Hogwarts was a pleasant place, especially after going through a war. Everything was the same despite being away for two years; it's strange, I think I'll need to pay attention to this detail in my future adventures.
Everything has been going quite well here, especially now that Daphne seems unwilling to leave my side, following me everywhere. Although I reminded her that it wasn't necessary, and that she should focus on her own activities as well. I can't deny she's an exceptional secretary, managing time in a way I haven't perfected yet. Of course, it's understandable: she's the Greengrass heir, trained for this since childhood. I, on the other hand, have learned what I know through trial and error. She's not perfect, she has her flaws, but without a doubt, she makes my job here at the school much easier.
I have training in the Nest with the girls five days a week, the only days when they all have free time at the same time, due to the different schedules of each year. I have to provide them with potions and revitalizing treatments so they can train after classes without falling asleep from exhaustion.
Then there are the combat magic lessons in the Lair. After living through that war, I learned a lot about what real fighting is. I had faced dark wizards before, but it was the first time I participated in a large-scale battle. I learned from my mistakes, and I hope to teach them some of the lessons I suffered.
I gathered my usual group and the new girls from this year: Ginny, Luna, and Astoria, and we began training. We started with physical exercises, then a review of offensive and defensive spells, and finally, the real training, which the girls hated, especially those with less skill in dodging.
They all tried those new war spells I brought with me. Although I didn't use their full force, they were surprised on more than one occasion by the large-scale explosions they caused, leaving them unable to dodge. That's what I learned: there are magics that simply can't be avoided, and in those cases, you have to be creative and cautious. Even Hermione, who is my girlfriend, couldn't escape, and now she's covered in bruises—minor but visible.
When they were all dirty, exhausted, and a bit angry with me, I gathered them for a special class. I made some pamphlets float with information about a spell.
"This is the Patronus spell. If you want to be considered approved this year, you'll have to cast a corporeal Patronus before the end of the term." (Red)
"Will the professors ask us for this?" asked Tracey, scared and worried.
"No, only me." (Red)
"Are you giving us exams now?" asked Parvati, not happy with the idea of more exams.
"Yes. Although, of course, you can skip it. But keep in mind that if you abandon this or fail…" (Red)
I paused for a moment, enough for them to look at me confused, until their expressions changed. I unleashed my killing aura to the maximum, making many almost lose control of their bladders for a moment. Then, I retracted it and smiled.
"I'll get angry with you and find a way to get my revenge. Maybe… make your clothes disappear in the middle of class," I joked, though no one laughed. The girls were still trembling, even though I had already withdrawn my aura. After the war, after so many deaths—many of which I caused myself—my aggressive auras became much more intense. And after that ritual with Helena, the power of death within me has also intensified a little.
"Why is it necessary to learn this?" asked Penelope, the first to compose herself, trying to lighten the situation when she noticed some girls were on the verge of tears.
"I… want you to be the best witches of this era. I can't say much, but I recently witnessed too much death and destruction. I saw dangers, immense dangers. Surely, you've all heard of the time of the second Dark Lord. I saw something similar, and if something like that were to happen again, I don't want anything to hurt you." (Red)
"But… that couldn't happen again, right?" asked Lavender, still trembling.
"The Dark Lord is dead, and the Ministry won't let another one rise," added Padma, trying to convince herself.
"That's what you think… but I can't tell you more. Let's start the classes, and remember, in addition to the training, you'll have to master this spell. And keep in mind: if just one of you fails, I'll burn your underwear… while you're wearing it." (Red)
The girls shuddered once more; they knew I was capable of that and much more. Many didn't like the harshness of the training, but I had a way of changing their opinions. I made a table appear with a sheet on top and pulled it away, revealing stacks of gold coins.
There it was, the reward after the punishment: I promised them that if they all managed to cast a corporeal Patronus, each one would receive a thousand galleons. This excited them; not all of them came from wealthy families, and a thousand galleons was a significant amount. For those who had money and didn't need it as much, well, Pansy and Daphne were already on my side and could help me convince the rest.
This is how the infernal training began. The professors noticed the girls' exhaustion in class, and Snape even went to speak with the Headmaster, implying that I was doing improper things with the girls, to the point of exhausting them. That he thinks this of me leaves me perplexed, although I suspect that, had I had less self-control, I could have done it. Damn Snape, always sticking his nose in my business... hehe... but I hope he never changes.
