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Beta read by Aeroway.
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CHAPTER EIGHTY-TWO
THE BRIGHTEST DARKNESS
June 2, 1974 (Sunday)
PREMIER LEAGUE TITLE RACE:
Puddlemere United beats back Ballycastle Bats to keep within touching distance of Appleby Arrows
by A. Carnierus, Quidditch Correspondent
Puddlemere United kept their title hopes alive by securing a crucial 440-130 victory over Ballycastle Bats on Saturday. Talismanic Chaser Simon Quigley scored two centuries — an effective partnership with Beatrice Weald that saw 201/235 accurate passes — before Margaret Hoshour secured the victory in front of nearly eight thousand fans at the Down Lane Bowl.
Appleby Arrows remain in pole position for the title with an easy victory over Wigtown Wanderers at home earlier that day. At the same time, Puddlemere are two points behind the league leader entering the final fixture of the season. Now, all eyes now turn to final-day drama when Puddlemere travels to Appleby for the title-deciding match…
***
The day of the Slytherin-Gryffindor match had arrived. After the pre-match talk, Turais donned a scarf that combined the colours of both houses and sat beside Marlene and Lily in the commentator's box.
".... and Regulus Black is the Seeker," Marlene said at the end of the team introductions. "There is one change in the Slytherin line-up for today's match, with Nathaniel Elffire replacing Turais Black as Chaser. Let us take this opportunity to extend our very best wishes to Black for a swift and full recovery!"
The stadium erupted in ovation, and a familiar chant began to rise, loud and clear:
Turais Black, our shining star,
Greatest Seeker, near and far.
That's the reason we all sing,
Turais Black — our Quidditch King!
"Come on!" Lily shouted, urging him forward. Turais rose in acknowledgement, and the cheers reached a thunderous crescendo.
"It's rather embarrassing when I'm not the Seeker anymore," Turais said when the applause finally petered out.
"But it must feel nice to hear everyone sing your praises," Lily replied.
The match began, and both teams played with the determination of knowing the winner earned the last berth to the finals. The Slytherin and Gryffindor teams were evenly matched, and the lead was constantly traded between them.
Sirius also enjoyed his best match performance yet, scoring his tenth goal in under twenty minutes. As the Slytherin Keeper retrieved the Quaffle, Sirius drifted lazily by the commentator's box.
"Hey Marlene, how's the show from up here?"
Marlene grinned and announced, "Both teams are currently at one hundred and thirty points. Sirius Black also scored his first century and is now the leading goalscorer for this season."
"Oh my," Sirius gasped theatrically. "I didn't know you kept count —"
The whistle sounded, and Mister Williams shouted, "Black, get down here!"
"Hold that thought. I have a match to win!" Sirius performed a pirouette with his broom before flying off.
"What a daft git," Turais groaned.
"Someone seems to be enjoying it," Lily whispered, pointing out Marlene's amused expression.
After a few more minutes of back and forth, it was clear that the match would come down to a Seekers game. Regulus emerged victorious from his showdown against Birdwhistle, catching the Snitch and settling the match in Slytherin's favour. Amidst the jubilant roars from the Slytherin section, Turais headed to the Gryffindor dressing room, where the players filed out with disappointment etched deeply on their faces.
Spotting Sirius, Turais swung an arm around his brother's shoulder and said, "Hey, join me for a walk."
They walked along the pebbled banks of the Black Lake in silence. Eventually, Sirius tugged at Turais's half and half scarf and asked, "No one hexed you for this abomination?"
"No. I was secretly hoping someone would try, though."
"You don't have to do this…" Sirius said quietly. "I'm fine."
Turais studied his brother for a moment before picking up a random pebble.
"I know. I wanted to skip stones, but it felt silly to come here alone."
He threw the pebble, which made a heavy splash and sank immediately.
"You're doing it all wrong," muttered Sirius. He bent down, carefully selected a flat, smooth stone, and turned it over in his palm a few times to find the perfect balance. With a flick of his wrist, he sent the stone skipping effortlessly across the water. Just when it seemed the stone would continue indefinitely, a massive tentacle erupted from beneath the surface and dragged the skipping stone out of sight. "Aw, shucks. That was such a perfect throw as well…"
"Well, that's just how it goes sometimes. If it's not the Giant Squid, then it's those pesky grindylows." Turais handed his brother a second stone. "Try again?"
Sirius stared at the stone for a long while. "You know what, you're right. Some champions wait five years to compete in the Hecatean Games. We'll try for the Cup again next year!"
Turais grinned. "That's the spirit."
By the time they returned to the castle, Sirius was in much better spirits. Turais returned to the Slytherin common room, where a party was in full swing. Stepping through the portrait hole, he was immediately confronted by an irritated Regulus.
"We've been waiting for you for nearly half an hour!"
Turais frowned. "Why?"
"Because you're our captain, of course! Where were you?"
"With Sirius. I wanted to make sure he was fine."
"Oh, right…," muttered Regulus. "How is he doing?"
"He's alright now. I didn't mean to make you wait, but I'm here now!"
Regulus mustered a half-hearted grin when Jonty appeared between them.
"Turais, may I have a word?" Jonty asked, his expression serious.
"But —" Regulus protested.
"I'll be right back, Reggie," Turais said as Jonty dragged him into a hidden alcove.
"There is something you ought to know —"
Jonty stopped abruptly at the sound of footsteps. Rookwood paused at the sight of the two fifth-years, nodded curtly, and walked away.
Jonty's eyes narrowed at the interaction, and Turais prompted, "You were saying?"
"Rumours have been circulating through the portraits this week that Malfoy turned down a meeting with Voldemort," Jonty said. "Whatever you're doing, it seems to be working."
"If that's true, then it's great news indeed," Turais replied. "And what of the others on that list?"
"Nothing. But there was something else that I found interesting. It is the faintest of whispers and impossible to verify…." Jonty said hesitantly. "They claim that the propaganda writer, Tacenda Guise, is amongst us."
"Tacenda Guise is a Hogwarts student?"
"More specifically, a Slytherin pureblood." Turais scanned the many faces in the common room as Jonty warned, "It's just a whisper."
