Chapter 9 – Harbinger of Destruction
The edict that Marius proclaimed was put into action the very next day. Everyone was kept busy in one form or another, whether it be through hard defense training, by which McGonagall took control of, or the application of spells to the castle walls. No one was spared from work. Marius thought it best that the entire school should be like a living organism so as to be prepared for the worst as soon as possible, should the event arrive like foretold.
Unsurprisingly, some students still thought the situation insignificant enough to protest about the workload they were being told to do. This brought about a stiff, but resounding change in professor Marius, mores so for the worst, as he quickly proclaimed that anyone not doing their part for the safety of the castle was destined to be transfigured into some form of horrible creature. To the shock of others, he made an example of one student who'd been dragging his behind far too much… Draco stayed a ferret for over an hour before Marius thought the smell was too much to bare, and turned him back.
Harry wasn't one to underestimate someone's temper, and when ever Marius showed up, he was sure to be seen working extremely hard on reductor curses, despite having already learned them thoroughly during his forth year. Overall, Harry was considered by the aging wizard as amongst the most well prepared of the student body, and seeing this as some form of standard to live up to, others (even adults) strived to master the magic skills Harry knew, so as not to incur Marius' horrible wrath again. It was pleasant from a DADA teacher's perspective, to see so many students increasing their defensive skills. Despite this however, Marius was seen on several occasions having taught students to be the aggressor in a combat situation. Something which did not go down well with the other teachers, but was still inevitably necessary.
The day slowly snailed by, and spells continued to be applied to the castle walls even during the night, when most students had retired for bed. The utter confusion and reasoning behind the school becoming the way it was, was soon lost as students slipped in and out of an uneasy sleep. Though Harry felt very much uncomfortable at the idea, and resided himself to staying up throughout the night, perhaps to practice more on some obscure spell Hermione had found for him, or rather, to reflect on how his world could come to such an abrupt halt. It suited him in this case to wander about the corridors in the dark, since Marius' edict allowed it. He couldn't bare the thought of sleeping, as he believed his mind, despite being hardened over time, was now seriously beginning to crack. His dreams were becoming more frequent… and more graphic in nature.
As Harry neared the entrance to the Great Hall, the sounds of voices echoed towards him. Though he knew his presence in the hallways was allowed, he was sure that it wouldn't be appreciated, as the next day was undoubtedly going to be just as grueling as the first. Nevertheless, he was compelled to investigate the sound, and he moved towards the hall's entrance ever so quietly. Slowly it grew louder, and as Harry peered about the corner of the doorway, he beheld a most curious gathering.
There stood Marius, Dumbledore, and someone whom he was sure was Cornelius Fudge. All muttering to each other in suspiciously hushed tones, that Harry had trouble hearing. Nothing was discernable to his ears… until, Fudge broke the muttering.
'My dear Dumbledore,' he began with a strained voice. 'Terrible the days of late… yes, terrible. We've been forced to evacuate the ministry…' Dumbledore looked to the wizard without much sense of shock, it seemed he'd rather been expecting the news. Marius though seemed uncannily curious.
'Evacuated? I don't understand… the ministry is located underground is it not?' Fudge turned to him and nodded his head in dismay, clearly feeling the pain that lack of control issued.
'Yes Morheim, indeed it is. But since the… incident, involving the platform, muggles have found a way to seek out such locations. Even those as powerfully magical as the Ministry. I realize now I was wrong to under estimate them beforehand... oh how naïve I was.'
Dumbledore adjusted his spectacles for a moment as he took everything in. Fudge had certainly changed since their last encounter. He was no longer so paranoid about Dumbledore, or as frighteningly big headed about himself. And finally, he had accepted the severity of how bad things were for the wizarding world, though silently, Harry was sure Fudge was cursing himself for not acting sooner.
'Do not feel ashamed old friend,' Dumbledore spoke to him in soothing tones, 'It was merely a matter of time before the wizarding world was discovered by the muggles. Our task is to make sure that the integration of our different cultures is a smooth one.'
