Great Hall...
The Great Hall buzzed with excitement as the third-year students eagerly recounted their experiences from Defense Against the Dark Arts Class.
"I swear, the troll was this close to smashing me!"
Andrew Woodcroft dramatically gestured, nearly knocking over a goblet.
"But with one swift move, I dodged and cast Expelliarmus!—and bam! The troll's club went flying!"
His fellow third-years nodded in agreement, embellishing their own stories.
Nod~
"Oh, you think that's impressive?"
Catherine Rowle, a Slytherin, smirked.
Smirk~
"I actually managed to stun it for a full second before Professor Morningstar had to step in."
Pfft~
"Pfft, please,"
a Ravenclaw boy scoffed.
"I definitely lasted the longest before needing help."
At the Hufflepuff table, one of the younger students leaned forward with wide eyes.
"Y-You guys actually fought a real troll?"
"Well,"
Andrew hesitated, glancing at his fellow classmates,
"it was technically a transfigured one, but it was exactly the same as the real thing."
The lower years gasped, staring at them in awe.
Even some of the seventh-years, who had been half-listening, raised their brows in surprise.
One of them, Desmond Fawley, frowned.
Frown~
"Wait a minute—you lot got to duel a troll in your third year?"
"That's right."
Catherine grinned, enjoying the attention.
"Professor Morningstar said practical experience is the best way to learn. If you don't fight for real, how will you survive when it actually matters?"
Desmond exchanged glances with his fellow seventh-years.
"… We didn't do anything like that until this year."
Another seventh-year, a Gryffindor, huffed, crossing his arms.
"We never did anything that intense even in our later years! Our lessons were mostly theory—nothing like this!"
"Well,"
a Ravenclaw girl added,
"We did duel each other in the sixth year, but never against actual creatures…"
The realization slowly dawned on them.
The third-years, barely fourteen years old, had already done something far more dangerous than anything they had faced.
The older students shifted uncomfortably, realizing that under Leo Morningstar's teaching, these younger years might soon surpass them in practical combat if things went on like this.
Diagon alley...
As Leo stepped into Diagon Alley, he immediately felt the weight of countless gazes upon him.
Whispers spread like wildfire among the crowd, and several wizards and witches hurriedly stepped aside, clearing the path for him.
Some greeted him with respectful nods, while others, mostly young witches, blushed before shyly averting their gazes.
A few shopkeepers even came out of their stores to offer greetings.
"Good day, Professor Morningstar!"
An elderly wizard tipped his hat.
"A pleasure to see you, sir!"
Madam Primpernelle, owner of the beauty shop, gave a warm smile.
Even the owl post carrier, who usually remained indifferent to everyone, saluted him before continuing his route.
Leo sighed inwardly, his fingers briefly massaging his temple.
'Fame truly is a troublesome thing... well I get benefits from it though...'
He continued walking toward his shop, but his keen senses picked up the hushed voices from the people nearby.
"That's him, isn't it? The one who put down that self-proclaimed Dark Lord?"
"Of course! Haven't you read the papers? He didn't even need to lift a wand himself!"
"The Morningstar family is truly terrifying…"
"Merlin's beard! What if he's even stronger than Dumbledore?!"
Leo's eyebrow twitched at the last comment.
'That's a ridiculous comparison…'
As he finally reached Cauldron & Charm Apothecary.
Inside, Eileen greeted him.
"Welcome back, Leo."
Leo with a smile gave a nod and followed her to the office.
Seated inside was none other than Ragnok, the Goblin King himself, waiting with a serious expression.
For a moment, Ragnok's sharp eyes studied Leo.
"____"
"____"
Then, the goblin king's stern expression melted, replaced by something rare—respect.
He inclined his head slightly.
"Lord Morningstar,"
Ragnok greeted.
"The goblins have long awaited your family's return to the world stage. Our loyalty remains unshaken. We stand ready to serve at your call."
Leo, leaning back slightly, raised a brow.
"Your loyalty is acknowledged, Ragnok. But tell me—why now? Why make this declaration at this moment?"
Ragnok's expression darkened slightly, his long fingers tapping against the table.
"The tides of power are shifting, Lord Morningstar."
"The Ministry wavers, the pure-blood factions are scheming, and war looms on the horizon."
