The New Princess

Hogwarts Year 1 - Part 9 - Chapter 21

A snape-ish conundrum - Part 2

Previously:

"What madness has possessed you, Severus?" Dumbledore demanded, his eyes narrowing with suspicion and anger, the elder wand now firmly pointed at Snape.

Snape, however, paid him no heed, glaring at Aryanna with an intensity that sent shivers down her spine. "You did this! You bewitched me, Potter!"

Aryanna shook her head frantically. "I did nothing! It's you who's been acting strangely!" Beside her, Susan stood frozen in terror, uncertain of what to do. Poppy meanwhile, wandless, had retreated away from the danger.

Setsuna, having successfully protected Aryanna, approached Snape cautiously. "Severus, I implore you to calm down. We need to get to the bottom of this, but attacking students is not the solution." She observed that his eyes were now completely glazed over; nothing of the old Snape seemed to remain.

Snape's expression twisted between anger and frustration.

Then, with a wild, crazed look in his eyes, he turned his wand on Aryanna once more.

In a voice not solely his own, but merged with another's, he roared out, "AVADA KEDAVRA!"

And now the continuation:

"AVADA KEDAVRA!"

It all happened in a blur of surprise and madness. The echo of the unforgivable curse still reverberated in the air, leaving Aryanna frozen in shock. Taken completely by surprise, her mind struggled to comprehend the sudden abrupt turn of events. Snape, a professor, and just cast the most dreaded spell of the wizarding world at her, right within the sanctity of Hogwarts' hospital wing. It was inconceivable to her mind that he would do such a thing with so many witnesses nearby, yet he had.

For a brief moment, her life flashed before her eyes, her demise seemingly inevitable. Then, in a heart-stopping twist of fate, a small figure leaped in front of her, taking the fatal curse meant for her. Reality crashed down on Aryanna, filling her with terror and despair.

"No... Nononono... Please, NO! Susan! NO!" Her screams echoed through the room at the slight of the green glow which now slowly faded from her friend's body, a desperate plea against the cruel truth she was now faced with.

Her mind faltered, rejecting the grim reality before her. 'This can't be happening...' she told herself. A silent plea echoed in her mind as Susan's lifeless body slumped over her like a puppet with its strings cut.

The world around her blurred into insignificance. Amidst the chaos, Aryanna barely noticed, Setsuna casting a swift immobilization spell on Snape, her attention fixed on Susan. Only her friend's lifeless form, still shielding her, even in death, held any meaning for her.

With the immediate danger passed, Dumbledore approached Aryanna's bedside, his face etched with grief. Tears welled in his eyes as he offered condolences, joined by Madam Pomfrey nearby, weeping openly at the loss.

Slowly, Aryanna's tear-filled eyes turned to glare in hate at Snape's prone form. Thoughts of revenge began to consume her. Dumbledore's attempts at consolation seemed meaningless in her grief. All that mattered was that Snape had taken her friend's life. She vowed to make him pay, consequences be damned. He. Would. Pay!

Meanwhile, Setsuna, having dealt with Snape, recognized the profound grief in Aryanna's eyes. Aware from experience that mere words alone wouldn't penetrate the thick fog of shock currently consuming Aryanna's thoughts, Setsuna sighed deeply. Already she could see the rising hate inside her niece. If not broken fast it would fester. She knew she had to act fast if she wanted any chance to save her from doing something drastic. Something which she would later regret.

Drawing from her vast experiences of dealing with soldiers and grieving families, she decided to take a more drastic approach of her own. With a mixture of sorrow and determination, she approached Aryanna and with a whispered apology, delivered a sharp slap across her face, jarring Aryanna out of her haze of hatred and despair.

The sudden shock brought Aryanna back to reality. Misty-eyed, she looked up at Setsuna, finding solace in her 'aunt's' understanding gaze.

"Setsuna," she whimpered brokenly. "Setsuna... Susan...she...," Aryanna couldn't bring herself to finish the sentence. Saying it aloud would make it real. She couldn't bear to accept it. She didn't want to make it real. She just... couldn't!

Setsuna nodded in understanding. Then, with an unexpected smile, she said, "She isn't dead!" Her words offered a glimmer of hope in the darkness that surrounded them.

'She isn't dead!' The words reverberated in Aryanna's mind, sounding foreign and incomprehensible, like a distant dream. Yet, they were all she had - a lifeline, a thread of hope to cling to in the nightmare she found herself within.

It took a moment for her to process Setsuna's declaration. A frown creased Aryanna's forehead. She must have misheard.

"What?" she asked, her voice trembling with a mix of disbelief and desperate hope.

Setsuna's serene smile remained. "Susan is not dead! She's in a healing trance, merely comatose."

Aryanna's mind raced with conflicting emotions. 'Not dead? But... How?' That wasn't possible...was it? Her gaze darted between Setsuna and Susan's still form, her heart pounding in her chest.

Beside her, Albus Dumbledore frowned in disapproval. "Setsuna, please don't give the child false hope. As much as we wish otherwise, we must face the facts as harsh as they may be. She was hit by…" He was interrupted by Setsuna.

"I know what she was hit by, Albus," she said firmly yet kindly. "I've seen it before, many times. Each time irreversible," she continued, halting Dumbledore's protest. "But it takes more than a measly little soul-killer curse to harm, let alone end a Guardian. A lot more," she informed him calmly, her smile transforming into a grin. She seemed completely unfazed by the gravity of the situation, much to Dumbledore's confusion.

"Wha?" Dumbledore's confusion mirrored Aryanna's. Setsuna's words defied all logic.

"Very eloquent, Headmaster," Setsuna jested, her tone remaining light despite the seriousness of their discussion. Aryanna's tugging on her sleeve brought her back to reality. She saw the fleeting hope in Aryanna's eyes, a look she had seen only once before, back when Aryanna was just a child after she had just rescued her from the Dursleys. It was a look that made Setsuna's heartache.

"What do you mean…she's not dead? I saw her get hit…nobody survives an Avada Kedavra," Aryanna whispered shakily, her voice filled with disbelief yet also a glimmer of hope. The words 'but me' were left unsaid.

"I know, Arya. I know because… Guardians are practically immune to soul magic. Unless we deliberately will it so, spells like the killing curse won't work on us," Setsuna explained, her gaze shifting toward Susan's seemingly lifeless body.

Once again, Dumbledore wore a bewildered expression, feeling as though he was missing a crucial piece of the puzzle. "But how is that possible?" he interjected, his curiosity piqued.

It was at that moment that Aryanna regained enough awareness of her surroundings to notice that Dumbledore was beside them, listening to every word they were saying.

