Chapter: Curses, Promises, and Plans
It had been a few days since the first task as Harry and I waited in the Forbidden Forest. Looking down at my phone screen, I checked the time before pocketing the device.
"It's about time. Sirius should be here soon…" I said, glancing over at Harry.
"Yeah," he murmured, his voice hopeful. "It's hard to imagine that soon we might finally be able to clear his name—that I might get to live with him and finally leave the Dursleys."
I clapped him on the shoulder and gave him a look of understanding. "Soon," I said simply.
Moments later, a large, shaggy black dog emerged from the trees before slowly transforming into a gaunt man in tattered clothes.
"Hey, pup," Sirius greeted, a grin forming beneath his scruffy beard. "And you must be the infamous Ethan Cross I've been hearing so much about."
He shook my hand before pulling Harry into a brief, fierce hug.
"Well," Sirius said, stepping back, "I'm here because Harry says you can help. What's the plan?"
"Harry and I recently discovered the identity of the one who placed his name in the Goblet—Barty Crouch Junior, disguised as Argus Filch," I explained. "I took the liberty of bugging the idiot. He was paranoid about magical tracking, but a simple tape recorder—properly insulated against magic interference—did the trick. Every word he's said is recorded."
Sirius's expression hardened as I continued. "Through that, we discovered he's been in contact with Peter Pettigrew."
At the mention of Pettigrew, a flash of manic rage passed over Sirius's face before he composed himself. "Where… is he?" he asked through clenched teeth, voice trembling with restrained fury.
"Not so fast," I said calmly. "You want revenge, and I don't blame you. But just taking out Peter doesn't solve the real problem."
I began to pace. "For too long, these pure-blood Death Eaters from wealthy families have wormed their way out of justice using the Imperius curse as an excuse. Voldemort's true power isn't his magic—it's his network. His followers operate in the shadows, assassinating, threatening, and manipulating, while in public they use wealth and influence to protect each other. They bribe the Ministry, twist laws, and prey on fear."
I turned to face them both. "We end that. When Voldemort returns—and he will—he'll gather his most loyal followers to prove his strength. That's when we strike. We take them all out at once."
Harry's fists tightened, resolve flashing in his eyes. Sirius, however, broke into a wide, feral grin.
"Ethan," he said, clapping a hand on my shoulder, "I think you and I are going to be very good friends."
We discussed details for nearly an hour. I deliberately withheld certain information—Sirius had a reckless streak, and I couldn't risk him acting prematurely. When we finished, I summoned one of my house-elves.
"You'll take Sirius to my estate," I instructed. "He'll be safe there—no Ministry official would dare set foot on my property."
Sirius nodded. "I'll rest up and wait. When this tournament's done, so is Voldemort."
The elf took his hand, and with a soft pop, they vanished.
"Now," I said, turning to Harry, "let's head back. We've got work to do before the next task."
Promises and Politics
Morning sunlight filtered through the enchanted windows of my office as I reviewed my notes on upcoming trials and House allegiances. The Sirius plan was coming together—but to guarantee victory, I needed influence in the Wizengamot.
One particular family stood out: the Greengrasses. They were the premeir influence among the moderates, neither willing to openly support Dumblefore and the lighter faction or strictly oppose the darker faction primarily led by Lucius Malfoy. It was smart honestly such tactics kept them safe during Voldemort's reign while away from the eyes of magical law enforcement, but I wanted them firmly on my side. What I wanted done regardless of light or dark faction.
Setting my quill down, I looked up as Daphne Greengrass entered for her class. As always, she carried herself with composed elegance—cool, reserved, and unmistakably Slytherin.
"Good morning, Professor Cross," she greeted, taking her usual seat.
"Morning," I replied. "Before we start today's lesson, I wanted to discuss something else. Do you remember the promise I made to you at the Ball?"
Her eyes widened slightly. "You mean… about my sister?"
"Yes," I said. "I haven't forgotten. I know Astoria's condition has been worsening. I intend to honor that promise. I'll do everything in my power to cure her."
For a moment, Daphne just stared, her composure melting into unguarded hope, she had been let down before but that didn't stop her from hoping again...maybe just maybe Ethan could actually do it. The things he had showed them recently in class were already revolutionary. She stood abruptly, hands clasped tight. "You—thank you, Professor. I didn't think… I mean, I hoped, but—" She caught herself, smoothing her expression. "I'll contact my parents immediately. They'll want to arrange a time for your visit."
"Set it for the weekend," I said. "Make sure Astoria is ready and that your family has a secure space prepared. This curse can be… temperamental."
"Yes, of course," she said quickly, excitement softening her tone. "I'll send an owl tonight."
When she left, I smiled faintly. This will save a life—and secure a powerful family's loyalty.
What I didn't yet know was that the Greengrass patriarch already had plans of his own—plans involving his eldest daughter and the man who had just vowed to save their legacy.
A Night Out Across Worlds
After weeks of training, politics, and endless problem-solving, I decided to take a night for myself—and for my companions.
