Avar Coven...
Dana closed his eyes, seemingly lost in thought.
In truth, he was suppressing the burning rage surging within him.
Donna Avery had revealed that the only reason John Flint had targeted his family's tapestry was because the Avar Coven had offered him the exact same terms that Professor Babu Ling was now presenting.
In other words, if not for the Avar Coven, his mother wouldn't have died.
Cornelius Fudge and Ollivander Avery were his enemies—but the source of this entire tragedy was the Avar Coven.
He buried the killing intent in his heart, just as he had hidden his happiest memories during those four long years in Azkaban. When he opened his eyes again, Dana wore a relaxed smile.
"As rich as the Earl?"
He feigned longing.
"That would be wonderful—Professor Babu Ling, what do I need to do?"
"Not yet, child,"
Babu Ling lowered her head, hiding the excitement gleaming in her eyes.
"We're still searching for a key item. Once we find it, we can begin the journey to seek Merlin's Secret Treasure."
"May I ask what kind of key item it is?"
Babu Ling hesitated, then finally replied:
"You've seen it before—it's your family's tapestry, the one that was stolen."
Dana's eyes widened in mock surprise, his acting effortlessly surpassing anything Ewoyn had ever performed.
"My family's tapestry? Professor, do you know who stole it?"
"I… don't know."
"Professor, I have a request."
"Speak."
"Whether the treasure is found or not—could the tapestry be returned to me?"
Babu Ling chuckled softly.
"Of course, child. It was originally yours."
Dana nodded gratefully and stood up.
"Thank you so much, Professor. That tapestry was my mother's favorite item. Getting it back would mean the world to me."
"Go on now, child. Enjoy this school year free of academic burdens. I will contact you once the tapestry is recovered."
"Understood, Professor."
After finishing their performance, Dana left the office of the Ancient Magic Runes professor.
As soon as he stepped outside, his emotions, long suppressed, surged forward uncontrollably. His lake-green eyes turned red again, forcing him to use Merlin's Transfiguration—
—to transform into himself once more.
Avar Coven...
Dana clenched his fists. Once Avery and Fudge are handled, it's your turn.
Had he not completed his third-year coursework ahead of schedule, had he not displayed such ability, Babu Ling might never have approached him.
This twist of fate was unexpected—but welcome.
It was the evening of September 6th.
Due to professors still teaching regular classes, his initial and final exams were spread over a few days—
But still, he had finished them much earlier than the originally planned two weeks.
When Dana returned to the Gryffindor Common Room, he was immediately intercepted by the twins—
"Dana, we finally caught you!"
Dana tilted his head, curious.
"What's wrong?"
Fred looked anxious.
"On the first day of school, we were summoned by the big families in Merlin City. Did you hear about it?"
"I did. Ron told me," Dana replied.
George continued urgently.
"Those scoundrels want to unite and take power away from Earl Dantes! We sent a letter to the Earl right away, but it's been days and there's no reply."
Fred added,
"We think the letter may've been intercepted by those families. Can you contact the Earl and warn him to prepare? We don't want them catching him off guard!"
Dana smiled and nodded.
"Alright. I'll speak with the Earl tomorrow when I return to the team."
"Back to the team? What team?" George asked.
Dana laughed.
"The Merlin City Cannons. I've just completed exams for all twelve of my third-year subjects, so I'm now free from school duties and can fully commit to the Quidditch League."
"That's awesome!"
The twins' eyes lit up.
"Oh—and condolences to the other teams."
The three burst into laughter. Fred slung an arm around Dana.
"Brother, seriously, how did you convince the Professor to let you finish an entire year so early?"
Seeing Fred's excitement, Dana immediately understood they were plotting the same.
He shook his head.
"Don't even try. You two are in fifth year now. OWL exams are mandatory, and the professors will never allow what I did."
The twins' expressions fell.
"Oh, that's awful."
"Yeah, we don't want to take OWLs."
"Those exams are just for getting jobs later, but we already have our own business!"
"Exactly! We're already on the path to freedom!"
"Let's cause a massive scene and get expelled from Hogwarts!"
"Fred, that's brilliant!"
Dana laughed and shook his head.
"Snap out of it! Your mother would never let that happen."
"Nooooo—"
Dana Emrys soon became a legend at Hogwarts—
Completing a full year's coursework on the sixth day of school.
Of course, that had little to do with Earl Dantes.
The rise or fall of a mere Quidditch team couldn't compare to the political chaos the Earl now faced.
"Your Excellency, Earl—
After considering the views of all major property owners in Merlin City, we have come to a unanimous decision.
Your exclusive control of the city's security is reckless.
We propose you transfer management of Merlin City's defensive magic array to a collective council."
In the grand hall of the Wang family villa, dozens of representatives from Merlin City's most powerful families and guilds sat around a long table.
Although Earl Dantes still sat at the head, the atmosphere made it clear—this was a tribunal.
The Earl showed no outward sign of concern. He calmly scanned the faces before him, eyes finally landing on Ewoyn.
"My dear Ewoyn, is this your opinion as well?"
Ewoyn offered a solemn nod.
"I'm sorry, my friend.
You know I trust you.
But as the saying goes, absolute power corrupts absolutely.
Most people don't believe you can remain fair after gaining such a powerful system to control the city."
The Earl leaned back in his chair, a trace of sorrow in his tone.
"So… I give my heart and soul to build the most advanced city in the Wizarding World—and what I get in return is betrayal."
"How can you call this betrayal?"
A representative from Germany's Ascanian family smiled diplomatically.
"Everyone in Merlin City will remember the Earl's accomplishments.
You still own your properties.
You're still the wealthiest person in the city.
We only want to ensure everyone's safety."
The Earl sighed, as if resigned to defeat.
In the eyes of these great families, Earl Dantes was merely a nouveau riche—wealthy, yes, but without true nobility or roots.
Surely he would submit under such pressure.
After all, no one in this world could stand against the combined will of the great families—no one.
Then, the Earl finally spoke again:
"Very well. Do as you please… However,"
He rubbed his temples slowly,
"Have you decided—who will take over maintaining law and order in the city?"
For more chapters
patreon.com/Liamlivingstone