"Haaah… what an extraordinary experience!" I was filled with delight at the outcome of our fox safari, and the most precious gift I gained from it was the abilities of Nurarihyon, which I have now fully assimilated into my spiritual essence.
The erstwhile shadow leader of the entire esoteric realm of Japan and a portion of coastal China, where every other ayakashi acknowledged his supremacy, consented and submitted to my authority. However, prior to this, he designated me as his successor, and as a consequence, when I assimilated his essence, incorporating the soul of an ancient daemon that attained the status of a deity, it was effortless for me to assume his abilities without causing any harm to Nurarihyon's own being. At the expense of my personal ba-hyon, I ignited the blossoming of the talents I had acquired from him, elevating them to the same level of potency that Nura possessed during his peak. In this endeavor, I did not require to devour his spiritual essence. As his heir, I swiftly assimilated the seeds of Nurarihyon's inherent traits, nurturing them with my own strength without causing harm to the donor.
And once I had attained all I desired, Nurarihyon's essence, residing in my «stomach», promptly migrated to my realm. The process of dispatching all my minions to the egregor of the One functioned smoothly, and there, rather than initiating Nura's reincarnation, I diverted his essence into the cycle of Sansara. However, prior to this, I meticulously enshrouded it with my celestial might, with a clear objective in mind: to guide the safeguarded essence towards a fresh rebirth within the river of souls, ensuring its integrity and freedom from harm.
Why did I not desire to resurrect such a potent demon, my subordinate, in the current world? What on earth would compel me to do so? I have an abundance of powerful companions and intelligent individuals who follow me and pay me homage. There is no need for Nura to exist in this world.
I undertook this entire endeavour solely for the purpose of concluding a prank with Mei, while also seeking to assert control over those few locations in Japan that have not yet acknowledged Jaromir's authority and have not been claimed by the Order of the Dragon. To me, Nura is merely a figure of the past, removed from his former associates. Thus, best of luck with his resurrection!
Once I fulfilled my duties to my newly acquired subordinate, I commenced exploring the abilities inherited from Nurarihyon.
It transpired that Nurarihyōn possessed only three inherent, species-specific capabilities. Kyōka Suigetsu, an ability allowing Nurarihyōn to replace himself with an illusion, requires at least two orders of magnitude greater potency than that of the original youkai in order to overcome.
Given that this gift is of a mental nature, it was assimilated by my own gift-chimeric creation, formed through the fusion of the mental artifact I inherited as a basilisk, and augmented by the rightful power abilities of material illusion attributed to kitsunes.
Eventually, after Kyoku Suigetsu became an integral part of my psychic endowment, it underwent a transformation, evolving into a more profound and ultimate form. I now possess my own unique Izanagi ability, albeit without the risk of losing my eyes, as my power is not contingent upon the Sharingan, a possession I neither possess nor anticipate acquiring.
To bring me to an end, one must overcome my mastery over illusions and their influence on the fabric of reality. This is no small feat, as in terms of its connection and impact on the intertwined realms, my Izanagi surpasses the power and influence wielded by the demiurgic forces that once participated in the creation of our local realities — namely, the Earth and the enchanted world where I spend the majority of my existence.
And I do not speak of my domain, for there lies no possibility of my demise, not even in the most ethereal realm. To perish within my domain, one must destroy it along with me, instantaneously and simultaneously.. In essence, should I perish in either of these two realms — Earth or Magic — I shall be instantaneously revived by the very fabric of the world, and my lifeless form shall dissolve like a vanished mirage. Something akin to that.
The second most valuable and essential attribute I inherited from Nurarihyon is his ability to expand and fortify his own yōki (fear) by assimilating and incorporating the energies of his subordinates. I cannot recall the specific name of this power in the anime, but in this reality, Nurarihyon himself was unaware of its existence.
