Hello, everyone. ThunderReborn from 2025. This chapter has originally been edited by Darklord331. Finally, in April 2025, this chapter was edited again by my current beta reader, Waroyer123. Thank you and I hope you enjoy the story.
The following is a fan-based parody.
Bleach is owned by Tite Kubo, TV Tokyo, Viz Media, and Studio Pierrot.
Harry Potter is owned by J.K Rowling.
All other references of characters or abilities are not mine.
Please support the official release.
"Hello." – Normal talking
"Hello." – Ichigo's thoughts.
"Hello." – Zanpakutō speaking
"Hello." – Zanpakutō thoughts.
": Hello. : " – Goblin Language
": Hello:" – French.
"$: Hello :$" – Parseltongue
Chapter 45:
The Great Hall was abuzz with conversation about the First Task. Many of those who entered the hall were grateful not to have been selected as champions, while others, their egos inflated, boasted that they would have completed the task more dramatically. The chatter died down quickly, however, as owls began to descend into the hall in greater numbers than usual. Everyone soon realized the reason for this: the extra owls belonged to the Daily Prophet, once again delivering newspapers to everyone, even those who hadn't paid for a copy.
At the Professor's Table, Professors Dumbledore, Karkaroff, and Madame Maxime all glared at the front cover.
"Professor Dumbledore, Professor Karkaroff, and Madame Maxime Personally Biased Toward Their Own Champion! Champions All Thanked Kaien Shiba for Helping Them Prepare to Face the Dragons! Bagman Betting on Mister Potter to Win! Exclusive One-on-One Interviews with Each Champion."
"How I wish I could strangle that Japanese bastard," Dumbledore thought to himself. "I should never have allowed him here. Now he's slowly tarnishing my image. Kaien even mentioned that duel! Those reporters even got memory photos of the duel!" Dumbledore scowled, as both Karkaroff and Maxime shared similar thoughts.
Meanwhile, those who had started the chaos were peacefully sleeping in their beds, blissfully unaware of the storm they had caused. Kaien and Artoria were fast asleep. Through an open window, an owl flew into their room. Before it could land, the blanket was swiftly thrown aside, and Excalibur—gleaming in its black and red glory—pointed at the owl. The owl hesitated but landed near the window. Artoria lowered Excalibur, allowing it to disappear, and walked over to the owl. The owl offered a letter, which she took, and it quickly flew away.
"So, who wrote us a letter?" Kaien asked, rubbing his eyes as he woke up.
"It's from Nagnok," Artoria replied as she opened the letter.
"Dear Kaien and Artoria, I have a few updates for you. First, we've successfully obtained the item from the Lestrange Vault. Second, Healer Bloodfallen is making great progress with John Doe's recovery, but she's encountered a problem and requests both Mister Potter and your attention as soon as possible. Sincerely, Nagnok."
She handed the letter to Kaien as she settled back into bed. Kaien chuckled softly, got out of bed, changed out of his sleeping clothes, and went downstairs. Harry was already downstairs, eating breakfast.
"Hello, Kaien-sensei," Harry greeted.
"Morning, Harry. We need to go to Gringotts after breakfast," Kaien said.
"Um... sure," Harry replied. They headed to the fireplace and Flooed to Gringotts.
Scene Change: Nagnok's Office
Kaien and Harry arrived at Gringotts and were quickly escorted to Nagnok's office.
": May the crime fit the bill. :" Kaien greeted.
": May your enemy fear your wrath. :" Nagnok replied.
"According to your letter, you've managed to obtain the cup?" Kaien asked.
"We have," Nagnok confirmed. "We were able to claim the entire Lestrange Vault, as they stored the Horcrux there."
"Where is the cup?" Kaien asked.
Nagnok pulled out a bag. "It was carefully placed in this dragonskin bag to prevent its influence from affecting us," he explained.
"I'll be careful," Kaien said as he took the bag and sent it to his mindscape.
"We also need to decide what to do with the remaining contents of the vault," Nagnok continued.
"In a normal situation, we would simply split the contents of the vault," Nagnok began. "But the Lestranges placed unauthorized curses inside the vault, resulting in some injuries."
"You want to compensate the injured goblins with some of the gold from the vault," Kaien said.
"Partially," Nagnok agreed. "The Lestrange family had many Goblin-made items in their vault. I wish to return these items to the Goblin Nation."
"Um... why?" Harry asked. Kaien turned to Harry.
"Goblin-made items are meant to return to the Goblin Nation when the intended recipient dies," Kaien explained. Nagnok nodded in agreement.
"Um... I agree to return the Goblin-made items to the Goblin Nation," Harry said.
"Very well," Nagnok said, writing it down. "What about the Galleons, jewels, property, and other items in the vault?"
"Hm..." Harry mused, then turned to Kaien. "Why don't you take them? You were the one who uncovered the information."
"Are you sure?" Kaien asked.
"I've got the entire Potter fortune to manage," Harry replied.
"Very well," Kaien said. Nagnok nodded and wrote it down.
"With that settled, let's move on to the next topic," Nagnok said, pressing a rune. A few moments later, there was a knock on the door.
"Enter!" Nagnok commanded. The door opened, and Healer Bloodfallen entered, pushing Sirius in a wheelchair. Behind them was an account manager. Everyone sat down in the available chairs.
"With everyone present, Healer Bloodfallen, please start with Lord Black's condition," Nagnok said.
"Lord Black?" Harry asked, glancing nervously at Sirius.
"I've spent the last two days reviewing Lord Black's condition," Healer Bloodfallen began. "He's very malnourished and will need several months of nutrient potions and physical therapy to regain his strength. He'll also need to see a mind healer to help with his depression and get closure." Kaien nodded thoughtfully.
"This makes sense... but why did you need us here?" Kaien wondered.
"The final and most crucial discovery is that Lord Black is infertile," Healer Bloodfallen said.
"That's where I come in," the unnamed Goblin said. Kaien and Harry turned to the goblin.
"I am Account Manager Ragnok, and I manage the Black Account," he explained. "Due to Lord Black's infertility, the next heir must be notified immediately and handle any active contracts."
"That's where you come in," Sirius said.
"I'm your heir?" Harry asked, surprised.
"I want you to be," Sirius said.
"Are there any other options?" Harry asked.
"The other option is Heir Malfoy," Ragnok said.
"Malfoy?" Harry asked, clearly frustrated. He sighed. "I accept then," he said.
"Great," Sirius said. Ragnok pulled out a ring and handed it to Sirius.
"Harry James Potter, do you willingly accept the title and responsibility that comes with being the Heir of the Noble and Most Ancient House of Black?" Sirius asked, presenting a silver ring with a black gemstone centered on it.
"I, Lord Harry James Potter, willingly accept the title of Heir of the Noble and Most Ancient House of Black," Harry said as he took the ring and placed it on his finger. The black gemstone glowed for a few moments before the ring shrank, fitting perfectly on Harry's hand.
"The Family Magic has accepted you as its official heir," Ragnok said. "With that settled, the marriage contract will now go into effect." He pulled a sheet of parchment from his folder and presented it to Harry.
"I'm betrothed to Daphne Greengrass?" Harry questioned, surprised.
"Miss Greengrass isn't like many of the stereotypical pureblood Slytherins," Kaien interjected in her defense.
"What do you mean?" Harry asked, still confused.
"From what I've heard, being a pureblood Slytherin heiress isn't simple. It's complicated, with many layers," Kaien explained.
