Hello there,
I'm thrilled to announce the completion of the long-awaited rewrite of my first fanfic, GAIA ONLINE: A Harry Potter Adventure. This story was previously removed to make way for this comprehensive overhaul. I'll be releasing chapters as they're finished, so stay tuned as each chapter is released.
Aal Him Thu'um Kos Mul (May your voice be Storng).
Hadrimdell83
Chapter One
A sharp crack of Apparition shattered the silence of the grand entrance hall, the sound reverberating off the marble floors and echoing through the dark corridors. Lucius Malfoy, the formidable Head of the Malfoy family, stormed into the room, his black robes billowing behind him like a gathering storm. His usually pale face was flushed with anger, and his cold gray eyes blazed with fury. The faint scent of sandalwood and ozone clung to him, mingling with the musty air of the ancient manor.
The very walls seemed to tremble as he moved, the portraits of long-dead Malfoys watching him with unreadable expressions. His thoughts were a whirlwind of frustration. His carefully laid plans to expose the true nature of Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore had been thwarted once again. The Headmaster had outmaneuvered him, not only preserving his own reputation but also turning Harry James Potter—Lucius's hidden godson—and the treacherous house-elf, Dobby, against him. The memory of Potter's cunning trick, using a simple sock to free the elf via the now-destroyed diary of Tom Riddle, gnawed at Lucius, a bitter reminder of James Potter's legacy of cleverness.
But all was not lost. A small, sly smile curled at the corners of his mouth as he thought of the day's discovery. Lily Potter's theory, one she had worked on during her time as an Unspeakable for the Department of Mysteries, had been confirmed. The implications of this knowledge sent a thrill down his spine.
He swept through the darkened hallways of Malfoy Manor, the scent of aged leather and polished wood filling his senses as he entered the library. The room was bathed in the warm, golden glow of candlelight, flickering shadows dancing on the walls. Lucius settled into the plush leather chair behind his ornate desk, the rich texture cool against his fingertips as he reached for a quill and parchment.
Dipping the quill into the inkpot, he began to write with a deliberate hand:
To Mr. Williams,
I would like to help fund your project, as I find the concept of it is at long last intriguing. Enclosed with this letter is a Portkey that will allow you to travel directly to my estate in England. Bring with you everything you need to set up and finish this little project that, in the end, could make everyone attached very rich and famous.
I look forward to adding a few little features of my own that I am sure you will agree could enhance the project's longevity.
Respectfully,
Lucius Ignatius Malfoy
Head of the Malfoy Family
Chief Adviser to the Minister of Magic
Lucius folded the parchment with precision, slipping it into a crisp envelope. He enclosed a simple bronze key—an innocuous-looking object that concealed its true purpose as a Portkey—and sealed the envelope with the Malfoy family crest. He then attached it to the leg of his majestic eagle owl, Tempest, whose feathers were a striking blend of gray, white, and black.
The owl hooted softly, its keen eyes gleaming in the candlelight, before taking off through the open window, its wings slicing through the cool night air as it disappeared into the darkness.
Lucius leaned back in his chair, the leather creaking softly under his weight, and allowed himself a moment of quiet reflection. His mind churned with possibilities, strategies forming and reforming in his Slytherin mind. The scent of the ancient tomes around him, mixed with the faint aroma of the ink, grounded him as he considered his next move.
A gentle knock at the door pulled him from his thoughts. The door opened to reveal Narcissa Malfoy, her beauty as ethereal as ever. Her platinum-blonde hair cascaded down her back, and her sapphire-blue eyes, usually so calm, now held a flicker of worry. She moved gracefully into the room, her presence bringing with it a soft fragrance of jasmine and roses.
"Judging by that look, not everything went to plan, husband?" Narcissa's voice was as smooth and cool as the marble floors beneath them.
Lucius met her gaze, the tension in his body easing slightly at the sight of her. "Indeed, Cissy. Dumbledore, it appears, is once again a few steps ahead of the alliance. And with Lily's theory now confirmed, we must be extra cautious."
Narcissa's face, already pale, seemed to lose the last remnants of color. The thought that the Dark Lord who had terrorized their world during their youth had succeeded in creating something so dark, so twisted, that even Grindelwald would have hesitated, sent a chill through her.
"So, He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named is truly immortal as we feared?" Her voice was barely above a whisper, the words hanging in the air like a dark omen.
"It's too early to say definitively, my dear. But the evidence is pointing in that direction." Lucius's voice was measured, but the underlying tension was unmistakable.
"And Dumbledore isn't training the students to defend themselves," Narcissa said, a hint of anger creeping into her tone.
Lucius eyed his wife carefully, sensing the same frustration he felt. "It would appear so. But there is talk within the Ministry of an attempt to reinstate the old Triwizard Tournament."
Narcissa's brow furrowed in confusion. "Why in the world would Fudge bring that forsaken thing back?"
"Merlin only knows, my dear. But I could use it to aid both our son and godson."
A slow smile spread across Narcissa's face as she watched Lucius, recognizing the gleam in his eyes. It was the look he got when a particularly devious plan began to take shape in his mind. She knew better than to doubt him—Lucius Malfoy always found a way to turn any situation to his advantage.
As Lucius's thoughts continued to swirl with dark possibilities, the night outside deepened, the manor's shadows growing longer and darker. The future was uncertain, but one thing was clear: Lucius would do whatever it took to protect his family and secure their place in the new world order.