The Wind Mage's Legacy: Chapter 30

Hi all, 

Here’s the next chapter. Slightly late, but it’s an extra-long chapter to compensate. 

Chapter 30

The Portkey deposited them in a cramped room at the Hog's Head Inn with a jarring thud. Harry released Ayano's arm and strode towards the door, his jaw set with barely contained fury.

The inn's main room stretched before them, dimly lit and reeking of stale ale. Abelforth Dumbledore stood behind the bar, methodically cleaning glasses with a grimy cloth. 

Harry headed straight for the exit, but Abelforth's voice stopped him cold.

"Wait a minute, Harry."

Harry spun around. "What do you want? I need to get up to the castle."

Abelforth set down his glass and cloth, studying Harry with pale blue eyes so like his brother's. "Aye, I heard what happened. Wanted to stop you so you can calm down before you tear the castle apart."

"I'm not unreasonable. As long as I can get my hands on the one responsible, I'll be content."

"I heard there was more than one."

"How many?"

Abelforth shrugged. "Don't know all the details, but it seems your orphans got involved trying to defend your girlfriend. Some are lying in the Hospital Wing with her."

Harry's hands clenched into fists. "Did you think I would calm down after hearing this?"

"Silly of me." Abelforth's mouth twisted into a rueful smile. "I'd be careful if I were you. Something smells funny about this entire business."

"Thanks for the heads up." Harry turned towards the door again. "I always liked you more than your brother. Don't tell him that."

Aberforth's smile widened. "I've been meaning to visit my brother's portrait."

Harry pushed through the inn's door. The moment they stepped outside, he swept her into his arms and launched skyward. Wind roared around them as they shot towards Hogwarts.

The castle loomed ahead, its familiar towers and battlements stark against the grey sky. Harry slowed as they approached, hovering in mid-air when he spotted the cordon of red-robed figures surrounding the main entrance.

"Are they here for you?" Ayano asked.

"Seems like it. Must have anticipated my reaction to Daphne's attack."

The Aurors saw them in the air. One stepped forward—a tall man with greying hair. It was Gawain Robards, the Head Auror.

"Mr Potter," Robards called up to them. "We've been expecting you. I'm afraid I can't let you into the castle until I have a promise from you that you won't attack anyone."

Harry snorted. "Are you protecting the ones responsible for attacking my girlfriend?"

"No. We're currently investigating the incident, so no formal charges have been laid. We ask that you be patient until we've finished our investigation."

"Are the culprits still in the castle? I expected Minerva to have already expelled them."

"I've convinced her to stay any punishment until we've finished our investigation."

Harry's eyes narrowed. "Funny. Since when can the Aurors interfere with a student's punishment?"

Ayano leaned closer. "Is he protecting them?"

"I don't know. From what I know of him, he's a good man. But he may be taking orders from someone else."

"Kingsley?"

"I don't think he'd do something like this, but we've been at odds lately."

Kaze materialised beside them. "About time you arrived."

"How long have you been here?" Harry asked.

"Ever since I overheard Andromeda speaking about it. Had to come protect Daphne, in case those bastards came back for seconds."

"Thanks. Are the wind—"

The spirits appeared around them, converging like a small hurricane. Zephyr played with Harry's hair, but his usual playfulness was subdued. Harry was so focused on reaching Daphne that he hadn’t noticed their presence. 

"Want me to take care of them?" Kaze asked.

"No. They're doing their job. I won’t get into a conflict with them unless they are clearly protecting the attackers.” Harry called down to Robards. "I promise not to attack anyone while I'm in the castle."

"Thanks for your understanding. You may enter the castle."

Harry ignored the Head Auror, banking sharply towards the Hospital Wing. He flew directly to the tall windows, not bothering with the main entrance.

"Idiot," he muttered. "As if I needed his permission."

"What about your promise?" Ayano asked.

Harry smiled. "Kaze, once we know who the culprits are, I want you to gently deposit them outside the castle. My promise doesn't extend to the grounds."

