Foresight

April 11, 1993, 11:00 PM, Hospital Wing, Hogwarts

Harry Potter

The Hospital Wing lay shrouded in darkness, its long rows of beds barely visible in the dim moonlight that filtered through the high windows. An eerie quiet had settled over the room, broken only by the occasional rustle of sheets or soft groan from one of the many patients.

The air hung heavy with the scent of medicinal potions and healing salves, a familiar mixture that usually brought comfort to those within these walls.

Harry Potter lay awake in his bed, staring up at the vaulted ceiling. Despite the relative calm that had descended upon the wing, he felt anything but peaceful. The stone walls that had always represented safety and shelter now seemed to loom over him, their protective embrace somehow hollow in the wake of recent events.

His mind raced, replaying the chaotic scenes in his mind. The attack, the assassination attempt, the sheer scale of destruction— it all swirled in his thoughts, refusing to grant him even a moment’s respite.

Harry’s fingers clenched around his bedsheet, his knuckles white with tension. The quiet that surrounded him felt oppressive, almost mocking in its contrast to the turmoil within.

Safety, he realized, was an illusion that had been shattered. If the events of the attack hadn’t torn away the veil of security he had allowed himself to believe in, then the news shared by his friends did. As he lay there, surrounded by the injured and the healing, Harry couldn’t shake the feeling that this was merely the calm before an even greater storm.

Harry’s body went still as he heard the soft rustle of movement nearby. His eyes darted towards the source of the sound, watching intently as the curtain around his bed parted seemingly of its own accord.

He knew instantly what this meant— an invisible intruder.

No!

His hand instinctively reached for his wand, only to remember it wasn’t there. Frustration and fear mingled in his chest as he realized how vulnerable he was in his current state.

The magical exhaustion from the earlier battles had left him drained, unable to even sense the familiar outline of magic that usually betrayed the presence of invisibility cloaks or Charms.

Panic began to rise in his throat as the curtain closed again, leaving him trapped with an unseen threat. Harry’s mind raced, trying to formulate a plan. He opened his mouth to shout, to alert anyone who might be nearby, but no sound escaped his lips.

The realization hit him like a blow— his attacker had silenced him with a spell.

Just as true fear began to take hold, the air shimmered, and a figure materialized before him. Harry’s eyes widened in surprise and relief as he recognized the familiar face of his adopted brother, Adam.

The tension in his body eased slightly, but confusion quickly took its place. Why would Adam sneak in like this? Harry hadn’t seen him when Sirius and Remus had visited, making him wonder what was going on.

Sirius hadn’t been particularly helpful when asked, so Harry imagined it must have been important.

Adam’s lips curved into a small, apologetic smile as he raised a finger to his lips, signaling for Harry to keep his voice down. With a subtle flick of his wand, he lifted the silencing spell.

“Sorry about that.” Adam whispered, his voice barely audible in the quiet of the Hospital Wing. “How are you holding up?”

Harry swallowed, his throat dry from the lingering effects of the spell and the tension of the moment. He kept his voice low, matching Adam’s hushed tone.

“I’ve been better.” He replied, a mix of relief and wariness in his eyes. “What’s going on, Adam? Why didn’t you come earlier?”

As he spoke, Harry’s gaze darted around, checking to see if anyone else had noticed Adam’s clandestine entrance. Though he couldn’t see past the curtains, the rest of the wing seemed as if it remained still, the other patients undisturbed by their whispered exchange.

“I wasn’t…” Adam stopped, looking away. “I wasn’t in my right mind.”

“…” Harry absorbed this information. “Anything I can do?”

“No.” Adam said, shaking his head with a wry smile. “But thank you for offering, even though you’re the one who needs help right now. Think about yourself for once, won’t you?”

“Hmph.” Harry shifted slightly in his bed, wincing as the movement caused his injuries to flare up with pain. He fixed Adam with a questioning look, waiting for an explanation that would justify this late-night, covert visit. “Still haven’t told me why you’re here so late; surely you could’ve come back in the morning?”

Adam leaned in closer, his expression a mix of urgency and intrigue.

“The Thestrals.” He whispered. “They’re asking for you, Harry. I know it sounds odd, but it’s important.”

Harry’s brow furrowed in confusion. The Thestrals were primarily associated with Adam, particularly his familiar, Absol.

What could they possibly want with me? As the question formed in his mind, a sudden realization sent a shiver down his spine.

