Longbottom Manor had not known peace since the night of the attack.
Auror patrols circled the estate day and night now. Protective wards layered the property like invisible armor, humming faintly with magic. Even the gardens — once lively with laughter, tea gatherings, and Neville's clumsy attempts at powerful magic — now felt tense, watched, guarded.
Inside the manor, the atmosphere was no better.
Alice Longbottom moved constantly, unable to sit still for long. Molly Weasley stayed often these days, helping however she could, whether by cooking meals nobody seemed hungry for or simply offering quiet comfort. Xenophilius Lovegood visited frequently with Luna, bringing odd flowers, curious trinkets, and gentle reassurance that sounded strange yet strangely comforting.
Ginny and Luna had become Lily's closest friends over the years. Neither girl spoke much now. Their laughter had disappeared, replaced with anxious glances toward the manor gates.
Neville tried to act brave, but the strain showed. Ron stayed close to him, while Fred and George — usually the loudest troublemakers in any room — sat unusually quiet. The twins' subdued silence worried Molly more than any prank ever had.
That morning felt heavier than usual.
Several Aurors had abruptly left their posts, summoned away on urgent business. No explanation had been given, and that uncertainty gnawed at everyone.
Molly folded her hands nervously at the breakfast table.
"Maybe… maybe they found something," she said softly.
Alice looked up immediately, hope flaring in tired eyes.
"You think they found Lily?"
"I hope so," Molly replied. "Merlin, I truly hope so."
Before anyone could say more, a sharp magical pulse rippled across the manor.
Every Auror outside reacted instantly.
Wands snapped upward. Defensive formations formed almost instinctively. A signal flare shot skyward, bright silver against the morning light.
Ward breach.
Not the main barrier — something farther out. A detection grid.
Alice froze.
"What was that?"
One Auror rushed inside briefly.
"Mrs. Longbottom, please stay inside. Something crossed the perimeter wards."
But Alice was already moving toward the door.
"If there's even a chance it's Lily, I'm not staying inside."
Molly followed immediately. So did Xenophilius, surprisingly alert for once.
The children were told firmly to remain indoors. Even Fred and George didn't argue.
Outside, tension crackled in the air.
Aurors formed a defensive line across the lawn. Some cast detection spells; others layered additional shields over the manor.
Then someone pointed upward.
"There!"
At first, nothing was visible.
Just empty air.
Then slowly — like an invisibility cloak being peeled away — shapes began to emerge.
Hooves first.
Black, elegant hooves stepping on nothing.
Then wings. Vast, bat-like wings.
Gasps spread through the gathered crowd.
Xenophilius Lovegood stepped forward, eyes wide with unmistakable fascination.
"Morticons," he whispered. "I never thought I'd see them ever…"
More of the creatures phased into view — majestic, dark horse-like beings with golden horns, sweeping wings, and an eerie grace that was both beautiful and unsettling.
Behind them, a carriage materialized.
An elegant, enchanted carriage, light gleaming off its magically enhanced structure.
Aurors hesitated.
No attack spells fired — but wands remained raised.
The carriage descended slowly, landing with barely a sound a short distance from the manor gates.
Silence followed.
Then the carriage door opened.
Alice's breath hitched.
A small figure stepped out.
Brown hair.
Unfamiliar dress.
Uncertain but determined posture.
"Lily…"
The name escaped Alice as a whisper before becoming a cry.
"LILY!"
She ran.
Protocol forgotten. Fear forgotten. Everything forgotten.
Lily barely had time to react before her mother reached her, pulling her into a fierce embrace.
"You're safe… you're safe… oh Merlin, you're safe…"
Lily clung back just as tightly.
"I missed you, Mum…"
Molly was crying openly now. Ginny and Luna burst from the manor despite earlier instructions, racing toward their friend. Neville followed, slower at first, then faster when he saw clearly that it was truly her.
Fred and George arrived last, both looking more relieved than either would ever admit aloud.
Even the Aurors relaxed slightly, though professional caution remained.
From inside the carriage, a small figure watched quietly.
Mission complete.
A faint blue notification flickered briefly across his vision.
[Quest Completed: Rescue Lily Longbottom]
Reward: +1000 EXP
Reputation Increase:
Longbottom Family
Auror Department
He dismissed the window with a thought.