"Throw them out of the highest window? Understood."

"I said gently. If anyone's going to hurt them, it's me."

Harry hovered outside the Hospital Wing window. With a flick of his wand, the glass vanished completely. He stepped through with Ayano still in his arms.

Hermione, Ron, and Astoria sat beside Daphne's bed. His girlfriend lay pale against the white sheets, blonde hair fanned across the pillow. A stark bandage wrapped around her throat, whilst blankets concealed whatever other injuries she'd sustained.

Several orphans occupied nearby beds. Jessica, the diminutive second-year, was conscious and talking quietly with the other children. Ellis Parker lay in the bed beside her, his usual chip-on-shoulder attitude replaced by grim satisfaction.

The sight of Daphne and the injured orphans reignited Harry's fury. His hands trembled as he fought to contain the rage building behind his eyes.

Hermione spotted them first. "Harry!" 

She launched herself at him before he could release Ayano, enveloping them both in a fierce embrace.

Ayano squirmed. "Do you mind?" 

"Sorry." Hermione stepped back.

The wind spirits remained outside whilst Kaze entered, positioning himself by the door. They weren't taking any chances.

Harry strode to Daphne's bedside. "How is she?"

"She's going to be alright," Ron said. "Madam Pomfrey fixed her up, but she'll be here for a while."

Harry pressed his lips to Daphne's forehead, then looked towards Ellis and the other orphans. "Seems I have you guys to thank for helping Daphne."

"And girls," Jessica piped up.

"And girls." Harry's expression softened slightly. "I'll have to think of a suitable reward for your heroics."

Jessica's face lit up before she composed herself. "We don't need a reward. Daphne's nice and looks out for us."

Ellis nodded. "We weren't going to let those bastards attack her."

"Language," Hermione chided automatically.

"Who was it?” Harry asked. “Who attacked Daphne?"

Hermione and Ron exchanged uneasy glances. The silence stretched between them before Hermione cleared her throat.

"The main instigator was Cormac McLaggen."

Harry blinked. "McLaggen? He came back for an eighth year?"

"Yeah." Ron frowned. "Still as unpleasant as ever. Never thought he was capable of attacking someone like that. He's always been a braggart, but not violent."

"Do you know why he attacked Daphne?"

Hermione shifted uncomfortably. "He's been making moves on her all year, even knowing she's in a relationship with you. She mostly ignored him, but then he went on to pursue Tracy and Astoria."

"He was never interested in us," Astoria interjected. "He wanted to get back at Daphne, whom he had a strange fixation on."

"Why didn't Daphne say anything?" Harry asked.

"You know her. She likes to fight her own battles."

"Where is Tracy now?"

Astoria's expression darkened. "She was hurt pretty badly as well, defending Daphne. Her parents pulled her out of school and took her to St Mungo's."

Hermione leaned forward. "Daphne and McLaggen had an altercation last week. She threatened to freeze his bits if he didn't stop bothering Astoria."

"I can look after myself," Astoria muttered.

Harry felt his anger rise again, now that he had a target. But he forced himself to consider the larger picture. The situation was far more complicated than he'd first imagined. Cormac was the nephew of Tiberius Ogden, the current Head of Magical Law Enforcement. The connection explained everything—why the Aurors had descended on Hogwarts so quickly, why they were interfering with McGonagall's authority, why they were preventing proper punishment from being meted out.

Tiberius Ogden had always been an ambitious politician, the sort who valued advancement over principle. Covering up his nephew's crimes would be well within character, probably seen as protecting family honour rather than obstructing justice.

McLaggen must have known about his uncle's influence. That knowledge would have made him feel untouchable, free to pursue Daphne however he pleased. The arrogant bastard had probably assumed his family connections would shield him from any real consequences. He'd calculated that he could attack the betrothed of Harry Potter and walk away unscathed.

