Shadows of Loyalty

Chapter 1

The moon hung low over Black Manor, casting long shadows that danced eerily across the grand entrance. Inside, the atmosphere was thick with tension. James Potter had been hiding out at his in-laws’ home since he’d run from his father, Fleamont Potter. Abusive and unpredictable, Fleamont was a man who thrived on power, and the boy he once called son had long become a source of shame.

James had found solace in the company of his two protection dogs, both Belgian Malinois named Zora and Liesel. They were more than just pets; they were his guardians, trained to respond to any threat with unwavering loyalty. As the night wore on, the dogs rested at his feet, their keen eyes darting toward the front door, sensing the impending danger before James could.

A sudden crash echoed through the manor, jolting James from his thoughts. He tensed, adrenaline surging as he recognized the unmistakable sound of a forced entry. Fleamont had finally found him.

“Zora, Liesel, to me!” James commanded in a firm voice, the German commands spilling from his lips with practiced ease. The dogs sprang to attention, their muscles taut and ready. Zora, the older of the two, positioned herself protectively in front of James, while Liesel circled behind him, scanning the darkened hallway.

James could hear muffled voices—Fleamont, accompanied by a couple of thugs he often hired for dirty work. “Where is he? I know he’s here!” Fleamont’s voice was a low growl, tinged with frustration. “I won’t leave without what’s mine!”

James’s heart raced. He couldn’t let them find him. Not after everything. He glanced at the ornate wooden door leading to the main hall, where shadows moved restlessly. Orion and Walburga Black were supposed to be at a dinner party, but he had a feeling they would return soon. He needed to hold off Fleamont until they arrived.

“Stay,” he whispered to the dogs, though he could see their instincts were already on high alert. They shifted slightly, ready for action. The bond he shared with them ran deep; they understood his anxiety, and they were prepared to fight if necessary.

The door burst open, and Fleamont strode in, flanked by two burly men. “There you are, you little traitor!” he spat, his eyes wild with rage. “You think you can run away from your responsibilities? This is all your fault!”

James took a step back, feeling the wall press against him. He couldn’t let fear consume him. “Get out, Fleamont. You’re not welcome here.”

The dogs growled in unison, their low, menacing tones reverberating through the hall. Zora moved closer to James, her body tense, while Liesel took a defensive stance beside him. “Sitz!” James commanded, and both dogs sat down, unwavering, ready to leap at a moment’s notice.

Fleamont smirked, clearly unfazed by the threat. “You think those mutts will protect you? They’re just animals!” he taunted, taking a step forward, crossing the threshold into the room.

James felt a surge of defiance. “They’re more loyal than you ever were,” he shot back, his voice steady.

Fleamont's face twisted in anger. “You think you can defy me? I’ll show you who’s in charge here!”

With a sudden motion, he lunged at James, but the dogs were faster. Zora sprang into action, a blur of fur and muscle. She lunged at Fleamont’s leg, teeth bared, catching him off guard. Liesel followed suit, targeting the second thug with ferocity.

“Nein! Aus!” James shouted, trying to maintain control as chaos erupted around him. He watched in awe as Zora and Liesel tackled Fleamont, their training taking over. They were relentless, powerful creatures defending their pack, their instincts honed for this very moment.

Fleamont stumbled, his face contorting in rage and pain. “Get them off me!” he yelled, struggling to shake the dogs loose. But Zora clamped down harder, her grip unwavering as she pulled him down.

“Let them be!” James shouted, stepping forward. He knew they would stop if he commanded it, but the sight of his father’s cowardice under the weight of his dogs filled him with a rush of empowerment.

Orion and Walburga burst through the front door, their faces a mix of confusion and concern. “What in Merlin’s name is happening?” Walburga exclaimed, her eyes wide as she took in the scene.

“Stay back!” James warned, raising a hand. “It’s Fleamont. He’s trying to take me back!”

Orion’s expression hardened. “Fleamont! You have no business here!” he shouted, stepping forward. The authority in his voice seemed to draw the dogs’ attention for a moment, and they paused, allowing Fleamont to scramble to his feet, panting and furious.

“Get them off!” he barked, but the dogs remained poised, ready to defend James against any further attack.

“Enough!” James yelled, feeling the weight of the moment settle over him. “You have no power over me anymore. I’m not going back!”

Fleamont, cornered and seething, glanced at Orion and Walburga, then back at James, the realization of his defeat dawning. “You’ll regret this, boy,” he spat, his voice low and threatening. “You’ll pay for your defiance.”

With that, he turned and stormed out, his thugs trailing behind him. The moment he crossed the threshold, James felt the tension begin to dissipate. Zora and Liesel relaxed, panting but still vigilant, their eyes watching for any sign of danger.

“Are you alright, James?” Walburga asked, rushing to his side. Her concern was palpable, and he could see the anger simmering beneath her calm exterior.

“I’m fine,” he replied, his voice steadier than he felt. “Thanks to them.” He knelt to pat Zora and Liesel, gratitude flooding through him. They had defended him when he felt most vulnerable, their loyalty a balm for his troubled soul.

Orion approached, his expression softening as he examined the scene. “We heard the commotion from down the road. I’m glad we arrived in time,” he said, placing a comforting hand on James's shoulder. “You’re safe here. You know that, right?”

James nodded, the weight of the night finally settling in. For the first time in a long time, he felt a flicker of hope. He was free from Fleamont’s grasp, and with Zora and Liesel by his side, he was ready to fight for his own future, whatever it might hold.