"I see…" Harry said thoughtfully.
"When you meet with her about this contract, remember my rules for the study group," Kaien added. Harry didn't respond, but Kaien turned to Nagnok and Ragnok. "Anything else?"
"You're going to need to attend the Wizengamot meeting in December to formally declare yourself as Lord Potter," Sirius reminded him. Harry nodded in agreement. With that, Kaien and Harry used the Floo Network to return to their room at Hogwarts.
Scene Change: Hogwarts
Harry and Kaien returned to their room to find it empty.
"Artoria, are you in the training room again?" Kaien called out.
"I am," came Artoria's voice. "We've been testing out a few different options that the champions could use for the second task."
"Okay, see you soon," Kaien replied. They made their way up to the Training Area and found a giant swimming tank. Inside, George and Viktor had fins and gills, while Fred, Fleur, and Hermione had large air bubbles around their heads. The group was dueling in the water. Artoria stood by the side, observing them.
"Cease training!" Artoria commanded, and everyone stopped. The fins and gills on George and Viktor's bodies faded as they swam to the surface. Fred, Fleur, and Hermione followed shortly after. They all climbed out of the tank, wrapped in white towels, and the water tank vanished. They settled onto beach chairs, drying themselves off.
Artoria turned to George and Viktor. "How did it feel using the Gillyweed?"
"It was interesting," George said.
"Agreed," Viktor added.
"What were the benefits of using the Gillyweed?" Artoria asked.
"We moved much faster in the water," George said.
"We could focus better on casting our spells," Viktor added.
"What were the negatives?" Artoria pressed.
"The Gillyweed only lasted for a short period," George explained.
"I may not be able to use it due to being a Veela," Fleur chimed in. Artoria glanced at Fleur and nodded.
"As for the rest of you… what were the pros and cons of using the Air Bubble Charm?" Artoria asked.
"We were able to cast our spells properly," Hermione said.
"But we were slower compared to George and Viktor," Fred said.
"We had to be careful not to pop the air bubble," Fleur noted.
Artoria nodded. "With these pros and cons in mind, would you prefer the Gillyweed or the Air Bubble Charm?"
"Gillyweed," Fred and Viktor said in unison.
"If I could handle the transformation, I'd choose Gillyweed as well," Fleur said.
"I agree with your choice, but you should all learn the Air Bubble Charm just in case the Gillyweed wears off earlier than expected," Artoria advised.
"Agreed," Kaien said. "We also need to keep practicing dueling underwater, especially using the water to our advantage."
"What do you mean, Kaien-sensei?" Fleur asked.
"For example, you could use the Banishing Charm or the Water-Making Charm to propel yourself forward, or the Freezing Spell to create ice," Kaien explained. They all nodded in understanding.
"Anyway, I think everyone's hungry," Kaien said. They all nodded in agreement and started making their way to the Great Hall. As they walked, Kaien pulled out a small piece of parchment and quickly wrote a note on it.
"Dobby," Kaien called. The house elf appeared almost instantly.
"Yes, Harry Potter's Master?" Dobby asked.
"Please discreetly deliver this note to this person," Kaien said. Dobby took the note and vanished.
Harry glanced at Kaien. "Is it because of that?"
Kaien nodded.
When they arrived at the Great Hall, the room fell silent as they entered. They ignored the attention and walked to their table. As they sat down, Kaien briefly looked at the recipient of the note. The person, noticing Kaien's glance, subtly nodded in his direction. Kaien returned his focus to his meal.
Soon, the group finished eating and left the Great Hall.
"The rest of the night is yours to spend as you wish," Kaien said. Everyone nodded.
"Hermione, Harry, please follow me," Kaien instructed. Hermione glanced at Harry, who was already following Kaien. She quickly joined them. They made their way to the library and entered the Study Room.
"Harry, what's going on?" Hermione asked, her concern clear.
"Just wait a moment, please," Harry said, sighing.
Hermione reluctantly sat down and waited. A minute later, there was a knock on the door.
"Come in," Kaien said.
The door opened, and Daphne Greengrass entered.
"Granger," Daphne greeted coldly.
"Greengrass," Hermione replied, equally cold.
"Ladies," Kaien interjected. "Let's all sit down, and we'll explain everything to you," he suggested. Daphne took a seat. Kaien and Harry then explained the situation regarding Sirius and the information provided by Account Manager Ragnok. Hermione and Daphne were both shocked, though for different reasons.
"Harry has to marry her?" Hermione thought, a mix of jealousy, fear, and doubt filling her mind. "Maybe Harry won't want me. After all, I have these buck teeth…"
"I get to marry Harry!" Daphne thought, excitement bubbling inside her. Like many others, she had grown up hearing stories about the Boy Who Lived and had developed a small crush on him. Seeing him more muscular and handsome this year had only deepened her feelings.
Kaien noticed the girls were lost in their thoughts and clapped his hands loudly to get their attention.
"Now that I have your attention, Harry has something to say to both of you," he said.
"Thank you, Kaien-sensei," Harry said. He turned to the girls. "I won't choose between Hermione or Miss Greengrass," he said, his voice steady. "Due to my unique situation—being both Lord Potter and Lord Black—I will need two wives," Harry explained. Their eyes widened.
He turned to Daphne. "The contract requires me to marry Miss Greengrass for House Black." He then looked at Hermione. "House Potter doesn't have any contract." He met both their gazes. "If both of you are willing to share this fool," Harry said with a small smile.
The girls exchanged a glance before turning back to Harry.
"We need to talk about this privately," Hermione said, her voice softer now.
Kaien nodded while replying "Of course."
"I will cast a privacy bubble around both of you. When you're done, just tap the bubble." Hermione and Daphne nodded. Kaien cast the bubble around them. From the outside, Kaien and Harry could see the two of them arguing, but thankfully no wands or fists were involved. After a short while, both seemed to reach a conclusion and shook hands before tapping the bubble. Kaien lowered the privacy bubble.
"We've concluded," Hermione began.
"That both of us are willing to share you," Daphne added.
"So, neither of you are planning to duel each other for more time with me?" Harry asked, raising an eyebrow. They both looked at him.
"We… won't," they both replied in unison.
"Miss Greengrass," Kaien said, "Given your circumstances, you could join us in our dorm if you wish."
Daphne hesitated, considering the offer. "While I appreciate it, it may put me at risk next year," she explained.
Kaien nodded in understanding. "I completely understand."
He stood up. "I'll be right back." Kaien left the study room, leaving the three students to chat among themselves. He returned shortly with a book in hand.
"What's that?" Harry asked.
"This is Da Rules of Hogwarts," Kaien replied, opening the book and flipping through the pages. He cracked a small smile as he showed them the page he found. Daphne's eyes widened in realization.
"What did you show her?" Harry asked, intrigued.
"It's a set of rights that an attending Lord at Hogwarts receives," Kaien explained, holding the page up.
He read aloud, "'As a Lord/Lady, you have the right to your own quarters in Hogwarts for yourself and for your significant other (present or future) regardless of Hogwarts House. The Lord/Lady is allowed to come and go as they please as long as their actions don't negatively affect Hogwarts' reputation or their grades. The Headmaster/Headmistress of Hogwarts must grant passage to the Lord's/Lady's agent without restrictions on when or how long they meet.'"
Harry's and Hermione's eyes widened.
