Chapter 86: The Storm Before the Battle

In the middle of the North Sea, there is a solitary island. On it, there was a prison for wizards who had committed crimes. Its name was Azkaban. The happiness of those confined there was completely sucked away by the Dementors, making it a true hell.

However, that is a thing of the past. The prison no longer functions as a normal prison, and has become the largest stronghold for the dark forces centered around Voldemort, the Dark Lord. The island, a natural fortress surrounded by a raging sea, and Azkaban, which is protected by defensive magic comparable to Hogwarts, is a territory that justice cannot easily enter. The Dementors, who were the guards, have been reduced in number and deployed throughout Britain, and the Death Eaters, who were supposed to be prisoners, are now freely walking around.

Azkaban currently serves three primary functions.

One is the residential facility for the Death Eaters. A considerable number of wizards, from those who are not even low-ranking Death Eaters to veteran wizards who are old-timers, live here. Not only living spaces but also recreational facilities are set up so that they can live without feeling stress.

The second is a prison to confine Muggles and Muggle-borns. In contrast to the original purpose, those who are innocent are imprisoned. Moreover, it is not just that they are simply imprisoned. They are tortured, abused, and brutally killed for trivial reasons, and such incidents have occurred so many times in the approximately one month since the fall of the Ministry of Magic that they cannot be counted on both hands. Those who died are not buried but become food for magical creatures.

The last is a research facility. Technologies such as bombs that embed the fire of evil spirits in the human body were created here. They use the captured Muggles and Muggle-borns as experimental materials to develop more powerful magic and potions. In addition to that, they are also researching the enhancement and creation of magical creatures.

Here, where inhuman acts are carried out openly, is truly hell itself. Of course, for pure-blood supremacists, people are, in other words, themselves. Any other tainted blood is garbage. Those who have succumbed to the dark side, such as half-bloods, are desperate to ensure that they are not targeted. Today, too, the lamentations of the innocent are spreading on the island.

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Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, one of the world's leading magic schools and the last bastion of the British magical world. Under the policy of Headmaster Albus Dumbledore, the students are able to learn as much as possible as they would in peacetime, and classes are held as usual.

However, the teachers, who are also members of the Order of the Phoenix, are often absent due to their duties, and the classes are not going as well as they would like. The content of the classes is also centered on self-defense. In addition, the Quidditch field has been allocated for the living quarters of the survivors of the Ministry of Magic and those who have fled, as there are limits to the magic of spatial expansion.

Classes are not going as well as they would like, Quidditch is not possible, more people are fleeing, and some are trying to escape from fear. Not only that, but unpleasant information is coming in every day. There are not a few students who are in poor health due to stress.

In such a situation, there were many students who wanted to do something about this adversity. These were the students who had attended the special classes led by Ginny Weasley, who had been trained by Leonard Taylor. The students, who had already gained the power of an average Auror, were petitioning the teachers every day to fight themselves.

Parents who are worried about their children and teachers who care about their students, such as McGonagall, naturally opposed this.

"Miss Weasley! I've told you many times, it's dangerous. And you're underage!"

"But teacher, we understand what kind of situation we're in now! The enemy will come here to Hogwarts sooner or later! Is there a guarantee that this place is absolutely safe!?"

"That, that is..."

McGonagall faltered. The current situation is far from good. With the fall of the Ministry of Magic, the British magical world is already virtually taken over by the Dark Lord. The majority of the population has given up and surrendered. They believe in Dumbledore, but they are becoming anxious about how long they can resist here.

"We don't want to be done in without a fight. We will fight!"

McGonagall looked into the eyes of the gathered students. Everyone had determined eyes.

"...I understand. However! You will defend when the enemy attacks here, and nothing else is allowed. We don't need your help with our duties. Is that clear!"

"Yes!"

The gathered students all responded at once. Then, a student, accompanied by a maid, arrived. He was Leonard Taylor, a person known to everyone at Hogwarts and arguably the biggest reason why the place had not yet been invaded.

"I see everyone is here. I have a small gift for all of you who have the will to fight."

With that, Leo showed the box that Ku was holding. Inside the box were a large number of accessories such as rings and necklaces.

"These are magical items for defense. There are also some for the Order of the Phoenix. The effects vary, but in any case, they are designed to be able to block the Killing Curse at least once."

Both the students and the Order members were initially surprised by the unexpected gift, but then they happily accepted it. Leo had decided not to let Voldemort have his way any longer, and he thought he would reduce the damage as much as possible.