I cannot fathom the reason for this, but Nura has never incorporated any of his demonic followers into his fear, allowing their power to merge with his for any extended period. However, upon recalling this aspect from the anime, I immediately recognized its presence within myself. Upon assessing this ability, I realized that I could augment my own power by adding anywhere from sixty to ninety percent of the potential and strength possessed by the subordinate I incorporated into my fear.. And when you consider that I am lord over two thousand archmages, with two goddesses as my wives and one as a prospective member of my harem, it opens up incredible opportunities and prospects should I ever face an adversary superior in power and might.
I am not yet aware of the full extent of my gift's capabilities, but I cannot resist the urge to test and refine it. However, I have an unwavering conviction that I could effortlessly augment my powers, including those of the entire cohort of archmages I had with me during the campaign against the fox-kin. This is a tremendous advantage!
Fear, or yoki, has proven to be a fascinating energy akin to the potency of dreams, a harmonious fusion of the energies of the sensuous spirit, the intellectual realm, and the seventh sphere.. And all this is due to the fact that virtually every ayakashi possesses these soul shells in a state of close interconnection, with each shell permeating deeply into the others, forming a unified whole, making it nearly impossible to discern where one entity ends and the next begins.
Oh, and now the final gift I received from Nurarihyon was the ability to manifest any amount of spectral sake, which when ignited with the power of its flames is no less potent than Hellfire itself. These flames are not drawn from the infernal regions of Hell, but rather from the Japanese version of hell, known as Pandemonium.
With this power, I am now able to spill copious amounts of sake, which instantly ignites and grants me access to the controllable spectral flames of Pandemonium. These flames cannot harm me and can effortlessly consume almost any obstacle before me.
Moreover, I have gained access to the innate traits and abilities shared by all ayakashi, though at a level akin to that of a godlike demon. My mental prowess, merged with Nurarihyon's abilities, now allows me to produce yoki, a powerful force that serves as a valuable asset not only in the realm of mortals but also in my dream-induced practices, rivaling only slightly in potency the might of dreams themselves.
That was the full extent of my power, which I had acquired after accepting the legacy of the unspeakable shadow ruler of Japan's Yokai, not counting the political influence I now possess at that cost and will undoubtedly exploit in the near future.
Yaromir still has to bring Japan fully under his control. There are still concealed gaps and spatial folds where large enclaves of diverse ayakashis reside, as if they sit quietly and do not appear outside, posing no threat to the Japanese. However, one day they may grow weary of their isolation, and generations will change, with the younger generation deciding to emerge from their hiding places.
As long as the ancient yokai remain alive, those who revered Nurarihyon, there is a good chance that I can incorporate them all into my army of demons, rendering them my subjects. Thus, I shall certainly seize this opportunity.
Certainly, even if we disregard them for now, in the future, regardless of how many there are without our oversight, they still cannot pose a serious threat to my coven and the order. It would not be difficult for us to crush them, but why waste resources?
Among the demons spawned by the malevolent forces and known as ayakashi, there are many fascinating species, such as mizuchi — demonic spirits of river snakes — who possess powerful healing abilities and would gladly serve me as vassals. I am, after all, a snake god, or tsuchigumo. Spiders also exist, with their ability to dream, allowing them to see possible futures. These are only a few examples I can think of; there are hundreds of species, and most possess unique abilities.
Thus, I deem it prudent not to squander my newly acquired influence among the infernal hordes of Asia and endeavor to enlist them in my cause. Henceforth, I shall pursue this course of action, and as a preliminary measure, I propose dispatching a few dozen of my replicas to roam Japan, venturing into those secluded locales known as ōmyōji lacunae, where ayakashi bide their time in anticipation of a more propitious environment both on Earth and within the realm of magic.
******
"Confound it! Koneka, make a path for our husband at once!" Maria's voice was laced with indignation as she turned to her familiar, insisting that they be transported to Svyatozar's presence immediately.
"I cannot, Maria. We now find ourselves in the realm of our husband, where my powers over reality do not extend as they do on Earth or in the magical world," the familiar replied, her words carrying a hint of apology. She looked around with intense curiosity, taking in the surroundings that mirrored the square in front of Sant'Giacometto Church in Venice, the headquarters of Svyatozar's order. Her curiosity was palpable, for this was her first time in her husband's realm, just as it was for Maria.
