Chapter 10: The Seven Wonders of the Wizarding World
Harry Potter woke up, lightly rubbing his eyes and reaching for his glasses. He had not slept very comfortably in the camping tent that had been set up in the garden. The women occupied all the rooms in the Burrow, and the men had spent the night outside. His head still felt a bit heavy, having had a drink too much the night before. He had had a legitimate reason to celebrate, though, for it had been the occasion of Hermione's birthday. Glancing at his watch, Harry noticed that it was nearly seven am. He got dressed and walked out of the tent.
The morning was still very drowsy. The sun's warm rays fell onto the leaves of trees. A bird was whistling happily, entreating his other friends to wake up and join him in greeting a new, fresh day.
Shielding his eyes against a shaft of sunlight, Harry peered at the horizon. Something was steadily approaching and, queerly, it had the shape of a small airplane. As it came nearer, Harry noticed that it was not one object but a formation of dark red scrolls. At once, Harry felt a thrill of excitement shoot down his back. As the dark red airplane reached the Burrow, it gracefully disintegrated, and the scrolls whizzed in different directions to find the various subscribers.
One scroll arrowed in his direction, and Harry stood cross-eyed behind his spectacles as he tried to focus on the zooming missive. It moved faster than a Snitch, stopping just inches from his nose. It then slowly back-tracked another few inches away and swiftly unrolled itself. Harry tried catching it, but had to quickly retrieve his outstretched hand as the scroll burst into flames. Incredibly, a dragon, the size of a beer barrel, made entirely of limpid flames, materialized in the wake of the scroll. It opened its mouth, and as it started to speak, its flames, which were initially crimson, successively draped the tint of the seven rainbow colours.
"The Passion Serpent for you, sir. We wish you a pleasant reading. Adieu and goodbye," the dragon said in a deep, remarkable voice. It instantly vanished after having handed the magazine to a dazzled Harry.
"Wow, I'm thankful those flames were harmless!" George confessed as he came out of his tent. "Ladon Hydras sure has style! Last year it was a pair of fighting swords, this year, a talking dragon that changes colour! He would have done great at Weasleys' Wizarding Wheezes," George confided to Harry.
Harry nodded, he too thoroughly impressed. Harry walked inside the Burrow and sat down on a sofa, greedily perusing the fascinating magazine. A short time later, everybody had woken up. They were all currently lost in their own readings. Molly Weasley was the only one who did not have a subscription to the magazine. "That editor is too adventurous for my taste," she had complained. "You all here should not be liking this magazine so much; the editor won't survive long with all those dare-devil undertakings of his!" she had warned as she served breakfast.
"Mum! Touch wood, you shouldn't be saying such things!" Ginny had reproached.
"What? It's only the truth, Ginny," Molly Weasley had remarked. "Oh, Hermione hasn't come down yet. That's good, she must be tired, let her sleep some more," she had reflected. Just then, Ron had come in and wished his mother good morning.
Impervious to the little frown with which Molly Weasley had surveyed him, Ron had dragged himself over to where Harry sat. Ron's copy of The Passion Serpent was still unopened.
"I need someone to talk to, Harry," Ron had said uneasily. "Harry, I'm talking to you!"
"Oh. Go on, Ron. I'm listening," Harry had answered, still not looking at Ron.
"Hermione and I had another fight last night," Ron started in a dejected voice, twitching his hands in his lap. "I don't think she'll ever forgive me. I- I love her, Harry, but—but I nearly called her by that disgusting word, Harry. I said—I told her she was a –a—HARRY, YOU'RE NOT LISTENING TO ME!" Ron had complained loudly.
"Ohhh, sorry Ron, you should really be reading this. You won't believe what's written in here!" Harry had said in a dumbstruck tone, clearly eager to return to his reading.
…...
Three hours later
The Conference Hall with its queer, wing-backed seats was located on Level One of the Ministry of Magic, the same level where the office of the Minister for Magic was found. At present, it swarmed with wizards and witches from various departments.
"Whatever are those wings for?" Hermione heard Ron muttering to Harry. She resisted the urge to inform both of them that if they had paid attention to their Hogwarts books, they would have known the funny story behind the chairs being fitted with wings. If she had not been wary of being accused of being a know-it-all again, Hermione would have told them that half a century ago, a very fat witch used to repeatedly fall to the ground since the chairs she sat on would inevitably collapse beneath her weight. The wings were not there to allow the chairs to fly away in case the fat witch were to approach them, but were simply a smooth adjustment mechanism that magically enhanced the sitter's experience and, of course, prevented the chairs from breaking.
