The Night had fallen like a velvet curtain over the campsite, the sky dark and endless above them. Dagger's voice cut through the quiet.
"Night appears on the sky. We can't go to the Hufflepuff Fort right now for the key."
James, Rose, Scorpius, and their friends exchanged uneasy glances, each silently agreeing. The urgency of their mission weighed heavily on them, but for now, there was no choice but to wait.
Dagger waved his hand, conjuring a massive tent. "Everyone, inside," he said, allowing even Thornclaw and Dim to enter. Inside, the warmth of the fire contrasted sharply with the cold tension lingering in the air. James's mind wandered back to Voldemort's ominous words: "I will come back." He shivered, the threat of the Dark Lord pressing against him, relentless.
After dinner, exhaustion finally claimed them. Kael Nightshade, however, had other plans. His snores reverberated through the tent, a constant, grating hum.
Frank and Albus pressed pillows to their ears while Miss Mirael held her fingers close, trying to block out the noise. Scorpius's patience snapped.
"We're already facing Voldemort and his army," he shouted, frustration etched in his voice. "Danger at every turn! And now, Kael's snoring torture? Oh no… I can't bear this!"
Bobby, unable to take it anymore, grabbed a stick and charged. "Hey, Kael Nightshade! If you don't stop snoring, I'll—" He froze, realizing mid-shout he held only a stick, not a sword. Frank and Albus laughed. Kael, blissfully unaware, snored louder than ever.
Rose, exasperated, held her hands over her ears. "Please, someone stop him! I need sleep!"
Dagger, finally losing patience, covered his ears, and even Miss Mirael sighed in frustration. Thornclaw and Dim began growling. With a resigned flick, Dagger cast a spell, silencing Kael at last. Relief settled over the group like a soft blanket.
James, seeking some quiet, pulled out the Slytherin book and began reading. Dagger eyed him curiously.
"Rose seems affected while reading, but you… you're not," he asked. "How is that possible?"
James shrugged. "I don't know. I feel… connected to it somehow. I don't know why."
Dagger's gaze sharpened. "May I ask you something important?"
"What is it?" James replied cautiously.
"Do you… love Rose?"
James remained silent.
"No?" Dagger pressed.
Still silence.
"I was your enemy once," Dagger said softly, "but now I am your mentor. My responsibility is you. If Albus Dumbledore were here, he'd tell me to protect you. Because we both know—a legend will be born into the Gryffindor family."
James's eyes remained steady on the pages of the book.
Dagger leaned closer. "The Potter family has a connection with Gryffindor bloodlines, hidden from all. I saw your eyes when Rose was kidnapped—searching for her, full of determination. You love her, James. You cannot hide it from me."
James still remained silent, his thoughts heavy.
"Tell her your feelings," Dagger urged. "I even feel she likes you."
James's voice was quiet but resolute. "Yes… I've loved Rose since childhood. I never had the chance to tell her. But right now… I can't. My life is on the edge. My goal is to save Hogwarts, the magical world, and defeat the Dark Evil Kings. Even if I die, I must fight to protect everyone. I can't give Rose false hope. I can't make her feel pain… not now."
Dagger nodded, understanding the burden James carried. "In the Hufflepuff Fort, guardians like the Chang Guardian will test honesty and trust. If they ask about Rose, you cannot lie—or we risk losing the Gemstone."
James met Dagger's eyes. "I'll take care of it. Promise me—you won't reveal my feelings to Rose. And please, take care of Albus, who's bonded with you, and return to Hogwarts safely."
Dagger's expression softened. "I promise."
After some more quiet conversation, they finally slept. But James's dreams were troubled. A dark figure appeared, sword in hand, whispering, "You can't escape me, James." He woke with a start as dawn broke.
Morning came with a tense energy. Everyone awoke cautiously, Albus trying to speak louder than necessary. Rose and Dagger silenced him immediately.
"There are a hundred Dementors outside," Dagger warned. "Thanks to my shield, they can't see the tent—but they can sense us."
James's eyes narrowed. "I expected this." Kael Nightshade looked shocked.
"We'll go," James decided. "Dagger, take the Andrew Book Take care of every one and protect every one " We'll handle the rest."
James Rose and Scorpius gets surprised and shocked.
Outside the tent, Dementors and Death Eaters swirled, turning morning into night. James, Rose, and Scorpius drew their wands, faces set, hearts unyielding.
"Expecto Patronum Maxima!" James shouted, unleashing a massive silver dome that vaporized any Dementor entering its radius. Rose followed, casting Lumen Astra Burst, releasing star-like explosions that burned the dark creatures into silver dust. Scorpius's eyes hardened; he invoked Sanctus Ignis, summoning fire so pure it destroyed everything in its path.
But the Dark Army pressed from all sides. Another wave surged, relentless. James exchanged a look with Rose and Scorpius, a silent agreement passing between them.
"EXPECTO PATRONUM!" they shouted together.
From their wands erupted three monumental Patronuses, Phoenix, Pegasus, and Eagle combining in a dazzling torrent of silver, gold, and fire. Dementors screamed as their shadows disintegrated into sparkling dust, powerless against the trio's united magic. Light burned through the darkness, leaving nothing but silence and awe in its wake, a testament to their unbreakable strength. The Dark Army dissolved beneath the force, their numbers no match for the synchronized power of James, Rose, and Scorpius.
Breathing heavily, the three looked at one another, a fleeting smile passing between them. The battlefield was quiet now, conquered, and for a moment, peace seemed possible.
Returning to the tent, they found Dagger with the Andrew Book, its glow illuminating their tired but determined faces.
"Hurry up," Dagger commanded. "We have no time. Touch the book, and we'll appear before Hufflepuff Fort."
James collected their belongings, Slytherin book tucked under his arm. One by one, they stepped forward, touching Dagger and vanishing into the magical glow, ready to continue their mission.
Meanwhile, back at Hogwarts, Harry and the others paced nervously, worry etched on every face. James and his friends were out there, battling darkness without anyone's knowledge