Outside, the reunion continued — tears, laughter, disbelief blending together.
For the first time since the attack, Longbottom Manor felt alive again.
Then attention gradually turned back toward the carriage.
The elegant vehicle still stood quietly beyond the ward line, its presence both impressive and mysterious. The Morticons pulling it stamped softly but showed no aggression, their disciplined calm a testament to careful training.
The carriage door opened once more.
A short figure stepped down.
Lord Blackfire.
Even among seasoned Aurors, his presence commanded immediate attention. There was nothing overtly threatening about him — no raised wand, no aggressive posture — yet the air around him seemed heavier, charged with authority.
Alice Longbottom approached without hesitation.
Her gratitude overpowered any apprehension she might have felt.
"Lord Blackfire," she said, voice still trembling slightly from emotion, "I… I don't have words enough to thank you. You rescued my daughter when even the Auror Department was struggling to find her."
Blackfire inclined his head politely.
"She is safe. That is what matters."
"But still," Alice insisted gently, "you've done something extraordinary for our family. Please… come inside. At least share a meal with us."
Before Blackfire could respond, Lily suddenly broke away from her mother.
"Come on!" she said excitedly, grabbing his hand. "You have to see everything! Our garden, Neville's plants, the library — oh, and the kitchen elves make amazing pudding!"
Blackfire allowed himself to be pulled along, the faintest amused smile adorned his face.
Ginny and Luna followed immediately.
Ginny looked openly fascinated.
"So you're really Lord Blackfire?" she asked bluntly.
Behind them, Aurors began dispersing. Some Apparated away immediately, likely to report the new situation. Others remained, but their posture had relaxed considerably.
The crisis, for now, was over.
Only Xenophilius Lovegood stayed behind near the carriage.
His attention, however, was entirely fixed on the Morticons.
He circled them cautiously, eyes wide with scholarly fascination rather than fear.
"Magnificent," he murmured. "Absolutely magnificent."
From the driver's seat, Cody — the enthusiastic house-elf — beamed with pride.
"They good creatures, sir! Very loyal! Need proper training, proper respect!"
Xenophilius instantly pulled out parchment and quill.
"Would you mind answering a few questions?" he asked eagerly. "Strictly academic curiosity, of course."
Cody puffed up proudly.
"Oh, Cody love talking about Morticons!"
"What do they eat primarily?" Xenophilius asked.
"Mostly meat. Some magical herbs. And affection," Cody added seriously. "They respond very strongly to emotional bonding."
"Fascinating… absolutely fascinating."
Xenophilius scribbled rapidly.
"I read in the Daily Prophet that their tail hair possesses magical conductivity stronger than unicorn hair."
Cody nodded vigorously.
Xenophilius's excitement visibly grew.
"I must visit the entire herd someday," he said half to himself.
Cody blinked, then quickly shook his head.
"Castle private. Very secret."
"Ah," Xenophilius said thoughtfully. "Understandable."
Inside the manor, meanwhile, Lily proudly gave Blackfire an enthusiastic tour.
"This is Neville's herbology corner," she explained. "He talks to plants."
Blackfire nodded approvingly.
"A valuable skill."
"And that hallway leads to the owl tower. And over there is the library — though Mum says I shouldn't touch any spell books."
"You will," Blackfire said calmly. "In time."
She paused, looking up at him.
By the time they reached the dining hall, Molly Weasley had already arranged a small feast — her way of celebrating Lily's safe return.
Food appeared in generous portions: roasted vegetables, bread, pies, puddings, and tea.
Blackfire sat quietly among them, observing more than speaking. Yet his presence seemed to steady everyone.
Neville approached hesitantly.
"Thank you," he said earnestly. "For bringing my sister back."
Blackfire placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder.
"Protect her well. You are her brother and it is your responsibility to look after her."
Neville nodded seriously.
The reunion inside Longbottom Manor had barely settled into warmth when the living room fireplace suddenly flared bright emerald.
Several heads turned at once.
"Stand back," one Auror instructed automatically, though no one truly moved.
The flames roared higher — and then figures stepped through.
Frank Longbottom emerged first, soot-streaked but uninjured, wand still clutched tightly in his hand. Behind him came several Aurors, and lastly, Albus Dumbledore himself stepped through the Floo.
The room shifted instantly.