Curiously, no one else talked to each other as they gained their seats, waiting for the conference to start in a quarter of an hour. Instead, they were all absorbed in rereading the issue of The Passion Serpent they had received early in the morning. The magazine had created hullabaloo once again.
Many wizarding families with members working for the Ministry such the Weasleys, the Patils, the Browns, the Changs, the Edgecombes, the Vanes, the Zabinis, the Parkinsons, the Bulstrodes, the Greengrasses, amongst others, were present at this urgent convocation by the Minister for Magic. On a raised platform situated in the front of the hall, the heads of the various magical departments and offices were seated at a table. The velvet high-backed chair in the middle, reserved for the Minister for Magic himself, had not been filled yet. Arthur Weasley, who had been promoted to head of the Office for the Detection and Confiscation of Counterfeit Defensive Spells and Protective Objects, had temporarily closed his own copy of the magazine and was conversing in low tones with Madam Edgecombe, head of the Floo Network Authority.
Molly Weasley, too, had closed her magazine and surveyed her husband with a deepening frown. Close to her sat Ron with the rest of the Weasleys, and at the far end of the same row of chairs Ginny sat next to Hermione. Even if Ron had lied that Hermione had gone to bed tired last night and thus could not come down to carry on with the birthday celebrations, everybody had guessed that things were not going quite that well between the former best friends.
"Do you think they've summoned us because of what appeared in The Passion Serpent?" Ginny asked anxiously.
"I think so, Ginny. This matter is very serious. I suppose the Ministry will want to contact Ladon Hydras," Hermione shared in an equally grave manner.
"I would never have thought the grisly murder of those five Muggle students and their professor could be related to what Ladon has exposed," Ginny avowed.
"Neither have I." Hermione shivered slightly; someone walked over her grave, she thought. "We don't know what happened to the professor, Ginny. His body has not been found. It is only known that he is a wizard. If what Ladon affirms proves to be true, the wizarding world will have to confront yet another terrifying evil."
"It's true that every witch or wizard has heard about the Seven Wonders of the Wizarding World at one point in her or his life, mostly when we were still kids! That story is in wizard children's storybooks! You would never think the Seven Wonders were real!" Ginny said.
"You are right, Ginny. It was never mentioned in any of the Hogwarts textbooks. Believe me, I am sure I would have remembered something like that. But we still don't know whether they do exist or whether Ladon Hydras might have made a rare mistake. I don't think he'll ever write things like that just to create sensationalism," Hermione affirmed.
"Don't tell me you've read Mum's copy of Gossip Weekly, Hermione!" Ginny reflected shrewdly.
Hermione's cheeks flushed with colour. "Of course not! No, I— Well okay, I did read the bit about Ladon," Hermione was obliged to confess as Ginny glared at her accusingly.
"Well, I shouldn't be acting that outraged! I, too, read it, noticing the featured article on Ladon. I had hoped to see a picture of him, but it was only filled with that silly woman Claire's ramblings! She just bragged about how she had once dated Ladon and how he was a 'notorious playboy affected with severe memory problems, who does, says, and writes things to have witches fall into bed with him and then forgets their names the next morning'," Ginny quoted.
"True, she does sound like a woman scorned, and she is clearly abusing her position as a journalist to settle a personal score with Ladon Hydras. I don't think this will affect Ladon's reputation, though. Only jealous females might be swayed into doubting his writings because of the mud slinging in Gossip Weekly."
"You were one of those jealous females, weren't you?" Ginny exclaimed, grinning.
"No! Don't rave, Ginny. Ladon Hydras might be a fifty year-old man for all we know!" Hermione was quick to respond. "It is what I think that Claire girl has wanted to do. It is clear that she was trying to make readers of The Passion Serpent doubt what was going to appear in the current issue, desperate to find a way to discredit him."
"Ladon has proven himself in this field, Hermione. Few people will really be swayed by an article in Gossip Weekly. All kinds of wizarding expeditions are regularly organised on the basis of what he reports, and they are all successful - granted that this bit of reporting in one of the seven sections of The Passion Serpent, 'News you should all be concerned about', is a tad bit more extraordinary than his other amazing articles." Ginny paused before continuing. "If Voldemort had believed a story out of a wizard child's storybook, he might have gone after the Seven Wonders!" she stated grimly.
"He might indeed have. Although we don't know who is really after the Seven Wonders - if these exist for real, and if there is truly a link of the kind Ladon wants to establish, that wizard might be no less dangerous than the vile Dark Lord," Hermione observed.
"Oh, let's talk about something else!" Ginny interjected, repressing a small shiver. "Hermione, I know I shouldn't be interfering, but I heard my silly brother shouting last night, did you guys fight again?" Ginny enquired.
