Chapter 20

Next on the list was Hermione Granger. Everything with her was very straightforward. As soon as I showed her that magic was real, she became eager to study it. She was an unstoppable torrent of questions. However, she had one small issue: the moment I mentioned something was written in a book, she would stop asking questions about it. Her parents were equally easy to deal with. Initially, they didn't understand what magical surges were or why strange things always happened around their daughter. But the letter from Hogwarts, along with my introduction, gave them the explanations they needed.

Shopping with Hermione wasn't difficult. The girl could spend days in a bookstore, reading until she'd gone through every volume. On the one hand, that's great because her knowledge will be deeper than anyone else's. On the other, communicating with classmates is equally important.

The next students were Lisa Turpin and Morag MacDougal. There's nothing particularly noteworthy to say about them. They didn't come from bad families, but I wouldn't call their families especially successful either. They belonged to the middle class, just like mine.

Integrating Justin was quick and smooth. He had well-developed adaptation skills. He quickly got used to wearing robes and practiced intensely to strengthen his wrist for proper wand handling.

The first fifty thousand, I deposited into my bank account. Let's just say that when the money showed up, I felt a sense of relief. Fifty thousand is a lot of money, which I could later use for things in the non-magical world.

Once all the students had been introduced to the magical world, I reported back to McGonagall. She thanked me for my help and released me for summer vacation since I hadn't managed to develop my own spell for self-examination. Honestly, I hadn't had much time, and the process was slow. I had to make calculations, derive formulas, and practice movements. If it weren't for the calculator, it would've taken even longer.

The spell I was working on turned out to be effective because I could perform incredibly complex calculations, accurate to ten thousand decimal places. Wizards who work without calculators usually round to the nearest tenth, maybe hundredth. These approximations make spells slower, more energy-intensive, and less effective.

When I put Justin on a broom, I realized he'd found an expensive hobby. He loved flying, doing spins in the air, and sometimes rising above the safe altitude I set for him, just to get a better view. During these moments, we'd talk about the magical world, Quidditch teams, and other interesting things.

Of course, when August came, I received letters from both Isolde and Nymphadora, inviting me to spend time with them. The situation became tricky because if I chose one first, the other might be offended. And offending a witch could lead to some very unpleasant curses, likely aimed at my head. Dealing with that wasn't something I wanted, so I needed to find a way out. There was one.

Once, while studying in Fiore, I stumbled upon an obscure magazine discussing relationships. It offered advice for situations like mine: invite both girls to the beach.

I still wasn't sure how to handle it because I liked both Isolde and Nymphadora, albeit for different reasons. In the end, I decided to follow the magazine's advice and see what happened. The key was to ensure they didn't form an alliance against me. As I wrote the letter, I realized how silly the whole thing seemed, which brought me back to square one.

After more thought, I decided not to worry too much about their opinions. I'd spend time with each of them when I could. If they didn't like it, that wasn't my problem. To decide who I'd hang out with first, I flipped a coin three times. Whoever came up twice would go first.

Justin flipped the coin for me. He didn't know why, but he tossed it without asking. The result was surprising. The first flip landed on its edge and bounced several times before settling on its edge again. The second and third flips resulted in one side, then the other. I didn't want to redo it, which meant I had to invite both.

After making that decision, I wrote to both girls, explaining that I'd invited the other as well. I expected a stern, possibly unpleasant response. I was wrong.

The girls responded positively, gladly accepting my invitation. I sent them letters with the time and place, and within a week, I was waiting for them in Diagon Alley. Nymphadora was the first to arrive, immediately throwing herself into a hug, not caring about the people around us.

"Hey, Timothy," she said, "I'm so happy to see you!"

"Hi, Nymphadora," I nodded with a smile. "I'm happy to see you too. How's your summer?"

"Honestly, not great," she sighed. "I'm preparing for the N.E.W.T.s. What about you?"

