Celestial Ascendancy

Celestial Ascendancy

Chapter 22

Hogwarts.

Elias Blake.

"What do you guys think we should do first," I asked the girls now that we were left alone in the room.

The other school and champions had left as soon as they finished grilling Bagman and Percy about the first Task. The Hogwarts professors, visibly shaken by the recent events, left us after advising us to go to the dormitories for the day.

They apparently were in a rush thanks to the death in the school; it was alarming enough that Professor McGonagall left without taking us to the common room herself. As for Flitwick and Snape, both of them followed her.

We did not know if Voldemort had found a way to trick the school wards and somehow sent someone here or what method he used to get my name inside the cup. Thinking about the situation pissed me off so much, but at least it was better than the alternative. I preferred to be the one participating; I just did not want Iris to suffer more, not anymore.

"We should go to the Owlery, Eli. After today, I'm afraid that security will be more vigilant than ever, and I don't want to risk Sirius if I can help with it." Iris frowned deeply.

She was upset for multiple reasons. First of all, me being in danger, she was sweet like that, and then, today we were supposed to meet Sirius in the shrieking shack, and this mess made it more dangerous than ever.

Now that I think about it, I would not pass it through the Minister to blame everything on Sirius. That man loved blaming everyone but himself, even if he had nothing to do with what happened today.

Rubbing her hand, I nodded at her, "That's a good idea, and you are right. Sirius hopefully was smart enough to leave when he saw the commotion, but I wouldn't put it past him to ignore it just to see you."

Hermione frowned before sighing, "Eli is right, Iris. Sirius means well, but we must admit his stay in Azkaban messed him up badly. We should work on getting him free; he needs to visit a mind healer and probably a muggle psychologist to make sure."

Iris huffed, but she had to admit that we were right. I just could not imagine how much Azkaban messed him up. Being thirteen years in the company of his most hated people, thanks to the betrayal of one of his best friends, had to be harsh on his mind. Now that I think about it... I don't know how he was still sane, or if he even was sane, to begin with.

Hurrying through the school, we finally reached the Owlery, with hundreds of Hoots welcoming us before an even louder hoot silenced every owl inside as Hedwig flew toward Iris, pecking her fingers softly.

Iris giggled as she petted the owl, her bright green eyes softening slightly.

"Hey, Hed," Iris cooed softly. I need a favor from you. Are you up to it, girl?"

Hedwig nodded, her big eyes showing how much she understood. She was a scary owl, much more intelligent than any other I had met.

Hopefully, I could change her fate. Her death, along with Dobby's, was truly one of the saddest moments in the books.

Now that I think about it, I could even roll something to enhance her if I was lucky. It would be a lovely gift to Iris, deepening her bond with her first real friend and making Hedwig something more than just a pet, maybe even reaching the same type of bond I had with Ash as a familiar.

It was a nice thought, bringing a smile to my lips.

Iris finished writing the message as I was lost in my thoughts, and she firmly tied it to Hedwig's leg before rushing her.

"Find my stupid godfather; he might be close, even if I hope I'm wrong," Iris huffed, rolling her eyes.

Seeing Hedwig go, I smiled; she was so beautiful, her white feathers glinting in the moonlight as the rest of the Owls gave her space as if she were their queen.

"So, what did you tell him?" I asked softly, enjoying the calm wind this high up in the castle.

If the Owlery did not smell like it did, it would be one of my favorite places in the whole castle, but now, that place belonged to the Room of Requirements for its uses or the Astronomy Tower for the view.

Iris smiled as she tucked a strand of hair behind her ear and pulled Hermione and me to the window, "Just leave and wait for another message so we can visit him. I don't want him close to school after today."

I sighed as I got close to them, hugging them firmly, "I will be all right," I said seriously, "Nothing will happen to me; we will make it through."

"You better," Hermione said softly but with steel in her voice. "I do not want you to get hurt; the tournament is known for being bloody."

