Trip to Hogwarts

They had been walking for hours now, all six of them in silence along the desolate roads of the English moors, ready at the slightest suspicious noise to hide in the bushes. Fortunately, not a shadow of a car came to disturb them, as their procession would have raised a host of questions from any Muggle driver, notably, what were three teenagers in robes, two sweaty adults who had long since lost the habit of hiking longer than the width of a shopping mall, and a house-elf (who, despite his short legs, had no trouble keeping up) doing here.

However, this did not reassure Theodore Nott, who had been affecting a worried air since the beginning of their journey. Vernon couldn't help but loudly express his disapproval of the teenager's surly attitude. Yet it was he who had insisted so much that he should leave. And now that they found themselves on the road with nothing but their clothing like mere vagabonds, he was grumbling even more. For Vernon, it was proof that it was useless to try to improve the lot of this kind of thug. No matter what you do, they are never satisfied.

But Théodore had no use for his opinion. In any case, how could he explain to him that this improvised escape was not at all what he had envisaged when, just before the attack, he had suggested leaving the cottage? They had left so many traces that in his mind there was no doubt that his father was going to find them. He himself would have had no trouble, so he didn't dare imagine with what ease his father would trace their path. Not to mention that due to the insistence of the other 5 and the limited time he had to make them see reason, he had resigned himself to leaving witnesses alive behind them. In Théo's mind, the situation was clear. It was a race and if they didn't quickly find a way to go faster, they were going to lose it. He was so desperate that he was considering accepting Petunia's proposal to join a more frequented route and hitchhike to the vicinity of Hogwarts. If he understood correctly what a car was, then it would greatly shorten their journey (and spare them from enduring the complaints of that unbearable Muggle). However, taking more frequented paths also meant increasing the risks of bad encounters.

I can't take it anymore, we need to take a break. Exclaimed Vernon as he sat down on a rock.

We don't have time. Get your big butt up and ...

Hey Theo, calm down. I think a break would do us all good. Blaise interrupted, pointing at Dobby and Petunia who, even though they weren't complaining as much as Vernon, were also struggling to keep up with the brisk walking pace set by Nott.

We don't have time. We need to reach Hogwarts as quickly as possible. Countered Nott with annoyance. This provoked a tirade from Vernon:

Who gave you the title of leader? In case you forgot, the adult here is me! And I've decided that we're going to stop to rest and decide where we're going. Shouted Vernon.

Théo laughed nastily.

You, lead us!? I don't know what impresses me more. Your ignorance or your nerve?

The little punks like you who think they know everything, even though they don't even have a hair on their chin, I eat 10 of them for breakfast.

Here is an amusing pretension. And an excellent explanation for your unsightly silhouette (author's note: for those who didn't understand, he is calling Vernon fat).

Nott raised his wand and declared solemnly:

I am the offended one, but I leave you the choice of weapons. Try to make sure I don't fall asleep before the end.

Huh!! Said Vernon Dursley with a bewildered look.

No, but seriously Théo, what century are you living in? Reacted Blaise, lowering his friend's wand authoritatively.

He clearly challenged me. Retorted Nott.

Théo, it's been centuries since Muggles stopped dueling for honor. Justin tried to explain calmly.

And then, do you think we have time for this nonsense? Blaise insisted. This last argument seemed to hit the mark with Théodore. Nevertheless, he couldn't help but argue with obvious bad faith:

You were the one who claimed that we could afford to frolic.

I didn't say we had time to rest, I said we needed it. Blaise replied calmly, sitting down on the ground.

Justin then tried in a hesitant voice:

And I think out of all of us, it's most necessary for you. Honestly, I don't recognize you anymore. At first, I thought it was because of what Har... Well, you don't have to carry everything alone. Vernon is right, you're just a kid like us.

You have no idea what we're dealing with. Complained Théo as he sat down on a large rock. He had never managed to change Justin's mind. And then, Blaise dared to say he was stubborn.

Listen, if we let Dobby rest, he might be able to help us Apparate a good part of the way. Suggested Justin to relax him.

If we do that, we'll be immediately spotted by the trail. It's better to keep that for an emergency.

