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The alarm signal interrupted the noise and fun of the Hogwarts students. Everyone rushed to the walls of the castle and watched in horror the procession that came from the direction of the forbidden forest.

Wendigo! Someone shouted in horror and the castle began to prepare for defense.

Everyone quickly ran out into the street and stood in battle formation.

Meanwhile, Lewis and his servants entered the Hogwarts courtyard.

I come in peace, Lewis growled, standing in front of his people. Can I talk to Dumbledore?

The surprised students looked at each other, each asking the other what it meant.

Dumbledore stepped forward in front of the students. He looked boldly into Prothero's eyes.

We need to talk, director, Lewis bowed slightly. Is this possible?

Albus nodded and motioned for Lewis to follow him. The disciples looked fearfully at Lewis's people, and they looked at them with distrust...

Once in the headmaster's office, Lewis sat down opposite the desk and looked at Albus .
-Where's Kingsley? I want to talk to him too, Lewis purred softly.

Behind Dumbledore, a green flame appeared in the fireplace and the Minister of Magic, Kingsley Shakalbot, gracefully stepped out of it. At the sight of Prothero, he tensed.

Minister, Lewis s playful bow made it clear to Kingsley that Lewis was in a good mood.

-So, what did you want to talk about, Lewis? You interrupted me from the lighting of the Christmas tree at the ministry, said the Minister.

I offer you a Christmas truce, Lewis went to the main point.

Both the Director and Kingsley looked at each other... Truce... with the Death Eaters...

-What's the catch? Dumbledore raised an eyebrow.

-No trick. From midnight on December 20 until the morning of January 9, we will cease all hostilities. Not kidnappings. No murders. No rituals in honor of the Darkness. I don't touch the students, you don't touch my people. It s simple, Lewis purred. - The second magical war has been going on for three years. It's time for us to pause.

And your people won t regroup, look for supporters and gather forces towards London and Hogwarts? Albus, like Kingsley, did not trust Lewis.

He knew perfectly well who was in front of him. During the Dark Lord's time, Voldemort's rare crime was accomplished without Lewis Prothero. Cruel, cunning, bloodthirsty and having no restrictions, Prothero created for himself the reputation of a bloodthirsty fanatic.

But now he asked for peace. Now Lewis behaved like a king and behaved calmly.

-For any violation of the terms of the truce, I will punish my people. I will punish you very harshly. I demand the same from you, Lewis growled.

The magicians looked at each other. Isn't there a catch here? Dumbledore looked into Lewis's eyes, searching for even the slightest hint of lies in his words. But no, he wasn't there. There was confidence and honesty in Lewis's eyes.

- We accept your terms. Lord Lewis, he exhaled after ten minutes of reflection. -But if you violate the terms...

I will have business and pleasant troubles... If they violate the conditions, then only my bastards, but woe to every fanged hunter who dares to do this, Prothero growled, in the tone of a hungry cannibal who wants fresh meat.

After listening to Lewis, Kingsley left, leaving the director alone with Lewis.

Lewis, Albus began softly, adjusting his half s glasses. May I know the reason for your proposal?

Prothero looked down. He is not used to sharing his feelings with others.

She s black-haired, rude to Snape and loves fashion? the director guessed.

Lewis winced.

How? the Dark Lord growled incomprehensibly.

-We have seen for a long time that something is wrong with the girl. I asked Severus to talk to her. She told him everything. My advice to you: don't believe what Voldemort told you. If you have to choose between love and hate, then always choose love, the Director smiled.

Lewis remained silent. But deep down he knew that the director was right.
***

Elena stood in front of the window and watched the snow fall quietly. Truce with the Eaters... She sincerely believed that this was impossible... She hated these cannibals with all her heart... Truce... Something is wrong here for a reason... Lewis would not agree to this without good reason... What is this?

Trap or gesture of goodwill?

The girl conjured some coffee for herself and suddenly noticed Lewis s silhouette in the window opposite her. He looked at her continuously and smiled. There was no threat or wildness in his smile... It was soft and very warm.

Like the coffee she drank.

After taking a sip, the girl smiled awkwardly at him and waved her hand. Lewis did the same. And for the first time since entering the magical world, Elena s soul began to hope that she could accept and understand the world of Prothero.