"Professor McGonagall. Where is Professor Snape?"

"Professor Snape should be back from his mission in a few hours. But Mr. Taylor, are you sure it was okay to give away such a large amount of magical items? I mean, we appreciate it, but..."

"Oh, it's fine. You don't need to give me anything in return. I have a fondness for this place, and I'd prefer to have as few casualties as possible. Besides, it's inconvenient for the world to be in this state, and above all, I've decided to destroy that thing. So, when Professor Snape returns, please let him know to come to the lab."

Several hours later, Severus Snape was visiting Leonard Taylor's lab. He had just returned from his spy activities as a subordinate of Voldemort. The Ministry of Magic had been taken over, and the UK was effectively under his control, but he still couldn't invade Hogwarts, so Snape, who was playing the role of spying on Hogwarts, was under various pressures. His physical and mental strength were being eroded day by day. He was so tired that he couldn't help but make pointless comparisons, like whether it was better to meet the annoying glasses-wearing brat at Hogwarts or not. When he returned to Hogwarts, he was called by Leonard Taylor. What is it that makes a teacher call out! He wanted to say, but he was an existence that surpassed him in all respects, and Dumbledore had strictly ordered him not to oppose him.

(I have a bad feeling about this...)

He sighed involuntarily, and the magical creature Kuu, dressed as a maid, brewed him some tea.

"You look tired. Here, this is a cup of tea with a fatigue recovery potion. It's delicious."

Snape took a sip. He felt his fatigue disappearing as if it had been a lie.

"Well, Professor Snape. How is your spy activity as a subordinate of Voldemort going? From the information I have, the base where the most Death Eaters gather should be the former Azkaban. Based on that, I have a favor to ask you."

"What is it? I hope it's an easy job."

Leo presented a palm-sized gem. It was shining in rainbow colors and seemed to contain a large amount of magical power.

"I'll give this to you. This is, well... a marker, I guess. I want you to take this to Azkaban. And when you take this, please gather as many Death Eaters as possible. Ah, exclude Voldemort. As for the reason to gather, you can say something like "I got Leonard Taylor's magical item". This magical item has an effect that enhances persuasiveness, so it should help you gather them. After this operation, I think it will be difficult to continue spy activities, so please decide the execution date after consulting with us."

"Just gather the Death Eaters and take them to Azkaban? What happens after that?"

"We will carry out the rescue of the victims and the annihilation of the enemy. If you hold this and chant at the set location, it will activate. In this case, it's Azkaban. After that..."

After hearing about the effects of the magical tool and what would follow, Leonard Taylor's seriousness could be discerned. At the same time, he was certain that his activities as a spy would come to an end. The date for the operation was set for a week later, after discussions with Dumbledore and Scrimgeour. The final battle was scheduled to begin after this operation. Until then, Snape was to work tirelessly to gather as many Death Eaters as possible.

A week later.

At Azkaban, in addition to those who were stationed there, many Death Eaters had gathered. The Dark Lord's trusted spy at Hogwarts, Severus Snape, had obtained a magical tool made by Leonard Taylor, which was the biggest obstacle. The Dark Lord himself had received this news. The effect of the magical tool was simply to enhance a wizard's magical power and accuracy. The enhancement was so tremendous that it made it easy to appear beyond the barrier of Hogwarts and to use powerful magic continuously. Therefore, many Death Eaters had gathered to receive its effects. The Dark Lord himself was not here, as he planned to confirm its effects with his minions first.

Snape, attracting the attention of all the Death Eaters, who numbered well over a hundred, took out a gem that glowed in seven colors. While the Death Eaters were captivated by its brilliance, Snape infused it with magical power and activated it. The moment he did, the light from the gem increased to the point where it was impossible to keep one's eyes open. When the light subsided, Snape was nowhere to be found.

Then, the gathered Death Eaters came to know their fate.

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Hogwarts' schoolyard.

In a place that had been cleared in advance, Snape and the victims who had been captured appeared. Healers and Madam Pomfrey, who had been on standby, began to heal wounds and curses. Leo came to congratulate Snape, who was relieved that the mission was over.

"Good job. How did it go?"

"There were more people gathered than I thought. It seems that Leonard Taylor's name has a lot of effect."

"That's good. Shall we finish up then?"

Leo flew high into the sky and activated a magic spell with all his might. It was an even more enhanced version of the extermination magic Interitum, which had blown away the huge maze of the stadium a few years ago. Not only did he activate it multiple times and overlay it, but he also compressed it. A ball of light the size of a palm was created, filled with a terrifying amount of destructive magic power.

