Most disturbingly, it has come to light that the family was harboring a secretive vampire coven beneath their ancestral estate, where several members of the family were allegedly complicit in heinous acts including blood drinking, slavery, cannibalism, and other nefarious rituals. The gravest concern arises from the recent revelation that several of these rogue vampires, associated with the Giovani family, were responsible for a brazen assault on unsuspecting Muggle families during a lavish summer gala, blatantly endangering the sanctity of the Statute of Secrecy. Further incriminating evidence discovered within the depths of the Giovani manor has revealed the family's involvement in illegal financial activities. Documents recovered from their possession strongly suggest that the Giovani family had been actively engaged in money laundering for the notorious dark wizard Gellert Grindelwald…
The House of Gaunt
Dear Headmaster Dippet,
I hope this letter finds you in good health and high spirits. I am writing to inform you of a significant change that has transpired in my life. After thorough research and introspection, I have unearthed a truth that has both surprised and deeply affected me.
It is with a heavy heart and a profound sense of duty that I must inform you of my decision to change my name. Recent revelations have led me to the irrefutable realization that I am the last surviving member of the Gaunt Family, an ancestry that has remained shrouded in mystery and obscurity for generations. As such, I feel compelled to embrace my true heritage and carry forward the legacy of my ancestors.
Henceforth, I shall be known as Morrigan Gaunt, relinquishing the name Morrigan Riddle in acknowledgment of my familial ties. Enclosed herewith are the official documents that substantiate my claim and affirm my lineage to the Gaunt Family.
I trust that you will understand the significance of this decision and extend your support during this transitional phase. Please be assured that my commitment to my studies and my unwavering dedication to the ideals of Hogwarts remain steadfast and resolute.
With utmost respect and gratitude,
Morrigan Gaunt
House Slytherin. Sixth Year Prefect.
New Observations
Morrigan Riddle sat gracefully, composed in the presence of the two powerful Lords. "My Lords, my request is reasonable," she stated calmly. "Given your combined resources and ideological pivots, it is not beyond the realm of possibility to arrange discreet medical aid for Mr. Petrov."
Both lords raised an expectant eyebrow at that and Morrigan explained, "You would not let precious magical blood as talented as he is, bleed out to death courtesy of Grindelwald now would you?"
Sirius Black's voice thundered across the room. "You're entitled to nothing," he spat, his aggression palpable. "Why should we help you instead of turning you over to the Americans?" He glared at Morrigan, his frustration evident. "Your ill-fated assault on the Giovanni manor was nothing short of reckless. What were you doing there in the first place?"
Morrigan's lips curled into a knowing smile. "My purpose was no different from yours," she replied smoothly. "And your threats are empty. You wouldn't dare hand us over."
Sirius laughed mockingly. "Oh, and why not?" he challenged, his wand poised at his side. "Rather, why shouldn't we end this right here and now? Cut our losses while we can?"
Morrigan's smile widened slightly. "Because if I don't contact my associates within the hour, letters detailing the existence of 'ECLIPSE' will reach every major publication," she retorted firmly. "Grindelwald's network will quickly unravel the involvement of the esteemed Houses of Black and Greengrass."
At the mention of the letters, both lords tensed visibly. Edward's diplomatic facade remained intact, although concern flickered in his eyes. "Perhaps it's prudent to de-escalate," he suggested softly, turning to Morrigan. "Let's find a resolution that benefits us all without putting anyone in jeopardy."
"My demands are simple. Safety from the American law enforcement & medical treatment for Harry away from the prying eyes at St. Mungo." Morrigan said.
"Done." Sirius said, greatly pleasing Morrigan. They three further discussed the finer points of their arrangement in a bid to wave away the negativity of their prior conversation. Without nothing else to discuss, Morrigan bid her farewell and made to leave the grand study.
Edward glanced at Sirius, curiosity evident in his expression. "Why the sudden change of heart, offering assistance with her post-graduation prospects?" he inquired, his diplomatic tone tinged with genuine interest.
