Chereads / Dark Ascension: The Sorcerer's Ally / Chapter 61 - Dragon's Awakening

Chapter 61 - Dragon's Awakening

The Hogwarts Express rattled along the tracks, carrying students home for the summer break. The familiar landscape blurred past the windows, but inside the compartment, the atmosphere was charged with a mixture of excitement and relief. For some, it was a return to the comforts of home; for others, a temporary respite from the pressures of school.

Lilith Rosier sat cross-legged on her seat, deep in meditation. The compartment was filled with the chatter of her classmates, Draco Malfoy included, who was engaging in animated conversation with the other Slytherins. Yet, Lilith was oblivious to it all, her mind focused inward.

Inhale, hold, exhale, hold.

Her breathing was steady, controlled, each inhale drawing mana into her body. She could feel the flow of power within her, a constant, endless stream that surged with each breath. It had taken months of relentless practice, but she had finally achieved the breakthrough she sought.

As the train began to slow, signaling their approach to King's Cross Station, Lilith opened her eyes. The world snapped back into focus, and she felt a surge of triumph. Her pupils, once round and human, were now slits, like those of a snake or, more fittingly, a dragon.

She had done it.

Draco, sitting across from her, glanced up and did a double take, his conversation trailing off. "Lily... your eyes," he murmured, a mixture of awe and unease in his voice.

Lilith blinked, feeling the change in her vision, the world sharper and more vibrant than ever before. She met Draco's gaze and smiled, a smile that sent shivers down his spine. "I've achieved what I set out to do," she said softly, her voice carrying a dangerous edge. "Every breath pulls mana into me now. I have a never-ending supply. I'll never exhaust myself again."

Draco swallowed hard, the implications of her words sinking in. He had always known Lilith was powerful, but this... this was something beyond. He forced a smile, trying to mask his unease. "That's... impressive," he said, his voice wavering slightly.

Lilith nodded, her smile widening. She could feel the mana coursing through her veins, a constant, comforting presence. Her regeneration was massively boosted; any wounds she sustained would heal almost instantly. She was, in essence, a living conduit of magical energy.

The train came to a halt, and students began to gather their belongings and make their way to the exits. Draco stood up, glancing back at Lilith. "Ready to go?" he asked, his tone cautious.

Lilith unfolded herself gracefully from her meditative pose, standing with a fluidity that spoke of her enhanced physical abilities. "More than ready," she replied, her eyes gleaming with a predatory light.

As they stepped off the train and onto the platform at King's Cross Station, Lilith felt a sense of exhilaration. The familiar hustle and bustle of the station washed over her, but she barely felt it, her body thrumming with energy. She noticed a few students staring at her, their eyes widening in fear or fascination as they noticed her slitted pupils.

She paid them no mind. She had achieved something extraordinary, something that set her apart from everyone else. The power within her was a constant, pulsing presence, and she reveled in it.

Draco walked beside her, his unease growing with each passing moment. He had always known there was something dark within Lilith, but now, seeing the full extent of her transformation, he couldn't help but feel a deep sense of foreboding.

As they made their way through the station, towards the barrier that would lead them to the Muggle world, Lilith felt a surge of anticipation. This summer would be different. She was different. And she was ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.

Their families were waiting beyond the barrier. Lucius and Narcissa Malfoy stood with their usual regal bearing, while Bellatrix Lestrange stood off to the side, her eyes gleaming with pride as she spotted Lilith.

"Ready for the summer?" Bellatrix asked, her voice dripping with satisfaction.

Lilith nodded, her smile widening. "More than ready," she replied, her voice steady and confident.

As they walked away from the station, heading towards the waiting carriages, Lilith felt a sense of triumph. She had achieved the impossible, and now, she was ready to show the world what she was truly capable of.

The streets of London blurred into the countryside as they traveled to Malfoy Manor. Lilith's thoughts were filled with plans and possibilities. She had become something extraordinary, and she was eager to continue her journey of power and mastery.