Fudge looked up to Dumbledore with an exasperated expression on his face.
'And how smooth were you originally intending?! Muggles are everywhere now. Within a day Diagon alley and platform nine and three quarters were revealed and overrun. They wielded weapons the likes of which the witches and wizards there had never seen. And, to emphasize my point, a muggle army is poised to strike the town of Hogsmeade at this very moment!'
Dumbledore solemnly nodded, aware of all that had transpired, Marius merely stood there silently.
'I agree, Cornelius, that the situation is now well out of hand. However, evidence has since arisen as to the origins of the crisis, that I believe we should take into account before doing anything that may be too rash.'
'And what evidence are you referring to Dumbledore?' Fudge inquired arrogantly. Albus looked to Marius who nodded in response.
'The failure of so many unconnected wards struck me as unusual the moment it occurred. What's more, is that wards are not subject to breaking so easily. The circumstances seemed out of the ordinary, yet I believed that magic was definitely at work, undoing these powerful spells. I consulted many books in my time, in an attempt to find the cause of this… nothing came of it. Until that is, I stumbled upon a book as old as this castle itself, which gave rise to a possibility that I had not yet considered.'
Marius turned once more to Dumbledore.
'Albus, are you entirely sure? The likelihood that this is the cause is highly remote!'
'Yes Marius I am quite certain. Nothing else could have done such a thing as this… When I examined the book in detail, I found that it was written in the ancient runes devised by Merlin's order. I had seen very few books written in such a way, but it compelled me to read on. Within the texts I found evidence of the very creation of ward magic, right from it's base incantations. Truly fascinating I admit… however, there was also mention of a curse, powerful enough to completely decimate the magical energies that sustain wards centuries after being cast. It was known as the Irovanai – the nullifying curse. It's origins date back years before Merlin's time, and if the book is to be believed, I would not be surprised if it had links to ancient magic.'
Fudge looked seemingly perplexed at this. He wanted to speak, but his tongue seemed caught. He insisted instead on scratching his head in a confused sort of way.
'I know this is a lot to take in at once Cornelius, but for the sake of this world you must understand quickly.' Dumbledore reassured him, still anxious.
'If my understanding is correct,' Fudge blundered on, 'then who would cast such a spell? This form of magic should be outlawed.' Marius cast him a dubious look that seemed to throw him off balance.
'Can you think of no one?!' Marius spoke in a mocking tone. 'This is Voldemort's doing no doubt, you moron! Who else could instigate the use of this magic, and the subsequent destruction of our own?' Fudge stepped back for a moment, shocked that Marius had spoken to him in that tone, let alone said Voldemort's name. But he quickly regained his composure and stood at his full height, which was still shorter than Marius by a head.
'How dare you speak to me like that, you… you useless ex-Auror! Have you no idea to who I am?!'
Marius, merely looked to the flustered old man with some sense of contempt in his eyes, and in a quick movement, he stretched forth his hand in Fudge's direction. The sudden movement caught the aging minister by surprise, and he made to draw his wand. But he was too slow. As though some invisible force was holding him, Fudge's body lifted into the air, leaving him clutching his throat in pain.
'A word of advice Fudge.' Marius spoke harshly through gritted teeth. 'You are of little importance to me, let alone this world considering your past performance as minister of magic. I should kill you right now for the terror you've unknowingly brought upon us all!' Fudge remained motionless, suspended in mid air still grasping his throat. Dumbledore however, motioned a calm hand gesture, and in submission, Marius released the blustering old man, to a resounding thud on the cold stone floor. Harry inched his way further around the side of the door, his attention heightening with every moment he witnessed.
Haphazardly, Fudge returned to his feet, clearly shaken to the core. Both Dumbledore and Marius exchanged looks, some with a slight amount of satisfaction. Dumbledore made to speak.
