Chapter 6
Pondering on this last statement, Harry followed Merlin through the door. The door didn't open, you had to walk through the Magic and have it allow you to enter. As Harry watched, several others walked in. Lastly, Draco Malfoy hurried in with a gleaming metal goblet levitating in front of him, the contents still steaming. While still apprehensive about the ritual, Harry was comforted to know that Magic itself had judged everyone in the room to be worthy.
Malfoy stopped in front of Harry, while the other cloaked figures walked to spots around what Harry saw was a ritual circle. His place, which Merlin guided him to, was the center. As Harry watched, the figures started to chant and symbols around the edge of the circle started to glow and then pulse with the voices incanting the ritual. It seemed that the pulsing had reached a peak and Merlin nodded to Malfoy.
Malfoy stepped closer to Harry, levitating the goblet between them. He said in a low voice, "You must drink all of it without a breath's pause. If you hesitate, I don't like to think what could happen." Harry nodded and took hold of the goblet. He started drinking like a man who hasn't had water for a month. As he gulped down the last drops, he heard a whispered, "Good luck, Harry" and he knew no more…