Delivery

November 10, 1992, 3:00 PM, Room of Requirement, Hogwarts

Adam Clarke

The magic shimmered in the palm of my hand, responding to my focused desire. My movements were dance-like, nearly ritualistic as I did my best to stay in the center of the Room, my wandless magic training in full swing.

The soft glow of my Light Charm emanated from my outstretched hand, a testament to the progress I’d made over the past week.

I focused on the flow of magic within me, a subtle current that responded to my intentions.

The key, I discovered, was not to force it but to guide it in the way only I could understand. The spark of silver light illuminated the room, casting shadows that danced along the walls.

“A full week just to get this far.” I said, incredulous though not dissatisfied as I slowly transferred the spark of light from one hand to the other before using both hands to hold the magic together. 

Let’s see…

Even more slowly now, I kept focusing on the same flow, taking a step back from my spell, and pausing before taking another. I continued in this way for half of a minute before the spark began to flicker and die.

“…” Staring down at the floor, I estimated the distance. “Ten feet, this time. Held the spell at ten feet.”

As I took a deep breath, I focused my thoughts on the comforting ambiance of my favorite study environment.

The Room of Requirement responded to my thoughts, its magical energies bending to my desire. Slowly the surroundings transformed.

The walls shifted from the neutral, dark tones of the training space to warm, earthy hues. Bookshelves materialized, lined with an array of tomes on various magical subjects. The air became infused with the subtle scent of aged parchment and enchanted ink, creating an atmosphere conducive to focused learning.

Soft, ambient light emanated from floating candles that appeared, casting a gentle glow across the room. A large, ornate desk materialized in the center, adorned with quills, parchments, and a few carefully placed magical artifacts to tease the imagination.

I marveled at the seamless transition, appreciating the versatility of the Room. “No matter how many times I see this, I can never get enough— love this place. Thanks, Alef.”

Alef buzzed within my mind, the ancient entity almost effervescent in his happiness.

I moved to the desk, and began adding a new entry in my research journal.

I scribbled my thoughts on paper, the ink flowing in harmony with the musings that filled my mind.

“Managed a solid ten feet this time.” I noted, contemplating the evolving nuances of my magical training. “A tentative observation, but the constant practice seems to be key. Wandless magic shares similarities with its wand counterpart, yet the subtleties emerge more prominently in this uncharted realm.”

I paused to ponder the essence of this magical discipline.

I couldn’t help but wonder about the future of my wandless magic proficiency. The fluidity of movement had proven effective, yet I harbored a desire for a more refined control— that is to say, the ability to invoke magic with the mere power of my thoughts.

The prospect of seamlessly casting spells without the need for physical gestures or constant motion lingered as an aspirational goal, a pursuit that hinted at the limitless potential within the realm of wandless magic.

With a smirk, I gently placed the pen on the table, contemplating the intricate setup that was required by my current wandless magic practice.

“It would be nice.” I mused aloud. “If I didn’t have to perform a dance routine every time I wanted to wield this magic.”

Though I was relatively fit thanks to all of the work I did for Hagrid, as well as the regular exercise I stacked on top of that, dancing placed a different strain on my body, and it was one I hadn’t become accustomed to, just yet.

“Music is the strongest magic.” I paraphrased something Dumbledore said a long time ago, in a universe far, far away. “But dancing is the most annoying. Heh.”

Though, speaking of dances…

My mind drifted to the recent announcement of the upcoming Christmas Ball, yet another spectacle promised by the League of Nine. 

I shook my head.

“Well.” I said to myself. “At least this year doesn’t lack for excitement.”

The buzz about the upcoming ball dominated conversations, and inevitably, one of my friends posed the question of who I intended to take.

Until now, I had sidestepped and deflected such inquiries, but in this solitary moment, I found myself pondering— was there someone I wanted to invite?

My thoughts drifted to Ophelia, and the memory of our unexpected kiss played like a vivid scene in my mind.

Fingers absentmindedly traced the lingering warmth on my lips, a subtle blush coloring my cheeks as I relived the moment.

However, with a gentle shake of my head, I dismissed the notion.

That kiss felt like a singular reward, a snapshot frozen in time— it was an expression of the woman’s gratitude rather than a prelude to something more profound.

