Celestial Ascendancy

Author's note: Next chapter Elias and Co learn about the supernatural. There are 3 chapters in Grimmauld Place, from 26 to 28, 29 and 30 is the summoning, and 31 yule ball!

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Celestial Ascendancy

Chapter 26: Grimmauld Place.

Hogwarts.

Elias Blake.

"To what do I owe this pleasure, my boy?" Dumbledore asked with a soft smile as I dropped the Invisibility Cloak. I had asked Iris to lend me the cloak because it was nearly impossible to walk around the school without being swarmed by students. And the worst part… it wasn't just Hogwarts students anymore.

I had expected my fame to grow after the dragon incident, but honestly… not to this degree. It wasn't that bad before the newspaper arrived. Rita Skeeter certainly enjoyed turning nothing into something of this magnitude.

"There are a couple of things I wished to speak with you about, Headmaster," I said with a tired nod. "And I'll admit, if I had known it would become like this, I might have chosen a different method against the Horntail."

Dumbledore's chuckle broke through my thoughts. "Ah, yes," he said, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "The perils of fame. It has a way of finding us, even when we least expect it." He gestured to the chair across from his desk, and I sank into it gratefully.

"So," he waved his hand, and the desk rearranged itself neatly. A few candies and beverages served themselves into cups and bowls. "What can I do for my most mysterious student? I am quite curious about many things, my boy, but that can wait."

Though I was nervous about him drawing attention to my changes, the knowledge that we were on the same side helped ease my worries.

Taking a deep breath, I nodded at him, earning a smile. "First things first. As you know, Madam Pranitha is a Parselmouth, and luckily—or maybe not—she's quite interested in me, my magic, specifically. So, can you tell me something about her? Is she to be trusted, or is it better to ignore the possibility of Iris learning from her?"

Dumbledore nodded slowly. "That is quite a conundrum, my boy. I have known Pranitha since the Second World War but am unsure of her loyalties. I do know that she is someone driven by her curiosity, and you, young Elias, have piqued it."

"Is that a bad thing?" I asked wryly.

"She won't kidnap you or anything like that," Dumbledore laughed, noticing the complicated expression on my face. "No," he coughed into his fist, "what she will do is pester you until you allow her to investigate. It's been decades since I've seen her so interested in someone's magic. That alone speaks to how much of a mystery your magic is, my boy."

"What would you suggest, Headmaster?" I asked, tilting my head.

"Hmm, let me ask you something first. Are you not curious about it yourself? Do you know what these changes are?" he asked seriously.

Sighing, I shook my head. "I am curious, but I dislike the idea of someone using that knowledge against me in the future. And honestly, I'm underprepared to deal with people outside of Britain. I don't mean any offense, but the school doesn't teach us much about the rest of the world, and I know that a lot of historical knowledge has been obscured by a group of people."

"You are quite wise for your age, my boy," Dumbledore said with a defeated nod. "And you are correct. It is common for ministries to try to keep borders closed and retain talent within the country. For that reason, the Ministry decided to stop teaching about other magical communities. I disagree with that decision, but I cannot change something of that magnitude."

"I notice you didn't say anything about the history, Headmaster," I chuckled ruefully. "You're involved in that, I'm sure."

"The world is bigger than you think, my boy," Dumbledore said seriously, his tone carrying a note of finality. Gone was the kindly old man; now, I was seated in front of the Supreme Mugwump of the Wizarding World.

"So much bigger, young Elias," he continued. "But no, it was not my decision that led to those actions. However, I agreed with that decision then and continue to do so now."

I slowly shook my head but didn't press him on the matter. I knew he was set in his ways, just as I was in mine. And while we disagreed on many things, that didn't mean we had to be enemies.

"I guess that's enough about that, Headmaster," I said softly. "Let's return to the topic of Madam Pranitha."

He breathed deeply, his eyes severe, but he nodded and returned to his usual self.

"She is a good person, young Elias," Dumbledore sighed. "If you can get her to agree to a binding vow, it could work. If you need help wording the vow, just ask, young Elias."

"I'll talk about it seriously with the girls," I nodded at him, though I didn't promise anything—and he noticed. "I think Iris learning Parselmagic could be useful against Riddle. We know he took everything from the Chamber of Secrets."

