Arc III: Part VII
May 7, 1985,
Balasko's house,
3 am:
"Sirius, wake up!" a voice called out.
"Emma?" Sirius mumbled groggily in his sleep.
"No, it's Red... Wake up!" Red urged.
Slowly, Sirius opened his eyes, grumbling in annoyance. He saw Red's concerned face hovering over him as he shook his shoulder. Sirius rubbed his eyes, letting out a loud yawn before asking, "What's going on, Red? It's not even morning yet!" He glanced out the window, taking note of the dark sky.
"I don't know, but something has happened! Ludvik wants everyone in the living room right now! So, get dressed and come downstairs," Red replied, tossing him his clothes and swiftly exiting the room.
Sirius rubbed his face, casting off his blanket, and hurriedly dressed before making his way to the living room. He was surprised to find everyone gathered around Dominic, whose expression was grave. Sirius shook Dominic's hand and inquired, "Dominic! What happened?"
"It's time, Sirius..." Ludvik spoke up, rising from his armchair.
"To raid the castle? But we don't have a plan yet, and we have no idea what awaits us there!" Sirius exclaimed.
"Unfortunately, we can no longer afford to delay... Dominic brings some disturbing news," Ludvik replied.
"What happened?" Sirius asked Dominic, just as Belby entered the room, carrying a wooden case under his arm.
"I was in a holding cell at the police station after getting caught with some contraband on my way home... The night seemed peaceful until I heard cries for mercy... Then, someone entered the cell area and started killing the prisoners. I hid beneath my bed until it was over... From there, I saw the assailant throwing the prisoners against the walls, tearing their bodies apart... Anyway, he damaged my cell door, so after he left, I managed to escape and came straight here to Ludvik," Dominic said.
"Did you catch a glimpse of his face? His eyes or mouth? How does he kill exactly?" Worple inquired, his voice filled with curiosity and concern.
"No... I couldn't see higher than his chest... He's strong," Dominic replied, taking a seat on the couch.
"Ten people... It was a real bloodbath! My contact within the Ministry quickly sent me a message that they have been alerted, and the Aurors are on their way... And the Muggles will undoubtedly deploy the army to secure the area, investigate, and cover up everything. We need to act now!" Ludvik declared.
"After such a feast, the vampire is most likely back at the castle," Denise added.
Belby placed his box on the coffee table and opened it, revealing several vials. He handed each person three vials—one blue, one yellow, and one pink. Then, he unrolled a leather bag and spread it on the table, revealing an array of syringes filled with a dense red liquid. Belby picked up one of the syringes and looked at the group.
"Who wants to go first?" he asked.
"Before we proceed, tell us what's in that," Worple insisted.
"It's our invitation to bypass the ward concealing the castle... I'll administer the virus to you. With it in your system, the ward will recognize you as vampires and allow you to pass," Belby explained.
"No way! There must be something... reversible!" Mikhail objected.
"It is reversible! That's what the yellow potion is for! If you drink it within the first twenty-four hours after the injection, you'll be fine. But be cautious! If you consume any blood during that time, even a drop, it will seal your fate. So, if you can't control yourself, take the antidote immediately!" Belby cautioned.
"What... What happens if one of the vials breaks during the fight?" Red inquired.
"If that happens, forget about us and Apparate straight to a wizarding hospital. Pray that they have an antidote... Because making it is extremely complex, the ingredients are hard to come by, and when you do find them, they are expensive. So, do not break the vials!" Belby stressed.
"And what about the other two vials?" Red pressed further.
"The blue one will significantly enhance your reaction time and speed up your movements and reflexes. As for the pink one, it will make you immune to the vampire's hypnosis," Belby explained.
"Would that be enough to confront a vampire?" Mikhail questioned.
"These are the potions Aurors use before they go apprehend one... But Aurors are highly skilled in martial magic, unlike you. These potions are meant to give you a chance to escape," Ludvik clarified, extending his arm to Belby, who pricked it with the needle. Then, Belby picked up another syringe and turned towards Sirius, who volunteered to be the next to receive the injection.
As Belby injected Sirius with the virus, a rush of sensations overwhelmed him. His blood seemed to freeze, and his heart raced so rapidly within his chest that he feared it might explode. He quickly found a seat in an armchair, clutching his chest and struggling to catch his breath. Beads of sweat formed on his forehead, and the surrounding sounds intensified. Gradually, Sirius returned to a state of normalcy and observed the others receiving their injections.
Once everyone was prepared, they left the house and walked through the moonlit garden. Passing through a small gate, they began disapparating one by one. Just as Sirius and Ludvik were about to depart, Denise grabbed Sirius's arm.
"You'll need this," Denise said, handing him her wand. "It has been by my side for eighty-one years. I'd like to see it again."
Sirius looked at Ludvik and asked, "Are you okay with me having a wand?"
Ludvik nodded and replied, "I don't expect you to rely solely on your fists, but remember..."
"Yeah, I know. If I betray you, you'll kill me... Thank you, Denise. I promise you'll get it back," Sirius said, accepting the wand. "Will you stay here?"
"No, I'm going to the city to try and manage some damage control... Good luck," Denise told him before turning to Ludvik. "Come back alive, or I'll kill you."
Ludvik hugged his sister tightly and responded, "Take care of yourself too.". With those parting words, Sirius and Ludvik prepared to leave, with their own task ahead.
As soon as they appeared on the hill, Sirius's theory received confirmation. He had been correct about the ward, and now, with Belby's injection, the castle came into clear view. Positioned atop a hill, the castle commanded attention, surrounded by a dense forest and characterized by peaks that defined the Carpathian landscape. These peaks, formed by a succession of dark rocks, jutted toward the starry sky like sharp daggers. Sirius cast a quick glance at the other men, noticing that, apart from Ludvik, they all struggled to conceal their fear upon laying eyes on the castle. He couldn't blame them. The sight of the castle alone evoked a sense of dread that transported Sirius back to his time in Azkaban. The atmosphere itself seemed to be infected with this fear.
