HP-A New Future

I am 15 chapters ahead on my patreón, check it out if you are interested.

https://www.patréon.com/emperordragon

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Chapter 38: Reflections and Realizations

The dawn was just breaking as Charlus, Dorea, and Arcturus apparated back to the Potter estate, the quiet serenity of the grounds a stark contrast to the chaos they had left behind in Hogsmeade. The three of them were exhausted, their bodies aching from the intense battle, but their minds were abuzz with the events they had just witnessed.

Inside the estate, the trio made their way to the sitting room. The silence between them was heavy, each lost in their thoughts, replaying the duel that had unfolded before them.

Arcturus broke the silence first, his voice low but filled with awe. "I've seen a lot in my time, but what we witnessed tonight was beyond anything I could have imagined. The sheer power, the control... it's as if Harry and the Dark Lord were forces of nature colliding."

Charlus nodded, sinking into a chair and rubbing his temples. "The Dark Lord's magic... I've read about some of those spells in the old texts, dark magic that's been lost to time. And yet, Voldemort wielded it with such ease, as if it was second nature to him. But Harry... the way he handled it, countered it—"

"More than that," Dorea interjected, her voice tinged with both admiration and concern. "Harry didn't just survive that duel; he dominated parts of it. Transfiguration to contain dark magic like that—it's not just theory anymore. We saw it in action. And the way he used elemental magic, lightning to destroy the Dark Lord's curses... It's extraordinary."

Arcturus leaned forward, his eyes narrowing thoughtfully. "In the Black library, there are mentions of ancient magics, of duels fought in the days of the founders and even before. What Harry did tonight reminded me of those tales. He's not just powerful; he's something else entirely. A blend of old magic and something... new."

They sat in contemplative silence for a moment, the weight of their observations settling in. Charlus, staring into the fireplace, voiced the thought that had been gnawing at him. "Why did he stay behind? He could have easily left with us. Instead, he let himself be detained."

Dorea's brow furrowed as she considered this. "He must have known the Aurors would come. He didn't fight back or try to escape. It doesn't make sense unless..." Her voice trailed off as the realization dawned on her.

Arcturus' eyes widened in understanding. "He's playing a bigger game. He wants to be taken in. Maybe to send a message, or to manipulate the Ministry from the inside."

Charlus stood abruptly, his face set with determination. "Whatever his reasons, we can't leave him there alone. He's done too much for us, for the entire wizarding world. We owe it to him to make sure the Ministry doesn't mishandle this."

Dorea and Arcturus nodded in agreement. Without wasting another moment, they moved to the fireplace. Charlus grabbed a handful of Floo Powder, the emerald flames roaring to life as he threw it into the grate. "Ministry of Magic," he said firmly, stepping into the flames, with Dorea and Arcturus following closely behind.

As they arrived in the atrium of the Ministry, the usual bustling activity was replaced with a tense silence. The news of the battle in Hogsmeade and the capture of the mysterious young wizard had already spread. Aurors and officials cast wary glances at the trio, their whispers barely concealed.

The three of them made their way to the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, where they knew Harry would be held for questioning. The air was thick with tension, the gravity of the night's events hanging over everyone like a storm cloud.

Charlus approached the desk, his voice calm but authoritative. "We're here to see the young wizard who was brought in from Hogsmeade. It's imperative we speak with him."

The clerk behind the desk hesitated for a moment, then nodded, motioning for them to follow. As they were led through the corridors, Dorea couldn't help but reflect on the surreal nature of the situation. Just hours ago, they had been fighting alongside Harry, witnessing his unparalleled prowess. Now, they were walking through the cold halls of the Ministry, hoping to ensure his safety and fair treatment.

They were led to a small, dimly lit room where Harry sat at a table, his expression serene despite the circumstances. His eyes met theirs as they entered, a small smile playing at the corners of his lips.

"You took your time," he said lightly, breaking the tension with his usual calm demeanor.

Charlus couldn't help but chuckle, shaking his head. "You always have a plan, don't you?"

Harry shrugged, his gaze steady. "I needed to make sure they knew who I was and what I've done. It's the only way to push things in the right direction."

Dorea stepped forward, placing a hand on his shoulder. "We're here to make sure they don't push you too far."

Harry's eyes softened, a rare moment of vulnerability showing through. "I know. And I appreciate it. But trust me, this is where I need to be right now."

Arcturus crossed his arms, his voice gruff but concerned. "Just don't forget, you're not alone in this. We're in this fight together."

The room fell silent again, but this time it was a silence filled with understanding and solidarity. The events of the night had forged a bond between them, one that would not be easily broken.

As they left the room, waiting for the inevitable interrogation to begin, the weight of their shared purpose settled over them. The war was over, and they have won with Harry leading the charge, but they still have some things to do to properly end it. And for now, that was enough.