The Wandering Devil
Chapter: 17
Note: Hello, I get some people didn't like the last chapter and it's understandable. I went a bit crazy on it. Though I did feel some points were valid. Being locked up for one year in Azkaban just isn't acceptable.
Also to people complaining about the world being too weak, firstly. I didn't choose the world. It's his first willing time using a power he had no idea how to control. Due to that all worlds suggested were put in a wheel and randomly spun for fairness. So I didn't choose it.
Secondly, you are being too shortsighted. Sure he may be one of the strongest in the world already but it isn't about that, it's about the magic. The magic is impressive and versatile in the hands of wizards who are for the most part in the low class, with a few in the mid-class.
In the hands of Zephyrion who is pseudo-high class and has imagination magic it'll be really powerful.
There's also people complaining he was starting to struggle with an army of Aurors? I only buffed their reaction time honestly, wizarding magic is versatile and as shown, Grindelwald used one spell that nearly destroyed a city. It really isn't as weak as you want it to be.
Anyways, hope you enjoy lol.
Pa/ t reon details below the chapter if you're interested in seeing some content in advance. I'll keep posting regardless. If you have any suggestions you would like to see added, I will try to incorporate what I can :)
(A Strange World)
Walking in the street filled with robed individuals I made sure to check that my robe was covering me at all times.
I didn't know if any Aurors were out or even searching for me but I would rather not get into another fight. My demonic energy was still refilling and I didn't want to escalate this whole situation much more.
Even though I was pretty certain I had killed a few of those Aurors. I wondered if I was going to be labelled as a Dark Wizard or some other such thing?
Hagrid was dumped into Azkaban for two months in non-war time by the minister without any trial on trumped up charges saying he opened the Chamber of Secrets.
He has his issues but he couldn't have opened Slytherin's infamous Chamber of Secrets.
Sirius Black was thrown into Azkaban again without any trial too and would have rotted there if he hadn't escaped while most Death Eaters like Malfoys got away.
Malfoy had a massive sway over the minister and Hogwarts.
Wizarding Law Enforcement was biased, corrupt and outdated institution which wouldn't give me any fair chance especially with me not having any Galleons or lawyers.
One year in Azkaban without trial for breaking into the Ministry of Magic as per Wartime Emergency Measures was too much to accept for my 2-day visit here.
Still I had planned to simply talk with them while using a teleportation circle to get somewhere else but those aurors just started firing spells without me doing anything and for them I was unarmed, without any weapon or wand.
Maybe not all aurors were bad or unreasonable but I wasn't even given a chance to present facts which they could have even verified with veritaserum and given me fair trial.
I wonder if I can learn a few Wizarding Spells for it? It would have definitely made my escape bloodless and none would have to die.
Ignoring all that. The aforementioned robes I was wearing had been liberated from another robed figure I had found skulking around at night. In all fairness he had tried to rob me.
The robes were relatively simple and not nearly as flashy as some of the robes I was currently looking at.
It hadn't been hard to realise where I had landed.
The world of witchcraft and wizardry, Harry Potter.
Which was something I had found out in the middle of the fight. The wands had been a signature giveaway along with the fact the Aurors had name dropped the 'Ministry' those Aurors seriously needed some mandatory de-escalation training and training on how to treat unarmed underaged children as I wouldn't have reached the way I did if they hadn't started their shoot spells first and ask questions later approach.
Maybe war with Voldemort warranted those wartime measures but I don't think he had attacked the Ministry of magic so openly.
As the darkness of night disappeared and the light of day greeted the arrival of daytime, it had become apparent I was in some sort of magical city. Judging by the way that cobbled streets twisted and turned unnaturally.
With towering buildings with crooked roofs and chimneys that puffed out coloured smoke lined the narrow roads that defied gravity in some cases by leaning at impossible angles or hovering slightly above the ground.
Also the fact that there was a shop nearby had enchanted brooms sweeping the entrance on their own, and another had shimmering potions in the window, with one bottle visibly refilling itself as customers passed by.
It was safe to say this place wasn't normal and if that was enough, the robed man that just appeared from the green fire should do the trick as I passed a floo station. From which wizards and witches came appearing every few dozens of seconds.
Ignoring all of that for a second.
I had to admit, this was a rough start. Not nearly as smooth as it had been with Danmachi. The fact that I had fought dozens of what could be amounted to magical police wasn't a good introduction.
