Above the sky, lines and runes of various colors appeared one after another, intertwining and shifting like a breathtaking, magical rainbow.
Dumbledore, Grindelwald, and other wizards raised their heads in unison, committing the intricate patterns to memory. Each line's trajectory, each shimmering rune, was imprinted deeply in their minds.
While observing, they pondered the relationship between these patterns and the secret spatial realm they now occupied. This was no ordinary feat of magic; it was a revelation.
Even the most untrained wizards could see that constructing a secret space like Lockhart's would provide an unprecedented advantage. Privacy, security, and strategic superiority—it was a powerful tool for any wizarding faction.
Grindelwald had already made up his mind. Upon returning, he would begin developing a secret realm for the Saints. The principles were forming in his mind, and with enough research, refinement, and trial and error, it could become a reality. If obstacles arose, he would not shy away from striking a deal with Lockhart.
After all, this knowledge is now in plain view, he thought. The only question is the price.
Dumbledore shared similar thoughts, though he was more cautious.
Meanwhile, Cornelius Fudge, Minister of Magic, was practically giddy with excitement. His mind raced with possibilities. If the Ministry of Magic could move into a space like this, it would secure his legacy.
In his mind, the headlines were already forming: "In 1993, under the leadership of Minister of Magic Cornelius Fudge, the Ministry of Magic relocated to a secret spatial realm, ushering in a new era of wizarding security and innovation."
Fudge's face broke into an uncharacteristically wide smile as he indulged in his fantasy.
A low hum suddenly spread through the air.
The black mist representing the curse dispersed, releasing a wave of mysterious energy that radiated outward with astonishing speed.
Voldemort's pale face lit up with joy. The destruction of the soul fragment in Hufflepuff's Golden Cup had lifted the lingering curse on him.
"Retreat!" he barked.
The Death Eaters, hearing their master's command, immediately unleashed black magic to distract their opponents and withdrew from the battlefield. Within moments, they activated their prepared portkeys.
A surge of spatial distortion swept across the square.
The Death Eaters vanished, along with the werewolves.
At the edges of the square, Tom's allies, the pure-blood Death Eaters, received the signal and followed suit.
In mere seconds, only Tom and Voldemort remained.
Dumbledore and the others watched silently, their expressions contemplative. None made a move to intervene.
Tom raised his wand, amplified his voice, and addressed the crowd.
"Grindelwald, I know you're here," he called out, his voice steady.
"And you, Headmaster Dumbledore."
He paused, letting his words settle over the audience before continuing.
"The future of the wizarding world has begun to blur," he said. "Good and evil will intertwine, chaos will reign. A great era of upheaval lies ahead, and in its wake, new wizards will rise—wizards like Lockhart."
Tom's gaze swept the crowd, his tone growing resolute. "It's time for us to abandon our outdated perceptions. The lines we once drew between us must fade. I look forward to the day when we can sit together as equals and discuss the evolution of magic and the changes shaping our world."
His voice softened, almost wistful. "That day will come, and it won't be far off."
Lockhart's intentions, Tom mused, were clear. By harnessing the collective power of the wizarding world, he was pushing the magical system into an era of transformation. Whatever came next, it would undoubtedly be monumental.
Turning his attention back to Voldemort, Tom added, "Lockhart, I suspect we'll have more dealings in the future. There's ample time ahead."
Voldemort's eyes gleamed with malice. Without another word, he activated his portkey and disappeared.
Lockhart stood motionless; his expression inscrutable. When Voldemort's presence was gone, a faint smile of disdain flickered across his face. He composed himself quickly, stepping lightly onto the high platform where he had begun.
The dark green barrier surrounding the square dissolved as Tom Riddle followed suit, vanishing into thin air.
With their departure, the audience turned their focus back to Lockhart.
Standing on the platform, his appearance was impeccable, his robes unruffled, and a serene smile graced his lips as if the battle had been nothing more than a performance.
Before him, the students had formed neat ranks, their calm demeanor belying the intensity of the earlier fight.
"Everyone," Lockhart began, his voice confident and clear, "the battle is over. Now, let us return to our eveny."
He spread his arms wide, gesturing to the gathered crowd.
"Welcome to Kamar-Taj, a school dedicated to meditation and magic. A place where Squibs can awaken as wizards and where wizards can push beyond their limits to become something greater."
In the dimly lit warmth of the Hog's Head Inn, the mood was lively and chaotic. Candlelight flickered over rows of crowded tables, the air thick with the aroma of ale and the hum of animated conversation.
"Did you see it?" a red-faced wizard exclaimed, slamming his mug onto the table. "If you missed the Kamar-Taj ceremony, you missed history! The most unforgettable day of my life!"
The wizard next to him nodded enthusiastically, his hands gesturing wildly.
"Dumbledore, You-Know-Who, and even Lockhart! All the great wizards in one place—can you believe it? They're calling Lockhart the next Dumbledore, you know. And he's so young!"
Aberforth Dumbledore leaned against the bar, his face etched with a mix of irritation and resignation.
"Albus deserves it," he muttered under his breath.
The door to the bar creaked open, and a young figure stepped inside. Aberforth's sharp eyes lit up as he recognized the newcomer.
"Ian!" he called out, a rare smile breaking across his face.
==============================================
Support me at [email protected]/goldengaruda and check out more chapter of this or more early access chapter of my other fanfic translation.
=============================================