Vernon, taking this exchange as an invitation to discuss his plans, asked:

And why do you want us to go to Hogwarts? We don't even know what we'll find there. It would be better if we hide in a small Muggle village. We're not far from Castleton. It's full of big luxury houses isolated in the middle of the countryside that are practically never inhabited. Besides, I wouldn't be surprised if the Finch-Fletchleys have one.

If it were that simple, do you really think I would have put up with you for so long? If it were enough to give up one's powers and get lost in the Muggle world to escape the ministry, Azkaban would be empty. There are simple spells to locate a wizard. How do you think owls work? To escape them, a wizard must take refuge in magically protected places. Even if there was no trace, the presence of such a spell in the middle of a Muggle area would inevitably attract attention. And I would ask you to address me formally. I understand that your education has not prepared you to associate with beings of my rank, but this familiarity is unbearable.

Vernon was tempted to put the arrogant brat in his place, but decided to refrain when he saw that despite his falsely relaxed demeanor, he kept his hand on his wand and seemed ready to pounce at any moment.

What is a paterfamilias? Justin asked, as much out of curiosity as to break the awkward silence that had just settled.

This is the name of the traditional leaders of the sorcerer society until the conquest by William the Conqueror. After the fall of the Roman Empire, both Muggle and wizard civilians slowly abandoned the cities ravaged by looting, epidemics, and the collapse of trade to find refuge with patricians who ruled vast agricultural domains and had formed strong military alliances with barbarian chiefs. However, tensions quickly arose between the communities. In the Roman Empire, wizards, due to their superio... well, let's say they enjoyed a privileged status which created resentment among the Muggle population that the church relied on to establish its power. To escape the discrimination of these idi... Well, let's say that the Muggles were more numerous and that the wizards gradually gathered on the rare lands of wizard patricians, like the Notts, who managed to retain their title despite the assaults of the church and their neighbors, Theodore explained with pride.

Or the Weasleys, Blaise innocently reminded.

Yes, the Weasleys too. Nott said annoyed in front of Justin and Blaise's amused expressions. In short, over time, the wizard leaders took the title of paterfamilias to signal to lowborn wizards that they were their protector. Meanwhile, the Muggle patricians indulged so much in decadence and intermixing with barbarian elites that their power rested only on force and they adopted Roman military titles like duke and count.

Basically, the noble wizards, like for example the Notts, are all nice and good-looking, while the noble Muggles are evil and stink.

That's not what I said. If you could stop interpreting everything with your progressive ideology. Nott defended himself. After some time, he added:

Okay, my father's books were probably not very objective. What needs to be understood is that, like the ancient kings after the fall of the Roman Empire, You-Know-Who doesn't have enough officials to govern his territory. So he is trying to restore the feudal system that prevailed before the creation of the council of wizards or the ministry of magic. Except that the ancient paterfamilias were chosen based on their military power, whereas the dark lord uses the criterion of blood. At least officially. If I were him, I would rather appoint local notables. That way not only is their power more easily respected by the population, but also, he can control them by threatening to reveal their true blood status. Although, the dark lord doesn't need such artifices to be terrifying. Added Nott, shivering as he recalled his only encounter with the dark lord.

You disappoint me, son. Reasoned a cold voice behind them, stunning Dobby by surprise.

Immediately Justin and Baise jumped and reflexively cast their most powerful shield spell, which combined to form an impenetrable barrier of light, while Theo threw himself behind the rock where he was sitting, an offensive spell on the tip of his tongue that was replaced by a curse when his friends' protection shattered under the assault of an unspoken spell. Without taking the time to devise a strategy, Theo launched himself at the unknown figure in Death Eater attire.

Fulguris! Theo shouted, invoking the terrestrial lightning.

