The cold, ominous gates of the Dark Palace creaked open as Voldemort's shadow stretched across the marble floor. Rose struggled against her bonds, her heart pounding in terror. Her captor, the Dark Lord himself, had chosen this moment to deliver her into the hands of one of his most dangerous followers—Velithra.
"Take her," Voldemort hissed, his pale, snake-like face twisted with malice. "Ensure she does not escape. She is of value… for now."
Velithra, the vampire queen, stepped forward. Her eyes gleamed crimson under the dim light, her long dark robes flowing like liquid shadows. Two elongated fangs protruded from her lips as she smiled, a cruel, predatory expression.
"Yes, Lord," she said, her voice a melodic yet sinister whisper. She lifted Rose effortlessly with one hand, the girl squirming in fear, and carried her through the labyrinthine corridors of the palace.
When Rose finally opened her eyes, she found herself in complete darkness. Panic surged through her chest, and she screamed. Her voice echoed off the stone walls, but no one answered. She reached out blindly, trying to feel her surroundings.
Something moved close to her, and an instinctual fear froze her. Her chest tightened as she felt a cold, sharp scent brushing against her skin—Velithra's predatory presence.
"Stay back!" Rose shouted, stumbling backward, her legs trembling.
A switch clicked, and suddenly the room was bathed in an eerie light. Velithra stepped forward, holding Rose's face gently but firmly.
Rose froze. The vampire queen's appearance was horrifying—dark robes, a glint of blood at her lips, eyes that burned with hunger and cruelty.
"I love blood," Velithra purred, her fangs gleaming. "I find you… sweet. Jasmine and lavender, an exquisite scent. But… I hate it. I crave your blood—it will taste divine."
Rose's knees weakened. "You… don't know me! My friends… they'll come for me. James will come, and if you hurt me, he will kill you!"
Velithra's crimson eyes narrowed, and she smirked. "Our Lord's plan aligns with yours. He wants your friends to come, to fall by our hands. Do you know James is powerful? A born legend, like you said… I wish to taste his blood, to claim his power."
Rose, trembling but defiant, shoved Velithra back.
"Filthy mutt," Velithra hissed, slapping her across the face. Rose fell, clutching her burning cheek, tears blurring her vision.
"I cannot kill you… yet. But I can torture you, drink your blood…" Velithra raised a knife, cutting Rose's hand. The vampire sipped the blood, savoring it. "Divine. I will not leave you alive for your insolence," she whispered, leaning closer.
Rose remembered James' words: Be intelligent in dangerous moments. A shaky laugh escaped her lips.
"If you are truly loyal to your master, defeat my friend James first. Only then will you have the right to come after me. If you are weak like Bellatrix or Peter Pettigrew, you can attack me now," Rose taunted.
Velithra's eyes flared with fury. "I will defeat him—and then you cannot escape, Miss Rose."
With that, she vanished, leaving Rose kneeling, clutching her injured hand. Pain and memories of James flooded her mind. She remembered climbing the tall tree in their childhood garden, defying his warnings, and the gentle scolding he had given her.
"James… where are you?" she whispered, tears streaking her cheeks. She pressed her hand key to her wound, tied it, and allowed herself a small, wistful smile. "Why am I remembering him now?"
The next morning, at a hidden camp, Dagger announced, "We must head to the Dark Palace at first light. Night amplifies Voldemort's powers."
Scorpius frowned at Kael Night Shade. "What about him?"
James shook his head. "He should return to Hogwarts. This journey is too dangerous. We cannot risk his life."
Kael's dark eyes glimmered with determination. "I came for Rose—not for you all. I fought through Dementors, Death Eaters, and the Dark Army to reach here."
Scorpius scowled. "You sound more like a self-proclaimed hero than someone trustworthy."
Kael raised his chin. "I am a hero. I saved Rose during the first attack on Hogwarts. No one else did. I will save her again and kill Voldemort if I must."
James' jaw tightened. Scorpius and the others exchanged exasperated glances, though some couldn't hide their amusement. Frank and Bobby chuckled as Kael dramatically fled to grab a weapon, returning with exaggerated bravado.
"I just ran to get something to defend her!" Kael claimed, puffing out his chest. "You all do not understand—I saved Rose, and she thanked me personally. I am her hero!"
Frank teased, "Oh yes, Voldemort must be trembling behind you!"
Kael growled, but his confidence was interrupted by rocks pelting his back. "Ah! Who dares—"
The trio of Frank, Bobby, and Miss Mirael laughed as they began tossing stones at Kael. "You think you're great? Nature itself disagrees!" Scorpius remarked dryly, chuckling at Kael's yelps of pain.
"You must not call yourself great," Dagger advised solemnly. "Greatness is earned through bravery and deeds, not lies or self-praise. Let James' resilience inspire you, not arrogance."
Kael finally questioned, "Where is Rose?"
Scorpius sighed. "Rose has been kidnapped by Voldemort. We are going to the Dark Palace to rescue her."
Kael's confident expression faltered. Fear flashed across his face. "I will go—but only with Rose."
James held Rose's diamond locket tightly, whispering to himself, "I'm coming for you, Rose." His eyes burned with anger, love, and worry, every emotion intertwined as they mounted the magical carpet. Alongside Scorpius, Dagger, Albus, Frank, Bobby, Kael, and Dim, they rose into the sky, heading toward the heart of darkness.
Back at Hogwarts, Hermione clutched her locket tightly, Rose's photo staring back at her. "Everything will be alright," she murmured, her voice trembling but resolute. "James will take care of everything."
Ron placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. Hermione hugged him, drawing strength from his presence. Harry joined them, embracing both.
"I have faith in James," Hermione said, tears in her eyes. "I hope no harm comes to them. I want them all to return safe, to succeed in their mission."
Neville, Draco, Ginny, Luna, and Hagrid nodded in agreement, their hearts buoyed by hope. Even in the face of darkness, belief in courage and loyalty shone through Hogwarts' walls.