Chapter 104
I felt good. No, that’s not it—I felt fucking amazing! I was gently warmed by the light of nirvana and tenderly embraced by the waters of tranquility. My mind finally distanced itself from heavy and sorrowful thoughts, and they were replaced by a pleasant fog of pleasure and enjoyment. For the first time in my life, my existence found meaning—to listen to and follow the orders of the kind, gentle, and most wonderful wizard in the world standing before me. Creator, how handsome, charming, and desirable Gilderoy is… I looked at this handsome man with a lustful smile and felt my panties getting wet. One word from him, and I was ready to do anything… Maybe I should help him swaddle Vasya? Why did my snake attack him? It’s good that Gilderoy turned out to be such an experienced and skilled wizard that he was able to dodge the attack of the enraged familiar. STOP! What the fuck orders?! And, most importantly, from whom?! From this costumed rooster who’s now hurting my familiar?! What the f…How beautiful he is… How strong… This wizard’s desire must come first, because I was created to serve him. How can I resist his command? I feel so good, I’ve never felt anything like it. All my problems, worries, all my pain and desire for revenge have faded into the background, and for that I have to say a huge thank you to Gilderoy. He ordered me to stand still, so that’s how it will be, and I’ll talk to Vasya later. How dare he attack my master?! WHAT THE FUCK?! WHAT THE FUCK IS A MASTER?!I am a Holy Knight, and I serve only the Maker! Even during the Accolade, I did not become Her Majesty’s slave, but only Her punishing blade! I am Rigel Hellsing! I am the future head of the Order of Protestant Knights! I have no master! I swore an oath to serve and protect the citizens of the British Empire from filth and heresy! I must shoot this bastard as quickly as possible before he harms me and Hermione. HERMIONE! DON’T LOOK AT HER LIKE THAT! I’LL CUT YOUR DICK OFF, BITCH!“Hmm… Resisting? Commendable, Miss Granger, Miss Hellsing, ten points each for willpower.” Lockhart levitated the paralyzed Vasya and Flora to the last desk. “It was worth choosing you, you’re so… Special.” The bastard licked his lips lustfully, then visibly tensed and…
How handsome he had become! All my thoughts immediately faded into the background, and I felt a new wave of euphoria. Unable to contain myself, I let out a moan of pleasure and broke into a stupid smile. Part of me knew I needed to fight and shake off this obsession, but why? I felt so good, and everything happening around me seemed unreal, as if I were in a dream. Or maybe it was the other way around? Everything that had happened before had been a nightmare, and I had finally woken up? I don’t know, but I loved this feeling of lightness and serenity. And to maintain it, I simply had to follow the orders of this sweet, kind, and understanding man. Why couldn’t Alyoshka be like that? WHAT?! WHAT THE FUCK…
– You will obey me! – Lockhart pointed his wand at me. – I will break you! Get on your knees!
“As you command, Master.” I immediately obeyed and barely held back another moan of pleasure. “Anything else?”
What a fool I was. Why did I even try to resist? This man had overwhelmed me with such a wave of pleasure that I almost forgot my own name, and why would I need one anyway? I’ll forget, the master will give me a new one. The main thing is that I feel good and this pleasant fog in my head—no worries, no cares. And all thanks to the master. FUCK YES! WHAT THE FUCK IS THIS MASTER? BITCH!
I’ve never kneeled before! Why did I do this?! I need to get up right now and pump this bastard full of shit, but I can’t. And why bother? His orders (and especially following them) bring me so much pleasure. And so what? So what? So what, I got on my knees, so what? But I feel so good! This euphoria, this pleasant haze all around. Even with Alyoshka I didn’t feel this good, and if the master… SHUT UP, YOU FOOL! FUCK! I’LL COME TO MY OWN AND BREAK MY OWN FACE! I NEED…
“Girls, don’t move.” Lockhart’s gentle voice returned my thoughts to a caressing haze. “Before we begin, I’d like to check something. It’s quick and painless. I have confidence in you, of course, but you never know… You’ve been living among depraved Muggles. Inspector Hymen!”
At that very moment, Hermione and I were enveloped in a golden cloud of a diagnostic spell. I hadn’t met him before, but I knew for a fact that the word “hymen” is Latin for “virgin membrane.” Was this handsome wizard really trying to test our virginity? But how?! Why?! I wouldn’t be suitable for him. Unlike Hermione, I was corrupted and unworthy of the attention of such a pre… FUCK!
I tried my best, but I couldn’t shake this obsession. It was like I was sitting on a soft sofa with a built-in massager, staring at a huge TV. I tried to take control of my body, but it wouldn’t obey me! What the hell?! Why do I feel so good and so shitty at the same time?! Why do I know something’s going on around me, but with a dumbass grin, I continue to follow the orders of a costumed rooster? Realizing that my body wasn’t obeying me, and that things would only get worse, I fell into the depths of my mind and urgently began to create an “autosave” or “backup” of what was happening, all the while keeping an eye on the late Lockhart. I had no doubt that he was a corpse. I just wanted to get out of here, and he was going to die a long, painful death, the bitch!
– What?! It can’t be? – Gilderoy’s pleasant and commanding voice pulled my mind out of the chambers of reason. – Inspector Hymen!
My friend, who was also devouring him with her gaze, and I were enveloped in the fog of the spell again. The rooster, that is, the charming wizard, received a response and began to change his face: first he turned red, then green, then white, and finally red again, this time from anger. Part of me was sincerely worried and concerned for this bastard, and the other part gloated, because I knew what kind of answer he got. But why do I feel so ashamed? Why am I so worried that I upset the wonderful and great wizard? Why do I want to make amends? Maybe unzip his fly and… WHAT THE FUCK?! WHAT THE FUCK?! BITCH! I ALMOST COULD MOVE MY LITTLE FINGER, A LITTLE MORE AND YOU’RE FUCKED! YOU DOG SHIT!
“How disgusting! It’s disgusting even to touch!” Lockhart’s gentle and desirable voice returned my thoughts to a pleasant haze of pleasure, but why was he grimacing with disgust, and even angry? “You filthy Muggle whore! Get away from me! Immediately!”
“As you command, master.” I stood up and took a few steps back, still grinning stupidly. “Anything else?”
