Aftermath Of Abandonment ✔ - Chapter 4: Chapter 4

Andromeda gracefully introduced Lady Amelia Bones and her heiress, Susan Bones of the Most Ancient and Noble House of Bones, to Lord Hadrian James Aries Potter-Black, her godson and the esteemed Lord of the Most Ancient and Noble Houses of Potter and Black. The room was elegant and vital as the introductions took place.
Hadrian's words were filled with reverence as he greeted Lady Bones and Heiress Bones. He surprised them both by kissing their hands in a manner typical of pure-blood etiquette. His behaviour and demeanour were so different from their previous encounters that they were both astonished.
"We are indebted to you, Lord Potter. If it weren't for your timely warning, I would have been killed, and my niece would have once again been left without parents," Amelia said with deep gratitude. Ted questioned Amelia, puzzled by her statement as no one else seemed to know about the incident she was referring to.
Flashback:
"The Rune Stone lies shattered its protective wards in ruins, leaving the once-proud elves vulnerable and ensnared. 'They are defenceless, Milord,' said one of the Death Eaters, his voice dripping with triumph and anticipation.
Dark and imposing, Voldemort raised his wand high, a sinister gleam in his eyes. 'My Serpents, it is time to strike! We shall bring the Minister down once and for all,' he declared, his voice echoing with malevolent fervour as a wave of dark energy surged around him.
As the shadows deepened around them, the figure of the Death Eater shifted with a swift, almost serpentine grace. "I am Lucius Malfoy, a Lord of the esteemed House of Malfoy," he declared, his voice smooth but laced with a subtle menace. Amelia, determined to maintain her focus, pivoted to keep him firmly in her line of sight, her heart racing.
With a steely gaze, she responded, "Lord Edgar Bones was my brother," her words carrying the weight of both grief and defiance as they hung in the air between them.
Lucius's brow furrowed slightly, his interest piqued. "Who?" he asked, the question dripping with condescension, as if he were dismissing a mere footnote in the grand tale of wizarding history.
Amelia's long wand jabbed forward, but Lucius took the point on his shield, shoved it aside, and pulled back at Amelia, his wand flashing. Amelia spun away untouched. The Spell darted forward. Amelia slashed at him; Lucius snapped it back, then thrust again. Spell screamed on Spell as the power slid off Lucius's chest, slicing through his skin and leaving a long, bright scratch on the steel beneath. "Elisa Bones, Lady of Ancient & Noble House," Amelia hissed. "You raped her. You murdered her. You killed her children."
Lucius grunted. He made a ponderous charge to hack at Amelia's head. Amelia avoided him easily. "You raped her. You murdered her. You killed her, one of the children."
"Did you come to have a conversation and resolve our differences, or are you here looking for a confrontation?"
"I came here to kill you," Lucius declared, his voice dripping with venom. He lunged forward, aiming a swift thrust at Amelia's wand hand. His attack met with little resistance, the impact barely registering on her. Amelia swung her wand in a desperate counter, her arc slicing through the air but missing him by mere inches. Voldemort's long, shimmering Spell arced overhead, its length akin to a serpent's flickering tongue—a dangerous dance of magic that feigned low the mountain struck high, jabbing at vulnerable points: his groin, his shield, his eyes.
Despite his imposing stature, which made him a prominent and easily recognizable target, Amelia struggled to land a decisive blow. The spells she cast, potent and precise, failed to penetrate the defences of Voldemort's Power frustration mounting with each failed attempt. Voldemort like a predator, feinting left then darting right, movement swift and calculated, forcing Amelia to pivot and turn frantically to keep him in sight.
Her narrow eyes, shaped by years of focused training, severely limited her peripheral vision, a disadvantage Voldemort exploited with relentless skill. He danced around her, his Spell extending like a whip, striking from unexpected angles while keeping her on high alert. Amelia felt the tension building within her; each moment of uncertainty heightened the stakes as she struggled to maintain her focus against her opponent's cunning.
