John's expression shifted, a mix of surprise and curiosity. He hadn't anticipated the magical prowess of house-elves to be so formidable. Hogwarts was shielded against apparition, making it impossible for wizards to Apparate within its grounds. Yet, Dobby had managed to infiltrate the Slytherin common room undetected.
"Alright, Tom," John interjected, halting Tom's aggressive advance towards Dobby. He turned his attention to the house-elf, his tone serious, "What brings you here?"
"Dobby has come to seek Master John Wick's help in protecting Harry Potter. The dangers within these walls are too great," Dobby explained, his ears drooping sorrowfully. "Dobby tried to prevent Harry Potter from crossing the platform barrier, yet he still found his way to Hogwarts."
"You were behind that?" John recalled the incident at the start of the term when Harry was blocked by the magical barrier. His gaze hardened as he confronted Dobby, "Do you realize Harry and Ron nearly faced expulsion because of your actions?" His voice was stern, causing Dobby to avert his gaze in shame.
"Dobby is aware, but the castle harbors greater perils," the elf insisted.
"Enough with the riddles. Speak plainly about the danger," John demanded, his patience wearing thin.
At that moment, Dobby, seemingly overwhelmed by guilt, began to punish himself by banging his head against a nearby cabinet. John, driven by a surge of irritation, instinctively raised his hand, casting a spell to immobilize Dobby without even wielding his wand. "Stop that at once," he commanded, surprised by his own ability to cast spells wandlessly.
Reflecting on the incident, John realized the profound connection between emotion and magic. In the wizarding world, emotions could indeed manifest into powerful magical effects. The most notable example was the protective charm cast by Harry's mother, a spell born out of pure love that shielded Harry from Voldemort. Similarly, the Unforgivable Curses, particularly the Killing Curse, required a deep-seated intent to harm. John felt his understanding of magic deepen, recognizing the potential of emotions to amplify magical power.
Regaining his composure, John addressed Dobby with a softened tone, "I understand your concerns. I'll ensure Harry's safety. Please, refrain from interfering with him further." The thought of Dobby causing more trouble at Hogwarts was the last thing John wanted.
"Dobby is grateful for Master John Wick's assistance," Dobby replied, relief evident in his voice. With a snap of his fingers, he vanished, leaving John alone with his thoughts.
John's gaze lingered on the spot where Dobby had disappeared, a sense of envy for the elf's apparition ability washing over him. "I must learn that skill soon. I can't keep relying on other means of travel," he mused. The spell for Apparition was known to be perilous, requiring careful guidance to avoid disastrous consequences, such as splinching.
Considering his options, John quickly dismissed the idea of seeking help from Professor Snape, given their strained relationship. He also ruled out waiting until the sixth year to learn Apparition at Hogwarts, unwilling to delay his learning.
"Perhaps I can convince Tang Mi to coach me during the holidays," John pondered. As a former Auror, Tang Mi would undoubtedly possess the necessary knowledge and skills.
Lost in thought, John's gaze drifted to the Black Lake, its dark waters reflecting the moonlight. "It's a full moon tonight," he remarked to himself, a sense of foreboding accompanying the realization.
Meanwhile, in Diagon Alley, a group of four wizards completed their transformation under the watchful eye of Mundungus Fletcher. Having ingested Wolfsbane Potion, they retained their minds even in their transformed state. Their glowing green eyes surveyed the street, unaware of the turmoil they were about to unleash upon Bojinbok Antique Store, a place oblivious to the formidable adversaries it had attracted. Mr. Bojin, the proprietor, was plotting to eliminate the competition posed by the Johnny Silver Hand store. To achieve this, he enlisted the services of six dark wizards, promising them rich rewards. "Enter and demand they vacate Diagon Alley. You will be handsomely rewarded," he assured the nefarious group, their eyes gleaming with avarice.
However, as they prepared to depart, an unexpected explosion shattered the tranquility. The door to Bojin's establishment burst open, and a red spell struck one of the dark wizards, disarming him instantly. Mysterious figures clad in black robes, their faces obscured, entered with swift, decisive movements, casting powerful spells with ease.