"Um…Suna…" she began uncertainly, not sure how to continue. A glance toward the old headmaster made further words unnecessary. Setsuna knew exactly what Aryanna was thinking. She smiled reassuringly at her.

"I know… I have decided that it's time he was filled in and brought up to speed," Setsuna said, looking at Aryanna. Aryanna's eyes widened as she heard this. Slowly, she looked at Dumbledore and then back at Setsuna. "Are you sure?" she asked. Dumbledore was not exactly someone she thought of as trustworthy. Not after what he had inadvertently done to her in the past.

"Yes, I am. Even with his past mistakes, as terrible and far-reaching as they may have been, he is still a good man at heart. It's better that he knows now rather than later. He is the headmaster of Hogwarts, after all. You are spending the next seven years of your life here. He would have found out at some point anyway. Better to have him find out on our terms and avoid potential misunderstandings," Setsuna said with a nod. "But first…" she turned back to look at Susan's body. "What do you say we bring a friend back to life?"

Aryanna's widening eyes and look of hopeful delight were the only answers Setsuna needed.

Albus Dumbledore, despite his 110 years of wisdom and mastery of magic, found himself grappling with a profound sense of bewilderment. The notion of returning from the clutches of the Killing Curse flew in the face of everything he had learned and taught throughout his lifetime of experiences and academia. Yet, here stood a witch, confidently claiming otherwise.

Oh, he knew there were myriad mysteries left for him to unravel, mysteries that far exceeded the scope of his remaining years. If indeed there existed a way to vanquish the infamous Avada Kedavra, then Dumbledore was eager to witness it first-hand. However, the Killing Curse had long been synonymous with irrevocable instant death, a force immutable, unyielding, and always very final. The idea of someone succeeding to defeat it, against all odds, seemed almost too good to be true, too fantastical to grasp. Dumbledore remained cautiously optimistic, though the uncertainty of it all fueled his intrigue. This uncharted territory, though daunting, stirred within him a peculiar excitement. A feeling of excitement he hadn't fully felt since he discovered the twelve uses of Dragon blood. He could only hope that the claims held some semblance of truth.

As such, he would gladly give Setsuna, or Regent Potter, the opportunity to substantiate her claims. It was the least he could do and there was nothing left to lose anyway, only to gain.

Silently observing, Dumbledore listened as Setsuna elucidated to Aryanna Jasmine Potter—the Girl Who Lived—the intricacies of defeating the same curse that had once nearly taken her life.

Aryanna's query pierced the air, laden with concern. "But… if she isn't dead… and the Avada can't harm her, why hasn't she awakened?"

"Had she been transformed at the time the curse hit her, the curse would have been inconsequential… but in her untransformed state, the curse was powerful enough to temporarily remove her soul's link to her body and induce it into a healing trance as it recovers from its ordeal and reconnects her body to her soul. She sleeps now, recovering her strength," Setsuna explained.

'Comatose? Asleep? Transformed?' Dumbledore wondered. A terrible thought suddenly hit him like a punch to the gut. 'I hope we didn't make a terrible mistake all these years, burying or burning unconscious and not truly dead people,' he thought horror and guilt rising within him at the mere thought. It made him feel sick.

"So, how do we wake her up? An Enervate?" Aryanna mused.

Setsuna chuckled softly. "A reasonable guess… but no." She paused, sensing a valuable teaching moment at hand. "I guess now is a good time as any for a little lesson. Allow me to provide some context."

"What do you understand of the Killing Curse?" Setsuna inquired.

Aryanna furrowed her brow and thought about what she knew. "I know that it's one of the three Unforgivables. Using it sends the caster straight to Azkaban for life. It's completely unblockable by any known form of magic. The only way to evade it is by dodging or placing another object in its path," Aryanna paused, swallowing painfully as she looked at Susan's body. "Like what happened with Susan? She… sacrificed herself to save me," she added, a tear rolling down her face.

Setsuna nodded empathetically. "Indeed, the ultimate act of sacrifice, emblematic of true loyalty and devotion. Susan sacrificed herself, fully believing that she would die, to save you. There can be no higher show of loyalty and trust than that. She has truly earned her position as Venus at your side," she remarked a swell of pride in her tone. Susan's valor had not gone unnoticed.

Aryanna's composure crumbled at the acknowledgment, tears flowing freely. "I'm unworthy,' she lamented, anguish seizing her heart as sobs wracked her frame. I don't deserve her," she suddenly cried out, tears rolling down her face as she began to sob.

Setsuna regarded her with a tender smile. "No you do, Arya. Every child, every individual, regardless of station, merits such companionship. Never tell yourself that you don't deserve to be loved, or that you don't deserve a friend who will stick by your side through thick and thin. If you ever do… just look at Susan." She paused to let the words settle in.

"The true question is… would you be willing to do the same for her?" she asked solemnly.

Aryanna's response was immediate and resolute. "Yes! Always! Without hesitation!" She said it with the utmost conviction.

Albus Dumbledore's eyebrows shot up as he heard this. Pride filled him at her words. Very few people, at least from his experience, were willing to make such a declaration and truly mean it. At that moment, his respect for Aryanna…and Susan, grew by leaps and bounds.

Setsuna simply nodded sagely. "Good, hold on to that thought. When the time comes, I hope you will remember it." She paused. "Just do me one favor, please…" She waited until she had Aryanna's full attention again. "Never believe that your life is less important than another. Never throw your life away. Sacrificing yourself for someone else is the greatest gift you can give them, but living on for them can be the greatest gift and commitment of all." She didn't want to think about what it would be like without Aryanna.

Beside her, Dumbledore stood frozen in thought. That last part had struck him like a hammer blow to the head. He didn't know what to think anymore. When he had first seen the scar on baby Aryanna's forehead that terrible night, he had always known what was inside it. He had always known what the scar truly was: a Horcrux, a piece of Voldemort's soul. Ever since that moment, he had started making plans for the eventual day that Aryanna would have to sacrifice herself so that Voldemort could finally die. For as long as the Horcrux inside her existed, Voldemort would continue to live. He had hated making the decision. Still hated himself for having made it. But he had. Listening now to Setsuna speak at that moment, however, made him doubt himself all over again. Had he made the correct choice back then?

Was his plan truly the best and only way? His mind troubled, he turned back to listen to Setsuna speak.

"Aryanna, your guardians will die for you… I will die for you… if it becomes necessary. But only if there is no other choice. Self-sacrifice should only ever be the final choice when all knowledge has been spent when you are truly out of time and all other options have been rendered useless and futile. Please never throw away a life on a whim, least of all your own. Please promise me that you will always look for a path to survive for as long as possible. Even if a situation looks bleak and all hope seems lost. Remember, losing you… will mean losing everything. The end of the world. If Saturn returns… all will be lost. Always remember this. If nothing else, above all else, you must survive! Please promise me this!"

