Ministry of Magic.
Once inside the hearing room, I took the time to look around. The area that the doors led to was an oval space with a dark marble floor and a single chair. It was surrounded by a wooden partition behind which the jurors were seated.
Among them were the aristocrats, such as Lucius Malfoy, and the higher-ups themselves, which included Amelia Bones, Percy Weasley, and, of course, Dolores the toad. And right in front of me behind the judge's podium was a slimy looking old man. Most likely to be Cornelius Fudge. And a bunch of other people in robes for extras.
How did I recognize them? The looks more or less matched the actors in the movie. Zelretch was here too, taking seats with the aristocrats, who were obviously scared of him.
Dumbledore was standing next to a chair, throwing a look full of expectation at me, to which I grinned and sat silently in the chair, then scanned the aura of those present. There wasn't much to say, as their magical power was at about rank E or lower. And that's quite disappointing. By the way, did I mention the local magic chambers?
- Since the defendant has arrived, let's begin the hearing," Fudge said in a businesslike manner, and then looked at me with a rather arrogant look, "Romani Archaman, are you aware of the charges against you?
- Roughly," I shrugged, "Something about the dark side and that sort of nonsense.
- I will elaborate," he continued, "You are accused of belonging to the dark side and of aiding and abetting a dark wizard. Do you have anything to say?
- Of course I do. First of all, I'm not even from this world, so I don't have to obey the local authorities. Seco-
- Oh? - The toad interrupted me with an annoying smile that made the edge of my mouth twitch- But you're a Magician, right? In that case, it's okay.
- That's a different concept in my world and this one, Ms. 'pink toad with disgusting hair' - I shrugged, and her smile froze for a moment - Secondly, even though Zelretch said I MAY deal with him, that doesn't mean I SHOULD, does it?
Of course, there was an uproar at my words, and the jury began to whisper quietly amongst themselves, throwing judgmental glances at me. The only one wary of me was Malfoy, who had already seen some of my powers.
- This is outrageous! - Exclaimed the toad.
- Silence! - Amelia intervened and then turned to me - It seems we started off on the wrong note. May we hear the reason for your inaction regarding the dark wizard?
- Oya? Has someone finally shown signs of adequacy? That's good to hear," I grinned, but she didn't react in any way, keeping a stern look on her face, "It doesn't take me a snap of my fingers to get you to understand the situation. It's a snap of my fingers and your problem is solved. But...
- But? - Amelia asked.
- He's not my concern. - I made a disinterested face and replied. There were shouts of indignation and anger again, as if they were being exposed to an unobvious truth. My hand slowly rose up and made a small wave, and silence ensued.
The screamers' voices disappeared, and their mouths opened and closed like fish. And then there was a collective look of incredulity and fear in my direction. Amelia's eyes grew sharp, Fudge and Toad shook, and Dumbledore grew wary. And only Zelretch was having fun with the whole situation.
- In fact, your current situation is entirely your own fault. The abominable systems of law and order, protection and power, and the concessions to the upper classes create so many opportunities for Voldy that he doesn't even have to try to operate covertly. He can do his business right under your nose without you noticing," I rolled my eyes, "And, most importantly, why should I help you for nothing? Oh, yeah. You still have a voice, Mrs. Bones. After all, you're smarter than most.
- What do you want? - she asked gently but firmly.
- Just to hear something. The last time I saw Voldy, I gave him an idea. The same idea I'm going to pitch to you. Three factions, three schools, one tournament. The prize is the ability to resurrect anyone with no ill effects.
At my words, everyone present except Zelretch froze, staring at me incredulously. Dumbledore's eyes naturally lit up with eagerness, and Amelia staggered.
Even knowing the consequences of using the Touch of Heaven, it was unrewarding to refuse to use it. Besides, I never said that a resurrected dead person would live for a long time. And most importantly, you can eliminate the use of 3rd magic by simply negotiating with Death.
Her job is to maintain balance. And a very simple function can be included in the device of the artifact whereby it will be preserved. The dead person will be given half of the remaining life span of the person using the artifact. And its use would be limited to one time only.
Yes, the idea is brazenly stolen from the eponymous work, but it fits the current situation perfectly. After all, Death has already interfered in the affairs of mortals in this world, so why not do it again?
