Chapter 18.
Hogwarts
Harry's vision swam as the teleportation spell released its hold on him. He stumbled slightly, his boots crunching against gravel. The air was crisp and tinged with the scent of freshly tilled earth, a stark contrast to the chaos of Angel Grove he had left behind.
Straightening, he took in his surroundings. Ahead stood a castle, Hogwarts, but not quite the Hogwarts he knew. Its towering spires lacked the intricate detailing he remembered, and the walls were constructed of a rougher stone, as though the structure was newly built. The grandness of the castle remained, but its raw, almost unrefined state made it seem alien to him.
"This isn't right." Harry muttered to himself.
The path leading up to the castle was worn but solid, lined with flickering torches that burned steadily despite the bright daylight. As Harry began to walk, the castle loomed larger, its imposing silhouette casting long shadows across the landscape.
He was halfway up the path when a voice, deep and commanding, called out.
"Stop where you are."
Harry froze. A figure emerged from the shadows near the castle gates. The man was tall and broad-shouldered, with an air of quiet authority that seemed to radiate from him. His red hair, wavy and untamed, framed a face that was both noble and fierce. A full beard matched the fiery hue of his hair, and his green eyes blazed with intensity as they fixed on Harry.
The man wore ornate red robes with gold embellishments, their intricate designs catching the light of the torches. His gauntlets, segmented and slightly scorched as though they had seen countless battles, glinted ominously. At his side hung a magnificent sword, its hilt adorned with rubies that glowed faintly like embers.
"Who are you?" the man demanded, his voice steady but laced with suspicion.
Harry blinked, trying to place the man's face. It was familiar. Straightening, he hesitated before replying. "I'm Harry Potter. I'm a student at Hogwarts."
The man's gaze sharpened. He took a step closer, his hand resting lightly on the hilt of his sword. "My name is Godric." he said, his tone measured, his words carrying a weight that seemed to echo through the air. "I know every student who walks the halls of my school. You are not one of them."
Harry's mind froze the moment the man introduced himself.
"Godric." the man had said.
The name echoed in Harry's mind like a thunderclap. His eyes darted to the sword at the man's side. the Sword of Gryffindor, unmistakable in its craftsmanship. The red and gold robes, the aura of command, and that name...
"You're —" Harry's breath caught in his throat. He stared at the man, piecing together the impossible truth. "You're Godric Gryffindor."
Godric's eyes narrowed, his grip tightening on the hilt of his sword. "Indeed, I am." he said, his voice a low rumble. "Now, tell me who you truly are, and speak plainly."
"I'm Harry Potter," he repeated, his voice firmer now. "I mean no harm. I was sent here —" He hesitated, realizing how ludicrous it sounded. "I think I've been sent to the past."
Godric's eyes narrowed. "Do you take me for a fool?" He pointed his wand at Harry, his grip on the hilt of his sword tightening.
Harry took a step back. "Please, just listen. I'm not here to cause harm. I —"
But Godric had already made up his mind. With a flick of his wand, he sent a jet of fire hurtling toward Harry. Harry dived to the side, narrowly avoiding the flames that scorched the ground where he had stood.
Godric was relentless, closing the distance between them with terrifying speed. He slashed the air with his wand, sending a barrage of hexes and sparks that forced Harry to keep dodging, his movements growing more desperate.
"I don't want to fight!" Harry tried to reason, but his words fell on deaf ears.
With a roar, Godric drew the Sword of Gryffindor, its blade singing as it sliced through the air. He swung it with precision, forcing Harry to leap backward, the blade narrowly missing him.
Harry's frustration boiled over. He pivoted on his heel and lashed out with a kick, his foot connecting with the flat of the blade. The force sent the sword spinning high into the sky, its silver surface catching the moonlight.
Godric's eyes widened in surprise, but Harry didn't stop. He leaped into the air, his hand catching the hilt of the sword as it fell. Twisting midair, he brought the blade down in a calculated strike, knocking Godric's wand from his hand.
Godric stumbled back, his expression shifting from anger to astonishment. Harry landed smoothly, the Sword of Gryffindor gripped tightly in his hands. He pointed it at Godric, his breathing heavy but his stance steady.
"Enough." Harry said firmly. "I told you, I'm not here to cause harm. I don't want to fight you. Just listen to me."
For a moment, the only sound was the wind rustling through the trees. Godric's gaze bore into Harry, his chest rising and falling as he considered the boy before him. Slowly, he raised his hands in a gesture of surrender, though the tension in his posture remained.