I know the training was tough, but I was clear about how to gradually strengthen their will. If I pushed them too much, they would retreat in fear; however, with the right pace, someday they could continue even if they lost an arm or a leg. At least, that's my ideal.
I paid special attention to some, like Ginny and Luna, who performed quite well, almost on the level of the others. My training with them last year helped shorten the gap. Then there was Astoria, with whom I had to be extremely careful due to her condition. If I wasn't, loyalty oath or not, Daphne would try to kill me.
Due to Astoria's fragility, I took the time to use my healing magic to treat her at every opportunity. I knew my magic was suitable to counter the deep effects left by her curse, and I was the one who had freed her from it. I was healing and strengthening her little by little; I was sure that in two or three months, it would be as if she had never been cursed. Though it was a bit uncomfortable, every time I held her hand to analyze her state or helped her heal, she looked at me with shy, excited intensity. I tried to start a conversation to lighten the mood, but it was hard with the girl's nervousness and Ginny, who "accidentally" cast spells in my direction every time she saw us too close.
...
In "The Dragons of Albion," Tenebrius was setting up a notice board similar to the one I had at the Fief. I felt satisfied with the synchronization between his skills, such as the [Guild] and the [Bank], and now the [Guild] with the new [Mission Board].
This board displayed the same missions as the one at the [Fief], although set up so that monthly or long-duration missions were unavailable, and without time-altered settings or reduced injuries. That is, mission time was the same as in reality, and aging effects and injuries were authentic. Missions, which were once simple spontaneous tasks, now also included those from the board.
The werewolves were already there, watching me work, along with other curious people approaching. Seeing so many gathered, some thought there was another event, and in a way, there was: today, drinks up to 100 galleons were half price. It was a trick to promote the board, the mission system, and my new employees.
With more work, I needed more staff, so I hired the werewolf women who participated in the hunts but didn't enjoy combat and sought more administrative jobs. They all passed tests and now worked here in shifts. Additionally, I rejuvenated the appearance of some to make them more attractive and eye-catching, something many of them appreciated even more than the job itself, which made others want to apply as well.
I had sold bricks for crystal coins, and with the proceeds, I improved the board. Now, I had five daily missions and one weekly, accessible both here and from the [Fief], although payments were restricted. Rewards were not received directly as in my case; instead, I kept a profit. The werewolf women at the counters would take care of paying for the missions, both those from the board and others that were offered. However, they only paid 50% of the total reward. This way, I generated constant income without my people wasting time, while also improving my business's reputation.
Many were surprised by the rewards, as some missions turned out to be quite simple. Curiosity grew when Lupin, as the leader of the werewolves, stepped forward and volunteered to be the first to try, disappearing before everyone. There was a murmur of awe, which I calmed by asking for patience. Two hours later, Lupin returned, completely soaked, covered in mud, with some aquatic plants stuck to his clothes.
Lupin seemed relieved to be back, and his words revealed to the present what he had faced: he had to hunt a huge crocodile with magical resistance—not much, but a young wizard would have trouble with it. He explained that it took so long because he had to search for the crocodile in a small swampy jungle. He brought a piece of the animal's tail as proof, and everyone stared, amazed, while he explained what proportion of the tail that section represented.
After this demonstration, I explained how the board worked. I told them it was similar to a portkey, but only for a group of missions that would change every day. Then, I took Lupin to the counter, where he presented the crocodile's tail. The receptionist pretended to verify with her papers, although she could actually see the movements directly in the mission bank account. I gave them access to view the account's earnings, but with limited withdrawal permissions. The receptionist handed Lupin a bag of coins, and he quickly treated his friends to half-price drinks.
My strategy to attract attention worked, and soon more people wanted to try it. The bravest, tempted by the juicy rewards, dared to participate. Meanwhile, I continued promoting the system, explaining that they could link their missions to their account with us, so payments would arrive directly without revealing how much money they earned, thus protecting them from potential thieves. A 2-for-1 deal.
The place stayed lively until late. Most of those who accepted missions returned: some confused, others satisfied, and some disappointed. There were missions of all kinds, from short and simple to long and complex, which generated great excitement. Some were disillusioned that they couldn't participate and looked enviously at those who had received their payment. Only one person failed their mission, which allowed someone else to solve it, causing the first to be mocked and helping to create a competitive atmosphere.
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3rd Additional Chapter
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