1

Braud Kuhl stood in front of the mirror, adjusting his attire. He wore a crisp white shirt with a stand-up collar, a dark gray suit vest, and a jet black tie adorned with a subtle golden line. His ensemble was completed by a gray suit jacket, a bronze pocket watch, a dark tweed coat, and a beret matching the color of the suit. Despite the sharp appearance, Braud felt a bit out of place.

"Where am I? Who am I? What am I doing?"

Before he could delve into these philosophical questions, a torrent of memories flooded his mind, overwhelming him with information until he finally grasped the situation.

He had somehow been transported into the magical world of Harry Potter.

Sitting down on a familiar stool, Braud began to process his new reality.

His name was now Braud Kuhl, an 18-year-old who had just graduated from Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. In an attempt to avoid getting entangled in the fierce conflict between the legendary wizards Voldemort and Dumbledore, the original owner of this body had volunteered to work as a guard in Azkaban. Now, Braud found himself in the staff dormitory, dressed and ready for duty.

"The original owner of this body was quite stubborn," Braud mused. "With the Death Eaters and the Order of the Phoenix at each other's throats, he chose to come here and be a jailer. What a brilliant decision! Woohoo!"

Braud knew the Harry Potter universe well enough to understand the complexities of its society. There were three types of wizards: pure-bloods, whose ancestors were all wizards; half-bloods, with one wizard parent; and Muggle-borns, whose parents were non-magical but who had awakened magical abilities. Voldemort, a staunch supremacist, despised Muggle-borns, derogatorily calling them "Mudbloods" and attempting to eradicate them. He was the epitome of evil—a terrorist through and through.

Fortunately for Braud, his half-blood status kept him out of Voldemort's immediate crosshairs. However, getting involved in the war could easily result in him being killed by Voldemort's Avada Kedavra or Dumbledore's formidable spells.

Braud's school grades had been mediocre at best, and his magical abilities were far from extraordinary. He was, as he described, cannon fodder among cannon fodder.

Hiding in Azkaban, a prison-like "paradise," seemed like the safest bet. Once the Voldemort situation calmed down, Braud could emerge and enjoy life. As a wizard, joining the middle class in London society was a given. He envisioned making a fortune and returning to a familiar place—life would be wonderful.

"Browder, hurry up! It's time for roll call. For Merlin's sake, can you move faster?" a voice called from outside the door.

"Coming! Don't rush me." Braud's thoughts snapped back to reality. He remembered that he needed to join the others for roll call.

Standing up from the stool, Braud muttered, "For Merlin's sake, am I really stuck in this strange translation of reality?"

Azkaban Prison was situated on a small island in the North Sea. It was the wizarding world's most notorious prison, but it was rare for wizards like Braud to serve as guards, mainly because the native Dementors took on the majority of the guarding duties, as per an agreement with the Ministry of Magic.

Dementors were incredibly powerful magical creatures, nearly impossible to kill, and they thrived on feeding off human happiness.

The Ministry of Magic sent prisoners, the Dementors guarded them, and in return, they received food and amusement. It was a mutually beneficial arrangement.

However, Azkaban couldn't be entirely devoid of wizard guards, so the Ministry recruited about ten wizards to fulfill this role. It was a thankless job, and few were willing to take it up.

Dementors exuded an aura of despair, and even standing near them could make one feel miserable. Over time, their presence would drain away happiness, leaving behind only despair and depression.

"Luckily, the original owner of this body had mastered the Patronus Charm, or else he would have gone mad from the Dementors long before Voldemort could kill him."

The Patronus Charm was an advanced spell that summoned a protective guardian made of white light by drawing on the caster's happiest memories. It was the Dementors' worst fear.

Braud could only manage the basic form of the charm, where he summoned a faint white light without fully materializing a Patronus. But even this was enough to fend off the Dementors for now.

Stepping out of his room, Braud immediately felt a bone-chilling cold. It was the Dementors' influence seeping into his surroundings.

Without hesitation, Braud drew his wand and recalled a memory of lying in bed, drinking a Coldrink, and watching a joyful show. "Expecto Patronum," he murmured.

A faint white light enveloped Braud, pushing back the Dementors' oppressive aura.

The wand felt awkward in his hand.

"Could it be that this wand has sensed its owner's drastic change in temperament?" Braud wondered as he tucked the wand away.

Walking through the long, dimly lit corridor, Braud arrived at the roll call location, where eight or nine other wizards had already gathered.

Azkaban housed eleven wizards in total. The leader was Harvey Shafik, an old man in his late fifties who had been the warden of Azkaban for more than ten years.

Harvey's family, the Shafik family, was one of the 28 pure-blood families and held some influence in the wizarding world. It should have been easy for him to get a transfer, but for some reason, he remained in Azkaban.

The original owner of this body had harbored a deep dislike for Harvey.

Harvey was a cantankerous old man, prone to fits of anger. He berated his subordinates mercilessly and never apologized, even when he was in the wrong. He was a stubborn, irritable old man.

Harvey glanced around the room with a blank, rigid expression. Once he confirmed that everyone was present, he made a dry, croaking sound, signaling his approval.

"A new prisoner is arriving today. Braud, you'll take him to cell number four."

"Yes, sir!"

The group disbanded, with those on duty heading to their posts and those off duty returning to their dormitories to rest. Harvey left as well, his hands clasped behind his back as he waddled away like a duck.

"Good luck, Braud."

"Take care."

Before leaving, Braud's companions offered him their sympathy.

Escorting new prisoners was a dreaded task because it involved dealing directly with the Dementors. No one wanted to get too close to them; a single misstep could result in being sucked dry.

Braud forced a smile and assured them he'd be fine, but inwardly, he cursed Harvey. "That old man keeps sending me on these errands just because I'm new here!"

But orders were orders. Braud reinforced his Patronus Charm and reluctantly headed toward the prison where the Dementors lurked.

New prisoners had to endure a "baptism" by Dementors, a ritual similar to the ancient practice of flogging, meant to serve as both punishment and a warning. As a result, the new prisoners were now lying unconscious on the cold stone floor.

Despite the discomfort caused by the nearby Dementors, Braud managed to drag the wizard, who had been drained into unconsciousness, out of the prison.

After a great deal of effort, Braud finally threw the wizard into cell number four. He took a deep breath, then suddenly froze.

"I'm a wizard now. Why didn't I use the Levitation Charm to move him?"

He had momentarily forgotten his new identity. What a careless mistake.

Braud resolved to break the habit of doing everything manually in the future. Just as he turned to leave, he froze again.

A virtual screen appeared before his eyes.

[Successfully escorted prisoner Flynn Wilber to the cell.]

[Crime level: D+]

[Criminal evil degree: F]

[Guarding time: less than 1 day]

[Reward: Magic Level +3 (Current Magic Level 21)]

"What the... a system?"

----

Braud Kuhl's heart pounded wildly, as if he had just seen a hundred beautiful women racing toward him. He was well-versed in hundreds of online novels, so when he saw the fine print before him, he immediately recognized what this meant. As a transmigrator, he was destined to receive his own unique advantage—his "cheat."

The virtual screen in front of him quickly vanished. Braud suppressed the urge to leap in celebration, and his heartbeat gradually returned to normal.

Stay low-key.

He repeated this mantra to himself: in Azkaban, he had three priorities—be low-key, be low-key, and be low-key!

He hadn't yet developed any real power, so he needed to keep his composure, even if the world were to collapse around him. He had to maintain a calm exterior while keeping his ambitions quietly raging within.

With no duties to attend to during the day, Braud retreated to his room to study the mysterious system that had suddenly appeared.

The system was straightforward. As long as Braud sent a prisoner to a cell, he could randomly acquire one of their abilities to enhance himself.

The system's capabilities focused on three main aspects:

The first was the criminal's level—essentially, the strength of the criminal's abilities. This was easy to understand. If he randomly obtained an ability from either an ordinary person or a wizard, the benefits of acquiring a wizard's ability would be obvious.

The second aspect was the criminal's evilness. The more malevolent the prisoner, the stronger the ability Braud could extract. For instance, guarding a Level C criminal might only yield one percent of their abilities, but a Level A criminal could provide up to ten percent!

The final factor was time. For every month a prisoner was held, Braud could extract one ability. In theory, with enough time, he could potentially acquire all of a prisoner's abilities.

The potential gains were immense!

The wizarding world was full of complex spells and strange knowledge, vast as an ocean. Learning everything on his own would take an enormous amount of time. But with this system, he could grow stronger just by doing his job. It was perfect!

Azkaban would be his second home from now on.

But before Braud could revel in his good fortune, greed began to creep in.

"The more prisoners I have, and the longer I keep them, the better. But wizards are rare. What should I do?"

Compared to the countless Muggles who were unaware of magic, wizards were a scarce resource, and criminal wizards even more so. At present, Braud had only ten wizard criminals under his watch, many of whom were soon to be released. Extracting abilities once a month seemed insufficient.

What could he do? Create criminals where there were none?

That wouldn't do. He still had a conscience and a moral line he wouldn't cross.

Human desires are endless. Braud had initially planned to be a modest wizard. After Voldemort fell, he intended to transfer out of Azkaban and enjoy a quiet, comfortable life.