"You fight like no wizard I have ever known," Godric said, his voice laced with grudging respect. "And yet, you claim to be no threat."
Harry lowered the sword but didn't release it. "I'm telling the truth. I was sent here by someone, or something. I don't know how or why."
Godric studied him for a long moment, his green eyes piercing. Finally, he nodded, though his expression remained wary.
"Very well," he said. "You have my ear… for now. But understand this: if you betray my trust, you will not live to regret it."
Harry handed the sword back to its rightful owner, its weight leaving his hands. He took a deep breath, the adrenaline still coursing through his veins.
"Thank you." Harry said, his voice earnest. "I promise you won't regret it."
Hogwarts
Harry followed Godric Gryffindor through the winding halls of the castle, the flickering torchlight casting shadows on the ancient stone walls. Though this Hogwarts was smaller and less polished than the one he knew, there was a familiarity in its bones—the same warmth, the same magic humming in the air.
Godric pushed open a large, ornate door, and Harry's breath caught. The room he entered bore an uncanny resemblance to Dumbledore's office, though simpler in design. The desk was massive, carved from dark wood and laden with parchment and strange trinkets. Behind it, shelves of ancient tomes climbed to the ceiling, and a roaring fire lit the room in a golden glow.
Standing before the desk were three figures, each emanating an aura of power.
A woman with flowing raven hair and piercing blue eyes was the first to step forward, her robes a deep, starry blue that shimmered as she moved. Her gaze was sharp, analytical, and she studied Harry as if trying to solve a particularly difficult riddle.
To her left stood a shorter woman with warm hazel eyes and a kind, open expression. Her golden hair was pulled into an elegant braid, and her soft yellow robes gave her an almost ethereal appearance. She looked at Harry with concern, as though he were a lost child who had stumbled into her care.
The man to the right, however, radiated suspicion. His black hair was slicked back, and his sharp features were framed by dark green robes. His eyes, cold and calculating, narrowed as they met Harry's. He crossed his arms, exuding an air of distrust.
"These are my colleagues." Godric announced, stepping aside. "Rowena Ravenclaw, Helga Hufflepuff, and Salazar Slytherin. Together, we built this castle."
Harry realized he was standing before the legendary Founders of Hogwarts.
Hogwarts
"You claim to be from the future," Godric Gryffindor said, he rumbled. "But without evidence, your words mean nothing."
Harry hesitated. He didn't know how much he could reveal without risking altering the timeline, or worse, making things worse than they already were.
"I've told you, I'm Harry Potter, and I don't mean any harm." said Harry, his expression earnest.
Salazar scoffed, his lip curling. "A likely story. A stranger appears out of nowhere, claiming to be from the future? Do you take us for fools?"
Helga shot him a disapproving look. "He's just a boy, Salazar. Look at him. Frightened, confused. Perhaps we should listen to what he has to say before passing judgment."
Rowena, who had been silent until now, stepped forward, her eyes narrowing as she scrutinized Harry. "Time travel is not impossible. Tell me, Harry, how did you come to be here? Leave nothing out."
Harry nodded, recounting his encounter with the cloaked individual.
When he finished, the room was silent, the Founders of Hogwarts exchanging glances.
"Your story is… unusual," Rowena said finally, "but not entirely implausible."
Helga placed a hand on her chest, her face filled with worry. "If someone sent you here, Harry, they must be incredibly powerful. Are they a threat to Hogwarts? To our students?"
Harry shook his head. "I don't think so. At least, I hope not."
Salazar, however, wasn't convinced. "How convenient," he said, his tone icy. "You show up, spinning tales of the future, and expect us to trust you? Tell us — what are your true intentions?"
"I already told you." Harry said, his frustration slipping through. "I'm not here to hurt anyone. I'm just trying to figure out what's going on and get back to my time."
Before Salazar could retort, a slithering sound caught everyone's attention. A large snake glided into the room, its scales glinting in the firelight. It hissed softly, its tongue flicking in and out.
Salazar's eyes gleamed as he bent down, listening to the serpent.
Harry frowned, straining to understand, but the hisses were meaningless to him. His confusion deepened.
Salazar straightened, his expression grave. "The snakes have alerted me to an attack on Hogwarts. Giant rat-like creatures are approaching the castle."
Rowena and Helga gasped, and Godric's hand immediately went to the hilt of his sword.
"I'll handle it." Harry said, stepping forward.