As they arrived at Malfoy Manor, Lilith stepped out of the carriage with a sense of purpose. She had transformed herself, and now, she was ready to embrace the next phase of her journey. The path ahead was filled with danger and uncertainty, but she was prepared to face it with unwavering determination and relentless ambition.

-----

Draco Malfoy sat in a compartment on the Hogwarts Express, surrounded by his usual entourage of Slytherins. The chatter of his friends filled the space, their excitement over the summer's events and the upcoming school year palpable. However, Draco's mind was elsewhere, his eyes occasionally flicking to Lilith Rosier, who sat across from him in a meditative trance.

Lilith had been an enigma to him ever since her transformation. The girl who had once been his closest ally now seemed like a distant, formidable force. The power she wielded, the darkness that seemed to envelop her—Draco couldn't shake the feeling of unease whenever he was around her.

As the train sped towards its destination, Draco tried to engage in conversation, but his attention kept drifting back to Lilith. Her breathing was rhythmic and deep, each inhale and exhale deliberate, as if she were drawing in the very essence of the world around her. It was unsettling, yet mesmerizing.

Suddenly, Lilith's eyes snapped open. Draco's breath caught in his throat. Her pupils were no longer the round, human irises he remembered. Instead, they were slits, like those of a snake or a dragon. The sight sent a shiver down his spine.

"Lilith?" he ventured cautiously, his voice barely above a whisper.

Lilith's gaze locked onto his, and for a moment, Draco felt as if he were staring into the eyes of a predator. There was a cold, calculating intensity in her eyes, an otherworldly power that made him feel small and insignificant.

"Yes, Draco?" she replied, her voice calm and controlled.

Draco swallowed hard, trying to compose himself. "Are you... alright?"

A slow, almost predatory smile spread across Lilith's face. "I'm more than alright. I've reached a new level of understanding and power. It's exhilarating."

Draco nodded, though he couldn't shake the feeling of dread that gnawed at him. He had always known Lilith was ambitious and driven, but this transformation was beyond anything he had imagined. She seemed more like a beast in human form, a force of nature that couldn't be contained.

His friends continued their conversations, oblivious to the change in Lilith. But Draco couldn't ignore it. The aura of raw power that surrounded her was palpable, and it made him acutely aware of his own limitations.

As the train pulled into the station, Draco felt a sense of relief. He needed to get off the train, to put some distance between himself and Lilith. The thought of spending another year at Hogwarts, so close to this transformed version of his friend, filled him with a mixture of fear and awe.

Lilith stood up gracefully, her movements fluid and almost otherworldly. Draco watched her, his mind racing with questions and doubts. How had she achieved this transformation? What kind of power had she unlocked? And most importantly, what were her intentions now?

As they disembarked from the train, Draco couldn't help but feel a sense of foreboding. The girl who had once been his closest ally had become something else entirely, something that both fascinated and terrified him. He knew that the coming year would be filled with challenges, and that Lilith would be at the center of it all.

Walking beside her, Draco felt like he was standing in the shadow of a giant, a massive beast that had taken human form.

-----

Severus Snape stood in the grand entrance hall of Malfoy Manor, a place he had visited many times yet found increasingly unsettling. The dark grandeur of the mansion seemed to grow more oppressive with each visit, a reflection of the dark times they lived in. Today, he had arrived earlier than usual, summoned by Lucius for a private conversation. The nature of the meeting had left Snape on edge, his thoughts racing through the possible reasons for this unexpected call.

As he waited, he couldn't help but notice the unusual stillness of the house. The usual bustling of house elves and the distant echoes of conversation were absent. It was as if the manor itself was holding its breath. The silence was broken by the sound of the heavy front doors creaking open. Snape turned, his curiosity piqued.

Bellatrix Lestrange strode in, her presence as commanding and unnerving as ever. But it wasn't Bellatrix alone that caught Snape's attention. Following close behind her was Lilith Rosier, her eyes gleaming with a predatory light. Snape's breath caught in his throat. Something about her was different, more intense, more... feral.

