HP: The Arcane Thief
chapter-135

Around the same time as Rose was attacked, the Aurors and Ninjas stationed at Hogwarts were dealing with something else.

A creeping chill had spread everywhere in the astronomy tower, and an eerie sense of despair hung in the air.

"What the…"

"Just how many are there?!"

"We're getting overwhelmed!"

Dementors. Hundreds of them had suddenly appeared at the top of the astronomy tower, causing the Auror and Ninja guards stationed at all parts of the school to be directly summoned here.

"Expecto Patronum!"

"Holy Flame!"

The wizards and ninjas were trying their best to stop the dementors from advancing, but…

"W-Why…?"

"Why aren't the spells working?!"

"Damn it, is it just me or have the dementors always been this big?!"

"This is not working!"

That was the problem. Usually this much force should have been enough to enough the Dementors, but for some reason, their spells weren't properly effective against the dementors. Despite their best efforts, the Dementors were somehow still advancing through forward.

During this time, the Professor stood at the backlines, each of them having severe expressions on their faces. Their patronuses were also engaged in stopping the dementors. But powerful as they were, their combined might was still coming short in front of the absurdly powerful army of the dark creatures.

"This… is an unprecedented situation!" said Professor Sprout.

"Any update on how they got here?" Flitwick asked Alice Longbottom, the former Auror and now the dueling professor.

"None." Alice shook her head. She had a frustrated expression on her face. "This is a planned attack. The minister pulled out most of her forces for some unknown reason, and Headmaster Dumbledore and Yujiro are not present. They've literally caught us with our pants down."

"But something else is wrong. The amount of power we have is enough to hold down any horde of dementors," said Sayako Sensei, the Ninjutsu Professor of Mahoutokoro. And she was right. The combined might of the Senseis and Professors alone was nothing to scoff at, not to mention the Aurors and Ninja Guardians also fighting right now.

"Something is wrong with these Dementors alright. They're awfully resistant," said Yamamoto Sensei, the Physical Training or the Taijutsu Teacher.

That was the thing. It was as if these dementors were… different. More powerful.

"They're overwhelming us. We need to evacuate the students," said Professor Narcissa.

"We can't. It'll cause panic among the students! As we discussed, we have to keep this matter contained. If the news spreads to the media, there will be ramifications."

That was the thing. Right now, they were trying to end this matter here without letting the news spread. Because if it did, Hogwarts Security will be severely criticized, not to mention the big blow it will give to the school's reputation.

Looking at the situation, Professor Mcgonagall hardened her resolve. "Make the announcement," she declared. Even if the matter could be contained, the safety of the students should be the first priority.

"But the students shouldn't know the cause. Tell all the deputy professors and prefects to escort every student to their dorms."

….

In the entire Hogwarts, the temperature had already dropped for some reason, and students were all feeling rather down right now. Most of them had already attributed it to the incoming exams, but some had begun to suspect something.

While the students were going about their usual business, a school wide announcement was made, alarming everyone.

"Attention all students, this is an emergency. Everyone, please calmly make your way towards your dorms right now."

"Attention all students…"

The students who had been studying or chilling on this fine Sunday afternoon were alarmed!

"What happened?"

"Damn, has something like this happened before?!"

"Hey, how about we try and find out?"

"Yeah, couldn't they have been more specific?"

"Whatever it is, I hope it's serious enough to cancel the exams."

In Hogwarts students, Curiosity and excitement ran among the students rather than concern for their own well being. Hogwarts was not a military school. Of course students won't be very disciplined.

But the Mahoutokoro students, on the other hand, were completely different. They all rushed to the dorms at once without any fanfare, following the orders to a T.

Martina, who had been locked away in her portable space-extentioned laboratory, came out of her concentrated state as a bell rang inside her lab. It warned her when someone knocked on her room.

Martina frowned. She had been busy doing an important project. She didn't want to be disturbed. But, the knocking was incessant.

It has to be said, there are very few people who have the guts, or the status to knock on Martina's door. "This better be good," she muttered, getting up.

When she came out of her suitcase, the first thing she noticed was the low temperature. It was summer, and yet, the temperature was so cold! Rubbing her arms, she opened the door. Only to see Akiko Matsushima of all people standing in front of her door.

Akiko still had a calm, expressionless look on her face. But to those who knew her, the knot between her eyebrows was enough to signify that something was wrong right now.

"Akiko…? Why are you here?"

Akiko simply grabbed Martina's hand. "Let's go."

??

Before she knew it, Martina was dragged outside the Ravenclaw Tower. "Hey, at least tell me where we're going. Is it about Axel?"

Martina was resistant at first, but then she finally heard the repeat of the announcement and seriousness dawned on her face.

"Let's go." She agreed they both began rushing to the cause.

As they approached the Astronomy tower, Martina's eyes grew unfocused as she felt the vast amounts of magic being used up ahead. As they drew nearer, the temperature dropped enough to condense their breaths into wisps of mist. A feeling of desolation began to affect them, but both the witches' minds were strong enough to not be influenced.

When they finally reached the place, both held their breaths.

"Dementors," said Martina, merely confirming her conjecture.

Akiko nodded. They both stopped at a distance where they could see from afar the backs of Professors, Senseis, Aurors, and Ninja Guardians, launching patronuses and keeping the huge horde of Dementors at bay.

They didn't go further for now. After all, they were just students. And they didn't even know the situation yet. It would be foolish to rush in now and get scolded for no reason.