The duel unfolded in a cacophony of movement and magic, stretching for an eternity. Amelia and Voldemort darted across the yard, their forms weaving in and out like dancers in a fierce, deadly ballet. Spirals of energy crackled through the air as Voldemort swung his wand with a flourish, slashing at the space around him, each movement charged with his sinister intent.
Steadfast and resolute, Amelia countered his assault with precise spells that arced through the air, striking at his limbs with unnerving accuracy. Her focus narrowed, and the world around her faded into a blur, except for Voldemort, whose every twitch and grimace conveyed the intensity of their struggle. Twice, her spells found their mark against his temple, a momentary flicker of triumph amidst the chaos.
Despite the power surging from her wand, Amelia's shield charm absorbed the brunt of Voldemort's relentless attacks, each impact reverberating through her very core. She felt the heat of the magic, the vibration of raw energy, but she held firm, unwilling to yield to despair.
From behind Voldemort, Nagini emerged, her serpentine head peeking out, eyes gleaming with predatory excitement. The creature's presence added a layer of tension to the confrontation, as if the air itself thrummed with uncontained power. Voldemort emitted low grunts of annoyance, and once, Amelia's keen ears caught him muttering a curse, the words twisted and dark, adding to her resolve.
In that charged silence, Amelia pressed on, channelling her determination into every spell cast, pouring her spirit into the battle. She was locked in a sullen dance of life and death against the dark wizard.
"Enough!" Voldemort bellowed, his voice a chilling command that echoed through the dimly lit chamber. He took two quick, purposeful strides forward, his eyes glinting with a dangerous intensity, as he aimed his wand directly at the vulnerable point between Amelia's shoulder blades. But Amelia was ready; she instinctively backstepped, maintaining her distance just in time to evade the lethal strike.
"You murdered them," Amelia hissed, her voice laced with venom and accusation as if invoking the name of the fallen could pierce through her resolve.
"SHUT UP!" Amelia shot back, anger fueling her words. In a sudden surge of determination, she gathered her magic and, with a fierce cry, released a spell that sailed through the air towards him. Voldemort charged forward, his figure a blur of dark robes and malevolence, aiming directly for the incoming spell. The clash was violent; the spell collided with his chest, creating a resounding impact reverberating through the air.
Rather than being stopped, the magic force caused his body to twist slightly, the spell sliding off him with a horrific, metallic shriek, a sound that sent shivers through the onlookers. In that moment of chaos, Amelia seized her chance, her wand glowing brightly as she conjured a more powerful incantation. She moved closer, her spell a radiant blur of green light that illuminated the growing tension in the room. The crowd erupted into a cacophony of screams, their gasps of shock and fear filling the air as the inevitable confrontation between good and evil loomed ever closer.
"Well, that was certainly enlightening," Ted declared, hinting at lingering tension in his voice. The memory of the intense battle still hung in the air like an unshakable fog. He could almost feel the residual anger radiating from that confrontation, a palpable force that seemed to echo in his mind. Beside him, Amelia and Hadrian exchanged glances, their silence laden with understanding. They knew Ted was grappling with the intensity of those emotions, fueled by the ferocity of the fight they had just survived.
"He's not the Dark Lord for mere namesake, Uncle Ted," Hadrian interjected, his tone thoughtful yet firm. "The way he is now, it didn't emerge out of nowhere. It's a product, I believe, of the relentless bullying he endured during his childhood—first in that grim muggle orphanage and then later at the hands of Dumbledore himself." The weight of his words hung heavily in the air, and he noticed the solemn expressions on their faces as they processed the history of Tom Riddle that he had just revealed. At that moment, they shared a collective understanding, nodding in acknowledgement as they began to grasp the roots of his darkness.
"Come, Amelia. We will talk while we have dinner," Andy said with a warm smile, gesturing for her to follow him. The atmosphere was lively as the guests filed into the elegantly appointed dining room, its long oak table set with fine china and glimmering silverware. The soft glow from the chandelier above cast a welcoming light over the scene.
