An illusory parchment materialized between them. After both Sean and Barrett signed their true names, it transformed into a long, ethereal ribbon, twisting around them to form an infinity symbol before dissolving into countless points of light that flowed into their bodies.
The contract was forged.
In that instant, a new, indelible understanding dawned in both their minds. Sean could distinctly feel Barrett's life force tethered to his own will. With a single thought, he could cause Barrett to die a horrible, unnatural death. If he wished, he could even deny him the solace of death, condemning him to an eternity of suffering.
The contract spell was another treasure from Gavin's notes. Its forging required absolute sincerity from both parties; the slightest hint of resistance would cause the pact to fail. Having been so thoroughly defeated, his spirit broken by Sean's power, and faced with the stark choice between life and death, Barrett had signed without a shred of hesitation.
With the pact sealed, Barrett bowed deeply to Sean, standing by his side with a new, genuine reverence.
At that moment, Malo approached with the remaining men. Sean surveyed the devastated clearing and gave his orders. "Malo, Barrett. Take the men and clean this scene. Erase any magical traces that could be used to track us. As for the bodies, incinerate them completely. Can you handle that?"
"As you command, Master," Malo replied, immediately leading the men to their task.
Just as Barrett was about to join them, Sean stopped him. "Barrett. With Dicky and the others dead, Hogwarts and the Ministry will investigate. Do you have a story ready?"
Bowing his head respectfully, Barrett replied, "Master, as long as I present myself as a victim, the Ministry won't be able to use Veritaserum on me. From there, with a little… cooperation from your other men, I can attribute the entire incident to an attack by unknown dark wizards."
Sean nodded. "Good. Discuss the details with Malo. Finalize your plan and make sure it's airtight. Leave no loose ends. Go."
"Yes, Master."
Barrett turned and left. Sean watched as his new subordinates began to set magical fires, erasing all traces of the battle. Black smoke swirled around his body as he rose into the air, flying silently back toward Hogsmeade. After his recent practice in the Room of Requirement, this unsupported flight was becoming second nature.
He returned to the Three Broomsticks to find Andy still sleeping soundly in a corner. A quiet spell was all it took to wake him. Although the idea of getting drunk on a single butterbeer was more preposterous than Snape teaching with a smile, Andy was smart enough not to ask any questions, playing the part of the blissfully ignorant friend to perfection. They returned to Hogwarts just as they had left. Andy even accompanied Sean to deliver the potion ingredients to Harry, Ron, and Hermione.
Looking at the trio still acting so secretive about their plan, Andy had to suppress a laugh. Sean was practically drinking Polyjuice Potion like water these days, and here they were, guarding their little project as if it were the most clandestine operation in history.
Back in the Slytherin common room, Sean finally had a moment to review the spoils of his victory.
[Duel Won!]
[Conditions Met: Victory Against Multiple Magical Opponents.]
[System Commencing Sequential Ability Extraction...]
[Extracting from Target: Dicky...]
[Extraction Complete!]
[New Ability Acquired: Blasting Curse LV1]
The other three lackeys offered only spells Sean already knew, granting him a bit of experience but no new abilities. Barrett, however, was the real windfall.
[System Commencing Random Ability Extraction from Defeated Target: Barrett.]
[Extracting...]
A sharp, electrifying jolt shot up Sean's arm, followed by a phantom echo of pure, cold pain that vanished as quickly as it appeared. The system was processing the potent magic.
[Extraction Complete!]
[Multiple Abilities Acquired!]
[New Talent: Swift Casting LV1]
[New Curse: Cruciatus Curse LV1]
Sean's eyes widened. He had obtained the Cruciatus Curse, one of the three Unforgivables, and Swift Casting—a talent on par with his Nimble Casting. If Nimble Casting helped him link spells more smoothly, Swift Casting purely increased his raw speed. No wonder Barrett had been able to match him spell for spell.
His only regret was that he hadn't managed to acquire the Killing Curse. The set wouldn't be complete without it.
He had obtained the Cruciatus Curse, one of the three Unforgivables, and Swift Casting—a talent on par with his Nimble Casting. If Nimble Casting helped him link spells more smoothly, Swift Casting purely increased his raw speed. No wonder Barrett had been able to match him spell for spell.
His only regret was that he hadn't managed to acquire the Killing Curse. The set wouldn't be complete without it.
With such a bountiful harvest, Sean slept soundly that night, Kulkan curled up beside him.
While he slept, a grievously wounded Barrett staggered back into Hogwarts. He was covered in burns, one leg was lame, and an arm hung uselessly at his side, the bones within completely shattered. His dramatic return caused an immediate commotion. It was only because most students were already in bed that it didn't spark a castle-wide panic.
Dumbledore and the four Heads of House arrived together. Seeing Barrett's condition, Dumbledore's pupils contracted slightly. Over Madam Pomfrey's strenuous objections, he questioned the boy. "Barrett, who did this to you?"
"Dark wizards," Barrett rasped. "Some I'd never seen before. Dicky and the others were with me, but they… they were all killed. We fought back, killed some of them, but there were too many. I had no choice… I had to escape on my own."
Dumbledore's face was an unreadable mask. "Where did you encounter these dark wizards?"
At the question, a flicker of evasion crossed Barrett's face. Snape stepped forward, his voice a cold whip-crack. "Barrett, do not think of hiding anything now. If necessary, I will apply to the Ministry for the use of Veritaserum. At that point, you will tell us far more than you intend."
A trace of fear appeared on Barrett's face. Before he could respond, Dumbledore spoke to Snape. "Severus, I will not consent to the use of Veritaserum on a student. However," he said, turning his piercing gaze back to Barrett, "Mr. Barrett is now of age. He knows right from wrong. I trust he will not hide anything from us. Is that right?"
Caught between Snape's open threat and Dumbledore's veiled one, Barrett put on a masterful show of reluctance before recounting a carefully fabricated version of events.
[Chapter Complete]
***
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