'It is inevitable Cornelius. You must accept that Voldemort is continuing to operate outside of ministry control, likely gaining more power as we speak. Therefore, it leads me to believe that he is using the spell I mentioned earlier to his own ends, much to our downfall. Though I admit I did not foresee him utilizing muggles in this manner. Nevertheless, we must take action now if we are to save what remains of our civilization. The question remains as to what the course of action must be. As the three most magically powerful wizards on the side of righteousness, it is solely our responsibility, and more than one person is counting on what we decide.'
Fudge seemed more than apprehensive at Dumbledore's words. It was true that he enjoyed the power and influence his position provided, but when in the heat of the moment, he was totally clueless as to how to respond to the threat. Something Marius seemed most infuriated about.
As the two wizards eyes bored into Fudge, he made a hasty attempt to be in some form of control, and promptly cleared his throat to talk, if not in a hesitant manner. He did indeed feel extremely intimidated at this point in time, especially after being lifted into the air by a wizard under Dumbledore, who did not wield his wand as most did.
'If everything you both tell me is true, then V…Voldemort, is using this spell you found as a means of… what? Disabling us… Making us vulnerable to attack? What is his reasoning behind this?'
'A very fine question Fudge,' Marius spoke with mock reverence, 'Perhaps you will not be so useless to us afterall… Dumbledore and I have theorized firstly, that Voldemort is attempting to kill two birds with one stone. We are not sure as of yet, precisely how he has managed to harness control of muggle armies. But given his hatred of the muggle civilization in general, and the combined lack of understanding the wizarding community have of them, he may be using them as mere pawns with which to destroy us. I expect that wizards will fight back should they be attacked, so more than likely, there will be great numbers of casualties on both sides before this ordeal is over.'
Fudge nodded acceptingly, Dumbledore spoke.
'However, I believe that this may only be the beginning of something far greater…'
Harry's ears listened ever more intently, the air around him seemed to thicken as his breathing sped up. 'Should Hogwarts fall, the last defensive bastion imprisoning the creature shall be lifted. It is possible that Voldemort wishes to release it'
Fudge almost fell over as he heard this. His breath caught in his throat in disbelief, and he staggered for a moment.
'WHAT?!' he shouted in horror. 'That's impossible! Nothing can breach the barriers that have been put in place. Those spells date back to Merlin himself!
Dumbledore shook his head in sadness, which if anything, alarmed Fudge even more.
'I should remind you Cornelius, that Irovanai also dates back to Merlin's time. And those spells binding the evil are wards. I would've thought the level of damage the nullifying curse has done already is evidence enough of its power. Such ancient magic is likely to harbor secrets of its own. If Voldemort has discovered an alternate use for Irovanai, than this situation may indeed become more complicated.' Dumbledore stopped and reflected momentarily. Marius stood there idly by.
'Regardless of this new development,' Fudge began edgily, 'My duty is to protect this world and it's inhabitants. Hogwarts will no doubt be the scene of an event not seen in over a thousand years. I want every man, woman and child capable of casting an offensive spell to be at the ready should the muggles try to take the castle by force. You Know Who is still a very real threat. If we are defeated he will waltz in and take the castle for his own. Who knows how dangerous he could become then?!'
Fudge thought momentarily that he'd gotten through to the aging mage, but in a moment of sheer anger, Dumbledore rose to his feet with a steel like glint in his eyes.
'VOLDEMORT IS INCOMPARABLE TO THE AMOUNT OF DEATH AND DESTRUCTION THAT WILL BE CAUSED SHOULD THE CREATURE BE RELEASED YOU FOOL!' Dumbledore shouted to a terrified Fudge. Marius also took a hesitant step back. None of them (including Harry) had ever seen the headmaster this mad before. Perhaps Cornelius's stupidity had finally gotten to him. At any rate, Fudge whimpered in submission, finally defeated. But Dumbledore continued.