But now, with the system in his possession, he was no longer content with that. He found himself unsatisfied with the few prisoners he had and yearned for more power.

Braud laughed at himself, but he didn't see anything wrong with his growing ambition.

Human desire is the driving force behind societal progress. As long as one isn't consumed by it, desire is a good thing.

Braud was pondering how to acquire more prisoners when suddenly, there was a loud banging on his door.

"Braud! Braud, come out! Good news!"

It was the excited shout of a colleague.

Having just obtained the system, Braud was in a good mood. He didn't hold his colleague's rudeness against him. He opened the door and asked, "What's the good news? Why are you so excited?"

Braud opened the door to find the entire prison in an uproar. Colleagues and prisoners alike were cheering, the noise growing louder and louder.

"Long live Merlin!"

"Long live! Woohoo!"

Some were crying, others were laughing hysterically, as if something monumental had happened.

"What's going on? Aren't they afraid of angering Warden Harvey?"

A colleague grabbed Braud's arm, eyes wide with glee. "Merlin above! It's You-Know-Who! He's been defeated!"

Braud's head spun from his colleague's shaking. "What?"

"You-Know-Who! It's over! The war is over! The Order and the Ministry of Magic have won! Long live Dumbledore! Long live Merlin's beard!"

Listening to his colleague's incoherent words, Braud pieced together the story: Voldemort had vanished the previous night, and the Death Eaters had temporarily collapsed.

Voldemort had brought unimaginable fear to all of Britain, so much so that no one dared to speak his name—except for Dumbledore.

The night before, Voldemort had gone to the Potter household to kill Harry, the prophesied savior. But Harry's mother had sacrificed herself, using the power of maternal love to shield her son. Voldemort's Killing Curse rebounded onto him, nearly destroying him, leaving him without a body.

Now, Voldemort was likely a formless spirit, and it would be 13 years before he would regain his body and the events of the book would truly begin.

So, it was 1981 now.

Braud's colleague kept shaking his arm, but when he noticed Braud's calm expression, he seemed to lose some of his enthusiasm.

"Why aren't you celebrating?"

"What's there to celebrate? No matter what happens outside, we're still stuck in Azkaban."

Braud, being familiar with the plot and fresh from his transmigration, couldn't fully grasp the terror these wizards felt towards Voldemort. Plus, since they were in Azkaban with limited contact with the outside world, he felt their excitement was misplaced.

"Ah? Oh..."

His colleague's excitement visibly waned after hearing Braud's words. He scratched his head but then his eyes suddenly lit up.

"Wait a minute! If Voldemort has fallen, then his Death Eaters will be brought to trial. Azkaban will be receiving a lot of Death Eaters!"

"Then, each visitor will be charged one Galleon. Initial visitation time will be set at 10 minutes, and if they want more time, we can charge another Galleon for every additional five minutes."

"We could even offer a monthly pass! For just a thousand Galleons, they could visit as much as they want..."

His colleague happily calculated their future income.

Braud smiled. "You should be on Wall Street, creating game plans. But have you considered that Harvey won't allow you to do this?"

The mention of Warden Harvey made his colleague shudder. "That's so unfair! Before Voldemort fell, we were bullied by Harvey every day. Now that Voldemort is gone, we're still being bullied. What was the point of his defeat then?"

"At worst, maybe Harvey will allow it. There will be so many Death Eaters coming in."

So many Death Eaters?

Suddenly, Braud realized something and grabbed his colleague's arm, his face lighting up with excitement.

"For Merlin's beard! What did you just say? We're going to take in the Death Eaters?"

--

Early the next morning, Braud Kuhl heard some exciting news during the morning briefing: a Death Eater had been brought to Azkaban.

"Those Aurors from the Ministry of Magic are working quickly! They've already started bringing in the Death Eaters!"

"We're going to be busy in Azkaban."

"And those Dementors are probably thrilled."

"Did you hear? It was a boy named Harry Potter who defeated You-Know-Who!"

The entire team was buzzing with excitement. Even Harvey, who usually had a stony expression, seemed slightly more animated and didn't scold his subordinates as harshly as usual.

Braud stepped forward. "Report! Warden Harvey, I request permission to escort the Death Eater to the cell!"

Harvey was taken aback. In all his years as warden, this was the first time someone had eagerly volunteered to work with the Dementors. This Braud Kuhl was certainly an odd one.

But since someone was willing to take on the task, Harvey wasn't about to argue. He tossed a key to Braud and said, "Fine. You and Daniel will handle it."

Daniel paled at the mention of his name, feeling incredibly unlucky. He had been the one to share the news of Voldemort's downfall with Braud the previous day.

The team dispersed, and Braud and Daniel made their way to the wing guarded by Dementors, preparing to move the tormented Death Eater back to his cell.

Daniel, flipping through the prisoner's file, suddenly exploded with anger. "Sirius Black! Bloody hell, it's the traitor who betrayed the Potters!"

Sirius Black? Braud's memory jogged. Sirius was Harry Potter's godfather, framed for a crime he didn't commit, and imprisoned in Azkaban. In the original story, Sirius felt immense guilt for the deaths of the Potters and chose not to resist imprisonment.

In the original work, Sirius was a powerful wizard with extraordinary talents, including being an Animagus who could transform into a large black dog. Braud was eager to see what he might gain from Sirius.

Arriving at the cell block, Braud conjured a Patronus to ward off the cold, oppressive atmosphere of the Dementors, though Daniel still hesitated to enter and move the prisoner.

This suited Braud perfectly. He cast a levitation spell, and Sirius's unconscious body slowly rose into the air. With a gentle push, Braud sent Sirius gliding smoothly into his cell.

Daniel's eyes widened. "You can use the levitation spell like that?"

"Sometimes, magic just requires a little imagination," Braud replied, locking Sirius's cell door behind him.

A small notification appeared in front of his eyes.

[Prisoner Sirius Black successfully secured in cell.]

[Criminal Level: A]

[Criminal Malevolence: E]

[Guarding Time: Less than 1 day]

[Reward: Animagus proficiency improvement (current proficiency: Beginner)]

Not bad at all. Animagus magic was a challenging skill. Once he became more proficient, Braud looked forward to trying his own transformation. The thought excited him.

Braud clapped his hands, satisfied. At this rate, he would soon become a legendary wizard!

"Ministry of Magic Aurors, keep up the good work!" he thought to himself.

Daniel, staring at Sirius in his cell, muttered, "Thank Merlin and that boy Harry Potter. Our good days are finally here."

"Yes, our good days have finally arrived," Braud echoed, though with a different meaning in mind.

In the days that followed, it became clear to everyone that the newcomer, Braud Kuhl, had turned into something of a workhorse.

Whether it was a Death Eater or any other prisoner brought in, Braud was always the first to rush to Harvey's office to volunteer to escort the prisoner to their cell. Previously, this task had rotated among the staff.

Lighter criminals were handled by one person, while serious criminals like Death Eaters typically required two or more people. But no matter the case, Braud always appeared, ready to take on the task.

Braud was also extremely diligent in his duties. He often remarked that there were too few prisoners under his care and that his workload was simply insufficient. As a result, he took on many additional duties from his colleagues.

Naturally, his colleagues were pleased. Despite the fact that they lived off the occasional perks of working with criminals, many of the wizarding prisoners were completely isolated. They had no visitors or contacts, so there wasn't much extra income to be had from them.

Braud's offer to take over the care of these forgotten prisoners was seen as a noble gesture. His colleagues regarded him as a selfless individual.

What did it mean to sacrifice oneself for the greater good? Braud was the very definition of it!

His colleagues were moved by Braud's dedication. Such energy in a young man!

Of course, Braud wasn't doing this out of pure altruism. He could only extract abilities from the prisoners under his jurisdiction once every month. The more prisoners he oversaw, the more abilities he could acquire.

After a month of hard work, Braud finally reached the day of his reward.

[Reward: Increased weapon proficiency (current proficiency: Mastery)]

[Reward: Animagus proficiency improvement (current proficiency: Beginner)]

[Reward: Magic Level +5 (Current Magic Level 27)]

[Reward: Increased proficiency in Expecto Patronum (current proficiency: Mastered)]

[Reward: Mastery of the Polyjuice Potion formula]

The list of rewards was long, and Braud was pleased.

Over the past month, the Ministry of Magic had arrested six Death Eaters and three other wizard criminals. With the prisoners he had acquired from his colleagues, Braud now oversaw twenty-three criminals and had gained over twenty different rewards.

Braud also learned more about spell proficiency.

There are five levels of proficiency in spells: novice, proficient, adept, skilled, and masterful.

In the wizarding world, spellcasting requires both a wand and the caster's own magic power. Both are essential.

Improving proficiency reduces the chance of spell-casting errors and decreases the amount of magic power consumed.

For example, in the original story, when Ron Weasley used Apparition, he often left parts of his body behind. During an exam, he left his eyebrows behind, and when dodging Death Eaters, he lost bits of flesh from his shoulders. These errors were the result of low proficiency.

Achieving mastery in a spell is a significant accomplishment, something only legendary wizards like Merlin could achieve.

Merlin, for example, could cast spells without a wand and transform into almost anything, even something as unusual as a virus.

