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Chapter 51: The Unworthy.
🕑 Added 2025-05-10 10:19:36 +0000 UTCCelestial Ascendancy
Chapter 51: The Unworthy.
The Hollow.
Elias Black.
“So… what’s got your panties in a bunch, Rias?” I asked the gorgeous redhead seated across from me at the tea table.
The rest of the devils had already left, but I’d asked Rias and her peerage to stay after seeing how damn conflicted she’d looked all night. Seekvaira had taken off with Alivian, but she promised to text me soon about the chess pieces she wanted to get her hands on.
I didn’t have that many gemstones lying around, which was a shame. But realistically, they weren’t that hard to find; I just hadn’t had the time to go hunting in the Forbidden Forest lately, and I doubted I’d have much free time in the next few days.
That didn’t mean I had no access to prey, though.
I wasn’t the biggest fan of killing my enemies outright… but that didn’t mean I wouldn’t do it when the war finally started heating up.
I wasn’t planning to go knocking on doors and slaughtering every Death Eater suspect. That wasn’t who I was. But when the time came, I’d do what needed to be done.
Or maybe I’d start hunting down Hexennacht members across the globe. They didn’t get the same courtesy I gave to wizards.
“She’s not wearing any,” Akeno said with a wicked grin as she sat beside her King, eyes gleaming with mischief.
Hermione sputtered her tea and shot Akeno a glare. At the same time, Fleur smirked and nodded in appreciation at the timing of the joke.
Iris laughed out loud. “Twin!” she called, making me stare at her in bafflement.
Akeno whistled, eyeing Iris’s dress with renewed admiration.
“You’re one of a kind, love,” I said, shaking my head at her. She just grinned.
“So… what happened, Rias?” I asked more gently this time, watching the redhead smile faintly at the scene unfolding across the table.
Whatever funk she’d been in had lessened a lot, probably thanks to the banter. Akeno was good like that. She loved Rias and knew exactly how to cheer her up.
“Pervert,” Koneko muttered in Rias's direction.
Rias sighed, her smile dimming a bit, “Just some family trouble, Eli. Nothing serious.”
Akeno shook her head firmly, “President… no. Rias, please.”
Rias looked torn but let out a small giggle.
“I’m engaged,” she finally admitted after sipping her tea, eyes fluttering shut in appreciation.
“I’m honestly getting jealous of you guys having Dobby… I think I might follow Regulus’s example,” she smirked.
“Damn gluttonous cat,” I grunted. “He fits right in with devils. Gluttony must be his main sin.”
“Ufufu,” Akeno giggled. “Who would’ve thought Sairaorg had someone like him in his peerage? He might be the strongest devil of our generation… probably stronger than many from the last five, too.”
“Sai’s a monster,” Iris nodded wisely. “A walking nuclear weapon.”
“If Sairaorg is a monster, then what the hell is Elias?” Kiba rolled his eyes good-naturedly. “Seriously, how can a human, wizard or not, go up against someone like Sairaorg without a Sacred Gear?”
“There are… special circumstances,” I deflected with a nod, fully aware I sounded like I was bullshitting, “But back to you, Rias. What does this engagement have to do with your mood? You barely paid attention to anything tonight.”
“The President doesn’t like Riser,” Koneko said flatly, “He’s a pervert and says things that annoy her.”
“Koneko?!” Rias looked at her in surprise, but the cat girl just ignored it and started munching on more cookies. Dobby must be sweating in the kitchen to keep up with her appetite.
How something so tiny could eat her own weight in food was beyond me.
“Akeno is right, President,” was all the diminutive cat girl said before returning to her treats with an air of contentment.
Akeno reached out and gently took Rias’s hand, intertwining their fingers. “Please, Rias,” she said softly.
“Fine, fine,” Rias sighed, “I’m engaged to Riser Phenex, the third son of the Phenex Clan. I hate him with a passion…”
She stopped cold, her expression faltering before she sighed.
“No… that’s not true,” she admitted quietly, “I used to hate him passionately.”
