CHAPTER 2, BETWEEN THE SHADOWS OF THE PAST AND HOPE
Ernesto awoke with a start, scared and somewhat disoriented. He found himself lying on a battered bed, breathing heavily, his heart pounding. After a few moments, he lay back, trying to reflect on what he had just experienced. Slowly, he realized it had all been a nightmare.
He lives in a dusty, cluttered shack in an arid, desert-like area. His appearance reflected the ravages of time and past battles: a long, greasy beard, disheveled and mostly gray hair, and scars marking his body. As he got out of bed, the creaking of his bones, worn by the years, could be heard. The room was infested with insects, and dust covered every corner.
With effort, he sat up in bed and opened the drawer of the nightstand beside him, taking out a small bottle of whiskey and downing what remained in one gulp. Then, he finally got up, placing his prosthetic silver metal hand on his left stump and adjusting his patch over his right eye. He had lost those limbs in an old battle, witnesses to more extreme times.
Afterward, he opened a small dusty chest he kept under the bed. His arms trembled slightly, perhaps due to some physical or emotional ailment. He took out an old photograph of his graduation from Hogwarts with his former gang, but the image was so worn that the faces were barely distinguishable. He also found other objects from his past: a dusty trophy from the All-Wizards Tournament, a yellowed article from The Quibbler profiling him, and the heart-shaped locket Penny had given him on a date, now rusted and covered in tarnish.
That chest was a relic of The Noble and Most Ancient House of Black, a gift from Andromeda and Nymphadora Tonks to Ernesto many years ago during a banquet celebrating Hogwarts' anniversary. It had previously belonged to the Black sisters: Andromeda, Narcissa, and Bellatrix, who had kept their most treasured items in it during their years at Hogwarts. Now, it served to hold Ernesto's memories.
After a moment of contemplation, he stored the items back in the chest and hid it under the bed again. Slowly, he went to fetch his wand, which now showed signs of time and use, splintered and slightly burnt, but still a faithful companion of his days.
Ernesto dressed in a yellowed shirt and left his room, ready to face the day ahead. Sunlight streamed through the cracks in the windows of his humble abode, promising a new day, although the past still haunted the corners of his mind.
Ernesto had a small breakfast, consisting of a piece of hard bread, butter, and some orange juice, the only things available to him at that moment. As he ate, he heard a loud growl from outside his house, startling him. "I'm coming, I'm coming," he said to himself as he hurried to finish his meager breakfast.
He ran out of the shack and headed towards a stable in his yard. Inside the stable was a majestic Hungarian Horntail dragon, chained with strong metal chains. The dragon looked as old as Ernesto, and it was evident that it suffered from malnutrition. Ernesto promised aloud that he would soon feed him, then opened a door leading to a dark basement beneath the stable.
Using his wand, he levitated enormous raw beef steaks and guided them towards the dragon's mouth.
—I'm sorry, Leviathan, I know you were hungry. It won't happen again —he said as the dragon hungrily devoured the meat he offered.
Ernesto stayed for a few moments, watching the dragon eat, feeling a mix of compassion and concern for his creature. After ensuring the dragon was satisfied, he returned to his shack to continue his day.
Despite the appearance of the desolate and dirty shack, Ernesto maintained a peculiar kind of order. Determined to keep his surroundings as habitable as possible, he began cleaning, sweeping away the dust and trying to shoo away the insects invading his space. He then used the Scouring Charm, Scourgify, to clean his dining table, which was already beginning to get infested with Bundimuns.
After cleaning the shack as best he could, Ernesto checked his provisions. He examined his meager food supplies, ensuring they were enough to survive another day in that inhospitable place. Realizing he needed to stock up on more supplies, he decided to head to the market of a small magical town located in the desert, about twenty kilometers away from his shack.
Aware of the dangers of the scorching sun, he covered himself with a black hood to protect himself from the heat. He took a small bag with Galleons, Sickles, and Knuts, then headed to the stable where Leviathan, his loyal companion, slept, and woke him carefully.
He mounted the dragon and used the Revulsion Jinx, Relashio, to free him from the thick metal chains that bound him. Together, they took flight towards the town, traversing the arid desert landscape.
Upon arriving at the town, Ernesto attracted the attention of many inhabitants who watched him descend from the imposing dragon. Some were intimidated by his presence, while others murmured among themselves with curiosity. Ernesto went straight to a meat stall and, without beating around the bush, asked the vendor about the prices, expressing his hope that there had been no inflation, as his resources were limited.