"Next year, when you're officially a Hogwarts student, you can request these rights as Lord Potter," Kaien added. "If Dumbledore tries to stop you, remind him that you are Lord Potter. The emancipation happened in November, and he hasn't overruled it."
Daphne's mind raced. "In my Fifth Year, I could invoke these rights to escape the Slytherin Dorms... but it would make me a bigger target," she thought.
"So, let's say I accept this offer right now, how would we explain why I'm spending time in your quarters?" Daphne asked.
"I could say I hired you to teach Harry Pureblood Etiquette," Kaien suggested. "It's not entirely wrong, since Harry will need to learn it eventually."
"What would I say if they asked why I'm not in the dorms?" Daphne asked.
"Do you have your own rooms?"
"No."
"Then just tell them I allowed you to have your own room," Kaien replied. "If anyone challenges my authority..." He trailed off meaningfully. Daphne nodded in agreement.
"I accept the offer," Daphne said.
Time Skip: December 1st, 1994
It had been a week since Daphne joined their group. The Slytherins were offended by her actions and tried to confront her in an empty hallway. To her surprise, Kaien appeared out of nowhere and defended her. The Slytherins quickly backed down and fled.
During their free time, Daphne taught Harry and Hermione the Pureblood Etiquette that had been drilled into her since childhood, while they, in turn, helped educate her about the Muggle world.
One evening, as they were eating dinner in the Great Hall, Professor McGonagall walked toward them.
"Good evening, Professor," Luna and Daphne greeted.
"Good evening, Miss Lovegood and Miss Greengrass," Professor McGonagall replied.
"What can I do for you this evening?" Kaien asked.
"Could you place a privacy barrier around us?" she asked.
Kaien pulled out his wand and cast a privacy bubble around the group. "Thank you," McGonagall said. She turned to face the four champions. "On December 25th, we will have a traditional event: the Yule Ball. The Yule Ball is a semi-formal dance open to all students in Fourth Year or above."
She glanced at Luna. "Students in Third Year and below may attend if invited by a Fourth-Year student or above, as a date. The most important detail concerns the champions. All of you will be attending and opening the Ball."
"Um... what do you mean by 'opening the ball'?" Harry asked, a bit confused.
"Opening the Ball refers to the first dance of the evening," Daphne explained.
"Correct, Miss Greengrass. Five points to Slytherin," Professor McGonagall added with a smile. "The Yule Ball will start at 6 o'clock in the Great Hall." She turned to Kaien. "I'm done with my announcement."
Kaien lowered the privacy bubble as McGonagall walked away. The group finished dinner and returned to their quarters.
"So... each champion needs a date," Kaien remarked, glancing at the champions. "Anyone have any ideas for a date?"
"I do," Viktor said, looking directly at Luna. Kaien cracked a smile. Ever since Luna joined their group, her blunt, yet unfazed personality had drawn Viktor's interest. It didn't hurt that Luna saw Viktor Krum as a student, not as the famous Quidditch player or Durmstrang champion. "Luna Lovegood, will you go with me to the Yule Ball?" Viktor asked, taking a knee in front of her.
"I will," Luna said calmly. Kaien turned to the other champions. Harry glanced at Daphne and Hermione.
"Um…" Harry began.
"We'll talk about it," Hermione said, nodding. Daphne agreed silently.
Kaien turned to Fred.
"Don't worry about it, Kaien-sensei," Fred said confidently. "I'll have one by the Ball."
Kaien then turned to Fleur, who had been silent. She nervously spoke up, "Um... I'll have one by the Ball."
Everyone could tell she was nervous. Artoria and Kaien shared a knowing look.
"She dares! She dares think she's worthy of asking Kaien to the Ball!" Artoria mentally growled. "This mongrel must be punished for her heresy!"
Kaien rolled his eyes. "She's channeling her inner Gilgamesh with the insults," he thought. "And now a bit of Zealot too... I better stop this before Artoria tries to roast a bird with Excalibur."
Kaien walked over to Artoria and hugged her gently.
"Artoria, you're scaring Fleur more than you think," Kaien whispered.
Artoria looked up at him. "I want burgers and fries," she growled.
Kaien cracked a smile. During their time in London, Artoria quickly developed a love for burgers and fries. She would devour one burger after another, causing them to be kicked out of a few burger joints. Since arriving at Hogwarts, she hadn't had the chance to enjoy any.
"I'll see what I can do," Kaien said.
"I'll hold you to your word," Artoria replied, her gaze still fixed on Fleur. Fleur met Artoria's cold, intimidating eyes. "You've earned Kaien's permission to ask him to the Ball…" Fleur's face lit up with relief. "BUT!" Artoria's loud interjection made Fleur nervous again. "This doesn't mean it will be easy for you to win Kaien's heart," Artoria said, before turning to head to her room. Kaien sighed.
"I apologize for how Artoria treated you," Kaien said. Fleur sighed in response.
"Most guys would quickly leave the scene, leaving me to deal with the jealous girlfriend," Fleur remarked.
"I've been with Artoria long enough to understand how she thinks, and I know why she acted like that," Kaien explained.
"Um… why does Artoria act like that?" Fleur asked.
"It's partly jealousy," Kaien said.
"I hate you. I hate you. I hate you," Artoria muttered toward Kaien, though he ignored her and continued speaking.
"I have a few female friends, all of whom you remind her of. She has feelings for me, but she's too nervous or uncomfortable to share them. So, she threatens any female who shows interest in me."
"And you allow that?" Fleur asked, surprised.
Kaien chuckled. "If you can't handle my step-sister's fury, then how can I know you'll stick with me through everything else?"
"I see…" Fleur said.
"Enough with the depressing talk," Kaien said, giving her a reassuring smile. "Get a good night's rest—training starts tomorrow!" The students groaned in unison as they headed upstairs to get ready for bed.
Time Skip: December 25th
The past three weeks had been hectic, with everyone's mind divided between final exams and preparations for the Yule Ball.
Flashback: Week 1
Daphne, Hermione, and Harry sat in Harry's bedroom.
"So, for the Ball, I need a date," Harry began. "And I don't know who to choose."
"Good," Hermione said. "Because we talked about it before getting you."
"You did?" Harry asked, confused.
"We did," Daphne confirmed. "We all know that no one should know I'm in a relationship with you. It would put a giant target on me and make your target even bigger than before."
"She's right," Hermione agreed. "So, I suggested I'll be your date to the Yule Ball," she said.
"While I get to spend the entire Easter Holiday with you," Daphne added. Harry turned to Hermione.
"How is that fair to you?" Harry asked, concerned.
"I was planning to go home to spend more time with my family during the Easter holiday. So, when Daphne proposed this, I was fine with it," Hermione explained.
"Okay then," Harry said, feeling reassured.
Time Skip: Week 2
Fred and George walked toward the Gryffindor Common Room.
"Do you remember the password to the common room?" Fred asked.
George dug into his pocket and pulled out a small piece of paper. "According to Lee, it's 'mistletoe,'" he replied.
They soon arrived in front of the Fat Lady.
"Good evening. It's been a while since I've seen you two. Many Gryffindors tried to convince me to block you from returning here," the Fat Lady said with a knowing smile.
"But you weren't fooled—" Fred began.
"—by their pointless attempts," George finished.
"For you are both beautiful and intelligent," they said in unison.
"Oh, you!" The Fat Lady chuckled, covering her mouth with her hand to hide her blush.
"We're just here to enter the common room to ask our fellow Gryffindors if they're interested in being our dates," Fred said.
