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Chapter 23 - The Marauder's Journal (Part 2)
Harry groaned after seeing the words appear in front of them. "I should have thought of that sooner." he uttered in dismay.
"It could've saved us a lot of trouble." stated Snape dryly while shooting daggers at his (though he refuse to acknowledge it vocally yet) nephew. Billy only smiled sheepishly at him but did not appear repentant at all.
Matt quietly nodded in agreement. At last, the million-dollar question had been answered. The true purpose of the journal has finally been revealed... and he was happy to learn that it was not just a childish whim of a deranged death-eater. It was not just to insult the memory of their parents but rather served a more humble and noble purpose.
"Interesting. So the rat has finally bared his fangs... finally 'enlightened' us as to how he happened to be sorted to Gryffindor house." Snape commented sarcastically, though his expression reflects relief, at least if one would venture to look closely.
Salazar floated nearer to get a closer view of the charmed document. "Well?" he prompted after several moments of uncertainty.
Harry merely raised an eyebrow at his alleged ancestor's impatience. Alleged, mind you. He wouldn't be so gullible again as to believe everything told to him. He would reserve judgment until after there was some tangible proof. However, noting the others' curiousity, he sighed and mumbled a few words to enlarge the journal so that they can all read the parchment.
They breezed through the first ten pages which were just all about offensive and counter-offensive spells. The next pages contained a comprehensive list of death-eaters, complete with dossier, that Pettigrew was aware of. It came as no surprise to them that Snape was still included in the list. Snape, it seemed, was a really thorough and efficient spy despite everything. But what piqued their interest was the last part of the rat's entries. It contained information he had collated over the years since Voldemort's downfall, the circumstances that lead to his unfortunate rebirth until the present time.
...I have long regretted what I have done and if twelve years of existence as an abhorable rat was not enough, then perhaps the succeeding years of being forced to succumb to the Dark Lord's twisted wishes would be punishment enough.
At this point, Harry and the others swore loudly.
... Never did it occur to me to betray Lily and James but the Dark Lord was too powerful. Sirius was right. I should have died rather than betray my friends. But what's done was done. I couldn't even hope to rectify that terrible mistake...or so I thought...
... The night that I escaped from Sirius' and Remus' wrath, I accidentally stumbled upon a possible solution to my misery. An old hermit met me along the way and gave me shelter. I was quivering so much with fright and guilt that I was almost blinded by my tears. Through his mild questioning that was filled not with curiosity but with concern at seeing my tear-stained face, I couldn't help but tell the whole story to him... everything... if only to assuage the pain that was slowly ripping me inside. And I braced myself for an attack.. I prepared myself to die... In my rather twisted sense of logic that time, I deemed it immensely better to perish in the hands of a stranger than to soil the hands of the two persons who once considered me as their brother.
... But to my utmost surprise, the blow never came. Instead I found myself staring at the same anguished expression that I see in my own reflection day after day. After a few moments of silence, he held his arms to reveal the ugly mark that even the most rigorous scrubbing could not erase -- the dark mark. I shuddered inwardly but I tried to meet his eyes to show my sincerity... that I'm not a spy... that I'm not there to turn him in or to get him for whatever reason. Somehow, I must have satisfied him and only then did he properly introduce himself to me. He was Aquille, the last necromancer, one of the Dark Lord's aces during his first rise. He was one of those who has the ability to summon the dead, an inferi summoner. But he was one of the living examples that people could still change for the better if they just have the will to do so. After several years of serving the Dark Lord, he realized the errors of his ways. It eventually penetrated his mind that killing people for the heck of it, torturing them till they reach the limits of their sanity, and disturbing the dead from their peaceful slumber were not really his idea of obtaining power.
... He was a Slytherin, yes, but he preferred to gain power inspired by respect and not inspired by fear coupled with disdain. With that realization, he brilliantly staged his own demise and left to live in that secluded place as a hermit, never to be seen again. I guess I was lucky..but later I realized that I was not. In fact, it created more problems not only for me but for everyone. For you see, after that meeting, the Dark Lord's rebirth soon came about...
Harry's heart seemed to stop at reading that but tried to maintain his composure as they continued reading the entry. However, he couldn't help but think of the possibilities that would remain a mystery since there was nothing he could do about it short of using an advanced time-turner and changing history...but on second thought, what's wrong with using that and preventing the rise of that vermin? Shouldn't there be some exception to the rule that in case time travel could be used to prevent the rise of a dark lord then it could be used legally?
"But surely someone as persistent as that delusional imbecile would keep trying until he gets what he wanted."
Harry turned around and noticed the knowing smirk of his ancestor. "You could read my mind?"
"Of course. It's one of the pureblood traits that was passed through our line. I know you could too but it's taking its time to manifest...No offense meant but it's probably due to the impurities in your blood." Salazar stated plainly.
Harry nodded as he tried to digest the fact but wasn't sure if that was a good thing or not. Instead he forced himself to focus on the revelations.
