Ch. 18-An Actor and A Swordsman
The wind rushed past Artemis face as he flew to Malfoy Manor. He had tried to put his latest murder from his mind, but the thoughts flooded his mind. Never before had he considered what he did murder. He never considered killing Broderick, Abraxas, Tiberius, or any other slime he had wiped off the earth to be a sin or act of evil. But now he had killed an innocent man, a man who got in his way and had to be stopped; just like Arthur. He tried not to think of Arthur but now he was ever reminded of him with every passing moment. One would not think the idea of killing innocent people would affect Artemis, for he had destroyed numerous cities and towns, responsible for thousands of deaths. Although he never really thought of the people he killed, but the music he made, was it evil music? It seemed so pure and magical, he never thought of it as evil, but rather how others had used him.
Artemis replayed this thought over and over in his head, but it seemed like a poor excuse to be a murderer. But drive would now put aside those feelings, he remembered the excited feeling, he knew without a doubt where the sword was and it would soon be his. Artemis entered the house and headed through the lounge where Abraxas body had been removed but leaving the room blood stained and disarrayed as he had left it. He opened the door in the back of the sitting room and clambered into the grand office where the masterpiece of a desk stood in the middle of the room. The drawers were open and pulled out, papers and other objects were scattered across the floor. Someone was here to search for the sword, but they never found it. Artemis felt across the snake perched on the top right corner and pushed in its jeweled green eyes. The sound of turning cogs was heard as the wall to the right turned revealing the glass case, which to Artemis disappointment was empty. How could this be? Tom doesn't have it, but then who has it?
Nothing left to ponder, Artemis left and disapparated home. He walked into the front door and yelled up.
"Xavier, it's me. Come down here I've got something to discuss." He heard no reply, nor any stir from upstairs. "Xavier?" He called again, with no response. He drew his wand and slowly crept up the stairs. When he opened the door to his room he saw everything as it was. The door slammed behind him and a great arm came down on his, and as Artemis turned he saw a meaty fist striking him hard in the face. He fell to the ground clutching his jaw and could taste the metallic flavor of blood. He dropped his wand and saw Gaston Mansfield picking it up with a snide smirk on his face. Artemis had a sense of impending doom about him. Where the hell was Xavier?
"I never got to thank you for putting a hole in my favorite shirt, Artemis Gridlock." He said with pompous pride. Now he knows, he knows where he lives he knows the man in the pub was Artemis and he has him now. His damn concern for the boy caused him to rush up here. Goddamn my emotions, Artemis thought.
"Who were you calling to?" Gaston said with his wand pointing threateningly at him.
"My cat", Artemis lied.
"That's pretty pathetic Gridlock", he said with a laugh.
"So I've been told. You know I'm very wealthy, I can make you very rich Mansfield."
"I don't want your money you prig. This is a service to The Dark Lord, and a vendetta of my own." Artemis' face widened with shock, it was worse than he thought. Mansfield was a spy in the Ministry, he worked for Tom. Now he had to know where he was, how long until he was at his doorstep?
"You're gonna regret humiliating me Gridlock, the Dark Lord says he wants to finish you off himself, but that doesn't mean I can't have a bit of fun before he gets here. Gaston raised his wand and opened his mouth to form the word Crucio, but before he could curse Artemis he heard a shout yelling from behind Gaston.
"Avada Kedavra!" A green flash formed a silhouette of Gaston's giant figure, and the brute fell to the ground with a great boom and behind him, anger polluting his face, was Xavier. He was trembling and his face was paper white, like his knuckles; gripping his wand with all his might. He just stood there with fury and fear in his eyes. Artemis got up still gripping his sore jaw, and came over to Xavier.
"Xavier." He still stared at the dead body and did not respond. "Xavier!" He broke his eyes from his victim, and looked up at him, face trembling. "Xavier we have to get out of here, gather up whatever you have. NOW!" Xavier snapped out of his trance and rushed into the guest room where he stayed. Artemis waved his wand and watched all his belongings whirl around the room and shrink down to an incredibly small size and pack themselves into his luggage. Another wave opened the window, and he waved his wand as a purple flash shot from the end of his wand and soon the bird Amicus was in the windowsill. Xavier came rushing in with his one bag. Artemis grabbed hold of his bag and Xavier, and with Amicus on his shoulder he disapparated.
