❝I think the war changed me a lot, yeah. I hope you noted the sarcasm.❞
The Kingdom of the Magical folk had never been at rest ever since the birth of the Dark Lord. Constant wars and bloodshed had become children's bedtime tales.
One such gloomy d...
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Tense silence that could allow a warship to cut through reigned after the announcement of the Dark Lord. Ginny could see the gears clicking in the King's mind as he stood chained against a tree and guarded by a wild-haired witch, who she presumed was, Bellatrix Lestrange.
"What if we win the kingdom by fight?!" Sirius shouted in his magically magnified voice, sending sparks in the sky. Glances were exchanged, tersely awaiting for Voldemort's say on the matter.
With no hesitation, the Dark Lord replied. "Your challenge is accepted, Black. I only consider it fair to grant the wishes of the folk of my soon-to-be-kingdom. However, it shall be a one-on-one. One from your side to one from my side. I, after all, do not wish for lives to be unnecessarily sacrificed." Sirius nodded his approval. "Well, in that case, who will come forward voluntarily to battle against my side?"
Before anyone could rise the question amongst themselves, Dumbledore spoke, calmly. "As a dutiful King, I shall take upon the challenge, Voldemort." The leader of the Dark motioned for his lieutenant to free the King and it was done. Free of any chains barring him, Dumbledore's voice became more clear for everyone to hear. "I do hope you know of the sacred law of the Elder Wand-"
"Ah, yes, Your Majesty. The one who rightfully conquerors the owner of the wand shall reign the kingdom. With due respect, do you think I would not know my ambition of gaining the wand's allegiance?"
"I could never expect any less of you, Voldemort."
"In that case, shall we begin?"
Dumbledore nodded and walked to a flat area on the raised dais, positioning himself to attack the opponent. The crowd held its breath as Voldemort turned his back to the King instead of facing him. "Draco Malfoy." The name was uttered as if it were a magical syllable and a blond boy, about the age of Harry, walked hesitantly to the Dark Lord. Words were whispered into his ears and he was sent to face Dumbledore.
The Order started laughing and bellowing in mockery, wondering how a teenage boy could prove to be much of a trouble for the wise king. Dumbledore, however, held his hand up in silence. With such a small action, the whole commotion was quieted down. Even the distant chirp of birds was audible before Dumbledore spoke, "My dear boy, you don't have to do this if you feel forced." The Eaters cackled, but it seemed to Ginny that Dumbledore then viewed the world to contain only himself and Malfoy.
Curious to know what it was about, Sirius performed a voice amplifying charm on the raised earth.
"I must or I'll be nothing more than a mere doll."
"Aren't you already a marionette in the hands of the Dark? It does not matter where you are born into or what you've been told to do. What matters is what you choose to be. You have the choice, Draco."
