The Dark clouds churned violently above the barren land as James and his friends stood frozen before the towering structure known as Hufflepuff Fort.
It did not look like a fort.
It looked like an ancient palace carved by time itself.
Massive golden-stone pillars rose from the ground, weathered yet unbroken, glowing faintly as if magic flowed through their veins. There was no gate, no visible entrance—only an overwhelming presence that pressed against their chests and minds.
The wind howled unnaturally.
James narrowed his eyes.
"This place…" he murmured, "…it feels alive."
Rose hugged her cloak tighter.
"It doesn't want us here."
They exchanged uneasy glances.
Behind them, Miss Mirael raised her voice sharply.
"Be careful, everyone. Do not rush. This land reacts to intention."
They took a cautious step forward.
Suddenly—
WHOOSH!
A violent force slammed into them.
"Ahh—!"
The wind blasted them backward like leaves in a storm. James felt his feet lift off the ground as he spun helplessly through the air.
They crashed hard onto the rocky surface.
Before anyone could stand, the storm intensified.
Dust, mist, and cloud twisted together until a figure slowly emerged from the chaos.
James blinked, rubbing his eyes.
A man stood before them.
He looked ancient—long silver hair, eyes deep with centuries of wisdom—but his body was firm, powerful, radiating authority. Around his neck hung an old golden locket, etched with the badger crest. In his hand rested a wooden staff, simple yet terrifyingly potent.
The world shifted.
The ground darkened. Clouds closed in like walls.
The man's voice thundered across the land.
"I am Cedric, Guardian of Hufflepuff."
Everyone froze.
Cedric stepped forward, each footstep echoing unnaturally.
James pushed himself up and immediately helped Rose to her feet. One by one, they stood together.
Cedric's sharp gaze settled on James.
Before he could speak—
RRAAAAH!
Thorn Claw leapt forward, wings flaring, flames licking his jaws.
Cedric raised an eyebrow.
James shouted,
"Thorn Claw! Stop!"
The dragon hesitated… then lowered his head, growling softly.
A smirk appeared on Kael Nightshade's face as he stepped forward.
"Cool, cool, old man," Kael said lazily."We came here for something important. No need to attack us."
He looked Cedric up and down mockingly.
"And honestly… you don't even look like you can lift that stick. Just because you look strong doesn't mean you are."
James turned sharply.
"Kael—!"
But it was too late.
Kael continued, chest puffed proudly.
"By the way, I'm the most powerful magician from Hogwarts. Stronger than everyone here."
Cedric's smile widened.
Dangerously calm.
Suddenly—
The wooden stick lifted itself into the air.
"Wait—what?" Kael muttered.
WHACK!
The stick slammed into Kael's shoulder.
"AAAH!"
It struck again.
And again.
"NO! Stop! Old man!"
Each insult only made the stick strike harder.
Frank covered his mouth, laughing.
"Oh Merlin… he's getting disciplined."
Albus nodded seriously.
"I think the stick doesn't like rude behavior."
Frank burst out laughing.
"No. I think the stick knows Kael is an idiot."
Bobby collapsed to the ground, wheezing with laughter.
Rose stepped forward, her voice firm.
"Kael, you insulted him. Apologize sincerely."
Kael glared.
"What?! I got beaten half to death! I'm not apologizing!"
At once—
A single dark cloud formed above Kael.
Rain poured only on him.
He screamed, running in circles.
"Why is it following me?!"
Bobby pointed.
"Look! Kael has his own personal cloud!"
Everyone—including Thorn Claw—laughed.
Furious and drenched, Kael stormed back to Cedric.
"You don't know who I am! I've killed Dark Army soldiers! I'll destroy you!"
Cedric calmly folded his hands.
Kael raised his wand.
James shouted,
"Kael, stop!"
Lightning cracked.
BOOM!
Thunder struck Kael directly.
Smoke rose as he fell, face blackened, robes burnt.
Frank and Bobby rolled on the ground laughing.
"He deserved it."
Kael whimpered and hid behind James and Rose.
Then, panicking, he shouted,
"We came for the Hufflepuff Gemstone!"
"SHUT UP!"James, Rose, and Scorpius yelled together.
Cedric's eyes blazed.
"How dare you!"
Warriors emerged from the clouds, encircling them.
"I guard the Gem and the Key. None of you will leave."
His staff transformed—
Into a sword.
It flew straight toward James.
Before it could strike—
Miss Mirael soared into the air.
At the same instant, the Gryffindor Sword burst forth, glowing fiercely, intercepting Cedric's blade.
Steel clashed.
Cedric gasped.
"A Gryffindor…?"
Thorn Claw stepped forward, wings spread wide, flames roaring.
Cedric stared.
His breath caught.
"Shadow Claw…"
Memories flooded him—Varkon Nightshade, the fallen dragon, reborn.
Cedric's gaze shifted to James.
"Aldric…"
Understanding dawned.
The magic vanished.
Cedric smiled gently.
"I was wrong."
James stepped forward and knelt.
He explained everything—Hogwarts, the Dark Evil King, the Keys, the shield.
He handed over the Key from Chang Guardian.
Cedric listened silently.
At last, he spoke.
"I will help you, James."
Relief washed over them.
"But you must face tests. Only two may enter the Fort."
James inhaled deeply.
"I'm ready."
Rose grabbed his arm.
"No. I won't lose you."
James smiled softly.
"I won't lose. Hogwarts believes in me."
Cedric nodded.
"Then prepare yourselves."
The trial had begun.