Garo Dark Hollow
ESKK: Here we are Chapter 9 of Garo Dark Hollow. For the most part I've been soloing it and I think I've been doing a good enough job on my own. This chapter may be a bit tricky for me thought but I hope I can deliver. Now then let's get started.
(Start Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement office)
Amelia was sitting in her office as Nymphadora Tonks entered her office. Without Dumbledore the Order of the Phoenix was falling apart at the seams and the chaos with the dark creature made matters worse. Thankfully together with her husband Amelia managed to control the situation and turn it in their favor. If a dark creature of that size managed to impersonate a ministry employee, then chances are Death Eaters would do the same and thus managed to push for an overhaul. Thankfully, all it took was to have the mark for many Death Eaters to be signaled out and while many of their supporters were still about, they were smart to keep to themselves. Amelia would find them regardless but for now she had another concern that needed tending.
"Auror Tonks thank you for coming in on short notice." Amelia said as she had Tonks under review after a few incidents. Remus Lupin had somewhat managed to escape custody during the chaos only to return and turn himself in. Apparently after his escape he had second thoughts and maybe some guilt and decided to return and face judgment. Regrettably for him Tonks had all but broken up with him and Amelia felt Andromeda was grateful for that, the man was too old for her.
"It was my pleasure." Tonks said as she knew why she was under review. Her role in the attempted kidnapping of Harry and later Remus escape had her as the first suspect. Thankfully, the review came back, and Tonks was free to come back to work with pay for the days she was made to miss. "So, what is it you need boss?" Tonks asked and thus Amelia had to bring this up.
"Tell me do you know of the Obscurious?" Amelia asked as she leaned forward towards Tonks.
"Somewhat they are normally made when a Child forces his magic inward due to trauma and becomes a force of destruction and the last known sighting was in the United States during Grindlewald's reign." Tonks explained as Amelia nodded to this.
"Good then this makes thing easier somewhat." Amelia said and thus presented a file towards Tonks and opened it. "We've had sightings of late that match up to an Obscurial in a muggle town." Amelia said as Tonks ready the file and looked at the pictures of said sightings. "We had sent out feelers in the area but well the area is questionable at best." Amelia said as the way she said it made it sound like a bad place.
"What can you tell me?" Tonks asked seeing this as a way to get back on the saddle.
"The short of it, this particular village is conservative with certain beliefs especially towards 'magic,' and its origins." Amelia said and thus Tonks got the gist of it.
"Religious." Tonks said more then asked as she knew what this meant for her.
"Yes, you're a half-blood, excuse the use of the world, and had been raised in the mundane world." Amelia said as she looked to Tonks. "This in turn gives you more elbow room to investigate and find any information." Amelia said as Tonks had to ask.
"So basically, I might very well be walking into a place where Witch burnings could still be a thing to find a possible Obscurial born to such a place." Tonks summarized as Amelia nodded to this.
"Yes, any questions?" Amelia asked as she looked to Dora.
Tonks did have one question, but she knew it would not be an easy one. "What should I do if I find the magical child and he or she is a confirmed Obscurial?" Tonks asked as she knew this had been the first Obscurial in a good amount of time since Grindlewald's era.
"I would highly suggest you contact the Ministry about this but with the recent political air as is that may not be advisable." Amelia said and then sighed to this. "Try to calm the child down before removing him or her from the area." Amelia said as she would rather not have a child die on her watch. "I'll contact someone from the Department of Mysteries to see if there is a way to safely separate the Obscurial from its host." Amelia said and thus Dora nodded to this.
"Understood." Nymphadora nodded and thus Amelia smiled a bit.
"Good then dismissed." Amelia said and in turn with a nod Nymphadora Tonks began to take her leave of her boss's office. Once Tonks was gone Amelia sighed to herself as she recounted events as of late. Word had gotten out that Harry Potter had returned and already the rumor mill had gone all over the place. With Death Eaters at large and the Dark Lord waging his war once more many people had begun, to lose hope. After all they drove off the only person who not only tried to warn them all but had the best shot of beating him. Now that Harry was back moral, and hope had risen in response to this revelation.
Thought there were a few unanswered questions most common of them was where Harry was now after his big reveal. Still with little information to go off, of Amelia had little to do knowing her husband had yet to be contacted by Harry. Though as things are at, the moment it was probably for the best Harry's location remained unknown. Still Amelia could not help but feel something was going to happen soon and if there truly was an Obscurial about then it was probably better they tried to find it before the Death Eaters learn anything of its existence.
Thus, as Dora left Amelia began to wonder just how long before this war ended.
(Scene break on the road)
Lucas was driving the car down the British Countryside Road as Harry and Hermione rode with him. Harry had taken the passenger seat while Hermione was in the back seat. As they drove Hermione and Harry had long since noticed that Lucas had gone off their original course. "Hey, Lucas where are we going?" Harry asked as he looked to the Silver Fanged Knight.
"We're supposed to be going to the land of guidance and I'm quite certain this is a good, ways off course." Hermione added as Lucas focused on the road.
"Ah so you noticed." Lucas said as he continued driving the car. "Trust me when I say there is a reason for my madness." Lucas added as the couple at times doubted that from the likes of Lucas.
"Well, are you going to tell us or leave us in suspense?" Harry asked as he looked to Lucas wanting some answers from him.
"Alright since you insist, some rumors have been spread about our side destination, some dark rumors in fact." Lucas said while they headed to this mysterious destination. "The Order suspects it may be a Horror and since we're the closest to it I figured we'd go check it out." Lucas said as he continued driving.
"Dark rumors?" Hermione asked as Lucas shrugged a bit to the bookworm witch, turned Priestess.
"Strange disappearances, mysterious obscurity, and a bit of cult like movements." Lucas said as he continued to drive the car.
"Do you suspect it to be a Horror?" Harry asked to which Lucas shrugged a bit to the Golden Knight.
"Perhaps or just baseless rumors due to how far out this town is from civilization." Harry said and thus it was clear that something was happening in this town that needed the trio to investigate.