"It will be useful, young Elias," Dumbledore nodded gravely. "I've fought him more times than I care to admit, and one thing I know for certain is that his spells in that language are the most dangerous. One can never know how to counter them—whether to dodge, block, or ignore."

"I can imagine fighting him would be a battle of attrition," I said softly, tapping my finger on the desk. "We're simply not ready for him, and you, Headmaster, are already too old to hold a candle against him."

Dumbledore looked downtrodden, but he simply nodded, deepening the pit in my stomach. "You are not wrong, my boy. It's one of my greatest shames—to leave that monster for the younger generation to face."

"Was that everything, young man?" Dumbledore broke the uncomfortable silence in the room that appeared upon his last sentence.

It was difficult not to feel that way, after all. On one hand, I pitied him, but… he was also at fault. It was hard to forgive him, knowing that Voldemort's rise was partly due to Dumbledore's beliefs and decisions.

I shook my head slowly. "There's another pressing matter, I'm afraid."

He waved his hand, a tired look that made me feel even worse. It was hard to dislike this old man, even after I'd hated him before joining the school. I had carried a severe bias against him, seeing him as a manipulative figure who had raised Harry for slaughter… but meeting him, I realized the truth. He was a flawed old man who had no idea what to do. He did have that "For the greater good" thing going on, but it wasn't as cold as I imagined.

Did that make me forget everything? The answer was a resounding no, but I could understand him better now.

"I wanted to ask for a favor, one I don't know if you'll like, Headmaster," I started hesitantly. "I'm afraid both Iris and Sirius are growing increasingly restless after so many failed meetings. I wanted your permission to leave school to visit him at the Black family house, where he's holed up."

I saw Dumbledore opening his mouth to speak, but I barreled on. I needed him to understand why this was necessary.

"Sirius is in a bad state, mentally speaking. We both know that prolonged exposure to the Dementors is detrimental, and I can't imagine what it's like for him—innocent and suffering through that. He was nearly deranged last year, and being on the run won't help him. I know why we can't push for a trial, but that doesn't make it right," I continued in a single breath, my anger rising as I spoke. "You owe him for that. He was ready to risk entering the school with all the Aurors just to see his goddaughter. He needs this!"

"As for Iris… she hates her family, Headmaster. She truly hates them, and from what she's told me, I understand why," I said neutrally. "They don't treat her right… and Sirius is the only family she has left. My relationship with her has helped her focus on other things these past few weeks, but I know it won't last forever."

Dumbledore leaned back in his chair, his fingers steepled in front of him and regarded me with a thoughtful expression. The twinkle in his eyes had dimmed, replaced by a heavy weariness on his shoulders. The room was silent for a moment, save for the soft ticking of the silver instruments scattered across his desk.

"You speak with great passion, young Elias," he said, calm but tinged with regret. "And you are not wrong. Sirius has endured much, more than any man should have to bear. And Iris… she deserves to see the family she can still call her own."

When I see things like this, I have to accept that the eyes are the windows to the soul. His eyes had a combination of feelings that were painfully obvious for me to see, and I was no master of reading people. He had regret, sadness, and anger at the situation.

I held my breath, waiting for the inevitable "but" I knew was coming. Dumbledore rarely gave straightforward answers, and this felt like no exception.

"However," he continued as if reading my thoughts, "you must understand the risks. Sirius is still a wanted man in the eyes of the Ministry. Any misstep, any hint of his location, could lead to disaster—not just for him, but for you, Iris, and everyone involved."

"All of our reputations will be at risk. Everyone would see us as harboring a dangerous fugitive, and even if we manage to prove Sirius's innocence, we will earn the ire of the Ministry at a time when unity is crucial. If Voldemort returns and we are divided, his rise will face no resistance, making it far more difficult for all of us." he continued thoughtfully.

"I understand the risks," I said firmly, meeting his gaze. "But I also know that doing nothing is just as dangerous. Sirius is deteriorating, Headmaster. And Iris… she's holding on, but for how long? If we wait too long, we might lose them in different ways. It wouldn't surprise me if Sirius is suicidal after Azkaban, and Iris is the only reason why he is still fighting."