"We will do our best to support you for everything, Eli." Iris nodded firmly, her eyes locking with mine as she grabbed my hair harshly. "You are mine, and no one, not even that bastard, will take you away from me. " She stopped for a second and let out a sob. "I just can't lose you, Eli."

It hurt seeing her like this so damn much. It made my blood boil, imagining myself in her situation; if her name was the one chosen, I could not imagine what I would do in that situation; just thinking about it pissed me off.

"I will do my best," I replied softly before closing the gap between our lips, making her eyes widen before she leaned into it. Her grip on my hair tightens as she gasps for air.

She is flushed, and her expression is a mix between hunger and anger. I can't read her mind, so the anger makes me somewhat confused, but before I can think of anything, she pounces on me, pressing me against the wall.

It was funny. Usually, it was the other way around, but Iris is surprisingly adventurous in things like this.

Iris kissed me back, and I let my thoughts flee from my head as I got sucked into it.

Instead of thinking, I just acted. With my free hand, my other wand still on Hermione's, I grabbed her thin waist and pulled her into me.

It started soft, but within a moment, my hunger won the battle against propriety, and for the first time ever since we began our relationship, I licked her bottom lip softly, asking for access to her mouth. Our tongues started a battle of dominance as soon as she accepted my invitation, Iris not being calm enough to enjoy it without showing her own needy desires.

Hermione could not help it. She gasped when she saw us get too engaged without considering her.

The sound is enough to alert me, making me slap myself mentally for rushing things. Iris had a wild look in her eyes, but Hermione was not at this level, and I did not want to make her uncomfortable.

Looking at Iris's eyes, I begged her to calm down so we could continue when we were alone, but Hermione was not ready for something like this. We had barely kissed, and she was way more shy than Iris.

Thankfully, she understood, as she made space after a soft peck and bit my lower lip one last time before she grinned.

Iris coughed into her fist somewhat bashfully, "Sorry, Mione. I don't know what came into me."

Hermione was bright red to the tip of her ears as she glared at us both, but she could not hide the shivers.

Smiling at her, I approached her as she backed up until she hit the wall.

Now that I had both hands free, I grabbed her chin and kissed her softly. "Sorry about that, Mione. I just want you to know I will do only what you feel confident about. Take your time if you need it; there is no pressure. We have many years to do more," I said huskily in her ear, enjoying her trembling body.

She returned the kiss slowly; she was much more submissive than Iris.

Hermione allowed me to set the tempo, and I did nothing more than slowly peck her lips until I felt her pressing her body into mine.

"See," I smirked, "I won't bite," I continued kissing her lips, then her cheek, and ending at her nose, "Too much," before I bit her earlobe, earning a shuddering moan from her.

Taking a deep breath to calm myself, I walked back to give her some breathing room, enjoying how out of breath she seemed.

Iris looked at us with a flush, obviously wanting to continue, but I shook my head slowly.

She pouted at me, her green eyes locking pleadingly into mine, but I did not budge. I did not want to rush too much. I wanted them to continue our relationship without pushing themselves. Right now, Iris was fragile, thanks to my participation in the death tournament; I did not want her to regret her decisions later.

"What now?" I asked softly, "Should we head to the common room?"

Iris looked at me before grinning, "No, I have a better Idea."

"As long as you behave yourself and Hermione is all right with it, I'm game," I smirked.

Iris nodded before grabbing our hands and walking down the stairs to the seventh floor.

"Cloak us, Eli. There is a bunch of Aurors in the school," She said firmly.

—-

Looking at the tapestry of the trolls dancing, I sighed, glaring at the unrepentant Iris, who was grinning.

"I don't know if Mione wants to do this, and I won't push her," I said firmly to my grinning girlfriend.

"I know, and I won't push her either," Iris rolled her eyes before zeroing in on Hermione, who squeaked at realizing what we were discussing.

"I don't know," Hermione mumbled, "Arent we going too fast?"

She shook her head quickly, "Not that there's anything wrong with that; I trust you both like no one else in my life."

Iris looked at Hermione softly before hugging her, "I think you are thinking more than I wanted, Mione. It will be the same as in Eli's trunk, only sleeping, nothing else. I promise."

