36

Hermione frowned, her brow furrowing as she glanced at the murky water. "Just… be careful, alright? I know you're strong, but please take your time for us. There's no telling what they've hidden down there."

"Don't worry," I said softly, brushing her bushy hair. "I've got this. And if anything goes wrong, I'll use everything I can to get her."

Her expression softened, and she nodded. "I know you do. Just… don't show off too much if you can help it. We don't need Skeeter writing another article about how you're 'the next Dark Lord in training.'"

I chuckled, though the comment hit closer to home than I'd like to admit. Dumbledore's words from our earlier conversation still lingered in my mind.

I didn't care enough about the Wizarding World to be honest, so becoming something like Grindelwald wasn't in my plans, but I suppose that people would grow afrair the stronger I get. It was in their nature.

"I'll keep it subtle," I promised, though we both knew that was easier said than done.

With that done, Hermione hugged me tightly, gave her goodbyes, and joined Ginny and Luna in the stands with a happy smile. They waved at me with matching grins which I returned.

As the judges called for the champions to take their positions, I took my shirt without shame. My godly physique glinted under the sun. I heard whistles and catcalls from many of the girls present, but I ignored them to focus on what mattered. The flashes from the cameras were harder to ignore though.

The other contestants glanced my way, Fleur with curiosity and Krum and Cedric with thinly veiled apprehension. I didn't blame them. My abilities had already set me apart, and today would only reinforce that. I was way stronger than I was during the first task; in fact, it wasn't even comparable.

The one who glanced in my direction the most was Fleur, who had a weird glint in her eyes.

The signal sounded, and I waited for the other champions to dive into the water.

Before they could, I approached them with a calm smile.

"Hey guys," I continued ignoring their apprehension. I knew that winning the tournament was important for some of them, but their chances were non-existent, and they knew it.

"Before you go, I just wanted to let you know something," I smiled. "The hostages are in the center of the lake. Be careful of the Mermaids. They are as intelligent as humans and strong enough to break something if they get you with their tridents. Also, keep an eye open for the Grindylows. They aren't as intelligent, but they attack in groups."

"Why are you helping us?" Fleur couldn't help but ask, "We are competing." She was noticeably upset about my help but didn't understand the truth. I didn't care about this tournament, but that didn't mean I would allow myself to lose. I would be the only one going to the graveyard; none of them had any place there.

"Because I don't care," I shrugged, "You have to be careful specifically, I know about the bad blood between your races. Keep an eye out, and don't hesitate to ask for help."

"I don't need help," Fleur huffed, looking disgruntled.

"Just food for thought," I shrugged. "Well, besides that, I wanted to tell you something that will help you all. Just swim to the top when you get the hostage, and you can walk back to the shore without much problem."

My last advice confused them, but I let them get prepared; I had done what I could, so now it only depended on them.

Krum's shark transfiguration was impressive, I had to admit.

Watching him dive into the water with his new form was pretty cool, though I couldn't help but ask myself why it affected his instincts. I remember the scene from the movie where he acted erratically, like an animal.

I made a mental note to ask McGonagall about it later. Transfiguration was fascinating, but it wasn't exactly my area of expertise.

I wanted to focus more on my wizard abilities, but realistically, the magic the grimoire gave me was stronger by a large margin, and with a big fight in the future, I wanted to focus on that until I felt capable enough.

Voldemort was a better Wizard than me, so I just needed to use something he wouldn't expect to make him suffer like he deserved.

The Gryffindors in the stands shouted at me to hurry up, their voices carrying over the crowd's noise. I ignored them. They might not have noticed what I was doing initially, but I was far from idle. My plan didn't involve blindly rushing in like the other champions.

I walked calmly to the edge of the lake, my wand in hand, and waited. Let the others get a head start. I was worried that I could get them in the crossfire with my magic.

After five minutes, already knowing they were far enough, I started waving my wand just for show. It was important to show "weakness" so that my enemies wouldn't be prepared to face me in the future.

The surface of the lake began to change. A thin layer of ice spread from the shore, crackling softly as it formed a solid path across the water. The crowd fell silent, their shouts of encouragement replaced by murmurs of surprise. I ignored them, stepping onto the ice without hesitation.

The frozen surface held firm beneath my feet, and I began to walk. Each step sent ripples of frost spreading outward, the ice thickening slightly as I moved. The cold didn't bother me, I was a Cryomancer after all, and my body was so strong that this cold was nothing to me.

When I reached the lake's center, the crowd was utterly silent. Even the judges seemed stunned, though Dumbledore's eyes twinkled with what I could only describe as amused approval. I paused for a moment, looking down at the dark water below.

I reached into my pocket and pulled out the gillyweed. Chewing it quickly, I felt the now familiar gills form on my neck and the webbing between my fingers. Without hesitation, I jumped into the water, the ice above me stopped in its tracks.

The lake's depths were dark and cold, but I could feel and see almost as good as the surface. I propelled myself downward with powerful strokes, the webbing enhancing my speed. It didn't take long for the grindylows to notice me.

The first one lunged at me from the shadows, its sharp teeth bared. I reacted instantly, summoning a shard of ice and driving it into the creature's side. It screeched and retreated, but more were already closing in.

I didn't have time for this.

With a burst of solar light, I willed tens of thin strands of sunlight to appear around me, each ray throwing itself at the monsters with precision. They thrashed, snarled, and hissed but were no longer a threat. I swam past them, eyes scanning the murky water for any sign of Iris.

Finally, I saw her. She was tied to a stone pillar in the middle of the mermaid village. The mermaids guarding her watched me warily, but they didn't interfere. They had seen the "fight" that had just happened and probably didn't want the smoke if they could help it.

I reached Iris in moments, cutting her bonds with a sharp icicle. She was still in a trance, completely asleep. She looked peaceful, and I smiled softly.

I wrapped an arm around her waist and kicked off the pillar, propelling us upward with all the strength my physique could muster. The water rushed past us as we ascended, and we broke the surface within moments.

The crowd erupted into cheers as I carried Iris to the shore, the ice path I'd created earlier still strong. She coughed slightly, waking up as soon as we reached the infirmary. She shook the water from her hair, but she was otherwise unharmed.

"Took you long enough," she teased, her voice weak but playful.

I laughed, setting her down gently on the bed. "You're welcome," I replied, grabbing a towel and drying her hair softly.

"How is she, Madam Pranitha?" I asked the Indian witch, "Is there any problem?"

She finished waving her wand, muttering in her language, " There is not any problem from the water, that I am sure of. " She finished with a deep frown, "But there is something I do not like."

"Oh?" Iris frowned, "Is there something wrong?"

The healer took a deep breath. " I didn't expect these months to have so many interesting things." She looked serious as she nodded. "There is something wrong with the scar on your forehead."

That brought me to a halt. I already knew what she was talking about, but I didn't know if she knew precisely what the scar was.

"Can we talk about this in private? I don't want anyone hearing about this," I said seriously. "We can also discuss what you offered. Iris said she was interested, and I also want to learn more about my magic."

"I think that would be for the best, young man," the healer nodded thoughtfully, "Fret not; this is under patient confidentiality. We can talk more later."

"Thank you," I smiled, grabbing Iris's hand and rubbing it softly, "Stay here, yeah? I will go see how the rest are doing."

"I'll see if I can send Mione to keep you company, okay?" I kissed her nose. " I love you."

"I love you too," Iris smiled as she relaxed on the bed.

One hour later.

I rolled my eyes at their misplaced excitement as the crowd erupted into applause. None of them had seen what really happened beneath the lake's surface, yet they cheered as if they understood the struggle of the other champions.

The judges, too, disappointed me by handing out scores based on secondhand accounts instead of observation. Unlike in canon, I had hoped they would do something to allow the viewers to see what was happening, but they did nothing.

It was laughable.

Iris nudged me with her elbow, drawing my attention. "I knew you'd win," she said, her voice warm as she hugged my side.

"Not exactly a challenge," I admitted with a smirk. "This was boring, I honestly feel bad for the other three."

She snorted. "I stopped caring about it the moment we met Seekvaira. That's where the real interesting things are."

"Agreed." I exhaled, already shifting my focus to plan for the foreseeable future. "We'll head to Hogsmeade soon to buy trinkets for the meeting. We should go to Padfoot's home and set it there so they can meet our friend."

Iris's lips curled into a sly smile. "Good. The sooner we meet her, the better."

I was excited to meet the Devil again and see how Sirius would react to her presence. I was willing to bet that his reaction would be amusing.Chapter 34: Interlude 2.

Little Hangleton.

Peter Pettigrew.

During the first task.

The Riddle House was as cold and unwelcoming as ever. Ever since Master started his plan to obtain his new body, I couldn't help but feel a looming end for me. My fingers twitched in nervousness, a tick that I obtained during the years at Hogwarts and only got worse when I lived as a Rat with the Weasleys. The reason for my nervousness was the boy who was with Iris Potter during our first meeting the past year.