—How much for the meat? —Ernesto asked in a serious tone.
The vendor, a sweaty and nervous-looking man, eyed him cautiously before responding.
—Good morning, sir. What can I offer you? —the vendor asked nervously.
—You heard me. How much for the meat? —Ernesto said, raising his voice slightly.
The vendor swallowed hard, feeling uneasy at the firmness in Ernesto's voice.
—Well, you see, prices have gone up lately due to—
—Prices have gone up again? Why is there inflation this time? —Ernesto interrupted.
The vendor scratched his neck, searching for the right words to explain the situation.
—Well, you see, with the recent bandit and extortionist attacks on the town, the cost of goods has risen considerably —the vendor said nervously, his voice faltering.
—I see. How much? —Ernesto insisted, his cold gaze fixed on the vendor.
—Three Galleons per pound of meat, sir, —the vendor informed Ernesto.
—Three Galleons? Don't you have anything cheaper? —Ernesto inquired, his tone clearly expressing his dissatisfaction.
The vendor scratched his head nervously, trying to find a response.
—I'm sorry, sir. This is the current price. There's nothing I can do about it —he replied with a hint of resignation in his voice.
Ernesto frowned, displeased by the response but knowing he couldn't change the situation.
—Fine. Give me two kilos, then, —he finally said, with a look of dissatisfaction on his face.
The vendor nodded quickly and began packing the requested meat while Ernesto paid with a grim expression. Ernesto took the meat packages and placed them in his bag. However, something in the vendor's words had piqued his interest.
—So —Ernesto said, stopping the vendor before he could move away —you mentioned something about extortionist attacks on the town?
The vendor nodded nervously, surprised by Ernesto's sudden change in tone.
—Y-yes, sir. There have been several incidents in recent weeks. They've taken our supplies and have been demanding money in exchange for protection —the vendor explained, his voice a mix of fear and resentment.
—Do you know who they are? Where they are? —Ernesto asked, a determined gleam in his eyes.
—We're not sure, sir. They're clever and keep their identities secret. But it's rumored they have a hideout on the outskirts of town, and they usually come to town between 8 PM and midnight —he responded, nervous about being involved in the conversation.
Ernesto listened intently to the vendor's words, his expression hardening at the thought of criminals lurking in the town.
—Interesting —Ernesto murmured, a note of determination in his voice —And what about these rumors? Any clues about who might be behind these acts?
The vendor bit his lower lip, aware that he was sharing sensitive information.
—There are all sorts of speculations, sir. Some say they're outlaws looking to 'make a living,' others believe they're former Death Eaters who somehow managed to evade capture after the Second Wizarding War and have now turned into looters and extortionists, seeking to sow chaos... —the vendor explained nervously, revealing the theories circulating in the town about the identity and motivations of the extortionists.
Ernesto nodded, his mind already forming theories about who might be responsible for the attacks on the town. The mention of former Death Eaters made him frown with displeasure, recalling the dark times the wizarding world experienced during the Second Wizarding War.
—I see. Thank you for the information —Ernesto replied, his tone now more serious than before. —I'll keep my eyes open, and you should do the same.
The vendor nodded nervously, wishing he hadn't gotten involved in the conversation. Ernesto, on the other hand, walked away from the meat stall. He knew he had to act to protect the town from the danger posed by the extortionists.
The sun began to descend on the horizon, tinting the sky with reddish and orange hues. Gradually, shadows lengthened over the village streets, heralding the arrival of the night. As soon as the village clock tower struck exactly at 6 PM, everyone hurried into their homes as if fleeing from something. The bustle and daytime activity vanished suddenly, leaving behind a tense and heavy silence.
In the darkness enveloping the village, only the faint gusts of wind could be heard, lifting small clouds of sand from the arid ground. Bells on some houses, swayed by the breeze, rang erratically, as if marking the passage of an uncertain and ominous time.
As time passed, and now past 10 PM, the silence became even more unsettling. Suddenly, in the distance, an unusual sound was heard, similar to the roar of a car engine but more distorted. However, what emerged from the night were not cars, but a group of masked and hooded figures, riding special broomsticks with backrests, allowing the riders to sit upright like on a motorcycle.