Ludvik signaled for them to follow him, taking the lead. Sirius positioned himself behind Mikhail and Red, the youngest members of the group, and placed a hand on their shoulders. Startled by the unexpected touch, both Mikhail and Red inadvertently dropped their wands, causing the three others to swiftly turn their attention toward them.
"Sirius!" Red exclaimed; his voice tinged with anxiety.
"I just wanted to ensure you were fine," Sirius replied.
"Well, we're not! How can we possibly remain calm?" Red retorted, his frustration evident.
"I understand it might come naturally to you, being a dark wizard, treating this like just another day at the office... but it's not the same for us!" Mikhail interjected, his voice filled with a mixture of anger and fear.
"Alright, I apologize. Moving on, here's the plan," Sirius continued, attempting to regain their focus. "Ludvik and I will stealthily infiltrate the castle. Meanwhile, you and Red will patrol the area, establishing a restraining ward to contain the vampire in case he manages to overpower us and attempts an escape. This way, the time he breaches your ward, you'll both would have ample time to evacuate."
"Sounds good to me," Red replied, nodding in agreement.
"Count me in too," Mikhail added.
"Damocles and Eldred will remain on standby, serving as backup, so we don't place all our hopes in one place," Sirius explained, emphasizing the need for caution.
All eyes turned to Ludvik, who firmly nodded and spoke, "I'll send you a Patronus if we require your assistance. Now, everyone, take your positions and may luck be on our side." With a shared sense of determination, they dispersed, each embracing their assigned roles.
They traversed a narrow path enveloped by a dense canopy of intertwining trees, forming an eerie vault above them. After several minutes of cautious progress, they finally stood before the foreboding castle, its vast cobbled courtyard stretching out between them. Sirius and Ludvik advanced with careful steps, their wands at the ready, their breaths deliberate and controlled.
Upon reaching the towering iron gate, Ludvik leaned in, his voice barely a whisper, "Alohomora.", compelling the gate to groan open, its hinges protesting the movement. Slowly, they passed through the threshold, the gate screeching in reluctant compliance.
"Sirius, this is neither the time nor the place for daydreaming," Ludvik chided, his tone a stern reminder, before taking a sip from his potion's vial.
"I know... I'm just... lost in my thoughts," Sirius murmured, imbibing his own potion before turning into Padfoot and stealthily venturing into the castle.
The entrance hall of the castle loomed before him, mirroring the grandeur and magnificence of a cathedral. However, any semblance of familiarity dissolved under the weight of an insidious darkness. What cathedral, even in its darkest hour, had never known the walls blackened by what appeared to be ancient bloodstains, nor the grim spectacle of scattered skeletal remains. Seeking refuge within a shadowy corner untouched by moonlight, Sirius watched as Ludvik entered the castle, making his way toward a staircase, conjuring a golden shield around him.
At that moment, the colossal gate slammed shut behind him, its resounding echo permeating the hall. And then, a voice, loud and menacing, reverberated through the desecrated space. "BEWARE, INTRUDERS! SPEAK YOUR INTENTIONS, OR MY CASTLE SHALL BECOME YOUR FINAL RESTING PLACE!" The voice thundered, filling the hall with its ominous proclamation.
"Your castle?" Ludvik retorted, his voice laced with defiance. "Last I checked, the rightful owner of this place met their demise centuries ago. Thus, we both tread upon forbidden ground as trespassers."
"DO NOT DARE TO PROVOKE MY WRATH!" the voice boomed, its anger palpable.
"If I had such power, you would already be kneeling before me," Ludvik countered, his voice steady and resolute, conjuring a swirling cloud of grey smoke. Slowly, it ascended, climbing towards the lofty heights of the ceiling, only to disperse upon contact and vanish into thin air.
In a sudden flurry of motion, the dormant bats that had been clinging to the ceiling awoke, their wings unfurling as they descended upon Ludvik with a menacing fervor. Swiftly, they rebounded off his shimmering shield, thwarted in their attempt to harm him. Meanwhile, from the depths of the shadows reigning in the Hall, a figure emerged, charging towards Ludvik's vulnerable back.
With a whirlwind of energy, the assailant spun around Ludvik, taking advantage of the distraction caused by the swarm of bats. In a strange twist of perception, the vampire seemed to have mistaken Padfoot for a stray dog seeking refuge, unaware of the augmented senses granted by Belby's potion. Sensing the impending danger, Padfoot emerged from the shadows, his instincts honed and focused. With swift determination, he lunged forward, clamping his powerful jaws around the vampire's ankle, forcefully pulling him away from Ludvik's. The vampire howled in fury, unleashing a violent kick that connected with Padfoot's head, sending him hurtling through the air to collide forcefully against a wall.
As Ludvik stood firm, his wand raised high above his head, a searing fire lasso extended from its tip, illuminating the vast expanse of the hall in a blaze of fiery light. With precision and force, Ludvik swung the lasso towards the vampire. However, the vampire's supernatural reflexes allowed him to narrowly evade the blazing assault, vanishing into the darkness with a haunting swiftness.
Reacting swiftly, Sirius resumed his human form, his mind focused and determined. With a wave of his wand, he conjured a shield around both himself and Ludvik, fortifying their defenses against any further attacks.
Simultaneously, Ludvik's fire whip continued to crackle, its dancing flames spreading to every corner of the hall. One by one, the candles lining the walls were set ablaze, casting flickering shadows and bathing the chamber in an eerie, ethereal glow. The illumination reached its climax as the massive chandelier, suspended from the ceiling, burst into a radiant display of light, illuminating the entire hall.
"Are you injured?" Ludvik inquired, concern evident in his voice as he noticed Sirius massaging his jaw.
"I'm fine. I saw it coming," Sirius replied, assuring Ludvik of his well-being.