Elias Blake.

Just thinking the name sent a shiver down my spine. I had seen his performance in the arena and the way he faced down the Hungarian Horntail with a calmness that bordered on terrifying. A dragon was a force of raw power and fury, and it had been nothing more than a particularly stubborn opponent to him. The way he moved, the precision of his spells, the sheer control he had over his magic… it was unlike anything I had ever seen.

I could name with fingers to spare the death eaters capable of such a feat in one hand, but I couldn't do the same. Most Wizards couldn't do it, no matter how they tried. And now I saw a boy, not even an adult, defeat such a beast by himself. There was a reason why Dragon Handlers was a job. Normal people needed a group to keep a dragon from rampaging.

And now, he was coming for me.

My breath hitched as I recalled the look in his eyes after the incident last year. The year everything changed for me. Living in obscurity wasn't easy, but I had grown used to it, and that blasted Sirius ruined it for me. I was worried when I saw news about his escape from Azkaban, but I didn't think he was insane enough to look for me. How he discovered my existence still confused me, but everything crumbled when I learned he was in school.

I tried to escape, but that blasted cat stopped my grand plan, and I was grabbed by Sirius.

I had my eyes on the kid, Elias, even before that moment. He wasn't Ronald Weasley's friend, but I could see him watching me curiously every time he was nearby. He didn't do anything, but his eyes were far sharper than the usual boy his age.

There had been no fear, no hesitation—only cold, calculating detachment. It was as if he already knew about me, but that was impossible. If he did know, why had he not done anything during the first two years? No, that was ludicrous. But the look in his eyes during the event of the shrieking shack was burned into my mind. I wasn't afraid of death; I already knew the future for someone like me if my Master was defeated, I wasn't at peace with it, but it didn't scare me that much. In truth, I almost welcomed it.

I knew how the Ministry worked, and if they grabbed me someday, the Minister wouldn't waste time getting a Demetor sicked on me. It would be scary, but a fast death. But no… those eyes showed me that I wasn't afraid enough for my well-being. I would die, of that, there was no doubt, but what made me have a cold sweat was what the boy would do to me before he killed me. I saw hatred in his eyes, but… it wasn't the same as the girl; Iris looked at me with burning anger; he was cold.

Across the room, my Master sat in his chair, his skeletal form draped in dark robes. He was no longer in the body of a baby. He had used a really dark ritual provided by the Hexxenatch to obtain a temporary body to move around without needing my assistance. Obviously, it wasn't a perfect fix since the body rotted fast. Master needed a fresh stream of muggle bodies daily to extend the duration, but at least he could move by himself.

The longer he used magic, the faster the body deteriorated, so that at least was good news. It meant that I wasn't tortured every day. He had to be careful with his movements but could do things without my aid.

"You disappoint me, Wormtail," Voldemort sneered, a deadly hiss filling the room. "To think that a mere boy could reduce you to such a pitiful state."

I flinched, my voice trembling as I shivered, "M-my Lord, you saw what he did to the dragon. He's not just any boy. He's... he's dangerous."

The sneer deepened, but there was something in his gaze... caution, with a hint of respect. "Dangerous, yes," he admitted, "but not invincible. Do not forget, Wormtail, that I am the greatest wizard ever. No child, no matter how talented, can stand against me."

I could see Voldemort curiously watching the replay of the task. I didn't know the story of my Master, but I genuinely doubted he could do the same as the boy when he was his age. It was a scary thought, considering how powerful Voldemort was and knowing a kid who had it against me had even more potential than him… no, I didn't want to imagine it. My only hope was that the new magic Voldemort was practicing could help him defeat the scary kid.

Oh, there was no doubt that Elias Blake was strong. But he was no Voldemort, not right now. Maybe in the future, he could match my Master, but for now, I had complete assurance that Master would emerge victorious in a fight between them. The kid had even less chance if the rest of the Death Eaters were present.

I nodded quickly, but my stomach churned with doubt. I didn't doubt Voldemort's capabilities, but the kid was improving alarmingly fast. I reminded myself of the times I saw him perform spells in class during his first two years. He was always cut above the rest; the only ones who could somewhat match him were Iris and the bucked-teeth girl from the Gryffindors, the niece of the DMLE head, and the blond girl of Slytherin. But even then, all of them were cut above the rest. They reminded me of Bella, Sirius, James, Lily and Remus when his magic matured. Lucius and Severus could be counted too. If nothing changed, I was sure they would be the backbone of Wizarding Britain by the time they were in their twenties. That was how much potential they had.

A laugh rang out from the corner of the room, it was high, cackling, and filled with amusement. Walburga was watching me with gleaming, crazy eyes. She leaned forward in her chair, her fingers drumming against the armrest as she smirked hatefully.

"Oh, this is delicious," she said, practically vibrating with glee. "A boy who can take down a wyvern? And he's coming for you, Wormtail? I almost wish to stick around to see how this plays out."

I shot her a glare, though there was no real heat behind it. "This isn't a game," I muttered. "If he finds me, he'll kill me."

She waved a hand dismissively. "Oh, don't be such a bore. Where's your sense of adventure? Besides, if you're so scared, why don't you just run? That's what you're good at, isn't it?"

Heat rushed to my face, shame twisting in my gut. I said nothing.

Running was an option, but I knew it wouldn't save me. The kid was relentless. He had resources, allies, and a sharper mind than I had ever encountered. That, I learned well last year. He knew how to counter my plans before I even started them. If I didn't know better (and hated it passionately), I would think he was a Seer.

"Enough of this pointless nonsense," Voldemort's voice cut through the tension like a knife. "Wormtail, your fear is unbecoming. If the boy comes, he will be dealt with. But for now, you will focus on your tasks. Do not fail me again."

I nodded quickly, but my mind raced. I couldn't shake the image of Elias standing victorious over the dragon, his wand raised triumphantly. He was a force to be reckoned with.

As I sat there, trembling in the shadows of the Riddle House, one terrible thought took root in my mind.

Betraying James and Lily Potter had been a calculated move... a desperate bid for survival. But now, faced with the wrath of Iris Potter and Elias Blake, I couldn't see a way to live if Master was defeated. No, I had to do my best to ensure Voldemort was victorious.

Walburga grinned from her seat. "I knew I wasn't wrong to trust my instincts. The kid is special in a way the rest of you aren't," she said, moaning, making my body shudder. "While much weaker, that ice magic reminds me of the Ice Princess."

The sneer that accompanied that name made my hair behind my neck stand upright. I trusted my instincts as a coward and kept my mouth shut.

"Who?" Voldemort asked sharply, "Is that hesitance I hear in your voice, Magician?"

"Don't speak about things you know nothing about, worm," Walburga snapped, but I could see her nervousness. "You have no idea how big the world is. The Lavina Reni would squash you like the bug you are by breathing in your direction."

"She has a Longinus Level Sacred Gear, the same level as mine. I already explained this, and you barely know the kind of power we can unleash whenever we want," she continued irately. "You are nothing compared to the true horrors this world has."

Voldemort felt silent at that. Walburga explained about the supernatural world some days ago, and I couldn't wrap my head around what she said. It was scary how small we were.

According to her, I could be labeled as a mid-class magician, even if I was at the top of such classification, but the difference in how we use magic made that system iffy. Wizards were special, according to her. In a way people didn't understand correctly. She didn't know how wizards were originated thousands of years ago. Still, she was sure there was something peculiar about us. The way the wizards could affect the world differently than the norm, even if our strength had dwindled with the ages.

Either way, Master and Dumbledore could be considered at the peak of the high class, all the way to the top. Still, neither of them had entered the ultimate level of the class like Walburga. Something along the lines of their bodies being incapable of housing that amount of magic without bursting.

Considering that most Wizards hated physical training, it was no wonder no one managed to reach it. Not that it would be easy, but it was interesting.

"I wasn't wrong," Walburga said thoughtfully. "I'm excited about the boy's performance. It was a good move to put him in the limelight. I wonder if he has supernatural blood in him... that would explain a few things. A shame I can't watch him closely without attracting attention."

She stood up slowly from her seat before clapping her hands. "Do whatever you want while I'm gone. I'll return for the second task to see how the kid does."

During the Second Task

"Hah, the kid would get along with the devils," Walburga snickered as she put the newspaper down. "Getting a harem when that practice is frowned upon? Nice start."

"He is wasting his potential on carnal desires," Voldemort scoffed. "If I were him, I would spend all my time training my magic, not wasting it on girls."

I stayed silent. Sure, I was surprised that James's girl was in a relationship with two people, but it didn't matter to me. Who she was with had nothing to do with me. If it wasted their time, the time they could be training, all the better. That meant I had a good chance to survive when they hunted me down.

"My Lord," a timid voice spoke from the floor.

