A Treacherous Plot

"Perhaps you misunderstood what I meant, Amelia—"

Facing Amelia as her emotions gradually spiraled out of control, Amosta let out a heavy sigh.

"Everything that happened back then, right or wrong, is in the past. Clinging to hatred is foolish. I do not hate your parents for abandoning my mother all those years ago.

"Your family has a happy, joyful life. My involvement would only tear apart the peace you once had, and that goes against my original intentions.

"Besides, I believe you understand that the British wizarding world is facing a tremendous trial. Voldemort's return has once again cast the shadow of war over the wizards living on that land. If you know even a little about Voldemort, then you should understand how ruthless he is. Once our relationship becomes known to the public, it will undoubtedly be a disaster for you and your parents."

Voldemort.

Amelia froze.

She truly had not given much thought to the dark wizard whom Albus Dumbledore had proclaimed had returned among the people.

More than a decade ago, the upheaval Voldemort had caused in Britain had not spread to other countries. To most magical civilizations, he was merely a figure from the history books.

Well-read and possessed of an excellent memory, Amelia had read some accounts of the dark wizard British wizards called the "Dark Lord." If the things recorded in those books were true... Amelia bit her lip. Amosta would surely stand resolutely at the forefront of the resistance against that dark wizard, and judging by Voldemort's past methods, there was no way he would leave her family alone.

Sirius stood by the bar, holding an empty glass. As he watched the two confronting each other, his mouth fell wider and wider open, leaving him with a comically absurd expression.

The only