"Yes, Ginny. Ron and I have agreed to give each other some breathing space. I think it's better this way," Hermione sighed.
"My brother is a fool! Inviting Lavender like that was-"
"We didn't fight because of Lavender, Ginny," Hermione interrupted. "I think we are both at fault if our relationship is sailing through rough seas. This has lasted for quite a while now, hurting both of us. It was time to put an end to this," Hermione stated.
"Put an end?" Ginny shouted, surprised, before quickly lowering her tone as a few eyes turned in their direction. "You just said you were merely giving each other some breathing space!"
"Yes, yes, Ginny, that's what I meant, but-"
"I'm so looking forward to having you as sister-in-law, Hermione!" Ginny confessed.
Hermione was on the point of answering but stopped as a shadow fell across them.
"Look who we have here, Millicent," Pansy Parkinson remarked contemptuously to the sniggering, stout woman next to her. "The Mudblood and the Weasels," Pansy continued in a low voice so that only Hermione and Ginny could hear what she said.
An incensed Ginny had started to retrieve her wand from her pocket, but Hermione stopped her.
"Get moving, Pansy, if you don't want to be jinxed to death," Hermione muttered, tight-lipped. The foul epithet which Pansy had attributed to her had brought back what Ron had nearly called her the night before. Was she never going to be rid of hearing herself called that way? Six years had passed since she had last heard herself addressed so disparagingly, and then that respite had been broken by Ron the previous evening, and now by the despicable Pansy Parkinson.
In the wizarding world, there was a saying along the lines that the wizard or witch who starts something must also be the one to put an end to it; otherwise, the matter will go round and round in a circle. The one who had first called her 'Mudblood' had disappeared. Well, she still secretly met him in a softly lit, abandoned tower, but it hardly counted! Wherever he was now, did he still think of her as having soiled blood? He had started this whole name-calling; was it true that only he could put a stop to this, that then nobody else would dare call her that way again?
"See this?" Pansy flaunted the enormous diamond ring on her finger. "I'm engaged to Teddy Bagwell, of course you know he is one of the richest men in the whole of England; he is the head of the department you work for! You'll have to die and be reborn before Weasel King could get you something like this!" Pansy remarked before walking away, she and Millicent laughing uproariously.
"I have ALWAYS hated that cow!" Hermione exclaimed. "She is always horrid and conceited. Teddy Bagwell is a nice man. I wonder what he sees in that repulsive thing. Remember how she was always stuck to Malfoy back in Hogwarts?"
"Yes, she is disgusting. But it doesn't surprise me that Malfoy seemed to have liked her; they are both of the same ilk!" Ginny remarked carelessly. Hermione could not explain why Ginny's saying that Malfoy liked Pansy disturbed her. She remembered how she had hated seeing Pansy draped across Malfoy on more than one occasion – all those times when Gryffindor had had combined lessons with Slytherin, or the time when Malfoy had exaggerated his being injured by Buckbeak.
She vividly recalled how livid she had felt the time when she and Ron had been designated prefect, and they had had to regain the prefect carriage onboard Hogwarts Express. She had known that Malfoy would have been chosen as the Slytherin Prefect, but she somehow had not expected to feel the white-hot anger that besieged her when she discovered that Pansy was the girl chosen to act alongside Malfoy. It had not been jealousy, she had been sure; but she had also not known what it was!
"As happily engaged as Pansy seems, I can't think that she once seemed so very fond of Malfoy," Hermione shared gloomily.
"C'mon, Hermione, you can't be that old-fashioned! It's been six years, and there is still no news of that Slytherin brat! You can't expect that gold-digging cow, Pansy, to be withering away like the proverbial English Rose, waiting for Malfoy to make a shamefaced reappearance!" Ginny chided.
"He doesn't need to make a shamefaced reappearance, Ginny. You already know that he was being blackmailed by Voldemort to do all those things he did. It's not that-"
"Don't tell me you are taking the side of that despicable guy! He might have been blackmailed, but I think a part of him must have enjoyed doing those horrible things-"
"No, that can't be true! Only Voldemort was heartless enough to actually enjoy inflicting pain; Malfoy was merely a student trapped on the other side. He didn't even have a choice, Ginny." Hermione was not sure what was prompting her to defend him, but she felt strangely compelled to do so.
"Gosh, I can't believe my ears, Hermione! What's happening to you? First you break off with my brother, and then you start virtually extolling praises of Malfoy?" Ginny whispered fiercely.
"I'm not singing his praises! And my breaking off with your brother has nothing to do with Malfoy—"
"I never said it had anything to do with Malfoy," Ginny interrupted once again. "Why did you assume that?"
