Chapter Eleven: A Study in Power

Harry took the book off the table and left the room. He shut the door and ran off.


Ron and Hermione were walking along the corridor towards Gryffindor house. They had just finished their prefect rounds. They climbed through the portrait hole and entered the common room. They had just got in when Moaning Myrtle glided towards them.

"Hi" she said simply. Ron and Hermione looked at each other before Hermione replied "Hi, Myrtle. What are you doing here?" "I'm on a mission" said Myrtle mysteriously. "A Mission?" said Ron. "Oh yes, Prof. Dumbledore has asked me to keep an eye on the seventh-year girls dormitory" said Myrtle.

"Why?" asked Hermione. "I can't tell you. Dumbledore told me not to tell" said Myrtle. "Oh, come on. It's not like Dumbledore can do anything to you, you're dead" said Ron. Myrtle's eyes bulged "Yes I'm dead! Always want to flaunt your life filled bodies in my face!" said Myrtle. She started crying and left the room through the roof.

"Well done, Ron" said Hermione. "What?" said Ron. "Never mind. DA meeting in half an hour" said Hermione. Just then the Harry came through the portrait hole. He walked over to Hermione and handed her the book. "Harry, what's this?" said Hermione as she looked at the title. Harry explained how he got the book as they all retreated to a corner table away from prying eyes.

Hermione opened the book and was looking through the contents with Harry and Ron looking over her shoulder. "Wait, there's a prologue" said Hermione and turned to the page.

Alfred Bode

Department of Mysteries

Ministry of Magic

Prologue: "A Study in Power" was written with history in mind. There may come a time in the future where such information might be needed to combat similar situations.

When Marcus Grindelwald left Hogwarts he devoted himself into studying history. He had particular interest in ancient magical powers. Unearthing long forgotten spells and enchantments. Grindelwald traveled the world for many years, learning all he could. Finally, he returned to Britain. But as the head of a force attempting to overthrow the Ministry.

The dark times that followed need not be recreated here for that is not the purpose of writing this book. The sole purpose for this book is to catalog what knowledge Grindelwald had uncovered during his travels.

The Ministry have uncovered many strange things when they investigated Grindelwald after his death at the hands of Albus Dumbledore. Strangest of the lot has to be the ten spells he had written. These spells are of varying degree and scope but each and every one of them is unlike any we have ever seen before and all of them are extremely powerful. Also each of these spells can be cast only once.

Each of the spells are written on gold parchments. On the parchments the instructions on how to cast that particular spell and the ingredients which are needed are written. I remember how we got permission from the Ministry to cast the least powerful of the spells to learn more about them. The "Spell of Time" was chosen. This spell was simply a time-reversal spell and it was decided that one of us would cast it and go back in time for five minutes.

The reason was to see what the effects of the spell would be. My colleague took the golden parchment, followed the instructions and cast the spell. We were observing him as he collapsed to the floor dead. We spent months researching the reason for his death. Finally in one of the notebooks of Grindelwald's we learned that only extremely powerful wizards can even attempt to cast the spells otherwise the caster suffers death.

Further research into this solved a long puzzling mystery as to why Grindelwald never used these spells he created. In order to cast one of these spells the caster needs to be extremely powerful. So much so that Grindelwald found himself not powerful enough to cast them.

It is reasoned that Grindelwald returned to England to usurp power from Albus Dumbledore. Grindelwald sought to take Dumbledore's power by using a obscure branch of magic called "Arrogation" This would have killed Albus Dumbledore. After the Final confrontation between them Dumbledore revealed that he knew that in that battle only one of them would survive "I had to make a painful decision to end his life, otherwise he would killed me and used my energies for his own quest for power" said Dumbledore to the then Minister for Magic. Till date Marcus Grindelwald remains the only person killed by Albus Dumbledore.

As it stands now, only two people in this world are powerful enough to work and cast the spells. Albus Dumbledore and Lord Voldemort.

"It goes on and on" said Hermione. "Turn back to contents" said Harry. Hermione did so. Harry scanned the contents where he saw two of the spells. One of them being "Filling the soulless" the other being "Creating Plains"

"These were the two spells that I saw Voldemort steal, open those pages" said Harry. Hermione opened turned the pages to "Filling the Soulless"

Filling the Soulless, The Spell of Nilfhelm: This spell is used to create Wraiths. After following the instructions on the parchment, the caster then folds the parchment and then places it in his/her mouth. After it is swallowed the spell starts to take effect. After this the caster only needs to say to a dead body "Arise" and the body is transformed into a Wraith.

In one of the documents that Grindelwald wrote, he seemed to be making the case that if a Dementor were to suck the soul out of a person and the Wraith-making process is carried out on that person, he/she will be turned to a Wraith and retain the appearance of the former human self. As far as we know, this has never been attempted.

