Chapter 98. Days of an Unwanted Future

The dawn was just breaking, but a whole flock of owls had already gathered on Privet Drive. They were flapping around the windows, pecking at the glass with their beaks and hooting, demanding to be let in.

Harry and Dudley, who hadn't slept all night after the shocking news on television, jumped up and rushed to open the windows. The owls filled the room, flapping their wings and dropping envelopes right on top of their heads.

Harry frantically gathered the letters, tearing open the envelopes with hands shaking from excitement. Hermione had sent a whole scroll written in a neat, precise handwriting. She analyzed the situation in detail, suggesting that this could not be the real King Arthur, and therefore something extremely suspicious was happening.

Meanwhile, Ron was panicking about the chaos at the Ministry, insisting that Harry immediately come to the Burrow.

Sirius had sent a note that read in bold letters:

Harry, don't stick your neck out! Wait for me by the fireplace tonight!

Meanwhile, Dudley was catching owls and stuffing treats into their beaks to try to calm down the frenzied flock.

"We need to go through these letters quickly and figure out what to do next!" Harry said, tearing open another envelope. Each letter only increased the confusion and worry that consumed him.

In the morning, Harry received a strange note that seemed to be encrypted. As he studied it, he realized it was from Draco Malfoy. But he couldn't decipher the symbols on his own.

Harry decided to show the note to Kurisu and Okabe. These young geniuses would surely be able to crack the code.

A few minutes later, Makise and Okabe were already studying the strange symbols.

"Oh, this is a simple Caesar cipher with a key of 3! We can easily break it," Kurisu confidently said.

Within a minute, Draco's message was deciphered. Harry was relieved to learn that Snape and Semiramis were acting secretly and not arousing suspicions from the Dark Lord. Although the situation was complicated, there were allies within the enemy's ranks.

Harry thanked his friends for their help and silently rejoiced in having such reliable and intelligent comrades to rely on.

Then came a long letter from Mash Kyrielight. She expressed concern and suggested meeting as soon as possible to discuss further actions. Mash also shared with Harry the latest news she had heard from other members of Dumbledore's Army.

A letter from Cedric Diggory indicated that the Hogwarts students were ready to unite against Voldemort. Cedric asked for urgent contact.

Ritsuka Fujimaru sent a short message asking to meet and discuss the current situation.

Finally, Harry received a note from Neville with information from the Order of the Phoenix about the Death Eaters' plans.

Harry frantically pondered, trying to decide his next steps. Keeping a clear mind was becoming increasingly difficult.

After a tense morning of receiving a stream of letters, Harry, Dudley, and the others descended to the kitchen to rest and refresh themselves. Aunt Petunia had just finished preparing lunch and was setting the table.

Seated at the table were Harry, Dudley, Arthur, Aunt Petunia, Uncle Vernon, as well as Makise and Okabe.

Aunt Petunia turned on the TV in the kitchen so they could all watch the news during lunch.

"We interrupt for an emergency news broadcast with the latest details on the situation surrounding King Arthur," the announcer declared.

On the screen, footage from a press conference was shown. King Arthur spoke calmly and thoughtfully, avoiding making rash statements in support of questionable individuals.

The screen showed how journalists surrounded the king with microphones and cameras.

"Your Majesty, how do you comment on the appointment of Thomas Riddle as Prime Minister?" asked one of the reporters.

"I am confident that Mr. Riddle possesses all the qualities to lead the government in such a challenging time," Arthur diplomatically replied.

"But don't his ties to radical groups raise concerns?" persisted the journalist.

"Until there is evidence of his involvement in any illegal activities, it's best not to prematurely judge a person based solely on rumors," Arthur firmly countered.

With his skillful evasion of direct accusations against Voldemort, he neither openly supported him nor condemned him. Helen couldn't help but admire his diplomacy and composure.

"Well, it seems the king is keeping his composure in this situation," Uncle Vernon nodded approvingly.