Bellatrix greeted Snape with a twisted smile. "Severus, how delightful to see you. We have much to discuss."

Snape nodded curtly, his eyes fixed on Lilith. "Bellatrix," he said, his voice steady but his mind racing. "Lilith. What has happened?"

Lilith stepped forward, her movements fluid and almost unnaturally graceful. Her pupils, Snape noticed with a jolt, were slits, like those of a dragon or a serpent. The sight sent a chill down his spine.

"I've been... evolving," Lilith said, her voice a purr. "Pushing my limits, exploring new heights of power."

Snape's mind raced as he tried to comprehend what he was seeing. He had known Lilith was ambitious and driven, but this transformation was beyond anything he had expected. The aura of raw power that emanated from her was palpable, and it unsettled him deeply.

"Her progress has been remarkable," Bellatrix added, her tone dripping with pride. "She's truly one of us now, Severus. A force to be reckoned with."

Snape struggled to maintain his composure. "And what, exactly, have you done to achieve this... evolution?" he asked, his voice carefully controlled.

Lilith's smile widened. "I've discovered a way to harness mana more efficiently. To draw it into my body with every breath, like a dragon. It's given me a constant supply of energy, and my abilities have grown exponentially."

Snape's eyes narrowed. The implications of such a transformation were staggering. He had to tread carefully, to gather more information without revealing his own apprehensions. "Impressive," he said, his voice smooth. "But such power comes with great risk. Are you certain you can control it?"

Lilith's gaze hardened. "I've learned control, Severus. My experiments may have been dangerous, but the results speak for themselves."

Bellatrix stepped closer to Lilith, placing a hand on her shoulder. "She's ready, Severus. Ready for whatever comes next."

Snape nodded, though his mind was awash with concerns. He knew he had to report this to Dumbledore, but the challenge was how to do so without raising suspicion. For now, he had to play his part, to act as if he supported this terrifying new development.

"Very well," he said. "But remember, power without wisdom can be a dangerous thing. Do not let ambition cloud your judgment."

Lilith's eyes flickered with a mix of defiance and determination. "I know what I'm doing, Severus. And I will continue to push my limits."

As they moved deeper into the manor, Snape's thoughts churned. He had always been wary of Lilith's potential for darkness, but this transformation was beyond anything he had anticipated. He knew he had to find a way to monitor her closely, to understand the full extent of her new abilities and the potential threat they posed.

In the dimly lit halls of Malfoy Manor, Snape felt a new kind of fear. The darkness within Lilith was growing, and he was caught in the delicate balance of trying to protect her from herself while also protecting the world from the path she seemed determined to tread.

-----

Grimmauld Place, the headquarters of the Order of the Phoenix, was a place of secrets and strategies. Today, however, the usual air of determination was replaced by a heavy, oppressive silence. Around the long, wooden table in the dimly lit kitchen, the key members of the Order stood, their faces grim and their eyes fixed on a single letter lying on the table.

Alastor 'Mad-Eye' Moody was the first to speak, his gruff voice breaking the silence. "Well, this isn't good news, is it?" His magical eye whizzed around the room, taking in the serious expressions of his comrades.

Nymphadora Tonks, her usually cheerful demeanor subdued, glanced at Lupin, who stood beside her with a worried frown. "No, it isn't," she agreed quietly. "If what Snape says is true, we're facing a very dangerous situation."

Remus Lupin nodded, his tired eyes reflecting the gravity of the situation. "We've known Lilith Rosier was a problem, but this... this is something else entirely. Her ability to draw mana like a dragon, it's unprecedented. And her mental state—"

"Is highly unstable," Kingsley Shacklebolt interjected, his deep voice steady but concerned. "We can't underestimate her. She's a ticking time bomb."

Arthur and Molly Weasley exchanged worried glances, their thoughts undoubtedly on their children who were still at Hogwarts. "We need to protect our children," Molly said, her voice trembling slightly. "If she's as dangerous as Snape says, they could be at risk."