“Is this… is this about Astrid?” Harry asked, his voice barely above a whisper. “I haven’t felt her in a while; not Hedwig, either.”

Adam nodded slowly, a knowing look in his eyes.

“It could be. I didn’t see her in the Forest that night.” He confirmed.

“I’ve been meaning to ask about that— the attack—”

“I know.” Adam cut him off, shaking his head. “I’ll tell you about it on the way there. But here’s something going on, Harry. Something big. Whatever that wave of power was— I assume you’ve been told about that?”

Harry nodded.

“Good.” Adam said. “Well, it’s important.”

Harry’s mind raced, trying to process this information. The events of the past few days had already been overwhelming, and now this mysterious summons from the Thestrals added another layer of complexity to an already chaotic situation.

He glanced around his closed section, weighing his options. His instincts told him he should stay put, recover; he wasn’t strong enough. Another part of him, the part that had faced countless dangers before, urged him to go, to find out what was happening.

“Alright.” Harry said finally, meeting Adam’s gaze. “Help me up. But if this turns out to be another life-threatening adventure, I’m going to hit you.”

“Wouldn’t have it any other way.” Adam said, holding out a familiar wand of Holly in his hand. “Got you something.”

Harry smiled and instantly winced as he pushed himself up from the bed, expecting a wave of pain to wash over him. To his surprise, the initial discomfort subsided quickly. He took a few cautious steps, testing his limits. There was still considerable strain in his muscles, but he found himself more mobile than he’d anticipated.

At least my body’s much better than earlier.

“Here.” Adam handed him the wand, and Harry was disappointed to feel only a mild reaction from his wand. “You might not be able to cast any spells, but I know you. You wouldn’t want to sleep anywhere without it.”

“Where was it?” Harry asked, staring down at his own wand like he didn’t even recognize it.

“Nicked it from Pomfrey’s drawer.” Adam replied. “Don’t worry, I’ll put it back there when we’re done, if you like.”

“Thanks.” Harry said. Turning to Adam, he continued. “I’m not exactly in peak condition here. How am I supposed to make it all the way to the Forbidden Forest?”

The thought of trekking through the castle grounds and into the dense woods seemed daunting in his current state.

Adam’s response was a cryptic smile.

“Don’t worry.” He murmured, his mismatched eyes gleaming with a hint of mischief. “I’ve got something worked out. We just need to make it to the window.”

Harry’s brow furrowed, a mix of curiosity and apprehension crossing his face. Whatever Adam had planned, it was clear this wouldn’t be a conventional journey. Despite his reservations, Harry found himself nodding in agreement.

He moved quietly to retrieve his clothes, wincing slightly as he bent to pull on his shoes.

Once dressed, Harry turned back to Adam, his expression a blend of determination and wariness.

“Alright.” He whispered. “I’m ready. Let’s see this plan of yours.”

Harry followed Adam through the Hospital Wing, his steps careful and quiet. As they passed all of the beds, the reality of recent events weighed heavily upon him.

He’d never seen this place so full. Each closed curtain represented a story of pain and suffering, a stark reminder of the battles they’d just endured. The sight of so many injured classmates and allies made Harry’s chest tighten with a mix of guilt and resolve.

As they approached the open window, the cool night air brushed against Harry’s face, offering a momentary respite from the oppressive atmosphere inside. His guilt at leaving was quickly overshadowed by surprise as he peered out into the darkness.

There, hovering silently outside the window, was Absol. The Thestral’s skeletal form was barely visible against the night sky, her leathery wings beating slowly to keep herself aloft. What caught Harry’s attention was the saddle strapped to her back, large enough to accommodate an adult— or as he quickly realized, two young wizards.

Harry’s eyes widened. He’d ridden Absol once before, but never like this, never from such a precarious starting point.

“Ready?” Adam whispered, his voice tinged with excitement.

Harry swallowed hard, his gaze shifting between Adam and Absol. The gravity of what they were about to do suddenly hit him.

“As ready as I’ll ever be.” Harry replied, his voice a mix of determination and nervousness. He took a deep breath, steeling himself for whatever lay ahead. “Let’s do this.”

The cool night air whipped past them as Absol glided effortlessly above the treeline. Despite the darkness of the moonless sky, Harry felt a surge of exhilaration coursing through him. The wind in his hair and the gentle rhythm of Absol’s wings beneath them provided a stark contrast to the stifling atmosphere of the Hospital Wing.