She looked down at her tea, her eyes distant.
“He’s arrogant, sure, and kind of a pig… but no worse than half our generation. Honestly… it’s not even about him anymore. I hate how little say I have. How everything in my life gets decided by someone else, dressed up as my duty,” Her voice tightened, and her eyes darkened in anger.
I noticed the glint of tears forming at the corners.
“I hate it… and I want to change it,” she finished with a whisper.
“Then what happened?” Iris asked softly, approaching to wrap her arms around Rias in a gentle hug.
“I used to have more time,” Rias murmured after a deep breath, “The engagement wasn’t supposed to go through until I finished my human education. But my father decided, on his own, that it should happen sooner.”
“But why?” Hermione frowned, “What reason would he have for that?”
“I don’t know,” Rias said, shaking her head sadly.
Akeno looked torn. I glanced toward her as she tried to avoid Rias’s gaze, but after a moment, she exhaled and steeled herself.
“I might have an idea,” she said quietly. The air turned tense as Rias turned toward her, brows furrowed in concern.
“Do you remember when Heinrich visited a while back?” Akeno asked in a low tone.
Rias gasped as realization hit, “But… Heinrich wouldn’t do that to me.”
“Not on purpose. Of course not,” Akeno said quickly, “But President… you know how your parents used to think you were wasting your years ‘playing human.’ What if he thought they’d be proud if they knew how strong you’d become? Remember, he visited while we were training.”
“And my parents know my only chance was to challenge the engagement through a Rating Game,” Rias whispered, the puzzle falling into place, “It makes sense… They realized I’d be strong enough to win before the original deadline. So Father decided to accelerate things… to ensure I wouldn’t get the chance.”
“And,” Akeno added quietly, “he probably wants to lock in a connection with the Phenex family before you do something that might ruin it.”
“Damn…” I muttered under my breath, barely remembering much of the original plot. I knew about Riser, of course… but seeing how different this Rias was compared to her canon self?
I smiled to myself. She was so much more composed now, more aware. She was so mature that I couldn’t help but feel proud of her.
“Is there anything we can do to help?” Hermione asked, frowning, “Even a little? I genuinely hate the idea of marriage contracts.”
Akeno’s eyes lit up, “Eli could…”
“Akeno,” Rias cut in sharply. Then she sighed and shook her head, “No. I’m not going to ask Eli to fight for me.”
Her voice was steady. Firm like nothing I had heard from her before.
“Not yet. I need to try. No… I want to try.”
She looked at me then. Vulnerable in a way that was quiet and dignified at the same time, “But… if it’s not too much trouble, could we train together again? I don’t know why, but I always feel like I improve more when I do.”
The girls all turned to me with almost identical expressions, stiff smiles, nods, and just a touch threatening. I could already feel hands inching toward my ribs, ready to pinch or prod if I didn’t give the correct answer.
I chuckled warmly, “Of course, we’ll help you, Rias. You’re our friend… and not just that. You deserve to be free.”
“Of course she does,” Iris said firmly, chin lifted like she was ready to duel the devil herself, “We’ll train together. We’ll do whatever it takes for you to grow strong enough to stomp that ridiculous contract into the dirt. Got it?”
“Thank you… all of you,” Rias whispered, and the tears she’d been holding back finally slipped free, “You don’t know how much this means to me.”
“I just met you,” Fleur added softly, “and I already know you’re a wonderful devil. You will be free, Rias.”
The moment lingered in silence, but it was warm. Then Rias sat up straighter, wiping her eyes and clearing her throat.
“I want to give you something in return,” she said seriously. “All of you, especially Eli. Name it.”
“You don’t have to…” I began, but she cut me off with a shake of her head.
“I want to,” she insisted, her hand toward my chest and probing me directly.
The girls looked at me again, this time less threatening, more… urging. But I didn’t move right away.
I knew Rias. Or, at least, I understood this version of her. She didn’t want someone to save her, not anymore. She wanted someone who treated her as an equal.