Sirius leaned back in his chair, his gaze fixed on the now-closed door. "I'm intrigued by her," he admitted, a faint hint of respect in his voice. "Despite the recklessness of her actions, she's got guts. Most wizards her age are preoccupied with trivial pursuits—sweets, vacations, or petty power plays for wealth & land." He shook his head, a faint smile playing on his lips. "But she orchestrated an assault in another country and undoubtedly made off with valuable dark materials. Even my family, known for our fiery tempers, wouldn't have dared such a feat."
Edward raised an eyebrow, a mild rebuke in his voice. "Don't underestimate Arcturus," he cautioned.
Sirius chuckled softly, the lines on his face betraying a sense of concern. "I'm not worried about Arcturus," he replied, his eyes distant. "It's the younger ones—Cassiopeia and Dorea. They're too soft, relying too much on their occlumency to project an image of astute politicians." He shook his head, his voice laced with worry. "But they lack ambition and the survival skills required in this increasingly dangerous world, shaped by both muggles and Grindelwald. In short they lack the fire of my Black ancestors."
"I am sure they will come along fine." Edward said.
"No, Edward they might not. I fear our House has grown soft and overly reliant on accumulated past wealth. At the end of they day, you and I know both know that gold, seats on Wizengamot, and rest are just that words."
"They are your ancestors' legacy, Sirius." Edward said.
"They are not but winds in the wild. Petty ones. All the gold, all the votes in the world didn't stop Grindelwald from tearing the world apart. Fools believe gold to be truly valuable. We know its only valuable as long as men think it to be valuable. What good is the statute, Wizengamot, or the sacred 28 once people believe they are no longer good?" Sirius asked but Edward remained silent.
"It is the will to survive and teach knowledge and wisdom gathered from the yesteryears that truly ensures your progeny lives on." Sirius said and Edward couldn't help but nod.
A brief pause followed as a house elf politely knocked on the door to deliver their tea.
"Did you know she was a Gaunt?" Edward said. "Descendants of old Salazar himself?"
"That makes it all the better. One more reason to get to know her better." Sirius said. "Who knows we might be dealing with the old man reincarnated."
"Hmmm….." Edward said.
"Any idea who the other kid, this Harry fellow?" Sirius asked.
"Remarkably, I don't. I poked my kids about this, but none of them have had any extensive relationship with him at Hogwarts. Kind of an introvert he is. Transferred from Russia a while ago, rusty in many of the academics. Surprisingly formed a close relationship with Morrigan alone." Edward said. "Morrigan on the other hand, they couldn't stop singing praises about. A prodigy rivalling Albus all but alchemy."
"A person like Morrigan wouldn't include Harry in her orbit if he wasn't important. There must be something. There is also the fact that he is Dumbledore's apprentice. Whatever he is, he is no slouch." Sirius said.
"Whatever it is, we can discuss two school kids later, Sirius. We have more pressing concerns." Edward said. "I have secured us a spot on the Minister's entrouge today. When he meets with his American counterpart, we must break off discreetly to set up back channels."
Half Truths
Charlus sat at his bedside staring off into the window while Morrigan stood in the corner and stared at him. There was an air of expectation about them. Harry knew regardless of what he does today, some measure of truth will have to be revealed. While he recovered at one of Lord Greengrass's many houses, Morrigan had gone back to the site of their combat and recovered the bodies of Lord Potter and the robot. Henri had miraculously survived the blast but with severe burns. Charlus's earlier report told him that the healers were pessimistic about the future. In all likelihood, Harry was now talking to the new Lord Potter. Harry choked back angry sobs and tears that threatened to escape him. Henri had been good to him. He had believed Harry's tale and identity and offered him a home, family, and more when he owed him nothing. He promised to help with his problems without asking for anything in return. And how had he repaid him? By being tortured and burnt to death and leaving Henri an orphan.
And even now, in his lowest possible moment, Harry didn't feel like telling the truth to his perhaps closest friends. The possibility of further temporal anomalies was too horrifying, the killer robot had taken him to the limit and then broke him. He would tell them the origin of it, but no more.
