A/N
Hey guys,
I'm back I'm sorry for the grand delay for this chapter but I had a long vacation. In this time I had the opportunity to most importantly relax. And of course refresh my ideas.
In this and in the following chapter, the gang is going to discover more about the necromancers, and not only that.
I hope you enjoy this chapter. It is a bit long but originally it was much longer. So I decided to cut it in two parts.
All comments, suggestions and flames are welcomed.
Lordheaven
Chapter Eleven
The Necromancer's Legacy
Part one: The Legend of Lord Zacus
"Hermione!" – Ron shouted desperately.
Mr. Greenrich who was accidentally outside and saw the two appear jumped on his feet. He arrived when Hermione dropped on the ground. Greenrich touched her throat and sighed. The girl was still alive.
"What happened, Mr. Weasel?" – He promptly asked.
"We were ambushed. A Death Eater must have jinxed her but with what I have no idea." – Ron explained.
"Lets get her inside. We must not attract attention." – Greenrich lifted Hermione and headed inside.
"Have you seen Harry Potter or any of the others?" – Ron asked.
"No but I was in my quarters and haven't passed by the Hall." – Greenrich answered.
Mr. Greenrich brought Hermione to his quarters and went to fetch the healer of the castle. He passed by the East Hall and saw there Harry, Neville, Luna and Ginny. However he did not stop at their table. He reached the healer quarters and woke the man and told him of the situation. The healer jumped to his feet, dressed as fast as he could and headed towards the owner's quarters. Mr. Greenrich on the other side went to see Harry and the gang in the Hall.
"What?" – Harry shouted. "Bring us to her."
"Follow me." – Greenrich said.
They left the East Hall and headed for the keep. The courtyard was filled with people who wanted to enjoy the rare sun day. They entered the keep and headed for the second floor where Mr. Greenrich's quarters were.
The healer was in the west room. On a large and certainly comfortable bed Hermione lay and next to her was Ron. She was still very pale. Her eyes were closed and her pulse was weak.
The healer was examining her when Greenrich and Harry arrived. They sat quietly and waited. The healer moved his wand back and forth, and mumbled something but nothing happened. He then turned to Greenrich.
"I'm sorry, sir. I believe she was hit with an ancient curse however the caster did not make the curse intentionally. Perhaps he wasn't sure to hit her and in the process of apparition the curse changed. Most unfortunately there is nothing I can do." - The healer explained.
"We have to move her to St. Mungo." - Harry said.
"I'm afraid, dear boy, that the healers there will have as little success as I had. I do work in St Mungo and I can tell. She needs someone with expertise in ancient magic."
"But who? Do you know someone?" – Ron asked desperately.
Mr. Greenrich sighed and turned to Harry. "I think there may be someone that could help."
"Who?" – Harry and Ron asked in unison.
"Lord Tenus."
"The one who lives at Monmouth Castle?" – The healer asked raising an eyebrow.
"Yes, the same." – Greenrich replied.
"I doubt that Lord Tenus possesses such knowledge." – The healer said skeptically.
"Maybe not but he might know someone who does."
"What are we waiting for? Lets go." – Ron said and grabbed Hermione's arm and prepared for side apparition.
"What do you think you're doing, sir?" – The healer asked promptly.
"We're going to that castle."
"This girl should rest and any kind of apparition is out of the question for her." – The healer protested.
"But how are we supposed to get her there?" – Ron asked confused.
"I guess using muggles means or at least the Knight Bus." – The healer answered.
"How long does she have?" – Harry asked almost whispering.
"Not long I can tell you." – The healer replied sadly.
"I'll drive you there." – Greenrich said. "I'm going to take the castle supply bus. I'll meet front of the gatehouse. Healer Munti, help them bring the girl there."
"Of course, sir." – Healer Munti said.
Greenrich left the room leaving the others and healer Munti to bring Hermione down. Neville suggested levitation. The healer nodded in agreement and with a swift swing of his wand he levitated Hermione. Then they moved carefully downstairs and straight to the gatehouse. Hopefully on the way there were no muggles that could have been baffled by the scene of a floating body.