The N.E.W.T.s are important—the final exam for seventh-year students that determines what jobs we can apply for and what prospects we have.

"Not bad either," I nodded. "I've been busy helping Professor McGonagall."

At that moment, Isolde approached with Dorsani.

"Hey, Isolde, Dorsani," I greeted them.

"Hey, Timothy," Isolde nodded, shaking her golden hair. "And hello to you too, Tonks."

"Haven't seen you in a while, Isolde," Nymphadora smirked.

"Yeah, just a few days," Isolde smirked back. "Looks like no one won the bet."

"What bet?" I asked, intrigued.

"Oh, nothing," Nymphadora waved it off, slightly embarrassed, even blushing a bit.

"So, you said you were helping McGonagall?" Isolde asked, changing the subject.

"Yeah, with new Muggle-born students," I replied.

"And how are they?" she asked, curious.

"Two could become excellent wizards, and two will probably remain average."

"I see," she nodded.

"So, are you ready to go?" I asked. "I've found a great place for us to relax, but we'll need to Apparate there."

"Can you handle all three of us?" Isolde asked as we moved away from the crowd.

"Yes," I nodded confidently. I was sure of my abilities, especially since my knowledge of Spatial Magic had improved after absorbing the knowledge of a Dutch witch. Her expertise allowed me to significantly reduce energy loss.

I extended my hands, and Nymphadora and Dorsani grabbed them. Isolde, however, moved behind me and pressed close, letting me feel her body. I felt a stir of arousal, but I controlled it, sensing her satisfaction.

In the next moment, I spun us around, and we were pulled into the Apparition tube. It was tricky, but I managed without revealing the difficulty. I released the girls' hands as we arrived.

We found ourselves on the shore of a beautiful lake hidden deep in a forest. The place seemed untouched by humans. The beach was natural, with soft sand warmed by sunlight.

Using magic, we spruced up the area a bit. We set up a large parasol for shade, laid down a blanket, and conjured a small table for food. A cooler filled with ice held drinks.

We began laying out food and games. Nymphadora had brought cards, Exploding Snap stones, and chess. Isolde had board games I wasn't familiar with.

Skipping the trivial conversations, the day turned out to be amazing. I showed off the muscles I'd earned through hard work, not potions. The girls flaunted their figures too, while subtly sizing each other up.

By evening, I brought them back to Diagon Alley as it started to get dark. We exchanged warm hugs, and the girls went their separate ways. I Apparated home, spotting Dumbledore walking with a satisfied look on his face.

The next morning, I sent letters to Isolde and Nymphadora, thanking them for a wonderful day. Honestly, I wouldn't mind taking such breaks more often—they boost my productivity.

For the next few days, I didn't work with Justin since he was abroad with his parents. I wasn't invited, nor did I particularly want to go.

During that time, I advanced my work on a spell for Madam Pomfrey. After proper rest, the process moved quickly, and brilliant ideas came to me that hadn't before.

News of my extended stay reached Maggie and Tamara. Tamara called, inviting me to a party with her friends. I agreed, curious to see how Muggles have fun.

I asked my dad how local guys handle such situations. In the evening, I took a taxi to pick her up.

Tamara was dressed provocatively, which didn't match my outfit, but I didn't mind. It was nice to feel her pressed against me.

Pureblood wizards might look at me like I had lost my mind, but Muggles are people too. They have feelings, ideas, and the capacity to be dangerous to wizards. I don't see any problem interacting with them.

We arrived at a large house, and judging by the number of cars, it was a gathering for London's golden youth. I felt a faint magical presence around the house, affecting the guests' minds. I immediately strengthened my mental defenses. My wand was ready, and I prepared some protective artifacts.

"Hold on," a tall security guard said, blocking anyone from entering without an invitation. Next to him was a short man, scanning the surroundings. "Invitation?"

"Here you go," Tamara said, handing him a slip. The guard glanced at it, then frowned at me.

