The ritual for over two hundred souls had taken an immense toll on Scarlet. Even Meiko couldn’t claim that any of the Jutsushi would have been able to handle such a powerful summoning with the same calm, skill, and efficacy as Scarlet, especially at such a young age. That was the power of a true priestess – one chosen by a deity. Throughout history, there had always been those willing to take shortcuts, forming pacts with fiends, devils, or demons to gain. Dark forces would readily accept anyone willing to make such a trade, while true deity rigorously tested their followers, granting only limited power in return. Becoming the priestess of a genuine deity was no easy feat, and even Meiko would never claim such a title for herself.

But Lady Scarlet was different - a true priestess who had passed the trials of a powerful deity, the guardian of the gate to the land of death. Death was the great equaliser, and entity that cared nothing for distinctions of light or dark, young or old. In its presence, all stood equal.

Back at the Red House, Scarlet quickly fell into a deep, almost unconscious sleep, collapsing onto the couch in the living room, startling the old wizard who had escorted them back.

“Worry not,” Meiko reassured him. Though she still harboured resentment toward the British wizarding school for entangling her lady in such dangerous affairs, she had to respect this wizard’s strength. He’d managed to open the cave entrance, heavy with dark magic and curses, in remarkably short time. “Milady just needs rest to recover from the energy drain.”

Dumbledore nodded thoughtfully. “I’ll send an owl as soon as we’ve purged the last of the dark magic and curses from the cave.”

“That would be best.” Meiko gently removed a palm-sized notebook from the young girl’s hand, opened it, and took another sheet of paper from beneath the coffee table to copy down Scarlet’s latest note. These were brief, scattered thoughts - a few sentences, not yet fully formed, but enough to convey Scarlet’s instructions. She showed the old wizard with the paper. “Milady has designated Mr. William Graywood, her manager, to handle the necessary communication with the authorities.”

Though hastily scrawled, the notes outlined how to present the issue, what identity to assume when reporting to the authorities, potential challenges, and ways to address them.

“Don’t worry, Mr. Graywood will manage this delicately, provided no traces of magic are left behind,” Meiko said firmly. “Leave any physical traces untouched. I suspect these will play a significant role in Milady and Mr. Graywood’s plan, even if she hasn’t explicitly mentioned it.”

“Understood.” Dumbledore sighed softly. “Had she always been such a meticulous planner?”

“Always.” Meiko lifted her chin with pride. “An ordinary child wouldn’t last long in the Tachibana clan. The Tachibana family’s wealth rivals that of any pureblood family in your world. Milady must be sharp and capable if she is to inherit the role of clan leader.”

Dumbledore regarded Meiko thoughtfully. “Is that why you address her as ‘Milady’?”

Meiko sneered. “If we were in ancient Japan, she would be treated as a noble princess. The Tachibana clan had ties to the royals, after all. She should be enjoying her life in Japan. But instead, the British wizarding world had entangled her, forcing her to clean up the mess you elder wizards cannot handle. Milady has been far too kind to you lot. She should have simply left and focused on Jutsu and runes, where her true talent in deity summoning lies - something your magical school can never teach her.”

Dumbledore looking slightly chastened. “I deeply regret if this has burdened you...”

“I don’t question Milady’s choices,” Meiko cut him off. “She has her reasons and must see something of interest in this work. That’s why she remains, even if I disagree. But know this – I do not welcome your presence here. Please leave, and send word about the progress by owl as soon as possible, so Milady can finally complete the task for you. If I’m not mistaken, she’ll also be visiting a pureblood next week to ‘clean up’ more of your problems.”

Dumbledore started to respond, but ended up holding his tongue. It was, after all, his own failures that led to this mess. Had he been able to stop Tom Riddle earlier or acted more decisively with Voldemort, the casualties would have been far fewer, and there would be no Horcruxes to hunt.

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With a respectful nod, he bid the disgruntled maid goodbye and returned to cleansing the remaining dark magic in the cave.

Scarlet rested at the Red House for nearly a week, recovering from her heavy toll of her magical exertion. There were no business meetings, no story drafts, no spear training, and nothing that demanded too much mental or physical energy. Her activities were limited to studying for Muggle school exams, ensuring she’d prepared when she returned to Japan. And, of course, she indulged in a steady stream of movies and dramas.

