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CHAPTER FIFTY ONE - 🍂 ୧ a lie . . .
that would save them ও🦌

THE MARAUDERS MADE THEIR WAY BACK to Hogwarts, leaving Regulus behind. Sirius was hesitant to part with his younger brother, but he knew he couldn't force him to return with them.

The younger male watched as his brother left with his friends and disappeared from sight. He let out a long sigh, feeling a mix of relief and wariness that he'd never truly admit to anyone.

Regulus accused Elliot, "You lied to them. I thought you would've revealed what we're working on."

Elliot sighed at the younger male's words, his expression betraying a hint of annoyance. "It would be pointless if I shared it with them. I'm doing this for the girls, and if I put the guys in jeopardy, I'd be endangering the ones who can protect them."

Regulus clenched his jaw, his gaze fixed on Elliot with a mix of frustration and intrigue. "And you're so sure that keeping them in the dark is the right decision?" he retorted, his voice tinged with scepticism.

Elliot tilted his head with a smirk tinged with resignation as he responded, "Reg, they may still be my friends. Even if half of them might not believe it, I still don't want their deaths on my conscience."

Regulus sighed and nodded in agreement, "Well, it's your choice then. But was the deception sufficient?"

Elliot's eyes widened as the memory of the lie he told the guys earlier about the diadem returned to his mind.

"The diadem that Autumn drew...it's an old cursed object, the curse having been lifted long ago," Elliot explained as he lied through his teeth.

Regulus tilted his head slightly, studying Elliot's sudden silence. A faint smirk tugged at the corners of lips, a silent acknowledgement of the deception they both knew was necessary.

"An old cursed object, huh? You think they bought it?" he asked, his voice almost mocking.

Elliot shrugged nonchalantly, a sly smile playing on his lips. "It worked, didn't it? They didn't question it too much, and they're focused on the more immediate issue of Autumn's wellbeing. So, mission accomplished, I suppose, it was a lie that would save them." he said softly.

Regulus smirked in response, appreciating Elliot's nonchalance. "You always were a smooth talker, Winters. Deceiving them comes so easily to you, You truly are a Slytherin" he said jokingly, his tone laced with a hint of begrudging admiration.

Elliot couldn't help but chuckle softly at Regulus' comment. "And you're still as observant as ever, Black," he retorted with a smirk. "But hey, when it comes to the people we care for, a little deception can be necessary, right?"

Regulus rolled his eyes playfully, a small smirk still on his face. "You always had a knack for justifying your deceptions," he replied. "But I have to admit, your ability to talk your way out of anything is impressive. Even Dumbledore himself would be fooled."

Elliot chuckled at Regulus's praise, a hint of pride in his expression. "Now that's a compliment. If Dumbledore himself would be fooled, then I've truly outdone myself," he said, his tone filled with amusement.

"Don't let it go to your head, Winters," Regulus warned but the corners of his lips betrayed a hint of a smile. "Although, I suppose it's useful to have a master of deception on our side."

Elliot chuckled and flashed a proud smirk. "Oh, you have no idea, Black. I always have a few tricks up my sleeve."

His smirk faded slightly, replaced by a more serious expression. "But in all seriousness, Regulus, this whole situation with the girls...it's not a game."

Regulus' amusement faded as well, replaced by a solemn expression. "I know. I'm not treating it like a game," he said quietly. "I understand the seriousness of the situation, more than you might realize."

Elliot studied Regulus for a moment, his expression softening slightly. He recognized the determination in the younger male's gaze, sensing the weight of his commitment.

"I know you do, Reg," he said, his voice softer now. "I just wanted to make sure we're on the same page, that's all."

Regulus let out a breath, his shoulders relaxing slightly. "We are," he replied firmly. "I may not always agree with your methods or decisions, but I trust you to have the best intentions. And I'm in this, all the way."

Elliot furrowed his brows in thought. "About the diadem...do you think there's a chance it could be the Ravenclaw Diadem?"

Regulus leaned in and whispered back, "I'm not sure, but if we assume he's used the founder's heirlooms, then we might have another lead."

Elliot nodded and scratched his head, sighing, "The problem with the diadem is that it's lost. We haven't the faintest idea where to even begin looking for it."

"I'll continue scouring the school for clues, but you just focus on your end, anything uncovered on your end?" Regulus inquired, turning to Elliot.

Elliot responded, "Not yet, but I have a few promising leads in mind."