“Shut up! Don’t say a word!” The handsome wizard swung his weapon, and I happily offered my face, but he didn’t hit me. Unfortunately, instead, he turned his head and lingered on the bookcases at the entrance to the classroom. “Go and count the pages of the books, all of them.”
“As you wish, master.” I practically ran to carry out the idiotic order.
“And you.” As we walked, I continued to admire Lockhart and saw how he looked lustfully at my best friend. “Go to my chambers and undress, and then lie down on the bed and spread your legs.”
“As you command, Master.” Mia stood up jerkily and, stumbling, slowly walked into the bastard’s chambers.
I looked at my best, beloved friend, but I couldn’t help her! I understood perfectly well WHAT he wanted to do to her, but my body and most of my mind simply wouldn’t obey me! I burst into tears from helplessness, still smiling stupidly. I continued walking briskly toward the bookshelves, but bitter tears of despair streamed down my cheeks. With great effort, I turned around and saw Mia, twitching and stumbling, enter Lockhart’s chambers. He, with a lustful smile, unbuttoned his coat and followed her. MIA! NO! YOU CANNOT! SHE SHOULD NOT GO THROUGH THE SAME AS ME! CREATOR! HELP! I AM YOUR BATTLE SISTER!
Through my tears, I picked up the first book I came across and started counting the pages—the act brought me near-orgasmic pleasure. Ten, fifty, a hundred, two hundred… I need to do this well. Maybe write it down? So as not to upset Gilderoy? Absolutely! I took a quill and parchment from my school bag and began documenting everything. Okay, now I have “Walking with Ghouls” in my hands, yeah, let’s write it down… STOP! RIGEL, FOCUS!
I need to throw off the Imperio spell and save Hermione immediately! That bastard can’t touch her! I won’t let him! Okay, I can’t get distracted, three hundred and fifty-nine, and there are still so many books to read! I need to please my master… STOP! I DON’T HAVE A MASTER! MIA! MASTER, I HAVE TO HELP HER! BUT HOW?!
With a titanic effort, I tore myself away from the book and tried to move the hand holding the fountain pen. My limb wouldn’t obey me, or rather, it was following orders from another part of my brain, the one in nirvana. For a few moments, I struggled with myself, but to no avail. I was almost back to my idiotic task when I noticed the crucifix on my wrist glowing a dim white. “Creator, I have always believed that you will not abandon me in my time of need.” Barely moving my lips, I began to whisper a prayer.Before I could finish, the crucifix on my hand began to glow a bright white, engulfing my entire body. This divine light brought excruciating pain, as if acid had been injected under my skin and was now seeping out through my pores, bringing deliverance. At first, my back arched, my bones cracked, then I felt myself regain control and then doubled over, vomiting. Only faith and the cross clutched in my hand kept me standing, even though the contents of my stomach spilled beneath my feet in a slippery, foul-smelling puddle. Wiping away the viscous, stinking saliva, I straightened up, tossed aside the heretic’s book, and grinned wickedly. The Creator had answered me, and now I must present the soul of the atheist to Him for a righteous judgment. NO PROBLEM!
“You’re fucked, you festering faggot.” I spat out another mouthful of sticky saliva, then clenched my fists and stretched my shoulders. “Abyss, forgive me, but I dedicate this sacrifice to the Creator.”
I must have imagined it, but at that moment I felt the cross clutched in my hand gently pinch me, and a malicious, polyphonic laughter echoed in my ears. Shaking my head and shaking off the delusion, I looked at the paralyzed familiars, confirmed they were alive, and ran to the door of the victim’s—pardon me, Lockhart’s—quarters. The main thing is to hurry! That piece of shit mustn’t touch Hermione! I was about to summon Victoria, but I remembered my oath to the Maker—fuck, no matter, I can handle this myself! I gave my word and I will keep it! You can’t joke with higher beings, I’ve already learned that from personal experience. So I need a plan to quickly neutralize the master of combat magic, and I think I have it!
I stopped in front of Lockhart’s chambers, recalling the interior of his room. It’s true what they say: in an emergency, the brain can recall even things it’s never seen or known before. A few moments later, I stood before the massive wooden door, clearly imagining the interior of this soon-to-die faggot’s chambers. Imperio, on me?! I’ll get you for this! I’ll gouge out your blinkers and put you in the corner, you bitch!
– Revelio! – The spell fell from my wand, and I was almost blinded by the enchantment cast on this wooden barrier. – Then everything is correct.
Blinking, I pulled an RPG-7 from my bag and the most powerful round in my arsenal. It was supposedly designed for a thousand-year-old basilisk, but at that moment I didn’t care… Tandem armor-piercing or high-explosive fragmentation, it didn’t matter; our sergeant major’s words that it was the most powerful and would penetrate any defense were enough for me. The rocket clicked into the barrel, and I dropped to one knee, then pulled the trigger. Idiot! What a distance! Will the round have time to arm?! And if it does, what about the blast wave and shrapnel?! Why do I act first and think later?!
“Protego Maximus!” I screamed at the top of my lungs and raised my wand above my head.
I made it! The protective dome covered me just as the missile was a centimeter from the enchanted door.
– BOOM!!!
– Fuck… You’re an idiot… – I somehow got up and, brushing away the stars before my eyes, tried to peer into the cloud of dust in front of me. – This won’t work…
A couple of spells I’d practiced at summer camp restored both my hearing and sight, after which I rushed to the bastard’s chambers, wand and gun in hand. A dozen steps later, I saw a sight that made me shake, sparks flickering in my hair, and my hands covered in black smoke. I barely restrained myself from pumping an entire clip of Dagworth rounds into Lockhart. Holy shit, you’re not going to die that easily, I’m going to torture you for a loooong time, bitch!
Our beloved professor stood in a cloud of dust, completely naked and with a hard-on, and MY Hermione, dressed as Eve, was kneeling before him, stroking his device with a blissful smile! The bastard’s shields held, but he was badly concussed, and dear Gildy shook his head from side to side in confusion. A few seconds of confusion, then Lockhart noticed me and, slooooowly, like in slow motion, pointed his wand at me. The barrel of my gun was already pointed at the bastard, but my gaze remained fixed on Hermione. My best friend twitched, resisting, and reached for his device with her mouth. And there I was, standing in front of them in a cloud of dust and debris, wand and gun in hand.