Once everyone settled into their seats, the air was filled with the delightful aroma of a carefully prepared meal. Suddenly, two Black Elves appeared as if from nowhere, their presence elegant and unobtrusive. They moved gracefully around the table, serving each guest with a mix of pride and tradition.
Amelia, her brows slightly furrowed, turned her attention to Hadrian, who sat at the head of the table. "So, Lord Potter, what did you want to talk with me about?" she asked, curiosity woven through her voice.
Hadrian offered her a polite smile, though his eyes held a depth of seriousness. "Lady Bones, please call me Hadrian—or Aries, if you prefer. Titles like 'Lord Potter' or 'Lord Black' make me feel rather old," he replied, his tone lightening slightly though the gravity of their conversation lingered in the air.
He leaned forward slightly, lowering his voice as he continued, "I wanted to discuss this war before it spirals out of control and becomes a bloodbath that consumes us all."
Amelia looked at him with surprise and shock, her heart racing as the weight of his words sunk in. The tension in the room shifted as the gravity of the situation began to take shape, leaving the lingering aroma of the meal underscored by the urgency of their conversation.
"Then you can call me Amelia," she replied, her gaze fixed intently on Hadrian. "But I must ask, what is your connection with the brewing war? I know you managed to defeat the Dark Lord when you were just a baby, but that seems to be the extent of my knowledge." Her voice had a hint of curiosity mixed with concern as she studied him. Hadrian let out a deep, weary sigh, the weight of her question hanging heavily in the air before he began to speak.
"I should have anticipated that the old coot would keep everything that has transpired in the school over the last five years shrouded in secrecy," he murmured, clearly frustrated. "But let's finish our dinner first, Amelia. If we delve into this topic, we'll need some Fire Whiskey to fortify ourselves." His tone suggested that the conversation would be challenging, and Amelia returned his nod, understanding the situation's complexity.
As dinner progressed, light hearted chatter filled the room, the warmth of camaraderie offering a brief respite from the tension beneath the surface. Laughter echoed as they shared stories and memories, but Amelia could still feel the undercurrents of anxiety swirling around them, like dark clouds gathering before a storm.
Finally, after an eternity, everyone settled comfortably in the Longue—a cosy room adorned with rich tapestries and plush seating facing a sprawling garden. With a soft shimmer, elf Silver materialized in front of them, a tray of amber Fire Whiskey glistening in his hands. He offered the whiskey with a slight bow before vanishing as quickly as he had appeared.
Taking a deep breath, Remus quietly observed the exchange, prepared to address Amelia's original question. His expression grew serious, and it was clear that the forthcoming conversation would be unlike any they had engaged in before.
"Amelia, it's essential for you to understand our history. You see, we were three years younger than you. It was back in those days when you first came up with the concept of the Marauders—a group that would come to be legendary. Yet, it's a pity you never learned who they indeed were, as, by the time their story unfolded, you had already graduated from Hogwarts.
The Marauders consisted of four close friends: James Potter, the charismatic leader; Sirius Black, his fiercely loyal companion; Peter Pettigrew, who, despite his unassuming nature, played a significant role; and, of course, Remus Lupin—me. During our sixth year, something extraordinary happened: James and Lily Evans finally got together. They were the quintessential couple, and after leaving Hogwarts, they married amidst the encroaching shadows of a brewing war.
The situation was dire; the Dark Lord and his followers were wreaking havoc, leaving devastation in their wake as they targeted those who defied him. During this tumultuous period, Lily shared the news of her pregnancy with us. That bit of joy lifted our spirits during such dark times.
As fate would have it, I received a mission during Lily's eighth month of pregnancy. Due to my background, I was sent to recruit werewolves to join our side. Meanwhile, Albus Dumbledore had taken it upon himself to speak with James and Lily regarding essential matters concerning their safety. Without warning to Siriu and me, they were shifted to Godric's Hollow, leaving us bewildered. We were kept in the dark—a time when no one could be fully trusted, and I was essentially a spy in our battle against the Dark Lord.