For a brief moment, Harry allowed himself to revel in the sensation of flight, a familiar comfort in these uncertain times. The worries that had plagued him earlier seemed to fade into the background, replaced by a renewed sense of purpose and anticipation.

As they soared over the Forbidden Forest, Harry leaned slightly towards Adam, raising his voice just enough to be heard over the rush of wind.

“Where exactly are we going?” He called out, curiosity getting the better of him. “Beyond the Forest?”

Adam opened his mouth to respond but suddenly paused, his eyes fixed on something ahead. He extended his arm, pointing towards a break in the dense canopy below.

“No, there.” He said.

Harry followed Adam’s gesture, his eyes adjusting to make out a large clearing amidst the sea of trees. Even from this height, he could sense something different about this area— a concentration of magical energy that seemed to pulse faintly in the night, heading eastward towards a nexus of brilliant power he could nearly see with his naked eyes.

Harry couldn’t help the smile that spread over his face; either his magic was coming back, allowing him to see such sights, or the magic here was especially thick.

“That’s where the Thestrals are gathered.” Adam explained, guiding Absol into a gentle descent towards the clearing.

As they approached, Harry’s heartbeat quickened. He tightened his grip slightly as Absol began to circle the clearing, preparing for landing. The forest floor rushed up to meet them, and Harry braced himself for the impact, only to feel nothing.

“It takes getting used to.” Adam said quietly. “Absol really is a great flyer.”

“You can say that again— wait, no. Shut up, Adam.”

“I didn’t say anything.” Adam said and dismounted with practiced ease.

Harry, however, found himself struggling. The exhilaration of the flight had masked his physical state, and now the tiredness hit him full force. His limbs felt leaden, refusing to cooperate as he attempted to slide off the Thestral’s back.

Adam quickly noticed Harry’s difficulty and moved to assist him.

“I’m sorry.” He said softly, helping Harry down. “I should have realized this would be too much so soon.”

Harry shook his head, brushing off the apology even as he leaned heavily on Adam for support. Once steady on his feet, he fixed Adam with an intense gaze. “Alright, we’re here. What’s really going on, Adam? What was so urgent that I had to be brought out here in the middle of the night?”

Adam shifted uncomfortably, his eyes darting around the clearing before settling back on Harry.

“It’s… it’s the Thestral Elder, apparently.” He explained, his voice betraying uncertainty. “She specifically asked for you by name. Whatever this is about, it must be incredibly important if it couldn’t wait.”

Harry frowned, a sense of unease settling in his stomach. The idea of being summoned by an elder of these death-associated creatures sent a chill down his spine. “And you have no idea what they want?”

Adam shook his head.

“No, but I promise you, Harry.” He said, his tone becoming fiercely protective. “I won’t let anyone or anything harm you. You have my word.”

The look in Adam’s eyes was intense, almost fervent. Harry could see the unspoken promise there— a willingness to go to extreme lengths to ensure his safety. It was both reassuring and slightly unsettling.

Harry took a deep breath, steeling himself.

“Alright then.” He said, straightening up as much as his weakened body would allow. “Let’s see what this Elder wants.”

They began to move deeper into the clearing and the throng of animals. The air around them seemed to thicken with anticipation, and somewhere in the shadows, he could sense the presence of watching eyes.

Harry stood rooted to the spot, his eyes wide as he took in the sight before him. Two Thestrals emerged from the herd, their skeletal forms somehow more imposing than any he had seen before.

The first was massive, its presence radiating authority and power. But it was the second that truly captured Harry’s attention. This Thestral was ancient, its milky eyes speaking of wisdom accumulated over countless years.

Adam, however, seemed unfazed. He stepped forward confidently, greeting the creatures as if they were old acquaintances. Harry watched in concern as Adam approached the pair.

The larger Thestral— clearly the alpha of the herd— took an aggressive step towards Adam. Harry’s heart leapt into his throat, a warning on the tip of his tongue. But before he could utter a sound, the alpha snorted and lowered its head, shoving Adam back with surprising gentleness despite its imposing size.

Adam stumbled back a few steps, a wry grin spreading across his face.

“Good to see you again, too.” He said, his tone a mix of affection and exasperation.

The familiarity of the interaction caught Harry off guard. He had known that Adam had a special connection with the Thestrals, but seeing him interact directly with the herd was something else entirely. It spoke of an understanding that went far beyond what Harry had imagined.

Still feeling weak and overwhelmed, Harry took a tentative step forward. “Adam?”