Mr. Greenrich was already at the gatehouse. He was driving an old van and certainly it had some magical enhancements because of the look of the van you can easily get the impression that even an escargot would be faster.
Hermione was put gently at the back where Greenrich had made a bed and Ron sat besides her. Harry joined Greenrich at the front; Neville, Luna and Ginny sat in the middle of the van. Greenrich started the engines and they departed. Healer Munti shook his head and headed back to the castle.
The group arrived at Monmouth Castle some time in the late afternoon. The sight of this place was extraordinary and breath taking. The castle was standing on the precipitous grassy slope down to the river of Monnow. The castle was illuminated with ghostly white lights and gave the impression that the whole castle was non-existent, an illusion. The circular and furrowed shape of the walls was giving the impression of impassability. The castle's keep was surrounded on the west and north by the river and on the east and south by a wall and a ditch. The entrance consisted of a strong gatehouse and a bridge.
Mr. Greenrich parked the van near the bridge and went to summon the gatehouse keeper while the others took out Hermione. He returned shortly followed by a man that had the same figure as Napoleon himself. He scanned the group quickly. His look fell for a second on Harry's so famous scar. Greenrich presented him as Mr. Twig.
Mr. Twig motioned them to follow him inside. Greenrich levitated Hermione and the group followed.
The gatehouse was different from the one in Goodrich's castle. Its strong and solid walls were made probably of granite. The inside was crafted with ornaments and pictograms dating from the 11th or earlier century. The floor was rough but covered with marine blue carpets.
Mr. Twig headed to the small door near the edge of the gatehouse. He descended and led them into a small apparently room. But as it turned out it wasn't a room. It was something like a lift or a transporter magically enhanced. Mr. Twig mumbled the incantation almost whispering. The lights become dimmer and the group felt their stomachs going up to their throats then all stopped.
The group's jaw dropped. They were inside the keep. All was shining in dim but strangely relaxing and warm white light. Every object was ghostly like but it wasn't scary at all. The walls were covered with luminous plants obviously responsible for the ghostly light.
Mr. Twig led them across the Ghost Passage, as it was called, and straight to Lord Tenus' quarters. He then waved to sit and went to inform his master of their visit, which gave them the possibility to have a closer look at the keep interior. However if they thought they have seen it all they were due for a surprise but for this later.
The waiting room in which they were was quite interesting. Beside the ghostly nature of all the furniture, there were swords, spears and shields from different centuries of all shapes and sizes. There were also paintings but they were not with graves or something like that. They were with lush meadows, green forests, red and golden leaves, snowy gardens and fresh fields of roses, tulips and all kinds of fruit trees.
Mr. Twig returned and led them inside. The room they entered was completely different from the rest of the keep. Its furniture was colorful and cozy. The ceiling was enchanted to represent the mood of the guests, as they were told later, and thus it was gray with white clouds. Right to the left was a big comfortable sofa with red pillows, to the right a solid holly wood bureau and sitting behind it Lord Albert Tenus.
Lord Tenus stood up slowly and moved towards the group like a shadow. He looked at them warmly then greeted them welcome to his humble castle. Lord Tenus was six feet tall, with dark and deep blue eyes, dark and straight blonde hair. He was dressed with blue silk robe.
"Thank you for accepting us at such late hour, Lord Tenus." – Mr. Greenrich said.
"No problem at all." – Lord Tenus replied. "What can I do for you?"
"This girl, here, has been hit with an ancient curse. My healer, Mr. Munti, was unable to help her. I hoped that you might know someone who could help. According to my healer, she doesn't have long." – Greenrich explained.
"Hmm. Put her on the bed."
"Where is it?"
"Over here." – Lord Tenus waved his hand and a bed appeared behind the sofa.
Greenrich levitated Hermione and put her gently on the bed. Lord Tenus approached the bed mumbling something then slowly moved back. Then he took out his wand and touched the gray sky at the ceiling. A red light appeared and like a flash disappeared.
"The curse breaker will come soon." – Lord Tenus announced. "I've sent for him."