'Voldemort's intentions regarding the creature are unknown, and for that we have more reason to fear. This castle will undoubtedly fall. Muggle armies are of greater number and sophistication than any time this age, and their methods of fighting are far different from ours. We are outnumbered and outmatched, with Voldemort's help or not, Hogwarts will fall. Our priority is to make sure that the creature is not released. Evil like that is rare and powerful, and if it escapes, both our worlds will perish…'
The atmosphere seemed to tighten around all within it. Harry who was lingering dangerously close to being seen near the door was shocked. Now he knew the truth… Hogwarts didn't stand a chance, and war was inevitable. The only question was how much time was left until everything turned full circle. But just as Harry was prepared to leave, Marius made to speak, so he reluctantly stayed, despite having heard so much.
'Regrettable it is how circumstances have changed so quickly. But the damage to our world need not be so great Dumbledore…' Albus turned his head in curiosity, unsure to what Marius was referring. 'We may be outmatched Albus, but we are not outnumbered…' and at this he looked to Fudge, who was still reeling in shock after Dumbledore's outburst. 'Cornelius…' he spoke with authority, 'I want your army!'
Fudge looked blankly at him, somehow unaware of what he'd said. 'Need I ask you again Fudge?!' Cornelius suddenly snapped back to reality.
'How? How do you know of my army?! That information is top secret as of order of the Ministry!' but a single look at Marius was more than enough persuasion. His multiple scars and gashes in the dull light made him look ever more threatening, and Fudge hastily threw his hand into his top jacket pocket and retrieved a small pearly colored stone, which he tossed to Marius. 'I hope you know what you're doing Morheim!' he spluttered uneasily. Marius ignored him, and casually walked to the center of the great hall, the small stone grasped tightly in his hands.
'Is there no other way Marius?' Dumbledore asked hopefully, his eyes trained on the stone.
'I'm sorry old friend,' Marius answered sadly, 'But there is no other way. The evil that creature harbors must not be released!' and with a tone of finality, he took one more look at the stone. It's pearly depths seemed to entrance him, as he moved it between his fingers. But with a bitter sigh of reluctance, he placed the stone on the floor and stepped back.
Harry was unsure what was happening exactly. The stone just appeared to be an ordinary rock to him, but Marius wasn't finished. Casually he extended both his hands, and began speaking in a language Harry could only assume was ancient in origin.
'Kierva ne sarnis faa, arubei vo nes fenath …' the stone began to glow an eerie white, Marius's hands, licked with blindingly, blue flames. 'Asten vier neth, morokek. Julanathai oner karr oah shii.'
Harry looked to the stone. It no longer resembled it's former self, by now looked more like an ever enlarging pool of rippling energy that was expanding across the floor. Then, to Harry's horror, he saw a dark figure emerge from the energy, it's cloaked form hiding what Harry was sure was something far more terrifying. Marius continued, now in English.
'Arise Aandrak, being of flame, servant of the dark forces of limbo…' the figure now stood in its entirety, the only unusual feature about it being the steady stream of white smoke issuing through it's cloak. 'You will be our harbinger of destruction!'
Dumbledore sat silently, shedding a soundless tear. Fudge looked to the being in horror, his eyes wide at the scene taking place before him. Marius continued onwards, an insane look of power stretched over his face from ear to ear.
'May you and your kind wander amongst the masses, bring death to our enemies… Burn all who oppose us!' and he withdrew his hands in an instant. The room dulled back to it's former light, leaving nothing but a now black stone, and a cloaked being, which could only be described as a pure nightmare in wizard's clothing.
'Go forth Aandrak… bring swift death to the muggle world… spare NO ONE!'
And it was then, in this dark moment that Harry heard a voice. A voice so evil, it felt like a thousand cold spikes through his still beating heart.
'As you wish my master… your will be done to the end of their world.' It said, to a collected intake of breath. And then, to Harry's unheard of terror, the being turned itself about, and he saw beneath it's dark hood, the fiery, skull-like face… of a Heliopath.
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I know it's been a little while since I last updated, but now the story's really getting into the part I've been so patiently waiting for, it pays to make sure it's of good quality. Notice the length increase from the previous chapters? Anyway, I hoped your hooked, I need more reviews fast. In the mean time, you'll just have to wait until I get chapter 10 up and ready... enjoy.
