Chapter Twenty-Three
Winter holiday had one week left. Still there were no clues to the student disappearances. Worse, the Magical World learned of the escaped prisoners of Azkaban. No one knew where the escapees could be or were told how they were taken out.
The Ministry wouldn't explain that the wards didn't allow apparating but that was the only ward they allowed on the prison while several Aurors took shifts in watching over the prisoners. They were also being bombarded with owls, as well as Hogwarts. Everyone was fearful that someone was going to take the Dark Lord's place and start a new reign of horror and domination.
Not one person could or would console the hysterical community. Aurors hurried to find the escapees', even checking the old Death Eater's home, known to be loyal followers of the Dark Lord but leaving out those who were purposively helping the side of the Light. Not even the powerful headmaster could find anything.
"So, we found nothing?"
"No, Albus. Not even the signature of a port key told us where they went. Or when we did find possible locations, there were no more clues. Whoever did this knew what to do."
"We must find them. Their escape and the missing students coincide too well. I also believe the Mages already know something as well as young Mr. Zambini. But his memories have been either blocked or erased. And the Mages have once again disappeared."
Long-time friend, and Auror, Alastor 'Mad-Eye' Moody heavily frowned, his one magical eye roaming freely. "Have you tried anything?" Even his abilities with a magical eye couldn't help this investigation and it was driving him to fast anger.
Albus wearily shook his head. "Either we cannot find them to ask or when they do show, they say nothing. Not even secretly slipping them any truth serums have worked."
"What about a higher dosage?"
Blue eyes suddenly twinkled, the school and Ministry had not thought of a higher dosage since the Mages have already fought against the other traditional dosages given them. "In case you have forgotten, not one of us is truly human. We've ingested poisons without the hope of antidotes right away. We Mages do pride ourselves on having higher tolerances for such poisons and potions, as well as pain."
Both men jerked their gazes to see Elemental Mage Thor casually leaning in the doorway to the Headmaster's office. Moody was shocked that his magical eye never saw the vampire coming up the stairs. "Mage."
The vampire Mage simply looked at the headmaster, coolly answering the polite statement, "I came at the urge of my leader. He wishes to finally include your Aurors to a future battle."
Blue eyes narrowed as the Auror grew suspicious, "Explain."
"Just be ready when we call. Your Death Eaters are planning to return Voldemort to this world once again. We have a week to try and stop that from happening, otherwise it will be almost impossible to try." Deliberately leaving out the more important pieces, Thor gracefully slipped away. The remaining two men almost wished they didn't try to plan to force out the truth.
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For two days the Mages had locked themselves in the private lab of one Severus Snape. Said Potions Master relished in his ability to create any potion given him. As he struggled to finish the potion Raja felt the connection to an arriving someone again.
"Who was it?"
"For the last time, Osiris, I don't know." The other Mages laughed at the pouting Mage as he once again ended up in trouble.
"Fine. Then bring them to me."
Doing as told, Raja immediately swept through the castle walls to the outside. There she found herself faced with a very large snake. Gold eyes blinked rapidly, "I've controlled many animals and their spirits but I have yet to control something of your size and species. But I am here to take you to your target. Your tail, please?" Seeing the slight hesitation, "It will allow me to guide you into the castle."
Tilting her head, hesitant, Nagini decided to wrap the slim wrist with her tail. She was hopeful that this woman would take her to Harry Potter, she needed to see him. A rush of magic flooded her body as the woman pulled her through the castle walls, made of solid stone as if they were nothing but ghosts.
"Raja! That's Nagini!" Osiris had leapt to his feet in shock when Voldemort's old familiar suddenly appeared. Distantly, his mind cheered that the Mages had created barriers for Severus to allow him full concentration by not hearing them.
Ah, Harry Potter. Welcome back the magical world.
Osiris hoped his Parseltongue was not staggering, since he hadn't used it in quite some time, Nagini. To be blunt, why are you here?
Nagini shifted closer to him, winding about the standing Mage, I have come for you. Lucius and Narcissa sent me. They don't want my old Master to rise. A great risk to their lives.
I see. Lucas told of Draco's position as a breeding horse and consort.
I am here to help. I want to be free of my old Master. I found your friends. They others wish to harm them and use Draco.
Emerald eyes widened as Severus looked up from bottling the potion. Finished, he pressed through the sound barriers to hear the seductive hissing, Where are they?
All Death Eaters upstairs. They are held with three females. A powerful other to join them shortly for a spell to bring Him back. I think of the Minister.
Hmmm. Sounds about right. And the students? Osiris knew that the Ministry had a department involved with the magical beasts and beings of the world, only they could possibly find Old Cassius.
A stone room made to the magical signature of a loyal Death Eater. Holds Ron Weasley, Susan Bones, Luna Lovegood, Millicent Bulstrode, and Draco Malfoy. Within the Zambini Mansion.
Blaise?
No. Nagini did not want the sweet boy of Slytherin to learn he had been betrayed, not knowing he already suspected. His parents. They played neutral but were with my old Master. Their heir was to bred one heir off the Parkinson girl with Draco bound to her in marriage. Then he would be a second consort to my old Master, but also the consort to all loyal followers.
Osiris frowned. Not very promising of a life for either males. Neither deserves that, nor Blaise being stuck servicing every Death Eater, especially if it includes his own family. Emerald eyes flashed a swift glance to the resident vampire Mage, which Nagini caught and immediately understood, giving a snakish snicker. Young Blaise has already been taken under Thor's wing as a desired son. Thor won't be very happy with this nor Lucas, or Severus for that matter. Those two are very overprotective of the young blonde Slytherin. But we will need to find this place soon.
I know the way, though it will take some time. I had to make many stops to mark my way.
"Osiris?"
The War Mage in question glanced up, completely surprised that he had forgotten that his team-mates and Severus were still in the same room. He flushed, embarrassed, "Uh, sorry about that. Forgot there were others here."
Severus raised a brow, unwilling to admit that he truly enjoyed hearing the hissing being spoken in soft, gentle, and sensual undertones, "Mind explaining why the Dark Lord's familiar is here at Hogwarts?"
"She knows where to find the missing students, the escaped Death Eaters, and the traitors desired by She-Demon. But we've only got three days left to find them and to once again defend the magical community."
"From what?"
Emerald eyes stared into onyx, "The Dead can rise again, in more ways then one."