Hogwarts, the School Infirmary
"Lockhart, Tom excelled in many fields, but his expertise in dark magic is unparalleled," said Slughorn, lying back on the hospital bed. He bit into a bright red apple, his voice deep and grave.
"I must admit, he's the most talented individual in dark magic I've encountered in my entire life," he continued, pausing before adding, "Stronger than even Dumbledore."
Lockhart took a sip of water, his expression calm and composed. "Don't worry, Professor Horace," he replied reassuringly. "Dumbledore and I will ensure your safety."
Slughorn sighed heavily but said nothing more. Unlike Dumbledore and Lockhart, he had firsthand experience of Tom Riddle's strength and ruthlessness. Splitting one's soul multiple times was not something an ordinary wizard could endure. It required an extraordinary lack of empathy and an unparalleled depth of obsession.
The very instability of Voldemort's fragmented soul seemed to amplify his mastery of dark magic.
Slughorn, however, was not one to dwell on grim topics. He decided to shift the conversation. "Lockhart, I heard you're starting a new school. Congratulations!" His tone lightened with curiosity. "Has the location been decided yet?"
The idea of a new wizarding school in Britain, especially one endorsed by the Wizengamot and the Ministry of Magic, intrigued him. The Ministry's decision to allow Muggle-born students only added to the novelty.
Lockhart's face lit up with a smile. "Yes, Professor Horace. The location has been finalized, and construction will begin soon. I hope you'll attend the opening ceremony when the time comes."
"Of course," Slughorn replied without hesitation. "It's a monumental event—the second wizarding school in Britain after Hogwarts! Though I hear it's aimed at Squibs…" His voice dropped mischievously. "Will Dumbledore attend? And will your school's recruitment put pressure on Hogwarts?"
Lockhart chuckled. "If my school gives Hogwarts a bit of competition, that would be a delightful bonus," he said with mock seriousness. "I'll do my best to match and even surpass Hogwarts in teaching quality."
Slughorn laughed heartily, clearly amused. The notion of a brand-new school rivaling the centuries-old Hogwarts was preposterous to him.
"Professor Horace, I'd love for you to come teach a potion class at my school someday," Lockhart said with a warm smile. "Your expertise is legendary."
"Of course," Slughorn replied, chuckling again. "I'll consider it if the opportunity arises."
Despite his words, Slughorn had no intention of leaving Hogwarts. It was a sanctuary, and Dumbledore's protection ensured his safety during turbulent times. A fledgling school for Squibs, with limited resources and uncertain prospects, simply couldn't compare.
Lockhart, noting Slughorn's deflection, shifted the conversation toward potions and meditation techniques. Despite the professor's polite skepticism, Lockhart's ambitions were clear—his school would need top-tier talent in every field.
Late at Night, Knockturn Alley
The moonlight cast an eerie glow on the grimy cobblestones of Knockturn Alley. Shadows flickered against the walls, and the occasional strange noise echoed through the narrow streets.
Pale figures in tattered black robes moved swiftly and purposefully through the alley. Occasionally, they exchanged glances, sensing a familiar presence, but no words were spoken. Their pace quickened.
Howl!
A wolf's cry pierced the night, sending a shiver through the group. Nervous, they hurried toward their destination—a nondescript building at the alley's end.
Inside, the room was far larger than it appeared from the outside, thanks to an extension charm. The dimly lit space was filled with poorly dressed wizards, their attention fixed on the high platform at the front.
At the center stood Fenrir Greyback, the leader of the werewolves. His wild, ferocious appearance matched his reputation, his black leather jacket clinging to his imposing frame.
Howl!
Fenrir's wolfish cry silenced the murmurs. He raised his right arm, which began to shift before their eyes—gray fur sprouted, and sharp claws extended. His wolf-like transformation commanded the attention of every werewolf present.
"We are all one people!" Fenrir roared, his voice gravelly and powerful. "This world is filled with hatred and malice toward us werewolves!"
He gestured emphatically, his claws gleaming under the dim light.
"We are innocent, yet we cannot hold respectable jobs. We are shunned, hunted, and discriminated against by wizards!"
His voice grew louder, angrier. "Why? Why?"
The gathered werewolves began to stir, their emotions bubbling to the surface.
"I'll tell you why," Fenrir growled. "Because we are weak. Weakness is the original sin!"
His words struck a chord. The crowd's restlessness turned to quiet rage, their eyes glowing faintly in the darkness.
"If we were united, if we were strong, would the wizards dare look down on us?" Fenrir shouted. "It's not our fault that we turn into wolves under the full moon. Our fault is our lack of unity and power!"
His voice rose to a fever pitch, full of fanatical fervor.
"Now, we have an opportunity!" Fenrir declared. "The great Dark Lord seeks our aid. Together, we can reshape the world and claim the respect we deserve!"
He paced across the platform, his words igniting the crowd.
"No more hiding in the shadows! No more living like beggars! Every werewolf will walk in the sunlight, marry, have children, and receive an education like any wizard!"
The werewolves erupted in excitement, their faces and bodies showing hints of transformation—fur sprouted, and their eyes gleamed with hunger and rage.
Fenrir seized the moment. "Now, let us meet the great Dark Lord!"
Whoosh!
A flash of black light illuminated the room, and Voldemort appeared on the platform. His black robes billowed as his crimson eyes scanned the crowd. His smooth, pale skin and serpentine features radiated an aura of death and domination.
==============================================
Support me at p@treon.com/goldengaruda and check out more chapter of this or more early access chapter of my other fanfic translation.
=============================================
Check out a new Fanfic [ Supernatural: Adam, The 3rd Winchester Brother]
Not a translation but my own fanfic