Bleak

April 10, 1993, 11:30 PM, Road to Hogwarts

Sirius Black

Sirius Black moved swiftly through the narrow streets of Hogsmeade, his long strides fueled by a mix of urgency and the familiar rush of adrenaline that came with the promise of a fight.

The streets were littered with the signs of conflict— scorched earth, broken windows, and the occasional unconscious body— but the immediate threat had been neutralized.

Ahead of him, Aya Sasaki, the Headmistress of Mahoutokoro, walked with a stern expression that bordered on outright displeasure. Sirius didn’t have to guess why; it was clear that the situation had spiraled out of control, far beyond what any of them had anticipated.

Her discontent was palpable, but Sirius had no time to dwell on it. He was more concerned with the young boy at the front of their group— his relatively new son, and wasn’t that a strange thought, even now— who was practically dragging them all towards the Forbidden Forest with a single-minded determination that Sirius couldn’t ignore.

Amy, walking close by his side, tightened her grip on his arm.

The small gesture sent a wave of warmth through him, grounding him amidst the chaos. Sirius glanced down at her, catching the worry etched into her features. Her eyes flicked between him and the path ahead, clearly unsettled by the frantic pace and the tension that hung thick in the air.

Sirius offered her a reassuring smile, squeezing her hand gently.

“We’ll be alright, Amy.” He murmured, his voice low and calm despite the storm brewing in his chest. “Just stay close to me.”

She nodded, her expression softening, though the worry never fully left her eyes. Sirius could feel the weight of responsibility pressing down on him— not just for Amy, but for all of them. Adam, with his fierce determination, Akio and Hien, Tonks, even that blundering, yet strangely competent blowhard Lockhart— each of them was depending on him in some way, whether they realized it or not.

They moved as a unit, a strange assembly of allies brought together by the dire circumstances. Lockhart, ever the showman, kept making the occasional quip, though his usual flamboyance was tempered by something. Tonks, on the other hand, had a determined set to her jaw, her eyes scanning their surroundings with the practiced vigilance of an Auror.

Moody’s trained her pretty well so far.

Sirius kept pace with Adam, his instincts screaming that something terrible awaited them in the Forbidden Forest. The boy hadn’t given them much to go on, just fragments of a dire situation involving Castelobruxo wizards and some attempt to steal the magical creatures.

Considering the boy’s Thestral was there, that had been enough. Sirius had seen the haunted look in Adam’s eyes, the desperation driving him forward.

Oh, yes. More than enough.

Sasaki cast a quick glance back at him, and he met it with a knowing nod.

The displeasure previously seen in her eyes had morphed into an excitement. A fight was coming, and they all knew it.

Amy leaned into him slightly as they moved, and Sirius felt a surge of protectiveness, as well as minor annoyance. She clearly didn’t want to fight, and he assumed that this was the first time she’d ever been in a life and death situation, so he couldn’t blame her for her fear. In fact, it took a lot of courage for her to come with them.

Reporters. He thought, giving her a gentle squeeze to reassure her again as they arrived at the edge of the Forbidden Forest.

The forest loomed before them, dark and foreboding, the ancient trees casting long shadows in the waning light.

Adam, for his part, strode forward with a determined gait, leading the way.

“Wait!” One of the officers called out. “We can’t have you lead the way in there.”

“…?” Adam turned to the man, saying nothing for a moment. “And why not?”

Several more protested, hesitant to allow a child to guide them into the perilous forest. But Adam cut them off firmly, his mismatched eyes burning with resolve.

“I know this path better than any of you.” He declared. “If you try to get in my way, you’ll only slow us down. I don’t intend to hold back, so keep up if you can.”

Sirius couldn’t help but smirk at the boy’s courage and conviction. How wasn’t he placed in Gryffindor, again? Was his thirst for knowledge that much more pronounced than his bravery, or had he developed the latter trait more recently?

Glancing at Sasaki, Sirius saw a similar respect in her gaze.

As they entered the forest, the shadows seemed to loom around them, the trees creaking ominously. Sirius gripped his wand tightly, his senses heightened, ready to react at the slightest hint of danger.

