The Third Floor & the Truth of Bellatrix Black
Keith stopped before the stone gargoyle guarding the Headmaster's office.
He gave it a polite nod.
"Good afternoon."
The gargoyle leaned forward, eyes gleaming with gossip-starved excitement.
"Is it true," it asked eagerly, "that Ronald Weasley received Troll marks in nearly every subject… and wrote his exam with the question paper upside down?"
Keith didn't even hesitate.
"Yes."
The gargoyle exploded into laughter.
It laughed so hard its wings shook, nearly sliding off its pedestal.
"OH, MERLIN— I knew it! I felt a disturbance in the academic force!"
It wiped imaginary tears from its stone eyes.
"Go on then. Password's Sherbet Lemon Supreme Deluxe."
Keith paused.
"…That's excessive."
"But accurate," the gargoyle replied smugly.
Keith thanked it and ascended the staircase.
Inside the Headmaster's Office
Keith entered calmly, nodding first to the assembled portraits.
"Good day."
Several former Headmasters murmured greetings. One portrait straightened proudly.
Cedric Runcandel, former Hufflepuff, former Headmaster.
Keith stepped forward, knelt on one knee, and bowed his head.
"Keith Argus Runcandel greets his ninth ancestor."
Cedric nodded, eyes warm with approval.
Dumbledore smiled faintly.
"What brings you here, Keith?"
Keith lifted a finger and pointed—not at Dumbledore.
At Phineas Nigellus Black.
"I came to speak with him."
The office fell silent.
Phineas arched a brow.
"Very well, young Runcandel. Speak."
Keith's voice was steady.
"Bellatrix Lestrange."
A pause.
"Or Bellatrix Black—whichever name you prefer."
Every portrait froze.
Dumbledore's expression sharpened.
"She is alive," Keith continued. "And she is with me."
A ripple of shock moved through the room.
Keith spoke calmly, methodically.
"She was framed by the Malfoy, Flint, and Carrow families. The evidence was buried. The trial corrupted."
Several portraits grimaced.
Dumbledore closed his eyes briefly.
"We failed her," he said quietly.
Keith nodded.
"I found her in the forests of Albania. Six dark wizards attempted to assault her. I intervened."
Phineas's portrait trembled.
"She is now safe," Keith added. "Working at the Runcandel estate by her own choice."
For a long moment, Phineas said nothing.
Then—slowly—he inclined his head.
"You have my thanks… and my family's."
Keith nodded once.
"She will be brought to Grimmauld Place when the time is right."
Phineas exhaled, relieved beyond words.
Tonks & Unspoken Promises
Keith continued, casually,
"I also gave a recommendation letter to Nymphadora Tonks for Auror training."
Phineas stiffened.
"I see."
Keith tilted his head.
"You will ensure she is protected in the Ministry."
Phineas sputtered.
"I— that is—"
Keith smiled faintly.
"You were always terrible at hiding concern."
Phineas turned crimson.
The portraits burst into laughter.
Cedric Runcandel smiled proudly.
"You walk your path well, descendant," he said. "The Runcandel name is earned, not inherited."
Dumbledore nodded.
"As it always has been."
Keith inclined his head to all of them.
Then, silently, he spoke within his mind.
"System—sign in."
System Notification
Special Location Sign-In Complete
Location: Hogwarts Headmaster's Office
Reward Acquired: Mewtwo
Keith froze.
"…Excuse me?"
Portable Dimension – The Arrival of a Legend
In an instant, Keith vanished into his private dimension.
Psychic pressure rippled outward as a tall, pale figure materialized—eyes glowing violet, tail swaying slowly.
Mewtwo regarded Keith silently.
"…So. You are my master."
Keith nodded.
"Welcome."
He summoned the others.
Alolan Vulpix Ho-Oh Ceruledge Darkrai Giratina
Mewtwo's eyes widened—just slightly.
"…You command legends."
Ho-Oh gave a majestic cry.
Darkrai nodded once.
Ceruledge crossed its arms approvingly.
Giratina watched from the shadows, amused.
Keith gestured between them.
"You're allies."
Mewtwo inclined his head, respectful.
"I acknowledge them."
Satisfied, Keith dismissed the dimension and returned to Hogwarts.
Somewhere in the castle, the gargoyle was still laughing.
And far away, destiny quietly adjusted its plans around Keith Argus Runcandel.