The announcer then moved on to comments from experts and political analysts.

Professor of history, Jonathan Smith, expressed concerns:

"Appointing such a controversial figure as Thomas Riddle to the position of prime minister could lead to social tensions and conflicts."

Political commentator, Maria Rossi, agreed:

"This move is perceived by many as an attempt by radical forces to seize power. Protests and civil disobedience cannot be ruled out."

Security expert, Christopher Higgins, issued a warning:

"It is now more important than ever to remain vigilant and not succumb to the provocations of those trying to sow chaos and destabilize the situation."

Helen listened to their worried speeches with an impassive expression, even though deep down she understood that the situation could indeed spiral out of control.

Harry and Dudley exchanged concerned glances. Helen, however, remained unperturbed, calmly sipping her tea with milk.

"I'm afraid we're heading into difficult times," Aunt Petunia sighed, turning off the television after the end of the news broadcast.

Silence fell for a while as everyone processed what they had heard.

Finally, Kurisu, who had been carefully analyzing the information, spoke up:

"It seems the appointment of this Thomas Riddle was a carefully planned move. Let us not forget that just the day before, King Arthur disappeared under mysterious circumstances, only to return yesterday evening and make such a fateful choice. This Riddle, whom everyone calls Voldemort and fears like fire, clearly enjoys the support of influential figures at court. And his radical views are just a cover for seizing power."

"Do you think he will succeed in establishing a totalitarian regime?" Okabe asked.

"Quite likely. Considering the current balance of power and public sentiment, it's doubtful whether the opposition can effectively resist him," Kurisu replied.

Her words made Harry and the others take the situation even more seriously. After Kurisu's words, silence descended upon them. All eyes turned to Helen, as if expecting this mysterious girl to say something important.

"Elen, you were in the royal entourage during those dramatic events. How do you assess what is happening?" Rintaro asked gently.

Elen sighed and spoke in a soft yet resolute voice:

"I believe that King Arthur only wishes good for this country and its people. But sometimes wise rulers are forced to make difficult compromises for the sake of the people's well-being. Though there may be times when darkness seems impenetrable, I know that light and goodness will ultimately prevail."

Her words sounded like a guiding principle and a beacon of hope for everyone present. Harry and the others felt that, despite everything, they were not alone in this battle. Yet still, Harry hesitated.

"But it's all a forgery! Can't you see that?" He exclaimed.

She briefly lowered her gaze, and when she raised it again, she appeared utterly unruffled, like a rocky cliff facing a tsunami.

"Betrayal, cowardice, and deception are all around," she whispered in a barely audible voice, but her words reached everyone.

These words struck into their souls and hearts. They felt how deep these words were, and their minds desperately searched for an answer to the question of all the meanings that Elena had invested in them, and at the same time realized that they did not need a complete answer to this question. Everyone in this room, each of them shared this opinion. Their hearts trembled in anticipation of the upcoming events shrouded in the veil of unknown, and each of them understood what they should prepare for.

Harry curiously looked at Okabe and Kurisu, who had recently returned from a mysterious trip.

"Well, have you figured out how to fix the situation?" Harry impatiently asked.

"Hehe, of course!" Okabe exclaimed joyfully, winking at Harry. "We have something special in mind!"

Kurisu frowned slightly, looking at her energetic partner.

"Don't get their hopes up too soon, Okabe-san. We're not sure yet if it will work."

"Oh, nonsense!" he waved her off. "I've successfully made hundreds of time leaps, so why not now?"

Elen squinted, looking at the strange pair.

"What are you talking about? What time leaps?"

Kurisu sighed.

"We're talking about our time machine. We've already prepared it, the question is just where and when to go to make things right."

Aunt Petunia choked on her tea from surprise. Uncle Vernon furrowed his brows in bewilderment.

"A time machine? What nonsense," he grumbled under his breath.