Braud speculated that elite Aurors in the Ministry of Magic likely had adept proficiency in their best spells, with a few reaching the level of skilled.

The three greats in the wizarding world—Dumbledore, Voldemort, and Grindelwald—were probably proficient in most spells, with a few reaching the pinnacle of mastery. Voldemort claimed to have pushed Dark Magic to an unprecedented level, a claim even Dumbledore acknowledged. He was likely on the verge of perfection.

But Braud knew he was still just a beginner. He needed more prisoners and longer sentences to reach such heights.

In his mind, Braud silently urged all the Aurors at the Ministry of Magic:

"Don't slack off, you lot! There are still so many Death Eaters out there. Hurry up and bring them to Azkaban!"

---

Four months later, as the temperature dropped and light snowflakes drifted from the sky, Braud Kuhl and Daniel were napping in the lounge of Azkaban. By now, Braud had become accustomed to the monotonous and dreary life of the prison. To be honest, if it weren't for the systematic rewards he received, Braud would have long applied for a transfer out of this desolate place.

After all, the line between being in jail and guarding one was thin.

But now was not the time to think about leaving. Braud knew he was still too weak. He decided he'd wait until his strength rivaled that of the Big Three before even considering leaving.

Daniel, wrapped in thick cotton robes, pointed his wand at the fireplace, causing the flames to flare up and fill the room with warmth.

"Did you hear? The Prime Minister is thinking about retiring early and is looking for someone to replace him."

"Yeah," Braud responded absentmindedly, uninterested in politics. His mind was occupied with cataloging the achievements he'd accumulated over the past four months, much like a dragon counting its hoard.

"They say the new successor has to be picked from the ministers of a few key departments. But I don't think it's going to be that simple."

Daniel had spent so much time in Azkaban with little entertainment, so he had taken a keen interest in Muggle politics.

"There are a few candidates in the running. One's a known crook, and the other is notorious for his insatiable desires. Now, they're gearing up to pick a new candidate."

"You know how they pushed one of them out? They sent him to negotiate with the EU over a sausage trade deal. It's ridiculous! If that party whip, Jim Harker, actually becomes Prime Minister, it'll be a joke."

Daniel kept rambling on, and Braud began to consider whether a Petrificus Totalus might be in order.

Merlin help me, why must this fool interrupt my mental inventory of riches?

"My dear Daniel," Braud finally looked up, deciding to steer the conversation in a different direction, "Christmas is coming soon. Shouldn't you be thinking about getting a decent gift for your family?"

Daniel was successfully distracted by the mention of Christmas. He frowned, asking, "Braud, what are you planning to get?"

"I'm not going home this year. I'll just send my gifts by owl."

"Why aren't you going home? It's a rare holiday!"

"Holiday? What holiday?"

"Azkaban is my home! Daniel, you need to understand that we're at the peak of our careers. We must put all our energy into our work. Only by achieving something meaningful can we gain the satisfaction that comes with life's accomplishments. That feeling surpasses any holiday."

"996 is a blessing! Now, think about it yourself and don't bother me anymore."

Daniel stared at Braud as if he were a rare and dangerous Hungarian Horntail. Was this man too ambitious, or was he simply lazy?

Daniel stopped talking and began to reflect on whether he was living too passively, with no enthusiasm for work at all.

Maybe it's time to take things seriously and not waste time!

Just as Braud was enjoying the rare peace, a shout came from outside the door.

"Braud, Daniel, a big shot is here! Come out and take a look!"

A big shot?

Braud stepped out of the break room to find his colleagues buzzing with excitement.

"Did the Aurors bring in another Death Eater?"

"Yes! Mad-Eye Moody is a genius!" his colleague said excitedly. "He's captured almost half of the Death Eaters we have in Azkaban. Guess who he brought in this time?"

"Is there anyone more notorious than Sirius?"

"It's the headmaster of a magic school! Mad-Eye captured the headmaster of a magic school!"

Braud felt as if he'd been struck by lightning. He stood frozen for a moment before rushing forward without hesitation. "Stand back, everyone! Let me handle the transfer to the cell!"

A headmaster of a magic school—at least an A-level wizard, like Sirius!

Upon reaching the Dementor's Prison, Braud spotted Mad-Eye Moody speaking in low tones with Warden Harvey.

Beside them stood a tall, thin male wizard with short white hair and a goatee curled at the ends. His thin chin gave him a gaunt appearance, and he was slouched in shackles.

Mad-Eye Moody's terrifying magical eye fixed on Harvey as he spoke. "You need to watch him carefully. Igor Karkaroff has agreed to cooperate with us and name other Death Eaters. This is critical for the Ministry of Magic."

Harvey, looking as lethargic as ever, nodded in acknowledgment. Braud doubted Harvey would show any emotion, even if Merlin himself appeared.

"I understand. You didn't need to come in person for this. A letter would have sufficed."

Mad-Eye Moody scowled. "I didn't want to come to this miserable place, but the Ministry was concerned. What could I do?"

After giving a few more instructions, Mad-Eye boarded the boat and left, using his cane for support.

Azkaban was protected by anti-apparition wards, similar to Hogwarts, so the only way in and out was by boat.

"Braud, take him to a solitary cell, and be sure the Dementors don't cause him any trouble."

Harvey had grown accustomed to letting Braud handle the transfer of new prisoners. It was hard to change habits once formed.

Braud rushed forward without a word. He knew who this man was.

Igor Karkaroff was the former headmaster of Durmstrang Institute!

Durmstrang was one of the three major wizarding schools in Europe, alongside Hogwarts. Though not as prestigious or powerful as Hogwarts, it was still an excellent institution of magic.

There was no doubt about Igor's capabilities, given his position as headmaster.

Braud and Daniel escorted the dejected Igor to a solitary cell. Prisoners sent to solitary were treated as VIPs, with living conditions far superior to those in the regular cells.

Igor barely acknowledged the two junior wardens and muttered to himself, "I hope they judge me soon. I'd still like to be home for Christmas."

[Prisoner Igor Karkaroff successfully placed in cell.]

[Crime Level: A]

[Criminal Evil Degree: B]

[Guarding Time: Less than 1 day]

[Reward: Magic Level +33 (Current Magic Level 71)]

Braud's eyes widened. The magic power this man provided was almost equal to all the magic power Braud had accumulated thus far!

Seeing the reward Igor had granted him, Braud found himself liking this man more and more.

Unlike Sirius, Igor was a true Death Eater, making his Criminal Evil Degree higher than Sirius'. Naturally, the rewards he provided were much greater as well!

And in the future, this man would supply even more names of Death Eaters, ensuring Azkaban received a steady stream of prisoners.

Braud was thrilled. Igor was his lucky star!

In his cell, Igor glanced uneasily at Braud, who was staring at him strangely.

Does this guy have some sort of twisted hobby or plan to do something strange to me?

Igor's goatee quivered slightly as a chill ran down his spine.

Boom boom boom!

Outside, prisoners were banging on their iron bars.

"Protest! We protest!"

"Protest!"

The prisoners in several cells began shouting. Braud frowned and walked over to the cells of the more unruly inmates.

Seeing that they were Death Eaters, Braud's mood soured further.

"What are you protesting about?"

One of the Death Eaters pointed toward Igor's cell and shouted indignantly, "Why does he get a single room and special treatment, while we're all stuck here together?"

----

"I don't need to explain anything to you."

Braud Kuhl looked coldly at the group of notorious Death Eaters, paying no attention to the noise they were making out of sheer boredom. "If I hear any more noise from you, you'll go without food for three days. And not just that—I'll make sure the Dementors give you special attention."

The prison instantly fell silent. Being starved for three days was one thing, but enduring the presence of Dementors was far worse.

No one could withstand the Dementor's Kiss.

After four months in Azkaban, witnessing countless inhumane events, Braud's mental resilience had grown significantly. He could now casually mention punishing a Death Eater with starvation, perhaps simply out of habit.

"Remember your place. You're prisoners, not entitled to question or make demands of me!"

As he arrived at Sirius Black's cell, Braud saw the once-spirited man now sitting on the ground, dejected and lifeless. Sirius's eyes were dull, devoid of any hope.

Braud had always felt a measure of sympathy for Sirius's plight.

A loyal friend, Sirius was still tormented by the belief that he had been responsible for the Potters' deaths, leading him to Azkaban as a form of self-punishment. Despite everything, his willpower and loyalty were undeniable.

Moreover, every month, Sirius would enhance his proficiency in Animagus transformation—a testament to his enduring spirit.

Braud casually tossed something that struck Sirius on the head.

Sirius looked up blankly at Braud, his eyes showing no sign of anger, only confusion.

Braud pointed to the item he had thrown. Sirius picked it up and found it was a Chocolate Frog.

"Why...?"

Sirius was surprised, unable to comprehend why the jailer would give him, a supposed traitor, such a gift.

But before he could voice his confusion, the Chocolate Frog leaped into his mouth, filling it with sweetness and warmth. He wanted to ask more, but Braud was already walking away.

Sirius watched Braud's retreating figure, lowering his hand and saying nothing.

As Christmas approached, Azkaban took on an unusually warm atmosphere. Many prisoners even received gifts from their families—hats, clothes, and other items.