"This argument is going nowhere, Ginny. Let's just end this here," Hermione answered, cheeks heavily flushed. She had nearly betrayed herself. It was true Ginny had not accused her of breaking up with Ron because of Malfoy, but in Hermione's own mind, that haunting dream played a large part in it. Even if Ron had been the first to suggest they separate, she had promptly acquiesced, without feeling depressed over that decision. She had only felt bad over the way Ron had addressed her; their agreeing to part ways had instead flooded her with relief.
To distract her mind from those wandering thoughts, Hermione followed Ginny's example and started rereading the article that had caused such wild agitation in the wizarding world.
...
News You Should All Be Concerned About
Last week I met an old drunkard wizard in a decrepit, badly lit tavern in Sarando, a hamlet found in Northern Egypt's outback countryside. His clothes were filthy and tattered, one of his hands was badly mangled, three of his front teeth were missing, and the rest of his Muggle companions were in about the same sorry state, minus the disfiguring injuries. My presence did not seem to perturb or ruffle them; it goes to show how much I can blend with them. I didn't even have to use Polyjuice Potion.
Heads lowered conspiratorially and heavily callused hands clasping small glasses of locally-concocted liquor, they were discussing the recent flash flood that had destroyed their rice crops, and how their children had to sleep on empty stomachs. Quite unexpectedly – for someone who is not used to frequenting the said tavern, that is - the subject veered to wizards and magic. The Muggles did not seem in the least surprised when the drunkard wizard started telling them tales of ancient wizarding battles, or the one Quidditch match that he had seen when he was twenty years old. It is indeed characteristic of drunkards, Muggles and wizards alike, to recount the events that have marked their lives, over and over again, when they happen to be under the influence of alcohol. This bunch was no different.
First, let me say that it was not by accident that I found myself in that particular tavern. I had gone to the old wizard's village first, and his beautiful, shy daughter told me where I could find her father. Now, onto why I set out in search of that particular man.
You must remember the murder of five British Muggles, who were archaeology students, which took place a week back in Egypt. The Egyptian Ministry of Magic was quick to pass off the murder as the work of a pack of starving hyenas. The Egyptian Minister for Magic has had personal conferences with the British Muggle Prime Minister as well as the British Minister for Magic concerning this ghastly episode. Muggle police and pathologists have had to be confounded as it would soon have become clear to them that no hyena could be capable of the unspeakable savagery inflicted on the bodies of the students. Nobody knows what happened to the wizard professor who had accompanied them.
I made a trip to Egypt as soon as I learnt about the murders. The cave where the Muggle students were doing excavation works is located in a remote part of the Sahara, and it reeked with remains of ancient magic. In one part of the cave was an intricately carved black box which was, incidentally, no box but a device built in the earth itself. The lid of the 'box' was wide open and if you let yourself down the box, it gave on a huge underground cavern. A yet unidentified magical creature had been imprisoned there for centuries, quite possibly millennia, gone by. You must be wondering whether that creature might have killed the five students. It is possible, but you have to remember that the fate of the wizard professor is still not known.
Let's move on. I spoke with the Muggle nomads who had brought the students to this impressive, antediluvian cave. From them, I was able to learn about the legends that have passed down from one generation of this nomadic tribe to the next. One particular story is of interest to us.
This story is about how the elders of Haaraya village, who were called Wirous, had once imprisoned a ferocious creature underground. Haaraya village existed about 6000 years ago, where instead of the desert, lush grassland and abundant wildlife had thrived. With time, as the desert inexorably encroached on the grassland, the people of Haaraya immigrated to other places, more specifically, to Sarando.
The nomads believe this to be only a legend, but they recount how Merua cave was a place their grandparents always forbade them from ever visiting. Now, it is clear that this is not a mere story; it actually happened, and the creature has obtained its liberty at last. Of course, wizards were present in order for the Wirous to proceed with this dangerous undertaking. The nomads believe that the Wirous' Head Priest was, in fact, someone who was skilled in witchcraft.
This true tale becomes even more fascinating. The nomads were able to give me a name: Lydian. Lydian was another man adept at witchcraft, and he was, purportedly, the best friend of the Head Priest. For those in the wizarding world, the name Lydian is not unfamiliar. He lived six thousand years ago and he was the only wizard who could, being an exceptional Animagus, transform into a dragon. The nomads were also able to tell me that those two great wizards had come into possession of two unique, ancient manuscripts on one of their adventures. The manuscripts were none other than Papyro Ithicuses! Story from a wizard child's storybook? No. It is real; I have seen one.