Though, It couldn't be helped. I wasn't just going to let myself be captured because I had accidentally fallen into the wrong place. With a power that was unreliable.
It was lucky enough that I hadn't landed in some insane world with people a lot stronger than me or even a version of Harry Potter that had wizards slapping around peak-mid class beings.
On the topic of my escape. I hadn't seen more Aurors since escaping the Ministry building. Still, I had decided that blending in and hiding my identity was the best move.
I had no way of knowing whether the Aurors or if the wizarding world at large had a description of me yet. There was also the possibility that they were already launching a manhunt after I'd essentially attacked their magical government.
I didn't know how this type of situation played out and I didn't have access to the magical news source to see if I had been mentioned.
After I had finally escaped the Ministry and the army of Aurors. I had quickly come into contact with some massive magical barrier that covered the entirety of the Ministry. It had stopped me from immediately flying away with my propulsion technique.
That hadn't stopped me for long with the usage of magic allowing me to overload it. From there I had used my wings to fly away. It was night time, so I simply slipped off into the darkness.
I came to stand in front of a broom shop. With three brooms on display behind a large glass panel. I had to admit despite the rough start I was excited. This was probably one of the better worlds I could have been sent to.
A world with a versatile magical system I could learn from. While most wizards seemed limited in their power, I wouldn't have that issue. That was assuming I could learn it.
There was also the sheer amount of magical artefacts I had seen so far, if some of the items I saw walking through the streets were being sold casually. I wondered what items were considered truly powerful and restricted.
No world ending Gods unless the Deathly Hallows story is true, in which I would have to tread carefully.
Was it bad that I wanted to steal a broom?
I kind of wanted to know if they needed magic to operate or perhaps they only needed a bit of magic to fly? That would be very useful for Bell and Lili in Dungeon..
Unfortunately, I found myself surrounded by hundreds of wizards and witches on a bustling road in the heart of this strange magical city. For now I was content with learning more.
Well, I was definitely going to be steal-liberating some items in the meanwhile. I only had two days and I was already a wanted criminal the first few hours of arriving…
Perhaps Hestia was right. I needed supervising.
I continued down the road, inspecting all the next shop over which was a Potion shop. I definitely wanted to get my hands on some of those or even learn how to make them.
Above me, an owl flew by, dropping letters directly into the hands of pedestrians as they passed and I shook my head.
Everything was so weird but kind of cool too.
After a few turns through the busy magical district ended and poorer district with a weird tenseness that was apparent among everyone. The streets came into view.
Earlier shops bustled with cheerful customers were now replaced with empty rundown shops with few whose doors tightly shut and windows barred.
Amidst the strange quietness that felt out of place, the sound of heavy boots clinking against cobblestones grew louder as a group of Aurors marched through the alley.
Their eyes were cold and critical. Their expressions were stern, and their wands gripped tightly in their hands.
Leading the group was Auror Thorne, a broad-shouldered man.
"Spread out," he ordered, his voice a low growl. "Don't let anyone slip through."
I stopped as I suddenly spotted a group of four Aurors stationed nearby, inspecting hooded figures at random. I could tell they were Aurors by the badges on their chest.
My eyes narrowed. They were checking people's identities and trying to find answers by any means, clearly on alert. Judging by the way they were ripping hoods off seemingly everyone.
The last thing I needed was another confrontation, not after what had just happened.
I considered my options.
Fighting my way through would draw more attention, and I couldn't afford that right now. My gaze shifted to a nearby fireplace, where wizards were stepping in and vanishing in green flames.
A Floo Network.
Quietly, I slipped toward the fireplace, keeping my movements subtle as I reached into a small pouch, tossing the powder into the flames. I thought about the best place to go, apparently from what I heard a lot of Aurors were skulking about due to the beginning of a wizarding war.
I didn't know if this was the return of Voldermort or the beginning, I would have to find which timeline I had entered soon. With that in mind, I chose a place that I hoped not many Aurors would hang around in.
I hoped my memories of canon Harry Potter were applicable here or I was about to be sent to a random place.
"Knockturn Alley" I muttered, stepping into the fire before the Aurors had time to notice.
What I was greeted with was the exact opposite of the clean, warm city that had adopted a weird aesthetic choice. The floo I stepped out of was dark with crumbling edges.
It looked to have had no maintenance done on it for years. That was the impression I got from it at least. In fact, it didn't look safe to even use.
