"Harry Potter and the Shadows of Merlin"

keeping the tone intact and roughly the same length:

Sally Avery lay motionless on the ground, terror etched on his features.

Dyna waved his hand and whispered, "Incendio!"

He could have used Fiendfyre—the curse itself—but controlling it was notoriously difficult. Instead, he chose a standard fire spell. Fortunately, in his current state, its power was greatly amplified. What was supposed to be orange-red flames now burned blue-white—an indication of extreme heat. In an instant, Sally's body was reduced to ash.

The spell set the old house ablaze. Realizing how quickly the fire could rage out of control, Dyna quickly cast "Aguamenti!" ("Water Fountain"). He could've used "Aqua Eructo," a more powerful water curse, but that would have flooded the building. A gentler stream poured from his fingers in a steady "poof," extinguishing the flames. Smoke curled lazily from charred timbers.

Before leaving, Dyna cast a Confundus Charm and a Muggle-Repelling Charm on the house. As long as no Muggles discovered Sally's death, the wizarding world would remain unaware. His repelling enchantment would last at least three months, enough time for the ashes to mix with dust and disappear—even if Merlin were resurrected, he wouldn't trace the deed.

Walking away, Dyna felt the surge of new power within him. Transforming into a bird to fly had strengthened his arms and upper body. Coupled with friends Hannah and Old Tom's meals, he had grown taller since early August and shed some of his thinness.

Maybe killing Sally eased his inner tension. He even started eating in the bar's lobby sometimes—he owed Hannah and Old Tom more than he'd admitted. He'd plot revenge slowly, but for now, he couldn't challenge the rest of the Avery family, nor John Flint or Guy Avery, who were still missing. And a high-ranking Ministry official who had planted ideas in Avery patriarch's mind remained untouched.

Hogwarts was a safer starting place. With so many wizarding lineages in one school, he might uncover useful secrets. Also, reflecting on his vengeance method, Dyna felt killing Sally was too crude. He wanted to craft a life worse than death for his enemies, dragging them out—maybe then his own rage would ease.

Descending the stairs, he nearly bumped into a young boy. Messy black hair, glasses, that unmistakable lightning scar.

"Hello," he said. "Are you new this year?"

Startled, the boy nodded. "Yes, I am."

"I'm Dyna Emrys. And you?"

"Harry… Harry Potter."

Dyna smiled. "Ah, you're Harry Potter—the famous Harry, right?"

Harry reddened. "Um, I guess."

"I'll help deflect some attention once we're at Hogwarts."

The comment surprised Harry. "Are you famous, too?"

Dyna's white hair caught the light as he replied, "I'm the first wizard in Hogwarts history to be accepted while in Azkaban."

"Azkaban?" Harry blinked.

Gesturing with a playful smile, Dyna explained, "It's the wizard prison, guarded by Dementors. I was held there for four years—and without Hogwarts sending an acceptance letter, I'd still be inside."

Harry's jaw dropped. "Four years… you were seven when you went in? How can that be?"

Dyna observed Harry's disbelief and kindness. Harry, a victim himself of neglect and emotional abuse, responded with unexpected empathy.

"A scapegoat," Dyna said softly. "I was framed—backed by someone inside the Ministry."

Harry, horrified, said, "That's awful. You could go to the Ministry now—raise a case, demand justice?"

"Don't," Dyna warned. "The one behind it is powerful, even propping up the Ministry with donations. There's no justice for me."

Harry hung his head. Sometimes, he realized, justice was elusive—even in the wizarding world.

"I'll see you later, Harry," Dyna said as he walked away. "I live in room 215. You?"

"216!" Harry exclaimed. "We're neighbors!"

Dyna laughed. "I checked in August 2nd—what about you?"

"July 31st." Harry's eyes widened. "We've been so close this whole time!"

Dyna smiled. "I was isolating myself. Not in the mood to meet anyone."

"That explains it. Well, go grab some food. I'll stop by your room later."

"Okay!"

Harry felt warmth toward Dyna. Finally, someone who treated him normally—not like a celebrity attraction. The inn's staff kept their distance from Harry, intimidated by his fame. But Dyna spoke to him like a peer.

From then on, Harry visited Dyna often. Every time he entered, he found Dyna immersed in his books.

"You study a lot," Harry commented once.

Dyna grinned. "I don't have your natural talent or background. I've got to work hard to carve my own path."

August 31, the journey to Hogwarts

Hagrid arrived at the inn to collect Harry. Harry hoped Dyna might fit onto the giant's motorcycle, but Hagrid shook his head.

"Sorry, Harry, not enough room."

Dyna forced a bitter smile. Luxuries were reserved for those not marked as criminals. The "Azkaban label," as he bitterly termed it, weighed heavily on him. Hagrid's wary look bordered on disdain—as if Dyna were a contagion.

While Harry received preferential treatment, Dyna was left to his own devices. He packed into his trunk the basics: books, clothes—and the silver ring hanging from his necklace. Each day it had grown shinier, its wear smoothing its surface.

Opening the window, Dyna transformed into a peregrine falcon and took flight toward King's Cross Station. His strong wings sliced through the air as he soared, determined not to let his past hold him back.

Minutes later, a knock sounded at his door. Professor McGonagall stood there, stern and expectant.

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