Chapter 13 (~11000 words):
– Harry –
For some strange reason, all classes had been canceled today. It felt pretty odd since we were only three days into the school year, but I wasn't about to complain. Any chance to relax and have some fun sounded perfect to me.
After breakfast, before anyone else had the chance to get my attention, Ginny Weasley and Luna Lovegood hurried over, both of them smiling brightly.
Ginny's fiery red hair spilled loosely over her shoulders, drawing attention straight down to the snug-fitting shirt that left absolutely no doubt about her perky chest. It hugged her athletic body in all the right places, emphasizing her slim waist and firm curves in an almost provocative way. Her tight jeans clung so closely to her hips and thighs that it was impossible not to notice just how perfectly shaped she was beneath. Her lips formed a playful smirk as she confidently stood in front of me.
Beside her, Luna appeared with her usual dreamy expression, wearing a loose yet thin summer dress that didn't bother hiding much. The fabric flowed gently around her petite figure, making it plainly obvious that she wasn't wearing a bra underneath, her nipples subtly visible beneath the sheer material. Her gaze wandered casually into the distance, apparently oblivious to the tantalizing way the dress accentuated every soft curve and outline of her slender body.
"Harry, do you want to come flying with us?" Ginny asked eagerly, brushing her hair back from her face. "I got a new broom as a gift before school started, and I've been dying to try it out properly!"
"Flying is very nice," Luna added. "But I prefer to be carried on a steed with wings."
For a brief, anxious moment, I wondered if they were referring to my devil wings. But then Ginny started going into detail about the model of her new broom, mentioning speed and maneuverability. And Luna was talking about how she liked to ride thestrals, apparently.
I glanced back at Hermione, who was deeply absorbed in her books at the breakfast table. She clearly planned on studying most of the day, and I didn't want to disturb her. Sona hadn't even appeared yet, probably hiding in the Ravenclaw common room to avoid running into Serafall if she decided to surprise us again.
"Sure, that sounds great. I've never been on a broom before, though, so you'll have to teach me."
"Don't worry, we'll take good care of you," Luna said dreamily, smiling warmly. "It's easy once you get the hang of it."
We made our way out of the castle, Ginny on my left, chatting happily about flying techniques, and Luna on my right, occasionally adding her whimsical insights about the birds and the wind.
I couldn't help but notice the envious glances and whispers from other students as we passed, but by now, I was quickly learning to tune them all out.
Also, last night in the common room had turned out to be an absolute disaster for Ron and his little group of fourth-year friends. Hermione and I had been cuddling in a chair in the corner when it went down:
Ron and his friends had started loudly boasting about the ridiculous rumor—that Sirius Black was my real father—they had caught the attention of nearly every girl in the Gryffindor common room.
The girls had gathered around them like an angry swarm of bees.
Katie Bell, a fiery seventh-year with blonde hair and an impressive temper, had been the first to confront Ron. "What on earth makes you think you can spread filthy lies like that about Harry? Have you no decency? Where's your house loyalty!?"
"We just heard it from Snape!" Ron had tried to defend himself weakly, shrinking back from the intense glare Katie had directed at him. Apparently Ron had always wanted to be on the Quidditch team and now multiple Quidditch girls were staring him down. That didn't look good for his future prospects.
"And you believed Snape, of all people?" Angelina Johnson had interjected harshly, shaking her head with clear disgust. "Everyone knows he's full of garbage, a terrible teacher. Why would you believe him?"
"But it wasn't just him!" Seamus had protested nervously, trying to help Ron and instantly regretting it. "Malfoy was spreading the rumor too! And he should know, his mum is a Black!"
"Oh, so now you're trusting Malfoy, too? You boys really are complete idiots, aren't you!?" Jasmine had said angrily before turning to me and Hermione in the corner. "The whole school saw who Harry's—mum—sire was earlier today at lunch!" she said with a small blush.
And then, just when I thought Ron couldn't dig his hole any deeper, he opened his mouth again. His face twisted into a bitter sneer as he loudly declared, "I mean, honestly, that Serafall woman parading around in that ridiculous outfit? She looked like some kind of jumped up magical whore, I'd be less embarrassed of having Sirius Black as my father!"
The room went deathly quiet in an instant. My heart started pounding in my chest as fury surged through me. Lyra and Lyna, who were sitting nearby, immediately stood up, their eyes blazing with anger.
"He dares insult a Maou!?"
"He dares talk trash about our lady!"
I could immediately sense the hatred radiating from Lyra and Lyna as they rose from their seats. I had no doubt they were fully prepared to hurt Ron badly, maybe even kill him, consequences be damned.
And there was no way I could stop both of them if they didn't want to listen to me either. Their fierce loyalty to the Sitri family was both comforting and frightening. But I didn't want them to get themselves banished from the castle. Regardless of how much money my mum gave the school.
I doubted Dumbledore would be chill with them killing a student.
But before they could make their move, Ginny exploded from her chair first, fury blazing in her eyes. Her wand was in her hand instantly, pointed straight at Ron.
"You absolute idiot!" Ginny shouted, her voice shaking with anger. Without any warning, she started hurling vicious hexes at Ron, each spell hitting him squarely and making him scream out in pain. Bright flashes filled the room, reflecting off Ron's terrified face as he flailed and staggered backwards. His shrill squeals echoed around the common room.
The filthy rat perched on Ron's shoulder shrieked in panic, leaping from its master in a desperate bid for safety, leaving Ron entirely alone to face his sister's wrath.
He stumbled awkwardly, pleading desperately, his face twisted in pain and embarrassment. "Ginny! Stop! Please, I'm sorry!"
"You're sorry?!" Ginny snarled, her expression merciless as she continued her relentless assault. "You're pathetic, Ron! A disgrace to our entire family! How dare you insult Harry and his mother like that!"
Fred and George had stood up, both looking more furious than I'd ever seen them, with Angelina holding tightly onto George's arm, her expression a mixture of disgust and anger. Fred shook his head in disbelief, his voice filled with contempt. "You've gone too far this time, Ron. You better apologize right now."
Ginny paused her barrage momentarily, chest heaving and wand still aimed directly at Ron's trembling form. "On your knees, Ron! Apologize to Harry! Now!" she demanded fiercely, every word ringing clearly throughout the tense silence of the room.
Ron's face burned scarlet with humiliation, tears of pain and shame rolling down his cheeks as he clenched his fists defiantly at his sides. He glanced at me, hatred flashing briefly in his eyes before he shook his head stubbornly. "Never! I won't apologize to him!"
Ginny's jaw clenched tightly in rage. She looked ready to hex him again, but before she could, Ron turned and bolted up the stairs after his fleeing rat, stumbling and crashing into furniture in his desperate escape. The heavy silence lingered in the common room for several long moments before murmurs and whispers gradually began again…
…
I thought things would feel awkward with Ginny after what had happened last night, especially given how fiercely she'd defended me in front of everyone. But, surprisingly, she didn't seem interested in discussing it or dwelling on the drama.
She simply wanted to have fun, and I was more than happy to oblige. It was a relief to just relax and enjoy the morning without tension.
Ginny had chosen a small clearing on the edge of the school grounds to teach me how to properly fly her new broom. The sunlight filtered gently through the trees, casting warm, shifting patterns on the grass around us. She climbed onto the broom first, before gesturing for me to join her.
"Sit in front of me, Harry," Ginny instructed with a playful smile, patting the broomstick in front of her.
I hesitated briefly, my face warming as I stepped closer, carefully straddling the broom. As soon as I settled myself, Ginny's slender arms wrapped comfortably around my waist. I felt her perky breasts press firmly into my back, the thin material of her shirt leaving very little to the imagination.