"I promise," Aryanna pledged solemnly, her voice a whisper.

Dumbledore frowned. Despite his vast experience and wisdom, Albus Dumbledore found himself in a state of profound confusion. The words 'Princess', 'Saturn', and 'End of the world' echoed in his mind, making him question everything he thought he knew. 'What are they talking about?' he wondered. The more he listened, the more mystified he became.

Setsuna, aware of Dumbledore's presence, intentionally let him hear her words. She had foreseen his plans to sacrifice Aryanna in the future, a plan she was determined to prevent at all costs.

She meant every word she said. If it truly came to it, she would, without hesitation, lay down her life to protect Aryanna. The princess was all she had left. Without her….

Setsuna observed the conflict flickering in Dumbledore's eyes with a knowing smile. The seeds of doubt had been carefully planted, and now it was up to him to grapple with their implications and choose the correct path. Satisfied, she turned her attention back to Aryanna.

"Please, continue. What else do you know about the Avada Kedavra?" she inquired calmly.

Aryanna paused, contemplating for a moment before conceding, "Nothing more," she confessed with a shrug.

Setsuna nodded sagely. "Good! In that case, let me elaborate... I'm relieved you don't know more. The original Avada Kedavra curse was first created...or should I say, recreated from a Lunarian spell by the late Lady Morgana le Fay. It is a perverted dark version of what was once a humane way to kill livestock by stopping their hearts, usually while they were sleeping. It also eased the passage of the soul to the next realm peacefully and painlessly, simulating a natural death. Morgana, however, in her desire to create a perfect unblockable spell, perverted this otherwise light spell by altering it to focus on severing the connection of someone's soul to their bodies. Her version painfully tore away the soul from a victim's body, leaving behind a soulless husk, similar to what happens when a Dementor sucks out your soul...only that it also stops the heart like its original spell did and doesn't leave behind an otherwise breathing and fully functioning body. Unlike the Avada...in the case of the Dementors, there is a way to return a soul to the body, that is, if it can be retrieved from a Dementor. A dangerous task.

Dumbledore gasped audibly in astonishment, his mind reeling with the implications for all of those lost to Dementor attacks during the war. 'Could there truly be a way to restore lives lost by Dementor attacks?' he wondered.

Ignoring him, Setsuna continued. "What actually happens each time when a person gets hit by an Avada Kedavra is that their soul is torn away from their body, allowing it to pass on and transcend to the next realm of existence, leaving behind an otherwise unharmed empty shell of a body. However, the curse won't work on a Guardian because each Guardian has a connection...a sacred symbiotic bond if you will... to their respective celestial body to which they are bonded. The source of their powers." Setsuna paused and raised her voice slightly while glancing towards Dumbledore. "In your case, this is of course your connection to Luna, for Susan, it's Venus."

Setsuna waited for Aryanna to nod showing that she understood before she continued once more with her explanation. "While it's nothing like a Horcrux, a truly despicable bit of soul magic that requires a live sacrifice...a murder, to create, the sacred bond of a Guardian to their celestial body is purely symbiotic and creates a similar effect. As long as the Guardian's celestial anchor remains intact, the Guardian's soul will, in turn, also remain safe and immortal, encased inside its star seed. The body of the Guardian can be destroyed and power can be transferred, but their star seeds will always remain. As long as the star seed remains, the soul within will remain on in the mortal plane. This is also the reason why we live for so long, as it would literally need the destruction of our planet's core, or the destruction of our star seeds, to kill us for good and release our souls to the afterlife. Not an easy task to say the least. Few powers exist that can do that."

She paused, her gaze shifting pointedly towards Aryanna. "And this is precisely why your protection is paramount. The power residing within you is one of the few powerful enough to do just that. This is why it is so coveted by our ancient adversaries, such as Metalia, and why it's the driving force behind Saturn's unwavering vigilance. Should the Negaverse or any other threat obtain it..." She left the grim conclusion hanging, knowing it needed no further explanation.

Aryanna shivered violently. Hearing Setsuna's explanation made her feel like a ticking supernova that could go off at any moment. She didn't like it. She didn't like it at all. It made her sacred ancient duty to protect the Crystal all the more important. She was all that prevented complete destruction. It's what made her life so important. At that moment, Aryanna fully understood just how important she truly was. Why she had to prevail, live...survive...succeed, at all costs. She only hoped she would always be up to the task.

Failure literally...was not an option!

"Now... I believe we've wasted enough time," Setsuna declared, her tone firm as she refocused on the present. "It's time to bring poor Susan back, after which I have a date with Mr. Bad and Greasy over there." She shot a disdainful glance toward the incapacitated potions professor. "Don't you agree?"

Aryanna's head bobbed eagerly in agreement, almost comically so.

"However, I'll need your help for that," Setsuna continued, her gaze turning towards Aryanna. "Or rather, the help of Sailor Moon. Only her healing powers can awaken a guardian prematurely from a healing trance. So, if you wouldn't mind..." She stepped back, granting Aryanna space to transform. "Not that you need the extra incentive, I'm sure, but it'll also have the added benefit of healing your... extra wounds if you ask your crystal to do so," she added with a smile.

Aryanna's eyes widened with determination and delight. "Oh, hell yes!" she exclaimed, ignoring the ever-present lingering pain from her sore backside. She needed no further encouragement than that. With a swift motion, she reached for her moon brooch, still hanging around her neck, and uttered the words that would alter Dumbledore's perception of life forever.

"Moon Prism Power...MAKEUP!"

Dumbledore couldn't believe his eyes.

Before him, Aryanna Potter, the Girl Who Lived—the very girl he had once contemplated sacrificing to defeat Voldemort—underwent a profound transformation.

Suddenly, he heard Poppy scream and shield her eyes as Aryanna was enveloped in blinding white light. The brilliance emanated from within her, spreading outward from what he believed to be her magical core. For an instant, Aryanna seemed to dissolve into pure energy, her hospital clothes disintegrating leaving her momentarily nude yet obscured by the intensity of the light. Dumbledore was forced to avert his gaze from the blinding radiance.

From within the brilliance emerged a figure clad in a sailor suit—a stark departure from the girl he had known. She wore a sculpted white leotard accented with a scarlet bow on the chest, complemented by a deep blue skirt fastened with a ruby bow at the back. White gloves formed around her hands, while knee-high boots adorned with crescent moon insignias encased her feet. Aryanna's once untamed black hair coiled into twin tails, secured by vermilion odangos, and golden crescent earrings adorned her ears. Finally, a golden tiara adorned with a radiant red gem materialized on her forehead.