"There's no smoke without fire. Tacenda Guise has succeeded in keeping their identity a secret for years without the slightest suspicion. Something must have changed," Turais said as Jonty shifted awkwardly. "But I agree with you. It shall remain a whisper. For now."
After Jonty rejoined the party, Turais felt an urgent tap on his shoulder. He turned around to face a blank stretch of wall when the ghostly head of a young lady suddenly emerged.
"Master Turais ?" she whispered nervously, eyes averted.
"Yes?"
The ghost emerged fully, revealing a unique set of Hunting robes similar to those Imogen wore to training.
"I am here to deliver a message. Miss Galdorwin wishes to notify your Mastership that she is no longer allowed to communicate with anyone outside of the Cairngorms. She also asks that you climb to the top of the Astronomy Tower at midnight today," she muttered and immediately turned to leave.
"Wait!" Turais said, and the ghost stilled. "Thank you for the message. May I know your name?"
Her translucent figure started flickering frantically. Then she whispered shakily, "If it pleases your Mastership, I should prefer to remain nameless."
"Of course," Turais said, and the flickering stopped. "You may leave."
"Thank you," she gasped gratefully before floating through the wall.
***
At midnight, Turais climbed to the top of the Astronomy Tower. Searching the skies, a brilliant, violet flame flared to life between the mountain peaks.
It was the top of the Eyrie.
The flame turned into a shower of azure sparks, followed by a brilliant column of scarlet red, then a spiralling disc of amber, emerald, and pink.
Turais raised his wand, and a herd of thestral Patronuses surged forth. They sailed toward the tower as their silvery forms weaved and twisted through the air in a dance which mirrored the pulsing lights Imogen had conjured.
As the final light faded, one of the thestrals landed on the distant platform to deliver a message: See you at the Litha festival.
When Turais returned to the base of the tower, he found Edgar standing by the door with a knowing smirk on his face.
"Did you enjoy your little date —?"
Turais immediately protested. "It's not a date —"
"— Because you should, seeing that the Aurors reassigned all your patrol duties to me," Edgar continued good-naturedly. "But if you don't want to get caught, try not to cast bright lights from the top of the Astronomy Tower at night."
Turais grimaced. "I saw no other alternative, seeing that she's grounded with no access to reliable communication across the border while I have a senior Auror as my shadow."
"You should consider yourselves fortunate. Your joint disappearance almost caused a diplomatic crisis between Britain and the Cairngorms," Edgar replied dryly. "Dumbledore and Lady Swindon managed to keep things under wraps, but think about that before you try anything next time —"
The tell-tale sound of recognisable footsteps came echoing from around the corner.
"Sorry to cut this conversation short, but I have to run," Turais hissed.
He swung the Cloak of Invisibility over his head and ducked past a determined Moody before hurrying back to the Slytherin common room. He changed into his pyjamas and hopped into his bed just before Moody charged in.
The Auror scrutinised Turais carefully before he said, "Clever. But there won't be a second time."
For the following days, Turais did not dare do anything remotely suspicious under Moody's near-constant surveillance. Finally, it was the night of the duel, and Moody brought Turais to the Great Hall, where they were greeted by three Aurors, Professor Mather, and a small, wispy wizard.
"Master Turais Black, my name is Wilkie Twycross, and I am the Ministry Apparition instructor. It's a pleasure to meet you finally," the man said, shaking Turais's hand vigorously. "I have heard many great things about you."
Before Turais could respond, Professor Mather checked his watch and said, "The wards are now lifted. Auror Moody, you have exactly five minutes."
Gesturing at the others, Moody asked, "You don't mind if my colleagues observe our duel, Mr Black?"
"Er… I suppose not —"
"Excellent!" Moody pulled out his wand. "We don't have time to waste, Mr Black. Ready yourself!"
Turais barely lifted his wand before the Auror tapped his wand to his head.
Recognising the Disillusionment Charm, Turais painted the entire Hall in dizzying patches of stripes, checkers, and chintz. Against the conflicting patterns, Turais quickly spotted the outline of Moody's figure by the stained glass windows. He shot a non-verbal Finite that landed and lifted the Auror's disillusionment.
Revealed in full, Moody thrust his wand at the sea of floating candles and extinguished all the flames, plunging the Great Hall into darkness.
Turais pointed at the ceiling and shouted, " Caelum Revelio ."
The clouds parted to reveal the waxing moon. An enchanted fog rolled in as light returned to the room and concealed Moody within it. Undeterred, Turais summoned several Patronuses, who darted around the Hall and dispelled the fog with their luminous bodies. They rushed towards Moody's position, but the man quickly Disapparated to the opposite corner.
Moody immediately shot a curse at Turais, who conjured a series of shifting mirrors. The curse ricocheted between the silvery surfaces until it hurtled back at Moody, who shot a Bombarda at the final mirror.
The shockwave shattered all the mirrors simultaneously, and Turais transfigured the broken shards into dozens of faceless mannequins.
They crawled towards Moody like a wooden army of Inferi. Just before Moody was surrounded, he Disapparated to the other end of the Hall and muttered, " Homenum Geminio. "
Exact copies of the Auror budded from his body until the replicates filled the room. Confounded, the mannequins pounded on each illusion indiscriminately while Moody melted into the background.
Positioning himself for the next attack, Turais suddenly felt a presence probing his surface thoughts. He immediately sank into a deeper layer of his mind and reinforced his mental fortress.
The invading force immediately morphed into a chaotic swirl of ever-multiplying tendrils. They curled around every turret and burrowed into every crevice, eager to exploit any weakness. However, no matter how much Moody tore away at his defences, Turais continually rebuilt and refortified from within. Once the tendrils were stretched thin across his defensive wall, Turais expanded the fortification outward.
"You'll have to try harder than that!" Turais thought loudly.
The tendrils snapped and crumbled. Sensing the offensive was in full retreat, Turais pressed the counterattack when a violent slam cut off the connection.
Turais resurfaced in the physical world and threw a small, black object onto the ground. Seconds later, the Hall was engulfed in a loud, high-pitched bang. Spotting the crouching Auror amongst the unaffected copies, Turais directed his mannequins to charge.