Adam led them swiftly through the winding paths, his familiarity with the terrain evident in his sure-footed stride. Sirius couldn’t help but wonder how long he’d stayed here to gain such intimate knowledge of this perilous place.

Beside Sirius, Tonks maintained a vigilant watch. Oddly enough, walking by Adam was Lockhart, who was pitching to him a story idea.

“Think of it; the intrepid, handsome teacher, and the knowledgeable young man, on a quest to reach the depths of the dangerous Forbidden Forest in search of treasure; a ‘Forbidden Foray’!”

“Not a bad title— might need a little work.” Was Adam’s response. “I’ll help you write it if you focus everything you have on this, right now.”

At that, Gilderoy smirked. “Music to my ears, young man! Very well. I, Gilderoy Lockhart, wizard extraordinaire, shall lend my powers to you for this venture.”

“We’ll speak of my earnings on it, later.”

Lockhart let out a scoff, but then stilled. Something was up ahead. The air seemed to thicken with menace, and Sirius could almost taste the fear and despair.

Chaos erupted as a herd of mooncalves emerged from the brush, barreling past them, their unearthly cries echoing through the forest. Sirius gripped his wand tightly, his heart pounding in anticipation of the threat that had sent the gentle creatures into such a frenzy.

Seconds later, they rounded a bend and came upon a group of wizards, their dark green robes marking them as Castelobruxo wizards. To Sirius’ horror, they were ruthlessly shoving the frightened mooncalves into large sacks.

Before the enemy could react, Adam surged forward, his chains lashing out with lightning speed. The chains crashed into the unsuspecting wizards, knocking them off their feet and disarming them with brutal efficiency.

Sirius and the others wasted no time, springing into action to overwhelm the remaining foes. Spells flew through the air, and the forest echoed with the sounds of the fierce skirmish.

Aya’s wand danced with grace and power, her protective charms shielding the freed mooncalves as they scurried to safety. Tonks’ Auror training shone through in her precise, calculated strikes, while Lockhart’s flashy spells served more to distract than to incapacitate.

Through it all, Adam remained the driving force, his chains whipping and weaving in a deadly dance, subduing the enemy with ruthless efficiency. Sirius couldn’t help but be impressed by the boy’s skill and determination, even as a part of him cringed at the violence he inflicted.

A child shouldn’t be this deadly.

As the last of them fell, the group turned their attention to the freed mooncalves, ensuring they were unharmed and guiding them back to the safety of the forest’s depths. Sirius felt a sense of relief, but he knew this was only the beginning.

He had barely had that thought when an arrow whizzed through the air, landing at Adam’s feet.

“Halt!”

Their group formed a circle, wands drawn and aimed outwardly at the centaurs watching them with bows drawn.

“We aren’t here to fight you!” Sirius called out. “We’re here to save the creatures from the ones kidnapping them.”

“Whose to say that you are not the ones committing these heinous crimes?” The lead centaur made himself known— Sirius knew this one from his own time in the forest. It was Bane.

“The ones committing the crimes are from Castelobruxo!” One of the officers called out, but Bane scoffed.

“Castelobruxo, Hogwarts— a wizard is a wizard.” Bane said, not letting up in his accusation.

“Be reasonable…” Another one said, but was ignored.

Bane’s piercing gaze swept over the group, but instead of settling on Sirius, Lockhart or even Sasaki, the centaur leader’s eyes locked onto Adam.

“This one is known to us.”

Sirius watched as Bane strode towards the young wizard, his hooves thundering against the forest floor.

Sirius made to move to stand by his son, but another warning shot flew, landing at his feet.

“Careful, wizard.” A centaur said, the two around him shifting their aim towards him as the first one nocked another arrow. “Wouldn’t want to make the wrong move, now would we?”

Sirius wanted to kill them all at that moment.

“Drifter.” Bane said, his voice tinged with a mix of curiosity and suspicion. “What business do you have, bringing these people into our forest?”

Adam straightened his shoulders, meeting Bane’s gaze unflinchingly.

“I’m here to save the Thestrals— and any other creatures that happen to be there.” He said, his voice calm. “Even the Centaurs, if necessary.”

Bane scoffed, but Sirius noticed a subtle shift in the centaur’s demeanor. The usual vitriol seemed to have been tempered, if only slightly.