"Thank you!" – The group said in unison.
"We shall see if you can thank me or not later. Might I enquire as to your names are?"
"Of course." – Greenrich replied. "This is Mr. Weasley, Mr. Longbottom, Ms. Weasley, Ms. Lovegood, Ms. Granger – the one on the bed, and Mr. Potter." – Greenrich presented them.
Lord Tenus nodded at each but two times he fixed longer his look, the first time at Luna and the second at Harry. Obviously Harry was used people to watch him strangely but Luna wasn't. Her cheeks blushed when Tenus looked at her but said nothing.
"So you are the famous one? The one that survived the killing curse?" – Lord Tenus turned to Harry.
"Yes, I Am." – Harry answered simply.
"Hmm. Humble young man. I am sure you are tired at people constantly watching you in one particular area?"
"I got used to it now."
"Very well. I shall mention it no more." – Lord Tenus said to the surprise of Harry. "I do hope you weren't scared by the look of the keep?"
"Not all but I wondered…"
"How it came to be in this way?" – Lord Tenus finished Harry's sentence.
"Yes."
"Well, since we're waiting, I shall tell you the story. Please have a sit." – Lord Tenus offered them.
Harry and the gang sat down. Lord Tenus took his place behind the bureau. He waved his hand and all the lights dimmed.
"The story of this castle involves the both sides – muggles and wizard. The muggles were the ones that constructed the castle. Later the wizards came and enhanced it. Now most muggles that currently reside in the castle have no idea of the existence of the wizard side although we coexist." – Lord Tenus began with a smile. "The castle was first built in 1170 by William Fitz Osborn who understood the strategic importance of this place – the crossing of two rivers – the Wye and the Monnow. Further in its history Normans invaded the region and the castle passed in their hands. Then the castle was mostly destroyed during the civil war in 1642-9 but precisely in 1647 when the keep was lost. Then in the late 19th century the castle was given to the muggle Militia or the Royal Monmouth Royal Engineering till present days. It is one of the few castles still in military possession. So much for the muggle side of the story, of course if you wish more details concerning its history I can give you the castle history book." – Lord Tenus stood up and paced around the bureau then sat down, cleared his throat and continued with a mild voice. "The wizards came to this castle in the mid of the 13th century. At this time the castle was strong. The wizards made an arrangement with the current owner of the castle and moved in. Actually, the muggle lord accepted them as advisors and of course he had no idea that they are real wizards. So the latter, magically expanded the castle keep and under the dungeons thus creating a castle of their own within the castle itself. For a time they all lived in peace but war came, not a muggle war but a wizard war or to be more precise the Vampires War. It has began due to one European lord who had lost his wife to the vampires so he swore that he would not find peace until they are all extinct. The hunting expanded to the isle of Britain. All wizard lords took part in the battle. The Monmouth lord was no exception. But the vampires on the Britain isle proved difficult to eradicate. The wizards then sought the help of the necromancers in the war with the vampires. However the Necromancers' Guild decided against the involvement of the necromancers in this war. This decision cost a lot to the necromancers as the wizards were furious at their denial but this is another story. The vampires managed to push almost every attack but they soon began to search for the wizard's stronghold. One by one disguised they searched the isle and finally found it – Monmouth Castle. The muggles living and defending the castle were slaughtered. The vampires do not take prisoners unless it is necessary. The wizards in the castle survived the first attacks. Then the vampires decided to change their strategy and went for the Trojan horse maneuver. None of the wizards survived in the attack that followed. The vampires destroyed the entire castle but unexplainably they did not destroy the muggle part of the castle. Many thought when they heard of Monmouth Massacre that the vampires would claim the castle for themselves but they did not. They left it and never returned again. Some time after the end of the Vampires War began the war between vampires and werewolves. This war was as devastating as the previous. The wizards that survived the previous war decided not to interfere and they did well. The werewolf problem was as big as the vampire's. The new owner of the Monmouth Castle became Lord Zacus or Zack. Soon he shared the ownership of the castle with a muggle. Lord Zack was a scientist, a wizard scientist. He offered shelter to everyone whether it is a vampire, a werewolf, a wizard or a muggle. He made no difference. He was a kind person but his passion was the reason he died. But he became a legend. No one actually knows the actual reason for his death. Many speculate that the werewolves were responsible for his death. After him, there were many owners of the wizard part of the castle that he had rebuilt. There is one worth mentioning. Her name was Duchess Xsi and she was a necromancer. Duchess Xsi became after a certain ritual a power lich. This is the highest rank in the midst of the Necromancers' Guild. It is said that she possessed the unique ability to resist physical attacks, a trick that has saved her life more than once."
