71.No Going Back

19th of November 1994 Saturday (6 days later)

Juno

The intent to battle was so thick she could almost taste it.

Her gaze roamed about the Chamber, and she gave a slight nod. Spellfire fluttered across its length, illuminating everything in myriad colours as the club members duelled with fervour. The air was thick with the whistling of magic and the students’ laboured breathing. But there were no incantations. Even their youngest members could now fight silently, each spell coming out smooth and chantless—a feat some Seventh Years couldn’t match. 

Even after a full hour and a half, everyone was still quick on their feet as if they had all taken a strong dose of Pepper-up Potion. Even Luna and Hannah, who usually disliked such exertion and fighting in general, had slight smiles tugging at their childish faces. 

Diana sported a fierce grin as she launched a relentless wave of Stinging Hexes and Red Rash Jinxes at a struggling Draco. 

Everyone had grown, their skills well-practised and their casting swifter and more decisive than last year. Their spells were more powerful by a half, whether out of growth, practice, or mastery of theory.

Harry lay slumped on the sofa again, snoozing without a care in the world. This time, it had nothing to do with Dumbledore. Her fiancé had spent the night hunting dementors again, joined them for the morning run, and had started the day’s session with a duel against the whole club, herself included. 

They had barely snatched a victory, with only Ralina and Juno still standing in the end. And only because Harry had already been tired and held back on lethal magic. 

Compared to him, Juno could at most duel three, perhaps four of the club’s members at a time, without using dark magic. While it was rather frustrating, it was a valuable practice in teamwork, and she had gained a great deal from it.

The only damper on an otherwise perfect session was Professor Bones’ absence. But the deputy headmistress had been busy since the Durmstrang and Beauxbatons delegations arrived, and no longer had the time to attend.

Supervising the fights and duels here was not without gain, though—otherwise Juno would not have wasted time on such a thankless task. She channelled magic into her eyes openly, observing the shape of everyone’s magic and how it rippled and changed as they cast.

It was either that or try to glimpse into the flow of their thoughts, gleaning their next spell by leveraging her talent for Legilimency to the fullest without intruding on anyone’s private thoughts. Regardless, it sharpened her perception a little.

Her eyes flicked to the clock on the wall. Half past ten.

“That’s enough for today, everyone,” she said, clapping loudly. Immediately, the duelling stalled, and wands were lowered. Draco’s face was all swollen, cheeks and eyes bruised black and blue like he’d lost a brawl.

Juno’s lips twitched up at the sight. Her foolish cousin was not fighting half as fiercely as he would against Greengrass or anyone else, for that matter.

Fred Weasley dispelled the lengths of linen that were restraining Ralina Selwyn like a mummy, Cedric returned the wand he had disarmed from George, and Susan Bones put out the reddish smoke coming from Daphne Greengrass’s robe, though the edges remained singed. 

‘Not bad,’ Grindelwald whispered in her mind. ‘They all have potential, and are willing to work hard to unearth it.’

Juno stifled a sigh. ‘This is more work than I thought at first. And the lion’s share of the effort in teaching and guiding them all is Harry’s, not mine.’ 

‘Nothing worthwhile is ever easy.’ Grindewald’s voice was thick with emotion. ‘Your idea from back then was cleverly done. You and young Harry’s willingness to teach them well has forged a bond stronger than most.’

Truth be told, she was satisfied with all the club members here. She had chosen well. Whether it was effort, talent, or a measure of backing, they possessed it all. But, even though they were better than most students, they were merely good amidst a sea of mediocrity. None of them was truly exceptional or extraordinary. Perhaps it was unfair to compare them to Harry or herself in terms of talent, hard work, or opportunity, but that did not change the facts.

Future potential was just that: something that may or may not be capitalised upon. Still, this was a solid foundation for her future plans. Regardless of how her goals might change, having more capable friends and competent allies would never hurt. 

‘Do not let arrogance seep into your thoughts,’ her master’s voice was dangerously low. ‘With the foundation you and your betrothed have laid here, each one of them has a chance to break one limit in their lifetime at the very least. Even your Great Aunt had only broken a single limit, but died due to her hubris anyway.’

‘Badmouthing your left hand?’ Juno shot back.

There was not even a trace of warmth in Grindelwald’s tone. ‘She can only blame herself for her untimely demise.’

In truth, Juno was not surprised by the sharp response. The Scourge of Europe was someone who was blunt and honest above all else, and sentiment meant little to him. Gellert Grindelwald disdained lies and empty platitudes the most.