"Regardless, if they are true or not the best thing we can do is go in and investigate it." Hermione cut in as she looked to her two friends here. "It might be nothing but as members of the Makai Order we are obligated to investigate it even more so if it is an order by the Watchdog Sight." Hermione said as Harry smiled at what he knew was a Hermione response from the Priestess.
"Well, I suppose we're now on our way to the middle of nowhere." Lucas said as he continued to drive to the town in question.
"A word of warning." Zaruba spoke up getting their attention. "Remember that humans at times can be just as bad if not worse the Horrors." Zaruba began as he offered up his pearls of wisdom. "But as Knights and Alchemists we must stain our blades from their blood even if we feel they deserve their fates." Zaruba said and in turn left the group confused as to why he would say that out of nowhere. But opting to let it be the group went on their way to their destination.
(Meanwhile with Tonks)
Knowing that apparating in was out of the question Tonks had opted to use a bus to get to the town. If an Obscurious was there she needed to blend in as best she could. That meant she needed to arrive Muggle style and thus here she was arriving by a bus. As her chosen vehicle grew closer to the town, she could not help but feel a chill run up her spine. For some reason Dora had a sinking bad feelings about this town the supposed Obscurious currently called its home.
(Scene Break Later in the town)
The trio arrived in the town and were driving down the main road looking at the scene around them. Needless to say, that the scene around them it did not paint a pretty picture for them especially for Harry. The town it was for lack of better terms a dead ringer to Pivet Drive where his relatives had lived. The lawns were perfectly cut, the buildings were nearly placed, and Harry suspected if they went to the residential area the houses would be the same as each other save for the house numbers to different them from each other. Harry was given a cruel reminder of his childhood in Pivet Drive and thus opted to sit back down in the car and hide away.
Regardless Harry knew something about a town like this left a bad taste in his mouth while looking at it. This town had made Harry want to leave this place and the memories they erected for him as soon as possible. So, the sooner they learn what they can about this towns rumors the quicker they can leave it behind.
Eventually Lucas found a parking spot in the main area of the town which he opted to take. Once they were parked Lucas turned off the car and began to depart with Harry and Hermione. Once they were out of the car Lucas rolled his shoulders a bit while Hermione stretched no doubt spending a good amount of time in the car while Lucas drove. Spending as long, as they did on the road made their joint stiff and thus, they opted to stretched to remove the stiffness from themselves.
"Well, that was a long drive." Lucas said as he was ready to start investigating.
"Well, when on the road one should make frequent stops if at any point able." Hermione said as she had no doubt read about it in a book she found. But then Hermione had noticed that Harry was oddly quiet at, the moment. This in turn caused her to worry about the Wizard turned Golden Knight. "Harry are you ok?" Hermione asked her voice etched with concern for her boyfriend.
"Yes, I'm fine Hermione, honest." Harry said but Hermione saw right through his attempted denial. But since it was not posing a problem Hermione opted to let it be but stay close by to help him when he needed.
"Well let's go I feel we got a mystery in this town." Lucas said with a smirk on his face. With a nod from Harry and Hermione the trio began to head out unaware of the stares the few people roaming about were giving them.
(Later with the Makai Trio)
The trio plus Zaruba and Silva were walking through the town as the people continued to stare at the new arrivals. Already, the two Makai Knights and one Makai Priestess had saw that something was amiss. Lucas may not act like it, but he saw what was going on the moment they arrived, and it all began with the people.
From what Lucas saw these people were dressed way to conservative then the modern era allowed. They were not Amish, but they certainly weren't Middle Eastern either. They're English routs were clear to see so why were they dressed like it was several decades prior? The group all wanted to figure that out but until they can they simply acted like they didn't notice anything.
"Jeez we've been here for a while and hardly we've found many places to eat around here." Lucas said with a small yawn of boredom. "I dare say if these people want tourism a fine eatery would be a good place as any to start." Lucas added as he wanted to enjoy some delicious pastries.
"Is eating all you think about?" Hermione asked with a raised brow to the Knight. After all they didn't need another Ron joining with them after the last Weasley confrontation.
"Nah just sweets." Lucas responded as if it wasn't a bother to the Silver Knight. Hermione simply rolled her eyes as she saw so far Lucas was not as bad as Ron in this regard which was helpful for them. "Anyway, let's look around see if those rumors hold any truth to them." Lucas said and thus they began to search around town for clues.
"Welcome young ones." Came a new voice which got the trio's attention. "What brings you three out here during the schooling season?" An old man asked as the trio took note of the cross around his neck. By the state of his dress this man seemed to be a pastor and from the looks of it the one in charge around here. For Wizards and Witches of old that was normally a bad sign and someone you best avoid talking to if you want to live another day. Despite the purebloods best attempts to censor it the truth was the Witch Hunts had captured and burned more Wizards and Witches at the stake then was led to believe. After all, why hide from them if you have so much power over them?
Needless to say, Hermione had a bit of a boost in her muggle roots but also a fear that it may cause a worse Witch Hunts of Voldemort continues as is. Regardless Lucas opted to speak up to the old man as while he did not show it his guard was up around the man. "I actually graduated about a year ago and my two friends here had graduated this past schooling year." Lucas said as he gestured to himself and then to Harry and Hermione while he spoke. "We're simply taking a bit of a soul-searching journey before we move on with our lives to our desired careers." Lucas explained as the old man nodded to the Makai Knight.
"Oh, I see my mistake then." The old man said as Lucas saw the look in his eyes and kept his guard up here. "So, then what brings you all the way out here, we hardly have many visitors to this town." The old man asked as Lucas smirked to this.
"Oh just a few rumors we've heard about, see my friends and I have a nasty habit of being drawn to the rumors of the mysteries." Lucas said as he played the part well here. "So, we noted your town was not far off from our original course and decided to see it for ourselves." Lucas said and thus the old man chuckled a bit to this.
"Well, I'm sorry to say this but it would seem you were led astray my friends." The old man said as Lucas noted the way he said it.
"Are you certain from what I heard strange disappearances' among them a government official if I recall." Lucas said playing his part well as he whispered that last part.