"So she is the one responsible for the ghostly look of the castle?" – Ginny asked using the break of Lord Tenus.
"No. That is the doing of Lord Zack." – Lord Tenus replied.
"How did he do it?" – Neville asked intrigued.
"No one remembers today. It is believed that he had used ancient spells but which…hmm."
"Why Lord Zack became a legend? What is the story?" – Luna asked.
"I shall tell you this one after we treat your friend." – Lord Tenus stood up and looked at the ceiling where a tiny star has appeared. "He has arrived."
The room's door opened and revealed the cruse breaker. He was very old, wizened and looked so fragile that you get the impression that he was going to break apart but in fact the curse breaker was very agile for his age. He was dressed in gray robe with dragon hide boots. He simply nodded to Lord Tenus then moved towards the bed where he put down his bag.
"This is Mr. Gravefoot." – Lord Tenus introduced him.
Mr. Gravefoot took out his wand and waved it over Hermione's body then jumped as if a wasp had stung him.
"What did you say hit her, milord?" – Mr. Gravefoot asked with his creaky voice.
"Healer Munti of Goodrich believes she was hit with an ancient curse while she was disappearing." – Mr. Greenrich answered instead of the lord.
"Ah…healer Munti it is…hmm…I'll say not." – Mr. Gravefoot stated.
"What do you mean?"
"The hit is with a curse but I don't believe the caster was even sure how to cast that spell and well after the apparition process the curse has probably changed some of its properties for good and bad." – Gravefoot explained.
"What do you mean by good and bad?" – Lord Tenus asked promptly.
"For once, the improper making of a curse could result in the victim's death, so from that point of view is good for the girl. However since it has happened during apparition the curse has mutated and could prove difficult to brake."
"But can you help her?" – Ron asked vividly.
"Hmm…I will certainly try, young man. I was unintentionally told that it is an ancient curse and as I tried to find out what kind…well you saw me jumping…it stung me. This only happens if you use the wrong tools for an illness per say. But no need to worry I'll make it up for you, young sirs and ladies. I'll need…umm…more space so could all of you get out of the room." – Gravefoot said. "Only you…" – He pointed at Ron. "You can stay. The others out."
"Let us go outside." – Lord Tenus proposed.
Mr. Gravefoot began to place stone and silver crosses form his big around Hermione while mumbling something incomprehensively. Ron stood near the bureau and watched him. When Gravefoot finished with the placement of stones he took out his wand and performed complex movements.
"You, there." – He called.
"Ah…yes." – Ron answered.
"Come here…good…now hold her hand and think only about sad things."
"I beg your pardon!" – Ron exclaimed.
"Do what I'm telling you to do, boy!" – Mr. Gravefoot shouted.
"Al…alright." – Ron said still skeptical but obeyed Gravefoot.
Ten minutes later, Gravefoot changed the movements' direction to counter clock size.
"Lord Tenus!" – Gravefoot shouted.
Lord Tenus and the others entered the room and looked questioningly at Mr. Gravefoot.
"I need a girl and a boy. Quickly now." – Gravefoot instructed.
Lord Tenus turned around and chose Luna and Harry. Then pushed them forward and exited the room with the others.
"You boy come here." – Gravefoot pointed at Harry and the place he should take.
Harry moved towards the indicated place and Luna waited also for instructions.
"You, girl, opposite him." – Gravefoot continued with the instructions. "Good. Now hold hands. The girl has to touch the stone cross with the other hand and the boy the silver one. Quickly now. And one more thing think only about disastrous events like death, pain those sort of things."