“Your kind have always been a thorn in our side, Drifter.” Bane said, his eyes narrowing. “But on this night, the spiders are especially vicious. The provocation of the wizards has sent them on a frenzy; they threaten us, the other creatures— and even your friends the Thestrals.” He swept his arm towards a distant part of the forest. “You and your companions are free to go, but be warned— the hunt is on. Should we find any of your kind engaged in nefarious acts, we will take action.”

“If I find them, I’ll kill them myself.”

A few of the officers sputtered at Adam’s blatant promise to murder others, but that only seemed to make Bane throw his head back and laugh.

It was not a good laugh.

Sirius chanced a glance at Adam, puzzled by the centaur’s use of the term “drifter.” It clearly held some significance, and he could see the tension in the young wizard’s shoulders.

Before Sirius could even think to ask the boy, Bane turned and gestured to his fellow centaurs.

“Let them pass. They are no threat to us.” He commanded, and the circle of weapons and bows slowly lowered.

Sirius breathed a sigh of relief, but he knew the reprieve was only temporary.

As the group prepared to continue their mission, a lone centaur stepped forward, his hooves thundering against the forest floor. Sirius watched, surprised, as the centaur approached Adam and bowed his head slightly.

“I will join you in your task, Drifter.” The centaur said, his voice deep and resonant. “The Thestrals are in grave danger, and I cannot stand by while their lives are threatened.”

Adam’s eyes widened momentarily, and Sirius could see the young wizard’s mind working, processing this unexpected offer. But to Sirius’ further surprise, Adam quickly composed himself and returned the bow, a gesture of respect.

“My name is Adam Clarke.” He said, his voice level and steady. “I appreciate your offer of aid. What’s your name?”

The centaur inclined his head in acknowledgment.

“I am Firenze.” He said simply.

Bane, the herd leader, observed the exchange with a critical eye. Sirius could see the slightest softening in the centaur’s expression, as if the show of respect from Adam had assuaged some of his earlier skepticism.

“The drifter has earned a measure of our trust, it seems.” Bane said, his voice tinged with a hint of grudging respect, though his face hardened all the same. “The spiders gather in force to the north. Firenze will guide you.”

Adam simply nodded, and with a final glance at Bane, he turned to Firenze.

“Which way do we go?” He asked, his tone businesslike and focused. “I feel my friend to the north, but if the spiders are there…”

Firenze stepped forward, his hooves leaving deep imprints in the soft earth.

“This way.” He said, gesturing with one of his long, powerful arms. “We must hurry, or what you fear may come to pass.”

Without further delay, the group followed Firenze, Sirius keeping a wary eye on their surroundings as they ventured deeper into the Forbidden Forest, the sounds of the distant battle growing ever louder.

Firenze led the group swiftly through the dense foliage of the Forbidden Forest, his hooves leaving a trail in the soft earth. Sirius could feel the urgency in the centaur’s movements, and he knew that time was of the essence.

As they wove their way through the tangled undergrowth, Adam suddenly spoke up.

“Are you sure we can’t go north?” He said, his brow furrowed in concentration. “My familiar has not shown me any visions of spiders— perhaps your knowledge is mistaken.”

Firenze shook his head firmly.

“No, Adam.” He said, his voice brooking no argument. “That path leads directly through the territory of the spiders. To venture there would be to court grave danger, and I cannot in good conscience lead you into such peril.”

Sirius could see the frustration flicker across Adam’s face, but the boy remained silent, his trust in the centaur’s wisdom overriding his own instincts.

“Firenze is right.” Sirius spoke up, placing a hand on Adam’s shoulder. “We cannot afford to take unnecessary risks, not with so much at stake.”

The others murmured their agreement, and Sirius could see the reluctant acceptance in Adam’s posture.

Surprisingly, it was Lockhart who stepped forward, his usual bravado replaced by a more subdued demeanor.

“Firenze, my good centaur.” He said, his voice surprisingly sincere. “I must commend you on your wisdom and your concern for our safety. Perhaps we could walk together and share stories of our adventures?”

Sirius watched, stunned, as Lockhart and Firenze fell into step, the centaur’s initial wariness slowly giving way to a more open and engaged demeanor. It seemed that even the vain wizard had hidden depths, and his charm had found a way to win over the skeptical Firenze.