They went under the Fidelius Charm, designating a secret keeper to protect the location. Soon after that, little Hadrian was born. The joy surrounding his arrival brightened our otherwise sombre world. The following year flew by in what felt like a blink, filled with moments of wonder as we all doted on Hadrian. Sirius, in particular, became obsessed with him—he wouldn't even let Hadrian out of sight, much to the amusement of his parents. They made Sirius his sworn Godfather, and I was honoured to be named the honorary Godfather and Uncle.
Everything seemed perfect until one fateful morning, just fifteen days after Halloween. Dumbledore sought me out with urgent news; he had discovered a powerful pack of wolves we needed to recruit. Despite my reluctance and desire to remain with Hadrian and the others, I felt compelled to go, and eventually, I acquiesced, journeying in search of allies.
It took me two long years to return. When I finally returned, Dumbledore delivered devastating news: the Dark Lord had killed Lily and James. Astonishingly, their son, Hadrian, survived the Killing Curse, something that no one thought possible. The Dark Lord had vanished in the chaos, leaving fear and uncertainty in his wake. My immediate thoughts turned to Hadrian. All I could gather was that he was safe and shielded from dark wizards and witches seeking revenge for their master's death.
The first time I laid eyes on Hadrian after all that had transpired was when he had turned thirteen. It was a turbulent time, as Dementors were lurking everywhere, sent by the Ministry due to Sirius's escape. " Remus recounted the tale to the shock of Amelia, who was gazing at them wide-eyed and speechless.
"But why did James and Lily decide to move to Godric's Hollow after the Goblins painstakingly restored Potter Manor following the tragic deaths of Lord and Lady Potter? And what exactly did Albus tell them during that time?" Amelia inquired, her curiosity peaked.
"We'll get to that shortly, Amelia. Are you ready for me to continue?" Hadrian replied, his tone severe yet reassuring.
"Hadrian. If I am to seize control of this war as soon as possible, I need every single detail," Amelia insisted firmly, and Hadrian nodded in agreement, acknowledging her determination.
"Well, on the fateful night when my parents were killed, I was just a small baby, tucked into my crib and crying out for them. I remember vaguely the way the air felt heavy with dread. My mother was brutally murdered right in front of me, pleading for her life while I cried—such a memory, indelible and haunting. After she was killed, a man entered the scene, consumed with grief, cradling my mother's lifeless body to his chest. To this day, I can't remember who that man was. Later on, Sirius arrived at the house, and upon seeing the horrific aftermath—my parents dead—he was utterly shattered. We were all he had left, his only family. In his sorrow, he gathered me into his arms and took me outside, where he sat on the porch, sobbing uncontrollably while holding me close to him," Hadrian recounted, his voice heavy with emotion as he paused for a moment, giving Amelia time to absorb his words.
"Then, in an unexpected turn, Hagrid appeared, riding a flying motorcycle—an impressive feat, especially considering he had enchanted it himself. He asked for me as soon as he arrived, and in that moment of grief, fueled by rage against Peter Pettigrew, Sirius made a heart-wrenching decision. He handed me over to Hagrid, and then, in a moment of pure turmoil, he dashed off, seeking vengeance against the traitor who had sold my parents to the Dark Lord. Hagrid, carrying me with care, took me to Albus and Minerva, who anxiously awaited us at my aunt's home—a Muggle and my mother's sister. What strikes me as truly ironic is that Albus left a mere 15-month-old infant like me in the cold night, accompanied only by a letter tucked in a basket on my relatives' doorstep," Hadrian finished, allowing the weight of his story to settle in the air.
"Wait a moment," Amelia interjected, her eyes widened in disbelief. "Why would Sirius pursue Peter when he betrayed your parents to the Dark Lord in the first place?" she exclaimed, grappling with the complexity of the situation.
"And that is where I say that our Ministry is foolish if they believe that they can justify imprisoning an innocent man for twelve long years without so much as a trial," Andromeda declared fiercely, her eyes blazing with indignation. Amelia shot her a sharp glance, surprised by the biting candour aimed at the Ministry's incompetence.