"After all, Fred needs to open the ball, as he's the Hogwarts Champion," George added.
"I see… Do you know the current password?" The Fat Lady asked.
"It's mistletoe," Fred replied.
"Correct," she said as her portrait swung open, revealing the red and golden common room beyond.
"Thanks!" George called as they stepped inside. Laughter and chatter greeted them, with some students using their products and others discussing the Ball.
Then Ron spotted them.
"What are you doing here?!" Ron shouted, pointing accusingly at the twins. The room fell silent as all eyes turned to Fred and George.
"Why, Ronnikins," Fred began with a grin.
"You're acting as if we don't belong in Gryffindor," George added with a teasing tone.
"You don't," Ron retorted. "You betrayed Gryffindor and Hogwarts the moment you became friends with those foreign students." Fred and George exchanged a look.
"I think dear Ronnikins has been dropped on his head one too many times," Fred said, raising an eyebrow.
"I agree," George said with a smirk.
"Fred. George. What are you two doing here?" They turned to see Angelina Johnson and Alicia Spinnet entering the common room.
"Ah, two of the three beautiful Gryffindor Vixens have graced us with their presence!" Fred exclaimed.
"We are not worthy of your presence," George added, dramatically bowing.
"Enough, you jokers," Angelina said with a laugh.
"So, what are you two doing here?" Alicia asked.
"We were looking for both of you," Fred said with a grin.
"Oh?" Angelina said, intrigued. Fred turned to her, while George focused on Alicia.
"I was wondering if you would be my date to the Yule Ball," Fred asked, giving her a sincere look.
"Huh?" Alicia replied, taken aback.
"About time," Angelina said with a small smile, nudging Alicia.
"So, will I take that answer as a yes?" Fred asked, his eyes sparkling.
"Yes, I will be your date, Fred," Alicia agreed, smiling.
"Angelina?" George asked, turning his attention to her. "Will you be my date for the Yule Ball?"
"Um… sure," Angelina said with a nod.
"Great!" George said, smiling widely.
"For now, don't worry about the dress," Fred said casually.
"Why?" the girls asked, looking confused.
"Trust us," George said with a wink. The girls exchanged a look, both wondering what the twins had in mind.
"Fine," Angelina said. "If this is a prank, we'll get revenge."
"It's not," Fred assured her. "We promised Professor McGonagall that if—"
"—I don't do any pranks, except after each task, then I can ditch class to help Fred with the tournament." George finished.
"Very well then," Angelina said, her tone softening. With that, the twins left the common room.
Time Skip: December 22nd
Beneath the crowded streets of London, protected by various wards, lies the Ministry of Magic. It serves as the magical government for witches and wizards across the United Kingdom. On this day, the usual Wizengamot meeting was scheduled. These meetings are traditionally held on the Spring Equinox, Summer Solstice, Autumn Equinox, and Winter Solstice. All current Lords must attend.
Harry and Kaien were in Kaien's room, donning their Lord robes.
"Kaien-sensei, why do we need to wear these robes?" Harry asked, looking down at his plum-colored robes, embroidered with a silver "W."
"Unfortunately, the Wizengamot requires all Lords and Ladies to wear these robes when attending," Kaien replied. After making the final adjustments, they headed downstairs to the Floo.
"Wizengamot Chambers," Kaien said as he tossed Floo powder into the fire. The flames turned green as Kaien and Harry stepped into the fire.
Scene Change: Wizengamot Chambers
Harry and Kaien emerged from the fireplace, walking down a few corridors before arriving at a large chamber. Upon entering, Kaien headed to the guest side of the chamber, while Harry, guided by his Lordship ring, found his seat among the members. As more members filed into the chamber, Harry noticed Professor Dumbledore already seated.
"Good morning, members of the Wizengamot," Professor Dumbledore said, his voice carrying across the room. "The scribe will now begin the roll call." With that, he sat down. The scribe stood up, holding a long sheet of parchment. He began reading names aloud. Harry immediately noticed Lucius Malfoy among them.
"Lord Black," the scribe called.
"Representative for Lord Black is here," Lucius announced.
"I can't wait to see Lucius's shocked expression today," Harry thought to himself as the attendance continued. He recognized many of the names from Daphne's lessons.
"Lord Potter," the scribe announced. It was Harry's turn.
"Lord Potter is present," Harry said. Everyone turned to look at him. Harry could feel the eyes on him, whispers starting to ripple through the room. The attendance resumed, taking a few more minutes to finish. The scribe sat back down, and Professor Dumbledore stood again.
"Madam Bones has requested to address the Wizengamot," Dumbledore said, before sitting down. Madam Bones stood up.
"Good day, members of the Wizengamot," Madam Bones began. "I am speaking to you today not as Madam Bones, Regent of House Bones, but as the Director of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement." She paused. "It has come to my attention that a pureblood wizard was sent to Azkaban without a proper trial." The members of the Wizengamot immediately began talking among themselves. Madam Bones gave a sharp look at Professor Dumbledore, who raised his wand and cast a booming silencing charm, quieting the room.
"Thank you, Chief Warlock," Madam Bones said, acknowledging the silence. "Now, we are going to give this wizard a proper trial."
Harry watched as Mr. Malfoy stood.
"The Wizengamot recognizes Lord Black's representative," Professor Dumbledore announced.
"May the Wizengamot know the name of this individual?" Lucius Malfoy asked.
Madam Bones smirked. "Of course. Allow me to call him in."
The doors to the Wizengamot Chamber swung open, and Sirius Black, dressed in his Wizengamot robes, entered. Behind him, Aurors Tonks and Shacklebolt followed.
"Lord Black is here for his trial," Sirius announced. The sight of him caused a stir among the Wizengamot members, many of whom appeared panicked. Minister Fudge turned to Madam Bones.
"Why is Sirius Black here? He should have been sent back to Azkaban," Minister Fudge demanded.
"It's as I explained, Minister. According to our records, Sirius Black never received a proper trial," Madam Bones replied.
"But he is guilty!" Minister Fudge insisted.
"Enough!" Harry shouted, his voice echoing through the chamber, causing the entire room to fall silent. Everyone turned to look at him as he stood up. "If you're done acting like children, let's begin the trial. Madam Bones spent a month conducting a private investigation. Her conclusion—that no trial was conducted—is enough," Harry said firmly.
"Who gives you the right to come in here and order the Wizengamot around?" Lucius Malfoy sneered.
"Who gives you the right to be here? Lord Black is in attendance," Harry countered, his eyes narrowing.
"Also, where is your ring?" Sirius suddenly shouted. The room went quiet as everyone turned to him. "If you truly represent House Black, you should be wearing the ring that signifies your status."
Everyone looked at Lucius, waiting for his response. He sneered, then stood up and walked out of the Wizengamot without a word.
"With that all cleared up, let's begin the trial," Madam Bones declared.
Sirius Black willingly submitted himself to Veritaserum, repeating his testimony under questioning. A quick vote was held, and Sirius Black was declared innocent.
"Lord Black," Madam Bones said. "We, the Wizengamot and the Ministry of Magic apologize for this massive failure. You will receive compensation at a later date."
"Very well," Sirius replied calmly, before walking to take his seat.
Professor Dumbledore stood up. "Since there is no longer any business on the agenda, I declare this Wizengamot meeting officially over."