"Relax," Ginny whispered gently into my ear, her warm breath sending a shiver down my spine. "Flying is all about confidence and balance."
Her hands slid slowly down my arms, guiding my grip to the proper position on the broom handle. I could feel her thighs pressing tightly against mine.
I was pretty sure the sexy redhead was doing all this on purpose.
"Now, gently kick off the ground," she continued softly, her lips so close I could almost feel them brushing against my skin. "We'll start slow."
I carefully pushed off, feeling the broom rise steadily beneath us. We weren't very high off the ground at first, but the sensation was completely different from flying with my devil wings. The broom moved smoothly under us, responding instantly to even the smallest shift of our bodies.
"You're doing great," Ginny praised warmly, her voice cheerful and encouraging. "See, I told you it was easy."
I chuckled nervously, glancing over my shoulder briefly to meet her sparkling eyes. "It helps that I have such a patient teacher," I replied lightly, trying to keep my voice steady despite how distracted I was by her closeness.
She laughed softly, tightening her embrace slightly, sending another rush of heat through me. "Anytime," she teased gently, leaning in even closer. "Just remember to keep your balance. You can't go getting distracted while you're high off the ground..."
As Ginny whispered those teasing words, her hand slid boldly downward, stopping firmly at my crotch. I had to suppress a groan, my breath catching sharply as I felt her fingers press firmly, clearly aware of the reaction she was provoking in me.
'Oh no,' I thought sarcastically to myself, barely able to control the excited grin tugging at my lips. 'A gorgeous 18-year-old witch is openly groping me mid-flight. How terribly unfortunate.'
I couldn't help but shift slightly, suddenly extremely aware of every single inch of Ginny pressed against my back. I opened my mouth, trying to say something playful, maybe even witty, but words completely failed me as her grip tightened slightly, sending another intense jolt through my body.
Before anything else could happen, Luna's dreamy voice floated toward us from nearby, startling both of us. "I don't think it's safe to have sex on a broomstick," she stated casually, her tone airy and completely unconcerned, as though she were simply commenting on the weather.
Ginny immediately flinched, pulling her hand away quickly. She let out a frustrated sigh and pouted adorably, clearly annoyed that our intimate moment had been interrupted. I felt a mixture of relief and disappointment, my mind desperately trying to regain focus from the thrilling haze Ginny had drawn me into.
We both turned to look at Luna, who seemed entirely unaffected by the scene she'd interrupted. My eyes widened in surprise as I heard the steady flapping of wings. Luna was gracefully sitting on the back of a large, black, skeletal-looking horse. Its leathery skin and enormous wings beating slowly to keep them both airborne.
"That looks so weird," Ginny said, her voice filled with confusion as she stared blankly in Luna's direction.
I glanced at her, puzzled by her reaction. "What do you mean?"
She shook her head, looking embarrassed and slightly uneasy. "I've never seen anyone die up close," she admitted quietly, her eyes still fixed uncertainly where Luna was floating. "I can't actually see Thestrals. To me, it just looks like Luna's sitting on thin air."
Feeling a bit mischievous, I suddenly decided to jump off her broom without warning.
Ginny's startled scream echoed sharply behind me as I felt the air rush past, a thrilling burst of adrenaline surging through my veins. For a split second, gravity pulled at me, making my stomach leap into my throat, but I'd already judged my landing. I landed right behind Luna, the thestral beneath us letting out an irritated snort at my abrupt arrival.
"Harry! Are you insane?" Ginny yelled. Her broom hovered nearby, unsteady as she tried to regain her balance. Her cheeks were flushed bright red, her eyes wide with shock.
"Relax, Ginny," I called out with a laugh, feeling oddly exhilarated. "I just wanted to see what it was like to fly on a Pegasus's ugly cousin."
Beneath us, the thestral let out an indignant whine.
If I messed up that jump, it wasn't like I'd fall to my death with my own wings. Although explaining them would make me nervous, I knew it was going to come out to the women in my life at some point. Especially with how close I was to each of them.
Luna twisted around to face me, her usually dreamy eyes narrowing into an adorable pout. "That's not very nice, Harry. Thestrals have feelings, too."
Immediately feeling guilty, I quickly leaned forward to pat the creature reassuringly on its rough, leathery neck. "I'm sorry," I said gently. The creature's tense muscles gradually relaxed under my touch, its wings slowing their restless flapping.
Satisfied, Luna turned back around, and I found myself noticing how close we were pressed together. Luna's slender frame fit snugly in front of me, and without really thinking about it, I wrapped my arms securely around her slim waist. The warmth of her body felt surprisingly comforting and inviting.
As soon as my arms encircled her, I felt her body stiffen slightly, then relax with a gentle shiver. My eyes caught sight of the back of her neck, which flushed a lovely shade of pink. Luna didn't say anything, but I noticed her hands subtly gripping the horse's mane tighter.
"Hold on tight," she murmured softly, her voice barely audible over the wind.
I didn't need further encouragement, tightening my grip slightly.
Nearby, Ginny had quickly regained her composure. She swooped and dived, having fun showing off her flying skills.
We landed smoothly back on the ground after quite a while.
During our flying, I'd frequently jumped between Ginny's broom and Luna's thestral, making both young women gasp nervously each time I leaped through the air. Eventually, they had both gotten used to my antics, rolling their eyes and giggling instead of screaming.
As soon as we touched down, I barely had a chance to catch my breath when Ginny suddenly grabbed the front of my shirt and yanked me down toward her. I saw the fiery determination flash in her eyes just moments before her soft lips pressed boldly onto mine.
My eyes widened briefly in surprise at her aggressive advance. Quickly recovering, I wrapped my arms securely around her slim waist, pulling her warm body closer against mine. Her kiss was forceful, confident, and undeniably sensual. Our lips moved together eagerly, the sensation sending heat coursing straight through my chest and lower down my body.
When we finally broke apart, both breathless and flushed, I looked down at her, unable to hide my amused grin. "What was that for?" I asked.
Ginny's lips curled into a playful, knowing smirk. "Oh, you know exactly what that was for, Harry," she purred teasingly. "The broom, you dummy. It's absolutely amazing. Best gift I've ever gotten!"
I chuckled lightly, feigning innocence. "And what makes you so sure I was the one who sent it to you?"
Ginny arched an eyebrow, stepping closer again until her firm chest pressed enticingly against my own. "A brand-new racing broom arriving the day after you visited my family's house for the first time, with a note signed by a 'secret admirer'?" She tilted her head coyly, her green eyes sparkling mischievously. "You're not nearly as subtle as you think you are, Harry."
I laughed and surrendered immediately. "Fine, fine. Guilty as charged," I admitted, feeling a slight flush of embarrassment creep up my neck. "I might have sent you something special."
Ginny's smirk widened triumphantly, clearly proud she'd correctly guessed it. She ran her fingers gently along my chest.
I'd also bought similarly extravagant gifts for Hermione, Gabrielle, and Fleur, though I wisely kept that fact to myself. It wasn't the moment to mention the other witches.
Luna, who had quietly watched our playful exchange from the side, abruptly let out a soft, overly dramatic sigh. "Oh dear," she said dreamily. "It seems I didn't get a lovely gift..."
Ginny glanced over at Luna. "Harry didn't even know you existed at that point."
