Lily Longbottom was warm.
That was the first thing she noticed.
Not cold damp earth. Not canvas walls. Not the hard forest floor. But warmth — soft, steady, and comforting. The mattress beneath her was so plush that she had sunk into it without realizing. The blankets smelled faintly of something fresh and herbal, not smoke and fear.
Somewhere in the distance, she heard a voice.
"Miss Lily… Miss Lily…"
It felt far away at first, as though someone were calling her through layers of cotton. She shifted slightly but didn't open her eyes. For the first time in what felt like forever, she wasn't afraid of sleeping.
"Miss Lily…"
The voice came again, closer now.
Her eyes fluttered open.
For a split second, she didn't remember where she was. Then memory struck like cold water — the forest, the kidnappers, the werewolves, the broomstick bursting through the tent. Her heart began racing and she shot upright in bed, breathing fast.
She found herself staring directly into the large, bright eyes of a well-dressed house-elf.
The creature wore a crisp green tunic trimmed in silver embroidery. It stood very straight, hands folded politely.
"Miss Lily, are you awake?" the house-elf asked gently.
Lily looked around wildly.
The room was enormous compared to her bedroom at home. High stone walls curved gracefully upward, soft green curtains framed tall windows, and sunlight streamed in warmly. The bed she sat in was easily twice the size of her own. A thick woven rug covered the polished stone floor.
"Where am I?" she asked, her voice still trembling slightly.
"This is Lord Blackfire's home, called Slytherin Castle, Miss Lily," the elf replied with a respectful bow.
Lily froze.
"Slytherin?"
Neville always said Slytherins were dark and horrible and cunning and cruel. Her brother had once declared that if she ever got sorted there — which she secretly feared might happen if she even had magic — he would never forgive her.
Her stomach twisted.
The elf noticed her reaction but did not comment.
"Miss Lily, it is morning. Lord Blackfire has requested your presence to have breakfast with him when you are ready."
Breakfast.
The word felt strangely normal.
She remembered last night more clearly now — the hooded figure, the calm voice, the broomstick, the chaos below. The werewolves. The sounds of snapping bones and spells exploding through the trees.
She swallowed.
The werewolves had been terrifying.
She could still remember one passing so close that she could see its teeth, its glowing eyes reflecting moonlight. Even now, her hands trembled slightly at the memory.
The house-elf clapped its hands softly. A neat set of folded clothes appeared at the bedside in a blink — a soft green dress, simple but elegant, paired with comfortable shoes.
"With Lord Blackfire's compliments," the elf said politely.
Then, with a small pop, it disappeared.
Lily stared at the clothes for a moment before carefully pushing aside the blankets and stepping out of bed.
The floor was cool but clean. She walked toward the window and gently pulled back the curtain.
What she saw made her breath catch.
Below stretched a vast forest — far larger than the one near Hogwarts, at least from this height. The trees were dense, emerald and dark, rolling out like waves all the way to the horizon.
And she was very high up.
So high that the treetops looked almost level with her window.
Then she saw movement.
Something was flying just above the forest canopy.
At first she thought it was a thestral — Neville had once shown her a book about them. But this creature had a horn like a unicorn. A gold horn. And its body was sleek and dark, with bat-like wings that moved gracefully through the air.
It looked dangerous.
And beautiful.
The creature wheeled once in the sky before diving elegantly between the trees.
Lily pressed her hands against the glass in awe.
"Wow…"
Whatever this place was, it wasn't ordinary.
She realized then that she must be several floors up — perhaps in a tower. That meant a long walk down. She glanced at the door nervously, then back at the bathroom she had just noticed tucked beside the room.
Carefully, she stepped inside.
The bathroom was larger than her entire bedroom at home. Marble counters, polished silver taps, and a bathtub that could easily fit three people. She hesitated for only a moment before deciding she wanted to feel clean again.
It had been days since she had bathed.
Warm water soothed her nerves as she washed away dirt and fear. For the first time since her kidnapping, she felt something close to normal again. When she stepped out and dressed in the new clothes, she felt lighter — almost like herself.
Almost.
When she exited the room, she found the same house-elf waiting patiently in the hallway.
"Miss Lily is ready?" it asked cheerfully.
"Yes," she replied softly.
The corridor outside was wide and grand. Green banners hung between tall windows. The stone walls were old but meticulously maintained. Everything felt… solid. Safe.
As they walked, Lily glanced over the railing and nearly gasped.
The castle interior spiraled downward in multiple levels, balconies and staircases weaving around a vast central chamber. It was magnificent — not dark and sinister like Neville had described Slytherin, but grand and ancient and powerful.
