The Marauders: A Hogwarts Tale

The weekend arrived swiftly, bringing with it a rare opportunity for Godric and Raine to escape the confines of Excalibur Academy. The city of Caerleon awaited them, its streets brimming with energy and enchantment. Godric adjusted his scarf, tugging it tighter against the brisk autumn breeze that carried the faint scent of roasted chestnuts and distant chimneys. His earthy leather jacket fit snugly over a black shirt and matching slacks, providing some warmth as he moved with confident strides. The longsword strapped to his back—a constant companion—felt as natural as a second skin, its familiar weight barely noticed.

The city bustled with life. Streams of ethereal steam rose from the vents in the pavements and exhausts of passing vehicles, their crystalline fragments shimmering like tiny stars caught in the morning light. The enchanted air, tinged with a faint magical glow, softened the chill of the dropping temperatures, a reminder of the city's intricate blend of charm and technology. Autumn leaves, burnished gold and fiery red, carpeted the streets and sidewalks, crunching softly underfoot as pedestrians hurried by. The season's golden beauty seemed to paint every corner of Caerleon, from the sprawling shopfronts to the wrought-iron streetlamps adorned with twisting vines of enchanted ivy.

"Godric," she breathed. "It's… it's incredible! Is this what lies beyond the castle walls? It's amazing—I've never seen anything like this!"

Godric chuckled, his own grin widening at her infectious enthusiasm. "This is just the start, Raine. Wait until you see the airships."

Her tail wagged eagerly. "Airships? I've seen them from the castle towers," she said, her tone tinged with childlike excitement. "I've always wondered what it would be like to ride in one."

"You and me both," Godric admitted, glancing at her with a playful gleam in his eyes. He gave her hand a gentle squeeze, their fingers now intertwined. "Maybe one day, we'll take a trip on one together. What do you say?"

Raine's cheeks flushed, and she nodded shyly. "I'd like that. More than anything."

Godric smiled, leading her down the street. "This whole city, Raine, is powered by something called Lacrima Crystals," he explained, gesturing to the glowing vents and the softly humming vehicles. "They're essentially condensed magical energy, stored in crystal form. They power everything—from the lamps in the castle to those little handheld devices you've seen the professors and students using."

Raine tilted her head, intrigued. "Lacrima Crystals? That's fascinating. But… how do they work?"

Godric grinned sheepishly, scratching the back of his neck. "Well… I can't say I know much about them, to be honest." He gave a chuckle. "Rowena explained it to me once, but she went on for so long I sort of… tuned out. Still, they're brilliant, I'm sure!"

Raine giggled at his honesty, her golden eyes sparkling as her nose twitched, catching the rich blend of scents drifting through the bustling streets. The aroma of roasted chestnuts, spiced cider, and freshly baked pastries created a tantalizing symphony in the crisp autumn air.

"Well, first stop—Spindles and Spells," Godric said with a nod. "That's where we need to pick up the books."

Raine's smile grew wider as she nodded eagerly. "Alright, lead the way."

As they made their way down the lively streets, Raine's gaze flitted from one marvel to the next, each new sight filling her with a childlike wonder. From street performers juggling enchanted flames to the glittering storefront displays, everything seemed to bring her joy.

Godric glanced at her, his chest swelling with warmth. "You know, I've been meaning to ask," he began. "How are you finding your reading lessons so far?"

"They're wonderful!" Raine said, squeezing his hand, her tail wagging softly behind her. "I never thought I'd be able to read. It's like a whole new world is opening up for me."

"That's brilliant!" Godric beamed, his grin as wide as hers. "Say, how about we pick out a book for you while we're in Spindles and Spells? Something you'd like to read on your own."

Raine's eyes widened with delight. "Really? Oh, I'd love that!" She hesitated, glancing down shyly. "But… are you sure? I mean, books are expensive…"

Godric glanced away, his ears turning a deep shade of crimson. "It's nothing, really," he murmured. "I just… I want you to be happy, Raine. That's all."

Raine's cheeks flushed a soft, rosy pink, her golden eyes shimmering with warmth. Her fingers tightened gently around his, a gesture that spoke volumes.

****

Godric glanced at the paper in his hand, a crude map sketched by Professor Workner, detailing the directions to Spindles and Spells. He sighed, wishing he could afford one of those wrist-mounted Lacrima devices the other students used. Still, he doubted his proficiency with technology would have made much of a difference—it all felt alien to him.

As they neared the shop, a commotion pulled his attention. A group of students surrounded a young elf girl, their mocking voices cutting through the crisp autumn air. The elf, clearly distressed, clutched her satchel tightly against her chest, her wide eyes darting between the jeering faces.

Godric's hand instinctively moved to the hilt of his longsword strapped to his back. His crimson eyes narrowed as tension tightened in his chest. "Raine," he said, "stay close. I don't like the look of this."