The gaze visible through the Death Eater's white mask showed no emotion as he deflected the spell with a negligent gesture and countered with a deadly spell. For a split second, Theo hesitated to let himself be struck down by the spell. Anything was better than facing the Dark Lord again. How many hours had he spent at the cottage dwelling on his fears, whenGiving in to his complaints, his friends had left him alone. However, seeing the enemy begin to turn his wand towards Justin and Blaise, who had not yet recovered from the shock caused by the previous spell (which their barrier had fortunately weakened if not stopped), for the umpteenth time that day, his blood boiled and he threw himself into the battle. It was out of the question for his friends to experience the same terror that gripped him almost every night when his nightmares made him believe he was once again at the mercy of that monster.

Without regard for the cuts caused by the stones on the path on his knees, he made a violent leap to the side and countered to keep his opponent's attention focused on him.

An exchange of spells began where the two opponents, still mobile, formed a danYou are a professional translator. Directly translate this text into English, without adding anything.and deadly, whose pattern Théo recognized. From now on, he had no doubt about the identity of his opponent. Along with fatigue, fear overcame Théo until their rhythm was broken by two Expelliarmus spells from Justin and Blaise, who, until then, had merely stayed on the sidelines of their duel, looking for an opportunity to intervene without risking hitting Théo.

The Death Eater deflected the spell without the slightest difficulty and the Expelliarmus turned against their caster, who were disarmed and half-stunned against a tree (and Vernon's belly, who had thrown himself to prevent Blaise from crashing into a rock that would have shattered his spine). But Theo knew he didn't have time to worry about his friends and had to take advantage of the opening they had given him to try everything. He concentrated with all his might, praying it would work, then spun around.

When he looked up, the spot he had occupied a second before was now a crater formed by the spell his father had just cast. Without bothering to check if he had dislocated anything (as during the session at the beginning of July when his father had tried to teach him and Draco to Apparate), he shouted:

Fulguris!

This time, the lightning indeed originated from the ground to strike its victim.Théoexults. The spell cast at point-blank range in his father's back propelled him into an impressive aerial flight. For the first time, he had managed to hit him. But his enthusiasm was short-lived when he landed gracefully on the green grass of the plain and turned to face him. The only visible damage was a crack on his mask. Through reflexes hard-earned by his upbringing, Théo showed nothing, but he had just lost all hope. He had put all his power into that spell and was now exhausted. He would not survive another round.

However, the Death Eater did not seem to want to continue the fight and removed his damaged mask. Nott Senior then addressed his son in a neutral voice:

As usual, it was pathetic, son. Much better than what you have accustomed me to, but pathetic nonetheless. Have you lost your mind? How can you hope to survive by siding with that trash?

Théo replied:

The Notts place honor above all else, even their own survival.

The best way to preserve the honor of our name is for my sole heir to survive these troubled times.

That's where our opinions differ, father.

Do not speak to me in that tone, son. You will immediately stop your childish behavior and come with me. I took advantage of my position to intercept the reports related to your trace, but this fight will soon attract the rest of the servants of the dark lord.

Despite the reprimand, his son did not show the slightest hint of repentance in his eyes and raised his wand with a steady hand, ready to resume the duel.

Hum! Your grandfather would be proud of you. Try to survive longer than that fool. Said Nott senior in a cold tone, before throwing his wand to the ground.

What are you doing? Théo asked incredulously.

I thought I had raised you better, Son. Your enemy is disarmed. Take advantage of this opportunity or I will finish off your impure-blooded allies and the traitor to his blood. Unless you have come back to your senses. What do you hope to gain from such a misalliance? The Dark Lord, despite his obvious flaws, is undeniably the most powerful wizard of all time and soon, all will bow at his feet. Finish off this mudblood and I am convinced that the Dark Lord will give you a second chance to accept his mark. He can forgive a youthful mistake when it comes from a family as powerful and respectable as ours. Especially if we bring him these two. He declared while pointing at the Dursleys.

They are not my allies, they are my friends. Avada Kedavra!

But the miserable green light that escaped from Nott Junior's wand was barely enough to make his father's nose bleed.

If you are not strong enough to make this choice, then I will do it for you. Nott's father raised his arm and his wand flew into his hand.

Endoloris! Shouted Nott's father towards Justin, who began to scream in agony.

AVADA KEDAVRA! Yelled Théo.