"Wait... seriously?" Dudley exclaimed in amazement. "Does that thing really work?"

"Of course!" Okabe nodded confidently. "I've made hundreds of leaps into the past when I needed to prevent... an unpleasant event in our world. So it's just a matter of choosing the right coordinates!"

Kurisu looked thoughtfully at him.

"The question is, will it work as well here. We ended up in this world because of some anomaly. But maybe it's worth the risk. We don't have any other options."

"What unpleasant event?" aunt Petunia murmured in horror.

"Well, one thing..." Kurisu hesitated, but then found her words. "But it's already been resolved and isn't worth attention."

Elen furrowed her brows slightly, contemplating what she had heard.

"So, to prevent this unpleasant event in your world, you had to make hundreds of time leaps?," she cautiously asked. "So it was not something serious, if it was solved in such a simple way. It seems to be a trivial matter, not worth much attention."

Elena spoke in a neutral tone, though a slight confusion could be read in the depths of her eyes. She clearly doubted the insignificance of that unpleasant event, if it could be "easily" fixed, even if it required many attempts. But she softened and asked a completely different question.

"And what is this Hououin Kyoma?"

Okabe smiled broadly.

"Hououin Kyouma is a fictional character, a mad scientist. Once, my friend Mayuri was very sad because of her grandmother's death. I really wanted to cheer her up.

Okabe's face darkened for a moment.

"By that time, I already knew what it was like to lose loved ones. And I didn't want Mayuri to go through it alone.

He shook his head, as if shaking off sad thoughts, and continued:

"That's when I remembered the story of this eccentric Hououin Kyouma. How he desperately fought to save the world, but was never understood by anyone. I thought this story would be suitable."

A cunning smile played on Okabe's lips.

"I put on a lab coat and glasses, burst into Mayuri's room, and loudly declared, 'From now on, I am the great Hououin Kyouma! And you are my hostage!'"

Kurisu chuckled softly, remembering that scene.

"And Mayuri really liked it," Okabe continued. "She immediately joined the game. Since then, that nickname stuck to me."

He smiled condescendingly.

"Actually, sometimes I feel like this Hououin Kyouma myself - a mad scientist whom no one understands."

Okabe and Kurisu exchanged glances and laughed, recalling their adventures. Elene also smiled, enjoying listening to this story and seeing the memories of her new friends come to life.

Kurisu silently stared out the window, lost in memories. Elene and Okabe patiently waited, not wanting to interrupt the flow of her thoughts.

Finally, Kurisu spoke quietly, still looking out the window:

"I met you once, Okabe-kun. You were very young back then."

Okabe furrowed his brow, trying to remember.

"We talked for a few minutes. I told you a story... about a man who desperately tried to save the world."

A sad smile touched Kurisu's lips.

"You believed in it so strongly, Okabe-kun. And it gave you strength to keep going."

She paused, then added softly:

"I really wish that this belief in you never fades."

Kurisu turned to Okabe and gently smiled. He silently looked at her, his eyes revealing a multitude of unspoken emotions. They simply sat there for a while, looking at each other and understanding everything that was in their hearts without words. Elene watched them silently, hesitant to interrupt this moment. Eventually, Okabe quietly said:

"Thank you. For everything."

And they didn't need to say anything else.

***1

The green tongues of flame in the fireplace flared brightly, and Sirius Black emerged from them, brushing ash off his cloak. His long dark hair was tied back, and his gray eyes sparkled with joy at the sight of his godson.

"Harry, my boy!" he exclaimed, opening his arms. Harry rushed to him, and they embraced tightly.

"Sirius, I'm so glad to see you," whispered Harry, feeling warmth spreading in his chest - his godfather, the only family he had left, was there with him.

Sirius stepped back and looked intently at Harry.

"We need to talk, godson. We don't have much time, the situation is critical."

His voice was tense and grave. Harry nodded and gestured towards the couch. They sat down, never taking their eyes off each other.