Travelling to Sarando, I learnt that one of the elders of the village was more revered than the rest. It turns out that person is the old drunkard wizard; he is a descendant of the Head Priest of the Wirous, and, hold your breath, he had a Papyro Ithicus in his possession!
I tried to find what happened to Lydian's identical manuscript; no luck there.
As you already know – if you don't, pick up the story book of any wizard child and read, you are likely to find it very informative – the Papyro Ithicus is an ancient manuscript most of us think of as an old myth, a fabrication meant to entice imaginative minds. Only two manuscripts were ever made - by whom, it is not known. These two manuscripts indeed show the location of the other five Wonders of the magical world. The old wizard I met had tried, on countless occasions, to put his hands on the Wonders, but he has not been successful so far. He fiercely cherishes his manuscript and would not let me have more than a cursory glance at it. What I was able to see, I'm going to relate to you. Who knows, maybe some of you already have one of those Wonders by your side, but are unaware of it.
First, a few things need to be made clear.
The original Papyro Ithicus is a map; even if the Wonders have been removed from their original places, it shows you their exact location. You have to concentrate on the Wonder you want to locate, and its position will appear on the map. This is an exercise that must be done in pairs; two people need to concentrate on the one Wonder they want to locate for its position to be revealed by the Papyro. It must be noted that no copies can be made of the Papyro Ithicus. The only copies that you can make, and which I have included in this issue of The Passion Serpent for your perusal, are those that merely disclose the country in which the Wonders are located. Such copies do not reveal the exact location. It is only when you have the original Papyro Ithicus in your possession that you can go hunting for the Wonders; otherwise, it is the same as looking for a wand in a muddy lake where the Accio spell does not work.
Below is a brief description of the Seven Wonders, and further information about their location. A trip to the excellent Emerill Archeus Wizarding library in London will provide you with even more information. You must be wondering why I am revealing all this instead of going on a trek and discover all the Wonders for myself, but I have a purpose behind all these revelations. My aim is in fact to get more people to go looking for them. You all need to be warned that going on a hunt for the Wonders is no easy task; it is indeed a deadly one. Countless obstacles will be set in your way, and death is awaiting the one who is unable to cross even the very first. All those who value their lives, refrain – this is not for the faint-hearted, and it is not a joking matter. The greater the number of people setting out in search of the Wonders, the greater are the chances that the Wonders will fall into the hands of amateur wizards who will not know how to use the Wonders. Only very highly skilled wizards can get a Wonder to work. Those who are wise and capable of using it will not do so. Those who are unwise, dangerous, and who have a thirst for power and bloodshed will use it.
The grisly massacre in Egypt might not be a one-off occurrence. It could happen more frequently; everyone has to stay on their guard in the coming days. It is likely that the creature who had been imprisoned for about six millenia was aware that the Head Priest and Lydian had each a Papyro Ithicus in their possession. It is also very possible that the creature has somehow gotten hold of Lydian's manuscript. This creature has broken through extremely powerful magic that had been holding it captive; it will most certainly be able to activate a Wonder if it comes into its possession. If this happens, havoc will be wreaked in the world. The creature must at all cost be prevented from reuniting the Seven Wonders. This is the chief reason why I am revealing the existence of the Papyro Ithicus.
Remember, if you do decide to go and try to find the Wonders, you might cross paths with the ruthless creature after them. Beware.
The old drunkard wizard I met in the tavern is not going to stay in Sarando for his own safety; he has already moved to another place. Forget about tracking him.
The Seven Wonders of the wizarding world
1. Papyro Ithicus
Description : There are only two of them. The Papyro itself is a Wonder. A Papyro Ithicus is a horizontal scroll of parchment which shows the location of five other Wonders. The seventh one is not shown on the map, you'll know why later. Careful; though it can be extremely difficult, a very powerful wizard can forge the location of one Wonder on the Papyro. However, when he does so, he'll have to replace the Wonder with another powerful object. He will also be compelled to leave a clue about the location of the Wonder if he forges its original location on the map. This forgery can only be done once. If someone comes into possession of all the Seven Wonders, the location of Terra Incognita will be revealed; it is said to be the place where the Seven Wonders need to be reunited.
Effect : Ancient books and legends recount that the wizard who reunites the Wonders on Terra Incognita will be able to usurp the powers of any wizard, if he so chooses. He will be capable of evil of the worst kind.
Status : One Papyro Ithicus is in possession of the Wizard from Sarando; the location of the second one is unknown, but highly likely to be in the creature's possession.
2. Hermit Mystery
Description : The Hermit Mystery is a coined-sized, flat emerald stone that was made by ancient wizards in Kathmandu. It originally adorned a Bhairava Mask. It has now been turned into a ring.