And If I refused outright, it’d insult her pride, which was the last thing I wanted. But if I asked for something selfish… well, I’d be just like the people she was trying to escape.
Then, an idea clicked into place.
“Alright,” I said slowly, “Is there anywhere… secure? A place in the human world outside of the usual supernatural communities? Somewhere your family has access to.”
Rias tilted her head confusedly, “For what?”
“For Hermione’s parents,” I replied, glancing briefly at the witch beside me, “The war’s going to heat up soon, and just being connected to us could put them in danger. I want somewhere safe for them, somewhere completely off the radar.”
Hermione looked at me with wide and shining eyes. I didn’t meet her gaze.
“Maybe Fleur’s too,” I added, looking at the French Veela in askance.
Fleur chuckled slowly. “Sweet,” she murmured, cupping my cheek. “But my family won’t be needing that kind of favor. Let the Death Eaters try stepping into a Veela coven. I’d enjoy watching them fry.”
Rias blinked and smiled softly. “I think I might know a place,” she said. It’ll take a bit of preparation, but… yes. I’ll make it happen.”
The moment settled between us, and I smiled brightly. Our family's health had always been at the forefront of my mind. I didn't want any kind of mistake to cost our loved ones' lives.
Hermione didn’t say anything. But when I finally looked her way, her expression said enough.
Adoring.
And for once, I felt like I had earned it.
Next day.
By the time I stepped out of the bathroom, the girls were already dressed. I smiled at the little group, warmth blooming in my chest. I loved how well they got along.
Fleur wore her usual periwinkle Beauxbatons uniform, elegant as always. Iris and Hermione were in their Hogwarts robes, half-straightened from rushed dressing.
"Hey, loves," I greeted, drying my hair with a second towel before sitting on the edge of the bed.
Their eyes casually scanned me from head to toe, lingering momentarily on my chest. Fleur’s gaze was the most appreciative. She had a bigger thing for muscles than even Iris.
"Hey, Eli," Iris said with a grin, "Did you enjoy waking up?"
Fleur’s cheeks pinked. Merlin, mine probably did, too.
The minx had woken up earlier than the rest and decided to surprise me, ignoring, or maybe forgetting entirely, that Fleur had been lying right beside me.
"You’re the worst, Iris," Hermione groaned, facepalming as the memory hit her again.
Iris had straddled me while I was asleep and started grinding into me. Bold as hell. And Fleur had been right there, watching.
Fleur hadn’t minded. In fact, she loved the show and teased Iris about it plenty afterward.
"You really are something special," Fleur said with a laugh and shake of her head.
"Sorry," Iris said, sticking out her tongue, "I forgot you were there."
"Don’t worry," Fleur rolled her eyes, "I appreciated the view."
I finished drying off with magic to save time, figured we were cutting it close, and gave each of them a firm kiss.
"I’m going to miss you," I told Fleur, meeting her eyes.
She softened instantly, "I’ll return as soon as possible, Eli. Just wait for me, non?"
"You could stay a bit longer," Hermione pouted, "We could take you there later."
"I don’t think that’ll work," Fleur said, shaking her head, "The school year ended, and I need to be there for graduation."
It was true. We were all preparing to go our separate ways for a bit. Things were moving quickly now.
"Also, if I don’t return, maman will assume I was kidnapped… or joined a cult. Maybe both," she added with a grin.
"We are kind of a cult," Iris smirked, "A sexy, progressive one that enjoys watching Eli walk around shirtless."
"Your definition of 'comforting' needs serious work," Fleur said, though she smiled. "But you’re not wrong."
I couldn’t help but laugh. They were hilarious.
"Don’t burn down Hogwarts without me," Fleur added jokingly, "I still need to finish my mastery next year."
"Are you excited about it?" Hermione asked with a smile, "Professor Flitwick’s going to work you to the bone."
"That’s what I’m hoping," Fleur nodded thoughtfully, "The more demanding he is, the more I’ll learn."
