(𝐓𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐒𝐤𝐢𝐩 - 𝟐 𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐤𝐬)
𝐖𝐞𝐝𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝐉𝐮𝐧𝐞 𝟑𝟎𝐭𝐡, 𝟏𝟗𝟒𝟓 - 𝐁𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐨𝐫
The summer stretched endlessly for Walburga, each day feeling like an eternity. It appeared that her mother took a perverse pleasure in subjecting her daughter to deprivation and hunger.
Irma's disdainful glances and cutting remarks seemed to intensify with each passing day.
The once-vibrant halls of Hogwarts were now replaced by the cold, dimly lit corridors of the Black estate, echoing with the ghosts of ancestral expectations and unspoken family secrets.
Every day felt like a monotonous repetition for her. The routine was predictable – waking up, going downstairs to face her mother and father, only to find herself punished for seemingly trivial reasons as if merely breathing was an offense.
And every day, Alphard would mentally cloak himself in invisibility, as if he could shield himself from bearing witness to the deteriorating state of his sister.
The heartbreaking sight of Walburga's struggles became an invisible burden that he carried, a silent witness to the toll the oppressive summer was taking on her.
That was until news reverberated through the wizarding community like a shockwave:
Grindelwald had been defeated, and the one responsible was none other than Albus Dumbledore.
The news of Grindelwald's defeat sent ripples of both relief and apprehension through the wizarding world.
It was a significant victory, a testament to Dumbledore's power and skill. Whispers of the duel and the legendary feats performed in its wake echoed in every magical corner.
While the wizarding and Muggle worlds celebrated the defeat of Grindelwald, purebloods who had associated themselves with his cause were preparing to undergo a witchhunt.
The night of the defeat, Walburga had been in her room, engrossed in rereading her 'Hamlet' play until she heard an echoing scream emanating from her mother.
Immediately she grabbed her wand and ran to Alphard's room where he was with Cygnus.
The urgency in her movements reflected the gravity of the situation, and a sense of foreboding filled the air as she approached her brother's room. Pushing the door open she pointed her wand out; only to find Cygnus wide-eyed staring at her.
"Where's Alphard?" Her voice cracked with worry.
"He ran downstairs, we thought you were screaming," Cygnus replied, his words tinged with concern.
"Stay here." Before even finishing the sentence, she ran downstairs as fast as she could.
Another guttural scream echoed from her mother, intensifying the unease that hung in the air.
Walburga quickened her pace, racing towards the source of the distressing sounds, her wand at the ready.
She ran until she made it to her father's study pushing the door open.
As the door swung open, a scene of chaos greeted her. Irma, her mother, stood near the fireplace, her face contorted with fear and anguish.
Her father was next to her, shock spread across his face as he read the note that arrived.
"What is it?" Putting her wand down she saw Alphard had already been in the study, sitting on one of the chairs with his head down.
Pollux, her father, looked up from the note, his expression a mix of disbelief and concern. "It's a note from the Alliance; Grindelwald has been defeated and sent to prison in Numerngard."
Pollux continued "The ministry will be demanding a thorough investigation into our family's ties with Grindelwald's followers. They suspect many pureblood families, and we are not exempt."
She couldn't begin to understand what this meant. How could they make it out of this when they were directly involved with funding his atrocities?
"What do we do?" Irma asked, her tone laced with urgency. Her shock was still in place, she knew better than to follow someone who already lost.
Pollux sighed, his eyes meeting hers. "We need to cooperate with the inquiry and show that we had no part in Grindelwald's darker activities. We must tread carefully; our family's reputation is on the line."
Walburga finally spoke, her voice strained. "And if they find evidence suggesting otherwise?"
Pollux's expression hardened. "We'll cross that bridge when we come to it. For now, we prepare for the inquiry." The gravity of their situation hung in the air, a stark reminder that the aftermath of Grindelwald's defeat carried its own set of challenges.
It was only the beginning.
☆ ★ ☆
(𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐦𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐡 𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫)
𝐉𝐮𝐥𝐲 𝟐𝟖𝐭𝐡, 𝟏𝟗𝟒𝟓 - 𝐁𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐨𝐫
The escalating crackdown by the Ministry sent shockwaves through the wizarding community, and fear spread like wildfire.
Families once influential and secure now found themselves targeted by Aurors, their homes invaded, and their members interrogated.
The air was thick with tension, and even the walls of the Black estate seemed to close in on its inhabitants.
The purges conducted by the Ministry became a relentless force, tearing through the magical world to root out any remnants of Grindelwald's influence.
As each day passed, more families fell victim to the Aurors' investigations.
The once-proud pureblood houses crumbled under the weight of suspicion and scrutiny. Whispers of betrayal and collaboration circulated, and the very fabric of wizarding society was unraveled.
Their once-grand home became a fortress of secrets, and the Black siblings clung to the hope that their family could weather the storm.
Little did they know that the consequences of Grindelwald's defeat would unravel not only the tapestry of their family's past but also the delicate threads that held together the very fabric of their lives.
It started with the Nott family, they were the first to admit the truth of their involvement but only in turn for freedom.