Effect : The Hermit mystery has the power of instant healing. It, however, also makes you forget what pain is. Pain is what makes you human. If you cannot feel pain, you will not be human anymore; and you will be all the more dangerous.
Status : It has been in my possession for a while now, but until I met the drunkard wizard, I was unaware of it being a Wonder. It has now been given to a very capable, intelligent, and lovely lady. Your map will inevitably show you where the ring currently is: England. If you are indeed planning to go looking for a Wonder, you can erase the Hermit Mystery from your list as it has already been found.
3. Peruvian Sun
Description : It is, as the name suggests, of the shape of a small sun. It adopts the bewildering spectrum of colours the sun itself manifests. You CANNOT touch the Peruvian Sun with your bare hands.
Effect : The Peruvian Sun gives you mastery over foliage, forests, plants, and heat. If you have it in your possession, you will be able to master fire.
Status : As your map will indicate, it is in Peru. To give you another clue - and something which your copy of the map will not show - the Peruvian Sun is reputed to be in a secluded, palace-sized Charnel house. Therefore, if you don't like waddling amidst smiling human skulls and heaps upon heaps of bones, do not go looking for it. Remember, extremely dangerous magic protect Charnel houses. Be careful of the Peruvian bone-eating Scarab Beetle. They are known to prefer the healthy bones of living humans rather than the dead.
4. Icarybus Crystal
Description : It is an extremely fragile crystal ball said to have been made around 333 BC. The Icarybus Crystal casts aurorean lights in the chamber in which it is displayed, and it can only be held by a woman.
Effect : Better than the Mirror of Erised, it truly shows you the future. However, more likely than not, if you succeed in making use of it, you will most probably not like to see the fate in reserve for you there. As I said before, wise souls will NOT be making use of any of these Wonders. The lethal danger they represent outweighs the delights they might bring you.
Status : Its location, as shown by your map, points to Romania. Research further indicates that it is in some kind of cave. You have all learnt of the types of dark magic and mysterious creatures living below ground. Venture with caution.
5. The Cursed Violin
Description : Accounts of it in ancient books describe it as being made of the dark red wood of the now extinct Euscakypta.
Effect : The Cursed Violin can produce the most unimaginably beautiful music ever. Muggle children are familiar with the story of The Pied Piper of Hameln. This story also has many variations and in one such tale, the musician is not a piper but a violinist. In the Pied Piper story, the piper was able to rid the city of rats. The rodents became entranced by the music he made, and he thus lead them to the sea and drowned them. He was promised money for this enterprise, but the townspeople refused to pay him. Some time later he came back and instead of rats being lured by the music, he enticed children and forever disappeared with them. There might be some truth in this story. The Cursed Violin can entrance any human being. The one who hears the music becomes a slave of the one who plays the Violin. Tempting.
Status : The location indicates England. The price of touching this violin is a human life. With such a price, NO ONE should go looking for it. Still, it needs to be found before the creature who will not hesitate to kill yet another person in order to get such a Wonder.
6. The Lovers' Heart
Description : This is a wonder for romantic folks. True to its name, it has the shape of a heart and it is ruby red, not dissimilar to the colour of a thoroughly kissed lady's lips. It is said that the Lovers' Heart was made by two lovers. This pair of lovers, a wizard and a witch of different castes, were not allowed to mingle. Their love was an abomination to their families. Do not take out your handkerchiefs yet; they did not have a tragic ending. Ancient Indic books relate that the lovers eloped and had their happily ever after. The lovers wanted to have a symbol representing the very strong love they felt for each other. They created the Lovers' Heart.
Effect : This Wonder can create love, evidently much more potent than any love potion. Again, however, this will be something forced – an illusion. Love is born naturally, not created. It can give rise to destructive obsession. Nonetheless, the most important function of the Lovers' Heart is that it can reveal ancient lovers. Not ancient in age, but people who have been lovers in their past lives. It is a belief held by countless civilisations who believe in reincarnation, ancient and modern alike, that true love is very rare, but, those who do experience it have the same mate in each of their following lives. Their physical features might be different, but their souls are the same. The lovers thus belong to each other across ages, and even across death it seems. One can understand why the story of the Seven Wonders of the Wizarding World has been relegated to children's books; this story falls nothing short of being ludicrous, but it seems to be true.
Status : Located in Cambodia, as shown by the Papyro Ithicus.
7. Fire from the Arctic Willow
Description : You must be thinking that anyone can obtain a few twigs of the Arctic Willow and light a fire. True, anyone can. But it will not be a Wonder. The pair of lovers indicated by the Lovers' Heart will have to light the fire.