"Young man while I won't deny the man came by here, he did not remain here for long, I fear his disappearance had happened after he left." The pastor said as Lucas, Harry, and Hermione all felt something was amiss about this place. "Truth be told, it is the sudden appearance of wandering folks who bring misfortune to this humble yet blessed town." The man said as Lucas felt something amiss about this. "Many times, outsiders come here and spread words and ideas that go against the scriptures, if you also had similar thoughts, I would suggest you all take your leave as soon as possible." The man said and thus Lucas shrugged a bit accepting what the man said, or so it would seem.
"Very well seems we came here for nothing." Lucas said as he then waved the old man off and thus the trio began to walk away.
As they walked Harry was the first to speak up. "He's feeding us hog wash, isn't he?" Harry asked and thus Lucas smirked to the Golden Knight.
"Oh, big time." Lucas said as Hermione knew this man was not telling them everything. And if this is, the case then the group would not leave until they figured out if a Horror were actually involved here or not
(Meanwhile over with Nymphadora)
Auror Tonks had arrived in the town not too long ago as she simply had to Apparate and utilize a local bus to get to the town. Now when Amelia told her the town was out of the way she truly meant it was out of the way that one would argue it was in the middle of nowhere. So, if there was an Obscurial in the town then chances are that its creation went unnoticed due to how far out this dead-end town was. Of, course upon entering the town in question Tonks felt a cold chill run down her spine. As she walked, she began to wonder what had caused the chill until she saw the towns folks.
They were dressed conservatively more so than the modern norm. Nor while her mother Andromeda may be a pureblood witch her father Ted Tonks was a muggleborn wizard. It was for this reason and the fact she had been raised both witch and muggle that Tonks was given this assignment. Still, something about this town just set off all her alarms but until she can confirm the Obscurial presence she had to exercise extreme caution.
After all, if there was one fact about the Obscurious is that its host was a scared child afraid of their own magic and forcing themselves to hold it in. But as she walked around the town Tonks felt the chill this place gave her was rising and if it were up to her, she'd be gone from this place. Still orders were orders and once she confirmed what she needed to confirm Dora can take her leave and go home to a nice hot long shower.
(Later that day over with the trio)
"Well, something is up with this place." Harry suddenly said as he leaned against a fence.
"It was a given." Hermione agreed as she stood there with Harry as Lucas nodded with his arms crossed. Hermione had done a small bit of recon around the town and clearly there were some red flags raised. From what she gathered this town seemed to be shoulders deep in certain social traditions that were outdated by modern society. First and foremost was the fact the Pastor they met was also this towns mayor which was red flag number one.
For many it would not seem like much but for Hermione it suggested this town was overly religious and thus may promote, hire, and employ based on one's own religion. Secondly it seemed the clothing sold in the stores were all very traditional in the town and most business came from those who lived here. It would explain for the size of this town, small community meant smaller businesses and since they were so against outsider mindsets, they barely let any new businesses enter unless it was, 'holy enough,' for them. The Third red flag came with the actual people, they follow a strict gender, roles that the men were the bread winners and the woman stayed at home to mind the house and children. With this information in mind, Hermione could deduce that this town may very well go to certain extremes, all to ensure that things remain as they were in this town.
"If a Horror is in fact roaming this town it's our duty to cut it down." Lucas said as he was ready to hunt down a Horror if there was one roaming this small town. "So how do we go about doing it I wonder." Lucas mused as they needed a lead, but the town wasn't keen on giving one.
Just then a sound caught their attention over to a small commotion between some children. Looking over to the source much to Harry's shock they were met with the sight of three larger boys harassing a smaller one. For Harry, it reminded him to much of his own childhood when he lived with the Dursley's. Harry was the first one to take the dive as he went to investigate the situation and if need be, put a stop to it. After all he knew what it was like to be put down because of magic and bigots' views on it.
The boy in question was being pushed around as thankfully it did not seem like fists were thrown yet but it was bound to happen. "Hey, freak maybe you didn't get the bloody memo last time." One of the boys said as Harry ears perked up to this and even Zaruba sensed Harry's rising anger. "We told you if you showed up around here, we'd thrash you." The leading boy said to the downtrodden boy who Zaruba and Silva both sensed something odd going on.
"What no smart aleck remarks this time?" Another said before the leader the largest of the three spoke up.
"Well, if you won't talk how bout we take that doll of yours." He said as he reached out and took hold of the toy that was in the boy's grip. The boy got panicked as he tried to keep his grip on the doll from slipping and allowing these bullies to take it from him. "Oy now let it go, give it here!" He snapped as the boy began to panic on what to do. If he let them take the toy, he'd lose something valuable on a personal level, but if he did not no doubt he and the adults will come after the boy in retaliation of this.
As Harry, Hermione, and Lucas drew closer to the scene the boy began to panic mentally and was physically shaking. 'No… No… No.' He mentally chanted and in turn the Madou's both sensed the situation.
"Stop stay away from him!" Zaruba warned a minute to late as the boy's ailment had sensed the emotions and in response acted upon them.
"NO!" The boy yelled and to everyone's shock chaos had made itself known. The ground beneath the boy cracked and then by an unseen force to the mundane charged at the three boys and blasted them all back. One of them hit the fence nearby, another cried out as he landed on his arm so hard a cracking sound was heard, and the last one hit the ground and spat out some blood. What made it worse was the building they were next to collapsed as well as this caused the trio to move in.
The boy was hyperventilating now as Harry moved in and tried to calm him down. As Harry got close the boy felt back and scooted away from Harry but Harry in response raised his hands showing he meant no harm. "Don't worry I'm not here to hurt you." Harry said as he was still surprised by what he saw, he had never seen a bout of Accidental Magic of that magnitude ever in his life. "Just breathe and calm down." Harry said with a soothing and calm tone which by the looks of it helped the boy calm down.
"You saw it right!" Came one of the bullies as he wiped away some of the blood on his face. "That freak attacked us!" He yelled and thus Hermione gritted her teeth while Harry kept his calm as best, he could.