Albus Dumbledore, who had been silent until now, finally spoke, his voice calm but filled with a deep sense of foreboding. "We must act swiftly and decisively. Lilith Rosier's transformation poses a threat not only to Hogwarts but to the entire wizarding world. We must find a way to contain her, to prevent her from causing irreparable harm."

Moody nodded, his grizzled face set in determination. "We need a plan. Something to keep her in check."

Dumbledore's eyes, filled with wisdom and sorrow, scanned the room. "I fear that any direct confrontation with Lilith may push her further into darkness. We need to approach this delicately, to try and reach the part of her that may still be redeemable."

Tonks sighed, running a hand through her vibrant hair. "But how do we do that? From what Snape's letter says, she's deeply entrenched in her current state."

Dumbledore picked up the letter from Snape, reading the ominous words once more. "We need to understand her, to find out what drives her. Only then can we hope to pull her back from the brink."

The room fell silent again as the members of the Order absorbed the gravity of Dumbledore's words. Each of them knew the importance of their mission, the delicate balance they had to maintain to protect their world from the growing darkness.

Moody's face twisted into a scowl. "You're all too soft," he growled. "This girl is a menace. We can't afford to waste time trying to save her. She needs to be contained, and if that means war, so be it. We can't let sentiment get in the way."

Dumbledore turned to Moody, his expression serious but calm. "Alastor, I understand your concern, but we must remember that Lilith is still a child, a product of her circumstances. If we approach this with violence, we risk pushing her further into the hands of Voldemort."

Moody's magical eye whizzed furiously, his anger barely contained. "And if we do nothing, we give her more time to grow stronger and more dangerous. I won't sit by and watch that happen."

Kingsley stepped in, trying to mediate. "We need a balanced approach. We can't ignore the threat she poses, but we also can't disregard the possibility of saving her."

Molly, her face pale and worried, nodded. "We have to protect our children, Albus. But we can't lose sight of who we are. We're the Order of the Phoenix. We fight for what's right, even when it's difficult."

Dumbledore gave a solemn nod. "Exactly. We must find a way to contain Lilith without destroying her. We need to gather more information, understand her better. Severus's letter gives us a start, but we need more."

The room fell silent once more, each member of the Order grappling with the weight of the situation. Moody's expression remained hard, but he didn't argue further, clearly not convinced but willing to follow Dumbledore's lead for the time being.

As the meeting adjourned, the members dispersed, each lost in their thoughts. Moody's gruff voice could be heard muttering as he left the room. "Contain her... we'll see about that."

Dumbledore watched him go, his mind already working on a plan. They needed to act quickly and decisively, but with care. Lilith Rosier was a danger, but she was also a soul in need of saving. The balance they had to strike was delicate, and the stakes had never been higher.

-----

Voldemort sat on his dark throne, the atmosphere around him thick with an eerie stillness. He could feel it—a surge of raw, untamed power coursing through the very halls of Malfoy Manor. It was not the familiar power of his loyal Death Eaters, nor the chilling aura of the Dementors that sometimes lurked nearby. No, this was something far more potent, more chaotic.

The power belonged to Lilith Rosier, the girl who had transformed from an ambitious student into something far more sinister. A half-laugh, half-scream echoed down the hallway, sending shivers through those who heard it. Even Voldemort, the Dark Lord, felt a flicker of unease.

Child was not the right word for Lilith anymore. She had become a monster, a being of dark magic and relentless ambition. The power that lay dormant under her skin was formidable, enough to threaten even him. He knew she couldn't best him, but the thought that she could harm him, even slightly, made him wary.

Yet, there was a twisted satisfaction in knowing that Bellatrix, his most devoted follower, had tamed such a monster. The thought brought a rare smile to his lips.

"Bring me... Lilith Rosier," he said quietly, his voice carrying a command that would be obeyed without question.