A loud crack and Xavier face planted onto a brick path; he could hear splashing water and when he picked up his head he faced a great white brick estate topped with gray roofing. There were trees all around and no where could be seen a single other building. They were in a circular drive with a road at least a mile long leading up to it and in the distance could be seen a high gate. The circular drive ended in a pillared entranceway with ivy growing up its tall supports. A simple round fountain sprayed water joyfully into the surrounding pool. Xavier stood in awe at this magnificent home.
"Whose house is this?" He said in wonderment.
"It's mine." Artemis said smiling.
"This is your house!"
"It's was my parents, I inherited it when...when they died." Artemis stared up at the brilliant home in remembrance.
"You mean you actually lived here?"
"Heavens no, this was our summer home. We lived in a townhome, my parents were very wealthy, but they never liked to show it; never really sure why." He pondered this for a second. "Well, inside then before we're seen." Artemis picked up his bag and led the way into the estate. The foyer was immense and echoed their footsteps, and as they entered Xavier was mouth agape at this magnificent entranceway.
"This place is huge!"
"Didn't you grow up in a place like this? Your family is quite wealthy if I'm not mistaken."
"Well my parents did, my Dad sent me to live with my Grandmother", he said with bitter disappointment.
"Go upstairs and choose an empty room. But don't get too comfortable we won't be staying too long."
"Wait why not?"
"They know my family; they certainly know how to find their properties. I'll put up the enchantments." Xavier hurriedly stomped up the large staircase and disappeared from sight. Artemis went around the house putting up some protective spells. He came across a familiar door, the door to his father's study. It seemed almost preserved like a museum. The family had an anti-dust spell on their estate. Artemis approached and saw his father's desk, and on it was the statue from his company. A golden metal globe that floated over its base, in it was two wands crossed as if swords. It was a construction company, made magical buildings. Behind it Artemis saw a photo of him and his parents. Artemis looked no more than twelve; this picture was taken just before he went away to Hogwarts. Artemis smiled at the picture of his parents but then seethed with anger as he remembered that they were taken from him. They were murdered by Tom, and in a fit of anger threw the picture into the wall shattering the frame. "Damn for the way his parents death made him feel" he thought. It caused agonizing pain to see them again, to think about them again, if only the past would just die. His thoughts were interrupted by a worried Xavier coming through the door.
"What's the matter?"
"Nothing", Artemis said harshly. Xavier seemed concerned, but didn't press the matter. "What did you find?" Xavier led Artemis into the dining room where he had set up all of Artemis' things. Scattered across the table were strips of parchment, open books, articles, and maps.
"I didn't find any record of the sword, according to all of this it doesn't even exist. How do we even know it does?"
"I've seen it." Artemis said sternly.
"Alright then." Xavier said going back to the table. "Now there are several rumors and theories about it, but nothing's been confirmed."
"So it's a cold trail." Artemis said with disappointment.
"Not exactly, I think I found someone who might have an idea. Take a look at this." Xavier handed him an edition of the Daily Prophet, issued about four years ago.
MERIDIAN OFFERS ONE-HUNDRED MILLION
GALLEONS FOR SWORD OF GRYFFINDOR
BY PHILBERT SKEETER
Once again an offer has been made by Tobias Meridian, the
famous actor and avid collector of swords and other magical
weapons, to Albus Dumbledore for the sword of Godric
Gryffindor. This is the third offer the wealthy billionaire has
made to Hogwart's headmaster for the infamous blade and
once more has been rejected.
Meridian gained most of his fortune from his father,
Archibald Meridian, now deceased. Tobias followed in his
father's footsteps by becoming an actor and has made a name
for himself performing on the stage in both the wizarding, and
the muggle worlds. His current collection of swords is said to
be vast and valued at over 100 billion galleons.