The Wraiths history is interesting. The the early eleventh century a Dark Wizard tried to use vampires as a fighting force in his army. The trouble being that vampires aren't very conducive as soldiers and a revolt broke out. The Dark Wizard then studied Vampire physiology. His intent was to create a new race. A race to be more conducive as soldiers. He was successful.

Wraiths like their Vampire cousins, are corrupted forms of humans. They are primal and share the Vampire's excellent sight and hearing. And like Vampires, Wraiths can 'sire' others

Where these two differ is that Wraiths can tolerate the sun while Vampires cannot (Except in very rare cases which involve protective rings). The Vampire's will is based solely on its primal nature while Wraiths have no will. The Wraith's will is based solely upon the will of its Master. The Wraith also has a distinctive mark on their foreheads which is a mark related to their Master. The Master can order the marks to be hidden if he or she so wishes.

After reading a bit more Hermione turned the page to "Creating Plains"

Creating Plains, The Spell of Pandoras: While the other spells in Grindelwald's Writings are ancient forgotten pieces of magic. This spell is different in that it is part of a concept in Magical Thought that was conceived only recently. It has been debated endlessly whether other plains of existence are there. It is now generally accepted that such plains and dimensions exist in the billions. This spell claims to be able to create a whole new "Reality within a Reality"

We have no idea how this would actually work but Grindelwald wrote of such a plain feeding off on the power of an existing plain. He also wrote that the caster will have power on who can enter and who can not.

"These were the two spells that You-Know-Who managed to get?" asked Ron. "Yes, he also wanted a something called 'The Final Spell' " said Harry. Hermione checked it out "Here it is "The Spell of Alpha and Omega. AKA The Final Spell" said Hermione as she turned the pages.

Power, The Spell of Alpha and Omega: Of all the spells within this collection this one is the most wondrous. The caster needs a number of different ingredients prominent being "The Flesh of one with the power to cast this spell"

In other words if Lord Voldemort were to cast this spell he would need the the flesh of Albus Dumbledore.

The flesh needs to be placed in a cauldron with the other ingredients. With the final act being throwing the parchment into the cauldron. What happens next isn't clear but the parchment says "The glory of the sun shall fill thee and with it shall come pangs" We have debated endlessly over what this would mean exactly but since our bickering won't bring answers we chose to focus on the next line on the parchment

"And power shall be handed to thee, power over all things" and many of Grindelwald's notes spoke of "Power, like that of Gods. Power over the three dimensions"

This is both wonderful and terrible at the same time, while many of what actually might happen is not known, two thing are certain

The caster would become Immortal

The caster would become the most powerful entity in the universe

"So this is what Voldemort's after" said Harry. "Immortality and power, his two main goals" said Hermione. "We should get this book to Dumbledore" said Ron. "Yes, we have to" said Harry.


Dumbledore was on his desk flipping through the pages as Harry, Ron and Hermione stood before him. Dumbledore placed the book down on his desk, then looked at them with a smile "I already know all this" said Dumbledore. "What?" said Ron. "Yes, Mr. Weasley. I aided the Ministry with their investigations and was kept appraised" said Dumbledore. "Sir we have a few questions" said Harry.

"Which are?" asked Dumbledore. "Where are these Writings now?" asked Harry. "The Writings are with the Department of Mysteries. Each of them are kept separate and each have their own unique protections" said Dumbledore. "But Voldemort was still able to steal some of them" said Harry. "Yes, he did. I believe a spy of his broke the protections and gave them to Voldemort. These spells were used to create the Wraiths and to create another plain which is called 'Pandoras' where Voldemort has now based his army" said Dumbledore.

"He's got an army?" said Ron alarmed. "In the past few months he has" said Dumbledore. "What are we doing to stop him?" asked Ron. "As of right now, the Ministries of Magic all across the world, the ICW and the Order are working on ways to break into Pandoras and destroy it" said Dumbledore.

"But is that..." began Harry but stopped as Dumbledore raised his hand "We could continue this, of course. But I believe you have a prior appointment" said Dumbledore. "The DA meeting!" said Hermione. Dumbledore took out his watch "You are ten minutes late, hurry now" said Dumbledore. Harry made to grab the book but Dumbledore laid his hand on it "I wish to retain this book if you don't mind" said Dumbledore. "No, sir. Take it" said Harry.

Harry, Ron and Hermione left for their DA meeting.