Luna and Harry looked confusingly at each other but obeyed. They had such thoughts in abundance. Gravefoot was, already, almost dancing and making movements that could be viewed as very funny if only the situation was not as serious as it was right now.
The dance continued for almost half an hour and the silence was getting really oppressive. Gravefoot slowed down and then Hermione gave a blood-curdling yell, which made Ron, Luna and Harry jump to their feet, however Gravefoot ordered them to stay cool and to remain where they are.
"Now when I give you the signal you're going all to laugh and think only and I mean only about good things – joy, happiness and love, nothing more. Do you understand me? Good. To you it may seem stupid but you have to understand that this is the only way you can help your friend and me, obviously." – Gravefoot emphasized.
Harry, Luna and Ron nodded with understanding then looked at each other and waited for the signal. Gravefoot on the other hand was already performing definitely a very odd dance looking shockingly like an old Indian dance around the fire with the only difference that there was no fire in the room yet. His wand was performing most unusual spirals on its own then at some point Gravefoot grabbed it and pointed it to Hermione. Black fire surrounded her body and wrapped it.
"Now." – Gravefoot shouted.
Harry, Luna and Ron started laughing with all their heart and the feelings turned the blackness of the fire in the most red and bright fire someone has ever seen. The fire became even more intense, which surprised quite Gravefoot. Then out of nowhere a silver shadow became to form and Hermione's patronus appeared. The fire blended then faded. The patronus jumped around then faded as well. Gravefoot relaxed on the sofa and told the others to stop their laughing.
"Your friend is out of danger. She will recover in a day or two." – Gravefoot said.
"Thank you!" – Ron, Harry and Luna said in unison.
Lord Tenus entered with the others having felt the curse was broken. They were all relieved. Lord Tenus suggested for the others to go rest and showed to their rooms. Ron insisted in staying with Hermione, Lord Tenus did not object.
The next morning, Ron woke up and looked around then stood up. He stretched and moved to Hermione. Her condition has not changed since last night but at least she was not pale any more.
A knock on door made Ron jump off his feet but went to unlock the door, as he had locked it for the night.
"Oh hey." – Ron said.
"Hey. How is she?" – Harry asked.
"She is not pale any more. I think she is getting better." – Ron answered.
"Good. As soon as she is ok we are leaving for Hogwarts." – Harry said.
"Changed your mind?" – Ron asked.
"No, but I want to be sure you guys are safe." – Harry replied.
"Have the others woke up?"
"No, not yet."
"Where did you sleep?"
"Oh. Down the hall. It was rather cozy."
"We should get something to eat. Maybe some ghost sandwich." – Ron grinned.
"Yeah." – Harry agreed.
Someone knocked on the door.
"Come in."
Neville entered the room followed shortly by Luna and Ginny. They sat around and Ron described Neville and Ginny Mr. Gravefoot's performance. He illustrated visually the odd dance and everyone laughed. The good all laugh cheered them up.
Lord Tenus, while making his tour of the castle, heard them and entered just as Ron was completing Gravefoot's dance. A smile appeared on his face.
"Good morning." – He greeted.
"Good morning, sir." – The others replied.
"Would like a breakfast?"
"Sure."
"I'll bring it."
Lord Tenus went down to the dungeons where the kitchen was and prepared the delicious breakfast. Most unusually Lord Tenus was one of the few wizards who did all the work in the castle by himself. He had never liked the idea of exploiting others to do a job he could easily do. So he had no house elves or ghost elves for that matter.
Lord Tenus brought up the breakfast for the hungry youngsters. They attacked it promptly and swallow it with great satisfaction and delight. Then they desired to have a more thorough look at the castle. Lord Tenus agreed to be their guide and he argued that Hermione needed rest so Ron could join the others.
Monmouth Castle was indeed bigger than Goodrich. It had many rooms with as many shortcuts. The rooms were with furniture from at least four different centuries and their design seemed to be also from four centuries. This was so because the castle had changed various owners coming from different lands. Each with its customs and believes. And this is what made the castle so interesting but the most interesting part was the preserved quarters and lab of the legendary Lord Zack or Zacus. Their design was completely different from the rest of the castle.