The Meridian estate is valued at nearly fifty times that number,
and has made him the second wealthiest man among wizard-kind. Meridian has been trying to acquire the sword for years and has even
been rumored to try and hire thieves to steal the sword.
Meridian is also convinced that Dumbledore is in possession of
the alleged weapons of the other three founders. Albus has
said on many occasions that he denies the existence of these
weapons and will never sell the Gryffindor sword no matter
what he is offered.
Meridian is prepared to take Dumbledore before the
Winzengamot under allegations that Dumbledore came into
possession of the sword by illegal means and that as a historical
artifact, the sword belongs to the Ministry archives. Dumble-
dore has denied all such allegations of course and unless he
yields to give the sword to the archives a court date is being
set for next month.
"Where is his estate?" Artemis said eagerly, putting down the newspaper.
"I've already plotted it on this map for you." Xavier said handing a rolled up map to Artemis who smiled.
"Good work", Xavier tried his best not to smile as Artemis studied the map, called for Amicus, and went out the front door and turning into a cloud of smoke and headed toward the fine estate of Tobias Meridian.
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There was no need for violence here so Artemis would simply see if he was home, and ask him what he knew of the sword of Salazar Slytherin. He approached the front gate, which was rather like two large wooden doors with turrets on either ends with a window on each door guarded by bars just above eye level. As he peered over to look through the window he saw the huge mansion just across the barrier. Vast, like a castle, and magnificent like one too. Artemis touched his wand carefully to the window's metal bars, and there was a shorting of sparks as the metal touched the wand. A protective enchantment on the gate no doubt; just then a pipsqueak of a voice spoke from the other side of the doors.
"Who's there?" said the voice.
"I'm here to see Mr. Meridian, may I come in?" Artemis asked pressing himself close to the doors.
"No, now go away!" Artemis kept his temper.
"It is imperative that I see him, it's a matter of some urgency."
"No! NO! NO! GO AWAY!" said this tiny voice.
"I warn you if you do not let me in, I will be forced to break in." The little voice laughed mockingly.
"Piss off!" Artemis lost his patience.
"Listen you pathetic little creaton, open the damn door or watch it get destroyed!"
"What are you gonna do? I'm in here and you're out there and there's not a..."
"Primoris Polleo!" The sound of the spell charging grew in frequency and was finally let go with brilliant golden light. The doors were blown to splinters and now the smoke began to clear, revealing a little house-elf standing in the middle of the path, pieces of wood falling all around. He looked up at the grinning Artemis, then turned around and ran to the mansion yelling in panic.
"MASTER MERIDIAN! INTRUDER MASTER! HE'S INSANE! WERE ALL GONNA DIE!" Artemis patiently walked up to the front doors just in time for the panicked elf to slam the doors yelling now inside the house.
"What the devil is going on out there?" came from a flustered man inside the mansion.
"Don't open it master, he'll kill us all!" said the screaming elf.
"Oh do control yourself Sheldon; I'm sure it's nothing."
"Listen to Sheldon master he's a mad man!"
"Hush now!" The door opened and in it stood what must've been Tobias Meridian, he wore a white collared shirt and a black vest over it was a long black house cloak, his white cuffs fanned out from the sleeves. He had long hair and a face that was the epitome of perfection, and in his front pocket was a handkerchief with a large black "M' on it. As he stood there puzzled, the house elf cowered behind his legs.
"Can I help you?" he said curiously.
"Yes, I'm here to talk to you about your collection."
"Well I'm not selling if that's what you're asking."
"Oh no, no I'm just here to employ your expertise about a certain sword." He said assuredly.
"He's lying master! Sheldon knows! Probably a thief sent by the Parkinsons! Always jealous of master's..."
"Sheldon! Away with you! Tend to the kitchen!"
"Yes master." The elf said cautiously and ran off.
"Sorry about him, he was my father's. He's well...insanely paranoid. Personally I'd rather just pay a person to clean my house. But if I fire him God knows he'd probably kill himself." The both of them chuckled. "Well come inside, let's see if I can assist you."
"Thank you." Artemis said civilly. "Sorry about the gate by the way."