"Light of Destruction, Exetim"

He shot it further up. It exceeded the atmosphere and reached space, then fell straight down towards the mark.

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Azkaban was filled with fear, confusion, despair, resignation, and various other negative emotions due to the effect of the magical item activated by Severus Snape. Of course, the claim that it enhances the power of wizards was a lie. The true effect was something completely different.

First, it teleports people recognized as dark wizards by the activator to a specified location, excluding the activator. Second, it creates a barrier around the island where Azkaban is located, centered on the magical item, which prevents physical and magical movement. Third, it instantly makes the people around understand what will happen in the future. In addition, the gem is equipped with a defense mechanism equivalent to Leo's ring, so it cannot be easily destroyed.

Due to these effects, only the Death Eaters were left in Azkaban. The future... in other words, they were made to understand that the light of judgment from the heavens was about to fall, as a bonus.

The actions of the Death Eaters, who were faced with the inescapable fate of death, varied. Some desperately tried to escape, even though they understood they couldn't. Some became desperate and attacked indiscriminately. Some embraced their loved ones. Some committed suicide. Some repented of their past sins and begged for forgiveness. Some shouted praises to the Dark Lord until the end. Some indulged in drinking, eating, and violating. Some had a mental breakdown.

As if to declare that such actions of the Death Eaters were meaningless, the gift from heaven returned the island and its surroundings to nothingness.

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The Dark Lord, He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named, the Flight of Death, the Eternal Minister of Magic, and many other nicknames belong to the worst dark wizard in history, Voldemort. With his pale, corpse-like skin, a head without a single hair, a nose as if it had been shaved off, and eyes that were bright red as if to assert that they were not human, Voldemort was furious. His anger was so great that there were injured Death Eaters lying around him, and there were not a few who had become corpses. 

There were three reasons why he was so furious.

First, Azkaban, his largest base, had been annihilated. It was an important base with not only Death Eaters and magical creatures for combat, but also research facilities. The fall of this place was a significant blow. However, in terms of military strength, there are other bases and trump cards, so it is not fatal. It's within expectations considering the enemy, and it's not enough to make him go mad with rage.

Second, the defection of Severus Snape. One of the things Voldemort hated the most was betrayal. The betrayal of Snape, whom he sympathized with and trusted due to his circumstances, was a considerable shock. He now has no way to confirm how true the information about Hogwarts was until now. A lot of his information must have been passed on to the enemy. Snape seems to have been involved in the disappearance of Azkaban. There is no way he can forgive him now. He will definitely kill him. But even this wouldn't make him go mad with rage.

Lastly, the third reason. This is the biggest factor. He had never been made a fool of to this extent in his life. There was a letter on the desk in the room. He wanted to tear it to pieces, but it was protected from casual magic, so he couldn't. The content of the letter was as follows:

"Dark Lord, Tom Marvolo Riddle"

The autumn is coming to an end, and it's getting colder as winter approaches.

Now, it's about time to say that you've thoroughly enjoyed life.

At the end of November, we plan to hold a farewell gathering for Lord Tom Riddle at Hogwarts and have contacted you about it.

A part of your soul is already waiting for you at Hogwarts. However, we understand that embarking on this journey alone might be daunting, so...

We are awaiting the participation of all Death Eaters and magical creatures under our command.

On the day of the event, we have plans to announce new magic, potions, and magical instruments.

I hope you enjoy it to the fullest.

From Leonard Taylor

P.S. This content has been communicated to the Ministry of Magic worldwide, so if you're going to be absent, please contact the Minister of Magic in each country."

If I were to simplify this letter, it would read:

You've lived enough, so it's about time you died.

We're waiting at Hogwarts.

We've already secured the Horcrux.

If you're scared, bring everyone.

We're going to experiment with new magic, so come at full strength.

If you want to run, go ahead, but the whole world will know you ran.

It's a clear mockery. The number is unknown, but the Horcrux has been secured, and there's no doubt that they're going to wipe out our forces with a sense of experimentation. It's humiliating. They're completely underestimating us. But if we attack in anger now, we'll be easily defeated. I drink a calming potion to suppress my anger. There's no escape for the Dark Lord. It's mid-October now. We have to prepare for the final battle in a month and a half. I have my minions prepare for the final battle. At the same time, Voldemort himself decides to strengthen his trump card.