That calculation was about to prove spectacularly wrong. Harry didn't give a damn about Tiberius Ogden's position or political connections. The man could throw all the Aurors in Britain at him—it wouldn't save his nephew from what was coming. McLaggen had crossed a line.

"Have the Aurors questioned you?" Harry asked. "Did they try anything?"

"Yeah," Ron said. "Robards tried to take the orphans away for questioning, but they couldn't be questioned without a guardian present. Madam Pomfrey kicked them out, and the Headmistress backed her up when the Aurors went and complained to her."

"Where's Andromeda? Technically, she's the orphans' guardian at the moment."

"Andromeda arrived earlier," Hermione said. "She's in the Headmistress' office at the moment."

The door to Madam Pomfrey's office opened. The matron emerged, her eyes immediately fixing on Harry.

"I wondered why it had gotten so noisy. About time you got here, Mr Potter."

Harry grimaced. "I was in America. Didn't expect something like this to happen."

"Yes, I read your exploits in the Daily Prophet." Pomfrey's mouth pursed. "You've ruffled a lot of feathers, Harry."

"I'm only getting started."

"I know that look. It usually ends up with you lying in one of my beds."

"Someone will be lying there, but it won't be me."

Pomfrey studied him for a long moment. "Can I speak to you in private? There's something you should know."

Harry’s brows furrowed. "What is it? Is Daphne okay?"

"In my office, Harry."

Harry followed her inside. Pomfrey closed the door and turned to face him.

"The door has privacy charms on it," she said. "No one will be able to hear this conversation."

"Alright, why all the secrecy?"

Pomfrey clasped her hands together. "When Daphne was first brought in here, I performed a diagnostic scan to see the extent of her injuries. But it picked up on something unexpected."

Harry's mouth went dry. "What is it?"

"Daphne is pregnant. About six weeks along."

The words hit Harry like a physical blow. The office seemed to tilt around him, Pomfrey's voice becoming distant and muffled. Pregnant. Daphne was pregnant with his child. The small office suddenly felt suffocating, the walls pressing in on him from all sides. His legs went weak, and he had to grip the edge of Pomfrey's desk to steady himself.

"Why didn't she say anything?" Harry asked.

"I doubt she knew herself," Pomfrey said. "Some mothers don't present with the usual symptoms, and can go months without knowing. At six weeks, many women haven't even missed their monthly courses yet."

Harry's mind struggled to process the information. A father. He was going to be a father. The concept felt foreign, impossible. 

What did he know about raising children? His own childhood had been a disaster of neglect and abuse. The Dursleys had been his only example of parenting, and they'd been bloody awful at it. How could he possibly do better when he had no idea what good parenting even looked like?

But beneath the terror, something else stirred. A fierce protectiveness that took him by surprise. This was his child—his and Daphne's. The idea of being responsible for a tiny person, of having someone depend on him completely, was overwhelming. Yet part of him felt ready to take on the world to keep that child safe.

He thought of Teddy, his godson, and how natural it had felt to hold the baby. But being a godfather was different from being an actual parent. Godparents could hand the child back when things got difficult. Parents didn't get that luxury.

"Is the baby okay?" The words tumbled out. "Was it hurt during the attack?"

"The baby is fine," Pomfrey assured him. "Fortunately, Daphne mainly sustained injuries to her neck and limbs."

Relief flooded through him. "Daphne was taking the Contraceptive Potion. How did this happen?"

Pomfrey's expression softened. "They aren't foolproof, Harry. Sometimes, children are determined to be born, and there's nothing you can do about it."

"Does anyone else know?"

"No. Daphne is an adult. It's up to her to tell the news. But I felt I should tell you, as her betrothed."

Harry left the office in a daze, the revelation spinning through his mind like a whirlwind. He stepped back into the main ward, where concerned faces turned towards him.

"Harry?" Hermione waved her hand in front of his face. "Are you okay?"

Harry didn’t respond. The full weight of Pomfrey's words crashed over him. It wasn't just Daphne who had been in danger—their child as well. Their unborn baby could have been killed because some entitled prat couldn't take no for an answer.