Regulus raised an eyebrow, a hint of curiosity etched on his face. "Care to share those leads?"

Elliot hesitated for a moment before speaking, his voice low and cautious. "Not just yet. But I promise, as soon as I have something concrete, you'll be the first to know."

Regulus narrowed his eyes, clearly not satisfied with the vague response. "And what if I want to help you search?"

Elliot gave him a small smirk, a hint of amusement in his eyes. "And have you potentially blown my carefully laid plans? No way, Black. Trust me, I have it under control."

The corners of Regulus's mouth tugged up into a half-smile. "You're getting rather full of yourself there, Winters. I might be more helpful than you think."

Elliot chuckled softly at Regulus's remark. "Oh, I do not doubt that. But for now, I need you to focus on the Diadem and leave me to handle the other business."

Regulus exhaled his expression a mixture of resignation and annoyance. "You're annoyingly stubborn, you know that?"

Elliot smirked playfully. "Yeah, I've heard that one before. But don't worry, Black. I'll let you know when I need your input."

THE HORCRUX WAS A DARK and sinister object, utilized by malevolent wizards and witches who sought immortality. They would conceal fragments of their fractured souls within the receptacle, ensuring their existence persisted as long as the container remained intact. The Horcrux was deemed the most terrible form of dark magic, for it ensured the creator's immortality, even if their physical body sustained fatal harm.

Horcruxes were formed through a vile process, requiring the act of murder as a prerequisite for the fragmentation of one's soul. Creating a Horcrux involved a dark spell and a horrific act of desecration performed immediately following the murder.

Due to the immense value of Horcruxes for their creators, protective measures were often put in place to safeguard them from theft and destruction. These protective features could include counter-charms and curses. Furthermore, Horcruxes were renowned for their extraordinary durability, rendering them impervious to all but the most potent elements and magic, such as Basilisk venom and Fiendfyre.

Elliot discovered the existence of Horcruxes by chance, during the summer of 1976. His family belonged to the profession of curse breakers, and knowledge about Horcruxes was within their realm of familiarity. Even though they may not have deeply immersed themselves in studying Horcruxes, having awareness of their existence was itself significant.

As Elliot continued searching for more comprehensive information about Horcruxes, he couldn't help but notice the scarcity of useful resources within the Hogwarts library. He became suspicious of the fact that the books he managed to find seemed purposefully modified as if someone had deliberately hidden or altered crucial details about these dark artefacts.

The feeling of frustration grew within him as he realized that finding the answers he sought would likely require him to explore beyond the familiar confines of Hogwarts.

The more Elliot delved into the restricted section of the library, the more he became convinced that someone had deliberately tampered with the books on Horcruxes. The absence of key information about these dark magical objects only furthered his determination to uncover the truth on his own.

He knew that the answers he sought wouldn't be readily available within the library's walls. This realization fueled his frustration, but it also ignited a fire within him to venture further into the unknown, to seek out the knowledge that was being kept from him.

Elliot's keen interest in the subject had inadvertently captured Regulus's attention during a careless moment.

He had decided to read the books in the common room, which piqued Regulus's curiosity about what Elliot was studying.

Regulus's realization that You-Know-Who had created a Horcrux stemmed from a particular conversation he overheard between his cousin, Bellatrix, and her husband. During their discussion, Bellatrix mentioned the need to keep a certain cup safe, but she remained oblivious to its true significance.

Regulus, however, couldn't help but consider why the dark lord would assign the task of safeguarding the cup to his cousin. The realization led him to reflect on the fact that Bellatrix, despite her unwavering loyalty to the dark lord, had a reputation for her unpredictability and instability. If the dark lord had entrusted her with keeping something safe, it was unlikely that others would assume she was safeguarding anything of significant importance given her reputation for being "crazy."

When Regulus and Elliot became friends, starting with a foundation of blackmail, they soon concluded that the dark lord was indeed a savvy individual. They deduced that one Horcrux alone would not suffice to ensure his safety.

The reason that led them to this conclusion was when Severus casually mentioned Nagini, the snake that was constantly by the dark lord's side. While the thought about how the dark lord kept the snake safe was initially fleeting, the two of them began to suspect that Nagini might be a Horcrux.

Even though it was somewhat speculative, Elliot and Regulus were convinced that their theory held weight.

Their certainty about everything deepened when Dumbledore found out about their theories. The headmaster, being quite knowledgeable about the dark wizard's obsession with immortality, summoned them to discuss the matter.

