The Malfoy Manor, once a symbol of wealth and power, now felt more like a gilded prison. Since Dante's departure and Lucius's decision to share everything he knew with the Ministry, the family had been confined to their home, under strict surveillance. Nearly two months had passed, and the air of depression within the manor was growing.
Draco sat in the dining room, his face etched with frustration. He had been silent for most of the day, but now he couldn't hold it in any longer. "We should have stayed on Dante's side," he said, his voice sharp with anger. He turned to his father, his eyes blazing. "You gave them all the information Dante trusted you with, and they still treat us like prisoners!"
Lucius, seated at the head of the table, remained calm. He had expected this outburst eventually. "I knew this would be the outcome before Dante even left," he said, his voice steady. "It's expected, considering Dante is the number one enemy in the world right now—more so than Voldemort ever was."
Draco's frustration only grew. "Then why didn't we support Dante instead of this? Why betray him?"
Lucius sighed, his expression weary but resolute. "If Dante loses, our family dies with him. But now, whether he wins or loses, we will remain. At worst, we'll be hated for some time. This was the only way to ensure our survival."
Draco clenched his fists, his knuckles white. "I wanted to go with Dante," he said, his voice trembling. "I didn't want to just turn my back on him like this. He asked me to study and learn, but I can't even go to Hogwarts. What am I supposed to do?"
Narcissa, who had been quietly listening, stepped forward and wrapped her arms around Draco. "You do what you've always done," she said softly. "Learn at home and train. And one day, things will go back to normal." She looked at Lucius, her eyes filled with a quiet hope.
Lucius met her gaze and smiled faintly. "I think Dante will win this war," he said. "He didn't care what we shared with them or what they could do. Maybe everything is already set in stone, and it's just a matter of time."
Draco looked up, his anger giving way to curiosity. "What do you mean?"
Lucius leaned back in his chair, his expression thoughtful. "Dante told me that Hogwarts serves a purpose in his oldest goal. That must mean something. He's been planning and preparing this for thousands of years. Do you really think a few wizards, no matter how powerful, can stop him?"
The room fell silent as Draco processed his father's words. For the first time in weeks, a flicker of hope appeared in his eyes.
Narcissa tightened her embrace around Draco. "We'll get through this," she said. "Together."
Lucius nodded, his gaze distant. "Dante's plans are beyond our understanding. All we can do is wait and see. But I believe he will prevail. And when he does, the world will change—and he will have a place for us."
___________
Half a year had passed since the wizarding world had been thrown into chaos by the revelations about Dante Malfoy. Despite the looming threat, Hogwarts continued to operate, its halls filled with students and teachers who carried on with their daily routines. But the atmosphere was heavy, the joy and laughter that once echoed through the castle replaced by a somber silence. This year was unlike any other—it was a year of fear, tension, and despair.
The school grounds were now a fortress, surrounded by aurors and wizards from across the globe. They patrolled the perimeter day and night, their wands at the ready, their eyes scanning the horizon for any sign of Dante. The once-open gates of Hogwarts were sealed shut, and no one was allowed to leave—not even for the Christmas holidays. The students, trapped within the castle walls, felt the weight of the world pressing down on them. The threat of Dante's return hung over them like a dark cloud, and the sense of impending doom was palpable.
In an effort to prepare for the worst, the dueling club had been reopened. Students were encouraged to learn how to defend themselves, to fight if necessary. The club had become a refuge for many, a place where they could channel their fear and anger into something productive. Among them were Ron Weasley and Harry Potter, who trained relentlessly, their determination unwavering.
Hermione Granger watched them from the sidelines, her brow furrowed with worry. "You two should take a break," she said, her voice gentle but firm. "You've been at this for hours."
Ron turned to her, his face flushed with exertion and anger. "How can we relax with that monster out there?" he snapped. "When he comes back, I'm going to avenge my parents. I'm not going to sit around and do nothing."
Harry placed a hand on Ron's shoulder, his expression sympathetic. "Hermione, when the time comes, we need to be ready to fight. You've seen what Dante's capable of. You've seen what he's done. Mr. Weasley, Professor Lupin, so many others… they're gone because of him. And now he's planning to destroy the world. We can't just stand by."
Hermione sighed, her heart heavy. "But can we even help? Professor Dumbledore, Voldemort, and so many others couldn't defeat him, even in an ambush. He's… not a person, Ron. He's something else entirely."
Ron's jaw tightened, his hands clenched into fists. "We'll find a way. We have to."
Hermione's mind wandered as she recalled how Dante had healed her, saved Ginny and helped Luna. Why had he done those things if he was planning to destroy the world? Was it all just a game to him, a way to pass the time? Or was there something else going on, something no one understood?
Her thoughts drifted to Luna Lovegood, she felt pity for the poor girl as she recalled her current state.
"I feel sorry for Luna," Hermione said quietly, changing the subject. "She's being bullied mercilessly because she called Dante a friend. Every few days, she ends up in the infirmary because of it."