The man was haggard, his arms marred with a few burnt patches of skin.

Nott hadn't taken my advice. He lost control when Walburga mocked Voldemort. The Dark Lord had tasked me with finding more help for his ritual, and I had offered Nott. He wasn't important to the Ministry right now, not like Lucius.

Lucius was being watched too closely. Amelia Bones wasn't a fool. She knew the Imperius excuse was complete hogwash, so she kept a close eye on the man who had used it and still became so close to the Minister.

No, Nott was the best option. He was competent enough not to mess up the plan but insignificant enough that no one would ever question his whereabouts.

"What do you want, Nott?" The Dark Lord snapped as Walburga prepared the spell.

"Why are you watching the tasks? Is that not beneath your notice?" Nott asked timidly. He was still afraid of the madwoman... not that I could fault him.

"Walburga is interested in the boy," Voldemort hissed. "And knowing what your opponent can do is useful."

"But he cannot compare to you, my Lord," Nott whispered. "He's just a Mudblood."

"Silence," Walburga snapped. "My Elias is worth more than the rest of wizarding Britain combined. I've been watching him whenever I could, and he is special."

"And when will you explain your findings, Walburga?" Voldemort asked, clearly irritated.

I was just as curious. The woman always cooed about the boy but never explained why. Was he really that special? He had potential, sure, but what about him caught the attention of someone like Walburga?

"You'll see during the task," Walburga replied coyly before deadpanning. "What the fuck is this?"

The screen showed a bird's-eye view of the lake, with the crowd cheering on the benches around it. But inside the water? Nothing.

I mean, the kid was doing well. He was walking atop a frozen path toward the lake's center, but there was nothing exciting about the task.

"This is pathetic," Walburga scowled. "I don't know why I expected better from your lot."

With a flick of her wrist, the scrying spell moved toward Elias, who jumped into the lake after eating a plant and glancing at his fingers.

"Gillyweed," I nodded in appreciation. I always liked potions, and it was nice to see someone actually using magical plants like this. While not on Severus and Lily's level, I was the best of the Marauders in that class.

"Clever," Voldemort grunted.

The spell followed Elias as he entered the lake, swimming toward the bottom with surprising speed. Gillyweed helped, but it was obvious he was stronger than he looked.

"Look, look!" Walburga squealed. "Finally, something exciting."

A group of Grindylows approached the boy intently, it was clear thatth monters wouldn't hesitate to kill the boy.

I recoiled at the sight. The beasts were ugly, and they attacked in groups. Underwater? I doubted I could escape without a couple of injuries.

The first creature lunged from the shadows, its teeth bared, only for the kid to materialize an ice shard in his hand without moving his wand.

"What?!" Nott shot up. "My Lord, he isn't speaking, and he's not even using his wand!"

"I can see that," Voldemort snapped. "Did he learn silent casting and wandless magic after the first task? Preposterous. No, he was feigning."

"Oh, my Elias," Walburga squealed from her seat, her expression alight with delight. "I knew it. You're special."

"You didn't know about this?" Voldemort asked acidly.

"No, no," Walburga shook her head, her mad grin widening. "But he's getting better and better."

We watched as the boy willed strands of light into thin threads, sending them directly at the creatures swarming him.

"Two elements," Nott muttered, "and light to boot?" His face twisted in unease. "My Lord, we should kill him before he grows stronger."

Voldemort's wand snapped toward him. "Are you doubting me?" His voice was razor-sharp, dripping with malice. "I am LORD VOLDEMORT, FOOL. A mere child cannot survive against me if I wish him dead."

"I'm sorry, my Lord! I'm sorry!" Nott begged pitifully, pressing his forehead to the floor.

I just watched in silence.

Nott wasn't wrong.

Elias was growing alarmingly strong, and no one had noticed. Without Walburga, we would've been in the dark about his capabilities. We would have been distracted by Iris while Elias became even stronger.

This was bad. Horrendously bad.

I couldn't help but feel grateful that Walburga had sought Voldemort out.

"This is perfect," Voldemort murmured, almost to himself. "Iris and the Light side will suffer when I string his body across Diagon Alley."

"You will not harm him."

The deadly whisper sent every nerve in my body into overdrive. Shit.

I threw myself to the floor a moment before the weight of Walburga's power slammed into us.

The temperature in the room spiked violently. The usual musky scent of the Riddle House evaporated in an instant, leaving only an ashy smell. The wooden floor groaned as if the house itself was protesting against her mere existence.

Purple embers flickered in the air, curling around the Magician's figure like living serpents.

Voldemort did not move, but I saw the subtle shift in his stance and the readiness in his frame. He was tense.

I could feel my own cold sweat disappear as if it had never been there.

"You will not kill him," Walburga's voice was quiet, yet the house trembled beneath the weight of her magic. The very air around us distorted from the sheer presence the insade magician had.

I forced myself to breathe.

Walburga wasn't stupid, but she was prideful. If this turned into a fight, Nott and I would be ash before we realized what had happened. But she couldn't kill Voldemort without expending massive power, and a battle of that caliber made noise.

She had to avoid a direct confrontation if she wanted to remain in the shadows.

Nott had gone stiff, his face twisted in horror as he whimpered into the floor, tears escaping his eyes before they evaporated.

Voldemort sneered. "Ah, but you sought me, Walburga," his voice was sharp but tense. "Why is the boy important?"

Walburga smirked, but it didn't reach her eyes. "Because he's interesting, and I want to learn more." She tilted her head. "Diamonds only form under pressure, after all. Rough him up if you must, but I want him alive. He is mine."

Voldemort's lips curled into something between amusement and irritation. "Very well," he said, though the promise of future retribution lingered in his tone. "For now."

Walburga's grin sharpened. "I will take Iris Potter during the third task."

She laughed softly.

"I want to see how he reacts… when he finds the cooling body of the love of his life in the graveyard." Her eyes gleamed darkly, "I'll take her to the graveyard personally."Chapter 35: Leashes and visits.

Hogwarts.

Elias Blake.

Smiling at the girls, I shook my head as I followed from behind. We needed to appear excited; the plan depended on it.

Since every single Journalist in the country was present in the school, I just knew that the vile woman was salivating for a nice scoop. It was in her nature, after all. And I wasn't against paying twice for the harm she did.

In the recess of my mind, I always felt that what Hermione's Canon counterpart did to Rita Skeeter was too much. I wasn't against them getting some vengeance, but I always thought that the way Hermione did it was way too over the top.

I stand corrected.

And it was such an amusing act that I couldn't help but recreate it with some nice twists that would help in the future instead of wasting a woman with Skeeter's abilities.

We had no idea how to become an Animagus, and while helpful, I suspected it would be hard. And even if we managed… having such a tiny insect as an Animagus form was something out of this world. She was the perfect spy and had no morality to drag her back. No… she was perfect for what I wanted.

That brought us here. The girls were giggling and acting in a way that someone who knew us would know was fake. But for the masses, they looked like two girls in love trying to find a hidden place to spend some time with their significant other.

I could already see the headlines if someone saw us.

Since the Journalists were only allowed in the great hall or outside the castle, I was sure we were only followed by that vile woman in her Animagus form. No one but us was the wiser about her capabilities, even if I had doubts about it.

I looked at Hermione, who peeked her head from the corner. There was a serious look in her eyes that didn't match the lewd grin on her face as she nodded and waved the Marauders Map in the air.

I grinned victoriously as I walked faster, my senses sharpening as I tried to feel if anyone else was watching. Seeing that the corridor was empty, I slipped into the abandoned classroom, making sure to leave the door open just wide enough to seem careless, as if we were in a hurry.

Hermione moved with practiced ease, settling onto a desk with an exaggerated sigh, her robes slightly loose at the collar as if she was starting to strip. Iris leaned against the teacher's desk, arms crossed, smirking as she waited for me.

I took position by the door, my pulse steady as I counted the seconds.

There was no sound, no visible movement, but I knew she was there.

I waited.

And waited.

There… A soft Buzz of a beetle. Soft enough that I had to strain my ears to hear it. But I could, and that was the end for her.

Before Rita could realize her mistake, I moved.

My wand snapped up, and instantly, a jar of translucent glass flew from Hermione's already opened bag and waiting for me. Another wave and the plug covered the only entrance. A bunch of holes poked into it to allow the woman to breathe.

The beetle inside froze, wings still twitching, her tiny legs scrambling against the walls in a panicked frenzy.

"Gotcha," I muttered as I lifted the jar. The glass felt cool in my hands. It clear, smooth, and, more importantly, unbreakable.

Hermione stood up, brushing down her robes with that quiet kind of pride she always wore when things went her way.

"You can turn back if you want, Skeeter," she said, her voice a little too sweet. "But you'd die instantly. And honestly, I'm not cleaning that up."

Iris leaned in and tapped a finger against the glass. A soft ring echoed through it.

