The Wandering Devil
Chapter: 30
Pa/ t reon details below the chapter if you're interested in seeing some content in advance.
(Witchcraft and wizardry)
We appeared with a crack. I let Reginald side-apparate me as to not waste demonic energy and to get a feel for it. It looked a lot more convenient than drawing a demonic circle.
The forest was silent, save for the faint rustling of leaves in the breeze.
Reginald shifted beside me.
I glanced at him.
"This is where we part," I said quietly. "You remember the plan?"
Reginald gave me a nod. "Enter Hogwarts, join the crowd and watch the ongoing events as normal. You will join me at some point after you've concluded your business."
I nodded. "I have a few things to take care of. I'll rejoin you after I'm done, then slip away when it's time to leave depending on the situation."
"The duelling tournament will be going for six hours including the breaks in between to let participants rest and recover. You should have ample time to do what you need to do." Reginald replied. "I can't say I know what the inside of Hogwarts will look like, but Dumbledore doesn't like Aurors wandering around. So I would only suspect students who don't wish to partake in the tournament's activities."
I shot him a grateful smile. We had already gone through this, but I appreciated him going over it again.
Dumbledore's insistence on not having any Auror presence would play into my favour.
"Then I better not keep you waiting." I said with an excited grin.
He shook his head in amusement. "Only you would be excited about breaching one of the most well-defended places in magical society."
Great, he was getting to know me.
He hesitated for a moment before stepping back, giving me a stiff bow. "Good luck, my Lord."
"I'll be fine, I don't intend to be noticed." I reaffirmed.
With that, Reginald turned and disappeared with a crack, presumably heading toward the entrance into the castle.
The Polyjuice Potion was still working its magic, my reflection in a puddle showing the face of some nobody Reginald had dug up.
The secret passage was exactly where Reginald said it would be, half-buried under roots and moss.
I could barely make it out, honestly I wouldn't have noticed it had Reginald not pointed out.
Apparently Hogwarts was known for things like this. Mostly inside the castle though as entrances out of Hogwarts had all been collapsed for safety.
I crouched down, brushing aside the foliage until my fingers found cold stone. Pushing against it, the entrance slid open with a low grind of stone against stone, revealing a dark tunnel stretching into the earth.
I slipped inside without hesitation, complete darkness greeting me.
My eyes adjusted and my vision became clear. Despite that, I waved my hand and a ball of light was formed.
While Devils had supernatural senses and as creatures of darkness, could see through the dark. I'd still have a clearer vision with some light.
The small ball of light hovered in my hand. It wasn't real light. I had come to realise. Since I would probably sense some discomfort. Unless I had grown resistant to it.
The stronger a Devil's magic was, the larger the resistance. That was something to think about, since I imagine the sun's light should have some effect.
The air grew colder as I moved through the narrow passage. The small ball of light levitated next to me.
As the tunnel sloped upward, my instincts told me something was there.
I slowed, eyes narrowing.
There, stretched across the passage, was a small rune. It glowed dimly, and was barely visible under some moss.
I smirked. "Well, can't say I'm surprised."
Hogwarts was for all intents and purposes a magical fortress. I didn't suspect such a simple way in would exist:
I examined the glowing rune, recognizing it as a detection charm designed to alert others of intruders.
Drawing upon my knowledge of magical wards I had studied for heist, I carefully traced the counter-rune in the air, effectively neutralizing the charm without triggering any alarms.
Sure enough, it flickered out.
From that, I deduced this was more of a small ward to sense anything coming in and out more than anything. Did the Headmaster do this? I could see the reasoning. Leaving a few known entrances that could be monitored was crafty, if that was the case.
Continuing through the passage, the journey from there took fifteen minutes of pure walking before I eventually reached a concealed door that hopefully led into the castle's lower levels. As Reginald had told me it would.
Pushing it open, I stepped into a dimly lit corridor, the stone walls echoing with distant sounds of student activity.
I waited for a moment, and pulled myself out.
I had to admit this plan was a bit rushed, but considering I had just walked into one of the most heavily guarded magical fortresses in Britain. I was happy with the results.
This was the best time to do this, the corridors were mostly empty with very few people around. The tournament was working well to distract most people.
No time like the present.
Watching the corridor clear, I began my walk.
My first destination was the Chamber of Secrets.
Call me foolish, but I wanted another pet. If that didn't work, I was sure I could find uses for ancient Basilisk parts.
That thought process came to a halt though as I hit my first problem. Navigating this damn castle was more annoying than I expected.
The place was a maze, twisting corridors and endless stone walls, each one looking just like the last. Reginald's directions only got me so far. Finding the entrance to the Chamber of Secrets?