Effect : The properties of this Wonder are very much unexplored.
Status : Obviously, it is the only Wonder which is not shown on the Papyro Ithicus for twigs of the Arctic Willow are readily available. Not everyone comes across ancient lovers, though.
Will you find a Wonder?
As I said before, this is not a task for amateurs. Most of you will not be able to find any of them. Our old drunkard from Sarando, even though possessing a Papyro Ithicus, has wasted his entire youth in this mad quest.
What do you do if you find a Wonder?
The wisest thing you can do is to lose no time in returning it to your respective Ministry of Magic. Not doing so will put you and your family in mortal peril. Do not forget that an unknown entity, who has not dithered to commit savage murder, is also after the Wonders.
Nota Bene:
The makers of the Papyro Ithicuses are NOT the makers of the other five Wonders. Each Wonder has its own story. The makers merely gathered their location on a map. The makers were, of course, wise wizards; they knew better than trying to use the Wonders for their own ends. Whether it is mere coincidence that reuniting those seven magical objects can make you one of the most powerful wizard to have ever lived is not known.
I reiterate what I have said before; only go on such a search if you do not fear losing your lives, or endangering the lives of your loved ones. I do hope you live to read the next issue of The Passion Serpent. Until then, stay safe.
Adieu and Goodbye,
Ladon Hydras
...
Having read the incredible article for a third time, Hermione closed her magazine. She was wondering why Ladon always finished his articles with "Adieu and Goodbye". He surely knew that both words meant the same thing, only that 'adieu' was the French version of 'goodbye'. Queer idiosyncrasy.
The sound of many magazines being folded was very audible as Kingsley Shacklebolt, the Minister for Magic, entered the Conference Hall. Harry was by his side, and he had a special place at the table in the front. Everybody expected Harry to be promoted to the head of the Auror Department soon.
The Minister for Magic did not take his seat at the middle of table. Instead, he stood at the edge of the podium and started talking.
"Good morning, friends. You must all be wondering why your routines have been disrupted as well as the reason behind a conference being urgently called. I am sure you must all have an idea by now.
Last week, a ghastly incident took place in the Merua Cave found in Egypt. Five British Muggle students were brutally killed. I have seen their bodies. It is confirmed now that this horrific massacre has been done by either a dark wizard or an unknown creature. The five archaeology students were accompanied by a wizard Professor, Mr. Laurence Alcott, on their expedition. He is known for his keen interest in wizarding archaeology that relates to the Dark Arts, and he has taught not only in many wizarding schools, but also in Muggle universities. Mr. Alcott has not been found. Searches are continuing.
I am sorry to be announcing another rather grim piece of news. Another eminent wizard professor and his family have been killed in the course of the night in Bristol. These innocent people have been killed in the same modus operandi as the five Muggle students; that is, their heads were decapitated and each one of their limbs was ripped from their bodies.
As most of you read The Passion Serpent, you must be aware of the very serious claims advanced by Mr. Hydras, notably those relating to the Seven Wonders of the Wizarding World and a dark creature or wizard going after them. The Passion Serpent is a magazine used by many ministries around the world and, so far, everything reported, including the conjectures of Mr. Hydras, have proven to be true.
Just a few minutes ago, I had a conference with the heads of the Ministries of Magic of a hundred and fifty three countries. We all agree to coordinate our efforts in losing no time in digging the truth in this matter. No one wants to see a repeat of the events of six years ago. A World Conference is going to take place as soon as next week and, naturally, Mr. Hydras will be requested to come and share all that he knows concerning this very serious matter.
I am going to issue a communiqué to the public as well as warn the Muggle Prime Minister of the need to be cautious. All those wizards who, after having read The Passion Serpent, are planning to go find the Wonders will need to be deterred. This is something only well-trained Aurors will be capable of undertaking. As you are aware, an International Magical Pass is now required before a wizard can Apparate in another country. As this pass is only granted to heads of Ministries of Magic, an influx of wizards will be travelling to other countries via the International Land Express, which will need to strengthen its security system.
I have decided to send our specially trained Aurors to find the Wonders. Mr. Hydras, who is of British origin, will have to reveal to whom he has given the Hermit Mystery so as the precious object could be kept in a safe place, under strict surveillance. We also hope he will agree to help us find the Wonders. Obviously, other countries will also be sending their own Aurors on this task. We agreed that it is imperative that our trained agents reach the Wonders before the creature, who has escaped a six thousand year long imprisonment, could get hold of them.