Two weeks had passed and as October arrived a new announcement had been placed all over the school. "New rules regarding Hogsmeade trips. Sixth years and above will now be able to visit Hogsmeade once every two month. The first such trip will be on the 16th of this month"

Harry was rereading the announcement in a corridor when he heard his name being called out. "Hi, Harry" said Suzy. "Hi, I'm been wanting to talk to you" said Harry. "About what?" said Suzy. "That tackle you made on Seamus in practice" said Harry. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to hit so hard" said Suzy apprensivly. "No, no, that was perfect. All why I'm wondering is why didn't you try out for the team earlier? You're great" said Harry truthfully.

Suzy blushed "Well I knew that it would be hard to get in as a chaser with the three chasers we already had" said Suzy. "Well you still should have tried" said Harry. She shrugged "Yeah well. I came to because I want to join the DA" said Suzy. "That's great" said Harry. "I just thought that with my Newts coming up it will help me with the Defense tests" said Suzy.

"The next meeting is in thirty minutes. I'm going there now. Want to come along?" asked Harry. "Sure" said Suzy. As they walked towards the Room of Requirement Harry watched Suzy. She was just as tall as he was. She had blonde hair and beautiful blue eyes.

They reached the the corridor and walked towards the door. "It's through this door" said Harry as he opened the door. The room was in complete darkness. "Oh no, not again" said Harry. "What?" asked Suzy.

The open door slammed shut. Harry and Suzy turned towards the door. "Okay" said Suzy uncertainly. A chandelier came to life filling the room with light. A room as large as most living rooms. "Far to easy" said a drawling bored voice. Harry turned around to Draco Malfoy who was sitting on a chair on the far side of the room with his two cronies next to him.

"Malfoy" said Harry. "Potter, Do you realize how easy it was to keep an eye on your meetings? To see that you usually arrive here early? For me to plot this little ambush" drawled Draco. "What do you want?" asked Harry. Malfoy leaned forward and with a curt tone said " 'I' want revenge. Revenge on you for putting my father in Azkaban" said Draco.

"Are you still on that? Your father's out in case you haven't heard" said Harry. "Doesn't change the fact that you put him there. Anyway I didn't want to talk too much so Crabbe, Goyle, Get him!" said Draco. Crabbe and Goyle lurched forward but stopped as Harry raised his wand in a flash pointing straight at them "Impedimenta!" cried Harry.

But nothing happened.

Draco still on his chair. "Oh I forgot. I know about this room, Potter. So I wished for a place with no magic" said Draco. Crabbe and Goyle resumed their attack on Harry but stopped as Suzy walked in front of him and blocked their way.

"Stop" she said softly. Crabbe and Goyle gaffed at her. She walked up to Goyle and kicked him in the abdomen sending him flying across the room. Crabbe looked at his comrade then back at Suzy who swiftly moved towards him, picked him off the ground and into the air, threw him right at Draco.

"Bloody hell!" cried Draco as he threw himself to the side as Crabbe came flying and broke the chair. With two of them lying on the floor moaning, Suzy directed her attention to Draco. She tried the same kick on Draco that she used on Goyle only Draco blocked it with his arm. Suzy tried ramming her fist into Draco's head, he ducked and counterattacked with a kick of his own that pushed her her backwards.

Harry moved forward to help Suzy but she spat venomously "Stay back!" "Oh my, feisty little thing are you?" said Draco tauntingly. "More than you know" said Suzy. Suzy attacked Draco with another kick that he dodged. He tried to hit her on the head but she ducked to the floor, swirled and hit Draco's legs with her own leg causing him to fall back hard on the floor, back first.

With Draco on the floor, Suzy launched herself on him. Tangling their legs together preventing him from escaping. She started laying blow after blow on Draco's face. At first he resisted but soon lay he lay there limp with Suzy continuing her blows.

Blood started coming from Draco's face but she still continued. Harry came to her and held her from behind trying to get her to stop. "Let me go!" protested Suzy. Harry gave a tremendous heave and pulled Suzy off of Draco.

Draco hunched up and buried his hands to his face. Harry still held on to Suzy to prevent her from continuing. Draco now got up from the floor with a bloody nose and mouth. "Well" coughed Draco at a vain attempt at his 'cool' voice. He looked at his cronies who were on the floor stunned at what had happened. "Get up!" said Draco. They got up and walked towards him. Draco looked at Harry and Suzy with extreme malice but he didn't say anything. He walked towards the door and left with Crabbe and Goyle at his side.

Harry let go of Suzy. She turned around looking worried. "Suzy" gasped Harry. "I know! I went too far! I'm sorry!" said Suzy. "Well I'm not. Draco got what he deserved" said Harry. "You think he'll be okay?" asked Suzy. "Unfortunately" replied Harry. However Harry saw the look of genuine concern on her face "Draco will be fine, he's not got any major injuries or anything" said Harry.

