Harry Potter: The Magnus Riddle story

Magnus walked slowly up the spiral staircase that led to the principal's office. Despite the familiarity of the path, he remained pensive. It wasn't the first time he had entered that place; in fact, he had been there several times during his youth, especially during the challenges posed by the Guardians and the Deathly Hallows. That room was full of memories, but now it had a different meaning. It was a starting point for what was to come.

Crossing the gargoyle that guarded the entrance, he entered the room illuminated by a warm light, reflected in shelves full of magical instruments and old books. In the center of the office, resting on a golden pedestal, was Fawkes, Dumbledore's phoenix. Magnus paused for a moment, watching the magical creature. The glow of its scarlet and gold feathers was mesmerizing. He felt a tightness in his chest as he remembered Niklaus, his own phoenix. The memory brought a mixture of nostalgia and worry. How long had it been since he had seen Niklaus? How would he be? These questions hammered at his mind, reinforcing the need to find out what had happened to his creatures, housed in the victuals he had transferred to his store in Hogsmeade a century ago.

Fawkes inclined his head towards Magnus, emitting a soft trill that seemed to convey comfort. Magnus smiled slightly in response before looking around the rest of the office. It was then that he saw the portraits of the former directors, positioned in their frames along the walls. Among them, two familiar faces caught his eye: Phineas Nigellus Black and Niamh Fitzgerald.

As soon as they saw him, both portraits lit up.

- Magnus Riddle! Finally back in our ranks," exclaimed Phineas, with his usual haughty expression, but with a rare tone of genuine enthusiasm. - A noteworthy event. You, my dear, have always been an example of a true Slytherin.

Niamh Fitzgerald smiled warmly.

- Welcome back, Magnus. It's a relief to see that you've survived all this. Many of us feared that your sacrifice had been final.

Magnus felt a weight ease off his chest as he heard the familiar voices. He took a step forward, allowing himself to relax for the first time since his awakening.

- It's good to see familiar faces," he said, his eyes shining with a mixture of emotion and gratitude. - In the midst of so much uncertainty, you are a reminder of what I still need to protect.

Phineas, ever the pragmatist, leaned forward slightly in his frame.

- And what do you plan to do now, Magnus? The world has changed, but not so drastically that the power game has disappeared. You still have important cards to play.

Magnus reflected for a moment before answering.

- I'm putting the pieces of the puzzle together. First, I need to understand the state of everything I left behind. My food, my store in Hogsmeade, my properties... And, of course, find out what happened to Niklaus and the creatures I saved.

Niamh Fitzgerald tilted her head, a glint of pride in her eyes.

- You've always been a protector, Magnus. Even now, you still think of others before yourself. But don't forget to look after yourself too.

Meanwhile, Dumbledore remained silent, watching the reunion. There was a slight smile on his lips, but he didn't interfere, respecting the exchange between Magnus and the portraits. For him, that moment wasn't just a reunion; it was living proof of the continuity and impact that Hogwarts had given its students and teachers over the centuries.

Magnus lifted his gaze, fixing it on the horizon visible through the office window. The sky was gray, but a glimmer of sunlight was beginning to appear between the clouds.

- The world hasn't stopped turning, and neither can I," he said, more to himself than to anyone else.

Phineas smiled with satisfaction.

- A true Slytherin. Determined and relentless.

Niamh laughed softly.

- And with a heart that never forgets what's important.

Magnus turned to Fawkes again, watching the phoenix as it gently fluttered its wings.

- I'll live up to expectations," he thought. - But I have to start at the beginning.

He silently thanked the portraits with a slight nod and turned to Dumbledore. Although they didn't exchange words, the look they shared was enough to convey understanding. Without further ado, Magnus sat down in front of Dumbledore and beckoned for the conversation to begin. 

##########

Magnus sat in one of the comfortable chairs in Dumbledore's office, while the principal watched him with a thoughtful expression. The room, illuminated by the soft light of late afternoon, was filled with the sound of magical instruments making occasional noises. On Dumbledore's desk, a pile of cards lay, all open and meticulously organized.

- "Magnus," began Dumbledore, his voice calm and heavy, "since the news of your return was released by the Daily Prophet, I have received letters from almost every corner of Britain and Europe. Ministers, heads of state and even representatives of Gringotes have sent messages asking for audiences with you.