"Absolutely not," Godric said firmly. "This is our school, and we will defend it. Do you think we would stand idle while our students are in danger?"
Before Harry could argue, the Founders of Hogwarts swept out of the room, their robes billowing behind them.
Hogwarts
The night air was pierced by the sound of splintering wood and shouts of alarm. Harry followed Godric to the castle gates, his heart sinking as the scene unfolded before him. The rat-like creatures were massive, their grotesque forms lurching through the grounds. Yellowed teeth gnawed at stone and wood, their claws rending anything in their path. Students scattered, screaming, as the creatures advanced relentlessly.
Godric, Rowena, Helga, and Salazar exchanged glances, their faces a mix of alarm and determination. "We defend our school." Godric said firmly, drawing his sword and stepping forward. The others nodded, wands raised and ready.
Harry clenched his fist. He couldn't let this happen.
A flash of green light erupted around him, and in an instant, he was clad in the shimmering armor of the Green Ranger.
The transformation drew gasps from the Founders of Hogwarts, who momentarily faltered. Godric's eyes widened, his sword lowering slightly. "What sorcery is this?" he demanded.
He raised his hand, attempting to materialize the Dragon Dagger. But no matter how hard he focused, it wouldn't materialize.
"I need backup." he muttered, hitting the communicator on his wrist.
The Founders of Hogwarts looked at each other, then followed Harry into the fray, wands and swords at the ready.
The Green Ranger fought the creatures, doing his best to hold them back, but their numbers were overwhelming.
With a flash of green light, he teleported away, leaving the Founders of Hogwarts to defend their castle as he made his way to the Command Center.
The Command Center
The Green Ranger teleported to the Command Center, the familiar green light enveloping him. When he arrived, the glowing energy tube containing Zordon flickered to life.
"Who are you?" Zordon's voice was deep and cautious.
Harry removed his helmet, revealing his face. "I'm Harry Potter, the Green Ranger."
Zordon's expression remained unreadable. "The Green Ranger? That Power Coin was taken by Rita Repulsa many years ago. How did you come to possess it?"
Harry hesitated. "It's… complicated. But I'm not working for Rita. I'm here to stop an attack orcestrated by her and Master Vile. They've sent monsters to the past."
Alpha 5, Zordon's assistant, chimed in, his robotic voice filled with worry. "Zordon, this could be a trick!"
Zordon remained silent for a long moment before speaking. "If what you say is true —"
Harry sighed, stepping forward. "I don't have time to prove myself. You once told me that the Power Rangers were chosen because they possess the strength, courage and will to protect others. Please Zordon. Trust me."
Zordon's tone softened slightly. "Very well. What do you require?"
Hogwarts
The battle against the towering, rat-like monsters raged in the Hogwarts grounds. The Founders of Hogwarts fought valiantly, their wands casting brilliant jets of light that lit the darkened sky. Despite their formidable power, the creatures continued to advance, their sheer numbers overwhelming.
Harry reappeared in a flash of green light, carrying five shimmering Power Coins in his hand. He sprinted toward the Founders of Hogwarts, narrowly dodging a swipe from a massive claw.
"I need your help!" Harry shouted, tossing the coins toward the group.
The coins glowed brightly as each of them caught one. They looked at them with a mixture of confusion and intrigue, except for Godric, whose eyes narrowed with determination.
"These coins will give you the power to summon weapons to fight these creatures." Harry explained hurriedly, "Just trust me."
Godric held the Blue Ranger's coin tightly. "If what you say is true, then we have no time to waste. What must we do?"
"Raise the coin and call out 'It's Morphin' Time!'"
The Founders of Hogwarts exchanged uncertain glances but obeyed.
Godric raised his coin. "It's Morphin' Time!"
The others followed suit.
"Sabertooth Tiger!" cried Helga, her gentle demeanor hardening as a fierce determination took over.
"Pterodactyl!" bellowed Rowena, her voice commanding as power coursed through her.
"Mastodon!" Salazar's voice was sharp, cutting through the chaos.
"Triceratops!" Godric roared, his strength palpable as a crimson aura enveloped him.
With an explosion of light, the Founders of Hogwarts transformed. Each of them was now clad in a Ranger's armor—sleek and shining, infused with their chosen color. Godric stood as the Blue Ranger, shimmering like sapphire. Rowena's pink armor gleamed, while Helga's yellow glowed like sunlight. Salazar, clad in black, seemed to exude an aura of shadowy menace.
The Blue Ranger flexed his arms, the blue armor shimmering. "By Merlin's beard... what is this power?"