"Did you manage to bite him? Did he bleed in your mouth?" Ludvik pressed, his worry lingering.
"No, his boot shielded his ankle, preventing my fangs from making contact. Everything is under control," Sirius explained, inwardly berating himself for momentarily forgetting Belby's cautionary words.
"Alright then... But it would be wise for you to remain in your human form from now on," Ludvik advised.
"I agree. Belby's potion worked effectively. I could discern his movements and react swiftly, but I couldn't catch a glimpse of his face beneath the veil of his hair," Sirius said.
Ludvik nodded, his wand tracing a fluid motion in the air and a faint line of pale blue light snaked its way up the stairs, cutting through the lingering dust in the hall. With a sudden gust of wind that billowed through the shattered windows, the path left by the vampire was swept away, leaving a clear trail for them to follow. Ludvik whispered an incantation under his breath, confirming their adversary's solitary presence.
"He's alone," Ludvik revealed, turning towards Sirius and gesturing for him to follow.
They ascended the stairs cautiously, their eyes falling upon three branching hallways adorned with toppled suits of armor and tattered tapestries. Sirius closed his eyes, attempting to sharpen his senses and detect any clues that could lead them to the vampire's chosen path of retreat. However, the heightened effect of the potion only intensified the cacophony of the howling wind and the putrid scent of decay that filled the air.
"He's trying to divide us... Why did he flee?" Sirius pondered, his gaze fixed upon the hallway directly ahead.
"He's within his territory. Despite his danger, it would be foolish for him to confront us both when he can exploit his advantage," Ludvik reasoned, understanding the vampire's strategic approach.
"I wouldn't be surprised if all of this is bewitched," Sirius mused, pointing his wand cautiously towards the armors lining the hallway to their right.
"I won't argue with you on that," Ludvik replied, aligning his wand towards the left corridor.
Together, they carefully traversed the hallways, their magic transforming the scattered armors, tapestries, and other objects littering the floor into a flock of birds that gracefully soared through the open windows, disappearing into the distance. The once cluttered path now lay clear before them.
"So, which path should we choose?" Sirius questioned, seeking Ludvik's guidance.
"All of them," Ludvik responded with conviction, conjuring a silver raccoon and sending it scurrying down the stairs. "I've summoned the others... Red should have completed the ward construction by now."
"So, they will be joining us soon?" Sirius inquired.
"Yes," Ludvik confirmed, his gaze fixed on the dimly lit hallway ahead.
"Excellent... Stupefy!" Sirius exclaimed suddenly, aiming his wand at Ludvik's back.
Shortly after, within a mere five-minute interval, Sirius caught sight of the castle's gate opening, making way for Red, Mikhail, and Worple, who remained hidden behind Belby. With a nod of acknowledgment, Sirius ventured forth into the central hallway, leaving Ludvik unconscious behind him.
Sirius proceeded with caution, meticulously inspecting each room he encountered, until he reached a winding staircase that guided him to an anteroom. Illuminating the space with his wand, he beheld a curious sight—a grand Asian dragon intricately carved into the stone wall, its serpentine body gracefully encircling the chamber multiple times until the dragon's mouth transformed into a fireplace, facing a magnificent sky-blue rose window. Eager to enliven the space, Sirius ignited a fire within the hearth, causing the dragon's eyes to radiate a fiery crimson glow.
"Fire shall be my friend," Sirius whispered under his breath, traversing the remnants of a disheveled wooden table that once occupied the room's center, as he made his way toward the door ahead. With a flick of his wand, he cast a spell to silence the gusts of wind coming from the door behind him, and then paused attentively for a brief moment. Finally, he spoke, his voice filled with a mix of determination and curiosity, "I can hear your presence within! Why are you hiding from me if you are so almighty?"
After a few fleeting seconds, a voice replied, "Consider it an act of mercy! Countless souls sought their fortune in the presence of Count Sanguini, yet none survived the night!"
"Well, if anyone is welcome to try his luck!" Sirius said before, kicking the door open and dashing inside, his wand casting a blinding light, but abruptly halted as he witnessed the vampire's shriek, falling to his knees and sobbing uncontrollably, raising his trembling hands above his head in surrender.
Surprised by the image before him, Sirius swiftly conjured iron chains to restrain the vampire, who pleaded desperately, "PLEASE DON'T HURT ME!"
"Where did the 'this is mercy,' 'None survived the night' vanish to?" Sirius questioned, pointing his wand at the vampire's face, casting a revealing light upon it.
"I never intended to harm you; I was only trying to scare you! I swear!" the vampire protested, gazing up at him.
"Are you alone here?" Sirius inquired, leveling his wand at the vampire's forehead.
"Yes! Yes! Yes! I am alone! Please spare my life!" the vampire pleaded.
"Why should I? You didn't seem so harmless when you attacked us earlier... I suppose your victims also pleaded for their lives, but you showed them no mercy, did you?" Sirius demanded fiercely, pressing the tip of his wand against the vampire's forehead, while the chains around the vampire's form tightened around him.
"I DIDN'T KILL ANYONE! I HAVE NEVER HARMED ANYONE! I SWEAR! I CAN EXPLAIN! I AM THE TRUE VICTIM HERE! PLEASE GIVE ME A CHANCE TO EXPLAIN!" the vampire yelled, looking up at Sirius, who suddenly recognized the face.
"Florin?" Sirius asked, perplexed. "Is that really you?"
"YES! IT'S ME! FLORIN BUCUR! That's my name!" the vampire confirmed.
Suddenly, the door burst open, and Mikhail and Red stormed into the room, unleashing spells in a chaotic frenzy. Sirius swiftly deflected and disarmed them, leaving them dumbfounded as they glanced between him and the weeping vampire on his knees. After Sirius tossed their wands back to them, they caught them, still wearing puzzled expressions.