In mere moments, Aryanna Potter the girl he thought he knew vanished, replaced by the warrior he had only read about in newspapers and heard of in eyewitness reports—the same warrior who had valiantly defended Diagon Alley from a Youma attack a mere month ago.

Stunned, Dumbledore collapsed onto a nearby bed, his mouth agape in mesmerizing shock. For a fleeting moment, he felt overwhelming power radiating from his student. It seemed suffocating, leaving him momentarily incapacitated until it receded, presumably brought under control by the transformed warrior before him.

In that instant, Dumbledore understood. Here stood someone of incredible power and danger, yet firmly rooted in the light, radiating purity and strength.

"Aryanna... how?" he gasped, finally regaining his composure. He couldn't fathom the depths of what had just transpired. 'What manner of being is she?'

'Was this the power he knew not?' he wondered mesmerized. A tear welled in his eye, trailing down his cheek. He felt true hope once more.

"AHH!" Aryanna sighed in blissful relief, almost cooing as the last remaining pain and welts from Snape's earlier caning vanished with the completion of her transformation into Sailor Moon.

Slowly, she opened her eyes, meeting the Headmaster's gaze as he sat limply on a hospital bed, staring at her with unabashed amazement and hope. Internally, a whirlwind of emotions swept over Aryanna—a mix of fear and excitement as she pondered how the old man would perceive her now. Deciding to embrace the moment and just savor the occasion, she flashed Dumbledore a dazzling smile.

"Hello, Headmaster," she greeted warmly. "Allow me to introduce...or rather re-introduce myself fully to you. I am Aryanna Jasmine Potter-Peverell, heiress apparent of the Ancient and Noble House of Potter by blood and magic. Heiress apparent of the Most Ancient and Noble House of Peverell by blood, magic, and conquest. Heiress Presumptive of the Ancient and Noble House of Black by blood and magic. Heiress presumptive of the Most Ancient and Noble House of Gryffindor by blood and magic. Heiress Presumptive of the Most Ancient and Noble House of Slytherin by conquest and magic. Heiress and princess of the Primordial and Royal House D'Luna by Celestial adoption. Heiress of the Imperial Silver Throne by Celestial adoption. Also known as Sailor Guardian Moon, Guardian of Love and Justice, Her Royal Highness Princess Serenity of the Moon Kingdom, Future queen of the Silver Millennium, ruler of the known galaxy sans Earth, and primary defender of the Legendary Silver Crystal!"

As she finished her introduction, Aryanna couldn't help but chuckle. "My, what a mouthful!"

Observing the stunned expression on Dumbledore's face, she smirked playfully, concluding with a mock command, "Bow to me... mortal, your goddess commands thee," eliciting an exasperated yet amused facepalm from Setsuna.

Dumbledore remained silent, speechless, and open-mouthed, his mind struggling to process the extraordinary revelation before him.

"Mau got your tongue, Headmaster?" Aryanna teased, breaking into giggles. It was a moment she knew she would treasure for a long time; Dumbledore rendered speechless was a rarity indeed.

"Princess, My Lady... it's time. Susan needs your help!" Setsuna's reminder snapped Aryanna from her reverie.

"Right!" Aryanna exclaimed, swiftly turning her attention to her fallen friend. "What do I have to do?" she asked, now fully focused on Susan and Setsuna.

Setsuna nodded, explaining the procedure. "Place your hands on Susan's chest and then request—never command—the crystal inside you for help. Ask it to transfer some of its power to jump-start Susan's connection from her star seed to her mortal body. A small spark should be enough, but more would speed up her regeneration."

Aryanna nodded in understanding and followed Setsuna's instructions. She placed her hand on Susan's chest and reached out to the Silver Crystal within her.

'My precious Moonbeam, I need your help now more than ever. Please lend me your power. Restore Susan—my Venus—my heart, to full health!' she beseeched the legendary Crystal within her.

It happened almost instantly. One second Aryanna was asking her symbiotic tenant for help, the next a multicolored light seemed to leave her hands into Susan's body, enveloping her. Then, a few seconds later after spreading out over the rest of Susan's body, Susan's eyes sprang open, and she gasped for air as she fully returned to the lands of the living.

'It is done,' Aryanna sensed from the Crystal inside her as the sudden energy receded once more, returning to a slumber-like state deep inside her.

Relieved that all had gone well, Aryanna sent the Crystal her thanks. Aryanna then looked into her friend's alive eyes and smiled. Tears of happiness fell from her eyes as she saw her friend awake and looking confused around her. She had done the perceived impossible and succeeded in bringing back her friend from the effects of the Avada Kedavra. All was well once again!

Albus Dumbledore wasn't certain if he was dreaming or if he had finally succumbed to a bout of insanity. He had just watched the impossible! A miracle was performed in front of him.

Was he finally losing it? he wondered. Supposedly, with age, one was expected to lose their marbles. Hmm...he knew he had a few lying around in his office somewhere but...no...not those marbles...he meant the other ones...the more important ones in his head.

Using his formidable Occlumency skills, Dumbledore wrestled his addled thoughts back to reality. 'This is becoming increasingly challenging,' he mused. 'Maybe I really should think about retiring soon. I am too old for this. I have earned the rest,' he pondered. Yet, the looming threat of Voldemort's return tethered him to his duty. 'No, not until Voldemort is defeated... I can't retire until everybody is safe. The wizarding world is counting on me,' he reminded himself. He couldn't retire just yet, not until Voldemort was defeated and gone for good.

Alas, It was an inevitable fate for the old, provided they lived long enough to experience it. For Muggles, it meant losing memories; for wizards, it was worse – losing control of their magic and becoming delusional, making decisions that were not always the sanest, and sometimes becoming a danger to those around them. Occlumency could delay this natural process, but eventually, it would catch up with him. It was the day he feared the most, the very thing his Boggart turned into whenever he encountered one.

In the past, very old wizards, when they felt themselves losing control, willingly performed sacred rituals - usually to perform near godlike miracles or to create powerful wards or enchantments - to sacrifice themselves for the greater good of those they left behind...but those days were gone. The ministry in its questionable wisdom had banned those traditional practices, to make the wizarding world more appealing to the ever-increasing numbers of Muggle-borns.