Luna paused thoughtfully, her brows knitting together briefly before she smiled again. "Oh, right. How silly of me," she admitted happily, returning to her usual carefree self. She reached casually into the depths of her bottomless bag, pulling out a sizable chunk of raw meat. With a dreamy smile, she gently held out the morsel toward the towering thestral that stood patiently beside her, its skeletal body shifting restlessly. "Here you are, my lovely," Luna murmured fondly, stroking the creature's leathery head gently as it gratefully gobbled up the offering. The beast snorted appreciatively, nudging Luna's shoulder affectionately before spreading its enormous wings and flying back toward the Forbidden Forest.
We watched it disappear into the distance before Ginny turned her attention fully back to me. Her eyes fixed onto mine, as she slowly traced her finger along the outline of my jaw. "Anyway," she said softly, voice low and teasing, "since you're being such a generous secret admirer… Perhaps I should properly thank you for the amazing present?"
"Properly thank me, hmm?" I repeated, matching her playful gaze. "What exactly did you have in mind, Ginny?"
She leaned in close, pressing herself against me again. Her voice dropped into a soft whisper. "Wouldn't you like to find out?"
Before I could respond, Luna stepped forward unexpectedly, interrupting the charged moment. "Hmm, I do wonder if you two plan to start kissing again," Luna said airily. "If so, I can wait quietly somewhere nearby. Or watch, if you'd prefer," she added shamelessly.
Ginny burst into laughter, her face turning adorably red as she shook her head at Luna's blunt honesty. "Merlin, Luna, could you make it sound any stranger?"
Luna tilted her head innocently. "I suppose I could, though that seems unnecessary."
The walk back up to the castle was casual and easy, the air filled with cheerful banter. Ginny stretched lazily and glanced curiously at Luna and me. "So," she began, "why do you reckon Dumbledore canceled all the classes today?"
I shrugged, stuffing my hands into my pockets. "No clue. I've only met the old dude a few times, and each time he seemed pretty eccentric."
Ginny snickered softly. "Eccentric old dude," she repeated, giggling to herself. "Yeah, I guess that describes him pretty accurately."
"I think it fits him quite well," Luna chimed in dreamily. She had her head tilted upwards, watching clouds drift overhead, seemingly lost in thought again.
I continued after a moment's hesitation. "Though, my mom was at the castle yesterday. Maybe that had something to do with it…?"
There was no predicting Serafall's antics, although she gave the school another ludicrous amount of money so clearly something big was going to be happening soon.
"Your mother is very pretty, Harry," Luna said softly, her blue eyes meeting mine with an honest, open look.
I smiled appreciatively. "Thanks, Luna. I'm sure she'd love hearing that."
"She's also pretty eccentric herself," Ginny added playfully, nudging me with her shoulder.
Chuckling, I shook my head slightly. "You seriously have no idea…"
We continued toward the castle, passing groups of other students thoroughly enjoying their unexpected day off. Several couples were openly snogging against trees or walls, clearly not caring who saw them. I spotted one guy grabbing his girlfriend's ass firmly while they kissed heatedly, their mouths working eagerly against each other. Another couple, leaning against a shaded tree, were practically grinding together, oblivious to anyone watching.
Yeah, when you lock a bunch of mostly attractive young adults together for months out of the year, this is pretty much what's going to happen. I say mostly attractive because while most witches are generally good looking, that is not the case for a lot of the guys. Like what the fuck happened with Malfoy's goons? Considering I still hadn't seen either of them use magic, I was starting to wonder if they were secretly muggles or something…
Luna suddenly turned to us with a curious look. "Would you two like to come visit my common room?"
I don't think she was inviting us up for "sex" just for us to hang out judging by her tone and expression.
Ginny gave Luna a puzzled look. "Is that even allowed? I thought other students weren't supposed to go into different houses."
Luna shrugged casually. "Girls in my dorm sneak boys in all the time. Sometimes they don't leave until the next morning. I don't think anyone minds."
I snorted. "Well, at the very least, I could check up on my aunt. She always gets super stiff and flustered the next day if my mom gets too lovey-dovey in front of everyone. Is she hiding out today from the public? Sona's pretty easy to embarrass."
Ginny nodded understandingly. "Oh yeah, I totally get that. My mum's exactly the same with me since I'm her only daughter—"
Ginny abruptly stopped speaking, stumbling to a halt with a shocked gasp. Luna and I quickly followed her gaze.
A cat was literally hanging off the wall, its small body limp and motionless, blood dripping slowly from rusty hooks embedded into the stone. Dark red letters had been scrawled messily on the wall in blood.
"THE CHAMBER OF SECRETS HAS BEEN OPENED. ENEMIES OF THE HEIR, BEWARE!"
"...Okay," I said bluntly. "I get that this is a school that teaches literal witchcraft, but that right there is fucked up."
And then we were no longer alone.
It felt like the entire school had somehow teleported around us instantly. Dozens of footsteps echoed through the stone hallways, loud whispers and shocked gasps spreading everywhere. I turned quickly, utterly baffled at how everyone had appeared so suddenly when the school was supposed to be empty and quiet today.
"How the hell did everyone show up at once?" Ginny muttered, her voice shaking slightly as she pressed closer to my side, clearly uncomfortable with the intense scrutiny we were receiving.
"Magic, probably," Luna said dreamily beside me, her usual calm tone at odds with the bizarre and disturbing scene. She seemed unfazed by the stares, though her eyes studied the crowd with curious interest.
Students crowded tightly around us, faces pale and eyes wide with shock and suspicion.
"Did they do it?" I heard someone mutter darkly.
"They were standing right by it," another voice chimed in, dripping with suspicion.
Professor McGonagall quickly stepped forward from the crowd. "Everyone, step back immediately!" Her sharp voice echoed through the hall, silencing most of the muttering. Her stern gaze shifted to us, clearly assessing the situation. "Mr. Sitri, Miss Weasley, Miss Lovegood—care to explain exactly what's happened here?"
I met her eyes firmly, keeping my voice calm but clear. "We literally just walked up and found this," I said plainly, gesturing at the gruesome sight behind us. "None of us did this. We just stumbled onto it."
And then Filch showed up. The guy looked like he hadn't slept in a year, all hunched over with wild, greasy hair and a permanent scowl carved into his face. His ratty coat flapped behind him as he stormed into the hall, eyes instantly locking on the cat—his cat—hanging from the wall.
He stopped cold, staring in horror, and for a second, I actually felt bad. The way his face crumpled, like he'd just lost the only thing that gave his miserable life any meaning, hit harder than I expected.
But that sympathy vanished the moment his gaze whipped around to us. His expression twisted into pure rage, his lips curling into a snarl.
"You!" he roared, pointing a shaking finger at me, Ginny, and Luna. "You bloody murderers! You'll pay for this!"
Then he did something that made every jaw in the crowd drop—he reached inside his grimy coat and pulled out a rusty, jagged knife. It looked like it hadn't been sharpened in decades, and honestly, it probably had dried blood on it from Maou-knows-what.
Gasps rippled through the crowd of students, a couple of them stumbling back in fear. Even Professor McGonagall looked stunned. She didn't move or cast anything—just stood there frozen for that split second too long.
That was all the time I needed.
I yanked out my fake wand. A hard blast of freezing water shot straight out and smacked Filch right in the face with a wet thwack. He went down hard, slipping on the slick stone and crashing flat on his ass. The knife skidded across the floor, and he sputtered, coughing and choking, soaked to the bone.
McGonagall finally snapped out of it. She snatched up the knife with a quick spell, levitating it away safely.
She turned to me sharply, eyes narrowed. "Mr. Sitri, while I appreciate that you used non-lethal force, Hogwarts rules do not encourage students to hex staff. Even... non-magical ones."
I shrugged, still catching my breath. "Sorry, Professor. He came at us with a knife. I wasn't planning to let him stab me..."