"We can’t promise a peaceful castle," Iris grinned, "But I’ll do my best, yeah?"
I glanced at the clock and froze. We were almost late.
"We’ve got ten minutes to get to the Great Hall," I said, rubbing the back of my neck, "We should say our goodbyes here. A bit more personal, you know?"
Fleur turned to Iris first.
"I think you’re not the one I should be asking this, but try and keep Eli out of trouble," she said with a teasing smile.
Iris grinned wide, "No promises, love."
Fleur leaned in and kissed her at the very edge of her lips. Her eyes were warm and bright.
Iris blinked in stupefaction, "That’s so unfair," she pouted. "You’re just going to leave me like that? For weeks?"
Fleur smirked, then grabbed the front of Iris’s robes and gave her a quick, proper kiss on the lips.
"There. A little something to remember me by," she murmured.
She ignored how Iris’s eyes almost crossed as she gulped for air.
Iris was the one affected the most by the Veela's allure... but she liked it.
Then she turned to Hermione.
Fleur didn’t say anything at first. She just wrapped her in a warm embrace.
Mione melted into it without a shred of hesitation.
I watched them, more fond than surprised. They had grown closer than I’d expected after the Third Task. They balanced each other in strange, beautiful ways.
Fleur pulled back just enough, then began peppering her with kisses.
"Don’t forget you’re brilliant," she whispered after the first kiss.
"And brave," she added, kissing the tip of her nose.
"And so soft, mon trésor," she said before brushing the very edge of Hermione’s lips.
Then, before Hermione could respond, Fleur quickly kissed her lips and smiled against them.
Hermione blinked, flustered and glowing with a full-bodied blush. She said nothing, but it was all there on her face.
And finally, Fleur turned to me.
There was no teasing here. There was no need for that.
She stepped into my space, cupped my cheek, and kissed me slowly. It was deep without being rough, soft without lacking heat. A kiss that told me everything she wanted without saying a single word.
When we finally pulled apart, I pressed my forehead against hers and exhaled with a smile.
"Go," I murmured, "Before I have some words with Maxime to make you stay."
She nodded with a grin, her eyes still locked with mine, "I’ll be back."
We walked her to the Great Hall and waved as she slipped back toward her classmates. I hated to see her leave, but I loved to watch her go.
A soft quiet settled around us for a few moments. Fleur hadn’t been part of the group for long, but she’d made her place clear. Every single one of us liked her. I hoped it would grow to love in time.
Then, the sharp clack of heels against stone broke the moment.
Professor McGonagall stopped just shy of the entrance, her usual composure entirely in place.
But I caught the flick of her eyes toward me and the slightest hitch in her throat before she spoke.
"Mr. Black," she whispered after a beat, her tone carefully neutral. "The Headmaster would like to speak with you and your companions if you’re ready."
I raised a brow at her hesitation. She didn’t flinch, but she didn’t meet my gaze, either.
"Will you walk with us, Professor?" I asked with a smile.
I didn’t want her to treat me like I was dangerous. I liked McGonagall and respected her. But this quiet fear she carried around me… stung more than I expected.
But maybe that’s just how the wizarding world reacts to true strength.
I shook my head. Time to see what the old man wanted.
Hogwarts – Dumbledore’s Office
The Phoenix song was the first thing I noticed as we entered the office. It wasn't the usual loud squeaking Fawkes had whenever we visited… no, it was soft, frail… and, most importantly, lesser.
Dumbledore stood by the window, hands clasped behind his back, gazing out at the castle grounds. He didn’t turn when we arrived. I used the silence to look around. The office was a mess of apocalyptic proportions. Papers were across every surface, and there were a couple of ink bloats in some of them, even the wall.
The Headmaster was not having a good time, obviously.
“Professor,” I said evenly, and beside me, Iris and Hermione dipped their heads in greeting. They were polite as always, but they, too, noticed the mess.
McGonagall huffed, but she clapped her hands twice. A house-elf appeared in the room, and after a whispered conversation, he began to clean up the mess. The transfiguration professor sighed and took a seat in the back.