Focusing on my Essence of Home, I opened a series of shimmering portals. Chaos spilled through instantly.
Megumin leapt through first, staff raised high. "Archwizard Megumin has arrived! Where can I safely detonate an explosion?"
"Preferably nowhere near civilization," I deadpanned.
Yunyun stumbled after her, clutching a satchel. "I—I brought snacks!"
Aqua followed, radiant as ever. "So this is the world of magic I've heard about? Finally—a realm worthy of worshipping me!"
Wolbach entered last, serene and smiling. "Hogwarts, hmm? Let's see what all the fuss is about."
We teleported to Diagon Alley, where pandemonium unfolded almost immediately. Megumin demanded to inspect "mana catalysts," Aqua blessed every passerby she saw, and Yunyun gawked at every shop window. Wolbach merely watched, amused. Darkness' breath hitched seeing a kinky magic sex shop as I face palmed.
Later after shopping for several hours we ended up at Ollivander's, as the wandmaker nearly fainted."My word," he whispered, "your magical signatures… I've never sensed anything like this."
"Get used to it," I said. "Custom wands for each of them. Cost isn't an issue."
When the matches were found:
Megumin's wand crackled with crimson lightning.
Yunyun's shimmered pink, warm and steady.
Aqua's drenched the entire wall in mist.
Wolbach's pulsed with dark energy, swallowing the candlelight.
By the time we left, Diagon Alley was abuzz with rumors of "foreign prodigies."
We ended the night at a lakeside restaurant overlooking the Black Lake in Hogsmeade. Under the silver moonlight, the girls laughed and teased as we shared food and stories.
Megumin dozed off on my shoulder halfway through dessert.Yunyun blushed each time I met her gaze.Aqua bragged about her "divine beauty" between mead refills.And Wolbach just smiled, quiet but content.
It was chaotic. Loud. Perfect.
When the night ended, I sent them all home—except Aqua.
"Why am I staying behind again?" she yawned.
"Because tomorrow," I said, locking the dimensional portal, "we have a life to save."
The Greengrass Estate
The Greengrass estate was serene and sprawling, surrounded by ancient wards and whispering gardens. Daphne greeted us at the door, leading us through the marble halls to Astoria's room, where her parents stood waiting.
Astoria lay pale, faint veins of cursed energy glowing beneath her skin. Hope and fear clung to her family's faces.
"Today is one of the worse days for her..." Daphne sadly said.
"If you can truly do this," Lord Greengrass said gravely, "our family is in your debt."
"No debt," I said evenly, knowing that the best way to gain their favor was to seem to legitimately want to help, which I did anyways honestly. The poor girl did not deserve this fate and I had the resources to restore her easily.
Placing the Horse Talisman on Astoria's chest, I channeled energy into her body. Golden light flooded through her veins—but the curse resisted, shifting and healing itself as fast as I could burn it away.
I sighed. "Aqua."
The goddess stepped forward, cracking her knuckles. "Stand back, mortals. It's miracle time."
Her divine energy intertwined with my mana, radiant and pure. The curse screamed as it dissolved in a storm of silver and blue light. When it faded, Astoria stirred—her complexion flushed with life.
"Mother… Father?" she whispered weakly.
Daphne rushed forward, embracing her. Tears glistened in Lady Greengrass's eyes as Lord Greengrass murmured, "By Merlin… you've done it." he said after the Medi witch cast some diagnostic spells before nodding to him.
Daphne turned, gratitude shining in her eyes, and impulsively kissed my cheek. "Thank you," she whispered.
"It's my honor," I replied, smiling faintly.
As Aqua and I left, I overheard Lady Greengrass's quiet voice:"He's not just powerful. He's brilliant—and uncorrupted."
Lord Greengrass nodded. "A man like that could reshape the wizarding world. Perhaps our Daphne should… remain close to him. For the good of the family."
Outside, Aqua smirked. "You know they're already planning to marry you into their bloodline, right?"
I chuckled. "Let them dream. I've got bigger things to fix first."
A Cure for Monsters
That night, Aqua and I stood in a hidden chamber beneath the castle, surrounded by suspended vials and floating parchment.
"So," she said, holding a flask of silver liquid, "you're really trying to rewrite the curse?"
"Not rewrite," I corrected. "Replace."
Combining the lycanthropy curse of this world with the refined Teen Wolf strain, I aimed to forge a hybrid—one that granted control and strength without madness.
"When it's ready," I said, "Lupin will be the first Alpha of this world. Those he turns will gain balance, not insanity."
Aqua tilted her head. "So… you're curing monsters by making them stronger monsters?"
"Exactly."
She grinned. "You know, Ethan, you're either going to save this world—or terrify it."
I smirked. "Why not both?"
As the formula pulsed with silver-red light, I sealed it in stasis. Another step toward balance. Another weapon for what's coming. An arrow plucked from Voldemort's quiver and added to my own.