"We found Ludvik unconscious... Eldred and Damocles extracted him, and we came to back you up," Red explained, casting a glance at Florin, who blinked, his face disturbed by the flickering lights emitted by the wands.
"Does it look like I need help?" Sirius questioned.
"You weren't there, so we just assumed!" Red replied, shrugging nonchalantly.
"Why are you even talking with him? Why isn't he dead already?" Mikhail inquired.
"Because I would rather hear his story before sentencing him," Sirius retorted before shifting his attention back to Florin. "Vampires cannot venture outside during the day, yet you were present at the crime scene recently. How is that possible?"
"I'm sorry, but what did you just call me?" Florin asked, his confusion evident.
"A vampire," Sirius replied.
"What? No! Although, I'm very ill and someone is trying to kill me!" Florin said.
"What are you talking about? You are the only killer I see here!" Mikhail interjected, gesturing toward Sirius. "With him, I mean."
Sirius restrained Mikhail from striking Florin and cast a stern glare in his direction. Then, he refocused his attention on Florin and ordered, "Tell us everything. Begin from the moment you first fell ill."
"Thank you! My nightmare began at the end of March after my exams. I was finally on the cusp of graduating and decided to celebrate with some friends at our usual bar in Cluj. We had a great time, drinking and throwing darts, until a girl appeared from nowhere and started talking to me! She was gorgeous, and we talked for hours. I didn't even notice when my friends left the bar! I recall kissing her, and then... nothing!" Florin recounted.
"Nothing?" Red asked.
"I woke up the next day in my bed with an excruciating headache. It couldn't have been the alcohol; I'm Romanian... Booze is like water to me. But since that day, I haven't been the same. Nevertheless, I gathered the strength to start my internship in the forensic department. I tried hard to work normally despite the fever and nausea, and the first week went relatively smoothly. However, by the third week, it transformed into an authentic nightmare. Daylight felt like acid upon my skin, and I was unable to open my eyes during the day... So, I managed to switch to night shifts until I couldn't bear it any longer," Florin explained, his voice tinged with anguish.
"What happened?" Sirius inquired.
"I began vomiting everything I ate, even though I was constantly hungry," Florin explained.
"Then what?" Sirius pressed.
"My little sister came to visit. She was concerned because my voice sounded strange on the phone. It was an unexpected visit, but I was glad to see her... However, at night, I couldn't resist any longer," Florin confessed.
"You bit her? You killed your sister!" Mikhail exclaimed.
"No! She's alive! But I fear I could have... I was starving, like a completely different person. But at the last moment, I caught sight of her cat, Mr. Wizwiz…Oh my god, Mr. Wizwiz!... Damn it!... I tore his head off and devoured him, drinking his blood... It was horrifying. The next day, I lied to my sister, telling her I found him like that on the street and blamed a stray dog. She was devastated and returned to Cluj. However, after that incident with Mr. Wizwiz... I started feeling much better. I could venture out in the early morning and close to sunset and began eating normally," Florin admitted, his voice filled with remorse.
"Until you fell ill again and killed that girl at the motel," Mikhail accused.
"No!" Florin denied vehemently.
"Will you shut up?" Sirius reprimanded Mikhail.
"I had nothing to do with it! I was assigned to the forensic team, and I did my work perfectly! Frankly, I held suspicions about you and your partner," Florin defended himself.
"Why?" Sirius inquired.
"Seriously? Secret police badges in a murder case?" Florin pointed out.
"I understand... Why didn't you warn the other officers then?" Sirius questioned.
"You're clearly not from around here... or even from the East! You can never be certain who you're dealing with here, so even if you're a policeman, it's best to shut it and act as if you haven't seen anything," Florin explained.
"It's true," Mikhail whispered, after meeting Sirius' inquiring gazed.
"Alright... So, you needed blood. How did you sustain yourself?" Sirius asked.
"I stole blood from the hospital, and when they started asking questions, I resorted to hunting stray dogs and cats... It was repulsive," Florin confessed. "Then, one night, I was attacked at home."
"By whom? Can you describe your attacker? I saw your place. Was it a wizard?" Sirius inquired.
"A wizard?" Florin blinked in confusion.
"Just tell us what happened," Sirius urged.
"He must be the one you're looking for! The one who killed that girl. His scent lingered at the crime scene, even though he tried to conceal it... I don't know how he tracked me down, but he attacked me at my place in the middle of the night! I tried to frighten him off with my old shotgun, but it only made him laugh! He began shooting lightning bolts at me... but I was too fast, and he missed every time, until I punched him in the face! I couldn't believe the strength behind my punch! I leaped out the window and landed without a scratch. Then I ran away, terrified, until I stumbled upon this castle... I've been hiding here ever since, only venturing out to hunt, but never straying too far," Florin recounted.
"Describe him!" Sirius demanded.
"He was tall, strong, with long dark hair... I wish I could provide more details... But it's his scent that I remember the most... I swear, earlier I only wanted to frighten you..." Florin explained.
"You guys don't believe this nonsense, right?" Mikhail questioned skeptically.
"YOU MUST BELIEVE ME! I DON'T UNDERSTAND WHAT'S HAPPENING TO ME! I ATE MY SISTER'S CAT! I NEARLY KILLED HER! I HUNTED DOGS LIKE AN ANIMAL AND I DRINK FUCKING BLOOD! NOW A MAN WHO TURNS INTO A DOG TALKS ABOUT VAMPIRES AND WIZARDS..." Florin yelled at them before suddenly passing out.
Silence enveloped the room as they stared at the unconscious Florin, their confusion mounting. They had expected to confront an apex predator, but now they were faced with something entirely different. Sirius surveyed the room, astonished by how distinct it appeared from the rest of the castle. The furniture remained intact, exuding luxury, surrounding a large four-poster bed against the wall, as if its owner had only left a few hours earlier.