"Oh, well no worries. Been thinking about replacing it for some time; looks like you just made up my mind." As Artemis entered the gracious host squinted to see down the path. "Impressive explosion too." This place made Artemis summer home look like a shack in the woods. He could've fit his estate in the foyer.
"Do come in. Sheldon! Bring us some tea will you!" Tobias led them into the front sitting room carrying with him a long black cane having a silver top. The room was a pale color, with exquisite gold trim. It was very old and Victorian looking; very elegant. He offered Artemis a seat and Tobias took the one across from him. "So how can I help you Mr.?"
"Grid...Gridding, Lyle Gridding." Close one. "I was hoping to ask you about the sword of Godric Gryffindor and the other founder's weapons."
"Ah I see...another fanatic. No worries I'm absolutely obsessed. Well if you're looking to get your hands on the sword of Gryffindor forget it. Dumbledore has it and won't ever give it up, believe me I've tried. Even took him to court on grounds that it should be in he archives. I was overruled."
"What about the other founder's weapons?"
"Well everybody knows that Godric had a sword made by the Goblins, but it is the belief of me and other historians that Salazar had one made as retaliation, believing Godric wished to banish him. Then the others had one made believing they would need one should they boys start fighting."
"What else do you know about them?"
"Well unfortunately that's all I know. There are no records of it, only wild stories and rumors. No one has ever seen them." Artemis paused and with revel said.
"I have." Meridian's eyes widened.
"Which one? Do you have it?"
"No, it was Salazar's" Tobias broke in.
"Where did you see it? What did it look like?"
"Look Mr. Meridian I don't have time for this. I need to know if there's anyone who might have any other information on the sword."
"Why the rush?" Artemis needed full disclosure with him if he hoped him to be his ally.
"My name is really Artemis Gridlock." Meridian opened his mouth as if to yell. Artemis drew his wand. "Mr. Meridian I'm a huge fan, I saw you in Hello Dolly twenty years ago and I'd really hate to have to kill you." His mouth closed. "Lord Voldemort is looking for the sword and if he finds it he'll be unstoppable. I need your help to find out where it is. Please Mr. Meridian it's the only way to stop him." Artemis put his wand away as Sheldon came in with the tea. He glared at Artemis then turned to his master.
"Everything alright Master Meridian?" Tobias looked at Artemis and not breaking contact said.
"Yes, were alright here." The house elf shuffled out staring back at Artemis.
"Alright Mr. Gridlock, I know someone who can help, but on one condition. You help me find the other weapons and I get to keep the sword of Slytherin."
"Once I'm done with it, and Voldemort is dead, you can have them all. "
"Deal." He said excitedly. "Come with me." He got up and went down the hall to an elevator. They both got in and went down, down deep below the mansion. When the door opened he was in a glorious underground dungeon. Not dark and gloomy, but magnificent and vast. Swords and weapons of all kinds were all around; hanging on the walls, in glass cases and locked behind bars. There must have been thousands. They walked through a stone arch at the entrance and walked the length of the room, Artemis admiring the swords all the way, until they came to a wooden door. He opened it and sitting on a stool with glasses perched on his nose was an old goblin working on polishing a sword. All around were tools and instruments, and a large magnifying glass stood on his workbench, with a grinder as well. In the corner was a burning fire with an anvil and hammer sitting purposefully with pieces of a broken sword next to it.
"Hello Gognar", said Tobias. Somehow that name sounded familiar to Artemis.
"Evening Mr. Meridian, your sapphire ice blade is repaired please don't play with it anymore."
"What's the point of having fun toys then?"
"These are not toys Mister..." Gognar looked up with a bit of a frustrated smirk when his eyes fell upon Artemis. His expression immediately fell to anger and rage. His sharp teeth were bared in his mouth and his black beady eyes were squinted. With such devotion he reached for a knife on his desk and hurled it at Artemis. He moved his head just in time for the knife to stick into the stone wall. Tobias protested with shock.
"Gognar! What's the matter with you?" He stepped in between the goblin and Artemis. Gognar rushed forward trying to get at Artemis.