Only now did Maria begin to comprehend the peculiar sensations she had experienced since finding herself alongside Svyatozar and his companions, those with whom she had previously assaulted the kitsune enclave.
"But why does this place appear to be my hometown?" Maria's question betrayed her surprise and wonder. Like her husband, she possessed the ability to effortlessly determine her location by attentively observing her surroundings, akin to a deity.
"Perhaps it is because we were brought here by our divine lord and your spouse? That is why the place exudes an aura reminiscent of your beloved home, where you yearn to return and find solace. I believe that is the reason," Witold offered his reasoning, carefully considering his words and emotions. It was not often that he found himself in such unanticipated and extraordinary locations.
"So, are we in paradise?" Sylvia murmured softly, hoping only Bella could hear her, but to her chagrin, she was surrounded by faeries with highly acute hearing, so her words were heard by all sentient beings in Svyatozar's realm. However, it was not one of the beings she had previously encountered in the realm of kitsune that responded to her, but rather one of Svyatozar's illusions, who was permanently stationed in the egregore of the One and now found itself near the group that had recently arrived.
"Yes, Sylvia, you are indeed in Heaven. But there is no cause for alarm. You are merely guests here, and soon enough you will find yourself, some on Earth and some in the realm of magic. Whichever destination you choose, they will see you safely there."
The illusion then turned to Maria, who had been gathering in her breast for a lengthy diatribe. "My dear, please do not be affronted. If I removed you from the impending battle, it was for a reason. None of you need concern yourselves with me. Kurogitsune poses no threat to me. In fact, I have already vanquished her and secured her soul."
"I will be occupied for a time, so you may pursue your own pursuits. You may return home or remain here and explore the pantheon of the Divine. When you tire of this place, you may go wherever you please."
And then, before the assembly of archmages, a sufficient number of wide, one-way gateways were opened, each leading in a different direction. A few of them revealed the sight of the citadel; others directed towards the Rocky Haven; one led to Moscow; and there were enough for everyone present, opening paths to the remotest corners of the conjoined worlds, where the Order of the Dragon exerted its influence and where some archmages intended to venture.
"I shall await Svyatozar in his realm," May stated, her curiosity piqued at the prospect of visiting the domain of the man she had chosen to be the father of her future daughters. She decided to remain there, simultaneously endeavoring to comprehend his abilities and delve deeper into the enigmatic figure known as "Not Nurarihyon." The most effective approach to accomplish this was to focus on the essence of the individual she sought to understand.
Naturally, such an assertion did not go unnoticed among Svyatozar's spouses.
"Then Koneka and I shall keep you company here, mayhap, May," said Maria, unable to leave a stranger in her husband's house unattended.
"Mentor, what shall we do?" asked Bella, turning to her teacher's avatar, watching the archmages depart through the portals.
Ormar Drake, the avatar's master, replied: "You can stay here with my wives or I can escort you to Hogwarts to the Slytherin common room. It is already evening in Scotland and dismissal will be in an hour."
The young ladies looked at each other, perhaps thinking they had had enough for one day and would prefer to rest in their dormitory.
They said: "Can we then be sent to school? We are exhausted after our journey to the Foxes and would like some sleep before starting tomorrow. We still need to follow your instructions in the morning, master."
"No problem," said Ormar, and a portal opened in front of his students, leading them directly to one of the underground corridors of Hogwarts, a short distance from the Slytherin common room.
As soon as the young ladies had departed from Svyatozar's realm, leaving the three goddesses as the sole sentient beings within sight, they found themselves within a charming pavilion conjured by Maria's power, materializing in the heart of the piazza, before the church of Sant'Giacometto.
The illusion of a radiant Venetian sun illuminated their surroundings, casting a golden glow upon their heads. The girls sought refuge from its intensity, which Maria graciously provided, as they took seats on low chairs around a table, seeking solace from their thoughts concerning their husbands.
However, this tranquility did not endure for long. After imbibing a second cup of tea, Maria decided to address the guests. She viewed herself and Koneka as possessing, if not full authority over the local domain, then at the very least some measure of influence. She inquired about the nine-tailed one's aspirations regarding their betrothed and sought to discern her perspective on the future trajectory of events.
