"Storms and Trials: Between Horcruxes, Rivalries, and Ridiculous Tests"
"We have it."
Frank Longbottom's voice rang out with urgency the moment he stepped into the makeshift headquarters of the Order of the Phoenix. His cloak was still soaked from the rain, and his breathing was heavy.
"We have the address. Get ready."
Silence fell over the room instantly. The tension was thick enough to slice with a blade. Everyone present—even the youngest among them—understood the weight of those words.
A real lead, at last.
A real step forward.
Alastor Moody narrowed his only natural eye while the magical one spun restlessly. His voice was as sharp as ever:
"You didn't tell anyone else, did you?"
Frank met his gaze with full seriousness. "Don't worry, Moody. Only those present know. No leaks this time."
"Then let's move. We'll split up for safety—different entry points. Use your communication orbs if anything goes wrong. Constant vigilance. No one acts alone."
One by one, heads nodded in agreement. No one questioned the orders.
"Where's Einar? And Harry and the rest of the brats?" Sirius asked, looking around with a mixture of concern and frustration.
"He's already back at Hogwarts," Tonks explained, adjusting her jacket and crossing her arms. "The castle's been turned into a refuge. As soon as word spread, families and students started flocking there. Honestly, they shouldn't have even used the Express. Hogwarts is the safest place now. Harry and the others are better off staying with him."
"Legally, school's out—they had to leave the castle," Frank added thoughtfully. "But using it as a protection hub… that's a different story."
Alice turned to Kingsley, who stood silently by the window, his expression unreadable.
"And the Ministry?" she asked. "What's happening there?"
Kingsley didn't look away from the glass as he replied:
"The new Minister acted fast. Stripped Amelia Bones of all authority the moment he sat down. Pius Thicknesse… something's off with him. He announced a full evaluation of all employees. Claims it's to identify spies, but everything points to something else. Looks more like he's trying to classify them by blood status. Pureblood or Muggle-born. The tone… it's far too familiar."
Moody slammed his staff against the floor with a thud.
"That can wait. Right now, there's something more important than politics. We're going to find that Horcrux."
Without another word, the Order began moving. This time, they didn't use the Floo Network—too risky, with Ministry checkpoints still active.
Instead, they exited through the front door, mounting their brooms one by one, lifting into the air under a starless sky that whispered of war to come.
Meanwhile, at Hogwarts…
"Professor Einar! It's so good to see you again... and so soon. It hasn't even been a full week!" Fleur Delacour greeted him with a radiant smile that rivaled any Lumos charm. She walked with graceful steps through the castle halls, now filled with displaced families and volunteer professors. She was among them.
Einar glanced at her with his usual stoic expression.
"We're not in class. You can just call me Einar."
Fleur lowered her gaze slightly, as if savoring the name.
"All right… Einar," she replied, a light blush coloring her cheeks, her voice tinged with emotion.
"I was wondering if you'd like to join me for—"
"Professor Einar!"
A voice cut through the moment like a blade.
Hermione Granger rounded a corner, walking with purpose and absolutely no concern for interrupting. Her eyes flicked from Einar to Fleur… and then back again. A spark of jealousy shimmered behind her otherwise composed expression.
"There's a problem. Harry's been kidnapped."
Einar turned slowly toward her, eyes sharp as blades.
"Where?"
"Just a few minutes ago. Your kids—and the others—took him. They haven't returned yet," Hermione explained, calmly but firmly.
Einar was silent for several seconds. He closed his eyes and exhaled, visibly exhausted.
"Fine. Let me know when they're back. I'm not chasing after kids every time they break the rules."
His tone was flat and final. He turned and continued walking down the hallway at his usual pace, radiating such calm authority that even the walls seemed to stand straighter.
Behind him, Fleur and Hermione stood frozen—just for a moment.
Hermione narrowed her eyes at Fleur with thinly veiled hostility.
Fleur, in turn, offered her a serene, elegant, almost smug little smile.
And then, without a single word exchanged, both women began walking at the same time, following Einar.
Neither was willing to give the other a single step of advantage.