Their sacrifice for freedom ignited a cascade effect, prompting other families to consider their options.
The Ministry's pursuit intensified, and the once-mighty pureblood houses found themselves at the mercy of a merciless purge.
The Black siblings, ensconced in the fortress of secrets that was their home, watched as the dominoes fell around them.
The Nott family's revelation marked the beginning of a relentless series of confessions, each one exposing the underbelly of wizarding society. The fallout of Grindelwald's defeat proved to be a crucible, testing the loyalties and convictions of every pureblood family caught in its wake.
The Acolytes of Grindelwald, fervently committed to their cause, posed a formidable challenge to the Ministry's efforts to quell the remnants of the defeated movement.
To push back against the Ministry of Magic, they attacked the families that betrayed the cause.
The so-called "stakings" were a brutal and vengeful campaign against those who had turned their backs on the fallen dark wizard.
Starting with the Carrow Family.
☆ ★ ☆
𝐀𝐮𝐠𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝟏𝐬𝐭 𝟏𝟗𝟒𝟓 - 𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐨𝐰 𝐅𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐲 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐫
News of the fall of Grindelwald reverberated through the halls of the Carrow estate like an unsettling echo.
Within the estate's cold, dimly lit corridors, the Carrow family faced the aftermath of their admission to the Ministry of Magic.
The air was thick with tension as they navigated the intricate dance of cooperation and self-preservation in the wake of Grindelwald's demise.
The news also carried the bitter taste of betrayal, not only from within the family but also from the acolytes who sought revenge for what they perceived as treachery.
Caught in the middle of all of it was Ares, he wanted nothing more than to write to Alphard just to make sure that he was okay.
Upon hearing the news of Grindelwald's defeat, Ares's parents, consumed by disbelief and anger, lashed out at their youngest son. Unable to accept the truth, they channeled their rage and sadness into frustration, inadvertently directing it towards Ares.
No matter how much he cried or begged they wouldn't leave him alone.
On the day of the investigation, the ministry came along with four Aurors. Each took a carrow into a separate room for investigation.
Ares, still bearing the emotional wounds from his parents' earlier onslaught, felt a new wave of anxiety wash over him as he faced the Ministry's scrutiny.
The once-stately halls of the Carrow estate now echoed with the weight of suspicion and the palpable fear of consequences.
When it was time for his investigative interview the Auror noticed his bruising and cut lip.
The evidence of recent mistreatment raised unspoken questions, adding a layer of complexity to the ongoing inquiry.
Ares clenched his fists, the pain from his bruised ribs was only growing worse by the second.
The Auror, observant of the visible signs of abuse, couldn't help but inquire, "What happened to you, Ares? Your injuries seem recent."
Ares hesitated, glancing away for a moment before meeting the Auror's gaze. "It's... family matters. Nothing to do with Grindelwald." His voice wavered slightly, a mix of fear and defiance coloring his words.
The Auror's stern gaze remained fixed on Ares as he inquired, "Ares Carrow, you understand the gravity of these questions, don't you? Your family's allegiance to Grindelwald is under scrutiny, and your answers will determine the course of the investigation."
Ares swallowed hard, anxiety and fear evident in his eyes. "I-I understand," he stammered, his voice barely above a whisper.
The Auror pressed on, "Tell me about your family's involvement. Were there any explicit orders or communications from Grindelwald himself?"
"We... we attended some gatherings, but we weren't directly involved in planning or anything. We- They didn't receive any specific orders."
The Auror's quill scratched against the parchment, capturing the essence of Ares's words. "And what about the night Grindelwald was defeated? Where were you and your family?"
Ares shifted uncomfortably in his chair. "We were at home, unaware of what was happening. It was only after... after the news reached us that everything changed."
The questions pressed on, delving into the intricacies of the Carrow family's connections and activities.
They seemed endless until the Auror's partner came in.
"Weasley, they are cleared for now."
The Auror named Weasley gave a nod of acknowledgment, and Ares felt a surge of relief flood through him. The weight that had been pressing on his shoulders began to lift, even if only slightly.
"We appreciate your cooperation, Mr. Carrow," Weasley said, offering a kind smile. "We'll be in touch if we need further clarification."
Before he stood up he leaned in and whispered "If you need any help here... contact the ministry and ask for Septimus Weasley. Until then stay safe." Placing a hand on the shoulder he got up leaving the young boy with a kind smile.
Ares nodded solemnly, committing Weasley's name to memory. "Thank you," he replied, feeling a glimmer of reassurance amid the turmoil surrounding his family.
As Weasley left the room, Ares took a deep breath, contemplating the weight of the situation. He finally felt as if he could put the nightmare behind him.
☆ ★ ☆
The same night hung heavy with an eerie stillness as Damien Krafft, a fervent acolyte and once considered Grindelwald's right-hand man, stealthily infiltrated the Carrow estate.
His tall stature moved with silent grace, blending into the shadows as he approached the family's residence, his mind fueled by a dangerous cocktail of loyalty and vengeance.
The Carrow family, unaware of the impending threat, slept peacefully, shrouded in the false comfort of night.