Her expression softened a touch. She let out a breath, clearly trying not to admit she agreed. "You showed restraint. That counts for something. Ten points to Gryffindor."
The house points thing, I still didn't totally get how it worked. I was barely three days into Hogwarts life and all the point scoring and penalties still felt a bit silly.
Ginny, however, looked thrilled. She threw her arms around mine, pressing tightly against me, her chest pushing into my side as she grinned. "You were amazing," she whispered.
More teachers arrived quickly after, voices raised in attempts to calm and disperse the rapidly growing crowd.
Dumbledore appeared at last, his elaborate robes swirling dramatically around him as he walked purposefully down the corridor. I noticed something strange in his expression, an instant of genuine shock as he studied the bloody message scrawled on the wall. He quickly regained control.
"Everyone," he announced firmly, his voice gentle but impossible to ignore, "please return to your merriment and enjoy the remainder of your day off. The staff will handle this."
Most students seemed reluctant, curiosity holding them in place before McGonagall shooed them off firmly, leaving only a few professors still lingering.
One of them, Professor Lockhart, hovered at the edge of the scene. His pale eyes widened briefly in shock as he saw the gruesome scene on the wall. Yet, just seconds later, a smug smirk tugged at the corners of his lips…
I narrowed my eyes suspiciously. Could this ridiculous buffoon have staged something this weird, just to sell more of his idiotic books? The thought briefly crossed my mind, but I quickly dismissed it. Lockhart couldn't pull off anything this dark or twisted—hell, the guy could barely manage the simplest spell without fumbling pathetically.
No way was he behind this. Although I did expect he was going to try and take advantage of it somehow.
A more welcome figure approached next. Professor Lupin. The calm, slightly worn-looking man stepped over Filch, who was still sputtering insults and curses at me from the wet stone floor.
"Are the three of you alright?" Lupin asked kindly, glancing between me, Ginny, and Luna with genuine concern. His gaze fell on Ginny, who still clung tightly to my arm, and Luna, whose dreamy expression hadn't shifted at all despite the chaos.
I grinned back at him. "Honestly, Professor Lupin, I'm pretty fantastic. I just spent the morning soaring through the air, pressed up nice and close against two beautiful witches." My grin widened slightly. "Why wouldn't I be great?"
Ginny flushed scarlet instantly, and Luna gave a soft giggle.
Lupin's eyebrows rose with clear amusement, shaking his head slightly as he took in the scene. "Unbelievable... I can't believe you're NOT actually James's kid after all, Harry. He certainly had a way with pretty witches back in our school days, too."
I raised an eyebrow. "Are you disappointed, Professor? I heard you and James used to be best friends or something."
Lupin chuckled lightly, waving a dismissive hand. "Disappointed? Hardly. Let's just say James deserves it after betraying such a kind and accepting woman like Lily…" He sounded mournful for a moment, and I wondered if he too had a thing for her? But then he shook it off. Lupin clapped me lightly on the shoulder. "Enjoy the rest of your day off, Harry. Professor Dumbledore has planned a big surprise for tonight's feast, and I wouldn't want you to miss it."
A sudden shout from Filch drew our attention again. He'd crawled onto his knees, drenched, his greasy hair clinging to his twisted, rage-filled face. "I'll see you expelled for this, Sitri! All three of you! I'll see you kicked out in disgrace—"
I took a step forward, fists clenched tightly, my patience worn dangerously thin. Lupin caught my shoulder firmly, pulling me gently but firmly back.
"Not worth it, Harry," he said quietly but firmly. "Trust me, he's been threatening students with expulsion since before you were even born."
I nodded reluctantly, letting the tension leave my shoulders as I wrapped my arms confidently around Ginny and Luna instead, drawing both young women even closer against me. Their soft bodies pressed warmly into my sides, and both girls blushed deeply as they relaxed under my hold.
Filch glared at us, muttering darkly to himself before staggering away, dripping wet and thoroughly humiliated.
…Never skip leg day. Especially if you attend Hogwarts.
That thought echoed in my mind repeatedly as I climbed the seemingly endless spiral of stairs behind Luna and Ginny on our way up to the Ravenclaw common room. Neither of these witches had ever skipped leg day—judging by their beautifully toned thighs and the firm, tempting curves of their backsides swaying enticingly with every step upward. Luna's delicate summer dress lifted just enough to tease me with brief glimpses of pale, smooth skin, revealing more than enough to stir my imagination. Ginny's tight jeans hugged her hips and rear so snugly, the fabric appeared painted on, perfectly outlining each flawless curve.
My eyes openly wandered over the alluring shapes in front of me, drinking in every detail—the gentle bounce of Luna's round ass beneath thin fabric, and the alluring sway of Ginny's hips accentuated by those sinfully tight jeans.
Both of them glanced back, catching my appreciative gaze. Ginny's cheeks reddened immediately, and Luna gave me a soft smile. They giggled softly with each other, sharing some whispered secret, hips swaying more exaggeratedly now, clearly putting on a provocative little show for my benefit.
"You know, if you keep swaying your hips like that, one of you might trip on these stairs," I teased openly, my voice deep with amusement and desire. "Though I promise to catch you."
Ginny threw another heated look over her shoulder, her cheeks flushed deeply, while Luna simply giggled again.
Finally reaching the top, we stood before a sealed wooden door with a raven statue set in its center. Without prompting, the raven opened its beak, voicing a strange and complex riddle.
Ginny and I exchanged puzzled glances, both immediately stumped, but Luna confidently answered it without hesitation. The door swung smoothly inward.
"That's kind of a weird password," I remarked casually.
"Oh, it isn't a password," Luna corrected me softly, stepping inside. "You only get in by correctly answering the riddle. Fail, and you're stuck outside until someone else comes along."
"That sounds terribly inconvenient," I chuckled, following them into the Ravenclaw common room.
The moment we stepped inside, I noted stark differences from Gryffindor's cozy atmosphere. Here, tall windows flooded the space with sunlight, illuminating numerous shelves stuffed full of books. It felt more like a grand private library than a student lounge.
A few Ravenclaw students glanced up curiously at Ginny and me before returning to their quiet reading, clearly uninterested in causing a fuss.
Luna spun gracefully on her heel, facing Ginny directly. "Ginny, would you like to take a shower with me and wash off all the sweat?" Ginny's green eyes widened in surprise, but before she could even respond, Luna's gaze shifted directly to me. "You're welcome to join us as well, Harry," she added calmly.
The bluntness of her invitation sent heat coursing straight downward, and my pants suddenly felt noticeably tighter.
I swallowed hard, briefly imagining the steamy scene—two naked witches, slick with soap, warm water cascading down their soft curves, hands wandering slowly over smooth skin. Luna's thin dress would slide effortlessly from her petite frame, revealing every slender, graceful line of her body, her small, pert breasts and taut pink nipples bare before my hungry eyes. Ginny peeling off those skintight jeans, exposing toned legs and a perfectly rounded ass, naked curves wet and glistening…
Quickly shaking those distracting thoughts away—for now—I forced myself to regain composure.
My eyes flicked across the room, landing suddenly on my aunt Sona. She sat stiffly by the fireplace, flanked by Tsubaki, her queen. Sona's black hair framed her nervous, beautiful face, her pink eyes meeting mine briefly before she squirmed anxiously, her cheeks visibly flushed.
I turned back toward Luna and Ginny. I gently cupped Ginny's flushed cheek, pressing a tender kiss against the softness of her skin, and immediately did the same for Luna. Both witches sighed softly, leaning instinctively into my affectionate gesture.