That was another matter entirely.
He didn't even know it existed.
I knew it was in the bathroom. I just didn't know which. Still, Hogwarts had its fair share of bathrooms, and I'd already walked past three without any luck.
My footsteps echoed faintly as I moved, my eyes sweeping the corridor for anything that stood out.
After what felt like ages, I finally stumbled upon a disused girls' bathroom on the second floor.
The door creaked as I pushed it open, revealing the woman's bathroom.
Cracked mirrors lined the walls, and the stone sinks looked ancient, their pipes rusted and worn. Water dripped from a leaky faucet, echoing softly in the stillness.
I approached the line of sinks, eyes narrowing as I examined each one.
Then I saw it, a small engraving of a snake coiled around the faucet of the central sink.
Bingo.
I leaned closer, lips curling into a smirk.
I hoped my All-Speak ability would work for this or I was going to have to choose a more destructive path inside.
"Open," I commanded.
The magic of All-Speak kicked in, shaping my words into what I hoped was Parseltongue.
The snake engraving slithered, the stone creaking as the sink shifted and twisted, revealing a dark passageway plunging deep into the castle's depths.
I grinned.
Perfect. At least I knew that worked beyond people merely understanding my words.
I stepped onto the stone ledge and peered down.
The shaft dropped into darkness, a descent long enough that even I couldn't see the bottom. No stairs. No ladders.
I jumped, falling into the darkness.
The slide was smooth, the stone walls rushing past me as I plummeted deeper and deeper.
Finally, the tunnel spat me out onto a cold stone floor, landing in a crouch.
I rose to my feet, taking a slow step forward. The floor was slick with moisture, and puddles of stagnant water reflected the faint glow of my conjured light.
I soon found myself walking into the chamber. The chamber was large. Ahead of me stood a massive stone door, carved with an intricate serpent motif.
No keyhole. No handle. I didn't actually know how it was opened.
I sighed. "Figures."
Raising my hand, I conjured a swirling ball of demonic fire.
I hurled it at the stone, the fire smashing into the door with a boom.
The stone shuddered with cracks spider webbing across its surface, but didn't give way.
I shaped another, larger fireball and launched it again. The impact echoed through the chamber, shaking the ground beneath me. This time, the door groaned and crumbled inward, chunks of stone crashing to the floor.
Before the dust could even settle, a low hiss echoed from the darkness beyond.
My eyes narrowed, muscles tensing.
"Looks like someone's home."
-{Dumbledore}-
Dumbledore hid his frown as he watched over the area where the duelling was to begin.
He didn't normally condone duelling between students but in this case it couldn't be helped, the Ministry was insistent on it.
It was the perfect way for them to find more up and coming wizards and witches to recruit.
The recent attack had shaken them. One man entering and exiting the heart of the Ministry was a feat that left them feeling weak. A concern he tried to soothe but to no avail.
Now they sought to recruit anyone of promise into their ranks, with two Dark Lords and the realisation of just how powerful each of them were. He wanted to shake his head in amusement.
They had mistakenly and rather arrogantly used him as a base for the scale of power that Voldemort had wielded. Due to the fact he rarely ever demonstrated himself in that regard they had assumed that a squad or two of Aurors would be enough.
This wizarding world was so quick to forget the horrors and power Grindelwald had shown.
Perhaps it was for the best.
The guard around the Ministry had increased tenfold.
And while he didn't appreciate his magical school being used in this manner, he also wouldn't pass up the chance to find some talent of his own.
His eyes flickered to a red-headed woman with brilliant green eyes chatting to a boy with dark hair.
He smiled grandfatherly, only to twitch and pause.
His eyes widened minutely.
An intruder.
-{Zephyrion Gremory}-
I quickly withdrew into the shadows and closed my eyes.
I had no clue if the Basilisk's gaze would work on me but I wasn't going to try to find out.
"Who wakes me…?"
I could understand it.
Not just the hissing, but actual words. The All-Speak ability was translating Parseltongue.
Handy.
"Just a wanderer," I replied, keeping my tone calm.
My voice echoed through the chamber, the sound bouncing off the ancient stone.
The Basilisk shifted, the massive coils sliding across the floor. "You are not an heir. Yet you speak."
"Magic's a funny thing," I said with a shrug.
The serpent hisses slowly, the sound vibrating through the chamber. "Why do you come? To steal what is not yours?"
I chuckled. "Steal? No. Unless you have some books back there. I came to offer you something better."
The Basilisk lunged, faster than I expected. I could see her shadow rapidly close in on the pillar I hid behind. I moved, and the massive snake smashed through the pillar of stone easily.