Then, she grinned, "Don't you want to cuddle with him once more? He must be even more comfy after his last roll."

I pouted at her back, earning a snicker from Hermione, who relaxed minutely. I would not say anything; I wanted her to decide for herself. As much as I would love to sleep with them, I was not going to put pressure by opening my mouth.

Hermione looked at Iris and then at me before her eyes glanced at my new muscles. Then, she bit her lip in indecision before sighing in defeat and nodding.

Iris squealed in excitement before walking thrice in front of the tapestry.

Seeing her cute face frowning in focus, I was curious about what she wanted to make.

As the door appeared, I was thankful that we checked that no one was around the corridor.

Iris opened it, skipping her steps in excitement before grinning and motioning us inside.

Whistling in appreciation, I marveled at the room of requirements. I did not know if Iris had thought of something she saw on TV or what, but the room was amazing.

It was a room decorated with candlelight and a big chandelier on top of an equally big bed that looked so comfy. I had not noticed before, but I was tired, and seeing that bed made me even more lethargic.

But even wanting to sleep did not diminish the excitement coursing through my veins. I did not know why, but this felt different from when we slept in my trunk some weeks ago. It felt more personal, and my heart was pumping like never before.

600 CP available.

Sensing the Grimoire beginning to stir inside my soul, I smiled brightly. In one part, it was the same excitement I felt every time I could roll, but on the other hand, having to participate in the tournament made it so that every single roll could save my life.

I smiled when I looked at the door to something I suspected was the bathroom.

"Why don't you guys get ready to sleep? I'll go after you, and then we can roll." I grinned at the girls, whose eyes brightened.

Thankfully, Iris's hunger had lessened while we walked, so I could expect little mischief from here, but even so, I had to keep an eye on her. She was unpredictable.

Iris grinned and nodded, pulling Hermione's hand toward the bathroom.

Shaking my head, I sat in the bed, marveling how soft it was. I could feel my eyes closing, but I tried to keep myself awake with a gargantuan effort.

It had been a surprising day, to say the least.

After what felt like an hour, the girls opened the door and exited the bathroom. At the same time, I felt my jaw falling to the ground.

Both had nighties on, obviously, but this was the first time I had seen them dressed in something like this.

They both looked beautiful.

Iris grinned, looking pleased at how my eyes were glued to their bodies before she twirled.

The nightie rose slightly, not showing anything but getting close to that.

"What a tease," I grumbled, but that did not hide how wide my eyes got.

Giggling, she reached the bed and pecked me on the lips, leaving Hermione behind, who was looking shy, but she did not hide from my eyes. It was progressing.

"You look beautiful," I smiled softly at my bushybrow girlfriend, earning a squeak as she blushed, but it was easy to see how pleased she was.

"Go and dress in something more comfortable, babe," Iris grinned, "I asked for a closet filled with multiple things; just choose something you like, and we will wait for you."

Smiling at her, I nodded, standing up from the bed and walking to the bathroom, but not before kissing Hermione's brow.

Opening the door, I rolled my eyes and shook my head at some options in the closet. I was sure she did it to make fun of me, and it worked.

I had no idea why there was a single Speedo in there. Iris was surprisingly lewd.

Ignoring how much I wanted to see their reactions if I walked back in only that, I checked the lower cabinets; seeing some simple pajamas, I quickly changed into a loose grey shirt and some sleep shorts.

Walking outside, I smiled at the girls, enjoying the pout Iris had on her face.

"You almost fooled me," I grinned at Iris.

Hermione looked confused, but I did not explain as I reached the bed and called the grimoire.

"Let's see if I'm luckier tonight," I smiled, choosing to roll.

Mini Astral Candescence- 300 CP

The Astral Candescence is an object of sheer mystery. It is an ethereal instrument that produces a magical "Astral Wind," which enhances the lives of whoever has it. This is a miniature copy of it, slightly larger than a basketball (make sure nobody knows you have this! There is already a war over the original!) Those who stand around this arcane device gain the effect of Refresh and Regen for a full day, and there is a moderate increase in gains from any training they do for a full day after coming near it. Also, it looks really neat.