"Have you heard the latest news?" Sirius asked grimly. "He-who-must-not-be-named has seized power. He's become the Prime Minister, even though that scoundrel should be rotting in Azkaban!"

Sirius clenched his fists in anger. Harry placed a hand on his shoulder.

"We won't let him win, godfather. We will fight."

His green eyes blazed with determination behind his glasses. Sirius smiled proudly at his brave godson. Harry stood up and paced the living room.

"Sirius, I can't just abandon my friends and hide somewhere safe. We need to act!" Harry said resolutely.

"I understand, godson. But right now, the most important thing is to keep you alive. If something happens to you, all hope is lost," Sirius looked at Harry doubtfully.

"What about Dudley and our friends? They've already fought against the Death Eaters. And that girl Elen, who was given to us by the Prime Minister? We can't abandon them either! Sirius, we can gather Dumbledore's Army! Last time we managed to teach students real combat spells right under Umbridge's nose. I'm sure many former members would happily return to our ranks!" Harry enthusiastically offered.

"That's a great idea, Harry! And we can coordinate the actions of the Army with the Order of the Phoenix. We'll have a chance to resist Voldemort and the Death Eaters while the Ministry is not fully under his control yet."

Harry and Sirius exchanged determined looks. They would find a way to fight, using the resources and allies they already had. Together, victory was possible!

"Sirius, what's happening right now at the Ministry? Is Fudge still the Minister?" Harry asked.

"For now, yes, but his position is shaky. The Dark Lord has placed his people in key positions there. I've heard Scrimgeour is trying to gather his loyal allies in case Fudge is ousted."

"What about the Muggles? They're also in danger!"

"The Muggles are already aware that their government has been taken over, and He-who-must-not-be-named has become the Prime Minister. Of course, they're in shock and panic. There's probably an emergency discussion going on in parliament right now about how to respond. But Muggles stand no chance against the Death Eaters' magic. They could try to organize resistance, but without our help, they have little hope. That's why it's so important for us to unite with them before it's too late. We need to use all our resources to stop the Dark Lord. Harry, I can't express how proud I am of you!" Sirius squeezed his godson's shoulder and looked him in the eyes. "You have proven time and again that you can lead and inspire people. I'm sure Dumbledore's Army will gladly follow you once again!"

Harry modestly smiled in response to his godfather's praise.

"By the way, about that girl Elen the Prime Minister gave us," Sirius continued thoughtfully. "I would like to meet her. I have a feeling she's not just an ordinary girl. Call her in, will you?"

"Good idea, Sirius!" Harry nodded and headed to the door to call Elen. Who is she, and why is she so important? The answer could guide their next steps in the fight against Voldemort.

A minute later, Elen walked into the living room. She was dressed in her usual crimson dress, her golden hair neatly braided. Sirius looked surprised at the delicate girl – there was a hidden strength about her.

"Hello, Mr. Black," Elen greeted. "Harry said you wanted to see me."

Her voice was soft, but there were authoritative notes in it.

"Yes, miss… Elen, right? I'm Sirius, Harry's godfather," he introduced himself, extending his hand for a handshake. "You surely understand the danger you are in right now. Can you tell us something about yourself and why the Prime Minister entrusted Harry to you?"

Elen paused for a moment.

"I understand your concerns, Sirius. But unfortunately, I can't reveal all my cards. Trust me, I am on your side in this fight."

Harry and Sirius exchanged looks. It was clear that Elen was hiding an important secret. But it seemed that they would have to trust her if they wanted to win…

***2

Dudley woke up to the bright rays of the sun shining through the undrawn curtains. Koyanskaya was sitting in a chair next to him, engrossed in reading some ancient book.

"Good morning," Dudley greeted her, stretching.

Koyanskaya raised her eyes from the book and smiled lightly.

"Good morning, Master. How did you sleep?"