Now he only hoped that all of his many affairs would be in order before that day came. 'Hmm...maybe I could go out in a magnificent way first...save everybody the trouble of 'taking me out as just another rising insane Dark Lord'. One final battle against Voldemort...or another equally powerful opponent sounded nice. A perfect way to end his twilight days with his name and honor intact. Yes, that would do perfectly. He wanted to be remembered as a great man, an honorable and wise elder, not as an old drooling fart who didn't know his friends from his foes. He shivered at the thought. Too many great wizards and witches had suffered that fate. He didn't want to end like one of them as well.

As he pondered his future, a surge of bewilderment washed over him. "What in the name of Merlin's woolly socks just happened?" he exclaimed, voicing his perplexity from Aryanna's bedside.

"I seem to find myself at a huge disadvantage here. I have just witnessed a miracle and a transformation the likes only spoken of in ancient legends. Can somebody please explain to me what just happened?" he exclaimed, voicing his perplexity from Aryanna's bedside.

Setsuna offered him a reassuring smile. "Fear not, Headmaster. I intend to provide an explanation. But first, I believe I have a prior engagement with a man named Snape—or rather, with whoever is controlling him," she declared, her gaze sharp as she directed it toward Snape's motionless form. Almost instantly everybody's attention shifted towards the unconscious potion master.

Recalling Snape's inexplicable actions, Dumbledore's demeanor hardened. "Indeed. Whatever possessed him to cast such a curse... it's beyond comprehension. This isn't the Severus Snape I know."

"I believe it's fair to say that at this point we've moved beyond seeking permission," Setsuna remarked firmly. "The moment he cast the killing curse, he forfeited any rights. Do you agree?" she inquired, acknowledging the formality despite her intent to act regardless.

Dumbledore nodded. "Agreed. As Headmaster and Chief Warlock, you have my official authorization to proceed. Do what must be done...just, please, try to keep him alive," he instructed, his tone grave yet resolute. He was grieving for the man Snape had been.

"In that case, you may want to look away," she said an impish smile appearing on her face.

"What do you mean?" Dumbledore asked, a flicker of concern crossing his features, worried that she was about to do something distasteful.

"I'll need access to my full power for this, so... I'm about to transform!" Setsuna announced.

'I'll need the extra power, especially if who I think is responsible is truly behind all of this,' she thought to herself grimly. She wasn't sure but suspected it could be anything from a magical mind-controlling spell, right up to a dark Negaverse wraith entity possessing Snape from within his mind. Those could prove challenging, even for her.

"Transform?" Dumbledore repeated, his eyes widening as he understood what she was implying. "Right, of course!" Quickly he partially turned away to shield his eyes as he recalled Aryanna's recent transformation just moments before. 'She must possess similar abilities,' he thought. He was still seeing spots from the earlier transformation.

Seeing that Dumbledore had turned away, if only partially, Setsuna nodded and prepared herself to unleash her power. Standing tall and resolute, she allowed her celestial energy to surge forth, a mysterious wind swirling around her, surprising both Dumbledore and the nurse.

Without further delay, Setsuna quietly spoke her transformation phrase, heralding her metamorphosis into Sailor Pluto.

"Pluto Crystal Power, Make Up!"

Suddenly an illusion of a background of a cosmic tapestry of swirling galaxies and stars appeared all around them causing Poppy to scream in terror at the sudden nothingness of space that suddenly surrounded them, and Dumbledore to gasp in appreciation as he tried to figure out what spell she was using to perform such a high-level illusion. Susan meanwhile, now fully awake once more, watched in surprised confusion, wondering why Setsuna was giving away her identity as Sailor Pluto. Aryanna merrily rolled her eyes with a smile and said "Show off".

Setsuna ignored her and allowed herself to transform as her outfit began to materialize around her in a cascade of deep purple and black ribbons. Starting from her feet, high-heeled boots materialized, adorned with golden crescent moons. The cosmic winds then wrapped around her legs and slowly became visible and then solid to create a sleek, fitted skirt that matched the Purple and Black color palette of the boots. Moving upward, the same cosmic energy formed a form-fitting bodice with a deep V-neck, adorned with golden embellishments resembling celestial constellations.

As the transformation progressed, Dumbledore chanced a glance and watched as an ethereal light surrounded Setsuna, and her hair shifted into a deep shade of greenish-black. A golden tiara materialized on her forehead, bearing a garnet gemstone at its center. Finally, a long staff with a garnet gemstone appeared in her outstretched hand, radiating power and elegance.

The staff that appeared looked every bit as regal as its owner, with a deep purple-black hue. Adorned with intricate golden details, it held a prominent garnet gemstone at the top, which was emitting a celestial glow. The handle was polished and accented with golden constellations, while the central shaft held smaller gemstone stars. All in all, it was a very powerful and expensive-looking staff, fit for an equally powerful and serious lady.

Dumbledore couldn't remember when he last felt such power in front of him. The new woman in front of him radiated power and he couldn't help but feel intimidated by the transformed Sailor Pluto standing before him—a sensation he very rarely experienced. His old friend Gellert was nothing compared to her. Even her staff radiated more power than he ever had. 'Never thought I'd ever feel intimidated by a staff,' he thought in bemusement.

Aryanna's transformation had felt like a miniature star, still forming, uncontrolled... woefully incomplete, like it was missing a huge chunk of its power. In comparison, Setsuna's transformation was like a raging sun, fully formed, in a sea of darkness. It quite frankly brought shivers to his skin.

'Transformation complete,' Setsuna, now Sailor Pluto, struck a pose exuding cosmic power, dispersing the winds with a wave of her hand.

It was only then that Dumbledore snapped out of the amazed stupor of the past few moments enough to fully recognize who was standing in front of him and Dumbledore gasped in astonishment. "Sweet merciful Merlin, It's you!" he whispered, awestruck. "You are the Guardians everyone has been talking about for years." He had been trying to get in contact with the guardians for a while now but had always been unsuccessful, until now.

Setsuna nodded solemnly. "Indeed we are. Allow me to introduce myself..." she began, but before she could continue, Aryanna interjected with a mischievous glint in her eye.

"Behold... Sailor Guardian Pluto," Aryanna interrupted, a spark of mischievousness in her eyes, which caused Setsuna to brace herself for the rest of the introduction.

"Guardian of the Underworld and Keeper of Time, Sentinel of the Time-Space Door, wielder of the legendary Garnet Rod, immortal Soldier of Revolution, tasked with protecting the delicate balance of time itself, princess of Pluto... and oh, Artemis, the Greek Goddess of the Hunt, Lady of the Wild Things, Protector of Young defenseless Maidens, a Moon Goddess, Goddess of Archery, a Virgin Goddess... did I leave anything out?" Aryanna concluded, her impish grin widening.

