TEMPUS MORTIS

Chapter 04. Shattered Reality.

"Well, it seems you're beginning to grasp the magnitude of your decisions," said Cassiopea Grindelwald, reappearing on the screen.

"The reality is that the vast majority of your heirs, that is to say, us, are alive thanks to our mother, Carina," added Leo Lestrange with a mischievous smile.

"You must be wondering how Gellert Grindelwald is out of Azkaban and how we got to this point, but the worst part is that most of the important events have already played out before your eyes, and you haven't even appreciated them," commented Orion Grindelwald, causing surprise among many.

To everyone's astonishment, it was Carina who intervened seriously: "And may I ask why you've come to this moment and not before?"

"Well, we followed the advice of Grandma Wally and Grandpa Gellert," explained Harry Potter. "They told us this was one of the last good moments before the decline began." Draco Malfoy nodded and added, "That made us think that by this time, you would have enough power to face what's coming, and, well, that people would be more mature to accept it."

"I understand," was all Carina said.

"Since we don't want to have to answer all the questions that may arise, let's continue," said Cassiopea Grindelwald. "Now you'll see the moment when Grandpa Gellert enters our mother's life. And all, of course, due to our Uncle James and his remarkable knack for not knowing how to keep his mouth shut." After saying this, everyone disappeared from the screen.

The Potters already suspected what was coming, and they were not pleased. On the other hand, many students laughed at Cassiopea's comment.

Images of James and Carina growing up together, playing and spending time with each other over the years began to appear on the screen. There were also images of Carina alongside the Malfoy family, which was confusing for many.

Narcissa Black whispered to Lucius Malfoy, "Isn't that you in the images, Lucius? Did you know Carina before Hogwarts?"

Lucius avoided answering and merely stared at the screen.

Cassiopea, as the narrator, continued: "As you can see, the childhood of these children was quite happy until Carina and James turned ten. That was the year when Carina's best friend, Lucius Malfoy, entered Hogwarts, and when James overheard a conversation he never should have."

Narcissa got angry and spoke too loudly: "You mean he's been lying to me about knowing Carina? The screen says 'best friends,' and you've never mentioned her, not even in passing!"

Carina laughed at the situation, which did not go unnoticed.

"Don't get upset, Narcissa," Carina interjected nonchalantly. "We were friends, but that was a long time ago."

On the screen, the living room of the Potter family was visible. Arthur and Druella were having tea while the children played outside. James wanted to ask his grandparents something, but when he was about to enter the living room, something made him stop, and he remained listening.

"Dear, I'm glad the children are going to Hogwarts soon. It's incredible how fast they've grown," said Arthur.

"What surprises me is that there hasn't been any trouble with that which we cannot mention," Druella remarked, amused.

Euphemia looked at Fleamont with concern, expecting the worst.

"Dear, as much as I appreciate your wickedness, you know we cannot discuss that topic. It would cause too serious a rift among the children," Arthur added seriously.

"And what does it matter? We can talk freely. The children are outside, and we are the only ones here. Let's be clear; I'm surprised no one has suspected that Carina is adopted, let alone who her father is. I mean, for twins, she and James are totally opposite," Druella said in astonishment.