Dumbledore finally looked over his shoulder and gave us that same gentle smile he always wore. The kind that looked peaceful, even when it wasn’t. He was trying his best.
“Elias, Iris, Hermione,” he nodded, “Thank you for coming. I know you were bidding Miss Delacour farewells; you have my apologies.”
My eyes drifted toward the perch, where Fawkes lay curled in on himself, feathers duller than I’d ever seen. The usual proud Phoenix was looking in quite a bad state.
“Is he…?” Iris started but didn’t finish.
“He will recover,” Dumbledore said softly, a warm smile on his face, “He took a Killing Curse for me.”
Hermione’s hand flew to her mouth. Iris clenched her fists.
My expression didn’t change, but something settled low in my chest. I hadn’t known he’d come that close. Voldemort was stronger than the Headmaster, but I couldn't help him during his duel… Walburga was too much to handle for me at that moment.
“Is he still regenerating?”
Dumbledore nodded once. “He has already begun. But phoenixes do not suffer such wounds lightly, even if they cannot die from them.”
A long silence passed between us.
Then I cleared my throat and leaned forward slightly. “Why did you call us here, Professor?”
Dumbledore’s expression didn’t shift. But his eyes flicked to Iris. Briefly enough to clue me in on what he wanted… and I scowled.
“I wanted to speak about your summer plans,” he said calmly, “And about Iris.”
I didn’t like his tone.
“Iris,” he continued, “You must return to the Dursleys. The wards there…”
“No.”
I hadn’t raised my voice, but the temperature in the room dropped a few degrees. I wasn't trying, but my magic felt my feelings about the situation and reacted accordingly.
“I understand your protectiveness, Elias,” the old man said gently.
“No,” I said again, firmer this time, “We’re not debating this.”
Iris placed a hand on my arm, but I could feel how tightly she held herself back.
“They’re her only living family, and the ward there needs her presence to recharge.”
“They did not treat her like family,” I cut in harshly, “They’re the people who locked her in a cupboard. Who hated her for breathing. You hid her there for whatever reason you thought best, but that won’t happen again.”
Dumbledore looked at me quietly for a moment. Then, he turned to Iris.
“Iris…?”
“I’m not going back there, sir,” she said simply. There was no anger in her words nor disappointment. It was just the plain truth. “Eli already has a plan. We’re leaving for a while. Somewhere safe.”
“And where will you go?”
“Out of the country,” I said neutrally, “While everything here calms down and I don’t have the Ministry breathing down my neck.”
Dumbledore’s brow furrowed just slightly, “You’ve found allies, then?”
“Friends,” I corrected carefully, “People who won’t bend to Voldemort. We will be safe, I can assure you.”
He didn’t push more than that. In truth, he didn't have to. This could only work in our favor, considering how fast we could return if something happened.
“I trust you’ll remain vigilant,” he said instead, “Your presence has… well, it can be felt, Elias. People begin to orbit around you whether they intend to or not.”
“That’s kind of the point for us leaving, Headmaster. I have no interest in leading, not here,” I sighed.
Then Hermione asked, “What’s happening outside the school, Professor? No one's said anything since the Third Task. It’s been too quiet.”
Dumbledore’s eyes narrowed slightly, and for the first time, his careful and calm mask cracked.
“It’s too quiet,” he agreed, “Voldemort hasn’t made a move. Not a single word from his return. None of the typical markers I’d expect from someone like him.”
“So he’s hiding?” Iris asked, frowning.
“No,” Dumbledore said softly, “He’s waiting.”
He moved back to his desk, sitting down slowly with a grimace. Madam Pranitha had healed his injuries, but he was still feeling the fight with Voldemort.
Speaking about the old witch… I needed to talk to her before we left the school.
“Every faction has noticed the shift. The goblins, the vampires, the unspeakables, the Department of International Affairs. Even the centaurs have retreated further into their woods,” Dumbledore added grimly, a deep frown on his face.
“Are they afraid or something?” I asked.