Dumbledore's reaction upon learning of their theory revealed his deep respect for their intelligence. He recognized that they had managed to figure it out before he had even made the assumption himself.

This initiated Dumbledore's recruitment of Regulus and Elliot, who became his double agents.

To ensure the safety of their knowledge and discoveries, Dumbledore taught them Occlumency, as he understood the gravity of the situation and the utmost secrecy required to protect them from falling into the wrong hands.

When Elliot left Hogwarts, following Dumbledore's orders, the headmaster took a strategic step to assess the loyalty of Autumn Rivers and Raven Summers. The reason behind this decision was rooted in his prior knowledge of their past friendship with Elliot. He wanted to ensure that they wouldn't hinder his plans, thus he devised a test for them.

When the girls demonstrated their unwavering loyalty, it solidified Dumbledore's trust in them. He recognized their potential and decided to include them in the Order of the Phoenix when the appropriate time arrived.

...

A few days passed after the guys assembled with Elliot. With the drawing destroyed, Autumn's hallucinations ceased. She was freed from the diadem and it no longer occupied her thoughts.

Autumn went about her days as normal, enjoying the freedom from the hallucinations and the haunting visions caused by the diadem. The incident faded into the background as her days were filled with class, and time with her friends and the Marauders.

The Marauders kept a watchful eye on Autumn, monitoring her condition and ensuring she was doing well. While they didn't broach the subject specifically, they could sense the relief in her demeanour after the harrowing experience.

James had decided to disclose most of what the boys had discussed with Elliot to Autumn. The main topic of their conversation centred around what Regulus and Elliot had unearthed about her drawings.

Taking advantage of a quiet moment together, James led Autumn to a secluded corner, away from potential eavesdropping. He leaned against the wall, studying her for a moment before speaking. "Can we talk about something serious?"

Autumn's eyes met his, a flicker of curiosity and concern in her gaze. She knew James well enough to recognize that whatever he wanted to discuss, wasn't trivial. "Of course," she replied, her tone carrying a hint of apprehension.

James sighed, clearly wrestling with how to approach the conversation. He ran a hand through his messy hair, a familiar gesture that betrayed his unease. "There's something you need to know," he began, his voice low and serious. "Something about the drawings you've been making."

Autumn's heart skipped a beat at his words, her fingers involuntarily clenching the edge of her robe. "What about them?" she asked, her voice quieter than she intended.

James rubbed his hands together, his expression pensive as he continued. "Elliot...he, uh, he looked into your drawings. Studied them. And he shared some things with me that I thought you should know."

Autumn's stomach twisted with unease, a sense of anxiety building within her. "What did he say?" she asked tentatively, her mind already racing with worst-case scenarios.

James paused for a moment before mustering a half-hearted smile. He replied, 'Wouldn't you rather ask when I spoke to Elliot first?'"

Autumn shook her head in response. "No, not unless you need to. While I am curious, I am more interested in knowing what Elliot discovered about my drawings."

James nodded, understanding her need for information. He cleared his throat before continuing, trying to find the right words. "Elliot explained that your drawings have a deeper connection to your magic. They're...not just simple drawings, but rather potent expressions of your abilities. When you draw, you channel energy into each stroke," he explained, his voice solemn.

Autumn's eyes widened as she absorbed the information. She had always felt a connection to her drawings, a sense that they held a deeper meaning, but hearing it confirmed was still jarring. "And what do you mean by 'potential expressions of my abilities?'" she inquired, her voice laced with anxiety and curiosity.

James took a deep breath before continuing, his gaze fixed on hers. "Elliot believes that your drawings have the power to manifest in reality. They can become tangible, almost...sentient. Your drawings might channel the very energies they portray. The scenes and characters you depict can hold a certain power, and that power can manifest in unexpected ways" he explained, his voice still hushed.

Autumn's breath caught in her throat as the implications dawned on her. Her eyes widened with a mixture of horror and fascination. "Are you saying my drawings could somehow come to life or have an actual effect on the world?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

James nodded a solemn expression on his face. "Precisely. Elliot believes that your drawings tap into a source of magic that can influence and shape reality. They could potentially draw on the emotions, memories, and experiences you infused into them. Elliot warned that while your drawings are a powerful tool, they could also be dangerous if not handled carefully."