"You're here."

At this moment, the girls heard a casual voice orginate from right beside them, making them jump.

!!?!

"Axel!" Said Martina, her voice containing equal amounts of surprise, relief, and annoyance.

Yep, standing beside with his back leaning against the wall, was Axel, looking ahead at the situation as if he had been standing here the whole time.

….

When Rose came out, she found herself unable to move.

"Hmmm! Mmmmph!" And neither could she speak. She was bound to the ground with chains, and her mouth was gagged with a cloth to prevent her from screaming.

Fear and Panic gripped her heart. How the hell did she get here?! Yes, Lockhart stunned her. Is this a prank?! If this is, she's going to murder that professor!

She scoured her surroundings. It seemed like she was in the forbidden forest. There were trees everywhere. And... she was bound in the middle of what seemed like a huge ritual circle. This seemed like a horrible nightmare!

"Hmmmph! MMPH!!" She struggled to get out of the ropes, and she tried to scream for help, but to no avail. Alright, Rose was scared for real now. What the hell is going on?!

At this moment, she heard someone chuckle. Gilderoy Lockhart came into her vision.

"Rosie, Rosie, Oh Rosie! You seem scared. And why would you not be? After all, you were kidnapped in broad daylight!" He said, looking rather jolly.

Rose glared at Lockhart. She tried to speak, but she couldn't due to the gag.

"Don't try to scream. And don't try to break free either. It's useless, Rose. This place is covered with wards I can't even comprehend, including the silencing ones. Your voice won't reach anyone. In fact," Lockhart down and took the gag off her. "This is useless. Sorry, I just put it for the dramatics," he said, scratching his head sheepishly.

Rose glared at Lockhart murderously but didn't try to scream for help. "Why am I here?! Do you know who my god Aunt is?! She'll have you locked in Azkaban for this!"

Lockhart laughed as if he'd heard a joke. "Azkaban? Rosie, Rosie, Rosie, you have no idea who you're trying to threaten. The entity I work for is far more intimidating than a mere Minister of Magic. Of course, you would know a lot about them!" He said, bringing out a small diary from his pocket. "Behold!"

"...."

Rose furrowed her eyebrows looking at the rather unassuming diary. This was supposed to be the reason? She had finally confirmed.

'He really is nuts.'

But, in the next moment, a sudden pressure descended upon the surroundings. Darkness began radiating off the diary, making the surroundings chilly.

And then, a pair of scarlet eyes appeared on Diary's surface.

""We meet again, Rose Potter."" A creepy voice echoed in the surroundings.

Rose's eyes widened. "Y-You!" Horror descended upon her as she realized just who it was. Voldemort!

In their last encounter, he had tried to steal the Philosopher's stone and had failed due to her and Daphne. She hadn't expected to see him again so soon. But yet, here he was. It was the same foul, palpitating presence. There was no doubt. It really was Voldemort himself. Rose was definitely intimidated. But she won't let the fear consume her.

"Voldemort! What do you want?! Dumbledore has already destroyed the Philosopher's stone! You're too late!"

Voldemort chuckled sinisterly. "'The stone? It was merely a tool to allow my return, Rose Potter. But, I do not need it anymore. After all, I have found a much better alternative!""

?!

Rose didn't like the sound of that. She didn't like it at all. This monster has another way to return? That would cause another war, wouldn't it?

"What do you want from me?!" She couldn't help but ask. Was this guy so petty that he'd come to get revenge for the last time?

""Have you not figured it out yet? You're the key.."" said Voldemort, a hint of amusement in his voice.

"What?!"

"Yes, Rose Potter. You are going to be the alternative. Did you forget what happened the last time we met? You were... able to connect the two worlds!"

Rose paled as realization dawned upon her.

In their last encounter, when Voldemort tried to enter Rose's mind, an explosive reaction took place. Voldemort was brutally forced back, and a rift opened up in space, dragging him, and Umbridge in. Rose was still confused about exactly what happened that night. Only now did she realize…

Voldemort chuckled upon seeing her paling complexion. "You finally understand. You, Rose Potter, have a direct connection with the Netherworld! I have been struggling to find ways to return for years in vain. All I have been able to accomplish is to allow creatures as tangible as mere Dementors to travel between the worlds. Philosopher's Stone was just another unsuccessful attempt. But thanks to that, I was able to witness that phenomenon. It made me realize that the solution had always been obvious."

"Me?" Rose still couldn't believe it.

There was obviously glee in Voldemort's voice. "Yes, You. But I wasn't the only one who realized that. Dumbledore did as well. That's why he has increased the security at Hogwarts. And you, especially, were guarded by aurors at all times. I had to go to quite the lengths to bring you here today."

'Damn it, it was for this!' Rose finally understood the reason why there were Aurors guarding her at all times this year. She had thought it was just her Aunt being overprotective, but apparently, the reality was something completely out of expectations.

Rose struggled to break free again. "It doesn't matter! The Aurors would soon realize my absence! You won't succeed in whatever you're planning!"

Lockhart, who had been kneeling in Voldemort's presence this whole time, smiled upon hearing that. "I'm afraid that won't be possible, Rosie. You see, your school is currently under attack from powerful Dementors summoned straight from my Lord's forces. So, no one is coming to save you. They're too busy protecting the school without realizing that it was just a distraction. That's why it was so easy to Kidnap you," explained Lockhart, making Rose even more panicked.

"Now," said Voldemort. "Get ready. We're about to launch the real attack at your school."