The personal room of Lord Zack was almost a perfect ellipse. The bed, which stood in the first center of ellipse, was solid and made of lime-tree with shades of oak. Opposite to the bed, standing on the other center of the ellipse, was the bureau and probably was made of sequoia trunks. At the point between the two centers of the ellipse heavy curtains, which were pulled cut the bedroom in two. At the same spot, on the floor were encrusted figures strongly resembling dragons and otters. Shelves with books were covering the walls. Figures of animals, mostly extinct, were to be found on every shelf and on the bureau as well. Quills, parchments and inkbottles spread on the bureau.
The room next to the bedroom was probably used for praying. The room was rather small. There was an image of Jesus Christ's soul reaching for Heavens after leaving his body but there were no crosses or any other symbols of Christianity.
The next room was actually his lab. The lab had the form of a horseshoe. In the middle there was a long table with a great variety of flasks and cauldrons of different sizes and shapes, and different ingredients. On the shelves on the walls, there were dusty books. Most of them were Dark Arts, some Lights Arts and some ancient runes.
There was one other room, which seemed to be used for experiments or training. After this the tour was over and Lord Tenus led the gang back to the room where Hermione was. There they could relax and assimilate what they've learnt so far about Monmouth Castle. Also this was an opportunity for Lord Tenus to go to prepare lunch.
"Fascinating." – Ginny exclaimed.
"Yeah. Most interesting. Did you see the lab? It looked like it was still in use." – Neville said.
"Yeah, filled with Dark Arts books." – Ron agreed.
"And the perfect place for ghosts." – Luna observed seriously but everybody laughed.
"Harry, what do you think? You've been very quite." – Ginny said.
"It is cool." – Harry answered.
"Cool?" – Ginny asked raising an eyebrow. "Is that all you could say?"
"What's with you two again?" – Ron asked laughing.
"Nothing. Ginny likely expects a full report about every single event." – Harry said grinning.
"Aha." – Ron said smirking.
"Nothing like that I just…" – Ginny started angrily but stopped in the middle of the sentence as the others burst in laughter. "You'll pay for that." – she said pointing a finger at Harry.
"Sure." – Harry said continuing to laugh.
"Lunch everybody." – Lord Tenus announced as he entered the room.
"It is cool." – Harry said.
"Yeah, Cool." – Ron repeated while trying to catch his breath.
Ginny looked at Harry and Ron murderously. Lord Tenus looked strangely at them but a smile appeared on his face as he understood mostly what was all this about. He put the dishes on a table that he had conjured and left them eat.
The gang spent the next half an hour devouring the meal Lord Tenus prepared in silence. Then the lord returned, cleaned up the dishes and sat behind his bureau motioning them to join him around.
"Now as I promised I'll tell you the legend of Lord Zack." – Lord Tenus said.
"Cool." – Luna exclaimed.