She coiled again and sprang at me. Her speed was surprising and I had to wonder by what miracle had Harry Potter killed this creature. The speed was easily in the higher realm of the middle class.
A large ball of fire was formed quickly and sent towards her, the impact whipped her head back but the flames itself simply washed over her scales.
I moved. She hissed, fangs snapping shut where I'd been moments before, the stone floor cracking under the force.
I slid back, keeping my eyes closed while raising a hand. "Easy. I'm not here to fight."
"Lies." Her tail swept out, and I leaped over it, landing smoothly.
"You're quick. Incredibly powerful even. But you're wasting away down here," I said, dodging another strike. Her tail raised and slammed down, breaking the ground and creating a small burst of wind from the impact.
"How long have you been sleeping? Centuries? No one to speak to. No one cares about you. Just rotting away in this damp, dark prison." I said, my negotiation skills had gotten better.
I didn't want to kill the Basilisk honestly, it would be considered a failure for my time here.
She froze, coils tightening. "Silence."
I smirked. "Touched a nerve, huh? When was the last time anyone even bothered to check on you? Your so-called master? He's long dead. You're guarding a legacy no one cares about anymore. People don't even know this chamber exists."
"You know nothing." She hissed, sending another sweep of her tail.
"Don't I? I'm sure you loved your master. I imagine he was an intelligent wizard. But he is dead." I spoke. "I'm guessing he never told you to stay here or did for you to await any of his ancestors. With his death. You were given autonomy to do what you wish."
She hissed, noticeably with a bit less venom than before.
That didn't stop her sending yet another tail swipe at me.
"Join me. Become part of my family. You'll never be forgotten again.."
She hesitated, eyes narrowing. "Why would you offer this?"
"Because having you chained down here is just a waste, you could do so much better" I stepped closer, voice dropping. "No more solitude. No more waiting. Serve me, and I'll make sure you never have to sleep in the dark again."
The Basilisk stared at me, I could feel the prickling on my neck.
"...I will listen."
I grinned.
-{Bellatrix Black}-
Bellatrix Black had no interest in the Triwizard Tournament.
The other students could have their little competitions, their cheering, and their shallow thrills.
She found it all dull. Her magical prowess was of the best in her year and furthermore the entire school.
Few could match her, and while she might have fun going against them in the tournament, going through the bore of the multiple lesser students she would have to face until then wasn't worth the bother.
The only reason she wasn't holed up in the Slytherin common room was because she hated sitting still even more.
So, she wandered around boredly, looking for something of interest. Hogwarts was a place that she could truly respect. Hiding so many mystery's was what drew her to spend time trying to unravel them.
She wasn't entirely sure where she was going, nor did she care. Anything was better than the noise. Her mind drifted as she walked, fingers trailing along the cold stone, her eyes half-lidded with boredom.
Then she heard it.
A soft, wet slithering sound.
Bellatrix paused.
The corridor was empty, quiet save for the distant crackling of torches.
She frowned, stepping closer to the corner ahead. Peeking around curiously, her dark eyes narrowed.
The entrance to the girls' bathroom stood ajar, its heavy wooden door creaking faintly.
A moment later, a man emerged. No, not a man. A teenager in his late teens, though older than most of the students here.
What caught her immediate attention was what was wrapped around his neck, resting like a heavy, living scarf, was a massive snake. It coiled loosely around his shoulders, scales dark and gleaming in the dim light. Its head rested near his cheek, tongue flicking out to taste the air while its eyes were closed.
The boy didn't flinch. He barely even seemed to notice it.
Bellatrix pressed herself against the wall, heart pounding softly against her ribs.
Her breath slowed, quiet, as she watched him stride down the corridor.
What in Merlin's name had she just seen?
She didn't remember such a student. He wasn't wearing any robes that belonged to any house. She bit her lip, curiosity gnawing at her.
There was something off about him. Not just the snake. The way he moved. He was up to something. Perhaps he was an outsider here for the tournament?
As a Slytherin she was naturally curious.
Without thinking, she pushed off the wall and followed.
Her footsteps were light, barely more than whispers against the stone. He didn't look back. The snake shifted, curling around his neck, almost like it was speaking to him.
She strained her ears, but all she heard was the soft hiss of scales against fabric.
Bellatrix kept her distance, slipping into the darkness whenever he paused.
He turned down a narrow corridor, and she hesitated before following.
The hallway stretched on, dark and quiet. The boy slowed. Bellatrix pressed herself against the wall, holding her breath.
He stood still for a moment, head tilting slightly. The snake shifted again, its tongue flicking out. She could swear it tasted the air, searching.