To their right, a spacious balcony offered an unobstructed view of the captivating Carpathian scenery, allowing moonlight to seep into the room. Sirius's gaze instinctively followed the moonlight to his left, widening his eyes in astonishment as he discovered a carved archway on the stone wall—the same archway he had encountered a year ago in Germany.
Approaching the wall cautiously, Sirius noticed that the archway matched the size of the other one, extending up to the ceiling. He brushed his fingertips against the wall and felt the chilling coldness of the stones, despite the warmth of the night. Placing his palm against the wall, he withdrew his hand after a few seconds, sensing as if the wall was attempting to draw him into its core.
Sirius glanced at Mikhail and Red, who were occupied with securing more chains around Florin, before placing his hand on the wall again and pushing gently, convinced that he would pass through, until he felt Mikhail's arm on his shoulder.
"What are you doing?" Mikhail questioned, his eyes following Sirius's gaze to the archway on the wall.
"Didn't you say you're a historian or an archaeologist? Does this look familiar?" Sirius asked, stepping aside to allow Mikhail to approach the wall.
Mikhail remained silent for a moment before finally responding, "I don't know exactly what it is... but this isn't the first time I've seen this archway."
"Have you ever seen a real one?", Sirius asked.
"A real one? Of course not! This archway is often depicted in advanced Runes books as a decorative element... so I'm surprised to find it here," Mikhail explained, illuminating the wall with his wand.
"I can sense magic emanating from the wall... Come and touch it to see for yourself," Sirius suggested.
Mikhail placed his hand against the stone, closed his eyes, and then shook his head, saying, "I don't feel anything." He glanced around the room, walking away from the wall and pacing thoughtfully before turning his back to the balcony and facing the archway. "This was the count's bedroom... The antechamber outside resembled a private office. It would suggest that only carefully selected individuals were allowed up here, perhaps nobody has ever been granted access. So, it might be where he kept his treasure."
Sirius gazed at the wall and nodded. "The vault's door... keeping it so close, so anyone who desired it would have been forced to kill the count first... It makes sense."
Mikhail agreed, saying, "...And blood is the key." He retrieved a penknife from his pocket, crouched next to the still-unconscious Florin, lifted his hand, and sliced his palm. Carefully, he collected the vampire's blood in a small bubble conjured by his wand. He then approached the wall and spread Florin's blood on its surface before stepping back.
They waited in vain for the wall to react. Frustration mounting, Mikhail started banging his fist against the stones, exclaiming, "I know it's the entrance! I know blood is the key! It can only be blood! So, why won't you open?"
"Step aside, guys! I'm going to blast the wall open," Red suggested, aiming his wand at the archway.
"Put it away!" Sirius scolded him, grabbing Mikhail's arm and pulling him away from the wall. "Stop it! You'll only break your hand."
Sirius looked silently at Florin's blood on the wall before speaking, "According to the stories about the count, he ruled as a tyrant and took pleasure in slaughtering others of his kind... Do you really think he would have left his treasure for those he spent his life terrorizing? It seems more like a tale crafted by the count himself to lure his favorite food here. Let's try something else instead."
Using his wand, Sirius made an incision on his own palm and touched the wall with his blood. Instantly, his blood began to trickle down between the stones, spreading over the enclosed surface within the archway until the stones vanished, revealing a passage.
"How did you know?" Mikhail asked, astonished at the wall's response.
"I didn't... Let's not dwell on it," Sirius replied, stepping forward.
"Wait! What about him?" Mikhail pointed at Florin, who was still unconscious and chained.
"I'll stay with him," Red volunteered, sitting on the old bed.
"Are you sure?" Sirius inquired.
"Well, if I have to choose between a harmless vampire who's already restrained and possibly facing an army of inferi, chimeras, or whatever dangers a cannibalistic vampire might have left behind... yeah, I'm sure. I'll stay here," Red answered, nodding.
Sirius nodded in agreement and turned to Mikhail, saying, "You can stay with him if you prefer."
Mikhail hesitated, glancing at Red, then at the open passage, and finally replied, "And let you claim the treasure for yourself? No! I'm coming too."
"Fine!" Sirius said before whispering "Lumos" and stepping into the newly revealed room. It was an empty circular chamber with smooth walls. They stood silently, taking in their surroundings, while Red peered in from the entrance.
"Where's the treasure?" Red asked.
"Either someone got here before us, or it's some philosophical nonsense we have to figure out," Mikhail responded.
"Well, if there's nothing here, you should get out before a stone falls on your heads," Red suggested, pushing back a square stone that protruded from the wall.
As soon as the stone was back in place, Sirius and Mikhail froze as the floor beneath their feet started shaking. They realized they were standing on a platform that was slowly descending. Red leaned forward, looking down at them with a smile as he waved his hand and shouted from above, "GOOD LUCK!"
Sirius waved back at him before turning to Mikhail, who had a firm grip on his wand. Sirius patted his arm and chuckled, asking, "Are you going to be alright?"
"Yeah... Why would it be dangerous? It's scientifically impossible for inferi or chimeras to live for centuries, right?" Mikhail asked, trying to reassure himself.
"Maybe not chimeras, but creatures like Basilisks have been known to live for more than ten centuries. As for inferi... well, they're already dead, so unless their maker dispels the spell or someone destroys them, you can be certain they're right where the count left them," Sirius explained, absentmindedly fidgeting with a hole in his shirt.
"You... You can't be serious!" Mikhail exclaimed, fear creeping into his voice.
"Quiet down and prepare yourself! I believe we're getting close. Things are about to get real," Sirius said, his tone serious.
The platform descended deeper, passing beyond the foundations of the castle where the polished stones gave way to the rugged rocks of the hills upon which the castle stood. Suddenly, they were momentarily blinded by a surge of light as the platform slowed its motion before gently landing at the top of a grand staircase.
