"The Federation prospers! Live forever!"
Upon hearing these declarations, the corner of Voldemort's mouth curved slightly—whether in irony or satisfaction remained unclear.
Under the collective gaze of everyone present, he took his seat at the conference table's head.
He placed his wand gently before him, then made a casual gesture.
Everyone sat down silently.
No one spoke, all waiting for the ruler of the entire Federation to address them.
"I am dissatisfied," Tom Riddle announced, his voice deceptively calm.
Everyone present felt an immediate chill course down their spines.
"Nearly a month has passed since the Hunters' Association was established."
No one dared speak. No one dared move.
"Have you discovered any useful intelligence thus far?"
Voldemort's tone grew increasingly cold.
The assembled wizards lowered their heads, as if this posture of submission might somehow shield them.
"The result of your efforts..."
"Kamar-Taj operatives invade the Wizarding Building itself."
Voldemort's voice sharpened, suffused with profound dissatisfaction.
"Your Majesty..."
As principal of Ilvermorny, Luca began speaking, preparing to offer explanation.
Voldemort interrupted immediately: "You remain preoccupied with power struggles and personal advancement."
"What did I commission you to accomplish?"
"If you cannot perform your assigned tasks, I shall simply assemble a new group."
Voldemort's frigid tone caused several more timid wizards to tremble visibly.
The Dark Lord Voldemort.
This title had never been merely decorative.
Everyone present knew intimately of Voldemort's past atrocities.
The Cruciatus Curse had been employed as casually as breathing.
Various dark magical transformations had been inflicted upon countless Muggle bodies.
Endless sacrificial rituals had been conducted.
Death and cruelty had been his defining characteristics.
Though the current Federal Majesty, Tom Riddle, appeared to have cultivated refinement—avoiding overt warfare and public executions—none present dared gamble on his newfound restraint.
"Your Majesty, we have erred gravely!"
Luca rose hastily, followed by the other wizards, their voices overlapping, tones heavy with contrition.
"Grant us additional time, and we shall certainly capture the dark wizards of Kamar-Taj."
Luca's voice carried unmistakable pleading and desperate hope.
He prayed for Voldemort's anger to subside.
He yearned for Voldemort's recognition and the opportunity to secure the Hunter Association's presidency.
After surveying the room, Voldemort spoke with measured calm.
"I shall provide additional time."
"But should you fail again, what consequences await you?"
Voldemort's tranquil tone belied the threatening nature of his inquiry.
His status as Federation master, commanding the world's most formidable magical forces, allowed such casual menace.
One might speak freely in his presence—but the resulting consequences might demand payment in blood.
Hearing this, Luca swallowed painfully before nodding to indicate comprehension.
The other wizards nodded rapidly in unison, then sat without further comment.
"This represents your final opportunity," Voldemort warned. "The Hunter-Slayer Association cannot afford to maintain useless individuals."
Following these words, the conference room descended into stifling silence.
"This matter is now concluded," Voldemort continued calmly. "Everyone, attend carefully to my next instructions."
"First, the Hunter Association must elect a president within three days."
"Second, we likely face imminent conflict. Association battle-mages must master war magic."
"Those possessing this knowledge must instruct those lacking it."
"Those without this knowledge must learn diligently. Anyone neglecting this preparation before hostilities commence shall be dispatched directly to hell."
All wizards nodded rapidly, demonstrating their understanding.
"Third, mobilize all combat resources. A difficult confrontation approaches."
"All Aurors shall assemble according to the captured Kamar-Taj dark wizards."
After Voldemort articulated several additional points with clinical precision, the wizards transcribed his words meticulously. Many withdrew quills and parchment to ensure accurate records.
New York Sanctum
Ian accompanied Kaecilius through the familiar Sanctum corridors.
They remained unaware of developments within the Predator Society.
Nevertheless, they had clearly noted increased inspection frequency—wizards investigated two or three times more often than previously.
Even local Muggles had been detained and interrogated four or five times.
Without the magical concealment maintained by Ian and the others, discovery would have proven inevitable.
"Teacher, when will the magical circle be activated?" Ian inquired curiously.
"Current conditions remain suboptimal," Kaecilius replied, regret evident in his voice.
"If all three major Sanctums activated their circles simultaneously, we could proceed immediately."
"With only the New York Sanctum operational, we must await the moment of strongest resonance with the world's dimensional void."
Kaecilius's tone grew reflective.
"At present, we cannot even establish communication with Lockhart."
Ian nodded in understanding.
Suddenly, Kaecilius asked: "How fares young Vera?"
"Has her curse been lifted?"
Hearing this, Ian smiled bitterly and shook his head. "Her condition remains stable. Though minor accidents persist, her life faces no immediate threat."
"Her misfortune continues unabated."
"Principal Carter and various professors have examined extensive references without discovering useful leads."
"Current diagnostic methods yield no results. We may require Lockhart's intervention."
"Our strategy remains unchanged from before."
"During this critical period, we maintain letter communication exclusively, avoiding personal contact to prevent incidents."
Kaecilius sighed softly in response. "This represents our best option currently."
"The power involved approaches dimensional deity levels."
"Otherwise, we would have identified some trace by now."
"This matter awaits Lockhart's arrival for proper resolution."
After a moment, Kaecilius added: "Additionally, remind Vera."
"Given her condition, frequent relocation is advisable to minimize misfortune's impact."
"Should genuine danger arise, she should return immediately. We shall employ all resources to protect her."
Ian nodded acknowledgment without further comment.
The two continued familiarizing themselves with the newly constructed New York Sanctum, checking for errors or omissions.
Despite representing only one-third of the complete magical architecture, this world-class magical circle constituted an engineering marvel of extraordinary scale.
Thorough inspection remained essential to prevent catastrophic accidents.
