Silver Blood
Chapter 6: When Evil Rises
The clock on the wall in the kitchen showed that it was almost dinner time. For the past half hour Sirius had been staring at the clock in the living room that had, on the long hand, Harry's name magically sealed into it, and it happened to be pointing at the Ministry. It hadn't moved, though Sirius knew it wouldn't have. Ever since he had dropped Harry off, he had been doing many chores for Dumbledore, mostly going back and forth between the Ministry members and Hogwarts. He had finally gotten a chance to stop at home and rest for a while before tending to any more necessary trips, but instead of resting he found himself staring at the clock wondering just how much longer Harry had to put up with the task he was forced to do.
It had all ready been over the time promised, which had been a few hours, instead turned into six hours. He had wanted to go to the Ministry so bad that he had actually stopped by and almost found himself walking in. Had the Ministry building not been sealed off magically with a very powerful charm he probably would have walked in. Sirius sighed and put his cup of tea down, trying to shake his memories of familiar fatherly worries and instead focused on making sure the Ministry had enough help to remove all the dark creatures so they could get to the giants and ask for their assistance.
It had finally been decided that Fudge would be put on a remote island, not inhabited by people, but instead creatures and animals of all sorts. There were mostly vicious, territorial creatures that ate anyone who came across it. That was the reason for the sudden muggle interference. Apparently, according to the Daily Prophet and Ministry, a muggle somehow accidentally found a portal from their world to the Ministry world and was transported to the mysterious, unknown island. The muggle young man did not have a clue what happened, he thought he was dreaming and went on to explore the island. But once the sun went down and he still hadn't found his way back, the creatures of the night came out to feed. And what started as an apparent dream for the young man, became his very worst, and quite last, nightmare.
It was a disaster of sorts for both worlds. Even though the man was killed so he wouldn't go on telling about this strange island in a different world, he had family that went looking for him when he turned up missing. His eldest daughter had gone off searching nearby his old work station, as the Daily Prophet said, and she also got trapped in the portal and was sent to the other world. Luckily for her, it was day time and she looked around finally finding the body of her father. The only way she could tell it was him was because of his book bag near the almost disintegrated bones. She had screamed and panicked, running back where she came from. Somehow, out of some miracle, or curse for the wizard world, she found her way out and babbled to her family and friends who then babbled to the town about this island in the middle of no where with creatures that ate people. She even came back with the book bag that was torn up with claw marks and clear white goop covered all over it.
What the muggles didn't know was that the goop was saliva from one type of dark creature known as Malus Graphior Grindlorn (1). It was a cross between a Graphorn and a Grindylow (2). One of the most vile creatures on the island, but certain not one of the few. Its saliva was deadly to human flesh, but especially humans with no magically abilities since they had no genes in their blood for more protection. If enough of the saliva covered a person's body it would eat right through leaving only organs, meat and bones. Those would be devoured in minutes. There weren't many of those crossbreeds which turned out fiercer than most dark creatures, but there were some. The man unfortunately had an unlucky encounter with one. And now the whole muggle world turned this mysterious island into a dark legend, something muggles were known to do when they didn't want to face complete truth. Many had gone out looking for this island with weapons of all sorts. The weapons of course would have no effect on them, so the Ministry had to hurry and find the portal and close it before the muggles had a chance to try and find it. Hopefully, the girl would just seem like a very big story teller.
Sirius set his cup down in the sink and let the dishes wash themselves. He was too tired to even worry about such things. He had to help the Ministry put up traps and such to capture many dark creatures and scare the rest to the other side of the island. The dark creatures luckily weren't known to go back to a spot after they knew it was being invaded by too many a force. They would move their nesting places to other dark corners of the island and not bother anyone unless someone trespassed on their territory.
The Ministry had all ready gotten most creatures to move their homes to the other side. Now all they had to do was have a meeting with the Giants and convince them to let the Ministry use one part of the island to make a new prison, one stronger than Azkaban where the prisoners were even more separated from each other and would be given food and such by the Ministry's Augureies, which were Irish phoenixes with cries that can sometimes mean death or rain.