Some guards were bribed into smuggling in luxuries like cigarettes and Chocolate Frogs, filling the prison with an oddly festive air.

That evening, after his shift, Braud returned to his dormitory to find a letter on his desk. It was from his family.

During the battle between the Order of the Phoenix and the Death Eaters, Braud's parents had been killed, leaving behind two younger sisters—a third-year student at Hogwarts and a six-year-old—who were now being cared for by their uncle.

The letter was written by his third-year sister, asking Braud to come home because the three siblings hadn't seen each other for a long time, and both she and their younger sister missed him terribly.

The handwriting was crooked, not very neat, clearly written by a child.

Braud felt a pang of discomfort. The straightforward expression of affection was unfamiliar to him, given his previous upbringing.

After his transmigration into this world, he had sealed off his emotions, especially in a place like Azkaban. Suddenly receiving such a letter stirred something within him.

The wording of his sister's letter was so sincere that Braud felt as if not going would make him a heartless villain. He decided he had no choice but to return home.

He had taken over this body, and both emotionally and rationally, he owed it to these sisters to make some amends.

It was unfortunate, though. He had hoped that with everyone else leaving for Christmas, he could stay and receive more prisoners for the rewards.

The next day, when Warden Harvey received Braud's leave application, he was surprised.

He had expected a workaholic like Braud to stay in Azkaban for the holiday, but given Braud's usual excellent performance, Harvey happily approved the request.

"Spend time with your family. Family is a precious gift," Harvey advised as he signed the approval.

On Christmas Eve, Braud packed his belongings, wrapped a thick scarf around his neck, and prepared to leave Azkaban.

As he was about to depart, he ran into Daniel, who was on patrol. They both froze for a moment.

"Aren't you the one who said Azkaban is your home?"

Daniel quickly realized what was happening. He felt deceived and was visibly annoyed. "So you're going home after all! And here I was, touched by your professionalism and decided to stay with you! Didn't you say that working in Azkaban was a blessing? You're a traitor to the working class!"

Braud was baffled. "What professionalism? What does it have to do with me if you didn't go home? And put your wand away if you've got something to say!"

"Give me back my Christmas vacation!" Daniel shouted, both sad and angry.

"Oblivate!"

Daniel hesitated, then calmed down and looked at Braud with curiosity. "You, of all people, are taking a vacation?"

"Yeah, yeah. Now get back to work. I'm leaving."

Braud felt a bit guilty, erased Daniel's memory of him ever saying "Azkaban is my home," and quickly left.

As Daniel watched Braud walk away, a fleeting doubt crossed his mind. Why was he staying behind as a guard anyway? Did he really aspire to become a prison warden?

Braud walked out of Azkaban, feeling a mix of excitement and anxiety. Apart from his inherited memories, this was his first time experiencing the outside world, and he wasn't sure how to interact with the two sisters he barely remembered.

No matter, he thought. I'll figure it out once I get there.

His uncle's house was at No. 9, Privet Drive.

Raising his wand, Braud concentrated and Disapparated.

The sensation of Apparition tore at his body, warping his surroundings into distorted and bizarre images, but his mind remained focused, his destination clear.

A moment later, Braud appeared in front of a small house.

Number Nine, Privet Drive. He had arrived.

Apparition was an advanced spell, but Braud had already mastered it to a proficient level. With full concentration, he could guarantee his safety.

Magic in the wizarding world was incredibly useful!

Filled with anticipation, Braud gazed at the door to his uncle's house, knowing there were many unknowns—and perhaps treasures—awaiting him in this new world. The feeling was exhilarating!

As Braud prepared to knock, he suddenly remembered he hadn't brought a Christmas gift.

----

Snow was falling steadily from the sky, at first a light dusting, but soon thickening into a heavy flurry of white, like goose feathers floating on the wind, obscuring the view.

Braud Kuhl Apparated into Diagon Alley, intent on selecting gifts for his two sisters and his uncle's family.

Diagon Alley, the bustling commercial hub of the Wizarding World, was filled with various shops, including Gringotts, the wizarding bank. This was the place where both dark wizards and light wizards alike came to trade and sell their goods.

After wandering through the busy streets lined with old, charming buildings, Braud quickly settled on the perfect Christmas gifts.

For his eldest sister, who was attending Hogwarts, he chose a warning stone. This enchanted object would sound an alarm whenever someone nearby harbored ill intentions toward its owner—a practical and thoughtful gift.

For his six-year-old sister, he selected a book of fairy tales from the ancient wizarding world, which included the tale of the three brothers and Death—a story he thought she would enjoy.

As for his uncle's family, Braud picked out a stylish watch and a silk scarf.

With a quick flick of his wand, Braud cast a stretching spell on his suitcase, packed everything inside, and prepared to head home with his newly acquired gifts.

As he passed Ollivanders, the renowned wand shop, a thought crossed Braud's mind—his current wand no longer felt right. It was time to find one that suited him better.

Wands are more than just tools; they are extensions of a wizard's very being. They choose their owners, not the other way around. And since Braud had taken over this body, his old wand no longer matched his personality, which could affect his spellcasting.

Ollivanders was an ancient shop, its decor and architecture reflecting its long history. Established in 382 B.C., it had witnessed centuries of magical history. The current owner, Mr. Ollivander, was a descendant of one of the 28 pure-blood families, and nearly every British wizard had purchased their wand from this very shop.

Today, the shop was decked out in festive colors, with colorful lights floating in the air, casting a peaceful glow.

Mr. Ollivander, dressed like a festive version of himself, greeted Braud warmly as he entered the shop. "Are you here to repair your wand?" he asked.

"No," Braud replied, "the old one doesn't suit me anymore. I need a new wand."

Mr. Ollivander stroked the fake beard adorning his face. "What a pity. Wands rarely change their loyalty. Your old wand must be quite sad."

"Yes, I feel sorry for it too," Braud agreed.

Ollivander took Braud's old wand and examined it closely. "Cypress wood with a unicorn hair core. Yes, I remember now. You're Braud Kuhl. My, how time flies."

Even though Braud had been prepared for it, he still found it incredible that this magical old man could remember every wand he'd ever sold, even if he couldn't remember every customer.

"I can feel that this wand is no longer responding as it should," Ollivander said thoughtfully. "Stretch out your arm, and let's measure you."

Braud extended his arm and fingers, and a tape measure floated over, taking precise measurements of his body.

As the tape measure worked, Braud couldn't help but think, just as Harry Potter had before him—what does arm span have to do with choosing a wand? Is there really a connection?

Ollivander, having obtained the necessary data, pondered for a moment before retrieving a dozen wand boxes from the shelves behind him.

"Try this one, Mr. Kuhl. Nine inches, unicorn hair core, and ebony."

Braud took the wand and gave it a tentative wave. An obscure, heavy feeling settled over him, like he was trying to move through thick fog. It was clearly not the right match.

Ollivander swiftly took the wand back. "Hmm, I see you no longer favor the loyal but unremarkable unicorn hair. Perhaps you'd prefer something with a dragon heartstring core?"

Braud tried several wands in quick succession, but none felt quite right. Ollivander's eyebrows furrowed in concentration as he selected another wand box, this one covered in dust. "I have an idea," he said.

"Try this one—beech wood with a phoenix feather core, fourteen inches, very flexible."

Before Braud even touched the wand, it emitted a soft, bright glow. The moment he took it in his hand, he felt as though he were floating through space, every movement effortless and smooth.

The wand felt like an extension of his own body, a perfect fit.

Ollivander's eyes widened in delight. "Perfect harmony! It's been a long time since I've seen such a high level of compatibility. This wand truly likes you."

"And I like it too. How much?"

"Well, given the rare materials, it's slightly more expensive—nineteen Galleons."

Braud winced at the price. He wasn't a wealthy wizard like Harry Potter! But fortunately, his frugal lifestyle in Azkaban, coupled with some 'contributions' from certain prisoners, meant he could afford it.

He counted out fifteen Galleons from his magically extended suitcase, handing them over reluctantly, but clutching his new wand with a sense of deep satisfaction.

As he left Ollivanders, wand in hand, Braud stepped out into the street, only to find that the snow had grown thicker, covering the ground in a layer of white, like a blanket of untouched sand.

Wizards and witches in Diagon Alley were singing joyfully, linking arms and dancing in celebration of the season and the impending new year.

Braud found himself thinking of his two little sisters. He could imagine their delight when he arrived home with gifts. Maybe they'd cling to him, calling him 'brother.'

He had never had the chance to experience the warmth of family before. Now, with two new sisters and an uncle's family he had barely thought about, a newfound sense of anticipation welled up inside him.

With a final glance around the festive street, Braud Apparated, and in the blink of an eye, he stood once again in front of his uncle's door.

---

Braud knocked on the door three times, and immediately a little girl's cheerful voice rang out from inside, "Brother is back!"

The door swung open, and a small girl, dressed in layers like a bundled bear, leaped onto Braud's lap, looking up at him with wide eyes. "Welcome back, Braud Brother!"

Seeing his little sister's warm welcome, Braud's uneasiness and nervousness melted away. He patted her head, a smile forming on his lips. "Merry Christmas, Sharon."

Sharon, Braud's younger sister, was small and round, with a bright, beaming smile. She wore thick clothes, making her look like a pink puffball.