– Stupefy! BAM! – My friend’s body didn’t even have time to fly into the far corner of the room, and the bullet had already blown away the bastard’s remaining shields. – Petrificus Totalus! – I put half my magical reserves into this spell.
I made it! The naked pervert froze in place, staring at me with terrified eyes! Okay, bitch, you’re screwed. I quickly ran up to the pervert and snapped the anti-magic collar around his neck. Now I’ve found a use for this artifact; you never know, I’ll soon get my hands on some landmines, I’ve got a lot of interesting stuff in my bag. Just in case. Having paralyzed the future corpse once more, I hurried to Hermione. Mia stared at me with wild eyes, unsure where she was or what was happening. I hugged her tightly and shared the warmth of my body with her for a few moments, then stroked her bare back and felt the emergency Portkey around her neck.
“Mia, I’ll be there soon.” I whispered tenderly, looking into his milk chocolate-colored eyes. “Hellsing-Portus.”
My best friend was gone, but the bastard who wanted to orally rape her remained. I rose from my knees, my face almost splitting with a bloodthirsty smile. My hand slid down my thigh and found the Charming thing, which fit perfectly in my palm. It had come in handy; I hadn’t been carrying it under my skirt for all these years for nothing. I approached the paralyzed pervert and slooooowly ran the tip of the Charming thing from his chest to his loins. This pedophile had never heard of waxing, so I snip just above his device, and a small clump of light, curly hair fell to the floor.
“You wanted to put this in my friend’s mouth?” I looked tenderly into the eyes of the paralyzed idol. “Oh, right…” With my free hand, I stroked his sculpted chest. “You can’t talk, can you?”
A flick of his wand, and Lockhart could move his lips, but the rest of his body still wouldn’t obey him. The anti-magic collar prevents him from harming me or activating the Portkey, which means he’s in my power. Excellent.
“I just wanted to touch…” this parody of a human squeaked. “I didn’t do anything! You have no right!”
“Of course, darling.” My Precious sank lower, “snip,” and a Bavarian sausage, a very excited sausage, fell to the floor. “Now you and I are going to go to the Hellsing estate and have a talk about the rights of rapists… There I will touch you in many places… Believe me, scum, you will not like it at all. I will torture you…”
Lockhart didn’t let me finish and collapsed dead on the floor. I glanced at my torture manual in confusion and, checking his pulse, realized he was dead. Looking closer, I noticed a scratch from a Dagworth cartridge on his shoulder and flew into a rage.
– What the f*ck!? – A broadsword appeared in my hand, and I cut off this freak’s head. – You should have died in the torture chamber!
The blade in my hand continued to perform the same routine over and over again, turning Lockhart’s body into dog meat. Yes, I lost my temper, and I have every right to! I continued to hack at the bastard’s body and scatter chunks of flesh all over the room. He shouldn’t have died so easily! In frustration, I ripped open his chest with my broadsword and extracted his heart, intending to throw it at the wall, but I was stopped.
“Nobody move!” A menacing male voice came from behind. “Auror is working!”
Clutching Lockhart’s heart, I turned and met the gaze of the wizard in the scarlet robe. The dashing warrior stood in the doorway, his wand aimed at me. I nodded to the unexpected guest and smiled sweetly, then tossed the fragment of the dead professor aside. In response, the formidable warrior paled and took a step back, a bright red beam erupting from his concentrator. Only thanks to my honed reflexes did I manage to dodge it and, somersaulting, immediately pointed the barrel of the pistol, which instantly appeared in my hand, at the foe.
I was about to pull the trigger, but Dumbledore himself stepped solemnly out of the bright flash of flame between us. The headmaster instantly surveyed the blood-soaked room and cast a protective spell over me, while the Auror froze like a statue. Then the light wizard crouched before what remained of Lockhart and waved his wand over him. Satisfied that his subordinate was completely dead and that medicine was powerless, the old man sadly shook his head and looked me intently in the eyes.
“Miss Hellsing, what happened here?” Dumbledore’s voice was stern and demanding. “Why is Professor Lockhart in such a sorry state, and why are you covered from head to toe in his blood?”
“He deserved it!” I was still shaking with anger and frustration, as evidenced by the sparks in my hair and the black haze around my body. “That bastard got off easy.”
“Miss Hellsing, drink this immediately!” The Director pulled a vial of potion from his pocket and levitated it to me. “It’s a sedative, you absolutely need it now.”
I silently accepted the gift and drank the pleasant-tasting liquid in a couple of gulps. After a few moments, the rage and anger subsided, replaced by a feeling of satisfaction and calm, while still maintaining a clear mind. A wonderful potion; I’ll definitely ask for the name and recipe later; most likely, it’s a signature creation of an old alchemist.
“Now, Miss Hellsing, please,” Dumbledore looked me in the eyes seriously. “Tell me what happened here?”
“That bastard cast the Imperio Curse on me and Miss Granger, after which he tried to orally rape my friend.” I nodded toward the disemboweled body. “Gilderoy Lockhart violated the honor and dignity of a woman and a loyal vassal of the Hellsing family! And for such a thing, there is only one punishment: death.”
While the Headmaster and the recovered Auror pondered my words in surprise and disbelief, I pulled out my wand and began to tidy myself up. After cleaning the pedophile’s blood from my hands and clothes, I looked around and found a neat stack of Hermione’s clothes, topped with a pair of black panties.
– Miss Hellsing, where is Miss Granger? – The light mage also looked around, but did not find my friend.
– To the Hellsing estate. – I lured the things with a spell and put them in my bag. – I went with the emergency portkey.
“I see…” The director thought for a second, then a magic wand appeared in his hands. “Miss Hellsing, may I ask? I need to check something.”
I nodded silently in response, after which a powerful, complex diagnostic spell enveloped my body. A few seconds later, it dissipated, and Dumbledore’s face turned gray as he received a response, confirming my words about the Imperio. The Headmaster stepped back and gestured to the Auror standing behind him, then began casting Patronuses. Meanwhile, I pulled the Wonderphone from my pocket and quickly dialed the desired number.
– Mom, it’s urgent!
– Daughter, what happened? – The beautiful face of a platinum blonde appeared on the screen.
– Mom, are you home?
– No, I have another meeting. – The woman sighed heavily. – What happened?