" Confringo! " shouted Moody, destroying the mannequins in a fell swoop. Then he summoned the four long tables and the silverware atop them. The materials coalesced to form a mechanical puppet with goblets as joints and silver plates as the armoured underside.
Uncorking a vial from his robe, Moody dropped a single hair inside and threw it at his creation.
Purple smoke poured from the broken vial and covered the puppet. Suddenly, it sprang to life and honed in on Turais's location. Mirroring Moody's motions, the monster swung its left arm — a portion of the Gryffindor table — at Turais.
Turais rolled out of the way and aimed at where the arm was about to strike.
"Liquo! Duro!" he shouted in rapid succession. The arm sank into the liquified stone before the floor rehardened around it.
Turais immediately climbed onto the monster's back and shot a Blasting Curse at its right knee, destroying its leg. Enraged, it seized Turais by the robe and hurled him at the high windows. However, Turais Disapparated just before he hit the glass and reappeared atop the monster's head.
Nearby, Twycross released a shocked gasp.
The monster immediately tried to shake him off, but Turais shouted, " Impedimenta !"
Its movements turned sluggish, and Turais aimed several more Blasting Curses at its joints, dismantling it limb by limb. As the monster crumbled, Turais was hit by a shimmering cloud of golden powder.
The world suddenly turned upside down, and Turais found himself falling away from the floor towards the enchanted ceiling. He grasped a beam and climbed onto it, quickly realising he was standing on the underside of the timber trusses that formed the ceiling. After reorienting himself, Turais leapt across beams and braces as a deluge of spells descended from the floor above.
" Oppugno! " Moody shouted, and the floating candles shot towards Turais like arrows.
Turais threw himself upwards vertically. At the peak of his jump, he cast the counter-curse, and the world righted itself. Turais tumbled onto the floor and rolled away just as the pursuing candles crashed into the floor, becoming a pile of molten wax. He summoned the school banners without pause, transfiguring them into vines as they streamed towards Moody.
The grizzled Auror swiftly sliced the sentient plant into harmless tendrils. However, each segment multiplied like a hydra, morphing into serpents that continued to slither towards the man. Despite Moody's valiant effort to repel them, one managed to sneak past his defence and wrapped it around his left ankle, where it transformed into a heavy metal cuff that anchored the man to the spot.
Unable to move and distracted by the remaining snakes, Moody did not block the Expelliarmus that Turais sent.
"Do you yield?" Turais asked as he caught the Auror's wand out of the air.
"Not quite," Moody said. A staff shot out from his sleeve and knocked the wands out of Turais's hand. "Now, do you yield?"
Recalling a defensive manoeuvre from Imogen, Turais seized Moody's staff with both hands, twisted his body inwards, and swiftly disarmed the man.
As Turais wondered why the staff felt strangely light, the oak doors creaked open. Professor McGonagall walked in, followed by a large group of sixth-years. At the same time, Turais noticed Pandora slipping out of the room.
"Bodrick, why were the sixth-years standing outside —" McGonagall paused at the sight of the half-destroyed Great Hall, then at the gathered Aurors. Finally, she turned to the pair at the centre of the mess and demanded, "Explain yourselves at once!"
"Professor McGonagall, Mr Black, and I were merely engaging in a friendly duel," said Moody as he tried to wrest his foot from the metallic confines. "I've sought permission from Professor Mather —"
"I am most certain that Professor Mather did not agree to the destruction of the Great Hall! Mr Moody, I understand that you've always had a certain disregard for the rules since your schoolyard days. Still, you are a senior Auror now, and I expect you to behave like one —" McGonagall's eyes fell upon the metal cuff around Moody's ankle. "Is this —?"
"Mr Black's handiwork," said Moody. "Non-verbal triply-nested transfiguration."
The corner of McGonagall's eyebrow twitched. After a long moment, she waved her wand around the Hall and restored everything to their original position.
"See to it that your duels do not get out of hand again, and ten points to Slytherin for sheer magical brilliance," she said before instructing the sixth-years to assume their positions for the Apparition lesson.
Turais handed the staff back to Moody. "This isn't a proper staff."
"It's not," Moody agreed, grinning slyly. With a tap of his wand, he un-transfigured the long stick into a handkerchief and stuffed it into his pocket. "But I was correct in assuming you knew how to fight against one."
"So… what will become of our duel?" asked Turais.
"It's done," replied Moody. "Besides, I've seen enough."
***
When Turais arrived at the next Defence Club meeting, every head turned to look at him with an awestruck expression. He promptly discovered the reason when Jonty dragged him off to a corner.
"I happened upon a conversation in the staffroom. Is it true that you won the duel against Auror Moody?" asked Jonty.
"We didn't discuss it, but I suppose I did."
There were gasps behind them, and Turais turned to see the students had formed a ring around them, all pretence of practising the Patronus Charm abandoned.
"Ignore the others. Attention on me," Jonty said, turning Turais's face towards him. "I heard that you performed a triply-nested transfiguration on the school banners non-verbally —"
"That is far beyond what is required of N.E.W.T. levels," interrupted Pearson.
"Well, what did you expect?" Flint answered. "Black reads seventh-year textbooks for fun."
"That's not even the most impressive bit," said Jonty. "Apparently, Turais knows Dynamic Apparition!"
"What's that?" asked James.
"In Sixth year, the Ministry teaches Apparition from one stationary position to another stationary position, or Static Apparition," Frank explained to the captivated audience. At the same time, Turais shifted uncomfortably under the scrutiny. "However, the ability to Apparate whilst in motion is a highly specialised skill that is only taught in a handful of institutions, such as the Auror Academy —"
"Listen, everyone!" Turais shouted. "Can we please focus our attention back on the Patronus Charm —"
"On the subject of Patronuses, no one has been known to conjure multiple Patronus forms simultaneously," said Lily. "The closest thing I've heard of is Professor McGonagall conjuring three cat Patronuses at once."
"This is the reason why Turais is teaching us!"