"Lord Zacus was born somewhere in the beginning of the 18th century in Wicklow, Ireland. This place is referred as the Garden of Ireland, one very interesting place. His mother, Duchess of Kiltegan, raised Zacus. He spent most of his adolescent life in the Humewood Castle where his mother resided. At age of ten, he was already a prodigy in the arts of magic. It came to him naturally. His mother has employed a tutor, as young Zack did not attend Hogwarts as most of his friends did. It seemed that Zack had developed an affinity towards the Dark Arts. He made his mother buy him all concerning the Dark Arts that could be found. He had told his tutor that he was fascinated and wanted to learn more. His tutor on the other hand was terrified by the boy's desire to study the Dark Arts and he expressed his concerns to his mother and well he was fired immediately. At that time, there were a lot of wandering mages who from time to time took apprentices. Sanita, Duchess of Kiltegan managed to contact one of those mages. The mage came to visit at the castle and evaluate the boy's potential. Zack was thrilled by the idea and prepared well. The abilities of Zack surprised the mage and he agreed to tutor the boy but he had to leave with him. Zack agreed immediately though his mother was not but her love for her son prevailed and she let him go pursue his dreams. The mage first took Zack to Galway, one of the most important ports in Ireland. There he began studying navigation and orientation by the stars. At first Zack was reluctant because he wanted the Dark Arts but the mage had explained him that if he wanted to learn the Dark Arts he must first understand the nature – its rules, conditions and forces. And when he has perfect orientation in the matter of nature then he would be able to understand not only the Dark Arts but also all others. He must learn to appreciate every aspect of life and death before tampering with them. And so young Zack began studying. He thought that those courses could not be difficult but he found out that he was mistaken because to learn the ways of life the person needed to be more than just a gifted wizard. Zack and mage crossed the entire land of Ireland. Zack learnt lots about the nature of nature, life and death. His study took him years and years and at last he had reached a level, which his master, the mage considered sufficient. At that point they went in the area of Glasgow where the mage let go off his apprentice because of an illness. He told him to follow his steps to the Highlands. And so young Zack did as he was told. Near Loch Ness, he ran out of money and was forced to find a job. Two years later, he continued his journey. His first stop was the famous lake of Loch Ness where resided the Monster of Loch Ness. Zack was intrigued by the muggles fears regarding the lake and went to investigate. Whether he had managed to find the monster or not is not known but what is known is that after Loch Ness, the boy Zack had changed considerably. He was no longer a boy he was a man with already considerable experience. He reached the Highlands where he found the mage's master. His name was Zog. Surprisingly he was an ogre, a mage ogre and a powerful one as Zack discovered. Zog, who was not easily impressed, was fascinated by Zack's abilities and potential. He took him as apprentice. And so Zack began his real magic training. Zog thought him all kinds of magic but as he discovered the Zack was mostly interested in the Dark Arts so he concentrated the study into that area. Zack thanks to the previous mage tutelage had learnt to appreciate every art whether it is dark or light. And with the help of Zog he learnt both. One day on their way back to Zog's Keep they were ambushed by Zog's enemy - Conrad, Zack managed to push him away but his master was wounded fatally. Zack tried everything he knew but it was too late. After he buried his master, Zack headed home. He was anxious to see his mother. However, when he got there he found the castle ruined. He learnt that the castle was attacked by vampires and later by muggles. His mother was killed at the second attack and was buried in the castle cemetery although she had transformed into a vampire after she was bitten by one. At the point, at her grave, Zack, lord of Kiltegan swore eternal revenge towards the vampires. He sold the castle and departed for Wales where he had cousins. But even there he could not find peace until he heard about Monmouth Castle. And shortly he gained possession of the castle. He changed the entire castle and transformed most of the rooms into laboratories, infirmary and study rooms. By the age of seventy, he was known throughout the region as healer and curse breaker. Lord Zack liked to travel and from time to time he went on such journeys. Rumors say that in his journeys he had encountered vampires and after that no one ever heard about those vampires again. It is said that wherever he encountered a vampire he killed him without pity or hesitation. Most of his time in the castle, Lord Zack spent in his laboratory where he was making different experiments. It is known that he managed to perfect the Bone Dragons as well as the Ghost Dragons. How has he done this is unknown. His fascination for the Dark and afterwards Light Arts led him to seek a way to block the most dangerous of all curses – the killing curse. It is said that he succeeded but the knowledge was lost. He also was researching and developing curses some of which solely against the vampires, and others against possessed souls. His research actually was extensive not only in the fields of the dark magic but also in the field of light magic. Then one day, on his