Dumbledore sighed, his eyes drifting to the window. "You remind me of someone I once knew," he said softly, almost to himself. "Someone who believed that doing what was right was worth any risk, no matter the cost."

I didn't respond, unsure if he was referring to Gellert Grindelwald, and I honestly didn't know how to feel if it was like that.

Instead, I waited, my heart pounding as I waited for his decision.

After what felt like an eternity, Dumbledore turned back to me, his expression resolute. "Very well, Elias. I will grant you permission to visit Sirius but under strict conditions. We will use your newfound fame as a recluse. If there is any sign of trouble, you leave immediately. Do I make myself clear? Go and bring Miss Potter and Miss Granger here; Fawkes will take you there and bring you back wherever you are at eight P.M."

I nodded, excitement flooding through me. "Crystal clear, Headmaster. Thank you."

This was an opportunity. While Iris stayed with Sirius, I could wander for a bit to buy anything that could be useful for the tournament. If nothing changed, the next two tasks would be the same, and I knew a couple of useful muggle things.

He held up a hand, his tone firm. "Do not thank me yet, my boy. This is not a reward, nor is it a solution. It is a temporary measure, one that carries great risk. You must be prepared for the consequences should things go awry."

"I am," I said without hesitation. "And I'll make sure Iris understands, too."

Dumbledore studied me momentarily, his piercing gaze seeing straight through me. Then, slowly, he nodded. "Very well. I will inform Professor McGonagall of the arrangements. In the meantime, I suggest you prepare yourself for the reunion. I have not seen Sirius since months ago, and I don't know if his mental health has deteriorated more.

"I know," I said quietly, standing to leave. "But it's the only path that feels right."

Dumbledore's voice stopped me at the door as I turned to go. "Elias," he called, his tone softer now. "You have a good heart. Do not let the weight of this world harden it."

I paused, glancing back at him. For a moment, I did not see the great wizard but an old man burdened by his choices and the lives he had affected.

"I'll try not to," I said finally before stepping out into the corridor and closing the door behind me.

-Elias Blake-

Joining the girls in the Room of Requirement was easier than I expected. The mob of students following me wasn't hard to lose, thanks to my knowledge of the castle and a bit of cloaking magic. I preferred it when it was just the younger kids who wanted to see the schoolmate who'd battled a dragon and won. It was far better than the older girls giving me "fuck me" eyes. I might have considered some of those offers if I weren't in a relationship with Iris and Hermione, but why would I now? I had two wonderful girls waiting for me who felt the same way I did about them.

It wasn't worth it.

"I missed you," Iris pouted, her green eyes glinting with mischief. "I swear, waking up and feeling your body pressed against mine is the best way to start the day."

Hermione smiled shyly but nodded in agreement. "There's no better pillow than you, Eli. I've grown used to it in such a short time."

"I can't say I hate the feeling," I smirked at them.

"Now, I have two pieces of news. Well, one good, and the other I'm still not sure about," I continued, hugging Hermione from behind as I rested my chin on her wild, bushy hair. "The first one: I asked Dumbledore what he thought about Madam Pranitha. He basically told me he doesn't know much about her loyalties at this time but that she's a complete sucker for interesting things. Getting her to agree to a binding vow of secrecy shouldn't be difficult."

Hermione nodded, and I could feel the movement against my chin. "It makes sense, I suppose. But do you think it's worth it?"

Iris stayed silent, clearly torn about me putting myself in "danger" just so she could learn something. But honestly… it was killing two birds with one stone. I didn't understand much about the changes my new bloodline had brought to my body. All these things the Grimoire had altered…

"I think it's for the best—if she makes the vow," I said thoughtfully, smiling at Iris, who was looking between us. "That way, we can learn more about this, and Iris can gain another weapon that will be useful against Riddle. I'll speak with her tomorrow or sometime soon."

Iris nodded, gratitude shining in her eyes as she smiled brightly. "Why not now? I mean, we aren't doing much. And you seem oddly uninterested in the golden egg."

Hermione huffed, probably at the memory of me being unconcerned about the second task. Honestly, compared to the dragon, it felt trivial. I'd instead use my time gathering what I needed for the task and then train until I dropped for the third one—and the cemetery.

"It has something to do with the second reason," I grinned. "I asked the Headmaster for a favor, and he agreed. So, guess what we're doing today until dinner?"

