Chapter 10
While Zeta executed her mission at the Quidditch World Cup, Shadow had his own tasks to attend to. Although he trusted Zeta implicitly, Shadow knew that a multi-pronged approach was often the most effective. With this in mind, he decided to investigate a series of suspicious activities reported around Knockturn Alley. Rumors suggested that a Death Eater was operating in the area, and Shadow saw an opportunity to gather valuable intelligence and test his own skills against these dark wizards.
Dressed in his signature black attire, Shadow moved through the shadows of Knockturn Alley with practiced ease. His presence was a whisper in the dark, unnoticed and undetected. The alley was teeming with shady characters and illicit activities, but Shadow had eyes only for his target.
The Death Eater in question was known as Lucian Flint, a relatively new recruit to Voldemort's ranks but rumored to be ambitious and ruthless. Shadow had spent the past few days tracking Lucian, learning his habits and observing his movements. Tonight, he would confront him.
Shadow's keen senses picked up the faintest sounds as he approached a run-down building at the far end of the alley. It was a place where even the bravest avoided, a den of iniquity and dark magic. Shadow slipped inside, his movements fluid and silent.
Inside, the building was dimly lit by flickering candles, casting eerie shadows on the walls. Shadow moved through the corridors, his eyes scanning every corner, every shadow. He reached a large room at the back, where he found Lucian Flint speaking in hushed tones with a few other shady figures.
Lucian was tall and lean, with sharp features and a cruel smile. He radiated a sense of menace, his eyes gleaming with dark ambition. Shadow watched from the shadows, biding his time.
As the meeting concluded, the other figures left, leaving Lucian alone. Shadow seized the opportunity and stepped out of the shadows, his presence finally making itself known.
"Lucian Flint," Shadow said, his voice low and commanding.
Lucian spun around, his wand instantly in his hand. "Who are you?" he demanded, his eyes narrowing.
"Someone who's been watching you," Shadow replied calmly. "I have a few questions."
Lucian sneered. "Do you think you can intimidate me? I serve the Dark Lord."
Shadow's lips curled into a faint smile. "We'll see about that."
Lucian didn't hesitate. He raised his wand and shouted, "Crucio!"
Shadow moved with lightning speed, a blur in the dim light. The curse missed him by inches, and before Lucian could react, Shadow closed the distance between them. With a swift, precise movement, he disarmed Lucian, sending his wand clattering across the floor.
Lucian's eyes widened in shock. "What—?"
Shadow didn't give him time to recover. He struck with a series of quick, calculated blows, overwhelming Lucian with his speed and skill. Each movement was deliberate, every strike perfectly executed.
Lucian attempted to fight back, but it was like trying to catch smoke. Shadow was everywhere and nowhere, his attacks relentless. Within moments, Lucian was on the ground, bruised and beaten.
"Pathetic," Shadow muttered, looking down at the defeated Death Eater. "Is this the best Voldemort can muster?"
Lucian glared up at him, hatred burning in his eyes. "You... you don't know what you're dealing with."
Shadow knelt beside him, his eyes cold and piercing. "I know exactly what I'm dealing with. Now, you're going to answer my questions."
He placed a hand on Lucian's forehead, using his powers to delve into the Death Eater's mind. Lucian struggled, but he was too weak to resist. Shadow sifted through his thoughts, extracting every piece of useful information.
He saw glimpses of Death Eater meetings, plans for future attacks, and names of key members. Each piece of information was stored away in Shadow's mind, ready to be used when the time was right.
When he was done, Shadow stood and looked down at Lucian with a mixture of disdain and pity. "You were never a match for me," he said quietly. "Remember that."
With a final, dismissive glance, Shadow raised his hand and conjured a sphere of dark energy. "Goodbye, Lucian," he said coldly. The sphere expanded, enveloping Lucian in a swirl of dark magic. Lucian's screams echoed through the room as the dark energy consumed him, leaving nothing behind but silence.
Returning to his own safehouse, Shadow found it empty. Zeta was still on her mission, and the silence was almost comforting. He settled into a chair, contemplating his next move. The information he had gleaned from Lucian Flint was invaluable, but it needed to be corroborated and analyzed.
As he sat there, his thoughts turned to Zeta. She was capable and determined, but the world she was navigating was dangerous. Shadow trusted her implicitly, but he couldn't help but feel a pang of concern. He knew she could handle herself, but the stakes were high.
The door creaked open, and Zeta stepped inside. She looked exhausted but triumphant, her eyes shining with determination. She immediately bowed, a sign of respect and deference.
"Master," she said, her voice steady. "I have returned."
Shadow gestured for her to rise and sit beside him. "Tell me everything you have learned," he said, his tone calm but commanding.
Zeta detailed the events of the past few days, from her reconnaissance in Diagon Alley to the attack at the Quidditch World Cup. She described the tactics of the Death Eaters, the weaknesses she had observed, and the interaction with Harry Potter and his friends.
Shadow listened intently, his eyes never leaving her face. When she finished, he leaned back, deep in thought. "You did well," he finally said. "Your observations will be invaluable. The wizarding world is indeed on the brink of war."
Zeta nodded, her mind already racing with the next steps. "What do you wish for me to do next, Master?"
Shadow smiled, a cold, calculating smile. "For now, continue to gather information. We must understand our enemies thoroughly before we make our move. And keep a close eye on Harry Potter. He may be more important than he seems."
"As you wish, Master," Zeta replied, determination in her eyes.
Shadow stood, placing a hand on her shoulder. "Remember, Zeta, our mission is of the utmost importance. Trust no one and remain vigilant."
Zeta bowed her head. "I will not fail you, Master."