Everyone turned to the owner of the Sonorus -amplified voice, Pandora, who continued, "And also why we should stop the chit-chat and follow his instructions."
Gradually, the lesson was steered back on track. Turais wandered amongst the students, and despite some of them managing faint wisps of light, there was a growing sense of frustration. Arriving next to Pandora, he said, "Thank you for what you did back there."
"I wish to master the Patronus Charm," said Pandora. "And I'm not about to let some gossip about your duel detract me from my goals."
"Speaking of which, I am curious about the Limbo Mist Powder you provided to Auror Moody."
Pandora looked around in surprise. "How did you know it was me?"
"You're the president of the Spellmasonry Club, and I saw you examining the aftermath of our duel. I connected the dots."
"I was running the final safety test on the powder when Auror Moody visited. You see, he was a previous president of the club, and I couldn't resist the opportunity to see it used in an actual duel… but it worked well, didn't it?"
"Perhaps too well, seeing that you almost cost me that duel," Turais said good-naturedly.
"I can't say I'm sorry," she replied with a shrug. "But you recovered brilliantly! Also, what spellcraft did you use to generate the loud noise?"
"A time-delayed Caterwauling Charm, or a rather crude prototype," said Turais, describing the Decoy Detonator. Fred and George Weasley had disclosed the production process to him, and he had managed to recreate it from memory to a satisfactory result.
"It's ingenious!" Pandora said excitedly. "In fact, would you like to visit the laboratory? We can work to improve it together!"
After setting a day to meet, a collective gasp erupted around the Hall. A silvery Golden Retriever leapt into Turais's arms and wagged its tail excitedly.
"I did it!" Sirius shouted.
"Excellent work, Sirius!" Turais said. "Everyone, I know some of you may be frustrated, but believe me, you have already made significant progress. Don't give up practising."
"He's your brother. Of course, he masters the charm before the rest of us!" snapped a frustrated Pierricoeur. "This is a complete waste of my time!"
Pierricoeur turned in a huff, accidentally ramming into Regulus as he left.
"Reggie —"
"I'm fine!" Regulus glowered at Turais before staring at the third-year group gathered around Sirius.
"How are you so cute ?" Marlene cooed while the dog Patronus gambolled around her.
"It's just part of my charm," Sirius winked.
Marlene's cheek blotted pink as she tugged Lily's arm and walked away wordlessly. Once she walked out of earshot, James shook Sirius excitedly and said, "Marlene's sooooo into you."
"Shut it, James."
Turais cleared his throat and called an end to the session. Everyone else scattered, leaving the brothers alone in the room.
"What do you reckon he should be called?" asked Sirius as the dog Patronus let out a sneeze and fell on its bottom, looking confused.
"Why don't you name him after that gytrash? Grimy or what's-its-name?" snapped Regulus.
"No way! Grimmie is a one-of-a-kind pup," replied Sirius. "Do you think he looks like a Woofus? Or a Barkley?"
Regulus growled, "I am not going through this again —"
"I've got it! You're Snuffles!" shouted Sirius, and Turais turned his head so quickly that he almost dazed himself. "Wait, Reggie! I'm planning to take Snuffles out on a walk! Do you want to join —"
"And watch you show off your pet to your friends?"
" Regulus ," Turais said warningly.
"What? No!" Sirius protested. "I thought spending more time with Snuffles would help you conjure your own Patronus. He's pure positive energy, after all."
"Oh." Regulus looked away awkwardly. "I… I… just remembered that I have to find my friends. I'll head off then."
"He's really worried about the Quidditch final, isn't he?" Sirius said as the youngest brother disappeared from view.
Turais knew something else was amiss with Regulus, but he merely nodded in agreement.
Accompanied by Moody, they took a stroll around the school grounds. The sun was bright, the spring flowers were in full bloom, and the Whomping Willow swatted at unassuming birds in mid-flight. However, a lingering frostiness in the air originated from the Dementors standing guard just beyond the school boundary.
"I always imagined Snuffles would be rough and shaggy-looking like Padfoot," Sirius said as their two dog Patronuses chased each other and sniffed at everything they could find. "But he's nothing of the sort."
Turais liked to think that Sirius's Patronus form meant his brother would never feel like a homeless stray abandoned by his family.
"Out of curiosity, which memory did you use for the Patronus Charm?"
"Do you remember the first winter after you started school, and we had a snowball fight in the park?"
"I do," Turais breathed. "You three banded together to attack me."
"Yeah, we did," Sirius said. "That was the memory I chose. Does it surprise you?"
Turais fell silent for a while before saying, "I remember we had loads of fun. I just didn't realise that we were creating your happiest memory…."
"It was the best day ever…" Sirius whispered, smiling softly. "I want to do it again someday."
"Perhaps, once Father deigns to let us out of the house again. And hope that it snows this year, unlike the past few winters."
"Are you a wizard or not?" Sirius snapped playfully. "If you can perform a triply-nested transfiguration, surely you can conjure up some snow."
"I'm not of age yet."
"Like you ever let that stop you. Or Alex can do the honours —" Sirius gasped. "Merlin's beard, he's turning seventeen, isn't he? I wonder if Father has found him a watch yet! And a painter for his portrait!"
Professor Slughorn hurried to them as they approached the castle doors and said, "Turais, my boy, you'd better follow me to the Headmaster's Office. You, as well, Sirius."
"What's happened, sir?" asked Turais.
"I ought to let the Headmaster relay the information… but I suppose it doesn't hurt to tell you now," Slughorn said. "Brutus Nott has been recaptured."
"Are they certain?" Turais pressed.
"After the arrest, Dumbledore himself identified Nott and saw to his immediate transfer to Azkaban," Slughorn replied. "I daresay it is as certain a confirmation as one could hope for."
***
"You're late," Rookwood said off-handedly when Turais arrived for the portrait session.
"I was summoned to the Headmaster's Office. Nott has been recaptured and sent to Azkaban."
Rookwood furrowed his brow slightly but otherwise remained silent.
"I know you have thoughts about this. Go ahead," Turais said casually.