"All we saw was a trio of punks ganging up on the boy." Lucas responded as he then headed over to the three boys and gave them all a stern glare. "You three best run off before I come get ya!" He yelled cracking his knuckles to show why they would not want him to get them. Panicked the three small bullies scurried off leaving the four with the boy.
"You're going to be fine, trust me." Harry said as he offered his hand to the young boy before him.
The boy with a deep sated fear carefully yet surely reached his hand out to Harry. When he was close enough, he eased back clearly not trusting Harry yet which the Knight understood. "Well, I suppose we best get you home." Harry said with a sigh for the boy. "So where does your mum and dad live?" Harry asked and thus the boy looked worried.
Over with Hermione and Lucas the two saw Harry interacting with the boy, but Hermione's thoughts were elsewhere. "I don't think there has ever been a recorded case of Accidental Magic of that magnitude." Hermione said as Lucas looked to the damage the boy caused.
"Honestly Hermione, I don't think that was accidental magic as you think it is." Lucas said as Hermione looked to Lucas shocked over his words.
"Wait what?" Hermione asked with a shocked tone.
"It's true." Silva said as she recognized what that creature truly was. "Zaruba and I as well as many other of our kind have seen such creatures before, they were most prominent during the Witch Hunts and Inquisitions." Silva said as she was calm about it, but her tone suggested the origins of these creatures erected a solemn if not sympathetic emotions. "These creatures inhabit children who have suffered trauma due to their magic and thus forced their magic inward to avoid being harmed because of it. They are called." Silva began but was then cut off by a familiar voice.
"Obscurus." Nymphadora was heard and thus all eyes went to her.
All were surprised to see her here and in turn knew that was the opening act to end times for them. "Well shit." Lucas said when he saw the Auror had arrived here no doubt to investigate the mentioned creature. Unknown to them word of this incident would soon spread through the town and its people.
(Later that same day)
The makai trio and the auror witch, had arrived at the Kid's house as they let the kid lead them there as he opens the door to let the group in, he calls out, "Mother."
"Alex, you're home already?" the boy's mother was heard as they group look to see her walking in with a basket of laundry in hand as she was surprise to see the 4 strangers in her house, with Lucas is shock to see how hot the mother, being the only hottest woman around within the boring town they were in as the mother soon ask her son, "Alex, who are these people?"
"Some strangers that saved me from those boys," the boy answer his mother, while also keeping quiet of what happen earlier which thankfully the area was quickly fix up by Tonks before anyone notice to cover up what happen there, which did surprise, the boy of what she did that made him trust her a bit along with the others.
The boy quickly ran into his room without saying another else as his mother said, "Did you thank them properly Alex? Alex!"
Alex just closed his bedroom door quickly leaving him alone for the time being as Lucas clear his throat a bit to break the ice.
(Little later)
Alex's mother had a pot of tea boiled for the group as she poured them their drinks as Tonk's started to say, "Your son is quite special if I do say so myself."
"Yes is he, unfortunately his father, my husband had passed away recently, ever sense then, he's been acting strange as well unusually event has been going on I cannot explain, as I try my best to help him, but it seem he close himself off from me," the mother explain as the group listen to her closely as the mother given a saddened look as she said, "If only I know what was happening, I could help him even better, but I cannot figure it out, it makes me feel like I failed as a mother."
Harry felt sympathy for her, as he knew the mother feeling are real and she doing all she can for her son, as he thinks back to all the time he heard what his mother did for him as a baby, protecting him from Voldemort and what she did for him along with the others back at the graveyard when Voldemort resurrection, he loves her with all his heart for all she done for him, as he spoke up to the mother, "It's not your fault what had happen to your son, you are doing the best you can for him and that's is enough. It's this town fault for being what it is and what it's doing to him."
"What do you mean?" the mother asked as she tries to understand what harry just said as Hermione spoken up next when she said, "Well to put in the simplest way to say it… your son can use magic."
"Y-you're saying that… my son is magical?" mother said as she seemed to be having a tough time believing the existence of actual magic as Tonks said, "Believe us when we say he is. He's a muggle born wizard as it seems you and maybe your husband, were not magical born, which mean be is a first-generation magic user of your family."
Before Tonks came to the town, she look up any names that could be pure bloodline related, but none came up, even non-pureblood names that were recorded didn't show, as Tonks could suspect she was dealing with a new muggle born wizard in some cases being a first generation magic user, as there was no recorded history of how pureblood came to be which some witch and wizard theorize the first pureblood magic users were muggle born.
"In some cases with new born wizards or witches they have no control over their magic due to over whelming emotions which could cause their magic to go out of control and cause random things to happen, as such hair color changes," Tonks said as she demonstrated her own abilities to change her hair color which surprise the mother then Harry soon came up next to say, "Or cause someone to blow up and float away like a balloon or a bubble in the wind."
Harry still remembered what he accidently did to his aunt, not like she didn't deserve it, but still an accident he caused as the mother look down at her cup of tea as thing were now making sense for her as she said, "So the reason that things are happening because he magical… that does give me some piece of mind, but I still feel something is wrong."
"Yes." Hermione cut in as she knew they needed to be straight with her. "When Harry put the blame on this town, I suspect something in this town had hurt your son on a deeper level." Hermione said and just went straight for it. "Miss a trauma had possibly caused your son to force his magic inward where it then formed into a parasitic creature called an Obscurious." Hermione said and thus the mother was wide eyed by this revelation. "If we don't remove it soon, those bouts of destruction will only get worse until..." Hermione trailed off as she let the word hang in the air to show just how dire it is.
"Is... there some way to treat it?" The mother asked as her hand began to shake.
"Unfortunately, not here. And even if we did have the means to remove it, removing it will only make a space for another to form and take its place if he continues to stay in this town." Tonks said being calm about this and the mother understood.
"I... don't have the money to make such a move at the moment." The woman said as she sat there. "If I did, I would surely take the opportunity." She said as Lucas suspected something more to her words.
"Well keeping him locked up is out of the question, it will only make it worse." Lucas said as he then took a sip of his drink.
