Chapter 18: The Next Trip
Lucius and Narcissa sat in stunned awe as Dante finished his demonstration of the magic circuits. The small, intricate circuit glowed faintly in his hand, casting a soft light across the room. He had explained the concept briefly, but even that was enough for them to grasp the magnitude of his discovery. This wasn't just a new spell or potion—it was an entirely new field of study, one that could reshape the magical world.
Narcissa was the first to speak, her voice filled with awe. "This… this is incredible, Dante. I can't believe you have created something like this."
Lucius said, his tone thoughtful. "This could change everything—how we use magic, how we teach it, even how we live."
Dante nodded, letting them absorb what he had shared. Then, he turned to Lucius. "I want you to take all the notes and research details and spread them. I want everyone in the magical world to hear about magic circuits."
Lucius raised an eyebrow. "Are you sure? If we keep this knowledge to ourselves, we could benefit significantly in the future. The Malfoy family stands to gain a lot from it."
Dante shook his head. "No. I want the world to study and advance magic circuits. This world has been stagnant for long enough. It's time for change." He paused, then added, "The Malfoy name doesn't need monetary gain. What it needs is reputation and prestige—especially after the death eaters fiasco you engaged in."
Lucius coughed lightly, clearly uncomfortable. "That was a mistake," he admitted. "Following a deranged killer like that… I won't make the same error again. I'll follow your instructions."
Narcissa looked between her husband and son, her expression a mix of confusion and curiosity. Was this how a son spoke to his father? But she bit back her questions. Now wasn't the time.
She took a deep breath, her eyes softening as she looked at Dante. "I need to apologize," she said, her voice trembling slightly. "I was a bad mother. I failed to see your brilliance and almost stifled your future with my stupidity. It was Lucius who was the wise one, supporting you when I didn't."
Both Dante and Lucius were taken aback by her sudden shift. Dante waved his hand dismissively. "You don't need to apologize. I'm the abnormal one in all aspects. You acted the way you did because you cared." He glanced at Lucius, then added, "In fact, I've sometimes wondered if my father cared about my future as much as you did."
Narcissa felt a small wave of relief at his words, but Lucius's face fell. He looked hurt, as if he'd been wronged. He had been so obedient, so supportive, yet here he was being accused of negligence so casually. Why was the treatment between him and Narcissa so different? Couldn't this ancient dark lord treat his father—his loyal servant—a little better?
Dante noticed Lucius's expression but chose to ignore it. Instead, he continued with his second purpose today "I'm going on a trip. I'll be back in a few days."
Narcissa's eyes widened. "You are leaving again? Where are you going?" she asked, her voice tinged with worry and helplessness.
Dante replied calmly. "I am going to retrieve something I left long ago."
Narcissa felt a pang of helplessness. "What do you mean, 'long ago'?" she asked, her frustration bubbling to the surface. "Dante, you can't just leave without explaining yourself properly!"
Dante smiled faintly and said "Don't worry, as I said I will be away for few days and then will come back"
Narcissa looked tiredly before finally saying "At least take your father with you, I know you will be safe if he is with you"
Dante smiled faintly. "I'll be safer alone. I'm a much stronger wizard than father, and I don't think there's a single person in the current wizarding world who can take me one-on-one."
Narcissa sighed, shaking her head. "You shouldn't be overconfident. There are many powerful wizards and creatures in the wizarding world. Albus Dumbledore, for example, is a powerful wizard, the greatest of the century. Even the Dark Lord avoided him."
Dante hummed thoughtfully. "Yes, I remember the headmaster. He's near the top, I'll give him that. without the Elder Wand, we're about equal. But it won't be that way for long"
Narcissa fell silent, her son's arrogance leaving her speechless. Lucius, however, had a thoughtful look on his face. "Are you talking about the fabled strongest wand? The wand from the Deathly Hallows fairy tale?"
Dante nodded. "Yes, the one and only. The Deathly Hallows are real. The story got many things wrong, but the existence of the three is undeniable."
Narcissa sighed, exasperated. "Dante, please don't use fairy tales just to make excuses and claims. Take your father with you. I won't feel at peace unless you do."
Lucius, however, looked at Dante with a knowing expression. If Dante said the Deathly Hallows exist then it must be the truth. Part of Lucius wondered if Dante had a hand in that story as well.
Finally, Lucius sighed and turned to Narcissa. "I'll accompany Dante. You don't need to worry." His eyes flicked to Dante, as if apologizing for speaking out of turn.
Dante, who had always ignored Lucius's looks and reactions, felt strange. The way his father looked at him hurt, loyal, yet resigned, the strange looks he received from Lucius were increasing by the day, and for the first time, Dante wondered if he had been too harsh on the man who had helped him so faithfully.
But for now, he pushed those thoughts aside. There was work to be done.
__________
Dante and Lucius apparated with a soft crack into the middle of nowhere, deep within a dense, shadowy forest. The only sounds around them were the rustling of leaves and the occasional call of a distant bird. Lucius looked around cautiously.
"Where are we?" he asked.
"The Forbidden Forest," Dante replied calmly. "The deepest parts, to be exact."
Lucius nodded and asked again. "And what are we looking for here?"
Dante didn't answer. Instead, he raised his wand and shot a spell into the sky. The spell exploded in a burst of golden light, forming the shape of a bow and arrow that lingered for a moment before fading away. Lucius stared at the lights display, then turned to Dante with a questioning look.
"Now we wait," Dante said simply.