Ophelia may not have said as much, but I wasn’t stupid. I was able to tell.

Still, that left me with a quandary. Who should I take? Or should I go alone? Hell, why do I even care about this?

It was amidst these thoughts that I was greeted by a familiar voice. “Hello, Zero.”

I turned and smiled at the familiar face. “Helena.”

Helena glided towards me with her ever subtle, ethereal glow. A pleased glint sparkled in her translucent eyes.

“You’re looking well.” I said as soon as she was in front of me. “Had a good day?”

Helena’s incorporeal form seemed to shimmer with an otherworldly radiance as she answered me. “I’ve had a very pleasant day, thank you. And how are you?”

Her voice, though soft and ghostly, held a warmth that transcended the spectral nature of her being. It was a comforting presence, and her genuine interest in my well-being warmed my heart without fail.

I shared with Helena the progress I’d made in wandless magic, describing the intricate dance of energy I performed to cast spells without the aid of a wand.

As I spoke, her ethereal eyes gleamed with curiosity.

“Dancing?” She said, intrigued.

I nodded, feeling a little self conscious about it, still. I had never been good at dancing, so Helena showing interest in it was a little scary to me.

“Well, would you mind giving me a little demonstration?” Helena asked, her form swirling gently as she floated before me. “I’m intrigued to witness it firsthand.”

With a tentative nod, I took a step back, attempting to quell the nervous energy coursing through me.

As I began the sequence of movements, I did my best to focus on the feeling of my own magic and my desire to bring light forth into the world. “Lumos.”

Another spark appeared in the palm of my hand, casting a soft glow.

I couldn’t help but wonder if my movements were as graceful and controlled as I hoped, and so the spell flickered in response. Gritting my teeth, I redoubled my focus.

Helena watched with her characteristic, intense scrutiny, and although her face showed appreciation, my own self-consciousness continued to overshadow the magic I was trying to showcase.

It felt like a spotlight was aimed at my vulnerabilities, magnifying the imperfections I feared she might notice.

And yet, despite all of hesitation and self doubt, Helena applauded softly at the conclusion, her appreciative laughter echoing in the room.

“Truly remarkable… I’ve never seen anything quite like it, my friend.” Her words reassured me, offering a comforting balm to the self-consciousness that had lingered.

“… Thank you, Helena.” I said. “Moving like that— dancing— isn’t my forte, sadly, so it’s hard to keep that going.”

“Time and practice, then?”

“Unfortunately so.” I said, before running a hand through my hair. “But there’s barely any time for anything like that. Spellbreaking, dueling, my studies, wandless magic, and now a ball…”

Helena’s gaze was sympathetic as I voiced my concerns. “Balancing the demands of various pursuits can indeed be challenging. I understand.”

I sighed, appreciating her empathy. “It’s just… with the Ball approaching, I find myself thinking about whether to attend and, if so, who to take.”

Her expression shifted into something I couldn’t quite read, even though she was smiling at me. “Oh? Do you happen to have someone in mind?”

My thoughts involuntarily drifted to Ophelia, once again recalling that very odd moment of intimacy.

“There might be someone.” I said, though I shook my head. “But it’s complicated. She kissed me, but it was probably just a one time thing.”

“Perhaps you should ask her.” She said in such a mild tone it caught me completely off guard.

What!? I thought, seeing the subtle smile on her face.

I couldn’t help but think that Helena was hiding something. She looked altogether too pleased with herself, rather than curious.

Okay, something is definitely up, here. I thought. I stared at her, a mixture of curiosity and suspicion in my gaze. “Helena, I know you’re holding something back here. Do you have a stake in all of this?”

She sighed, her translucent features expressing a hint of amusement and concession.

“Very well.” She said, waving my concern away. “If you must know… I did, in fact, encourage Ophelia to seek you out.”

My eyes widened in surprise. “You… what?”

Helena regarded me with an oddly understanding expression, as if she anticipated the storm of questions swirling in my mind. However, she did not reply.

As I sought to make sense of the revelation, I gathered my thoughts and voiced the question that echoed the most through my mind.

“Not that I’m complaining.” I said. “But why?”

Helena, in response, floated towards the window, gazing outside as if contemplating her response. She held her silence, and it felt like the room itself was holding its breath in anticipation.