May, as both Koneca and I observed and comprehended, expressed her interest in our husband and aspiration to become part of our household — it was not a query but a declaration of fact from the «elder wife».
I posed a question to her: «What can you offer to our family in return for the honour of joining it, and more broadly, what do you seek from this relationship?»
«Myself and my allegiance!» May responded without hesitation. «And since I am the leader of the Ayakashi clan of Japanese refugees who have settled in China, my husband and I will receive the fealty of the yokai who have sworn their loyalty to me. I dream of familial harmony, love, and a tranquil, secure future for our offspring.»
"And how many are under your care? How many intellects does your Ayakashi community boast?" Maria might have indicated that she was not paying attention to the rest of her words, focusing solely on the potential benefits May might bring to the family as a "bride-price". She considered herself an economical hostess and could not help but be so. She needed to understand everything they could gain from having a kitsune become part of their family.
I also possess a sizable hidden recess in Japan, bequeathed to me by my mother, which once served as the abode of the Ayakashi Kitsune. Within this place, my family's treasure trove is concealed, amassed throughout the annals of our lineage. However, alas, the precise nature of these hidden hoards remains unknown to me, as I have never ventured into that recess.
When the persecution of our clan in Japan commenced, our ancestors had already departed from this location, meticulously concealing it from all prying eyes. At the time, I was but a mere thirty-year-old, unprivileged to access the familial treasury. Nowadays, I am the sole bearer of the nine-tailed Kitsune Ayakashi lineage, and thus, only I hold the rightful claim to the heritage that has been accumulated by my foxish kin over millennia.
Mei responded after a brief pause, "I have several responses to this query. Choose whichever you prefer."
"My essence has reacted to Svyatozar in a way that continuously compels me to seek his company and fuels my desire to surrender myself to him the moment he is near. Svyatozar has proven to be the ideal candidate for the role of father of my future offspring. That is my first reason.
The second is that I find him physically appealing and am drawn to him on a personal level. May was certain that Svyatozar was none other than Nurarihyon in disguise. Unlike other Fae on Japanese territory, he does not view me as a prize to be won. This is unusual. I could never have imagined intimacy or marriage with a human, only someone like me, an Ayakashi. Unfortunately, no one in my social circle is suitable for my affections.". The few members of the Ayakashi race whom I knew were not particularly pleasant individuals, and I had no desire to bring them into my life simply for the sake of procreation. Following the demise of my maternal figure, the leader of the Japanese kitsune-ayakashi, I assumed the role of the head of our small clan, which soon expanded to include other ayakashi who, like me, had no intention of remaining in Japan, which had become hostile towards our kind.
I found myself overwhelmed by a multitude of responsibilities, leaving little room for personal happiness. It took me centuries to establish and secure the welfare of the intelligent beings I encountered in China. During this time, I acquired the power of the Nine Tails, but it did not alleviate my search for a suitable partner.. And now, for the first time in my life, I encountered a man of integrity, a man to whom I lost in strength, experience and knowledge. A man whom I admired, yet whose admiration did not lead to lecherous advances towards me, and in fact made it easy for me to acquiesce to his wishes. Svyatozar demonstrated that the word "honor" was not an empty phrase for him, as we have seen recently, when he valued and spared the lives of those who trusted him, even at the risk of his own safety.
As soon as a situation arose that threatened us, he promptly sent us away to safety, allowing us to face the enemy alone. This act speaks volumes, as I have often encountered influential individuals who sacrificed their underlings without remorse, not out of necessity, but simply because they cared little for them.
My desire is simple: I seek a happy familial future for myself and my children, with a man who will overcome any adversity and for whom there are no obstacles. My dream is of feminine happiness.. There was no deception or cunning. My sincerity has never been greater!
After May revealed to the wives her chosen partner, everyone in the pavilion fell into their own reflections, oblivious to the spectral replica of Svyatozar, who stood in the plaza, listening intently to May's heartfelt and poignant words.
