Chapter 3: An Evil Interlude
A stale breeze drifted through the corridors; bring with it the echoing screams of the innocent. Torches lined the hallway offering the only light in the dark underground labyrinth. The smell of blood and rotting flesh had become a part of the very structure offering a powerful warning to all to stay away. A man in a long draping black robe made his way confidently through the corridors. He knew the way through the maze and he was confident that he would never join the residence of this hellish catacomb. He approached a thick rotting wood door and removed a rusting brass key he opened the door not in the least bit shocked at the horrors that were revealed. 12 skeletal bodies hung from chains bruised, bleeding and broken. There were 4 wizard adults, 4 half-blood teenagers and 4 muggle children. He was bringing the final one a wizard baby. Walking into the middle of the circular room he placed the baby in the center of an intricate symbol that had been painstakingly drawn on to the floor in preparation for tonight's ceremony.
This was only one place out of dozens around the world that would take place in the invoking ritual that would permanently create openings in the barrier that the youkai had been sealed behind. Banishing them form the mortal world; but not any longer.
"Its time." He said softly; his white mask glowing slightly in the semi-darkness. He removed his wand and walked over to the edge of the circle and raised his wand to the ceiling with hands that shook slightly. He was scared not doubt about it but he was given a huge honor from his lord and he would NOT fail him like others had done.
"For the glory of LORD VOLDEMORT!" he cried loudly before lowering his arm sharply and pointing it at the symbol on the floor. He started chanting softly, his voice slowly increasing in volume and he grew more confident. He will succeed! The symbol started to glow a putrid red and the ground started to shake but he did not waver. With a final cry he completed the chat and it was only seconds before a loud blood curling screech sounded. The red lines darkened to a pitch black in the symbol filled in so that he was standing in front of a swirling black pit.
A massive clawed three fingered had shot out of the dark abyss and grabbed the screaming baby crushing it in its unrelenting grasp. Scared out of his mind he bolted to the door trying to escape. He didn't even make it four steps before he to was crushed and demolished by the creatures never ending need for blood.
Lucius Malfoy strode into the council room where he knew that his lord was waiting for an update. He walked up to the chair where his lord sat and bowed low.
"My lord I bring good news. All gates have been opened and there were no survivors at any of the locations."
Voldemort regarded the bowing man. He was very pleased with the news; not that he would ever let anyone know. "Good, now leave."
When the grand doors slammed shut signaling Lucius's exit he allowed himself a self pleased smile. However he scrambled out of his chair when a dark, deep chuckling echoed through the room. "You should be more giving to those beneath you Riddle."
He straightened trying to cover his previous lack of composure. Howerer the disembodied voice just started laughing darkly at him. "All the gates have been opened; at every location that you ordered."
"I know, you have done well. And for that you shall be given a gift, use it well. I shall give you new orders soon."
Before Voldemort could reply a soul searing pain erupted from within him and even he couldn't contain his agonized scream. After what seemed an eternity of torture the pain stopped as abruptly as it started. Rising onto shaking legs he studied his hands. Noticing something different he raised his wand and transfigured a mirror and looking into it's reflective surface he started to laugh, a sound that would send most running in fear. He had been given his beautiful body back. But this one had power oh yes that glorious power he could feel it running through his very veins. Looking at his reflection he studied his glowing red eyes that held more then a glint of insanity in them. For everything has a price; and the price for his alliance with HIM was his sanity.