…
Meanwhile, Harry...
The room was dark. Very dark.
The only source of light was a strange floating orb on the ceiling, casting a spotlight directly onto him—like he was either the lead in a tragic play… or the main suspect in a shady interrogation room.
Harry sat in a chair. Still. Uncomfortable.
He could feel at least a dozen eyes fixed on him from within the shadows. He tried to peer past the halo of light, but all he could make out were vague outlines… and shadows. Lots of shadows.
And to make things worse—someone had kidnapped Viir.
Well, technically, Viir was only a few feet away, lying lazily on the ground like nothing was happening. But the disturbing part was the small figure petting him gently… while letting out soft, cheerful giggles.
A child's giggle.
An unsettling child's giggle.
Harry sighed.
"So… would anyone care to explain what exactly you're trying to do?" he asked, already resigned.
No direct reply came. Just whispers, murmurs, and the sound of a group of teenagers very clearly making things up as they went.
"This is idiotic," said a tired male voice. Harry had no trouble identifying Avento.
"I know, but it's fun," someone else answered, full of energy. "The twins said we have to make a good first impression."
"Hmph. I say we challenge him to a duel. If he's going to be our master's student, he can't bring shame to the name," said another voice, with fake solemnity.
"Can we hurry up? I have more important things to do. My father still needs a wife, and I promised to help him," someone complained dramatically.
"You're still on that?" another snorted. "If it didn't work in Skyrim, what makes you think it'll work here?"
"I have a good feeling this time. I think I've finally found the perfect place to meet the one."
"Hey—if Viir is Durnehviir's child, does that make Durnehviir male or female?"
"Dragons don't have genders. And what does that have to do with anything?"
"Nothing. He's just so cute…"
"This is ridiculous. I just want to go fishing. You're all wasting my time."
"A fistfight. That would solve everything," one muttered, sounding a bit too eager.
"No, he seems more like the magic type. Let Sofie duel him with spells. Or Avento."
"I'm hungry."
"Sissel… that weird elf gave you snacks five minutes ago. Did you seriously eat them all already?"
"There weren't enough!"
"…Alright. Let's do this quickly."
"Wait—are we doing this with the other student too?"
"The one with Runa? Nah. Surviving her is already a test."
"Perfect. Let's begin!"
A sharp clap echoed through the room.
Immediately, small glowing bubbles lit up and floated into the air, revealing the culprits of the chaos: a group of teens Harry already knew. Einar's protégés. The ones who trained by his side. His chosen family.
Harry looked at them calmly.
He wasn't surprised. Just… a little tired.
"So… what exactly are you trying to do?" he asked again.
"You are about to face a test," said Blaise, stepping forward with his arms crossed and his tone serious. "We want to determine if you're truly worthy of being called our master's disciple."
"And if I'm not?" asked Harry, raising an eyebrow.
"Then you'll lose that title. Forever."
Harry frowned.
"Did all of you go through this?"
"Nope," Avento replied, without a shred of shame. "We just made it up."
The others shot him annoyed looks.
"Each of us will give you a test," Blaise continued, ignoring the interruption. "If you earn the approval of the majority, you'll be accepted. Are you ready, Potter?"
Harry glanced at each of them, sighed, and asked:
"Do I have a choice?"
"No," they all said at once.
"…Fantastic." He slumped slightly in his seat. "Let's just get this over with. Honestly, I barely remember what peace feels like anymore."
Despite everything, there was something warm about this group. A kind of familiar chaos. A genuine bond.
Maybe… becoming part of it wouldn't be so bad.
"Your first test will be from Lucia," announced Blaise.
Lucia stepped forward, Viir cradled in her arms, smiling adorably… and dangerously.
"The first test is…" she said, tilting her head. "Give me Viir."
Harry stared at her.
"…No."
"Boooo. Then you fail the test," Lucia said sweetly—but with a glint of vengeance.
"First test: failed!" declared Lars with theatrical flair, like the host of a tournament.
Harry closed his eyes for a second.
He was already regretting this.
But honestly… it's not like he had anything better to do.