Moments later, the doors to his chamber opened, and Bellatrix entered, her face a mask of twisted delight. She led Lilith by the arm, the girl's eyes gleaming with a manic light.

"Lilith," Voldemort began, his voice smooth and deadly, "I wish to speak with you."

Lilith stepped forward, her movements fluid and almost predatory. She dropped to one knee, bowing her head in deference. "My Lord," she said, her voice a mixture of respect and madness.

Voldemort rose from his throne and approached her, his red eyes boring into hers. "Rise," he commanded.

Lilith stood, her gaze meeting his without fear. Voldemort extended a hand, placing it gently on her forehead. He intended to probe her mind, to see where her true loyalties lay.

"Legilimens," he whispered, his voice weaving the spell with practiced ease.

As he delved into her mind, he found the same thing Snape had discovered. Amidst the chaos and darkness, one thought played over and over again: Make her proud.

The intensity of this single desire was staggering. It was not ambition, power, or even loyalty to him that drove her. It was a simple, singular wish to please Bellatrix. The realization brought a mixture of emotions to Voldemort—admiration for Bellatrix's influence, and a cold, calculating understanding of Lilith's potential.

He withdrew from her mind, his expression unreadable. "You have great power, Lilith," he said slowly. "Power that could serve me well. But I must know... do you understand the true purpose of our cause?"

Lilith's eyes remained steady, her voice unwavering. "I understand, my Lord. I seek only to serve and to prove my worth."

Voldemort studied her for a long moment before nodding. "Very well. Continue to serve Bellatrix faithfully, and you will have your chance to prove yourself."

Lilith bowed again. "Thank you, my Lord."

As she and Bellatrix left the chamber, Voldemort returned to his throne, his mind churning with possibilities. Lilith was a dangerous tool, one that needed careful handling. But in the right hands, she could be devastatingly effective.

Bellatrix had tamed the monster, and now, Voldemort would ensure that it remained loyal and useful. The game had changed, and with Lilith Rosier, he held a new, unpredictable card in his hand.

-----

Bellatrix Lestrange sat in the dimly lit chamber of Malfoy Manor, her dark eyes gleaming with a mix of pride and madness. Her little protégé, Lilith Rosier, knelt before her, awaiting her next command. Bellatrix's lips curled into a twisted smile as she regarded the girl who had become so much more than a mere student.

To Bellatrix, Lilith was the embodiment of potential—raw, unfiltered, and gloriously dark. She had taken the girl under her wing, molded her, and watched her transform into a creature of power and chaos. Bellatrix felt a surge of possessive pride; Lilith was hers, a creation of her own making.

Bellatrix reached out, gently lifting Lilith's chin with a single finger. "You did well today, my darling," she purred, her voice dripping with a perverse kind of affection. "The Dark Lord was pleased."

Lilith's eyes, wild and unhinged, shone with a manic light. "Thank you, Mistress. I live to serve."

Bellatrix's smile widened. She reveled in the control she had over Lilith, a control born of pain and pleasure, discipline and reward. She leaned closer, her breath hot against Lilith's ear. "You've come so far, my little serpent. But there's always room for improvement."

Without warning, Bellatrix's wand was in her hand. She traced it lightly over Lilith's cheek, the touch both tender and threatening. "Crucio," she whispered.

Lilith's body convulsed as the curse took hold, but instead of screams, a half-laugh, half-scream escaped her lips. The sound sent shivers down Bellatrix's spine, a symphony of agony and ecstasy. She held the curse for a few moments, watching with twisted delight as Lilith writhed under its power.

When she finally released the curse, Bellatrix knelt down beside Lilith, stroking her hair gently. "Such a good girl," she cooed. "You take your lessons so well."

Lilith's breathing was ragged, her body trembling, but her eyes shone with gratitude and adoration. "I want to make you proud, Mistress," she gasped.

Bellatrix's heart swelled with a dark kind of love. She had never expected to feel such affection for anyone, let alone a protégé. But Lilith was different. She was special. Bellatrix had forged her in fire and pain, and the result was magnificent.

