Heirs of darkness

Nineteen years

Nineteen years had passed since the end of the Second Wizarding War, and the world had found its rhythm of peace once more. Theo and Aurora Nott had carved out a life together, filled with love, family, and a certain distance from the magical world that had once defined them. Their home, nestled in the quiet countryside, stood far from the reminders of their past struggles. Theirs was a life devoted to raising their two children: Lyra Marlene Nott-Black and Aries Sirius Nott-Black.

Though Aurora had kept close ties with some old friends, she had deliberately stepped away from the world of magic. The house-elves that had once served the ancient Black family had long since been freed, and the dusty halls of Grimmauld Place had been given to the Weasleys, a family Aurora knew would fill the dark house with warmth and light. Only one remnant of her magical heritage remained with her: her bond with dragons. The creatures had always fascinated her, and she found solace in her connection with them, even when she no longer wielded magic.

Aurora's wand lay untouched in a drawer, a symbol of the life she had left behind. To the outside world, it might have seemed strange that a witch of her stature would turn her back on the powers she had once wielded with such confidence. But for Aurora, the choice was a deliberate one. Magic had been both a gift and a curse, and it had demanded more of her than she could ever repay. It had thrust her into battles she had not been prepared for, and the price she paid was a piece of herself that she could never reclaim.

Her friend, Hermione, who had risen to prominence in the Ministry of Magic, had approached her many times with an offer that Aurora had always declined. "The Ministry needs someone like you," Hermione would say. "You understand the world, you've seen it for what it is." But Aurora had always refused, content to watch the world turn from a distance, happy in her quiet life with Theo and their children.

One summer afternoon, as Aurora knelt in the garden, tending to a bed of roses, her daughter Lyra approached. Lyra was a striking child, with her mother's eyes and her father's dark hair. She was full of life and curiosity, with a mind that never seemed to stop asking questions.

"Mum," Lyra began, her tone tentative, "can I ask you something?"

Aurora wiped her hands on her apron and knelt down to her daughter's level. "Of course, darling. What's on your mind?"

Lyra shifted from foot to foot, biting her lip in thought before finally blurting out, "Why don't you use magic anymore? All the other mums do."

Aurora wasn't surprised by the question, though it tugged at her heart in a way she hadn't expected. She had known this moment would come—the day when her children would start asking questions about the life she had lived before they were born. But knowing it was inevitable didn't make it any easier.

"Because, sweetheart," Aurora began, choosing her words carefully, "magic brought a lot of wonderful things into my life. But it also took a lot away. It made me grow up faster than I wanted to, and there are parts of me that I lost along the way. Sometimes, it's easier to just... step away."

Lyra frowned, clearly not understanding the weight of her mother's words. "But if you were Minister for Magic, you could make it better for everyone, right? You could change things."

Aurora's heart clenched at the innocence of her daughter's statement. Lyra believed in her, in her mother's ability to make the world better. It was a faith that Aurora hadn't placed in herself for years. The thought of stepping into that world again—the one she had fought so hard to leave behind—was daunting. But now, hearing her daughter's belief in her, Aurora felt something stir within her. Maybe she had been too quick to dismiss the idea. Maybe, just maybe, she could make a difference.

Weeks passed, and as Christmas approached, the Nott-Black household was filled with the comforting smells of pine and cinnamon. The holiday season was a time of joy, especially with Lyra and Aries eagerly awaiting the arrival of Santa. The house was alive with their laughter, and for a brief moment, Aurora allowed herself to forget about the outside world. But then, as it had every year, a letter arrived from Hermione.

This time, it came with a small, carefully wrapped package. Aurora opened it with a sense of curiosity, and when she saw what lay inside, her breath caught in her throat. It was a quill, shimmering with a soft golden light, enchanted to always write the truth. Hermione's letter, written in her precise, neat hand, explained its significance.

Dear Aurora,

As much as I have loved serving as Minister for Magic, I believe the time has come for someone else to lead. Someone who understands the world beyond the Ministry's walls, who has lived through the darkest times and emerged stronger for it.

I know you've always said no, but I believe the world needs you, Aurora. It needs your strength, your wisdom, and your heart. The children growing up today deserve to know the peace you fought for. And who better to ensure that than the woman who helped secure it?

The quill is yours, should you choose to accept. I believe in you, just as I always have.

With love, Hermione

Aurora stared at the quill for a long time, her mind racing with the possibilities. She had always told herself that her days of leading, of fighting, were over. She had built a life away from the chaos, from the responsibility of being someone the world relied on. But now, with Hermione's words echoing in her mind and Lyra's innocent faith in her, Aurora found herself reconsidering.

That evening, after the children had gone to bed, Aurora sat beside Theo in their cozy living room. The fire crackled softly, casting a warm glow over the room, but Aurora felt anything but calm.

"I've been thinking," she said quietly, her eyes fixed on the flames. "About what Hermione said. About the Ministry."

Theo glanced at her, his expression unreadable. He knew his wife well enough to sense the turmoil brewing within her.

"I never thought I'd want to go back," Aurora continued. "But now... I'm not so sure. Maybe I could do some good there. Maybe it's time I stopped running."

Theo was silent for a moment, processing her words. He reached out, taking her hand in his. "Aurora, you've never run from anything. You made a choice to live your life the way you wanted. There's no shame in that. But if you feel like this is something you need to do, then I'll stand by you. Always."

His words grounded her, giving her the clarity she had been searching for. She had always known that Theo would support her no matter what, but hearing it now, in this moment of uncertainty, was exactly what she needed.

"I think I'm going to do it," she said finally. "I'm going to accept Hermione's offer. I'll become Minister for Magic."

Theo smiled, a look of pride and admiration in his eyes. "You're going to be brilliant," he said softly, pulling her into a gentle kiss.