After a long pause, Rookwood set down his paintbrush and said, "Our families were close, and Brutus… he was like a brother to me… Someone I've always greatly respected and admired."
Turais looked at the other boy gravely. "Are you aware that he tried to kill me twice when I was in my second year?"
"What transpired between the two of you was regrettable," said Rookwood. "But if given the opportunity, wouldn't you try to take down the Dark Lord?"
"That's a false equivalency. Voldemort is the initial aggressor, achieving his goals through violence and bloodshed. All of this is based on his perceived superiority of wizardkind over Muggles —"
"But we are superior to Muggles," Rookwood said forcefully. "They relinquished their place as our equals when they turned their backs to Hecate and the old cults!"
"If you're referring to the Fall of Muggle, that has no historical or factual basis," Turais countered. "There is also no evidence that all humans before the time of Emperor Constantine were magical."
The Fall of Muggle was a theological doctrine perpetuated by some fringe religious groups. Believers claimed that the willful impiety of Roman Emperor Constantine and his people — the Original Apostasy — led to their fall from divine magical favour and condemned their descendants to a loss of magic in an event known as the Eternal Mundanity. Only those who remained faithful to Hecate retained their magical powers, and all purebloods could purportedly trace their pedigree back to them.
"The Pyramids of Duat, the Hanging Gardens of Laodicea ad astra, the Viae Romanae Milliarium network…. These are all evidence of an ancient world with advanced magic far beyond our comprehension and impossible to replicate," replied Rookwood. "The Original Apostasy did not merely affect Muggles. Their impiety obliterated two millennia of magical advancement and held us back for another millennium!"
"Even if this were true, it still wouldn't justify their enslavement," argued Turais.
"Hecate granted us dominion over all non-magical beings. She knew that, without magic, Muggles lacked the essential component to access the highest orders of intelligence. Their inferior morality is evident in their uncontrolled breeding and destruction of our shared world. And since they are innately corrupt, they must be tightly controlled. Our rule over them is merely the inevitable outcome."
Knowing Rookwood would not listen to reason on this topic, Turais changed tack. "Voldemort also wishes to segregate the wizarding population based on blood purity, an arbitrary standard determined by a single person."
"You may argue the details with that determination, but mixing Muggle blood with magic corrupts the mind," Rookwood replied. "It's no coincidence that the increased mixing of magical and non-magical blood has accompanied the rise of violence. Segregation is the only solution."
"What about Muggleborns? They came into magic despite their supposed Eternal Mundanity. None of them have become violent."
"Those freaks originate from perverse experiments they conducted on their own kind. For those who haven't turned violent, the malediction simply hasn't manifested yet."
Turais sat silently for a while before saying, "Then what of the blood curse that drives purebloods to commit mass murder?"
Rookwood frowned. "What do you mean?"
"Well, name me three Muggleborn mass murderers." When the other boy failed, Turais continued, "Emeric the Evil, Egbert the Egregious, Barnabas Deverill, Loxias, Gellert Grindelwald. All purebloods. I'm sorry to say, but we will all succumb to our curses and become mass murderers."
"That's a ludicrous notion."
"Of course, but it's not any more ludicrous than your claim about Muggleborns."
Rookwood fell silent, visibly unsettled. After a long while, he pointed his wand in Turais's direction only to open the door behind him.
"I think we're finished for today. You should leave."
Turais knew there was no use pushing Rookwood further at this moment. He stood up solemnly and stepped out of the room. Reaching the top of the hidden staircase, he discovered that Moody awaited him.
"Didn't expect me to know that you spent hours in painting classes with Rookwood?" asked Moody. "I take my job seriously. I am also bloody good at it."
"Why did you let me come down here? I highly doubt this was on your list of sanctioned activities."
"Well, I didn't say who sanctioned them," replied Moody. "Listen, Black. Now that Nott has been recaptured, I'm here to say goodbye… and to give you this."
He handed Turais an application form titled "1974 Munich Combined Venti European Cup. Regional Qualifiers — Caurus."
"The practical component of the Auror entrance exams is modelled after this sport, but you didn't hear this information from me," Moody said with a wink. "Your father is also due to meet with the Headmaster tomorrow at noon if you want that permission slip signed… not that you are in any way interested, of course. Oh, and one last thing: Professor Mather and I had a chat with Madam Pomfrey. You are cleared to compete in the Quidditch final."
The Auror gave Turais a pat on the shoulder before walking away.
Later that night, as Turais patrolled the hallways with Alice, he asked her about the competition.
"The Munich Combined Venti Qualifiers?" she asked. "I didn't know you were interested."
"Now that Nott is recaptured, I am reconsidering my decision," Turais said by way of explanation. "Do you have the official rulebook?"
"You're in luck," said Alice as she pulled a stack of parchments from her bag. "Frank and I were just studying up on it earlier today. We will be competing in both the Individual and Pairs events. If you decide to participate, you're welcome to train with us over the summer!"
"Thanks for the invitation, but I'll be in Glenfaelad for the Summer Hunt."
"Oh! We'll be there as well!" Alice said excitedly. "Not for the Hunt, but Glenfaelad is home to one of Europe's most pristine training grounds."
Recalling his previous conversations with Jonty and Imogen, Turais asked, "When will you travel there? I reckon I'll arrive in time for the Litha festival."
Alice frowned. "Are you sure you didn't mistake the date?"
"What do you mean?"
"Outsiders are only allowed into the Cairngorms after the Litha festival has concluded," Alice explained. "That's why you won't come across much information on it, because no outsiders have ever observed it."
"I must have misremembered," Turais said with an easy smile. However, he was certain that the Black family annals mentioned past members observing the festival.
"In any case, you best make up your mind soon since the application deadline is in three days," said Alice.
The following day, Turais paced in front of the gargoyle statue, waiting for his father to finish meeting with the Headmaster. When Orion came into view, he looked at Turais knowingly and said, "I'm not going to like this, am I?"
"There is a permission slip I need you to sign," Turais said, handing Orion the piece of parchment.
"Munich combined —" Orion's eyes widened. "— Why are you suddenly interested in this?"
