Heaven's Riddle: Unveiling Secrets of Love and Magic || T.M.R x OC x D.M

Blockade

After walking for about fifteen minutes, I reached my dorm. My hands were so sweaty that I couldn't properly grasp the doorknob. Rolf was already on my bed playing with Winnie, a fwooper. I found her in Arizona when we were there with Grandpa. She was badly hurt, and I rescued her from some trouble. Ever since then, she's been stuck with me.

Professor Hicks was hesitant to let a fwooper inside the campus because of their dangerous song. So, I had to use a silencing charm on her. Only then, Professor Hicks allowed me to bring her to Ilvermorny. Whenever I go home, I remove the charm, letting her roam freely among other creatures in Grandpa's suitcase.

Rolf noticed me by the door and motioned for me to sit on the bed. I did, and he took my hands in his. "Listen, Elly, I need you to pay attention to what I'm about to say. Try not to worry too much, okay?"

I nodded.

"So, um... the thing is... Dumbledore is no longer with us."

"Oh! I'm sorry," I said. I wondered why he thought this news would upset me. Dumbledore meant a lot to me. He was like family, always visiting our house, chatting with Grandpa, and enjoying Grandma Tina's homemade meals and Grandma Quine's cakes.

"What happened?" I asked.

"Um..."

"What?" I hurriedly inquired.

"Voldemort's Army killed him," he said in a hushed tone, watching my reaction.

I shuddered at the mention of his name. It had been two years since I heard it. Everything felt dizzying after hearing this news.

"What happened? Don't- Don't joke with me, Ro," I cried out.

"I'm not joking, Elly!" He replied sharply.

"This is the truth! That's why you're coming home with me. Dad and Grandpa talked to Professor Hicks, and they decided it's better if you're homeschooled from now on."

"But, Rolf, why can't I stay here? Ilvermorny is protected by powerful spells, right?" I asked.

"Not anymore, not after Dumbledore's death." He began packing my scattered books.

"What? Did they kill him at Hogwarts?" Rolf nodded.

"Oh, Merlin!" I cried out. A sudden twist in my stomach made me feel sick. I didn't know how to react. "Should I cry? Or should I laugh?"

"Elly, my baby, don't panic!" Rolf hugged me. "You're a brave girl. You're MY sister, Elly! You don't fear anyone, and you're a skilled dueler. We're here for you. That's why I'm taking you home."

"But, Rolf, what if they find me there? Then they'll also kill... Oh, Merlin!" I sobbed.

"No, Elly, they can't. They don't know your name or where you are. But schools are easy targets for investigations. That's why you can't stay here. Hogwarts has a mole, so we can't trust anyone here."

"A mole? Who?" I asked.

"I don't know, but his father is one of the Death Eaters, something like morph- no, Malfoy!" He said, packing my stationery.

"Draco! Unbelievable!" I exclaimed.

"Do you know him?" He asked.

"Sort of," I mumbled. "But what if someone realizes I'm missing, or if the students notice I'm not here?"

Rolf smirked and said, "Don't underestimate the cleverness of Newt Scamander, darling!"

"Okay, but I don't want any of you to face danger for me, Rolfy! They killed Dumbledore, the most powerful wizard! They could easily harm any of you!"

"Not in the Scamander Manor. Let's pack your things and take them home. Then, you'll come back here with me."

"Why?" I was confused.

"To erase your traces, of course?" He replied, beginning to put my dresses into a magic bag.

"Erase my traces? Why? How?" I was still confused.

Rolf paused and looked at me. "Listen, Elly, I'm not an expert on the soulmate thing, but Grandpa said those destined to be soulmates have a unique smell. Voldemort can find you, and Nagini, the snake, can smell you too."

"Ugh! They can smell me?" I cringed.

Rolf laughed and tousled my hair. "Oh, Elly! It doesn't work that way, like the smell of amortantia or the appealing smell of pheromones." He pinched my cheeks.

"Oh! But how can you get rid of my smell?"

"Not me, Dad talked to a dark witch. She's one of Herpo the Foul's followers. She gave Dad a potion to mask your smell." Rolf said, glancing absentmindedly at the door.

"Oh, goodness! Rolf, Dad talked to a dark witch!? They won't help without asking for something! What did she want from Dad?" I panicked.

Rolf looked at me sadly. "Bella."

"WHAT! Did she ask for Bella? What the heck! Why?"

"You know, for some bad business," he sighed and shut his eyes.

Bella is an owl, intelligent and close to both Rolf and Dad. But that witch demanded Bella as a sacrifice.

"No, Ro! Don't give her up for me! For Merlin's sake, you love her! I don't want anyone to sacrifice themselves for me AGAIN!"

He opened his eyes and looked at me, teary. "Don't..." he mumbled.

"What?"

"Don't speak like that, Elly! You're the most precious gift we have. And you know how Bella is. Hearing the condition, she flew towards her and left our mansion. She knows you wouldn't agree," he explained.

"No!" I whimpered.

"Elly, be strong. You won't disrespect Bella's sacrifice. Let's go."

I nodded and walked towards Professor Hicks's room.

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