"This is for a friend, not some guy," he said with a hint of aggression.

"He's my boyfriend," Tamara replied. "I think the invitation covers him too."

"No," the guard said firmly. "It's for you and a female friend."

"Whatever," I smirked. "Let's go, Tamara. Looks like we won't be getting in."

"Who's not letting you in?" a guy appeared from the hallway. He looked young, with thick black hair and sharp eyes. His face bore a glowing smile, but something felt off about him.

The guards no longer seemed like harmless Muggles. On the contrary, they exuded a strange, almost inhuman aura.

The slightly muted emotions around the place made me think of only one magical creature in England: vampires.

If they were vampires, then I had walked into their den. By law, they're not allowed to gather in groups of more than two. Anything beyond that could bring a task force, Auror support, or even the Hunter Guild.

Still, I wasn't sure. Maybe the emotional dullness was caused by a drug.

"Hi, Vincent," Tamara greeted him. A flicker of annoyance rose inside me—she was too friendly with him. "I came with my boyfriend."

"A boyfriend?" he said, surprised but amused. His emotions barely shifted, becoming slightly more malicious. Then, he seemed to anticipate something cruel and entertaining. "Why didn't you say so earlier? I'm Vincent."

He extended his hand to me.

"Timothy," I replied, shaking his icy hand, confirming my suspicion about vampires. "Nice to meet you."

"The pleasure's all mine," he said with a grin. "Arnold, let them in."

"Understood, boss," the guard nodded and shrugged.

As we entered, I let Tamara go first, sensing various eyes on me.

Inside, red and green lights spun, casting beams on the walls. Women and girls of various ages were seated around the tables, mixed with a few guys, some embracing multiple girls at once. Dancing was happening in the center.

Every guy had muted emotions.

"There are my friends!" Tamara said, pulling me toward a group of girls enjoying the company of a tall, muscular guy with slick black hair.

"Tamara!" a petite red-haired girl called. "Come join us!"

She was dressed provocatively. Her neck bore two small, round scars. Vampires, then.

Now the real question became how to proceed. Vampires are faster, stronger, and more durable than regular humans. While master wizards can handle them, I wasn't in that league. Still, I couldn't leave Tamara to be drained dry.

"Who's this?" Tamara asked, hugging her friends. The vampire also stood up to hug her, but she stepped toward me, which I appreciated.

"This is Carmen," the redhead said. "A wonderful young man I met recently."

"Nice to meet you," Tamara nodded but made no further moves.

"So, you're Tamara?" Carmen asked in a calm, low voice. The girls began breathing differently, and their eyes sparkled momentarily. His voice carried a touch of mental magic.

"It's a pleasure to meet you," she replied, glancing away.

"And you?" Carmen turned to me, his mental magic brushing against my defenses, not realizing they were solid.

"Timothy Jodi," I said, meeting his eyes directly. He hesitated, not expecting such a response. I wasn't affected by his weak influence, though he didn't realize it.

We sat down on soft couches, Tamara ending up between me and Carmen. I knew what the vampire was after, and I didn't like it.

A meaningless conversation followed. The girls shared thoughts, questions, and ideas, but mostly with Carmen. Even Tamara was slowly falling under his spell.

"What do you do?" a blonde girl asked me.

"I study at a private institution," I answered calmly. "So I can earn a lot in the future."

"But Carmen already has his own business," she said. "Maybe he could hire you, if you're good."

"Hmm," the vampire mused, crossing his leg and smirking.

Several more women entered the room, including someone I recognized. She was from the Hunter Guild, dressed as a waitress. When she approached, I discreetly showed my bachelor's ring. Her eyes widened slightly, recognizing it. I hid it again.

"Thank you," I nodded and took a drink.

"It's exquisite champagne from France," Carmen said, taking one himself.

Some girls excused themselves to powder their noses, including Tamara. That left me alone with Carmen.