Their eyes gradually adjusted to the renewed brightness, and Sirius' eyes widened in astonishment at the awe-inspiring scene that lay before them, unable to conceal his sense of wonder. From the staircase's summit, their view was partially obstructed by a vast peristyle of monumental proportions. Countless columns reached such great heights that their ends vanished amidst the enchanting starry sky ceiling they supported. The entire structure was crafted from pristine white marble, exuding a majestic uniformity, only interrupted by a lengthy blue pathway extending from the top of the stairs towards an enormous silver thunderbird statue. Its wings spread wide, while its talons firmly grasped a long block of marble.
"I thought we were going beneath the castle..." Mikhail whispered.
"We are... The ceiling is enchanted," Sirius replied, walking slowly along the central path outlined in blue.
"Like Hogwarts, right?" Mikhail inquired, crouching down to touch the floor.
"Exactly... What are you doing?" Sirius asked Mikhail, as he cut off a small piece of the blue surface. Mikhail stood up, examining the little blue stones on his palm, and furrowed his brow.
"Merlin... I think the path is made of sapphires!" Mikhail exclaimed, displaying the stones to Sirius.
"What are you talking about?" Sirius questioned, reaching out to take them. He examined the deep-blue gemstones, weighing them in his hand, before turning to Mikhail and asking, "So, is this the treasure you guys are searching for?" His gaze shifted towards the long path that stretched to the distant end of the temple, leading to the thunderbird statue.
"I have no idea," Mikhail replied, looking perplexed. "I'm just relieved we didn't stumble upon a trap, to be honest."
Sirius nodded and proceeded toward the statue, gesturing for Mikhail to follow him. As they walked, Mikhail posed another question, "Who do you think constructed this?"
"You're the archaeologist, not me," Sirius responded.
"I know, but if you had to guess," Mikhail pressed.
"I'm not sure, but I'm intrigued. Nothing down here looks anything like the rest of the castle... Perhaps it was here before the castle was built," Sirius said.
"Or maybe it's the reason the castle was built here?" Mikhail asked.
"Maybe," Sirius replied as they finally reached the thunderbird's statue.
Once under its wings, they both couldn't help but feel intimidated, as if it could swoop down and shred them. Examining the long block held between the Thunderbird's claws, Sirius discovered a square text carved in Russian on the marble. He glanced at the Thunderbird's beak, then gestured for Mikhail to come closer.
"Come take a look at this... You can read Russian, right?" Sirius asked him.
Mikhail approached and quickly shook his head. "It's not Russian, but Old Bulgarian," Mikhail replied.
"Can you still read it?" Sirius asked.
Mikhail nodded. "Yeah, I'll have a translation in a minute," he said before conjuring a parchment and a quill. He ran his finger over the block and slowly read the text, silently moving his lips, until he furrowed his brow and hesitated for a long moment before writing the final words.
Mikhail turned to him, his face etched with confusion, as he handed over his translation. "It's a poem," he said.
Sirius took the parchment and began to read it. His expression transformed from curiosity to confusion as his eyes scanned the lines.
Love's flood engulfs the world, faith's resolute reign,
And all on earth adheres to its sacred chain.
Oh, tragic fate, my understanding delayed,
Would that I could turn back, the universe I'd persuade.
At your feet, I'd prostrate in humble grace,
For without you, my existence would efface.
We watched them sail, vanishing on the horizon's crest,
With farewells spoken, hearts burdened in our chest.
At dawn's first light, I departed my place of birth,
Through forests, seas, and mountains, traversing the earth.
A solitary specter, silent through day and night,
Pressing onward, unwavering, toward love's promised sight.
I shall not halt until the destined meeting site,
Where patiently I'll wait, as the stars ignite.
This message, a plea, for you to discover,
Before heaven's celestial bodies unleash cataclysmic fervor.
Rowena Ravenclaw.
"Impossible..." Sirius whispered, his hand pressed against the marble.
Suddenly, Mikhail pushed him aside and stood silently in front of the inscription, his back turned to Sirius. After a moment of silence, Mikhail finally spoke, "There isn't any letter, book, or even a note that survived from the four founders of Hogwarts. This is priceless! I've discovered one of the tombs of the four founders! Why did she leave Scotland to come here? Who embarked on this journey? And for whom was this message intended?"
"I have no clue..." Sirius replied, eyeing Mikhail's back suspiciously. "The world during that time was an endless battlefield, not just for Muggles. Some wizards sought to conquer territories and establish their own kingdoms. Anyway, we should return upstairs."
Mikhail turned to him, incredulous, and asked, "Are you serious? No! You, of all people, should want to stay and explore this place! Why was she buried here? Look at all she accomplished here! The enchanted ceiling, the Thunderbird statue when her symbol is an eagle, the sapphires! Everything must hold a deeper meaning down here!"
"I was in Gryffindor. Look, perhaps you're right... But this is a tomb, Mikhail! We can't disturb anything. So, we'll return the sapphires and leave," Sirius insisted.
Ignoring Sirius, Mikhail hurriedly walked around the sarcophagi and the silver statue, whispering to himself, "Why? Why would she be buried here in Romania, beneath Dracula's castle? Did they know each other? How could they have? They didn't exist in the same era!"
Sirius followed him slowly, explaining, "Her message suggests that she came here to meet someone. Hogwarts was constructed in Scotland because Rowena Ravenclaw had a dream in which a warty hog led her to a cliff near a lake. Perhaps, during her time, she received another vision about this place... So, she might have journeyed here and stayed."
"So, this is the treasure I've been seeking," Mikhail whispered, his gaze fixed on the wall in front of him.
"We didn't come here for gold; we came to stop a murderer... Florin turned out not to be the killer, so we need to seal this place and go in search of the real one!" Sirius declared.
"Seal this place? No, Sirius! We must inform the others, tell everyone! This is the greatest archaeological discovery since Tutankhamun's tomb!" Mikhail exclaimed.
"That's precisely why the entire wizarding world should not come here! Gringotts will send its curse breakers to plunder anything of value! They will desecrate her tomb in hopes of finding her lost diadem! Not to mention the conflict that will arise between the British Ministry of Magic and Romania," Sirius argued.