*******
"Greetings, Bella, Sylvia!" William Avery exclaimed with delight upon seeing his cousins return to Hogwarts. It was a rare occasion for the young man, who had never been particularly close to anyone on his own house, to have the opportunity to converse with anyone outside of his sisters. His loved ones had been absent from school for most of the day, leaving him alone and unoccupied.
"Hello to you as well, cousin," Sylvia responded, joining the conversation. "Shall we retire to the common room, or do you intend to retire for the night?" she asked, seeking to maintain the appearance of civility. Both she and her sister desired nothing more than to retire to their dormitory, lock themselves away, and reflect on the events of the evening as they drifted off to sleep. Too much had transpired that night.
"If only for a short while. I must rise early tomorrow. My morning routine begins with a brisk jog. My father dreams of my becoming a martial artist, and this summer he has devised an intensive training regimen for me. Even during the time I am at Hogwarts, away from the tutelage of my instructors, I maintain a rigorous schedule of training.
Would you ladies care to accompany me on my morning stroll around the Black Lake? I assure you, it will be an unforgettable experience — morning mist, chilly dew beneath our feet, the breeze from the lake, and the raucous call of the crow flock that resides near the castle, on the edge of the Forbidden Forest. In short, it is quintessentially Scottish."
William would have welcomed the company of another to share the grueling task of his daily morning exercise.
"Alas, William," said Sylvia, "there is no way we can keep you company in the mornings. We are awake now too, but we are busy with our tutor's assignments."
Bella disliked early morning awakenings, but Ormarr had assigned them the task of following a daily schedule of compulsory morning meditations, yoga, and regular exercises. The girls were not yet aware that they would undergo a series of unpleasant rituals that would increase their physical and vital parameters. In parallel with these rituals, they were already taking a course of potions and elixirs that they had been taking for a week.
After their bodies and minds, in Svyatozar's opinion, were prepared for the rigorous trials and efforts, he would begin their actual training. For now, however, the cousins were merely being gently prepared, accustomed to the upcoming hardships, and put in the right mindset and emotional state.
Oh my. What a surprise to see you here in our commonroom, Bellatrix Black and Sylvia Greengrass! I had all but given up hope that you would ever grace us with your presence again after you were assigned to your tutors' chambers.
The words spoken in the Salazar commonroom froze everyone in their tracks, for they were unheard of. After all, what was said to these two freshmen could only be interpreted as an outright insult. Elizabeth Snow, a fourth-year student and the undisputed belle of the Serpent House, a pureblood witch hailing from an ancient lineage rooted in French Brittany, had been attempting to make her mark on the Isle of Tin for the past three centuries.
"I beg your pardon, did I misunderstand you, or did you just hurl a torrent of insults at me and my cousin?" Sylvia Greengrass delivered her query to Elizabeth with such emphasis and intonation that it was evident to all present that her mouth was a cesspool of filth.
"Is it true that Ormarr Drake accepted you as his protégé through an ancient ritual?" Elizabeth chose to disregard the question posed by the not-so-intelligent fool.
"I see that you are not only in a state of melancholy but also exhibit a reprehensible upbringing," she retorted, her words stinging like a jab at an unanswered question.
"To address your query regarding our apprenticeship, I must say that you are entirely correct. In accordance with an ancient ritual hailing back to the Sumerian era, Sylvia and I have been apprenticed to Drake's mentor, and by attempting to insult us, you have inadvertently insulted our instructor. Neither we nor those of our ilk are responsible for maintaining our health, honor, and freedom; this is now the duty of our tutor. I can only extend my condolences to your family as we are compelled to report your remarks to our instructor without delay.
It would be disingenuous of me to feign sympathy for you or your kin. This was the most reckless act of your life, and it may prove fatal for your family. However, the outcome rests with our mentor. May your cousin and I find our instructor in good spirits upon hearing your words."
Bella was utterly appalled by the foolishness of this opportunist. Not only had she already heard some disturbing rumours about the young lady's chastity and integrity, she was also an utter imbecile.