The edict that Marius proclaimed was put into action the very next day. Everyone was kept busy in one form or another, whether it be through hard defense training, by which McGonagall took control of, or the application of spells to the castle walls. No one was spared from work. Marius thought it best that the entire school should be like a living organism so as to be prepared for the worst as soon as possible, should the event arrive like foretold.
Unsurprisingly, some students still thought the situation insignificant enough to protest about the workload they were being told to do. This brought about a stiff, but resounding change in professor Marius, mores so for the worst, as he quickly proclaimed that anyone not doing their part for the safety of the castle was destined to be transfigured into some form of horrible creature. To the shock of others, he made an example of one student who'd been dragging his behind far too much… Draco stayed a ferret for over an hour before Marius thought the smell was too much to bare, and turned him back.
Harry wasn't one to underestimate someone's temper, and when ever Marius showed up, he was sure to be seen working extremely hard on reductor curses, despite having already learned them thoroughly during his forth year. Overall, Harry was considered by the aging wizard as amongst the most well prepared of the student body, and seeing this as some form of standard to live up to, others (even adults) strived to master the magic skills Harry knew, so as not to incur Marius' horrible wrath again. It was pleasant from a DADA teacher's perspective, to see so many students increasing their defensive skills. Despite this however, Marius was seen on several occasions having taught students to be the aggressor in a combat situation. Something which did not go down well with the other teachers, but was still inevitably necessary.
The day slowly snailed by, and spells continued to be applied to the castle walls even during the night, when most students had retired for bed. The utter confusion and reasoning behind the school becoming the way it was, was soon lost as students slipped in and out of an uneasy sleep. Though Harry felt very much uncomfortable at the idea, and resided himself to staying up throughout the night, perhaps to practice more on some obscure spell Hermione had found for him, or rather, to reflect on how his world could come to such an abrupt halt. It suited him in this case to wander about the corridors in the dark, since Marius' edict allowed it. He couldn't bare the thought of sleeping, as he believed his mind, despite being hardened over time, was now seriously beginning to crack. His dreams were becoming more frequent… and more graphic in nature.
As Harry neared the entrance to the Great Hall, the sounds of voices echoed towards him. Though he knew his presence in the hallways was allowed, he was sure that it wouldn't be appreciated, as the next day was undoubtedly going to be just as grueling as the first. Nevertheless, he was compelled to investigate the sound, and he moved towards the hall's entrance ever so quietly. Slowly it grew louder, and as Harry peered about the corner of the doorway, he beheld a most curious gathering.
There stood Marius, Dumbledore, and someone whom he was sure was Cornelius Fudge. All muttering to each other in suspiciously hushed tones, that Harry had trouble hearing. Nothing was discernable to his ears… until, Fudge broke the muttering.
'My dear Dumbledore,' he began with a strained voice. 'Terrible the days of late… yes, terrible. We've been forced to evacuate the ministry…' Dumbledore looked to the wizard without much sense of shock, it seemed he'd rather been expecting the news. Marius though seemed uncannily curious.
'Evacuated? I don't understand… the ministry is located underground is it not?' Fudge turned to him and nodded his head in dismay, clearly feeling the pain that lack of control issued.
'Yes Morheim, indeed it is. But since the… incident, involving the platform, muggles have found a way to seek out such locations. Even those as powerfully magical as the Ministry. I realize now I was wrong to under estimate them beforehand... oh how naïve I was.'
Dumbledore adjusted his spectacles for a moment as he took everything in. Fudge had certainly changed since their last encounter. He was no longer so paranoid about Dumbledore, or as frighteningly big headed about himself. And finally, he had accepted the severity of how bad things were for the wizarding world, though silently, Harry was sure Fudge was cursing himself for not acting sooner.
'Do not feel ashamed old friend,' Dumbledore spoke to him in soothing tones, 'It was merely a matter of time before the wizarding world was discovered by the muggles. Our task is to make sure that the integration of our different cultures is a smooth one.'