"You do make me proud, my dear," Bellatrix said softly, her tone almost tender. "And I will continue to shape you, to make you even stronger."

She stood, pulling Lilith up with her, and led her to a cushioned chair by the fire. "Rest now, my little dragon. You've earned it."

As Lilith settled into the chair, Bellatrix continued to stroke her hair, her mind drifting to the future. She had plans for Lilith, grand plans that would see them both rise to unimaginable heights of power. The Dark Lord valued strength and loyalty, and with Lilith by her side, Bellatrix was certain they would become indispensable to him.

But for now, Bellatrix relished the moment, savoring the presence of her protégé. She had crafted Lilith with care, and she would ensure that the girl remained hers, bound by pain, pleasure, and an unbreakable bond of loyalty.

The other Death Eaters might look on with envy or disgust, but Bellatrix cared little for their opinions. Lilith was hers, a creation of her own dark desires, and together, they would carve a path of chaos and destruction through the wizarding world.

As the firelight flickered across the room, casting eerie shadows on the walls, Bellatrix whispered softly to Lilith, her voice a lullaby of darkness. "Sleep now, my little serpent. Tomorrow, we shall continue your lessons. And one day, you will be the most feared and revered witch in all of Britain."

Lilith's eyes fluttered closed, a contented smile on her lips. Bellatrix watched her for a moment longer, a sense of satisfaction settling over her. She had found her perfect protégé, and she would ensure that Lilith reached her full, terrifying potential.

Bellatrix's mind drifted to the past, to the moment she first laid eyes on Lilith. The girl had been full of ambition and raw talent, but it was her willingness to embrace the darker aspects of magic that had truly caught Bellatrix's attention. She had seen a reflection of herself in Lilith, a kindred spirit who craved power and was unafraid to seize it by any means necessary.

Over time, Bellatrix had nurtured that darkness, guiding Lilith through the intricacies of dark magic and teaching her the pleasures of pain and domination. She had watched with pride as Lilith grew stronger, her abilities surpassing even Bellatrix's wildest expectations.

Now, as Bellatrix gazed at her sleeping protégé, she felt a deep sense of satisfaction. She had molded Lilith into a weapon, a force to be reckoned with. But more than that, she had found a connection, a bond forged in the crucible of their shared madness.

"You are mine, Lilith," Bellatrix whispered, her voice filled with possessive pride. "And together, we will bring this world to its knees."

Bellatrix's thoughts were interrupted by the sound of footsteps approaching. She looked up to see Lucius Malfoy standing in the doorway, his expression a mixture of disdain and curiosity.

"Bellatrix," Lucius said, his voice cold and formal. "I see you're spending time with your little protégé again."

Bellatrix's smile didn't waver. "Yes, Lucius. She is my masterpiece."

Lucius raised an eyebrow, his gaze shifting to the sleeping Lilith. "A masterpiece, perhaps. But also a ticking time bomb."

Bellatrix's eyes flashed with anger. "She is loyal to me, Lucius. And she will be loyal to the Dark Lord. Do not question her dedication."

Lucius held up a hand in a placating gesture. "I mean no offense, Bellatrix. But even you must see the danger she poses. She is unpredictable, and her power is growing at an alarming rate."

Bellatrix's smile returned, more sinister than before. "That is precisely what makes her so valuable. She is a weapon, and with the right guidance, she will be unstoppable."

Lucius sighed, clearly unconvinced. "Just be careful, Bellatrix. A weapon can easily turn on its master."

Bellatrix's laughter echoed through the chamber, a sound both chilling and triumphant. "Oh, Lucius, you worry too much. Lilith is mine, body and soul. She will never betray me."

As Lucius left the room, Bellatrix turned her attention back to Lilith, her expression softening. She stroked the girl's hair gently, her mind filled with visions of the chaos and destruction they would unleash together.

"Rest well, my little serpent," Bellatrix murmured. "For tomorrow, we shall continue our dance of darkness."