"Harry," Morrigan called him. "It's time."
Harry neither replied nor looked at them, he still didn't have the courage in him to reply. Charlus put a comforting hand on his leg.
"Harry, I know about you. Dad told me." Charlus said and that immediately got his attention.
"You are a Potter." He said. "One of our illegitimate cousins."
That further chipped at him. Henri had told Charlus. But not the whole truth? Harry's mind rushed to join the necessary connections together.
Henri has given me an out. Harry thought.
"Y-you know. B-but bu-" Harry stammered but Morrigan interrupted him.
"I told him. Charlus deserves to know the truth after everything that had happened." She said and a flash of fury engulfed him at her betrayal.
Morrigan was non-pulsed at his angry stare, but Charlus stepped in before he could retort.
"Yes, Riddle here did tell me after which I confronted my father about it who confirmed it," Charlus said. "Although why in Merlin's name you felt more comfortable approaching her than us is beyond me."
Morrigan snorted at that and Charlus angrily glanced at her. She met his stare without any fear.
"Gaunt. Potter. The name is Gaunt." She said and Charlus muttered something underneath his breath that Harry couldn't hear.
"Y-yes. I didn't want to impose on your family. I had everything set up. That's why I didn't come running to you folks." Harry meekly said.
"You should have come," Charlus said as he firmly gripped his hand. "We are not so vain as the Malfoys or others to begrudge you merely for the circumstances of your birth. That was beyond your control."
"As touching as the family reunion is, we have things to discuss. It's high time we have an explanation of why muggle machinations are hunting you. And how do they know about the wizarding world?" Morrigan said.
Sometimes, true power is found in more mundane things. The ability to influence, win over, love, or forgive, all are more sacrosanct than wand waving. The sorting hat's words flashed in his mind.
"The story that the two of you are most familiar with is that my parents were poachers in Siberia. This is partly true because that was a part of their cover. Their original objective was to investigate a muggle cult that was giving them all sorts of weird vibes." Harry said.
"Weird vibes?" Charlus questioned.
"Who were they working for?" Morrigan asked.
"I don't know who they were working for. They never told me. A lot of what they did was based on deception, even their marriage was a fake one. Whatever, I know, I know from overhearing things and bits of information I gathered from discarded documents." Harry said.
"What was so special about the muggles?" Charlus asked.
"I don't exactly know about that. But whatever it was, they were aware of the wizarding world. Far more than what a select few muggles know about. They have access to technology that is beyond what even present-day muggles can understand or much less wield. My parents believed that such technology would one day put them on equal footing to our world." Harry said. "The matter was worsened when that cult hated magic and wanted it wiped out."
"How can they have technology that rest can't?" Charlus asked.
"I might not know much about muggle technology, but I know research. You can't develop and maintain such complex projects in isolation – especially amid a muggle jungle. Won't they need stuff like petrol or electricity? How do they get that over there?" Morrigan said.
"That's where it gets super weird, and I want you to brace yourself," Harry said. "My parents believe they are working on technology recovered from aliens."
A pin-drop silence followed his proclamation and both Morrigan and Charlus stared at him deadpan.
"From another species?" Charlus said.
"Yeah," Harry said and Charlus nodded to himself while Morrigan remained skeptical.
"You seem to be taking it well, Charlus. Most people in the muggle world don't believe in extraterrestrial life" Harry said.
"A new civilization is not that much of a radical idea, Harry. Such things have been a part of our folklore for long. One of my uncles swore up and down that he had divined the location of the lost city of Shangri La where the high elves lived." Charlus shrugged. "Tragically he never returned from the expedition."
"This is all very speculative and based on shaky evidence from a traumatized source," Morrigan commented but Charlus ignored her.
"I mean look at it this way, Muggles may dominate the landmass on Earth, but they still don't have access to everything we do. To them, dragons, house elves, pixies, unicorns, and vampires are all myths. It does stand to reason we might have missed a thing or two on our own." Charlus said.