Still, her heart beat a little faster.
Lord Blackfire.
Who was he really?
And what is his relationship with Harry?
Lily followed the house-elf quietly through the castle corridor, her soft shoes making almost no sound on the polished stone floor. The castle still amazed her. Every corner looked ancient yet filled with subtle magic she could almost feel in the air. Green banners swayed slightly despite there being no breeze, and warm sunlight filtered through tall windows carved with serpentine designs.
Soon they reached a broad landing where several grand staircases spiraled downward. Lily instinctively slowed. The stairs seemed the obvious way to go, and she glanced down them curiously.
But the house-elf didn't stop.
It simply walked past.
Lily frowned slightly. She turned back once more at the sweeping staircases before finally asking, hesitantly,
"Aren't we… going down that way?"
The elf paused, then turned toward her with a gentle smile.
"Oh no, Miss Lily. No one really uses those anymore. We use the elevator now."
"Elevator?" she repeated softly.
The word meant absolutely nothing to her. She had never heard it before. It didn't sound magical, and yet the elf spoke about it so casually that she felt slightly embarrassed to ask further questions.
So she simply nodded and continued following.
They walked a short distance further until they reached a plain iron door set into the wall. Compared to the rest of the castle's ornate architecture, the door looked oddly simple.
The house-elf stepped forward and pressed a small round button beside it.
Lily watched, fascinated.
There was a faint humming sound from behind the door. After a few seconds, it slid open smoothly without a single creak.
Her eyes widened.
Inside was a small enclosed chamber with metal walls and another set of buttons.
"This way, Miss Lily," the elf said politely.
She stepped inside cautiously, followed by the elf. The door closed behind them with a soft metallic click.
Then the elf pressed another button.
For a brief moment nothing happened.
Then the floor beneath Lily vibrated gently.
The entire chamber began moving downward.
Lily grabbed the side rail instinctively, eyes wide.
"It's alright," the house-elf said reassuringly. "This is muggle technology. Muggles do not enjoy climbing many stairs, so they created this wonderful invention. It carries people up and down buildings without effort."
Lily stared at the door in astonishment.
"Muggles… made this?"
"Yes, Miss Lily."
She didn't know what to think.
Neville always said muggles were helpless without magic. But this… this was clever. Very clever. She couldn't deny it.
The gentle vibration continued for a short while before the movement slowed and stopped entirely. A soft chime sounded, and the iron door slid open again.
They had reached a lower level.
Lily stepped out carefully. The corridor here was narrower, though still elegant. Soft magical lights glowed along the walls. The atmosphere felt quieter, more private.
They passed several grand halls along the way — glimpses of high ceilings, long tables, and ornate decorations flashed past doorways as they walked. Eventually, the house-elf stopped before a modest doorway compared to the others.
"This is Lord Blackfire's private dining room, Miss Lily."
Before Lily could respond, the elf opened the door and gestured for her to enter.
She stepped inside.
The room surprised her. It wasn't overly grand or intimidating. A large sofa sat near a low table. A fireplace crackled softly in one corner, and tall bookshelves lined one wall.
And standing beside the table was Lord Blackfire.
Even though he wasn't very tall — only slightly taller than Neville, really — there was something about him that made him seem larger. His posture was confident, his presence calm yet commanding. His dark robes gave him an air of mystery that made Lily both nervous and strangely reassured at the same time.
The house-elf gave a small bow and disappeared with a soft pop, leaving them alone.
Lord Blackfire turned toward her.
"Good morning, Miss Longbottom," he said in a composed, gentle voice. "I hope you rested well."
"I… did," she replied cautiously.
He gestured toward the sofa.
"Please, sit."
She obeyed.
Almost immediately, plates, cups, and bowls began appearing on the table as if conjured by invisible hands. Warm bread, eggs, fruits, porridge, juice, and even small pastries materialized one after another until the table was full.
Lily stared, impressed.
"You must be hungry," he said simply.
They began eating quietly at first. Lily was indeed starving, and the food tasted far better than anything she had eaten during captivity. The warmth of the meal settled her nerves, and slowly her shoulders relaxed.
Across from her, Lord Blackfire ate calmly, occasionally glancing at her as if making sure she was comfortable.
Despite everything, Lily found herself feeling safe.
For the first time since her kidnapping, she allowed herself to breathe without fear.
And that alone meant more than she could put into words.
Breakfast ended quietly, though Lily had eaten far more than she expected. Hunger, fear, relief — everything had tangled together inside her since the kidnapping, and only now did she realize how exhausted she truly was. The warmth of the food and the calm presence of Lord Blackfire had eased something deep in her chest.