Finally, her words reached me in a soft murmur, almost too low to discern clearly.

“Because I thought you deserve to be happy.”

“I don’t— I’m so confused…” I admitted, a mixture of emotions swirling within me as I approached Helena. As she turned to face me, I detected a subtle blend of sadness and an unspoken need in her eyes.

Overwhelmed by a sudden surge of empathy, I reached out and gently took her hand in mine.

“What brought this on? Tell me.” I said, keeping my voice gentle as I warmed her spectral hand up. “What happened?”

Helena’s gaze met my own, and she nodded. 

“Ophelia… She came to me at the beginning of the year. Well, that isn’t to say she came to me, personally, but I happened to be where she had gone to find some privacy.” Helena’s spectral gaze met mine as she began to unfold the tale.

“We had formed an unlikely friendship, with myself offering support to her so that she could defeat that which ailed her. In our conversations, I discovered the depth of her struggles and the weight she carried.” Helena continued. “She spoke of you, of the kindness you showed, and the strength you displayed when she needed it the most. It became clear to me that there was something more than gratitude in her words.”

“And so you sent her over to me.”

“I directed her to you, yes. She needed closure.” Helena explained. “And I imagined you would be more than willing to assist her.”

I let out a sigh, realizing the intricacy of the web of events that had unfolded.

“Right, right…” I replied, processing the revelation.

“And I made sure to watch her, just in case she had designs on you.” Helena admitted.

“You… Were watching,” I said, a healthy dose of surprise in my voice. “Watching us kiss.”

What the Hell. I thought, my mind going a mile a minute. Is she… a voyeur?

“Surprised?” Helena asked, her eyes hinting at something more, something beyond the mere act of observation, though her words did not hint at anything less than innocent. “I’m glad she didn’t do anything untoward. She needed a moment of healing, and you, in your own way, provided that.”

I raised an eyebrow, still puzzled. “But why involve yourself in this? Why help her like that?”

Helena smiled softly, her ethereal features growing warm with the rush of positive emotion. “Sometimes, people need a nudge, a guiding hand. And perhaps, in guiding her, I hoped to make you happy as a result.”

As her words hung in the air, there was an implicit confirmation in her gaze, leaving me with more questions than answers.

So she was playing matchmaker again— though with the intent to watch, this time…

Is this a ghost thing, or a Helena thing? I wondered, not really sure how to respond to any of this. She clearly cares… maybe…

Was I reading too much into this?

“Helena…” I said.

“Yes?”

“All this talk of rewards and healing… was this to be my reward for helping you, as well?”

Helena looked away, her cheeks gaining life as her spectral skin turned rosy. “… Maybe.”

Helena’s admission left me both surprised and deeply flattered, but a small part of me felt almost violated by her course of action. “So let me get this straight; you planned this. The kiss, everything? Just to make me happy.”

“Not everything.” Helena clarified again, trying to avoid the real crux of the issue. “I nudged her toward you, hoping it would bring both of you some solace. The kiss, that was her choice. And yours.”

Her words tore right through my steadily negative mindset. Helena wasn’t the sort of person to lie, and having existed a thousand years as a ghost, I knew her sense of morals and propriety had been skewed.

Whose wouldn’t?

Meeting my gaze with a sincerity that defied my understanding, Helena said. “I assure you, Zero, I only ever wanted to make you happy.”

I opened my mouth and closed it, still speechless in the wake of her apparent devotion to me.

“I’m sorry…” She said, slowly floating away from me as her expression seemed to wilt. “I’ll just—”

“No!” I said quickly, grasping her forearm to keep her from going. “Please, stay.”

Helena immediately stopped, and I pulled her a little closer to me. “Helena…”

“Yes?” She asked, her gaze nervous and unsure.

I didn’t answer her for a moment, the storm of emotions raging within me until I decided to throw caution to the wind and say the first thing that came to mind.

“Will you come to the ball with me?”

Helena’s eyes widened in disbelief, and for a moment, the quietness of the room echoed my own pounding heart.

“Come to the ball with you?” She repeated, as if confirming that she heard correctly.

I gulped, but nodded. “Yes.”

Helena’s spectral form shifted with confusion.