Susan rolled her eyes, a giggle escaping her lips, while Setsuna sighed, a bemused smile playing on her lips. "Thank you, Princess, for stealing my thunder," Setsuna said in good-natured jest.

Meanwhile, Poppy lay on the ground, having fainted, while Dumbledore seemingly shook his head, his eyes twinkling in bemusement. At this moment, he felt as if nothing could surprise him anymore. Or so he thought. If anything, he found himself beginning to thoroughly enjoy the peculiar turn of events.

"Pleased to make your acquaintance. I'm Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore, Headmaster of Hogwarts, Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot, Supreme Mugwump of the International Confederation of Wizards, Founder and Leader of the Order of the Phoenix, Transfiguration Professor, Defender Against the Dark Arts, official member of The Defense League, the discoverer of the twelve uses of Dragon blood, and, I guess, soon to be the former 'Only Wizard Voldemort Ever Feared,' apprentice of Nicolas Flamel the reputed creator of the Philosopher's Stone. Oh, and ten-pin bowling champion... though, I suppose, compared to your titles, that might not seem like much," he admitted sheepishly.

"Oh, don't sell yourself short. It's a commendable accomplishment. I've been alive for a very long time, and I still can't win at it," Setsuna admitted with a smile.

"As for young Nic being the 'creator of the Philosopher's Stone,' I'm afraid that's not entirely correct. He didn't create it at all and it's not the only stone either. He stole that one from me", she corrected merrily. "How is the young whippersnapper, anyway? Last I remember seeing him was when I put him over my knee for trespassing, breaking, and entering into my temple... and then let him run off with his prize," she said, savoring the incredulous look on Dumbledore's face.

"Nic? A whippersnapper?" Dumbledore thought incredulously. 'Just how old is this girl?'

"Last I heard, he's doing fine... he celebrated his 600th birthday a while ago. What do you mean he stole from you?" he asked, his concern evident, realizing that the woman in front of him might truly be way out of his league.

"Oh, nothing much. I allowed him to think he succeeded in stealing it. Truth is, his attempts amused me, and he only managed to take a faulty stone," she said with a smirk, relishing the astonished look on Dumbledore's face.

"Faulty? He stole... You mean he never created..." Dumbledore couldn't finish; he was too stunned to do so. It seemed today was the day for 'shock and awe' surprises.

"Oh, yes. His stone works, no doubt about that. It's the real deal, performing precisely as intended... but unlike a true properly created stone, his should be running out of juice. By the end of the year, if I'm not mistaken," Setsuna explained with a smirk playing on her lips.

"Ah!" Dumbledore managed to utter. This could prove problematic to his plans. If the stone was losing its power would it still be enough to lure Voldemort to make an attempt to steal it? Would he know? he wondered.

Suddenly he heard a voice in his head. "Oh, and by the way, I do wish to have a private conversation with you at some point today about the 'plans' you have for it," he heard Setsuna's voice say. The voice seemed to emphasize the word 'plans'. The suggestion hung in the air, making it clear that he wouldn't easily navigate his way out of this impending discussion.

Dumbledore nearly jumped in fright at the sudden voice in his head and started to look increasingly uncomfortable, a palpable twinge of guilt evident in his expression. His demeanor mirrored that of a young boy caught with his hand in the forbidden cookie jar—a sensation he hadn't experienced in over a century.

A trickle of sweat trailed down his face. He could sense that she was somehow privy to the intricate details of his actions concerning her niece. This dangerous and formidable woman in front of him appeared to possess an uncanny awareness of his plans and the traps he had set to test her niece. This was not a favorable situation, and it was certainly not a conversation he was looking forward to, especially if she truly was the ancient being she claimed to be. As the Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot and Supreme Mugwump of the International Confederation of Wizards, Dumbledore was well-versed in the group of wizards and witches that had once masqueraded as Greek and Roman gods. Knowledge of such entities was deemed essential for anyone assuming leadership in the most influential positions within the entire magical world. If the wizard who had once called himself Hermes, the ancient god, was indeed her half-brother, and if she was who she professed to be—the legendary immortal goddess herself—

Good grief!

If what he had just witnessed was correct, he had no reason to believe otherwise, then... he shivered. This seemingly young girl in front of him could well be what she said she was. Thousands of years old, perhaps even more, immensely powerful, and clearly out of his league. To her, he may as well be a first-year and she Morgana or Merlin himself. There was no way he wanted to find himself on her bad side. Perhaps it was best to simply accept his upcoming scolding and eventual punishment. This wasn't a battle even he could not hope to win. This changed everything. Considering whom he was facing, he had much to think about...and possibly plans to alter. Could he perhaps convince her of his plan...or an altered version of it?

Setsuna, sensing his thoughts, smirked in satisfaction. Relishing in his uneasiness, confident that she had made her point - the rest could be taken care of later, she withdrew from Dumbledore's mind and transformed her frown into a smile. "Right then, now that that's out of the way, how about we finally take care of Mr. Snape over there," Setsuna said, breaking the moment and turning to face Snape's body.

Fully transformed, Sailor Pluto—her regal form emanating power and determination—strode purposefully towards Snape's unconscious body, a testament to the aftermath of being blasted by her potent energy when he had attempted to harm Aryanna.

"Now, let's unveil the truth hidden that lies within," she declared aloud, her voice echoing with authority as she prepared for the impending confrontation with an unknown adversary.

With a wave of her staff, Snape's eyes snapped open, and his body levitated to eye level. Gasping for air, Snape was met with the imposing figure of Sailor Pluto, an aura of seriousness and power emanating from her.

The first sensation that flooded Snape's consciousness as he woke was pain, a throbbing reminder of his recent tumble. The second was the bizarre realization that he was suspended in mid-air. The third, however, was the sight of the most formidable woman he had ever encountered. His survival instincts, honed by years as a spy, screamed at him to obey her, or failing that to flee, at any cost.

Groaning, Snape observed nervously as the woman, holding a staff with a glowing tip, took a deliberate step closer. Dumbledore and the others watched in anticipation, uncertain of what awaited them.

"Welcome back to the world of the awake, Mr. Snape... or whoever you truly are," Sailor Pluto began, her voice carrying a subtle power that resonated in the air. "Who are you, and why are you controlling Severus Snape?" she demanded, fixing her penetrating gaze on him.

Severus Snape still disoriented and in pain, managed to croak out, "I don't know what you're talking about. Who are you anyway?" She seemed familiar, but he couldn't place her.

Sailor Pluto narrowed her eyes, sensing a presence within Snape. It was trying to hide, waiting for the opportune moment to intervene...to strike. She would not let it. Without another word and with determined focus, she gathered her energy and then delved deep into Snape's consciousness, effortlessly breaking through his mental defenses.