"Better stay like that," she said playfully. "You're so much easier to deal with now."

The beetle started flailing, slamming into the walls of her little prison like she thought it'd do any good.

"Something wrong?" I asked, grinning. "Worried about how you're getting out of this?"

Rita buzzed louder, hurling herself into the glass again.

Hermione sighed dramatically. "You really should've been more careful. Following us like that? It was only a matter of time before we caught on." She pulled out the Marauder's Map, holding it up between two fingers. "You're not nearly as sneaky as you think, Rita."

I gave the jar a slow, deliberate shake, just enough to knock her off balance and send her tumbling again.

"Here's the deal," I said, lowering my voice. "You're going to sit tight, and when we let you out, you will behave. Just stay put until we decide when that will happen."

The beetle finally stilled, antennae twitching. Even in this form, I could feel the fury rolling off her.

Iris chuckled, crossing her arms. "Smart choice."

"Now," Hermione said, slipping the jar into her bag, "let's get you somewhere more… secure."

Rita buzzed angrily, but it was useless.

Iris grinned and her eyes were bright with anticipation, "That will show her, even if I doubt she will learn something."

"Probably not," I shrugged unconcernedly. "Honestly, I don't think she will stay put without some insurance. Even if we blackmail her with her Animagus form, I'm sure she will mess us up when she has enough courage."

"It could take some months or even years," Hermione nodded thoughtfully, "But she is not the kind to let things like this go."

I nodded at her. She wasn't wrong, after all.

"That's why we will speak with Arcturus about this," I grinned. I will follow his lead if his suggestions don't cross the line. "She can be useful for us."

Iris hummed. "I think I should be against that, but my pity well is surprisingly dry."

"Whatever," Hermione rolled her eyes. "Let's get going. We should get Seekvaira's things while we're free."

Saturday, March 5.

Hogwarts.

"Headmaster," I greeted with a nod. The aged man was using magic to gently groom Fawkes' feathers. The phoenix trilled happily when he saw us, flapping his wings in greeting.

"Good morning to you three," Dumbledore smiled softly. "How may I be of service, young ones?"

"We have a favor to ask," I began, returning his smile with one of my own. "You already know the situation with my family, so I won't bore you with the details, Professor, but Arcturus has requested my presence to handle some family matters."

I paused briefly before continuing. "According to Sirius's letter, the family's heir has the right to leave Hogwarts for any pressing matters. Since I'm the only Black alive aside from Sirius, that role falls to me now."

Sirius would never write something like that, so the only option left was for Arcturus to tell him what to pen before sending the letter. It was surprisingly formal.

I sighed. I had healed Sirius's body to the best of my ability, but his mind was another thing altogether. I didn't know if he would ever fully recover, let alone be in a place where he could start a family of his own. I hoped he would, but hope alone sometimes wasn't enough.

Dumbledore hummed thoughtfully, his fingers pausing mid-air as he groomed one of Fawkes' bright crimson feathers. The phoenix trilled again, tilting its head as if listening to the conversation.

The headmaster's blue eyes twinkled behind his half-moon glasses as he curiously regarded me. "Ah, family matters… A most sacred obligation." He gave a slight nod. "Yes, Sirius did mention this in his letter. A rather formal request, I must say it was not what I expected coming from him."

I inclined my head. "Ah, he wrote to you too? He didn't mention it in his letter."

Dumbledore steepled his fingers, the ever-present smile still gracing his lips, but something was assessing in his gaze. "And you wish to take Miss Potter and Miss Granger with you?"

"Of course, we work as a team," I replied without hesitation. "Whatever the Old man wants with me, I don't do anything without these two's opinions. I trust them more than anyone else in this world."

Hermione shifted slightly beside me, but she didn't speak. Iris raised an eyebrow as if daring the headmaster to deny my request.

I always found it funny how Iris looked like she would punch the headmaster in the nuts if he ever did something against her. She was surprisingly feisty with the powerful old man.

Dumbledore chuckled softly. "I would imagine so." He leaned back slightly, gazing up at the high ceiling of his office. "The school does grant allowances for heirs to attend to urgent family matters, and I have little reason to deny such a request. I suspect, however, that your absence will not go unnoticed."

I shrugged. "It's the weekend. We'll be back by Sunday night, I hope."

"Of course, of course." He let the moment stretch before giving a slow nod. "Very well. You have my permission to leave."

I released a breath I hadn't realized I was holding.

"But," he added, his gaze sharp yet kind, "be cautious, Elias. The Black name carries more weight than most realize, and Arcturus is dangerous. I don't think that he has lessened even by death; he always was someone who got what he wanted."

"I won't," I assured him. I liked Arcturus, but like Hell I would allow someone to shackle me.

Dumbledore studied me for a moment longer, then sighed. "Ah, but I suspect you have another request, yes?"

I smiled. "I do. Before we meet with Arcturus's portrait, I want to stop by Diagon Alley to pick up some things for Sirius."

At that, Dumbledore's expression softened.

"A commendable thought," he said, his gaze momentarily distant. "Sirius has been through much. I am glad to see he has someone looking out for him. Remus tells me he is better, but more support should help."

I nodded. "He's family."

Dumbledore flicked his wand, and the fireplace roared to life with green flames. "Very well. You may use my fireplace for travel. Do take care. Diagon Alley is safe enough during the day, but there are always dangers where one least expects them."

Iris smirked. "Shadows don't scare us, Professor."

Dumbledore's lips twitched, his eyes flashing with amusement. "That, Miss Potter, is what concerns me most. I don't doubt your capabilities, and with young Elias present, I can't think of anyone capable of harming you without making a scene. I think I should be cheering for them instead."

With that, he gestured toward the fireplace, signaling our path was open.

"When you return, we will begin our training sessions; I'm excited to train you three personally," Dumbledore said just before we crossed.

"I can't wait," Iris grinned before throwing the powder to the fire, "Diagon Alley."

Hermione went after Iris, her wand in hand, just in case. "See you tomorrow, headmaster. Thanks for everything."

"It is my pleasure, my dear," Dumbledore chuckled.

Then, it was my turn. No words were said, but I knew he could feel how I felt about the training. My magic was singing in my soul.

Grimmauld Place.

Diagon Alley hadn't changed much since the last time I visited—still bustling with witches and wizards doing their business, still filled with that odd mixture of wonder and chaos unique to wizarding Britain. But our trip wasn't just for Sirius this time. Seekvaira had asked us to bring her a selection of wizarding products, hoping to see if anything caught her interest.

I hoped she would be an ally for us when the rest of the supernatural learned about my existence. It was something I had grown to accept. With the Celestial Grimoire, there was no way I would stay in the dark. No, a single roll could change the course of history, and I needed to have friends in positions to help me.

So, while we gathered what we needed for Sirius, we also made sure to grab a variety of things for her.

For Sirius, the first stop had been Madam Primpernelle's Beautifying Potions. Not exactly a common place to get gifts for a man that wasn't named Malfoy, but my uncle looked like a vain man, and while his body was healthy, some things didn't get corrected with my healing energy. His hair was messy, and no regular shampoo or conditioner could help.

I just knew he would love everything we bought there. Also, Seekvaira might be interested in some of those potions. Devils were vain by design, and while they were minor shapeshifters, I was absolutely sure that women devils loved to look good.

Next, we stopped by Twilfitt and Tatting's, where I found a new set of robes for him—proper, custom-tailored robes, not the old hand-me-downs he'd been making do with. When the time came, and we cleared his name, he had to look the part of Lord Black.

Then there was Seekvaira's request.

She'd asked for something magical. Not powerful, just... wizardy. Something from our world she couldn't get from hers.

We spent a while walking in and out of shops, picking through whatever caught our eye, half of it junk, the other half maybe interesting enough to pass for a gift.

At Scrivenshaft's, we found a set of Everlasting Ink Quills. They never ran out of ink, and you could change the color by tapping the tip. It was kind of neat. Low-key, but refined. Definitely her vibe.

Spellbound Sketchbook also allowed drawings to move as if enchanted with low-level animation magic. The girls also bought some stuff, but I didn't pay much attention to them. They could buy whatever they wanted; it's not like we were poor anymore.

From Flourish and Blotts, we picked up a collection of rare magical theory books, including Runic Weaving: An Art Lost to Time and Alchemy Beyond the Philosopher's Stone. Showing Seekvaira how Wizards used magic would help us better understand the differences between our existences. It was a no-brainer.

For something more tactile, we stopped by Spindlewarps' Enchanted Textiles, where we found a set of Self-Stitching Ribbons. They were woven bands of enchanted fabric that could reshape themselves into different forms based on the wearer's intent. They weren't combat-useful but a rare artisan product from wizarding Britain. Considering how Seekvaira dressed during our meeting, I knew she would love this product.

She dressed like the pompous lords I had seen, but at least she made it look good. She was beautiful, and her cool act worked in tandem with that.