"Another species is a whole different matter than an entire civilization of such power hiding away. Things like that leave traces." Morrigan said. "If they exist, where is their footprint? Their trash? Monuments?"
"7 years ago, you would have doubted the concept of Hogwarts to Morrigan," Charlus smirked and a look of rage crossed Morrigan's face before she quickly repressed it. Clearly, the Riddle of this era hadn't completely hidden her muggle heritage as he did.
A sour point for Morrigan. Harry thought.
"Point taken," Morrigan muttered.
"Regardless, I never knew there could be life outside in space. Most planets we know of have very little oxygen or water to support life as we know it." Charlus said and Harry didn't have an answer for him.
"Not all life demands such things to survive. The dementors don't need either and they still live." Morrigan countered.
"Point taken," Charlus said. "Regardless, it doesn't change the point that muggles or even a sub-faction of them have dangerously high levels of knowledge about our kind."
He looked at Harry.
"What are we going to do about that?" Charlus asked.
The Board Is Reset
Charlus & Harry
Harry sighed as he placed a cigarette in his mouth and tapped his makeshift clothes to find a lighter. A wand swished nearby, and the cigarette became lit, Harry turned to face a sad smiling Charlus with his wand out.
"Troubled night?" Charlus said.
"You have no idea," Harry said and Charlus couldn't help but chuckle.
The meeting between the three of them had quickly devolved into a three-way row. All 3 of them were very opinionated people with their own view of what constitutes the right strategy moving forward. Beyond that, there was the specter of Grindelwald hanging above them. The revelation of the muggle cult aka the Technocratic Union, had not gone well with them. If the word got out about it, it would vindicate everything Grindelwald was fighting for. Just when the tides had begun to turn against the man, he would have a revitalized movement with more recruits and funding than ever before. Even those nations and families that had previously been on the backfoot or insisted on neutrality, would be forced to join Grindelwald. If that happened, he would instantly declare war on the muggle world and the ensuing destruction would leave behind no victors. On one hand, there was a good chance that the wizarding world might survive, but at what cost? Untold muggle lives who had nothing to do with either the Union or Grindelwald would be extinguished. That is not to say of Grindelwald's own unpleasantness. The man was the worst kind of opportunist. Indiscriminately recruiting muggle-borns to fill the trenches while making backroom deals with all sorts of monsters. The recent vampire fiasco was a testament to that fact.
Meanwhile, Charlus had wanted to get ECLIPSE involved in this right away. He insisted that ECLISPE had the manpower needed to act discreetly and without too much bloodshed to ensure a wider war wasn't triggered. Morrigan had countered that claim by saying that with Kendra getting away alive from the fight, Grindelwald was now most definitely aware of ECLIPSE. They needed to lay low within Britain for a while before they could mount any sort of massive attack again.
That had quickly devolved into a baseless argument with petty word daggers lobbed between Morrigan and Charlus. Charlus had brought her loyalty to Britain in question while Morrigan questioned his loyalty to the mages. Thankfully, it hadn't devolved into a full-blown duel because Harry was there to play the referee and placate the two.
"He asks about you, you know?" Charlus said as Harry took deep puffs to alleviate the stress from the last month.
"How is Henri?" Harry asked.
"Grim. But it would have been worse if you weren't there to help." Charlus said and Harry snorted at that.
"I get you don't trust ECLIPSE, Harry." He said. "But you honestly can't expect us to just ignore what you told us, and trust things will work out fine."
"If Grindelwald is defeated, the statute will never be broken," Harry replied and it was Charlus's turn to sigh in frustration.
"Harry, I don't know in how many languages you expect me to explain this to you, but the statute no longer exists. A muggle creation infiltrated Diagon Alley wearing the skin of a very well-known pureblood socialite to kidnap Lord and Heir Potter while looking for another one. And before that, it nearly killed Edward Greengrass in an ambush. There is no secrecy anymore." Charlus said.
"What do you want me to do, Charlus?" Harry snapped.
"I want you to be truthful, Harry." Charlus shot back and Harry glared at him.