"We'll be open to further discussions to see if we can find some alternative." Tonks said as she acted as the professional, she was.
"Thank you I appreciate it." The mother said and thus she stood up and began to clean up the empty plates. "You four are free to stay as long as you like, regrettably this town lacks any inns or motels so this is the best hospitality I can offer." The woman said and thus Tonks nodded.
"Thank you, Miss..." Tonks trailed off and thus chuckled a bit. "Pardon I never got your name." Tonks said and thus the woman nodded.
"Oh, my apologies I'm Natalie it's a pleasure." The mother now known as Natalie introduced and thus all was well.
"Well, it's all well and good but I reckon I might want to explore a bit." Lucas said as he stood up and stretched.
"Wait I'll join you." Harry said and thus the two Makai Knights looked to each other.
"Well then let's go." Lucas said and thus the two were off to explore a bit leaving Hermione and Tonks with Natalie.
"Oh dear." Natalie suddenly said as she got everyone's attention. "I don't normally entertain so I don't always keep stock of food to feed everyone." Natalie said as Hermione saw where this was going.
"If you need to go out, perhaps we may accompany you." Hermione offered and thus Natalie smiled.
"I would very much like that, but I would not want to impose." Natalie said as she looked to Hermione and Tonks.
"It's no problem." Natalie said and in turn it was clear they were all going out to pick up much needed goods.
(Later in town)
The duo of Makai Knights, were, currently in town as they were doing some exploring and sightseeing but in truth, they had other motives. "So, what made you want to follow me?" Lucas asked as he walked about with his hands in his pocket without a care in the world.
Harry was quiet as he walked with Lucas. After the duo hard parted ways with the others, they had gone on to begin with a bit of investigating of the area. "I have my reasons." Harry said as he looked to Lucas.
"Other than investigating this place?" Lucas asked as Harry looked away a bit and thus Lucas noticed it. "Oh, you don't trust me. And here I thought we were friends." Lucas said as he looked to Harry as he feigned offense.
"Well considering I had learned one of my 'friends,' had been helping his sister drug me and Hermione for the past several years I'm having some trust issues." Harry said as he never spoke of it but learning what Ron and Ginny had done had hurt Harry deep. Harry still knew what Ginny's fate was and how they pinned her death on the Death Eaters, there wasn't even a body for them to bury and both Harry and Hermione had to carry this truth with them for days to come.
"Meh, crazy stalker fangirls am I right?" Lucas asked as he stopped to smirked at Harry who scowled and walked off.
"Too soon, Zero... too soon." Silva scolded as Lucas rolled his eyes to bit.
He then jogged over to catch up to Harry so they can talk. "Hey if it makes you feel any better... I honestly have no interested in your girlfriend." Lucas said as he walked with Harry. "Not my type, too bossy." Lucas said as Harry glared at Lucas.
"Are you trying to get me angry?" Harry asked as Lucas then smirked a bit.
"Depends, is it making you feel better?" Lucas asked and thus Harry sighed and felt Lucas was going to be a headache if he allowed him.
"Let's split up and do our own research." Harry said as Lucas nodded to this.
"Got it I'll check out the people, you check out the buildings the kid or his mom might frequent." Lucas said and thus with a nod Harry took his leave with Lucas doing the same. But as they left, they were seemingly unaware that they were still being watched by the town.
(Later with Harry)
Harry arrived at the church figuring it was the first place to check. So far it seemed like an average church to visit but as he looked around, he saw the place was used on a regular basis. "Zaruba... do you sense anything?" Harry asked looking to his Madou Ring.
"No, this town... its saturated in Inga to the point that if a Horror is here then it's blending in." Zaruba said as Harry mentally cursed to that. "But I do smell something, it smells like human remains." Zaruba said and for Harry that was a lead.
"Where?" Harry asked and in turn Zaruba focused on the scent he picked up.
"Towards the graveyard in the wooded area." Zaruba said and thus Harry nodded and went to check out the woods. But as he did so the Priest from earlier saw the Makai Knight from a window in the church and gave him a glare as he entered the woods.
(Later)
Harry entered the woods as he followed the trail Zaruba found. He passed the church and in turn its accompanied graveyard and had entered the woods in his search. As they continued to walk Harry suspected it was this deep to keep away from any outsiders who may swing by during a tough time. Eventually they got to the trail and needless to say Harry was left wide eyed at what he saw. Before him was a large fire pit and on it was a stake. The wood around it was burned and used and no doubt had been replaced when it was to be used.
What made this more shocking was the fact it had ropes mixed in burnt and black but still recognizable. Harry kneeled down and rubbed his hands on it and saw how his fingers were black now. Rubbing it together he figured out what it was by its texture. "Ash." Harry said as he looked at the ash.
"Not just ash... look." Zaruba said and thus Harry looked and was wide eyed at what he saw. Among the burned wood and ash was what was clearly the remains of a poor soul tied and burnt at the stake. Looking at it, Harry's eyes were widened in terror as he stood up viewing what this was. "I haven't seen a scene like this in centuries and it has never been any easier." Zaruba said as he had been around during the Witch Hunts. As much as the magical world may claim otherwise muggles had hunted and burned many Wizards and Witches forcing them into hiding.
Harry had only thought he would see something like this done by Death Eaters but not a trace of magic was seen in this place save for Alex. But a child could never do something like this without aid or reason which only left one other possibility. As Harry stood there, he clenched his fist rage building up in him over what he saw. He thought by leaving the Wizarding World he was done with the things such as this, but it would seem that even the mundane world has its hidden darkness.
But as he stood there Harry knew he was being watched but instead of letting those who were watching him know... he let them think he was unaware. Turning around Harry took his leave but as much as he wanted to bring these people to justice... he could not harm them. But it won't stop him from bringing in those who can put a stop to this.
(Meanwhile with Lucas)
"Thank you sorry for bothering you." Lucas said waving the people away as they were no help like the others. "Jeez not a single nibble." Lucas said with a sigh as he walked off again with his hands in his pockets.