Her fingers curled around her wand. If he turned, if he so much as glanced in her direction, she'd make sure he never saw her coming.
But he didn't. After a moment, he moved again.
Just where was he going?
-{Zephyrion Gremory}-
That had taken longer than I would have liked.
Convincing the ancient Basilisk to serve me under contract was surprisingly hard.
By hard I mean it had taken a further thirty minutes of pure discussion. Finally, she had agreed. Thus leading to the awkward moment I had to break through the extremely hard scales to get a drop of her blood.
With the contract formed, I had been able to shrink the massive snake down to this form.
I had also collected her shedded scales, they were insanely durable and magical resistant so I was sure I could find use for them in some capacity.
Then came a little experiment I had wanted to test.
The monsters in the dungeon were special, along with the monster stones they dropped. Vermisynth had shown that he could grow through eating magic stones.
I wondered if the same applied to another magical creature in a different world.
So I had fed some magic stones to the Basilisk, the result:
"I can feel my magic increasing minutely." She hissed.
"Now? That took a while." I replied, walking through the halls.
The effect with Vermisynth had been more immediate. His entire body seemed to absorb it while my newly-obtained Basilisk hadn't had any outward effect.
Was it a strength thing?
The Basilisk might honestly beat Vermisynth due to its insanely powerful scales alone.
Still…
"You have a magic pool?" I questioned.
She flicked a tongue out and licked my cheek.
"Of course I do, or my killing-and-petrifying gaze wouldn't work." She replied.
I nodded.
Admittedly a bit of a stupid thing to ask.
That did lead into the subject of her eyes, she was able to keep them lidded so I didn't need to worry about potentially killing students or worse, having them to take tests after being petrified for an entire school year.
"These stones of yours feel weird, they aren't pleasant to eat." She hissed after a moment.
"I know, but if they make you stronger than it's worth eating them. I'll find you a delicious meal to make them go down easier." I promised.
She hissed, snuggling around my neck.
I petted her head idly as I made my way towards the next task. James Potter's room. While it sounded weird. My intentions weren't as bad. I wanted to steal his invisibility cloak, one of the supposed powerful relics that were known as the Deathly Hallows.
While I wasn't sure of its validity, a cloak that could turn me invisible was extremely valuable. And regular Invisibility cloaks stopped working after a few years unlike the cloak passed down generations.
Again, the problem I was finding was I couldn't even find Gryffindor's common room.
A student passed me and I didnt bother concealing my presence. Judging from the robe colour he was Hufflepuff.
I passed a few more students who all seemed to not care in the slightest about my presence.
Maybe I had overestimated the reaction I would get. I hadn't needed to sneak around. Truthfully I was hoping for an encounter so I could ask for directions.
After passing a few students who barely spared me a glance, I finally spotted a boy in Gryffindor robes leaning against the wall, chatting with a friend.
He looked younger, maybe a third-year. Perfect.
I approached casually. "Hey. Gryffindor common room. Where is it?"
The boy blinked at me, a little confused. "Uh… why?"
I sighed, giving him a flat look. "Because I need to get in."
"You're not a Gryffindor." His friend muttered, stepping back slightly. The snake probably wasn't helping.
"Brilliant observation," I said dryly. "Look, just point me in the right direction, I've been sent by the headmaster and the old goat forgot to give me the directions. Tell me and you can get back to… whatever this is."
The boy hesitated but looked more confused than defensive, they really did think highly of this place didn't they. At the mention of the headmaster's name he looked less apprehensive.
"Why would the Headmaster send you to the Gryffindor common room?" His friend asked.
"Why do you exist?" I sighed.
The boy looked offended and I ignored him.
Eventually he jerked his thumb down the corridor. "End of the hall, take a left. It's behind the Fat Lady's portrait."
"Fat Lady?" I raised a brow.
"You'll know it when you see it." He said, giving me a strange look.
That was easier than expected.
It didn't take long to find the portrait. The Fat Lady was hard to miss, her pink dress standing out against the stone walls.
She squinted at me suspiciously as I approached.
"Password?" she asked, crossing her arms.
I stared at her. Then I pushed against the portrait. It didn't budge.
"Password," she repeated more firmly.
I poked it curiously.
"Password!"
"Indeed." I nodded.
"What..?"
"Yes, what is the password?" I asked, activating my most potent technique: confusion.
"Give me the password young man." She frowned.
"Ok, give me the password and I'll give it to you." I replied blank-faced.
"What is this gibberish? Give me the password." She growled.
