"Damn it!"
Above a vast desert, a monstrous scorpion with two heads and a dark green carapace pursued Vera relentlessly.
The creature's aggression suggested she had somehow stolen its offspring.
Vera's casual curses indicated she had grown accustomed to such encounters. She waved her wand with practiced efficiency, delivering powerful blows to the magical creature behind her.
After casting a binding spell to temporarily trap the mutated poisonous scorpion, she escaped successfully.
Hiss! Hiss! Hiss!
The enormous scorpion waved its dark green pincers, roaring angrily at Vera's retreating form high in the sky.
From her position of temporary safety, Vera looked down at the enraged creature with weary resignation.
Why?
She had merely been passing through, not invading its territory or threatening its young.
Yet despite these thoughts, Vera understood the root cause wasn't the scorpion's natural aggression.
The problem was herself.
These incidents had occurred with such frequency that she had begun cataloging patterns and developing survival strategies.
First: avoid spatial magic, especially long-distance Apparition.
This invariably failed, depositing her into dangerous situations—most notably, her unexpected encounter with Voldemort.
Second: remain grounded whenever possible.
Walking limited potential threats to terrestrial magical creatures lacking flight capabilities.
Flying, however, invited pursuit across hundreds of miles, often by multiple attackers in coordinated groups.
Third: avoid populated areas.
Wilderness encounters with magical creatures proved far preferable to being hunted by Aurors in cities.
She had learned this lesson directly, having been tracked by Hunter Association teams comprising seven or eight elite wizards working in concert.
Worse still, longer pursuits attracted additional hunters.
She had developed numerous additional precautions: mind your own business, avoid black markets, never remain in one location for more than three consecutive days, refuse items offered by unfamiliar wizards...
Vera now understood she had become a living embodiment of misfortune.
What extraordinary bad luck!
She couldn't travel without attracting magical creatures intent on her destruction.
This growing awareness made her reluctant to return to New York.
She feared her presence might disrupt the Sanctum's construction.
Why?
Vera sighed heavily.
Surveying her surroundings—an endless desert devoid of visible life—she descended to the ground.
Experience had taught her that sparse populations and minimal magical fluctuations offered the greatest safety.
The desert satisfied these requirements perfectly.
Her current priority was identifying methods to remove the curse afflicting her.
Though no tangible evidence had surfaced, circumstantial proof was overwhelming.
She labored under a curse of extraordinarily high caliber—one that manipulated destiny itself.
She had essentially become a risk factor catalyst. In any environment, no matter how safe, she invariably encountered whatever danger existed.
Even if she successfully navigated nine hazards, the tenth inevitably found her.
Until this curse lifted, returning to New York remained unthinkable.
The consequences of doing so were too unpredictable.
Walking across the desert, endless golden sand stretched before her.
The sun hung mercilessly overhead, with no vegetation offering relief.
Yet this desolation brought a strange mixture of loneliness and security.
As a skilled wizard, the desert's extreme conditions posed no real threat.
No adult wizard would succumb to mere environmental hazards.
Magic provided solutions for every discomfort.
With a gentle wave of her wand, dark clouds began forming in the previously clear sky.
Tick-tock! Tick-tock!
Accompanied by a rhythmic sound, a gentle drizzle descended.
Simultaneously, a cool breeze arrived from the distance.
Vera sighed appreciatively as comfortable temperatures replaced the scorching heat.
Though circumstances forced her into desolate regions, she saw no reason to endure unnecessary discomfort.
Creating a more hospitable environment represented a small but justified comfort.
Another wand movement caused the surrounding sand to condense.
The loose golden particles became cohesive and solid.
Within minutes, a small house materialized before her.
Entering this magical dwelling, Vera sat on a stool, closed her eyes, and contemplated her situation.
New York remained inaccessible for the foreseeable future.
Her journey must continue.
Her mission couldn't be abandoned.
These realizations brought a mixture of resentment and helplessness.
What had begun as a recreational excursion had transformed into a complex mission requiring constant vigilance.
"Damn Voldemort!"
"Sooner or later, you'll be consigned to hell, suffering eternal torment..."
After this habitual cursing of Tom Riddle, Vera seated herself at the table.
She withdrew an envelope and waved her wand, channeling magical energy.
Dense script appeared on the white paper.
Whoosh!
With a simple glance and subtle hand movement, the letter folded itself under magical influence.
Soon, a small carrier pigeon materialized before her.
After infusing it with additional magic, she gestured toward the door.
The pigeon flew out and disappeared into the distance, heading toward New York.
The curse apparently targeted only herself.
Without her physical presence, everything functioned normally.
She had sent three or four previous letters without incident.
Walking to the doorway, she observed the gentle rain and cool breeze.
The golden desert stretched endlessly around her small shelter.
After a contemplative sigh, she returned inside.
Closing her eyes, she began investigating her curse.
Ordinary mental exploration proved ineffective.
Vera sat cross-legged on the floor and initiated the Heaven's Stair meditation with closed eyes.
One step, two steps, three steps—she slowly ascended the platform of her inner world, walking to its highest point and standing at the edge.
Then—
She jumped!
Soul projection!
The next moment, a transparent duplicate of herself floated beside her meditation-locked physical form.
She examined her body and sensed her soul's condition.
As her spiritual power expanded, the space around her grew.
A colorful, dreamlike sphere of light appeared.
Remembering Wanda's expression when presenting this gift, a faint smile crossed Vera's face.
She swallowed the sphere in a single gulp.
Wanda's power maintained close connections to probability and destiny.
This seven-colored light sphere, specially crafted by Wanda, served a single purpose:
To improve its owner's subsequent luck.
