AT HOGWARTS,
The grand halls of Hogwarts buzzed with a tense silence as Hermione stepped forward, her face calm but intense. Every student and teacher present froze at her words, the weight of her revelation sinking in like a stone in still water. Whispers rippled across the room, disbelief and awe intertwining in the air.
Draco, his brow furrowed in confusion, broke the silence first. "How… how is this possible?" he asked, his voice sharp. "How could Shadow Claw have been reborn as Thorn Claw? How can everything be connected like this?"
Ron leaned forward, his hands fisting slightly. "Draco's right," he admitted. "I feel the same way. It's… a lot to take in."
Hermione held up a hand, silencing them both. "Just listen to me carefully," she said, her tone commanding yet patient. "Shadow Claw, before dying, felt a deep sense of regret. It couldn't help the people it once harmed, and it carried the weight of all those lives it had taken. Shadow Claw regretted its cruelty."
She paused, letting the room absorb her words before continuing. "Master Helian predicted that Shadow Claw's rebirth would happen after generations, and when the time came, only a Dragon's power controlled by the same Dragon could unlock it fully. In the case of Shadow Claw, that Dragon is now Thorn Claw. James' greatest weapon is Thorn Claw, whose flames are capable of destroying any magic spell, even dark marks."
Hermione's eyes gleamed with intensity. "Those same flames were used once to create gemstones—the very ones the diary mentioned. If James was truly a legend, he didn't just seek gemstones; he sought Thorn Claw as well. But there's something you all may have missed." She scanned the room, making everyone lean in. "Why were so many of the Dark Army after Hogwarts, and not James directly? Why didn't Voldemort attack James himself? Perhaps he feared Thorn Claw. Even sending the Dark Army after Dumbledore's diary suggests he knew more than anyone suspected. Voldemort is weakening. He may even have wanted to bring back Varkon Black's shade spirit, for their ambitions were aligned."
Hermione's voice softened but remained firm. "And here's my question: why can no one control Thorn Claw? Why did Voldemort kidnap Thorn Claw if not to wield its power? Neither he nor Bellatrix could control it—just as Shadow Claw followed only Aldric, and Aldric predicted that in its next life, it would find a master worthy of its loyalty. James and Aldric share the same birthmark on their shoulders; a sign, perhaps, that Thorn Claw only listens to James, protecting him from everything."
Her gaze swept over them all. "If Shadow Claw and Thorn Claw aren't connected, why would Voldemort have taken Thorn Claw at all? Why entrust it to Bellatrix, knowing she couldn't command it?"
A heavy silence fell over the group. Every student and teacher sat, processing Hermione's words. Finally, Harry spoke, his voice low but reverent. "I… I think Hermione is right. She solved the hardest puzzle of all." He shook his head slightly. "But if Thorn Claw truly is Shadow Claw in its past life, does Thorn Claw even know it?"
Hagrid chuckled softly, his eyes warm. "Maybe, maybe not, Harry. But we should praise Hermione. She didn't just solve a puzzle—she gave us critical information. Truly, she's the brightest, most intelligent witch I've ever seen."
Hermione smiled, a hint of blush rising to her cheeks. Harry's expression softened, admiration shining in his eyes. "I have no words, Hermione. But you are indeed a genius, a deep and logical thinker. I'm proud to have you in our team."
Ron leaned back, a thoughtful frown creasing his face. "Hermione is intelligent, yes… but I have another question."
Harry's eyes narrowed, leaning forward. "What is it, Ron? Just spit it out."
Ron hesitated, then said, voice dropping. "Do you think Dumbledore only wanted us to know the truth about Hogwarts' ancient story… and about Varkon Black's shade? I feel like there's more we need to know."
The words hung in the air like a spell, silencing everyone once again.
( Scene shifts to James and his friends adventure)
Meanwhile, far from the castle, James, Rose, and Scorpius sat astride Thorn Claw, the dragon's massive wings casting shadows over the ground below. On a magical flying cloth nearby, Dagger, Albus, Frank, Bobby, and Miss Mirael floated gracefully, their eyes scanning the horizon.
James' expression was heavy with guilt. "I feel bad about Andrew," he admitted softly.
Dagger, calm and reassuring, placed a hand on James' shoulder. "Don't feel bad about Andrew. He is one of the greatest men I've ever known. Right now, we have other things to focus on."
James looked up, confusion etched on his face. "Other things? Like what?"
Dagger's eyes sparkled with a quiet confidence. "We need to find the gemstones before Voldemort does."
James' eyebrows shot up. "How?"
Dagger glanced at Miss Mirael. "She will guide us. I know she already has knowledge of the map and can help us navigate."
Miss Mirael nodded. "Yes. But we must proceed carefully. The hunt isn't simple."
Soon, they landed near a sprawling, ancient tree, its roots curling like sleeping serpents. Rose, ever organized, retrieved a bundle of clothes from her bag. "Here, everyone," she said, handing out fresh garments. "Change into these. We need to be prepared."
Frank frowned as he donned his new outfit. "We have to start the gemstone hunt immediately. Gryffindor's diamond first."
Miss Mirael shook her head gently. "No, Frank. We cannot rush. First, James, give me the map."
James handed over the rolled parchment, and Miss Mirael examined it carefully. Her fingers traced the lines, murmuring words of an ancient incantation. Suddenly, a glowing orb appeared in her palm. The sphere shimmered with an ethereal light, floating above the map.
"Navigate us to the right direction," Miss Mirael instructed the orb. "We cannot go blindly. The gemstones are hidden, protected by puzzles and keys."
The orb glowed brighter, then moved across the map, halting at a particular location. Miss Mirael touched it, her eyes glazing as a vision took hold.
"We need the Helian Hufflepuff diamond first," she said, pulling her hand away. "The Hufflepuff gemstone is the key to finding the others. But before that, we must locate another artifact—the Key. It's hidden, likely guarded by magic. Without it, we cannot access the diamond."
Dagger nodded solemnly. "Where do we search for this Key?"
The group fell silent, each member lost in thought. The challenge was daunting, yet their determination shone like a beacon. The fate of the magical world—and perhaps the legacy of Shadow Claw and Thorn Claw—rested on their shoulders.
The tension of Hogwarts, the weight of history, and the pulse of adventure intertwined, leaving every mind racing. Hermione had provided answers, but new questions surged. James and his team faced not only Voldemort's schemes but the legacies of dragons, ancient magic, and the very essence of friendship and loyalty. Each decision, each step forward, would shape not just their journey, but the fate of all magic itself.