"Come in, Brother. Everyone's waiting to eat turkey!" Sharon tugged on Braud's trousers, pulling him into the living room.

Though the living room was modest in size, it was warmly decorated. Soft yellow light emanated from the ceiling, and a huge Christmas tree adorned with colorful bulbs, red ribbons, and ornaments filled the room. Candy canes and Christmas hats hung in every corner, adding to the festive atmosphere.

Three people sat at the dining table, all wearing Santa hats—Braud's uncle, aunt, and older sister, Quinn.

Quinn's eyes sparkled with joy as she saw Braud enter. However, being nearly fifteen and feeling the first stirrings of teenage reserve, she didn't rush to hug him like Sharon did.

Braud, feeling a bit awkward in this family setting, quickly brought up a topic to break the ice. "I brought gifts for everyone. Come and take a look."

"Thank you, Brother!"

"Thanks, I love it!"

"This scarf is beautiful!"

"Wow, a new watch! How was your time in Azkaban?"

The question came from Braud's uncle, who was also a wizard. Though not particularly gifted, and with little interest in honing his magical skills, he was a kind-hearted man.

"It was... alright. I actually quite liked it there," Braud replied sincerely.

His uncle gave him a questioning look, clearly puzzled by the notion that anyone could like a place like Azkaban.

Dinner soon began, and after the sumptuous meal, Braud received his own Christmas gifts. His uncle and aunt gave him a woolen coat, Quinn presented him with a wand box, and Sharon offered a drawing of herself, Braud, and Quinn holding hands.

Braud felt a wave of emotion. The vague barriers he had felt between himself and his new family were beginning to dissolve.

After dinner, his uncle and aunt went out, leaving the three siblings alone. They exchanged glances, unsure of what to do next.

"Brother, let's go out and play in the snow!" Sharon suggested excitedly, her eyes shining as she gazed at the heavy snowfall outside.

"That sounds great! We can build snowmen and have a snowball fight," Quinn added, her enthusiasm mirroring Sharon's.

"Alright, but before that..."

Braud took out his wand and cast a warming charm on the three of them. Instantly, they all felt a comforting warmth envelop their bodies—a handy trick he had learned from a prisoner in Azkaban.

"It's so warm, it's amazing!" Sharon cheered.

"I need to learn this! When I get back to Hogwarts, I'll be unstoppable in snowball fights!" Quinn said, looking at Braud with admiration.

Pleased with his sisters' reactions, Braud replied, "We'll come back inside once the spell wears off."

Sharon, now in high spirits, patted her puffball-like outfit, put on her gloves, and handed her hat to Braud to help her put it on.

As soon as they stepped outside, Sharon's cheeks turned rosy from the cold, making her look like a little apple. Fortunately, Braud's charm kept her body warm, even if the air was chilly.

"Let's build a snowman! The biggest one ever!" Sharon declared eagerly.

But her bulky clothes and the deep snow made it difficult for her to move, and after just two steps, she stumbled and fell, her face landing in the snow.

"How about a snowball fight first? Let's team up against Braud!" Quinn suggested, already forming a snowball and hurling it at Braud's head.

Braud couldn't dodge in time and was hit squarely. "One point for the sister team!" Quinn and Sharon cheered.

Braud's competitive spirit was ignited, and he immediately began rolling a massive snowball.

Sharon and Quinn watched in awe as the snowball grew to the size of a small room. Realizing what was about to happen, they turned and fled. "Brother, you're breaking the rules!"

The enormous snowball engulfed them both before they could escape. Braud had to dig them out, one by one, like carrots from a snow-filled garden.

"That was unfair, Braud! How can you use magic in a snowball fight?" Sharon protested, hands on her hips, her face set in a determined scowl.

"Exactly! You know I can't use magic outside of school," Quinn added, equally indignant.

Braud stifled a laugh. "Alright, alright. No more magic."

"And if you do use magic, you have to be on our team!" Sharon instructed, with a serious expression.

"Yeah, and you can't fight back. We're the only ones allowed to throw snowballs at you," Quinn agreed.

"So, I'm just supposed to stand there and get pelted?" Braud asked, amused.

"You're a boy, you're stronger, and you're our brother. You should give us a little advantage," Quinn and Sharon said in unison, as if it were the most obvious thing in the world.

"Okay, go ahead. Throw your best," Braud challenged, standing his ground.

Quinn and Sharon unleashed a barrage of snowballs, laughing as they scored hits. "The sister team scores another point!"

Braud did his best to dodge, but hearing his sisters' laughter filled him with a deep sense of satisfaction.

"Ah!"

Suddenly, Braud heard Sharon scream. He turned to see that Quinn had accidentally hit her square in the face with a large snowball.

Sharon's face went pale, and the sister alliance crumbled instantly.

"That's it! You're in trouble now!" Sharon shouted, charging at Quinn, and promptly pushing her into a nearby snowdrift.

Quinn, arms akimbo, laughed triumphantly. She was the Snowball Queen of this clearing!

But Braud wasn't going to let her gloat for long. He hit Quinn square in the face with a snowball, cutting off her laughter.

"The alliance is broken, so now I can fight back," Braud said, preparing another snowball.

"Run!" Quinn cried, fleeing as Sharon and Braud joined forces in their counterattack.

Their laughter echoed through the clearing, carried on the cold winter air, as the three siblings enjoyed their Christmas Eve together.

---

Happy times always seem to pass quickly, and before Braud Kuhl knew it, the Christmas holidays were over.

As they prepared to leave, little Sharon clung to Braud with one hand and held Jean with the other, her round eyes red from crying. She desperately didn't want them to go.

Braud tried to console her, promising to send her every flavor of Bertie Bott's Every Flavour Beans, and after a while, she finally started to calm down.

However, when Braud suggested taking Sharon to see Jean off at Platform Nine and Three-Quarters, the little one had already fallen asleep from crying so hard. With no other option, Braud had to take Jean to the station by himself.

When Sharon woke up and found that both her brother and sister had already left, she cried again.

At Platform Nine and Three-Quarters, Braud handed Jean her luggage and gave her some last-minute advice. "Remember, don't get into fights at school, pay attention in class, and don't argue with Professor Snape. He's not exactly known for his kindness."

"I know, I know," Jean replied, clearly paying little attention to her brother's words.

Braud wasn't satisfied. "And no falling in love, or I'll break your legs."

"Alright, I got it," Jean said, but she was too engrossed in the unicorn toy Braud had given her to really listen. She quickly jumped onto the train, eager to get back to Hogwarts.

As the train began to pull away, Braud watched as Jean's figure got smaller and smaller, feeling an odd sense of loss. It was almost as if he were her father, sending her off for the first time.

When the train finally disappeared behind the hills, Braud tore his gaze away. After spending the holidays together, he had to admit that he had grown to appreciate the simple pleasures of family life.

No one is an island, and even Braud realized he didn't want to be the lonely creature he sometimes pretended to be.

With a sigh, Braud cast a Disapparation spell, returning to the island near Azkaban. From there, he took a boat back to the prison to resume his duties as a guard.

When Daniel, his colleague, saw Braud return, he greeted him with enthusiasm. Daniel had received a Christmas gift from Braud, and it had touched him deeply. He never expected his new colleague to care about him so much.

"Hey, Braud, how was your holiday?" Daniel asked.

Braud felt a twinge of guilt as he recalled that he had tampered with Daniel's memories. To assuage his guilt, he had sent the gift on Christmas Eve.

After some brief small talk, Braud quickly made his way back to his dormitory.

The moment he returned to Azkaban, his relaxed holiday mood evaporated, replaced by the cold reality of the prison. He immediately began taking stock of the prisoners.

During his absence, the Auror Office of the Ministry of Magic had sent two more Death Eaters to Azkaban. This was largely thanks to Igor Karkaroff, the former headmaster of Durmstrang, who had once been a Death Eater himself. When Voldemort fell, Karkaroff had turned traitor, revealing the names of his former comrades to the Ministry.

Since many Death Eaters operated under masks, the Ministry had only known the identities of a few. With Karkaroff's help, their capture rate had significantly improved.

As a result, many Death Eaters were arrested. They were divided into three categories: those who, like Lucius Malfoy, claimed to have been under Voldemort's Imperius Curse and bribed their way out of prison; the fanatical supporters of Voldemort, who were imprisoned in Azkaban; and finally, traitors like Karkaroff.

Braud took great satisfaction in updating his prisoner list, meticulously noting the length of each sentence as if he were a dragon hoarding treasure.

He also paid special attention to the names of Sirius Black and Igor Karkaroff. These two were among the most dangerous prisoners under his watch and required constant vigilance.

The days passed slowly, each one much like the last. Braud's routine grew dull and monotonous, but he found some solace in writing letters to his sisters, fulfilling his responsibilities as their older brother.

A month later, Azkaban received some unexpected visitors: a group of Death Eaters attempting to break into the prison.

This group was weak and was soon surrounded by hundreds of Dementors. They managed to summon their Patronuses for a few minutes before the Dementors overwhelmed them. Defeated, they were brought into the prison.

After a brief trial, the Death Eaters were sentenced to twenty years in Azkaban.

Naturally, Braud took charge of this task. Warden Harvey didn't object; it was generally accepted that Braud was the go-to man for handling such situations.

