Keepers of the Void

After walking away from Leon, both of them exited the Island and traveled by boat to move out of the range of anti apparition jinxes. As the boat is sailing, Dumbledore said firmly, "do you know that the usage of Veritaserum is strictly controlled by the Ministry? You should have told me about it, first. Since it's your first time, I'll let this slide but I have to confiscate the potion from you".

Neal took out the vial containing colorless and odorless liquid and showed it to him, "it isn't Veritaserum but just energy serum which improves your health". Dumbledore was taken aback in surprise, "so, that means..."

Neal smiled, "yeah, I just lied. That's all. My maternal uncle just thought he was given Veritaserum and just spill out the truth without any resistance. After all, he knew that in his present state, he can't resist it even if he tried.

Only after realizing the improvement of the condition of his body, he became aware of the truth. Anyway, now that I knew the truth, I cannot make him suffer any longer. I will ask my Grandfather to apply for a retrial. I hope he would accept it. Professor, can I ask something?". Dumbledore who sighed with relief replied, "go on but the answer depends on how complex is your question is".

Neal then asked, "how does a retrial work? What is it necessary for a judge to pardon the crime of a life sentence". Dumbledore replied, "that, my boy, I can't answer to you since I'm the Chief Warlock of Wizengamot. It would make it seem like I'm helping you in releasing a criminal".

Neal nodded, "I understand. It's ok. I can just ask my grandfather, so, no worries. By the way, any news on Edward and Ms. Dulcie?". As Dumbledore shook his head in disappointment, Neal sighed while looking away and mumbled, "I wonder if they are ok. It's been more than a year since I last saw them".

Dumbledore replied, "don't worry. They are a powerful pair of wizard and witch. Nothing will happen to them". Neal sighed, "I hope so".

Meanwhile, at Hogwarts Castle, Karkaroff is talking with Snape secretly with a worried expression while showing his dark mark on his inner forearm to him, "Severus, you cannot pretend this isn't happening. I..." Snape interrupted him, "then flee. I will make your excuses, however, I'm remaining at Hogwarts".

Karkaroff asked, "where can I flee? Is there even a place that existed to save me from the Dark Lord?". Snape replied, "I already told you a place which can give you protection". Karkaroff asked, "you meant Greylin?".

As Snape nodded, Karkaroff said, "this is the reason I came to you. That Oakley Avery has already denied my request. I need your help to ask Slytherin. I heard that he's your favorite student. Help me out this once".

Snape looked at him in silence for a while and said, "no, it's impossible. I have seen him close for the past four years to know his personality more than others. He won't help you out unless he gets something far greater worth in return. As for what you'll prepare, that's your problem. I'll help you only in arranging a meeting with him secretly and will try to negotiate if there's any problem".

The next day, Neal was standing before Daphne, Draco, and Tracey in the chamber of secrets and started their training on how to effectively use curses, charms, dodging and counterspells in duels. As Draco was constantly hit by various curses and charms over and over, he got exhausted and sat on the floor while complaining, "you are too strong and don't hold back at all. Forget getting stronger, I think I will lose the confidence to even duel at this rate. Tracey, Daphne, one of you switch with me". Both of them looked at him and said at the same time, "no thanks, we're good".

After a couple of hours, Neal looked at his pocket watch, "ok, let's stop here for today. We'll continue the lessons next week. Let's return to the common room". Then Malfoy said, "since we already started this secret club. How about giving a name for it?". Neal thought for a while and replied, "let's call ourselves as Keepers of the Void".

Daphne replied, "I like the name Void which means complete emptiness. We can fill whatever our heart desire and not get restricted by a thing such as law". Tracey then commented while frowning, "still, there's such thing as morality. You try to bypass that restriction, you won't be any different than those Death Eaters who enjoy torturing others". Daphne replied, "I know, I'm just saying, that's all".

The next week, Neal guided them on Patronus charm. While Daphne produced a crocodile and Tracey produced a peacock successfully, Malfoy wasn't able to produce a Patronus as he had a rough with his father dictating and berating him every time. His school life which was filled with envying and hating Harry didn't help him much with happy memories as he has none.

As Malfoy sat on the floor while hiding his head between his legs in sadness, Neal patted his shoulder, "it's ok, Draco. Don't forget we're here to help you. Just forget all of those bad memories and only focus on happy ones even if they are small".

Daphne and Tracey cheered him, "c'mon, Draco, you can do this". Then, Neal grinned, "here's quick advice if you want to succeed for sure. Just think of the times Harry Potter and Ron Weasley screwed up".

Malfoy then stood up and started to think about little happy memories and a while later, he produced a fox Patronus charm successfully. Seeing it, tears started to flow from Draco's eyes as he said, "yes, I did it". As Tracey said, "I guess you followed Neal's advice perfectly".

Malfoy shook his head, "no, I thought of all the little memories we shared during the past four years. I guess thinking of Harry and Ron screwing up no longer brings me joy like before. Thank you guys". While Daphne looked away and said, "wipe those tears away. It looks disgusting on you", Neal and Tracey patted his shoulder and said, "good job".

For the following weeks, as Neal was busy with training them, Karkaroff was busy with something else. Slowly time passed and the month of June arrived. One fine morning, Neal was called to Snape's office. As he went there, he saw Karkaroff sat before Snape.

Looking at them, Neal asked, "are you busy? Should I come later?". Instead of Snape, Karkaroff replied politely, "no, please come in. I was the one who asked him to call you. I need to talk to you about something. Take a seat first". Neal looked at him and asked while frowning, "so, what business do you have with me? The final task is just three weeks away. If it's something related to..."

Karkaroff interrupted him, "I found out the whereabouts of Edward Fawley and Dulcie Davis". Neal was taken aback in shock, "What!!!".