Ch 41: End of the Year
As the months passed, life at Hogwarts and in the wizarding world began to stabilize. The chaos surrounding the Ministry's downfall was gradually replaced by a semblance of order, though the scars of the upheaval were still visible. Meanwhile, I spent my days training and quietly forwarding Horcrux locations to Dumbledore, using my Moriarty persona.
I chose not to retrieve the Horcruxes myself for a specific reason. Ever since I began actively working toward the greater good, I noticed a subtle but undeniable change in my connection with Caliburn. The sword seemed to resonate more strongly with me, as though acknowledging my efforts. I wasn't about to jeopardize that bond by pursuing power for selfish reasons.
My Gacha spins during these months were mostly uneventful, yielding mundane items like clothes and food. However, one particular skill stood out: Master Chef. This skill not only enhanced my cooking abilities but also significantly boosted my potion-making skills. It turned out to be surprisingly useful, as I began experimenting with advanced potions that even Snape might respect.
---
In February, the wizarding world witnessed another major event: Sirius Black's trial.
The trial was a grand affair, with the public and media eagerly watching the proceedings. I made my appearance at the Wizengamot with a special guest in hand—Peter Pettigrew. Capturing the rat had been laughably easy; all it took was a bit of bait (food) and some patience. The moment Pettigrew transformed back into his human form, his guilt was evident. His cowardly attempts to flee were futile, and I had restrained him without much trouble.
During the trial, Pettigrew's confession under Veritaserum revealed the truth: Sirius Black was innocent, framed for crimes he hadn't committed. The courtroom erupted in outrage, but the overwhelming evidence left no room for doubt. By the end of the day, Sirius was a free man, his name cleared at last.
The most heartwarming outcome of the trial, however, was Harry's newfound happiness. With Sirius now officially his godfather, Harry would no longer have to endure the Dursleys' abuse. He would finally have a home where he was truly loved and cared for.
Watching the joyful reunion between Harry and Sirius filled me with a strange sense of satisfaction. Perhaps, amidst all the chaos, I had managed to do some good after all.
---
As the school year drew to a close, life at Hogwarts returned to its usual rhythm. Exams came and went, marking the end of another eventful term.
The remaining months were relatively peaceful, allowing me to focus on honing my skills. My training sessions became more intense, as I worked to master new techniques and strategies. The bond with Caliburn continued to deepen, the blade feeling like an extension of myself. It was as though the sword recognized my intentions and rewarded my efforts by becoming even more attuned to me.
I also continued my studies, particularly in areas like Defense Against the Dark Arts and Potions, where my progress impressed even the most critical professors. My Master Chef skill turned potion-making into a surprisingly enjoyable activity, allowing me to brew complex elixirs with ease.
---
Finally, the second year came to an end. The Great Hall was filled with laughter and chatter as students celebrated the start of summer vacation. For some, it was a time of excitement and anticipation; for others, a bittersweet farewell to friends and mentors.
As the Hogwarts Express prepared to depart, I found myself reflecting on the past year. It had been a whirlwind of challenges and triumphs, of secrets uncovered and battles fought. The journey had not been easy, but it had shaped me in ways I hadn't anticipated.
When the train pulled into the station, I said my goodbyes to my friends and boarded a carriage that would take me back to the orphanage. Despite everything that had happened, the thought of returning to my old life for the summer brought a sense of normalcy.
---
Back at the orphanage, I found it difficult to maintain my usual training routine. Space was limited, and the constant noise and interruptions made it nearly impossible to focus. That's when inspiration struck.
I remembered the enchanted suitcases I'd seen in the movies—cases charmed with expansion spells that could hold anything from a simple room to an entire National Park. It was the perfect solution. Before June began, I made a trip to Diagon Alley to purchase one.
The prices ranged from 1,000 to a staggering 25,000 Gallons or more. Thankfully, money wasn't an issue. Using the CS system's bank, I exchanged some of my currency and settled on a suitcase priced at 17,000 Galleons. It was worth every Knut. Inside, the space was immense—equivalent to four football fields.
---
When June arrived, it brought my monthly Gacha spins.
The results were... interesting, to say the least:
1. Pancake – A single, perfectly golden pancake. No special abilities or magical properties. Just... breakfast.
2. Water Ball – A skill that allowed me to form balls out of water, similar to snowballs. However, a water source was required.
3. Intel – A fascinating ability. By scanning a corpse, I could witness its final moments, giving me invaluable insights into how the person died.
Though not the most exciting haul, the Intel skill had potential. I could see it being useful in both investigations and combat scenarios.
---
The first half of June was spent transforming the enchanted suitcase into my personal training facility. I poured my creativity into designing a space that catered to all my needs.
The suitcase now featured:
A dueling arena for practicing combat spells and techniques.
A gym equipped with weights, machines, and other tools for physical conditioning.
A swimming pool for both relaxation and endurance training.
A small bedroom, kitchen, and bathroom, making it possible to live inside the suitcase for extended periods.
To maximize productivity, I created clones to train and maintain the facility 24/7. While they worked tirelessly, I focused on planning my next steps.
---
By mid-June, something unusual started happening.
At first, it was subtle—a faint warmth coursing through my body at random intervals. I dismissed it as a side effect of my magical circuits activating during training. But as the days went on, the heat intensified.
My circuits would flare up unexpectedly, sending waves of heat through my veins. It wasn't painful, but it was disorienting. Despite my best efforts to diagnose the issue, I couldn't pinpoint the cause.
Then, one evening, it all came to a head.
While reviewing my plans in the suitcase's study, I felt a sudden surge of energy. My vision blurred, my limbs grew weak, and the world spun around me. The heat within my body spiked to unbearable levels, and before I could react, I collapsed.
---Note
If you find any Writing or Grammatical errors, mention it in the Paragraph Comment.