Meanwhile, Daniel had recently become unusually enthusiastic about his work. He volunteered for every job, leading the other guards to distance themselves from Braud. They suspected that Daniel's newfound zeal was the result of spending too much time with Braud.

Daniel saw Braud as his biggest rival for the warden position. He was especially keen to work with Braud when escorting prisoners. But once they entered the Dementors' lair, Daniel hesitated, unable to handle the oppressive atmosphere. Watching Braud thrive in such conditions only made Daniel more determined. "Damn it, am I still losing to you? You always rush to do the hardest jobs, Braud. You're truly my greatest opponent!"

Determined to outdo Braud, Daniel resolved to have the prisoners clean every toilet in Azkaban the next day.

Unaware of the competitive fire he had ignited in Daniel, Braud locked up the three Death Eaters and checked the rewards that appeared in his system.

[Successfully sent prisoner Wilkes to the cell.]

[Crime level: C]

[Criminal evil degree: B]

[Guarding time: less than 1 day]

[Reward: protego proficiency improvement (current proficiency: Mastery)]

[Success will...]

The three prisoners were relatively minor, and their rewards were satisfactory but not exceptional. However, a small note at the bottom of their profiles caught Braud's eye.

What's this? Braud thought, curious about the unfamiliar detail.

He clicked on the question mark, and a line of small text appeared:

[Task name: Daring to be Brave]

[Mission Introduction: These three Death Eaters carried a special mission and were prepared to die. They invaded Azkaban, and after being defeated by the Dementors as planned, they were successfully imprisoned. Now, they are ready to execute their true plan...]

[Task requirement: Stop these plans.]

[Task reward: Animagus transformation skill upgraded to mastery.]

Braud found this revelation intriguing. It seemed these three hadn't come to break into the prison on a whim but had a well-thought-out plan. Their performance had been convincing enough to fool almost everyone.

Since you've decided to stir up trouble in my territory, let's see what you can really do, Braud thought, ready for the challenge ahead.

----

Early the next morning, a high-spirited Daniel rose early and approached the three recently captured prisoners with a look of determination.

"I have a difficult task for you. Clean every toilet in Azkaban. I'll inspect it tonight."

The three Death Eaters held their cleaning tools with bewildered expressions. They had imagined many horrors awaiting them in Azkaban, but scrubbing toilets hadn't crossed their minds.

However, they soon realized that cleaning the toilets was not as bad as they had feared, aside from the unpleasant smell.

Given the limited number of wizard guards in Azkaban, the trio was only responsible for cleaning the facilities used by the guards. The restrooms were communal, with the exception of Warden Harvey, who had his own private facilities. The overall workload was light, allowing them time to plot their next move.

The trio didn't have to worry about the other prisoners' toilets; those were handled by the inmates in their respective cells. This gave them the chance to secretly discuss their plans.

Wilkes, the leader of the group, was diligently scrubbing Warden Harvey's private toilet.

"Azkaban is terrifying. Those Dementors are monsters! Why are we subjected to such torment? If I stay here much longer, I'll lose my mind!"

"Dementors are dark creatures by nature, you fool!"

"What did you just call me? How dare you! A guard praised my work earlier, saying I cleaned the toilet better than you. Are you jealous?"

"Jealous? It's laughable that you take pride in being praised for scrubbing a toilet. You're pathetic! Besides, my toilet was clearly cleaner!"

"You're the one who's jealous!"

Wilkes was exasperated as he listened to his men bicker over whose toilet was cleaner. He finally snapped, "Enough! Have you forgotten why we're here? Finish your cleaning and memorize the layout. Don't mess this up."

The two Death Eaters exchanged glares but stopped arguing, focusing instead on the task at hand.

"Why are we doing this? Bella is a lunatic!"

"Keep your voice down. You know what Bella's capable of. We need to locate that traitor Igor. If he doesn't die, he'll expose us!"

Wilkes's expression was grim. "Are you trying to broadcast our mission to the entire prison? Stop talking and find Igor's location!"

The three continued their work, exploring the prison as they went, but they had no luck finding Igor.

Igor was kept in a special solitary cell, and the trio had been confined to the multi-person cells, making it impossible for them to locate him.

Wilkes gritted his teeth. "There's no other option. We'll have to wait until we're released to make contact."

"But Igor betrayed so many of us. He won't be placed near us during a break," one of the Death Eaters worried.

"It doesn't matter," Wilkes said confidently. "As long as we meet him face to face, we can kill him."

The other two Death Eaters exchanged uneasy glances, unsure of what Wilkes had planned.

As the days passed, Braud Kuhl received another round of rewards.

[Reward: Quick Proficiency Increase (Current Proficiency: Beginner)]

[Reward: Animagus Proficiency Improvement (Current Proficiency: Mastery)]

[Reward: Magic Level +2 (Current Magic Level 101)]

[Reward: Formula for Felix Felicis]

[Reward: Formula for Removing Petrification]

…

Animagus proficiency had been raised to mastery!

As Braud reviewed the rewards, the most thrilling was the Animagus improvement, which meant he could now safely use the spell.

Braud would never attempt a high-level and dangerous spell like Animagus at a beginner level. The risk of getting stuck in animal form was too great.

What will be my first Animagus form?

Braud was excited. He had fantasized about this spell countless times while reading Harry Potter. His favorite was always the tiger—how majestic it would be to transform into the king of beasts!

A lion would also be fitting, equally powerful and imposing.

Or perhaps a cute little kitten, with its soft meows.

Oops, I'm letting my love for cats slip.

Rubbing his hands together in excitement, Braud raised his wand and pointed it at himself.

His body began to change rapidly. He expanded, his muscles and fat growing, while black and white hair sprouted all over his body.

His pupils darkened, his face became round, and fangs and claws emerged.

Huh?

When the transformation was complete, Braud looked down at his limbs and belly. He wasn't feline!

What the…?

But this form seemed familiar, almost special.

Standing before the mirror, a furry, black-and-white panda stared back at him!

I've turned into a giant panda!

Despite the initial surprise, Braud quickly warmed to his new form. In terms of strength alone, a giant panda was still a powerful bear.

The more he looked at his Animagus form, the more satisfied he became. He soon forgot about his disappointment at not becoming a feline. After all, as his Animagus proficiency increased, he could eventually transform into another animal. There was plenty of time for that.

"The Ursines will never be slaves! Ha-ha!"

Braud raised his paws in a triumphant gesture and laughed.

The magical world truly was full of wonders!

----

After Braud Kuhl successfully transformed into a giant panda and became a true Animagus, the assassination team finally found a suitable opportunity.

Since Azkaban is located on an isolated island in the North Sea and the use of Apparition is prohibited, essential supplies must be transported by ship.

The guards would count the supplies on the ship. Some important items like sugar or newspapers would be held back, but other supplies such as clothes, tablecloths, and similar items would be handed over to the prisoners for cleaning and sorting.

Braud not only took an active role in guarding prisoners but also involved himself in these tasks, as it allowed him to see outside news firsthand through the newspapers.

The Daily Prophet, the Economic Daily, and Muggle newspapers were all precious sources of information and a way to pass the time.

After unloading everything, Braud flicked his wand, casting a Floating Charm on the materials. Each time he took a few steps, he would cast Accio on these items.

This made the transportation process extremely convenient, with the only drawback being the consumption of some magic power.

Daniel was stunned as he watched Braud manage an entire ship's cargo by himself. He was deeply annoyed: I'm still too weak. When I get back, I'll practice the Floating Charm and Accio until I can move cargo without breaking a sweat. I can't lose to Braud!

Back in the prison, Braud set down the cargo from midair, and many prisoners emerged from their cells, sorting the materials as skillfully as before.

Many prisoners were disgruntled, as this time was originally their rest period. If not for the extra piece of white bread they received for completing these tasks, they would have caused trouble long ago.

The assassination trio was also part of the team sorting the goods. They had to sort all the prisoners' new clothes according to each prisoner's cell, and any remaining clothes had to be categorized by size and put away.

"Damn it, is that old guy still in Azkaban? Why haven't we seen him for so long?"

"Don't worry, it hasn't been that long."

"Aren't you anxious? In the past few months, I've seen three or four Death Eaters I know brought in, not to mention those I don't know. If we don't act soon, Bella will probably send someone to kill my wife and baby! You know that madwoman Bella can do anything."

Wilkes was anxious as well, but as the leader, he had to keep his composure. "Let's get to work first."

The trio had lost track of how long they had been working here, and one of them even suspected that if he were to be released from prison, he might feel uncomfortable if he suddenly stopped working!

He rubbed his shoulders in frustration and took a moment to relax. Then his eyes lit up as he spotted their target.

"Wilkes! Look!"

He excitedly tapped Wilkes on the arm and pointed to a man with a goatee, dressed in an exceptionally clean prison uniform.

Wilkes looked up and immediately recognized the man as Igor Karkaroff!

The former headmaster of Durmstrang, a traitor to the Death Eaters, and the target of their assassination!

Igor wasn't housed with the ordinary prisoners. There was an iron net separating him from the working wizards, as if they were in two different worlds.

"Prepare to proceed as planned!" Wilkes's voice trembled.

