December 29, Birmingham.
Gresty Road Stadium.
The Astley siblings' Christmas tour concert was sold out.
However, among the audience were many oddly dressed individuals—some looking like antiques from the previous century, others like prodigies fresh out of a special school.
But no one paid much attention. Audrey Astley hadn't been on stage for five months, and tickets to this concert were nearly impossible to obtain. Being inside was a privilege; who cared what other spectators were wearing?
During Audrey's absence, Rick had fully demonstrated his talent. Now, reunited on stage, their partnership created a synergy greater than the sum of its parts.
Just look at the electrifying scene in the stadium to understand. Even fans who couldn't get tickets surrounded the stadium tiers just to hear the songs leaking through.
The concert officially began at 7 PM. Due to the rush in preparation, the stage was barely decorated, the set almost laughable.
Yet, nothing could dampen the audience's enthusiasm. They came to listen to music, not to see the scenery!
Audrey opened with a solo of A Pot of Burning Love, a song well-known in the wizarding world. The wizards in the crowd cheered exuberantly—Audrey, a fellow witch, had truly considered them in her performance!
The Muggles were even more thrilled, believing it to be a new song composed by Audrey herself.
The opening number was perfectly chosen, pleasing both sides, and the crowd ignited instantly.
Thanks to Audrey, the Muggle and wizarding worlds had never felt so close in centuries.
The night's climax came during Audrey and Rick's duet of Magician. Audrey walked into a large cabinet… and then emerged from behind the audience!
As she ran back onto the stage, the crowd erupted.
Wizards believed Audrey had violated the Decree for the Reasonable Restriction of Underage Sorcery, yet each one resolved that if the Ministry caused trouble for her, they would claim responsibility themselves. No way would they let Audrey face consequences.
Muggles, on the other hand, marveled at her "magic." The entire trick—entering the cabinet and reappearing—took less than a second. How could anyone spot a flaw? It rivaled international magicians!
Amelia Burns, head of the Magical Law Enforcement Department, sat in the audience, watching Audrey blatantly break the rules. She merely shook her head. After all, it was just a Muggle trick—nothing to fuss over.
Audrey understood boundaries. She had used minor magic and concealed it with props, so Burns turned a blind eye. Truly, fan bias can warp perception more than the Cruciatus Curse!
The concert was a success. Backstage, the audience's calls for an encore were deafening, with fans outside the stadium joining in.
Audrey returned to her dressing room, as usual resting for ten minutes before returning to the stage for two more songs.
Upon opening the door, she found a short but elegant middle-aged woman smiling at her.
"Hello, Miss Astley," the woman extended her hand. "I'm Tara Kara, a curse-breaker from Gringotts."
Audrey shook her hand, her expression immediately turning peculiar.
Everyone knew that when Audrey made such a face, something was afoot.
"Ms. Kara, may I ask what brings you to me?"
"Miss Astley," Tara began, "we recently discovered an ancient site outside Gothenburg, Sweden. We believe it is the tomb of a female attendant of Frigg, the Norse goddess."
Tara Kara sighed. "However, we've encountered a major problem. The magic protecting the site is extremely powerful—we are at a loss."
Audrey interrupted, gesturing to the sofa. "Please, sit down."
Once seated, she asked with a smile, "I'm just a singer. Why come to me for a curse-breaking matter?"
Tara Kara explained, "The mythology is so ancient that our current methods cannot affect the old magic." She flashed a charming smile. "But Miss Astley, you have a profound understanding of ancient magic…"
"Wait, Ms. Kara—how did you hear I study ancient magic?"
"You used strong ancient magic outside Hogsmeade. Many witnessed it. And historically, any wizard entering Hogwarts at sixteen is bound by fate, intricately tied to ancient magic…"
Tara summarized, "So we believe with your help, we can unlock the protective spells of this site."
Audrey stared silently, the room falling cold.
Tara lowered her head, masking embarrassment, then continued:
"Frigg loved beautiful clothes and glittering jewels. Her attendants, through centuries, surely amassed considerable wealth." She sounded confident, as if Audrey would inevitably agree. "Once unlocked, you may keep all gold, silver, and jewels. Only items of historical or research value will go to us. What do you say?"
Audrey's response surprised her. "Sorry, Ms. Kara, I refuse."
Kara frowned, puzzled. "Why? Is the reward insufficient? Indeed, no one knows what's inside. Using the site's treasures as payment is uncertain." She thought for a moment. "I promise, on behalf of Gringotts, five thousand Galleons upon completion! All previous terms still apply."
Audrey stood and smiled. "No, it's not about payment. I don't trust you."
Tara's expression stiffened. She didn't believe she had made a misstep—her act was flawless.
Though she couldn't read Audrey's mind, she knew many acknowledged Audrey's greed. And yet… this result?
"This elf," Audrey said, "since you refused to reveal your true face, I cannot trust you. Especially after just surviving Bode Gray's kidnapping attempt." She pointed to the door, indicating the visitor should leave. "I have to rest before my encore."
Tara Kara's features shifted violently, revealing the true elf visage—the same Thetis who had seduced Alan Ashe.
"Miss Astley, apologies for not meeting you in my true form," Thetis remained composed. "Wizards have long discriminated against elves. I believed that appearing human would facilitate understanding."
She elegantly moved to the door. "I am Thetis, indeed a Gringotts curse-breaker. Miss Astley, should you reconsider, come to Diagon Alley. My offer still stands."
Thetis departed.
Audrey patted her chest—close call!
Five thousand Galleons' worth of treasures in the tomb… almost impossible to refuse.
Fortunately, during the handshake, Audrey had acquired Thetis's magical trait: a natural Legilimens.
In that instant, Audrey realized her visitor was an elf. A natural Legilimens is far stronger than one learned later, almost impossible to detect.
Audrey immediately switched her own traits, uncovering Thetis's plan: it wasn't a Norse goddess tomb, but the grave of an ancient Norse wizard, containing remnants of ancient magic!
…
Unaware of this, outside the dressing room, a figure materialized from the void.
Glenda Chittock.
Smiling, she murmured, "The little one is quite cautious—far better than I was at her age."