"This man locked me in a vault at Gringotts! I was in there for 2 months! I had to lick the condensation off the walls just to stay alive!" Artemis was quickly reminded of who this goblin was. All he could think was "of all the goblins".
"I'm sorry!" Artemis apologized but the Goblin's rage was endless.
"You're sorry! You left me in there to die you bastard!"
"Gognar!" yelled Meridian. "Control yourself, we need your help."
"I'm not helping him, forget it."
"It's about the founder's weapons." said Artemis. The goblins rage died down and he backed away and sat back down on his chair.
"I've already told you all I know Tobias."
"We both know that's not true. This bloak can use it to destroy the Dark Lord, so help us please."
"No, I won't, the sword doesn't belong to him, or you for that matter Mr. Meridian."
"Gognar, enough of your goblin ownership nonsense; our world is at stake you know it and I know it, and he can stop You Know Who." The goblin stared at both of them for awhile, then he reluctantly hopped off his stool and went into a back storage closet. Both men could hear him digging through various belongings and finally he came back with an old torn leather bound book. On the front was some sort of title in Goblin language.
"Know that I could be killed for showing you this. This is the history of the world according to the goblins. No human or wizard influence whatsoever. This is one of the only copies in existence written in English." Gognar opened the large book and flipped several pages until finally he came to the page he wanted. His bony long nailed finger pointed to it then stepped back allowing the two men to read it.
"But the proudest moment in Goblin's noble history is by far the brilliant craftsmanship of the weapons of the four founders of Hogwarts. Salazar Slytherin came to the ancient blacksmiths with the request to have a powerful sword made, a sword that would impregnate within itself all of his noble power and would allow him to overthrow his three other companions. He was not met with enthusiasm and eleven of the twelve original Goblin blacksmiths denied his request, but the dark Elder Vorburn agreed to create this sword and keeping it secret from the other eleven, constructed the sword. When finished the two gloated their triumph, but the celebration was not long lived. For Salazar killed Vorburn with the sword and threw his body in the flames of the hearth to which the sword was made. Godric Gryffindor heard of this betrayal, and told the news to Rowena Ravenclaw and Helga Hufflepuff. The founders pleaded with the goblin elders to construct them weapons powerful enough to conquer Salazar's new found sorcery. The elders cursed as they could not hope to make them weapons to conquer, but they could make them weapons that could match him. Vorburn took the secrets of the dark blade to his grave and now it was impossible to know how to outmatch it. The Twelve Elders worked in haste and employed all their magical knowledge and for the founders they created; the Sword of Godric Gryffindor; constructed of the purest silver and steel, and embroidered with rubies from the mountains of Transylvania. The Bow of Rowena Ravenclaw; carved from the wisest and grandest willow in the forest, and jeweled with sapphires taken from the bottom of the deepest ocean. And the Axe of Helga Hufflepuff; forged in the fires of a raging volcano in Greece, and smelted with gold of the Goblin King. These three weapons, much like the Sword of Salazar Slytherin, embodied the power of each of the founders, and were of immense magical supremacy.
It wasn't long until the four had a terrible confrontation. Godric and Rowena were engaged to be married, and enraged with jealousy Salazar unsheathed his sword. He gloated his invincibility but was infuriated to see his other companions were armed with goblin-made weapons and ready to defend against his evil cruelty. During the course of the battle the female founders were injured and then only Godric and Salazar remained. The melee lasted for three days, neither able to outmatch the other. Over and over they battled, until in an attempt to end the war, Rowena offered herself to Salazar. Godric raged in protest, but Rowena insister and Salazar accepted and took her away to his castle in the mountains of Northern Ireland. There he commanded Rowena be married to him on the eve of week's end. She deceived him saying she would gladly marry him, and be his forever more, and forever faithful. On the eve of the wedding she crept into his bedchambers and tried to steal the sword. But Salazar stirred and woke, and in his fit of anger cursed her. That very night Godric led the students of the school in an attack on Castle Slytherin. When they broke through Godric saw Rowena's dying body and begged Salazar to lift the curse. He asked in exchange for her life, his sword. Though Rowena protested, Godric gave the sword to Salazar. Both swords of immense power in hand, Salazar stabbed Godric and as he promised lifted the curse from Rowena. As she wept over his dying body Salazar raised his sword to strike down his enemy Godric for good. No matter how hard he tried he couldn't kill either of them. He came down on them over and over, but to no avail; his powerful blades had failed him; for they were protected by love, and he could not touch them. Godric died that night in the infirmary of Hogwarts and a funeral service was held in his honor to which all the students of the school and the kings of all wizard kind were in attendance. Salazar disappeared, and returned to the school one last time. He locked the swords in his Chamber of Secrets and he placed inside it a newborn Basilisk. In the hopes that when it grew it would assist his heir in succeeding where he had failed.
