Unbeknownst to Thomas, Dumbledore had contacted the Ministry of Magic, in particular Amelia Bones informing her of what had transpired near Hogwarts last night, without the part where a hooded figure was eating a unicorn of course, but he did point out the involvement of a devil in that event as well as sending a few carcasses of the creatures, Thomas had killed for further investigations. The events of the previous night were troubling, particularly the involvement of a devil near Hogwarts. The safety of the new generation of wizards and witches was the most important thing for Amelia and her department, and any potential threat needed to be addressed swiftly and decisively before any harm can be done.
And unfortunately for her, Amelia had to reach out once again to the underworld. However that wasn't what made Amelia uncomfortable, not even close after all years of working in her line of duty, made her numb to strange and otherworldly unheard things, but the thoughts of having to meet the cheerful and childish diplomat of the devils made her shiver. Despite being younger than Serafall by a few hundred years, Amelia felt like a grandmother in the presence of this particular Satan.
Exactly one hour after she contacted the underworld, Serafall Leviathan, with her vibrant personality and rather vulgar-looking attire, arrived at the Ministry of Magic in London. Amelia Bones was already waiting for her and as soon she spotted her amidst the bustling corridors, Serafall quickly made her way towards her with a smile plastered on her face.
"Madam Bones!" Serafall called out, excited and happy to see Amelia. "It's been a while since our last meeting. I hope you've been keeping well?"
Amelia forced herself to return Serafall's smile, wondering how could this woman have such an infectious enthusiasm. "Satan Leviathan, it's a pleasure to see you again. I have indeed been well. Thank you for asking."
As the pleasantries settled, Serafall's expression shifted, going into her business mode. "Now, Madam Bones, I must admit, I'm quite curious about the reason behind this diplomatic meeting between our respective communities."
Amelia's expression turned grim as soon as she heard Serafall's words. " I hope you remember the last incident involving the Astaroth main family."
Serafall nodded her head in response.
"Last night, Thomas Grayson, the boy who had been attacked by a hired Youkai, had once again, found himself in a conflict, this time thought, against a devil."
Serafall blinked in shock, her cheerful expression fading as she could barely comprehend what she was hearing. While it wasn't unheard of devils attacking humans or wizards and witches, it was surely a first for a devil to attack a student inside of Hogwarts grounds, especially since Albus Dumbledore was still alive and the headmaster of the school.
For the first time since she had talked with the cheerful Satan, Amelia saw her looking concerned as she replied with a trembling voice, "Attacking a student near Hogwarts, especially with Albus Dumbledore in the castle... What kind of crazy person would dare to do such a thing? "
"A stray devil, Satan Leviathan, that's what our preliminary investigation had determined. However, this incident has raised serious concerns within our ministry. While I'm not so sure as for how Mr. Grayson was in this situation, I dare to guess that this time, he wasn't the one who was being targeted and that there's more to this story than Headmaster Dumbledore shared with us."
Serafall's eyes narrowed when she heard what Amelia just revealed. If what she was saying was true, then there was indeed something else in the middle and this young boy had stumbled right into it.
"Madam Bones, what do you believe was the missing part of the story that Albus Dumbledore omitted from his report?"
Amelia's brows furrowed as she pondered the question for a moment before looking back at Serafall. "We know for a fact that Thomas Grayson and Draco Malfoy, both first years, were simply doing detention in the forest in the presence of one of the school personnel, but from what I know of Dumbledore, he wouldn't willingly withhold information unless he deemed it necessary. There may be a delicate matter involved, something that Dumbledore believes should be handled discreetly and without the Ministry's involvement, which I for one find it strange considering that the life of two students was at risk."
"So, you think there's more to this story, something beyond a simple attack on a student? Like for example, these two students saw something that they shouldn't have and because of that they were attacked."
Amelia nodded in agreement. "Yes, I do. It's possible that Thomas Grayson and Draco Malfoy unintentionally stumbled upon something they weren't meant to see or be a part of. However, the truth is that other than that we don't know anything, and unfortunately, the school's policy forbids the ministry from questioning a student unless he or she approaches us first while they are at school ."
Serafall's eyes sparkled with curiosity. "Madam Bones, I want to put forward a formal request. Would that be possible?"
Amelia looked at Serafall unsure of how to answer her question. What was she after, she asked herself, but in the end, she let out a sigh before answering her. "Of course, Satan Leviathan. The Ministry would be overjoyed to listen to your request and rest assured that we will do everything in our power to fulfill your request."
Serafall practically glowed with happiness upon hearing Amelia's response. A wide smile spread across her face as her eyes sparkled with excitement. "Oh, Madam Bones, you have no idea how happy I am! "
Amelia couldn't help but be taken aback by Serafall's sudden change, and to a scary degree she thought that maybe just maybe she had opened the Pandora's box. Though she was somewhat curious about Serafall's request and what she was after.
At the same time, Serafall wasted no time in expressing her request while the iron was still hot. "My request, Madam Bones, is to meet with Thomas Grayson in one week's time at Hogwarts. Given the school's policy, I doubt he would be allowed to leave the grounds until his summer vacation. I believe a personal meeting with him would be the most effective way to gather information and understand the events that unfolded."