“Hermione, she’s in our estate right now! She needs help urgently. Anyway…” I quickly told Mom about Lockhart and what he wanted to do to us. “…Then I activated her Portkey and killed the pedophile.”
– WHAT?! WHY ARE YOU STILL AT HOGWARTS? – The woman listened to me attentively, and then exploded. – Activate the Portkey immediately! You will never set foot in this damn school again! I will tear it apart brick by brick! There will be a huge crater where this castle is tomorrow! Why aren’t you home yet?
“Mom, don’t yell.” I smiled warmly at the furious woman. “Elvira, she’s in Prince’s class. I can’t leave her. Besides, it’s all over now, I’m safe, Headmaster Dumbledore is nearby with a couple of Aurors.”
“Dumbledore, then.” The platinum blonde smiled predatorily. “Daughter, pass him the phone.”
“The director wants to talk to you.” I handed the Miraclephone to the bearded mage. “My mother was very saddened by what happened.”
“I understand her perfectly.” The Director slumped and accepted the communication artifact. “Lady Hellsing, first I would like…”
– I’LL HANG YOU ON YOUR OWN BEARD, YOU OLD GOAT! – Was his answer.
Lady Integra Fairbrook Wingates Hellsing is a true aristocrat, so she rarely raises her voice and almost never swears, but today she made an exception. Mama screamed and cursed like a seasoned longshoreman, never repeating herself, which undoubtedly spoke to her extensive vocabulary. Dumbledore, meanwhile, listened silently to the insults and threats, fully aware that he was responsible for his subordinates. After about ten minutes, the woman had spoken her mind, and she and the Headmaster had a more or less constructive dialogue.
I stood nearby and even slightly admired the silver-haired wizard’s masterful oratory. He not only managed to calm the enraged fury but also convinced her to let me stay at Hogwarts for a while. After all, a professor’s attack on the heir of an ancient family is a serious crime, and I need to give evidence to the D.M.L. And it’s also worth considering the fact that Lockhart was not the least important figure in Wizarding Britain, and his murder could sadden many, as this scribbler has plenty of admirers, or rather, female admirers.
“… Thank you, Lady Hellsing, for agreeing to observe the necessary formalities.” The Headmaster nodded respectfully. “My fireplace is always open for representatives of your family. As soon as we are finished, your daughter and Miss Smith will leave immediately. Once again, I offer my sincere apologies; I never imagined Professor Lockhart would dare do something like this…”
“Albus, I warned you,” a tired female voice came from the Miraclephone. “Now pass the phone to my daughter.”
“You have every right,” Dumbledore muttered in response and handed me a silver brick. “Miss Hellsing.”
– Thank you. – I accepted the artifact. – Mom, I heard everything and understood everything.
“Okay.” The platinum blonde smiled. “Walter will be at Hogwarts in ten minutes.”
– Why not Victoria? – I looked back in surprise.
“You want more corpses?” The woman chuckled. “Besides, I sent her to the manor; Captain Seras is currently bringing Hermione back to her senses.”
“Thank you,” I smiled warmly.
“We’ll talk about your future education at Hogwarts this evening.” Mom looked me sternly in the eyes. “I really don’t like what’s happening within the walls of the old castle.”
– Me too. – I nodded in response. – See you in the evening.
– Daughter, I love you. – Mom’s gaze warmed. – See you soon.
“Miss Hellsing,” Dumbledore turned to me as soon as I put the Wonderphone back in my pocket. “The late Professor Lockhart cast the Imperio Curse on you, but you were able to throw it off? Is that right?”
– Absolutely right, director.
“Good, or rather, nothing good.” The old man shook his head again and glanced with disgust at Lockhart’s mutilated body. “Madam Pomfrey will arrive shortly and examine you, after which she will issue an official medical report. We will attach this document to the case file regarding the attack on you and your vassal. I have already reported the incident to the DMLE, so they will arrive at Hogwarts soon.”
“Okay,” I nodded in response.
While we waited for the school healer, I telekinetically lured the RPG to my aid and stowed it in my school bag. Meanwhile, I watched the Aurors periodically peer into the blood-soaked room, examining everything with curiosity and glancing respectfully in my direction. The principal didn’t cast a blanket of silence, so the brave warriors heard our conversation perfectly well and had time to form their own opinions on what had happened.
“Merlin the Almighty…” That was the first thing Madam Pomfrey said when she entered the chambers of the late Defense Against the Dark Arts professor. “The last time I saw something like this was during the war with He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named…”
But the woman quickly pulled herself together, examined me in a couple of minutes, and handed Dumbledore a sealed sheet of armorial parchment. Afterward, she began examining Lockhart’s body. I don’t know what she was hoping to find there, or maybe she’d decided to take on the role of pathologist and medical examiner; I wasn’t interested. So I said goodbye to the mediwitch and practically ran to the paralyzed familiars, who were still lying in the back of the classroom.
– Finite Incantatem. – My spell restored the fairy and the snake’s ability to move. – Vasya, Flora! – I immediately grabbed the couple into a hug.
“Mistress, forgive me .” Scaly, almost crying, hugged my arm tightly. ” I screwed up like a complete loser. I tried, but that idiot…”
– Everything is fine, everything is good . – I stroked the snake and moved the fairy onto my shoulder. – We’ll be home soon, everything is fine.
– Mom, where?! – The winged little thing began to look around in panic. – Mom?!
“Flora, Mia’s home.” I smiled at my little familiar. “You’ll see her soon, I promise.”
– Love it! – The little thing flew up and kissed me on the nose, after which it returned to my shoulder. – We need it, Mom!
– Soon. – I rummaged in my pocket and handed the fairy a candy. – Be patient.
Wasting no time, I headed for the exit. The DMP officers and Walter were expected to arrive soon, which meant I needed to pack my things. Just outside the door, I crossed paths with five Aurors, who nodded respectfully at me, and I overheard their conversation.
– And it turns out that Lockhart is a star-gazer and a lover of little girls!
– But my wife bought all his books, ugh, she’s dragon dung, not a man!
“And why is this bastard a star-gazer? He’s a hero, all right, even has a medal, and they don’t take just anyone into the guild.”
– Jim, a second-year student killed him! What kind of battle mage is he, Morgana?
– Bill is right, he’s a chatterbox! I bet his adventures are just fiction.