As the members began to approach Sirius and Harry, Kaien quickly cast a privacy bubble around them. The trio moved toward the exit, with the bubble keeping others at bay. Once they were outside the chamber, Kaien quietly joined them.
"So, what are you going to do now, Sirius?" Harry asked.
"Well, I need to speak with Account Manager Ragnok about some matters regarding the Black Account," Sirius said.
"I see…" Harry nodded. "See you later."
"See you later, pup," Sirius replied before they parted ways at the Floo.
Flashback Ended: December 24th.
The living room was warm, the fireplace crackling as a Christmas tree stood proudly with many presents beneath it. Everyone was in their sleepwear as they sat together, exchanging gifts. Breakfast followed the gift exchange. Kaien allowed everyone to spend the rest of the day however they wished. Victor, Harry, Fred, and George decided to take their brooms out for a flight. Hermione, Daphne, Luna, and Fleur pulled out books and settled by the fire.
"Kaien," Kyōka called out. "I may have found Tom."
"Okay, Kyōka," Kaien replied, as they walked up to their room. Kyōka appeared, holding a map.
"According to Tom's memories, he hid one of his Horcruxes in the Gaunt Shack," Kyōka said, pointing to a location marked with a circle. "With Mysteria's help, we were able to create and follow a reiatsu ribbon to London. During your trip to Diagon Alley, we pinpointed a more exact area." She pointed at another spot on the map.
"Little Hangleton?" Artoria read aloud.
"But that's so close to the other Horcrux," Kaien remarked.
"It is. Either he knows we're hunting the Horcruxes, or it's a coincidence," Kyōka explained.
"So, what do we do now?" Artoria asked.
"I suggest Artoria watches over the Shack while Kaien goes after Tom," Kyōka proposed.
"Why?" Artoria asked, confused.
"Based on what we've gathered, if Kaien fails to capture Tom initially, there's a high chance he'll try to retrieve the ring—if it's not a coincidence," Kyōka explained.
"And I'll be able to eliminate him," Artoria concluded.
"Yes," Kyōka confirmed.
"Let's get started," Kaien said. Both Kyōka and Artoria nodded. Kyōka disappeared into Kaien's mindscape, and he and Artoria used the floo connection to leave for the Leaky Cauldron.
Scene Change: London
Kaien and Artoria emerged from the Floo into the mostly empty Leaky Cauldron.
"Ah, Mister and Miss Shiba," Tom the Innkeeper greeted them. "Passing through?"
"Hello, Tom. Yes, we're just passing by," Kaien replied. Tom nodded as they made their way out of the pub. Kaien pointed his wand, summoning the Knight Bus and instructing Stan to take them to Little Hangleton. They then made their way to the Gaunt Shack. Artoria hid in a nearby bush, keeping the shack in view but remaining unseen.
With the Gaunt Shack under surveillance, Kaien summoned the aged reiatsu ribbon created by Kyōka and Mysteria. He followed it through the dark streets until it led him to an old manor atop a hill. Kaien used shunpō to ascend quickly. From a distance, he could see the manor's windows boarded up, tiles missing from the roof, and ivy creeping along the walls. Kaien sensed someone inside.
"Shrift S: The Shadow," Kaien thought, diving into the shadows as he continued upward. Reaching the second floor, he saw light spilling from one of the rooms. Moving cautiously, he entered and found a short, rotund figure conversing with someone seated with their back to the fire.
"Master… according to your spy, the boy is on his way to winning the tournament," the short man said.
"Essellent," came the hissed reply from the figure seated by the fire.
"So, that's Tom," Kaien thought.
"Wormtail, where is Nagini?" Tom asked, his voice slithering like a serpent.
"I believe she is hunting in the forest," Wormtail replied, glancing nervously around. From the shadows, Kaien saw a snake slithering toward them.
"$: Master, we have a guest here. I sensed someone approaching the house. But I can't sense anything more. :$" Nagini hissed.
"$: Thank you, Nagini. :$" Tom replied. "Wormtail, Nagini informed me that we have a hidden rat." Wormtail immediately drew his wand, searching the room. Kaien remained hidden in the shadows, watching. He saw Nagini move closer to his position, almost brushing against the shadows, before retreating back to her master.
"$: Did you find our guest? :$" Tom asked, his voice rising.
"$: I know they're in this room, but I can't find them. :$" Nagini reported.
"Wormtail, we're leaving now!" Tom ordered.
"Yes, Master," Wormtail replied, rushing to Tom.
"This is my only chance," Kaien thought, focusing. "Restrain them." Shadow tendrils began to emerge from the floor, wrapping around Nagini.
"$: Master! Escape now! :$" Nagini hissed.
"WORMTAIL!" Tom yelled as Wormtail managed to grab Tom and apparate away, narrowly escaping the tendrils. Kaien's shadow tendrils swiftly ensnared Nagini, pinning her to the ground. Kaien's face appeared from the shadows in front of the struggling snake.
"$: I will kill you! My master will return and destroy you! :$" Nagini hissed, fury in her eyes.
"$: Foolish Nagini, :$" Kaien said coldly.
"$: You're a speaker? :$" Nagini asked, startled by his words.
"$: I am, :$" Kaien answered. Nagini tried to break free but was too weak to escape.
"$: Tell me, where is Tom Riddle? :$" Kaien demanded.
"$: I don't know where my master went. :$" Nagini replied, her defiance fading.
"$: Why was Tom here? :$" Kaien pressed.
"$: He was here to recover and wait. :$" Nagini admitted reluctantly.
"$: Wait for what? :$" Kaien asked.
"$: For the boy's arrival. :$" Nagini revealed, her voice full of dread.
"$: Why? :$" Kaien pressed, his voice steely.
"$: I don't know. :$" Nagini confessed, her anger morphing into defeat.
Kaien nodded thoughtfully. "$: I see... Goodbye, Nagini. May your death bring Tom much despair. :$" The shadow tendrils tightened, choking Nagini to death instantly. Kaien lifted her limp body and disappeared back into the shadows, leaving the manor behind.
Soon, he met back with Artoria at the Shack.
"Hello, Kaien," Artoria greeted.
"Hello Artoria," Kaien replied. " Did Tom come by?"
"No, he didn't," Artoria replied. Kaien nodded.
With Kyōka's assistance, Kaien bypassed the wards and security spells surrounding the Gaunt Shack.
"Remember, Kaien, there's a compulsion charm and a withering curse on the ring," Kyōka warned through the mental link.
"I remember," Kaien replied as he dug up a small box buried beneath the earth. Inside, he found the ring, and the compulsion charm immediately took effect, trying to make him wear it. He resisted, dispelling both the compulsion and withering curses before sealing the ring in the box and sending it to his mindscape.
Kaien cast a few spells around the shack before tossing Nagini's lifeless body inside. He closed the door and returned to Artoria.
"So, when will you purify the ring?" Artoria asked.
"I'll do it after the ball," Kaien replied. With that, they left the Gaunt Shack and returned to Hogwarts.
Scene Change: Unknown Location
Wormtail and Lord Voldemort apparated to a small, dust-covered room.
"Where are we, Wormtail?" Voldemort demanded.
"It—it's my house, my lord," Wormtail stammered.
"It'll do. Now, where is Nagini?"
"I... I failed to grab her," Wormtail admitted, his voice trembling.
Lord Voldemort pointed his wand at Wormtail, and the latter shivered, anticipating punishment. But suddenly, Voldemort dropped his wand. Wormtail stared in shock, unsure of what to expect next. Voldemort gritted his teeth, and Wormtail could sense his master's rage building.