"So you see", said Gognar. "The sword lies in the Chamber of Secrets. No one's ever found the chamber, and it's not likely you will either."
"But...that's impossible", said Artemis. "I've seen the sword; it was in Malfoy Manor, in Abraxas Malfoy's office." Meridian protested as well.
"Besides, Dumbledore has the sword of Gryffindor. I've seen it in his office. This book must be wrong."
"The book is never wrong!" Gognar protested. Artemis and Tobias stood staring at the infuriated Goblin. "The sword of Gryffindor appeared to Dumbledore in a moment of need."
"What do you mean appeared?" said Tobias curiously.
"The sword was enchanted to present itself to any worthy Gryffindor if they should ever need it." Gognar slammed his fist on the table. "That bastard Dumbledore thinks it's his now! It is not his to have!"
"And the other sword?" asked Artemis.
"Abraxas came into its possession when Tom Riddle graduated from Hogwarts. Lord Voldemort is the heir of Slytherin; he opened the chamber and set the basilisk on a mud blood girl. Abraxas took in Tom Riddle and made him an apprentice, eventually his right-hand man. Tom must've given him the sword for safe-keeping, and then lied about where he had hidden it." Artemis was still not getting answers.
"But the sword is gone. Who else knew where that sword was hidden?"
"To hell if I know! Ask whoever built that damn turn around wall of his!"
"This is a complete...I don't recall mentioning a turn around wall." Artemis peered angrily at the goblin. Gognar looked up with a fearful look on his face, Meridian began to question.
"Well Gognar?" The goblin started backing into the wall behind him as Artemis and Tobias stared accusingly. "Where is the sword Gognar?" He breathed as if out of breath and looked from Artemis to Tobias and back again and again; until finally he screamed.
"IT DOESN'T BELONG TO YOU! YOU CAN'T HAVE IT! YOU..." Artemis lurched forward and grabbed the goblin around the throat, and pinned him to the wall.
"WHERE IS IT?" Artemis yelled with fury.
"NEVER!" yelled Gognar in reply and spat in his face. Artemis released his grip on him and pulled out his wand with fury.
"CRUCIO!" The goblin seethed in agony on the ground.
"That's enough" protested Meridian. "Artemis THAT IS ENOUGH!" Tobias shoved Artemis breaking his focus. The screaming ceased and suddenly there was a large BOOM and the house shook, dust fell from the ceiling, then the familiar cries of an elf came crashing down the stairs.
"MASTER MERIDIAN! WE'RE UNDER ATTACK! REALLY THIS TIME WE ARE!" There was another loud explosion, and once more the mansion shook. "Death Eaters have entered the mansion Master!"
"Damn", said Meridian. "Well I'll have to fight them off until you can get away Mr. Gridlock."
"I'll help you", said Artemis.
"No, you stay here. Find the sword and use the floo in the back to get out of here." With that he stepped out of the room and unsheathed from his cane a gleaming silver sword. "Good luck Mr. Gridlock." Many of the intruders had made their way down the elevator. He stepped toward the Death Eaters without a single hesitation, batting away their curses with his blade. He lunged and fought them; a magnificent swordsman he was, Artemis was shocked and in awe to see him fighting like this, with such skill and power. He was kicking ass!