The Black Ranger examined his black armor with a smirk. "Impressive. Functional. But why does it feel as though it's alive?"
The Yellow Ranger marveled at the strength coursing through her limbs. "This... this is incredible."
The Pink Ranger frowned in disdain, "Pink? This is absurd."
Harry couldn't suppress a small grin, despite the gravity of the situation.
He stepped back, holding the Red Power Coin. "Tyrannosaurus!"
Harry, now the Red Ranger with the golden gleam of the Dragon Shield displayed across his chest, the Red Ranger turned to the other Power Rangers and pointed toward the horizon where the rat-like monsters were wreaking havoc. "There's no time to waste. Call your Zords!"
The Founders of Hogwarts followed his lead, raising their arms and calling upon their respective Dino Zords. The ground shook as the Zords roared to life.
The Tyrannosaurus Zord stormed across the landscape, its thunderous steps shaking the earth.
The Triceratops Zord barreled through the forest, its horns gleaming.
The Mastodon Zord emerged from a cloud of mist, its trunk swinging.
The Sabretooth Tiger Zord leaped gracefully across the terrain, and the Pterodactyl Zord soared overhead with a piercing screech.
"By the gods..." the Blue Ranger whispered.
"Focus!" the Red Ranger commanded. "We need to combine them into the Megazord."
As the Red Ranger led the process, the Zords began to merge. The Tyrannosaurus formed the body, the Mastodon the arms, the Triceratops and Sabretooth Tiger the legs, and the Pterodactyl the chestplate.
The Dino Megazord stood tall and imposing.
"Unbelievable." the Pink Ranger murmured from within her cockpit.
The Dino Megazord clashed with the rat-like monsters. The Founders of Hogwarts worked in unison, their movements synchronized as if they had been Power Rangers their entire lives.
The Blue Ranager roared with exhilaration, "This is battle as it was meant to be!"
"Less boasting, more fighting." the Pink Ranger snapped, directing the Megazord to block an incoming attack.
The Black Ranger guided the Megazord's foot to stomp down on a smaller creature, crushing it instantly. "These beasts are persistent, I'll give them that."
The fight raged on, the Megazord's movements becoming faster and more fluid as the Founders of Hogwarts grew accustomed to their new roles.
"We need the Power Sword, now!" The Red Ranger commanded.
Above the battlefield, the clouds parted in a blinding flash of light, a beam of pure energy slicing through the sky. From the heavens, the Power Sword descended, its blade glowing with almost divine energy as it cut through the air and embedded itself into the ground before the Megazord.
The Megazord reached out, grasping the sword with both hands and with a final, mighty swing of the Power Sword, the last monster was cleaved in two, its body disintegrating into ash.
As the dust settled, the Red Ranger spoke. "It's not over yet."
The Red Ranger descended from the towering Megazord, the Power Sword materializing in his hands in a blaze of crimson light. The battlefield was littered with shattered trees and scorched earth, the forest now a ruin of what it once was. Across the clearing, a shadow stirred, and the Wizard of Deception materialized, his cloak billowing like a dark storm cloud. His twisted laughter pierced the eerie silence, echoing through the devastation.
"We meet again." the Wizard of Deception sneered, his eyes gleaming with malice. "Are you ready to beg for mercy?"
The Red Ranger gripped the Power Sword tightly, his knuckles whitening beneath his gloves. "Mercy?" he shot back, his voice resolute. "Not for someone like you."
The Wizard of Deception's lips curled into a menacing grin. "Then let's finish what we started."
The battle ignited with fury. The Wizard of Deception unleashed a volley of dark energy bolts that streaked toward the Red Ranger like shards of night. The Red Ranger dodged with precision, his movements sharp and calculated. Sparks erupted around him as the blasts struck the earth, sending debris flying into the air.
The Red Ranger countered with a sweeping strike of the Power Sword, the blade glowing as it clashed with the Wizard's defenses. The collision sent shockwaves rippling through the clearing, sparks raining down as their powers collided. The Wizard of Deception snarled, conjuring a crackling whip of fire that lashed out, wrapping around the Power Sword and wrenching it from the Red Ranger's grasp. The blade flew through the air, embedding itself in the ground several meters away.
"You're nothing without your weapon!" the Wizard of Deception taunted, his voice dripping with contempt.
The Red Ranger refused to be daunted. Without hesitation, he charged, his fists striking with precision. Each blow was met with resistance as the Wizard of Deception conjured shields of dark magic, but the Red Ranger pressed forward, relentless in his determination.