"You're exaggerating..." Mikhail countered.
"Great Britain will demand her remains be brought back to be buried in Hogwarts, or at least in Scotland! Meanwhile, the Romanians will assert their historical ownership, considering she came here willingly! So, the best course of action is to pay our respects, seal this place, and never speak of it again. We came to apprehend a vampire, and he's sleeping upstairs. COULD YOU AT LEAST LOOK AT ME?" Sirius shouted at him.
Mikhail's gaze remained fixed on the wall, where a large rectangular golden plate was embedded, contrasting with the pristine white marble and the vast chamber. It bore the depiction of a diamond enclosing a flame within its heart. On the bronze plaque, another inscription was engraved, but this time Sirius couldn't decipher any of the symbols. They varied in shape—triangular, circular, or square—and contained different numbers of lines or points, forming an incomprehensible whole.
Suddenly, Mikhail turned towards Sirius, grabbed him by the collar, and commanded, "Read it!" A peculiar glimmer sparkled in his eyes.
Sirius furrowed his brow and pushed Mikhail away. "I can't! I'm sorry, but I have no idea what that is."
"LIAR!" Mikhail shouted at him, attempting to throw a punch. However, his efforts were futile. Sirius had spent months practicing such situations with Walter, and Mikhail found himself swiftly pinned face-down on the floor, with Sirius's knee pressing down on his back.
"I thought you were smarter... How did you think this would end?" Sirius questioned.
"I... I don't care what the writings say... I knew we couldn't trust you!" Mikhail struggled beneath Sirius's weight.
Sirius pinched his ear and retorted, "What are you talking about? I shouldn't be trusted? Didn't you just try to punch me without any reason, right in front of someone's grave?"
Mikhail was on the verge of responding when both of them fell silent, their attention captured by a loud, metallic crackling sound emanating from behind. Sirius swiftly rose to his feet, releasing Mikhail, and turned to face the source of the noise. To their astonishment, the colossal Thunderbird statue had folded its wings and began to move, its neck slowly turning to fix its gaze upon them.
Sirius gripped his wand tightly and whispered urgently to Mikhail, "Run! We have to run, NOW!" With that, he leaped forward to evade the Thunderbird's beak, which swooped down with extraordinary speed, gouging a large hole in the sapphires that paved the path. Sirius sprinted towards the opposite end of the vast chamber, his heart pounding in his chest.
Glancing back to check if the enormous statue was pursuing him, Sirius froze in terror. Mikhail had chosen to stay behind, obstinately determined to extract the golden plaque from the wall, paying no attention to the looming Thunderbird behind him.
Sirius cursed under his breath and swiftly aimed his wand at Mikhail's back, shouting, "Accio!" In an instant, Mikhail was lifted a few inches off the ground, desperately clinging to the golden plaque, but the force of the summoning spell proved too strong. Despite his resistance, Mikhail was forcefully pulled back towards Sirius just as the Thunderbird's beak lunged once more.
Mikhail struggled, attempting to resist the pull and go back for the plaque, but he quickly realized the danger and cursed as he witnessed the Thunderbird unfurling its wings, preparing to fly towards them. Sirius, his voice filled with urgency, shouted at Mikhail, "GET TO THE PLATFORM! I'LL HOLD IT OFF!"
Mikhail nodded, his determination evident, and sprinted away, his every movement followed by Sirius's astonished gaze. He marveled at how readily Mikhail had prioritized saving his own life before offering assistance. Sirius turned his attention back to the Thunderbird, which had descended upon him with remarkable speed and was now positioned directly above him.
As expected, the Thunderbird statue once again launched its beak toward Sirius, but this time it collided against his shield, producing a resounding metallic echo that reverberated throughout the chamber, causing a dull throb in his head. Taking advantage of the statue's momentary confusion, Sirius swiftly conjured long ropes, twirling his wand in wide arcs, and managed to wrap them around the Thunderbird's body, attempting to secure it to the pillars. The bindings held for a brief moment, but the Thunderbird soon broke free, tearing through the ropes before swooping down towards Sirius. Reacting quickly, Sirius threw himself to the side and raised his wand once more, just as the Thunderbird beat its wings and took flight.
"How can it move so swiftly?!" Sirius exclaimed, casting an impediment jinx at the Thunderbird, only to have it rebound off the silver statue.
This time, the Thunderbird didn't immediately charge at him, but instead maintained its distance, spreading its wings wide and beginning to flap them vigorously. It unleashed powerful gusts of wind, propelling Sirius backward. Despite being thrown off balance, Sirius held his wand firmly, eventually managing to erect another shield between himself and the gusts of wind, shielding him from their force. He muttered to himself, "It's as if it can think and learn..."
The Thunderbird launched another attack, utilizing the increased speed generated by the wind from its wings. It shattered Sirius's shield, the resulting friction creating a shower of fiery sparks above them. Thinking quickly, Sirius seized control of the sparks, combining them to form a formidable fireball, which he forcefully hurled at the Thunderbird, lowering his wand with a determined gesture and severing one of the statue's wings.
However, his triumph was short-lived, and his joy turned to frustration as he watched the molten silver on the ground rise up and reattach itself to the statue's body, reshaping into a new wing once more. Sirius cursed under his breath; his determination renewed. At that moment, Mikhail's voice cut through the chaos, shouting at Sirius from the safety of the platform, "STOP TRYING! GET BACK HERE!"
Sirius glanced behind him, gauging the distance to the platform. He realized he was just over a hundred yards away. His attention then shifted to Ravenclaw's tomb, situated far beyond the Thunderbird, which hovered menacingly toward him once again. With a heavy heart, he whispered, "I'm sincerely sorry," before swiftly aiming his wand at one of the columns to his right, jolting an exploding charm, and bringing the column crashing down upon the Thunderbird, burying it under the weight of tons of marble blocks. He didn't stop there, repeating the action with another pillar to his left, trapping the statue beneath the rubble.