I sighed, placing a hand against the wall next to the frame. "Alright, no password." My demonic energy flared, and with a solid push, the portrait swung open with a loud groan.
The Fat Lady squawked in outrage, but I ignored her and stepped through, the Basilisk hissing softly at the sudden noise.
"Can I eat her?" My Basilisk asked.
"No." I replied.
The common room was empty, save for the crackling fire and the faint scent of old parchment and burnt toast.
Good. I really didn't want to make any sort of traceable footprint for anyone who may learn of this to follow.
I moved quickly, scanning the staircases. Boys' dormitory should be on the left.
Sure enough, I found the door labeled "Seventh Years." Quietly pushing it open, I slipped inside.
I moved carefully. James Potter's bed wasn't hard to find. There was a clutter of books and a half-eaten chocolate frog. I crouched down, opening the trunk at the foot of his bed.
Clothes. Lots of them. Some crumpled parchment. A few of Zonko's products.
No cloak.
I shifted to the next trunk. More clothes. A Gryffindor scarf. A bottle of what smelled like Firewhisky.
Still no cloak.
Did he not have it?
Frowning, I glanced around. Then I noticed the edge of fabric peeking out from under his mattress. Bingo.
I carefully pulled it free.
The material shimmered faintly in the low light, almost seeming to melt into the shadows. I draped it over my arm, watching as it vanished into thin air. A grin tugged at my lips.
Invisibility confirmed. This was it.
Satisfied, I stood and slipped out of the room, the cloak secure in my grasp.
Time to get out of here.
I slipped out of the Gryffindor dorms with the cloak inside my mokeskin pouch.
The common room was still empty, the fire crackling softly as I made my way back out through the portrait hole.
The Fat Lady huffed in outrage behind me, I glanced at her.
"Petrify her." I commanded.
My basilisk unravelled from me and stared at the confused portrait only to freeze as she stared into the unprotected eyes of my Basilisk. Suddenly, she became silent.
No snitching.
Another task complete.
Now to find Reginald.
I made my way to the main tournament area but as I rounded a corner, I spotted someone.
A lone figure sat slumped against the wall, dark hair falling over his face, arms wrapped around his knees. Even from a distance, I could see the sour mood radiating off him.
I almost walked past him, merely sending a curious glance towards the boy.
Then I recognized him.
Snape.
Well, this was interesting.
I slowed down.
He didn't even flinch when I stopped a few feet away.
For a moment, I just watched him.
"Rough night?" I finally asked.
Snape startled, head snapping up. His eyes narrowed instantly. "Who are you?"
I didn't respond for a moment, weighing if it was worth talking. I had time.
Wasn't he meant to be some sort of magic genius?
"Just someone passing through." I leaned casually against the wall. "You look like you're about to curse the next person who breathes too loudly. Want to talk about it?"
He scoffed. "No."
"Alright." I shrugged, making a show of turning away. "Guess I'll leave you to… brooding."
"Wait." The word slipped out before he could stop himself.
He scowled at himself, looking like he regretted it immediately. "You're not a student."
"Noticed that, did you?" I glanced down at my clothes, there were no house colors to be seen. "Smart. No, I'm just… visiting."
"Visiting," he repeated flatly. "The tournament is being held outside, and I'm pretty sure there's a rule that no visitors can wander around the inside of the castle."
"Then I must be special." I offered a lopsided grin. "Zephyrion."
He frowned. "That's not a real name."
"Says the guy named Severus." I replied with a hint of deadpan.
He huffed and looked away. "What do you want?"
"Like I said, I was just m passing through. But you…" I tilted my head. "You look like someone who could use someone to talk to."
Snape scoffed again, but there was no heat behind it. "I don't need to speak to anyone."
"Right. Because you're so much better off sitting alone." I folded my arms.
"I can do what I want, And you're offering?" He eyed me warily. "Why?"
I shrugged. "You seem interesting." I let the word hang, watching his reaction. Plus I wanted to recruit him.
The wizarding world wasn't powerful when considered to the Devil Faction in my home world, but they were strong on average compared to a few High-class like Dumbledore.
"Plus, you've got this whole dark, mysterious aura going on. Very dramatic."
Snape muttered something under his breath. Probably an insult. I didn't take it personally.
"Let me guess," I continued. "Potter."
His hands curled into fists.
Bingo.
Canon knowledge for the win. So that part was still the same. This was my first time interacting with someone I actually knew of, albeit a younger version.
"What did he do this time?" I asked.
Snape hesitated. For a moment, I thought he wouldn't answer.
Then, quietly replied. "He… humiliated me."
"Again?"