The target had finally appeared. If they could complete the assassination, his wife and sweet little daughter might be able to survive, right?

On the other side, Igor was in a good mood. He had already given up the names of many Death Eaters, and the Ministry of Magic was pleased with him, deciding to release him in three days. If he continued to cooperate, he might even be reinstated as the headmaster of Durmstrang!

Thanks to this amazing system, Igor praised Merlin's beard in his mind, then walked toward Braud, who had come to get a newspaper to pass the time.

Because of Igor, Braud had more prisoners to manage, so he was quite friendly toward him. In addition, the warden, Harvey, had given special instructions. Braud didn't say much and handed him a copy of The Daily Prophet.

Daniel also approached, holding a Muggle newspaper. "Want a newspaper from the Muggle world? The Prime Minister has changed, and it's an idiot named Jim Harker. Though I don't like him, I'm looking forward to seeing how many ridiculous things this fool can bring us."

Igor took the newspaper with curiosity. Ordinary Muggles didn't know about the wizarding world, but the leaders of the Muggle world did. There were even wizards responsible for protecting the Prime Minister to prevent rogue wizards from inciting a world war.

"A new Prime Minister? Is this person trained in handling Muggles?"

"No, the new Prime Minister was actually a journalist."

"How can someone who studied journalism become the Prime Minister?" Igor was surprised. "Didn't they study the discipline of managing Muggles?"

"Yes, but someone who studied journalism can hardly govern a country better than those who studied the right discipline." Daniel shrugged.

Both Braud and Igor laughed, the air around them filled with a sense of light-heartedness.

Igor, satisfied with his newspaper, was about to return to his cell.

At that moment, one of the three Death Eaters approached the edge of the barbed wire fence.

Braud had been keeping an eye on these three recently. He knew they were likely up to something, and he immediately became vigilant.

The Death Eater at the front suddenly grabbed the barbed wire with both hands and shouted, "Damn traitor! Igor! You deserve to go to hell!"

He cursed loudly, using all sorts of profanities, and even took off his shoe, preparing to throw it over the fence at Igor.

The scene quickly became chaotic, with the prisoners starting to jeer, and many of the Death Eaters whom Igor had betrayed also rushing forward to hurl insults at him.

Daniel felt it was his moment to shine, so he pulled out his wand and moved toward the rioting crowd. "Get back! You damn bastards!"

The Death Eater next to Wilkes was thrilled. "The plan is working, Wilkes. What do we do now?"

Wilkes gave a mysterious smile. "Now, it's time for you to prove your loyalty to the Death Eaters."

Under the shocked gaze of the man, Wilkes pulled out a stone that had been sharpened for a month and plunged it directly into the Death Eater's stomach.

The wound was deep, and blood flowed freely.

Without hesitation, Wilkes reached into the gash, feeling around until he found a very small wand.

With blood-stained hands, Wilkes rushed into the chaotic crowd and aimed at Igor, who was trying to escape back to his cell. He raised his wand, "Avada Kedav—"

"Expelliarmus!"

Before Wilkes could finish the incantation, a spell struck his wrist, and the wand flew out of his hand.

Wilkes's face turned pale. He knew it was over.

---

After taking three drops of Veritaserum, Wilkes confessed everything.

The trio had been sent to assassinate the traitor Igor Karkaroff. Given Igor's status as a high-ranking Death Eater, with extensive knowledge of others in Voldemort's circle, some Death Eaters unknown to the public conspired to eliminate him.

While it appeared that the assassination plan involved all three of them, Wilkes was the core member from the start.

During the preparation, the Death Eaters rendered one of their own unconscious, then surgically opened his abdomen to hide a small, simple wand inside. This wand was meant for Wilkes. The process was excruciating, so much so that the victim called out Voldemort's real name during the ordeal. Afterward, Rodolphus Lestrange used the Obliviate spell to erase the memory of the pain.

Everything then proceeded according to plan.

In Azkaban, the trio stuck close together. Whenever they saw Igor, one of them would create a distraction, allowing Wilkes to retrieve the hidden wand.

With a wand, it's easy for a wizard to kill another who is unarmed. But they never expected a simple guard to see through their plot and force Wilkes to reveal everything under the influence of Veritaserum.

Warden Harvey's expression was dark. He was a conservative man who despised change and preferred that everything be done methodically. This incident had soured his mood considerably.

"Throw these two half-dead fools to the Dementors. If they're still alive after a week, they'll be transferred to the high-security cells."

Several guard wizards immediately followed his orders. Braud Kuhl was about to leave, but Harvey stopped him.

"Wait, Braud, you did well this time. Come to my office."

Braud didn't know what to expect, but Harvey was his superior, so he followed.

As soon as he entered Harvey's office, Braud was struck by the scent of incense. The room itself was surprisingly well-kept, a stark contrast to the rest of Azkaban.

This is Azkaban! Most guard quarters, at best, avoided smelling awful, but they all carried a musty odor that even magic couldn't dispel. The prisoners' quarters, of course, were worse, fit only to be called a kennel—and that would be an insult to kennels.

Yet, here was Warden Harvey's office, not only clean and orderly but also fragrant! It spoke volumes about the man's discipline and possibly his obsessive-compulsive nature.

Braud adjusted his robes. "Warden, what can I do for you?"

Harvey looked Braud straight in the eyes and spoke bluntly. "According to the information from those two fools, Bella Lestrange and her husband are behind all this."

"You might not know much about Bella. She's a witch from the pure-blood Black family—yes, she's Sirius's cousin. She married Rodolphus Lestrange and took his name."

"The Lestrange family is also one of the Sacred Twenty-Eight. They take great pride in their pure blood and are staunch supporters of You-Know-Who."

"The Ministry of Magic has sent a letter asking for our cooperation in apprehending this Death Eater couple."

Braud nodded, understanding now. Warden Harvey and the Ministry were out for revenge against Bella and Rodolphus, but what did this have to do with him?

"I understand, Warden, but what does this have to do with me? I'm just a young man fresh out of Hogwarts."

Though he added silently, "A young man who's probably far more powerful than you think."

Harvey's gaze remained steady. "No, you're not just anyone. You're a talented young wizard who managed to save Igor in the middle of a chaotic situation. Your potential is being wasted here."

Braud was taken aback. He hadn't expected the normally cold and detached warden to take such an interest in his future. This was not the image he had of him at all!

"But Warden, I don't feel like I'm wasting my time here in Azkaban. I'm quite happy..."

"Enough," Harvey cut him off. "I've seen your work. You're diligent and take initiative. This latest incident shows that you have skills far beyond the ordinary. You have a bright future ahead."

Braud was growing anxious. Why did it feel like the old man was trying to push him out? He wasn't ready to leave yet, not by a long shot!

Harvey continued, "This mission is a great opportunity. We're going to work with the Ministry of Magic to transport Igor out of here. At the same time, we'll leak the news to the Death Eaters. Knowing Bella, she'll stop at nothing to try and take him from us."

"If the operation is successful, with my recommendation and the credit for escorting Igor, you'll have more than enough to become an Auror."

Braud opened his mouth to protest, then thought better of it.

He didn't want to leave Azkaban. It was the foundation of his life, and Braud wouldn't leave until he was invincible.

But the mission did intrigue him.

Capturing the Lestranges!

These two were among Voldemort's most loyal followers, steeped in dark magic. They were the kind of villains who deserved to be captured a thousand times over. If he could catch them, the rewards would be...

As for becoming an Auror, as long as he didn't actively apply, the department wouldn't reach out to him. It was an elite unit, after all, with no shortage of wizards vying to join.

So Braud agreed.

"Very well, Warden. I'll prepare immediately."

Harvey nodded with satisfaction. "I'll let you know the exact timing. Stay ready. We could leave at any moment."

Braud returned to his quarters, pleased, and began going through his recent rewards as usual.

For foiling Wilkes' assassination attempt, Braud had been rewarded with advancements in Animagus transformation. However, improving such an advanced skill was difficult. At the moment, he was only proficient, not yet a master.

Braud reviewed the spells he knew and found that while he had learned many, he hadn't mastered as many powerful ones as he would have liked. Currently, only four—Levitation, Petrificus Totalus, Apparition, and Protego—had reached the level of true mastery.

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Braud Kuhl didn't hear from Warden Harvey for the next two weeks, but he did receive his regular monthly rewards:

[Reward: Increased Wand Proficiency (current proficiency: Intermediate)][Reward: Enhanced Expecto Patronum Proficiency (current proficiency: Advanced)][Reward: Improved Animagus Proficiency (current proficiency: Advanced)][Reward: Magic Level +7 (Current Magic Level: 113)][Reward: Gained Knowledge of the Resurrection Stone]

Braud was pleasantly surprised to discover that two of his spells had advanced to an advanced level. The most tangible result of reaching advanced proficiency in Expecto Patronum was his ability to fully manifest his Patronus. Additionally, with his Animagus skills now at an advanced level, Braud could transform into an animal without the need for a wand.

These spells differed significantly from the earlier spells he had mastered. They were much more complex, and their progression to this level was primarily due to Braud's relentless dedication and the assistance of his unique magical system.