Amelia cursed herself silently in her mind, berating her own foolishness for agreeing to Serafall's request before even listening to it. She couldn't help but feel a tinge of regret, wondering if she had been too easily swayed by Serafall's cheerful personality and seemingly innocent appearance.
As she thought about this request, Amelia couldn't help but worry for Thomas Grayson. She hoped that she hadn't made a grave mistake by allowing this meeting to take place. After all, she was responsible for the well-being of the boy since she allowed this meeting to take place. Trying to shake her thoughts, she took a deep breath before she answered Serfall.
Amelia mustered a faint smile, despite her inner thoughts. "Very well, Satan Leviathan. Your request to meet Thomas Grayson in a week's time at Hogwarts will be fulfilled. I will make the necessary arrangements to ensure your access to the school grounds. However, I must emphasize the importance of maintaining the utmost discretion since as you might know not all of the students know about the existence of the devils, angels, and so on."
Back at Hogwarts, Thomas, James, Adam, and Michael were making their way out of the Charms classroom, smiling and joking about James, who blushed, his cheeks turning a shade of crimson as he defended himself against their teasing about his failed attempt to charm a Hufflepuff girl.
"Come on, guys! Give me a break," James protested, trying to hide his embarrassment, "She was just... really cute, you know?"
Thomas chuckled, feeling a sense of relief that the lighthearted banter was able to lift his spirits. The events of the previous night as well as those from this morning were still new in his head, but being among his friends helped him forget about those things slightly.
"Yeah, James, we know," Thomas replied, playfully nudging his friend's shoulder. "But maybe next time, try not to stumble over your words so much."
Adam joined in the laughter, adding his own playful jabs. "Hey, James, maybe you should take some lessons from Tommy here. He seems to have quite the way with the ladies."
Michael chimed in, grinning at his friend's misfortune. "Yeah, I mean, look at him. Latia, Hermione, Irina... he's got quite the fan club."
Thomas felt a blush creeping up his cheeks as his friends directed the teasing toward him. He raised his hands in mock surrender. "Alright, alright, let's not start with all that. You guys know I'm just friends with them."
James seized the opportunity, trying to regain his lost pride. "Oh, just friends? Are you sure about that, Tommy boy? I've seen the way you and Hermione talk. You're practically inseparable."
Thomas rolled his eyes in response, but they could see the smile plastered on his face. "Oh please, James. Don't start making up stories. I know you're just jealous because you couldn't charm that Hufflepuff girl."
The group burst into laughter once again, their friendly banter echoing through the corridor. The teasing continued, but Thomas was grateful for the light-hearted distraction. For a brief moment, he could set aside the recent events and simply enjoy the company of his friends. Unfortunately for them, they couldn't be all that late since their next class was potions with Snape together with the Slytherin which they found strange since usually they were being put together with the Gryffindors. However caught in their batter, they barely heard the bell ringing signaling that they should have been in their next class by now, and because of that the boys knew they had to be quick if they wanted to avoid Snape's wrath.
Breathing heavily, they rounded the corner and caught sight of the Potion classroom just up ahead. The door was still open, and the students were beginning to file inside. They picked up their pace, doing everything in their power to reach the class in time. But just as they reached the classroom's door, Thomas heard Snape's distinct voice calling out his name and his heart sank as he realized he had been singled out. He turned to face Snape, his friends pausing beside him.
Snape's piercing gaze bore into them as he spoke."Mr. Grayson, I suggest you wait outside. We have matters to discuss. As for the three you of you, what are you waiting for?"
Thomas look at Snape in confusion, not knowing what the professor wanted with him. His mind raced through the possibilities, but before he could utter a word, his friends stepped into the classroom, leaving him alone with Snape.
Since there was nothing he could do Thomas steeled himself for whatever was to come, and stepped aside to let his friends enter the classroom. As the door closed behind them, Snape's attention shifted back to him.
"Mr. Grayson," Snape began, "The headmaster has informed me of a matter concerning you. It seems you have found yourself in another dangerous situation and once again related to the devils."
Thomas felt a shiver run down his spine. Snape's words confirmed that his encounters hadn't gone unnoticed by the Ministry. But there was nothing he could do about so he simply nodded his head in response.
"The headmaster believes it is time for you to learn how to protect your mind from mind readers, a skill not typically taught to first-year students. However, given the nature of your experiences, he has asked me to guide you in this matter."
Thomas's eyebrows shot up in surprise. Learning to protect his mind from mind readers? This wasn't something he ever dreamed often again he had Bahamut to help him with that if someone was to try to read his mind.
However, only a fool would refuse such an offer. "I appreciate the headmaster's concern, and your help Professor. However, if it's not too much to answer my question, why am I even allowed to learn such a thing? It can't be really because of my involvement with the biblical factions"
"For now you don't have to know. We will meet twice a week, outside of your regular class schedule. I will provide you with the necessary knowledge and techniques to shield your mind from intrusion, but be warned, Grayson, this will not be an easy task."
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