Erwin nodded. "Yes, and one more question. Who taught you the spell you used to counter Voldemort's Killing Curse?"
Lily's eyes flickered slightly. "I found it in the Potter family's collection."
Erwin's voice turned cold. "Is that so? The Potters rose to prominence in Fleamont's generation, with their Sleekeazy's Hair Potion being a renowned magical invention. In just two generations, they're hardly an old pure-blood line. Do you really think they had that kind of arcane knowledge?"
Lily's expression stiffened. "Why do you want to know? What's it to you?"
"Nothing, really. I'm just curious. You're Muggle-born, and the Potters are new money. So where did you learn such an exquisite charm?"
"What if I don't tell you?"
Erwin flicked his wrist. A wand materialized in his hand. "You should know that even in spirit form, a soul can be banished."
"Aren't you afraid I'll tell Snape?"
Erwin shook his head. "That's your choice. If you tell my godfather, I'll explain myself to him. But I doubt you will."
Lily studied Erwin for a moment, then let out a sudden laugh. "You're nothing like your parents. They weren't this ruthless. That spell? Dumbledore taught it to me."
Erwin frowned. So it was Dumbledore after all.
The old man was more cunning than he'd imagined.
Erwin had suspected as much. If Dumbledore had given Lily the charm, it fit a larger plan: her using it would leave Voldemort as a fractured spirit, ripe for the Horcrux hunt. But the depth of it gnawed at him. Had Dumbledore orchestrated everything—even the prophecy? Was total annihilation of Voldemort worth such elaborate scheming? At his peak, Voldemort was no match for the Headmaster anyway. What was the old wizard truly after?
If their roles were reversed, Erwin could have pulled it off with his foreknowledge. But Dumbledore? It smacked of near-omniscience. Yet that couldn't be right—if he had a god's view, why hadn't he located the Horcruxes sooner?
Erwin rubbed his temples, a headache brewing. He'd overthought it before hearing the confirmation, and now it only deepened the puzzle.
Lily watched him. "You look troubled. Whatever's on your mind, your parents wouldn't want this for you. They were both so vibrant—your father like the sun, warming everyone around him. Your mother was cooler, but she cherished those she trusted. You're shouldering too much. As a soul, I see clearer than most. You're wrapped in shadows; it can't be good for you."
Erwin managed a smile. "Thanks for the advice. I'll try to lighten the load."
Lily nodded. As her form began to fade, she said, "Looks like my time's up."
"I promised my godfather—if I can manage it in five years, I'll strike a deal with Death to bring you back. That's my word to him."
No surprise crossed her face; Snape had clearly mentioned it. "I'm counting on it. Life's full of regrets for everyone. If you can, keep an eye on Harry for me—for your mother's sake."
With that, her soul dissolved completely, slipping back to the realm of the dead.
Erwin stared at the empty space. Looking after Harry? If the terms were fair, perhaps.
He stretched, feeling the weight lift slightly. Everything was in place now. All that remained was tonight's spectacle.
Truth be told, he was eager for it.
Erwin touched the Communication Rune. Rita's voice crackled through almost immediately. "Master?"
"Are you set?"
"Everything's prepared."
"Good. Make sure to get plenty of close-ups."
She hesitated. "But sir, someone higher up might block the release."
"Don't worry about that. I'll handle the obstacles. Just write the piece—I'll manage the rest."
After the connection severed, even Erwin couldn't suppress a grin of anticipation. He wondered if his old teacher could weather the storm. The Dark Lord should manage, but Erwin had contingencies ready. No room for slip-ups.
Glancing at the clock, he settled onto his bed for a brief rest, mulling over future moves.
Time drifted by. Erwin skipped the Great Hall feast, having his house-elves bring dinner to his quarters.
After eating, he stood by the window, the evening breeze carrying a chill. The show was about to start, and it was his cue to step into the spotlight.
With a snap of his fingers, Erwin vanished.
Meanwhile, in the Great Hall, the air hung heavy. The young witches and wizards ate in tense silence, stealing glances around. Up on the dais, the professors exchanged uneasy looks but said nothing.
...
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