Frank didn't even greet anyone.
"Lily!"
He crossed the distance in three long strides and dropped to one knee before her, hands gripping her shoulders as though to confirm she was real.
"You're alright? You're not hurt? Did they—"
"I'm okay, Father," Lily said quickly, almost overwhelmed. "I'm really okay."
Frank pulled her into a fierce hug, burying his face in her hair. For a moment, the veteran Auror was simply a father.
Lily stood stiffly at first.
This level of attention was unfamiliar.
Her entire life, she had been on the edges of conversations. In the background. Watching Neville be praised. Watching important guests speak about "the boy who lived."
Now everyone's eyes were on her.
It felt… strange.
Unsettling.
Dumbledore watched quietly from near the fireplace, his blue eyes sharp and thoughtful.
And then, inevitably, attention shifted.
Toward Lord Blackfire.
The short wizard stood composed near the edge of the room, hands folded behind his back. He neither sought praise nor deflected it.
Frank rose slowly and faced him.
"You have my eternal gratitude," he said sincerely. "The Ministry had no leads. None. And yet you found her."
Murmurs of agreement followed.
An Auror near the back stepped forward slightly.
"With respect, my lord," he said carefully, "how exactly did you locate Miss Longbottom when the Auror Office could not?"
The question wasn't accusatory but suspicion edged it.
Another Auror muttered quietly to his colleague, not quietly enough.
"Or perhaps he knew where she was all along."
The air shifted.
Frank Longbottom turned sharply toward the speaker, his gaze turning cold enough to freeze steel.
"Careful," he said, voice low and dangerous. "That accusation borders on insult."
The Auror stiffened immediately.
"I meant no disrespect."
Blackfire raised a hand lightly.
"It is a fair question," he said calmly.
The room quieted.
"I have resources," he continued. "Information networks. Capabilities the Ministry does not."
That was true enough.
"And what do you want in return?" Frank asked bluntly.
Blackfire didn't hesitate.
"Nothing."
Frank frowned slightly. "Nothing?"
"I did this as a favor."
"A favor to Longbottom family?" Dumbledore asked gently.
Every eye shifted toward the Headmaster.
Blackfire's face tilted slightly in his direction.
"To Harry Potter."
The room fell still.
Frank blinked once. "Harry?"
Dumbledore's gaze sharpened.
"And what," he asked smoothly, "is your relationship with young Harry?"
That was the real question.
Blackfire's tone remained casual.
"Harry works at my hotel."
Several Aurors exchanged surprised looks.
"He also happens to be the grandson of a close friend of mine."
Dumbledore leaned forward slightly.
"Fleamont Potter?" he asked, curiosity unmistakable. "I was well acquainted with him."
If someone like Blackfire were close to the Potter family patriarch, Dumbledore would likely have known.
Blackfire shook his head.
"Not that one."
A brief pause.
"I refer to his adopted grandfather. The one who removed him from the muggle household and brought him into our world."
A few Aurors glanced at each other in confusion.
"Teozad Umbra," Blackfire said calmly. "A wanderer. Hardly stationary long enough to build friendships in one place."
Dumbledore's eyes narrowed almost imperceptibly.
"And he entrusted Harry to you?"
"For a time" Blackfire replied. " Now an auror named Cassandra Vale oversees his daily care. But yes. I consider him as my own grandson."
The room buzzed faintly with disbelief.
Before more questions could be asked, Blackfire stepped backward toward the open doors.
"I believe my presence here is no longer required."
Frank stepped forward.
"You will always be welcome at Longbottom Manor."
Almost everyone inside Longbottom Manor ended up following Lord Blackfire outside.
As he quietly excused himself and walked toward the outer ward boundary, people simply moved with him — Aurors, family friends, even a few Ministry officials who had arrived late.
The protective wards shimmered faintly as they crossed the perimeter.
Beyond them, the carriage waited.
The Morticorns stood calmly, their dark coats gleaming faintly. Their bat-like wings flexed occasionally, tails swishing lazily. They looked patient, almost intelligent.
And beside them stood Cody.
The house-elf appeared deeply engrossed in conversation with Xenophilius Lovegood, who was scribbling furiously on parchment while nodding enthusiastically.
"…yes, yes, fascinating wing structure," Xenophilius was saying. "And you say the tail hair retains residual levitation properties even after shedding?"