Fudge looked up to Dumbledore with an exasperated expression on his face.
'And how smooth were you originally intending?! Muggles are everywhere now. Within a day Diagon alley and platform nine and three quarters were revealed and overrun. They wielded weapons the likes of which the witches and wizards there had never seen. And, to emphasize my point, a muggle army is poised to strike the town of Hogsmeade at this very moment!'
Dumbledore solemnly nodded, aware of all that had transpired, Marius merely stood there silently.
'I agree, Cornelius, that the situation is now well out of hand. However, evidence has since arisen as to the origins of the crisis, that I believe we should take into account before doing anything that may be too rash.'
'And what evidence are you referring to Dumbledore?' Fudge inquired arrogantly. Albus looked to Marius who nodded in response.
'The failure of so many unconnected wards struck me as unusual the moment it occurred. What's more, is that wards are not subject to breaking so easily. The circumstances seemed out of the ordinary, yet I believed that magic was definitely at work, undoing these powerful spells. I consulted many books in my time, in an attempt to find the cause of this… nothing came of it. Until that is, I stumbled upon a book as old as this castle itself, which gave rise to a possibility that I had not yet considered.'
Marius turned once more to Dumbledore.
'Albus, are you entirely sure? The likelihood that this is the cause is highly remote!'
'Yes Marius I am quite certain. Nothing else could have done such a thing as this… When I examined the book in detail, I found that it was written in the ancient runes devised by Merlin's order. I had seen very few books written in such a way, but it compelled me to read on. Within the texts I found evidence of the very creation of ward magic, right from it's base incantations. Truly fascinating I admit… however, there was also mention of a curse, powerful enough to completely decimate the magical energies that sustain wards centuries after being cast. It was known as the Irovanai – the nullifying curse. It's origins date back years before Merlin's time, and if the book is to be believed, I would not be surprised if it had links to ancient magic.'
Fudge looked seemingly perplexed at this. He wanted to speak, but his tongue seemed caught. He insisted instead on scratching his head in a confused sort of way.
'I know this is a lot to take in at once Cornelius, but for the sake of this world you must understand quickly.' Dumbledore reassured him, still anxious.
'If my understanding is correct,' Fudge blundered on, 'then who would cast such a spell? This form of magic should be outlawed.' Marius cast him a dubious look that seemed to throw him off balance.
'Can you think of no one?!' Marius spoke in a mocking tone. 'This is Voldemort's doing no doubt, you moron! Who else could instigate the use of this magic, and the subsequent destruction of our own?' Fudge stepped back for a moment, shocked that Marius had spoken to him in that tone, let alone said Voldemort's name. But he quickly regained his composure and stood at his full height, which was still shorter than Marius by a head.
'How dare you speak to me like that, you… you useless ex-Auror! Have you no idea to who I am?!'
Marius, merely looked to the flustered old man with some sense of contempt in his eyes, and in a quick movement, he stretched forth his hand in Fudge's direction. The sudden movement caught the aging minister by surprise, and he made to draw his wand. But he was too slow. As though some invisible force was holding him, Fudge's body lifted into the air, leaving him clutching his throat in pain.
'A word of advice Fudge.' Marius spoke harshly through gritted teeth. 'You are of little importance to me, let alone this world considering your past performance as minister of magic. I should kill you right now for the terror you've unknowingly brought upon us all!' Fudge remained motionless, suspended in mid air still grasping his throat. Dumbledore however, motioned a calm hand gesture, and in submission, Marius released the blustering old man, to a resounding thud on the cold stone floor. Harry inched his way further around the side of the door, his attention heightening with every moment he witnessed.
Haphazardly, Fudge returned to his feet, clearly shaken to the core. Both Dumbledore and Marius exchanged looks, some with a slight amount of satisfaction. Dumbledore made to speak.