As he spoke, the ancient Thestral’s gaze shifted to him. Those milky eyes seemed to peer into his very soul, and Harry felt a shiver run down his spine. Adam turned back to Harry, his expression sobering.

“It’s okay, Harry.” He said reassuringly.

“The Elder.” He gestured to the ancient Thestral. “Has something important to share with us, I think. What is it?”

The Elder made eye contact with Adam, and he seemed to shift in place. Mental communication? Whatever it was, Adam seemed to be listening intently. After a moment, His expression shifted to one of concern and confusion.

Harry, feeling left out of the silent exchange, spoke up. “What is it? What did the Elder say?”

Adam turned to Harry, his brow furrowed. “The Elder says that Astrid has sequestered herself at the ruin.”

“The ruin?” Harry asked, his confusion evident. “What ruin? What are you talking about?”

Adam ran a hand through his hair, clearly struggling to explain.

“It’s… well, I don’t fully understand it myself.” He admitted. “It’s a place I’ve encountered before. It shows… visions of the future, I think.”

Harry frowned, trying to process this new information. “Visions of the future? Like Divination? I thought you didn’t believe in that sort of thing.”

“I’m not so sure about that anymore.” Adam replied, shaking his head. “But this place is far more complex than that. It’s not reading tea leaves or interpreting what you see in a crystal ball.”

“And Astrid came here?” Harry asked. “To do what?”

“No idea.”

Harry’s mind raced with questions. Why would Astrid, his Dragon familiar, isolate herself in such a mysterious place? And why couldn’t he feel their connection as strongly as before? The situation seemed to grow more perplexing by the minute.

“So, what does this mean?” Harry asked, looking between Adam and the Elder. “Is Astrid in danger? Why can’t I sense her properly?”

The Elder Thestral remained impassive, offering no further insight. Adam’s expression was grim as he turned back to Harry.

“I’m not sure.” He said quietly. “But if Astrid’s at the ruin, something significant must be happening. We need to find out what’s going on. Dragons are creatures of significant power, and having one here doesn’t fill me with any comforting thoughts.”

Harry nodded, a mixture of determination and worry settling in his chest. Whatever was happening with Astrid, whatever this ruin was, he knew they had to get to the bottom of it.

“Then let’s go.” Harry said firmly. “We need to find this ruin and get to Astrid.”

“Finding it’s no problem.” Adam said, smiling slightly. “I’m sure you saw it while we were coming here.”

“…” Harry nodded. “It was very bright.”

“Indeed.” Adam said, swallowing. “A significant amount of power has been collected by it. Whether it was from the battle, or the wave of power felt from the States, I have no idea. Maybe both.”

A moment of silence passed between the two before Harry broke it. “Think I can ride Absol again?”

The Alpha snorted at that and was about to leave when the Elder chirped at him. He stilled before turning to her with a thunderous gaze in his milky eyes. The Elder chirped once more, and the great Thestral seemed to deflate before moving towards Harry and crouching slightly to allow Harry on.

“…Thank you.” Harry said, mounted the Alpha, and off they went.

Onward, they moved towards the ruin. Harry felt a mix of anticipation and unease growing within him. The forest had grown denser, the trees more gnarled and ancient, their branches twisting overhead to block out what little starlight filtered through the moonless, cloudy sky.

The air seemed to thicken, heavy with an otherworldly energy that made the hairs on the back of Harry’s neck stand on end.

Finally, the trees parted, revealing a circular clearing. In the center stood the ruin— a sight that took Harry’s breath away.

It was a circular structure, reminiscent of ancient standing stones but far more intricate. Massive slabs of dark, weathered stone rose from the ground, each easily twice Harry’s height. They were arranged in two concentric circles, with the inner circle slightly elevated on a platform of smooth, worn rock. Strange symbols and runes were carved into each stone, their lines glowing faintly with a silvery-blue light that pulsed slowly, almost like a heartbeat.

“This place…” Adam said as he looked around, moving his gaze to the center. “It’s changed. What?”

At the very center of the inner circle stood a single, taller monolith. Unlike the others, this central stone was pure white, its surface unmarred by runes or time. It seemed to emit a soft, ethereal glow that cast long shadows across the clearing.

The ground within the circles was bare earth, but not like the forest floor around it. It was perfectly smooth and dark, almost like polished obsidian. Thin lines were etched into this surface, forming complex geometric patterns that spiraled out from the central monolith.