"Zero, if you continue with this method certain parties, won't be pleased with your snooping." Silva said as she hung around Lucas' neck.
"Come now, Silva it's all for a worthy cause." Lucas said to the Madou Amulet as he continued to walk through the town. "After all the sooner we can find the source of the troubles the better this town will be for it." Lucas said while entering the alley way.
"Zero..." Silva warned as she sensed something just as Lucas got deep enough.
Knowing what it was Lucas sighed to this. "Hello there, Constable." Lucas began as he looked to the two officers standing behind him seemingly blocking his exit. "How can I be of assistance?" Lucas asked as the two officers walked forward while Lucas took note of the crosses, they had on them.
"Sir we've been receiving some reports from concern folks about your suspicious behavior." The man said as Lucas looked to them.
"Oh? And what about my actions that seem to be suspicious?" Lucas asked as he raised a brow to the men.
"Earlier today we had given a report of a young man such as yourself threatening three boys before proceeding to assault them." The police officer said and thus Lucas knew what this was. "Then we received reports of how you and your cohorts abducted the fourth boy and." He spoke as the way his voice spoke showed hate and his faced slowly turned into a sneer.
Then out of nowhere Lucas punched the officer in the face surprising his partner as he fell down with a bloody nose. "I tried the subtle way and what do I get?" Lucas began as he flexed his hand a bit. "The town sending its thugs to try and silence me." Lucas said and thus the second officer pulled out his piece.
"You were shot and killed resisting arrest!" He called out only for Lucas to kick the gun out of the police officer's hand with a spin kick. As it flew in the air his partner was getting back up only to find that same gun now in Lucas, hand and pointing at him. Lucas other hand was holding one of his swords as it pointed it at the guns former owner having both corrupt officers at weapon point.
"Now I'm going to ask you lot once, what happened to Alex's father?" Lucas asked and thus the police officer on the ground snarled.
"We don't need to tell anything to a sinful outsider like yourself." The police officer said and thus Lucas glared at him.
"Too bad for you, I'm getting those answers." Lucas began before dropping the gun and then doing a left sweep on one of the officers. he then grabbed the now falling officer and threw him down with his partner before pinning them both to the wall. "And lucky for me... I have ways of convincing pigs such as you two, into telling me what I want to know." Lucas said as he began to approach the duo ready to cause them some harm. The last thing anyone heard outside the alleyway was the sound of the two police officers crying out in pain accompanied by the sound of fist meeting flesh as well as pips hitting against something soft.
(Scene Break later that evening)
Hermione, Dora, Natalie, and Alex were seen exiting the mini mart with the ingredients for their meal this evening. As they walked out the mini mart Natalie stopped as she checked something. "Oh bugger, I forgot the apples." Natalie said as she then passed her bag over to Tonks. "Would you two be a couple of dears and take these and Alex home." Natalie said as she looked to them surprising them both.
"Um pardon but isn't it risky to trust us with your child after knowing us for only a day?" Tonks asked as something wasn't right while Hermione felt it as well.
"Personally, I trust the two of you more than those in this town..." Natalie said her voice trailing off for a bit. "I will pay you for your troubles I won't be but an hour at most." Natalie said and thus Hermione nodded to this.
"Of course, but Lucas and Harry will be by if you aren't back by then." Hermione said and thus Natalie smiled and nodded.
Natalie then looked down to Alex and smiled to him. "Now Alex be a good boy and mummy will be back real soon." Natalie said and thus Alex smiled and nodded to his mother.
"Right." Alex said and thus he went with Hermione and Tonks.
As the two left Natalie waved them off bidding the two witches farewell with her son. But that was when everything changed as her facial features soon began to grow from kind and welcoming to bored and angry. She then directed her attention to the Church in town and began to make her way there to deal with the biggest problem to her sons' safety.
(Meanwhile with Hermione and Tonks)
"You sure you should be driving?" Tonks asked the 17-year-old Makai Priestess.
"Worry not my father and instructor had both taught me to drive in case of emergencies." Hermione said as she drove the car with Tonks on the passenger seat.
Tonks wasn't all for it as they continue their drive to Natalie's house. "Yes but-." Tonks began just before Hermione slammed down on the breaks surprising Tonks. "BLOODY HELL!" She yelled only to note Hermione wide eyed as she then looked over to what Hermione was looking at.
Natalie's house was on fire as surrounding it were people throwing lit wine bottles onto it setting the home ablaze. "Alex get down." Hermione warned as she saw the house burning.
"What is it?" Alex asked only for Tonks to push him down to keep him from seeing his house was on fire and people fanning the blaze.
"Those animals." Hermione gasped and thus looked ready to go full reverse. At least until one of the towns people looked and shined a light on them.
"Hey it's them!" They called out and acting fast Hermione went full reverse and sped backwards with people giving chase. As this happened, she quickly made a U-Turn and drove off as people chased the car down on foot.
"Bloody Hell are Muggles really like this?!" Tonks asked horrified over what was happening. She was a half-blood and not once did she ever see something like this.
"No and frighteningly enough there are people like that." Hermione said as she drove off to find Natalie, Harry, and Lucas so they can get out of the town. Or in this case try and find the Makai Knights if her suspicions of Natalie were, to be trusted.
(Meanwhile at the Church)
As the hunt for the Makai Trio, Tonks, Natalie, and Alex continued outside the Priest was inside the Church behind the pulpit, his head lowered, and his eyes closed clearly praying. The Priest then opened his eyes when he heard the obvious sound of the doors opening. He lifted his head up to the doors just as they were closed shortly after. Now the building was dark and quiet hiding the evil that had been allowed into this tarnished holy place.
"Who is it, are the outsiders and that heretical family dead?" The Priest asked glaring at the door.
"No..." A female voice spoke as the sound of footsteps began approaching the man.
"Well, get back out there." The Priest ordered the unknown being. "These outsiders must die before they can leave this town with what they know." The Priest said as he had to ensure the safety and holiness of this town.
"Oh, don't you worry about that, father." Came the voice as soon Natalie walked forward surprising the corrupt priest.