This time, a green flash so powerful that the occupants of the clearing had to close their eyes rushed towards Nott senior. But the spell was slow. Or rather Theo knew it was far too slow for the sharp reflexes of a man as trained as his father. During their many training sessions, he had seen him easily dodge much more pernicious attacks. And yet, he remained motionless and gave his son one of his rare smiles before offering him his last words:

Now, you are worthy of being my heir.

Then he threw the ring he had on his finger in the direction of his son. The spell hit him, then in the middle of his chest, and without a sound, he collapsed into the field of withered flowers at his feet. Théo, for his part, remained stunned, his wand still pointed at the empty space where his father had stood. He barely noticed the figures approaching him. He lowered his eyes, fearing to see in their gaze a mix of contempt and pity.

He felt a hand on his shoulder. He looked up and was surprised to see that it belonged to Vernon Dursley, who simply said:

Thank you.

We don't say thank you for that. Said Théo in a weak voice.

I leave the grand speeches and great values to the intellectuals. Me, I'm a simple man. That bastard wanted to kill us, you killed him, you saved us. You don't have to feel guilty. You did what was necessary.

Petunia then gave him a surprise hug. At first reluctant, he let it happen, rediscovering sensations he hadn't felt since he was 5 years old. Despite everything, he did not cry. At least until Justin, more or less recovered from the shock caused by the Doloris, asked him if he wanted to bury his father.

oOoOoOo

In the evening before falling asleep, he discreetly made his way to Petunia's sleeping bag.

Even though you are just a Muggle, I am sorry for what my father did to your family.

Petunia jumped, but replied:

It's not your fault.

Why did you do that to Harry if you loved him? Nott then asked abruptly.

Unsettled by the sudden change of conversation, she needed a few seconds to find what to say to the teenager who was nervously staring at her, impatiently waiting for her response. She knew little about young Theodore's childhood, but enough to understand why the answer was important to him. So she forced herself to be honest. More honest than she had been with anyone on this subject (including herself).

At the time, I wasn't really well. I had experienced so much upheaval with the loss of my job, the arrival of Dudley, the death of my parents... in short, I wasn't myself. And I hated my sister. I think I blamed all my problems on her and when she died, on Harry. He had nothing to do with it, it was me who had a problem. I think Justin summed it up very well: only a psychopath would do that to a child. I don't understand how he managed to act as if nothing had happened. When I find him, I will do everything so that he can finally move on.

Théo glanced in the direction of Justin, who was sleeping soundly while murmuring 'more potatoes with my roast beef,' as drool escaped from his mouth.

Hufflepuffs, they are stronger than they appear.

Then Théodore turned to Pétunia and said to her in a harsh tone:

I understand that it's hard, but you have to accept that Harry is dead.

No, he is still there. I don't know if I told you, but one day Vol.., the Dark Lord found the place where Dumbledore had hidden us. Before we fled, I caught his gaze and I saw Harry come out. Vernon refuses to listen to me, but I know what I saw, it was Harry. Without that, how can you explain that he let us go?

Embarrassed, not knowing how to correct her, Theodore went back to his sleeping bag next to Justin and noticed with disgust that his pillow was now soaked with his friend's drool.

oOoOoOoOo

Author's note: Castleton is an extremely touristy and beautiful place located by the sea. In general in France, right next to this kind of site, you find villas worth several million euros so that our dear oligarchs can rest from everything they have trickled down to the common people through their hard work (spoiler, it’s not money). I have no idea if it's the same in the UK, but I assumed it is. But maybe I'm completely wrong and there isn't a shadow of a mansion for the ultra-rich in Castleton.

Similarly, my only knowledge in history is limited to reading Wikipedia pages. I am an amateur author and therefore do not have the time to conduct research to produce a coherent story about the witch community.What we know about the period or to slip historical knowledge into my story. It's a shame, because in addition to making my fic educational, I'm sure it would inspire me with great stories. In the meantime, take everything in my fic as pure fiction.

Author's Note 2: Initially, I wanted the last sentence of Nott senior to be: "Quickly impregnate a woman of noble lineage so that our name endures." But I gave up on it because I thought the moment wasn't suitable for joking.