New York, Queens
Draco led Segura and other team members through the sky, heading directly toward the Queens Muggle police station.
At the station entrance, the police chief and various inspection teams stood in orderly formation.
They appeared to await higher authority's arrival.
Shortly thereafter, several figures descended slowly from above.
Four elaborately dressed wizards, led by Draco, landed gracefully.
Upon their arrival, the police chief shouted enthusiastically: "Welcome, esteemed wizards!"
"The entire Queens Police Department stands ready for your instructions."
Draco nodded with satisfaction at the uniformed officers arrayed before him.
He casually raised his wand to his throat, cast an amplification charm, and announced: "The Federation pursues a mission of critical importance."
"We require your assistance with preliminary preparations."
Having received aristocratic training since childhood, Draco's tone and elocution possessed natural appeal.
The assembled police officers focused attentively on him.
Without hesitation, he waved his wand, sending arcs of light blue energy through the air that integrated directly into each person present.
Instantly, everyone experienced a pleasant warmth spreading throughout their bodies, accompanied by renewed vitality and heightened alertness.
Observing their positive response, Draco smiled and continued: "Your task remains relatively straightforward."
"Survey your jurisdiction thoroughly."
"Document any anomalies, regardless of apparent significance, and report them directly to me."
At this point, Draco raised his voice, adding a crucial warning: "Should you encounter anything truly unusual, avoid personal risk. Simply transmit the information to us."
His primary concern wasn't their personal safety, but rather the possibility of alerting their quarry.
They had only three days to produce results.
Whether or not they captured Kamar-Taj's wizards, they needed tangible evidence at minimum.
This would at least mitigate His Majesty's displeasure.
The dark-uniformed officers nodded their understanding.
Draco then added his most powerful inducement: "Regardless of who provides valuable intelligence..."
"I can personally arrange for them—or their children—to receive magical training."
These words elicited visible excitement. Even the police chief couldn't conceal his interest.
Throughout the Federation, wizards occupied society's apex.
Even Muggle-born wizards maintained elevated status.
This social hierarchy explained why the entire police station had assembled and waited patiently for the wizards' arrival.
Noting the unmistakable desire burning in their eyes, Draco allowed himself a satisfied smile.
Though his knowledge of Muggles remained limited, he understood that without proper motivation, their efforts might prove half-hearted at best.
Meanwhile, Inside a Black Nightclub
Numerous individuals lay groaning on the floor.
Segura and several wizards sat casually at the bar, manipulating their wands without concealment.
They appeared to be waiting for something.
Soon, a group of armed men burst through the entrance.
Their leader rushed forward, cursing loudly.
The black gang boss raised his firearm, aiming directly at Segura and his companions.
They had received reports of their nightclub being vandalized.
Such disrespect demanded immediate retaliation from the gang.
Without hesitation, they advanced with machetes, axes, and firearms, determined to teach the intruders a painful lesson.
Then—
Whoosh!
Segura's wand sliced through the air, projecting a faint gray ripple that expanded outward.
Instantly, it encompassed the entire nightclub.
The Muggles who had been charging forward froze in place.
Another casual wand movement.
The guns, blades, and clubs in their hands rose into the air.
Clatter!
With a subtle gesture, all weapons floated toward Segura and his associates, then dropped unceremoniously before them.
The gang leader gradually realized he could move again.
By now, even the dullest among them recognized their adversaries—not just one wizard, but four or five.
Now free to act, the gang boss made his decision instantly.
Thud! Thud! Thud!
Without hesitation, he dropped to his knees, pressing his forehead repeatedly against the floor.
"Forgive us, Master Wizard! We erred grievously!"
"We beg your mercy, Lord Wizard! Our mistake!"
Simple survival instinct dictated immediate submission.
Wizards maintained extraordinarily elevated status throughout the Federation.
Even Muggle-born wizards who killed ordinary citizens typically faced only cursory investigation before dismissal.
For known criminals, not even that formality applied.
Hence their immediate capitulation.
Death became a certainty for those who resisted.
Segura observed the groveling gang leader with detached interest.
He waved his wand negligently, releasing the gang leader from his partial paralysis.
"I have a proposition," Segura announced, his calm tone reaching every imprisoned individual.
"Accomplish my objective and receive one million in cash plus a vial of awakening potion."
"With sufficient luck, you might even attain wizard status."
As these words registered, Segura observed the shock and naked envy spreading across the Muggles' faces.
Buzz!
Another wand motion sent milky white ripples throughout the room, releasing everyone from their magical restraints.
Immediately—
"Sir, what tasks require completion? Simply issue your commands!"
"I shall obey without question!"
"Master Wizard, my eldest brother maintains close connections with the Black Snake Gang..."
The gangsters competed desperately to demonstrate their usefulness.
Segura nodded slightly in satisfaction.
While Team Leader Draco engaged official channels for investigation, his team approached these underworld figures.
Both legitimate and criminal elements had been mobilized.
Their belief that somewhere, somehow, they would uncover traces of their quarry remained absolute.
This effort encompassed not merely New York but extended to numerous cities, with Association members recruiting both legal authorities and criminal networks to assist their search.
They required only a single credible lead.
With His Majesty's ultimatum hanging over them, failure was unthinkable.
"Your task involves identifying traces of other wizards," Segura explained.
"Should you encounter anything unusual, report directly to me."
"Avoid deeper involvement—premature action might alert our targets."
Snort!
Segura punctuated his instructions with a cold sound. The implied threat required no elaboration.
"Master Wizard, have no concern! We shall execute your instructions precisely!"
The gang leader responded with fervent confidence.
His subordinates echoed similar sentiments, radiating eager anticipation.
For these individuals occupying society's lowest strata, this represented a rare opportunity to transform their circumstances completely.