"Pfft... Do you really think I would be afraid of some vagrant sorcerer? He wouldn't dare to do anything to me or my family! My uncle is an expert in blood magic, and my father is an adept in ritual magic. Incidentally," she said in a hushed voice, "there is no proof that your mentor is even a master of any kind of magic!"
I apologise, but my sister and I must retire for the night. You can find more stimulating company elsewhere than in the drawing room. We will resume this conversation tomorrow, but first we must inform our tutor of Elizabeth Snow's insult to his honour.
Without any rush or enthusiasm, the cousins proceeded to their dormitories, under the varied gazes of the staff members.
"Mudbloods do not intimidate our family!" Elizabeth began to assert herself, emboldening herself and seeking to make a further impression on James Travis, who now stood with Rabastan Lestrange and their fellow companion Maxwell, the heir to the Flint family, watchfully positioned in the far corner of the drawing room. Not even they had anticipated that their sly conversations with Elizabeth Snow, aimed at goading the foolish young woman into some form of confrontation with the two upstart freshmen, who, despite being members of two of the most ancient and esteemed families, had no right to treat them in such a manner, would lead to such a blatant affront. While the young men might not possess the cunning of devious minds, they possessed a keen sense of impending trouble, recalling how calmly and unflinchingly Ormarru Drake had been prepared to challenge Professor McGonagall to an honorable duel.. Recall how Ormarru Drake, with his calm demeanor, challenged Professor McGonagall to a duel, fearlessly facing Albus Dumbledore who sat at the same table. They would not have dared to provoke such a mysterious figure as the new teacher at Hogwarts. Despite their inability to uncover any information about him, this only served to heighten everyone's caution and intrigue regarding him. A prudent individual who managed to gain the Headmaster's approval and secure a position at Hogwarts, devoid of any regard for those around him, remains shrouded in secrecy to anyone attempting to uncover his past. This alone should be cause for concern.
"Foolish, Elizabeth, so foolish," was the response. Another of the beautiful, snake-haired members of the faculty had been added to the group. But this particular Irish woman possessed the intelligence, cunning, and duplicity that were so characteristic of Slytherin students, and so unusual among those to whom Patricia O'Reilly belonged.
If Lord Black and Lord Greengrass had chosen to entrust their daughters to the care of Ormar Drake, they believed he was worthy of their trust. You, Elizabeth, have just insulted a prominent wizard, and no one else could be. By entrusting him with the daughters of two of Albion's most ancient and noble families, you have called into question the sanity of the lords in their decision.
The remainder of the time spent in the drawing room before dismissal was devoted to discussing Snow's behavior towards Black and Greengrass, speculating about Professor Drake's response, and few could anticipate that the matter would be resolved by the following day.
*******
Most unexpected and foolish. One would think that such folly would not be considered. Alas, life teaches this family naught. He had previously come into conflict with my decree, and then in haste, he abandoned all his possessions and fled across the channel from France, evading my henchmen, who had been insulted by the erstwhile head of the Snow clan. These fools thought they would find safety in Albion, where the Catholic Church is almost non-existent, but my knights cared naught for the English crown or any of the lords there. Thus, nothing could prevent them from pursuing Lord Snow to England, where they removed his head. The entire clan was not punished, but perhaps it was for naught.
I have just received a communication from Sylvia via the intercom device regarding a recent altercation between my apprentices and Elizabeth Snow, a fool who sealed her clan's fate with her imprudent tongue, believing she could insult me through them. It does not matter whether they are aware of my identity as Salazar or Svyatozar Zmiev; it is time for England to understand that Ormarru Drake is a mage who will not tolerate any form of harm or provocation.
Sharpness can manifest itself in various ways: as a young man with a quick temper who may be forgiven, or as someone who does not care about political intricacies and alliances, capable of altering the ruling order in a single place. I align myself with the latter group, for I possess the power not only to alter the ruling system within Albion, but also to eradicate those who oppose me, leaving my adversaries with no means to hold me accountable.
As soon as my sense of pride and honour were compromised, and my worldview began to churn with demands for retribution, I set out for Cardiff, the land of the Welsh, who once granted the Snow family entry to their territory and sold them a modest source of magical energy upon which they placed their birthstone.