"Master?"
"That man... dares!" Voldemort bellowed, and nearby furniture was sent flying across the room.
"Master, please, calm down! We're in a Muggle neighborhood. Too much magic will attract unwanted attention," Wormtail pleaded.
Voldemort took a deep breath, slowly calming himself.
"Wormtail."
"Yes, my lord?" Wormtail replied, kneeling before his master.
"Our plans have unfortunately been expedited... You must follow every one of my instructions to the letter. We have one opportunity to make this work... Do you understand?"
"Yes, my lord," Wormtail replied.
"Good. This is what I need you to do," Voldemort said, and Wormtail nodded, listening intently to his master's commands.
Scene Change: Hogwarts's Great Hall
As soon as Kaien and Artoria returned to Hogwarts, Artoria was immediately whisked away by the other girls to prepare for the ball. Kaien chuckled at Artoria's helpless expression. He knew that, with her strength, she could easily escape them if she wanted—but she didn't.
The other guys gathered in the living room, and a house elf brought them chilled butterbeer to enjoy. Kaien, however, separated his soul from his body and slipped into his shadow. Yhwach took control of the body, and no one noticed the change.
"Artoria, are you and the girls in our room?" Kaien asked.
"No. I think we're either in Fleur's room or Daphne's," Artoria replied.
"Good," Kaien said, appearing in his room. He summoned a pair of black gloves with skulls engulfed in blue flames and put them on. Then, he summoned the box containing the Horcrux ring.
Kaien pulled the ring from the box, dropping it carelessly onto the floor. With one swift motion, he dislodged the soul fragment from the ring. Before it could react, Kaien bound it in kidō and sent it to his mindscape. Ichigo repeated the process with the cup.
Kaien summoned Longinus and placed both the ring and the cup on its spear. Longinus began to glow a brilliant gold, releasing holy energy.
"Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love; according to your abundant mercy, blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin. Then, concentrate your holy energy to purify them," Kaien said.
The holy energy engulfed the ring and the cup, purging the dark magic from them. Kaien destroyed the box and sent the purified items to his mindscape. He then returned to his body.
"So, what happened while I was gone?" Kaien asked, now back in control.
"Everyone's sharing stories. When it was your turn, I told them about you getting drunk with Sayaka," Yhwach admitted.
Kaien groaned, remembering how embarrassing that event had been. The guys noticed the time—it was already four in the afternoon—and headed to their rooms to get ready for the ball.
Time Skip: Kaien's Quarter's Common Room
Kaien, Fred, George, Harry, and Viktor were already dressed and ready. Over the weekend, Kaien had taken everyone to the non-magical world to buy their formal clothes. He had guided the guys to custom-tailored suits, subtly using a minor compulsion charm on the workers to ensure the sleeves wouldn't interfere with their wand holsters.
Kaien wore a black suit with a light silver dress shirt and a violet tie. Fred sported a charcoal suit with a white shirt and a red-and-gold tie. George wore a charcoal suit with a gold-and-red plaid shirt and a blue tie. Viktor opted for the standard formal uniform from Durmstrang—a red tunic, brown trousers, tall black boots, and a short fur-lined cape. Harry was dressed in a black suit with a white dress shirt and an emerald green tie.
Artoria was the first to descend the stairs, dressed in a black and dark violet strapless dress with matching heels.
"You look beautiful," Kaien complimented.
"Thank you," Artoria replied, smiling.
She moved aside as Alicia Spinnet walked down the stairs, dressed in a light violet dress with red embroidery. She approached Fred.
"Uh... H-hello, Alicia," Fred stammered.
"It seems Fred's mind can't comprehend Alicia's beauty," George teased, earning a punch to the arm from Fred.
"Ow!" Fred yelped as Alicia chuckled, moving past them.
Angelina Johnson followed, dressed in a red shoulder-strap dress with golden embroidery. She walked over to George.
"Um..." George faltered.
"George serves you right," Fred thought, amused.
"H-Hello, Angelina. You look wonderful," George stuttered.
Angelina smiled. "Thank you, George. I believe this is the first time you've given me an honest compliment," she said as she moved aside.
Luna followed, dressed in a spangled silver robe, and walked to Viktor.
"You look beautiful," Viktor complimented her.
"Blagodarya [Thank you," Luna replied in Bulgarian, smiling. Viktor grinned as she moved on.
Next came Daphne, dressed in a dark emerald green dress with silver embroidery.
"W-wow," Harry said, stunned.
Daphne gave a small smile.
"Thank you, Harry," she said. "I see you're wearing the matching tie I picked out for you."
Harry nodded as Daphne moved aside for Hermione. Harry's eyes widened. Hermione looked completely different. Her hair, once bushy, was now sleek and shiny, twisted into an elegant knot at the back of her head. She wore a floaty, periwinkle-blue dress and held herself with newfound confidence.
"Hermione… you look amazing," Harry said, almost breathless.
"Thank you, Harry," Hermione replied with a warm smile.
Finally, Fleur walked down, wearing a stunning silver dress with a slit on the side.
"What do you think, Kaien?" Fleur asked, giving him a playful look.
"It looks wonderful on you," Kaien said sincerely. Fleur smiled at the compliment.
With that, the students made their way down to the Great Hall. The halls were mostly empty, as most of the students had already gone to the ballroom. When they arrived, they saw Professor McGonagall standing at the entrance.
"Ah, great. All of you are on time," she said. "Everyone has already entered the Great Hall and is waiting for you to begin the first dance." Artoria, Daphne, George, and Angelina nodded and entered the Great Hall through a side door. They lined up behind each other—Viktor and Luna were first, followed by Fleur and Kaien. Behind them came Fred and Alicia, and lastly, Harry and Hermione.
As the Great Hall doors opened, they entered slowly, the music starting to play. Applause filled the air as they walked toward the round table where the judges sat. The champions quickly realized that everyone was glancing at them for different reasons. Some were envious of their dance partners, while others—particularly the purebloods—cast judgmental looks at the women's scandalous dresses.
Upon reaching the table, they took their seats. The champions were surprised to see Percy Weasley sitting with the judges instead of Mr. Crouch. There was no food on the table, but small menus with a note were placed in front of them. Kaien picked up the menu and glanced at it.
"Pork chops!" he exclaimed. Instantly, a plate of steaming hot pork chops appeared in front of him. Dumbledore smiled before digging in. Everyone grabbed their menus and quickly placed their orders. Kaien, Fleur, and Viktor exchanged knowing smiles when they noticed that French, Bulgarian, and Japanese food was on the menu. They ordered their meals, and the group began to eat.
Dinner came to a close, and Dumbledore stood from his seat.
"Can I have everyone stand up?" he asked. The champions rose to their feet. He drew out his wand, and Kaien noticed it was different from the one he had used before.
"Guess he figured out the switcheroo," Kaien thought as he waved his own wand. The tables began to shift, rearranging themselves near the walls to clear the floor. A raised platform appeared, and several instruments—drums, guitars, a flute, a cello, and bagpipes—floated onto it. A group of performers, all with shaggy hair and dressed in black robes that had been artfully torn, approached the stage. The crowd went wild as they recognized the musicians.