As Damien entered the manor, memories of past gatherings and whispered plans echoed in his mind. He believed the Carrows had betrayed Grindelwald, and in his twisted sense of justice, he sought to deliver punishment for their perceived treachery.
The weight of revenge bore down on him as he navigated the halls, seeking out the symbols of the family's allegiance.
Unable to contain his anger, he pointed his wand around him and bellowed, "Bombarda!"
The incantation echoed through the silent halls, and with a deafening explosion, the force of the spell erupted, tearing through the walls and sending debris flying.
The once-peaceful night was shattered by the chaotic symphony of destruction, as the Carrow estate became a battleground for the acolyte's wrath.
The blast jolted the Carrow family awake, each member grappling with the disorienting shock of the sudden assault.
Amid the chaos, Ares, now fully alert, realized the dire threat that loomed over his home.
The air was thick with dust and the acrid scent of burning debris as Damien Krafft, consumed by his quest for vengeance, advanced further into the heart of the manor, wand at the ready.
"Come out you traitors!" His thick Scottish accent echoed through the wall of the home.
As Damien Krafft's menacing voice echoed through the manor, he continued his relentless tirade, "You thought you could betray our cause and escape without consequences? Grindelwald will rise again, and those who abandoned him will pay the price!"
"Expulso!" Krafft bellowed, causing nearby tapestries to burst into flames, their inferno casting an ominous glow across the passage.
Ares could hear his father shouting, "Stupefy!" The red beam of light shot through the air, narrowly missing Krafft, who deftly dodged behind a crumbling suit of armor.
In response, Krafft, undeterred, cast a Sonorus charm, amplifying his voice through the fog. "There's no escape, Carrows! Your fate is sealed!" His proclamation echoed ominously, heightening the family's anxiety.
Ares, crouched in his room, covered his ears to shield himself from the amplified threats of Damien Krafft.
The sounds of his father's spells and Krafft's menacing proclamations echoed through the manor, creating a dissonant symphony of chaos.
His hands trembled, tears streaming down his face as the weight of fear and helplessness pressed upon him.
The muffled shouts and distant explosions outside his door intensified his sense of isolation, amplifying the vulnerability of being trapped within the confines of his hiding place.
As the confrontation unfolded beyond the walls of his room, Ares struggled to muffle his sobs, the stifled cries of a young wizard caught in the crossfire of revenge and family loyalty.
"Wait, don't touch her, please, spare my wife," he implored, his words a desperate attempt to shield his loved ones from the looming threat.
The sound of his wand being forcibly taken away underscored the vulnerability of a once-powerful wizard reduced to pleading for the safety of his family.
Ares, still hidden in his room, could only listen helplessly as the events unfolded, the echoes of his father's pleas etching a painful memory in his mind.
"T-take the boy; just do what you must and go!" he implored, his words revealing a father's willingness to trade his own son's safety for the protection of his wife and himself.
The anguished desperation in Ares's father's voice grew, and with a heavy heart, he uttered a plea that reflected the depth of sacrifice a parent was willing to make.
Ares, still hidden in his room, felt the weight of his father's sacrifice, the tumultuous emotions swirling within him as he grappled with the impact of their family's choices.
The air hung heavy with the echoes of a plea that bore the burden of a broken loyalty and betrayal.
Damien's smirk conveyed a twisted satisfaction as he mocked Ares's father. "You truly are a man of no honor, Carrow," he sneered, the words dripping with disdain for a father willing to make such a desperate plea. "But I'll tell you something... so am I."
With a cold determination, Damien began making his way toward Ares's room, the ominous sound of his footsteps echoing through the hallways like a harbinger of impending doom.
Ares, paralyzed with fear, clutched his wand tightly as he cowered in his room. He had never felt more alone.
The weight of the impending danger hung in the air, and the ominous footsteps drew nearer.
Before he could grasp the situation his door burst to pieces revealing Damien. He had a crazy look in his eye.
The air became charged with tension as Damien advanced, a predatory gleam in his eye. Ares, cornered in his room, raised his wand with shaky determination.
Damien chuckled darkly, his voice dripping with a twisted amusement. "You thought you could hide, boy? Pathetic"
Raising Ares's wand he tried to defend himself yelling "Stupefy!"
If only he had been quicker.
The incantation left Ares' lips, but the spell was intercepted by Damien's swift counter. "Protego!" The Shield Charm deflected the Stunner, leaving Ares vulnerable to the looming threat.
Damien advanced with a malicious grin, savoring the fear that danced in Ares' eyes. The air crackled with tension as the young wizard desperately sought a way out of the impending danger.
"If only your family hadn't betrayed him. You will die knowing your father sealed your fate."
Raising his wand with a sinister confidence, Damien locked eyes with the young wizard.
"Avada Kedavra."
The only sound that could be heard throughout the Carrow Manor was the boy's body landing coldly on his bedroom floor.
His eyes were open as his final tears fell.
Ares Carrow was the first of the purebloods to suffer the consequences of choosing the wrong side.
His fate bore a distinctive mark among the others—he was denied any alternative, robbed of the opportunity to make a different choice.
☆ ★ ☆