The Wizard of Deception suddenly brandished the Dragon Dagger, its eerie melody hanging in the air as he raised it high. "This power should never have been yours!" he declared, his tone venomous.
Before the dagger could strike, a voice cut through the chaos like a beacon. "Harry!"
The Red Ranger turned just in time to see Godric Gryffindor, still clad in his Blue Ranger armor, hurling the Power Sword through the air. It spun in a perfect arc, the blade catching the light as it approached. The Red Ranger reached out, his fingers closing around the hilt with a firm grip. The connection was seamless, as though the sword belonged to him and him alone.
With a fierce roar, the Red Ranger surged forward, channeling all his strength into the Power Sword. The Wizard of Deception's eyes widened as the Red Ranger closed the distance in a heartbeat, the blade arcing downward in a brilliant slash. The strike pierced through the Wizard of Deception's chest, a burst of golden light erupting on impact.
The Wizard of Deception let out a scream of anguish, his body disintegrating into tendrils of dark energy that dissolved into the wind. The forest fell silent, save for the faint metallic clang as the Dragon Dagger slipped from his robes and clattered to the ground, its sound echoing through the stillness.
Breathing heavily, the Red Ranger bent down and picked up the dagger, his gloved fingers curling around its hilt. He stared at it for a moment, the weight of the battle and the triumph settling over him. The golden sheen of the Dragon Shield on his chest glimmered faintly.
The other Power Rangers, his allies, the Founders of Hogwarts, descended from the battlefield, their expressions a mixture of awe and respect. The Red Ranger stood tall, the Power Sword in one hand and the Dragon Dagger in the other.
Hogwarts
Harry stood amidst the ruins of the battlefield, the Founders of Hogwarts gathered around him. The air was heavy with the smell of singed earth and the faint echoes of the battle they had just endured. The Power Coins glinted in his hand as he turned to face the Founders.
"Well done, Harry." Godric said, clapping him firmly on the shoulder. His broad smile was tinged with pride.
Helga stepped forward, her expression soft. "You've shown great courage and resourcefulness. You handled yourself admirably, even in the face of impossible odds."
Rowena nodded, though her gaze lingered on the remnants of the battlefield. "Your strength and intelligence have served you well. Though I still question why my color was pink." Her lips twitched into the barest hint of a smile.
Harry chuckled. "I didn't exactly pick them myself."
Salazar, however, remained silent, his sharp eyes fixed on the Dragon Dagger in Harry's hand. His voice, when he finally spoke, was low and measured. "This power... it is fascinating. Perhaps too fascinating to part with so easily."
Godric's expression darkened, and he shot Salazar a pointed look. "Salazar." he warned, his voice firm. "We agreed."
Salazar hesitated, his fingers curling around the Black Power Coin. For a moment, it seemed as though he might refuse, but under Godric's unwavering gaze, he relented. He extended the Power Coin toward Harry, though his reluctance was palpable.
"Take it." Salazar said, his tone curt. "But know that power such as this is not given lightly."
Harry accepted the Power Coin with a nod, his gratitude unspoken but clear. The other Founders followed suit, each returning their Power Coins with words of thanks and admiration.
"You'll always have a place here, Harry." Helga said warmly, her sincerity unmistakable.
Harry smiled, tucking the Power Coins into the wooden box he had retrieved from the Command Center. "I couldn't have done this without your help."
As the Founders of Hogwarts watched, Harry turned and began to walk away from the castle, his boots crunching against the gravel path. The silhouette of Hogwarts loomed behind him, a monument to the courage and unity they had shared. When he reached the edge of the grounds, he paused, looking out at the horizon as he prepared to teleport to the Command Center and return the Power Coins.
Just as he raised his communicator, a voice broke through the stillness. "Hey, Harry."
Harry turned, startled, to see Jen standing a few paces away, her arms crossed and her smirk somewhere between amusement and exasperation.
"Jen!" Harry exclaimed, relief and surprise washing over him. "You have no idea how glad I am to see you."
"I think I have some idea." she said dryly, stepping closer. "You really have a knack for time travel, don't you? One mess after another."
Harry laughed, a genuine sound after the tension of the battle. "You're here to fix it, aren't you?"
Jen sighed, though the corners of her mouth quirked upward. "Someone has to. But I have to admit, you do make my job interesting."
They stood in companionable silence for a moment before Harry asked, "So, is this the part where you lecture me about messing with the timeline?"
