Rosier

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As Harry entered the Slytherin Common Room, he made sure to be seen by a few of his housemates as he passed by, offering a casual nod here and there. Once he reached his dorm, he moved swiftly, draping the Invisibility Cloak over himself. Without a sound, he retraced his steps back out of the room and through the hidden corridors. No one noticed as he slipped away, leaving the castle behind.

Out in the cool night air, Harry used a secret passage to sneak out of the grounds and into Hogsmeade. It was a route he had used countless times, always careful to avoid detection. He felt the familiar pull of magic as he willed his body to shift. His face morphed, height adjusted, and soon he stood in his Albus Riddle persona—tall, dark-haired, and unrecognizable as Harry Potter.

Harry Disapparated into Knockturn Alley, the air immediately shifting around him. The usual tension of the place felt heavier tonight, as if something big was on the horizon. Even under the cover of his Invisibility Cloak, Harry could sense it. Shadows moved along the narrow, grimy streets, cloaked figures slipping between dark corners. The underbelly of Wizarding Britain was always a place for secrets, but tonight it felt as though those secrets were just waiting to erupt.

Keeping to the alleyways, Harry moved silently, his eyes scanning the familiar streets. Dark shops lined the streets, selling forbidden objects and illegal potions, their dim lights flickering in the gloom. He had been here before many times over the weeks, but tonight, the tension in the air made even the most notorious of criminals keep their heads low.

Reaching a quieter spot, Harry ducked into a shadowy corner and pulled out a small metal card from his pocket. The sleek surface shimmered faintly as letters appeared across it: "Avery, meet me right now."

He tapped the card lightly, the message disappearing as quickly as it had come. Now, it was just a waiting game. Avery had been his contact within the more dangerous circles, always useful for information. Tonight, however, Harry needed more than just idle gossip—he needed answers. If Bellatrix was moving this early, it meant something had shifted in the Death Eater ranks, and Harry had no intention of being left in the dark.

The alley remained still for a moment, the distant hum of low conversations and the occasional clink of glass breaking the silence. Avery wasn't one to delay, especially not when summoned this way.

Footsteps echoed faintly from further down the alley, and Harry's eyes sharpened. A tall figure emerged from the shadows—Avery, dressed in dark robes, his face partially concealed beneath a hood. He moved cautiously, his eyes darting around as he approached the spot where Harry waited, still invisible.

After Avery appeared, Harry quietly moved behind him, sending the cloak to his briefcase with a flick of his wand. With a quick poke of his wand into Avery's back, Harry spoke.

"Speak. Why did you lie to me?"

Avery froze, his body stiffening as the familiar, gnawing sensation of the poison pulsed in his veins. The man knew all too well what Harry was capable of and what the consequences were if he failed to provide the antidote. The poison wasn't just deadly; it was a constant reminder of who controlled his fate. Betrayal wasn't an option.

"I didn't lie," Avery rasped, his voice shaky but laced with desperation. He swallowed hard, eyes darting to the shadows as if seeking an escape that wasn't there. "You have to believe me, I gave you everything I had! Bellatrix—she moved too soon. I didn't know—"

"Didn't know, or didn't care enough to find out?" Harry pressed, his wand still jabbing into Avery's back. He didn't buy the excuses. He knew Avery was too terrified to outright lie, but that didn't mean he wasn't holding back. "You've been playing both sides too long. You think I won't notice?"

Avery grimaced, feeling the poison stir within him again, tightening its hold as if Harry's mere presence was triggering its effects. "No, Riddle—I swear. I—I've kept up my end of the bargain. Bellatrix acted alone, impulsive as always. She didn't consult anyone. She's gone rogue!"

Harry narrowed his eyes. That much, at least, seemed plausible. Bellatrix had never been one for careful planning or consultation, preferring chaos and bloodshed. But that didn't mean Avery was off the hook.

Harry's voice was cold, cutting through the tension like a blade. Avery could feel the weight of the question, the threat lingering in the air. "Where is she?"

Avery's breath hitched as he tried to gather his thoughts, knowing full well the consequences of displeasing Harry. He swallowed hard. "I don't know exactly," he rasped, fear creeping into his voice. "I swear, Riddle. She's gone off the grid. Bellatrix doesn't trust anyone—not even us. But she's been moving between safe houses."

Harry didn't react outwardly but Avery could feel the unspoken pressure building. His mind raced, desperate to provide something, anything, that might satisfy Harry. "Some of the old pureblood families are hiding her," he continued, his voice strained. "She holds a grudge against those who... weren't loyal. Those who claimed the Imperius Curse. She's been harboring resentment."

Harry's wand didn't waver, and Avery knew better than to expect mercy. "Names."

Avery flinched at the demand, fear bubbling to the surface. "The Rosiers, the Selwyns," he blurted, the words tumbling out in a rush. "I don't know all of them, but those are the ones I've heard. She's been careful, paranoid. She's not staying long anywhere, always moving."

Harry nodded slightly, the barest acknowledgment of Avery's words. "And you've been feeding me incomplete information, haven't you?"

Avery's heart raced. "No, no! I swear, I didn't—" He felt the poison stir within him, and his stomach twisted painfully. "I wouldn't risk it, Riddle. I told you everything I knew. Please, you have to believe me."

Harry stepped closer, his wand still pointed at Avery's back. The fear in Avery's eyes was palpable now. "You've been sloppy, Avery. I don't tolerate sloppiness."

Avery was trembling now, his hands shaking as he raised them in a gesture of submission. "I'll find out more. I swear. Just... please. I can't go back to her. If she finds out—"

Harry cut him off. "You'll be more afraid of me than of Bellatrix, Avery. Trust me."

Avery swallowed, nodding frantically. "I understand."

"Good." Harry lowered his wand, though the threat still hung in the air. "You have one week to find out where she's going next. Don't fail me again."

Avery exhaled shakily, relief flooding his system despite the lingering dread. "I won't, Riddle. I swear, I'll find out."

Harry stepped back, the casual menace still in his voice. "For your sake, I hope you do." He turned, leaving Avery standing in the shadowy alley, his body sagging with fear and relief.

Harry walked the dark streets with an indifference that few could manage. Knockturn Alley was as dangerous as ever, but he strolled through it like it was any other day. The usual rowdy crowd was quieter than usual—likely due to the tension brewing in the air after Bellatrix's actions. Yet, Harry moved casually, his mind focused on the names Avery had dropped.

"Rosier," he muttered under his breath, his mind lingering on the connection. Selena Rosier? He hadn't considered her family would be tied to Voldemort's circle. Selena had never shown any interest in the darker sides of magic, at least not that he'd noticed. They weren't exactly close at first, there had been a mutual respect between them. She'd been the Serpent of the Crown before him, after all. Their relationship had grown friendly later, especially toward the end of her time at school, but nothing had hinted at her family's involvement in the dark underworld he now navigated.

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