Throughout the week, Scarlet received a few calls. Alexis called to share the news she had secure a few roles as a background actress in various movies and dramas. Maya and Amelia confirmed their summer plans but informed Scarlet, with some disappointment, that the premiere of the film they’d planned to watch together would fall in August, when she would be in Japan.

Then came a call from Harry – he managed to sneak to the phone after his godfather had “had a word” with his aunt and uncle. He mentioned feeling something strange around him, wondering if his magic was acting up again. But since it hadn’t triggered the protective jade pendant she’d given him, they both agreed it was probably nothing serious, but she would still pay him a visit before she left for Japan.

Unexpectedly, Justin – who would have attended Eton had he not received his Hogwarts letter – reached out to ask if Scarlet would be taking any exams in Muggle school, and which institution she’d chosen.

She also received an owl from the Weasley twins, who eagerly shared new ideas for games and informed her that they had secured the patents for their game table. They’d even been approached by someone interested in purchasing it. Hermione sent an owl too, along with an extensive reading list. While most of the titles didn’t interest her, Scarlet encouraged Hermione’s studies nonetheless, finding her enthusiasm endearing.

The most delightful letter arrived via Neville’s owl. In addition to his usual updates, he shared the incredible news that his parents were improving, becoming more conscious, and able to express their love to him. Her healing ritual had worked!

“Who would’ve thought I could conduct a healing ritual as a priestess of death?” Scarlet said as she shared her joy with William and Meiko, the only two who dined with her. The other staff preferred to eat in the kitchen, finding it more convenient and politely declining her invitation to join her at the table.

“You’ve always been capable of miracles, Milady,” William replied warmly, showing her a newspaper with the headline: 198 Victims of the Terrorist Attack 12 Years Ago Finally Found! Experts Suspect Cultist Group Behind It.

Scarlet sighed as she scanned the article. “At least the victims’ families can finally have some peace, no longer wondering where their loved ones vanished.”

As Meiko poured Scarlet a cup of mushroom soup, she asked, “Milady, shall I accompany you on tomorrow’s visit?”

William chimed in, “I’d recommend bringing Meiko along. It’s a particular cunning family you’ll be visiting, isn’t it?”

“Fine...” Scarlet mumbled, “After tomorrow, there’ll only be two left...Life will be simpler then.”

Though likely with the occasional Death Eater attack, she mused, keeping that thought to herself.

The time soon came for Scarlet to visit Malfoy Manor. She used the Floo network, bringing Meiko along. In a swirl of green flames, they emerged from the fireplace, and Meiko immediately brushed the dust off their clothes with her fan, looking displeased. She had always found Floo travel rather undignified compared to the more graceful Jutsushi portals they had used in Japan.

“Welcome, Ms. Hong,” greeted Lucius Malfoy, standing with his wife and Draco not far from the fireplace. He looked every bit the aristocrat Scarlet remembered from their last encounter. Mrs. Malfoy, while less imposing, held herself with a calm, upper-class dignity, and Draco stood nearby, prideful as a peacock, like a young master eager to show off.

They made an interesting picture – a close family, but far from ordinary. The familiar aura of old wealth reminded her of her grandmother and the Tachibana clan.

Yup, definitely the old money look, Scarlet thought, Good thing I’m wearing the fanciest gown Grandma chose for me; their taste must be similar.

Scarlet adjusted her gown, gave a polite curtsy, and greeted them, “Good day, Mr. and Mrs. Malfoy. And to you as well, Draco.”

Meiko, standing a respectful step behind her, gave a traditional Japanese bow, projecting a grace and heritage that was foreign to the Malfoys. Scarlet noticed Mr. Malfoy’s sharp but intrigued gaze, too obvious for a politician compared to Professor Dumbledore; as Alexis had once remarked, it was a small miracle that, despite the war, all three Malfoys were still standing at the end of the story.

“This is my Head Housekeeper, Meiko Inoue, a Jutsushi of the Tachibana clan,” Scarlet introduced. She then turned to Mr. Malfoy with a small smile. “Mr. Malfoy, may I have a private word with you about the matter I mentioned during our first meeting at the station?”

Mr. Malfoy narrowed his eyes, assessing her carefully. “Of course.”