"Lucas!"
"Master!"
"Lucas!!"
"Master!!!"
"Where are the others?"
"..."
The remnant soul, long isolated, was overjoyed to see Lucas return. He would no longer be alone! But as he eagerly awaited the arrival of reinforcements, Lucas's ashamed expression struck him like a blow.
"No way…" The remnant soul's face darkened. "You... you are the only one who made it back?"
"We are useless, Master! We encountered other traitors, and failed to capture the Veela… Emil and the others were killed or captured." Lucas knelt, groveling. "Punish me, Master! Even if it costs me my life, I will have no regrets!"
Anyone else, the remnant soul might have suspected of feigning weakness or some other deception. But he knew Lucas: foolish, somewhat useless, and undeniably ugly, but unquestionably loyal.
"..." The remnant soul seethed, but he couldn't bring himself to strike Lucas down; killing Lucas would leave him utterly alone. After a moment, the remnant soul relented. A heavy punishment would hinder more than help.
"Return for now." The remnant soul's crimson eyes flashed. "Find a way to recruit more followers… human, dark wizard, or beast, it matters not, so long as they are useful." He eyed Lucas suspiciously. "Can you manage that?"
"Master! I swear I can…" Lucas, buoyed by the remnant soul's reprieve and new task, paused before adding, "If I fail… without your intervention, Lucas will take his own life!"
No! What would I do if you died?!
The remnant soul placed a hand on Lucas's kneeling head, face grim. "Fool, your life belongs to me! Do you understand? I did not order you to die… so you are forbidden from dying!"
Lucas trembled. Overwhelmed by his master's "favor," snot and tears streamed down his face as he loudly acknowledged the remnant soul's command. The remnant soul, relieved that Lucas would not "abandon him," unconsciously sighed.
"Let us return and see what that fool left me before his demise."
...
Inside a manor on the outskirts of France.
"Brother Tom, are you leaving? Waaah…" Little Gabrielle hugged Tom's leg. "Gabrielle will miss you."
Standing behind Gabrielle, Fleur smiled at her sister, a hint of reluctance in her eyes. "Professor Tom, like Gabrielle, I will miss you, too."
Stare~
Feeling a chill down her spine, Fleur felt beads of sweat appearing on her forehead. Forcing a smile, she quickly amended her tone. "I mean, seeing how much Gabrielle misses you, I will take her to London soon. This time, you can show us around!"
"Hmph, scheming." The jealous Cassandra peeked out from behind Fleur, displeasure evident. "Tom is busy; do not bother him. I will take you when the time is right."
Cassandra did not find London particularly interesting. She had spent most of her time in the magical world, and King's Cross was the only place she knew well. But she was far more familiar with London than Fleur.
Meanwhile, Leonie, Fleur and Gabrielle's grandmother, watched Tom with a sullen expression, her eyes mirroring her granddaughters' reluctance. Of course, infidelity was not on her mind. Her concern was the present situation. Even with the goblin Lanlock's assurances that the other Dark Lord would not trouble her, Tom's departure left her feeling dreadfully exposed.
What if — just what if — the Dark Lord returned? Not only I, but no one in France could hope to stand against him.
"Sigh…" Leonie sighed, frustrated. Unbeknownst to her, someone else was watching her with equally conflicted eyes.
Sensing those lingering glances, Leonie's expression grew complicated. "…"
Snape, also aware the pure-blood Veela had noticed him, ceased averting his gaze and stared directly at Leonie, seemingly searching for words. Recognizing the gloomy, greasy-haired man, Leonie recalled Tom's earlier warning:
"Stay away from Severus."
Did that mean he thought I might seduce this Potions professor who's been single for more than thirty years? I have absolutely no interest in seducing middle-aged men like that. If it were someone like Tom, I might be willing to try, but only willing; I wouldn't dare to actually sleep with him.
Back to the current situation; Snape, the confirmed bachelor, was attracted to her… but that was not her doing! Sigh… it is all because I am too beautiful; even age cannot diminish my charm. But to avoid offending Tom, Leonie felt compelled to prove her innocence: she had not attempted to seduce Snape, and she had heeded Tom's warning!
"Ahem…" Leonie tried to strike a tactful tone. "Professor Snape, I know a perfect woman such as myself has perhaps left you with a favorable impression, but you must understand… we can never be together."
???
Snape, deep in thought about how to restore his thinning hair, snapped out of his reverie.
"I am very sorry, Professor Snape, but while I appreciate your… interest, I must decline your feelings."
---