That made him look at me. "How do you—"
"Wild guess." I waved a hand. "Look, I'm not saying I can fix your life, but… I know what it's like to be pushed aside. Ignored. Treated like you're less and I think you'll find that you can be above such things given the right hand."
Snape stared at me, suspicious but most importantly curious.
I didn't have much time, this was obviously quite a bold tactic and not lacking in recklessness but it wouldn't hurt to try. I leaned closer, lowering my voice.
"You want power?" I asked softly. "Respect? I can help you get it. Perhaps you may even want something better, people to have your back. I imagine the concept is foreign to you."
His eyes narrowed, a hint of anger entering them at that last part, still, instead of lashing he simply replied with one word. "How?"
"Stick with me and find out." I straightened, giving him a small smirk. "Or you can stay here, stewing in your own misery and continue down this preferred path. The choice really is yours."
"You think I'm going to trust a random shady stranger?" He grouched, his wand coming to grip around his wand.
"Not exactly. I don't have any reason to like you though." I replied truthfully.
His eyes narrowed further. His wand snapped up but before he could do anything his legs were submerged in hard rock, while his arms were bound by two stone constructs that formed out of the wall.
I flicked his forehead and he winced.
"Think about what you want, and the risk you're willing to take for that." I finally said.
"You still haven't told me what you're offering." He replied.
"I'm sure you'll figure it out." I responded.
For a long moment, he said nothing. Then, almost imperceptibly, he gave a small nod.
"Good choice," I said, turning to leave. "We'll talk soon."
As I walked away, I felt his gaze linger on my back.
Not bad.
The seed was planted.
I idly dismissed the stone holding back his arms and let him remove the stone keeping his legs imprisoned himself.
Now, I needed to get back to Reginald.
Just as I rounded the corner I paused slightly as I was met with two Aurors.
"There you are." One sighed, walking up to me. "Sir, visitors are not allowed within the castle, this has been explicitly stated."
The other one grabbed me roughly. "You've been reported by a student. You'll have to come with us."
"Can't you just take me back to the Tournament area, I was only looking for a bathroom." I replied, innocently.
The nicer Auror, a wiry man with tired eyes, sighed. "Look, kid, I get it. Big castle, lots of hallways, easy to get lost. But you shouldn't be wandering around unsupervised."
"Exactly," the other one snapped, his grip tightening on my arm. He was bulkier, with a sneer that seemed permanently etched onto his face. "You're not supposed to be here. And lost or not, sneaking through the halls isn't normal. You're going to need to be registered and booked."
I raised a brow. "Sneaking? I was looking for a bathroom."
"Don't get smart, because I assure you I'm a hell of a lot smarter than you are, kid." the gruff one growled, his grip on my shoulder becoming harsh "We've got a report of an intruder. And you're acting suspicious."
"Suspicious?" I scoffed. "For needing to go to the toilet?"
The wiry Auror shot his partner a look. "Ease up, Morrison. He's just a kid."
Morrison scowled and didn't let go. "Ease up? The little shit is trying to act smart"
I sent him a flat look. "You're not being very professional."
"You think you have any right to question me?" He sneered.
The other guy gave him a hand on the shoulder. "Ease up."
He huffed and reached into his robes and pulled out a small brass device, runes faintly glowing along its edges.
"Polyjuice Nullifier," he explained, tone dripping with smugness. "In case you're not who you say you are."
"…"
Really?
Why would you even test me for that?
Maybe I should have knocked those kids out.
I frowned. "Seriously? This is a bit much, don't you think?"
Morrison ignored me. He pressed the device against my arm, and a faint hum filled the air. The runes flared brighter, pulsing once.
Then my skin burned. Not enough to hurt or even damage me but it burnt nonetheless.
My hair shifted, red bleeding through the dark color. My features sharpened, the carefully constructed illusion falling away in seconds.
The device pulsed once more and went dark.
The wiry Auror's eyes widened. Morrison's grip slackened.
"Sweet Merlin…" he whispered, face twisting in horror.
"If it makes you feel any worse, I really wasn't planning to do anything."
Their wands snapped out and two bright bolts of light shot at me, I dodged and a massive explosion erupted behind me as the spells hit the wall.
I caught Morrison's wrist in a tight grip, my other hand already moving. A bolt of red light shot from my palm, slamming into the hastily conjured barrier he threw up.
The shield shimmered for half a second before imploding under the force, shattering like glass. Morrison was hurled backward, crashing into the stone wall with a grunt.
Before he could even hit the ground, another red bolt struck him square in the chest, and he collapsed in a heap, unconscious.
I punched Morrison firmly in the gut, making him heave over in pain. I grabbed his wand, erasing it with a bolt of carefully controlled destruction. It was overkill but I felt it was appropriate.