– Aha! And he apparently brought money into the guild and got a title. How much did he earn from his books?
– A lot… My daughters are fans of his, they even wrote letters to this fan… If I had known, I would have torn him up!
“And the girl is great, she didn’t lose her head! It’s immediately obvious she has the backbone and the skills.”
– I would do the same if someone raised a dick against my daughter…
I didn’t listen any further, and I had already gone far away, so I took the Miracle Phone out of my pocket again and called the black-haired witch who aspires to become a necromage and a great potion maker.
“Elvira, it’s urgent.” I waited until the girl picked up the phone and looked her seriously in the eyes. “Pack your things and run to the living room.”
“What happened?” Smith looked back worriedly. “Teacher…”
“I don’t care what the Prince says!” I had to raise my voice. “I just killed Lockhart, I’m going to give my statement to the DMP now, and we’re going home. Got it?”
“Miss Hellsing, five points from Gryffindor for disrespecting a teacher.” The Potions Master’s bilious voice came over the phone. “If what you said is true, then congratulations, you’ve left several thousand witches without an idol. I can’t say I’m saddened by this, but such an event can’t affect my classes. Now, if you’d presented me with a well-fed Mr. Weasley or a resurrected Dark Lord, I might have given it some thought…”
“Severus, I’ll expect you in my office in half an hour.” Dumbledore’s commanding voice was heard off-screen. “The reason is an emergency meeting of the Heads of House.”
“Unfortunately, the Headmaster is saddened by the death of this brilliant wizard and considers this an important reason to postpone the lesson.” The Prince’s sarcastic voice came over the phone again. “Miss Malfoy, Miss Smith, put your supplies in stasis, let’s get the work area in order! You’re dismissed!”
“I’ll be there soon,” Elvira whispered to me one last time and hung up.
I shrugged and hurried to the living room, thinking all the while that all wizards were crazy, and their system was idiotic. At their only school in the entire country, a pedophile professor assaulted a student—and no one cared, only Dumbledore was trying to do anything. Although, if it had been an ordinary girl from a poor family, I doubt anything would have happened at all. Especially since I had the example right before my eyes: poor Myrtle had been living in the toilet for years, and no one cared. These thoughts made me angry again; perhaps the sedative was wearing off, so I decided to distract myself and started discussing how society and the foundations of Wizarding Britain could be changed. Alas, nothing sensible came to mind other than military intervention followed by the burning of radicals at the stake. Oh well, give me another five or seven years, and I’ll get back to this idea.
Finding myself in the living room, I hurried into the room and began packing my belongings into a suitcase. Elvira appeared just as Cthulhu and the porcelain monsters were being dispatched to the depths of the pink bunker. The girl didn’t press me with questions and silently began emptying her nightstand. Soon we went down to the living room and ran into Ron and Justin, who, accompanied by Percy, had returned from the library.
“Rigel, where are you going with your suitcase?” The red-haired guy glanced cheerfully at my load. “The train doesn’t leave until tomorrow, or am I missing something?”
“Ron, I’m not in the mood for jokes right now.” I looked at the boys, then at my watch, and then decided to tell them about the perverted professor. “So, I killed Lockhart…”
“Yeah, and I beat Dumbledore at chess.” Weasley chuckled, but then realized I was dead serious and asked in a hoarse voice. “Really?! For what?!”
“That bastard…” My story didn’t take more than a couple of minutes, especially since I’d missed a few points. “…And now I’m giving testimony to the DMP, and then I’m going home, and there’s no guarantee I’ll return.”
“I understand perfectly, Lady Hellsing.” Justin nodded thoughtfully. “I hope everything works out. Call me when everything is resolved, I’ll be waiting.”
– Me too! – Ron took a step and hugged me tightly. – Hogwarts will be boring without you.
“I’ll try to come back.” I returned the hug and kissed the redhead on the cheek, after which I repeated the procedure with Finch-Fletchley. “Bye.”
“See you later!” the blushing boys answered in chorus.
Elvira followed my example, and on that note, we left the Gryffindor common room, then walked briskly, escorted by the prefect who had stood by our side the entire time, to the headmaster’s office. The door was open, and after saying goodbye to Percy, we stepped onto the magical escalator, only to find ourselves moments later at the massive wooden door. I knocked politely and stepped inside, Elvira following silently behind me.
Dumbledore’s office hadn’t changed a bit since my last visit, save for a few bizarre trinkets added to the collection of obscure artifacts. But I had neither the energy nor the desire to examine the new items, especially since a whole delegation of wizards was already waiting for us.
I noticed Walter first; he stood by the fireplace, a calm expression on his face, dressed as always in a white shirt and black vest, his monocle glinting faintly in the sunlight. The Headmaster’s desk, however, was a bit crowded, as a whole group of wizards had gathered there. Dumbledore, as befits his place, sat majestically in his seat, with McGonagall at his right and Madam Bones studying some parchment to his left. Besides them, on a nearby sofa sat a plump wizard in an expensive dark blue suit, his head covered by a black bowler hat. I couldn’t help but recognize the Minister of Magic, and beside him sat Bartemius Crouch, the head of the Aurors; I’d also seen his photograph in the newspapers many times. And on either side of this couple, two formidable Aurors in scarlet robes stood frozen like an honor guard: a stocky man with a thick red beard and a fair-haired woman with an ugly scar across half her face.
– Hello. – I nodded politely to those present. – Walter.
– Young lady. – With an imperceptible movement, the butler appeared next to me. – Glad to see you. Miss Smith.
“Miss Hellsing, you’ve already met Madam Bones, so allow me to introduce you to Minister of Magic Cornelius Fudge.” Dumbledore rose slightly from his throne and nodded toward the sofa. “And also Head of Aurors Bartemius Crouch Sr. The professor’s attack on the heir to an ancient family is an extraordinary and outrageous crime, which is why the head of our country has decided to take personal control of the investigation.”
“Thank you, Albus.” Fudge nodded and turned to me with a smile. “Pleased to meet you, Miss Hellsing.”
– The same to you, Mr. Fudge. – I nodded in response.
“Amelia, get started,” the Minister said majestically to the head of the DMP. “If anything happens, Barty and I will ask clarifying questions.”
“Mr. Fudge, if the young lady doesn’t like a particular question,” Walter calmly addressed the plump wizard, “she has every right not to answer, so please be discreet.”
