56 Marauders

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Ivan strolled back to Hogwarts, a small, toy-like skull held in his hand, while Azazel trailed behind him. He was in high spirits, content with his day's harvest. Not only had he acquired numerous much-needed magical items, but he had also secured the allegiance of Borgin, a prominent figure in the magical realm. Borgin would now serve as an informant, ensuring a steady supply of essential magical resources.

As Ivan bid farewell to Borgin, he retrieved a curious, dead skull from a shop. This skull served a dual purpose: it offered a potential cover story in case Dumbledore inquired, and it intrigued Ivan. Deep within the skull, a fragmented soul lay imprisoned, and Ivan intended to unravel the secrets of the soul.

Upon Ivan's return to the magical school, it was quite late, and most young wizards had retired for the night. Ivan had intended to return to his quarters, but a sudden realization struck him. He had forgotten to review a book and left behind some notes. Fortunately, his living quarters were conveniently close to the library, making the detour easy.

Ivan decided to leave Red Devil to look after the peculiar dog he had just purchased and ventured to the library alone. He whispered the command to unlock the door and entered, but upon crossing the threshold, he overheard a conversation from the private room where he usually studied.

Startled, Ivan swiftly extended his mental senses to assess the situation. To his relief, he discovered that four mischievous young wizards were conducting covert activities. They seemed to be defying school rules by infiltrating the library without permission.

One of the four, James Potter, confidently inquired, "Prongs, what have you found? Anything unusual?"

A pale-faced companion cautioned in a hushed tone, "Prongs, keep your voice down. We're sneaking around the library, and getting caught would mean expulsion."

Prongs, unfazed, replied, "What's the worst that can happen? We've got the Marauder's Map. If someone approaches, it will alert us, and we can escape without detection. Bigfoot, how's your search going? Wormtail, stop dawdling and help. Your hesitance is embarrassing."

Bigfoot, the tallest of the group, pushed aside a book on transfiguration and grumbled, "All these books are from the library's shelves. I haven't had a chance to return them. Who's responsible for allowing others to access them freely? After all this searching, there's still no clue about that person."

Wormtail, the short and plump member, looked on the verge of tears, "This is too risky. We should leave. If we're caught, we'll be expelled, and I can't afford that"

However, his pleas fell on deaf ears as the other three wizards continued their activities. Ivan, now aware of their identities, recognized James Potter as Harry Potter's father, Lupin as the young werewolf, Bigfoot as Sirius Black, and Wormtail as Peter Pettigrew.

Intrigued by these four individuals, Ivan decided to intervene. He boldly entered the room and addressed them, "Staying up past your bedtime, sneaking into the library, and rifling through my belongings – quite audacious, aren't you afraid of expulsion?"

The sudden appearance of Ivan startled the four young wizards, and James Potter instinctively checked the Marauder's Map, but it failed to reveal Ivan's presence. He exclaimed, "This is impossible! Why didn't the Marauder's Map detect you?"

Ivan, wearing a sly smile, revealed a silver ring on his finger, "I'm afraid your map is no match for this. I've imbued this ring with a set of runes that render me invisible even to your Marauder's map."

He then continued, "So, young lions of Gryffindor, should I report your intrusion or let you go?"

In their panic, the four wizards clung to Ivan's notes, uncertain of their fate.

Ivan observed the four young wizards before him: the pale werewolf Lupin, the short and portly Peter Wormtail, the tall Black, and James Potter, the future protagonist's father. The four wizards were visibly flustered, clutching Ivan's notes, uncertain of their next move.

In an attempt to regain control of the situation, James Potter bravely spoke up, "We weren't spying, we were just monitoring your library visits, suspecting you of having ulterior motives."

As James tried to explain their actions and defend their intentions, Ivan diverted his attention to Lupin, feigning surprise, "Wait a minute! A young werewolf? What's going on here? Is Dumbledore allowing werewolves in this school? Isn't he concerned about the safety of others? If this gets out, he may not remain the headmaster for long."

A sudden realization hit the four young wizards like a thunderbolt. They were not stupid, though their recent library escapade was a bit foolish. Normally, their actions would have warranted expulsion. However, being members of the prominent pure-blood Potter and Black families, they enjoyed a level of privilege. While they were sorted into Gryffindor, the two powerful pure-blood families would ensure they faced minimal consequences. Yet, if Lupin's werewolf condition were exposed, the consequences could be dire. It could lead to Lupin's expulsion, their removal from the school, and even implications for Dumbledore.

Just as desperation set in, Lupin began his transformation into a werewolf, triggered by stress and fear. His animalistic instincts took over as he morphed.

Ivan acted swiftly, focusing his mental energy and barking, "Awaken"

Inexplicably, Lupin's transformation halted. He reverted to his human form, the werewolf's control reasserted. James and the others, who had rushed out in panic, returned to witness the extraordinary scene.

The three other wizards watched this transformation with disbelief, unable to fathom how this mysterious stranger had so effortlessly restored Lupin's sanity. Their research on werewolves had led them to believe that once a transformation commenced, external influence was nearly impossible. They couldn't comprehend the techniques Ivan had employed.

Ivan, shaking his head with bemusement, remarked, "Impulsive, aren't you? I never said I would reveal your secret. Now, it's resolved. Leave quickly, or you may not like the consequences."

Incredulous, the young wizards asked, "You'll let us go, and you'll keep our secret? Is that true?"

"Absolutely. Leave before I reconsider."

Relieved, the four young wizards hurriedly departed the library. However, Lupin hesitated at the door, turned back, and approached Ivan, "Sir, you controlled my transformation earlier. Can you teach me?"

James and the others, who had just reached the door, understood Lupin's intentions and returned. Their expressions were a mixture of hope and curiosity as they gazed at Ivan.

Ivan shrugged, "I halted the transformation using my powerful mental abilities. You can't do that, but I have alternative methods. However, remember that every action has consequences. You'll need to contribute to our mutual benefit, and there's a challenge to overcome."

Lupin eagerly agreed, "I'll do whatever it takes. Please, tell me what I need to do. What's the challenge?"

"The challenge pertains to Dumbledore. When I came here to study, I promised Dumbledore that I wouldn't meddle in school affairs. If you want my help, you'll need Dumbledore's consent. I believe he's aware of your condition. You must speak to him and secure his approval. Once he agrees, we can begin."

Amazed by Ivan's intervention, they asked in disbelief how he had managed to control the transformation. Ivan explained his method, emphasizing the importance of mutual benefits, but insisted that they secure Dumbledore's consent.

This revelation prompted Lupin to contemplate. He understood the pressure Dumbledore had exerted to grant him access to Hogwarts. Yet, gaining control over his werewolf transformation was of paramount importance. Every full moon brought fear, secrecy, and the risk of harming his friends. Lupin made a firm decision to approach Dumbledore and seek his support, determined to find a solution to his condition.