I stepped out of the floo. It was silent. I found myself on a narrow street that twisted ahead of me, lined with crooked, decaying buildings that leaned toward one another.
They all cast long, jagged shadows across the cobblestone path. The sun blocked out by the way they all leaned so closely together.
The shops were shuttered, their grimy windows displaying nothing because most of them were covered up. The only real indication of what they were selling was the titles above.
My arrival was noticed by the few occupants on the road. The occasional robed figure scurrying into a different alleyway that was shrouded in darkness.
I could certainly see why Aurors wouldn't want to go patrolling around here, it was the perfect place to be ambushed. I felt pretty confident though, from that fight I had been able to go against dozens of trained wizards.
Meaning, in this world's power base I was probably considered very strong. I had no idea how I would match up to the likes of Dumbledore or Grindelwald though.
Eyes stared at me as I casually walked down the middle of the street. My senses were alert, I wasn't stupid enough to let my confidence make me overly cocky.
I didn't know the full extent of this world's magic. For all I know, a simple spell could have me out on the ground.
I stopped in front of a shop with the title 'Dark Draughts and Elixirs.'
It didn't exactly look friendly but I decided for now it would be a good place to ask about potions. After all, while I may not have any money I could always liberate some for myself. Anyone selling on this road was bound to be sketchy anyway.
Pushing open the creaky door that led inside the potion shop, I stepped inside and the smell hit me immediately. A pungent mix of herbs, rot, and something faintly metallic.
The shop itself was dimly lit, the only source of light coming from a flickering lantern in the corner. Shelves lined the walls, packed with dusty vials, jars filled with questionable contents, and books bound in worn leather.
Basically what I expected, it was dodgy as fuck. It seemed my canon knowledge hadn't failed me.
"Ah.. a customer." A raspy voice came from the shadows.
I nearly blasted the fucker right there. My senses were alert but it didn't make it any less creepy.
I turned to see a thin man emerging from behind the counter. He looked as strange as the shop itself. He looked normal except for His eyes were wide, unnervingly so, and his smile seemed forced.
He also possessed unkempt hair that gave him an odd, half-mad appearance.
This guy had definitely been inhaling a few many potion fumes.
"Welcome valued customer. What brings you to my little shop today? Looking for something... special, perhaps?"
I raised an eyebrow but kept my tone casual. "I need information on potions. I don't suppose you have a list?"
The man's grin widened, and he shuffled to the counter, pulling out a long, crumpled piece of parchment.
"Oh, we have all sorts of potions here," he said in a singsong voice. "Elixirs for power, for pain, for pleasure and of course, the more dangerous ones." He unrolled the parchment and slid it across the counter toward me, his eyes never leaving my face.
The list was surprisingly large, I expected to be limited in what I could buy here due to its location. Then again, I guess I couldn't make assumptions on everything based solely on my canon knowledge.
I only recognised only two, the Polyjuice potion and the Pepper-up potion. My knowledge wasn't great so I wasn't surprised that I didn't know most of these Potions. My canon knowledge was limited.
While some of these Potions were interesting and definitely worth looking into, like the 'Essence of Dittany' which allowed for the quick healing of wounds when applied and didn't leave any scars if applied quickly.
I wanted it.
I wasn't sure what I had expected, maybe Potions like Polyjuice which would be useful in certain situations. But some of these potions were far more valuable than I thought. A Pepperup Potion in the Dungeon? That could be a literal lifesaver.
I felt the greed inside me flare up.
Of course, there were other Potions that were… questionable.
Amortentia
Effect: A powerful love potion that causes the drinker to become infatuated with the person who gives it to them. It smells different to each individual, according to what attracts them.
I didn't really see a use for it, mostly because I wasn't a rapist. I mean, I was as morally flexible as the next guy but buying this would just be downright weird.
I continued to casually browse through a few other Potions and found multiple that I wanted. Though, there was a problem. Firstly, I had no money and secondly I didn't even know if this was legit. For all I know I could be given weirdly-coloured poison.
It was still interesting to get a list of what I presumed were real Potions. I would have to check it out more before I left and get my hands on a few of those Potions.
"Thank you. I may return to purchase some of your potions," I said, offering a brief nod from beneath my hood. "Goodbye."
The weird man's smile somehow became even more forced, before his smile dimmed.
"Hold on just a second! You're really not going to buy anything? After I went through all the trouble of hosting you?" The man growled.