'It is inevitable Cornelius. You must accept that Voldemort is continuing to operate outside of ministry control, likely gaining more power as we speak. Therefore, it leads me to believe that he is using the spell I mentioned earlier to his own ends, much to our downfall. Though I admit I did not foresee him utilizing muggles in this manner. Nevertheless, we must take action now if we are to save what remains of our civilization. The question remains as to what the course of action must be. As the three most magically powerful wizards on the side of righteousness, it is solely our responsibility, and more than one person is counting on what we decide.'
Fudge seemed more than apprehensive at Dumbledore's words. It was true that he enjoyed the power and influence his position provided, but when in the heat of the moment, he was totally clueless as to how to respond to the threat. Something Marius seemed most infuriated about.
As the two wizards eyes bored into Fudge, he made a hasty attempt to be in some form of control, and promptly cleared his throat to talk, if not in a hesitant manner. He did indeed feel extremely intimidated at this point in time, especially after being lifted into the air by a wizard under Dumbledore, who did not wield his wand as most did.
'If everything you both tell me is true, then V…Voldemort, is using this spell you found as a means of… what? Disabling us… Making us vulnerable to attack? What is his reasoning behind this?'
'A very fine question Fudge,' Marius spoke with mock reverence, 'Perhaps you will not be so useless to us afterall… Dumbledore and I have theorized firstly, that Voldemort is attempting to kill two birds with one stone. We are not sure as of yet, precisely how he has managed to harness control of muggle armies. But given his hatred of the muggle civilization in general, and the combined lack of understanding the wizarding community have of them, he may be using them as mere pawns with which to destroy us. I expect that wizards will fight back should they be attacked, so more than likely, there will be great numbers of casualties on both sides before this ordeal is over.'
Fudge nodded acceptingly, Dumbledore spoke.
'However, I believe that this may only be the beginning of something far greater…'
Harry's ears listened ever more intently, the air around him seemed to thicken as his breathing sped up. 'Should Hogwarts fall, the last defensive bastion imprisoning the creature shall be lifted. It is possible that Voldemort wishes to release it'
Fudge almost fell over as he heard this. His breath caught in his throat in disbelief, and he staggered for a moment.
'WHAT?!' he shouted in horror. 'That's impossible! Nothing can breach the barriers that have been put in place. Those spells date back to Merlin himself!
Dumbledore shook his head in sadness, which if anything, alarmed Fudge even more.
'I should remind you Cornelius, that Irovanai also dates back to Merlin's time. And those spells binding the evil are wards. I would've thought the level of damage the nullifying curse has done already is evidence enough of its power. Such ancient magic is likely to harbor secrets of its own. If Voldemort has discovered an alternate use for Irovanai, than this situation may indeed become more complicated.' Dumbledore stopped and reflected momentarily. Marius stood there idly by.
'Regardless of this new development,' Fudge began edgily, 'My duty is to protect this world and it's inhabitants. Hogwarts will no doubt be the scene of an event not seen in over a thousand years. I want every man, woman and child capable of casting an offensive spell to be at the ready should the muggles try to take the castle by force. You Know Who is still a very real threat. If we are defeated he will waltz in and take the castle for his own. Who knows how dangerous he could become then?!'
Fudge thought momentarily that he'd gotten through to the aging mage, but in a moment of sheer anger, Dumbledore rose to his feet with a steel like glint in his eyes.
'VOLDEMORT IS INCOMPARABLE TO THE AMOUNT OF DEATH AND DESTRUCTION THAT WILL BE CAUSED SHOULD THE CREATURE BE RELEASED YOU FOOL!' Dumbledore shouted to a terrified Fudge. Marius also took a hesitant step back. None of them (including Harry) had ever seen the headmaster this mad before. Perhaps Cornelius's stupidity had finally gotten to him. At any rate, Fudge whimpered in submission, finally defeated. But Dumbledore continued.