"Natalie, why aren't you burning?" The Priest asked as he then saw Natalie holding something. She then tossed it to the ground and to the Priests Horror saw a decapitated head rolling to him one he recognized.
"You sent him to assault me did you not?" Natalie asked as she glared at the Priest. "After all, anything to kill a witch or a demon." Natalie said only for her mouth to split open with a demonic screech causing the Priest to cry out in terror.
"You... demon you cannot enter the house of God!" The Priest yelled as he saw the Horror approaching him.
"God is not here." Natalie said her voice now demonic as opposed to her normal tone. "This is an empty box." The woman said as she knew why this place was now empty. She saw how his hand was trembling and took a profound sense of pleasure from it.
"God is in all His churches." The Priest said clearly in shock over what he was seeing.
"Your God's love is not unconditional. He does not love we born of the Messiah, mother of all Horrors and he does not love you." Natalie said cutting the priest deep with her words.
"I have done his bidding. My life's work is in His name." The Priest snapped back defended his God and his loyalty to his god aggressively even though he was trembling.
"Your life's work makes Him puke." Natalie said as she was now in front of him and holding the Bible in her hand.
"I am the Priest my word is law!" He yelled as Natalie then opened the bible to a page in particular.
"Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. On that day many will say to me, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?' And then will I declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness." Natalie recited before closing the good lord's book. "Matthew 7:21-23 if I am correct." Natalie said to the terrified priest. "Your God knows that we wouldn't be here without you. This is all your fault, isn't it?" Natalie said as for the Priest he felt the walls have grown darker around him. "Endangering my child after killing my husband and then spreading such horrid tales of him was simply the water that broke the camel's back." Natalie said as the Priest was clearly fearful and in shock.
"You and your heretical views would have tainted and doomed this town I saved it!" He yelled and the Natalie scoffed to this.
"Lies? In your house of God?" Natalie taunted the priest as she prepared to consume him. "No wonder He has abandoned you." Natalie said and thus took a grip of the Priest face. Meanwhile outside the sound of tires screeching could be heard. "But fear now it will soon be over." She said as her mouth showed fangs now. "For soon you will be used to add to the many screaming masses who followed your sort to perform horrible deeds." Natalie said but before anything could be done wires shot out and grabbed Natalie by the neck before forcing her back. Once that was done the wires source was none other than Hermione as coming up behind her were Harry and Lucas.
"You dare!" Natalie roared in fury as she glared at the duo before her.
"Yes, we do!" Lucas said as they got the Horror away from the Priest.
"And after I welcomed you all into my home." Natalie said as she glared at them while she circled around the trio who circled around her in response. "Do you have any idea what this man and this blasted hellhole had caused for my family!?" Natalie demanded as she glared at the trio.
"This sorry excuse for a priest organized the death of your husband and allowed the town to systematically make both you and your sons lives miserable all because your husband tried to get help outside of town." Harry said as he figured that was the case. "But you knew that the same way you knew what was actually happening to your son, didn't you?" Harry asked as he felt nothing but pity for this woman consumed by her rage and grief.
Then with a snarl the woman attacked and it in turn became a three on one fight. They clashed for a moment before parting and as they parted the Horror landed first. She then jumped forward and in turn Hermione placed, a rune, on her back as the Witch turned Priestess spun around the Horror. Harry and Lucas then clashed with her and after a few hits put in the two Knights were knocked back.
Hermione using the chance activated the rune showing that it was an explosive rune. When it went off the Horror cried out in pain leaving herself open. Hermione then rejoined the fight and thus the three surrounded her. Seeing this the Horror spun around and jumped upward before landing on one of the pews of the church. After taking a moment to fix her hair she charged at Harry who stepped back and allowed Hermione to wrap the Horror's arm with her wires again.
While Hermione held the Horror in place Lucas charged in and gave a flying kick to the woman's chest sending her flying back away from the group. Natalie hit the wall and began struggling to get back up while glaring at her foes. The trio moved in on her and were ready to put an end to this and move on.
Natalie glared at the group and in turn opted to stand her ground. Rising up Natalie was heard breathing hard her rage reaching its apex and thus she knew it was time to stop holding back. In turn she let out a furious yet savage roar and thus her body blasted apart to reveal the monster hidden inside it. Her lower body was a massive snake tail as her upper body was only remotely close to a human one. Her arms were long, lengthy, and clawed as they even had blades on the actual limbs. Finally, her head was loss of any eyes as her hair had been replaced by snakes akin to medusa, with her maw was melded with her upper body just above her exposed breasts carrying a longue tongue that moved around demonically.
The blast had caused the trio to jump back and thus they got ready to fight the Horror. In response Harry and Lucas summoned their armor becoming Garo and Zero before taking a battle stance to face the Horror. With a shared roar Garo and Zero went into battle and began to attack the Horror who used her arms to fight back. When they got close their blades clashed with the Horror's arm blades causing both of them to struggle. Seeing them close the Horror lashed out her tongue and attacked forcing Garo and Zero to jump back away from the attack. The Horror moved to the center of the room and opting Garo and Zero to circle around it for an opening to use. Just then wire came forth an grabbed the Horror by the torso opting it to cut through the wires but giving Garo and Zero a chance to attack.
With the uses of their blades the two Makai Knights sent several attacks toward the Horror until she was forced back by the two. "Time to end this." Garo said as he approached the Horror before roaring out and attacking.
But just then seemingly out of nowhere Alex came forth and stood in Garo's way. "Stop!" Alex yelled and thus forced Garo to stop his attack shocked at what Alex was doing. "Leave my mother alone!" Alex called out as Garo was shocked to hear Alex knew about Natalie's current state.
In turn Garo and Zero reverted to Harry and Lucas as the two stood there in shock. "Alex that's not your mother anymore." Hermione tried to reason with the boy, but he would not listen.
"She had to become like this because of people like him!" Alex yelled glaring at the Priest. "Everyone here saw us as tainted and sinful mum had to become this after dad died to protect us from them!" Alex yelled as it was clear he and Natalie had both suffered here.