And the best product I found for the she-devil… An enchanted chess piece like the ones at Ron loved. Knowing how entrenched that game was in devil society, I just knew it would be a damn good business. She was brilliant, and I knew she would know I was baiting her, but even then… I doubted she would mind.

By the time we were done, our bags were heavier than expected, and I was sure we'd overdone it. But if nothing else, Seekvaira would at least get a glimpse into the oddities of the wizarding world.

We were a queer bunch, even by supernatural standards.

Knocking on the door three times, as Sirius had instructed in his letter, we waited for someone to answer.

After a moment, the door creaked open, revealing a pornstar mustache that could only belong to one man.

Remus looked up, and his face lit up the second he saw us.

"Kids," he said, smiling as he waved us inside. "Been a while, hasn't it? How've you been?"

"We're good, Professor," Iris said, stepping in first. She went straight for a hug.

He tensed for half a second—surprised, probably, but then let out a soft chuckle and pulled her into a proper hug.

I caught the glimmer of a tear at the corner of his eye as he looked at Iris... at James' daughter.

"I'm not your professor anymore," he said softly.

Something was off, though.

As he let go of Iris, his eyes flickered toward me, and in an instant, his entire demeanor shifted. His smile didn't disappear, but something else was behind it now. He was wary… tense.

It was subtle, almost imperceptible.

But I felt the way his muscles locked up, the way his nostrils flared slightly as if trying to scent something in the air. With my senses, I could hear how his heart pumped blood in alarm. He wasn't preparing for a fight; he looked ready to bolt.

His fingers twitched. Barely.

I wouldn't have noticed if I hadn't been paying attention, but it must be his Werewolf blood. Remus, having lycanthropy, was closer to his animalistic instincts, and he could feel what I had become.

Damn. I didn't expect this reaction. In truth, I had almost forgotten about his problems. I never cared about his furry little problem, but I didn't think he would react like this.

"Remus?" Hermione tilted her head, oblivious to the tension in his stance. "Are you alright?"

Lupin blinked. The smile that followed felt... off. Like he was trying too hard to make it look easy.

"Of course," he said. Calm. Polite. A little too smooth.

I let out a slow breath and stepped back, giving him some space. "Yeah... I think I get it now," I said, more to myself than anyone. "Sorry, Remus. I should've thought this through before we showed up."

"What are you on about?" Iris asked, frowning as she looked between us.

I glanced between her and Hermione before leaning casually against the opposite wall, making a deliberate effort to look as unthreatening as possible. "Think, girls," I said evenly. "Remus is a werewolf... he's always in touch with his inner beast. He's usually the hunter in the room when he's around wizards."

Iris blinked, her confusion deepening, but Hermione's breath hitched as the realization dawned on her.

"Oh…" she whispered, turning to Remus with wide, sympathetic eyes. "Remus, there's no need to be afraid. Eli would never hurt any of us. He's family. And… and he's in a relationship with Iris and I."

Remus flinched.

Not in fear exactly—more like his body was arguing with his brain.

His fingers curled in just a bit, nails sharpening at the tips. His breathing slowed, but it wasn't steady, it felt off. Like he was holding something back.

"That's not it," he muttered under his breath, mostly to himself. His voice was tight. Controlled. Not calm, though. Not even close.

His eyes snapped to me. Sharp, focused, and too still.

"This... isn't normal," he said, quieter now. The way he said it made something in my chest tighten. There was something in his tone I couldn't quite place. Like awe, maybe. Or fear.

"I've faced strong wizards before. Dumbledore. Moody. Even Voldemort."

He stopped there, like he was waiting to see if we understood what that meant.

"None of them ever made me feel like this."

Iris frowned, arms crossed. "So what's different?"

Remus didn't respond right away. His jaw worked, muscles tightening like he was chewing on the words before he said them, and none of them tasted right.

"You feel like something else."

The words dropped heavy. No one said anything for a moment.

I felt Hermione shift beside me, the way her fingers brushed mine. Just slightly.

"What do you mean?" she asked, careful, almost quiet.

Remus let out a breath through his nose. His whole posture was still, like if he moved too fast, something would snap.

"I mean..." He swallowed, eyes still locked on me. "Everything in me is saying Elias isn't just a wizard. It's something more. Different."

His gaze didn't waver.

"My wolf sees him the way it sees something at the top of the chain. Something that shouldn't exist. It's like I should run… or prostrate myself."

That caught my attention. And made me feel pity.

I stayed silent, letting him work through it. He had no idea about the Celestial Grimoire or how my power was evolving. But my body and feel kept changing whenever I got new powers, and his instinct warned him.

The room remained quiet for a moment longer before Remus huffed out a laugh that held no humor. "Merlin, I sound paranoid."

I shook my head. "Not really."

He gave me a long, searching look before finally relaxing his stance as if consciously pushing the feeling aside.

"Regardless," he said, rolling his shoulders, "it's fine. My instincts might be screaming, but I know you, lad. I taught you for a year, and you are a good kid."

He ran a hand through his hair, letting out a deep breath before his lips quirked up slightly. "Well, I suppose I should be flattered. You've successfully spooked a werewolf without even trying."

I smirked. "Think I could help you keep calm during a full moon if you don't drink the potion?"

That got a chuckle out of him.

The tension in the room finally eased, and with a last glance between us, Remus shook his head and gestured toward the hallway.

"Come on," he said, his voice lighter now. "Sirius has been waiting for you."

I pushed off the wall, exchanging glances with the girls before following him deeper into the house.

Still, I couldn't shake the thought even as the conversation moved on.

If a werewolf could sense something was different about me… what else could? Did Fleur feel I wasn't a regular Wizard? Would the Goblins at Gringotts know something wasn't alright with me? Would they attack on sight? The conversation with Madam Pranitha jumped in as a priority for me.

"Hey, kids!" Sirius shouted from the dinner table, "I've been waiting for you."

"Heya, Sirius," Iris jumped at her Godfather, almost pushing him to the ground as the older man guffawed. "I've missed you; last time was too short."

I couldn't help but smile at Iris; I loved seeing her so happy.

"Sorry, Sirius," I apologized, "We made a detour before coming here."

"Oh?" Sirius asked as he lifted Iris with both arms, sitting her next to him.

"You look like a vain man," I chuckled and sent a wink, "I thought you would like some beauty products and clean clothes."

That brought a smirk to his face. "You know nothing, Pup. I would offer some advice, but seeing you got these two, I suppose you don't need my help."

"It's in the blood," I grinned and bumped his fist.

"Now, where is the old man?" I asked seriously.

Sirius sighed, "I hate having responsibilities. I'm not even a free man, and that bastard is pushing me to act like the lord I supposedly am."

"Oh, come on, Sirius," Hermione rolled her eyes, "It must be interesting at least."

Sirius took a deep breath, "I never wanted this; there was a reason I left my family as soon as I could." He admitted.

Remus had calmed down enough during our conversation with Sirius, and he walked toward him and put his hand on Sirius's shoulders.

"Whatever," he shook his head after smiling at Remus in thanks, "I can't wait until I can give you this ring to you, kid. But the bastard wants you to be ready for that. He is in the lord's office but isn't expecting us until later."

"Then let's do something before we get serious," Iris grinned brightly, and Sirius whooped into the air, earning a chuckle from the rest of us.

I could get used to this.

Chapter 36: A Display of Might.

Grimmauld Place.

Elias Blake.

I couldn't help but roll my eyes at my pouting uncle, who was sulking in the corner of the Lord's solar. He was simultaneously making a sad face and glaring at the portrait of Arcturus on the wall.

The older man did nothing to help matters. Even after his death, he refused to cave to his descendants' desires and stop being a cunt.

In the end, we had a glaring match between a man-child and the portrait of a long-dead man.

"Will you quit it?" Iris huffed, glaring at them both.

"It's just not fair," Sirius whined. "I've known Remus since we were thirteen. I know he can be trusted!"

"It's a Black family matter," Arcturus grumbled heavily. "I'm already making an exception by allowing the girls here."

"As if you could make us leave." Iris shot the portrait a glare filled with so much venom that I was half-surprised it didn't melt on the spot.

"Enough," I sighed, glancing at Hermione and catching the look of pity on her face. She understood my feelings on this better than anyone else.

When the other three turned their attention to me, I cleared my throat and spoke. "Remus is someone who could help us a lot, and he already knows something is wrong. When we entered the house, we had a small situation, and his werewolf side could feel the difference."

"What are you talking about, boy?" Arcturus asked sharply.

I sighed, running a hand down my face.

"Things aren't as simple as they seem," I said after a moment of silence. "It would be better to show you, but you must keep quiet. Not a word to anyone, at least for now."

"Just give me a second," I added, placating the two older men.

Pulling out my devil phone, I unlocked it with my fingerprint, relishing the ability to finally use technology again. I hadn't realized how much I missed it, but it was hard to ignore now that I had it.