"To answer your question, Amelia," Hadrian interjected, his voice steady yet tinged with frustration, "the only ones who know the truth are my parents, Albus and Sirius. Peter Pettigrew was my parents' Secret Keeper, and he betrayed them to the Dark Lord." A shock wave washed over Amelia, her breath hitching at the revelation.
"Then why didn't Albus stand up for Sirius during the trial or all those years he was wrongfully imprisoned?" Amelia's voice quivered with curiosity and nervousness as she probed for answers, her heart racing with the weight of Hadrian's words.
"Because my godfather was never given a trial," Hadrian replied, his tone heavy with bitterness. "And even if he had been, Albus wouldn't have defended him. The truth was that Albus had a plan for me—one that involved using me as a pawn to ascend to power in the Wizarding World. If Sirius had been exonerated, that plan would have unravelled. Shall I continue?" he offered, the gravity of his narrative hanging in the air.
"Of course, but at this point, I can hardly predict what will come next," Amelia admitted, a sense of unease creeping into her voice.
"Well, after I was left in my relatives' care, they treated me not as a prince, as the Wizarding World often romanticizes, but rather like a slave. Their cruelty knew no bounds; they made it their mission to belittle and degrade me, subjecting me to emotional and physical abuse. They never touched me, though—primarily out of fear of my magic. My introduction to the Muggle world came through Rubeus Hagrid, the gentle giant and Keeper of Keys at Hogwarts, who discovered me on that desolate island. The Weasleys were the ones who helped me find my way to Platform Nine and Three-Quarters. That was my life, a blend of neglect and kindness until I finally stepped into the magical realm," Hadrian recounted, his voice heavy with the weight of his past. Amelia was left speechless, realizing the stark contrast between the celebrated "Boy Who Lived" and the truth of his grim upbringing, all orchestrated by the wizard many revered.
"I can only imagine the trials you must have faced during your time at Hogwarts," Amelia murmured, her voice barely above a whisper, as compassion filled her gaze.
"Oh, you will soon discover that it was anything but a fairy tale, Amelia," Ted interjected sarcastically, drawing all eyes to him. He had remained silent until now, but the gravity of Hadrian's story compelled him to speak. "What my godson has endured in his short sixteen years is a story of its own."
"Hadrian, please, go on with your tale," Amelia urged, her curiosity piqued but her heart heavy with the implications of his words.
"During my first year at Hogwarts, Albus Dumbledore made an intriguing announcement on the first day. He warned us about a hazardous area in the third-floor corridor, suggesting that we should avoid it if we valued our lives. This warning only fueled our curiosity, and it wasn't long before three brave students—Ronald Weasley, Hermione Granger, and myself—found ourselves facing a fully grown troll.
Unexpectedly, we were joined by Neville Longbottom, unaware of the dangers lurking in the wizarding world. As we ventured deeper into the mysteries of the corridor, we encountered a series of obstacles that tested our wits and courage. The first challenge was a treacherous Devil's Snare plant, which ensnared us as we tried to pass. Next came a life-sized Wizarding Chess set, requiring us to play the game to progress physically. Following that, we faced enchanted keys that danced around a locked door, each fluttering out of reach. Finally, we encountered a potion riddle that required logic and bravery to decode.
The ultimate treasure we sought was hidden within the Mirror of Erised, which revealed our deepest desires. However, I was the last one standing when we reached this challenge; Ron Weasley had been injured during our chess game and escorted to the infirmary by Hermione. Then, I faced the wrath of Voldemort, who possessed Professor Quirinus Quirrell.
Fast forward to my second year, the events took a darker turn with the opening of the Chamber of Secrets. Ginny Weasley received a sinister diary from Lucius Malfoy, and ignorant of its nature, she began to write in it. This diary turned out to be a harbinger of possession, and soon, she was under its influence, unwittingly opening the Chamber of Secrets and unleashing a series of attacks on muggle-born students. Amid this chaos, Hermione was petrified but uncovered the monster's identity in the Chamber—it was a Basilisk.
