Ancient Wizards Return to Hogwarts...

Chapter 229 An Unbreakable Vow

"No problem, but you need to do something for us first." Taurus pulled out a wisp of "happiness" from the crystal ball and let it swirl on his fingertips.

"What is it?" Reason was slowly returning to Bellatrix's brain. Her mind was like a rusty machine that had been lubricated and was now creaking and groaning as it started to run.

"We want to resurrect Voldemort," Taurus told Bellatrix directly, revealing their purpose.

Bella's breathing suddenly quickened, and the little bit of reason that had returned to her mind flew away again.

To resurrect the Dark Lord! This was something she could only dream of, and it was this belief that sustained her through every night in Azkaban. She longed to return to Lord Voldemort's side and continue serving him.

Now someone is saying they plan to resurrect their master? A strange emotion welled up inside Bellatrix, and it took her a moment to realize that this emotion was called "happiness," something she had long lost.

"It seems you do agree with our idea, so please tell us the whereabouts of Voldemort's Horcruxes," Taurus said softly. "Tell us that he entrusted one of his Horcruxes to you for safekeeping."

Taurus is also a little nervous now, because the Secret Order doesn't actually have 100% solid evidence. They only deduced from a large amount of intelligence that Voldemort entrusted the Horcruxes to his two most trusted subordinates for safekeeping.

If Bellatrix didn't know, they would have to try their luck with Lucius Malfoy, which would be much riskier—what if old Malfoy went to Dumbledore for help?

While it may sound comical, it's not entirely impossible. The Malfoy family is exactly that kind of family; they always manage to find a safe haven when facing a crisis.

Upon hearing the word "Hornet," Bellatrix's rationality returned instantly. She suppressed her joy and coldly stated that she had no idea what they were talking about.

She wouldn't easily reveal the whereabouts of her master's soul weapon; what if these four guys were trying to trick her? She would keep this secret deep within her soul and never let it slip out.

Taurus pinched the bridge of his nose with his fingers: It's normal not to be trusted, but luckily they were prepared.

It's not a potion like Truth Elixir, but a kind of contract magic.

"It's normal for you to be distrustful of us at our first meeting, but we have another solution." Taurus's expression turned serious: "I'm willing to make an unbreakable vow with you, swearing to dedicate everything I have to resurrect Voldemort."

Upon hearing the words "unbreakable oath," Bellatrix's mouth dropped open in astonishment: an unbreakable oath is a magical spell used to form a covenant between wizards. If the oath is broken, the person who broke it will die.

Hearing Taurus say this, Bella finally believed that he really wanted to resurrect his master.

"Why? I need an explanation. I've never seen you at any of our gatherings." At this moment, Bella had completely returned to normal, just like she had been a decade or so ago, shrewd and capable.

"We need him to deal with Dumbledore. He's a very troublesome and difficult person. We need the Dark Lord's help." Taurus spoke frankly. He knew how to communicate with people and build trust.

"That's right, that's right! Only Master can stop Dumbledore, and only Master can do it—you have good judgment!" Bella was very satisfied with Taurus's words, and she nodded repeatedly.

She bombarded Bella with questions, trying to find flaws in the four people before her. Faced with Bella's skepticism, the Taurus's main tactic was sincerity, and he spoke only the truth.

After a series of questions, Taurus successfully gained Bella's trust.

She agreed to reveal the location of the Horcrux to the Taurus Dark Lord on the condition that she swore an unbreakable oath.

"Very good, we've reached an agreement." Taurus smiled with satisfaction, then ordered Gemini and Aries to move away and not get in the way.

Gemini frowned, wanting to say something, but Aries pulled him away.

"The bystanders have all disappeared, let's begin now." Taurus easily opened the door to Bella's cell.

He knelt opposite Bellatrix, and they clasped each other's right hands. Pisces walked to their side and placed his wand on their clasped hands.

Bellatrix's throat bobbed, and she said in a hoarse voice, "Taurus, you can't tell anyone else where the Dark Lord's Horcruxes are hidden."

"I agree," Taurus replied.

A thin, dazzling tongue of fire shot out from the tip of Pisces' staff, wrapping around Taurus and Bellatrix's wrists like a blazing metal wire.

"Are you willing to do everything in your power to resurrect my master, the great Dark Lord Voldemort?"

"I do."

A second flame erupted, intertwining with the first to form a thin chain shimmering with red light.

"You are not allowed to damage or instruct others to damage the Dark Lord's Horcruxes. You must do everything in your power to protect them before he rises again, at any cost, even your life. Do you accept this condition?" Bellatrix stared intently into Taurus's eyes and asked the final question.

I accept.

The third tongue of fire landed on the hands of the two men, intertwining with the previous two, resembling a fiery serpent that turned their faces crimson.

After the unbreakable oath was fulfilled, Bella also told the two the location where she had hidden her master's Horcrux: she had kept it in the Lestrange family's underground vault in Gringotts.

"Gringotts, the safest place in the world, with its vaults filled with countless treasures, is enough to keep everyone in the dark." Bella was quite proud of her choice.

The perfect choice! It's safe and can be easily removed when the owner needs it. There couldn't be a more perfect decision.

Taurus raised an eyebrow: Gringotts? The legendary safest place, even safer than Hogwarts?

He laughed, and Bella laughed along with him.

Laughter broke out in Azkaban prison for the first time ever.

"Alright, we need to hurry up and get moving." After a moment, Taurus's smile faded, indicating it was time to leave.

"Sorry, we can't take you away from here. The Dementors won't allow it."

"It's alright." Bella smiled even more brightly. "After Master is resurrected, he will take me out of here—I can only wish you all the best."

Taurus stopped talking, nodded to Bella, shook his right hand, and then left with his companions.

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

The second update is here.

Please check back in the morning for the next update. Goodnight.

Have a good rest this weekend

(End of this chapter)