As they continued their trek, Sirius couldn’t help but feel a sense of cautious optimism. With Firenze’s guidance and Lockhart’s unexpected alliance, perhaps they stood a better chance of reaching the Thestrals in time and turning the tide of the battle.

As Sirius followed Firenze and Lockhart through the dense forest, he couldn’t help but notice the growing tension in Adam’s demeanor. The young wizard’s brow was furrowed, and his steps seemed more hurried, as if he were being pulled by an unseen force.

Sirius gently placed a hand on Adam’s shoulder, causing the boy to glance up at him.

“What is it, Adam?” He asked, his voice low and concerned.

Adam’s eyes darkened with worry.

“Absol.” He replied, his voice barely above a whisper. “I can feel her distress through our bond. She’s in pain, Sirius, and I…”

“You don’t have to say any more. We’ll find her, all right?” Sirius nodded, understanding the urgency in Adam’s words.

The group emerged into a small clearing, and the sight that greeted them sent a chill down his spine. Rows of cages filled the area, each one containing a different magical creature— Thestrals, Mooncalves, and other beings Sirius couldn’t immediately identify.

Surrounding the cages were more wizards, their tattered dark green and brown cloaks blending seamlessly into the forest backdrop. Sirius tensed, his hand instinctively reaching for his wand, as he realized they had stumbled upon the enemy’s camp.

Adam’s face hardened, and Sirius could see the determination burning in his eyes. The boy was clearly poised to launch an immediate assault, but Sirius placed a restraining hand on his arm.

“Wait.” He murmured, his gaze sweeping the camp, searching for any sign of Absol. “We need to assess the situation first, and make sure we can free the creatures without putting them in greater danger.”

Adam’s jaw tightened, but he nodded, his focus shifting as he, too, scanned the camp for any sign of his familiar. Sirius knew the boy’s concern for Absol was driving him, but he also recognized the need for caution and strategy in this delicate situation.

As the group moved closer, Sirius could feel the tension mounting, the air thick with a palpable sense of foreboding. They were deep in the heart of the enemy’s territory now, and the fate of the captured creatures— and perhaps their own— hung in the balance.

Adam’s impatience got the better of him, though. With a challenging roar, he unleashed a flurry of chains from the tip of his wand. The chains lashed out, snaring several of the cloaked wizards, who reacted with a mix of surprise and alarm.

“They’re here!” One of the captors shouted, quickly drawing his wand and firing a volley of spells at the group.

Sirius sprang into action, shielding Adam and the others with a well-timed Protego charm.

“Don’t let them escape!” He yelled, his own wand weaving intricate patterns as he launched a barrage of Stunning and Disarming spells.

Aya Sasaki and Akio moved with laser-like precision, their wands a blur as they unleashed a devastating combination of severing curses, slicing their approaching foes to ribbons.

Hien, not to be outdone, summoned a pack of spectral wolves that surged forward, nipping and harrying the captors attempting to escape, disrupting their aim and movements.

“You’ll pay for interfering with our work!” One of the wizards snarled, his eyes narrowing as he focused his attention on Hien. But before he could cast his spell, Lockhart stepped in, his wand slicing through the air with blinding speed.

“Expelliarmus!” Lockhart bellowed, his voice clear and commanding. The wizard’s wand went flying, and Lockhart followed up with a swift Incarcerous, binding the man tightly.

“That’s quite enough of that, my good man.” Lockhart said, his usual flamboyance tempered by a steely determination.

The battle raged on, with the group’s coordination and combined might slowly overwhelming the enemy. Adam, his chains whipping and weaving, proved to be a formidable force, shielding his allies and disarming their foes with ruthless efficiency.

Still, he could tell that Adam couldn’t keep this up for much longer. Honestly, it was incredible that he’d been able to fight for this long.

Sirius fought alongside the officers, their spells complementing each other as they steadily pushed the captors back, their objective clear: to free the trapped creatures and stop the enemy’s nefarious plans.

As the battle reached its crescendo, Sirius could feel the tension building, the air thick with the crackle of magic. They were so close to victory, but he knew they couldn’t afford to let their guard down, not when so much was at stake.

