Chapter 22
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Chapter 22: Setting the Board
The fire in Grimmauld Place's parlor cast long shadows across the room, giving it an almost otherworldly feel. Harry sat across from Arcturus, the ancient head of the Black family. The air between them was thick with unspoken thoughts, but Arcturus broke the silence first, sliding a worn leather ledger across the table.
"I've managed to acquire almost everything on your list," Arcturus began, his voice steady but laced with irritation. "Rare components, exorbitantly priced ingredients, even a few that required... less-than-legal channels." He paused, his sharp eyes locking on Harry's. "But basilisk venom remains elusive."
Harry tilted his head slightly, amused. "Why?"
Arcturus raised an eyebrow at the question. "Because, my boy, most individuals possess enough self-preservation to avoid tangling with a basilisk. Those who don't... well, they don't live long enough to profit from their foolishness."
Harry chuckled, a sound that was both warm and dark. "Then it's fortunate I'm someone who lacks self-preservation—but somehow knows how to survive."
The older man's expression didn't shift, but his eyes betrayed his curiosity. "You have it?"
Harry nodded, leaning back in his chair. "Collected it myself."
"How?"
Harry's lips curved into a cheeky grin. "Let's just say I have a knack for navigating dangerous situations."
Arcturus leaned forward, his gaze narrowing. "A knack, indeed. You're either incredibly lucky or..." He trailed off, his thoughts clearly spinning, but he chose not to press further. "No matter. If you've secured the venom, then your ritual is one step closer."
Harry inclined his head, silently acknowledging the older man's unspoken respect.
Arcturus shifted topics, pulling out another parchment. "Now, onto something more pressing. I've managed to secure an informant among the Dark Lord's followers."
Harry's eyes sharpened at the mention. "How?"
"A Ministry official," Arcturus replied, his tone edged with disdain. "He's been feeding information to the Death Eaters, pointing out gaps in Auror patrols to facilitate their attacks. I've turned him. He'll continue to provide the Dark Lord's lackeys with false information, but now it'll come to me first. We'll know their plans before they can act."
Harry nodded, appreciating the shrewdness of Arcturus's maneuver. "That's a dangerous game."
"All worthwhile games are," Arcturus said with a faint smirk.
"Does he know what's at stake?" Harry asked, his tone low.
"Enough to fear me more than he fears them," Arcturus replied, his voice hard. "I made certain of that."
Harry couldn't help but admire the man's ruthlessness. It was a necessary quality in times like these.
Arcturus leaned back in his chair, steepling his fingers. "Something big is coming, Harry."
Harry's expression didn't change, but a chill ran down his spine. "What do you mean?"
"The Dark Lord is stepping in to reassert control," Arcturus explained. "The Diagon Alley incident shook his forces. They're scared. You've become the face of that fear. And now, he's making moves to remind them who they follow."
Harry's jaw tightened. He had expected Voldemort's retaliation, but the confirmation made it all the more real.
"Let him come," Harry said finally, his voice steady and cold. "He'll find out what fear really means."
Arcturus studied him for a moment, a mixture of respect and concern crossing his features. "Just remember, Harry. Even the cleverest players can be outmaneuvered."
Harry met his gaze, his green eyes burning with quiet determination. "I'm counting on it."
The fire crackled softly between them as the weight of the coming storm settled over the room. Both men knew the path ahead would be treacherous, but neither was willing to back down. For the first time in decades, the wizarding world had a fighting chance—and its enemies would soon learn the cost of underestimating those who had everything to lose.