He had a point, too. Her thoughts strayed towards arrogance and pride more often than not, especially since the Autumn Equinox Ritual her master had designed for her. Its effects were simple, bolstering her mind and magic against all outside interference and strengthening her control. But it came with a drawback, and her emotions would surge from time to time until the season turned.

This was the last ritual Juno could perform without risking a permanent drawback or even backlash, but at no point did she regret taking him as a master. Perhaps it was prudent to reward Hestia and Flora’s loyalty with a ritual—there was bound to be a fitting one for their coming of age.

Juno cleared her mind until her mood settled and made her way towards the sofa Harry was sleeping on. 

Halfway, she realised that the sound of dwindling footsteps was absent and turned to face the lingering club members. Unlike other days, after all the wands were returned, jinxes and hexes were dispelled, and nobody had turned to leave. Each D.A. member remained, slowly converging on Juno, faces hesitant.

At the very back stood the Greengrass twins, looking the least enthusiastic of the lot.

She quirked a brow at them. “Is there something else?”

Under her gaze, they all shuffled uneasily. Cedric stepped forth with sweat still dripping from his hair.

“We all wish to help you and Harry,” he said, giving her an earnest smile.

Behind him, everyone nodded, even the proud Slytherins who rarely paid any attention to anyone in Hufflepuff.

“I appreciate your thoughts,” Juno’s voice was toneless. “But do you truly wish to help… or perhaps you aim to join us?”

“We’re quite good with our wands now,” Fred said boldly, holding her gaze without faltering. 

His twin nodded, face serious. “Many adult wizards and witches are no longer our match.”

“We don’t even fear dementors,” Hannah chimed in, waving her fist in a fit of rare bravery. “All of us have mastered the preliminary application of the Patronus now.”

“That’s far from enough,” Harry’s hoarse voice rang out. Her fiancé stood from the sofa, stretching as his joints popped loudly. “A shield can only defend you from the dementors. Only Fred has reached a corporeal in the charm, and that might not necessarily work. It’s one thing to muster the happy memories here, in a calm, unhurried environment, without your mind affected by the shroud of despair. Even if you all could cast a corporeal Patronus, you could chase away one or two, yes, but unless you can do that every time they appear to attack some hapless Muggle, you’re merely displacing the problem from one place or another. The less said about fighting dark wizards or creatures like werewolves, the better.”

“We all just want to help,” Cedric said, face growing stubborn.

“I understand,” Juno said smoothly. “But you’ll help us far more if you just study hard and master your magic, growing stronger. There’s a time and place for everything. Wait till you graduate and learn everything you can before you decide to pledge yourselves, if you really want to.”

‘I gathered you all for influence and connections, not to push you into some bloody battlefield,’ she complained inwardly. Risking that for a moment of youthful passion was the height of folly. If they dared to venture out and fight dark wizards or creatures, they wouldn’t fare too well. And if they died or were grievously wounded, all of her investment and effort would have been for nought. 

‘Ah, youthful vigour,’ Grindelwald hummed, tone dripping with amusement. ‘They see you and Harry and can’t help but grow inspired. Can you blame them for their desire to be part of something that rises above the drudgery of the mundane? You yourself are no different from that Harry Potter. Great things are not achieved by timidity.’

‘There’s a difference, though. Unlike them, I have the ability to stand side-by-side with my fiancé… or at least follow in his footsteps and protect his back. It is only right.’ 

Even so, they were not convinced. Perhaps they had grown stubborn after their skills had grown, but every club member remained, unwilling to leave matters at that—even Anthony, who was usually the first to leave.

Susan Bones broke the silence, her head held high. “But surely we can be of some assistance—”

“Thank you, Susan,” Harry said slowly. “But if the Dark Lord and his ilk could just be dealt with by gathering more wands, he would never have been the problem he is now. If his schemes could be resolved with sheer numbers, the Ministry wouldn’t have struggled half as much. What I do is not nearly half as exciting as you think. I’m mostly going out and scouting to get a feel for the situation. Nothing even happens most nights, but I can afford to spend my time wandering outside because classes no longer teach me anything. Can you say the same?”

Everyone’s gaze settled on Harry, mostly with admiration and reluctance, but there was no small measure of envy in their eyes, too. Even though Harry was one of the youngest amongst them, he was, undoubtedly, the strongest.