Skillfully, they landed in the center of the village, and the masked wizards began shouting threats at the village. Their gestures were aggressive and their presence intimidating. Those in their homes remained silent, fearful of what might happen next.
After the extortionists landed in the village center, the leader, an imposing figure wrapped in a dark cloak, stepped forward with a confident stride. His ruthless gaze swept over the streets as his followers dispersed to carry out their nefarious actions. With a gesture of his gloved hand, he called for everyone's attention.
—Miserable village! —the leader exclaimed sarcastically and derisively, his voice resonating in the night.
—Isn't this charming little corner of weakness and despair where you live just delightful? —he said mockingly.
Some villagers timidly peeked out from their windows, watching the leader and his entourage with fear.
—Oh, but what a surprise we have for you tonight! —he continued, his malicious smile barely perceptible under the darkness of his hood.
—We come to offer you our warm welcome, and of course, to collect our tribute —he declared sarcastically, shouting.
The villagers shrank even more in their homes, feeling the weight of the threat in every word of the leader.
—Where are our manners? Oh, yes! How could I forget the formalities? —the leader said, with a false bow of his head toward the terrified residents.
—So, who will be the first to contribute to our noble cause tonight?
A murmur of fear spread among the crowd as the leader of the extortionists reveled in his position of power, ready to unleash chaos and despair upon the helpless village.
Following the leader's provocation, the village mayor emerged from his office with a fearful expression. He approached the leader, trying to maintain composure under the pressure.
—Sir... you've already looted everything we had. We barely have enough resources left for our sustenance and trade... —the mayor began, his voice shaky under the weight of the situation.
—Moreover, you came just a week ago. We haven't had enough time to recover —he asserted, a hint of desperation in his words.
The leader of the extortionists let out a sigh of feigned disappointment, as if expecting more from the mayor and his village.
—What a disappointment! —the leader exclaimed sarcastically, his tone full of cynicism. He gestured to his followers, who understood his signal without words.
The group of extortionists began using magic destructively. With a few wand movements, they cast Bombarda against the houses, blowing doors and windows to pieces. The explosions echoed throughout the street, mixed with the terrified screams of the inhabitants.
One of the extortionists pounced on a trembling old woman clutching her wand, trying to use it in vain. With a mocking laugh, he snatched the wand from her and broke it in two, ignoring her desperate pleas, then proceeded to steal some boxes of vegetables she had nearby.
—Please, no! It's all I have! —the old woman begged; her eyes filled with tears.
The extortionist only laughed cruelly before tossing the empty box aside and continuing to loot other market stalls.
Meanwhile, another group of extortionists, amidst the chaos, dragged defenseless wizards from their homes. Using brutal binding spells, they tied them up and dragged them through the streets, ignoring their pleas for mercy.
The leader of the extortionists watched with satisfaction the devastation his group was inflicting on the village. The Bombarda explosions echoed in the streets, shattering the nighttime peace and plunging the inhabitants into terror. Meanwhile, the mayor, desperate, fell to his knees in front of the leader of the extortionists, begging him to spare his village and take him instead.
—Mercy, please, they don't deserve your wrath. Take me in their place. I'll do anything, but please, leave my village in peace —the mayor pleaded with a broken voice, his face reflecting terror and anguish.
The leader of the extortionists looked at him with disdain, a twisted smile curving his lips.
—Oh, how generous of you to offer yourself as a sacrifice —he responded sarcastically. —But don't be mistaken, we are not compassionate beings.
Then, with a gesture of his hand, the leader signaled his henchmen to come closer.
—Tie these brave citizens to our brooms, let's give them a little ride through the desert —he ordered authoritatively.
The leader then used Petrificus Totalus on the mayor, leaving him helpless to do anything but watch as they dragged his citizens to their deaths through the desert.
The extortionists used binding spells to secure the captured wizards to the brooms.
Before the extortionists could begin their ruthless flight dragging citizens through the desert, a sudden rumble broke their concentration. A powerful growl resonated in the distance, growing louder and closer until an imposing shadow was cast over the village.
Then, a winged beast, with its impressive wingspan, hovered over them, challenging their authority with a thunderous roar that echoed in the night air. The dragon breathed fire, forming a blazing barrier that blocked any attempt to escape and protected the defenseless citizens.
The orange light of the fire illuminated the scene, highlighting the figure of Ernesto, who gracefully descended from the dragon's back, emanating a presence that instilled hope in the attacked village. Ernesto signaled Leviathan to withdraw, demonstrating that he had it under his control.