"Yes, sir!" Cody replied proudly. "I discovered that accidentally. Morticorns must be treated kindly for hair to shed naturally."
Xenophilius looked positively radiant.
As Lord Blackfire approached, Cody straightened immediately.
"Carriage ready, my lord."
Blackfire gave a small nod.
Before he could step closer, a blur of movement rushed toward him.
Lily.
She wrapped her arms around him without hesitation.
Because of his short stature, it was surprisingly easy.
"Thank you," she said softly, voice trembling slightly. "For everything."
Blackfire gently placed a hand on her shoulder.
"We will meet again," he told her calmly.
"I know," Lily said quickly. Then she hesitated. "And… could you tell Harry thank you for me? Please? I know he sent you."
Blackfire inclined his head.
"I will pass the message."
She smiled faintly.
Just as he turned toward the carriage door, Blackfire paused.
From inside his cloak, he produced a small pouch and handed it to Lily.
"For you."
She accepted it carefully, almost reverently.
"Thank you," she whispered again. "For… whatever this is."
Blackfire didn't elaborate.
He simply nodded.
Then he entered the carriage.
The Morticorns spread their wings.
With a powerful beat, they lifted smoothly into the air, the carriage rising behind them without the slightest strain.
A moment later, light bent strangely around them.
Magical cloaking.
Xenophilius Lovegood waved enthusiastically toward the empty sky, clutching several strands of Morticorn tail hair Cody had given him earlier.
"Extraordinary creatures!" he declared happily.
Lily waved too.
So did Luna.
Ginny followed.
When the carriage fully disappeared, silence settled briefly.
Then curiosity exploded.
"So… what did he give you?" Ginny asked first.
"Yes," Luna added dreamily. "It looked important."
Neville leaned closer.
"Open it."
Lily glanced at the pouch.
For a moment, she simply held it.
Then slowly, she loosened the drawstring and slipped her hand inside.
Her expression changed instantly.
When she pulled her hand out, everyone saw them.
Seeds.
Different shapes, sizes, colors.
Tiny seeds, large ones, smooth, ridged, winged, round.
A small collection of plant life waiting to exist.
And Lily knew.
She didn't know how.
But she knew.
"This one's apple," she said quietly, selecting a small brown seed.
The certainty in her voice made everyone pause.
"Why would he give you seeds?" Neville asked, puzzled.
Lily didn't answer immediately.
Instead, she walked to the patch of earth where the Morticons had just taken off.
The soil there was still slightly disturbed.
She knelt.
Placed the seed carefully on the ground.
Then rested her palm over it.
She just sat there.
Eyes half-closed.
Breathing slowly.
But Lily felt something.
Warm.
Gentle.
Like the ground was listening.
Like something inside her knew exactly what to do.
And then—
The soil shifted.
A tiny green sprout pushed upward.
Ginny gasped.
Neville blinked rapidly.
Luna leaned forward with intense fascination.
The sprout grew.
Fast.
Leaves unfolded.
Stem thickened.
Branches split outward.
Within seconds it was a sapling.
Within half a minute, a young tree.
And then—
A full apple tree stood there.
Strong trunk.
Wide canopy.
Glossy green leaves.
Branches heavy with ripe, red apples.
Real.
Silence followed.
Absolute silence.
Aurors stared.
Parents stared.
Friends stared.
Even seasoned witches and wizards who had seen advanced magic looked stunned.
Because this wasn't normal spellwork.
It wasn't charms.
It wasn't transfiguration.
It was… Pure, natural magic accelerated beyond belief.
And it came from Lily.
The girl many believed to be a squib.
Ginny finally spoke first.
"…that was incredible."
Neville looked between the tree and his sister repeatedly.
"You… you did that?"
Lily nodded slowly.
"Lord Blackfire gifted me the ability."
Luna smiled brightly.
"That makes sense. He seems like someone who have unusual gifts."
Alice Longbottom stood frozen, hand covering her mouth.
Frank simply stared.
Because they understood what this meant.
Their daughter was not magicless.
She was extraordinary.
And they hadn't seen it.
No one spoke for several long seconds.
The apple tree swayed gently in the breeze, completely real, completely rooted.
Living proof.
And somewhere far above, hidden beyond sight, Harry allowed himself a quiet smile.
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