James sits beside Thorn Claw, his voice low and heavy with truth."I like Rose a lot… but I can't tell her right now. The battle coming between me and the Dark Spirit is too dangerous. I will save everyone at any cost. I will bring back my dad, Harry Potter, and my younger brother, Albus. I will eliminate every Dark Spirit and every Dark Army member once and for all."
James takes a breath, eyes burning with determination and fear."I know surviving this battle is impossible—especially for me. I always wanted to create memories with my family and my friends, especially with Rose. But I'm hiding a secret from Rose and Scorpius… one I can't share. It would shake them and make them too worried. I can't hurt my friends."
He clenches his fists."I have to save Albus… because Voldemort kidnapped him not to kill him, but to trap me. Voldemort doesn't want Hogwarts. His dream is something darker—far beyond revenge."
James places a hand on Thorn Claw's head."That's why I'm telling this to you. Please protect Rose, Scorpius, and my family—including Hogwarts. Your flames can destroy any dark magic."
Thorn Claw cries softly, and James wipes its tears."Don't cry, Thorn… and keep this secret. I'm telling you because you shouldn't keep too much hope on me. You're special to me. I don't know why, but I feel connected to you—like I've known you for years."
Thorn smiles weakly.
Suddenly, James clutches his forehead as violent glimpses flash before his eyes. Voldemort's voice echoes inside his skull.
"JAMES SIRIUS POTTER! Where are you? You will not survive. You belong to ME… James Sirius Potter…"
James trembles, looking pale and drained, but his mind remains unbroken. Voldemort's voice fades, only to be replaced by another image—a man sitting near a campfire, scratching James Sirius Potter Gryffindor's name onto a rock… then destroying it with his eyes.
"I will kill you…"
The hallucinations vanish.
Nearby, Mirael closes her eyes and sees everything James is seeing. She hears his words, feels his fear. She notices his bag—the Gryffindor Sword inside is glowing, reacting to the danger surrounding James.
Mirael whispers inside her mind:Is James the Guardian of the Gryffindor Sword? Or its Master? Or… is he Godric Gryffindor himself—or the heir? If he is, he is walking straight into grave danger, and so are his friends. In the past, I failed to save Rowena Ravenclaw and the founders, even as their loyal spirit. I will not fail again. I will save James and his friends at any cost.
Rose sleeps peacefully with her head resting on James's lap. James gently brushes her hair aside and smiles at her softly.
I don't know what will happen to me, he thinks. I don't know if I'll survive… but I love you, Rose. I can't tell you, but I will always love you from the bottom of my heart. And I'll keep that truth hidden for the rest of my journey. I will save all of you.
James and Thorn Claw slowly fall asleep. Mirael walks to the tent, casts an invisible protection spell around it, and gently touches James's forehead, forming a magical shield over him.
In Hogwarts – Headmaster's Cabin
Amelia stands before Hagrid, her expression tense."There is impending danger," she says. "I sensed dark magic inside Hogwarts."
Hagrid frowns. "What are yeh talking about, Miss Amelia?"
"My bracelet and instincts detect dark magic. I've seen a shadow—someone using Polyjuice Potion. They're searching for something hidden in Hogwarts. We must find who it is. Don't inform anyone until we do."
"Yes, ma'am," Hagrid says.
Miss Pomfrey rushes in. "Good news and bad news, ma'am. Trelawney has woken up. Minerva's wounds are fading, but she is still unconscious. The bad news is Frank and Bobby are missing."
"No need to worry," Amelia replies. "I know Frank and Bobby left to help James. Scorpius sent me a letter. They are with James, Rose, and Scorpius."
Hagrid visibly relaxes. Pomfrey nods and leaves.
"What do we do now?" Hagrid asks. "How do we find the follower of Voldemort?"
"Call Hermione, Ron, and all our Army members to my office within ten minutes."
Hagrid hesitates. "Is the person one of them?"
"Maybe," Amelia replies. "Maybe not. Bring them."
Hogwarts – The Revelation
Hagrid gathers everyone. They rush to Amelia's office, unaware a dark shadow follows them, smiling wickedly.
Amelia steps forward."There is something important I must tell you."
Ginny nods. "Tell us, Amelia. We will do whatever you ask."
Amelia scans the room."There is a Dark Magic Army member among you—or following you since the beginning. They've been informing Voldemort about everything. They carry a poisonous knife. They're searching for something hidden."