"Now that Nott has been recaptured, there's no reason why I shouldn't be able to participate," Turais pointed out. "I can't be confined indoors forever."
"I know that you've flagrantly violated my orders countless times already...." muttered Orion. After another moment of hesitation, he signed the form and handed it to Turais. "Don't make me regret this."
"You won't," Turais promised. "By the way, Alice and Frank will be training in Glenfaelad this summer as well, and they have invited me to join them when I'm available."
"So you've heard of your grandfather's plan then?" Orion asked wryly.
"I've known for a while," Turais admitted. "Jonty told me at Narcissa's wedding."
"Ah, of course. No rumour manages to escape the Stewards, it seems."
"There's something I've been meaning to ask," said Turais. "What happened in Glenfaelad twenty years ago?"
Orion turned unnaturally rigid for a split second, and his eyes looked haunted. Then, he relaxed into a smile and said, "Nothing happened. Whatever rumours you may have heard are merely an amateurish effort to incite division between our House and the Cairngorms. Turais, I really must get going now. Good luck on the Quidditch final."
Orion strolled off in a hurry, leaving Turais to stare at his departing father in suspicion.
***
The students welcomed the departure of the Aurors and Dementors. However, despite the impetus to master Patronus Charm disappearing, most members of the Defence Club continued to practise it in earnest.
"Brilliant work, Lily," Turais said when a silvery doe form erupted from her wand.
"Thanks, Turais!" Lily replied excitedly. "I wouldn't have achieved it so quickly without your instructions, though —"
"Gorgeous doe you've got there, Evans," a smug voice called out from behind. James strutted to them and said, "I caught a glimpse of mine earlier. It was something massive —" Lily rolled her eyes and walked away. "Evans, where are you going? Evans!"
Turais turned his attention to Alex, who had been struggling uncharacteristically with the charm.
" Expecto Patronum! " Alex shouted, but his wand failed to produce even the faintest wisps of vapour. "I can't do it."
"You're more than capable of producing the charm," Turais consoled. "It might just take more practice —"
"Or I don't have a memory happy enough to power the spell," muttered Alex. "It's hopeless ."
"Don't be silly," Turais said as a thought occurred to him. "I have an idea. Wait for me here at the end of the session."
Tidying up quickly, Turais brought Alex to the Room of Requirement.
"Can I take a look inside your mind? There's something I want to show you," Turais asked. Alex nodded. " Legilimens. "
Sleet and frost were battering against the 12 Grimmauld Place of Alex's mind.
Once they found refuge inside the house, Turais focused his mind and a silver cigarette lighter materialised in his hand. With a single click, the light and walls around them started to diffuse and disintegrate until everything turned dark.
Suddenly, a single spark ignited, then a second, and a third…. until a scintillating galaxy of light appeared.
Alex took an illuminated book from the nearest shelf and opened it. A ball of light floated into the air, showcasing the memory of their journey on the Knight Bus.
Alex whispered, "I didn't realise I felt happiness even then…."
"It's something much more powerful than happiness," breathed Turais. "Hope — it shines even in the darkest of places. Sometimes, one simply needs to extinguish the brightest flames to be reminded of it."
A distant light exploded like a supernova.
"I think we have found your memory," said Turais, nudging his friend towards it.
While Alex examined his memory, Turais stepped out on the pavement. The skies had calmed with the sun peeking behind passing clouds. A large flock of mechanical birds had also returned to roost, chirping merrily amongst themselves.
The front door opened behind him, and Turais asked, "Ready?"
His friend replied with a smile.
Returning to the physical world, Alex attempted the charm again. This time, a stream of light erupted from his wand and slowly coalesced into a long, pointed appendage.
"I think it's a scorpion! You should be able to conjure a fully corporeal form soon!" Turais gasped as the partially-formed Patronus dissipated. However, Alex's face fell. "What's wrong?"
"I… I've been reading up on Patronus forms. They said that the scorpion is a symbol of treachery and deceit…."
"It also famously stung Orion to death," Turais said, pretending to conduct a pat-down search on his friend. "Do you have plans to murder my father?"
Alex gave Turais a shove. "Don't laugh about it. I'm serious!"
"I wouldn't put too much stock in those books," Turais said, turning sombre. "They're less reliable than my tasseomancy."
"But isn't a Patronus's form supposed to reflect who we are?"
"We've all got both light and dark inside us. What matters most is the part we choose to act on," said Turais. "If you're not planning on becoming a Dark wizard, then you have nothing to worry about."
***
Meeting Pandora at the Entrance Hall, Turais followed her to the base of the Clock Tower and into a dark, narrow corridor. As she brushed away the dangling vines and opened the door, Turais was immediately greeted by a pungent smell of saltpetre.
"Welcome to the Spellmansonry laboratory," Pandora said. "It may be small, but it has everything we need."
Shelves lining the walls were crammed with an array of peculiar objects - glowing crystals, tarnished metal instruments, and jars filled with curious substances that bubbled and shimmered. Workbenches were littered with half-finished experiments and piles of parchment covered in scribbled notes and complex diagrams. In the centre of the room stood a large, sturdy table. Its surface was littered with burn marks.
Suddenly, there was a spark, and the entire table was engulfed in flames.
" Finite! " Pandora shouted, and the flames disappeared at once. She summoned a pot of cleaning potions and scrubbed the surface. "Sorry about that. Someone didn't clean the table thoroughly before leaving…. So, let's take a look at your spellcraft."
Turais set the Decoy Detonator on the table, and Pandora pulled down a series of magnifying glasses from the ceiling and inspected it from behind a Shield Charm.
"Runa Revelio," Pandora muttered while carefully dismantling the object. Runic symbols emerged in bundles and strands interwoven in an intricate pattern. "Fascinating… Pressure-activated… and the trigger leads to the three coiled springs, each delaying the effects by one second —"
The door opened again as Regulus, Severus, and Barty walked in.
"What are you doing here?" Regulus asked Turais.
"Turais is my guest," Pandora said. "What did I tell you three about clearing all remnant spellcasting before leaving the room?! This is the last warning before your access is revoked!"
The three boys quickly mumbled their apologies before surrounding the table.