"Dad implied there was a lot more going on with you than meets the eye. He has given me the power of attorney here to set up a vast sum, hidden from everyone, to dedicate it against the muggles." Charlus said. "I get it you don't want an open confrontation, right now. I get that."
"I am sensing there is more here," Harry said.
"But we need targets. If war is coming and we have a great probability of losing, we need to prepare for it. Our society wasn't prepared for a threat of Grindelwald's caliber and look what happened. This time around, we have an advanced warning, and we need to use it." Charlus said and stepped closer to him. "How about you tell us what we need to prepare for, and we will get to it. When the muggles come, we will be prepped for it. Use our resources, Harry. Don't let them go to waste!"
Harry Petrov
Harry moved swiftly and with purpose as soon as Charlus had left. His bracelet had very little left to give but it would work for this one last time. The raid on the Giovanni manor and the subsequent outcome had been a deeply shocking revelation. Despite all the hours he had put in with Dumbledore, Dorea, & Helena, he simply wasn't good enough. A single muggle robot had been enough to bring him to his knees. This was simply an unacceptable state of affairs. Even before this, the sheer number of times death had nearly embraced him. Harry didn't entirely believe in the concept of faith but knew whatever it was that kept saving him- would eventually run out. When it did, he needed to be his own man. That is what led him to the storage room where an ECLIPSE operator stood guard. Harry pulled out his wand and whispered, "Imperio".
Give me the keys. Take a walk outside and stay there for 5 minutes. Smoke or drink coffee or whatever. Harry commanded the man, and he moved away without a comment. Harry entered the room and found his prize lying crumpled on the bed. The robot that had tried to kill him was still partly intact despite the devastating punishment Morrigan had unleashed on it. He knew from his time with Dursleys that whatever intact electronics and optics were inside it, they would still contain some semblance of information. Besides, he needed to study the machine. Gauge its materials and building blocks to better counter it. Without a thought, he levitated the machine and proceeded to push it inside a bottomless enchanted bag.
Sorry, Charlus. I need this more than you. The stakes are simply too high. Harry thought as he sneaked back into his room.
Morrigan Riddle
With a pop, she apparated outside of Harvard University.
Harry had his plans and secrets. Despite the hurt me not look he wore, Morrigan knew there was something deeper to him. Her initial suspicion was further deepened when she found him out to be a parselmouth. Beyond that, he had a growing underworld network that was now developing transcontinental roots. She was a snake. Historically, serpents had been able to detect when someone was lying to a preternatural ability. As Salazar's last living heir, Morrigan was no different and knew Harry was lying. He knew too much without reporting where he learned said information. Strange things happened in the world that only he could relate to, and he moved about Hogwarts & Hogsmeade far more confidently than she had seen any newcomer move. The man was on a mission, known only to him, that could have ramifications quite possibly for the entire planet.
666. 555. 01. Those were the numbers she divined whenever she focused on him.
Catastrophic change. Revolution even.
Dr. Harry Brooks. Head of Department. History and Sociology. Her gaze scanned the plaque posted outside the man's office. The Potter duo might have their delusions about making peace with muggles and Grindelwald was too controlling to work with. There was no world where he would allow her to operate in peace and realize her plans. If she wanted a shot at surviving the coming war, she had to know her enemy. What better place than to learn from the enemy itself.
"Professor Brooks," Morrigan said in a low, compelling voice, her words resonating with an otherworldly authority. "I need to have a word with you."
Startled, Professor Brooks looked up, his spectacles slipping down the bridge of his nose. "Can I help you, miss?" he inquired, adjusting his glasses with a nervous gesture. She pointed the stolen wand straight at him and whispered, "Imperio."
"Prepare a comprehensive report on the evolution of muggle weapons and mass-scale warfare. Include detailed analyses of their advancements over the centuries and their impact on global conflicts. Additionally, delves into the possibility of breakaway civilizations with advanced technology on Earth. All myths and folklores will work too."