Magnus remained silent, watching Dumbledore's every gesture and expression. His mind was racing, assessing the possibilities. Each card represented an opportunity, a piece on a board that he would need to master.

Dumbledore continued:

- Britain's Minister for Magic, Cornelius Fudge, seems especially anxious. He wants to invite you to a meeting at the Ministry as soon as possible. In addition, I have received joint correspondence from several European Union leaders, who are organizing an emergency meeting to discuss your presence. They believe that your influence can be a factor of stability in uncertain times.

Magnus raised an eyebrow slightly when he heard that. Influence as stability... how convenient for them.

- What about Gringotts? - Magnus asked, with a controlled tone.

- "Ah, yes," replied Dumbledore, separating a particularly ornate letter from the pile. - "The principal of Gringotts personally sent this one. "They wish to restore ties that may have been damaged in the past, and are willing to offer... very favorable conditions for any kind of collaboration.

Magnus didn't react outwardly, but inside he felt the satisfaction of someone who had expected this kind of behavior. For a good sonserino, the cards were lining up perfectly. He knew that if he played his pieces correctly, he could not only recover what he had lost, but also consolidate even greater power than he had before his sacrifice.

After explaining all the messages and requests for meetings, Dumbledore looked at him seriously.

- Magnus, you must be aware that your presence arouses both admiration and fear. People will want a lot from you, and not all requests will be honest.

Magnus just nodded, silently thanking him for the warning. He knew this better than anyone. The political game, with all its tricks and traps, was familiar ground for him.

Finally, after a few moments of silence, Magnus broke the tension.

- Director, something is bothering me. - His voice was firm but measured. - How exactly did the Daily Prophet find out about my return so quickly?

Dumbledore hesitated for a moment, adjusting his glasses as he chose his words carefully.

- This, I'm afraid, is the work of a reporter who has caused trouble in the past. Rita Skeeter, a journalist for the Daily Prophet, known for her... unorthodox methods. She writes sensationalist and exaggerated stories, often based on misinformation.

Magnus narrowed his eyes. The name wasn't familiar, but the profile was. He already knew the type. He remembered the London newspapers from his time at the orphanage, full of exaggerated articles and scandalous headlines.

- Reporters," thought Magnus, with a hint of disdain, "always ready to sell a well-packaged lie.

Dumbledore, noticing Magnus' expression, continued:

- What makes Rita particularly dangerous is her ability as an unregistered Animagus. She can transform herself into a beetle and thus acquire information without being noticed.

This information made Magnus arch his eyebrows.

- A beetle? - he muttered, more to himself than to Dumbledore.

- "Yes," confirmed the principal. - That's why it's so hard to stop. It can enter places like Hogwarts undetected, peeking in on private conversations and gathering information.

Magnus remained silent, absorbing the information. In his mind, he was already beginning to strategize. A woman like Rita Skeeter wouldn't just be a nuisance; she could be a threat if left unchecked.

- So that's the reality of the new world," Magnus thought, with a touch of irony.

He stood up slowly, his expression firm and calculating.

- Thanks for the information, principal. It looks like I'll have a lot to deal with from now on.

Dumbledore nodded, watching Magnus leave the office with the imposing bearing of someone who was about to face the world once again. Magnus didn't have all the answers yet, but one thing was certain: he wouldn't allow anyone, not even a sensationalist journalist, to control his narrative.

######

Inside the majestic Gringotes bank, the corridors that were usually the scene of calm and meticulously calculated transactions were now filled with a palpable nervousness. The goblins, known for their cool, impassive posture, were restless. The name Magnus Riddle echoed everywhere, and with it, a mixture of reverence and caution.

In the bank's administrative offices, High Manager Borglok called an emergency meeting with the highest-ranking elves. The reason? The return of the legendary Magnus Riddle.

- "We cannot underestimate the impact of this event," said Borglok, slapping a small but firm hand on the dark marble table. - "Magnus Riddle is not just a powerful wizard. He is someone who, in his time, showed more respect for us than many of his kind have ever dared. And then there are his connections to ancient magic, something that we, as elves, deeply respect.

- But, sir, how can we be sure that he still feels the same way? - asked a younger elf, with worried eyes. - It's been decades since he disappeared.