The rage that had been simmering beneath the surface exploded into an inferno. Wind whipped around him, sending objects flying and rattling the windows. His eyes blazed azure blue as power coursed through his veins.

Without another word, Harry strode towards the door, ignoring the alarmed shouts from his friends.

"Kaze," he said. "Look after them. I have someone I need to find."

Kaze grinned. "It's about time you did something. If it were my mate, I would have already removed their heads from their shoulders."

Ayano followed him out of the Hospital Wing. "Wait for me. I'm not going to miss out on all the fun."

Harry strode down the corridor before he realised he didn't know where he was going. 

He paused mid-step. "Now, if I were McLaggen, where would I be?"

"What house does he belong to?" Ayano asked.

"Gryffindor," Harry said. "Truly, the house of the brave. The common room is a good place to start looking."

Harry made his way towards the moving staircases. Now that he had a destination, he wasn't in a rush to get there. He could have used his abilities to search the castle more efficiently, but he was enjoying the anticipation. The walk would give him time to come up with some creative ideas on how he would have some fun with McLaggen. If his anger wasn't properly sated after dealing with the coward, he would hunt down the others who were involved in the attack.

"Are you going to tell me what that was about?" Ayano asked as they climbed.

"What do you mean?"

"You looked shocked when you left Pomfrey's office. Does it involve Daphne?"

Harry hesitated. "I can't say. It's for her to decide whether to share the news."

Ayano stopped walking, forcing Harry to turn and face her. "Are you forgetting that I'm not only betrothed to you, but Daphne as well? If things progress as I expect, we will be sister wives in the future."

"I know that," Harry replied. "But I'm not sure Daphne even knows yet, and she should be the one to hear the news first."

Ayano's eyes widened with understanding. "Is she pregnant?"

Before Harry could respond, Luna Lovegood appeared from around the corner and almost bumped into them. 

"Hello, Harry," Luna said. "You look like you should have Wrackspurts hovering around you, but there isn't a single one."

Harry suppressed his impatience. "Hello, Luna. I can't stay and chat. I'm looking for a cowardly lion."

Luna tilted her head. "Have you considered asking the scarecrow? I believe he is on a quest to find his brain."

Ayano snorted with amusement.

Harry stared at Luna. "How do you know the Wizard of Oz? It's a Muggle movie."

"Movie?" Luna's brow furrowed in confusion. "You say the silliest things sometimes, Harry."

Harry shook his head. He didn't have the time or patience for Luna's particular brand of conversation. "See you later, Luna."

He started to leave, but Luna's next words stopped him cold.

"If you are looking for another cowardly lion, you will find him hiding in the Headmistress's office."

"Thanks, Luna."

"Be careful, Harry. The Headmistress's office is rather crowded at the moment."

Luna continued along the corridor, humming a tune that suspiciously sounded like the main theme from The Wizard of Oz.

"She was messing with you," Ayano said as they resumed walking.

"I can never tell with her," Harry admitted.

They continued climbing to the seventh floor. When they reached the stone gargoyle statue guarding McGonagall's office, it slid open without Harry having to speak the password, revealing the spiral staircase beyond.

Harry could hear raised voices as they approached the door. Andromeda was the most vocal among them, her tone sharp with anger.

"Come in, Harry," McGonagall called from inside the office before he could knock.

The voices stopped abruptly as Harry and Ayano entered. McInerva sat behind her desk, looking thoroughly exhausted, rubbing her temples as if trying to ward off a massive headache. Andromeda stood on one side of the office with a man and a woman who bore a strong resemblance to Tracy Davis, facing off against the group on the opposite side.

Harry grinned viciously as he laid eyes on Cormac McLaggen. The man’s confident look vanished when he saw Harry, and he hid the others, revealing his true cowardly nature.

