Lady of the Lake

Author "Wind of the Sleep God" recommends reading <Hogwarts: The Rise of Malfoy> using the "Renren Library" APP. Download and install it.

That night.

The night was as dark as ink, and the Black Lake shimmered with a cold and profound light under the moonlight.

The lake was eerily calm, like a black mirror, swallowing the reflections of the stars and the castle.

Skylar stood alone by the lake.

The lights of Hogwarts were left far behind him, and the night wind rustled the hem of his robes.

He raised his hand, palm facing the lake.

The magic flowed silently.

That wasn't the spellcasting method commonly used among modern wizards; it was an extremely ancient, almost instinctive way of mobilizing magic—like responding to the breath of water, creating a connection with the lake itself.

"Awaken, according to the ancient oath."

The deep incantation was not pronounced in English, but rather in a variant of Old British Celtic, with long, undulating syllables.

The lake water trembled as a result.

What began as mere ripples quickly spread outwards, as if stirred by an invisible giant hand. Deep within the Black Lake, something colossal began to stir—

A huge tentacle burst from the water, followed by a second and a third.

Beneath the Black Lake, a gigantic, mysteriously formed Giant Squid slowly emerged from the water. Moonlight shone upon it, casting a faint silver glow.

Its size was far greater than what the students usually glimpsed from the boat, its tentacles intertwined, like an ancient monster lurking in the lake. But upon closer inspection, one would find that its movements were slow and stiff, as if bound by invisible shackles, each swaying accompanied by painful hesitation.

Skylar's gaze fell on its eyes.

That's not the look of a wild beast.

There is reason, struggle, and weariness worn away by time.

"Just as I thought," Skylar said softly.

He raised his other hand and slid a small black pebble from his sleeve, pulsating with extremely violent magic—it was the "Evil Dragon Heart" that Skylar had obtained on the Island of Avalon.

The power contained within the Evil Dragon Heart surpasses that of the Philosopher's Stone, but its nature is too violent, applicable only to Morgan le Fay or his sister Nimue. Only these descendants of the Hell Dragon Emperor can withstand the power of the Evil Dragon Heart.

But Skylar, who was well-versed in the History of Magic, knew that Morgan's lineage actually consisted of nine sisters, and the enormous creature before him was clearly one of them.

Skylar carefully used a special technique to draw upon the magic power within the Evil Dragon Heart. One stream of magic power after another transformed into streams of light, spreading out along unseen paths and outlining a massive magic circle that covered the entire lake surface.

"Use the lake as a mirror, and the stones as a key."

Skylar's voice gradually deepened, yet became increasingly clear.

The lake water suddenly boiled.

The black water was illuminated by silvery-white runes, as if the night sky had been turned upside down. The Giant Squid let out a low, suppressed roar, a sound that was not like the howl of a wild beast, but more like a sigh that had been suppressed for thousands of years.

The tentacles began to tremble violently.

On the thick, tentacle-like surfaces, dark purple runes emerged, like chains binding the soul. They continuously drained the Giant Squid's magic, preventing it from ever escaping the constraints of its form.

The next instant, he suddenly clenched his five fingers.

"--Break!"

The silvery-white magic circle suddenly contracted, and the runes cut into the lake water like sharp blades. The dark purple curse seals emitted a piercing cracking sound, and the chains disintegrated and vanished in the light.

The Giant Squid let out a nearly piercing scream.

Its enormous body twisted violently, its tentacles breaking off and regenerating one after another, and the lake water was stained with a faint silver glow. It was not blood, but the primordial magic power that overflowed when its form was forcibly reshaped.

Skylar stood steadily on the lakeside, his robes billowing in the strong wind.

His eyes narrowed slightly, and for the first time, a fine sheen of sweat appeared on his forehead.

This is a curse that spans thousands of years. The power of the curse has long surpassed the limits of the current magical world. Logically speaking, even a Grand Sorcerer would be helpless against it despite his best efforts.

Unfortunately, another extraordinary figure like Skylar emerged in this world, whose magical power reached an unprecedented level.

Even so, Skylar having already activated the two profound techniques "Dragon and Snake Rise from the Land" and "Soaring Battle Intent," his magic power was still barely sufficient.

But ultimately--

That's enough.

The final rune fell.

The lake surface exploded with a deafening roar.

A slender figure rose from the water, her long silver hair cascading down her pale shoulders and neck. The enormous monster had vanished without a trace, replaced by a woman in a lake-blue dress, her bare feet treading on the water's surface.

Her face was almost unreal in its beauty, her features gentle yet ancient, yet her eyes were filled with an indescribable sorrow and relief.

She stared blankly at her hands, then slowly raised her head, her light blue eyes looking at Skylar.