Snape felt as if he had been hit by a sledgehammer as Setsuna obliterated his mental defenses with the full power of a celestial planet and millennia of experience at her back and call. Shocked by the sudden attack, he paled and released a startled cry, looking at her with wide-open shocked eyes. The woman had just broken through his occlumency shields as if they had been made of wet tissue paper. His formidable, or so he thought, occlumency shields had never been breached so effortlessly before—not once, not even the Dark Lord at the height of his powers had managed that feat. For the first time in a long while, Snape felt true fear. Instantly he knew that victory was not an option.

Setsuna ignored Snape's memories and fear, considering them inconsequential to her current task. She bypassed them completely, continuing her pursuit of whoever controlled Snape. Like a predator closing in on its prey, she extended her senses further, obliterating all of Snape's defenses as she met them in a cascading domino effect that left Snape reeling, leaving him completely at her mercy. Snape's breath hitched, and a sense of complete hopelessness enveloped him. This feeling humbled him, and he recognized that resistance against this formidable woman was futile, at best.

At that moment, the atmosphere shifted. A dark, ethereal presence emerged, intertwining with Snape's consciousness. Sailor Pluto suddenly found herself in a surreal mental landscape, facing a shadowy figure exuding a malevolent aura.

Undeterred, Sailor Pluto stood her ground. "Who are you, and what is your purpose in controlling this man?"

The shadowy figure chuckled, its voice echoing sinisterly. "Who I am is not important, nor will I tell you. I am but a fragment of a greater power who will hunt you down and destroy you... when the time is right."

Sailor Pluto frowned and gripped her staff tighter. "Your possession of this man ends here. I won't let you harm others through this man's actions."

The shadowy figure laughed at first but then nodded begrudgingly. "Hmm... that's true. I sense you will indeed win this day. But no matter... Severus Snape was only a pawn, an instrument to sow discord within the wizarding world, nothing more. A task he has done admirably for the past few years, ever since taking over as Hogwarts Potions professor. A little nudge here, a quick shove there, fueled by his hatred, especially at that Gryffindor boy it was just too easy to make him dance to my every tune. He practically did it himself. I only gave him the necessary shove in the right direction to keep him on the correct path. So, yes, you may win this day, but I shall win and reign supreme in the end."

Having heard enough, Sailor Pluto focused her combined energy into one last powerful strike. The mental version of her Garnet Rod emitted a brilliant light which, when fueled by her massive power, enveloped both her and the shadowy entity which promptly screamed in pain as it was overwhelmed. Outside in the real world, Dumbledore and the onlookers shielded their eyes as Snape's body suddenly seemed to light up as the confrontation between light and darkness unfolded.

Initially resisting, the shadowy figure sent its power at her, but Sailor Pluto's strength prevailed. Setsuna gritted her teeth, feeling a brief resistance against her attack but it quickly vanished as her power quickly overwhelmed it. In a burst of energy, the entity was expelled from Snape's mind, dissipating into the surrounding air.

Back in the real world, Snape convulsed as if released from a long-held grip, his eyes returning to normal as the glazed look left him. All that the onlookers heard was a loud cry of rage and pain as a dark cloud-like shape with an angry face left Snape's body, and then vanished into a dark mist.

Sailor Pluto, having returned to her own mind, caught Snape before he could fall, supporting him as she lay him down on a nearby hospital bed, unconscious once more. There he would lay for now, until recovered from the taxing ordeal. With a sigh, she turned towards the others in the room.

"It is done. The entity, or at least a part of him—has been vanquished from his body. Snape is once again his own man."

Dumbledore sighed wearily in relief as he and the others cautiously approached, having witnessed the unfolding scene. He could only guess the torment Snape had gone through all these years. He never guessed that in all of this time. How could he not have noticed this?

"Are you okay?" Aryanna, currently Sailor Moon, asked Setsuna, worriedly. She had never seen a mental battle between two minds before, least of all a real-life exorcism, revealing just how much she still had to learn. At that moment, she doubted that anybody but Setsuna could have handled the momentous task with the relative ease she had. Everybody else would probably have failed at the attempt.

Setsuna nodded. "Yes, I'm fine. It was only a fragment of his power, whoever he was... a part of his soul. But a soul piece nonetheless, and those are never easy to defeat."

With her task complete, Setsuna allowed herself to transform back into her human civilian form. Seeing that Sailor Moon was also no longer needed, Aryanna sighed and was about to do the same and reluctantly transform back into her schoolgirl self when Setsuna stopped her.

"Not yet!"

Confused, Aryanna looked at her in puzzlement but shrugged and obeyed, quite content to remain as Sailor Moon for the time being. She was in no hurry to transform back if she didn't need to.

"One last task remains before it's your turn..." Setsuna said, then smiled. "I think it's time you informed Hermione of who she has become. There is no better time than now, and I dare say, that seeing Sailor Moon in all of her splendor will prove far more convincing. Don't you agree?" she said as she handed Aryanna a certain wand with the symbol of a Caduceus engraved on it. It was the Mercury transformation wand. Hermione's... Sailor Mercury wand.

Aryanna's eyes widened before she too smiled in agreement. Understanding excitement appeared on her face. 'Oh yes, this is going to be so much fun,' she thought as she eagerly awaited her friend's arrival.

Superheroes got so few chances to reveal to their friends who they truly were under their masks. She was going to enjoy this as much as she could.

Riddle Manor, Little Hangleton, Yorkshire

In the eerie confines of Riddle Manor, nestled in the dark heart of Little Hangleton, Yorkshire, The Dark Lady Valda—formerly known as Voldemort—confronted a formidable dilemma, one of her own creation. This decision, pivotal to the trajectory and continuation of her ominous reign, had lingered in the shadows of her mind for far too long.

It was a choice she could no longer defer—a task that threatened to defeat even her.

It was...

The selection of a new middle name!

As Valda immersed herself in the task, the weight of her decision pressed upon her like an approaching storm. The room itself seemed to conspire with the shadows, dancing in sync with the rhythm of her internal struggle, a silent audience to her transformative contemplation.

"What about...Valda Umbra Mort? No, it lacks resonance."

"What about...Valda... Umbra Nox?" No! Too much darkness...not enough death. She craved something more ominous.

"Valda... Shadowyne Mort?" NO! Absolutely not! It didn't even flow correctly. One more terrible name like that, and she would be forced to Crucio herself. Standards had to be upheld, after all, even by herself. Especially by herself!

What about...

"NO!"

"Why is this so difficult?" she muttered, crossing off yet another name from the list she had meticulously compiled for herself. With each rejected option, Valda delved deeper into the labyrinth of her thoughts.