"Not yet." Jen replied, her smirk widening. "But don't think I'm not keeping track of your infractions."
Harry shook his head, a laugh escaping him. "I've been wondering when I'd see you again."
Jen's expression shifted slightly, her smirk giving way to something more thoughtful. "This might be the first time you've seen me since our last meeting, but it's not the first time I've seen you." She let the statement hang in the air, her words cryptic.
Harry frowned. "What's that supposed to mean?"
"Time travel is complicated. You'll figure it out." Jen shrugged. "Are you ready to go?"
Harry glanced down at the box of Power Coins in his hand and shook his head. "Not yet. I need to return these first." He gestured toward the box.
Jen raised an eyebrow. "Always the responsible one, aren't you?"
Harry smiled, his expression determined. "Someone has to be."
The Command Center
Harry and Jen returned the Power Coins to Zordon in the Command Center, the glowing chamber illuminated by the pulsing light of the Morphing Grid. Zordon's deep, resonant voice filled the room.
"Thank you, Power Rangers. The Power Coins are safe once again."
Jen stood beside Harry, her eyes wide with awe as she took in the advanced technology around her. She looked like a kid in a candy store, and Harry couldn't help but be curious. "You okay there?" he asked, smirking.
Jen tore her gaze from the console she had been studying. "You're kidding, right? This place is incredible. I've studied temporal phenomena my whole career, but this —" she gestured to the Command Center, "— this is beyond anything I've ever imagined."
Harry chuckled, shaking his head.
With the Power Coins returned, the two prepared to head back to Harry's time. Together, they leaped into the timestream, the swirling vortex of light and shadow pulling them forward. The sensation was dizzying, a rush of motion that felt both infinite and instantaneous.
"You'll be back in your time in no time." Jen said with a faint smile, though her sharp eyes remained focused on their destination.
Harry clutched the Dragon Dagger tightly, its weight a constant reminder of his responsibility. "I just hope we're not too late."
As they emerged from the timestream, the world around them solidified into chaos. They landed in Angel Grove, and the ground immediately trembled beneath their feet.
The Dragonzord was on a rampage. Its massive form towered over the city, skyscrapers crumbling under its relentless assault. Its drill-like tail tore through the streets, sending chunks of asphalt and debris flying in every direction. Fires raged in its wake, and terrified civilians fled from the destruction.
"Angel Grove." Harry muttered, his voice barely audible over the cacophony of destruction.
In the distance, the Ninja Megazord struggled to hold its ground. The two mechanical titans clashed, but the Dragonzord's brute strength overwhelmed the Megazord. Each strike forced the Power Rangers to retreat, their movements desperate as they tried to regroup.
Jen's normally composed expression cracked as she stared at the chaos. "That's the Dragonzord? You never told me it could do… this."
Harry didn't answer. He had always known the Dragonzord was powerful, but seeing it unleashed like this, against Angel Grove, was a nightmare come to life.
"I have to stop it." he said, his voice resolute. Without waiting for Jen's response, Harry raised the Dragon Dagger to his lips and played the haunting melody that had become second nature to him.
The piercing notes cut through the chaos, echoing across the battlefield. The Dragonzord froze mid-attack, its tail poised mere inches from delivering another devastating blow to the Ninja Megazord. It let out a low, guttural growl, its glowing eyes flickering as the melody took hold.
"Listen to me." Harry murmured, his hands steady on the Dagger as he focused all his will into the song.
Slowly, the Dragonzord turned its massive head toward Harry, its movements deliberate and sluggish, as though fighting off an unseen force. For a tense moment, it seemed to resist, its tail lashing out violently and carving deep gouges into the ground.
"Harry! It's good to see you're back!" the Red Ranger's voice crackled through the communicator. "What's happening? Do you have it under control?"
"I'm trying." Harry replied through gritted teeth. Sweat beaded on his forehead as he poured every ounce of his energy into the melody, willing the Dragonzord to calm.
The battle raged around him, but Harry's focus never wavered. Slowly, the Dragonzord let out a low roar, its tail lowering as it stood still. Its glowing eyes dimmed, the familiar green hue returning to signal that it was under Harry's command once again.
The Dragonzord turned, its heavy footsteps shaking the ground as it lumbered toward the ocean. The destruction in its wake was stark, but the relief was palpable as it disappeared beneath the waves, its enormous form vanishing into the water with a final, echoing roar.