"Will he train us?" Iris jumped to her feet.

I just shook my head, grinning at my girlfriend. Merlin, I'd never get tired of that smile.

"I don't know," she pouted. "Mione?"

"No idea," Hermione shook her head, finally dislodging my chin from my comfy pillow.

"We're going to visit Sirius," I said brightly. Iris Froze.

-Iris Potter-

Meeting Elias was the best thing that had ever happened to me. It was pure luck that he joined me in the train during our first year. Now that I think about it, he had been a bundle of nerves at that time. He was probably just as nervous as I was. Finding out I was a witch was another thing that shook me, but it didn't compare to meeting what I believed was my soulmate.

I couldn't help but smile as I grabbed his arm, Hermione on his other side, clutching tight as Fawkes prepared to teleport us to Sirius's house.

Elias really gave me the best gifts. He was so thoughtful and genuine with them. I… honestly had no words to explain how much he meant to me—not only him but Hermione, too.

We were a tight-knit group; everything we did, we did it as a whole. Did I ever expect to be in a relationship with two people? No… but I wasn't complaining, and I knew neither of them felt that way.

Admittedly, I'd known since my second year that I liked both girls and boys ever since I practiced kissing with Hermione all those years ago in our room. There had always been a spark between us, but it couldn't compare to what I felt for Elias since I saw him this year.

It wasn't just that he looked different—though that was impossible to miss. It was the way he carried himself. Elias always was the one who brought the best out of us. Oh, he had his faults, but so did everyone else. And he was really trying to improve himself as a person.

He simply was everything I wanted.

He had grown in more ways than one. Even before he started obtaining grand perks from that Grimoire, he looked freed or something like that. It was hard to put into words. Ever since our first year, he had had a weight on his soul for something only he knew. I don't think he knew we knew, but it was clear he knew something that scared him… deeply.

As Fawkes's magic surrounded us, the familiar pull of teleportation tugged at my senses. I tightened my grip on Elias's arm just to ground myself. The feeling was disorienting, but with him next to me, I felt… safe. Hermione squeezed my other hand, and I gave her a quick smile. She didn't need to say anything for me to know she felt the same.

We landed with a soft thud on the stone floor of a street in London, immediately hit by the cold, musty air. It felt like this specific street didn't see many people. A weight settled into me as we approached the houses in front of us. I was excited to meet Sirius, I really was. But I was nervous too. He was the only family I had left, or at least a confirmed one, considering what we suspected from Elias heritage.

"Here we are," Elias said quietly, his voice as calm as usual. But I could see the faint interest in his eyes as he looked toward the house. I knew he didn't care much about his parents' identities, having been alone since birth, just like me. In some ways, he was even more pitiful. At least I knew who my parents were, and I was sure they loved me. Eli didn't have that assurance.

I glanced around at the darkened hallway, a knot forming in my stomach.

Elias led the way, his wand safely holstered, but I felt safe even with magic off-limits here. His powers didn't need a wand to work, giving him an edge no one else had. He could use them outside the school without much trouble.

He reached a dilapidated door, paused to take a deep breath, then knocked.

"Padfoot, the pup came to visit her godfather," he called out loudly.

I raised an eyebrow at him, confusion flickering until it hit me. Huh, I was a puppy.

Without thinking, I kicked him in the shin. "You're a jerk, Eli."

After two minutes of silence, the door creaked open, and a wand pointed in our direction.

The wand wavered slightly as the door swung wider, revealing a familiar, scruffy figure standing in the doorway. His eyes softened when he saw us, and his expression was a mixture of relief and exhaustion.

"Bloody hell, Iris," Sirius muttered, his voice rough. "How are you even here?"

Elias shrugged. " I couldn't keep her away. You know how it is. I spoke with the Headmaster and made him realize some things. He allowed us to come. I think it is safer than you entering Hogwarts with all those Aurors walking around."

Sirius chuckled darkly, stepping aside to let us in. "Pisspoor brats. I could enter with my eyes closed. Come in, then, before someone sees you."

As I stepped past him into the dimly lit house, I felt a strange mixture of nerves and something else. I was nervous about seeing Sirius once more. And the teasing that was sure to come when he finds out about Eli, Mione and I.

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