“They are preparing,” he corrected, “For war. Waiting to see who breaks the balance first. Things will get dangerous here, Elias.”
“What about our side, Headmaster?” Iris asked.
“We’re treading water,” Dumbledore admitted with a shrug, “Amelia is pushing for the trial, but that could take weeks. The Auror Corps is fractured; half of them want blood, and the rest don’t want to believe. There are already some rumors about groups being formed, and Elias is one of their main topics.”
“How charming,” I muttered with a roll of my eyes.
“The war has not started,” Dumbledore said quietly, “But it’s already formed.”
I stood there for a moment. This was such a mess.
Then Iris asked, “When does it start?”
He didn’t answer.
But we all knew it would happen soon.
“Besides Madam Bones, what do we know? Has Croaker said anything, or you, Headmaster? What are you doing to prepare?” I asked seriously.
“Saul is not someone who explains if the situation isn't dire,” Dumbledore chuckled, but I noticed a weird glint in his eyes as he looked at me.
I wonder what he knew because he was clearly hiding something for whatever reason.
“As for me, I already wrote to some friends. I’m bringing back the Order of the Phoenix,” he smiled brightly.
McGonagall rolled her eyes at that, but she had a smile on her face.
“What is that? it sounds so cool!” Iris's eyes sparkled.
“That, my dear, was an organization I created during the last war to fight Tom and his ilk,” Dumbledore grinned, “And yes, we were quite cool, as you said.”
“Can they fight against the death eaters?” I asked, already knowing the answer.
Dumbledore’s smile fell, and I chuckled. Many of them were well-meaning but had no use in a war like the one coming.
“Just so that we are clear, we plan to leave the country in two days, max,” I told the Headmaster, who turned his complete attention to me. “We will be there until something big happens here. I… We feel that my presence might complicate things if I keep butting in everywhere, and in truth, I know I scare some people.”
I glanced at McGonagall from the corner of my eyes, and she looked away guiltily, “I have arranged with my friends a way to keep Mione’s family safe, away from Britain, and hidden from any wizards. So, we will leave with her family after the train back home.”
Dumbledore nodded, “What about the Dursleys?”
“I wanted to have that conversation in private later,” I glared at the Headmaster, who had the decency to look sheepish.
I turned to Iris, “I know you dislike them, love. Hell, I do, too… but they are your only living blood-related family, even if they didn't act like one. I planned to ask our friend to include them in the deal… and just send them away and never hear from them in the future. That way, you won't have to live with the knowledge that something happened to them for the connection you have.”
Iris scowled deeply, and she just nodded. Her face was as if carved of stone.
I looked at her worriedly, but she grabbed my hand, showing that she had accepted my reasoning.
“After dealing with them, we will go to Grimmauld's place to plan a bit with Sirius and Arcturus,” I nodded at the Headmaster, who was looking guiltily but approvingly at Iris.
“We will leave a way to communicate with them instantly,” Hermione added. "Then we will leave. Sirius, or Remus, preferably, can let us know when the trial is happening, or if anything that requires our assistance happens, we can return as fast as we can.”
“We will return in any case, so you should speak with them. You should also speak with Sirius; maybe having Grimmauld Place as your headquarters can make it even safer. Maybe you can cast a Fidelious Charm there,” I added suggestively.
Dumbledore nodded deep in thought, “That can work. The idea was in my mind… I will speak with Sirius shortly.”
“Good,” Iris nodded thoughtfully, “And like Eli’s said, if you need us to return, just tell Sirius or Remus. They will know what to do.”
“Thank you, my dear,” Dumbledore smiled. "I'm proud of your decision to help the Dursleys. I am sorry I had done that, but at the time, I saw no other option.”
“Don’t expect me to forgive you for that, Old man,” Iris scowled, “But I understand.”
“If that's everything, we need to return and prepare our things,” I nodded at the professors, “The train is leaving tomorrow.”
McGonagall nodded in my direction, and Dumbledore chuckled, “Go ahead, young man. Thank you for explaining a bit of your plans.”
