Whispers of Darkness (A Shadows of Slytherin Series) Book 2

Mattheo

My question hung in the air, charged with frustration and confusion. "So what's the deal? What's the Ministry of Magic's problem with Dani and Harry?" I demanded, my voice filled with a mix of defiance and exasperation.

"It's time to show them," Moody said. He knew that the truth would inevitably come out, regardless of any attempts to suppress it. The room fell into silence as Kingsley reached for a newspaper and handed it to Harry. With a hesitant gaze, Harry studied the article for a brief moment before turning it towards Dani and I.

My eyes instantly fixated on the image plastered across the page—the two of them captured in a single frame from the recent tournament. The headline, written in bold, attention-grabbing letters, read:

"The Twins Who Lie"

Sirius cut through the silent tension that seemed to fill the air as Dani and Harry looked at each other with defeat in their eyes. "Fudge is pulling every string he can to sweep the Dark Lord's return under the rug," he declared, his frustration quite visible.

As tension coiled within me, I sensed my jaw tightening involuntarily. In an effort to distract myself, I diverted my gaze downward, fixating on the plate before me. Deep down, I knew it was only a matter of time before the repercussions of being his son would inevitably catch up to me. Society's already disdainful glances towards me would only intensify, plunging me further into the depths of scrutiny and judgment.

I felt Dani's touch, discreetly moving along my leg until her hand found mine, gripping it firmly. As her warm grasp wrapped around my palm, a subtle sense of reassurance began to coarse through my veins. Drawing in a deep breath, I steadied my thoughts.

Turning my head slightly, I met Dani's unwavering gaze, her eyes brimming with understanding and empathy. The weight of her silent support offered comfort from the storm brewing within me. A gentle smile graced her lips, and her thumb traced soothing circles on the surface of my hand, providing a sense of comfort that made me feel more at home than Malfoy Manor ever did.

Sirius's voice broke the silence, conveying a sense of urgency. "Mattheo here has informed us that Voldemort intends to rebuild his army..." Dani turned her head to look at Sirius, then back at me, her eyes filled with concern. "Is that true?" she asked.

I looked over at her, and nodded. "We can't be certain, but there is evidence to suggest that he is actively recruiting followers. It seems likely that his purpose is to assemble an army."

Sirius interjected, "Sixteen years ago, he had a substantial number of devoted followers, not only witches and wizards but also various dark creatures. He has been recruiting heavily again, and we have been doing the same. However, gathering supporters is not his sole objective."

A cough from Moody interrupted Sirius, a warning to tread carefully and reveal no more. Sirius sat up straight, his expression serious. "We suspect... Voldemort may be after something."

Moody's warning glare intensified, prompting Sirius to reconsider his words. "Something he lacked before," he continued, casting a quick glance between Dani and Harry.

"You mean like a weapon?" Harry inquired.

Sirius prepared to respond but was swiftly interrupted by Mrs. Weasley. "No, that's enough. They are just kids. If you say any more, you might as well recruit them into the Order."

"I want to join," Dani declared, her gaze fixed on Sirius. "If Voldemort is amassing an army, I want to fight."

My heart ached at the thought of Dani being thrown into the horrors of battle, but deep down, I knew that it was inevitable. Sitting by her side in the infirmary after the 3rd round, I came to the realization that there were limits to the protection I could offer. Some battles had to be fought alone, and the worst part was that she might have to face us, her allies, in the process.