Alerted by his wife's Patronus, Patriarch Greengrass appeared in the middle of the wreckage, accompanied by a group of Aurors.
The mysterious Maga Manor, despite the visible traces of battle, still stood proudly in the night. Fragments of broken spells and a few cracked walls were the only witnesses to the violent skirmish that had taken place. Aurors, clad in dark, silent robes, looked on in shock at the ancestral home of the Maga family. Once majestic, the manor was a symbol of power and knowledge. Its tall towers and large stained-glass windows told the story of an ancient, respected family.
Dozens of Death Eaters lay scattered on the ground before the manor, their lifeless bodies forming a sinister carpet over the land that had served as a battlefield. The earth was scorched and torn, trees uprooted, shards of glass and rubble littering the ground. The grim scene hinted at the ferocity of the conflict. The magical inscriptions once engraved in the walls, once vibrant and alive, were now dulled and broken.
Patriarch Greengrass's gaze then fell on five bodies grouped near the manor's entrance. The corpses of the Maga family were in such a horrific state that they were barely recognizable. The only relatively intact body was that of the Matriarch, her face frozen in an expression of cold determination. She still held her wand, the remnants of a final spell just barely lingering on her pale lips. Her eyes, even in death, seemed to challenge those who had dared to assault her family.
Approaching her, Greengrass knelt with a mixture of respect and sorrow. With a trembling hand, he gently closed the Matriarch's eyes, his own cold fury blending with a deep sadness. He whispered a silent prayer before standing once more, his heart heavy with the loss of this once powerful ally. He remembered the many times they had shared counsel and moments of camaraderie. Isolde Maga had always been a valuable ally and a dear friend.
Around them, the Aurors continued their work, securing the area and ensuring that no Death Eaters remained alive. The shouts of pain and anger from moments before had given way to a heavy, oppressive silence, broken only by the murmurs and incantations of the Aurors. One of them, an Auror named Alastor, approached Cedric.
"Mr. Greengrass, we've secured the area. No Death Eaters are left alive," said Alastor, his face grim.
"Thank you, Alastor," Cedric replied. "Make sure every inch of this ground is inspected. We can't risk leaving a single trapped spell."
Patriarch Greengrass stood, leaving behind the scene of devastation. He joined the Aurors, who continued to comb through every corner of the grounds, ensuring all danger was removed. A heavy burden weighed on his shoulders, but he knew the time had come to return to his own family—and to the Maga children.
Cedric Greengrass was an imposing man, with graying black hair and piercing green eyes. Known for his firmness and sense of honor, he was respected among wizards for his wisdom and skill in defensive magic. With precise mastery, he Apparated back in front of the Greengrass Manor. The grand and elegant building stood in the night, bathed in the soft glow from its many lit windows. The tension that had accompanied him from the battlefield eased slightly at the sight of his home. The Greengrass Manor, though not as old as the Maga estate, emanated an aura of security and stability.
Inside, Evelyn Greengrass, his wife, waited for him in the grand hall, her face marked with worry. Evelyn was a strikingly beautiful witch, with silky blonde hair and deep blue eyes. She was known for her mastery of healing magic and her gentle but resolute nature. Beside her, the Maga children sat, calm and seemingly unaware of the tragedy that had unfolded. The eldest, Arcana, a year and a half old, sat in a high chair, distractedly playing with a toy, while Orion, an infant, slept peacefully in a nearby crib.
"How are they?" Cedric Greengrass asked, his voice filled with concern as he approached his wife and the children.
Evelyn nodded, her eyes filled with compassion. "They're fine, Cedric. But tell me, what happened?"
Cedric took a deep breath, the memories of the devastation still fresh in his mind. "It was a massacre, Evelyn. The Maga Manor was attacked. Dozens of Death Eaters lay dead on the ground. The Maga family fought with a strength and determination worthy of their reputation, but they paid the ultimate price."
Evelyn closed her eyes for a moment, absorbing the gravity of the situation. "Isolde… was she…?"
"She was the last one standing," Cedric replied, his voice laced with respect and sorrow. "She fought to the bitter end. Her body was relatively unscathed, but she died a warrior."
Evelyn clenched her fists and burst into tears at the news of her friend's death. She took a few moments to compose herself before she could speak again. "We must honor their memory by taking care of their children. Arcana and Orion are our responsibility now."
Arcana, unaware of the adults' conversation, continued playing with her toy, babbling softly. Orion still slept, peaceful despite the turmoil surrounding them.
Cedric approached his wife and placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "We will protect them, Evelyn. We'll give them a loving home and help them grow up honoring their family's legacy."
Evelyn nodded, determined. "We must also ensure that Arcana, especially, is prepared to take her place as the heir to the Maga family. Her mother would have wanted that."
Cedric agreed with a nod. "We have a lot of work ahead of us. But we'll do it. For them, and to honor the memory of the Magas and our friendship with Isolde."
Evelyn led them into the living room, where a warmer, more comforting atmosphere awaited. The children were settled comfortably—Arcana in a secure play area and Orion in a soft crib. Cedric and Evelyn exchanged a determined look, aware of the mission that lay before them.
The Greengrass living room was a spacious, tastefully decorated room. Plush rugs covered the floor, and shelves filled with ancient books lined the walls. A fire crackled softly in the fireplace, adding a touch of warmth and comfort to the atmosphere. Evelyn sat in a chair near the fire, taking Arcana onto her lap, while Cedric placed Orion gently in his crib.
As they settled in, memories of moments shared with the Maga family flooded their minds. Cedric remembered the animated discussions with Isolde, the advice exchanged on how best to protect their families in these troubled times. Evelyn recalled afternoons spent studying healing magic with Isolde, sharing secrets and laughter.
They knew it would be a long road ahead, but together, they could overcome this trial and honor the memory of the Magas by ensuring a bright future for Arcana and Orion.