The battle had reached a fever pitch, with neither side willing to yield. Sirius could feel the tide turning as the enemy forces regrouped, their spells intensifying in both frequency and power.

Amidst the chaos, Lockhart’s voice suddenly rang out, his usual flamboyant demeanor replaced by a steely determination.

“Adam, recall your chains and put up the largest barrier you can manage!” Lockhart ordered, his tone leaving no room for argument.

Sirius watched as Adam’s brow furrowed in defiance, but the young wizard complied, his chains retracting as he began weaving an intricate shield charm, its shimmering surface expanding to encompass the entire group.

Turning to the Aurors, Lockhart barked out new instructions.

“Spread out, but stay within the barrier! Reinforce it with your own magic, for now!” The officers quickly obeyed, taking up strategic positions around the perimeter.

Hien was next, and Sirius could see the confusion in the boy’s eyes as Lockhart approached him.

“Conjure a few wolves, Hien.” Lockhart said, tapping each of the creatures on the head as they materialized. “Now, send one with each of the Aurors; they’ll open up temporary slots in the shield for the conjurations to go through.”

Hien hesitated for only a moment before complying, the spectral wolves bounding off to join their assigned partners.

Locking eyes with Sirius and the remaining group, Lockhart’s voice took on a newfound gravity. “When the time is right, avert your gaze for a moment, and then take your opponents down.” He commanded. “We’ll only get one shot at this.”

Sirius felt a surge of adrenaline coursing through him, his grip tightening on his wand as he braced for the coming onslaught. Lockhart’s uncharacteristic display of tactical acumen had caught him off guard, but Sirius trusted that the wizard had a plan— one that just might turn the tide of the battle.

As the enemy forces regrouped and surged forward, Sirius steeled his nerves, his eyes scanning the chaos for the opportune moment to strike.

He did his best to ignore the pronounced cringe on Adam’s face as his barrier rang like a bell with every impact, causing his entire body to shudder in exhaustion.

This was no time for hesitation— the fate of the captured creatures hung in the balance, and they couldn’t afford to fail.

“Now!” The plan unfolded with precision, the spectral wolves darting out of the open slots and rushing our foes from all directions, catching them by surprise. Sirius and the others averted their eyes as the wolves exploded in brilliant flashes of light, the captors momentarily blinded, stumbling and disoriented.

Adam let go of his shield and slumped forward, too tired to do much else.

“Go!” Lockhart’s commanding voice rang out, and the group surged forward, a barrage of Stunners and Disarming Charms lighting up the clearing.

Sirius moved with purpose, his wand weaving intricate patterns as he incapacitated one foe after another. The staccato of spells filled the air, and within moments, the last of the enemy had been defeated.

As the dust settled, Sirius watched as Adam rushed towards one of the cages, his expression a mix of relief and elation. With a well-placed spell, the young wizard opened the door, and a magnificent Thestral emerged, its skeletal form seeming to sigh with gratitude.

Adam swept the creature into a tight embrace, his eyes shining with undisguised joy.

“Absol.” He murmured, his voice thick with emotion. “I’m so glad you’re safe.”

Sirius couldn’t help but smile at the heartwarming scene, his own worries momentarily set aside as he witnessed the tender reunion between the boy and his familiar.

Lockhart strode up, his usual flamboyant demeanor somewhat muted, but a proud grin nonetheless plastered across his face.

“Well done, everyone!” He exclaimed, clapping his hands together. “I must say, that plan of mine worked like a charm, didn’t it?”

Sirius chuckled, shaking his head in a mixture of amusement and grudging admiration. “I have to admit, Lockhart, you surprised us all with that little maneuver. Nicely done.”

As the group gathered around the freed Thestrals, Sirius couldn’t help but feel a sense of cautious optimism. They had won this battle, but he knew the war against Grindelwald’s forces was far from over. Still, in this moment, he allowed himself to bask in the warmth of their hard-earned victory, knowing that the bond between Adam and Absol would be a source of strength in the battles to come.

“Now we just have to figure out a way back…” Amy muttered, still somewhat subdued but looking much more optimistic than she had at the beginning.

Sirius smiled. All would be well.