Ginny was held captive, and despite my best efforts, Ron and I, along with the incompetent Gilderoy Lockhart, ventured into the Chamber. However, due to their blunders, I ended up facing danger alone. There, I encountered the younger version of the Dark Lord, Tom Marvolo Riddle. In a desperate bid for victory, I plunged a Basilisk fang into the diary he had created, successfully vanquishing him once again.
My third year was less tumultuous than the previous two, mainly due to the unexpected reunion with my godfather, Sirius Black. He had escaped from Azkaban and was determined to protect me while also seeking revenge on Peter Pettigrew, who had been living undetected with the Weasley family for twelve years.
In my fourth year, the return of the Triwizard Tournament brought a whole new level of danger and intrigue. Then came my fifth year, which was nothing short of a nightmare. Dolores Umbridge imposed her cruel regime at Hogwarts, dismissing my claims about Voldemort's return and making life increasingly unbearable. It all culminated in our fateful trip to the Ministry of Magic. Alongside the younger Weasleys, Hermione, Neville, and Luna, I fought desperately to protect those we cared about, but tragedy struck when I lost my godfather during that confrontation.
My sixth year was filled with despair and further turmoil. Albus took me on a journey through the Dark Lord's past, which I found to be a frustrating waste of time. The chaos reached a peak when Albus was tragically killed by his servant, Severus Snape, revealing layers of treachery I never anticipated. " As Hadrian recounted these harrowing experiences in vivid detail, he also explained a mission Albus had entrusted him with, highlighting how meticulously he tracked down and destroyed the Horcruxes—also revealed how he orchestrated rescues for those captured in the castle while keeping the locations of various manors shrouded in secrecy. After listening to the story, Amelia was left speechless, unsure of how to respond to the weight of what Hadrian had just shared.
"What on earth compelled you to approach the Ministry, and what in the name of all that's sacred possessed you to confront the Death Eaters alone?" Amelia exclaimed, her voice a mix of panic and disbelief
"Well, this is where everything truly began," Andy murmured, her gaze drifting into the distance as memories flickered behind her eyes. Amelia turned to her, curiosity etched across her face.
"Aunt Andy is trying to say this: if you remember, I mentioned that before I came into this world, he approached my family," Hadrian continued, his voice trembling with the weight of the memories. "But what very few know, even my parents, is that there was a prophecy involved."
"It's... it's all so overwhelming. I don't even know how to respond anymore. What do you expect from me?" Amelia asked, her frustration mingling with confusion.
"I need you to take your niece and go into hiding," Hadrian said, urgency lacing his tone. "You must work within the Ministry to root out everyone who follows Albus and the Dark Lord. It's the only way to end this war for good." His eyes were dark with resolve, reflecting the gravity of their situation.
"I will do what I can to share the plan with you," Amelia declared, her voice steady despite the palpable tension in the air. The room was filled with anxious faces, each person acutely aware of Hogwarts's imminent threat and the precarious situation of its remaining students and staff. They understood all too well the far-reaching consequences this war could unleash upon the wizarding world if it were not brought to an immediate halt.
"First, I want you to extract oaths from the Auror department," Hadrian continued, his demeanour firm and resolute. "We need to ensure that no one among them is affiliated with the Death Eaters or the Order of the Phoenix. We must interrogate their colleagues for information if any individual is identified as a Death Eater. We need to uncover their identities, the locations of potential spies, and the sinister plans they might be concocting."
He paused, allowing the gravity of his words to sink in before proceeding. "In the meantime, I have converted part of my manor into a temporary prison. It would help if you enlisted Silver and Terex to secure any captured Death Eaters using magical cuffs. Furthermore, if any members of the Order are found among us, they must be allowed to renounce their allegiance. They should be made to swear an oath and refrain from spreading any information regarding the Ministry to outside parties. They must pledge to uphold the rules solely for the benefit of the magical community."