As Meridian waged his battle outside the Goblin still lie on the ground; the pain of the Cruciatus curse remaining in his veins. Artemis knelt down beside him, but the goblin wished him away.
"Leave me demon."
"Please, I have to have that sword."
"You're no different; you're no different from any other wizard. You'll take it, sell it, pollute it, defile it, scatter it to the winds. I can't let you do that."
"Listen to me please. Our world will end if he has his way; not the goblin world, not the wizard world, our world. If he has his way you can kiss that book of yours goodbye, you can kiss your history, your precious swords, everything and anything you hold dear will be destroyed. Wizard kind has never been fair to Goblins, and they've done nothing in return, but we can make it better. Start now, I can stop him and you can help me. Make the goblin's contribution to this war and tell me. Tell me and the world will know of the brave goblin Gognar, and how he helped put an end to this war." The goblin stayed motionless for a moment, and then he pulled from his shirt a necklace. He broke the chain and handed it to Artemis, a key hanging from it."
"Gringotts?" Artemis asked.
"No", Gognar said weakly. "Goblins don't keep their belongings in Gringotts. We have our own safe place."
"Where?"
"The Sphinx, in Egypt" Artemis was confused. "Travel to Giza, approach the Sphinx at its right paw, and answer the riddle."
"What riddle?"
"I cannot tell you, it is different for every man. Search within yourself for the answer." A large bang was heard from outside as Tobias continued to fight gallantly. "Go now!" Artemis pocketed the key given to him and sprung up; heading for the fireplace with a handful of floo powder. Just before he threw down his powder, he looked to Gognar.
"Thank you." The goblin nodded and Artemis threw down his floo powder yelling out, "Gridlock estate!" Artemis felt the warmth fly up his nostrils and whirled around until finally landing in the fireplace of his estate.
Still in his mind Artemis felt some sort of deceit. Those Death Eaters knew he was there and there was only one other person who knew where he was going. He came into the dining room and saw the picture of treachery. At first he was suspicious of Xavier, but then he saw Xavier sitting in a chair; blood coming down from his mouth and head, breathing heavily in pain. Behind him stood, dagger in her hand, Desra McCloggin, three Death Eaters standing at the ready behind her, wands pointed directly at him. As Artemis went for his wand Desra pressed the dagger to Xavier's throat. He had been worked over pretty well. From the looks of it he put up quite a fight, they must have tortured him for his location.
"I see you got away Artemis, we've been waiting for you", said Desra. "We were waiting so long we had to find some way to pass the time." She said pressing the dagger firmly to his neck and forcing his head back.
"Let him go."
"Tell me where the sword is." Artemis was stuck, he could pull his wand and kill all these bastards in an instant, but by the time he did, Xavier would be dead.
"Egypt, hidden in the sphinx."
"Well then, to Egypt then." Desra grabbed Xavier by the back of his shirt and hurled him up to standing. She then nodded to the three Death Eaters who stepped forward and searched Artemis, taking his wand and handing it to Desra. She handed it back and the Death Eater pocketed the wand in his coat. The other two than pulled out these silver shackles to which they bound Artemis' hands behind his back. Desra pointed her wand at the shackles and said, "Adstringo", and Artemis felt the shackles warm and glow with a blue shine. Desra lifted her wand up and Artemis' hands were pulled up by the shackles obeying the wand like a puppet on a string, she twisted her wand, and the shackles twisted with it. He clenched his teeth in pain as his arms twisted around and Desra put her wand back down. "I think you understand how these restraints work, Artemis. So don't think of walking off or I'll break your arms." She smiled her sinister smile and pulled Artemis toward the rest of the group. "Act up and he dies", Desra said pointing to the weakened Xavier being restrained by one of the Death Eaters; wand pointed threateningly at his throat. The other two stood wands pointed at Artemis, Desra grabbed Artemis' arm, and her companions placed their hands on her shoulder. Then with a crack, they were away, finally landing on hot sand; the shine of the sun beating down on them. All around was nothingness, just dessert and pyramids scattered. As they all composed themselves they saw standing before them the Great Sphinx. They were in Egypt.