I stared at him flatly. I knew there had been something off about this guy. He just seemed weird but I chalked it up to the norm of selling in Knockturn alley. Which didn't look user-friendly.
Regardless, I doubted he had any real intention of pushing the issue since he hadn't even reached for his wand.
"I was just browsing," I replied with a dismissive wave, my voice dripping with my lack of care. "Perhaps I'll return to buy something later."
The man muttered to himself, clearly irritated, but ultimately chose not to press the matter further.
I nodded and my hood briefly slid up just a small amount. He flinched back. His demeanour completely changed and he lowered his head slightly. I decidedly ignored his strange behaviour and left the Potions shop.
Once more, I was back out on the cold streets of Knockturn alley. Walking through the street. I made an effort to stay out of the direct line of sight, despite my casualness I didn't feel like fighting.
My current task was to simply browse unbothered. I wanted to see if there were any magical book stores but despite the many buildings there weren't many stores.
I came across a few books on Potions and magical creatures, but I decided to save those for later. Turns out, Knockturn Alley is much bigger than I expected.
It was a bit unsettling knowing that people were mostly skulking around in the shadows but other than that it had its own charm.
I wasn't really surprised when I found a wand poking out from the darkness and stopping me in my tracks. The end of the wand's tip glowed a dark sickly purple colour, which I supposed was an indicator of a nasty spell being chained to fire.
"Can I help you?" I questioned.
I let myself be dragged into the dark alleyway. He pushed me against the wall and my eyes were able to adjust to the darkness, allowing me a better view of the wizard who was holding a wand to me.
The voice was calm.
"Give me everything you have. If I even suspect you have malicious intent I'll simply take your belongings off your corpse. Am I understood?" The smooth well-practised voice said.
They were experienced.
A burst of wind erupted from my hand, sending the thief sailing through the air and into the wall. A nasty spell was sent towards me which I promptly dodged.
They couldn't shoot another spell as I sent a bolt of wind at them, causing them to hunch over in pain and allowing me to boredly smack the wand out of his hand.
My eyes narrowed down at the man.
The man looked up at me in alarm. His hood had been lowered from the impact.
"Fuck, I should have known someone so confidently strolling down this part of Knockturn alley would be trouble." He muttered.
"Yes, you should have." I said, lowering my hood.
His expression turned from cautious to terrified. The subtle looks he threw around to see if he could reach his wand in time or escape vanished. His body slumped.
Okay… not exactly what I was expecting.
He let out a hollow chuckle, eyes glinting with a mix of fear and resignation.
"Of course, with my rotten luck... this had to happen. You're the new Dark Lord everyone's been talking about, aren't you?" His voice trembled slightly, but there was a strange calm in his defeat.
"…"
The fucking what?
"What gave you that expression?" I calmly questioned.
My outward appearance was calm but inside my mind was racing.
"Don't try that-I mean you can do whatever you like of course. I simply mean everyone knows about your attack on the Ministry. The Debut of a second Dark Lord who was able to brute force his way through the Ministry alone." He quickly but respectfully explained.
Okay… so.
I had expected at the very most I would be branded a dark wizard for my little encounter at the Ministry, but to so quickly be labelled a Dark Lord was fucking insane.
I wondered how he even found out about this. It had barely been few hours since the incident. How was some magical crook already trembling at the sight of me?
I kept my gaze fixed on him, my mind racing with questions and trying to piece together how fast my existence had been spread.
He let stew in silence, happy to let me think.
Welp, that made things more difficult. I didn't suppose there were some exclusive Dark Lord benefits I could go claim? Was I expected to go around murdering people?
Because that sounded both dickish and downright evil.
I refocused on the Wizard whose name I had yet to acquire.
Having someone familiar to this world help me would be useful for my short stay here. I might as well embrace the title, since I had already ruined my impression in this world.
I stepped closer to him, lowering down slightly "You indeed made a mistake tonight but I'm feeling generous. How about we strike a deal?"
"A deal?" He questioned.
I waved my hand lazily, and a scroll of parchment appeared from the shadows, its ink glowing faintly with an ominous light.
"Yes, it'll be marked with you signing a binding contract. One of servitude to be more accurate. I am giving you the chance to serve me. Just sign-"
I couldn't finish my sentence.
He scrambled up, making me briefly ready to defend myself. Only to take the offered pen and sign the contract, his eyes glinting with clear excitement.