"The goblins do not wish to be caught off guard when the storm arrives. Our interests align with yours."
Leo smirked.
Smirk~
"So, you offer your loyalty as a precaution, not just as an oath to the Morningstar lineage?"
Ragnok met his gaze evenly.
"We offer it because history has shown that when a Morningstar moves, the world follows."
"And I would rather be beside you than against you when that time comes."
"The history shows our ancestors made those lineage oaths because we believe following you is the right decision."
Bella, standing behind Leo, let out a quiet chuckle.
Chuckle~
"Smart goblin."
Ragnok's sharp-toothed grin widened not taking any offence.
"I take that as a compliment."
Leo considered this for a moment before nodding.
After a brief yet meaningful discussion, the goblin king, Ragnok, rose from his seat.
His armoured guards immediately straightened, prepared to escort their ruler out.
However, before leaving, Ragnok gestured to one of them, who stepped forward, holding a long, dark-wrapped bundle.
With a flick of his clawed fingers, the wrappings unravelled, revealing a gleaming sword—its pure goblin silver blade shimmering under the dim light of the shop.
The blade was adorned with intricate runes, their carvings pulsating faintly as if alive with power.
Ragnok turned his sharp gaze to Leo.
"A gift from the goblins to the rightful heir of the Morningstar family. This blade will recognize only you as its master, and its enchantments will grow stronger the more it is wielded in battle."
Leo reached out, grasping the hilt.
The moment his fingers wrapped around it, the runes glowed softly, as though acknowledging their new owner.
He could feel the power humming beneath the surface, waiting to be unleashed.
Ragnok smirked.
"May it serve you as well as your ancestors once did. Use it wisely, Morningstar."
With that, the goblin king gave a slight bow, then turned and exited the shop, his guards following closely behind.
The door shut behind them, leaving Leo standing there, the weight of the blade solid in his grasp.
Behind him, Bella eyed the weapon with curiosity.
Whistle~
"Damn the quality of the goblin sliver used in this blade..."
Leo smirked, giving the sword a casual swing.
On the first floor of Cauldron & Charm Apothecary, the atmosphere was lively, filled with the chirps, growls, and purrs of magical creatures.
Hagoromo Gitsune was gracefully tending to the pet section, ensuring the creatures were well-fed and comfortable.
The air smelled of exotic herbs, enchanted hay, and the faint musk of magical beasts.
Amidst the bustling shop, Bellatrix and Andromeda Black stood side by side, engaged in their respective tasks.
Having joined the shop at the same time, Andromeda assisted Hagoromo Gitsune in caring for the creatures,
While Bellatrix—
despite her usual disinterest in mundane tasks—
She helped her sister with the work since she was free now while chatting with her.
However, her primary role remained as Leo's bodyguard, a duty she took seriously.
Even now, as she worked, her sharp eyes occasionally flicked toward the entrance, ever watchful for any potential threats.
As Bellatrix finished restocking a shelf of enchanted collars, Andromeda smirked, glancing at her sister.
"Never thought I'd see the day. Where you would take a job seriously..."
Bellatrix scoffed but didn't stop working.
"Don't get used to it. I'm just keeping an eye on things."
Andromeda chuckled.
Chuckle~
"Sure, sure. Whatever you say."
Their conversation soon drifted to the recent battle at Diagon Alley, and as Andromeda recounted the details, Bellatrix listened with growing amusement.
"You should've seen it,"
Andromeda said, her voice laced with satisfaction.
"That clown-faced Pokémon of Leo's, Mr. Mime, made a complete fool out of Voldemort and his Death Eaters."
Bellatrix arched a brow and folded her arms.
"That thing?"
She gestured toward Mr. Mime, who was currently assisting Eileen in sorting potion ingredients with its psychic abilities.
From its soft expression and methodical movements, it looked entirely harmless.
Andromeda smirked.
Smirk~
"Oh yes. Voldemort barely got a spell off before he was completely shut down. Every attack was useless. Then, in the span of a few moments, his followers were thrown around like ragdolls, and he was left helpless."
Bellatrix chuckled darkly.
"The so-called Dark Lord, humiliated by a walking joke."
At that moment, Mr. Mime turned to Bellatrix and waved cheerfully, as if sensing their conversation.