When the last plate vanished from the table, she hesitated for a moment before speaking.
"May I… look around the castle?" she asked softly. "It looks… really big. Much bigger than Longbottom Manor."
Her eyes carried genuine curiosity now, the lingering fear slowly replaced by fascination. And she couldn't help adding, almost shyly,
"And I saw those horse-like creatures flying outside the window. I… I've never seen anything like them."
For a moment, Lord Blackfire simply watched her. Then a small smile touched his lips.
"You may explore," he said, "but not today. This castle is enormous. It would take you at least few days to see everything properly."
Lily's eyes immediately brightened.
"So… you're taking me home then?" she asked hopefully. "To Mum? And Neville?"
Despite everything — the neglect, the unspoken comparisons, the quiet loneliness she often felt — she still wanted to see them. They were her family. That longing was impossible to erase.
But when Lord Blackfire gently shook his head, the light in her face flickered.
"Not yet," he said calmly.
A ripple of anxiety surged through her. For a brief second, terrifying thoughts returned. What if he had some other plan? What if this rescue wasn't what she believed?
But his voice remained steady, reassuring.
"You are safe, Lily. Trust me a little longer."
Something in his tone settled her nerves again. Slowly, she nodded.
"Okay."
They walked through several corridors of Slytherin Castle before exiting through the rear grounds. The castle opened into a vast backyard that felt more like the edge of a magical wilderness than a garden. Beyond it stretched a deep forest, thick with towering trees whose branches interlocked like ancient guardians.
Lord Blackfire stepped into the forest path.
Lily followed closely.
The deeper they went, the quieter the world became. Leaves rustled softly underfoot. Occasionally, magical creatures peeked from behind trees — curious eyes glowing briefly before disappearing again. Some were small and shy; others radiated quiet strength. None approached aggressively.
Instead, they watched.
Lily felt fear, yes, but also wonder. She had rarely left Longbottom Manor. Her parents' lives revolved around Neville and his security concerns. Travel was rare. Social visits were limited to trusted families. And though no one said it outright, she often felt… secondary.
Eventually, the trees opened into a clearing.
And Lily froze.
People filled the space. Dozens of them. Some wore dark robes with hoods drawn low. Others stood in simple black clothing. Every single person present wore black.
A heavy, respectful silence hung over the clearing.
Then Lily noticed something else.
Her own clothes had changed.
They were black now too.
Her breath hitched as her gaze shifted forward.
Nine wooden funeral pyres stood arranged in a solemn row. Upon each rested a body — carefully wrapped, respectfully placed.
Lord Blackfire stepped forward.
When he spoke, his voice carried easily across the clearing — calm, powerful, steady.
"These men and women," he began, "fought for something simple… the right to live with dignity."
"They lived hard lives. Lives filled with prejudice, struggle, and constant suspicion. Yet they never lost their desire to stand tall. To be respected. To be more than what the world labeled them."
He paused briefly.
"And when the time came, they chose to fight. Not for glory. Not for reward. But to protect someone who needed saving."
Lily realized, slowly, that he was speaking about her.
"They knew the risks," he continued. "They understood that some might not return. Yet they came anyway. That is courage. That is honor."
The crowd stood straighter.
Grief turned into resolve.
Then Lord Blackfire turned to Lily directly.
"These," he said gently, "are the werewolves who gave their lives so you could be rescued. I thought you deserved to see them… before they fade from this world completely."
Her throat tightened painfully.
Werewolves.
The word had always been associated with fear, danger, bedtime warnings. Monsters.
"When people speak of werewolves as nightmares," Lord Blackfire continued softly, "remember their faces. Remember their courage. They are not monsters. They are people… just like you and me."
Lily swallowed hard.
Guilt pricked her chest.
"I… I'm sorry," she whispered.
He shook his head immediately.
"No. Never apologize for surviving. Their sacrifice was given freely. Honor it — that is enough."
One by one, he led her past each pyre. He spoke every name quietly, ensuring she heard it. She repeated them softly, committing them to memory.
Then he raised a hand.
Everyone stepped back respectfully.
A distant roar echoed overhead.
Lily looked up just as a massive dragon descended gracefully into the clearing. Its emerald scales shimmered brilliantly in the sunlight, and its presence radiated both majesty and restrained power.
Her jaw dropped.
The dragon inhaled deeply… then released a controlled stream of fire.
Each pyre ignited simultaneously.
Flames rose high but steady, not violent — almost ceremonial.
No one spoke.
They simply watched.
After a moment, the dragon lifted back into the sky with a powerful beat of its wings, disappearing beyond the treeline.
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