"Not bad, thank you. What are you reading?" Dudley nodded towards the book.

"Oh, it's a collection of prophecies by an Irish seer from the 15th century. Very intriguing stuff, especially considering recent events," Koyanskaya vaguely replied.

"You mean the return of King Arthur? And what prophecies are there?"

"In general, predictions about Arthur's triumphant return in a time of great danger for Britain. However, there are a couple of interesting details… For example, the mention that beside the king will be not just a beautiful maiden, but specifically Queen Guinevere."

Dudley scratched his chin thoughtfully.

"Well, if this Elen is indeed the real Guinevere, then it makes sense why the Prime Minister entrusted her to us for protection. Something fishy is going on here…"

"I agree, too many oddities," Koyanskaya nodded. "However, Voldemort has his reasons for keeping the king under control. Guinevere clearly poses a threat to his plans."

"Although, you know… I have another theory about Helen," Dudley pondered.

"What is it?" Koyanskaya asked curiously.

"Well, we know that every Hero must have a Master - someone who gives them strength. So, what if Helen is actually the Master of the real King Arthur? And she is helping him control the Round Table and the knights?"

Koyanskaya furrowed her brow slightly, considering his words.

"Hmm, that actually makes sense… It would explain why Voldemort sees her as a threat. By removing the Master, he would deprive Arthur of magical support. Very cunning on his part!"

She looked thoughtfully out the window, where the silhouette of Big Ben could be seen.

"You know, Dudley... it seems like you and I have an important role to play in the upcoming events of this new Arthurian era. And a lot will depend on our actions."

After a brief pause, Koyanskaya turned her gaze back towards Dudley.

"Although, you know... remembering the king's appearance yesterday, I strongly doubt that Elen still remains his Master," Koyanskaya mused.

"What do you mean?" Dudley didn't understand. "What does his armor have to do with it?"

"Didn't you notice their color?" Koyanskaya asked in surprise. "When we saw Arthur last time, they were silver. And now they're black as coal."

Dudley frowned, starting to understand her point.

"So... he was somehow defiled?" he asked.

"Exactly," Koyanskaya nodded. "This means that the real King Arthur is either dead or has fallen under someone's evil influence. And that is a whole different story..."

She fell silent again, looking out the window and drumming her fingers on the table.

"I'm afraid we will have to unravel a very tangled knot of intrigues and magical rituals. And there will be many sacrifices from both sides. Are you ready for this, Master?"

Dudley thoughtfully scratched his head. His powerful figure, honed by years of training, shifted under his t-shirt. He abruptly got up from the bed, walked to the window. His bright blue eyes focused on the horizon.

"I'm not afraid to shed blood for the right cause," he finally said slowly, clenching his fists. "If I have to fight - I will fight. For the peace of this country, for all the innocent people. And for Harry, in the end... he is my friend and almost a brother."

Dudley turned sharply to Koyanskaya, and the sunbeams ignited flashes in his short light hair.

"I am ready. Are you with me on this? Or would you prefer to stay in the shadows?"

Koyanskaya gracefully stood up, smoothed the folds of her long dress. Her scarlet cloak flared up, reflecting the purple highlights of the dawn. She smiled slightly and tilted her head, looking straight into Dudley's eyes with her foxy eyes.

"Can a Servant leave their Master? My fate is now inseparably linked to yours. And I too will fight for what I believe is right. Shoulder to shoulder with you, Master."

Koyanskaya reached out her hand for a handshake. Dudley firmly clasped her hand in agreement and brotherhood in arms.

"And may our alliance mark the beginning of a great legend that will go down in the annals of history!" Koyanskaya solemnly stated, her eyes sparkling with the excitement of the impending battle.

Dudley clenched his fist and nodded confidently. The fire of determination blazed in his eyes.

"Down with prophecies! We forge our own destiny! And may Merlin help those who stand in our way!"

A great adventure awaited them. And no one knew how it would end...