Ernesto found himself surrounded by the group of extortionists, whose malicious gazes scrutinized him cautiously. With his splintered wand firmly in hand, Ernesto maintained a firm and determined stance, ready to face his adversaries.
The extortionist leader, with a disdainful smile, stepped forward, his eyes gleaming with malice as he observed Ernesto.
—Well, look who came to save this village of peasants. Ernesto Ibarra Vidaurre, the famous curse-breaker from Hogwarts. No offense, but I'm not at all impressed. Your best days are long gone, and your experience won't be of any help —the leader confidently asserted.
Ernesto remained unperturbed by the leader's provocations, his serene face hiding the torrent of emotions boiling within. With a calm gesture, he adjusted his grip on his splintered wand, prepared for what would come next.
—If you say that, then you really don't know who you're fucking with —Ernesto responded with determination.
The extortionists exchanged nervous glances, surprised by Ernesto's bravery. However, the leader quickly raised his wand, initiating the confrontation.
—Attack! —ordered the leader, and the extortionists lunged at Ernesto with attack spells.
Ernesto responded quickly, conjuring defensive spells to protect himself from the incoming attacks. Beams of magical light swirled through the air, clashing with force as the battle unfolded in the village square.
—Expelliarmus! —Ernesto shouted, disarming one of the extortionists, sending his wand flying from his hand.
—Diffindo! —Ernesto shouted at the extortionist he had just disarmed, inflicting a precise and deep cut on his neck, causing him to fall to the ground.
—What did you just do? —the leader shouted at Ernesto, shocked by what he had just witnessed.
—This time, I don't intend to take any criminal to Azkaban —Ernesto declared, his tone firm and determined as he advanced through his adversaries.
—It doesn't matter! We'll finish you off anyway! —the leader shouted, redoubling his efforts to defeat the intrepid wizard opposing them.
The extortionists, enraged by the counterattack, intensified their efforts, launching a barrage of spells and curses at Ernesto. However, he endured with bravery, dodging and counterattacking skillfully.
—Stupefy! —Ernesto exclaimed, sending a bright red beam toward another extortionist, who fell to the ground unconscious.
Ernesto then noticed a whole group of attackers converging on him from different directions. With a quick assessment of the situation, he understood that he needed to take drastic measures to neutralize the threat.
—Bombarda! —Ernesto shouted, aiming decisively at the group of attackers.
An explosion echoed through the village square, sending the extortionists flying through the air, their bodies crashing to the ground with a dull thud. The smoke and dust dispersed, revealing the devastating impact of Ernesto's spell.
The extortionist leader, stunned by the audacity and power of Ernesto's counterattack, momentarily retreated, assessing the situation with a furious but cautious gaze.
—Damn you, Ibarra! You'll pay for this! —the leader roared, pointing his wand at him.
Ernesto faced the extortionist leader with determination, his splintered wand ready for the duel. The flashes of spells filled the air as both wizards launched attacks and counterattacks skillfully.
—Protego! —Ernesto shouted, conjuring a magical shield to block a disarming spell cast by the leader.
The magic collided with Ernesto's protective barrier, dispersing in flashes of light as the wizard maintained his firm position.
Ernesto seized the opportunity to cast a Disillusionment Charm, creating sudden darkness that enveloped the leader, momentarily blinding him. Taking advantage of the confusion, he used his wand to melt the stones and sand beneath the leader's feet, causing him to lose his balance and fall to the ground.
Without giving him time to recover, Ernesto cast Accio, summoning the leader's wand to him. With swift movements, he used a Blindfolding Charm to cover the leader's eyes and Incarcerous to bind him in metal chains, immobilizing him completely.
—Why didn't you kill me? —the leader asked, his voice filled with incredulity and despair.
Ernesto approached the captured leader, his expression serious.
—Because, by capturing you, I have demonstrated that the village is protected and that I will not allow anyone else to threaten it in this way, through this example, with the capture of its leader —Ernesto replied, his tone firm yet calm.
With the extortionist leader under his control, Ernesto turned towards the villagers, who watched the scene with awe and gratitude. He knew his work was not yet finished, but for now, the village was safe.
The Aurors arrived shortly after. One of them approached Ernesto with a stern expression, surveying the destruction and the dead extortionists on the ground.
—Ibarra Vidaurre, what has happened here? —the Auror inquired, his tone full of authority.