"What are you two looking at —?" Barty's eyes lit up at the Decoy Detonator. "I've never seen a ward like this! It's arranged in a concave disc and linked to an embedded… what charm is that?"
"A Caterwauling Charm," Severus muttered quietly.
"The concave ward acts as a release ward, which means the detonation is directionally focused!" Barty exclaimed. "Sev, this is the mandrake Whizz-Bangs we've been trying to make all this time!"
"It's decent, but significant improvements can be made on the time-delay mechanism and range capability," Severus said. He turned to Pandora and asked, "How did you come up with this?"
"Don't look at me," said Pandora, pointing at Turais. "This is all his work."
While Severus and Barty pelted him with questions, Turais saw Regulus slip out of the room wordlessly.
"Excuse me," Turais said before chasing after his brother. "Regulus, wait!"
"What is it?" Regulus hissed without stopping.
"Are you feeling —?"
"I'm fine! Why do you keep asking me this?"
"Because I don't think you are."
"Then you thought wrong! And stop following me!" Regulus said before storming off.
***
On the morning of the Quidditch Cup final, a rather dishevelled owl deposited a thick letter in Turais's hands just outside the pitch.
It was from Carmichael Wilkins.
"Go ahead first," Turais instructed the team before opening the envelope. It contained thirteen Quidditch match tickets and a crumpled piece of parchment.
Dear Turais,
I hope this owl finds you well.
I was delighted when I received news that the Aurors have recaptured Nott. It must be a huge relief for you and your family to have this persistent threat neutralised.
Per our previous correspondence, I have secured thirteen box seat tickets for the Appleby Arrows v Puddlemere United fixture on the 15th of June. I am certain this is something you can look forward to after completing your O.W.L.s.
As several of our family members and closest friends will be in attendance that day, Kaiden and I will also take the opportunity to share some exciting news. We look forward to seeing you soon, and best wishes on your O.W.L.s. We have every confidence in your success.
Regards,
Michael
There was a hard slap on his back as Sirius's head appeared over his shoulder.
"Why are you standing out here —?" Then, Sirius gasped at the tickets. "Wait, are those —"
"Turais!" Regulus walked out of the changing room. "Aren't you going to give us a pre-match briefing —"
"It can wait!" Sirius shouted as he dragged Regulus over. "We've got tickets for Appleby away! They're only the hottest tickets in the land!"
"I never asked him for tickets," Turais said with a frown.
"Well, we have them, and the match is after our exams! There's simply no excuse not to attend!" Sirius said excitedly as he counted the tickets. "Let's see… I'll bring James, Remus, and Pete along. Reggie can invite Severus, Barty, and… what's her name, Emmeline —?"
Sirius wriggled his eyebrows, and Regulus growled, "How dare you presume who I'd —"
"— And Turais can invite Jonty and Gerald!" said Sirius.
"Why does Turais only get to invite two people?" demanded Regulus. "And what about Alex?"
"I've already accounted for him," replied Sirius, waving the five tickets reserved for the family. "I know Alex shouldn't be counted as one of Turais's guests, but there's only so many tickets to go around —"
"Then why don't you give up one of your tickets?! Why does Turais always have to accommodate your wants?" Regulus asked heatedly. Sirius's mouth gobbed like a fish. " Precisely! "
" Regulus ," Turais warned. The younger boy glared as though daring him to refute. "Siri, we can discuss this later. Reggie and I have a game to play."
***
To say that the Hufflepuffs outplayed the Slytherin team on every possible metric was a colossal understatement. Thirty minutes into the match, the Slytherin team was already staring at the possibility of this match being their worst defeat.
"AND HUFFLEPUFF SCORES AGAIN! They are now one hundred and fifty points ahead of Slytherin!" Marlene announced.
With no time to waste, Turais recovered the Quaffle and sped towards the Hufflepuff end. Spotting Harper, he lobbed the ball forward before sparing a glance at his brother, who was darting across the field with desperation displayed fully on his face.
"Harper twirls past a Bludger. Passes to Riley. Riley back to Harp — Macmillan intercepts!"
Turais swore under his breath before moving in to challenge Geoffrey. However, the Hufflepuff captain swerved out of the way expertly and tossed the ball to his awaiting teammate, Rabnott. Turais immediately gave chase when a Bludger slammed into his side and sent him spiralling.
"The shot from Murray leaves Black spinning! Rabnott. Feldcroft. Brilliant dodge! Back to Rabnott."
As Turais chased after the Quaffle, he suddenly noticed a golden shimmer in the air. Regulus also seemed to have spotted the Snitch since he sped towards it.
"Regulus Black has spotted the Snitch! And Nightjar has joined the chase! Meanwhile, Murray sends a Bludger that leaves Harper spinning! Quaffle back in Hufflepuff's possession! If Hufflepuff scores before Black catches the Snitch, Hufflepuff will win —"
"Come on, Reggie!" Turais whispered before rejoining the fray.
Meanwhile, the pair of Seekers climbed higher and higher into the sky until they were mere specks.
"Macmillan dodges a Bludger from Steward. Now, only Wiccroft stands in the way!" Marlene shouted. "Wiccroft moves left, AND SHE BETS WRONG! Hufflepuff: 260. Slytherin: 100. HUFFLEPUFF LEADS BY 160 POINTS!"
A minute later, both Seekers descended into view empty-handed. Noticing that Regulus was clutching at his stomach, Turais flew up and asked, "Reggie, are you injured —?"
"I'm fine!" Regulus said before shooting off into the distance.
The match resumed, and everyone was preparing to celebrate the long-overdue Hufflepuff victory. However, Marlene shouted warningly, "Don't get ahead of yourselves! Slytherin is only behind by ten points, and I needn't remind you that the team who catches the Snitch wins in case of a draw. However, Regulus Black, Slytherin's final hope, seems to be flying around like a headless Augerey."
Laughter rippled throughout the stadium as Regulus's flight pattern became even more erratic.
Meanwhile, Turais chased down Geoffrey, who immediately passed the Quaffle to Rabnott. Then, a Bludger from the Hufflepuff Beater slammed into his side.
