Chapter 58 - Christmas Eve Ⅱ (2/2)

”And why is that?” Alastor asked with narrowed eyes.

”I've been trying to create a timeline and found that from 1957 to 1967, Tom Riddle simply disappeared. There are no records or traces of where he went,” Rowan gravely said. ”Oh, I'm certain that he was immersing himself in the dark arts, but where could he go to find such forbidden items?”

”The underworld or to other Dark Wizards,” Alastor flatly restated.

”Exactly,” Rowan said. ”And though this might be to our advantage now-.”

”We may be facing a possible alternate timeline, where Tom Riddle aligns himself with the underworld or a Dark Wizard faction as well,” Alphard interjected.

”Correct,” Rowan matter-of-factly stated.

”Hell,” Gideon said as Fabian smacked his brother and muttered, ”Language!” As his eyes dart towards Rowan and Gideon sheepishly blinked and chorused, ”Sorry.”

Rowan smiles wryly in reply as she keeps information of the possible puppeteer to herself as she really didn't have any proof and these six already had enough on their plates as it was. Rowan did feel a bit helpless, but at least she had dismantled the indoctrination of Tom Riddle at Hogwarts. And that was what truly counted in the end, step by step, she would get the job done.

Alastor turns to eye Rowan and says, ”And how is everything on your end?”

”I already took care of one problem on my end,” Rowan honestly replied without going into detail.

Alastor and the rest of the Auror's wait for more information, but Rowan doesn't explain herself on the subject. Seeing Rowan's reluctance to speak, Alastor says, ”Alright then, now that we've all met.

It's time to cast the Fidelius charm to protect Rowan's identity. Who will be the secret keeper?”

Everyone looks at each other in quiet silence. ”I will,” Alphard fearlessly said. Rowan's eyes flicker with an unknown emotion as she studies the solemn face of Alphard. ”Who better than an unspeakable to keep a secret?” Alphard said with dark humor.

Alphard lifts his wand and in a strange voice says the long, complex incantation. A strange like binding spell is felt on all five of the Auror's as though they feel something inside them is bound to be unspoken. Alphard glows brightly for a moment as an unknown power descends over him and a golden light poured into him, before vanishing.

They are all silent as Rowan gets up and gently gives Alphard a kiss on the cheek. Alphard blinks in shock as Rowan sincerely says, ”Thank you.”

Alphard tiredly grins and says, ”It's been a while since I even got so much as a peck from a pretty girl.”

Rowan grin widens, ”I can see where Sirius gets it from.” Alphard tilts his head at Rowan as if in agreement of her statement as a rare bright light appears in his eyes.

”I have to return to the Christmas Gala,” Rowan said. ”But you are all welcome to stay for the feast.”

”It's better that we remain unseen,” Alastor said as the rest of them nodded in agreement.

”We'll communicate as before,” Rowan said.

”Yes,” Alastor replied. ”But don't hesitate to reach out should it be important.”

”I know,” Rowan said as she paused at the door. ”Good luck to you all,” before unlocking the door and going out.

”What a terrible burden for one so young,” Sara remarked.

”What do you mean?” Gideon asked.

”There a numb feeling to her much like that of an experienced Auror,” Sara replied with pity in her eyes. ”For no child should ever be that pragmatic.”

The six of them are silent for a bit as Alphard gets up and says, ”Then let us not have her sacrifice be in vain.”

”We shan't fail,” Percius confidently interjected causing a faint smile to appear on all their faces.

Seeing the positive mood, Alastor carefully instructs, ”Alright everyone knows what to do now. Keep your heads low to the ground and your eyes sharp.” Everyone nods, before Sara points her wand at the fireplace and the fire turns green as she steps through. The Prince defenses served to keep people out and not necessarily in. For the Prince family members were a paranoid bunch and always kept an escape route handy.

Everyone quickly steps through until the last two remaining individuals in the room are Alastor and Alphard. ”Take care, Alphard,” Alastor somberly said as he clasped Alphard on the shoulder.

”I will,” Alphard solemnly said, before stepping into the fire. Once Alphard disappears, Alastor too steps into the green fire and vanishes. The study room is left empty with the guests above none the wiser to the important ongoing in the study room. And frankly that was a good thing as who knows, perhaps, there were spies at the very moment mingling above.