That Man Is Back
Watching the little girl frightened to tears, Artel couldn't shake off the twinge of guilt.
Despite knowing Saruman's descent into darkness, Artel had intentionally kept a light-hearted demeanor moments ago, even offering a smile. Yet, he had still managed to reduce a sweet little girl to tears.
"She probably hasn't graduated from Gryffindor," Artel mused, feeling a pang of regret. With a gentle wave of his scepter, he cast a subtle mental charm.
Tina, the tearful girl, twitched slightly, suddenly feeling less afraid. In fact, she now harbored a newfound determination to stand up against Saruman and contribute to the magical world.
"Could I be a hidden Gryffindor?" Tina wondered aloud, mustering the courage to address Saruman directly. "I've shared what you wanted to know, Mr. Saruman... I don't think you... won't..."
"Relax, young one, I mean you no harm," Saruman reassured her.
After Artel's reassurance, he noticed the odd glances from the others, evidently disagreeing with his assessment.
"People perhaps don't quite understand me," Artel reflected. "Maybe I should offer an interview... Yes, that's it. I'll arrange for an exclusive with the Daily Prophet next time I'm free."
Artel decided it might serve well to promote a better understanding of himself and his motives.
Picking up an article contributed by Dempster, he read aloud: "Saruman! A figure of sin destined to face the light's judgment! The scourge of the wizarding world, nearly revealing our existence..."
As he read, Artel pondered the impact of such words and the narrative they crafted.
Artel frowned as he read the opening sentence, noticing the address above.
"That's his address, isn't it?" he asked Tina.
Tina hesitated, biting her lip in silence. A nearby wizard nodded nervously, lips pursed tightly due to the spell's influence, looking rather comical.
"You're alright," Artel reassured the wizard, patting him on the shoulder and dispelling the spell.
"I need a favor from you. Tomorrow's front page of the Daily Prophet—I want my picture there. Tell everyone I'm alive and well, not injured, not dead..."
"If the International Wizarding Federation wants to arrest me, they can try, but they'd better pay upfront for a better cemetery..."
"And those White Council rats—any misuse of the White Council's name, and I'll personally send them to hell!" Artel's voice turned icy, Tina and the wizard feeling a terrifying presence sweep over them, nearly losing control.
"As for Sauron, my stance remains the same... I won't deceive you... If you're not prepared, when Sauron returns, death might be a mercy because you'll be neither alive nor dead..."
Artel's words echoed, plunging everyone into a deep darkness, struggling in their own personal hell...
When they snapped out of it, Saruman had vanished.
Tina checked the time; an hour had passed.
Initially considering a secret letter to Dempster, Tina realized it was unnecessary now.
The office's head editor glanced at the time, noting the hour's significance. After some thought, he sighed and remarked, "Looks like we'll need a new columnist for the law section..."
The next day's Daily Prophet hit the stands.
The front-page headline: "The Return of That Man."
Accompanied by a photo of Saruman, smiling genially in the Daily Prophet office, while the staff behind him looked somber and fearful.
Subsequently, the Ministry of Magic announced Dempster Wigsward, a Legal Division staffer, found dead at home.
His wife and daughter were unharmed and clueless about the events. Mrs. Wigsward discovered her husband's peaceful passing in his study, his final act inscribing the name of the esteemed Saruman in white robes.
This peculiar method sent shivers down the spines of wizards and witches alike. Several newspapers and magazines that had been reporting negative news about Saruman shuttered their doors, preparing to flee Europe and hide elsewhere.
Of course, Saruman's emphasis on Sauron reignited discussions among wizards.
Dumbledore, seizing the opportunity, chose to grant an exclusive interview to the Daily Prophet, sharing insights into Sauron and other news he possessed. This interview wielded significant influence in the wizarding world. People now, when mentioning Sauron, knew bits and pieces about him: a dreadful demon with unpredictable intentions, poised to reclaim dominion over the world. However, the extent to which people believed these stories remained uncertain.
Regardless, Artel hadn't received any news indicating the wizarding world had fully embraced the notion of Sauron's return.
On Friday night, Artel dined alone in the Great Hall.
Hermione, along with her roommates, celebrated Sister Petil's birthday in their dormitory. Sister Petil had initially intended to invite Artel, but he declined. Nonetheless, Artel thoughtfully provided instructions to the two girls for the celebration, and as for gifts...
Artel retrieved numerous Swiss candies from his secret stash in the system space, which the two sisters seemed to appreciate.
While enjoying his meal, Pansy sauntered over to Artel as if by chance.
"Why dining solo? Where's Hermione? Had a falling out?" Pansy's tone carried a hint of satisfaction and curiosity.
"Really... Gryffindor folks are so impulsive, unlike me... unlike our Slytherin House, where true friends never quarrel..." Artel's expression held a hint of irony.
Are you sure you're referring to Slytherin House? Not quarreling because you lack friends? This sounds like gossip...
After a lengthy muttering session, Pansy realized Artel was ignoring her, huffed in annoyance, and left. Her departing words lingered in Artel's ears:
"I truly don't understand what's so special about her... I could do much better..."
Ron and Harry exchanged glances, quietly focusing on their food, choosing not to get involved in the drama. Stepping into such matters or taking sides could lead to trouble...
After dinner, Artel returned to the dormitory and perused Saruman's Experiment Note II.
Once Malfoy and the others were nearly asleep, Artel retrieved the Isil spar. The screen flickered, revealing Nagini's lounge...
"Cough cough..."
Artel coughed, blinking in confusion.
Why so hot, when it's only March?
Taking a moment to compose himself, Artel closed his eyes and called out to Nagini from the depths of his soul.
In her lounge, Nagini, clad in comfortable pajamas, suddenly opened her eyes...
....
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