Harry Brooks was part of an ever-elaborate string of people she had been placing under the imperious curse. The total number she could do was limited because she couldn't use her original wand. A few muggle military-looking professionals plus a government bureaucrat existed in the current network. She will start small and then gradually increase her scale of operations.
"Of course, ma'am." Professor Brooks replied mechanically, his movements stiff and robotic. "I will begin work on it immediately."
With another pop, she vanished from the university and appeared in another field, one more familiar to her.
Beyond everything, her little sojourn turned field testing had yielded more results than she had ever expected. Her power had certainly grown leaps and bounds, most professors at Hogwarts wouldn't be able to do what she was doing. But it was not enough. It was never enough. She had almost lost to that muggle contraption. That was simply unacceptable. She pulled her cloak about herself and marched deeper into the estate. She intentionally let her magic flare about her, not caring at all about stealth – there were no witches or wizards for miles on end. Creatures scurried away from her in fear of the dark aura. It was time for her to shed the final chains that bound her to mundaneness. With a flick of her wand, she blasted open the doors to the estate. A muggle rushed towards her inside with a shotgun leveled at her, Morrigan blasted the man's knee from below him with a bombarda. The man's pain-filled howl was cut short when the same shotgun levitated in the air and opened fire on his head. His head was crushed under the kinetic force, and he was dead instantly. A few womanly shrieks sounded off from deeper in the room. Morrigan stalked towards the source of the sound with a wicked grin on her face, the shotgun trailing behind her. The main door was blasted down similar to the main one. Morrigan laughed as a pair of women hid behind an older man who shivered while holding a knife against her. The man glared at her purple eyes before revelation ran through him.
"YOU!" He screeched.
"Me." Morrigan smiled back.
"YOU GET OUT OF HERE NOW! YOU AND YOUR WHORE MOTHER ARE NOT WELCOME HERE!" The man shouted at her.
"Oh?" Morrigan tilted her head.
"We want nothing to do with your kind. The whore promised to go and never come back." One of the women shrieked from behind his back. "So do the same! Go back and never return!"
"Very well then." Morrigan giggled as the tip of her wand became lit and the man narrowed his eyes. He lunged at Morrigan, but she had expected such futile reactions. The levitating shotgun went off again nearly taking out his entire shoulder. "I was going to give you a chance to explain, but then I guess you wouldn't want me to stay too long."
The women hovered around the man trying in vain to stem the tide of blood. Morrigan pointed her wand above and whispered,
"Fiendfyre"
Morrigan watched from the pavement outside as the flames rapidly engulfed the house. The Riddles had made their choice long ago when they violently removed Merope from their lives. By extension, they had condemned Morrigan to hell for the first ten years of her life. Pity the Riddles never learned that actions have consequences. Their being burnt alive was but a small yet impactful part of said consequences. Another sharp crackle of wood being burnt echoed throughout the clearing. This was revenge pure and simple. Not vengeance. Not justice. But revenge. Morrigan cared for neither the vague garbage crafted by simple-minded fools to crave their own desires into the world nor the change they wanted to see in the world. The Riddles owed her debts and she had come to collect, simple as that. A muffled voice called out to her and Morrigan smiled at her bound captive below.
The Riddles were not the only ones to owe her debts. The Gaunts never cared for her mother. Not that she felt any warm feelings towards her. The full moon shone brightly in the sky, clearly illuminating the fear Morfin felt right now. He struggled in vain against his metallic restraints and found no release. With a flick of her wand nearby rocks levitated into the air and immediately began carving arcane symbols into the ground below. She had shed blood today for the first time. It was a homicide, not self-defense or warrior's cause. Such intricacies had massive significance for nights such as today. She pulled out the Gaunt family ring and Magic Most Evile from her satchel. The book levitated and placed itself in the middle of the ritual circle. She walked right alongside it and with as much hate as she could summon, she spoke "Rend" in an ancient tongue that no longer had any native speakers. Soon immense pain racked her body and it felt as if the ritual was tearing her entire body apart, piece by piece. She didn't scream. She would not scream. Magic had a sentience of its own and if it judged her to be too weak to endure the process, the results would not be kind to her. She stood straight and bit down to control herself. Just when she was about to lose consciousness the pain immediately vanished.
