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Last of The Fae Chapter 123: Next Arc
🕑 Added 2025-02-24 22:26:36 +0000 UTCThane cracked open his eyes as he felt a slew of familiar auras suddenly appear a few feet in front of him tense and ready to fight, "I was wondering how long it would take all of you to investigate."
Thane stared at his teachers, arranged before him in a triangular formation with Dumbledore front and center. All of their wands were drawn and at the ready, though Thane watched as their points dropped to the floor as they realized he was no threat...or at least the one they had set out to vanquish.
"Good god," McGonagall gasped as she stared at Thane, "How did this happen?"
"I think it's rather obvious professor," Thane replied calmly as he stood, his feet planted atop the lifeless corpse of the Basilisk, "The beast was a worthy adversary but as you can see only one of us remains standing."
"You slayed the Basilisk of Salazar Slytherin?" Flitwick asked his sparkingly eyes full of wonder and awe.
"I believe my wounds are proof enough," Thane replied with a macabre grin as he gestured to his missing arm which had been bandaged, "Fortunately it's not my dominant arm, that would have been bothersome."
"This is not a laughing matter, young man!" McGonagall snapped with a waspish voice, "You could have been killed?! A Basilisk is one of the most dangerous magical beasts in the realm, they were forbidden by the Ministry centuries ago due to their untameable nature!"
Thane's smile disappeared as McGonagall talked down to him as if he was still the same child that had answered her at the orphanage, "I am not a fool professor, when I devised that a basilisk was responsible for the attacks I took the proper precautions and preparations before approaching the beast. Instead of lecturing, you should be thanking me for ridding Hogwarts of such a dangerous threat."
"Thanking you?!" McGonagall balked aghast at Thane's arrogance, "How dare you, Sir! Do you have any idea how many rules not to mention laws you have broken today?! You could be expelled for this!"
Thane raised a single eyebrow at McGonagall's threat, "Oh is that so...tell me do you agree with Professor McGonagall's statement, Headmaster?"
Thane's gaze met Dumbledore's who had remained silent ever since the Professors had apperated into the Chamber of Secrets. The habitat twinkle in Dumbledore's eyes was absent as he stared up at Thane, "Professor McGonagall is correct, you have shown no respect or consideration for the rules of this institution...however your actions while rash did ultimately save Hogwarts from potential catastrophe."
"I couldn't agree less," Thane replied with a grin.
"But as Headmaster I can not ignore such blatant disregard of rules designed to keep students safe," Dumbledore continued with his eyes trying to pin Thane in place with the weight of his gaze, "I have no choice but to call you before a disciplinary board to review your actions and decided whether you belong at Hogwarts. I will also be sending a report to the Ministry about what occurred today expect them to call you in for questioning."
Thane froze for a moment as he analyzed Dumbledore's cold unfeeling gaze. While Thane had expected some backlash for his actions Dumbledore was actively moving to have him expelled and even report him to the Ministry who would no doubt take the opportunity to target the man who had just severely limited the scope of their power.
'Why is he actively attempting to sabotage me? There hasn't been any sign of hostility before th-' Thane's thoughts came up short as he suddenly formed a connection in his mind, 'He certainly has the resources and network...but what does he have to gain by removing me from the picture?'
Another second passed as Thane tried to weave together the countless threads and pieces floating around him to a reasonable conclusion. Dumbledore, a man who stood at the apex of the wizarding world, a man who had used his power and influence for decades to protect those weaker than him. There was no reason for him to target Thane, 'Unless he sees me as a threat, not to himself, but the greater good. Still, it begs the question why? Does he truly believe that my creations pose that much of a danger to the public?'
Recovering from his stupor Thane slowly shook his head, "You're going to report me to the Ministry like some criminal?"
Dumbledore nodded as if advising a pupil, "I'm afraid my hands are tied. You must learn there are consequences for your actions, Thane."
"Consequences such as letting an untamed Basilisk roam the castle and attack defenseless students," Thane asked his gaze narrowing, "If I hadn't intervened how long would have Hogwarts been under siege? How many more attacks would have occurred before someone turned up dead?"
"That is hardly an excuse for your reckless behavior," Dumbledore retorted his voice dangerously low.
"Maybe in your eyes, but how about in the eyes of my fellow students, of their parents, or the rest of Magical Britain!" Thane countered his face stoic and unflinching but his emerald eyes burned, "Lord Fae selflessly slays Deadly Basilisk lurking within the Guts of Hogwarts preventing untold death and destruction! But for his heroism, Hogwarts is threatening to expel Lord Fae and has reported him to the Ministry of Magic."
Thane spoke as if reading aloud from a page and he watched as his Professors shifted uncomfortably, "Oh I can imagine the headlines and outcry now."
Dumbledore's eyes were barely visible as he glared at Thane with a narrowed gaze, "I think you are greatly overestimating how much of the public's favor you hold."
"Perhaps but are you willing to take that risk," Thane asked, "The very worst-case scenario for me is that I get expelled from Hogwarts and have to go through the pomp and circumstance of a court trial as the Ministry tries to make an example out of me to show that they still have the power."
Thane said the last part in air quotes, "But even in then there will be some who leap to my defense, and those who start to wake up to the hypocrisy of my trumped up charges and realize what I represent. So tell me, Headmaster....what will it be?"
---
Thane breathed a sigh of relief as he teleported into the Room of Requirement but before he could even take a step he was nearly bowled over as Daphne launched herself at him, "Thank god you're okay!"
Thane chuckled before smoothing back Daphne's hair, "I told you, there was no need to-"
"OH MY GOD WHERE'S YOUR ARM?!" Daphne wailed as she pushed Thane back and stared at his bandaged stump.
"It's really not that-"
"Don't you dare finish that sentence! You stay right there I'm getting Luna to check you over and then Rose so she can scream at you with me!" Daphne insisted only for Thane to pull her back into an embrace.
For a moment neither spoke until Thane felt Daphne melt against him, "I'm sorry I made you worry."
"I hate you," Daphne replied came out muffled against Thane's chest and though her words were scathing Thane knew she meant the exact opposite, "I love you to."