The band began to play. The music, slow and mournful at first, coaxed more and more people onto the dance floor. The champions switched partners, and Kaien danced with Angelina, Hermione, Luna, and Artoria. After a while, they took a break and occupied a table. Kaien, Daphne, and Harry volunteered to fetch drinks for everyone. As they walked to the punch bowl, they were interrupted by Draco Malfoy, who appeared in black velvet dress robes with a high collar.
"Greengrass," he said coldly.
Daphne turned to him, her eyes icy. "Yes, Malfoy?"
Draco ignored her glare. "Why are you spending time with Potter?"
"Do I need to explain every detail of my life to you?" Daphne replied sharply. "Because I don't think I do."
"Don't question me, Greengrass," Draco sneered. "Remember, you'll soon be trapped in a marriage contract with me."
"Right... my father already promised me that I won't be forced into a marriage contract," Daphne countered.
Draco smirked. "You don't know. The Ancient and Most Noble House of Greengrass and the Ancient and Most Noble House of Black have an active marriage contract. Once that blood traitor mutt is dead, I'll claim lordship of the house through my mother," he proclaimed.
Harry's patience wore thin as Draco's words echoed in his mind. The Black Heir ring on his finger began to warm, signaling that House Black was offended.
"Draco," Harry interjected.
Draco turned to him with a sneer. "Potter. Go away. This discussion is for your betters, you blood traitor."
The Lord Potter ring grew warm as well, and Harry could feel the magic of House Potter bristle in response.
"Heir of the Noble House of Malfoy," Harry began, using Draco's formal title. This caught Draco's attention, as he had never heard Harry speak like this before. "You dare insult me and my House with your words?" Harry's voice was full of authority. The music stopped suddenly, and the entire hall turned to look at them.
"I, Lord Harry James Potter, Lord of the Ancient and Most Noble House of Potter and Heir of the Ancient and Most Noble House of Black," Harry said, revealing both rings to the stunned Draco, "Hereby challenge you to an honor duel right here, right now."
Draco stood frozen, shocked by Harry's declaration. He glanced around, searching for support. Dumbledore, noticing the commotion, approached the group.
"Mr. Potter, please, stop your—"
"This is not a school matter, Headmaster Dumbledore. This is a matter of Houses," Harry replied firmly. "You, as the Lord of the House, should know that."
The crowd gasped. Dumbledore sighed but stepped back, deferring to the challenge.
"Will you accept the Honor Duel, or will you cower and show your lack of honor?" Harry asked, his voice laced with challenge.
Draco looked around at the onlookers, but no one spoke up in his defense.
"Fine, Potter," Draco said, begrudgingly. "I accept your challenge."
"Good," Harry replied. "We'll have it right here, right now."
Draco hesitated, then added, "Fine, my second will be…"
"Me," said a cold voice from behind them. Everyone turned to see Severus Snape standing there. "As his godfather, I'm allowed to be his second."
"If Severus is Mr. Malfoy's second, then I should be Mr. Potter's second since he is my apprentice," Kaien said, stepping forward.
Professor Flitwick and Professor McGonagall sighed, walking over to set up the dueling field. Bleachers were hastily arranged for the spectators. Harry and Kaien took their positions on one side, while Draco and Severus moved to the other.
"Remember what I taught you, Harry," Kaien said quietly.
Harry nodded, mentally running through the techniques and strategies Kaien had drilled into him over the years.
As they met in the center of the field, neither bowed. Both moved to their respective spots, fifteen paces apart. Professor Flitwick, standing off to the side, raised his wand.
"Begin!" he called.
Immediately, Draco pointed his wand at Harry.
"Reducto! Reducto! Reducto!" Draco cast. Harry easily dodged the spells, stepping aside with practiced ease.
Draco's frustration grew. "Stand still, Potter!" he shouted, continuing to cast the Reductor Curse.
"Come on, Malfoy. I thought being the son and godson of two Death Eaters would have taught you more spells," Harry taunted.
"Grr!" Draco growled. He pointed his wand again. "Reducto! Os Ruptor [Bone Breaker, Locomotor Mortis! Depulso!"
Harry dodged the incoming spells with grace. "Good job, Ferret. Looks like you can do more than just the Reducto Curse," he quipped.
"$: Serpensortia Black Mamba. :$" Harry said, casting in Parseltongue. A Black Mamba shot out of his wand.
"$: What are your orders, Master? :$" the snake hissed.
"$: Restrain the two-legger with the blond hair. ;$" Harry ordered.
"$: As you command! :$" the mamba replied, slithering toward Draco.
Draco, panicked, cast "Reducto! Reducto!" trying to destroy the advancing snake.
"$: Dodge the attack. :$" Harry ordered. The black mamba easily dodged Draco's spells. It lunged at Draco.
"REDUCTO!" Draco cast. Finally, he managed to hit the black mamba, causing blood and guts to splatter across the floor. Harry stood still, giving Draco slow applause.
"Good job, Draco. It took five minutes, but you finally hit something," Harry said. Something inside Draco snapped. Anger and a desire to destroy Harry consumed him. Draco pointed his wand at Harry.
"Fienfyre!" Draco shouted. Black and golden fire erupted from his wand. The crowd gasped at the sight of the cursed flames. Kaien and Artoria recognized the fire. Artoria had seen it used in Fuyuki.
"How did they manage to create a spell to summon Hellfire?" Kaien thought.
The cursed flames roared as they morphed into the shape of a lion. The Hellfire shaped lion charged toward Harry.
"Aqua Eructo!" Harry cast. A geyser of water shot from Harry's wand, striking the fire. But the magical flames devoured the water, roaring as they continued their pursuit. The Hellfire shaped lion pounced at Harry. Shocked, Harry stood frozen, unsure of what to do.
Kaien quickly grabbed Harry and pulled him out of the lion's path. The Hellfire shaped lion landed with a growl and turned to face them, beginning its charge again. The audience watched in horror, expecting Kaien and Harry to be destroyed.
"Stop," Kaien commanded. The Hellfire shaped lion halted mid-step. "Go back where you belong," Kaien ordered. With a final roar, the Hellfire shaped lion vanished. Everyone stood in stunned silence.
"I knew it! He's a Dark Wizard," Dumbledore thought.
Kaien turned to the duelists. "Do you give up, or shall we continue?" he asked. Severus looked down at his unconscious godson.
"Do you want to continue?" Severus asked, his voice tinged with concern.
"I... do," Draco muttered, despite his exhaustion.
"You're too exhausted," Professor Snape argued.
"I'm not—" Draco slumped and fell unconscious.
Kaien turned to Professor Flitwick. "I believe Mr. Malfoy is now unconscious," he said. Professor Flitwick nodded and looked at Professor Snape.
"Second Snape, do you wish to continue the duel?" Professor Flitwick asked. Severus hesitated, thinking over the situation.
"Hm... Draco wants to continue, but if I take his place, Potter can switch his second. Very well." Severus sighed, feeling a familiar tap on his Occlumency Barrier. He recognized the source and briefly lowered it.
"What is it, Headmaster?" Severus asked.
"Severus, I need you to test him. See how much Dark Magic he knows," Dumbledore said.
Severus considered this. "Be that as it may, he easily defeated you and the other heads. There's no doubt he'll defeat me as well."
"I understand, Severus, but we must find out just how dark he is. He could become a Dark Lord and threaten everything."
Severus sighed. "Very well, Headmaster." He raised his Occlumency Barrier again.
"I wish to continue the duel," Severus said as he turned to Professor Flitwick.