"Alex..." Lucas trailed off as he saw the kid was clearly hurting.
Acting fast Natalie in her Horror form went and grabbed Lucas and held him protectively before bashing through the wall and making her escape. "WAIT!" Harry called out but they were soon gone. From the hole Tonks walked out as she held her stomach and limped from where Alex had no doubt hit her to escape.
"Wotcher what just happened?" Dora asked and thus they all knew it was going to take a bit to explain everything.
Harry meanwhile stood their mind still racing from what he just saw and heard. Was darkness something that both sides of the wall had to deal with? Did he just leave one darkness and trade it out for another? Looking at his hand Harry focused and then ran to chase down Natalie and rescue Alex.
(Meanwhile with Alex and Natalie)
Once the Horror and Alex got far enough, they found themselves at the fire bit for burnings. "Mum." Alex said but Natalie's mind was elsewhere.
"I can't let them take you." Natalie mumbled to herself as Alex heard every words. "They can't protect you like I, can but they will keep coming for you." Natalie said as hunger was mixing with her desire to protect her offspring. "Running out of options, running out of time." Natalie ranted before looking to Alex.
"Mum?" He asked as he then noticed the look his mother had.
"Only one way to ensure you can be protected Alex." Natalie said as she approached her son.
Just then to his shock she grabbed him violently and began to lift him up. "Mum stop your hurting me!" Alex gasped as he was being held too tight.
"Don't worry baby mummy will protect you." The Horror said as she looked to Alex. "Let's become one, just like when I carried you, you'll be safe inside mummy forever." The Horror said and thus Alex saw her mouth widen and thus realized what was happening. His mother was about to eat him now and the fear of it all make Alex yell in terror causing his Obscurious to react and blast Natalie back forcing her to let go of Alex. As Alex fell to the ground Hermione appeared and grabbed him just as Natalie was getting back up.
"Alex are you ok?" Hermione asked as the Horror began to rise up again.
"Yes, but mum she..." Alex trailed off but Harry then stepped in.
"It's the nature of a Horror, to consume life especially the catalyst that brought them here." Harry said as he walked up to Alex and glared at the Horror. "Alex... right now your mother is suffering, and she needs to be put out of her misery... so I ask you... do I have your permission to end her suffering?" Harry asked as he looked away from Alex. "If not then we'll leave if so, then say it now!" Harry ordered and thus Alex had to ask.
"Ending her suffering you mean..." Alex asked and thus Harry nodded.
"Yes." Harry said and thus Alex knew what had to be done.
"Do it." Alex said and in turn Harry got ready once more. Raising the Garoken skyward Harry opened the portal and from it his armor came forth.
With a snarl Garo appeared and got ready for battle. The Horror seeing this roared out and attacked the Golden Knight. the two traded blows with each other before Garo performed a spin kick against the Horror. Garo continued his assault as he hacked and slashed at the Horror who tried to keep the Golden Knight at bay. Eventually Garo managed to sever one of the Horror's arms before ducking under its other attack. Once that was done Garo roared out and stabbed the Horror with the Garoken.
The Horror roared out in pain and went to the mound of burnt wood and in turn saw the corpse among the piles. The Horror paused and reached out with its remaining arm its left arm where the Wedding Band was seen. "Dearest." The Horror said as the wedding band shined with its twin on what remained of Natalie's husband.
Garo seeing the chance came in and thus came down severing the Horror in two. As Garo stood there, he glared at what remained of the Horror as it turned to dust and was sealed into the Garoken. After everything he saw this day, it was clear a long rest was in order for many. But first they had to ensure everything this night ends with justice being served.
(Scene Break 2 days later)
Two days was all it took for law enforcement to swarm the town and start making the arrests needed. They added Natalie as one of the victims of this hell hole and had Alex made to be missing for the time being. Overlooking the scene Harry, Lucas, Hermione, Dora, and Alex saw as SWAT Cars and Police were loading up many people into trucks to be transported to a secure jail. The local police office was shut down until it could be re-staffed, and the entire towns economy was facing a major crash cause of this. Even if some of them could get off it would be clear no one would ever forget their faces for years to come.
Hermione had set this off by contacting the local Watchdog who then contacted her own parties to ensure this would happen. And now as the conservative town was being swarmed it only left to question what was next. "So, what will you do now?" Tonks asked as she looked to the group.
"First we take Alex and head to our destination." Harry said as he looked to Alex. "Next we get the Obscurious out of him." Harry went of listing off their plans. "And then we continue the hunt." Harry said knowing that there were still at least 6 Horcrux's in play.
"If you want, we can give you a ride, but I suspect that." Lucas began but Dora shrugged him off.
"Don't worry I already sent my report in and also I have a few vacation days I can use." Tonks said and thus made it clear she was coming along.
"Well then I suppose we best move before they see us." Hermione said and thus with a nod they all loaded up into the car after they put what few belongings of Alex they could secure into the trunk of the car. Once that was done, they drove off to get to their next destination. As the group drove off to their destination, they were unaware of the machinations well in motion within the shadows.
(Scene Break Hidden Location)
The male figure sat in the darkness as he was nursing a cup of wine. As he sat there the woman approached him with her latest report. "Well?" The man asked with a bored tone.
"We've located him shall I prepare an assault on his, 'fortress,' of bigotry?" The woman asked and thus the man sighed.
"Yes, but do not make a move until I allow it." He said as he then looked to the distance. With a bow she took her leave and thus the man went back to enjoying his solitude. "Now then 'Dark Lord,' you will soon learn who truly holds the power in this world." The man said and thus went back to joyous silence and solitude. His plans would reach fruition even if he must rend this world asunder to do so. Voldemort's uses were coming to an end and soon order will reign supreme upon a new world with a shining future. The only obstacle to stand in his way that was left was the legendary Golden Knight himself, Garo.
(TBC)
ESKK: Well, here we go another chapter off the docket. I hope you all enjoyed it and will join us for the next one. So, until then be sure to leave a review before leaving and as always, I will once more be saying, ja-ne.