“This isn’t a game,” Juno added, voice growing glacial. “Don’t get too complacent because Voldemort is far away in Europe. Secrecy is our best course here, and your time is best spent training your magic and skills.”

The Gryffindors all turned grim, and Hannah looked frightened for a long moment. Reluctance flashed in Cedric’s eyes, but he let out a long, tired sigh. “Fine. But when the time comes, we won’t hesitate to do our part.” 

Juno’s lips twitched. “I will hold you to it.”  

This club had grown far beyond its initial purpose, but Juno couldn’t bring herself to dislike it, even though it frustrated her. She swept out with her wand, finishing with a jab at her foolish cousin, toning down the swelling on his face, for the most part.

Draco gave her a grateful nod, but dared not meet her eyes. Frustrating fool. Diana did not even glance at him once.

They all recognised the dismissal for what it was and were finally prepared to leave. As they all finally dispersed, she signalled at the Greengrass twins to remain. Ron Weasley went to Harry’s side, whispered something in his ear, and handed over a piece of parchment before leaving. 

Damien and Daphne approached Juno with caution, their face unreadable, though she was not surprised. The direct Greengrass line had managed to stay out of all conflict for nearly three centuries. They had largely withdrawn from politics after the tragedy with the infamous Lady Carmilla Sanguina.

She had been a vampire, wanted by the newly established ICW for bathing in the blood of virgins to retain her youth and power. The Lord Greengrass at the time was one of her former lovers, betraying their location to the ICW’s vampire hunters.  

With her dying breath, Sanguina cursed him and all his kin.

Greengrass’s children all died within a year, and only one of his grandchildren survived beyond adolescence. It was precisely that curse cast by a dying elder vampire that plagued the House of Greengrass to this day. While vampires could live for centuries without issue, their appearances would wither with time, and time itself would erode their power. 

Cyrus Greengrass, much like his predecessors, was content to acquire wealth and remain a near-invisible presence in the Wizengamot, abstaining from most direct votes and doing only the bare minimum to avoid stepping on the toes of the Minister or other factions. If the Greengrasses wished to push for a law or resist it, they did so through the votes of the other neutral warlocks.

Damien was much like his father, cautious and slow to act in most matters. Contrary to her expectations, he had not approached her about it, even when she had subtly spread the rumour of Professor McGonagall’s recovery.

Now, her patience was growing thin, forcing her to be the one to broach the topic.

“How is your sister?” Juno asked, even though she knew the answer.

“She’s been exhausted as of late,” he said softly. “The training has taken a toll on her body and magic, and Madam Pomfrey has recommended she rest this month.”

‘So cowardly,’ her master snorted. ‘Not even admitting it. Years of hiding have long since melted their already meagre courage. Hiding the blood malediction as if the world doesn’t know. As if it’s something shameful.’

It was shameful, though, and no pureblood house would ever want to have its dirty laundry or weakness aired for the world to see. Hiding the matter was effective, since few alive still remembered House Greengrass’s bloodline curse. Even fewer still remembered the source of the malediction. After all, it only affected those born to the Greengrass name and sired by a Greengrass father, meaning that the children of daughters married outside the Greengrass family would not inherit the curse.

Although the malediction had lost some of its strength over the centuries and remained latent in most Greengrasses, it was far from gone—not a single Greengrass had lived over eighty.

“I have a way to help her,” Juno said bluntly.

Disbelief flashed through Daphne’s blue eyes, but her twin’s expression remained unchanged, and his jaw remained clenched, refusing to speak.

“I was the one to dispel Professor McGonagall’s curse,” she pressed. “Perhaps I can be of help to your sister, too. I only need you to inform your father about the issue and tell him I wish to speak.”

“I’ll pass the message on,” Damien said, face unreadable. The twins turned to leave, but not before Daphne gave her a hesitant look. 

She wouldn’t need to do this, but Cyrus Greengrass was nigh impossible to contact without a personal introduction, as the cunning wizard had deliberately blocked all channels of magic communication. Doing so allowed him to remain completely neutral and uninvolved in deeper political matters. Furthermore, everyone who sought out Greengrass was at an inherent disadvantage, giving the old fox leverage in any bargaining or deal. 

As soon as the Greengrasses left, Ralina Selwyn approached them. Her face surrendered no emotion, but Juno could almost taste the nervousness shrinking her shoulders.

“I wish to join you,” Ralina said simply. “As a secret retainer.”