Neville asks, "Who is she?"
Amelia lifts a bottle of pink liquid, throws it into the air, and sprinkles the contents.
Umbridge screeches, "How DARE you splash filthy water on Dolores Umbridge?! I serve Lord Voldemort! I'll torture you, filthy Headmaster!"
Ron steps forward."How dare you insult Miss Amelia? We are her students and her Army!"
Hermione adds, "You never changed—even after Azkaban."
Neville raises his wand. Everyone prepares to defend Amelia.
Umbridge moves with terrifying speed, lunging at Amelia with the poisonous knife. Amelia blocks with her staff. Hermione tackles Umbridge, who raises the knife to stab her—
But a spell blasts Umbridge into the air.
Professor Minerva McGonagall stands in the doorway.
"How dare you try to harm my students? Drop the knife, or I will torture you myself," she warns, her voice icy.
"Professor!" Hermione cries. "You're back!"
Minerva smiles warmly."I'm happy to see you all. Thanks to James, Rose, and Scorpius for stopping Bellatrix and Pettigrew. They attacked me, paralyzed me, and poisoned me. I'm not sparing Umbridge."
Umbridge screams, "NO!"
Hermione asks, "Where is Ginny?"
"I'm not telling you!" Umbridge spits.
Hermione casts a spell—Umbridge begins receiving magical slaps across her face.
Minerva beams."I'm proud of you, Hermione. Always."
Rescuing Ginny
Umbridge finally reveals Ginny is in the storeroom.
Hermione, Ron, and Luna race there. Ron finds Ginny tied with ropes and her mouth covered. Hermione removes the plaster; Ron unties her.
Luna hugs her tightly.
Hermione asks softly, "Are you okay? How did you end up here?"
Ginny shivers. "Umbridge tied me up. She said she would kill all of you. I was terrified. Is everyone safe?"
Ron smiles. "Yes. Amelia saved us. Umbridge has been exposed."
Luna adds, "Minerva McGonagall is back too. And Miss Trelawney. And maybe Harry Potter will come back."
Ginny smiles with relief.
Justice for Umbridge
The four return to the common hall.
Minerva orders, "Miss Pomfrey, lock Umbridge in one of the dark rooms. Later, hand her to the Dementors."
"That's the right punishment," Hagrid grunts.
Umbridge screams, "Harry Potter will DIE! James will DIE! Voldemort will destroy Hogwarts! You'll all share their fate!"
Minerva signals the guards.
Ginny steps forward. "Wait."
The guards freeze.
Umbridge smirks. "Tell these filthy people to bow to me. If they do, I'll spare them."
Everyone glares.
Ginny slaps her hard. "Ouch!"
Umbridge shrieks, "HOW DARE YOU?! I'll torture you!"
Draco bursts into laughter. Everyone joins.
Umbridge hisses, "Harry Potter and James will die. No one will save you."
Hermione snaps, "How dare you?!"
Umbridge turns to Draco. "If you want your family to survive—support Voldemort. Save me."
Draco steps forward proudly."I stand with my friends. They were my enemies once, but now they are my family. Hogwarts is my family. I will face any danger, and I will NEVER support your lord."
Minerva's eyes fill with pride. "I am so proud of you, Draco."
Astoria adds, "Me too."
Draco grins at Ginny. "That was a great slap."
Everyone laughs again. Umbridge is dragged away.
James's Journey Continues
James, Rose, Scorpius, Frank, Bobby, and Mirael pack their bags.
Scorpius asks, "Where next?"
James vows a promise and says,"I'm going to Dagger. He kidnapped Albus and poisoned my dad. I'm going to kill him at any cost and will exact my revenge."
Rose stays silent.
Mirael vows silently: I will protect James and keep my promise to Rowena Ravenclaw.
In Dagger's House
Albus whispers, "I must stop James from killing Dagger. I know my brother will come for me. I must stop him myself."
He closes his eyes."I will take a Vow, Dim. I will learn every hidden truth. I know Dagger once sacrificed himself for Hogwarts and Dumbledore's promise. Something happened after Voldemort killed my father Harry Potter. I don't believe Dagger kidnapped me for his own gain. This is a trap, and I will find out the truth. Will you help me, Dim?"
Dim howls softly. Yes.