Harry lowered the Dragon Dagger, his arms trembling from the effort. His breath came in ragged gasps, relief mingling with unease. "It's over." he whispered, though the weight in his chest told him the battle was far from done.
Angel Grove
The smoke hung heavy over Angel Grove, the city's skyline marred by broken buildings and smoldering ruins. Emergency vehicles swarmed the streets, their flashing lights cutting through the haze as firefighters worked to extinguish blazes and paramedics tended to the injured.
Jen stepped forward, her expression a mixture of awe and disbelief. "I've seen Zords before, but nothing like that. The sheer destruction…" She trailed off, shaking her head. Her sharp eyes scanned the devastation, lingering on the shattered remains of homes and businesses. "How could anyone let something like that loose?"
"It wasn't supposed to be this way." Harry said, his voice laden with guilt. He lowered the Dragon Dagger, staring at its gleaming surface as though it might hold the answer to his mistakes. "The Dragonzord was meant to protect people, not destroy everything in its path. I should've —"
Jen cut him off, stepping closer. "Stop that. What happened here wasn't your fault, Harry." Her voice was firm but not unkind, grounding him.
Harry nodded faintly but didn't respond. His gaze remained fixed on the distant ocean, where the Dragonzord had disappeared beneath the waves.
"This is the second time that you've been here for me." Harry turned to her, a glimmer of gratitude breaking through his somber expression. "I won't forget this."
Without warning, Jen hugged him, a gesture that took him by surprise. Her grip was brief but steady, offering reassurance that words couldn't.
"None of this is on you." she said quietly, pulling back to meet his eyes. "I'll see you soon, Harry. Take care of yourself."
Before he could reply, Jen vanished in a flash of pink light, leaving him alone with his thoughts.
The silence didn't last long.
A shimmer of light signaled the arrival of the other Power Rangers, their colorful suits marred with soot and scratches from the earlier battle. They landed nearby, visibly relieved at the sight of Harry.
"Who was that?" the Pink Ranger asked, tilting her head in curiosity as she looked toward where Jen had stood moments ago.
"Just a friend," Harry said quietly, his tone distant.
"You're back!" the Yellow Ranger exclaimed, rushing toward him with a grin of relief. "We thought —" She stopped herself mid-sentence.
The Red Ranger clapped a reassuring hand on Harry's shoulder. "Man, it's good to see you again. We've been through the wringer without you."
The Power Rangers gathered around him, their camaraderie a welcome reprieve from the chaos. For a moment, the weight of the battle seemed lighter, shared among friends who understood the burden of their responsibilities.
Harry managed a small smile, but his gaze wandered to the ruined city. The destruction was a stark reminder of the power they wielded and the consequences of its misuse.
The Moon Palace
The throne room of the Moon Palace trembled with Rita's wrath. She stormed across the chamber, her staff clutched tightly in her hands, the ruby orb at its tip glowing faintly with her rage. Her shrill voice echoed off the cold, stone walls.
"First, that fool Wizard of Deception fails! And now, the Dragonzord is back under the Green Ranger's control!" she screeched, her wild gestures sending sparks flying from her staff. "I can't take it anymore!"
Goldar shuffled nervously to her side, his wings twitching. "Perhaps it's time to regroup, my queen. The Power Rangers are strong, and —"
"Don't you dare suggest retreat!" Rita snapped, pointing her staff at Goldar, who recoiled as if struck. "I will not let some traitor and his little friends humiliate me again!"
In the corner, Master Vile remained unbothered, lounging in the shadows of the throne room with the Orb of Doom resting in his gnarled hands. The dark artifact pulsed rhythmically, casting long, eerie shadows across the room.
"Let the Rangers savor their fleeting victories." Master Vile said, his voice smooth and chilling, like the hiss of a snake. "They are but children playing at war. Soon, they will know true despair."
Rita turned to him, her frustration momentarily giving way to curiosity. "And what, dear father, do you plan to do?"
Master Vile chuckled darkly, holding the Orb of Doom aloft. The light from the orb grew brighter, illuminating his skeletal grin. "Patience, my dear. This artifact has the power to rewrite reality itself. With it, I will ensure that the Power Rangers will have no powers left to fight us."
The room fell silent as his words settled over them like a thick fog. Even Rita, for all her bluster, felt a shiver run down her spine.
"Then let us prepare." she said, her voice quieter but no less venomous. "This time, we end them for good."
Hogwarts
Back at Hogwarts in his own time, Harry sat in Dumbledore's office, recounting his incredible journey. The Headmaster listened intently, his blue eyes twinkling with fascination as Harry described the Founders of Hogwarts, their transformation into Rangers, and the battle they fought together.