And that was when the swarm fell on them.

oooo

Elsewhere…

Lucius Malfoy

Lucius Malfoy Apparated onto the grounds of Malfoy Manor, his wife Narcissa appearing beside him moments later.

The familiar sight of their grand home was a welcome respite after the chaos they’d just escaped. It had been an hour and a half since Grindelwald’s forces had launched their attack, turning what should have been their son’s night of triumph into bedlam.

As they strode through the opulent halls towards Lucius’s study, he couldn’t help but feel a mix of pride and concern.

Once inside, he sealed the door with a flick of his wand, ensuring their privacy.

“Draco performed admirably.” Narcissa said, breaking the silence as she settled into one of the high-backed chairs.

Lucius nodded, a small smile gracing his features.

“Indeed. Even exhausted from his victory, he showed true Malfoy spirit.” His expression grew serious. “But this attack… it will have far-reaching consequences.”

Narcissa’s brow furrowed. “The Ministry’s response was… unexpectedly competent. True that you’ve been nudging the man, but Fudge seems to have found a little too much of his backbone for my tastes.”

“True.” Lucius conceded, pacing before the fireplace. “But remember, my dear, it is this hardline stance against Grindelwald and his order which allows us to still be seen as valuable allies.”

“And what of your other alliances, Lucius?” Narcissa asked, her voice dropping to a near whisper. “Does ‘The Herald‘ not ring a bell?”

Lucius paused, a sly smile playing at the corners of his mouth. “Ah, you wound me with your aspersions, my love. True, I’ve made certain… arrangements with Grindelwald’s people. But surely you understand the necessity of keeping our options open?”

Narcissa sighed, her eyes meeting his. For once, there was no power play. No challenge— just pure, unadulterated honesty. “You’re walking a very fine line, Lucius. One misstep and we could lose everything we’ve worked for.”

“I assure you, my love.” Lucius said, moving to stand beside his wife, placing a hand on her shoulder. “Everything I do is for the benefit of our family. We must be prepared for any eventuality.”

“And if our machinations are discovered?” Narcissa pressed.

“They won’t be.” Lucius said confidently. “I’ve been careful. Besides, in times like these, a bit of political flexibility can be our greatest asset. Were it to come to light, we will state that we fought the hardest against him, in the shadows— and we shall have definitive proof of the matter. Proof carefully placed by our own agents, but proof all the same.”

Narcissa was quiet for a moment, then nodded slowly. “I suppose you’re right. We’ve always managed to land on our feet, haven’t we?”

“Indeed we have.” Lucius agreed, his gaze drifting to the window where their albino peacocks strutted across the lawn, blissfully unaware of the turmoil in the Wizarding World. “And we will continue to do so, no matter what changes this attack may bring.”

Lucius had barely finished speaking when a sharp, burning sensation flared in his left forearm. He winced involuntarily, his right hand moving to rub at his sleeve.

Narcissa’s eyes narrowed, her keen gaze missing nothing. “Lucius? What is it?”

“It’s nothing.” He said quickly, but the tightness in his voice betrayed him. “It’s been… growing darker lately. More noticeable.”

“The Mark..?” Narcissa said, eyes wide and showing none of the previous decorum she had. “But he was… It’s impossible!”

Despite her words, a sense of foreboding continued to settle over him. With a sense of trepidation, Lucius slowly rolled up his sleeve. His breath caught in his throat as he stared at his exposed forearm. The Dark Mark, once faded to a dull outline, now stood out stark and whole against his pale skin.

“Lucius.” Narcissa whispered, her voice a mix of fear and awe. “That can only mean…”

“Yes.” He nodded grimly. “The Dark Lord has returned.”

As if summoned by the very thought, the Dark Mark suddenly burned fiercely. Lucius hissed through clenched teeth, recognizing the unmistakable call.

Voldemort was summoning his Death Eaters.

He turned to Narcissa, their eyes meeting in a moment of silent communication. They both understood the gravity of what was happening.

“If anyone asks…” Lucius said, his voice low and urgent. “I’ve been with you all night. Do you understand?”

“Don’t answer, Lucius.”

“I cannot ignore the summons.” He replied, already feeling the pull of the magic. “You know what would happen if I tried.”