“I don’t understand.” She said, her voice carrying no small amount of confusion. “I’m a ghost, Zero. Wouldn’t a living girl be more suitable?”

I smiled gently, squeezing her hand gently. “Suitable? It’s not about that, but about who I want to go with. And I want it to be you.”

A mix of surprise and warmth crossed her features, and without saying another word, she enveloped me in a gentle hug.

“Yes!” She said happily, and I actually felt her breath against my skin.

“Yes?”

“I’ll go with you, Zero.” Helena said, pulling back and giving me a radiant smile. “Yes!”

Still stunned, I let her sink into my embrace once again.

Did that just happen?

oooo

8:00 PM, London…

In a dimly lit alleyway in the city of London, shadows danced ominously across the graffiti-covered walls.

A sense of unease permeated the air, causing any pedestrians to cast furtive glances at the foreboding passageway, hurrying their pace out of fear too subtle for them to understand, but powerful all the same.

The feeble glow of flickering street lights not only failed to stop the encroaching darkness that clung to the alley, but bestowed upon it an additional, malevolent presence.

Amid the urban disarray, an upturned dumpster defied its inert nature as it began to move to the side.

The terrible sound of metal grinding against asphalt echoed through the confined space, a haunting symphony that would have sent shivers down the spines of those who dared to venture close— if they were stupid enough to do so. 

Vanessa emerged from the concealed passageway, her silhouette a haunting specter against the backdrop of the dimly lit alley.

Her once-vibrant energy seemed drained, and the weariness etched across her face painted a picture of relentless exhaustion.

Dark circles underlined her eyes, betraying the lack of sleep endured since her intense duel with Lockhart.

The echoes of her footsteps resonated with the weariness that weighed on her shoulders.

Dodging the magical law enforcement patrols had been bad enough— a relentless game of cat and mouse, pushing her to the limits of her endurance.

As with all things, however, it only got worse.  The barely hours-old memory of a deadly encounter with a law enforcement squad still lingering in her mind, Vanessa pressed forward.

She could not stay here any longer. From her interrogation of one of the surviving squad members, she knew that they were supposed to be reporting in at the DMLE right about now.

Doubtless, the squad’s absence would be noted very quickly. It wasn’t as if it was one person missing, but all five.

Soon, this place would be swarming with more patrol wizards, or hitwizards— maybe even an Auror or two, if the situation was considered high risk enough.

Vanessa would normally have welcomed such a challenge with open arms; she was always looking for a man or woman who could possibly defeat her.

The fight was the only time she felt alive, truly felt the blood pumping through her veins.

And though she had enjoyed the fight against the squad tremendously, she still had only just healed from her injuries, and barely at that.

She ignored the pain in her leg and continued putting one foot in front of the other. Their resident Healer, Durand, was going to tear her a new asshole when she got back to Phoenix’ Roost, but Vanessa smiled at the thought.

Durand was quite the striking woman, so spending time in the medical wing was just a bonus for her. Who knew, maybe she could get even a little action?

A moment later, Vanessa paid for that bit of humor with a wince, her suppressed laughter sending waves of agony through her body.

Ignoring the pain, she flicked her wand through the air, weaving a silent spell over her form. As the magical energy enveloped her, her sleek, dark wizarding robes morphed into casual, inconspicuous muggle attire.

The deep hues of her wizarding garments shifted into the earthy tones of a pair of well-fitted jeans and a comfortable, loose-fitting sweater. The sleekness of her robe gave way to the comfort of a worn leather jacket.

The transfiguration also worked its magic on her footwear, trading the distinctive wizarding boots for a pair of sturdy, everyday sneakers.

The air of mystique that had clung to her in wizarding garb was now replaced by the unassuming charm of a casual passerby, allowing her to navigate the streets without drawing any unwanted attention.

And it was just as well; mere minutes after her departure, Vanessa began taking notice of a few peculiar things— shifts in the air, faint pops, as well as a few strangely dressed wizards, walking around the streets.

Through it all, Vanessa kept her calm, resisting the urge to pull her jacket’s hood up.

Instinctively, she knew that the fabric would hide her face from her enemies, but those after her were expecting that sort of behavior. No; she had to maintain the facade of being an unhurried muggle.