Autumn took a deep breath and ran her hands through her hair as her anxiety spiked. "Then it's probably best if I stop drawing if it could be dangerous," she said, her voice trembling slightly.

James reached out and gently took her hand, his touch attempting to provide comfort. "Elliot disagrees. He believes that completely suppressing your drawings, could overload your magic. Your drawings serve as a safety valve, releasing the excess magic that builds up within you. He thinks you must continue drawing to maintain balance."

Autumn chewed on her lower lip, her eyes fixed on their intertwined hands. Despite the reassurances, the fear and uncertainty lingered. "But what if my drawings get out of control? What if they hurt someone or do something I didn't intend?" she whispered, her voice wavering.

"Fortunately, I have some good news. As long as we destroy the drawing, everything will be fine..." James sighed and closed his eyes as he scratched his neck, his expression filled with guilt. "It's my fault you started having hallucinations..." he began, "because I didn't destroy the drawing when I said I would."

Autumn reached out and grabbed his hand, her touch reassuring, "It's okay, love. You couldn't have known." She paused, taking in his guilty expression, "But it's a good thing you kept it because at least it led you to find answers."

James smiled at her understanding, the guilt in his eyes slowly fading. "You always know how to make me feel better, don't you?" he said softly. "But you're right. It was a tough lesson, but ultimately it helped us uncover some crucial information about your drawings."

Autumn nodded, a mix of gratitude and trepidation still etched on her face. "I still can't believe my drawings have such a profound effect. It's both fascinating and terrifying at the same time" she admitted, her voice tinged with a hint of awe.

James gave her hand a gentle squeeze, his eyes filled with reassurance. "You're not in this alone, you know? We all have your back. We'll do whatever it takes to keep you safe and figure this out together," he vowed, determination gleaming in his gaze.

Autumn felt a wave of gratitude washes over her, his steadfast support bolstering her courage. She squeezed his hand in response, a smile tugging at the corners of her lips. "I know. And I appreciate it more than you could imagine," she said softly. "But I can't help but worry about what else my drawings might unveil. What if they lead us into more danger?"

James gave her a reassuring smile. "We'll face whatever comes our way, as we always have. Together." He paused a hint of humour in his eyes. "And hey, at least we know we've got the most creative and dangerous weapon in our arsenal. Your drawings might just save our necks one of these days."

Autumn chuckled lightly, the tension in her shoulders easing slightly. "You always find a way to make things seem less dire, don't you?" she said, a glimmer of amusement in her eyes. "Although, I'm not sure being the walking embodiment of a potential catastrophic ticking time bomb qualifies as a creative weapon."

James feigned shock, placing a hand over his heart in mock offence. "Of course it does! Picture this: we're outnumbered and cornered, surrounded by enemies. Suddenly, you whip out a drawing, channel some magic, and poof! A horde of magical creatures springs to life to fight for us."

Autumn couldn't help but laugh at his exaggerated example. "Yes, because summoning magical creatures in the middle of a battle sounds like a brilliant, foolproof plan," she said, her voice laced with sarcasm. "What could possibly go wrong?"

James laughed along with her, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "Exactly! It's a foolproof plan. Imagine the look on our enemies' faces when they're confronted with a group of fire-breathing dragons or a battalion of angry centaur warriors," he continued, his voice growing more animated.

Autumn rolled her eyes playfully, a smirk tugging at her lips. "Sure, because dragons and centaurs are known for their obedience and willingness to follow orders. It's not like they have their agendas or anything."

James shrugged, still grinning widely. "Details, details. I'm sure you'd have no trouble persuading them to our side with your charm and artistic talents," he replied, winking at her.

Autumn couldn't help but chuckle, her eyes shining with mirth. "You're overestimating my abilities if you think I can charm magical creatures into fighting for me. I'm not some magical Mary Sue with flawless persuasive powers," she teased.

James chuckled softly, his eyes filled with affection as he looked at Autumn. "Love, you charmed a dugbog," he said with a grin. "Honestly, if you can control one of the most unpredictable creatures, I'm confident you could charm any magical beast," he added, raising an eyebrow playfully.

Autumn pretended to look affronted, placing a hand over her chest dramatically. "Excuse you," she feigned indignance, trying to suppress a smirk. "You make it sound like that's an easy feat. The dugbog was simply captivated by my undeniable charm and wit."