Tiberius Ogden stood protectively in front of his nephew, flanked by a couple who must be Cormac's parents. Kingsley was also present, and he looked distinctly unhappy to see Harry arrive.

"Good day, ladies and gentlemen," Harry said with false pleasantness. "If you wouldn't mind, I would like a word with Cormac outside. It won't take a minute."

"Cormac isn't going anywhere with you," Tiberius growled.

Andromeda rushed over to Harry and pulled him into a fierce hug. "Thank Merlin, you're here. Maybe you can beat some sense into these idiots."

Harry wagged a finger at her. "I don't condone violence, Andi. Unless, of course, they have made me extremely angry. Then all bets are off."

McGonagall rose from her chair. "Why don't you take a seat, Harry? We were just discussing Mr McLaggen's punishment."

"Excellent," Harry said. "I assume you're going to expel this cowardly lion for his vicious attack. He assaulted my betrothed without provocation."

McLaggen's face flushed red with anger. "That's a lie! That bitch had it coming to—"

His words cut off abruptly as he started choking. Harry had wrapped invisible tendrils of wind around the man's throat and was slowly squeezing. To everyone else in the room, it appeared as if McLaggen was simply having some sort of fit.

"Enough, Mr Potter," Tiberius snapped. "Release him before I arrest you for assault."

Harry raised his hands innocently. "I'm not doing anything. Maybe Cormac is choking on his guilt?"

"Harry, enough," Andromeda said. "We will discuss this like civilised adults."

"Fine," Harry said with a shrug.

He released his hold on McLaggen, and the man gasped desperately for air, rubbing his throat and shooting venomous looks at Harry.

"I saw Daphne had a bandage around her throat," Harry observed. "Think of that as a little payback."

The man standing next to Tiberius—McLaggen's father—stepped forward angrily. "Are you going to let him get away with attacking my son, brother?"

"Silence, Marcus," Tiberius said coldly. "I will handle this."

Harry took a seat with Ayano beside him, whilst Andromeda settled on his other side. McGonagall conjured additional chairs, and the others reluctantly took their seats as well.

Before Harry could speak, Dumbledore's portrait opened his eyes, peering at him with that familiar expression of disappointment.

"Was that really necessary, Harry?" the portrait asked in its maddeningly calm tone.

"For fuck's sake, Minerva," Harry exploded. "I thought you moved his portrait. Why do I have to deal with him?"

"He's served his punishment," McGonagall said, her lips thinning. "But he's still on probation."

"If you need a more permanent solution, then just say the word," Harry offered.

"I don't believe that is necessary," Dumbledore interjected. "Now, let's discuss the actions of Mr McLaggen. While the attack on Miss Greengrass was indeed vicious, there needs to be some leniency—"

Before Dumbledore could continue, the window blew open. With a casual wave of his hand, Harry tore the portrait off the wall and sent it sailing through the opening.

"Harry Potter!" McGonagall exclaimed in horror.

"What?" Harry asked innocently. "I gave him a chance. But my patience for bullshit is awfully thin these days."

"You'll damage his portrait!"

"Don't worry, he hasn't fallen to the ground." Harry moved to the window and called out, "Hey, Zephyr, can you look after the portrait for me? Don't be too rough with him."

He shut the window with a satisfied grin and returned to his seat, ignoring McGonagall's outraged expression and the stunned looks on the others’ faces.

Harry settled back into his chair. "Now that I've properly aired out the office, let's continue our civilised discussion."

A familiar sneer emanated from another portrait frame. Severus Snape had opened his eyes, observing the proceedings.

"Serves him right," Snape said. "That old fool has been blithering all morning about forgiveness and second chances. This dunderhead attacked one of my Slytherins. He should be expelled."

Harry blinked twice, then turned to stare at the portrait. "I find it both amusing and horrifying that we agree about something."

"You should be punished as well, for dating Miss Greengrass,” Snape replied. "I thought she had better taste in wizards."