Bellatrix narrowed her eyes at the Pokémon but smirked.
"You're more dangerous than you let on, aren't you?"
The Pokémon gave a knowing nod.
Despite already knowing the outcome, hearing it firsthand left an impression on Bellatrix.
After a few hours...
Hogwarts...
Leo and Bellatrix made their way back to Hogwarts, the towering castle glowing under the hues of the evening sky.
The Great Lake shimmered in the distance, and the warm glow of torches illuminated the corridors as they entered the castle.
DADA classroom...
As they reached the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom, the first-year students were already waiting, their chatter filling the air.
Some whispered excitedly, while others eyed Bellatrix warily—
Her presence added an unexpected weight to the lesson.
Leo walked in with his usual confident stride, Bellatrix following closely behind, standing near the door with her arms crossed, observing the students with a casual yet sharp gaze.
After completing attendance, Leo addressed the class with his usual charismatic tone.
"Today, we start with one of the most essential spells in Defense Against the Dark Arts—the Disarming Charm. This spell will be one of your greatest tools in any duel, whether against a fellow wizard or an unexpected dark creature."
Leo flicked his wand effortlessly, and a piece of chalk lifted itself, writing on the board:
Expelliarmus – The Disarming Charm
Incantation: Expelliarmus
Wand Movement: A quick outward flick
Effect: Forces the opponent's wand or weapon out of their hand
Use in Duels: A defensive manoeuvre, non-lethal but effective
Limitations: Requires good reflexes; less effective against strong magical grips
Leo turned to the class, scanning their eager and nervous faces.
"Now, watch closely."
With a swift movement, he aimed his wand at Bellatrix.
"Expelliarmus!"
A red light shot from his wand, and Bellatrix's wand flew out of her hand, spinning through the air before landing neatly in Leo's grasp.
The class gasped in amazement.
Bellatrix smirked, rolling her shoulders as if unfazed.
Smirk~
"Nice reflexes, Professor Morningstar."
Leo handed her wand back before addressing the students.
"This spell is not just about removing someone's wand—it's about control. A well-timed Expelliarmus can end a duel before it even begins. Now, let's get you all practising."
The students paired up, practising the spell under Leo's watchful eye.
At first, most failed to cast it properly, either mispronouncing the incantation or waving their wands incorrectly.
Some only managed a few weak sparks, while others accidentally knocked over books or quills instead of disarming their partner.
Leo and Bellatrix walked between the pairs, correcting postures, adjusting grip, and firmly instructing on pronunciation.
One student—
a Gryffindor boy—
finally managed to disarm his partner, and the room erupted in cheers.
Slowly, others followed suit, excitement building as more students successfully cast the spell.
As the lesson neared its end, Leo gave his final instructions.
"For homework, I want you to write a ten-page essay on the pronunciation, usage, and limitations of the Disarming Charm."
"In addition, you will also write a twelve-page research essay on a dark creature of your choice. If you don't know one, visit the library and find something that interests you."
The students groaned in unison, but Leo merely smirked.
"Oh, and don't forget—if you come to class unprepared, I'll make you practice Expelliarmus on an actual moving target."
Bellatrix chuckled as the students paled at the thought.
With that, the class was dismissed.
Mitchum Mansion...
Inside the grand Mitchum Mansion, tension filled the air like a thick fog.
The long dining hall, usually a place of opulent feasts and quiet conversations, had turned into a war room.
House elves scurried away, sensing the growing hostility in the room as pureblood family heads debated fiercely over the news that had arrived from Hogwarts.
The culprit? A series of letters sent by their own children, recounting the shocking speech delivered by Professor Leo Morningstar during breakfast at the Great Hall.
The parchments lay scattered across the polished wooden table, their contents undeniable.
Some were filled with admiration, some with curiosity, and some even with doubt—doubt about the very foundation of pureblood superiority that had been drilled into them since birth.
Harold Mitchum, a man in his late fifties with sharp features and greying hair, sat at the head of the table, his fingers pressed tightly together, forming a steeple as he listened to the heated arguments.
"This is dangerous,"
snarled Lord Greengrass, his usual calm demeanour shattered.
He slammed his fist onto the table.
