96 Trouble

*Morpheus pov*

After the invigorating class on Linguafolium, I found myself contemplating Nicolas's letter, it's not every day the immortal alchemist himself gets restless enough to send word. The invitation to his house intrigued me, and as the day waned, I decided to embark on the journey to his residence.

The corridors of Hogwarts shifted and seemed to whisper as I walked through the corridors. the castle itself was waking up even more now aware of the magical events unfolding within its walls. With each step, the anticipation grew, hopefully, my conversation with Nicolas will go well.

Entering Albus's office I expected to see him but the room was empty, shrugging I summoned a piece of parchment and wrote a quick note in case he noticed my absence.

Walking up to the floo I grabbed some power and whispered, "French home, Nicolas!" the fire roared pulling me in, the process was much easier as Albus had visited before

Appearing in a small shed I walked out, the shed was heavily covered in defenses and traps, and I was already keyed in to bypass those traps.

As I approached Nicolas's abode, the air carried an enigmatic aura, and the door creaked open before I could knock. Stepping into the alchemist's dwelling, I was greeted by the scent of ancient books and alchemical potions.

"Ah, Morpheus, my friend. What brings you here?" Nicolas inquired, his eyes gleaming with a mix of wisdom, curiousity, and tiredness

I handed him the letter from Negary, a knowing smile playing on my lips. "Your letter piqued my interest, Nicolas. I sensed a hint of restlessness, and I thought a visit might shed some light on the matter."

Nicolas's face turned serious nodding he gestured for me to join him in his study, a room adorned with arcane symbols and artifacts from centuries past. We settled into a discussion about the nuances of magical theory, but beneath the scholarly banter, a subtle tension lingered.

Of course, those were just mundane topics, it seems Nicolas needed to regain his bearings.

Sighing Nicolas changed the topic, "As you know, my friend, the pursuit of immortality is a taxing journey the stone is missing something, I can feel it. Lately, I've found solace in my studies, but there's an unease that lingers," Nicolas confessed, his gaze fixed on an old manuscript.

"Perhaps it's time for a change of pace," I suggested, leaning back in my chair. "Engaging with the ever-evolving magical world can offer new perspectives, even for someone as seasoned as you."

Nicolas raised an eyebrow, considering my words. "You propose I step out of my comfort zone? What do you have in mind, Morpheus?"

"A collaboration," I replied, a mischievous glint in my eyes. "One last time, me and you in business together. What do you say?" I said with a small smile

Nicolas rolled his eyes, "Business with you is not something I enjoy," he poured himself a glass of wine

Taking the glass he offered I replied, "Well, let's talk more about it later now what did you really call me here for?" I asked while taking a sip of wine

Nicolas laughed, "You don't already know?" he joked

I shook my head, "Nicolas," prompting him to continue

"Tom is a busy man, alliances are cropping up all over the place not just Britain. France, Bulgaria, and everywhere in between. Not just humans are in this alliance but, creatures too," he said shaking his head

That reminds me I need to revisit Gringotts.

"I knew this was coming, you knew this was coming what has you concerned?" I asked with a frown, Nicolas hardly ever gets concerned about matters such as this

"The prisoners behind the veil," Nicolas began, "I don't think they are trying to win over the humans of the alliance," he said with a heavy sigh

My eyes widened, "Do you have evidence of talks?" I asked quickly

Nicolas shook his head in disappointment, "Sadly I don't but, I received news from the count he had a little visitor,"

Fuck.

"Clever little bastards, they pulled my attention and masked what was needed," I swore

They pulled my attention with talks with the goblins and Morthrax making me think they were only going after Tom Riddle, Britain, and the goblins.

While I was performing divinations on that they hid themselves with heavy blocker wards while tempting the other races.

"How could I fall for something so stupid, so simple?" I asked in mock depression

"Nicolas, try to bring me into contact with the count and possibly the king. I know you have connections to them," I said standing from my seat

"I will try no promises, and what about you, What are you going to do in the meantime?" He asked while I put my glass down and took out a portkey

"I have to go back to Hogwarts for now, send a letter when you receive a response thank you, my friend," I said with a smile

"Of course now go," he shooed

Laughing I activated the portkey.

*Narrator pov*

The Forbidden Forest stood silent and mysterious as Morpheus materialized from the portkey, his surroundings cloaked in the silver glow of the moon. The meeting with Nicolas had left him unsettled, the revelation about the monsters scheming behind the veil casting a shadow over his thoughts.

As Morpheus navigated through the dense foliage, his mind churned with the implications of the newfound information. The centaurs, keepers of the Forbidden Forest's secrets, were his next destination. Their previous dealing with the pale professor needed to be revisited.

The forest seemed to close in around him, the towering trees creating an otherworldly canopy. Morpheus moved with purpose, guided by a sense of urgency. A clearing emerged ahead, bathed in moonlight, and there, amidst the ancient trees, the centaurs awaited.

As Morpheus approached, the centaurs, with their equine bodies and humanoid torsos, turned their keen eyes toward him. Their leader, a wise and aged centaur named Magorian, stepped forward.

"What brings you back to our side of the forest so soon Morpheus?" Magorian said with a light glare

Morpheus smirked but his tone was solemn, "the forces behind the veil are recruiting, they seek beings like yourself to ally against their own world," Morpheus spoke sadly

Magorian scoffed, "You ask for us to join you? How laughable now leave," his tone was commanding

Morpheus shook his head, "No you got it all wrong Magorian, do not join me also don't join them just stay neutral that's all I seek," he said with a convincing look shining in his eyes

"You wish for us to stay neutral? How interesting I wouldn't think you of all people would be okay with that," Magorian said surprise clear from his tone and comically widened eyes

Morpheus shook his head in disappointment, "Don't always listen to rumors my friend," he clasped the centaur's side like he would a humans shoulder, "I wouldn't dream of having you help me, it's too much of an ask,"

Idiots, they will attack this castle first, and in conjunction the forest, you will have to fight either way.

"Then we agree," Magorian said with a proud smile

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A/N: Patre on : patreon.com/Boogie324

yo just want to say sorry if there is any inconsistency with names and grammar. I unfortunately start writing between 2:30 am and 3:30 am and sometimes I don't catch my mistakes.