"I'll invite you to the wedding, but, unfortunately, you're dead,” Harry said. “Hey, if we have a son in the future, I'll name him after you. How does Sirius Snape Potter sound to you?"

Snape's sneer deepened before he closed his eyes with a disgusted grunt.

Harry turned back to McGonagall, his expression becoming serious. "Minerva. Let's get straight to business. Are you expelling McLaggen?"

McGonagall straightened in her chair. "Yes. All the students know my stand on violence in the school. It was an entirely unprovoked attack, and it could have ended much worse if the younger students hadn't intervened."

Kingsley shifted uncomfortably in his seat. "I hate to go over your head in this matter, but you cannot expel Cormac until the investigation has concluded."

Harry's eyes narrowed as he studied the Minister. "Let me guess. Tiberius is running this investigation. I wonder how they're going to cover up McLaggen's involvement in this matter. The Aurors have already tried to get the orphans alone. No doubt to force them to change their version of events."

The man sitting next to Andromeda, Tracy's father, snorted. "Not going to happen. I'm proud of my daughter for sticking up for her friend. I got her out of the castle because I was worried the Aurors would try something."

Tiberius Ogden rose from his chair, face twisted with indignation. "Enough. I won't let you slander me anymore. I have heard Cormac's version of events, and he paints a different picture. It wasn't an unprovoked attack. Rather a lover's spat. I'm sorry you have to find out this way, but Cormac has been in a relationship with Daphne this term. It was Daphne who attacked him first, and Cormac was only defending himself."

Ayano hissed. "Bastard. As if she would ever be interested in this troll."

The room fell silent. Harry went extremely quiet, his breathing becoming measured and controlled. "Then he wouldn't mind proving his version of events. If you don't have Veritaserum available, I know another method to extract memories."

Tiberius waved dismissively. "There is no need. I believe my nephew. I don't trust the words of some orphans, and Miss Davies is bound to stick up for her friend, no matter how misguided."

He turned to McGonagall. "I expect you to rescind the expulsion, or I will be looking deeper into Hogwarts matters. It seems like standards have been slipping if emotional witches can attack others unprovoked."

McGonagall's eyes flashed dangerously. "Are you threatening me, Ogden? I'm the Headmistress of the school. The Ministry cannot interfere with school matters."

Kingsley cleared his throat. "I suggest a compromise. One month's suspension, and then we can mediate the dispute between the two parties."

Harry's head snapped toward the Minister, his expression incredulous. "Are you serious, Kingsley? Is this how you want to run the Ministry? I thought we were rid of the corruption? But the old-boys network is still in place, protecting their own from the consequences of their actions."

"This has nothing to do with you, Harry," Kingsley replied. "And need I remind you, you have your own legal troubles to sort out?"

"Have you forgotten that Daphne is my betrothed?” Harry snapped. “I hate to use the Black family name, but McLaggen attacked the Head of House Black's betrothed. That's grounds for a family feud."

"There is no need for that,” Tiberius said. “Let's just put this incident down to heated emotions and move on from this."

Harry's control finally snapped. Wind erupted around him in violent spirals, sending papers flying and rattling the windows. His eyes blazed azure blue as raw power coursed through the room.

"Forget it?" His voice rose to a roar. "Not only did McLaggen hurt my betrothed, but threatened my unborn child. Do you think I should forget it?"

Everyone froze, shock written across their faces. Tiberius's complexion turned ashen as the implications sank in.

Harry's voice dropped to a deadly whisper. "You may save McLaggen from being suspended. But remember this. It's a dangerous world out there. Who knows what will happen when he returns home?"

McLaggen had been cowering behind his father throughout the exchange, but Harry's words finally penetrated his cowardly mind. The realisation of what Harry was capable of—what he'd done to Voldemort—crashed over him like a tidal wave.

"Please," McLaggen whimpered, his face pale as parchment. "I didn't know she was pregnant. I never meant—"

His words dissolved into terrified babbling as his legs gave out beneath him. The acrid smell of urine filled the office as McLaggen lost control of his bladder and collapsed onto the floor.

