The Test of commitment
TK and Carlos, though inexperienced in the ways of combat magic, had learned much from Harry. They cast spells with surprising skill, their bravery and quick thinking compensating for their lack of formal training. Yet, the dark wizard was relentless, their power seemingly inexhaustible.
In a moment of desperation, Harry realized he had to make a choice. The artifact was a beacon of darkness, threatening to consume not just him, but all of Austin. The love he felt for TK and Carlos was a light that could guide him, but it was also a vulnerability that could be exploited. With a heavy heart, he turned to them.
"I need to do this alone," Harry said, his voice tight with pain. "You two...you need to leave. Get back to your world, where you're safe."
TK's eyes searched Harry's, his grip on his wand unwavering. "We're not going anywhere," he said firmly. "We're in this together, remember?"
Carlos stepped forward, his own wand at the ready. "We've seen what you can do, Harry," he said. "We've seen the darkness and the light in you. We trust you."
Their words resonated deep within Harry, bolstering his resolve. He knew he couldn't ask them to leave, not when they had come so far together. He nodded, a single tear tracing a path down his cheek. "Thank you," he murmured. "Thank you for believing in me."
With renewed strength, they faced the dark wizard together. Harry knew that their love was a weapon, a force more potent than any dark spell. He raised the artifact, feeling its malignant energy pulse in his hand. He closed his eyes and focused on the warmth of TK and Carlos beside him, the bond that had grown over the weeks.
Drawing on that power, he cast a spell that he hadn't used since the final battle with Voldemort. A spell that could vanquish even the darkest of foes. The room grew brighter, the air crackling with the intensity of the magic. The dark wizard stumbled back, their sneer of triumph replaced with a snarl of rage.
The artifact in Harry's hand began to glow, the light growing brighter and brighter until it was all he could see. The dark spells cast at him were swallowed by the light, the malevolent energy dissipating into nothingness. With a roar, Harry thrust the artifact into the air, and it exploded in a burst of white-hot light.
The dark wizard screamed, their body convulsing as the power they had sought to control consumed them. The cages shattered, the captives falling to the ground, their magic restored. The room grew still, the only sound the panting of the three friends.
"It's over," Harry murmured, his eyes still closed. "It's finally over."
When he opened them again, the room was bathed in a gentle, soft light. The dark wizard was gone, their essence scattered to the wind. The captives looked up at him, their eyes filled with a mix of awe and gratitude. The muggle world was safe, for now.