James chuckled at her reaction, his smile widening. "Oh, absolutely. Your wit and charm are unparalleled," he agreed, clearly enjoying her playful banter. "And let's not forget your irresistible ability to look adorable when you pout," he teased, his eyes glinting with mischief.

Autumn blushed at his words, her cheeks flushing slightly. "You're insufferable, you know that?" she retorted, but there was no real anger in her voice. She playfully swatted his arm with a smirk.

James feigned pain, rubbing his arm dramatically. "Ouch, you wound me, love," he joked, pretending to stagger backwards. "And here I thought my insufferable charm was one of the reasons you fell for me."

Autumn rolled her eyes but couldn't hide the smile that tugged at the corners of her lips. "Oh, please," she said, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "I fell for you despite your insufferable charm, not because of it."

James clutched his chest dramatically, pretending to be hurt by her comment. "You're breaking my heart, Autumn Willow Rivers," he feigned offence. "I'll have you know, my insufferable charm is my most endearing quality," he replied, leaning closer to her with a smirk.

Autumn chuckled, unable to resist his playful banter. "Endearing, is it? I think you misspelt 'irksome,'" she retorted, raising an eyebrow. Despite her words, her eyes sparkled with amusement.

James faked a wounded expression, placing a hand over his heart once again. "Oh, the pain! You're ruthless, my love. Utterly heartless," he exclaimed dramatically, a smirk playing at the corners of his mouth.

Autumn couldn't help but laugh at his melodramatic display. "Oh, please. You're the furthest thing from fragile, James Fleamont Potter. Your ego alone could withstand an entire army's worth of insults," she said, her tone teasing.

James feigned a pout, his eyes gleaming with amusement. "You underestimate the delicate nature of my ego, love," he replied playfully. "It requires constant praise and reassurance. Otherwise, it might just shrivel up and die from the lack of adoration."

Autumn rolled her eyes, but a soft laugh escaped her lips. "Oh, you poor, pitiful soul," she teased. "How do you ever function without a constant supply of compliments and flattery?"

James gave her a mock serious nod. "It's a daily struggle, I assure you. I'm practically on the verge of wilting if I don't receive at least three compliments per day," he said, his voice filled with exaggerated despair.

James couldn't help but smile against Autumn's lips as she interrupted him with a soft kiss. He leaned in, deepening the kiss and wrapping his arms around her waist to pull her closer. For a moment, the outside world faded away, and all that mattered was the tenderness between them.

Autumn melted into the kiss, her hands finding their way around James's neck, her body pressing against his effortlessly. Time felt like it stood still as they lost themselves in the moment, the worries of the world temporarily forgotten.

Eventually, Autumn pulled away, her eyes meeting James's with a mixture of tenderness and desire. "You're an idiot, you know that?" she whispered, a hint of a smile playing on her lips.

James chuckled softly, a mischievous grin spreading across his face. "But I'm your idiot," he replied, his voice low and filled with affection. He brought one hand up to tuck a loose strand of hair behind her ear, his fingers lingering against her cheek for a moment. "And you love me for it."

Autumn rolled her eyes, but a soft smile tugged at her lips. "Against my better judgment, yes," she huffed, feigning annoyance. But despite her words, her hands betrayed her as they trailed lightly along his chest.

James chuckled, clearly enjoying their playful banter. He leaned in closer, his voice dropping to a huskier tone. "You can pretend to be annoyed all you like, love," he murmured, his breath warm against her ear. "But we both know you can't resist me."

Autumn tried to maintain her facade of indifference, but a shiver ran down her spine at his words. She let out a half-sigh, half-laugh, her hands gripping his shirt without her even realizing. "Cocky, aren't you?" she retorted, her voice betraying a hint of breathlessness.

James smirked, his eyes sparkling mischievously. "Confident, my love," he corrected, his voice low and seductive. "I know exactly how to get under your skin, even if you try to deny it." He trailed a finger down her jawline, his touch soft but deliberate.

Autumn's breath hitched at his touch, her resolve crumbling as her body betrayed her. "You think you have that much control over me, do you?" she challenged, her voice barely above a whisper. Deep down, she knew he was right, but she wasn't about to admit it easily.

James tilted her chin up, his eyes locking with hers. "Oh, I don't think, love. I know," he replied, his voice dripping with confidence. "And I'm going to enjoy every second of proving it to you."

He leaned in, his lips hovering millimetres from hers, his breath warm against her skin. "You'll be begging me for more by the time I'm finished with you," he whispered, his words filled with promise.