Chapter 4
A/N- O.K, this chapter
reveals Voldemort's big plan! It should be better than the last. Thanks to all
the reviewers and to all those who didn't: I curse you to an early grave.
Anyhow!
Enjoy the chapter and,
most of all. REVIEW, if not for me, then the children. Do it for the children.
***
"Wormtail!"
"Yes, master" came the
fragile reply.
"Set the candles as I
indicate. Ensure the ingredients are properly mixed." The voice of the tall,
robed figure came sharply. "This spell may drain my power, and I can tolerate
no mistakes from you." The figure turned around and watched Wormtail's furtive
movements, checking everything with minute detail.
"It is done. You may
leave."
Ordered the voice of He
Who Must Not Be Named "Master, I beg of you, do not do this. You'll be no
better than- than Filch!" stuttered Wormtail, who had obviously used all his
courage to make that remark.
"Silence!" shouted
Voldemort "How dare you oppose me?" he continued, his red slit eyes glimmering
with fury. "Crucio." He said, his wand pointed at Wormtail. Instantly the
figure tumbled to the ground, twitching. He pulled his wand away. "Goodbye
Wormtail." Voldemort said with finality. The figure slowly got to his feet, and
stumbled out of the door, whimpering.
Voldemort turned to the
candles and powders arranged on the floor, and began muttering an incantation,
gradually raising his voice louder, and louder. Finally, he crumpled to the
floor with the word 'Ignio'. Instantly the powders at his feet ignited, sending
20 foot purple flames up to the ceiling. A shadowy apparition appeared through
the central flame.
"Why do you disturb us?
Why are we summoned from our sleep?" the apparition asked. "I have a bargain
for the spirits." Replied the cracked voice of the exhausted Voldemort.
"Yes….?" Asked the apparition with detached interest. "I wish for you to give a
boy named Potter-"
"The one who has
repeatedly foiled your attacks?" mocked the spirit, with obvious amusement.
"Yes." Replied Voldemort, his eyes flashing unmistakably for a second, before
he continued, "I want you to give the boy… A Choice." Voldemort stopped,
watching for the apparition's reaction. However it's 'face' remained passive.
"As you know, we do not give a Choice without a price. You must give us
something we desire in return." It finished, watching imperially
over Lord Voldemort. "In
return I will give the spirits" he paused, obviously horrified at his next
words "my powers."
***
"And, that." Said the
haughty voice of the prefect guide, "Concludes our tour of the castle."
All the boys, including
Harry, had thoroughly enjoyed the tour of the castle, which had many
similarities with Hogwarts despite the size difference. When he asked about
this, he found that the castle was created by Godric Gryffindor, which accounted
for the similarities. The highlight of the tour had definitely been the free
chocolate doughnuts at the kitchen, but they had also had the pleasure of
visiting a few lessons which looked a lot of fun.
They had returned after
the tour to the entrance hall, where the half-giant guide had led them up to
what looked like a dining hall. They were told to sit at two long tables, which
stretched all the way down to the other side of the hall, ending with another
main table, which was obviously for staff.