Raine pressed closer to his side, her golden eyes locked on the frightened girl. Her ears flattened against her head in sympathy. "Godric, I know her," she said softly. "That's Elaina Kurosawa. She's a First-Year from House Terra. She… she gave me candy once."

Godric scanned the group of aggressors. Their uniforms weren't from Excalibur. Shades of maroon, black, and white set them apart, and their unfamiliar emblems glinted in the sunlight. Foreign students, but their sneers and postures were all too familiar—the posture of bullies.

The largest of the group, a stocky boy with sandy hair, grabbed at Elaina's satchel, yanking it roughly. "Come on, pointy-ears," he sneered, holding the bag out of her reach. "Let's see what you've got in here. Probably just a bunch of junk."

"Leave me alone!" Elaina's voice was shaky but determined as she reached for her satchel, tears threatening to spill. "I didn't do anything to you!"

Godric's jaw clenched tighter, his knuckles whitening around the hilt of his sword. His crimson eyes burned with fury. "Those bastards… it's like Rufus all over again!" he snarled under his breath. "I'm putting a stop to this now—"

Before he could take a step forward, a figure strode into the scene with a measured grace that commanded immediate attention. His robes, vibrant and flowing, bore an intricate design foreign to anything Godric had ever seen. The silken fabric shimmered faintly under the sunlight, embroidered with gold and emerald threads in patterns reminiscent of flowing rivers and blossoming sakura. Draped across his shoulders was a cloak fastened with golden aiguillettes and a brooch of gold adorned with a brilliant yellow gemstone—the unmistakable emblem of House Terra.

His long black hair was tied neatly back with a crimson ribbon, cascading down his back like a waterfall of ink. The blackened scabbard of his sword rested lightly against his side, its polished wood gleaming. The sword's hilt, bound in white and gold, exuded elegance and precision. Though his expression was calm, there was an undeniable sharpness in his hazel eyes—a quiet storm brewing beneath the surface.

Godric's breath caught for a moment as recognition dawned. There was no mistaking who this was.

"Genji Shimada," he muttered to himself. The Terra Visionary.

The bullies turned toward the newcomer, their jeers faltering as they took in his imposing figure. Genji's steps were calm but deliberate, each one heavy with unspoken authority. He stopped a few paces away from the group, his gaze sweeping over the scene—the cowering elf girl, the cluster of aggressors, and finally landing on the stocky leader.

"Enough," Genji said, his voice low but laced with an underlying tone that froze the group in their tracks. His hand rested lightly on the hilt of his katana. His hazel eyes softened as they shifted to the frightened elf girl. "Elaina-san, are these boys troubling you?"

"Genji-senpai, they—" Elaina began, tears brimming in her wide eyes.

Before she could continue, the stocky boy stepped forward, puffing out his chest as he tried to reassert his dominance. "Who the hell do you think you are?" he barked, his tone laced with venom. "Mind your own business, slant. This doesn't concern—"

The words died in his throat as Genji's gaze snapped to him, sharp and cold as steel. The boy faltered, his bravado withering under the intensity of Genji's stare. "I do not recall addressing you," Genji said. "Speak only when spoken to."

The stocky boy's mouth opened and closed like a fish out of water, his defiance reduced to a pitiful silence. Genji shifted his attention back to Elaina, his posture relaxing slightly as he nodded reassuringly to her.

He turned back to the group, his gaze sweeping over the boys with an air of quiet disdain. "How typical of Scholomance students," he said. "Such exemplary conduct. A fine testament to your school's vaunted reputation."

The stocky boy bristled but remained silent, clearly unsure whether to retreat or risk further humiliation.

Genji took a step forward, his hand still resting on his katana's hilt. His tone shifted, now laced with an edge that made the air feel heavier. "There is no instance of a nation benefitting from prolonged warfare," he said, his words measured and deliberate. "And you would do well to remember that. I suggest you take your leave—now."

The group of six hesitated for a brief moment before drawing their wands, their faces contorted with anger. The stocky boy, clearly emboldened by the numbers at his side, ran a hand through his sandy hair and twisted his lips into a sneer. "Here's a better idea, slant," he said mockingly. "Why don't you piss off? Maybe then we won't have to work you over too badly."

Genji tilted his head slightly, his calm demeanor unshaken. He let out a small sigh, as though deeply disappointed. "How unfortunate," he murmured, his hazel eyes glinting with something sharp and unyielding.

"And besides," the stocky boy continued, emboldened by his own bravado, "there's five of us and only—"

Before he could finish, Genji moved. A blur of motion too fast for anyone to track, followed by the sharp, unmistakable hiss of a blade being unsheathed. The air itself seemed to hum as the sound cut through the commotion of the street. Godric's crimson eyes widened in astonishment as he barely registered the glimmer of Genji's katana—a blade so flawless it seemed to glow faintly with a blueish sheen.