And the "negative consequences"? Can essentially natural death and the preservation of the laws of the universe be considered "negative consequences"? Nope.
- Do you realize how absurd your idea is? - Amelia asked, regaining her composure.
- Oh, really? - I tilted my head to the side and smiled sweetly - As absurd as the existence of other worlds?
At my words, she fell silent, and I returned my voice to the audience. The next moment, a magic circle appeared in front of me, blocking the spell from Miss Toad's side.
- What are you doing, head of magical law enforcement? - Amelia asked sternly - The use of magic during the hearing is forbidden.
- It undermines our authority, Minister. He could destroy all of our traditions," the toad said, still pointing his wand at me, and then looked at the jury, "Don't you see that, gentlemen? This Magician should be locked up in Azkaban.
Yeah... Such obvious provocation is just painful to watch. And I don't think--
Suddenly, two more circles appeared on my sides. I stared incredulously at those whose brains were definitely showing signs of death, for only a weakling would fall for her words.
- Stop! - Amelia shouted, trying to stop this circus, and the corner of my eye noticed that Dumbledore had managed to fend off a couple of spells, apparently counting on me to remember it. That said, he definitely intended to somehow force me to use 3rd magic by organizing this whole circus.
Heh. Well, let him count on that next.
In the next moment, I released some of the mana I was holding back. And it was felt by everyone present.
Every single one of them, with the exception of Zelretch, fell to their knees and was drenched in sweat from the pressure of my magic. And some even fainted. Wands fell one after another, and the idea of confronting me became impossible for them, judging by their faces. After a couple of seconds, my mana was drawn back into me, and they slowly rose from their knees, staggering and looking at my figure with frightened looks.
- Just so you understand, this isn't all the magic I possess," I grinned at them as they took a step away from me, fearing another wave, "In case my idea comes to fruition, the artifact will be stored at the Clock Tower. You don't mind, do you, Zelretch?
- Nope. - He smiled fangily, already foreshadowing the fun to come.
- Good. Then I bid you farewell," I stood up from my chair, and teleportation circles appeared beneath me and Zelretch. "And remember, either you agree with me, or you will be swallowed up by Voldy.
Well, or Dumbledore, though of course I won't tell them that. "Light" and dark sides are interested, and in regards to the Touch of Heaven I've made a couple deductions.
The magic stealing ring doesn't work anymore, which Voldy has definitely already noticed, so things will go exactly as they should. And since Alaya doesn't exist in this world, there won't be any problems.
Long story short, I should be getting back.
-0-
The Clock Tower.
- Well, I certainly had fun. - stated a satisfied Zelretch once we were in his office.
- Good for you. - I rolled my eyes, and then an ordinary looking dagger with a straight blade appeared in my hand.
- A prize, I take it? - he raised an eyebrow.
- Almost. All that's missing is the bind to Death. You'll give it to her after you send me home.
- In a hurry? - He grinned.
- More like worried. Leaving such peculiar Servants unattended? No, thank you.
Heh. Tiamat's worth a lot. If I disappear for long enough, she's the threat to the world, not Trihexa. Her Sea of Life will just turn all life into Lahmu, that's all. And that's a much bigger and faster cataclysm than mere destruction.
Ah, yes. It's worth mentioning that the Textures of the DxD world would indeed collapse if I finished what I was doing before Zelretch's intervention, because the influence extended not only to me, but also to the Life and Death aspect of the universe.
Hence the rule for using 3rd magic: Don't use it on yourself, at least not in any drastic way. And I think that's enough for now.
- Well, I'll reassure you," he began, to which I raised an eyebrow, "Time between worlds is not constant, so you've been missing for about half a day or so.
- That's good. Now, if you'd be so kind as to send me back.
- Okay," he nodded. And as the shimmering them of the Kaleidoscope began to appear in my vision, Zelretch added, "I don't think Lady Death will take this lightly, though, and I may have to pull you out again.
I didn't have time to sarcasm as I was thrown out of this world.
I suppose I should prepare for my next visit here. And hopefully it won't be for a while. I hope so.
-0-
A/N: How's the chapter? Give us your opinion. You may well be able to influence future chapters.
My Patreon: Patreon.com/mirzael
You'll be able to read more chapters there.