"Forgive me," he sobbed, crawling toward Harry on his hands and knees. "Please, I'm sorry. I'll do anything—"

McLaggen's pleading cut off abruptly as invisible tendrils of wind wrapped around his throat, lifting him from the floor. His feet kicked uselessly as he clawed at his neck, trying to grasp what was strangling him.

"That's enough!" Tiberius barked, drawing his wand. "I am putting you under arrest for assault."

He signalled toward the door, and a group of Aurors burst into the office, their wands drawn and trained on Harry.

McGonagall shot to her feet. "What is the meaning of this?"

Kingsley stood as well, his expression grave. "This has gotten out of hand. Harry, you should cooperate with the Aurors, so we can all get this sorted out."

Harry's gaze swept across the assembled Aurors, then settled on Kingsley with withering contempt. "Go fuck yourself, Kingsley. It seems the Ministry has continued its trend of disappointing Ministers."

Gawain Robards stepped forward. "Mr Potter, you're under arrest. Release Mr McLaggen immediately."

"Bit different from our chat outside, isn't it, Robards?" Harry asked conversationally, still maintaining his stranglehold on McLaggen.

"Stupefy!" Robards fired without warning.

Harry didn't flinch. A barrier of compressed air materialised, deflecting the spell harmlessly into the ceiling. 

"Is that all?" Harry's voice carried mock disappointment. "I expected better from the Head Auror."

The remaining Aurors—the same ones who had cordoned off the castle entrance—exchanged uncertain glances. 

"Sir," one of the younger Aurors hesitated, "perhaps we should—"

"Fire!" Robards barked.

Three stunning spells streaked toward Harry. He gestured lazily, his wind barrier expanding to intercept all three. 

Ayano sprang from her chair, flames wreathing her hands. "About time we had some excitement."

She thrust her palms forward, sending a controlled burst of fire that singed the robes of two Aurors. They stumbled backwards, patting out small flames whilst trying to maintain their formation.

"Take cover!" Tiberius roared, overturning McGonagall's desk.

The remaining occupants scrambled for shelter as the office transformed into a battlefield. Andromeda and Tracy's parents pressed themselves against the wall whilst McLaggen's mother shrieked from behind a chair.

Robards cast a shield charm whilst barking orders. "Surround him! Don't let him—"

His words cut off as Harry's wind lifted him clean off the ground. The Head Auror flailed helplessly as invisible currents carried him toward the window.

"I promised not to attack anyone in the castle," Harry said. "Technically, you'll be outside when you hit the ground."

"Wait!" Robards' composure cracked as he realised his predicament. "Potter, be reasonable!"

Ayano ducked a stunner and retaliated with a concentrated burst of flame that heated an Auror's wand until he dropped it with a yelp. She grinned as he scrambled away, nursing burned fingers.

The youngest Auror raised his wand toward Harry with trembling hands. "Sir, I don't think we should—"

"Do your job!" Tiberius snarled from behind the overturned desk.

The trainee fired a half-hearted stunner that went wide by several feet. Harry almost felt sorry for him.

Another Auror managed to cast a cutting curse, but it met Harry's wind barrier and ricocheted wildly, carving a groove in the floor. 

"Enough of this," Harry said, releasing his hold on Robards.

The Head Auror crashed back to the floor in an undignified heap, his dignity as battered as his body. The remaining Aurors found themselves lifted gently but inexorably toward the window.

"Wait!" the young trainee called out. "We're sorry! We were just following orders!"

Harry paused, studying the terrified faces of the men who'd been perfectly cordial an hour earlier. "Then perhaps you should choose your orders more carefully."

With a motion, he dropped them into the courtyard far below—roughly but without causing serious harm. Their groans and complaints drifted up through the window.

Silence descended on the devastated office. Harry stood in the centre of the destruction, McLaggen was lying on the ground, whimpering, after Harry had thrown him aside. 