(Just a little more... Leonard Taylor, you seem to want to kill me, but it's the other way around. The next time we meet will be your end.)

Time is limited. But the Dark Lord proceeds with his work without rushing. Without a shred of doubt about his own defeat, he dreams of a world where superior wizards rule the world after the defeat of his archenemy.

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Leo was in the Headmaster's office at Hogwarts, watching the final scene of the worst prison, Azkaban, with Dumbledore, McGonagall, Snape, and Scrimgeour. He had confirmed that the island had been annihilated, along with everything on it, after receiving a message from Kuu, who had been waiting nearby. Everyone except Leo grimaced at the painful sight of people showing their fear, even though they were enemies.

"Alright, success. According to the plan, a message should be sent to Voldemort from now on. The date of the final battle, decided by the Order of the Phoenix and the Aurors, is November 30th, about a month and a half from now."

"Do we have a chance of winning?"

Scrimgeour asked for reconfirmation. It's natural to want to take the method with the highest chance of winning, as you never know what will happen in a battle.

"I thought it would be quicker to lure the enemy here and annihilate them all at once, rather than slowly whittling them down. So, Hogwarts will become a battlefield, but I and the defense mechanisms will deal with the enemy. Please protect the students and non-combatants. As for the chances of winning, well, it should be fine."

Leonard Taylor declared that he would annihilate the enemy as if it were no big deal. Everyone was confused, and Dumbledore, as the representative, asked a question.

"Do we really not have to do anything on the day of the final battle? Is there nothing we can do?"

"On the day, Ku and I will confront them head-on. I would like Dumbledore and the others to convey information and decide on the arrangement in the castle by the day. "

"So our power is not needed in the battle?"

"I intend to fight with all my might on the day. So I can't guarantee that I won't get involved. If you don't have the level of power of Dumbledore or my father, I might kill you. And..."

"And what?"

"I'd like to do it with my own power if possible. After all, the enemy hurt my father, and I want to do it."

With those words, they could feel that Leonard Taylor was angry. He had shown an incredible power so far, but he didn't seem to be fighting with all his might. The thought of him fighting with all his might was terrifying and unimaginable.

"I understand... We'll leave everything to you. We'll believe in Leonard Taylor and protect this castle."

"Then, I will prepare various things until the day, so please convey the information to the students and refugees and decide on the arrangement in the castle by the day."

As if to say that the conversation was over, Leo left. Those who were left behind began to talk about the future with Dumbledore.

The next day, a notice was sent to everyone on the Hogwarts grounds that the final battle would take place. There were many negative emotions such as grief, fear, and terror, but there was also a strong will to fight the enemy. However, the task assigned to the Aurors and the powerful students was only to defend the castle. They couldn't help but press Dumbledore and Scrimgeour for answers, as they couldn't accept it. The only answer was, "If you don't want to be killed by Leonard Taylor, stay back." Both the Aurors and the students immediately obeyed. They knew his power.

By the day of the final battle, Hogwarts had been greatly expanded and could accommodate all students and refugees. At the same time, additional defense functions were added by Leo.

And then, time flew by, and the day that would determine the fate of the world arrived.

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Azkaban has been annihilated!

Azkaban had turned into various kinds of hell.

But that's all over now.

Hogwarts is still holding classes as usual with Dumbledore as the headmaster.

However, things are not going as smoothly as we would like.

The reason Leo gave the protective magical items to Ginny and the Order of the Phoenix is to increase their survival rate, which equals to annoying the enemy.

Professor Snape is released from spy activities.

The effects of the gem given to Professor Snape are as follows:

- A beacon for guiding to the target

- Magic to increase persuasion rate

- Rescue allies at the time of activation

- Trap enemies at the time of activation

- Make enemies recognize death at the time of activation

By the way, it cannot be destroyed by half-hearted attacks.

The light of destruction is an upgraded version of the magic that blew away the maze in Chapter 4.

It's a magic that can easily blow away an island.

Provocation to the enemy

The letter had a magic trick that irritates the person who read it, so it's like this.

Leo just wrote the text normally. The twins and Foy helped to irritate the enemy.

The final battle is at the end of November.

So, stay tuned for the next chapter.

Finally, the final battle begins!

Leading his comrades to challenge the mighty enemy!

The enemy has the strongest eye! The omnipotent servant! The immortal body and soul! The worst existence with everything!

Can Dark Lord Voldemort overcome this!?

...Who's the last boss.