"You two go ahead without me," I said gently, my voice laced with playful disappointment. "As tempting as that offer is—and believe me, it's killing me to say no—I need to check on my aunt first. I have a feeling she's still pretty embarrassed after yesterday."
Ginny smiled shyly, nodding in understanding, her eyes filled with genuine warmth and just a hint of lingering desire. Luna's lips curled upward slowly, openly teasing as she leaned in close, her voice low enough for only me to hear clearly. "That's too bad, Harry. Perhaps next time we'll help you work up even more sweat to wash off." She winked slyly, then gently grasped Ginny's hand, leading her toward the Ravenclaw girls' dormitories.
Ginny glanced back once more, offering me a playful, inviting smile before disappearing from sight.
Taking a deep breath, trying desperately to calm the aching desire that burned within me—which was hard since I was a devil—I slowly turned and moved across the quiet common room toward Sona.
Her nervous expression relaxed slightly as I approached, and Tsubaki gave me an amused, knowing smile.
"Hey, Aunty Sona," I said warmly, deliberately emphasizing her title just enough to make her blush deepen further. "Everything okay? Or did my mother embarrass you too badly yesterday?"
Sona sighed heavily, sinking deeper into her chair, her slender fingers nervously adjusting her glasses. "She was absolutely impossible," she admitted quietly, looking away shyly. "Do you have any idea how difficult it is having my big sister publicly show off her affection for everyone to see!?"
"No," I admitted with a casual laugh, leaning closer to Sona, my voice lowering to a whisper. "But before she dragged me to lunch yesterday, my dear mother did catch me snogging Hermione in a broom closet—with both of our shirts off. You can imagine how awkward that was."
Sona's pink eyes went wide behind her elegant glasses, her lips parting slightly in shock. Beside her, Tsubaki broke into soft laughter, covering her mouth politely, clearly amused by the scenario.
"You—she caught you half-naked in a broom closet?" Sona sputtered softly, cheeks flushing an adorable shade of crimson as her eyes flickered over my form, no doubt picturing me shirtless.
"She did," I confirmed shamelessly, savoring the subtle, embarrassed curiosity I saw dance briefly in her eyes. "You should've seen Hermione—completely flustered, scrambling to cover herself, blushing down to her chest. Adorable really."
Sona pursed her lips slightly, attempting to appear stern, though the slight hitch in her breathing and the faint shiver along her slender frame betrayed her intrigue. Her pink eyes momentarily flashed with unmistakable jealousy. "I was curious why you missed lunch," Sona murmured quietly, her voice softening with unspoken implications. Her gaze drifted briefly toward the stairwell where Ginny and Luna had vanished moments earlier. "It seems all these pretty human witches have been occupying my dear nephew's time rather thoroughly."
Her tone carried a touch of possessiveness that stirred a rush of heat through me. I smiled, shifting closer until our thighs brushed intimately on the couch, leaning into her space with deliberate slowness. "Well," I whispered suggestively, "we can't have my favorite aunt feeling neglected, can we?"
Before she could respond, I tilted her chin gently upward, capturing her soft, inviting lips in a tender kiss. Sona's breath hitched audibly in surprise, her body tensing momentarily before melting beneath my touch, lips parting instinctively. I deepened our kiss slightly, teasing her mouth open further, savoring her warmth before pulling back, leaving her eyes wide and dazed with confusion and delight.
Immediately, Sona's gaze darted anxiously around the common room, fearful we'd been seen. Fortunately, Ravenclaws seemed particularly engrossed in their studies.
Her eyes narrowed slightly, feigning irritation as she lightly smacked my arm, voice dropping to a fierce whisper, "Harry! Humans aren't nearly as open-minded as devils! We can't have a public relationship like that outside the underworld!"
Chuckling softly, I shrugged playfully, leaning close enough that my breath ghosted across the delicate skin of her neck, raising goosebumps. "Sorry, Sona. You were pouting so adorably, I simply couldn't resist kissing you."
She shuddered visibly, her cheeks flaring deeper red, biting her lower lip shyly at my teasing tone. "You're even worse than Serafall," she complained breathlessly, looking away to hide the vulnerable desire flickering across her lovely features. "Do you know she shoved my face into her breasts in front of the entire school yesterday? How can I possibly show myself after that embarrassment?"
I laughed softly, imagining Serafall's enthusiasm vividly. "No, but I can certainly picture it—definitely sounds like something Mum would do. She loves to show off her affection for you, especially publicly."
Sona groaned, burying her face into her elegant, delicate hands in frustration. Beside her, Tsubaki continued watching our exchange amusedly, her calm demeanor unruffled, eyes sparkling knowingly behind her own glasses.
"Well," I continued lightly, "if it's any consolation, after today nobody will remember your little public embarrassment anyway. You've officially become yesterday's news."
She raised her head. "And what exactly do you mean by that?"
I sighed, leaning back comfortably and lowering my voice as I recalled the disturbing events of earlier. "It seems everyone will probably be gossiping about how I'm some kind of budding psycho serial killer now. They found me standing next to the janitor's dead cat, pinned gruesomely to the wall… Blood everywhere."
Sona's jaw dropped slightly in disbelief.
"Excuse me, Harry, but—what exactly happened?" Tsubaki interjected, her usually serene voice tinted with rare concern.
I proceeded to give them both a detailed explanation about discovering the horrific scene with Ginny and Luna, describing the bloody message dripping down the stone walls, the creepy atmosphere, and Filch's enraged reaction—including his insane attempt to stab us with that rusty blade.
Sona and Tsubaki listened intently, their expressions growing progressively more disturbed.
"That's horrible," Sona finally murmured when I'd finished, eyes wide with genuine worry. Her fingers instinctively reached out, gripping my hand firmly in silent support. "Who would do such a dreadful thing?"
I shook my head slowly, unable to provide a satisfying answer. "I honestly don't know. Still," I added, shifting back to a more playful tone as I squeezed Sona's slender hand reassuringly, "it's certainly taken the spotlight off you and Serafall."
She sighed deeply, offering me a hesitant smile, clearly grateful for the distraction despite the grim circumstances. "I suppose you're right. Though I'd prefer not having you accused of something so vile just to spare my pride."
"Fair enough," I agreed softly, chuckling gently.
…I ended up sitting comfortably with Sona and Tsubaki for the next half-hour, just casually chatting about their classes, Hogwarts life, and how things had gone for them so far. Sona decided on playing chess to pass the time, which I soon realized was a mistake.
Sona absolutely demolished me, effortlessly controlling the game with a smug smirk on her pretty face.
I gave it my best effort, but clearly strategic board games were not my strength.
Tsubaki sat close by, occasionally giggling softly at my hopeless attempts to counter Sona's clever moves. She seemed perfectly amused just watching me squirm under Sona's dominating strategy. My aunt's slender fingers moved elegantly over the board, guiding each piece into position with the same confident precision she seemed to display in everything else she did.
Watching her play was mesmerizing, even if it meant me getting utterly destroyed in chess.
"You know, you could go easy on me," I teased lightly as she took another of my pieces effortlessly. "I am your favorite nephew after all."
She glanced up with a playful yet superior expression, adjusting her glasses with a subtle flick of her wrist. "Harry, going easy on you wouldn't be nearly as much fun," she remarked coolly. After a few more moves—ending in my inevitable defeat—Sona laughed warmly, leaning back with satisfaction. "That's checkmate, dear nephew," she announced smugly.
I sighed dramatically, feigning deep disappointment. "I demand a rematch at some point. Preferably when I've learned how this game actually works."
"I'm sure you'll improve eventually," she replied with gentle teasing. "Though it may take a decade or two."