Juno forced herself not to smile. “Are you truly willing to stake your future in my hands entirely?”

The older witch’s lips peeled back. “I’d be forced to stake it regardless. My aunt has informed me that my parents are looking to marry me off by the summer. Probably another shady arrangement with some fat old fuck, just to grow their personal influence or to satisfy some demand from the Dark Lord. At least I know you won’t abandon me. As proper as you always present yourself to be, I can tell you harbour a great ambition—otherwise you would have never bothered with the Triwizard Tournament. My wand is yours, if you want it, so long as you don’t fear the retaliation of the Selwyn family.”

Retaliation? Juno would be more than happy to welcome such a talent and squeeze those old fools for all they were worth.

Her master’s raspy laughter rang in her mind. ‘One reluctant to act or owe favours leaves, but another comes, eager to fall into your clutches.’ 

Juno ignored him and instead spoke aloud, “Very well.” She had no reason to refuse. Even though it was considered archaic and rarely done in this day and age, recruiting retainers was not without benefit and was still recognised by the Wizengamot and wizarding law. 

Ralina let out a long sigh of relief. “My wand is yours to command, then. Do you wish me to swear now, or…”

“This is not something to be concluded so quickly.” Juno took a moment to weigh her options. “You are not without choices. Even if your parents wish to withdraw you from school early, I can sponsor you to finish your N.E.W.T.s. From there, you can join me and help run my business, or help me with matters that are inconvenient for me to handle. Or you can continue your studies. Pick a branch of magic you are skilled with and wish to pursue, and I shall find you a Master to apprentice under.”

‘You’re not ruthless enough,’ her master chided. ‘You cannot afford to be merciful when dealing with your enemies. Tell her the other options too, perhaps the girl has the guts for it.’

Her master was right. Her enemy was the Dark Lord, her own father, and she did not have the luxury of softness. Whether by his own hand or words, Tom Riddle had killed more people than she had eaten meals, and ended more pureblood lineages than she had seen summers.

“Or… we can do something bolder,” Juno said lightly, but her voice quivered despite herself.

Ralina looked at her with great interest. “Bolder?”

She took a deep breath and allowed her own nerves to settle. Putting herself in Ralina’s shoes, it was an option she would never consider, even upon pain of death.

But for the sake of her ambitions, she would give her the choice.

“Wed whoever your family arranges, if you believe you can stomach the indignity and humiliation. Once you get with child, I’ll remove everyone who stands on the path to the lordship then, and you can take over the family as a regent.”

The Slytherin witch paled, looking at Juno as if she had grown a second head.

“I can instead do the same with your family alongside them, for the current Selwyns are no allies of mine. The day you graduate will be the day you ascend to become Lady Selywn and sit on the Wizengamot, where you will follow my arrangements in all matters. Of course, you can still walk away before you’ve given me the retainer’s vow, and I can pretend this conversation never happened.”

Juno knew Ralina would never go back to her family and confess. If Ralina were close with them, then she would have never approached her to become Juno’s retainer in the first place. 

“I…” Ralina faltered. Her emotions were thrown into turmoil, but there was no trace of malice in her.

“Think it over well,” Juno said. “I don’t need your reply right away. Give it a week and let me know. Choose whichever option you can live with.”

The Slytherin witch nodded, then left in a daze.

The moment she disappeared through the archway, Harry approached, clicking his tongue. “Quite extreme. Talking of exterminating whole families so easily and so freely.”

“Hundreds have died under House Selwyn’s wands in the last war alone. Culling that lot can be called a good deed. And whoever they wish to pawn their daughters off for dark lord’s favour or profit won’t be much better.”

“I know,” Harry said with a long sigh. “I don’t judge you for offering it all. I just don’t wish to become a monster like Voldemort. Among those Selwyns are children, and innocents who never raised a hand for Voldemort. You’d have to kill them, too.”

“Harry, Harry,” Grindelwald’s voice rippled with disappointment as grey smoke coiled out of her ring and his spectre took shape. “There’s no such good thing as killing without getting your hands dirty. To destroy a Dark Lord of Voldemort’s calibre, you must not only match him in magic, but in ruthlessness and cunning. Outdo him, even. If you spare those children, won’t they just grow to contest Ralina’s power and loathe you, just as you loathe Riddle?”

Harry’s gaze grew distant. “I just wish… there was an easier way. Less bloody, at least.”