I sent a quick message to Seekvaira to see if she was free in a few minutes, then stood up, grabbed my trunk, and opened it as usual.

The girls immediately understood what I planned to show with that simple gesture, both smirking mischievously. Sirius and Arcturus, on the other hand, were visibly confused but followed us without a word.

"Blimey," Sirius gasped as he took in the inside of my trunk, and I couldn't help but puff out my chest in pride.

The trunk was awesome, after all, and it felt good to show it off.

"This is no ordinary trunk," Arcturus frowned, eyes narrowing. "I doubt things have advanced this much since my death. Something like this shouldn't be possible, boy."

"I know," I admitted. "And I won't explain where I got it from. I hope you understand why." I met his gaze seriously.

"Bah!" he scoffed. "I'm dead, boy. Just show us what you brought us here for."

I nodded at him with a small smile of thanks. It was good that he understood how things would work between us. I refused to be under anyone, and he was no exception.

Well… I wouldn't mind being under my girls if they asked me to.

Stomping down on that particular train of thought before it could derail me completely, I shook my head firmly. I wanted a repeat of that night, I couldn't wait for it, but now wasn't the time.

"We need to walk a bit more," I said, leading them forward. As we moved, I commanded my trunk to rebuild the scorched and destroyed wasteland I had created after a training session. I knew I would be tearing it apart again shortly, but I needed the setting for a proper demonstration.

After a few minutes, I felt Ash through our bond as she flew toward us. She let out a happy squeak as she landed on Hermione's shoulder and began pecking at her bushy hair.

"Nice of you to join us," I said, smiling at my familiar.

"Well, we're here." I took a slow breath, already preparing to show the truth to my only living family—probably. At least of the good ones.

I took a deep breath, the crisp air of the wasteland filling my nostrils. It was strange of me to show off, but I needed both of their support, and as strong as I was now… I was still weak compared to the little I knew from my past life. Draconis Deus was a genuinely terrifying place when you saw past its silliness and hentai logic.

Sirius and the girls stood beside me, with Hermione transfiguring a chair to let Arcturus's portrait face the direction of the mountain. The Black's skepticism was palpable. Hermione and Iris, on the other hand, were practically grinning, already anticipating the spectacle.

They had seen what Seekvaira was capable of, and while I didn't know if I was as strong as her, I would give it my all to at least come close to what she showed.

"Alright," I exhaled, rolling my shoulders. "I can't embarrass myself in front of the girls."

I strode forward, planting my feet firmly against the cracked earth. Then, without warning, I clenched my fists and flexed.

A faint shockwave rippled outward as raw power surged through me. The very ground beneath my feet trembled, tiny cracks forming in the dirt under the visible weight of my magic. The air became heavier, and I saw the girl's knees buckling under the strain. Sirius fared slightly better, but he, too, was stiff as a board.

It wasn't some overwhelming explosion of force. Still, it was enough to make Sirius and Arcturus take a step back on instinct. I almost snorted seeing Arcturus do that inside his portrait. It was a human reaction, so even if he was dead, his very imprint could see something out of the norm was happening.

Before they could react, I bent my knees slightly and then launched myself forward.

I blurred across the wasteland, kicking up a violent gust of wind in my wake. The world streaked past me in a rush of motion. It is not instant teleportation, just pure speed.

I wondered who that man in the World Cup was. Now that I looked back at the scene, I was sure that he was someone of the supernatural side. Now that I could move this fast, I understood that he wasn't simply teleporting to save his sister. No. He was just fast.

The mountain in the distance loomed closer, and with a surge of strength, I punched the rock.

BOOM.

The impact sent cracks running up the side of the mountain, dislodging massive chunks of stone. A portion where my fist connected simply collapsed, tumbling down in an avalanche of dust and debris. I had left a crater where my fist had landed, deep but not enough to bring the whole mountain down.

I tscked my tongue at the sight. I could feel it inside my bones. I could be stronger than I am now, but I lacked something. Something I didn't know yet. Maybe I needed more training or simply a better opponent to push my limits.

When the dust settled, I pulled my hand back, flexing my fingers. No damage. My strength was definitely above the average. I just knew it. But it wasn't enough. I could probably fight even with a regular high-class devil now, but I needed Seekvaira to find out for sure.

That was what irked me the most. I knew the levels and somewhat understood them. Still, I didn't know where to put myself without a visible example.

I turned back toward my audience. Sirius had gone completely still, his mouth hanging open slightly. Arcturus had narrowed his eyes, his gaze flickering between me and the damaged mountain.

"That felt so nice," I smirked.

Before they could respond, I raised my right hand.

A chill spread through the air, frost creeping up my arm as the temperature around us plummeted. A thin layer of ice crackled across the ground, spreading outward in an intricate web of jagged crystals.

I clenched my fist.

A towering ice spike erupted from the earth, a jagged, crystalline structure stretching over twenty meters high. The wasteland around us was transformed into a winter's grasp, frozen solid beneath my power.

I let the frost linger momentarily before exhaling, releasing my hold on the magic. The ice formation cracked, then shattered into a million shards, dissipating into a fine mist. I could feel my reserves almost halving with the effort, but I clenched my teeth and prepared for my next spell.

Then, I lifted my left hand and focused.

Golden light flared at my fingertips, weaving together in a brilliant, swirling mass of energy. The icy chill from moments ago was instantly overpowered by a surge of heat, my body basking in the familiar warmth of the Aetherium.

I wasn't familiar with the lore of elder scrolls, but I knew I wasn't even touching the tail of the behemoth this perk provided.

A small orb of pure sunlight hovered over my palm. It was no bigger than a Quaffle, but the sheer intensity of its glow made the wasteland around us flicker with shadows. The air shimmered from the heat, making a mirage thanks to the water vapor in my surroundings.

I frowned slightly, feeling the strain in my core. Creating miniature suns was possible, but maintaining them still took effort. I could do much more with this energy but was too weak to utilize it properly.

I hurled the sun forward.

It streaked through the air, leaving a trail of golden radiance, before slamming into the remains of the mountain's damaged rock face. Instead of a catastrophic explosion, the stone melted, molten rock bubbling and hissing as the orb burned through it. The heatwave rolled outward, forcing Sirius to shield his eyes while Arcturus observed silently.

Not quite enough to vaporize everything, but still sufficient to reshape the battlefield.

I let out a breath, shaking out my hands. The power was there, but I still needed better control of my magic. My core kept growing like crazy, but I needed more, so much more if I wanted to use the Aetherium for long periods of time.

Silence.

Sirius was still staring at the molten rock in disbelief. Arcturus, ever composed, finally broke the silence.

"Your strength is unnatural, boy," he muttered, his sharp eyes studying me carefully. "You are not a normal wizard. Just who did that boy fuck to get a descendant like that." He finished with a murmur soft enough to strain my ears.

Arcturus' gaze lingered on the molten rock, then flicked back to me. His eyes were sharp, and he looked at me critically, looking into me as if trying to find out the truth of my existence. Of my origin.

I wished him luck in that endeavor. I wasn't going to mention the Grimoire for now, if at all.

"The only people I ever saw wielding magic like that," he muttered, almost to himself, "were Grindelwald and Dumbledore."

That made Sirius flinch, but I stayed silent, waiting for him to continue.

"They were monsters in their own right," Arcturus said slowly and thoughtfully. "I never fought Grindelwald when he was like that; he just toyed with us, but I saw the aftermath of their battle. Their magic could twist reality by itself. But…" he glanced down, eyes narrowing, "they weren't like this."

He gestured toward the ground.

I followed his gaze and realized what he meant. The area around me was still cracking under the weight of my magic, tiny fractures forming in the stone as my power idly seeped into the terrain. Even though I wasn't doing anything consciously, my presence alone was leaving its mark.

I already knew it before, but I had never considered it seriously. My magic had changed with the perks. It no longer was the fluid "air" I used to compare wizards magic to, now it had some weight to it. That didn't mean I could not use Wizard magic, but my being was simply more.

I inhaled sharply and focused, pulling my power back. The cracks slowed, then stopped.

Arcturus studied me with a curiosity that unnerved me. "Grindelwald could do something similar," he admitted. "When he got serious, the ground around him would splinter, and the air would tremble like you just did. But even then, he couldn't destroy like you just did." His eyes flicked to the melted remains of the mountain. "Neither could Dumbledore. They didn't use their magic like that most of the time."

Sirius finally found his voice. "Wait, wait, wait. Are you saying Elias is stronger than Dumbledore?"

"Physically? Undoubtedly." Arcturus nodded without hesitation. "Dumbledore and Grindelwald weren't warriors in how the boy seems to be. Their strength was in their intellect, mastery of magic, and ability to warp the battlefield with spellwork beyond most men's comprehension." His gaze darkened. "But they were not creatures of brute force. They didn't hurl mountains aside or crack the earth beneath their feet."