"Well, maybe if my opponent wasn't so distractingly beautiful, I might be able to concentrate better," I responded, giving her a meaningful look that made her blush deeply.
Tsubaki giggled beside her, covering her lips politely. Even though I was getting teased relentlessly, spending time like this was a pleasant distraction.
Before she could retort, the soft sound of footsteps drew our attention toward the staircase. Ginny and Luna descended slowly, both wrapped in their Hogwarts robes. Their hair was still slightly damp from the shower, strands sticking lightly to their flushed cheeks and necks. My eyes instinctively lingered over their fresh appearances.
Ginny caught my appreciative stare immediately, a teasing smile crossing her lips. She deliberately adjusted her robe, pulling the fabric tighter around herself to emphasize her perky breasts and slim waist. Luna seemed oblivious at first, but then her eyes flickered up to mine, catching my gaze with a sly little smirk that told me she was fully aware of the effect she had on me.
As they approached, the conversation shifted to tonight's dinner and Dumbledore's upcoming announcement. I wondered out loud what it could possibly be about.
"Oh," Sona said, blinking at me in surprise. "Did Serafall really not tell you?"
I shook my head, leaning forward with genuine interest. "All I know is she donated another ridiculous amount of money to Hogwarts. She never told me why."
Sona laughed lightly, rolling her eyes in exasperation. "Of course she did. It wasn't random, though. My absolutely insane sister—your equally insane mother, by the way—decided she couldn't possibly wait an entire month to watch her beloved So-tan and precious Harry-kun participate in this tournament. She literally bribed Dumbledore to move it up by a full month. The delegations from France and Bulgaria should be arriving tonight for the feast."
My eyes widened at her words. "The Triwizard Tournament is happening a month earlier? So those schools from France and Bulgaria—"
"Will arrive tonight, yes," Sona confirmed with an amused look.
"Fleur and Gabrielle are going to be here tonight?" I asked eagerly, hardly bothering to hide my enthusiasm. I didn't think I'd be seeing them for an entire month!
Immediately, three pairs of eyes narrowed dangerously on me. Ginny muttered something under her breath about "slutty French veelas," her voice laced with jealousy. Sona's expression clearly mirrored Ginny's sentiment, arms crossed tightly beneath her chest, pushing her generous curves upwards in an unintentionally tempting way. Luna tilted her head slightly, her dreamy expression suddenly sharper as well.
Tsubaki seemed to find all of their reactions to be hilarious.
Despite their clear jealousy, I couldn't help but chuckle at their reactions. It felt flattering to have such lovely women react possessively about me, even if I knew I was playing with fire here.
I rose to my feet, stretching slowly again to ease the stiffness from sitting too long. "Well, tournament or not, we should probably head down to dinner soon. I'm getting hungry…"
– Voldemort –
The Dark Lord Voldemort, a name so fierce and terrifying it used to send adult witches and wizards trembling in fear, now suffered in a form so humiliating he could barely stand it. Trapped in the pathetic, feeble body of a baby, confined within a cradle in the muggle house he'd once despised—the very home of his hated father whom he'd killed. Voldemort seethed with resentment, hating his vulnerability, his weakness, and most of all, the grotesque limitations of this soft, tiny, helpless form.
His pale, fragile limbs twitched helplessly, devoid of strength, every movement frustratingly difficult. His once mighty hands, hands that had wielded unimaginable dark power, now struggled simply to grasp the edges of the cradle. The degradation was unbearable. His voice was reduced to a pathetic, squeaky cry that grated painfully on his pride.
Yet, humiliation aside, at least events were progressing according to his carefully crafted plan. Three agonizing years ago, he had been so close to claiming the Philosopher's Stone, so close to creating a perfect, immortal body to hold his dark essence forever. But his plans had unraveled disastrously when a random 16-year-old girl had bested him in front of that accursed mirror!
The memory still burned painfully, making his feeble fists clench and tiny jaw tremble with rage.
But fate, cruel and fickle though it was, had thrown him a lifeline when his hated enemy returned!
Harry Potter, or Harry Sitri as he called himself now—Voldemort couldn't care less about his ridiculous name change—had reappeared, and with him came the perfect opportunity for Voldemort's long-awaited resurrection!
Voldemort meticulously devised the entire scheme. During the Triwizard Tournament, scheduled for next month, his most fanatically devoted servant, Barty Crouch Jr., fervently loyal, would sneak into Hogwarts. The plan was simple yet elegant. Replace that fraudulent fool Gilderoy Lockhart as the Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, manipulate the Goblet of Fire to select Harry Sitri as a competitor, and then abduct him during the tournament's final task!
Harry's precious body and blood would fuel Voldemort's return to a powerful, immortal form.
A wicked satisfaction filled Voldemort. He savored the thought, envisioning Harry's blood dripping from his ceremonial dagger, the boy's desperate screams echoing through the night as Voldemort's perfect body reformed stronger than ever.
The Dark Lord would rise again, and his revenge would be merciless, brutal, absolute.
"Yes, it's all coming together," Voldemort whispered eagerly, the infantile tone of his voice sharply contrasting the sinister words, making him grimace in disgust.
But then, with a loud crash, the decrepit doors of Riddle Manor were violently thrown open, startling him. Voldemort strained to lift his head, his weak body trembling with effort as Barty Crouch Jr. burst into the room.
"Master, it's not good!" Barty gasped breathlessly, dropping to his knees beside the cradle, his hands visibly shaking. "The news just broke in the wizarding press! They've moved up the date of the Triwizard Tournament! I don't have enough time to infiltrate Hogwarts and replace Lockhart!"
Voldemort's tiny eyes widened! "FUCK!"
– Lyra –
Lyra flicked some black hair away from her eyes. She strode confidently through the crowded Hogwarts kitchen in her provocative maid uniform.
She smirked at her twin sister, Lyna, nearby, who was instructing the House Elves on how to create crème brûlée.
Tonight, Hogwarts was welcoming two rival schools for a big competition, and everything needed to be perfect. The school had to show off a feast fit for royalty to impress their guests. Lady Serafall had recently given Hogwarts a lot of money, greatly boosting their budget, so expectations were high.
Lyra paced the bustling kitchen, her eyes sharp and commanding as she barked precise instructions to the timid house elves scurrying around. She enjoyed the sensation of authority, the feeling of power as her voice resonated clearly above the clanging pots and sizzling pans.
She knew exactly the effect her figure had on the small creatures around her. She had them pegged down as a bunch of secret little perverts. They could look as much as they wanted, but they knew better than to ever dare touch her.
That privilege was reserved strictly for her darling young master Harry Sitri. Even the thought of Harry made warmth pool invitingly between her toned thighs, her cheeks flushing slightly as she imagined him grabbing her roughly, bending her over right there in the kitchen for everyone to see!
Her lips curled into a sultry grin at the naughty thought, but her attention swiftly returned to the task at hand.
Although neither she nor her twin sister Lyna had any formal employment at Hogwarts, it hardly mattered. Their young master attended this school, as did his aunt, Sona Sitri. This establishment represented their prestigious clan, and anything less than absolute perfection was simply unacceptable!
"Careful with those dishes," she snapped sharply at a trembling elf who nearly dropped a tray laden with roasted meats. "Everything must be flawless tonight. We are representing House Sitri. Do you understand?" That meant this school represented the Sitri clan as a whole. Everything needed to be flawless and perfect.
"Yes, Mistress Lyra," the elf squeaked nervously, eyes downcast as it hurriedly resumed its duties.
Tonight would be perfect, no matter what.
