Harry Potter and the Silent Guardian

In the aftermath of Grindelwald's failed ambush in Austria, the Dark Alliance withdrew to a single, heavily fortified stronghold. Their scattered bases, once easy targets for Harry's silent attacks, were abandoned overnight. When Harry finally uncovered their new location after weeks of meticulous intelligence-gathering, he realized they had learned from their previous mistakes.

The compound bristled with specialized wards designed to repel or reveal any invisible intruder. Painful magical waterfalls—similar to those in Gringotts—covered every approach, stripping away concealment charms. Detection fields blanketed the perimeter, layer upon layer, so densely woven that even Death's Cloak might not slip through unnoticed.

"They've gone to ground," Arcturus observed grimly during one of their private meetings. "My sources say Voldemort's temper is worse than ever. He's blaming his own followers for their failures and now demands absolute secrecy. He keeps ranting about some weapon or prophecy that will let him 'end this game of shadows once and for all.'"

Harry only discussed these developments with Arcturus. The rest of his vigilante team remained in the dark. Even if it meant breaking his promise of transparency, Harry preferred to shield them from the full weight of what he was planning. He didn't want them to worry—or to interfere.

He knew exactly what Voldemort was seeking: the prophecy that bound their fates together. Voldemort's obsession with it made his next move predictable, and Harry intended to use that to his advantage.

"Let him chase after it," Harry said quietly, his tone cold and resolute. "The Department of Mysteries is his next target. When he makes his move on the Ministry, I'll be ready. This war ends this year."

Arcturus studied Harry carefully, his sharp gaze flickering with concern. "How confident are you about this plan?"

Harry met his eyes without hesitation. "Confident enough. No more playing around. It's time to end this war before it spills out into the open."

The old man nodded slowly, though the tension in his features didn't fade. He knew Harry wasn't just making a statement—he was declaring an intent to bring the conflict to its conclusion, one way or another.

---

With the Dark Alliance barricaded and inactive for the time being, Harry found himself with an unusual luxury: free time. The abrupt return to a normal Hogwarts routine felt strangely refreshing after so many nights spent hunting dark wizards. He threw himself into his duties as Head Boy, organizing study plans for NEWTs, helping classmates with their questions, and even managing to sneak in a few secret dates with Fleur.

As June approached, both professors and seventh-year students seemed to kick into overdrive. The library became a hub of anxious energy, packed with study groups flipping through textbooks and frantically scribbling notes. The corridors buzzed with whispered discussions about exams, punctuated by laughter and the occasional groan of despair. Stress levels skyrocketed, fueled by endless cups of tea. Even Snape's glares seemed sharper than usual, his scathing comments taking on new levels of ferocity. Still, some students secretly admitted that surviving one of his biting remarks felt like a badge of honor.

Before the final stretch of NEWT preparation could begin, one event captured the school's undivided attention: the Quidditch Cup final between Ravenclaw and Gryffindor. The castle practically vibrated with anticipation, the air thick with friendly rivalry. Ravenclaw's disciplined, methodical gameplay, led by Harry and Roger Davies, was set to face off against Gryffindor's explosive offense, driven by Angelina Johnson, Alicia Spinnet, Charles Potter, the Weasley twins, and Ginny Weasley.

Betting pools popped up in quiet corners of the Great Hall, students eagerly wagering on everything from the final score to which player would score first. Even the professors struggled to maintain an air of neutrality. McGonagall's sharp glances at anyone slacking off in class betrayed her support for Gryffindor, while Flitwick's enthusiastic discussions about Ravenclaw's strategic formations hinted at his own bias.

The match promised to be one for the ages, and the entire school seemed united in one thing: excitement for the showdown that would decide the year's Quidditch champion.

---

The morning of the match dawned bright and clear—perfect conditions for Quidditch. As the teams stepped onto the pitch, a roar of excitement erupted from the stands, which were packed with students proudly waving red-and-gold or blue-and-bronze banners. Madam Hooch stood at the ready to oversee the match, her sharp eyes scanning the field for any fouls, while Lee Jordan and Luna Lovegood took their places in the announcer's booth.

"Welcome to the Quidditch Cup final!" Lee's voice boomed. "Gryffindor versus Ravenclaw in what's guaranteed to be one for the history books!"

"Indeed," Luna added dreamily. "I heard the Snitch has been practicing its evasive maneuvers with the Wrackspurts. This should be interesting."

As Madam Hooch blew the whistle, the Quaffle soared skyward, and the match began. Gryffindor's Angelina snatched the Quaffle first, weaving around defenders with help from Alicia and Charles. Ron guarded the Gryffindor goalposts, and on the Ravenclaw side, Cho Chang hovered at the edge of the pitch, scanning for the Snitch.

For the first ten minutes, the score remained locked at 0-0. Ron, playing what was undoubtedly his best game of the season, blocked every shot Ravenclaw's offense threw his way. Meanwhile, Fred and George Weasley launched Bludgers with relentless accuracy, forcing Roger Davies and Michael Roberts to pull back from their usual aggressive plays to avoid being unseated.

On the Ravenclaw side, Harry had taken an unusually defensive position, flying back to assist his Keeper in fending off Angelina and Alicia's unyielding attacks.

"Neither side's letting up!" Lee shouted over the din. "An unusual approach from the elder Potter—he's focusing on defense rather than leading Ravenclaw's charge."

Luna chimed in, her voice calm despite the tension on the field. "He's behaving rather like a defensive Nargle, protecting his territory with care. Very clever, especially with Blibbering Humdingers being so active today."

Lee chuckled, unable to resist Luna's whimsical commentary. "Blibbering Humdingers, Luna? Are they helping or hindering?"

"Oh, they're neutral observers," Luna replied serenely. "But they do enjoy a good dive."

Despite their efforts, neither team managed to break the stalemate. Both sides seemed evenly matched, with incredible saves and defensive maneuvers keeping the scoreboard empty. During a brief lull in the action, Harry flew close enough to mutter, "Time to shake things up," Roger nodded with a mischievous grin.