Seeing a few people gathered at a bus stop ahead of her, she approached them, asking the one in the lead when the bus would arrive.

“Just about— oh, there it is.” The man said, pointing behind her.

Vanessa turned, and sure enough, she spotted the approaching bus making its way around the corner. With a low hum, the bus rumbled down the street, its tires rolling against the asphalt as it steadily approached the stop.

Its doors hissed open, revealing the warmth and faint chatter of passengers inside.

Vanessa, maintaining her composed demeanor, thanked the man for the information and joined the line of people waiting to board the bus. The regularity of the scene hid Vanessa from the probing eyes around her, and soon, the bus lurched forward, carrying her off into parts unknown.

As the bus rumbled forward, Vanessa remained seated, her gaze fixed on the passing scenery outside the window.

The urban landscape gradually transformed over the next hour, evolving into an unfamiliar maze of streets and buildings.

The rhythmic hum of the engine provided a soothing backdrop as Vanessa contemplated her next move.

When the bus finally came to a halt, Vanessa disembarked, stepping onto an unfamiliar sidewalk. The surroundings were a blend of commercial and residential areas, with shops lining the streets and apartment complexes towering overhead. The city’s pulse throbbed around her, a symphony of distant chatter and the occasional honk of a car horn.

Vanessa took a moment to assess her surroundings, noting the vibrancy of the crowd bustling around her. 

With no clear destination in mind, she decided to explore, navigating the labyrinth of streets and alleys that sprawled before her. As she ventured deeper, Vanessa’s sharp eyes scanned for potential out of view spots.

It took a while, but she eventually found a little nook in another alleyway between two restaurants.

Perfect. She thought as she checked around the hidden dead end. No one would see her, here, and she was far away from the Aurors.

Taking a breath, she focused. Had she been at full strength, she would not have hesitated, but battered and drained as she was, Vanessa would need every sliver of concentration she could muster.

She focused her mind, imagining the gates of Phoenix’ Roost and spun on her heel, Disapparating with a crack which went unheard by anyone nearby.

Vanessa’s fatigued form appeared in front of the gates of Grindelwald’s base of operations, catching the attention of the guards. Their recognition evident in concerned expressions, the two moved to assist her.

Quickly, she noticed that she was being led to the medical wing.

“No infirmary.” She rasped, suppressing the weariness in her voice. “Take me to Grindelwald first.”

“Are you sure?”

“Don’t make me ask twice.”

Knowing not to test their luck, the guards adjusted their course, leading her not to the comforting beds of the infirmary but to the heart of Phoenix’ Roost.

Durand will have to wait.

Vanessa’s determined strides echoed through the corridors, each step a testament to her resilience in the face of physical strain. Ignoring the offered assistance, she ascended the stairs with a dogged determination, ignoring the now-stabbing pain in her leg.

Just a little longer.

Finally, she arrived at the entrance of Grindelwald’s solar. The doors stood open, revealing the enigmatic leader immersed in contemplation, his gaze fixed on a distant vista only he could see.

She stepped in the room, the door closing behind her.

“I was almost worried about you.” Grindelwald said by way of greeting, turning to face the woman.

Though his tone was mild, Grindelwald’s presence still commanded the room, his tall frame emanating an aura of quiet authority.

His intense, mismatched eyes, however, belied the man’s seeming calmness.

“Worried?” Vanessa scoffed as she stepped forward, reaching into one of her pockets and pulling a carefully wrapped bundle, placing it on the large desk. “The mirror, as requested.”

Grindelwald stared at her for a moment before unwinding the bundle.

Grindelwald’s fingers deftly worked to reveal the shrunken mirror, his gaze shifting from the reflective surface to Vanessa.

“You’ve done well.” He acknowledged, a hint of approval in his voice. “But you look worse for wear. Your little escapade didn’t go smoothly, I presume?”

“Not at all.” Vanessa said, though she grinned. “But it is done. I’ve held up my end of the bargain.”

Will you? She thought, but kept her peace.

Grindelwald took a seat, taking the mirror in hand again and inspecting it closely for a few seconds before placing it back.

“Yes.” Grindelwald said, nodding as he turned his attention to her again. “You have. Go on to the infirmary— when you are done, we will discuss… compensation.”

Vanessa only smirked.