"Now then," Harry said pleasantly. "Where were we?"

Kaze’s mental voice spoke up at that moment. “Harry, we have a problem. More wizards are approaching the castle. A lot more."

Harry moved to the window. Below in the courtyard, the groaning Aurors were picking themselves up from the ground. But beyond them, marching across the grounds in perfect formation, came a squadron of at least fifty wizards and witches. Harry could make out the familiar golden scales emblazoned on their chests.

The ICW hit-wizards had arrived at Hogwarts.

He turned back to face the room, his eyes settling on Tiberius Ogden, who was slowly emerging from behind the overturned desk. The man's face had gone pale, but there was something else in his expression—a flicker of satisfaction.

"What's the meaning of this?" Harry asked.

"You've done it now," Tiberius said. "I gave you a way out, but you were too stubborn to take it. The ICW have been looking for any reason to arrest you, and now they have the perfect excuse."

"I see." Harry turned back to the window. "This was a setup from the beginning. Was the assault on Daphne planned as well?"

"No, that was all Cormac being his usual idiotic self," Tiberius replied. "We can both agree that he is a dumb bastard. But the ICW has been lurking around for weeks, waiting for exactly this sort of incident to happen.”

"If they were prepared for this confrontation, why did they only send fifty? I almost feel insulted by the small numbers."

Something fundamental had shifted in Harry's demeanour ever since he'd learned of Daphne's assault. The change reminded him of his state of mind when he first awakened his abilities—ruthlessly taking out Voldemort and his followers without hesitation, refusing to tolerate interference from anyone in authority. He had constrained himself over the past months, only lashing out when the Black Wind influenced his actions. Now, this cold fury was entirely his own doing.

He wasn't going to pander to their stupidity any longer. If the Ministry and ICW wanted a fight, he would bloody well give them one they wouldn't forget.

Something nagged at him, though. What could be driving the ICW's increasingly aggressive actions? Sure, he'd had disagreements with them before, but nothing warranted this level of hostility. They were out for his blood.

Harry frowned as a troubling thought occurred to him. Did the ICW have a mole in their ranks? Someone positioned high up in their hierarchy with enough authority to send a squadron of ICW hit-wizards? 

Was this Gaia's doing? Had it been manipulating events from behind the scenes, pulling strings to engineer this exact confrontation? 

“The bane of my existence,” he muttered. 

Harry stepped through the open window and hovered outside the tower. 

The ICW squadron had reached the castle's main entrance when their commander spotted Harry's aerial descent. A sharp whistle pierced the air, and fifty wands snapped upward in perfect synchronisation.

Harry could see their faces now—grim professionals who had clearly been briefed on his capabilities. These weren't Ministry Aurors. The ICW had sent their enforcement division, wizards trained specifically to handle dangerous magical criminals.

Harry touched down in the courtyard twenty metres from their position. The groaning Aurors that Robards had brought were still picking themselves up from their earlier encounter, nursing bruised ribs and wounded pride. They scrambled out of the way as the ICW forces advanced, clearly wanting no part in whatever was about to unfold.

The squadron commander stepped forward—a witch with dark hair and the bearing of someone accustomed to absolute authority. 

"Harry Potter," she called out. "By order of the International Confederation of Wizards, you are under arrest for violations of the International Statute of Secrecy and assault upon authorised magical law enforcement personnel."

Harry grinned, the expression holding no warmth whatsoever. "I'm glad you finally arrived. The Aurors were no challenge at all—I was starting to get bored."

Wind exploded outward from his position in visible currents, sending loose debris skittering across the courtyard and forcing the hit-wizards to brace themselves against the sudden gale. 

"I have some questions for you before we get started," Harry continued. "Who was the one who ordered this farce?"

"We don't have to answer to you, Potter,” the commander replied. 

"Let's see if I can change your minds about that."

So, what do you think? In the next chapter, Harry has a battle on his hands, allowing him to test out his new abilities. 

Thanks for reading.