Chapter 9
Shadow had always been a keen observer of people, and it was this skill that helped him find the right recruits for the new Shadow Garden. He knew that in a world teetering on the edge of darkness, there were those who were pushed to the brink, desperate for a chance at redemption or simply a new start. It was these individuals that Shadow sought out, recognizing their potential and offering them a place where they could belong and thrive.
Shadow’s first recruit was a young witch named Elara. He found her in Knockturn Alley, surrounded by a group of dark wizards. She was badly wounded, her magic flickering weakly as she tried to fend off her attackers. Shadow stepped in, dispatching the wizards with ruthless efficiency. He then knelt beside Elara, offering her a hand.
“Do you want to live?” he asked, his voice calm and steady.
Elara looked up at him, her eyes filled with pain and desperation. “Yes,” she whispered.
Shadow nodded. “Then come with me. I can offer you a new life, a place where you can become stronger.”
He helped her to her feet and took her to his safehouse, where he used his magic to heal her wounds. Over time, he trained her, teaching her to harness her magic and grow stronger.
The next recruit was a wizard named Marcus. Shadow found him in the depths of the Forbidden Forest, bleeding and on the brink of death after a failed encounter with a group of rogue centaurs. Shadow had been on a mission in the forest when he stumbled upon Marcus. Recognizing the raw power within the dying wizard, Shadow healed him and brought him back to the safehouse.
“Why did you save me?” Marcus asked, once he was strong enough to speak.
“Because you have potential,” Shadow replied. “And I need people with your skills. Join me, and I’ll show you a path to power.”
Marcus agreed, grateful for the second chance. He dedicated himself to Shadow Garden, becoming one of Shadow’s most loyal followers.
Shadow continued to find recruits in similar situations—witches and wizards who had been cast aside by society, on the verge of death or despair. Each time, he offered them the same choice: join him and gain the strength to change their fate, or continue down the path to oblivion. Every one of them chose to join him, eager for the opportunity to rebuild their lives.
As Shadow’s group grew, he realized they needed a secure base of operations. His missions required a place far from prying eyes, where they could train and prepare without interference. After much consideration, he settled on Spitzbergen, a remote archipelago in the Arctic Ocean.
Spitzbergen was ideal for several reasons. It was sparsely populated, with vast stretches of uninhabited land and extreme conditions that deterred casual visitors. Shadow’s magic would allow him to create a habitable environment, and the isolation would provide the secrecy they needed.
Shadow transported himself to Spitzbergen, scouting the terrain and selecting a location near the coast. The black sand beaches and nearby volcano provided a dramatic, imposing backdrop. He chose this location for its fertile land, knowing it would be perfect for the agricultural projects he had planned.
Using his powerful magic, Shadow began constructing the village. He summoned stone and wood from the earth, shaping it into sturdy buildings. He created homes, training facilities, and communal spaces, all designed to withstand the harsh Arctic conditions. His magic allowed him to work quickly, and within days, the skeleton of the village was complete.
Next, he focused on the environment. Shadow cast a series of powerful protection charms around the village, creating a barrier that regulated the temperature and weather conditions. Inside the barrier, the village enjoyed a temperate climate, with lush greenery and fertile soil. The barrier also served to hide the village from muggles and unauthorized magical beings, ensuring their secrecy.
To further enhance the village’s security, Shadow layered multiple wards over the barrier. These wards were designed to repel intruders, alert the inhabitants to any threats, and prevent any unauthorized entry. The village was now a fortress, protected by the most advanced magical defenses Shadow could create.
With the village of Alexandria ready, Shadow began transporting his recruits to their new home. He gathered them at the safehouse, explaining the move and what it would mean for their future.
“This is the beginning of something new,” Shadow told them. “A place where we can grow stronger, away from the eyes of those who would seek to destroy us. Alexandria will be our sanctuary.”
The recruits were eager to see their new home. Shadow used a combination of portkeys and apparition to transport them to Spitzbergen. As they arrived, their eyes widened in awe at the sight of the village. It was a testament to Shadow’s power and vision, a place where they could rebuild their lives and work towards their goals.
Shadow gave them a tour of the village, showing them their new homes, the training facilities, and the communal areas. He explained the agricultural projects and how they would be responsible for maintaining the village’s self-sufficiency.
“We will create giant farms,” Shadow said, “producing food and other supplies. This village will grow and thrive, and so will we.”
The recruits quickly settled into their new roles, working hard to make Alexandria a success. They trained under the guidance of the more experienced members of Shadow Garden, honing their skills and becoming stronger each day. The village began to flourish, with crops growing abundantly and the community working together in harmony.
Shadow watched with pride as his vision came to life. Alexandria was not just a village; it was a symbol of their resilience and determination. It was a place where they could build a future, free from the darkness that had once threatened to consume them.