My Basilisk hissed, and I had to stop her from killing the man.
No killing.
I let the pain draw out before sending a bolt of red light from my hand, into his chest. He fell unconscious from the stunner.
I stepped over Morrison's unconscious body, dusting my hands off. "Annoying Aurors…" I muttered, shaking my head.
This had become less clean than I would have liked, my presence would now be known within Hogwarts but I hadn't done anything besides hurt a few Aurors. I should be fine.
The plan was simple now: Leave.
Meeting up with Reginald now wouldn't be possible.
I turned another corner leading into a large room, already thinking about how to find the nearest window or hidden passage and paused
There, standing calmly in the large room, was Albus Dumbledore.
The air shifted. No warning, no sound. One moment the room was empty, and the next, he was there, like he'd stepped out of the stones themselves.
His blue eyes glimmered behind his half-moon glasses, watching me with quiet curiosity. The only sound was the faint rustle of his long robes.
"I must admit," Dumbledore said softly, his voice carrying through the corridor, "I knew someone had intruded. But I hadn't expected it to be you of all people."
I frowned.
Yeah, this had gone from clean to downright tragic.
One of a handful of people that could challenge me in this world was standing in front of me.
I wasn't as worried as I would have been. With the release of the seal my demonic power was stronger than ever and my power of destruction, while hard to control, was still incredibly powerful. My great weapon even.
My fingers twitched, demonic energy stirring at my call.
I gave him a smile. "Well, it's nice to see you again professor? How's the back? Is it still functioning properly?"
He laughed, though I could see a hint of sharpness in his eyes.
Someone wasn't happy.
"Have you perhaps had a change of heart?" he asked. "You're more than welcome to join my school, if you're willing to stop this path."
I scoffed, taking a slow step back. "Pretty sure I've already made my choices."
"A shame." Dumbledore sighed. "But perhaps… you might still be persuaded."
The air grew heavier. The castle rumbled beneath my feet.
The stones shifted, magic awakening as the walls seemed to breathe. I glanced around, eyes narrowing. The hallway felt alive.
No incantations. No wand. Just his will pressing down, reshaping the world around us.
"How did you find your way, may I ask?" Dumbledore asked calmly.
"Through the front door."
Alright. Guess we're doing this.
I raised a hand, demonic power flaring to life. A massive ball of fire exploded from my palm, roaring down the corridor. The heat cracked the stone, warping the air with its intensity.
Dumbledore moved with agility that an old man shouldn't possess. The floor rippled, rising into a wall of marble that caught the flames.
The stone melted, reshaping into a massive hand that surged forward, fingers grasping at me.
I blasted it apart with a powerful wandless cutting spell, but the pieces reassembled midair, shifting into jagged spears that shot toward me.
My eyes caught sight of the elder wand.
I wanted it.
I dove to the side in a blur , the spears embedding into the wall behind me with deafening cracks. I landed on my feet, glaring at the old man.
Stone rose up and dozens of spears were launched at him.
They paused, breaking apart for Dust and rubble swirled into the air at his command, twisting into rough stone warriors. They charged, swords swinging,
From my neck, my Basilisk unfurled and grew to its original size.
Dumbledore looked surprised. "A Basilisk?"
His glance promptly turned reflective.
"Don't bother trying to petrify him." I called out to the already sharing Basilisk to tore a part through the stone constructs.
Dumbledore flicked his fingers. The floor quaked, rippling like water. Stone surged upward, forming sleek, armored golems that met my constructs head-on.
Marble fists clashed with the Basilisk, each impact shaking the ground.
While the dozens of golems managed to hold the Basilisks' attention we continued.
I clenched my teeth.
So this was a transfiguration master. This world's magic was truly versatile.
I pushed harder. I created large amounts of water that flooded the space around me and curled around my arms, solidifying into tendrils of water that lashed out.
Dumbledore raised his hand, and the very walls split open. Long chains of fire snapped free, intercepting my water tendrils mid-air.
Then the windows exploded.
Shards of glass hovered in the air, each shard glimmering with deadly precision. With a flick of his wrist, Dumbledore sent them slicing toward me.
I threw up a shield, demonic energy crackling in the air. The glass shattered against it, only to reform behind me, stabbing toward my back.
My hand appeared behind me and a massive shockwave destroyed everything behind me.
I slammed my hands together. Demonic power roared outwards, the walls buckling under the force. The remaining stone warriors crumbled, fire surging forward.
The ground beneath Dumbledore rose, lifting him effortlessly into the air.