The lake waters slowly calmed down in the aftershocks of the curse's collapse, and silvery moonlight shone down, as if draping a tranquil veil over this ancient body of water. The woman in blue stood barefoot on the water's surface, her skirt fluttering gently in the night breeze, and ripples spread beneath her feet, but never quite reaching her ankles.

She lowered her head, her long silver hair falling along her shoulders, obscuring most of her expression.

Skylar didn't urge her, but just watched her quietly.

He could sense that the other person wasn't rudely ignoring him, but rather trying to understand—what kind of world he had been "liberated" into.

The woman finally raised her head.

It was a cool and classical face, with soft features, yet carrying a sense of detachment that time could not erase. Her silver hair shimmered faintly in the moonlight, as if it were an extension of water and magic itself.

"It was you who freed me from the curse."

The moment her voice rang out, the lake seemed to ripple slightly.

Her voice wasn't high, but it was so clear it was almost transparent, like the echo of moonlight falling into a clear spring, carrying an ancient and gentle rhythm. It was a voice that no singer in the modern Wizarding World could imitate—it had no deliberate technique, yet it naturally drew in magical resonance.

If she were willing to sing, I'm afraid all the singers in the entire wizarding entertainment industry would lose their place, and even the top star, Celestina Warbeck, couldn't match her voice in terms of timbre.

Skylar was slightly taken aback.

He had met many powerful individuals, but this was the first time he had ever felt such a clear perception of "voice" itself. This voice naturally contained a certain captivating magic that could influence the emotions and perceptions of others. It was a skill that could not be honed through hard work; it was likely some kind of innate talent she possessed.

The woman lowered her head slightly, her posture restrained and dignified. "Viviane, the fairy of the lake," she whispered, "I offer you my deepest gratitude."

The moment the name was uttered, Skylar's pupils contracted almost imperceptibly. Although he had suspected it beforehand, he still hadn't imagined that this ugly monster who had roamed the Black Lake at Hogwarts for years was actually the Lady of the Lake who bestowed the sword upon King Arthur.

She paused for a moment, a very faint, yet slightly bitter smile appearing on her lips.

Skylar, well-versed in the History of Magic, knew his words were true. But why would Morgan place such a cruel curse on her, causing her to wander the world as a beast for over a thousand years?

A night breeze swept across the lake, creating delicate ripples.

"A thousand years ago, I disagreed with her because I upheld King Arthur's final vow."

"She cursed me in the cruelest way, the way she knew me best."

Viviane lowered her gaze, looking at her hands.

"Seal me as Giant Squid, imprison me at the bottom of the Black Lake. I am conscious, yet unable to speak, unable to sleep, and unable to truly die."

Her tone remained calm.

That's precisely why it seems so cruel.

"A full thousand years."

"No name, no response, not even confirmation that time is still flowing."

She looked up at Skylar again.

At that moment, there were no tears in her eyes, yet they seemed eerily empty.

"So--"

She bowed solemnly, performing a very ancient gesture of thanks.

"Thank you, Skylar."

Skylar remained silent for a moment.

Although it was their first meeting, Skylar could sense her loneliness. Time had passed, and things had changed. Although she had regained her freedom, she was left with only a sense of bewilderment, with no one to turn to and nowhere to go.

"No need to thank me, you're free now," Skylar said softly. "What are your plans for the future?"

"Freedom," Viviane repeated softly.

She gazed at the distant silhouette of Hogwarts Castle, its lights appearing unfamiliar and distant to her.

"My vow was buried with King Arthur, and my kin are reduced to a single name—the very name of the one who cursed me."

She lowered her eyelashes.

"There is no place for me in this era." Viviane paused for a moment, then gave a smile that seemed almost resigned. "I sensed the power of an old friend in you. You are Merlin's successor, aren't you?"

Skylar nodded silently.

"So that's how it is. It's all destiny. You inherited Merlin's legacy, so you can't avoid being tainted by his karma. You and Morgan must also have an inextricable entanglement of grudges—" She raised her head, her gaze clear and firm, "Since I have nowhere else to go, and you have freed me, if you don't mind, I am willing to repay you with my life and follow you."

Skylar raised an eyebrow slightly.

Do you know what you're saying?

"I know," Viviane said without hesitation. "I am willing to relinquish my freedom as a Lady of the Lake and, in the name of a handmaiden, make a new vow."

A night breeze swept across the lake, causing the water to ripple softly.

This time, Skylar did not respond immediately.

His gaze shifted slightly downwards, and within the vision of the Magic Eye, Viviane's existence was clearly dissected and analyzed.

Her soul remained pure, even more stable than most modern wizards; but the magic within her—

Nearly depleted.

It wasn't a natural decline, but rather a curse that had repeatedly drained and consumed over the long years, like a spring being squeezed dry bit by bit. By the standards of the Ministry of Magic, Viviane today wouldn't even qualify as an ordinary wizard.