Hadrian's gaze swept over the assembly, his intensity unwavering. "Once you have cleaned the Auror department, it will be your duty to replicate this procedure across every single department, no matter how minor. This Ministry must be purged from top to bottom of any hidden threats. Each captured prisoner should be confined and transported to a secure location, but not Azkaban. We all know how easily its defences can be breached."
He leaned closer, his voice lowering for effect. "Then, you will coordinate with the Lords and Ladies of the realm. This is where things become particularly intricate, and I understand you may have reservations, especially given your strict adherence to rules," Hadrian added, glancing at everyone, who chuckled softly, perhaps in recognition of the challenges ahead.
"Cub, you must understand that the truth you've just revealed is more than sufficient to disturb Amelia; I can assure you, there's nothing else you could say that would unsettle her further," Remus stated firmly, his brow furrowed with concern. Hadrian shook his head, a look of disbelief crossing his features as he processed Remus's words.
"All right, everyone is well aware of the status of the Lords and Ladies in our society," Hadrian began, his voice steady and commanding. "I propose this: you and a select few individuals you trust implicitly will undertake a carefully orchestrated plan.
First, we will invite each Lord separately under the guise of some official meeting or casual gathering. During these meetings, you will discreetly spike their tea or any food they consume with a carefully chosen substance. Should they exhibit any resistance or refuse our hospitality, I will have my elf, Nea, assist you in casting a specific spell that I will teach you. This enchantment will compel them to speak freely, revealing everything you inquire about without their conscious awareness.
Once they share the information we seek, they will have no recollection of the encounter or the conversation that transpired between you. This method will ensure we can gather the necessary intelligence without raising any alarms, effectively allowing us to capture the key figures involved in our struggles.
Furthermore, it's imperative that once we clean up the Ministry, a significant portion of our issues will be addressed. Additionally, You will arrange for Aurors to be permitted to use lethal spells in situations deemed essential while ensuring that these spells fall short of the unforgivable curses. We will also advocate for the citizens of the Wizarding World to defend themselves effectively in the event of an attack. This plan is our pathway to restoring order and security." Hadrian explained.
"Yes, it is indeed good," Amelia replied, her tone steady and confident. She turned her attention to Remus. "If you don't have any pressing work, I would like you to step in for Dora while she's away. We must maintain our momentum during this time of uncertainty."
Sitting cross-legged on the chair beside her mother, Dora said, "I'll be more than happy to help, Amelia. I'm starting to feel restless just sitting around the house, especially now that my mother can care for me while Dad tends to things at St. Mungo's."
Remus nodded in agreement. "I'm planning to go to the Ministry with you tomorrow, but you'll need to floo to my place first. Once you're there, we can head out together." His expression was thoughtful, trying to gauge how well the plans would unfold.
Amelia continued, her gaze serious. "That works. In the meantime, Susan will stay hidden at the Muggle manor we have in France. We need to ensure her safety above all else." The finality in her voice left no room for dissent; Susan quietly accepted the decision, her head nodding in silent agreement.
Hadrian leaned forward, eager to share his insights. "We must expedite our plans; we only have a week at most. My sources tell me that the Dark Lord is in France for undisclosed reasons and won't return for at least that long. This window of his absence presents us with a rare opportunity. However, we must keep this information away from the Daily Prophet. Rita Skeeter is always on the lookout for juicy stories, and if she gets wind of this, it could jeopardize everything we've worked tirelessly to coordinate."
"To prevent that from happening," Amelia suggested, "I will set a trap for Rita, luring her under a pretence. Keeping her occupied will allow us to proceed without her interference. Additionally, I plan to meet with Minerva first thing in the morning to discuss halting all outgoing mail from Hogwarts. This should mitigate any risk of critical information reaching the Dark Side."
Hadrian nodded, recognizing the importance of her plan. "Yes, that's crucial. You must also be cautious about who you interact with; one can never be too careful. Disguises can be deceiving and life-threatening, especially in our current situation. Amelia, don't forget to check the wards protecting the Ministry through the Unspeakable. Ensuring they are secure will bolster our defences and keep us a step ahead." His voice was filled with concern; their safety was dependent on the precautions they took. Amelia nodded, fully aware of the weight of their responsibilities. Every detail mattered.