Borglok raised his hand, asking for silence.

- It doesn't matter. Our duty now is to ensure that Magnus Riddle sees Gringotts as an ally. If that means offering him unprecedented advantages, then so be it. He must feel welcomed and respected by us.

The elves nodded in agreement. It was a bold decision, but Magnus Riddle was no ordinary customer. His history with the elves, especially with Lodgok, was still remembered by many. Despite the tragedies associated with Ranrok, Magnus had always shown that he understood and valued goblin culture, something that was rare among wizards.

####

While the leaders discussed the best approach, the bank employees began making preparations. A special room was set aside in case Magnus decided to visit Gringotes. Detailed documents from his vaults were reviewed and updated, and the records of his properties were carefully organized. It wasn't just about impressing Magnus; it was about ensuring that he saw Gringotes as an indispensable partner.

In addition, the High Manager ordered the bank's best blacksmiths and craftsmen to prepare unique gifts, inspired by the ancient magic that Magnus had mastered. Among the items were a dagger inlaid with ancient runes and an enchanted medallion symbolizing the alliance between wizards and elves.

- We must show that we understand who he is and what he stands for," Borglok explained. - If we win his trust, it will be a significant step towards strengthening our position in the magical world.

Despite their determination to impress Magnus, there was a noticeable tension between the elves. Some of the more conservative ones couldn't help but remember the events involving Ranrok and feared that Magnus might hold a grudge. Others, however, saw in him an opportunity for redemption and to rewrite the relationship between elves and wizards.

Deep down, everyone knew that Magnus Riddle was not someone who could be easily fooled or manipulated. He was cunning, calculating and, above all, someone who demanded respect. The goblins of Gringotts were willing to offer anything they could to ensure that, at least in their eyes, Magnus had no reason to be suspicious.

And so, while the magical and Muggle world was still processing the impact of his return, Gringotts was preparing to welcome the legendary wizard with the utmost hospitality and reverence. They knew that, in the great game of power, having Magnus Riddle as an ally could be the difference between prosperity and ruin.

########

Magnus and Dumbledore were still talking about the future meeting with the Royal Family and the meeting with the European leaders. Magnus, although calmer, still felt a certain worry. The meeting with the European leaders didn't worry him so much, as it was something he had already expected. However, meeting the Royal Family was not in his plans. For someone born during the British Empire, being in front of Queen Elizabeth II and her family was a dream that seemed impossible. Now this opportunity was within his grasp, and he knew he couldn't show any weakness. It was a unique chance to establish a connection with royalty, something he would never let slip away.

Magnus (thoughtful): Meeting the Queen... I never thought that would be possible. During my old life, in the British Empire, it was a distant dream. But now... now I must be prepared. I can't show weakness in the face of this opportunity. This is a crucial moment.

Dumbledore watched Magnus intently. The young wizard had impressive emotional control, but Dumbledore could tell that something was bothering him.

When Magnus finally calmed down, he looked deeply at Dumbledore and asked him if he knew where his wands were. During his sacrifice, he had used the Wand of the Guardians to manipulate the Ancient Magic inside him, converting it into pure energy to power the repository and allow the repair ritual to begin. Magnus was sure he had dropped it in front of the repository. His wand of elderberry and phoenix feather had been entrusted to Sebastian. Now, without either, he worried. The elder wand was the first one he had received from Gerbold Ollivander in Hogsmeade, while the Guardians' Wand was unique, made especially for him. It was essential to get them back.

Magnus: "Headmaster, do you know where my wands are?"

Dumbledore arched an eyebrow. That was a question he hadn't expected. Before he could answer, Magnus continued, his thoughts becoming words:

Magnus: "When I sacrificed myself, I used the Wand of the Guardians to manipulate the Ancient Magic inside me and convert it into pure energy, to provide power to the repository and start the repair ritual. But the moment the repository was activated, I dropped it. As for my elder wand and phoenix feather? I left it with Sebastian."

Magnus took a deep breath, a glint of concern flashing through his eyes.

Magnus: "I don't know where they are now. And that worries me."

Unfortunately, Dumbledore had no knowledge of the wands' whereabouts. However, before he could reply, the portrait of Phineas Nigellus Black interrupted the conversation, and with his usual arrogance, Phineas revealed that he had both wands.