Mr. Bojin, in a panic, shouted for his hired wizards to retaliate, but their spells were futile against the intruders. One of the assailants, with a mere snap of his fingers, rendered a dark wizard unconscious with a stunning spell. Terrified, Mr. Bojin retreated, demanding, "Who are you?"
"You've mistaken your target, Borgin and Burkes," one of the attackers replied, his green eyes piercing through the darkness, sending Mr. Bojin scurrying in fear.
The intruders, displaying remarkable skill and coordination, quickly subdued all the dark wizards. Tang Mi, one of the attackers, pursued Mr. Bojin effortlessly until he hid in a pitch-dark room, which Downton, another attacker with keen senses, identified as the treasure room. Mr. Bojin, holding his breath in the dark, was spared as the attackers eventually departed, leaving him to spend a harrowing night among his treasures.
The next day, Mr. Bojin emerged, thinking the danger had passed. However, he was greeted by several Aurors who proceeded directly to his treasury, which housed a vast collection of illicit magical artifacts. Realization dawned on Mr. Bojin; he was doomed.
Unbeknownst to him, he had crossed paths with formidable forces: a mysterious group in black robes and the Aurors. Neither were entities an ordinary person could contend with. Ultimately, Borgin and Burkes was shut down after the Aurors discovered numerous dark magical items, including a necklace responsible for the deaths of nineteen Muggles. The scandal was immense, and Mr. Bojin faced severe penalties, including a hefty fine and possible imprisonment in Azkaban. The once notorious antique shop was replaced by the Johnny Silver Hand store.
John, reflecting on the events, praised the former Auror's swift actions. Downton and the team had strategically placed the broken wands of the dark wizards, known for harming Muggles, at the Ministry of Magic's entrance. With the incriminating evidence and the dark artifacts found, Mr. Bojin's chances of redemption were null.
Mundungus Fletcher, acting promptly, acquired the building that housed Borgin and Burkes, a significant investment that was trivial for John, given the success of Dharma Alex's award and the widespread distribution of the Wolfsbane potion. Werewolves worldwide sought the potion, rapidly enhancing Johnny Silver Hand's wealth and influence. John also expanded his network, recruiting several competent and trustworthy wizards.
A special letter from Rufus Scrimgeour, the Head of the Auror Office, caught John's attention. After reading it, John smiled, recognizing Scrimgeour's astuteness in connecting the dots to Johnny Silver Hand. Choosing discretion, John burned the letter, understanding that some alliances are best kept unspoken. He instructed Mundungus to deliver an amulet to Scrimgeour, a gesture of mutual respect and a symbol of their unspoken alliance, potentially enhancing the Aurors' combat capabilities. John couldn't ignore the opportunity before him. The day had been draped in a persistent rain, setting a somber mood throughout Hogwarts. As he navigated the corridors, the unmistakable grumble of Filch echoed off the stone walls, a reminder of the ever-watchful eyes in the castle. John caught a glimpse of Harry being reprimanded by Filch but paid it little mind; his focus was elsewhere.
He was on a quest to uncover a secret room rumored to have emerged during his second year at Hogwarts. The only lead he had was a vague reference to a bathroom, but after a thorough search of every bathroom within the school's ancient walls, he found nothing. Disheartened, he was about to abandon his search for the day when he reached the second floor.
The familiar sound of Myrtle's sobs reached his ears, emanating from the girls' bathroom. An idea struck him like a bolt of lightning. "Perhaps I can seek guidance from the ghost," he mused. The ghosts of Hogwarts had roamed its halls for centuries; if anyone knew of hidden rooms and secret passageways, it would be them.
With renewed purpose, John stepped into the girls' bathroom. There, amidst the echoes of dripping faucets, was Myrtle, lost in her usual lamentations.
_________
If you are tired of reading I also have this converted to an audio novel on my youtube
https://www.youtube.com/@NovelAudioForge/featured
Direct Link to playlist
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f_Hg-qsW4rM&list=PLKskshYG-OcPTR4-Nw7IWFEBZm07D8pBV&ab_channel=NovelAudioForge