Ron sneered, his anger flaring. "She had it coming. Being friends with that evil monster and still defending him? She's lucky she's not expelled."
Hermione frowned, her disappointment evident. "Luna's kind person, Ron. If it weren't for her stepping in, more people would have died—including your mum. Maybe even us would have been killed that day"
Ron glared at Hermione, his face red with fury. "Loony Luna still thinks Dante's not a bad person. She actually said professor Dumbledore should have talked to him first instead of trying to kill him. She is not kind, She's delusional. She should be expelled and imprisoned for defending him."
Hermione turned to Harry, hoping for some support. "What about you, Harry? Do you agree with Ron?"
Harry hesitated, guilt flickering in his eyes. "Ron's right, Hermione. Luna needs to understand that Dante Malfoy is an evil monster who's planning to destroy the world. If she can't see that, then maybe she really should leave Hogwarts."
Hermione stared at them, her heart sinking. She couldn't believe what she was hearing. "I can't believe you both think like that," she said, her voice trembling with anger and disappointment. Without another word, she turned and walked away, leaving Ron and Harry behind.
As she made her way through the castle, Hermione's mind raced. The world had become a darker place, and not just because of Dante. The fear and hatred he had inspired were tearing people apart, people were bullying and punishing an innocent girl just for being kind. She thought of Luna, alone and bullied, and her heart ached.
But deep down, Hermione couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to Dante's story—something no one had figured out yet. And until they did, the world would remain trapped in the shadows of despair.
___________
In the headmaster's office was quiet, Albus Dumbledore sat behind his desk, his expression heavy. Across from him stood Professor Filius Flitwick and Luna Lovegood. Luna's arm was bandaged, fresh from the infirmary after yet another incident of bullying. Her usual dreamy demeanor was subdued, her eyes downcast as she stood silently.
Dumbledore looked at her with deep pity, his blue eyes filled with regret. "Ms. Lovegood," he began, his voice gentle but firm, "I have noticed the bullying you've endured and heard about what you've said regarding Dante. I want you to understand that Dante is not the person you believe him to be. He is an ancient and dark wizard, and I can assure you that the prophecy you've heard is true."
Luna raised her head slightly, her pale silver eyes meeting Dumbledore's. "Dante is my friend," she said softly, her voice unwavering. "He's always been kind and a nice person. When I asked him to stop, he listened. Maybe… maybe you should have talked to him instead of attacking him."
Dumbledore sighed "I had intended to speak with him," he admitted. "But when the prophecy was revealed, everything changed. We couldn't take the risk."
Luna's gaze didn't waver. "What if it's not a dark prophecy?" she asked, her voice tinged with a quiet doubt. "What if it's a self-fulfilling one? What if antagonizing him is what made it come true?"
Dumbledore shook his head, his expression resolute. "The wording of the prophecy makes it clear, Ms. Lovegood. It is not self-fulfilling. The only way to prevent the worst from happening is to stop Dante, as the prophecy warned."
Luna fell silent, her shoulders slumping as she lowered her head. The room felt heavier, the air thick with unspoken emotions. Dumbledore watched her for a moment, his heart aching for the little girl who had endured so much. Finally, he spoke again, his voice gentle but firm.
"For your own safety and well-being, I have spoken with Professor Flitwick, and we both agree that it would be best if you did not continue to attend Hogwarts," Dumbledore said. "Please gather your things. You will be leaving today."
Luna's eyes widened in shock, her usual calm demeanor cracking for a moment. She stared at Dumbledore, her lips parting as if to protest, but no words came. After a long pause, she nodded, her face full of sadness. Without a word, she turned and walked toward the door.
Professor Flitwick watched her go, his expression troubled. He glanced at Dumbledore, who sat silently, his face etched with regret. With a sigh, Flitwick followed Luna out of the office, his small frame moving quickly to catch up with her.
As the door closed behind them, Dumbledore leaned back in his chair, his eyes closing for a moment. The weight of his decision pressed heavily on him. He had always strived to protect his students, to guide them and keep them safe. But now, in the face of an unimaginable threat, he had been forced to make a choice that broke his heart.
Outside the office, Luna walked slowly through the corridors, her mind a whirlwind of thoughts. The castle that had once felt like a second home now felt cold and unwelcoming. Professor Flitwick walked beside her, his voice gentle as he tried to offer comfort.
"I'm sorry, Luna," he said softly. "This isn't fair to you, but the headmaster believes it's for the best."
Luna nodded, her eyes distant. "I understand," she murmured, though her voice carried a hint of sadness. "But I still think they're wrong about Dante."
Flitwick didn't respond, unsure of what to say. He had seen the devastation Dante had caused, the lives that had been lost. Yet, he couldn't deny the kindness Luna spoke of, the moments of compassion and goodness Dante has shown that seemed at odds with the image of an ancient evil. Could Luna be right and they have made a mistake?