– Um… Okay, mister? – The minister looked a little embarrassed, and then looked closely at Walter. – Sorry, I didn’t catch your name.
“My name is Walter Kum Dornez, butler and loyal protector of the Hellsing family.” Walter flashed his monocle and smiled slightly. “I advise you to remember that.”
“Pfft…” The Auror with the scar on her face snorted. “Some butler telling the minister what to do.”
“Miriam, shut up,” Crouch hissed at her.
“Did I say anything wrong?!” the woman in the scarlet robe protested. “That little brat killed Lockhart and is trying to defame his good name! I knew him personally, and I can say with all due respect that he was a gallant and honest wizard, incapable of such a thing!”
“That bastard was a pedophile!” I glared at the writer’s fan. “And he got what he deserved.”
“You’re lying!” The Auror snatched up her wand. “Don’t you dare insult Gilderoy, he was a hero and a fighter against evil! And you! You vilely killed him!”
Everyone present stared in bewilderment at the writer’s crazed fan, but she showed no sign of letting up. The second Auror had already taken a step toward her, but the fool pointed her wand at me, and paid the price. Her concentrator immediately fell to the expensive carpet, along with her hand. The Auror shrieked loudly and spun around, simultaneously cradling her remaining stump and spraying a fountain of blood over the Minister and the Head of Aurors. But the spectacle was short-lived, as Dumbledore intervened, sedating the screaming fool with a wave of his wand, then applied a tourniquet to her injured limb and mopped up the blood.
“I warn you,” Walter’s quiet, calm voice rang out in the ensuing silence. “The next person who insults the young lady will lose their head.”
“Thank you, Mr. Dornez, we understand,” Dumbledore answered him seriously, and then turned to the second Auror with a fatherly smile. “Farmer, my boy, you still remember where the hospital wing is, right?”
“O-of course, Headmaster Dumbledore.” The man in the scarlet robe stood at attention.
“That’s good,” the bearded old man nodded contentedly. “Then perhaps you could take your unruly colleague there? Let Madam Pomfrey take care of her.”
“Yes!” The fighter nodded and, having grabbed his unconscious partner with a spell, quickly left the office.
“Ahem… Barty, I told you you should have taken Dawlish with you, not that…” The Minister grumbled at his subordinate, then turned dryly to me. “Miss Hellsing, please accept my sincere apologies for Mrs. Leonard’s behavior. She was a devoted admirer of the late Mr. Lockhart’s work.”
“I’ll think about it.” I nodded slightly and glanced at the silver threads that continued to twist around the butler’s fingers.
“Well, now that the wild and unruly heads have left us, I propose to begin,” Dumbledore spoke as the Auror and his injured colleague left his office. “Madam Bones, the floor is yours.”
“Thank you.” The woman nodded and stepped forward, a sheet of parchment and a quill hovering next to her. “Miss Hellsing, please tell me what happened in the Defense Against the Dark Arts office. Preferably in detail and in great detail.”
– I can show you, it will probably be even easier that way. – I raised the magic wand to my temple. – Director?
Dumbledore nodded, and soon I was dipping a glowing thread into a crystal vial, watching as a huge rune-covered cauldron flew out of the closet. When I finished, I levitated the memories to the Headmaster, who poured them into the Pensieve, and then the esteemed wizards began to view them. I don’t know, maybe I’ll always be amused by such a spectacle. A bunch of wizards in expensive outfits stood on all fours, their heads buried in a huge black cauldron. I really wanted to go up to them and kick them, but I couldn’t. For now.
– Walter, how is Hermione? – I wasn’t interested in looking at Dumbledore’s ass, so I turned to the butler.
“Young lady, I’m sure Miss Granger is fine.” Walter smiled faintly. “Victoria is with her now, and you know better than I how diligent and efficient she is.”
“Rigel, ask Alucard,” Elvira’s quiet voice came from behind. “He helped me a lot back then.”
– Thank you, we’ll do that. – I nodded gratefully to my friend.
The esteemed wizards spent about twenty minutes looking through my memories and emerged from the Pensieve rather darkly, especially Amelia Bones. Dumbledore and the Minister looked very thoughtful, and the Head Auror immediately pulled out a small comb and began carefully combing his mustache.
“Miss Hellsing, the DMP has no further questions for you.” The female investigator looked at me respectfully. “You were within your rights. Especially since I have an official medical report and the late Lockhart’s wand, which confirm that you were subjected to an Unforgivable Curse.”
“I completely agree with Amelia.” The Minister plopped down on the sofa and looked questioningly at the director. “Albus?”
“I think we shouldn’t detain Miss Hellsing and her companions any longer.” The bearded wizard nodded at me. “Miss Hellsing, I apologize once again for my subordinate’s actions. Unfortunately, I am also to blame for what happened.”
“Goodbye, Headmaster.” I said goodbye curtly. “Mr. Fudge, Mr. Crouch, Madam Bones.”
While I was performing the required etiquette, Walter tossed a pinch of floo powder into the fireplace and waited for me, a pink suitcase in hand. Without waiting for a response, I stepped into the green flames first and, a moment later, found myself in the Leaky Cauldron, followed by Elvira, and the butler bringing up the rear. Before I could properly take in my surroundings, I felt a strong man’s hand on my shoulder and instantly found myself in the central hall of my home estate.
– Little sister! – Victoria didn’t give me time to recover from the effects of Apparation and grabbed me into a tight hug. – How are you? Are you okay? Why didn’t you call me? I’m not letting you go alone again!
– You’ll strangle me… – With difficulty, but I managed to escape from the vampire’s tenacious clutches. – Everything later, where are Mom and Hermione?
“The lady is already on her way.” Victoria immediately became serious. “And your friend is sleeping in her room. She had a severe concussion, even her eardrums burst, but I cured her.”
– Thank you. – Without wasting any time, I hurried to my Mia.
I couldn’t wait to see her and make sure she was safe. As I climbed the steps, I thought about how Dumbledore should hire a good HR manager, since the Defense Against the Dark Arts professor’s position had been occupied by some lunatic for the second year in a row. Maybe there really was a curse? But how could you curse a position?! That was ridiculous! You can’t curse something intangible and ephemeral, and what if the subject were renamed tomorrow?! But all thoughts flew from my head when I entered Hermione’s chambers and saw the girl sleeping peacefully, smiling softly in her sleep.
