Lockhart of The Kaleidoscope

Gilderoy Lockhart had always been a man who thrived on charm, wit, and clever manipulation. But now, standing in the midst of his office, surrounded by the towering forms of three dormant Sentinels, he felt the weight of his limitations pressing down on him. These machines were powerful—more powerful than anything he had ever encountered in the wizarding world—but they were beyond his magical understanding.

The Kaleidoscope magic had allowed him to bring the Sentinels into Hogwarts, but they had quickly powered down, their connection to the Master Mold severed. The advanced technology inside their metallic frames was unlike anything he had ever seen. He knew that trying to manipulate them with ordinary spells would be futile. He needed something more—something magical, yet connected to the kind of power these machines represented.

It was clear that if he wanted control over these Sentinels, he couldn't do it alone.

That's when his mind returned to Kuoh City.

The world of High School DxD was one that straddled the line between the magical and the otherworldly. The Gremory family—specifically Rias Gremory—had resources that extended far beyond simple magic. Devils, fallen angels, and other supernatural beings thrived in that world, and Gilderoy knew that if anyone could help him harness the Sentinels' power, it would be them.

He had dealt with Rias Gremory once before, trading her the powerful Fool Tarot card in exchange for Phenex Tears, which had proven useful in more ways than one. Now, it was time to return to her, and this time, he needed something far more substantial—a way to magically control the Sentinels.

As he summoned the Kaleidoscope magic once more, Gilderoy felt the familiar ripple of reality bending around him. The cool air of Hogwarts melted away, replaced by the warm, modern atmosphere of Kuoh City. The lights of the bustling town greeted him as he emerged from the dimensional rift, standing in a quiet alley just outside the gates of Kuoh Academy, where Rias and her peerage resided.

The city buzzed with an undercurrent of supernatural energy, but Gilderoy paid little attention to it. His focus was on securing the assistance he needed from Rias. With the Sentinel technology at his disposal, he knew the devil's magical expertise would be essential.

Walking toward the grand building that served as both a school and the base of operations for the Gremory clan, Gilderoy felt confident. He had something valuable to offer, and Rias was not one to turn down an opportunity for power.

It wasn't long before he reached the gates of the academy. He stopped outside the imposing structure and waited. Within moments, he felt the presence of someone approaching. As expected, it was Akeno Himejima, Rias's trusted Queen.

"Ah, Gilderoy Lockhart," Akeno said with her usual coy smile. "I see you've returned to Kuoh City. What brings you here this time?"

Gilderoy smiled charmingly, bowing slightly in acknowledgment. "Business, my dear Akeno. Is Rias available? I have something she'll find most… intriguing."

Akeno's eyes gleamed with curiosity. "Of course. Follow me."

Akeno led Gilderoy into the familiar halls of Kuoh Academy, the quiet of the night making the grand building seem even more imposing. The faint hum of magical energy filled the air as they moved through the corridors, eventually reaching the room where Rias Gremory awaited him.

Rias sat at a large, ornate desk, her crimson hair cascading over her shoulders. She looked up as Gilderoy entered, her striking blue eyes narrowing slightly as she studied him.

"Lockhart," Rias said smoothly, her tone both welcoming and wary. "I wasn't expecting you so soon after our last deal. What brings you back to Kuoh City?"

Gilderoy gave a graceful bow, flashing his signature smile. "Lady Gremory, it's always a pleasure to be in the presence of such power and beauty. This time, however, I'm here on a matter of great importance—and I believe we can help each other once again."

Rias leaned back in her chair, her interest piqued. "I'm listening."

Gilderoy wasted no time, moving forward with confidence. "During my most recent travels, I've come across something extraordinary"

Rias raised an eyebrow. "Go on."

"The machines I've acquired are called Sentinels—mechanical beings of immense power, capable of adapting to and neutralizing any bloodline abilities. They are designed for combat, but unfortunately, they are beyond my magical control. I can summon them, but their internal systems are shut down, disconnected from their original network."

Gilderoy paused, watching for Rias's reaction. Her eyes flickered with curiosity and caution.

"And what do you want from me?" Rias asked, folding her arms. "You're not one to come seeking help without offering something in return."

Gilderoy smiled. "Precisely. I need a way to control these Sentinels, to bind them to my will through magic. Your family, and your connections, have resources that could help me accomplish this. In return, I'm prepared to offer you one of the Sentinels for your own use."

Rias remained silent for a moment, her fingers tapping thoughtfully on the desk. Akeno stood behind her, her expression unreadable, but her eyes gleamed with the same curiosity that filled the room.

"One Sentinel, you say?" Rias asked finally. "And you expect me to help you gain control over the rest?"

Gilderoy nodded. "Exactly.There are only two models and am willing to trade one with you. You've seen the power of artifacts like the Fool I gave you. These machines are far beyond that. Imagine the power you could wield with a Sentinel under your command. It would make any defense seem insignificant."

Rias's lips curved into a small smile, but there was something dangerous in her eyes. "You're asking me to provide you with a way to control a machine created by a science I don't fully understand, but one that could easily become a threat to us devils who pride themselves in their bloodline magic."

"Ah, but that's where you're wrong, Lady Gremory," Gilderoy replied smoothly. "You and your peerage understand magic in a way I cannot. Magic that can bridge the gap between the technological and the supernatural. A simple contract between us could provide the solution to controlling these machines."

Rias stood up, walking around her desk slowly, her eyes never leaving Gilderoy's. "You're asking me to use magic to control technology. That's no small feat, Lockhart. Magic and technology don't always mix well, as I'm sure you know. And if the Sentinels are as powerful as you say, they could turn against us if something goes wrong."

Gilderoy smiled, stepping toward her confidently. "That's why I'm offering you one Sentinel. You'll be free to modify it, test its limits, and see how it can be harnessed for your own purposes. I'll take responsibility for the other one."

Rias looked thoughtful, her gaze drifting to Akeno for a brief moment before returning to Gilderoy. "And you trust us with this? what if find a way to mass-produce them. One of these Sentinels could be turned into a weapon against you."

"I'm willing to take that risk," Gilderoy said, his voice calm and measured. "Besides, our goals align more than you might think. You want power, and so do I. Together, we can ensure that both of us come out on top."

Rias considered his words, her expression carefully neutral. "I see. And how do you propose we handle the matter of control?"

"I was hoping you might have a suggestion for that," Gilderoy said. "You've always been resourceful and I believe there are spells that could be adapted for this purpose. A binding contract, perhaps. One that merges magic and technology in a way neither side has ever considered."

Akeno finally spoke, her voice soft but full of intrigue. "It's possible. There are spells from the underworld that bind the essence of machines to magical energy. But such spells are dangerous."

"Dangerous for whom?" Gilderoy asked, tilting his head.

"For both the user and the machine," Akeno replied. "Such spells can cause the machine to malfunction—or worse, backfire on the user. It requires precision."

Rias nodded, stepping closer to Gilderoy. "If we're going to make a deal, it needs to be clear: you're responsible for any consequences. If something goes wrong, we won't be held accountable."

Gilderoy smiled. "Of course. That's the beauty of a contract—each party holds their own weight."

Rias was silent for a long moment, her eyes narrowing as she studied him. Then, slowly, she extended her hand.

"A magical contract, then. One Sentinel for me, and in return, I'll help you gain control over the others."

Gilderoy shook her hand, sealing the deal. "Agreed."