I was starting to think that Magical Society in this world may be a bit fucked. Once again my expectations were thrown out of the window. He didn't even hesitate.
He kneeled after.
"I'm in your service my Lord." He respectfully said.
"…"
Was this guy Bi-polar?
"What's your name?" I questioned.
"Clint, my Lord." He replied instantly.
I had to ask.
"Why are you so eager to throw your life away for someone you just met? Someone you didn't even know existed until yesterday?" I asked with a raised eyebrow.
"Because it's better than what I'm doing now. I'm stuck sneaking through one of the most dangerous magical areas in Britain, surviving on scraps I manage to steal. My magical abilities are average at best, but the chance to serve someone vastly stronger than me? That's a dream for people like me." He explained.
That… made sense I suppose. I understood the struggle but I wouldn't go serving myself to a Dark Lord over it.
"I see, in that case you don't mind answering a few questions. They may sound strange but you're not to question them." I hesitantly ordered.
He nodded obediently.
"Of course, my Lord." Clint answered.
Weird.
"What year is it?" I questioned.
Sure enough, he looked confused but didn't question me as ordered.
"1968."
My lips pursed. So I was before the events of Harry Potter. Interesting. If I'm correct then the other Dark Lord was beginning the wizarding war rights about now.
I wonder how strong Voldermort will be. Would it be worth trying to make a contract with him? One that would end up with his magic as mine of course.
"Am I the only current Dark Lord?" I questioned.
He shook his head.
"There is the other one who has already started a war with the Ministry that has been growing bigger every year." He answered.
So I was correct.
Now, onto a more important question.
"How did you find out about me?"
-{Kate}-
Kate leant against the cold stone wall with her eyes closed and breathing as slow as she could make it. She had stumbled onto something that she shouldn't have.
The new Dark Lord that had basically man handled platoons of Aurors inside of the Ministry itself was currently speaking to what she assumed was his subordinate.
She had stumbled upon this particular alleyway by accident; there were hundreds of interconnected Alleyways in Knockturn Alley. It was like a maze so the fact she had stumbled upon this one of all times was unlucky.
Kate knew it was a risky game, the amount of fights and attempted robbery that went down would surprise anyone who wasn't familiar with Knockturn Alley.
Stumbling upon a few fights or even people getting robbed, which was normally new-comers who didn't know how to stay subtle. Happened a few times every month.
Encountering a Dark Lord was an entire thing entirely. She was lucky she had decided to only take a sneak peak instead of allowing herself to be seen.
The fact someone was kneeling in front of him was the first clue but the second clue was those strange eyes. The word had spread like wildfire to those who hadn't seen the Daily Prophet.
A key indicator for the upcoming Dark Lord was his rainbow-coloured eyes, an irregularity that was easy to find. Though nobody expected to find this Dark Lord, not even the many Aurors who patrolled.
This was why Kate didn't dare move. She only heard snippets of the conversation but quite frankly she didn't want to hear more. Knowledge in most cases was power but in this case it would make her a liability.
Most of her focus and magic right now, was in the disillusionment charm she had thrown up with all her magic when she had realised what she had stumbled upon.
She could only hope they didn't leave in her direction or she would be forced to move.
-{Zephyrion Gremory}-
I stared down at the paper in bemusement.
Clint had let me here in regards to my question.
'A New Dark Lord's Debut' was the title along with a picture that was admittedly evil-looking. It was me, covered in smoke. Only my unique-coloured eyes were visible with fire swirling around me.
No wonder people thought I was some sort of Dark Lord but the subtitle below got my attention.
"Fifteen critically injured and eighteen injured."
Shit.
I had seriously hurt some people and potentially killed a few.
I mean, I didn't mean to but I was kind of rushing with some of my attacks. No. I slapped my head. I should have known. The Aurors were no doubt tricky and strong but releasing full-sized attacks was bound to achieve this.
It couldn't be helped.
They would have overwhelmed me if their numbers had continued to increase.
I looked at Clint, who was acting like a Soldier in the middle of a battleground.
Which made sense, we were currently enjoying a meal in Leaky Cauldron.
This definitely wasn't the start I wanted to have but perhaps I could turn this into an advantage. Moving without morals interfering in a world I wanted to learn magic from could be beneficial.
What was that saying? Oh yeah.
When in Rome.
-END-
if you wish to read up to sixteen chapters in advance among my stories and other things please visit pa/t reon * / Snipez818, I appreciate all the support!