doorstep a young appeared pleading for help, as her husband was turned into a beast, a werewolf. Lord Zacus assured the young lady that he would try to help him although it was too late. Lord Zacus managed to capture the werewolf and began studying him. He spent time preparing different kinds of potions hoping to reverse his condition. The man in question, the werewolf, during his time as human assisted the lord, as it turned out was a skillful potion master. However as it turned out, this was very difficult. Lord Zacus spent the next twenty years in researching. Finally, he managed to produce one of the most incredible and complex potions in history, the Moonlight Potion. This potion could reverse the effects and provide permanent defense against any future bites. For the potion to take effect the person must be fully transformed into werewolf, so the lord waited until his assistant's transformation. The time for action had come and the lord managed to pour the potion into the werewolf's throat. It took only few seconds for the potion to take effect. A day later, Lord Zacus disappeared and no one ever saw him again. For his deeds some declared him a legend, some others a necromancer and the muggles a sorcerer and pagan. The muggles that lived in the upper side of the castle managed to prosecute and banish the wizard occupants of the castle. Some say that they did that with the help of vampires. A muggle lord claimed that part of the castle and moved in but something unexpected changed his mind. The entire castle took the ghostly form. Ghost dragons appeared out of nowhere and banished the muggle lord who soon died in the cemetery. How you may ask, well nobody knows. Although some believe that the ghost dragons had something to do with it, not that someone can prove that. Lord Zacus had left his legacy to his assistant's family and their heirs but they chose to leave everything intact and sold the castle with only clause no one to ever set foot in that part of the castle. It stated clearly in this clause that only those of his kind could set foot inside. Lord Zacus had left a significant trace in the ways of the dark and light arts but some of his greatest successes are not known. There are speculations that he had left instructions or writing about them but where he had put them is unknown. And that boys and girls was the legend of Lord Zacus." – Lord Tenus finished.
The gang remained silent for a long time. It was clear that Lord Tenus was not the best storyteller. Nonetheless the story was interesting. Harry was mostly impressed in the part where Lord Zacus has discovered a way to counter Avada Cadavra. Now he knew that there is a way to block the killing curse no matter that the knowledge was lost.
Ron on the other side was impressed to find out that this Lord Zacus was the one who discovered the potion that saved his brother's life and he was not the only one. Ginny was also happy to learn it.
Lord Tenus stood up and went to see Hermione. He moved around her with his wand out, mumbling something. Reassured he went back to his seat.
"We'll have dinner soon." – He announced.
Everyone looked surprised at him, as they have not noticed how much time has passed. It was already dark.
Lord Tenus left for the kitchen to prepare the evening meal and Neville went with him to assist him. Luna went to the library to search for the plexus pliers-jumpers, not that anyone knew what exactly that was. Ron went back to his room leaving Harry and Ginny alone in the room.
Harry turned his gaze to Hermione. He was still feeling responsible for what happened to her although Ginny was trying to reassure him that this was no his fault. Then Harry hugged Ginny and left his head fall to her shoulder. Ginny expected this act and tightened her arms around him.
They stood in each other's arm till Tenus came back. Then they had dinner and straight to their rooms. Ron stayed with Hermione but this time Lord Tenus conjured another bed as surprisingly Ron had forgotten to do so the night before.
Sometime after midnight Luna was having a weird dream. She was walking through a narrow and wet corridor. The air was still and cold. The ground floor was sticky and slippery. She saw light in the end of the corridor and soon reached it. The moon was up and she saw crosses stuck on the ground and that made her understand that she was in a cemetery. She turned around to reenter into the corridor only to find out that it has disappeared so she began searching how to exit this nasty place. After a while, she found a path and followed it. It reached to what looked like a white house but it turned out to be a crypt. She flinched and chills went down her spine. She turned around only to face a horrible creature. Its red glowing eyes were fixed at her. She screamed and run away but the creature followed her everywhere. At last she managed to get back to the corridor but slipped. At that time she opened her eyes only to find herself back in her room. She stood up and went to drink some water from the bathroom. When she returned back to her bed she saw again the glowing red eyes and the creature itself and froze. When she turned to reach her wand her gaze fell into a mirror and when she saw her reflection she uttered a cry. She had a white tiara in her hairs and a scepter in her hands. Suddenly a burst of light appeared and the creature bowed. Luna stood completely baffled and when she decided to move she fell off the bed.
Luna opened her eyes wide. She was in her bed all sweating from the strange dream. She calmed herself and slowly fell asleep. It was all a dream – she said to herself – only a dream.
A/N
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