Enhanced Senses- 200 CP

The senses of one who lives and hunts in the wild are often far better than those who live within the bounds of civilization. Your senses are far better than a normal person's; you have the eyes of an eagle, the nose of a wolf, and the ears of a rabbit. So astounding are your senses that you can tell what kinds of animals are around you for miles given the time to concentrate.

Severance Package- 600 CP, Failed to buy.

Seeing the Candescence dropping into the bed, I had no idea how to react. Holy fuck, this thing was... something else. I had no words to explain the happiness I felt seeing this artifact.

In the beginning, the increased gains from training surprised me the most, but thinking about it, the lengthened life span was something else.

Just because I am a Wizard, I can live longer than a normal human, but having this was a pleasant surprise. One thing I knew for sure was that this would not see the light of the day. It would stay in my trunk forever if I could help it.

As for the other perk, the enhanced senses were incredible and would be helpful going forward.

Smiling at the girls, I grinned from ear to ear and explained the newest additions to my ever-increasing powers.

—-

It happened as expected, and thanks to my reputation, I did not suffer much from my own house. Sure, a couple of people glared at me through breakfast, but there was nothing of note.

From the original story, I was always confused by why people from Gryffindor hated Harry until the first Task. Realistically, it did not mean much. Gryffindor was the house of the brave, and it was filled with headstrong people to the brim, with even the twins having support when they tried, but people hating on Harry was something weird.

Thankfully, besides Ron, who was openly glaring at me and speaking in a hushed voice with the other males in my year, no one bothered me too much.

As for the other houses and schools, they were as expected. Hufflepuff table had a couple of people glaring at me, but they were the minority. It appeared that Cedric helped me there since I could see multiple pitying looks. Slytherin was a mixed bag; the older ones who knew me from Crossed Wands were excited, the battle junkies, but for the ones in my year and below, almost all of them were glaring in my direction, mostly Malfoy's group.

Ravenclaw was neutral, thankfully.

Or maybe, just maybe, I was not seen as someone important enough in the grand scheme of things. Iris was famous from birth, and I was no one, so they did not care much.

Oh, I did not doubt that my name was going to be plastered in the newspapers in the foreseeable future, but I was willing to bet that most of those would be about "Iris Potter" friend, not Elias Blake, the jumped-up muggle-born.

Whatever they would see.

Yesterday, I decided to use this tournament to sharpen myself, enjoying all the advantages being a champion has given me.

Something I considered but was unsure of was whether being a champion made me an adult by law.

It was something often brought up in many stories I read in my past life, but I was not entirely sure if I could somehow obtain emancipation. It would help a bunch.

I was not short of funds, after all.

In fact, I could be filthy rich just with the rag I obtained from the grimoire.

It was funny; if I lived in a less dangerous world, that item alone would make my life quite easy.

Even here, money was power, and I had an unlimited supply of gold just by spending some time focusing on that rag.

I could even hire Dobby for help, the quirky elf having a lot of free time, and since my rag could make anything gold, be it organic or inorganic, I could even sell solid gold leaves for starters. The goblins would love a continued supply.

Hearing the conversations stop abruptly, I turned my head, wondering what was happening, lifting an eyebrow when I noticed Professor Flitwick walking in my direction.

"Hello, Professor. How are you this morning?" I smiled at him.

"Young Elias," The diminutive professor nodded, "I was wondering if you were still interested in the sword lessons."

Frowning, I thought about the pros and cons before a memory came into mind, "I am, but… are you permitted to teach me? From what I remember, professors can't help a participant."

Professor Flitwick chuckled, "I asked Albus about this, I'm not allowed to teach you magic, but these lessons should be allowed. After all, I don't think you will use a sword for any of the tasks. But I asked because I know you have a lot on your plate."

"Then, please, professor," I grinned, "Who knows, maybe I will be talented enough to display something during the tournament."

Flitwick grinned, "We will see, young Elias."

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