"Our children are wavering! If this continues, the very idea of pureblood dominance will be nothing but a relic of the past!"
Lord Rosier, however, leaned back in his chair, stroking his chin thoughtfully.
"Perhaps… this isn't the worst outcome. If the tides are shifting, should we not adjust our sails?"
A sharp murmur of dissent rose.
"Adjust?! You would have us abandon our birthright?"
snapped Lord Avery, eyes burning with outrage.
"Morningstar's words are poison! A disease! If left unchecked, he will erode everything our ancestors have built!"
Others, however, remained silent, deep in thought.
The political landscape was shifting, and not all of them were willing to fight against a losing tide.
Some, like Lord Nott, were already considering how to align with Morningstar should his influence grow further.
Harold Mitchum finally exhaled, tapping his fingers against the table to regain control of the meeting.
"Silence."
The room quieted instantly.
"We all knew Morningstar was dangerous the moment he entered the scene."
"His ideas are radical. His actions were unpredictable."
"But what's worse—he is untouchable. The Morningstar name is too powerful to challenge openly."
His eyes scanned the room, locking onto each and every lord present.
"Some of you have already lost your backbone. Fine. Leave."
"But those who still believe in our cause, in the order that has kept wizarding society strong for centuries, we must act before it is too late."
"What do you propose?"
asked Lord Mulciber, his tone sharp.
Mitchum leaned forward, his voice cold and calculated.
"We take control of the narrative."
A few lords exchanged glances, unsure of what he meant.
Mitchum elaborated:
"We cannot touch Morningstar directly."
"But what we can do is create chaos where he cannot reach."
"We will stir trouble across the wizarding world—strike at places of importance, cause enough unrest that the people cry out for a new leader."
A wicked gleam flashed in Lord Parkinson's eyes.
"And when the Ministry fails to control it…"
"We force Minister Jenkins to resign,"
Mitchum confirmed.
"With her out of the way, I will take her place, and Morningstar will find himself silenced."
The remaining lords—
those who still held onto the old ways—
began nodding in agreement.
"We shall act in the shadows,"
said Lord Avery with a smirk.
"We will take up the mantle of the 'Death Eaters'… and ensure that the wizarding world remembers why it fears us."
The meeting concluded, with the pureblood faction now set on a path of destruction—
one that would shake the wizarding world to its core.
As Mitchum's chilling plan unfolded, the pureblood lords exchanged tense glances.
The room no longer held unity, only discord.
Some, like Lord Avery and Lord Mulciber, smirked in approval.
"A necessary step,"
Avery muttered, his fingers tapping rhythmically against the table.
"The wizarding world needs a reminder of our strength."
However, Lord Nott leaned back, his expression unreadable.
"And if this fails? If we push too hard, too fast, the backlash could be catastrophic."
His tone was careful, calculated.
One by one, the lords began to voice their opinions:
Lord Rosier stood up first.
"I have no intention of getting caught in a sinking ship,"
he stated coldly.
"If Morningstar is gaining favour, then perhaps it is time to reconsider where true power lies."
He walked away, his departure signalling his neutrality in the matter.
Lord Greengrass hesitated, his gaze flickering between the table and the letters from Hogwarts.
Sigh~
With a sigh, he finally spoke:
"My family's position is already unstable. I will not risk it further."
He left as well, taking his house's influence with him.
Lord Travers scowled, standing abruptly.
"This is reckless. I won't participate in a war that benefits no one."
He too turned and exited.
However, some remained silent, choosing neither to commit nor to leave.
They would observe the chaos and pick a side when the dust settled.
Mitchum's sharp eyes followed each departure but showed no signs of concern.
He knew this was inevitable.
Those who lacked conviction were never meant to be part of his plan.
As the room settled, only a handful of lords remained seated, their expressions hardened with resolve.
"Then it's settled,"
Mitchum declared, his voice filled with finality.
"Those of us who remain will move forward. The rest? They will either regret their cowardice or beg for a place at our table when this is over."
With that, the pureblood faction was irrevocably fractured—
a storm was coming, and the wizarding world would soon feel its wrath.
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(Author's POV)
(A/N): I hope you guys enjoying the story.
Thanks for reading the chapter!
Please give a review and power stone!!! It will Motivate Me.