Hogwarts: Rise of the Dark Legacy

Professor Flitwick's words left the room in heavy silence. The professors sat in deep thought, each one grappling with the enormity of what had just been discussed. A lingering question seemed to float unspoken: How many wizards in the magical world could ever compare to Albus Dumbledore?

Apart from him—the one whose very name sent shivers through their spines—was there anyone else capable of such darkness?

"Could it be the work of a mysterious person?"

Professor McGonagall spoke cautiously, her lips pursed tightly. Since the downfall of Voldemort, the wizarding world had experienced a rare, fragile peace. Yet peace, as they all knew, could never last forever. "Is it possible that the Dark Lord is rising again?"

"No, not him."

Dumbledore's voice was resolute, his eyes, though weary, holding firm conviction. He had spent years watching and waiting for Voldemort's inevitable return, but he knew the Dark Lord's current state all too well.

"Voldemort remains... diminished. He is still but a remnant of his former self, a fractured soul far from regaining its strength."

It wasn't Voldemort who concerned him now, but another force—a shadow that seemed to emerge suddenly, shrouded in mystery.

Dumbledore recalled the dark wizard who had been spotted in Diagon Alley, a figure so elusive that even the Ministry's best Aurors had failed to find a single trace of him. Some believed the mysterious wizard had left Britain altogether, but Dumbledore suspected otherwise.

For a brief time, his mind had even turned to Grindelwald. Could the former Dark Lord have escaped Nurmengard? But the reports were clear: Grindelwald remained in his self-imposed exile, a shell of the man he once was.

That left only this new figure—an unknown entity whose presence hung like an unrelenting storm cloud, dark and impenetrable.

"Albus, the students must return to Hogwarts," McGonagall pressed. Her voice carried an edge of urgency now. "The castle is still the safest place in the wizarding world. Whatever danger is out there, we cannot risk leaving them unprotected."

"I agree," said Professor Sprout, nodding gravely.

"Hogwarts has weathered many storms," added Flitwick, his tone quiet but firm. "It's better they're within its walls."

Dumbledore finally nodded. "Very well. Ensure the students return immediately. We must be vigilant in the days to come."

Elsewhere, Harry and Toby had managed to find Hermione and Neville. After what felt like an eternity, Neville had finally regained consciousness.

"Neville, you're awake!" Toby exclaimed with relief. "Are you alright?"

Neville gave a small nod, though his face was pale. "Thank you for your concern. I'm... fine," he said softly. But the truth was, waking up alone in the silence had terrified him. For a fleeting moment, he had feared the others had abandoned him.

"Thankfully, Hermione was here to explain everything," Neville added, his voice trembling. "Otherwise, I might've..." He trailed off, his cheeks flushed with embarrassment.

"Well, it's good to see you awake," Hermione said briskly, though her frown hadn't quite disappeared. "You gave us all quite a scare, you know."

Toby smiled warmly, pulling out a bulging bag of sweets from his pocket. "Neville, you look like you could use some sugar. These are from Hogsmeade—Honeydukes' best!"

"Have some chocolate, Neville," Jamie suggested, handing him a large bar. "It'll help steady your nerves."

Neville accepted the chocolates with shaking hands, his eyes welling up with tears. "Th-thank you," he whispered. It wasn't often that people showed him kindness.

"Hey, don't cry!" Toby said quickly, patting him on the shoulder.

"Let him cry," Jamie said with a grin. "Sometimes it's good to let it out."

Hermione watched the exchange in silence, her expression softening slightly. She knew how much Neville had endured—the weight of his parents' fate, his strict upbringing under his formidable grandmother, and his constant struggle with self-confidence.

"Would you like some candy too, Hermione?" Toby asked, holding out the bag to her. "Fizzing Whizzbees? Licorice wands? A pile of cockroaches?"

"No, thank you," Hermione replied curtly, crossing her arms.

"More for us, then!" Toby shrugged, turning to Ron and Harry. "Here you go. Candy always makes things better."

Ron didn't need to be asked twice. "Cheers!" he said, grabbing a Fizzing Whizzbee and popping it into his mouth.

Harry, his hands full, could only watch as Toby unwrapped a piece of taffy and slipped it into his mouth.

"Thanks," Harry mumbled around the chewy candy.

Toby then pulled out a jar filled with wriggling, insect-like candies. "Anyone brave enough to try Cockroach Clusters?" he asked, holding it up with a mischievous grin.

"Ugh, no way!" Ron exclaimed, recoiling.

"They're not bad, you know," Jamie said, popping one into his mouth.

Reluctantly, Harry and Ron followed suit. Both grimaced as the candy seemed to squirm in their mouths, but the disgust quickly gave way to surprise.

"It tastes like coffee!" Harry said, astonished.

"Told you!" Toby said, laughing.

"The first-year students will stay behind!" McGonagall's sharp voice rang out, cutting through the chatter. "The rest of you, head to the carriages. They're waiting outside."

Students began filing out of the area, heading toward the waiting carriages. The Thestrals that pulled them were invisible to most, their skeletal forms seen only by those who had witnessed death.

"Hagrid! Where's Hagrid?" McGonagall called again, scanning the area.

"I'm coming, I'm coming!" boomed a familiar voice. Hagrid's massive form appeared moments later, his wild hair bouncing as he hurried forward.

"Sorry, Professor McGonagall," Hagrid said, slightly out of breath. "Got held up with—"

"Never mind, Hagrid," McGonagall interrupted briskly. "Just ensure the students are safely on their way."

"Aye, will do," Hagrid replied, leading a group of wide-eyed first-years toward the castle.

The air was thick with tension as the students boarded the carriages, unaware of the dark clouds gathering on the horizon.