RioRaRyu
patreon
Chapter 167: Can I Pretend I Didn’t See That?
🕑 Added 2025-05-24 12:39:01 +0000 UTCSelena’s mood was at rock bottom. Understandably so—after all, learning that the man who raised and taught her for centuries like a father was actually her greatest enemy would crush anyone.
Through Klein’s memories, she saw how Viktor mercilessly killed her parents. It confirmed what the Black Auror had told her earlier.
As for Klein’s feelings for her?
Right now, Selena felt like tearing every vampire to pieces. Sentiment? That was the last thing on her mind.
Worse, Klein was a traitor. She saw in his mind how he’d colluded with werewolves—just to climb the ranks. The bastard.
Even Lucian, the supposed dead leader of the Lycans, was still alive and well, hiding in the shadows and waiting for his moment to strike.
And the worst part?
They were all hiding under the city.
Modern cities might look grand above ground, but below them was a different world. Complex underground infrastructure, abandoned tunnels, and hidden chambers had evolved into a haven for the forgotten. Countless homeless people lived there, but the true rulers of the underground… were werewolves.
“I know where they’re hiding,” Selena said after a moment of hesitation, finally deciding to share the information with Noah.
The vampires were finished anyway, and the other nests wouldn't last long either. But she wasn't about to let the werewolves inherit the ashes. She hated both factions now.
“Really? Underground? Do you know how to get in?” Noah asked. He had known the Lycans were hiding below—but he didn’t know the access routes.
Selena nodded. “It’s all in Klein’s memory.”
With that confirmation, Noah didn’t hesitate. He raised his wand and whispered, “Sectumsempra.”
Klein didn’t even have a chance to scream. Traitors didn’t deserve one.
Next came the cleanup. Vampires first. Then the werewolves. Collect the bounty. Go home.
Of course, if they could get their hands on the contract and find a way to dissolve it, things would be even easier.
That meant finding Viktor.
Selena’s icy glare said it all—she needed answers.
On their way up, they eliminated a few remaining vampires hiding in the mansion. Eventually, they reached the crypt where the Elders slept.
The so-called Elders looked more like dried-up husks than ancient rulers. Noah could barely tell one from the other.
Fortunately, Selena could. She used a vial of stored blood to awaken Viktor.
It was a bizarre method—but it worked. Before long, the ancient vampire stirred, groggy and disoriented.
“Selena? What’s going on? Has Marcus’s rule ended?”
Viktor looked confused—until he noticed Noah standing beside her.
His expression changed instantly.
He hadn’t forgotten the scent of magic. Long ago, magicians had nearly killed him several times. If he hadn’t run fast—or if the sorcerers had been more persistent—he wouldn’t be alive.
But he never expected one to show up here, in his home.
“I saw it all in Klein’s memory,” Selena said coldly. “You killed my parents. Why? Why would you do that?”
“Yes,” Viktor replied, unapologetically. “I took much from you… but I gave you more. Isn’t that fair? Think about it—your life, your immortality.”
Noah frowned. “Okay. That’s enough.”
He raised his wand and with a flash of Incendio Maxima, one of the still-sleeping vampires turned to ash.
“The contract. Where is it?” he asked, voice low and dangerous.
Viktor didn’t answer. He was already strategizing.
Noah narrowed his eyes.
“Can you extract memories from his blood?” he asked Selena.
“Not yet,” she replied. “He’s just woken up. The blood in his system isn’t fully his—it’s from storage. It’ll take months before I can read anything.”
Noah clicked his tongue.
He didn’t have months. In a few months, he’d either be taking his final exams—or already preparing to enter Kamar-Taj.
Who had time to babysit a decrepit vampire?
He rubbed his chin. Then a name popped into his mind. Someone who’d been far too idle lately.
The tip of his wand spun gently, forming a golden ring of light.
---
Meanwhile, at Hogwarts…
A quiet, rainy night. Perfect for reading.
Professor Severus Snape sat by the fireplace, a worn book in hand: "Raising Magical Offspring: A Practical Guide."
Yes. That Snape. Reading about parenting.
It had nothing to do with sentiment—he was simply thorough. He had always demanded excellence of himself, and that hadn’t changed since his student days at Hogwarts.
Then, a sudden fluctuation in magic caught his attention.
A golden portal shimmered open beside him.
Snape frowned. Before he could even close his book, the circle fully formed—and out popped a very familiar, annoyingly cheerful face.
“Uh… did I interrupt your study session?” Noah asked awkwardly, glancing at the book. “Child-rearing literature?”
Snape’s eyes narrowed. His expression darkened like a storm cloud.
“Before I lose my temper, explain why you’re here. Or I’ll deduct 500 points from Ravenclaw. Yes, five hundred.”
Noah raised both hands. “Can I pretend I didn’t see what you were reading?”
“Absolutely not,” Snape snapped. “Honesty is a virtue, Mr. Finniel. Now. Speak.”
“Alright, alright!” Noah relented. “I was wondering if you could… help me out? Maybe cast the Imperius Curse? Or give me some Veritaserum?”
Snape glared. “You think I carry Veritaserum in my pocket? And don’t dare mention the Unforgivable Curses!”
Of course, Snape knew the Room of Requirement crowd had probably been dabbling in dark spells—students were curious, after all. But as long as no one crossed the line, the professors chose to observe.
The last thing they needed was another Voldemort incident.
“I do know the Imperius Curse,” Noah admitted, “but I don’t plan on using it. I don’t want that kind of reputation.”
Snape’s expression softened—slightly.
He appreciated caution. And Noah, despite being reckless, had always respected boundaries when it counted. Even the other students in their little club had kept their darker knowledge under control. Sure, they knew what Horcruxes were. But thanks to Noah, no one knew how to make one.
Not even the Slytherins had stepped out of line.
Snape sighed. “You always seem to have so many problems.”
Then he stood up.
Even if he felt like a glorified spell machine, he couldn't just let this fool wander into trouble alone.
And if it kept Noah from doing something incredibly stupid with a forbidden spell…
So be it.
---