I folded my arms, letting that sink in. I was curious about where he would end his commentary. Seeing how much he could infer about what I showed was interesting.

It helped me reaffirm my thoughts about him. He was intelligent, cunning, and, most importantly, wise.

Dumbledore and Grindelwald were wizards—pure spellcasters, geniuses who wielded magic in ways no one else could. But they were still human, physically speaking. I wasn't on the same level, Magically speaking, and I would never be without the Grimoire. They were geniuses, heaven-defying talents, born once every couple of generations. (save me jade-chan)

They weren't the same as me.

Sirius ran a hand through his hair. "So, let me get this straight. Elias is obviously physically stronger than Dumbledore or Grindelwald ever were. His magic is different, and somehow, he's doing things even they couldn't do. Am I missing anything?"

Arcturus hummed. "Just one thing."

"And what's that?" Sirius asked, mouth agape.

Arcturus met my gaze, his expression unreadable. "The boy is still growing."

A beat of silence passed.

"Just how is he that strong?" Sirius asked again, pinching his nose and shaking his head. "It doesn't make any sense. We must be missing something."

"That's their secret to tell, boy," Arcturus snorted. "The lad barely knows us. Maybe in the future, we'll find out."

Before I could reply, my phone rang.

Grabbing it from my pocket, I smiled, already knowing who was calling. No one but Seekvaira had this number—or at least, I didn't think so.

"Good morning to you, Miss Devil," I greeted with a smirk. She obviously couldn't see it, but I was sure she could hear it in my voice. "To what do I owe this pleasure?"

"Mister Black," Seekvaira's voice greeted me back, as calm and composed as ever—when she wasn't talking about mechas. "I was just letting you know I am quite free now if you wish to use the summoning circle."

"That's great," I said, my smile widening. "I was meeting with the rest of my family, and we have the merchandise for you to check."

"Good to know," Seekvaira replied softly. "In that case, I will bring my Queen to help catalog the products."

"Awesome," I grinned. I didn't know who her Queen was, but knowing her character, said person should be pretty strong. Maybe I'd get a spar out of this. "I'll summon you in a bit. I just need to prepare my family."

"Understood, Mister Black," Seekvaira replied before hanging up.

"What is that?" Arcturus frowned, his portrait's gaze locked on my phone.

"It's a cellphone," I shrugged.

"How is it working?" Sirius asked, tilting his head like a confused dog. "I've never seen one function properly around our kind."

"It was given to me by Seekvaira, the devil we summoned, so we could stay in contact," I explained. Since it was sensitive information, I hadn't included it in a letter. It was too risky.

"You've already used the summoning?" Arcturus asked, eyes narrowing.

"Yeah," I nodded, "you'll meet her shortly. It's one of the things I wanted to talk about."

"Go on, then." Arcturus waved his hand while Sirius listened intently, his expression twisting into a disapproving frown.

"Seekvaira is the heir of the Agares Clan. They hold the rank of Archduke in the Underworld, the second-highest position there, I think," I started, observing their reactions. "The Black family has a summoning circle connected to them because a Lord Black helped Seekvaira's father around four hundred years ago."

I took a breath, organizing my thoughts before continuing. "That Lord's wife was one of the best healers of her time. A Parselmouth, if Seekvaira's information is accurate, and I have no reason to doubt her on this."

Arcturus nodded, a frown settling on his face, but his eyes inside the portrait gleamed with interest.

"She also explained that there's some kind of pact between various factions in the world to leave wizards alone," I continued, only for Sirius to lift his hand.

"What do you mean by factions?"

"Ah," I nodded, bracing for their reactions. "It turns out the world is terrifying." I sighed. "Every single mythology you've ever heard of? Real. Gods, monsters, demons, angels. Everything exists."

"What. The. Fuck." Sirius gaped. "Odin? Zeus? They're real? Then what about the Witch Hunts?"

"Oh yeah," Iris piped in with a smirk. "She even mentioned that Odin is one of the strongest beings in the world. Didn't mention Zeus, though. And we should ask her about Salem."

"We'll come back to that later," Arcturus grumbled, a perturbed look crossing his face. "Continue, boy."

I chuckled at Sirius' reaction before nodding at the portrait. "So, yeah. They owe us a favor for that, but we never knew about it because of the pact. Seekvaira explained that no one sane would break it since many scary beings were at the meeting where it was made. But she doesn't know why they want wizards separated from the rest of the supernatural world." I shrugged. "Long story short, because we're the ones who summoned her, she won't get in trouble for interacting with us. As the heir of her clan, she sees an opportunity in our friendship, and I'm interested in keeping it that way."

"Why?" Arcturus asked, his tone sharp. "Explain your thoughts. I want to see your mind, to judge if you're worthy of becoming Sirius's heir."

I took a deep breath.

"Well, for starters, she has something we don't: information. Being the heir of an Archduke House means she has access to connections we could never get on our own. That alone is invaluable."

"But beyond that, she can help in a lot of areas. Strength-wise, she can provide grimoires, artifacts, and even rituals from all over the supernatural world. But more than that, she can help us economically. We can create a monopoly on things no normal wizard could obtain. If we play our cards right, we could gain access to resources that put us leagues above anyone else in the wizarding world."

I leaned back, meeting Arcturus' gaze head-on. "And I'd be a dumb fuck if I didn't take that chance."Arcturus nodded approvingly before glancing at Sirius. "See? That's how an heir should act, boy. He'll do."

"I never said I'd object," Sirius said wryly. "Are you sure it's a good idea, though? She is a devil."

Hermione piped in with a frown. "We thought about it after the meeting. She seems like a genuinely good person, or devil, in her case. But even if she wasn't, she's definitely intelligent. This friendship benefits both of our sides, not just ours."

"So you think she isn't foolish enough to jeopardize this?" Arcturus asked, his frown deepening.

"Umu." Hermione nodded. "She has a good head on her shoulders, and she's strong. More importantly, she has no competition for her heirship, so no relatives will try and sabotage her... or us. She's in a stable position, which makes her a safe ally. We could sell Underworld products in the future, giving her a cut of the profit while she does the same for us."

Arcturus studied Hermione with a strange glint in his eyes before glancing at me. "You have good eyes, boy. I approve."

Hermione squeaked and blushed up a storm while Iris grinned with genuine happiness for our bushy-haired girlfriend.

I knew that, deep down, Hermione was afraid of experiencing the same racism she had at Hogwarts. So earning Arcturus' approval meant something to her.

"She's the best," I grinned, stealing a quick peck. "But while I see all the benefits, I'm not a politician or an economic genius. I could learn, but right now, I have bigger concerns."

"What concerns?" Sirius asked sharply.

"Voldemort." I frowned deeply. "We know he's alive and planning something. He put me in the tournament for a reason, but nothing happened during the tasks. And while I'm sure I'm far stronger than he expected, the tournament itself hasn't been deadly enough to guarantee anything. That only leaves one option."

"The third task," Arcturus muttered, scowling. "If you're right and he planned all of this, that's when he'll make his move. If Crouch Jr. wasn't completely mad, you must be ready."

"Eli will mop the floor with him," Iris said confidently. "Didn't you see what he can do?"

"Girl, there's your Gryffindor side showing," Arcturus huffed.

Sirius facepalmed. "Voldemort is strong. Maybe not quite Dumbledore's level, but not far off. And he's been in hiding for over a decade. He could've been honing his skills even further."

He met my eyes, deadly serious.

"I've seen that monster with my own eyes. Yes, Elias can do more damage than him, but Voldemort is crafty. He knows magic that would make my dear mum shudder. Do. Not. Underestimate. Him."

"I hear you, Sirius," I said seriously. "But I'm not going to just sit around waiting for Voldemort to make his move. If he's planning something for the third task, I need to be stronger."

I pulled out my phone and activated the summoning circle. "And speaking of getting stronger… it's time to bring Seekvaira here."

"Before she arrives, please remember to be respectful. She is the heir of an important house and expects professionalism and respect from a peer. Don't act a fool; she might be stronger than me." I cautioned earnestly, looking at the Black's in their eyes.

Sirius was a bit immature, but the one that worried me the most was Arcturus. He was used to be the top dog of the room, and I didn't know him enough to know how he would react against someone like her.

A few feet away from us, a blinding light erupted from the ground, forming a large, beautiful green magic circle. As the glow dimmed, two figures emerged from within.

Seekvaira stood at the front, wearing the same tiny, composed smile as when we first met. The young man beside her exuded a calm, refined presence, walking with the smooth confidence of someone used to meetings like these. I had no idea who he was, but he was clearly remarkable in some way to be Seekvaira's Queen.

She opened her mouth to greet me—but then she froze.

"Mister Black?" she asked, staring open-mouthed. As I noticed during our last meeting, she was really expressive when she lost her composure. "What in Lucifer's name happened to you?"

