Harry Potter: The Legend of Nero Ravenclaw-Chapter 96: Their Decision

A gentle breeze rustled through the sprawling manor gardens of the Hufflepuff estate, where Alaric had invited his friends for a private discussion.

The sky was clear, with the afternoon sun casting golden light over the well-manicured lawns and the intricate stone paths that wound through the property.

Lilith and Ember arrived nearly at the same time, greeted by a polite house-elf who led them through the hallways of the grand mansion.

Unlike the ancient and gothic Ravenclaw Manor where Nero resided, the Hufflepuff estate exuded a different kind of elegance, a blend of modern enchantments and classical architecture.

Tall arched windows filled the house with natural light, and the interior was decorated with tasteful, enchanted artifacts that hummed with barely restrained magical energy.

Alaric was already waiting for them in a spacious study, where a round oak table stood at the center, surrounded by plush leather chairs.

The walls were lined with towering bookshelves, filled with everything from ancient spell books to detailed records on magical law and wizarding politics.

A tea set was already prepared, steam rising from the elegantly crafted porcelain cups.

Lilith and Ember took their seats, each looking at Alaric expectantly.

Alaric took a breath before speaking.

"Nero's announcement yesterday was a shock," he began, breaking the silence.

"You mean his prank joke or the Japan thingy?" Ember asked, raising an eyebrow as she reached for a biscuit.

Alaric sighed. "Both. But especially the Japan topic."

Lilith exhaled, swirling her tea absentmindedly. "It makes sense, though. If what Dumbledore said is true, and his mentor, Muzen, is as powerful as they say, then this could be an incredible opportunity for Nero."

Alaric nodded. "Very few wizards in Britain can boast about having studied Japanese wizardry. Their approach to magic is entirely different from ours, and that knowledge will give Nero an edge."

"Yeah, but..." Ember frowned. "He'll be leaving us behind."

A weight settled over them.

They all felt it.

Nero wasn't just a friend, he was their pillar, their greatest rival, their greatest partner.

Lilith finally broke the silence. "I don't want him to leave me in the dust."

Her voice was steady, but there was a fire in her eyes, a fierce determination.

Ember tilted her head. "What are you thinking about?"

Lilith sat up straighter. "We've pretty much covered all Hogwarts spells up to the seventh year. We've been training beyond the standard curriculum thanks to our duels with Nero. Sure, we still have a lot to improve, but at this point, our foundations are stronger than most students taking their N.E.W.T.s."

Alaric nodded thoughtfully. "You're not wrong about that. But what's your point?"

"If Nero is going to Mahoutokoro, he's going to come back stronger, more skilled, and filled with knowledge that we don't have. And knowing him, he'll share it with us."

"That sounds like Nero," Ember agreed with a smirk.

Lilith's fingers tightened around her cup. "I don't want to be only on the receiving end. I want to help him. To stand beside him in the future."

Ember's smirk faded slightly as she saw the conviction in Lilith's expression.

"With that Jonathan bastard after him, we all know that things are going to get worse before they get better," Lilith continued. "If we want to protect him, and ourselves, we need to be much stronger than we are now."

Alaric set his cup down. "I feel exactly the same, Lilith. But what are you suggesting?"

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Lilith took a breath and looked at them.

"I will also apply to study abroad."

Silence.

Alaric blinked. Ember nearly choked on her biscuit.

"Wait. What?!" Ember spluttered, coughing.

"You're serious?" Alaric asked, studying her carefully.

Lilith nodded. "If Nero is broadening his magic, then so will I. I want to learn new applications of magic, gain access to spells and techniques that aren't taught at Hogwarts. When I return, I will share that knowledge with Nero, and with both of you."

Her eyes blazed with determination.

For a long moment, Ember and Alaric simply stared at her.

Then, Ember suddenly smirked and leaned forward. "Lilith..."

Lilith frowned. "What?"

Ember's grin widened. "Did you fall that hard for Nero?"

"W-what?!" Lilith stammered, completely caught off guard. "No! That's not—!"

"Oh, come on," Ember teased, nudging her playfully. "The way you're talking, it's like you're preparing for some grand reunion where you impress him with all your new spells. Are you planning on dueling him under a full moon or something?"

Lilith's face flushed slightly. "That's not... I mean, I just don't want to stagnate! Or feel powerless when the time comes!"

Alaric chuckled, watching their exchange with amusement. Then, his expression turned more serious.

"Lilith," he said simply, "you're right."

Lilith turned to him, surprised.

"I was thinking about it last night," Alaric admitted. "After Nero told us his decision, I couldn't stop wondering, what about us? Are we just going to stay here while he leaves us in the dust? While he faces dangers we're not prepared for?"

Lilith nodded, understanding.

"Now I'm convinced," Alaric said with certainty. "Thank you, Lilith. You helped me make my decision."

Ember raised an eyebrow. "What decision?"

"I will also apply to study abroad," Alaric declared. "It's time we take our magic to the next level. By the time Nero returns, we'll be far beyond what we are now."

Lilith smiled. "That makes three of us, then."

Ember looked between them, arms crossed. "...You guys are really serious about this, huh?"

Alaric and Lilith nodded firmly.

Ember sighed dramatically. "Damn. Now I feel like I should do something crazy too."

Lilith smirked. "Go on, Ember. I dare you."

Ember tapped her chin in thought, then suddenly snapped her fingers.

"Guys, do you think there's a magical school abroad that specializes in throwing knives?"

For a moment, there was silence.

Then, laughter erupted.

Lilith covered her face, shaking with laughter. Alaric chuckled, shaking his head.

Ember grinned, clearly proud of herself.

"Honestly?" Alaric said between chuckles. "If there is, you'd be the first to enroll."

"You know it," Ember said smugly, twirling one of her daggers between her fingers.

As their laughter died down, the three of them exchanged glances.

This was it.

They had made their decision.

The next time they reunited with Nero, they would all be far, far stronger.

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