“The only other way is to be so powerful that you can break all schemes by sheer strength. But neither Albus nor I ever quite reached such a level.” Gellert cocked his head. “Do not indulge in idle daydreaming, lest you get lost in it. You’ve done well so far, but the road ahead must be walked regardless. Riddle does not wish to hunt you down more than anything else, so your presence cannot be used to draw him into a trap. The more you kill now and the better prepared you are, the fewer people will die later. The die is cast, and now you can only play the game. In war, half-measures get you half-results at best. Steel yourself for it, young Harry, or run somewhere far away until this great storm passes.”

The silence grew oppressive, as Harry stared blankly at the wall, and even Juno couldn’t glean anything of his thoughts and emotions… but she had the feeling that he was recalling some unpleasant memory. Then, her fiancé’s eyes hardened like two bright emeralds, and he gave a sharp nod.

“You are right.”

“That I am,” her master chortled. “But now, you have other pressing matters. You ought to prepare for the meeting with your aunt. To subdue a proud witch with a storied lineage with mere words is not easy.”

“Before we go, here’s a note from Ron.” Harry directly shoved a strip of parchment into her hands.

On it was scribbled a single sentence. Charlie arrived here last night with three dragons.

Juno froze.

Grindelwald’s spectral form floated over, peeking over her shoulder and roared with laughter.

“I don’t need any assistance,” she muttered sourly. “You did this deliberately.”

Harry yawned. “I bet Delacour and Krum already know of this, so it’s not exactly an unfair advantage. Think of it as evening the playing field. Besides, why are you angry at me? I’m just the messenger. Are you going to blame Ron for wanting to help?”

Juno resisted the strong urge to draw her wand and hex her cheeky fiancé.

“Whatever. Let’s get prepared for meeting my aunt—and follow my lead on this.”

---

The private parlour in the Three Broomsticks was as cosy as always, with a warm fire crackling in its hearth. The whole inn was exactly as she remembered, as if a good part of it hadn’t been wrecked when they had abducted her. Only Rosmerta was gone now, replaced by a younger, bubbly but no less busty witch by the name of Mary.

Juno had learned a bitter lesson last time. To prevent accidents that could not be foreseen, Harry had taken a Pepper-up Potion to temporarily shed last night’s exhaustion and shadowed half a step behind her. Underneath their cloaks were basilisk battle robes custom-made by Andromeda, and they had only entered the pub after Nyx had scouted for traces of dark wizards.

“Niece. Harry.”

Narcissa gave them a warm smile. Her aunt was dressed in a flowing robe of silver acromantula silk, her blonde hair fashioned into an elaborate French braid that twisted over her shoulder and coiled over her bulging chest, which threatened to spill out of her dress.

She could easily attend an international Gala with such style, if not for the complete lack of jewellery aside from her wedding ring.

“I already ordered a full course. I hope you don’t mind, dear.”

Juno’s eyes flicked to the table that was filled from one end to the other with meals. Braised beef with potatoes and greens, roasted chicken with spices and rice, smoked salmon with lemon, and various salads. Bottles of butterbeer, pumpkin juice, and honey mead were arrayed in the centre, flanked by portions of treacle tart and chocolate pudding, the desserts of choice.

Juno’s brows furrowed. Since when did Narcissa know their preferences?

‘It must be desperation,’ her master’s voice echoed in her mind. ‘An arrangement catering to your tastes is only meant to display goodwill and put you in a good mood. Good. Once you draw her in, you can be more aggressive.’

Harry and Juno wordlessly sat across the table, facing Narcissa. Juno directly drew her wand, twisting it over the table. Good, no poison. She channelled magic in her eyes, studying each dish. No potions, either. The only thing out of place was the tiny clump of magic gathering in her aunt’s stomach. Her new cousin, perhaps?

“Don’t you trust me, niece?” Narcissa asked, her voice thick with disappointment. 

Juno gave her a blank look. “This is not a matter of trust, but prudence. Last time I was invited here, I fell into quite the vicious ambush. What if you were under the Imperius? Or coerced?”

“Prudence is good,” her aunt murmured. “I can’t fault you for it, nor will I try to in these dangerous times.”

The silence between them stretched. Narcissa had come here with an ulterior motive, and Juno was no different. Whoever spoke first would be at a disadvantage. 

Narcissa was the first to relent.

“Let us eat first, then,” she said with a sigh.

Juno unceremoniously pulled over the plate with the chicken, while Harry helped himself to the beef and potatoes.