A familiar loud hoot snapped Sirius from his thoughts as he looked out the kitchen window to see Hedwig pecking at the glass holding a letter. He opened the window, letting her fly in and land on his shoulder. He untied the letter and opened it.
Dear Sirius,
I have been having a strange feeling for a while now, I think you and I should have a talk once you find a break in your duties. I have finished my work and am waiting reply from Dumbledore. Meet me in my room at Hogwarts by six.
Remus
Sirius folded the paper and stuck it in his cloak. He felt some relief knowing his close friend felt the same way as he did. Together, they might be able to work out a deal with the Ministry and get someone else temporarily to give Harry a break. Whatever they decided, it would be a lot better than waiting around not knowing what was going on inside of the Ministry. Sirius looked up at the clock, it was ten to six. Giving Hedwig one last pat, he stepped outside where his broom was all ready waiting and took off toward Hogwarts.
XXXXX
The light orange glow flickering off the walls was slowly dying. The embers gradually were lowering as if a silent, unknown breeze had decided to fight them. Slowly, but surely, they were growing weaker. A pair of red eyes settled on the dying fire, lifting their gaze off the young, weaker form still kneeling on the floor. Voldemort could feel it throughout his whole body. His powers, even without his wand, were growing weaker. The fire he had magically started was slowing down as he used his energy to project images into Harry's mind. It was using most of the last remaining power he had, but it was finally proving worth it.
Voldemort turned away from the fire and settled his cold, merciless eyes on the young boy sitting close by sinking farther and farther into his deepest fears, soon to be swallowed by darkness. And Voldemort would be right there to watch as he fell until his mind was shut into eternal oblivion; an eternal world of darkness, not living but not dead either. Voldemort sneered and lowered his hand to settle on the armrest. In doing so, he'd save a bit of energy making it so he wasn't using full advantage on Harry's mind. Before, he was worried that Harry would be able to break away from it like he had done the first time, but he was beginning to sink a little too far. Voldemort had to take the risk because his body was becoming too tired to take on the strain.
But it won't be for long. I will not remain in such a weak form. And you, Harry, will help me gain back enough power to help me with my new goal...
Sniggering silently to himself, Voldemort leaned back against the chair resting his body for he knew it would be a very long and stressful night. Hopefully, if all went well, it would end up being a lot more stressful for someone other than himself. He also had his eye on Fudge's corpse, reliving the moment of terror Fudge went through that increased the remains of his human rush of adrenaline that gave him the feeling of excitement whenever he was able to torture a victim. As he stared at the horrified expression on Fudge's face the familiar scene flashed across his mind like a pleasurable dream...
The dark, damp cell that smelled much like human sweat and sickness was the only scent filling the prison. The cell was separated from all other cells, down in the basement of the Ministry. The only people that happened to be in the building were the same Ministry members that had come down to give him his morning, afternoon and night meals. Fudge was wheezing in the corner, away from the entrance of the cell and away from reality. His eyes were wider than normal and he was muttering under his breath now and then. It was like he wasn't even there, like his soul had been transported to another realm and he was muttering incoherent things that were happening in his reality.
The door opened and a wizard with deep blue and green robes walked in carrying a tray full of food and water. They didn't deprive him of food and resources at least, but nothing mattered much anymore. The wizard lifted his wand and undid the charms protecting the cell. Slowly, the wizard approached looking almost sorry for Fudge. That was exactly what Voldemort had wanted: pity. It was what was going to help him get out. The tray was set down in front of the cage and was slid under the bars toward Fudge, who was still huddled in the corner. The wizard looked somewhat worried about his state of health. Days before Fudge had been screaming about how he was the former Minister and to be locked in his own building was absurd and the biggest mistake of the public. He had denied trying to chip away the ice that froze the Dark Lord and said some dark creature must've possessed him. He was yelling and screaming all night long, babbling something about justice and how he was going to get free and make sure they paid for everything. Now, he was as quiet as a mouse, almost too quiet for the Ministry's liking.
"Your food is here," the man said softly, not wanting to startle the former Minister in case he didn't realize he was there.
No answer.
"Mr. Fudge, I've brought your food."
"...fool!" Fudge suddenly hissed.