Professor Flitwick nodded. "Mr. Potter, Second Snape wishes to continue the duel. Do you wish to proceed or switch with your second?"
Harry turned to Kaien. "Do you believe you can win against him?"
Kaien raised an eyebrow. "Do you think I can't?"
Harry thought for a moment before shaking his head. "Very well, I'll take over," Kaien replied as he stepped forward.
"The duel will resume on my command," Professor Flitwick said. "Seconds, draw your wands." Severus summoned his wand from his holster. "The duel will begin in 3... 2... 1... Start!"
Severus immediately cast a barrage of spells at Kaien. The crowd watched, astonished by the sheer volume of magic coming at Kaien. Calmly, Kaien used his hands to swat the spells aside. Severus adjusted his aim, countering the incoming spells and the duel began to resemble the earlier match between Madam Maxime and Professor Karkaroff.
Kaien yawned casually, covering his mouth.
"He-he thinks this is a game to him?" Professor Snape thought. Him seeing Kaien acting carelessly; joking about the duel reminded him of feeling. A feeling he hasn't felt in years. The feeling of being looked down upon. He remembered the last time he felt it…back in Hogwarts. He glanced over to see James Potter standing there proud. Angry took control over him as he pointed his wand at Harry.
"Sectumsempra!" Severus shouted, slashing his wand toward Harry.
"That cheating bastard," Kaien thought, as he used Shunpō to appear in front of Harry, taking the curse to his chest. Surprised by the force of the cut, Kaien dabbed at the blood leaking from the wound.
The crowd reacted with disbelief.
"Kaien-sensei got injured in a duel?" many students thought. At Hogwarts, Kaien had never been injured in any of his past duels.
"Snape used that dark spell on him, and he looks fine!" the teaching staff whispered. The spell, once a hallmark of Snape's Death Eater days, was notorious for its severity.
"He wasn't affected?" Severus thought, stunned. He knew the spell was deadly when targeted properly.
"It's about time someone managed to scratch me," Kaien commented, glancing at Artoria, who appeared indifferent. "Has it been four months since we came to Britain?"
"Indeed," she replied dryly.
Kaien looked at Professor Snape and cracked a smile. "Congratulations, Professor Snape. Looks like you finally made me try."
The crowd gasped. "He wasn't trying?" they thought.
Kaien summoned Mysteria, his wand, to his hand and began writing runes in the air. Snape cast spells at him, but Kaien casually swatted them away with his left hand. The nearby students turned to Professor Babbling, the Ancient Runes teacher, for an explanation.
"In ancient texts, runes were used for casting spells and performing rituals before the advent of wands and the Latin-based spell system," she explained.
Kaien finished writing his runes and waved his wand, sending the glowing symbols toward Severus. The runes exploded into a barrage of elemental spells. Severus' eyes widened as he struggled to dodge the onslaught. He fought bravely, but one by one, the spells struck him. Finally, he collapsed, unable to continue, with Kaien ending the attack.
"The duel is over. I repeat the duel is over," Professor Flitwick announced. "The winners of this duel are Mr. Potter and Mr. Shiba." He lowered the dueling barrier. Madam Pomphrey quickly rushed to the scene, taking Professor Snape to the Medical Wing.
The onlookers stood in stunned silence, still processing what they had just witnessed. Kaien paid no mind to their shocked expressions as he walked off the stage and toward his students.
"See you back in the room," Kaien said, nodding at them as he exited the Great Hall. Artoria gave them a silent nod and followed.
Time Skip: December 31, Little Hangleton Graveyard
The moon was barely visible in the night sky. In the graveyard, a cauldron bubbled ominously. Beside it, a table held a small, baby-like figure, clutching a timepiece in its hand.
"We have one shot at this, Wormtail," Voldemort's cold voice echoed. A chubby man, Wormtail, added another ingredient to the cauldron. The surface began to bubble more violently, sending out fiery sparks, as though the cauldron itself were ablaze. Steam thickened with every passing second.
"Hurry!" Voldemort urged. The surface of the liquid now glowed with fiery sparks, resembling diamonds scattered across the surface.
"It is ready, Master," Wormtail said, his voice trembling. He grabbed the small figure and dropped it into the cauldron with a soft thud. Voldemort's form landed with a quiet plop at the bottom.
Wormtail raised his wand, closed his eyes, and spoke into the night air.
"Bone of the father, unknowingly given, you will renew your son!"
One of the nearby graves rumbled, and fine dust began to rise, falling into the cauldron. The surface, which had been diamond-like, shattered and hissed, sending sparks in all directions. The water turned a vivid, poisonous blue. Wormtail retrieved a thin, silver dagger from his cloak, his voice cracking with fear.
"Flesh—of the servant—willingly given—you will revive your master."
Wormtail extended his right hand—the one with the missing finger—gripping the dagger tightly in his left. With a swift motion, he slashed it upward, severing his own right hand. It fell into the cauldron, and the blue liquid turned into a blazing, bright red. Wormtail gasped in agony as he staggered back, pulling out two vials of blood. One contained the blood of Alastor Moody, and the other, the blood of the comatose Frank Longbottom.
"Blood of the enemy... forcibly taken... you will resurrect your foe," Wormtail sobbed as he poured the vials of blood into the cauldron. The red liquid blazed into a blinding white.
His task complete, Wormtail collapsed to his knees beside the cauldron, cradling his bleeding stump and gasping for breath. The cauldron simmered, sending diamond-like sparks in every direction, so bright that everything else around them faded into velvet blackness.
Suddenly, the sparks stopped. A thick cloud of white steam poured out of the cauldron, and slowly, the outline of a tall, skeletally thin man began to rise from the depths.
"Robe me," came the cold, high voice from behind the steam. Wormtail, still sobbing and cradling his mutilated arm, scrambled to retrieve the black robes from the ground. He stumbled to his feet, reached up, and pulled the robes over his master's head.
As the steam cleared, the figure was revealed—his skin pale as bone, his eyes wide and scarlet, his nose flat and snake-like with slits for nostrils.
"My Lord..." Wormtail choked, still in awe, "...you promised... you did promise..."
"Hold out your arm," Voldemort said lazily.
"Oh, Master... thank you, Master..." Wormtail extended the bleeding stump, but Voldemort merely laughed.
"The other arm, Wormtail."
"Master, please... please…" Wormtail begged as Voldemort pulled his left arm out, raising the sleeve past his elbow. The Dark Mark was clearly visible.
"It is back," Voldemort murmured. "They will all have noticed it... And now, we shall see... now we shall know..."
He pressed his long, white forefinger to the Dark Mark, sending a signal through it.
"How many will be brave enough to return when they feel it?" Voldemort whispered, his gleaming red eyes locked onto the stars. "And how many will be foolish enough to stay away?"
He stood there, watching, as a few Death Eaters apparated into the graveyard. One fell to his knees, crawled toward Voldemort, and kissed the hem of his robes.
"Master... Master," the Death Eater murmured. The others followed suit, kissing his robes before rising to form a circle around the ritual site.
"It seems we've lost quite a few members," Voldemort observed, glancing at the small group of Death Eaters present. No one replied.
"It matters not whether they are dead or betrayed the cause," he continued, "for they will come…"
"My Lord," one of the Death Eaters spoke.
"Yes, Nott?" Voldemort responded.
"I offer you my estate as our base of operations," Nott offered.
"Very well," Voldemort replied, his voice cold. "Now then, this is what I want you all to do..." He began issuing his orders.