“A great start is gone…” Muttering, I sat on the edge of the bed and squeezed his warm, familiar hand.
***
Albus Dumbledore watched the Hellsing family butler leave and leaned back in his chair, then poured himself some tea with a drop of soothing balm. The Hogwarts headmaster was furious and barely maintained the facade of an eccentric old man. How the hell had Lockhart managed to lose his temper?! Yes, Albus knew about his problem and was categorically opposed to his candidacy, but the Board of Governors and the Ministry stood firm, and besides, there were absolutely no other candidates. Unfortunately, Dumbledore was forced to comply and hire this hack, albeit with the caveat “to keep an eye on him day and night.” But there was no one to blame; Albus himself had broken this vow. Dumbledore was simply overwhelmed and physically unable to be in several places at once, but he could not leave his positions at the Ministry and the MCM, especially now that his plans were almost at their final stages.
The Headmaster looked at the ceiling, once again thinking he was surrounded by idiots. Why did Lockhart, Morgana’s bedmate, choose Hellsing?! Every Hogwarts professor knew perfectly well that this girl was no pushover! The protective artifacts alone were worth it! Albus had repeatedly warned his subordinates to be more careful with the Platinum Bitch’s daughter, but as usual, they ignored him. Why don’t so many people understand that Rigel Hellsing is backed by an entire army of fanatics ready to destroy Wizarding Britain at any moment? Why don’t these pureblood cretins understand that there’s no worse enemy than an angry mother?!
“Well, who would have thought that Gilderoy Lockhart, a hero and a people’s favorite, turned out to be a lover of little girls.” Dumbledore was distracted from his heavy thoughts by the thoughtful minister. “And what a scandal there will be in the press… What should I tell the voters? Who nominated this pervert?”
“Mr. Minister, Headmaster, Barty, I’m sorry to bother you.” Everyone immediately turned their gaze to the extremely serious Amelia Bones. “I’ve begun to suspect that Hellsing and Granger weren’t the only victims. Therefore, I wish to bring in a mentalist from the Department of Mysteries and interview all female students from first to fourth year, in the presence of their parents or guardians, of course.”
“I completely agree with Amelia.” McGonagall, who had remained silent the entire time, stood next to the head of the DMLE. “The girls may need some help.”
“I’m categorically against it! The scandal will be huge as it is, and the press will smear us head to toe with dragon dung! Besides, your interrogations could cast a shadow of suspicion on the daughters of respected wizards! What parent would like their daughter suspected of debauchery with a Hogwarts professor?!” Fudge jumped up. “Lockhart is already dead, and there have been no other complaints against this pervert, so the case is closed!”
– But, Mr. Minister, what if…
– No ifs, Amelia, I repeat, the case is closed due to the death of the accused! – Fudge began to get angry and looked angrily at the Headmaster of Hogwarts. – Albus, why are you silent?! Mordred knows what has been happening at your school all year, and you do nothing! Do you remember Scrimgeour’s son and his friend?! Or maybe you should remind me about Macmillan’s son and his friends?! Or maybe about the attacks on pureblood students, who are still in a magical coma and lying in the hospital wing?! And today a world-famous writer was killed at Hogwarts, even if he turned out to be not the best person! Do you even realize what a blow this is to the reputation of the entire Ministry of Magic and your school in particular?! Maybe we should look for another, more competent wizard for the position of Headmaster of the only school of witchcraft and wizardry in the country?! Maybe I should pay attention and bring order to this cesspool?!
“A cesspool?! Cornelius, you’re going too far!” Albus slowly stood up and relaxed his grip on his magic, causing the wizards present in the office to stagger. “This Ministry you lead is a cesspool, and it’s thanks to the actions of the Education Department that Mordred knows what’s happening at this school! Who removed the chaperones from the Hogwarts Express?! If there had been an adult wizard on duty on the train, Scrimgeour’s son wouldn’t have suffered! Who cut the curriculum and banned crucial subjects?! If the Ministry had kept Ritualistics as a subject, Macmillan’s son wouldn’t have suffered either, since he would have been taught the consequences of a mistake in a Dark ritual! As for the attacks, all the victims are alive and well, and in June we will know the identity of the attacker. And as for Lockhart, I was initially against his candidacy, but the Board of Governors insisted!”
“As the director, you’re responsible for keeping an eye on the students and your subordinates!” The minister didn’t give in and, with difficulty, straightened up. “And don’t even mention the busy schedule at the MCM; there are only a couple of meetings a year!”
“A couple of meetings?! Cornelius, do you even know that the Muggles are on the brink of a third great war?! Do you even keep an eye on what’s happening in the wider world?” Dumbledore eased the pressure of magic, and everyone present exhaled. “The Statute is crumbling, in South America, wizards are fighting shoulder to shoulder with Muggles… The Union and Hellsing have sent hundreds, if not thousands, of their men into the jungle, and there they’re clashing with the Yankees. The Department of International Concealment is barely keeping up with intercepting photos and video recordings confirming the existence of the Wizarding World. I even had to involve our Department of Mysteries…”
“I don’t care!” Fudge interrupted Dumbledore. “Magical Britain is more important to me! That South America of yours is far away, and our citizens are right here, close by. Respectable wizards don’t care about Muggle affairs; they’re more concerned with raising prices in the shops of Diagon Alley and the safety of children at Hogwarts. Let Muggles continue to kill each other, there are too many of them anyway. You better think about what we’ll say to those annoying reporters when they get wind of Lockhart’s true colors.”
“Mr. Minister, Mr. Supreme Sorcerer, are you finished?” The thoughtful head of the DMP stopped the heated argument and, after receiving affirmative nods, continued. “I’ve just reviewed the results of the initial medical examination of Lockhart’s body and discovered something strange.”
“Amelia, get to the point,” Fudge urged his subordinate.
“Madam Pomfrey found traces of a rather complex potion in Lockhart’s blood. She couldn’t determine the exact composition, but it definitely fell into the mind-altering category.” The woman looked at Dumbledore. “Chief Warlock, how often did Lockhart leave Hogwarts?”
“Every weekend,” Albus replied thoughtfully. “Gilderoy led a very active lifestyle and regularly attended various events. And let’s not forget his creative work and work with publishing houses.”
