I own nothing.

Interlude III

May 1983

Weeks.

Months.

Years.

Searching

Investigating.

Scouring.

All for nothing.

The first phase of my journey was relatively simple. I, alone, understood the prophecy's true meaning. I, alone, knew what must be done.

I found them untouched, secured in the monuments of my past. I realized that it was most likely needless for me to collect them but what lie ahead warranted caution. My secrets must be protected.

I first tried reintegration.

My first trial failed.

Then the second.

And the third.

I couldn't become whole once more.

I had but a single option and that was to move them. Move them away from anywhere that could be connected to me. I was foolish to shelter them in places so near and dear to my empty heart but I enjoyed the poetry.

It was a mistake.

Especially with that old fool and his incessant struggle against me. If he were ever to discover their existence then it would only be a matter of time before he connected the dots and discovered my secret. But now, there was nothing for him to find.

They are safe.

I am safe.

Safe now to conquer my last challenge before inevitable victory.

My journey took me all across the world. One would think it would be difficult for someone with my particular notoriety to blend in but few know of my true origins. My connection to the filthy Muggle world. It's where I learned of their parasitic growth on this planet. They're like weeds, expanding beyond control and they must be stopped before their overwhelming numbers breed in and dilute the noble blood and magic of our race.

Mankind was not meant to hold such power. Only the chosen. Only the strong deserved this planet and I was not about to let a child keep me from leading my kind to that future.

And yet, the very thing I covet, the magic that has allowed me to become the most powerful sorcerer to ever exist chose another to be its vessel. For years, I have sought power. I have built an empire of death. I have sacrificed my very being to ensure my immortality and I will be undone by a child.

I think not.

I found my answer in the very thing that predicted my downfall. The prophecy gave me all I needed to ensure my victory over this child. This Daniel Potter.

Though I had my answer, it only led to an unanswerable question.

How?

The road was arduous. Filled with failure after failure. I cursed those who came before me and their inability to realize what was right in front of their faces.

The haloed moon.

Such an event was beyond rare and its explanation proved even rarer. I searched and searched for an answer. Ancient tome after ancient tome provided no recourse to aid me. But I could not stop.

Never stop.

My destiny was waiting for me.

August 1990

Finally.

Success.

It came in Egypt.

As I studied the ancient writing of the Egyptian warlocks, I came across my first lead: a reference to the original Rosetta Stone. For decades, the stone was thought to only contain three languages; Ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics, Demotic script, and Ancient Greek. But it was so much more.

It was the key.

The key to my ascension. For it was the origin of every translation spell. One that could even decipher the first ever language.

The language of magic.

The language used by the first wizards and witches who created the very pyramids I now stood in. It was then that I made my breakthrough. I had discovered the secret of the haloed moon and the power it had bestowed.

The power that I will take for myself.

I stayed in Egypt for years.

Studying.

Searching.

Obsessing.

Until finally I realized that I needed all six before I could ascend.

So, I traveled again.

I went to all six pillars.

I unlocked their secrets.

I had found my answer.

Now, here I stood. In the hot and arid wilderness of Australia.

My final destination.

I ran my hand along the dry and chalky wall of Uluru. Over the ancient script that only I could see. That only I could read.

Around me, foolish Muggle tourists poised and took pictures. Unwittingly documenting the moment before I truly become the greatest sorcerer to ever live. One even attempted to coerce me into taking a picture of him and his family. I resisted the urge to kill him and his family of imperfection.

I could not afford to draw attention.

Not now.

Not when I was so close.

I waited for nightfall so that I could be alone to finish my work. The final steps were critical and I could not afford any missteps. The transformation process would take years and I mustn't be disturbed. My body will be placed in stasis which will leave it vulnerable. I despise weakness but the rewards far outweigh the risk. I carefully crafted the very best wards to hide my presence for I know that meddling old fool and his bloodhound are not far behind. As I completed my final spell, I looked up to see a full moon.

I smile.

'How fitting.'

I walked up to the section of the wall that contained the hidden text. I focused my magic and feed it into the wall. I watched as the words came alive and I rearranged them into the order I needed. As the last glyph was positioned, a bright stream of light descended slowly before me until it reached the ground. It then spread until it was the size of doorway.

A doorway to the heavens.

I stepped in without hesitation. I turned around and watched as the outside world slowly disappeared.

Here, I will sleep.

Here, I will ensure my victory.

Here, I will become a god.