Her aunt poured herself a cup of honeyed mead and lifted it to her lips. “What are your plans for the future, niece?” 

Harry wordlessly flicked his wand, and the air was filled with a soft, buzzing sound, blocking the sounds of the street outside.

“Win the Triwizard Tournament, of course,” Juno declared righteously.

“And after that?” The question had been asked casually, but the suppressed nervousness and anticipation in Narcissa’s mind betrayed her. 

Her lips quirked. “Complete my N.E.W.T.s. Restore my family’s standing. Marry. Have children.”

Kill my father.

“Marry?” Narcissa’s grey eyes flicked to Harry. “Do you perhaps have someone in mind?”

“There’s a betrothal contract for House Black,” Juno said softly.

I wrote it myself.

Narcissa glanced at Harry, but he paid her no heed, his entire focus on the meal before him as if this entire conversation had nothing to do with him. She danced around the topic for a little longer until she finally got the hint and focused on the food.

Once Juno swept her plate clean, Narcissa spoke again. “How are you planning to deal with the,” her voice dropped to a whisper, “Dark Lord?”

“If things in Wizarding Britain grow dangerous, we’ll just pack our things and leave,” Juno lied without batting an eye. “Voldemort’s crooked hand does not reach beyond the pond, after all.”

Narcissa was stunned. “What?” 

“I heard the Dark Lord does not suffer a genius or a talent who refuses to join his ranks. Once his recruitment is declined, he goes to great lengths to eliminate those who defy and reject him, and even their children aren’t spared.” She pointedly looked at Harry. “So, I believe it’s wiser to avoid such trouble from afar.”

“Wiser indeed,” Narcissa echoed, eyes dimming. “What about you, Mr Potter? Are you content to flee while your parents’ murderer still lives?”

Harry gave her a lazy shrug and played along with her story. “It won’t be too late to come back and kill him once I’m strong enough. After all, seeking justice or retribution without sufficient strength would be merely walking to my own death.”

Her aunt’s stiff smile wilted, and she looked as if she had aged five years in an instant. Juno did not offer empty platitudes and attacked instead. “What about you, Aunt?”

“What about me?” 

Juno watched Narcissa Malfoy like a hawk, her awareness sharpened to the utmost. “What will you do once Voldemort returns to Wizarding Britain?”

The moment the question left her lips, she caught that sharp, piercing spike of fear as clear as day. But her aunt was better than that, and not even a trace of it showed on her face. 

“I am a Malfoy,” was the weary reply. “There’s nothing to fear for me, nor any need to escape.”

‘She can’t escape, and she knows it,’ her teacher mocked mercilessly. ‘Your aunt is truly as opportunistic as you claimed.’

‘My Aunt is a proud woman. I don’t think she was ever loyal to my half-blood father. Nor did she take pride or joy in terrorising hapless Muggles, as it would be below her.’

“No need to escape?” Juno said instead, lips curving in amusement. “What will the Dark Lord do when he realises you have lost his precious diary?”

Narcissa’s face paled slightly. “I’m not sure what you speak of.”

Juno’s smile widened as she leaned in. “Tom Riddle’s diary, Aunt. One of Voldemort’s Horcruxes that kept him anchored to the realm of the living even after he lost his body.”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Narcissa squeezed out stiffly, but the hand holding her cup began to tremble.

Harry lifted his head from the treacle tart and spoke for the first time. “There’s no need to deny it, Narcissa. After all, I am the one who stole your husband’s diary. And, perhaps you might not be aware, so let me explain what a Horcrux entails.”

As Harry calmly narrated the inner workings of the most sinister of magics, her aunt’s mask cracked into a thousand pieces, and her face alternated between ghostly pale and green. Her cup fell, clattered down the table and tumbled to the floor, spilling mead over the wooden boards. Fear and despair rolled off in waves from her now, and she no longer bothered to conceal it as she slumped on her chair.

“You… you’ve doomed House Malfoy, and you’ve doomed my daughter!”

It was how softly her aunt had spoken, rather than the expected surge of hopelessness, that gave Juno pause.

‘Be careful not to break her.’

Juno spun her wand, vanishing the spilt mead, and, with a hooking motion, summoned the cup back and caught it with her left hand.

“No need for such hurtful accusations,” Juno’s voice grew soothing. “You and your husband are merely cornered. And I won’t allow my cousins to suffer misfortune.”