“Thank you.” The woman nodded and looked at Fudge. “Mr. Minister, there is a suspicion that Lockhart was poisoned. I will immediately order his body to be delivered to forensic experts for a thorough analysis.”
“Absolutely! Report all your findings to me!” Cornelius beamed. “We must immediately inform the press that the hero and great writer Gilderoy Lockhart was poisoned by ill-wishers and envious people! That’s why he went mad! That’s exactly what we’ll do! A scandal is inevitable, of course, but thanks to these documents, a certain poisoner will be blamed for everything. I simply couldn’t award the Order of Merlin to a pervert, and the respected wizards on the board of governors couldn’t hire a lover of little girls as a Defense of the Arcanists professor.”
“What do you mean?” Bones looked at the minister in confusion.
“It doesn’t matter.” Cornelius looked at Crouch. “Barty, give Amelia some men, let them raid Lockhart’s publishing house. We need to show the people of Wizarding Britain how law enforcement works, and take some well-paid journalist with you.”
“As you command.” Crouch nodded.
“That’s it, I’m heading to the Ministry. I need to give an urgent interview to a representative of the Prophet. The rest of you, get to work!” The Minister snatched Madam Pomfrey’s report from Bones’s hands and was about to step toward the fireplace, but stopped and looked sternly at Dumbledore, even wagging his finger. “Albus, my patience is not limitless! One more incident at Hogwarts, and we’ll be talking about your resignation!”
“As you say, Cornelius.” Dumbledore sank wearily into a chair and silently watched as the guests left his office one by one.
Soon, only the Headmaster and his loyal deputy remained. McGonagall, deciding to cheer up her beloved boss, walked up to the minibar with a swaying gait, bent low, and pulled a bottle of mead from the bottom shelf. Then, with the same graceful gait, she returned and, transfiguring a couple of glasses, filled them with the pleasant beverage.
Dumbledore wasn’t impressed by this demonstration; he could barely keep his face from grimacing, as he’d disliked dried fruit since childhood. But to Minerva’s credit, her actions reminded Albus that he hadn’t visited a brothel with young veel girls in months. The great light wizard smiled slightly, as he set his agenda for the evening.
“Albus, don’t worry, they won’t dare fire you.” McGonagall looked devotedly into Dumbledore’s eyes. “No one will replace you in this position.”
“Minerva, you know perfectly well that no wizard is irreplaceable.” Albus drained his glass and nibbled on a lemon wedge, then returned the bottle with a wave of his hand. “Don’t overindulge, we still have the Heads of House meeting.”
“Exactly,” the woman sighed sadly and emptied her glass. “You or me?”
Dumbledore waved his hand, and the woman drew her wand. A carved oak table and four comfortable chairs appeared in the center of the office. Minerva admired her handiwork and sat down at her beloved superior’s right hand. Five minutes later, the heads of the remaining houses entered the room.
“So, dear colleagues,” Dumbledore looked closely at his subordinates. “Whose idea was this?”
– Albus, what are you talking about? – Flitwick looked at his boss in confusion.
“Okay, let’s approach this from a different angle.” The Headmaster flexed his jaw and turned his gaze to the tame Potions Master. “Severus, what potion was used to poison Lockhart? Answer me, that’s an order!”
“A decrease in critical thinking and an increase in libido,” the Prince hissed quietly. “With a cumulative effect.”
“Have you completely lost your mind?!” Dumbledore exploded. “I understand that this peacock behaved extremely inappropriately and got on everyone’s nerves, but couldn’t he have been strangled quietly?! Why endanger the students?! Do you even imagine what he could have done to the girls?!”
“Nothing,” Madam Sprout replied dryly. “The contract with Hogwarts would not allow a teacher to harm a student.”
“Albus, that peacock was getting cocky, and we wanted to destroy his reputation,” Flitwick supported his colleague. “All of Wizarding Britain needed to know about his rotten nature.”
“Besides, we were keeping an eye on him,” the Head of Badgers looked at Dumbledore. “And we were ready to intervene at a moment’s notice.”
– And I personally saw this moment! – Albus shouted at Pomona. – I saw it with Miss Hellsing’s eyes! Where were you at that moment?!
“Not far away, I placed my spy in the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom during the Christmas holidays,” Flitwick grinned. “I made sure Hellsing had cast Imperio, and I didn’t interfere.”
“And Granger?” McGonagall was indignant. “Do you have any idea what that pervert did to that poor girl?!”
“There was no penetration, so there was no violence either,” Sprout replied calmly. “One visit to a mentalist will resolve all the consequences.”
“Albus, I don’t understand why you’re so angry?” The Head of Ravens leaned back in his chair. “You didn’t like that peacock either.”
“Don’t you understand?!” Dumbledore finally lost his temper, and his magic went haywire, forcing the Heads of House to shield themselves. “Because of you…”
The debriefing lasted about an hour, during which time several rare artifacts malfunctioned in the office, but Albus managed to get his point across to his bloodthirsty colleagues. He even had to show them Hellsing’s memories, and only then did Flitwick and Sprout realize their mistake. Only when they saw the naked and terrified girl did the idiots realize they’d gotten carried away and even repented, though Dumbledore wasn’t so sure of the latter. Finally, the headmaster stripped the three deans of their annual bonuses and sent them all away. The conspirators left his office dejected and pensive, and McGonagall followed them, literally shaking with rage. Whatever anyone said, Minerva was worried about her students, and now, thanks to her colleagues, this had happened to her girls.
– Merlin… How tired I am… – Dumbledore muttered when he was left alone, and looked questioningly at his familiar. – Fawkes, why am I surrounded by nothing but idiots?
– Kurlyk! – answered the fire bird.
“That’s what I think too.” Albus nodded in response and looked with disgust at the thick stack of papers in the corner of the desk. “To Mordred! I need to unwind quickly, otherwise I’ll soon start torturing my subordinates with the Cruciatus Curse. Hmm… Sometimes I agree with Tom’s methods…”
The Hogwarts Headmaster rose with a jerk, and with a wave of his hand, exchanged his bright and flamboyant attire for a formal dark blue suit and deep-hooded black robes. Albus examined himself critically in a huge full-length mirror and vanished in a fiery flash, only to appear moments later in front of his beloved pleasure house, Mummy Ro’s.