The man was startled and blinked confused. He had thought he had heard Fudge call him a fool. And did his eyes glint red? No, it couldn't be. The Ministry wizard shook his head, thinking the prison was getting to him. Being in such a dark and damp area every day had to be playing with his mind.
"Fudge, do you hear m— "
"Inconsiderate murderer!"
The wizard knew he had heard it that time. The former Minister was calling him names. Calmly, the wizard looked grimly toward the cowering man in the cell.
"I believe you have no right to call me names. I'm not the one stuck in my own cell."
The words seemed harsh and the Ministry wizard was about to take them back until Fudge's wide eyes finally settled themselves on the man. But they no longer looked crazed or confused, they looked...evil, to say the least. It was as if they weren't looking at him, but inside him...right to his soul. The Ministry wizard shivered unconsciously and stepped back wondering what was wrong with him.
"...I'm not the one who killed my own daughter...," Fudge's voice hissed with pleasure. His eyes were glazed over and had turned a strange greenish-brown color, as if he were hypnotized or possessed.
"W-What did you say?!" the wizard stepped forward in anger and shock. He couldn't of heard the man right. He said something about his daughter, but how would he knew he even had a daughter.
"Couldn't leave her alone, could you?" the strange, almost cynical voice continued. "You just thought leaving her with her friends would make her happy, not even considering what might happen if they were left alone..."
"Stop it! How dare you!" the wizard exclaimed, pulling out his wand in front of him. "How do you know about that? Tell me! Is this some kind of dark magic!?"
Fudge sniggered, something that did not suit him well. "Did you like seeing her blood spilled all over the walls? I bet there was some enjoyment or excitement, don't you agree?"
The wizard looked beyond angry, he also had a look of fear upon his face. Not only because of the fact that Fudge knew about something that not even the other Ministry members knew about, but the tone of his voice was almost terrifying.
"You sick— "
"Now, now, there's no need for such language...Aluzca, I know all about your past. I sure hope your young son doesn't suffer the same fate once he reaches your daughter's age," he said in almost a mock sing-song voice.
The wizard stepped back looking even more terrified and offended. He had never felt so much fear and hatred all at the same time, and he had faced many enemies and evils in his years, despite his younger age compared to the other Ministry members.
"...Don't you dare speak about my son," he half whispered, half hissed.
Fudge suddenly stood up quickly, something that didn't fully seem human to get up so fast. He approached the bars, sneering behind them. "But it's all ready decided...History tends to repeat itself you know. Oh wait...I believe your son is her age now isn't he?" Fudge tilted his head and looked mockingly at him, sneering wider, "Better run..."
The wizard didn't even have time to retort, he dashed up the stairs, forgetting to shut the secret passage leading down to the cell room and raced out. Once the show was over Fudge fell down screaming.
"Get out of my head! Get out! Who are you?! LEAVE ME ALONE!"
His screams got louder as something was pulling him from inside, as if trying to get out. He fell down to the floor, gasping for breath. Fudge had had no control over his outbursts. That was at least the tenth Ministry member that he had somehow managed to scare away, when in fact, all he wanted was out. Suddenly, he felt another presence nearby. Hoping it was another Ministry member that he could possibly bribe he turned around and met with an unexpected and quite frightening sight. His screams echoed against the wall as his body contorted in all different directions. A very powerful dark curse, one used by a strong will to hurt people usually helped being powered up by feeding off people's fears...it was a demon quality and one that the figure before Fudge had come to possess...
The scene faded and Voldemort bathed in the wondrous memory for a bit longer before finding his strength again. He stood up and walked over toward Harry, whose eyes were a very dark forest green, the pupils getting smaller and smaller as they were starting to get ready to disappear. Voldemort gazed down at him with pleasure written on his pale, inhuman features. He lifted a cold, pale and bony hand placing his long fingers underneath Harry's chin to lift up his head, staring into his glazed expression. Slowly, Voldemort leaned down toward Harry until his mouth curled into a sneer right by Harry's ear.
"Soon, Harry...soon you'll be mine. Yes, very soon I'll have you right where I want you."
TO BE CONTINUED…