Under the dim, yellow light, Tom and his entourage moved through the throng toward the boarding area.
"This is England's largest wizarding dock," Ashok announced, leading the way and gesturing. "And that is the ship we'll be boarding—the Tide Messenger!"
With a whoosh, the massive cruise ship came into view, anchored at the dock. Its hull, predominantly dark, was adorned with wave and owl patterns, even featuring siren designs carved into the bow, the sirens appearing to sing. The Tide Messenger resembled a 19th-century steamship, yet possessed the magical streamlining characteristic of wizarding vehicles.
"Wow, it... it's beautiful!" Malfoy gawked, then his eyes lit up as he stared at the Tide Messenger. "I have to tell my father to buy me one when we get back!"
"..." Harry rolled his eyes, speechless.
The Patil twins, witnessing Malfoy's reaction for the first time, exchanged surprised glances.
Parvati nudged Harry. "Is he... always like this?"
Harry shrugged helplessly. "Yes, you get used to it."
"The Tide Messenger is England's largest wizarding cruise ship. Its primary function is to transport British wizards to and from overseas," Ashok explained, distributing pre-prepared tickets. "Of course, it also handles some cross-regional wizarding cargo, and occasionally runs leisurely entertainment routes, like the annual North Sea whale-watching tour during the summer."
Tom examined the gold-embossed ticket in his hand as Nagini's voice echoed in his mind. "Tom, we don't actually need the ticket."
When Tom turned to her, Nagini elaborated, "Strictly speaking, this ship belongs to us."
"..." Ashok, standing nearby, fell silent. This ship, too, belongs to the Death Eaters? Surely not... But then he remembered that the Ministry of Magic itself, strictly speaking, was under Death Eater influence, and suddenly it wasn't so hard to accept.
"Oh well, since we bought the ticket, we may as well use it," Tom said, unconcerned. The money for the ticket would ultimately be his anyway. Honestly, I never expected my Death Eater empire to extend to cruise liners. He had never bothered with such trivial matters before. But now, considering it, with Death Eaters scattered across the globe, there were probably countless ships similar to the Tide Messenger.
"Heh..."
Remembering the days when he had to take out loans to study, Tom felt a sudden pang of nostalgia. Come to think of it, I still haven't paid off that loan, have I? Oh well, I am on the same side as Dumbledore anyway, so his debts are essentially mine. Might as well let him pay it off.
...
Upon boarding the Tide Messenger, the boarding pass transformed into a seashell badge. Tom observed he could either hang it or wear it. Except for Tom's room being upgraded to the most luxurious suite by the staff, everything else proceeded as Ashok had anticipated. By now, the sun had almost completely set, leaving little to do outside but enjoy the sea breeze.
The group convened in the restaurant, where a waiter escorted them to their seats. The restaurant on the Tide Messenger was unique, offering views of the surrounding ocean and the depths below, creating the sensation of dining underwater. Harry eagerly tried to catch a passing fish, but his attempts were futile.
While awaiting their meal, Ashok explained why he had invited Tom to accompany him to India. "Professor, I believe you are aware that some unusual events have transpired back home."
"..." Tom nodded silently, then looked up and gestured, "Continue."
"But what you may not know is the source of that disaster..." Ashok didn't seem to mind revealing the information. "It's a sacred site in the wizarding world, nestled in the Himalayas. We call it the Garuda's Sacred Nest."
Tom paused, pondering. Though this so-called Garuda's Sacred Nest isn't widely known, I seem to recall hearing of it.
"But that's just the name that circulates outside." Ashok regarded Tom seriously. "Its true name is... Garuda's Sanctuary!"
"Garuda?" Snape, who had been silently observing, interjected. He had heard of the name before. It was the golden-winged bird of Hindu mythology, said to possess the power to ward off disasters and misfortune. Its wingspan was said to reach 3.36 million miles, enough to blot out the sun, and a single flap of its wings could create a hurricane. It was the mount of Vishnu, one of the three supreme gods of Hinduism.
Of course, given Snape's tendency for exaggeration, whether the real Garuda was truly that large remains to be seen. "But He is indeed a god," Snape affirmed.
"Indeed. Hallownest enshrines a legendary feather left behind by Garuda, which is why Hallownest is both a sacred site and a forbidden area for Indian wizards." Ashok's expression turned grim. "But it was stolen not long ago, and this strange storm was caused by the power of the Garuda feather."
"..." Tom raised an eyebrow. These guys call it a sacred site? And it was so easily stolen? As for the threat posed by the so-called "Garuda feather," to be honest, even if the real Garuda appeared, Tom wouldn't panic.
"Whoever stole the Garuda feather likely has nefarious intentions," Ashok continued. "After all, the power of the Garuda feather doesn't erupt randomly; that storm could only have been triggered by the thief."
"So, that's why you invited me?" Tom gazed at Ashok, who had spent too much time in England and was no longer quite the same.
"That's right. I used to work at the Indian Ministry of Magic, but I left for certain reasons." Ashok swallowed nervously. "I considered seeking your assistance. After all, you're the only one in the world I believe can contend with that kind of power."
"Of course, if you're not interested, that's perfectly fine. Consider it a trip to India, and I'll cover all your expenses!" Ashok quickly added, fearing Tom would think he was exploiting him. Though this was a form of flattery, he didn't want to offend Tom.
Tom glanced at Ashok, then turned to Nagini. "What do you think?"
Snape, about to interject, saw Tom was seeking Nagini's opinion and closed his mouth. So, I've fallen out of favor? Has the title of 'Best Death Eater' already slipped away? They acted like they valued me so much when they recruited me, but now they treat me like I'm nothing. Snape, raising his wineglass, noticed the two annoying boys beside him. He decided to impart a lesson about the harsh realities of life.
"Still chatting? Have you finished your Potions homework?"
Hearing that familiar, cutting voice, Harry and Malfoy shuddered. Oh no, we forgot Snape was here! We didn't bring our homework!
"Heh." Snape had naturally seen through their ploy, but this was precisely the effect he wanted. "If you don't finish your Potions homework before we return to England, your workload will double."
The Patil twins, standing beside Ashok, trembled at Snape's words, afraid to speak lest they be punished as well.
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