“You have me in your grasp, niece,” Narcissa said flatly, schooling her expression. “There’s no need to beat around the bush any more, unless you’ve come here to gloat over my misfortune.”

“First, I must inform you that all of Voldemort’s soul anchors are destroyed. The Dark Lord is mortal.” Juno paused for a long moment to allow the message to sink in. Narcissa merely nodded, a hint of fire returning to her eyes. “Second, neither Harry nor I plan to flee just yet.”

Her aunt shuddered as realisation sank in and her face paled like chalk. If the Dark Lord ever found out she knew of this and did not immediately inform him, she would be killed. She could be killed regardless of burying the secret, and Narcissa knew that better than most. 

“What, then?” Jaw clenched tight, Narcissa’s grey eyes settled on her fiancé. “Do you wish to defy him as your parents did?”

“I wish to kill him,” Harry said, voice full of resolve as a wave of heavy, fiery magic flooded the room. A moment later, it was gone. “But I won’t attack blindly. As I said earlier, I’ll only confront him when I have the strength to do so, otherwise I might just be sending myself to my death.”

Narcissa Malfoy looked at Harry Potter as if seeing him for the first time. Then, she gave a tight nod.

“I believe you. You might… even succeed in time. And you, niece?” 

Juno reached out, clasped Harry’s hand, and intertwined their fingers. “It’s only normal that I help my fiancé, isn’t it?”

Surprise flickered through her face, but she quickly hid it. 

“You desire something more from me, then.” Narcissa’s face was gloomy all over. “I don’t think my spying can deceive the Dark Lord in person. Lucius won’t be of much help, either. My husband’s skill in Occlumency is far from enough to deceive his master if the need arises.”

“Don’t worry.” Juno’s lips curled. She refilled the empty cup with mead and pushed it towards her aunt. “It’s not what you think. How can I risk my precious Aunt and Uncle for something so worthless? I don’t mean to throw you away, but to make you the Minister of Magic. After all, I need someone competent who knows the true threat of Voldemort in charge.”

Narcissa reeled.

“You wish to… scheme against both the Ministry and the Dark Lord… and betray both?”

“You’ve already betrayed both of them,” Juno pressed ruthlessly. “I’m merely giving you the means to fight back. With the right presentation, I’d wager even the Dark Lord will be eager to push you to the minister’s seat, exposing his hand in the British Isles in the process. Unless… you believe you don’t have what it takes to be the Minister?”

“…I’m in.” Narcissa gently placed a hand over her stomach. Then, she reluctantly picked up the newly-filled cup and took a deep swallow. “It’s not like I have much choice. But know this, niece.” Her face hardened. “If my children are harmed in this scheme of yours, I will have you suffer worse than them, no matter the cost to myself.”

“My cousins are precious to me.” Juno gave her a reassuring smile. “Let us discuss our options. But first, I’ll require you to swear a small vow of secrecy.”

They talked, schemed, and planned for hours until their tongues got tired. There was no going back now that Narcissa knew, and things were set in motion. Even retreat would be nigh impossible now. The road ahead was chosen, and she could only walk it, no matter how difficult. 

Late in the afternoon, Harry and Juno finally left the Three Broomsticks, their faces hidden by hoods.

“You were quite ruthless towards your aunt,” he said neutrally.

“With some relatives, you cannot afford to be soft or weak,” she said pointedly. “I’m sure you can understand. Aunt Narcissa is proud to the bone, and disdains dirtying her hands the most, and this was the only way to truly get her under control.”

“I see.” Harry gave her a slight smile. He understood her all too well—and that made her heart flutter. “Anyway… want to take a walk with me?”

Juno perked up, hooking her hand underneath his elbow. “Let’s go. It’s been a while since we’ve had the chance.”

Contrary to her expectations, her fiancé didn’t drag her away for a heated snogging session but straight into the Forbidden Forest, in an enclosure not too far from Hogwarts.

Three enormous silhouettes were penned in, surrounded by thirty wizards, about ten surrounding each draconic figure. Streaks of fire tore through the darkness, some of them nearly forty feet long 

‘Not bad for a first task. Swedish Short-Snout, Chinese Fireball, Hungarian Horntail. A bit tricky to kill with your skills, but knowing how soft Albus is, you won’t have to face them directly.’ 

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Author’s Endnote: I wished to put in the First Task in this chapter, but the events surrounding it won’t exactly fit in a single short scene, or at least not a rushed one. It’s also one of the important pivotal points.