Chapter 52 – The Encounter at Hogsmeade
Audrey fled in panic.
In her imagination, she should have been sitting on the grass like a Disney princess, surrounded by magical creatures, birds singing and squirrels chirping.
Reality, however, was far crueller.
The magical creatures were surrounding her — but the shrill screeching of the shriekbird and the Niffler enthusiastically rummaging through her clothes were enough to drive anyone mad.
Still, the trip wasn't entirely without gains.
She had acquired several unusual physical traits from magical creatures.
Unicorn:
Exceptionally strong magical affinity. Imagine being a wand yourself — the amplification was terrifying.
As for the unicorn's ability to judge chastity… that was an awkward bonus.
Acromantula:
Please call her Audrey Gwen Astray.
Using spider silk to swing through the forest felt incredible.
And if she were ever short of money, selling venom would more than suffice.
Niffler:
Mum would never need to worry about her losing valuables again.
Shriekbird:
Others sing for applause. You sing to drive people insane.
Bowtruckle:
…No comment.
She had originally planned to search for the Keepers' vault from Hogwarts: A Legacy, but the Forbidden Forest was far too vast. Finding it in a short time was unrealistic.
When she returned to the dormitory, Momo had already made the bed.
The moment Audrey lifted the blanket, she found a neat layer of glittering gold coins — magically fixed in place so they wouldn't move while she slept.
…As expected of Momo.
Completely won over.
---
The weekend arrived.
Early that morning, Isaac Windsor came to find Audrey — today was a Hogsmeade visit.
Honestly, Audrey had no interest at all.
Shopping?
Why not sleep instead?
She had planned to spend the entire day in bed. Momo would bring her meals anyway; there was no reason to move.
Unfortunately, Isabel's persistence left her no room to refuse. Audrey reluctantly got dressed and left the common room.
Before the ghosts could swarm her, she vanished with a crack.
"We're protesting to Dumbledore!" moaned the Grey Lady.
"How can he allow Apparition to a mere student?!"
"Exactly!" roared the Bloody Baron.
"Shut up."
---
Hogsmeade — the only all-wizard village in Britain — was always lively.
Audrey suspected Hogwarts students loved it mainly because it let them enjoy the forbidden thrill of casting magic outside school grounds.
Passing beneath the tall, leaf-shaped stone archway, Audrey entered the village hand in hand with Isabel.
It was especially busy today. Young witches and wizards were everywhere, walking in pairs.
Audrey felt utterly uninterested.
The shops were no different from Diagon Alley. At least Diagon Alley had Knockturn Alley for excitement — or Gringotts, where she could nap inside her vault.
But Hogsmeade?
Nothing special.
"Audrey, let's go to Madam Puddifoot's Tea Shop," Isabel said, blushing faintly.
"I've heard their black tea is amazing."
Audrey blinked.
"Don't pretend I don't know the wizarding world. That place is clearly for couples on dates."
She was about to continue when a cold voice spoke behind her.
"Miss Audrey Astray. I've been waiting for you for a long time."
Emotionless. Detached.
Audrey turned.
A man stood there, half his face hidden behind a mask.
Five years had passed. He looked far older now — deep wrinkles carved into his exposed skin, his once-full cheeks reduced to bone and sinew.
Bode Grey.
"Isabel, go on ahead," Audrey said calmly, nudging her away.
"I need a word with this gentleman."
She turned back, smiling politely.
"Sir, who are you? I don't believe we've met."
"Of course not," Bode replied, bowing with perfect etiquette — every movement refined by years of service.
"But I have long admired you, Miss Astray, and wished to invite you to my residence."
Audrey laughed lightly.
"I'm afraid I'll disappoint you. I'm compressing five years of coursework into one — no free time at all. Don't be fooled by my being in Hogsmeade; I'll be awake all night studying."
Bode chuckled softly.
"My subordinates were… inadequate last time. They failed to bring you back.
So this time, I came personally."
"I hope you'll honour my invitation."
Audrey's pupils shrank.
Hydra's Fang.
She would never forget that spell — the venomous, tearing curse that had nearly killed her five years ago.
So it really was him.
What had once been speculation was now certain.
Audrey drew her wand and fired instantly.
Bode deflected the spell with ease, feeling the raw power behind it. He nodded appreciatively.
"No wonder you entered Hogwarts at sixteen. No wonder my men failed."
Two curse bolts shot from his wand.
"Protego!"
Memories of broken bones and blood flooded back. Rage ignited in Audrey's chest, her unicorn-enhanced magic erupting violently.
"Reducto!"
"Expelliarmus!"
Bode blocked the first spell, frowning deeply.
Her power had more than doubled.
When the second spell followed, he was forced to take her seriously.
"Protego!"
Audrey flicked her wand.
"Leviosa!"
An outdated spell related to Wingardium Leviosa, but applicable directly to the human body — and far more dangerous.
Even with his Shield Charm, Bode was hurled into the air.
Audrey followed instantly.
"Descendo!"
He was dragged downward as though seized by an invisible force.
Her favourite combo from her previous life.
But Bode merely tapped his wand. The fall vanished. He hovered three feet above the ground.
"Incredible talent," he murmured.
"But far too wild. You need discipline."
"Glacius Maxima!"
Audrey had seen this spell before — it had nearly frozen her dragon form solid.
"Fiendfyre Shield!"
She had no choice. Better to expose her connection to Grindelwald than transform into a dragon in public.
Bode's brow furrowed.
Grindelwald…?
Was he interested in ancient magic as well?
Ice and flame clashed, deadlocked.
But Audrey could feel it — her reserves were inferior.
The freezing pressure steadily compressed the blue fire.
She slammed her wand downward.
The bluestone street erupted into jagged stone spikes.
Bode leapt back and restored the pavement with a flick.
That single second was enough.
Audrey turned and fled, the fire shield twisting around her as she transformed into a blazing dragon and shot toward Hogwarts.
Apparition was impossible.
She hadn't learned it properly — and house-elf Apparition would draw far too much attention.
Besides…
She wasn't retreating.
She had a plan.
Target: Cornelian Cherry & Mushroom Emporium.
A shop specialising in magical plants and seeds.
Never underestimate Hufflepuff plant magic.
That was true ancient magic.
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