Harry Potter and the Silent Guardian

Still behind his wards, Harry dropped his Disillusionment Charm, motioning for Emma and Fleur to stay hidden. What came next would be entertaining.

"Don't leave on my account," Harry called out cheerfully, his voice cutting through the tension like a knife. "What kind of host would I be if I let my guests depart empty-handed? Though I do like it when they leave empty-headed."

The three leaders spun around, their ranks tensing at Harry's abrupt arrival. Vladimir's features twisted with fury as he recognized the figure just inside the wards.

"Hello, Vladimir," Harry continued in a friendly tone, as if greeting an old pal. "Long time no see. How are you and your coven? Any new additions to the family?"

"Knight!" Vladimir hissed, his voice shaking with rage. "I'll kill you where you stand!"

"Lovely to see you too," Harry teased, his tone playful and mocking. "Did you bring a gift this time? Your last visit lacked any sort of present."

"Your death is my gift," Vladimir growled, his crimson eyes ablaze.

"No actual present again? That's poor etiquette. Though I doubt it will matter after tonight."

Fenrir showed a vicious grin, his claws unfurling as he advanced. "I hear you like to run your mouth. Good—they scream louder when my pack rips them apart and laps up their blood."

"Oh, really?" Harry asked in mock worry. "I'm not sure I have enough blood for all of you. Maybe you should try the giant back there? Far more satisfying, I'd guess. Though I figured vampires would be the ones obsessed with blood."

Golgomath let out a low, rolling laugh.

"The Knight has jokes. But will you stay behind your wards, or do you dare challenge us? They say you have the power of the old Knights. Show me what gives you the nerve to think you're stronger than giants."

"Well, I thought we could talk a while longer," Harry sighed theatrically. "But you're right about time. Let's begin." He raised his wand—not aiming at them—and performed a few graceful motions in the air. His smile grew, razor-sharp and menacing. "Allow me to give you a proper welcome."

The gathered horde braced, lifting weapons as their eyes flicked around. For a moment, nothing occurred. The dark creatures shot each other baffled looks, some letting out uneasy snarls or hisses.

Then it all blew up.

The earth burst in a chain of thunderous detonations, throwing the entire army into chaos. Harry had spent weeks placing explosive traps everywhere on his land, and with the enemy spread out around his house, they'd marched straight into his carefully prepared plan. The timing was flawless.

Werewolves howled in pain as silver shards ripped through their lines, the metal searing their skin like acid. Vampires shrieked when controlled blasts of sunlight-mimicking magic caught them in mid-jump, turning their bodies to ash. Even the giants, with all their vast strength, stumbled as the ground under them exploded, toppling them hard.

Harry remained still behind his wards, observing the destruction with a slight grin. "I hope you're enjoying the welcome party," he muttered, his voice almost lost in the uproar.

Emma and Fleur gasped, their Disillusionment Charms flickering as they inched closer to Harry. The massive blasts had rattled them, their eyes wide with awe and disbelief.

Emma scanned the turmoil beyond the wards, her tone colored by both respect and frustration. "I should've guessed," she said, shaking her head. "You never tackle anything without a plan. Did you know they'd show up and set all this in motion?"

Harry kept his gaze on the dissipating smoke, his face calm but alert. "I figured they'd strike sooner or later," he said bluntly. "Though I assumed it would just be vampires and werewolves coming for payback, not giants too." He paused, a slight grin curving his lips. "I also didn't expect them to pick today of all days. With everything else going on, they saved me some trouble by coming here. I'm actually a bit honored."

Fleur edged nearer, her tone bright with hope. "So you don't have to fight now? The traps caused enough harm, right?"

Harry shook his head, his expression turning serious. "No, the traps were just the opening act. With an army this size, many would survive—the bodies of their fallen comrades shielded them from the worst of the explosions. Their numbers are reduced, but the real battle is just beginning."

As if confirming his words, the smoke cleared fully, revealing the aftermath. The area was wrecked, but not conquered. While scores of dark creatures lay limp and singed, most were still upright. They bore cuts and bruises, snarling and growling into the night, their eyes blazing with rage. The blasts had only provoked them more.

"KNIGHT!" Vladimir's furious roar tore through the darkness. His pale skin was marred by burns, and his once-immaculate clothes were scorched and in tatters. "I will drain every last drop of your blood!"

Fenrir Greyback stalked forward, silver fragments stuck in his hulking body, his yellow eyes burning with lethal purpose. "You really think your tricks will save you? My pack will devour you!"

"SMASH THE PUNY KNIGHT!" Golgomath thundered, his booming voice echoing as he pushed himself upright, his colossal form singed but still functional.

Harry faced Emma and Fleur, his voice solid and unwavering. "Stay behind the wards," he ordered. "Just a heads-up—what's about to happen isn't exactly G-rated. If it gets to be too much, go back in. And under no circumstances should you step outside these protections. Got it?"

Both women nodded grimly, though Fleur gripped her wand tighter, her knuckles pale. Her blue eyes shone with anxiety as she inched closer to him. "'Arry... be careful, mon amour."

Harry's only reply was a self-assured grin as he drew Gryffindor's sword in his left hand, its ruby-studded hilt flashing in the moonlight, while the Elder Wand thrummed with power in his right. The union of ancient blade and unbeatable wand sent electric bursts of excitement through his body.

As the dark legion rushed ahead, howling and lusting for blood, Harry felt the Knight within him surge in glee. This was what he had trained for—fighting against hopeless odds, where victory would take him to heights few wizards ever reached.

He could feel it in his bones: the final push to Great Knight status was within his grasp. All he needed to do was survive—and win.

With a wild grin hidden behind his mask, Harry charged forward to meet the advancing horde. The night air crackled with magical energy as the distance between them closed, and the battle for Harry's home began in earnest.