The Rise of the God-Emperor

CH 60: The Power of Control

Four months had passed since the Perfect Barrier had been deployed, and in that time, the magical world around Hogwarts had continued to shift. Under Harry's leadership, the fortifications of Hogwarts, Hogsmeade, the prison, and Raven's Hold Fort had all been completed, and the new homes for the magical creatures were taking shape. Each subdivision was tailored to the needs of its inhabitants, and the refugees who had fled from France, Germany, and other parts of Europe had found safety within the protective reach of Hogwarts.

But Harry's mind had never stopped moving. He had spent months perfecting the designs for the Muggle-repellent and Muggle-control amulets, knowing that their world would soon face another threat. The Muggles were relentless in their pursuit of magical beings, and Harry had no illusions that the peace they had created would last forever.

Now, standing in the shadowed halls of Raven's Hold Fort, Harry felt the weight of his next decision. The Muggle-control amulet—the most dangerous of the artifacts he had crafted—was ready to be tested. It wasn't a decision he had taken lightly, but in a world where survival was becoming more precarious by the day, it was a weapon they needed in their arsenal.

Draco Malfoy, now the warden of the prison, stood at his side, his sharp eyes watching Harry closely. They were in the innermost chambers of the prison, far from the reach of anyone who might interfere. Inside one of the cold, stone cells sat a Muggle soldier—one of the few who had been captured during the missions months ago. His eyes were glazed with fear, but he remained quiet, bound by magical restraints.

"This is the moment, then," Draco muttered, his voice low as he leaned against the stone wall. "You're really going to use it?"

Harry nodded, his expression calm but resolute. "We have to know if it works."

Draco studied him for a moment, his usual arrogance replaced by something closer to respect. "You've changed, Potter. You're not the same person who stood in front of me all those years ago, telling me I had to choose a side."

Harry glanced at him briefly. "People change, Draco. The world forces them to."

The Test Begins

Harry stepped forward, pulling the Muggle-control amulet from within his robes. The object was small and unassuming—a simple black stone set into a silver band. But the power it held was anything but simple. Harry had woven ancient magic into the amulet, pulling from the runes and spells found in the old tome, as well as the design of the Muggle collars they had confiscated from the labs. The amulet would allow its wearer to control the thoughts and actions of any Muggle adult—an act of control that Harry had never wanted to use but knew he had to master.

Harry slipped the amulet over his wrist, feeling the pulse of magic run through him. It was a strange sensation—cold, yet charged with power. The amulet tightened slightly as if sensing the task it was about to perform.

Harry turned to the Muggle in the cell, who flinched as he felt the power radiating from the amulet. His gaze locked on Harry, fear flickering in his eyes.

Draco crossed his arms, watching intently from the side. "Let's see what you can do, Potter."

With a steady breath, Harry raised his hand, directing his focus on the Muggle before him. The magic from the amulet surged, flowing from Harry's mind into the Muggle's consciousness. He could feel the man's thoughts—disjointed, panicked—and with a quiet command in his mind, Harry forced them to settle.

The Muggle's body stiffened, his eyes going glassy as Harry took control. It was subtle at first—a sense of influence over the Muggle's actions. But as Harry concentrated, he felt the connection deepen, the control tightening. With a thought, he made the Muggle stand.