For a moment she just stood there, trying to focus on what she had just accomplished. She spread her focus to her ring and let out a triumphant laugh as she was greeted by Riddle Sr's soul. The soul-rend had been successful. She had finally done it! She had finally beat the reaper! She had finally made the first successful step when interacting with living souls. Morrigan supped deeply from the ring's new potency and felt alive like she had never done before. Exhaustion, stress from long hours of late-night studies, and the pitifully weak body she had from years of poor childhood nutrition began to vanish. As young as she was, Morrigan couldn't help but laugh at feeling truly young again. Yet the process wasn't over. She pulled out Salazar Slytherin's locket from her pocket and focused again. A cold shiver engulfed her as she felt a part of herself travel forth into the locket. The locket glowed an ethereal red color as Morrigan's soul shard quickly gained dominance over it.
Horcrux. She couldn't help but admire the feat.
The muffled horror cries of Morfin Gaunt interrupted her little jubilation. Morrigan snarled as she remembered the second reason she was there. Harry's machine friend had caught her without a wand. While her wandwork was without many peers, she was completely useless if she lost it. Luckily, this more detailed version of the book had a lot more rituals in it than the massively censored Hogwarts copy had. She summoned Morfin's body to the middle of the ritual site. Soon she would harvest Morfin's soul as well to harness the innate physical power of men. But she was not satisfied with the power of men alone. When she had first met him, Morrigan had poured veritaserum into Morfin's drink. Luckily the man had been too great a drunk to notice anything nefarious being included in his drink. Unfortunately for him, he had let slip too being affected by lycanthropy.
What a hypocritical wretch. Morrigan snarled. The man decried others about the impurity of their blood more times than he breathed, yet he carried such filth in his veins. The earlier Morrigan would have loved to torture the man till he realized the error of his ways, but she was longer that person. Morrigan saw opportunity flowing within the Lycan's veins and a chance to harvest it. Soon, she would harvest the soul of a Lycan and have not the strength of a man, but that of a werewolf.
And then, they will all pay.
Los Alamos
Charlus quietly seethed in the corner as he watched the ECLIPSE operators close in on the sight via a giant scrying mirror. He had told Harry that whatever information he shared with him, would only stay between him and Henri.
Sorry, Harry. The stakes are too high. He rationalized himself. Henri and he had immediately forwarded the information to Lords Black and Greengrass. Harry had described a few names and places that he believed were involved in the research and manufacture of truly horrifying muggle weapons of mass destruction. As a preliminary strike, ECLIPSE had voted in favor of raiding the area and acquiring whatever information they could find. If they happened to any talented individuals, they would be killed to either delay or stop the weapon's development entirely. The operatives advanced with purpose casting confundus and other spells that caused them to brawl with their comrades. Any hard barrier that blocked them was swiftly overcome with either a bombarda or levitated away.
"Spread out!" a gruff voice boomed from the midst of the cloaked figures. The operatives formed a protective ring around the leader as he turned towards a massive concrete wall of a building. A whistling sound echoed through the air and one of the operative's heads burst open in a shower of blood and bone. It took a while for the others to notice but they were too slow. Two more of the wizards dropped dead. Charlus gripped the edge of his seat in tension as he saw the assault unravel meanwhile Sirius and Edward urgently paced the room trying to organize things. Unfortunately, their view of the situation was obstructed as a coppery smoke soon engulfed the area of operation. Worse off were the on-field operatives who found themselves unable to conjure magic. Charlus watched in unbridled horror as the smoke cleared away to reveal skeletal beings of metallic construct with gleaming red eyes that mowed down all their operatives with machine gun fire.
Fuck. Charlus thought.
Author Notes: The cracks are already beginning to form in our newly christened golden dark trio falling into deeper darkness. Worse off, the vanguard of the Union is slowly creeping in while Kendra is still AWOL. Find out what happens next on the next episode of dragon ball the serpent shedding its skin.
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