Moreover, not only Aurors will be involved in this enterprise. Brave people who have helped in the downfall of Voldemort will also be lending their help to the Ministry.
First of all, I have decided to send our very capable Miss Granger to find Mr. Ladon Hydras."
At this, the entire Conference Hall turned to look at Hermione enviously. Hermione was so astonished she was unable to acknowledge what the Minister had just announced. No one had ever seen what Ladon Hydras looked liked, and no one knew where the Passion Serpent Headquarter was found!
"Miss Granger, rumours have it that Mr. Hydras is in Cambodia. This piece of information has been conveyed to me by the Cambodian Minister for Magic himself. However, his precise location is not known. It will be your task to seek out Mr. Hydras and persuade him to attend the World Conference that will take place in seven days time. His purported location betrays that he might be looking for the Lovers' Heart; you can also assist him in finding that particular Wonder and bring the Wonder back to England. Are you agreeable to this, Miss Granger?"
"Yes, Sir, I hope I will be able to accomplish this assigned task as best as I can," Hermione managed to answer. She pretended not to notice the way Romilda Vane, Padma Patil, Pansy, Milicent, and even Ginny were glaring at her. She could actually feel the curses being directed towards her by most of the females in the hall for having been given the task to find Ladon. She tried not to pay attention to them and started mentally counting the number of books she would need to read before setting out on this job. She would have to find a book on the geography of Cambodia, and many others on its wizarding history.
"I knew the Ministry could count on you, Miss Granger. You can now leave the Hall and meet me in my office in half an hour's time," Kingsley Shacklebolt delivered proudly.
As soon as Hermione started getting up from her seat, Lucius Malfoy strode up to the dais and addressed the Minister.
"My dear Minister, allow me to express my strong disapproval that this ...this girl here be given the task of persuading Mr. Hydras. She CANNOT be trusted with such an important-"
"Mr. Malfoy, I'm sorry to say you are not in a position to disagree. You are allowed in this conference hall only due to the influence you have had with former administrations. Miss Granger is one of the most capable and clever witches working for the Ministry. She can undoubtedly be trusted to properly carry out this task. However, I will allow you to voice out on which ground you think Miss Granger will not be able take this task to completion."
"Thank you, Minister. Mr. Ladon Hydras is obviously himself a powerful and clever wizard. The 'Lydian' he mentioned in his article is Lydian Hydras, the wizard from whom the Malfoys descend. Clearly, one of the Papyro Ithicus belonged to our family. I-"
"Now you'll claim that you are related to Ladon Hydras!" someone exclaimed from the back, and everybody broke out in peals of laughter.
A dark flush swept across Lucius Malfoy's face. The time when he enjoyed much influence with the Ministry was well gone.
"I am not claiming to be related to Mr. Ladon," Lucius Malfoy interjected. Kingsley Shacklebolt made small silencing motions with his hands and the laughter subsided into sniggers.
"I'm saying that I should be involved in this enterprise because the Papyro Ithicus belongs to the Malfoys. Also, Mr. Ladon must surely be a pure-blood; Miss Granger cannot—"
"Do you propose that your son be given this task, Lucius?" Arthur Weasley intervened. Again the audience started laughing. Hermione did not feel like laughing at all. Her heart was thumping painfully against her chest. That Lucius Malfoy should object to her being given this task could have been expected; but, the mention of his son was making her hot and cold and sweaty.
"The son he is so proud of has disappeared!" another person shouted from the back. Lucius Malfoy turned into an ugly shade of grey.
"Are you sure your worthless, pureblood son is not lying somewhere in Knockturn Alley?"
"Where are you, Draco?" Lucius Malfoy thought sadly.
"Silence please," urged Kingsley. "I'm afraid I have to interrupt you, Lucius. Mr. Ladon must be very well travelled and questions relating to types of blood must be irrelevant, if not preposterous, to him. You can regain your seat, Lucius, thank you for your input," the minister dismissed a scowling Lucius Malfoy.
Hermione breathed a sigh of relief as she left the Conference Hall. She could hear the Minister for Magic continue allocating specific tasks to other witches and wizards. She had felt sorry for Lucius Malfoy back there even if the man had been voicing out his disapproval of her being assigned this task. Lucius and Narcissa Malfoy had been looking for their son for years now, but they had so far been unsuccessful. Hermione recalled an article that had appeared in the Daily Prophet soon after Voldemort had been defeated. The article had expounded at length over how Lucius Malfoy was spotted scouting the length of Knockturn Alley, desperately inquiring about the whereabouts of his son and being fleeced out of thousands of Galleons by those who falsely claimed to know where Draco Malfoy was. Why didn't Draco Malfoy contact his own parents?
