125 End of The Second Year

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*3rd Person POV Northern Ireland*

In a sprawling old mansion, an old gaunt man writes in a large tome with a wide grin. Two snakes slither across his desk but the old man doesn't seem to mind them.

A strong wind blows through the mansion as a figure appears behind the old man, "Salazar Slytherin..."

Salazar's eyes go wide as he turns around. The man he sees appears to be in his mid-twenties with a dark robe, blonde hair, and a handsome face. A very fine mist of black seems to cover him as he takes a step forward the mist follows him like a shadowy trail.

Seeing that Salazar doesn't recognize him he smiles, "Only a few days and you already forget my face?"

Fear flashes through Salazar's eyes as he drops to a knee, "Lord Death. Please forgive my disrespect."

The man called death lowers himself to a crouch meeting Salazar's eyes, "Did I say you disrespected me? Why are you afraid? Do you think I am not a forgiving person?"

A chill runs down Salazar's spine as he lowers his head, "Of course not, my lord is the most amiable person on this planet. I-I was just ashamed that I did not notice you at first glance."

Death's smile widens showing his perfect white teeth, "Yes, of course, as expected of my most loyal subject... So... How did the experiment go?" Death uses a finger to lift Salazar's chin so he is forced to meet his eyes.

Salazar gains a confident smile, "My spell works. We can cleanse the muggleborn, create a world of wizards."

Death grabs Salazar's shoulder showing commending eyes, "That's good. I'm happy for you. But you know... I've never cared about such things."

Shadows flow onto Salazar forcing him to stand as Death stands with him, "Write them a note, let the world know. They are safe... for the moment. After you have taken down the wards meet me in Nurmengard."

Salazar's body floats a few inches off the ground as the shadows carry him. Despite this, he gives the best nod that he can. Death pauses turning back to see the still nodding Salazar.

His toothy smile returns, "Good."

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*Soren POV*

It only took a few days for the Ministry to find Salazar's lair as it was in his old family residence. Although it was well hidden in the hills of Ireland there were not any wards or charms on it. It was obvious he wanted them to find it since he left a note there.

"Keep your monsters close for I will return."

The ministry began to show more activity since the discovery of the note. According to Lucius and Belladonna vampires and dark wizards alike began to experience raids and takedowns. Nocturne Alley was all but destroyed, only the most legit of the businesses survived the raids.

All this went by without much of it affecting me. At Hogwarts, most things went back to normal and classes resumed. The twins began to pick up more business at their small hole-in-the-wall joke shop that I had invested in. They followed my suggestion and began to carry self-defense charms.

Fear for your life is a good driver for sales. I also recruited Theo into my mafia, I helped him start his own potion shop that he runs out of his dorm room. Since he is a pureblood in Slytherin he has his own private room that he is now using to full effect.

I have also noticed that Snape is now treating me even more amicably than before. It is an odd feeling but it isn't bad since my grade in potions is pretty much guaranteed. I have also noticed every so often he will test my Occlumency without any word or warning. I suppose this is the continuation of training.

Unlike Snape or Flitwick, Lockfart was completely useless in learning spells. I don't know why it took so long, but a month before the school year ended Lockfart got fired and Dumbledore began teaching Defense Against the Dark Arts again. Just like last year I learned more in that one month than the entire school year before.

Aria became somewhat of a mascot at school, although most people only saw her at food hours we often visited her. She had her own seat at the teachers table next to Dumbledore. She was quite popular.

The trial against the French ministry has a date set for this upcoming weekend, the day after I return. Our final exams were this past week and I passed all classes with flying colors. I got straight O's unlike last year, I was quite lucky Dumbledore took over Defense Against The Dark Arts. While Lockfart was in charge I only had an A since I don't know much about the man.

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Since I have decided to take the train back this year I get to enjoy a leisure ride back. I am the first in the carriage since I went out early to pet the Thestral's again. I really want one as a pet but I heard they don't get along well with unicorns so I will refrain for now.

I lean against the window reading a book on enchanting. I am researching it since I have found a way to combine the hiding spells to be far more effective. I plan to place them on the Seeker coins that I gave my servants. It will give them the location of my Warlock Tower when they grab the coin but will be unable to speak or give any information about it.

The door next to me opens revealing Daphne and Hermione. Despite Hermione's initial aversion they sure have become close.

Hermione rolls here eys at me "Last carriage as usual." Daphne laughs behind her as I shrug.

"Are the boys not with you?" I ask shutting my book.

Hermione lets out a long sigh "They are in another carriage with 'the boys'," she sounds exhausted as she speaks, I understand a bit.

It seems like they haven't gotten out of their icky girls phase. I personally don't mind even if I were in this carriage alone.

As Daphne is about to close the door a hand catches the door.

"Mind if I join?"

I smile, "Come right in, Theo."

He nods as he follows Daphne in "Thanks, I didn't feel like sitting in a carriage full of immature kids."

Hermione laughs at his words while I just smirk "Aren't you still a kid as well?"

Theo shrugs as he pulls out a small bag of jingling coins "Here, your cut."

I grab the bag with a small smirk "I won't need small money like this in the near future."

"Yeah, but it's principle. You helped me get the supplies as well as business so I gotta pay my dues," Theo sounds a bit smug at his earnings from his potion business.

"Oh yeah, isn't the trial soon? Aren't you nervous?" Hermione asks.

I lean back in my seat as I put the galleons in my Mokeskin pouch "Not really. They said I won't be called to the stand unless the French Ministry tries to pull something."

Daphne nods, "That's good, where will it take place?"

"Belgium. Their ministry court will oversee the trail, the French ministry will send representatives. My lawyer will plead on my behalf while the representative pleads his counterpoints."

"A rather odd way to do things?" Theo says.

I nod "Yeah, but it's not very common for a ministry to be sued so I don't think there is any precedent."

Hermione nods in agreement "I've never heard of it."

"Did you guys hear, Dumbledore got a new house at Godric's Hollow?" I ask having only heard the news yesterday.

The girls look happy while Theo nods "That's good, wouldn't want the poor girl to stay in that giant castle all alone the entire summer."

"That's great, Godric's Hollow isn't far from London, we should visit them sometime," Hermione says with a big smile.

Daphne looks a bit less happy after a moment "I heard Godric's Hollow has become quite drab since the Potter family… you know." The carriage falls silent.

"The Abbot family lives there, don't they? Do any of you know Hannah?" I ask a bit hopeful.

All three of them shake their heads and Hermione speaks up "We don't share any classes with Hufflepuff. But aren't you guys like cousins? You share a grandfather right?"

I look at Hermione baffled "Hell if I know. I don't follow the pureblood stuff."

Theo smirks "If you go back one or two generations all three of us are some type of cousin."

Daphne looks grossed out while Hermione looks unamused "That can't be okay."

Theo laughs a bit and I roll my eyes "ANYWAY, we should visit them sometime this summer. Invite 'the boys' as well."

Everyone seems to agree which makes me happy. I am also looking forward to finishing my tower and the buildings I plan to keep in the area.

On the train ride home I sit with the normal trio plus Daphne. Theo went to sit with the twins… I think they are planning something.