The reason only these two spells had advanced was that Expecto Patronum was the only advanced spell mastered by the original owner of Braud's body. His Animagus abilities had been greatly enhanced by Sirius Black's guidance and the substantial experience gained from his last mission.

Other advanced spells, such as Apparition, were still at the mastery stage.

Braud was also pleased to see his magic level had significantly increased. From a mere dozen points, it had now soared to over 100, putting him on par with an elite Auror.

With six advanced spells under his belt, countless spells mastered to a high proficiency, and a considerable amount of magical power, Braud's overall strength now rivaled that of a senior Auror. In a time when Voldemort had fallen, Dumbledore was safeguarding Hogwarts, and Grindelwald was imprisoned, Braud was confident he could escape even the most formidable opponent.

Braud was eager to put his growing power to use and had just begun preparing for more training when, one morning, Warden Harvey finally summoned him.

"Braud, it's time. Go retrieve Igor Karkarov from his cell."

Braud followed the order promptly. Soon, a disheveled and irritated Igor Karkarov followed him out of the cell.

"You should at least give me a wand, or I won't even be able to defend myself," Igor grumbled, though he quickly fell silent when he saw Mad-Eye Moody approaching with his distinctive gait.

Following the plan, the group left Azkaban smoothly. Braud, Warden Harvey, and Igor were now aboard a special ship commissioned by the Ministry of Magic, similar in size to the ghostly ship used by Durmstrang students in the past.

As Braud observed his surroundings, he noticed that only he and Warden Harvey were present from Azkaban, while the Auror department had sent a considerable number of people.

Mad-Eye Moody took the lead in introducing his team members: "The Longbottoms, Alice and Frank, are among the finest Aurors in our department."

Braud was quite familiar with these two. They were Neville Longbottom's parents, members of the Order of the Phoenix, and known for their bravery.

"Rufus Scrimgeour, an Auror just a notch below me," Moody continued.

Braud recognized the name. Scrimgeour would later become Minister of Magic after Cornelius Fudge, only to be tortured and killed by Voldemort's followers for refusing to give up Harry Potter's location—a man of true grit.

"Delix," Moody added dismissively, clearly not impressed. Braud had no memory of this individual, suggesting he was an unremarkable figure in the larger narrative.

Harvey, still scowling as if everyone owed him a fortune, pointed at Braud and introduced him: "Braud Kuhl, Warden of Azkaban."

"Hello!" Braud greeted them with a smile, though he remained cautious. His mind raced with thoughts, recalling that the Longbottoms were captured and tortured into madness by Death Eaters after Voldemort's fall. The leader of those Death Eaters was Bellatrix Lestrange, a notorious and deranged follower of Voldemort.

The timing made it hard for Braud not to speculate. Could this mission be the precursor to that tragedy? Perhaps it was destined to fail.

But then, he remembered that Igor ultimately escaped and resumed his position as headmaster of Durmstrang Institute, which suggested that the mission might end in a Pyrrhic victory—saving Igor but losing the Longbottoms.

This realization solidified Braud's determination. He mentally reviewed his arsenal of spells and strategies, ensuring he was prepared for the worst.

Both Frank and Alice Longbottom greeted Braud warmly, while Delix and Rufus Scrimgeour merely nodded.

In this group, Mad-Eye Moody was the undisputed leader. Even with Braud's growing strength, he felt the pressure of Moody's presence, a testament to the legendary Auror's formidable power.

The entire plan had been orchestrated by Moody, but for the sake of security, he hadn't disclosed all the details. The group only knew they were en route to Durmstrang Institute.

"I have a question," Braud voiced his concern to Moody. "Why aren't we using the Floo Network or Apparition to get there?"

Moody's magical eye swiveled to glare at Braud. "I leaked the information to the Death Eaters through my informant. They know we're taking Igor to Durmstrang, and they'll likely set up an ambush near the school."

"Using the Floo Network or Apparition might get us intercepted or scattered, so we can't risk it."

"We need to deliver Igor to them, draw them out, and then confront them head-on. This requires complete cooperation."

"During this time, I expect everyone to work together to practice some tactics. The Lestranges are not to be underestimated."

As Moody finished explaining, the ship from the Ministry of Magic suddenly began to sink, diving beneath the surface of the sea.

The underwater world spread out before them, yet no seawater entered the ship, as if an invisible barrier protected them. It was like being inside the transparent tubes of an aquarium.

"Amazing magic," Braud thought to himself.

"We'll reach Durmstrang in about two days. Let's eat something first," Moody suggested.

Everyone was hungry, having not eaten all morning. Moody led them to the ship's dining area, where a long wooden table awaited them.

"Please, Mrs. Longbottom," Moody said, gesturing for her to take the lead.

Everyone from the Ministry of Magic bowed respectfully to Alice Longbottom. Harvey and Braud followed suit before finding their seats.

Mrs. Longbottom smiled gently and walked to the kitchen. With a flick of her wand, the kitchen sprang to life, preparing their meal with a touch of magic.

--------

The pots and pans seemed to have a life of their own, lining up and getting busy under the command of Mrs. Longbottom. Potatoes and tomatoes shed their skins on their own, while herbs like rosemary and pepper broke into pieces and mixed seamlessly with other ingredients.

Various meats were cut into perfectly shaped steaks by invisible blades, and fragrant marinades flew toward the steaks, layering the flavors.

"Incendio!"

Mrs. Longbottom cast the fire spell, and flames rose beneath the sea, heating the food. Soon, the aroma filled the entire dining area.

Before long, exquisite dishes appeared on the table one after another—various appetizers and snacks, clam seafood soup, steak and bread as the main course, and strawberry ice cream for dessert.

"Praise Mrs. Longbottom," Braud Kuhl said, genuinely impressed by her magical culinary performance.

Frank Longbottom beamed with pride. "Alice is preparing for the Wizarding Cooking Competition this year. She placed second last time, but this year, she's aiming for the championship."

Mrs. Longbottom, slightly embarrassed by the praise, picked up a piece and playfully stuffed it into Frank's mouth. "Don't be so high-profile; I haven't won yet!"

But she was clearly pleased. No woman would be unhappy to have her beloved praise her in front of others.

Braud, meanwhile, devoured the food. After the bland and unappetizing meals in Azkaban, the feast before him was irresistible. "Mrs. Longbottom, do let me know when you enter the competition. I'll be there to cheer you on."

Mrs. Longbottom smiled modestly. "I certainly will."

After the meal, Mad-Eye Moody divided everyone into pairs for practice.

The pairs were Igor and Mad-Eye Moody, Harvey and Braud, the Longbottoms, and Delis and Rufus.

The rest of the day was spent in combat exercises with these partners. Occasionally, they swapped opponents to better understand different combat techniques.

Braud found the practical exercises invaluable. Although he had gained many abilities and spells while checking in and out of Azkaban, his actual combat experience was limited. Experience in real battles was crucial.

During these exercises, Harvey exhibited rare patience with Braud, sharing all his combat experience.

"My understanding of wizarding duels may differ from others. Listen, but don't feel obligated to adopt my approach. Take it as a reference," Harvey began, ready to share his theoretical knowledge.

"First, we must acknowledge that a wizard's body is relatively fragile."

"Compared to Muggles, we have many incredible spells, evidence of our superiority. But physically, we aren't much stronger than Muggles."

"Muggle firearms can easily kill us if we're undefended, and they have powerful weapons—bombs—that can break through the Protego spell cast by an average wizard."

"Our physical fragility limits us from fully dominating the Muggle world. However, this weakness also offers a unique perspective in duels with other wizards."

Braud listened intently, surprised by Harvey's insights. Despite being a pure-blood wizard from one of the Sacred Twenty-Eight families, Harvey's observations were pragmatic rather than arrogant.

"The fragility of a wizard's body means that if you aim to kill your opponent, even low-level spells can have unexpected effects. For example…"

"Here, let me demonstrate," Harvey said, casting a levitation spell to move a small stool beside Braud.

Braud was puzzled. "Do you want me to sit down?"

Harvey shook his head. "This is just a demonstration. As a noble wizard, you should be able to infer from examples."

"I've moved a stool toward you. But what if, in a duel, I move something else? A stunned troll? A venomous creature? Or even a potion that weakens your resistance?"

"These are all possibilities. Many wizards are caught off guard by such tactics, leading to their defeat."

"So, remember that a wizard's body is fragile. Always protect yourself, and learn to use your surroundings to gain an advantage. This is crucial."

Braud suddenly understood that Harvey was explaining the principles of combat rather than specific techniques.

Principles were far more important than templated combat moves.

In real battles, things don't follow a predictable pattern. It's not like in a game where every action is calculated—casting a fire spell, followed by a countering water spell, leading to victory.

The future is full of variables. Someone might cast a fire spell and then, unexpectedly, do something unpredictable, like fleeing.

Mastering principles allows one to adapt to changing circumstances.

In all endeavors, this is true. It's not enough to master methods alone; understanding principles enables you to apply skills effectively.

For instance, in trading, everyone knows to buy low and sell high, but often people end up doing the opposite, losing everything.

Harvey's explanation deepened Braud's understanding of combat magic. Clearly, interaction and exchange of knowledge are essential for growth—working behind closed doors limits progress!

Braud realized he needed to identify his strongest spells and find ways to apply them effectively in battle.

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