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Chapter not corrected (sorry). If someone want to help me ...
Chapter 40: The Dagger
They went up each step separating them from what they had learned to be: Merlin Prison. Nobody really knew before what they would be. When they arrived, from the outside, this balcony did not seem trivial except for the tree that was there. It is true that seeing a gigantic tree on a balcony of a castle had attracted their attention. That's exactly what they saw once they got there. The people of Storybrooke and Remus, Sirius and Hermione looked at each other without really understanding.
- Here we are. Exclaimed Arthur.
- I beg your pardon? Why are we here?
Regina had just stated the question that everyone was asking at this moment. Nothing was present except this tree.
- This, he said, pointing to the tree, is Merlin's prison. A long time ago now: he was imprisoned inside. It is said that only the Saviour can free him from his curse.
All eyes were on Emma, who was speechless. She was still discovering her own magic so defeating curses, especially of this magnitude, did not seem to be in her strings. Regina nodded in her direction, she too was aware that the blonde was still too novice in this matter that its power alone isn't sufficient.
- Can you leave us a moment, your Majesty? We will have to understand how to break this magic.
Arthur nodded. He left two knights at the disposal of the group before retiring, proud to announce to his people that the great magician would be back soon. He kept in mind that he had felt a strong power emanating from the piece of Excalibur he possessed. The arrival of these strangers and the saviour could not be a mere coincidence.
- And now? Hook questioned.
- I think we're both aware that you don't have enough experience with magic to undo that, do you? Regina asked Emma.
The young woman nodded her yes.
- In that case, said the ex-Queen, we must find another way to free Merlin. He might be able to remove Darkness from Hermione's body. It's worth trying our luck.
Remus then examined the tree with his wand, he was best placed according to Hermione to find a solution to all this. Yet the wizard remained unanswered, this magic was totally unknown to him and he thought that trying something with his wand could do more harm than good. It was a moment before another proposal was made. Sirius, Ruby and Hook ended up sitting on the floor waiting. Henry did not leave Hermione for a second, as did Robin with Regina.
- And if we combined the magic? Emma suggested.
- That of our world and that of theirs? Regina asked, referring to the magic of Sirius and Remus compared to her own.
- No, said the blonde, black magic and white magic. My magic alone may not be powerful enough to help but to combine with another power like black magic to compensate, it could work.
- I see Miss Swan that you have listened very well to the few lessons I gave you, laughs Regina.
They laughed rather quickly before understanding that it implied that someone was using black magic for the plan to work. Hermione knew it was up to her to do it, she was the most powerful right now, especially for all things dark magic.
- I will do it! Regina said.
- No way, almost shouted Hermione, think about the baby! We do not know what black magic could have effect on her.
- Totally agree with her. You must think for two now my Queen. We all know that you would be the first to help, but here you have to sit back. Robin finishes.
The brunette growled in discontent but she knew full well that they were all right. Instinctively, she ran her hand over her belly before sighing. They did not have time to debate any longer because Arthur came back to tell them that a big ball was going to be given in their names and in honour of the arrival of the Saviour.
The group then split in two: women on one side and men on the other. It was the perfect time for Regina to get closer to Hermione for moments she could not really live. A ball at Storybrooke was nothing compared to a real ball in a castle after all.
- Could we have a little briefing on what's going to happen tonight? Sirius questioned.
This little remark made Robin, Henry and even Hook laugh, who had completely forgotten that the two wizards were not familiar with this kind of event either.
- If it reassures you both, Hook began, I'm not used to being invited to these balls too. Just enjoy the beautiful young ladies and the buffet.
- Have you ever attended balls at Hogwarts, right? Henry asked.
- In what could be compared to another life, yes. Remus clarified.
- In that case, gentlemen, do not worry. As the pirate said, if you do not like to dance, just enjoy the evening.
The two wizards smiled and prepared themselves very conscientiously following the advice that could be given to them. For her part, Hermione found herself a little alone with her mother. The young witch had a very specific thing in mind since their reunion. She pulled out the dagger that she had recovered just so soon before and handed it to her mother who was at first more than surprised.
- What do you want from me?
- I want you to keep it. I know you will never abuse it power and you are the only one who knows black magic well enough to understand the stakes of this dagger.
Her mother then took her in her arms before carefully storing the object of which she made the internal promise to watch until her death. Once ready, all the women reached the top of the stairs before descending to the amazed gaze of all.