Sirius swiftly turned his back on the crumbling debris and sprinted with all his might toward the platform. Just in the nick of time, he jumped onto the ascending platform, safely out of the Thunderbird's reach and the destruction unfolding. Breathing heavily, Sirius regained his composure and nodded at Mikhail, gratitude mixed with frustration evident in his expression.
"Thanks for nothing," Sirius muttered, his tone laced with sarcasm.
Mikhail's eyes widened in disbelief, hurt evident in his voice as he exclaimed, "Did you really have to destroy it?"
Sirius's glare intensified as he responded sharply, "I am sorry I saved your life; I promise to never do it again."
As the platform slowly ascended back to the count's room, Sirius and Mikhail were reunited with Red, who had unexpectedly decided to release Florin from his restraints. They found Red sitting on the bed, deeply engrossed in a serious conversation, completely oblivious to their arrival.
"We just drafted Michael Jordan; I know he's only a third pick, but my gut tells me he's going to get us that championship," Red exclaimed excitedly.
"We're back," Sirius said, attempting to get their attention.
Florin, intrigued by the conversation, asked, "Is a good player enough to win a championship?"
"Hello!" Sirius tried again, more forcefully.
Startled by Sirius's outburst, Red and Florin snapped out of their discussion and stood up. Red asked eagerly, "Hey! What did you find down there?"
"Nothing... It's only a stinky flooded cave," Mikhail replied dismissively as he passed by them and headed outside onto the balcony. The archway in the wall closed behind them.
Confused, Red turned to Sirius and asked, "So, what took you so long?"
"The platform didn't want to work... I think it needs some time between two uses. Anyways, what are you doing? Have you forgotten that this is a dangerous place?" Sirius questioned with concern.
Red nodded towards Florin and explained, "Well, shortly after you guys left, the apex predator here present woke up and started hyperventilating."
"Sorry... But this whole thing is pretty messed up," Florin admitted.
"Any word from the others?" Sirius inquired.
"Yeah... Worple sent his Patronus, telling us they took Ludvik to a hospital," Red shared.
"What? Why?" Sirius asked, alarmed.
Red shrugged, saying, "I don't know... They said he woke up and was angry, so... I don't know... You can ask them later."
"Fine... Well, if you're not a mass murderer vampire, there's nothing left for us to do here. Let's get back to the house," Sirius suggested, gesturing for Mikhail to come back inside.
They left the count's chambers and returned to the hall. During their journey, Sirius couldn't help but keep his eyes fixed on Mikhail's back as he led the way, with Red and Florin chatting behind him. Once Sirius had calmed down from their earlier confrontation, he recalled Mikhail's obsession with the gold plaque and the text engraved on it—a fixation so intense that it had led Mikhail to attack him.
Finally, they arrived in front of the grand gates and wasted no time in pushing them open, leaving the castle behind. Upon stepping outside, they all felt a sense of relief, inhaling the refreshing air that contrasted with the atmosphere inside. Sirius sat on the entrance stairs and lit a cigarette, his still shaking from his fight against the thunderbird, anxious to see it burst out from the ground.
"Sirius... This is neither the time nor the place," Red said, angrily.
"Give me a break," Sirius replied before turning to Florin and asking, "Where will you go now?"
Florin shrugged and responded, "Wherever you guys are going. I just hope it's as far away as possible from that crazy madman."
Sirius nodded, taking his time to smoke before extinguishing his cigarette. "Then, you'll come with us to the Balasko's... Worple will be a better fit to talk about your situation, and you can share your story with Ludvik and Denise. Let's go."
They apparated in front of the Balasko's house at the break of dawn, just as the sunbeams heralded the arrival of a new day. Florin released Red's arm and hastily made his way toward Denise's flowers, retching uncontrollably. Simultaneously, the three remaining men instinctively drew their wands, their attention immediately drawn to the shattered entrance door strewn across the front stairs.
With a gesture from Sirius, they were silently instructed to follow him. Treading cautiously amidst the wooden debris, they ventured into the house, meticulously exploring its interior. The kitchen lay in ruins, its walls bearing deep gashes, while the once-furnished rooms were now cluttered with scattered remnants, bearing witness to a merciless battle that had unfolded within those walls.
As they strolled down a brief hallway, a sudden crash of broken glass emanated from the living room, jolting them into alertness. Hastening towards the source of the sound, they found themselves confronted by an imposing, beastly figure, its fierce gaze fixed upon them.
Standing on his hind legs, towering at over 6 feet tall, the werewolf commanded an imposing presence. Its broad shoulders emphasized its raw strength, while its shaggy fur, ranging from shades of gray to deep black, bristled with untamed ferocity. Glaring at them with glowing yellow eyes, the werewolf bared its razor-sharp fangs, ready to unleash a savage attack.
But then, as if fate intervened, the first rays of sunlight pierced through the window, casting a golden glow upon the creature. At that moment, the werewolf froze in its tracks, its entire body trembling uncontrollably. Writhing in agony, it succumbed to the transformative power of the sunlight, gradually relinquishing its bestial form.
The monstrous physique gradually contorted and shrank, yielding to the returning humanity beneath. Limbs twisted and fur receded, revealing the unmistakable form of a man. As the trembling subsided, the werewolf's features softened, and what emerged was a figure not so different from the creature that stood before them moments ago.
Florin, having sought refuge from the sunlight indoors, joined the group and let out a startled cry upon sighting the man. He pointed an accusatory finger at him, exclaiming, "It's him! He's the one who attacked me!"
"Find Denise, an go" Sirius instructed his companions firmly. With resolve in his eyes, he advanced toward the werewolf who cracked his neck, a sinister smile playing upon his lips. Addressing him directly, Sirius said, "This has now become a personal matter, hasn't it, Fenrir?"