“It’s like some sort of ritual site.” Harry said as he slid off the Alpha’s back. His eyes traced the intricate patterns on the ground, the way they seemed to lead towards the central stone. “I’ve never seen anything like it.”

Turning to Adam, who was taking in the sight with a mix of familiarity and apprehension, Harry asked. “What kind of visions did you see here?”

Adam’s brow furrowed as he approached the outer circle of stones.

“It’s hard to explain.” He said, his voice low. “A horrible vision of something. Artifacts of power, some I recognize, and some I don’t, but…”

He shook his head, frustration evident in his voice. “I couldn’t put any of it together into anything useful.”

“What sort of artifacts?”

“The Mirror of Erised, for one.” Adam said, and Harry started in surprise.

“That…” Harry said slowly. “Why would you see that?”

“I have no idea.”

Harry nodded, trying to imagine what it must be like. As he took a step closer to the ruin, he felt a strange pull, as if the site itself was beckoning him forward. At the same time, he sensed a faint warmth in his chest— the first hint of his connection to Astrid that he’d felt since waking in the Hospital Wing.

“She’s here.” Harry whispered, more to himself than to Adam. “I can feel her.”

“Careful.” Adam said. “This place is not safe; it’ll erect a barrier trapping us in.”

Harry listened intently to Adam’s warning, his eyes still drawn to the mysterious ruin before them. He nodded, absorbing the gravity of Adam’s words.

“A barrier?” Harry asked, his voice low. “What kind of barrier?”

Adam shook his head, his expression a mix of frustration and concern. “I’m not sure. It’s unlike anything I’ve encountered before. It just… appeared, cutting me off from everything outside. No magic I know could breach it.”

Harry’s hand instinctively tightened around his wand, though he knew he wouldn’t even be able to cast Lumos, right now.

“Right.” He said, trying to keep his voice steady. “Don’t panic. Got it.”

As they stood at the edge of the ruin, Harry noticed something odd. He glanced back at the Thestral herd, which had come to a halt several meters away from the site’s perimeter. The creatures stood still, their milky eyes fixed on the ancient stones, but they made no move to approach further.

“Adam.” Harry said, gesturing towards the Thestrals. “They’re not coming any closer. Why?”

Adam followed Harry’s gaze, his expression grim.

“They won’t enter— didn’t, the last time, either.” He explained. “The Thestrals… they respect this place, but they fear it too.”

Harry frowned, a chill running down his spine despite the warm night air.

“But Astrid did.” He pointed out. “She’s in there now.”

Adam nodded slowly, his eyes never leaving the central white monolith.

“Yes.” He said, his voice barely above a whisper. “And that’s what worries me.”

The implications of Adam’s words hung heavy in the air between them. If creatures as magical and death-linked as Thestrals feared to enter this place, what did it mean that Astrid had gone inside? What could have driven her to seek out such a potentially dangerous location?

Harry felt the faint warmth of his connection to Astrid pulse in his chest, as if in response to his thoughts. It was stronger now, closer, but still somehow muted. Whatever was happening inside those ruins, he knew they had to face it.

“We have to go in.” Harry said, his voice filled with determination despite the fear gnawing at the edges of his mind. “Astrid needs us.”

Adam nodded, his own resolve evident in the set of his jaw.

“Together, then.” He said, meeting Harry’s gaze.

With a shared look of understanding, the two boys stepped forward, crossing the threshold into the ancient ruin. Harry and Adam cautiously made their way towards the center of the ruin, their footsteps echoing softly against the polished stone surface. As they approached, the sight before them made them both pause in astonishment.

There, curled around the tall white monolith, lay Astrid. Her massive form was coiled protectively around the stone structure, her scales reflecting the ethereal light.

Harry’s breath caught in his throat.

“Astrid.” He whispered, relief and concern mingling in his voice.

Adam nodded, his eyes fixed on the scene. “That’s where the altar used to be, but now… What is this thing?”

Harry took a step closer, his brow furrowing as he examined his draconic familiar. Something seemed off.

“Her scales.” He murmured. “They’re not as bright as usual.”

Adam moved to stand beside Harry, his keen eyes taking in every detail.

“You’re right.” He agreed, his voice tinged with worry. “She looks… exhausted. Drained, but by what?”

As they observed Astrid more closely, the signs of her recent ordeal became apparent. Her normally lustrous scales were indeed duller, lacking their usual sheen. Her breathing was deep and slow, indicative of a heavy, almost unnatural sleep.