"Let's see...Valda...Valda...Valda... Nephra Mort?"

No... Just... NO! Crucio! Crucio! Crucio!

"Ouch!" *Sigh* Doing it to oneself was just not as much fun.

Needless to say, it was probably her greatest and most difficult task to date.

'Oh, Why did I wait this long!... I should have done this years ago,' she murmured to herself with a sigh as she crossed off another name from a list of names, from many that littered the floor.

"Nephiria? NO!...still doesn't sound right either?" she mumbled. "Maybe a different letter? Yessssss that's better.

"Tenebria de' Mort, the newest dark Lady of the Negaverse," she mused, contemplating the resonance of each syllable. "Or maybe Valda Nyx Mortis?" Both names possessed a certain power.

Gazing out from Riddle Manor's window, Valda found solace in the shadows, seemingly attuned to the rhythm of her internal struggle.

"Let's see..."Valda Nyx Mortis... the very essence of night and godliness encapsulated in a name," she pondered, her voice taking on a regal quality. Conversely, "Tenebria de' Mort" hinted at an aristocratic charm befitting of a ruler of shadows.

The tug-of-war within mirrored the eternal battle between night and darkness. Valda Nyx Mortis, with its celestial allure, reached out to cosmic forces she sought to command. On the other hand, Tenebria de' Mort, a blend of darkness and nobility, promised a legacy beyond the mundane... and she always wanted to step away from the mundane.

"Perhaps both?" Valda whispered, her eyes gleaming with an unholy resolve. "Valda Tenebria Nyx Mortis... a convergence of night and shadow, a symphony of power and death, Val De' Mort... Valdemort in short. Yessss! Perfect! Don't fix what isn't broken. That shall be my new name! Behold for I am Valda Tenbria Nyx Mortis, Dark Lady and Queen of the Negaverse. My reign shall be eternal and all shall tremble at my wrath!"

As the room's shadows seemed to bow to her decision, a sinister smile played on Valda's lips.

Yet, her reverie was short-lived and suddenly abruptly shattered by an unsettling sensation—a disconnect from an enchantment woven into one of her loyal minions over a decade ago. Now the question was...which one?

Her attention turned to the dark tattoo on her arm, a serpent entwined around a skull—the master tattoo that controlled her minions. Recalling the muggle book that inspired her dark arts, she reflected on the days when she, as Tom Riddle, first embarked on her journey.

"What was that phrase again? One Tattoo to rule them all, One Tattoo to combine them, One Tattoo to control them all, And in the darkness bind them? Not quite the same...but similar," she recollected with a smile, acknowledging the muggle world's unexpected influence on her magical prowess.

She smiled as she remembered. It had been a muggle book that spoke of a dark lord's ring that could control other rings and corrupt others who wore them. She had liked the idea so much that she had created something similar...

It was also where she first got her idea to split her soul from... before she had heard about Horcruxes and asked that fool Slughorn for advice.

'And here all of those inbred Purebloods thought all Muggle ideas were useless.'

'Luckily, I tied them all to my will with soul magic. Soul magic doesn't care if I inhabit a new body as it's tied to my soul. I always knew there was a possibility that I could someday lose my original one. Now let's see...'

Closing her eyes, Valda focused on the lingering connection to her Death Eaters. Realization dawned—it was an enchantment, one she had once cast on Severus Snape. It had fallen. A scowl briefly crossed her face, but she dismissed it, deeming him inconsequential to her evolving plans.

For a few seconds, she scowled, annoyed, but then she sighed. With a shrug, she pushed the matter aside.

"No matter, he's no longer important to my cause."

'If I remember correctly, I created it as a way to sabotage the subject of potions, to decrease the number of Aurors trained each year. Never thought that they would be so easy to defeat as they were always forbidden to use lethal force. It made the war if you could even call it one, so simple in the closing stages. If only there had not been that blasted prophecy, Aryanna Potter...and that purple warrior, to ruin it all.

'Oh well, with the loss of my former body and my... change of gender, my plans have changed completely. I no longer have any need for Death Eaters...and the Aurors have already become all but powerless as I now have far more useful... powerful and...obedient minions. Only those Guardians now stand in my way, but they too shall fall in time. It is inevitable.'

With a further shrug, she put it out of her mind and returned to a far more pressing issue.

'I think it's time I put Voldemort firmly to rest. He was a failure anyway and I have grown to like my new self. Valdemort is so much better' she thought, releasing a small lewd giggle. It's a bit unfortunate about Snape... he was useful. The hate he spread throughout the Hogwarts served our cause well for years but...not to worry. I have larger... far larger plans now. In fact, I think it's time I reminded Dumbledore that Hogwarts is not as safe as he likes to think it is. Let's see how he handles one of the ancient monsters of the old empire visiting his precious school. I think it's time I visited the old pile of rocks. Come to think of it... I believe Quirrell my old worthless minion is currently a professor. I wonder if he will be happy to see me again... and then there is also a certain stone which I wish to retrieve as well and energy to collect, and and and... oh, so much to do!'

Valda smiled as she pictured Dumbledore fighting and losing to a Youma, just like she, as Voldemort, had done so many years ago. It filled her with a sense of euphoric glee.

'OH! It's going to be so much fun! The look on the old man's face alone will be priceless, and maybe, if I play things right, I might even be present to witness it happen.'

Laughing maniacally, Valda relished the impending chaos, her thoughts consumed by larger, more ambitious schemes. Soon her laugh increased into an insane girlish cackle.

Valda's laughter echoed through the shadows of Riddle Manor, the resonance of her newfound identity lingering in the air and scaring a few nearby birds into flight. Little did she know that her amusement had further-reaching consequences. As Valda reveled in her plans, her euphoric feelings echoed through her dark mark into her former followers.

These followers suddenly paused at what they were doing to stare surprised at their faded marks, some in worry, others in happiness. All wondering what it could mean. Was their Lord perhaps making a comeback? Meanwhile, amid all the echoing and growing madness, another laughter, equally deranged, rose from the depths.

Unbeknownst to Valda, the walls of Azkaban echoed with the equally sinister laughter of a witch called Bellatrix Lestrange.

Dubbed by many as Bellatrix le' Strange, the insane woman shivered. She had just felt a disturbance...Something had changed... someone had dared to defeat her infamous insane cackle with an even more insane cackle of their own. Oh, this travesty couldn't be allowed to go uncontested. She needed to find a way out of this place... she needed to practice...and then she needed to reclaim her former title. Only then would she feel worthy enough to face her master again!

The battle for the title of the most insane laugh had only just begun.