intermission

*Narrator pov*

Intermission was swiftly called after James won his duel, leaving Hogwarts ahead by just one point. The Marauders looked positively giddy at the prospect of receiving handwritten notes covering the Animagus process. Their secret ambitions were one step closer to realization, and the excitement was palpable among them.

The students, teachers, and guests filed out of the stadium in groups, with the professors helping to maintain order. The corridors buzzed with chatter about the duels and the upcoming events. Curiously, Morpheus was nowhere in sight.

The Great Hall seemed to have grown in size as the tables expanded to accommodate everyone, yet the crowd was still rather large. The castle suddenly took on the vibe of a festive gathering, with everyone chatting and having a good time. Laughter echoed off the high ceilings, and the air was filled with the aroma of the upcoming feast.

Minerva stood near the door, seemingly helping everyone find seating, but if one looked closely and was skilled at surveillance, they would notice her tracking the wizards and witches Morpheus had pointed out earlier. Her keen eyes never wavered as she ensured everyone found their places, yet her mind was focused on the potential threat.

Filius was curiously also missing from the hall, while Albus seemed to be earnestly chatting with the Uagadou headmaster. However, his eyes trailed a few figures every once in a while, subtly ensuring their every move was monitored.

The dark wizards didn't know it yet, but they were being watched. Their plans had already begun to unravel before the very first step.

***

The Gryffindor table burst into laughter, and James was blushing deep crimson, his father and mother sitting beside him, fussing over him like a baby fawn.

"I already saw the healers!" he protested in embarrassment, trying to get away from his family's doting attention.

Lily giggled and loudly said, "I wonder where Lord Potter went wrong with James! From the way he acts in school, you'd think his family were barbarians!" The table roared with laughter as James turned white as a sheet, his head turning mechanically to look at his father.

"She's joking," James muttered, his hopeful eyes avoiding his father's amusement mixed with his mother's disappointment.

As they ate, laughed, and learned more about their classmates' lives, Sirius spotted Ekon heading over to their table. Hastily, he got up and intercepted the boy, not wanting anyone else to learn about their plans to become Animagi.

"These the notes, mate?" Sirius said with a bright smile.

Ekon nodded. "Yep," he handed them over, "All of my hard work is going to you."

Sirius rolled his eyes as he scanned the notes. "Please, mate, we aren't new to this. You obviously made copies."

Ekon couldn't help but laugh. "Worth a shot. Hope you guys lose," he joked, spinning around to rejoin his friends.

At the other end of the table a small conversation was taking place, "Peter where have you been? You missed the bloody duels they were amazing!"

Peter laughed lightly trying to break his nerves, "I was around, couldn't find a good seat mate," his mind trying to figure out what just happened

At least he completed his mission

Right?

***

Meanwhile, in the shadows of the castle, Morpheus moved with purpose. His steps were silent, his presence almost ghostly as he navigated the labyrinthine corridors. He knew the layout of the castle like the back of his hand, and he used this knowledge to his advantage.

Morpheus took a sharp left and walked down a staircase, his footsteps echoing softly against the stone walls. He moved with purpose, his mind focused on the task ahead. After descending several steps, he turned and took a right down another staircase. It appeared as though he was heading straight into a solid wall, but he didn't hesitate. Suddenly, the stones shifted and a hidden pathway emerged, leading him straight out into the courtyard.

Emerging from the castle at the far end, Morpheus found himself behind the Quidditch stadium. The air was crisp and filled with the faint scent of grass and earth. He walked leisurely into the stadium, his eyes scanning the surroundings with practiced ease. His prey was a man who believed himself to be invisible, busy hiding cursed items near the Hogwarts and Uagadou team areas.

Morpheus didn't bother taking out his wand. Instead, he reached out and placed his hand on the man's head. The sensation was immediate and overwhelming for the Death Eater.

The man jumped in surprise, "WHAT THE—AHHHHH!" he screamed in agony as a surge of magical energy coursed through him. His eyes rolled to the back of his head, and his body collapsed onto the floor, the invisibility spell blinking out of existence. The once-hidden figure now lay exposed, writhing in pain.

His partner, who had been stationed near the platform, looked up in alarm. Panic flickered across his face as he brandished his wand, preparing to defend himself. "Stupefy!" he yelled, sending a stunning spell hurtling towards Morpheus.

Morpheus moved with fluid grace, sidestepping the spell effortlessly. He raised his hand, the air around him crackling with energy. 'Expelliarmus!' he extended his hand and the spell shot forward no incantation needed

The force of the spell hit the ground at the Death Eater's feet, causing an explosion that sent him flying backward. The man landed hard, his wand skittering away across the stone floor. He scrambled to his feet, his eyes wide with panic.

"Who are you?" the Death Eater demanded, his voice shaking.

Morpheus stepped forward, his presence imposing. "A professor," he replied, his tone icy. Without giving the Death Eater a chance to react, Morpheus flicked his wrist. 'Petrificus Totalus'

The full-body bind curse hit the Death Eater squarely, freezing him in place. Morpheus walked over to the immobilized man, his expression unreadable. He bent down and retrieved the Death Eater's wand, snapping it in half with a swift motion.

"Your plans have failed a shame," Morpheus said quietly, more to himself than to his captive. He glanced around, ensuring there were no witnesses and quickly fixed the damage. Satisfied, he turned and began to make his way back toward the castle.

The two bodies levitating behind him.

***

Filius watched his targets split up one heading toward the front where the Uagadou delegation's boat was and the other deeper into the castle Filius guessed he was heading toward the Slytherin commons.

He frowned before a smile lit his face the small professor silently ran up behind the one heading deeper into the castle his small goblin physic making it easy for him to approach.

Filius jumped lightly in the air and landed on the death eater's back his left hand covering the dark wizard's panicked shouts and his right putting his wand to the death eater's temple. With a flash of his wand the death eater collapsed.

Filius quickly bound his captive and stuffed him into a broom closet before heading off to take care of the other one.

All the while Lord Lestrange and Malfoy waited for intermission to end and the show to begin.

A show indeed.