Ernesto calmly explained the events that led to the capture of the extortionist leader and the dismantling of his gang. However, the Auror frowned upon learning of the "fate" of the leader's henchmen.
—I understand your intention to protect the village, but you cannot take justice into your own hands. Why didn't you capture them instead of eliminating them? —the Auror reprimanded, his voice firm yet measured.
Ernesto held the Auror's gaze with determination, defending his actions.
—I understand the rules, but in this situation, my priority was to stop the threat as quickly as possible to ensure the safety of the village. I acted according to what I deemed necessary at the time. And with the leader being the only survivor and imprisoned, it will serve as a good example so that no other extortionist tries to harm this village, or any other —Ernesto explained, his tone justificatory but respectful.
The Auror slowly nodded, reflecting on Ernesto's words.
—Remember that the law is our guide in these cases. Fortunately, you managed to capture the leader, and that is an important step towards justice. For this occasion, I will cover for you; however, do not take drastic measures again unless absolutely necessary. Your goal is to capture, not kill. This time we will let it slide given your past experiences and contributions, but I warn you that any similar actions could result in more severe consequences. Is that clear? —the Auror concluded, his expression softening slightly.
Ernesto nodded reluctantly at the Auror's warning. Although he understood the importance of following established rules and procedures, a part of him remained convinced that he had done the right thing to protect the village in danger.
—I understand, sir. It won't happen again. I will follow orders strictly in the future —Ernesto responded with a mix of resignation and determination in his voice.
The Auror nodded, satisfied with Ernesto's response.
—Very well. I hope that's the case. Now, let's take care of bringing the extortionist leader into proper custody. The Ministry of Magic will handle the legal process from here —the Auror said, gesturing towards the bound leader behind him.
Ernesto felt relieved to see that the incident was coming to a conclusion. He limped slightly towards Leviathan, his faithful dragon, who patiently awaited him nearby, ready to depart towards his hut and rest after the intense battle. However, before he could mount Leviathan, a man ran towards him with an expression of gratitude and admiration on his face.
—Ernesto! Merlin's beard! —the man exclaimed, stopping in front of him, breathless with emotion.
Ernesto recognized the market's butcher.
—You don't have to thank me, I did what I had to do to protect all of you —Ernesto responded modestly.
The butcher nodded enthusiastically.
—I know, I know. And I thank you for it. Those damned extortionists have been wreaking havoc in our village for too long. What you did to them... well, let's just say many of us here think it was deserved justice —the man said, with a gleam of admiration in his eyes.
Ernesto smiled, grateful for the supportive words.
—I'm glad that, at least, someone else thinks so —he responded seriously.
—You know, it may not seem like it, but I know deep down you are a good man, and you will do whatever it takes to make a difference —the butcher said, his voice filled with empathy and confidence in Ernesto.
Ernesto shook the butcher's hand with gratitude.
—I promise that I will continue doing everything in my power to protect not just this village, but any place that needs me —Ernesto sincerely responded.
—Well, in recognition of your bravery and sacrifice, I have decided to offer you a special deal at my business. From now on, you'll have a great discount on meat for life. Consider it a small gesture of gratitude from me and the village of Arenvalley, South Wales —the man said, extending a hand in friendship.
—That's a very kind gesture on your part. I greatly appreciate your support and that of the entire village —Ernesto responded with a slight, barely perceptible smile.
Ernesto bid farewell with a gesture of thanks, feeling comforted by the support and solidarity of the villagers. With a sense of satisfaction, he climbed onto Leviathan and flew towards the horizon, heading to his hut.
Upon arriving home, exhausted and battered, Ernesto guided Leviathan to the stable. There, he petted and offered him one of the steaks he had bought from the butcher as a token of gratitude. After ensuring Leviathan was settled to rest and chaining him again, Ernesto limped into his hut and reached the bathroom in his room. Carefully, he removed his prosthetic left hand and eye patch, facing the painful new wounds he had obtained in the village battle. In front of the mirror, he treated each wound meticulously.
Finally, he headed to his bed and pulled out the dusty chest from beneath it. He once more contemplated the items that held the memories of his past. Prominent were Penny's engagement ring, the heart key necklace, and a heart bracelet. With a tear in his eye, he put them back in place, keeping the memories of the person he loved alive. Exhausted, he finally collapsed onto his bed and surrendered to a restful sleep.