The stone formed a platform beneath his feet, carrying him upward like a king ascending his throne. He hovered above me, robes billowing, his eyes surprisingly cold.
He looked more like a Dark Lord than me.
Wind howled through the corridor. The torches flared, flames twisting into serpents that slithered through the air.
The walls groaned as the stone itself bent to his will.
Then he raised his hand.
The floor shattered. Massive stone pillars erupted from the ground, slamming into place around me. The ceiling cracked, stone tendrils reaching down like roots to pin me in place. Windows stretched and warped, their frames twisting into jagged spears.
And then the wind came.
A hurricane roared to life, ripping through the room and tearing everything up. Dust and debris spun in a blinding vortex. The walls bent inward, stone flowing like liquid, warping into jagged shapes.
I grinned, feeling my excitement for battle make my heart race, demonic power flaring.
The air around me shimmered, heat rippling off my skin as crimson sparks crackled to life.
I clenched my fists, and the stone beneath me darkened, veins of glowing red streaking through the floor like magma coursing beneath the earth.
The castle groaned in protest.
I shoved my hands forward, and the ground exploded. Jagged spikes of obsidian burst from the floor, glowing faintly at their edges, sharp enough to carve stone.
The pillars cracked easily, molten veins crawling up their surface, the heat warping the air into a shimmering haze.
But Dumbledore was already moving.
Dozens of spells came my way.
My hand slammed into the ground and a massive pillar of stone rose. Only to be obliterated under the mass of spells with varying effects.
The floor beneath him surged upward, forming a massive hand that carried him higher. With a gesture, he summoned a whirlwind, the winds screaming around me.
The stone shifted again, the walls closing in, forming a massive cage. The stone quickly turned into steel.
The Basilisk rampaged, destroying dozens of golems only for more to form as Dumbledore fought against me. Matching the amount he destroyed precisely.
Destructive power crackled in its strange static state, and Dumbledore's eyes widened as if he could sense it coming. I roared and everything around me was destroyed.
By now the entire room was destroyed with multiple holes in all of the walls.
Dumbledore waved his hands and hundreds of birds swarmed out, flying towards me and exploded. A dome of earth formed around me.
An excessive amount of smoke blocked my vision for only a moment, as I swiped my hand and created a massive powerful blade of wind.
Dumbledore's eyes narrowed, and he created a massive block of iron barely absorbed it. I realised he was trying to protect the castle from damage. That worked in my favour.
He waved his hands and dozens of spikes erupted from the wall. I could see what he was trying to do.
Push me out into the sky.
I pulled on the connection to my Basilisk and he quickly retreated back onto my neck.
A plan formed in my mind.
That'll work.
I'll make him think I'm playing into his hands.
I used wind magic to fly and exited outside of the window.
Dumbledore's eyes hardened.
He followed me out and rose.
"I Apologize but I can't let you endanger my school." He said, raising his hand.
Massive boulders rose to the sky in the hundreds and began to clump together, fire ignited around its surface and dropped his hand. The stones flew down like meteorites.
I grinned.
Destruction exploded out of me and streaks of destruction met each meteorite, erasing them from existence in a display of power that made even Dumbledore look a little shocked.
My hands clumped together and a truly massive blast of fire lit up the sky.
-{Bellatrix Black}-
She suddenly felt quite stupid.
Watching the battle between titans made her want to hide in a corner. She had thought that she was truly powerful, a few steps off maybe being a powerhouse like Dumbledore one day.
How could she be blamed? She could take three grown wizards or witches at once.
The Dark Lord.
That's who she had been following.
When she had seen his true identity reveal, she had been more than a little surprised.
She hadn't recognised him before, but that quickly changed when he casually took down two Aurors.
Bellatrix didn't know why, but she felt compelled to follow him. She wanted to see more of him, and more of him he saw as The Headmaster himself confronted him.
She was pretty sure the headmaster knew she was watching. Stray effects from a few of the attacks had nearly been enough to kill her.
The battle that was ensuing was insane, despite that. As she watched through the broken windows at the two beings, one who looked only a bit older than her, fighting in the sky.
She could only see why her heart was beating so erratically.
The Dark Lord Gremory.
He had suddenly become the sole occupant in her thoughts.
She idly traced her wand, staring at the side of his face. It was said that the Dark Lord Voldemort struggled to face Dumbledore and rarely did so, yet here was the new Dark Lord easily combatting him equally.
The thought of joining the Dark Lord that had lingered in her mind slowly faded, replaced with a different option.
-END-
Note: which world do you think you would like to see Zephyrion travel to the most. Demon Slayer, MHA, Avatar Last Bender or Overlord?
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