"Remarkable." Dumbledore murmured, leaning back in his chair. "The Founders of Hogwarts themselves wielding such power... I never imagined."
Harry hesitated, then added, "There's something else. I can't talk to snakes anymore."
Dumbledore's expression shifted subtly, relief flickered across his face, though it was gone in an instant.
"Curious." Dumbledore said, stroking his beard. "I had my suspicions, Harry. The night Voldemort attacked your parents, he may have unintentionally left a fragment of his soul within you. That fragment granted you abilities such as Parseltongue. But it seems that something has destroyed that piece of him entirely."
Harry sat in silence, digesting the revelation. "So… that part of Voldemort is gone for good?"
"It would appear so." Dumbledore said. "A blessing, perhaps, that you are finally free of his shadow in that regard."
The Graveyard
The graveyard was cloaked in shadows, the moon casting an eerie glow over the crumbling headstones. Wormtail crouched nervously near a bubbling cauldron, clutching a silver dagger in his shaking hands. Above the cauldron, Voldemort's wraith-like form hovered, a pale, mist-like shadow of the Dark Lord he had once been. His voice, though weak, carried venomous intensity.
"The ritual must be completed soon, Wormtail." Voldemort hissed, his glowing red eyes fixed on his servant. "I will not remain in this pathetic form for a moment longer. Do not fail me."
Wormtail nodded frantically, his sweat-soaked hair plastered to his forehead. "Y-yes, my lord. It will be done, my lord."
Suddenly, a crackle of energy rippled through the air, sending chills down Wormtail's spine. The cauldron's bubbling stilled, and an oppressive silence fell over the graveyard. From the shadows, a towering figure began to materialize, cloaked in dark, billowing energy. Wormtail stumbled backward, dropping the dagger, as Master Vile stepped into view.
"Lord Voldemort." Vile said, his voice smooth and dripping with mockery. "How far the mighty have fallen."
Voldemort's glowing eyes narrowed dangerously. "Who dares intrude on my domain?"
"I am Master Vile." the figure replied, his skeletal grin gleaming in the dim light. He raised a clawed hand, his staff glowing with a pulsing, sinister energy. "And I bring you an offer—a partnership that could reshape this very world."
Voldemort sneered. "And why should I trust a creature I've never heard of? What could you possibly offer me?"
Vile chuckled darkly, stepping closer. "Power." he said simply. "The kind of power even you have yet to grasp. Allow me to demonstrate my sincerity."
He raised his staff high, the orb atop it glowing brighter and brighter until the graveyard was bathed in blinding light. A sudden surge of energy erupted, crackling through the air like a storm. Wormtail shielded his eyes, whimpering in fear, as objects began to materialize around them with a series of loud clangs.
When the light dimmed, Voldemort and Wormtail stared in stunned silence. Scattered across the ground were the Horcruxes, each one unmistakable and yet, somehow, irrevocably altered. The diary, the locket, the ring, and others all lay there, their surfaces cracked, their magic visibly leaking away like vapor.
"What have you done?" Voldemort demanded, his voice filled with both fury and awe.
"I have severed your ties to those fragments." Master Vile said, gesturing lazily at the destroyed Horcruxes. "You no longer need them. They were crutches, vestiges of a weaker version of yourself."
Before Voldemort could respond, his incorporeal form began to glow. Dark energy poured into him from Master Vile's staff, surrounding him in a swirling cocoon of shadow and light. Wormtail whimpered as the power radiated outward, knocking him to the ground.
A blinding flash illuminated the graveyard, and when it faded, Voldemort stood whole once more. His tall, pale form radiated an aura of raw power, and his snake-like face twisted into a wicked grin as he flexed his long fingers.
"The Horcruxes." Voldemort muttered, his voice now strong and commanding, "They are destroyed… but I feel no weaker."
"Indeed." Vile said with satisfaction. "You are whole again, more powerful than ever."
Voldemort's red eyes gleamed with triumph as he stepped forward, his newly restored body humming with dark magic. "You have my attention, Master Vile. Perhaps we have much to discuss."
Master Vile inclined his head, his skeletal grin widening. "Indeed, my lord."
The two dark figures stood amidst the shattered remains of Voldemort's Horcruxes, their combined malice casting an ominous pall over the graveyard. For the first time in years, Voldemort felt truly invincible, and the world would soon feel the weight of their alliance.