Closer to --

A complete Squib.

Skylar's gaze darkened slightly.

"Your current state," he began, "Is not suitable for making any more vows."

Viviane paused for a moment, then gave a wry smile.

"I understand." She didn't argue. "That's why I said it was as a 'maid'."

She raised her head, her voice still gentle, but with a hint of resigned weariness.

"I am no longer the Lady of the Lake. I have no power, no duty. If I cannot attach myself to any being, I don't even know where I can go."

This time, Skylar frowned.

"You're not asking for asylum," he said. "You're giving up on yourself."

Viviane was stunned.

She seemed surprised by this response.

Skylar took a step forward and finally stood on the lake, side by side with her. The ripples on the water beneath his feet were equally still, as if acknowledging his presence.

"I lifted your curse, not so you could be bound in another way," he whispered, "Nor to simply take an empty shell."

A night breeze swept by, causing the emblems on his robes to flutter.

Viviane looked at him, a clear emotion appearing in her eyes for the first time.

But what can I leave behind?

This question, though not pleading, was even more unsettling than pleading.

Skylar did not answer immediately.

He opened his right palm, revealing a small black pebble in his palm. As soon as the object appeared, the surrounding air vibrated slightly, as if some ancient and violent life was still pulsating within it.

"You know what this is, right?" Skylar said softly.

"This is... the Evil Dragon Heart!" Viviane's breath hitched. "You actually managed to get your hands on this treasure!"

"This is what I obtained on the Island of Avalon," Skylar continued, "And I didn't intend to use it lightly."

He looked at her, his gaze calm yet earnest.

"But if you are willing to rise again instead of sinking to the bottom—" he said in a deep voice, "I swear a sacred magical oath by Skylar Malfoy, and I will use it to help you rebuild your magic, perhaps even return to your former glory."

The lake was completely still.

Viviane stared blankly at the Evil Dragon Heart, her fingertips trembling slightly.

Skylar and she were meeting for the first time, but she could vaguely see the shadow of King Arthur in the former.

"No wonder Merlin chose you," she said softly.

Hearing this, Skylar could only shake his head and smile bitterly, "Don't mention that old geezer. The so-called inheritance he gave me is far less than the immense trouble he brought me."

"The Evil Dragon Heart is a priceless treasure to you, but to me it's just a useless pebble. I can give it to you, and I don't need you to be my handmaiden," Skylar said sincerely. "I only hope that you can truly choose your own destiny anew."

"Consider it," Skylar smiled and said, "That I'm repaying a favor I did for you on behalf of Professor Merlin!"

A glint of tears suddenly welled up in Viviane's eyes.

She slowly bowed, performing a solemn and ancient gesture of respect.

"I swear in the name of Viviane, if I can sever the past and be reborn," she raised her head, her voice echoing softly in the night, "I will follow Skylar Malfoy for all eternity, venerate him as the master of the Holy Sword, and assist him in ruling the final land of Avalon."

A silver light flowed between the two.

"This is..." Skylar was taken aback and blurted out instinctively.

He certainly hadn't anticipated this.

"This is the sacred oath of my people," Viviane explained softly, a hint of self-mockery flashing in her voice.

"Back then, I made the same oath with King Arthur, offering him the holy sword to help him ascend the throne. The destiny carried by the holy sword has also benefited me, intertwining my fate with his."

"But later, this vow ultimately became the root of my curse and my exploitation."

Her voice trembled slightly for the first time, yet it remained breathtakingly beautiful. "This time, I have chosen you. Our destinies will be intertwined, forming a community where we share both glory and misfortune."

Skylar gazed at her for a long time.

At that moment, he suddenly understood something—

The relationship between Viviane and King Arthur was far more complex than a simple one of "assistant" and "assisted."

That's a kind of existence closer to symbiosis.

But only now did he truly realize,

The legacy of Avalon has never been limited to a single form.

Viviane is practicing a completely different path—

It is not about conquest or devouring, but about using a vow as a bridge to forcibly link two destinies together.

This power is not simply a magical amplification, but a higher-dimensional "resonance of destiny." The growth of one side will benefit the other; every choice will leave an echo in each other.

It is a mysterious force that cannot be quantified, yet it truly exists.

"In that case," he said, his tone serious and restrained, "I respect your choice."

He stepped forward and extended his hand.

"Please allow me to express my honor. It's a pleasure to meet you, Miss Viviane."

Skylar remained silent for a moment before slowly speaking.

I cannot guarantee the outcome.

He looked at Viviane, his gaze clear and calm.

But at least this time—you're not alone, nor are you being pushed around by fate.

"If you're willing to take this gamble," a glint of light flashed in Skylar's eyes, and an invisible aura emanated from him, "Then I will stand by your side and bear all the consequences of this choice."