This arrived at the perfect moment, potentially countering her current misfortune.
At minimum, it might allow her to remain safely in place while developing a long-term strategy.
America, New York Sanctum
Carter held a letter covered in elegant script, walking expressionlessly toward the conference room.
Numerous wizards had already gathered there.
Ian, Kaecilius, Holm, Snape, and others—all high-ranking members of their organization.
They had assembled to discuss crucial next steps.
After Carter entered, she briefly surveyed the attendees, confirming everyone's presence.
She stood directly before her seat and issued a subtle cough.
The room immediately quieted.
Regardless of individual status, Carter held the highest authority among those present. Only Kaecilius, former Guardian Sorcerer of the New York Sanctum, approached her standing.
Carter served as Kamar-Taj's principal in the wizarding world. This represented her domain.
By unanimous consensus, Carter led their efforts.
Even Kaecilius acknowledged this arrangement.
After all, everyone present served Lockhart ultimately.
"Good morning, everyone. I've called this meeting to discuss several important matters."
"First, some positive news—the New York Sanctum's construction is essentially complete."
"However, certain follow-up procedures require everyone's cooperation."
"Sorcerer Kaecilius bears primary responsibility for these matters, so please heed his guidance."
With this introduction, Carter seated herself.
Kaecilius, apparently anticipating this transition, immediately stood.
"The New York Sanctum has taken form," he announced with a smile. "Completing construction so rapidly would have proven impossible without everyone's contributions."
"I believe that, assuming events proceed smoothly, we'll soon receive substantial reinforcement."
"Our current circumstances will improve dramatically."
This statement elicited smiles from the assembled wizards.
Kaecilius then shifted topics, his tone growing more complex.
"Although the Sanctum's physical structure stands complete, our greatest challenge lies immediately ahead."
"When the New York Sanctum officially activates and begins merging with the world's dimensional void, we will likely lose ability to conceal our presence."
"At that moment, Voldemort's Hunter-Slayer Association will certainly mobilize."
"That period represents our moment of greatest vulnerability."
"Everyone must prepare mentally for this reality."
"Of course, we've developed contingency plans."
Kaecilius delivered these warnings calmly, while his audience's expressions grew solemn.
After elaborating on several additional points, Kaecilius concluded his explanation regarding the New York Sanctum and resumed his seat.
"We need not overstate the Sanctum's importance," Carter said. "Everyone must maintain readiness when we return to our respective duties."
She then introduced the next agenda item.
"Additionally, critical information has emerged that everyone should know."
"Voldemort appears to have developed a powerful curse capability."
"This affects a wizard's fortune for extended periods."
"The afflicted wizard experiences extraordinary misfortune—crises accumulate without respite, growing increasingly dense, complex, and deadly."
"In essence, without intervention, this constitutes a terminal curse. Death becomes merely a matter of time."
"Moreover, the effect likely spreads from the individual to their surroundings."
"For example, my student Vera currently suffers under such a curse."
Following this revelation, the conference room erupted with concerned murmurs.
Everyone engaged in urgent discussions with their neighbors.
All present recognized Vera as one of Lockhart's original three disciples.
She had effectively led their current mission.
Her condition suggested a potentially fatal curse—an alarming development.
However, individuals like Kaecilius and others close to Vera displayed minimal anxiety.
They apparently possessed prior knowledge of her situation.
"Everyone, please remain calm," Carter instructed.
"This curse won't immediately threaten life."
"Nevertheless, vigilance remains essential."
"This development indicates our opponents have accessed destiny-level manipulations."
"Should anyone notice unusual patterns affecting themselves or associates, report immediately."
"We must collaborate to develop countermeasures."
Most wizards present nodded solemnly, acknowledging her guidance.
"Next, regarding resources—construction of the New York Sanctum has depleted significant supplies..."
Carter continued addressing each prearranged topic, consulting the group to formulate upcoming strategies.
The conference room grew increasingly animated with discussion and occasional debate.
Hunter Association Headquarters
"Hurry with those preparations!"
"Remove those flowers—His Majesty dislikes white roses."
"Arrange seating strictly according to rank and status."
Tap! Tap! Tap!
Throughout the Hunter Association building, Muggle-born wizards hurried back and forth, carrying various items with evident urgency.
Their haste was understandable.
News had arrived unexpectedly—His Majesty would travel from distant London to visit the Association personally.
Every wizard present felt their heart suspended by a thread, anxiety mounting.
A single misstep noticed by His Majesty Riddle could prove disastrous.
Draco stood within the conference room, scrutinizing every detail as though this might alleviate his internal tension.
Through his father's influence, he had secured a position several seats closer to the front.
Seated before him was Luca, the Hunter Association's senior executive.
Master Luca actively campaigned for the Association's presidency.
The Hunter Association had grown into a formidable power.
Its primary weakness stemmed from the vacant presidential position, resulting in several competing factions engaged in internal conflict.
Various individuals sought the presidential role.
The American Ministry of Magic and even the Federal Minister in London had involved themselves in this competition.
This reflected the Association's significance.
Plainly speaking, controlling the Hunter Association represented a direct path to the Federation's ruling echelon.
No ambitious wizard would willingly surrender such an opportunity.
In the conference room, powerful wizards and Association leaders sat silently in their assigned places.
No one spoke.
Occasionally, someone would glance toward the entrance, watching for movement, anticipating an arrival.
Finally—
A figure wearing dark green wizard robes with golden thread embroidery at the cuffs appeared before them.
Every wizard present stood immediately and bowed deeply.
"We greet His Majesty."
"May the Federation prosper eternally, and may Your Majesty enjoy immortal life!"