“Do you think she’s been like this the whole time?” Harry asked, his hand instinctively reaching out towards Astrid, though he stopped short of touching her.

Adam shook his head, his expression grim. “It’s hard to say. But given what we know, it’s not surprising she’s in this state. Fighting off both poaching wizards from Castelobruxo and the Acromantula horde… it must have taken an immense toll on her.”

Harry nodded, a mix of pride and concern swelling in his chest. Astrid had fought bravely, protecting herself as well as she could without help from anyone. But at what cost?

“But why here?” Harry asked, gesturing to the ruins around them. “Why would she come to this place to rest?”

Adam’s gaze swept across the ruin, taking in the glowing runes and the central white monolith.

“I don’t know.” He admitted. “But whatever drew her here, it must be significant. This place… it’s connected to something powerful, something beyond our understanding.”

As they stood there, watching Astrid’s slumbering form, Harry couldn’t shake the feeling that they were on the cusp of uncovering something monumental. The ruin, Astrid’s presence, the visions Adam had experienced– it all seemed to be converging into a mystery that begged to be solved.

“Should we try to wake her?” Harry asked, his hand hovering uncertainly near Astrid’s scaled flank.

Adam hesitated, his eyes darting between Harry, Astrid, and the monolith she was wrapped around.

“I’m not sure that’s wise.” He said cautiously. “We don’t know what state she’s in, or why she’s here. Waking her might… disrupt something.”

Harry nodded, understanding Adam’s caution but feeling a deep-seated need to connect with his familiar. He closed his eyes, focusing on the bond between them, trying to sense anything beyond the muted warmth he’d been feeling since entering the ruin.

“What do we do now?” Harry asked, opening his eyes to meet Adam’s gaze.

The question hung in the air between them, weighted with the gravity of their situation and the mysteries that surrounded them.

“Then there’s no choice.” Harry stepped forward, determination overriding his caution. He called softly, reaching out to stroke her forehead. “Astrid. It’s me, Harry. Can you wake up?”

“Harry, wait—” Adam’s protest was cut short as Harry’s hand made contact with Astrid’s scales.

For a moment, nothing happened. Harry was about to step back when suddenly, Astrid’s eyes snapped open. Her gaze, filled with ancient power, locked onto Harry’s.

Harry’s eyes widened as he saw the same stylized flame symbol he’d seen in the past floating in her gaze. He was about to say something when the world around them exploded with energy.

He felt a surge of power coursing through him, emanating from the point where his hand touched Astrid’s scales. He vaguely registered Adam’s surprised exclamation before everything else faded away, replaced by a torrent of visions.

Images flashed before Harry’s eyes, each lasting only a fraction of a second but burning themselves into his mind with vivid clarity.

A dark, cavernous space, dominated by an imposing stone arch. Its surface rippled like water, yet it stood vertical, defying gravity. A swirling vortex of energy, pulsing with colors Harry had never seen before, forming what could only be described as a portal to somewhere… else.

A river, its waters a deep, viscous red. Blood, Harry realized with a start, flowing endlessly towards an unseen destination.

More images followed, each more incomprehensible than the last. Places that couldn’t exist in the world he knew, creatures that defied description, events that seemed to bend the very fabric of reality.

As suddenly as it began, the vision ended. Harry stumbled backward, his mind reeling from the onslaught of information. He felt himself fall, only to be caught by Adam’s steady arms.

“Harry!” Adam’s voice was filled with concern. “What happened? What did you see?”

Harry blinked rapidly, trying to focus on Adam’s face. His breath came in short gasps as he struggled to process what he’d just experienced.

“I… I saw…” Harry stammered, his voice shaky. “The whole world, Adam. An arch in a dark cave… a portal… a river of blood…” He shook his head, overwhelmed by the memories.

“And… and a void.”

As the last word left Harry’s lips, he felt Adam stiffen behind him. Looking up, Harry saw all color drain from Adam’s face, his expression a mix of shock and dawning horror.

“Adam?” Harry asked, his own fear mounting at his friend’s reaction. “What is it? What does it mean?”

But Adam seemed frozen, his eyes distant as if seeing something far beyond the ruins around them. The silence that fell between them was heavy with unspoken dread, broken only by Astrid’s deep, rumbling breaths as she watched them with her ancient, knowing eyes.

The wand in his hand, Harry realized, felt warm and welcoming— a sign of his returned magic— and yet Harry felt nothing but anxiousness.