"Rabnott readies her shot, and Wiccroft goes in for the block!"
All eyes were following the Quaffle as it sailed towards the centre loop. Meanwhile, Turais managed to get his broom under control just in time to see Regulus crash into Geoffrey. A glint of gold shot out from beneath Regulus's robe, and immediately, the Slytherin Seeker gestured for Mister William's attention.
"Rabnott makes it two hundred and seventy points!" Marlene shouted. "Slytherin will need a miracle to win now —"
"You despicable cheat!" Geoffrey screamed as Turais flew between the two and gave the Hufflepuff a hard shove.
"Back off, Geoffrey!" Turais roared. "What do you think you are doing —"
Turais spotted the Snitch in Geoffrey's hand. Then he turned to see Regulus's panic-stricken expression.
"WAIT!" Marlene shouted frightfully. "Macmillan is holding an idle Snitch!"
The cheers were quickly replaced with uneasy murmurs as Mister Williams ordered the players to land. Both teams stood in separate huddles as they watched the referee cast a complex charm on the Snitch.
Meanwhile, Turais's entire body felt numb as his mind replayed the moment Regulus crashed into Geoffrey in excruciating detail.
Suddenly, a dense, blue shadow split from the Snitch and flew towards Geoffrey, landing at a particular spot on the ball of his thumb. Mister Williams pointed his wand to his throat and announced, "It's a Snitchnip."
There was a stunned silence.
Then, an angry buzzing mixed with a smattering of cheers erupted in the Slytherin stands. The Slytherin team immediately huddled around Regulus in relief while the Hufflepuffs surrounded Mister Williams.
"We were winning!" Geoffrey shouted angrily. "Why would I commit the foul?!"
Mister Williams raised his arms and said, "The laws of the game clearly state that the team committing the Snitchnip forfeits the match, regardless of intent —"
"I demand a rematch!" Geoffrey said immediately.
Both teams started shouting profanities and insults at each other, and Mister Williams blew his whistle. Pointing at the two captains, he roared, "Black. Macmillan. In my office. NOW!"
Once behind closed doors, Mister Williams said, "I did not see what transpired between Mr Black and Mr Macmillan. However, both captains must agree to a rematch for it to occur. Otherwise, the current decision stands. I will give you five minutes to discuss."
"That's not necessary," Turais said slowly, desperately trying not to let his panic show. "I agree to a rematch."
Mister Williams looked surprised. "Mr Black, are you certain?"
"Yes."
After Mister Williams left the room to deliver the verdict, Geoffrey said, "Thank you, Turais. But I think you ought to know what your brother did —"
"I saw what he did," Turais whispered shakily. "But Geoffrey, there is something I wish to ask of you —"
"I know," Geoffrey said quietly. "I will not repeat what happened to anyone else. You have my word."
Turais gave him a pinched smile before returning to the pitch. As he walked towards the team, he could feel the weight of hundreds and hundreds of eyes upon him. His legs felt like blocks of lead, and each step felt like walking through molasses. There was an incessant buzz pressed against his eardrums, and his entire body shook at each pounding of his heart.
However, when he saw Regulus, the panic was replaced with a numbing calmness.
"Regulus, follow me. The rest of you, please stay here."
The two brothers entered the changing room, and a heavy silence settled between them. Regulus looked up at Turais, nervousness flickering in his eyes. "Turais? What's the matter? We need to find Mister Williams and cancel the rematch —"
"Regulus, why did you do it?" Turais whispered.
"What's wrong?" Regulus said, his voice trembling. "You're scaring me —"
"You had the Snitch since Hufflepuff took the 160-point lead. You tricked Geoffrey into a Snitchnip," Turais said, his voice rising with anger. "Do you deny any of it?"
Regulus sucked in a shuddering breath. "Listen, Turais. I —"
"Why did you do it?" demanded Turais. "Answer me! WHY?"
Regulus met his brother's gaze. The avoidant eyes were now flashing with defiance. "I don't understand why any of this pertains to the matter at hand —"
"It has everything to do with this!" Turais interrupted. "You are a Seeker. Your job is to catch the Snitch —"
"You're wrong!" Regulus said, growing angrier as well. "My job is to win us the match, and I'm not afraid to think outside the box!"
"Do you hear yourself?!" Turais shouted, his fists trembling with rage and disappointment. "This is Quidditch! There is no need for such foul deception. And victory must never be prioritised above character and integrity —"
"I didn't force Geoffrey to take the Snitch! What I did was not against the laws of the game! I DID NOTHING WRONG!"
"If you truly believe that, get the megaphone and tell everyone what you did!"
Regulus scoffed, his eyes narrowing.
"I know what this conversation is truly about. You think that I stole their win. You think they deserve the Cup more than we do. But we reached the finals as well! We deserve to win as much as they do! I DESERVE TO WIN IT FOR THE TEAM!"
Turais stumbled backwards, stunned by his brother's words.
"When did you become like this?"
"You're the one who's changed!" Regulus screamed. "You always said you wanted to watch me succeed! This was my moment to shine, and you took it away from me!"
"I want you to succeed, but in the proper way!"
Regulus sneered, "Faultless Turais always needs everything done his way ."
Turais shook his head in disgust. "Until you realise your mistake, you are no longer the Seeker nor part of the House team —"
"It is because you are not the hero this time, isn't it?" Regulus interrupted.
Each word was a knife twisting into Turais's chest. He felt the air leave his lungs, and the sting of betrayal penetrated his very core.
"What?" Turais gasped incredulously.
"Ever since I was born, everything has been about you!" Regulus spat bitterly.
"Get out!"
"Name something, and he can do it better! I hate it! I hate all of it!" screamed Regulus.
Turais felt the hot rush of rage surge through him, and he let out a thunderous roar: "GET OUT!"
The door of Regulus's locker ripped apart, and its contents spilt out at his younger brother's feet. Regulus's eyes flickered with fear before he steeled his expression once more.
" Accio! " Regulus summoned all the items into his bag and left. Pausing at the doorway, he said, "I wish you would act like my brother sometimes, not just Sirius's."