... Contrary to other people's belief, I was not the Dark Lord's most loyal servant who rejoined him that night. It was Barty Crouch Jr. and I was miles away from wherever they were hiding to plot the most evil scheme of all. I was with Aquille. He taught me what he knew about the reality of life after death. And he meant it literally. According to him, there was a way to bring the dead back to life but not without sacrifices and some serious repercussions. It was like sharing some part of your soul to the person you're doing it to. It was slightly similar to the Dark Lord's horcruxes but worse since if done incorrectly, the dead could rise from their graves as zombies - devoid of their humanity, which was what he did for Voldemort during his time.
... There was a time when necromancy was a noble profession. They used that art to bring the wise leaders and fallen warriors back to life during wars to avoid massive human slaughter. They requested the departed educators to live again until they could train the new generation of educators. They could resurrect the children who died for they still have much to contribute and accomplish in this world. However, like any other power, the dark side gradually penetrated their defences until the art of necromancy became corrupted. Voldemort forced them to join his side and those who refused... was properly dealt with... and those who were too afraid to refuse reluctantly succumbed to the Dark Lord's evil biddings. That was what happened to Aquille. Being young and inexperienced then, he did not quite foresee what would happen to him and where that "cooperation" will lead him to. But not anymore... After almost a decade, he was no longer afraid of death. He left. He did not want to have anything to do with him again. And as his final act of penance, he was willing to train me in the subtle art of necromancy. He was hoping that through me, the noble art would finally be restored.
... Within a few months, I slowly learned how to bring your parents back and for that, I must return to the Dark Lord's clutches, hoping in vain that I could procure the last ingredient for their resurrection from their greatest enemy... surely you remember... blood of the foe... You've been there... you know it. But I underestimated his strength. That was my biggest mistake ever for even at his weakened state, the Dark Lord was still more powerful. In almost no time at all, he managed to extract the information from my feeble mind and from then on, I was once again his slave...
... By then, I know that I should have chosen to die but the monster took precautions. He cast a spell on me to prevent me from killing myself. I realized that he did it for two reasons... One, because he could use me for his resurgence and two, to hurt me more...I was going to betray my friends once more... and that thought was slowly killing me... the emotional torture was worth more than a thousand Cruciatus.
... At his rebirth, I realized then that I must exert more effort into fighting him. There was no sense thinking of redemption if I couldn't do anything about it. I know that he was planning to use me to raise inferis. Only an apprentice of a true necromancer could manage to do so even if he had the knowledge. Fortunately, it was one of the laws of magic that he could never bend to his will. That was why he kept me away from the battle at the Department of Mysteries. He was secretly afraid that I would seize the opportunity to be killed or worse, seek help from the other side especially Dumbledore. But that event was what gave me the chance to finally hatch the perfect plan... giving you this journal. By virtue of blood magic and the Marauder's Code, you are the only ones who could open its contents properly. I invoked an ancient magic much like Lily had before and I had fooled the Dark Lord. Strange... discovery might have cost me my life but I've gone beyond caring now. I had deem it my sole purpose in life to right my mistakes. Call it obsession but if it would help the noble cause, then so be it.
... But first, you must defeat the Dark Lord for he would never donate his blood willingly to you nor will you be able to get it without killing him first. I'm sorry to say that up to this moment I have not found out how he could be vanquished. But I had observed that he had a weakness, a ridiculous yet fatal weakness. It seemed that the illustrious Dark Lord has a particular aversion to any musical tune, especially songs that declared undying and unwavering love for someone. For him, the sound of cries and shouts of pain are extremely pleasing to his ears but lovely melodies seem to grate on his nerves for some reason. I hope you would take full advantage of this information.
... And with this, I wrote the full instruction for necromancy. The blood you'll provide would suffice to activate the rules of apprenticeship. I don't need to be with you to recite the pledge for I might be long gone by then. But whatever your reactions might be, please remember I am not asking you to do it. I'm merely giving you a choice.
... Again, please forgive me...
"What do you think?" asked Harry, carefully scrutinizing the others' reactions.
Snape snuck another peak at the parchment before turning to face Harry. "Well, as a former death eater, I must say that any information coming from a traitor must always be treated with caution." he murmured almost to himself. "But then again, it is not so farfetched a notion that he could be sincere and thus, making that confession a valuable tool for us."
"I concur." agreed Salazar in an almost lazy manner. "Now, I suggest you come up with some sort of a strategy to sort out this mess. Time is running out. You only have three days left." he paused as if thinking of a more congenial way of saying his next thought. "... and Harry... please, none of that ridiculous Gryffindorish stupid act of bravery. Be more Slytherin in your style. You have it in you. You're my heir after all." At Harry's incredulous expression, he added somewhat exasperatedly. "You have no idea how embarrassed I am to hear of how you conducted your "adventures". Remember who your enemies are... and it would be in your best interest to also act as one..." He stared meaningfully at Harry's friends. "And that goes for you, too. You're from SSPEW. Make me proud."
Harry and his friends nodded their heads reluctantly. They were not entirely convinced with Salazar's logic but perhaps, they could consider it. The four turned to go while the adults watch their departure with a slight hint of concern.