The Welsh are also peculiar individuals, and it is a natural law that like begets like. However, this is not the crux of the matter. Let us return to the Snows. In the Snow family hall, I stood before their altar, where it was not difficult to extinguish their local source of power and destroy the gemstone that belonged to the daughter who had dared to affront me in the presence of a member of my own family.
I did not need to exert myself. I did not have to devise intricate rituals or engage in magical practices such as curses, amulets, or incantations to exact my vengeance upon the Snow family. The mere desire for retribution and the urge to obliterate the offenders were sufficient, and once the heart of Snow's power came within reach, my divine nature, like a voracious gyoza, descended upon the Snow altar unannounced and without any flirtation, cleaving it apart and leaving behind a multitude of corrosive traces of my power, a manifestation of toxicity.
Before I could even react, my ability deemed the destruction of the gemstone insufficient as punishment and consumed the source of magic along with it. As I imbibed it, my essence extracted every last bit of energy from it to the fullest extent of my abilities, and that was enough to extinguish the conduit of power leading to the dragon's vein of the planet.
Slightly reassured by the response from the former members of the Snow clan, I proceeded to explore the manor house. There were now five intellectually capable individuals residing there. The former lord and lady Snow, Elizabeth's foolish parents, her uncle, and her son, who appeared to be in his late thirties. Additionally, there was her younger brother, whose age did not exceed three years.
As I ascended slowly towards the chambers of those intellectuals I sought, who now found themselves in a semi-conscious state following a sudden interruption in their communion with the altar, which they had also had time to retreat from, I traversed their memories with deliberation.
Having witnessed what I perceived there, I determined that only a single young boy was deserving of life in this realm, having simply not had the opportunity to engage in any reprehensible actions due to his tender age. There was no doubt in my mind that had he been raised by such parents and mentors, he would have inevitably matured into a rare scoundrel.
His father, not averse to venturing into the realm of the uneducated from time to time, collected material from the minds of unsuspecting individuals to employ in his investigations and scholarly pursuits in the field of ritualistic magic. His elder brother followed suit, delving headlong into the realm of blood magic, abducting a few individuals each week for his experiments.. Elizabeth's mother, a singularly vile individual, once took the extraordinary step of poisoning the child of a woman with whom she was in conflict. The cousin of this fool, likewise a moral degenerate, followed in the footsteps of his father and uncle, learning from them that one can do whatever one desires in the realm of the simple-minded. Every weekend, he would journey to London, where he engaged in acts of sexual assault against individuals he found appealing, with no regard for the gender of his victims. This creature played both sides of the field.
His depravity extended beyond merely targeting individuals he found attractive. He delighted in engaging in these acts in the presence of the immobilized and helpless relatives of his victims, leaving no witnesses to his crimes. After satisfying his lust, this aberration would erase the memories of all those who had witnessed his actions. Frequently, he would engage in this manner with the same individual multiple times, solely for the amusement he derived from the reactions of his victim and their loved ones.
Having witnessed such atrocities in the minds of these beings, I transferred the aberrations, without remorse, to my domain, located not far from my subterranean city, to a farm where my clones cultivated spiders with magnificent, black webs, from which I extracted silk fabric.
They were not fit for anything else, merely to serve as sustenance for the arthropods. Initially, I contemplated feeding them to the laces, but then I decided against it, deeming it inadvisable due to the potential risk of indigestion. Thus, that was the end of it.
In mere moments, the clan was disrupted. Only Elizabeth remained at Hogwarts, spared from my wrath. I would not touch her; let her remain alive, a spectacle for the edification of others, a reminder of what transpired. The entire of England would soon be abuzz with discussions about the Snow family's fall. Elizabeth likely lay in agony, screaming in pain, confined to the hospital wing. Oh, well, one should think twice before speaking.
And I must now make my way to my wives, and one sly wench, who still lingers in the company of those I love in the egregore of the One, though they now brighten their hours not with tea, but with ale from Avalon.