"Look," Carmen began. "You've got two options: leave, and I'll take care of your girlfriend, or they'll carry you out, and I'll still take care of her."

"What are you talking about, pal?" I asked calmly.

A hand with a tattoo landed on my shoulder. Now this was crossing the line.

"Remove your hand," I said, looking at the broad-shouldered vampire. "Or I'll break it."

The Hunter passing by almost tripped at my response. No one expected that. It's a good thing I know a few spells that cause vampires excruciating pain but wouldn't affect a living person.

"Do you think you're immortal?" the vampire asked.

"Do you?" I countered, buying time.

Suddenly, more vampires moved closer. They all considered themselves superior, but they were mistaken.

One vampire, dressed in a white suit with gold dragon embroidery, finally spoke up, laughing.

"I like you! Courage or recklessness? I think it's the latter."

"Remove your hand from my shoulder."

"Definitely recklessness," he said, grinning.

He lunged at me, faster than any human could. But I was prepared. My magic flared, and I dodged the punch instantly, my wand in hand.

At that moment, a confined anti-Apparition barrier enveloped the area. No one could escape. Twenty wizards Apparated into the room, pointing their wands at the vampires.

"Your decoy tricked me. Excellent work," the white-suited vampire said, nodding to me.

The Hunter addressed the vampires: "I'm authorized to wipe out this nest along with all of you."

The vampires were frozen in place by a spell from an Unspeakable.

"Bind them and call the Obliviators," the Unspeakable ordered.

The wizards went to work, and the Hunter approached me.

"How did you end up here?" she asked.

"Tamara invited me. I was curious about Muggle parties."

"She's a witch?"

"No," I shook my head.

"You seem familiar," she said.

"We met during a werewolf hunt last summer," I reminded her.

"Ah, right," she snapped her fingers. "I remember now."

An Unspeakable approached. "Are you Timothy Jodi?" he asked in a flat voice.

"Yes," I replied.

"You created a very advantageous situation for us. We'd like to invite you to witness the vampire execution."

"When?"

"Now, in the courtyard."

Vampires were lined up outside. They had regained consciousness but couldn't move or use their powers.

"Attention," the Unspeakable began. "We have a rare haul tonight—a full vampire nest."

He turned to me. "Transfigure a small stone."

I complied, and the Unspeakables laid out bags and tools.

"Let's begin," the Unspeakable said, drawing a gleaming silver sword. "Bring the first one."

Vampires were decapitated one by one, their bodies processed into valuable parts. Anything unnecessary was burned.

When it was Carmen's turn, the Unspeakable asked, "Would you like to try?"

"I'll pass," I said.

The execution continued until only the white-suited vampire remained. The Unspeakable offered him a chance to provide valuable information, but he declined.

The sword fell, and the last vampire was reduced to organs.

Once the executions were over, I dissolved the stone. The Ministry wizards finished sealing the building.

I found Tamara and took her with me. We flagged down a taxi and headed back to her place.

Maggie wasn't home, which was fortunate—I didn't want any drama. As I sat with Tamara, I noticed something odd. She was breathing fast, her gaze intense. Something had gone wrong.

The Obliviators had damaged her mind. They'd been careless, and her personality was fracturing. If left unchecked, it would lead to madness.

To prevent that, I had to repair the damage using her strongest memory—me. Unfortunately, this deepened her attachment to me, leaving her unable to form emotional bonds with anyone else. It was a heavy-handed solution, but necessary to save her from deterioration.

I don't like playing with people's minds—it's dangerous and leads to unintended consequences. But for Tamara, I made an exception. Still, I questioned why I cared so much. She wasn't my girlfriend, and she didn't offer any significant advantage. Yet, she was my friend, even if our relationship had started unusually.

When I withdrew from her mind, Tamara was sitting next to me, breathing heavily, her gaze locked on me. The first signs of her obsessive attachment were already showing.