"I guess we must come up with a sickeningly sweet, death-inducing love song that could blow old Voldie's brains out." Billy commented casually as they went on their way.
"I like the sound of that. Do you think it's possible?" commented Chuck in a good-natured, the seriousness of the situation momentarily set aside.
Harry shrugged. "Sometimes one has to do the unexpected to win." He knew that they need to get the upperhand in that situation especially with the duel with SSPEW. It was one thing that none of them could afford to lose.
Unfortunately, Snape heard their light banter and berated them for it.
"What -- blow his brains out? Potter, please tell me you're not seriously considering that utterly preposterous idea. Merlin, help us all if you do."
"For goodness' sake, Uncle Sevvie, can't you lighten up for even one second?" Billy asked
"Besides, that idea may not be that implausible you know. We are in a magical world. Anything is possible as long as we believe that it's possible and even those that we believed impossible in the past we're later proven not to be so." Matt stated more to irritate Snape than anything else and the man, being so volatile, eagerly took the bait.
"This is not a game." stated Snape harshly making Billy turn around in annoyance.
"We know that." Billy stated in a tone that suggested that anyone who uttered another wrong word would be blasted into unidentifiable pieces. "You don't need to constantly remind us that we have a death sentence hanging over our heads at every chance you've got. A word of encouragement might be more helpful."
Harry sighed and prepared to stop anyone from blowing their tops but just when a serious argument was about to brew, he felt a familiar tingling inside the left pocket of his jeans. He hastily thrust his hand inside to retrieve a small parchment with a solitary word on it.
...Potter...
'Potter?' Who could that person be? None of his friends would address him as Potter...or rather only one did, as he thought of Draco. Wasting no time in pondering possibilities, he quickly scribbled a reply. Draco?
There was a moment of tensed anticipation as the words disappeared to be replaced by another.
... Nope. I still don't see why you're friends with that git though. Who's scabbers?...
... He's changed. Scabbers is Peter Pettigrew also known as Wormtail...
The next scribble appeared quicker than before.
... Who's Aragog?...
... Aragog is Hagrid's pet spider that lives in the forest...
The paper almost seemed to explode with words as Harry's correspondent became more excited.
... Hah! Hermione's not going to live this down. Imagine me figuring this out before she did! Mate, she's going to flip, I tell you...
Harry breathed a sigh of relief but was still puzzled.
... Ron? What's with the 'Potter' thing? I was nervous for a moment there...
... Oh, that! It was just a precautionary measure just in case... well... you know.. hmm - have you heard of our 'situation' here? Everyone's really worried what with the teachers locked up and all. We're not having normal but at least, no one has hurt us... yet. But the tension is scary. Voldemort seems to be toying with us. It's like he doesn't see us as a threat anymore and that he's merely amusing himself with the idea of controlling Hogwarts knowing that our parents, teachers and the ministry could no nothing about it...
... No one has hurt you? Not even the death eaters?...
... Nope. Snape hinted that it was Voldemort's orders. They threaten the student though so no one dares to defy them especially when there are death eater guards all over the school...
... Not even you...
... Not openly... came the embarrassed reply.
...What do you mean?...
... The DA regrouped after you left. Surprisingly, it was Neville who initiated it. Draco helped too. He was the one who convinced the Dark Lord that we, the students, need a music club to divert our attention from our current state of captivity and avoid a possible rebellion... as if the students would even be stupid enough to try. It only serves as a guise though. Hermione, Draco, Luna and other brilliant Ravenclaws enclosed the room with an illusion that we're just playing some musical instrument instead of practicing spells. So the guards were none the wiser, especially since most of the guards came from SSPEW. It was really weird...
Harry raised an eyebrow and looked quizzically at his friends. "They fooled SSPEW students with illusions?"
Billy laughed hard at that. "Excellent! That reminds me - SSPEW don't teach charms so they wouldn't be familiar with illusions much less recognize them especially when performed to perfection which, I assume, would be the case since the Ravenclaws joined their minds in that endeavor."
Harry took note of that. He then reflected upon Ron's words and was thoroughly disturbed by the notion that Voldemort only regarded them as another source of entertainment. Not that he would want him to torture, kill or do other vile stuff to the students but not harming them at all did not tie in with what he knew of the sadistic bastard. It was either Voldemort was honoring his deal with Dumbledore or there was another more sinister reason that he just couldn't comprehend yet. He gritted his teeth and wrote a reply that almost tore through the thick fibers of the parchment.
... I know. Don't worry, mate, we'll be there. Could you please...
... Would you like me to call Hermione?...
... No... just tell her...never mind. Just take care of her for me...
... You don't even have to ask...
... Thanks...
... Er - mate...? Do you think we have a good chance of getting out of this mess?...
Harry bit his lip. He didn't know how to answer that query without sounding false. He didn't want to sound too confident but he wanted to give his friends hope... hope that someday, they all could live boringly normal yet happy lives.
Matt, watching Harry's expression, looked over his shoulder to see what had upset him so much. He lightly tapped younger boy's shoulder and raised his thumb up. Harry smiled wistfully at what Matt wanted him to write and began to reply.
...We have and we will win...