"Okay, okay" said Suzy as she tried to calm herself. Harry marveled at how delicate she was now while a minute ago she was like a ferocious wolf. Suzy saw Harry looking at her like that "What?" said she. "Your strong and I mean really!" said Harry in awe. Suzy blushed scarlet. "Well it's nothing really" said Suzy.

"How... how did you get this strong?" asked Harry. "To tell the truth only a few months back" said Suzy. "What happened?" asked Harry. Suzy shrugged "I took an interest in Martial Arts" said Suzy.

"Well the DA meeting is going to start soon" said Harry. "Here?" said Suzy questioningly. Harry replied "Oh no, not here. Lets go back outside and come in again"


The days passed by and the 15th arrived with all the sixth-years and above all planning their trip the next day. Harry was walking towards the Great Hall for breakfast. He entered the Great Hall and headed for where Ron and Hermione were sitting. Ron was eating while Hermione was reading the Daily Prophet.

"So what's new" asked Harry in greeting. Hermione spoke "Another worthless ceremony by the Ministry of Magic in honor for Lord whatever. Lockhart demands old nurse back and three unexplained murders in Hogsmeade over the last two weeks" said Hermione.

Harry sat down "Okay" said he. "You slept late, are you okay?" asked Hermione. "Well between Occlumency, meditation techniques and potions from Marsters, I am more relaxed lately" said Harry. "That's good" said Ron. "Hey, isn't that Podmore?" asked Hermione. They all turned and saw that it was indeed him walking towards them.

"Greetings" said he as he came to them. "Mr. Podmore, what are you doing here?" asked Harry. "Errands for the Ministry and Dumbledore. I just came from Hogsmeade, beautiful place. I understand that there is a school trip there tomorrow?" said Podmore.

"Yeah there is" said Ron. "Are you going, Potter?" asked Podmore. "Yeah, I guess" said Harry. "That's good, you all enjoy yourselves" said Podmore, he turned around and left. "What was that about?" asked Harry. "Well, Podmore has been nutty like that lately. Azkaban does that to you" said Ron.

Harry wondered about this then pushed it from his mind and concentrated on his breakfast.


Later in the day a meeting of the Order of the Phoenix was called.

"Harry is going to Hogsmeade tomorrow. The Order needs to be alert" said Dumbledore. "Why should we disrupt the workings of the Order to accommodate one person" said Snape. "And what would you do?" asked Dumbledore. "My personal preference would be to keep Potter under lock and key" said Snape. "Severus" said Dumbledore. " ...for his own protection" finished Snape"

"Keep him inside Hogwarts?" asked Dumbledore. "Yes" said Snape. "That wouldn't be fair to him" said Dumbledore. "This is more important than that, we need not put him or us under added risk. Simply tell him that his permission slip is now null and void due to the guardian's demise. After all it is the rules" said Snape.

Dumbledore stood and drew himself up and with the tone of a king said "That is my school, I make the rules" There was burst of laughter in the room at this. "Yes you do, headmaster" said Snape. "Oh come on, Prof. Snape. You know we all value your dissenting opinions" said Tonks. "I'm touched" said Snape sarcastically.

"Jokes aside" said Lupin. I don't think we should bind Harry in any way. That would only be counter-productive" said Lupin. "Agreed" said Dumbledore. "Besides, even if we try to keep him in Hogwarts he will only sneak out through the secret passages" said Lupin. "Yes, I wonder how he knows of those passages" said Snape while pointedly looking at Lupin.

"This is settled then. Harry is free to go to Hogsmeade. However, I want all free Order members in Hogsmeade tomorrow and all busy members at a moment's notice.


In Pandoras a meeting of the Death Eaters was called by Voldemort.

"Harry Potter is going to be in Hogsmeade tomorrow. We will attack Hogsmeade" said Voldemort. There was a murmur of excitement in the room, after months of remaining quiet they were finally doing something.

Bellatrix spoke up "My Lord, let me lead this mission" she said. "No, Bella. We failed the last time due to Lucius Malfoy. I will not make the same mistake again. I shall lead this mission" said Voldemort. "Yes, My Lord" said Bellatrix.

Voldemort walked among his Death Eaters and said "My followers, tomorrow when Harry Potter walks out of the gates of Hogwarts. He will be vulnerable, we must strike then. And remember, our goal is to capture him alive. He is of no use to me dead"


Harry was in the line heading out to Hogsmeade. He was with Ron, Hermione, Ginny and Suzy. They all left after promising to bring a ton of goodies for Neville who was still banned.

They got past inspection and were on the Hogwarts grounds heading for the gates. As they neared the exit Ginny asked "Where do we go from here?" Harry smiled "I don't know" he replied.

And with that, Harry walked out the gates of Hogwarts.


Executive Producer: Colin Xavier