Lyra's sharp gaze flickered to the kitchen entrance as a faint shimmer of magic caught her attention. Her brow furrowed in suspicion when she realized it was Ron Weasley, sneaking carefully beneath an invisibility cloak. The powerful artifact nearly succeeded in concealing him completely, but subtle magical runes had clearly been placed upon the cloak to prevent total invisibility to those experienced enough to detect such enchantments.
Her eyes narrowed, taking in every awkward, nervous movement of his lanky frame beneath the enchanted fabric.
Her lips curled in disgust as she studied his scrawny body; he was clearly ill-suited for stealth, and the cloak's thin material hugged his figure, outlining every awkward angle of his limbs. Anger flaring hot in her chest as she silently observed his next actions, already preparing to deal with whatever stupidity he had planned.
Lyra's piercing eyes tracked Ron's every awkward movement beneath the cloak, her full lips curling with disdain. Her attention sharpened as she saw him raise his wand, his trembling hand thrusting forward as he muttered an incantation. Lyra instantly recognized the Imperius Curse—a dark, forbidden spell that made its target obedient to the caster's commands.
How could such a clumsy fool know a dark wizarding spell that powerful?
She watched carefully as the elf's expression grew dazed, its eyes glassy and unfocused. This bumbling idiot dared to manipulate one of the elves under her watch?
Stepping closer, she observed Ron whisper to the elf and slip a small vial into its hand. Lyra's sharp eyes immediately recognized poison.
Ron clearly thought himself stealthy, smugly turning and stumbling awkwardly toward the exit beneath his cloak.
Lyra inhaled sharply, her ample chest rising dramatically as fury surged through her veins!
Instead of chasing after him immediately, she strode purposefully toward the neatly labeled goblets. An idea forming that was deliciously wicked. She easily identified the poisoned goblet intended for her young master Harry and switched it with Ron's own.
A satisfied sigh escaped her lips as she admired her handiwork. "Pathetic fool. Daring to try and harm, Harry..."
Tonight's feast would be perfect, but Lyra wasn't opposed to adding a dash of scandalous drama to entertain her young master.
Ron would soon learn the consequences of interfering with House Sitri.
Lyra glanced up sharply as her twin sister Lyna gracefully crossed the bustling kitchen toward her. Lyna's eyes flickered with curiosity, her slender eyebrows knitting together slightly as she took in Lyra's visibly agitated state. "What just happened, Lyra? You look like you're about to curse someone into oblivion," she remarked bluntly, placing her hand casually on her hip and tilting her head questioningly.
Lyra took a steadying breath, her ample chest rising and falling visibly beneath the tight fabric of her maid uniform, the brief silence charged with tension. "Ron Weasley," she spat the name venomously, her voice dripping with disdain. "That bumbling idiot just used an Imperius Curse on one of the elves. He tried to poison our young master Harry's drink!"
Lyna's eyes widened in shock, her expression momentarily slipping into one of outrage. "He did what?" she hissed incredulously, eyes narrowing into dangerous slits. "That foolish human brat doesn't realize the consequences of meddling with House Sitri!"
Lyra's lips curled into a sly smirk, a gleam of malicious satisfaction twinkling in her eyes. "No, he certainly doesn't," she purred wickedly, relishing the thought of the impending chaos. "I took care of it though—I switched the poisoned goblet with his own. Ron will be learning a very harsh lesson tonight."
Lyna let out a low, satisfied chuckle, stepping closer and gently squeezing her sister's shoulder in silent approval. "Good," she said firmly, her voice rich with malicious delight. "Anyone who dares to threaten our master deserves nothing less!"
– Harry –
From my seat at the Gryffindor table, I watched curiously as the delegation from Durmstrang strode confidently into the Great Hall. The entire room quieted briefly, everyone turning their attention toward the newcomers. My eyes widened slightly in fascination as the Durmstrang students launched into an impressive display of acrobatics and pyrotechnic magic, sending sparks of crimson and gold blazing through the air.
I liked all kinds of magic, and had an appreciation for magic that was for show and not just violence. Although, as a devil, of course I also liked the violence too.
Once their demonstration concluded, the Durmstrang students moved as a unit toward the Slytherin table, their posture proud and expressions mildly arrogant.
I noticed Ron Weasley sitting farther down the Gryffindor table, slouched over petulantly. His shrill, whiny voice carried easily, drawing unwanted attention as he complained loudly, "Why isn't Krum sitting with us? We're the best house! Is he stupid!?""
I suppressed a grimace, a faint feeling of secondhand embarrassment washing over me. Even Ron's friends, who had eagerly followed him yesterday, now avoided meeting his gaze, their eyes shifting uncomfortably elsewhere.
From my spot at the Gryffindor table, I immediately noticed Hermione and Ginny tense up as the delegation from Beauxbatons gracefully entered the Great Hall. Fleur and Gabrielle Delacour led the elegant procession, their silvery-blonde hair catching the candlelight and shimmering enchantingly. Both sisters moved with an effortless poise, drawing every eye in the room.
My breath caught slightly as Fleur stepped forward, her lithe body swaying hypnotically to an enchanting melody played by an invisible orchestra. Gabrielle followed close behind, matching her sister's elegance perfectly, her own subtle movements just as captivating. Each step of their dance performance was graceful and intentional, their alluring curves accentuated perfectly by their flowing silk gowns, every spin and delicate gesture commanding attention.
I couldn't tear my gaze away, completely enthralled by their stunning performance. My fascination was abruptly interrupted by a loud sigh from beside me, breaking my reverie.
Turning my head slightly, I saw Hermione's lips pressed together in a tight line, her eyes narrowing in irritation. Ginny's expression mirrored Hermione's.
"Harry, seriously?" Ginny whispered sharply, leaning closer with clear annoyance. "You're practically drooling."
"I am not," I protested, unable to hide a small grin.
Hermione raised an eyebrow skeptically, her voice dry and blunt. "Your eyes haven't left the Delacour sisters since they walked in. Maybe try to blink occasionally?"
Despite their clear annoyance, I couldn't help but chuckle softly. "They're amazing dancers," I admitted with a shrug. "Can't blame me for appreciating talent."
Ginny rolled her eyes dramatically, huffing with exaggerated displeasure. "Oh sure, it's their 'talent' you're admiring."
"He admires how talented those Veelas are in more ways than one, I'm sure," Hermione remarked bluntly, a hint of sarcasm sharp in her voice as she rolled her eyes again. "Especially considering he already had firsthand experience with their 'talents.' Both of them at the same time..."
I felt my face flush slightly at her blunt comment, but couldn't suppress the smirk that crept onto my lips. Hermione's eyes narrowed further, clearly noting my reaction.
Ginny shifted uncomfortably beside me, her voice dropping lower, edged with clear jealousy. "Is it true, Harry? Both of them at once?"
"Well, they were very... enthusiastic," I admitted. "It was certainly an unforgettable experience."
Fred and George, who had been shamelessly eavesdropping nearby, erupted into loud, appreciative laughter, their voices carrying clearly through the hall. "Harry, you absolute legend!" Fred declared boisterously, clapping me firmly on the back with a grin wide enough to stretch ear to ear.
"Truly, you're a god among men," George chimed in eagerly, his voice filled with sincere admiration as he offered me a playful salute. Their praise drew amused chuckles and jealous whispers from students nearby.
Despite their enthusiasm, I couldn't help but flinch slightly at their choice of words. The casual mention of the word 'god' always stung a bit.
If only they knew they were praising a devil. Eh, considering I think these two had an actual shrine to Loki, I doubt they'd care…
"Maybe tone it down a notch, guys?" I suggested lightly, feigning casual amusement. "You're going to make everyone start staring."