“If we plan to win this war, we need to be united,” I rolled my eyes and stood up, with the girls following me from behind.
Minerva McGonagall
I watched as my most mysterious student stood from his seat, the girls following him without young Elias muttering a word.
There had always been something about him that made him different, but it had never been as clear as it was now.
He’d always been a bright student. Almost a theoretical genius just below Miss Granger’s level and a magical monster just under Miss Potter and Mister Longbottom. Watching him use magic during classes had always been a sight to behold, but what he’d started showing this year was absolutely absurd.
The ice show he used to defeat the dragon during his first task was a marvel… even back then, I would’ve put my galleons on him over some of the current professors, barring Filius, Severus, and myself. And that… that didn’t make any sense.
How could a fourth-year, barely an adult, match professors three times his age?
Then came the second task. He froze half the damn lake with no visible effort. And I knew what he’d done inside the water was just as absurd. Albus confided in me what the chief merman had told him.
But even then, I still believed I could stop him if he ever stepped out of line.
The third task changed that.
People were still reconstructing the Quidditch pitch after Elias fought that monstrous version of Lord Nott. The impact of his spells could be felt all the way to the stands, and what happened there was nothing compared to what we saw in Little Hangleton.
I still have nightmares about that night. I’d been more concerned about He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named than whatever Miss Potter had said.
When I confided in Filius, he admitted the same. Neither of us had believed our student’s claims, and neither of us had expected the apocalyptic scene we found there.
I shivered just thinking about the screams of the Muggles while their village was destroyed simply by being too close to the battle. Not even Albus could do something like that; he was our generation's greatest wizard. Even his fabled duel against the Dark Lord Grindelwald paled in comparison.
I knew, deep down, that Elias Black was a good young man… but I couldn’t help looking at him differently. If Albus was a star, Elias was a sun. Brighter than anyone I’d ever seen… to the point that I didn’t feel worthy.
It was a feeling that confused me… a lot. I vowed to work through it before their return for the fifth year because I knew I was acting inappropriately.
Young Elias walked out but stopped just past Fawkes’s perch. His eyes were dazed, and we all noticed. The girls and I watched him worriedly while Albus looked on with open curiosity as the young man froze mid-step.
He raised his hand mechanically, and then an absurd amount of magic flared around him. It was even visible to the naked eye. A golden light enveloped him as he reached out and touched the Phoenix’s head.
My breath caught at the weight of his magic, but that didn’t compare to what came next.
A crown formed.
A crown made of light.
It hurt to look at. My eyes burned, and my temples throbbed. The last thing I managed to see before squeezing my eyes shut were half-formed thorns—glowing, sharp, and perfect thorns woven into a radiant halo.
It reminded me of the stories my da used to tell me before I came to Hogwarts. My da, who had been a priest.
I closed my eyes painfully and took a long breath, only then realizing I’d forgotten to breathe. My head ached until Fawkes began to trill with renewed vigor.
I opened my eyes in alarm, mouth agape, just in time to see Fawkes rise tall on his perch, brushing Elias’s hand with his head, singing beautifully.
Elias blinked, snapping out of his daze like he’d done nothing at all. He shook his head, already walking toward the door again, only to stop when the girls didn’t follow him.
“Loves, what are you two waiting for?” he asked confusedly.
Miss Potter sighed with a grin, and Miss Granger palmed her face and laughed softly before skipping after him, both of them leaving the room.
I turned to Albus.
He didn’t look at me. He just closed his eyes… and smiled, like a man remembering something long buried. A tear fell from his eye.
“Merlin help us,” I whispered.
Comments
Sage Berthelsen
Well heaven is gonna rejoice and lose their fucking minds.
LothWolf
I would also like to ask if the MC Elias will have any kind of connections to Lions and Lambs and White Doves and the Bright and Morning Star since those have been associated with God the Father and the Holy Spirit and The Son most the Lion and The Lamb and Bright and Morning Star with The Son of God