Phineas Nigellus Black (from the portrait): "I know where they are."

Magnus turned quickly, his eyes fixed on the portrait of the former Headmaster of Hogwarts.

Phineas: "Both wands are in a safe behind my own portrait. I put them in there myself when I was alive. A place that only Hogwarts principals can access."

Magnus blinked a few times, processing the information. He then took a deep breath and asked:

Magnus: "What about Sebastian? Did he give you my wand?"

Phineas: "Yes. He and his other friends... They all believed you'd come back."

For a brief moment, Magnus felt the world around him narrow. A tightness in his chest threatened to shatter his controlled façade. They never gave up hope... The thought made something inside him tremble.

Dumbledore, watching closely, realized the depth of Magnus' emotion. He wondered how the young man could remain so firm in the face of everything. If it were him, he would have succumbed to despair a long time ago. It was fascinating how the young man faced everything with such strength and resilience. It was clear that Magnus was suffering, but he didn't show any weakness. On the contrary, he seemed stronger, determined to carry on. Dumbledore couldn't help but admire him. If he were in his place, he might have been crying uncontrollably. 

Magnus blinked a few times and shook his head slightly. There was time to feel this pain - but not now. He asked Dumbledore to unlock the vault so that he could retrieve his wands.

Magnus: "Headmaster, please unlock the safe. I want my wands back."

Dumbledore nodded and calmly walked over to Phineas' portrait. With a precise flick of his wand, he activated the hidden mechanism. The chest opened slowly.

But as he looked at the contents, Magnus went completely still. The air around him seemed to freeze.

As Dumbledore turned to Magnus, he noticed that he was pale and had a frightened expression. Following his gaze, Dumbledore saw that Magnus wasn't looking at the wands, but at another object in the vault: a wand that Dumbledore held in his hand.

Magnus (thinking, in shock): No... that can't be real...

His expression changed dramatically, his eyes fixed on the wand Dumbledore was holding. There was no mistaking it. He knew every detail of that piece.

Dumbledore, noticing Magnus' terrified look, frowned and followed his gaze to the wand in his own hand. He was surprised by the young man's reaction.

Dumbledore: "Magnus...? What happened?"

Magnus felt a chill. He would never forget that wand. He couldn't forget it, because it was with it that he had completed Headmistress Niamh Fitzgerald's Guardians test. In this test, he had to master all the Deathly Hallows. First, he used the Invisibility Cloak to avoid the Avatars of Death. Then he wielded the Wand of Wands to face them in combat. Finally, he used the Resurrection Stone to summon Headmistress Fitzgerald's shadow and be guided to the Pensieve. That had been the most difficult and frightening test he had ever faced. And now, in front of him, was the Deathly Hallows he never wanted to see again.

Magnus' voice came out full of tension:

Magnus: "That wand... Headmaster, that wand has been the cause of countless tragedies in the past. None of its previous owners had a happy ending. I strongly advise you to destroy it."

Dumbledore narrowed his eyes. So he knows. Magnus' knowledge of the Deathly Hallows wasn't expected, but it wasn't surprising either.

Dumbledore: "You know the history of this wand. That's... interesting."

Magnus (still serious): "More than knowing it, I used it. I was forced to wield it during Keeper Niamh Fitzgerald's test. I had to use all the Deathly Hallows-and that wand in particular... it's dangerous."

Dumbledore understood at that moment that Magnus knew the Deathly Hallows well. Dumbledore watched Magnus carefully. The young man didn't show a trace of desire for the artifact. That was a good sign. It only reinforced how extraordinary he was. However, the principal couldn't take that advice. With a calm tone, he replied:

Dumbledore: "I know this wand carries a dark history. But it still has a purpose, Magnus. I will still need it in the future, I am aware of the danger this wand represents. But I know I'll need it in the future."

Magnus closed his eyes for a brief moment before sighing.

Magnus: "I hope you know what you're doing, Headmaster. I can only regret your choice. I hope you don't suffer the consequences of that decision."

Dumbledore didn't reply immediately. There was a weight to Magnus' words that gave him a strange sense of foreboding.

Magnus looked away from the Wand of Wands and, still a little tense, took his own wands from the chest. Feeling the familiar wood in his hands brought a rare moment of comfort.