Narcissa nodded, her face a mask of composure despite the fear in her eyes. “Then, come back to me, love.”

With one last look at his wife, Lucius allowed the burning sensation in his arm to guide him. In a swirl of black smoke, he vanished from the study, leaving Narcissa alone with her thoughts and fears.

Lucius found himself standing at the edge of a graveyard, his silver-topped cane sinking slightly into the damp earth. His grey eyes surveyed the scene with unease which was quickly crushed under a cool mask of impassivity. The wind tugged at his long platinum hair, carrying with it the scent of decay and, more interestingly, magic.

To Lucius, the graveyard was an affront to his sensibilities. Unlike the meticulously maintained Malfoy family plots, this place reeked of neglect and muggle crudeness. Yet, he couldn’t deny the palpable sense of power that permeated the air, setting his nerves on edge.

As he approached the western edge of the cemetery, Lucius felt a shift in the air. The hair on the back of his neck stood on end as he neared the ancient stone markers. Here, he recognized signs of truly old magic— the kind that far preceded the statute of secrecy, or even Hogwarts, when wizards and muggles alike acknowledged the power of the old ways.

Standing between two weathered megaliths, Lucius could almost feel the threshold of the dark entrance ahead. He gripped his wand tightly, steeling himself.

Whatever his personal feelings about this decrepit place, he knew that his master awaited below— and that thought filled him with both anticipation and dread.

The cool night air prickled his skin. Other Death Eaters began to appear around him, their confusion palpable as they looked around, trying to make sense of their surroundings.

Several approached Lucius, their faces a mixture of wariness and anticipation.

“Lucius.” One of them, Macnair, he realized, said in a low voice. It nearly sounded hopeful. “Were you the one to summon us?”

It disgusted him to see Macnair’s cowardice, and yet Lucius realized that he was also full of misgivings about the situation. 

They were making great inroads within the government, and this was the sort of thing that risked delaying their cause entirely.

Lucius shook his head silently, his gaze never leaving the shadowy passage. The others followed his line of sight, tension building as they waited.

After what felt like an eternity, a figure emerged from the darkness. Lucius felt his breath catch in his throat. The man before them was both similar and yet startlingly different from the Dark Lord he remembered.

Gone was the snake-like visage that had struck fear into the hearts of wizards and witches. Instead, this was Lord Voldemort as he might have been in his prime— tall, handsome, with skin as pale as moonlight, hair as dark as midnight, and red-ringed eyes that seemed to hold the depths of the abyss.

As the Dark Lord approached, a smile spread across his face. It was a smile that didn’t quite reach his eyes, a smile that made him seem less human despite his restored appearance.

There was something unnatural about the perfection of his features, something that sent a chill down Lucius’s spine.

The gathered Death Eaters watched in a mixture of awe and trepidation as their master drew near. No one dared to speak. No one dared to move. The only sound was the whisper of robes as they instinctively bowed their heads in deference.

Lucius, practiced in the art of composure, kept his face impassive. But his mind was racing. The Dark Lord’s return, his new appearance, the timing of it all— it was clear that the landscape of power had shifted dramatically in the span of a single night.

As Voldemort’s eyes swept over his assembled followers, Lucius steeled himself. Whatever came next, he knew that his every word, every action, would be crucial.

Lucius could feel the cold, damp earth beneath his knees. His mind raced, trying to fit this unexpected development into the complex political chessboard he’d been navigating.

The silence that had fallen over the group was broken by a single, hesitant voice. “How?”

Lord Voldemort’s smile only widened, his dark eyes glinting in the moonlight. He disregarded the question entirely, instead posing one of his own. “Are you ready to serve me as you once did?”

A chorus of affirmations rose from the gathered Death Eaters, Lucius’s voice among them.

“Yes, my Lord.” He intoned, even as his thoughts whirled, attempting to anticipate the Dark Lord’s next move and how it would affect the delicate balance of power.

But Voldemort’s next words sent Lucius’s carefully constructed plans into disarray.

“We go to Azkaban.” The Dark Lord announced, his voice smooth and commanding. “A few of our good, loyal friends have been there for quite some time, have they not?”

Not for the first time that night, Lucius resisted the urge to curse.

Of all the…