Then, silence.

The Scholomance students stood frozen in place, their expressions morphing from anger to stunned disbelief. One by one, their wands clattered to the ground in pieces. As they looked down, they realized their robes, too, had been shredded into tatters, leaving them fumbling to cover themselves.

"By Charlamagne's throne, what just happened?!" Godric exclaimed. "I didn't even see him draw his sword!"

"It's incredible," Raine whispered, her tail swishing with barely contained excitement. "It's like magic… but something entirely different."

The stocky boy's face flushed beet red as he scrambled to cover himself. "You bastard, don't think you've won just because you—!" he shouted, his voice high-pitched and shaky. But as he gestured angrily, something peculiar happened. Strands of his sandy hair began to drift to the ground like autumn leaves. His eyes widened in horror as he realized he was now completely bald.

Genji turned his head slightly, his gaze locking onto the boys with an icy, piercing stare that seemed to freeze the very air around him. The gentle warmth that usually softened his expression had vanished, replaced by an intensity that carried an unmistakable threat. His eyes burned with a quiet, murderous intent, the kind that made even the boldest falter.

"I've no doubt," he began, "that you're already plotting some form of retaliation for this humiliation. Cowards often do." He stepped forward slightly, his presence looming as his tone sharpened. "But for your own sake, I would strongly urge you to reconsider."

He let the weight of his words hang in the air for a moment, his gaze never wavering. "Vengeance," he continued, "is a fool's errand. And should you be unfortunate enough to cross my blade again, let me assure you…" His fingers twitched faintly toward the hilt of his weapon, the subtle movement enough to make them flinch. "…it will be the last thing you'll ever see."

The silence that followed was suffocating, broken only by the faint rustle of leaves in the distance. Genji tilted his head slightly, his tone colder than ice as he delivered his final command. "Now, make yourselves scarce."

The stocky boy let out an involuntary shriek, his bravado crumbling into fear. The rest of his companions, just as shaken, scrambled to gather the remains of their dignity and bolted down the street, tripping over one another in their haste to escape. Their frightened cries quickly faded into the bustling noise of the city.

Godric and Raine stood in stunned silence, their eyes flicking between the retreating boys and Genji, who calmly sheathed his blade with a soft, almost inaudible click. His expression returned to its usual calm, though there was a trace of steel still lingering in his gaze.

"Elaina-san, are you alright?" Genji asked softly, his tone carrying a calm yet protective warmth. His gaze was steady, but a flicker of concern lingered in his hazel eyes. "Rest easy—they won't bother you again."

Elaina bowed deeply, clutching her satchel tightly against her chest. Her voice trembled as she spoke. "Y-yes… Thank you, Genji-senpai. I… I don't know what would have happened if you hadn't come."

Godric stepped forward, his hand extended with a genuine smile. "That was some brilliant swordsmanship!" he said enthusiastically. "I'm Godric Gryffindor, and this is Raine," he added, gesturing to her. "I must say, you handled that situation masterfully."

Raine bowed politely, her golden eyes wide with admiration. "Pleasure to meet you, Master Shimada," she said, her tail swishing softly behind her.

Genji's gaze shifted to them, lingering briefly on the sword strapped to Godric's back before shaking his hand with a firm but respectful grip. A faint smile tugged at his lips, recognition lighting his expression. "Ah, the young Lion of Ignis himself," he said, his tone even but laced with quiet respect. "I've heard of your exploits at The Congregation. It's a pleasure to finally make your acquaintance."

Godric's face reddened slightly at the title, but he nodded. "The pleasure's mine, Genji. And thank you again for what you did."

Genji's hazel eyes softened as they flicked to Elaina, still standing timidly beside him. "We'll speak more in a bit, Gryffindor-san," he said. "For now, let us ensure Elaina-san's safety."

Raine stepped closer to Elaina. "Are you hurt? Do you need us to walk you back to the academy?"

Elaina shook her head quickly, her pointed ears twitching nervously. "N-no, I'm okay," she said, clutching her satchel tightly. "Thank you all for your kindness."

Godric offered her a reassuring smile. "If those gits ever bother you again, come find me or Genji," he said firmly. "We'll make sure they don't get another chance."

Elaina hesitated for a moment, then nodded, bowing deeply. "Thank you again. I should be going now. Take care."

"Safe travels, Elaina-san," Genji said with a polite nod.

As Elaina hurried away, she cast one last, grateful glance over her shoulder before disappearing into the bustling streets. Genji turned to Godric, his expression calm but tinged with a guarded intensity. The silence hung between them for a moment, broken only by the distant hum of passing vehicles.