He looked at Dumbledore and nodded slightly.

Magnus: "I appreciate your help, Headmaster. Excuse me, I need to rest."

Dumbledore just watched as Magnus walked away, clearly exhausted. When the office door closed, he stood there, staring at the wand in his hand.

Perhaps Magnus was right...

But he couldn't give her up. Not yet.

With one last glance at the empty chest, Dumbledore tucked the Wand of Wands into his cloak, feeling the weight of his choice.

Magnus regretted Dumbledore's decision, but he would respect his choice. He just hoped he wouldn't suffer the consequences. Something told him that that wand would still cause many tragedies.

Still alert, Magnus took his wands from the safe and thanked Dumbledore. He left the room feeling exhausted. It was only the beginning.

#########

Dumbledore stared at the door through which Magnus had left, still absorbing everything that had just happened. The young man was remarkable in many ways, but his reaction to the Wand of Wands intrigued him deeply. There was something beyond a simple knowledge of the relic's history; something personal, almost visceral. The way Magnus looked at the wand, as if it were a spectre from the past ready to haunt him, was not the reaction of someone who only knew about its dangers - it was that of someone who had held it before.

As Dumbledore pondered, a subtle movement caught his eye. Principal Niamh Fitzgerald's portrait cleared his throat gently, snapping him back to reality.

- You're wondering why Magnus reacted that way to the wand, aren't you? - she asked, with a gentle but perceptive look.

Dumbledore nodded, turning to the portrait.

- Indeed, Headmistress Fitzgerald. He showed a very strong aversion, as if he had had direct experience with this wand before. I know he's studied a lot about magic, but his reaction was... too emotional to be just academic knowledge.

The former principal sighed and nodded slightly.

- "He had direct experience of the Wand of Wands," she said, her words carrying an invisible weight. - During his test in the Guardians' challenges, Magnus had to use the three Deathly Hallows. He didn't just see them, Dumbledore, he used them.

The Hogwarts principal's eyes widened slightly, his mind processing the information quickly.

- He used the three Relics? The cloak, the stone and the wand? - he asked incredulously.

— Yes - confirmed Fitzgerald. - Each of them had a specific purpose within the race. He used the Cloak of Invisibility to avoid the Avatars of Death, the Wand of Wands to face them and finally the Stone of Resurrection to summon my shadow and find the way to the Thinker.

Dumbledore was silent for a few moments, absorbing every word. He knew that the Guardians' challenges were designed to test not only the magic ability, but also the character of the candidate. The mere fact that Magnus had used the three Relics and yet rejected the idea of possessing them said much about who he was.

— That explains a lot... - Dumbledore muttered, massaging lightly the long silver beard. - He does not desire power. He knows the cost it brings. Many would spend their lives looking for these relics, but Magnus wants distance from them.

- Exactly - confirmed Fitzgerald. - And, therefore, he wanted to warn you. He does not want you fall into the same trap as so many before you.

Dumbledore nodded slowly, understanding Magnus' concern. However, he still believed that the Wand of Wands had a purpose that needed to be fulfilled. He knew the risks, but also knew the responsibilities that he had as its bearer.

- Do you think I should destroy it? - he asked, looking at Fitzgerald.

The woman pondered for a moment before answering.

— I think it's up to you, Albus. But know that Magnus did not speak out of fear or ignorance. He spoke from experience. - Fitzgerald paused before completing: - Just be prepared for what this wand can cost.

Dumbledore breathed deeply, looking at the wand in his hands. The burden of responsibility had never seemed so great.

- I will be - he replied, more to himself than to Fitzgerald.

The silence settled in the office, interrupted only by the light crackling of the fireplace. The portrait of Phineas Nigellus Black, who had been silent until then, decided to intervene.

— Well, well, well... Then our young prodigy has already had the experience of holding the wand that many dream to possess and, unlike most, rejected his power. Fascinating. - The former principal smiled condescendingly. - This shows that he has more sense than many who have passed through this school.

Dumbledore cast an evaluative look at Phineas, but could not disagree. Magnus Riddle was indeed unique. The magic world didn't know what to do with him yet. But one thing was certain: he wasn't just any player in this game of power. He was shaping the board.

And Dumbledore only hoped to be prepared for what was coming.