'Voldemort's intentions regarding the creature are unknown, and for that we have more reason to fear. This castle will undoubtedly fall. Muggle armies are of greater number and sophistication than any time this age, and their methods of fighting are far different from ours. We are outnumbered and outmatched, with Voldemort's help or not, Hogwarts will fall. Our priority is to make sure that the creature is not released. Evil like that is rare and powerful, and if it escapes, both our worlds will perish…'
The atmosphere seemed to tighten around all within it. Harry who was lingering dangerously close to being seen near the door was shocked. Now he knew the truth… Hogwarts didn't stand a chance, and war was inevitable. The only question was how much time was left until everything turned full circle. But just as Harry was prepared to leave, Marius made to speak, so he reluctantly stayed, despite having heard so much.
'Regrettable it is how circumstances have changed so quickly. But the damage to our world need not be so great Dumbledore…' Albus turned his head in curiosity, unsure to what Marius was referring. 'We may be outmatched Albus, but we are not outnumbered…' and at this he looked to Fudge, who was still reeling in shock after Dumbledore's outburst. 'Cornelius…' he spoke with authority, 'I want your army!'
Fudge looked blankly at him, somehow unaware of what he'd said. 'Need I ask you again Fudge?!' Cornelius suddenly snapped back to reality.
'How? How do you know of my army?! That information is top secret as of order of the Ministry!' but a single look at Marius was more than enough persuasion. His multiple scars and gashes in the dull light made him look ever more threatening, and Fudge hastily threw his hand into his top jacket pocket and retrieved a small pearly colored stone, which he tossed to Marius. 'I hope you know what you're doing Morheim!' he spluttered uneasily. Marius ignored him, and casually walked to the center of the great hall, the small stone grasped tightly in his hands.
'Is there no other way Marius?' Dumbledore asked hopefully, his eyes trained on the stone.
'I'm sorry old friend,' Marius answered sadly, 'But there is no other way. The evil that creature harbors must not be released!' and with a tone of finality, he took one more look at the stone. It's pearly depths seemed to entrance him, as he moved it between his fingers. But with a bitter sigh of reluctance, he placed the stone on the floor and stepped back.
Harry was unsure what was happening exactly. The stone just appeared to be an ordinary rock to him, but Marius wasn't finished. Casually he extended both his hands, and began speaking in a language Harry could only assume was ancient in origin.
'Kierva ne sarnis faa, arubei vo nes fenath …' the stone began to glow an eerie white, Marius's hands, licked with blindingly, blue flames. 'Asten vier neth, morokek. Julanathai oner karr oah shii.'
Harry looked to the stone. It no longer resembled it's former self, by now looked more like an ever enlarging pool of rippling energy that was expanding across the floor. Then, to Harry's horror, he saw a dark figure emerge from the energy, it's cloaked form hiding what Harry was sure was something far more terrifying. Marius continued, now in English.
'Arise Aandrak, being of flame, servant of the dark forces of limbo…' the figure now stood in its entirety, the only unusual feature about it being the steady stream of white smoke issuing through it's cloak. 'You will be our harbinger of destruction!'
Dumbledore sat silently, shedding a soundless tear. Fudge looked to the being in horror, his eyes wide at the scene taking place before him. Marius continued onwards, an insane look of power stretched over his face from ear to ear.
'May you and your kind wander amongst the masses, bring death to our enemies… Burn all who oppose us!' and he withdrew his hands in an instant. The room dulled back to it's former light, leaving nothing but a now black stone, and a cloaked being, which could only be described as a pure nightmare in wizard's clothing.
'Go forth Aandrak… bring swift death to the muggle world… spare NO ONE!'
And it was then, in this dark moment that Harry heard a voice. A voice so evil, it felt like a thousand cold spikes through his still beating heart.
'As you wish my master… your will be done to the end of their world.' It said, to a collected intake of breath. And then, to Harry's unheard of terror, the being turned itself about, and he saw beneath it's dark hood, the fiery, skull-like face… of a Heliopath.
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I know it's been a little while since I last updated, but now the story's really getting into the part I've been so patiently waiting for, it pays to make sure it's of good quality. Notice the length increase from the previous chapters? Anyway, I hoped your hooked, I need more reviews fast. In the mean time, you'll just have to wait until I get chapter 10 up and ready... enjoy.