"Amelia," Hadrian began, his voice steady and resolute, "once you successfully navigate the complexities of the Wizengamot Session, I urge you to consider running for the position of Minister for Magic. The time has come for us to seize this opportunity before someone else steps forward. If you take the lead, we can initiate significant changes within our world. We must reevaluate the old laws that have gone unchallenged for too long. In doing so, we can strive to restore balance among the various forms of magic—Grey, Dark, and Light—which have been in turmoil over the past few centuries."
Amelia listened intently, her brow furrowing in concentration as she absorbed his words. "I understand your passion, Hadrian, and I feel the weight of that responsibility. However," she hesitated, searching for clarity, "there's still one thing I can't quite wrap my head around. How did you uncover the truth about your heritage, learn about Albus's intricate plans, and discover the identities of your godparents?" As she spoke, a ripple of laughter spread through the room, breaking the tension of their serious conversation.
"As I returned home after completing my third year, I was met by an unexpected visitor—Sirius, who had transformed into his animagus form. His reaction upon seeing my living arrangements was nothing short of shocking. He was furious; the conditions I had been living in were unacceptable to him, and for a moment, he even wanted to kill and take violent action against my relatives. However, he quickly reconsidered, opting to hold back, partly out of respect for my wishes.
Despite being from the noble but tarnished House of Black, Sirius had a cunning plan to help me. He manipulated the situation to take me to Gringotts, the wizarding bank, where the goblins, unencumbered by his past criminal record since he had never been tried, allowed us access to his family vault and his vault. This was a life-changing moment for me.
At Gringotts, I underwent a thorough examination by a goblin healer, who took it upon himself to assess and heal my body from the neglect I had suffered. We then discovered that my parents' wills were sealed—something done under the instructions of Albus Dumbledore, who had taken on the role of my illegal guardian.
This revelation propelled" us into an investigation, unearthing hidden truths about my past. Among these truths was a prophecy that had long been a source of turmoil for our world. You might wonder why, knowing those responsible for the prophecy, I chose to go to the Ministry that fated night. The answer was simple yet profound: it was for my father. He had legally adopted me, but we kept this secret from the world.
In a strategic move to ensure my safety and security, he contacted Aunt Andy, Uncle Ted, and Remus to serve as my new godparents. This arrangement meant that I could live with them, creating the semblance of a family should anything happen to him. Throughout those tumultuous days, while I spent my time surrounded by the warmth of their home, my golem duplicate occupied my old life in Surrey, a clever ruse to maintain the façade while I was finally beginning to find my place in the world." Hadrian's story left Amelia in disbelief, her mind racing to process the complexity of his experiences.
"I must emphasize that I cannot disclose any information about this matter or discuss any related topics, as the Oath of Confidentiality binds me," Amelia stated firmly, her gaze steady as it met Hadrian's. He returned her gaze with a soft, understanding smile, an expression that hinted at years of camaraderie between them.
"Alright, listen carefully," Hadrian began, his voice dropping to a low, serious tone. "Tomorrow, I need to set up an ambush for Bellatrix. She'll be in Knockturn Alley, and once I execute the plan successfully, I promise I will reach out to all of you." He paused, his expression slightly grim as the task's weight settled in. "But for now, I need to get going."
Amelia nodded, her brow furrowing slightly as she processed the gravity of Hadrian's mission. "I understand," she replied, adjusting her cloak. "We all have preparations to undertake." With that, she and Susan exchanged glances, a silent acknowledgement passing between them. They both knew the risks associated with the impending confrontation.
"I want to stress how much you all mean to me," Hadrian said, his voice thick with emotion. "I need you to be careful. I can't bear the thought of losing anyone else. I've already lost family, and you're the only ones who give me the strength to carry on." He took a deep breath, steeling himself. Without waiting for a response, he turned and strode towards the door, leaving a palpable silence as Amelia and Susan watched him go, each feeling the weight of his words heavy in the air.