Fred laughed heartily again, clearly unfazed. "Let them stare, mate! They deserve to bask in the glory of Hogwarts' newest LEGEND!"
"Forget the Boy-Who-Lived! You are the Man-Who-Conquered!"
I could admit I did like that one a lot better.
The Delacour sisters finished their mesmerizing performance, their silken gowns clinging sensually to their curves as their chests rose and fell with each measured breath.
The applause thundered through the hall, echoing with clear admiration and desire. Rather than following their classmates toward the Ravenclaw table, Fleur and Gabrielle exchanged knowing, seductive glances, their vivid blue eyes gleaming as they approached me at the Gryffindor table.
Hermione let out a sigh, but she and Ginny were nice enough to scoot over as much as they didn't want to. I really didn't deserve such understanding women in my life.
Fleur reached me first, her lithe body moving with feline grace as she deliberately pressed herself close against my side, her ample chest brushing provocatively against my arm. "Bonjour, Harry," she purred softly, her lips dangerously close to my ear, warm breath sending a tantalizing shiver down my spine. "Did you enjoy watching us?"
Before I could form a coherent response, Gabrielle slid onto the bench beside me, her delicate hands shamelessly tracing slow, teasing patterns along my thigh, moving dangerously upward. Her gaze held mine boldly, a playful, enticing smile dancing on her full lips. "We missed you terribly," Gabrielle whispered, her voice dripping with seductive promise. "Perhaps you can join us later, and we can show you how much?"
"We'll make sure you never forget again," Fleur promised boldly, her eyes smoldering with lustful intensity, making it abundantly clear they intended to follow through on their tantalizing offer.
Ron Weasley's shrill voice abruptly shattered the pleasant atmosphere, his words ringing with jealousy and bitter resentment. "The fake Harry Potter is getting even more women now!? This is ridiculous!" he shouted furiously, his face red with barely-contained envy. "That fake Boy-Who-Lived doesn't deserve any of them! He's nothing but a fraud!"
I felt the sisters tense beside me, their alluring gazes quickly transforming into cold fury as they glared daggers at him.
Ron, apparently oblivious to the deadly hostility radiating from Fleur and Gabrielle, reached hastily for a glass of juice. His fingers visibly trembled as he lifted it to his lips, clearly trying to mask his embarrassment behind a defiant gesture.
He gulped the juice down quickly, slamming the empty glass back onto the table with exaggerated bravado. "I said what I said!"
For a brief second, Ron looked almost satisfied with himself—until his face twisted in sudden, violent shock. His eyes bulged dramatically, and his hand flew desperately to his throat as he started choking violently. His body convulsed, mouth opening and closing silently, panic etched plainly across his face.
– Dumbledore –
A few hours later...
He thought the feast went well, aside from the "minor hiccup" of the youngest Mr. Weasley nearly dying from being poisoned at the beginning of the feast.
Dumbledore was in the medical room as Madam Pomfrey ran diagnostics over Ron after he had been brought in. Thankfully, Severus was a paranoid man and always carried a bezoar, which had ultimately saved Ron's life back in the Great Hall...
Dumbledore turned toward Madam Pomfrey, his usually calm blue eyes filling with deep concern. "What exactly is wrong, Poppy?" he asked gravely.
Madam Pomfrey sighed deeply, shaking her head as she glanced sadly down at the still-unconscious Ron. "It's much worse than we first suspected, Albus," she began bluntly, her tone solemn and unyielding. "Yes, he was indeed poisoned, and thank Merlin Severus had that bezoar ready or we'd have lost him. But that's hardly the extent of his troubles."
Dumbledore's brow furrowed, clearly puzzled and increasingly disturbed by the mediwitch's grave demeanor. "Please, elaborate," he urged softly.
She met his gaze firmly, eyes filled with righteous anger. "Someone has been systematically using Obliviate and the Imperius Curse on this poor boy," she declared sharply. "And not just recently—these spells have been repeatedly cast on him for years! His mind is a complete mess, fractured and damaged beyond easy repair."
Dumbledore visibly recoiled in shock and horror, his eyes widening and his mouth slightly agape. "Who could have done such a thing?" he whispered hoarsely, the gravity of the revelation clearly overwhelming him.
Madam Pomfrey took a deep breath, steadying her nerves before speaking bluntly. "Albus, the recent curses I've detected mean the perpetrator is right here at Hogwarts. This isn't some old spell from years ago. It's fresh—very fresh."
Dumbledore's gaze darkened as he absorbed her stark statement, his mind racing visibly with theories and suspicions. "The timing cannot simply be a coincidence," he muttered, shaking his head slightly in disbelief. "Could this possibly be connected to the Heir of Slytherin?"
Pomfrey nodded grimly, her lips pressing together in a tight, worried line. "It's entirely possible. Whoever did this, Albus, is cunning and ruthless. The damage to the boy's mind is extensive—far beyond what I am capable of handling. Ron will need advanced healing at Saint Mungo's. And honestly, it may take months of intensive care before he's stable again."
Dumbledore closed his eyes momentarily, letting out a heavy sigh as the burden of responsibility pressed firmly on his shoulders. When he opened them again, his gaze held unwavering resolve. "Then we'll send him immediately. And in the meantime, we must uncover who is responsible—before more harm is done!"
Dumbledore felt a deep, gnawing irritation building within him as he contemplated the terrible timing of recent events.
Just when Hogwarts was expected to impress the visiting schools, everything was unraveling at an alarming pace! He mentally cursed himself for eagerly accepting Lady Serafall's overly generous offer, realizing now that the timing had been far from ideal. Yet—ten million Galleons were ten million Galleons, after all.
The school's financial woes had only deepened since Lucius Malfoy had been forcibly removed from the board, leaving a glaring hole in their funding that desperately needed to be filled.
Dumbledore's eyes darkened slightly, his lips pressing into a thin line. He knew Hogwarts' prestige depended heavily upon the Triwizard Tournament and impressing these foreign delegations, but he now faced the grim possibility of scandal and chaos overshadowing it all.
Taking a deep breath to steady himself, he turned resolutely to Madam Pomfrey, his voice firm yet weary. "Poppy, please do whatever is necessary to care for Mr. Weasley. His well-being comes first. We'll handle whatever consequences arise..."
Madam Pomfrey gave Dumbledore a solemn, steady look. "Saint Mungo's has the best mind healers in the wizarding world, Albus," she informed him bluntly, her voice firm yet compassionate. "They'll provide Ron the specialized care he desperately needs. More importantly, they can carefully search his memories for clues about the perpetrator without causing further damage."
Dumbledore's expression immediately brightened with determination. He stepped forward eagerly, eyes sparkling behind his half-moon spectacles. "Perhaps I could assist in that particular matter, Poppy. I am a master Legilimens, after all," he offered with hopeful enthusiasm.
Pomfrey's face tightened instantly. "Absolutely not, Albus," she replied fiercely, her voice leaving no room for argument. "Ron's mind is hanging by a thread as it is. Your invasive mental probing could easily shred what's left of his consciousness. It's honestly miraculous he's still functioning at this point. He needs professional, gentle care—not more forceful interference."
Dumbledore visibly deflated at her stark warning, a heavy sigh escaping his lips. He nodded reluctantly, understanding the gravity of Pomfrey's stern words. "Very well," he agreed softly, acknowledging her judgment. "We'll ensure he's transferred to Saint Mungo's immediately. They'll have the best chance at uncovering the truth without further risk."
XXX
So Lyra accidentally saved Ron by trying to kill him…
XXX