I raised an eyebrow. "Please, call me Elias, Seekvaira." I gave her an easy smile before frowning in thought. "And what do you mean by that?"

She nodded slowly before stepping closer, her Queen falling into step behind her.

"How did you get so strong in such a short time?" she asked, her tone perplexed.

"A lot of things happened," I shrugged noncommittally. "But I think it would be better to keep that to myself for now."

"Understandable," she nodded, regaining her composure. "And my apologies for my faux pas, it was rude of me to ask something so personal."

"Don't worry," I assured her, appreciating that she accepted my non-answer without issue. "Now, introductions." I gestured to the others. "That man there is my uncle, Sirius Black, and the current Lord Black. He can be a bit too much, so I apologize in advance for any problems."

Sirius grumbled. I smirked at him. He did the mature thing and just blew me a raspberry.

"And the portrait next to him is my great-grandfather, Arcturus Black, the previous Lord Black."

Seekvaira's expression shifted to polite interest as she bowed her head slightly. "It's a pleasure to meet you both." She then gestured to her companion. "My name is Seekvaira Agares, and this is my Queen, Alivian."

"It's our pleasure," Arcturus nodded, though I could see his sharp, calculating gaze assessing them both. "If I may ask—what is a Queen?"

"Ah," Seekvaira nodded in understanding, her eyes lingering on the portrait for a moment, something about it clearly intriguing her. "I didn't explain this during our last meeting, did I? A Queen is the second-in-command of a peerage. A peerage is exclusive to High-Ranking Devils. Ajuka Beelzebub created the Evil Pieces, which can reincarnate a person as a Devil under the King of that peerage."

Arcturus' expression sharpened immediately. "Can it be done against one's will?"

Seekvaira met his gaze without hesitation. "Yes," she admitted candidly. "But it's not recommended. While they are bound to their King, that doesn't mean they must obey their orders. Several instances have occurred of a peerage member killing their King for different reasons."

Sirius and Arcturus exchanged glances.

"While I won't claim that some Devils don't abuse the system," Seekvaira continued, "my family is not one of them."

"It's okay," I sighed, cutting through the tension. "I know how to judge someone, and I trust her."

Arcturus grumbled, eyes narrowing as he scrutinized Seekvaira, but after a few seconds, he nodded. "Fine."

I clapped my hands lightly. "Now with that out of the way, how exactly do the Evil Pieces work?"

Seekvaira shook her head. "No one knows exactly how they work. Only their creator does. And no one is stupid enough to ask Ajuka Beelzebub himself."

I nodded at her in thanks and turned to her companion. "Alivian, right?"

The handsome young man straightened slightly as I addressed him. He had soft features, was somewhat tall, and, if I were to be honest, a little feminine.

"It's nice to meet you," I offered my hand. "My name is Elias. And these two here are Iris Potter and Hermione Granger, my girlfriends."

Alivian's grip was firm, stronger than I expected. Interesting. He was powerful, and I couldn't help but get excited about a spar. I hoped he liked fighting.

"It's my pleasure, Elias-sama, Iris-sama, Hermione-sama," he greeted with a calm, respectful smile. "I am the Queen of Seekvaira-sama's peerage and personal butler."

"Hello," Iris chirped, eyes shining with curiosity. "Nice to meet you."

Hermione nodded at him with a smile.

Seekvaira, however, hadn't stopped looking at the portrait of Arcturus, her expression filled with fascination.

"This…" she murmured, stepping closer. "This is remarkable."

Arcturus raised an eyebrow. "The painting?"

Seekvaira turned to me, her sharp mind already piecing things together. "Is this a method of long-distance communication?"

I blinked before realizing what she meant.

She thinks the portrait is some kind of magical intercom.

Sirius laughed, shaking his head. "Not quite."

"This is not a live transmission?" Seekvaira frowned. "But he is responding to us…"

I scratched the back of my head. "Yeah, about that… Arcturus is dead."

"Huh? We do not have this kind of magic in the Underworld," Seekvaira admitted, eyes practically shining with curiosity. "How does it work? Is it a form of Soul Magic?"

Arcturus frowned at the term, but I answered first.

"I don't think so," I said slowly, considering how to explain it. "It's not actually Arcturus' soul, at least not in the way you might think. Wizarding portraits are made by taking a magical imprint of a person's personality, memories, and speech patterns. The painting is enchanted with those traits, so it mimics their behavior, but it's not a literal soul."

I didn't know exactly how they worked. But I was sure as hell they weren't things like the Horcruxes.

Seekvaira's expression shifted from fascination to shock. "That… is incredible."

"Wait," Alivian interjected, eyes narrowing slightly. "So it is not Soul Magic?"

"No, it shouldn't be," I shook my head. "At most, it's a copy of someone's personality. It doesn't have true consciousness or the ability to learn new things. It's just… a really advanced magical AI or something similar."

Seekvaira hummed in thought before her eyes widened slightly in realization. "Dealing with souls in any capacity is banned in the Underworld."

Sirius raised an eyebrow. "Banned?"

"The use, manipulation, or trading of souls is strictly forbidden under the current Maou's laws," she confirmed. "Even the mere discussion of soul magic can be seen as highly suspicious. If this was truly a fragment of someone's soul, it would be considered illegal by our standards."

Arcturus chuckled. "Well, good thing I'm not breaking any Devil laws, then."

Seekvaira shook her head, still in awe. "The idea of storing a person's essence in an enchanted object… No wonder the wizarding world is separate from the rest of us. You have magic we do not."

She turned to me, eyes gleaming. "Since it isn't soul magic, would you allow Agares scholars to study this?"

I blinked.

Before I could answer, Sirius burst out laughing. "Oh, Elias, mate. You've got a Devil noble asking for wizarding knowledge, never thought I'd see the day."

To be honest, he wasn't the only one who found it surprising. But it was true, while our magic was weaker than theirs, ours was versatile like nobodies business.

I smirked, glancing at Arcturus, who simply huffed in amusement.

"I think we can make a deal," I smirked at Seekvaira, "But we should complete the previous one before starting another, no?"

"You're right," she nodded firmly. "Let it not be said that this devil doesn't complete her deals."

I smiled at her before glancing at Hermione, who nodded, running ahead to prepare the products.

"Then follow us," I continued. "We should get comfortable with this since it might take a while."

Slowly, we walked toward my house in the middle of the dimension. It had grown a lot since I obtained the perk, almost ten miles in circumference. Luckily, we weren't that far.

"I didn't ask before," Seekvaira started, "But where are we? I don't recognize this place."

"Ah," I chuckled, "This is a wizarding trunk."

"A trunk?" Alivian asked in confusion, "Is that like a suitcase, Elias-sama?"

I smiled at him, "Indeed, they are bigger on the inside. Mine is special, but you can have a whole apartment in your pocket. They cost a lot of Galleons, but I think it's worth it. Also, drop the honorifics. I hope we can be friends in the future, so there is no need for something like that."

Alivian looked at Seekvaira in askance, but when she nodded, he nodded at me, "Understood, Elias."

Seekvaira smiled. "Wizards keep surprising me, and I can't help but get excited about what you got for me."

"We are a surprising bunch," I agreed, "Our magic makes a lot of things possible, so I hope we can reach an agreement."

Ash chirped behind us; she was still on Iris's shoulders.

Alivian flinched hard, and I noticed his nails sharpening and his fangs growing larger before he calmed himself.

"Oh?" I looked in amazement, "If I may ask, was Alivian human before becoming your Queen?"

Seekvaira didn't react much to Ash's presence, which made me happy. But she looked at Alivian with a bit of worry.

I knew she was a good person.

"No," She replied with a smile. "Alivian is a dragon, a Slavic dragon, to be exact."

The reaction was instant. Iris stiffened and hid Ash behind her, who squeaked in outrage.

Sirius and Arcturus? Even worse.

Sirius took a step back and prepared his magic just in case. I could see his wand hand clenching nothing but air.

Arcturus looked at Alivian in wonder, a cold, calculating glint in his eyes.

"My apologies," Alivian whispered with closed eyes, "The phoenix scared me for a second."

"It's okay," I reassured him, and I felt pity for him to look so downcast, as if his failure to control himself had offended him on a deeper level.

"I read that phoenixes are lethal to devils, but Ash won't attack without a reason; you have my word." I continued slowly.

Alivian took a deep breath before nodding, "You have my thanks, Elias."

"We're here," I sighed in relief; maybe seeing the products would help the tension.

Hermione opened the door before glancing curiously at me and seeing some of our group tense. I reassured her with my eyes and acted like I didn't care, like Seekvaira.

"I asked Dobby for some pastries," Hermione nodded at the table prepared for us.

"Thanks, love," I kissed her quickly, "You're the best."

"I know," she chirped, "Everything is ready."

Well… it was time for negotiations