Alright, here's the next bit. I'm so sorry for not publishing last week, I just haven't been able to write enough to overpower my writer's block.
Anyways, this chapter has less focus on Harry but is still integral to the plot, perhaps one of the most important chapters yet. So read, comment, and enjoy!
"So, what do you think Dumbledore wants from us?" Sunset asked.
After everyone got their class schedules done the Great Hall was emptied of students. She and Twilight walked up the stairs to the headmaster's office, and at the same time, everybody else left. The hallway between the GReat HAll and the headmaster's office was empty enough to hold a private conversation.
The way Dumbeldoore phrased their "meeting", Sunset and Twilight would be participating in something that involved their Equestrian magic. Sunset could remember Twilight saying that unicorn magic, though able to achieve the same spells as a wizard, had unique properties that couldn't be separated. There was always a chance this was about the locket Harry claimed a piece of Voldemort's soul. Since then, Harry's kept a tight lip on what he and Twilight had discussed with Dumbledore, promising to tell everyone later.
"Well, I have a pretty good guess, but I can't say what it is until we get there," Twilight said as they walked down a longer hallway. The two stopped at a large gargoyle statue. "Speaking of, we're here." She pulled out the slip of paper and spoke the password. The gargoyle stepped aside, letting the two through. A moving spiral staircase carried the two to an oak door with a bronze griffin-shaped knocker.
"A griffon on the door? Subtle, Dumbledore, real subtle," Sunset quipped as she opened the door.
The circular office was unlike anything Sunset had seen outside of Canterlot; delicate silver instruments stood on spindle-legged tables, puffing smoke and whirring; moving portraits of previous headmasters and headmistresses dozed in their frames, and, most magnificent of them all, the magnificent male phoenix who stood on his perch behind the door, watching them with bright interest. Sunset rushed over to the phoenix, awed.
"A phoenix? I've only ever met Philomena; hello there," Sunset said to the bird. She reached a hand up, wanting to see if the bird would permit her to stroke his feathers. Since the bird didn't object, she ran a hand over his plumage. The bird ruffled his feathers and took off from his perch, landing on Sunset's shoulder. "Watch the talons, please!" Sunset said as she felt the talons press into her new robe.
The bird pressed more into Sunset, obviously attracted to her body heat. Phoenixes ran warm and they enjoyed anything hot, which was why Philomena rarely spent time with anypony but Celestia and Sunset. Sunset, unfortunately, ran hot as a fever, and the bird liked it. The phoenix buried its head in her hair, and that's when Sunet's patience was tested. Deciding to retry an old trick from her days as Celestia's student, Sunset cast a spell to raise the surrounding temperature, making the atmosphere wave into a heat mirage. The phoenix relaxed his talons as his muscles untensed from the heat. Sunset carefully picked the bird up and put him back on his perch, igniting a strong flame beneath him to keep the bird placated.
"This guy needs to get his bird under control," Sunset complained. The phoenix squawked from his tower of flames. "Yes, I'm talking to you."
"Where is Dumbledore?" Twilight asked.
The oak door to the office opened wide.
"Right here," Dumbledore said from the entrance to his office. "Where else would I be but where I am? Lemon drops, anyone?" The mand held up a wrapped yellow candy.
"Finally, some normal candy." Sunset took one and popped it into her mouth.
"So, what did you want?" Twilight asked the old man. "I'd assume this is about the horcrux?"
Dumbledore's kind demeanor dropped, replaced by grim resolve. "Yes, I'm afraid it is. I thought it would be best to involve Sunset in these matters, as she is the second best source of Equestrian magic." Dumbledore walked to the shelves behind his desk and pulled out a small box. He placed the box on the table and opened it. Inside was that same silver-and-green locket from the house of Black.
"So I'll take it that Harry was right? That thing actually has a part of Voldemort's soul?" Sunset said, pointing at the locket.
"Yes, everything Harry said was correct. But this locket holds a dark purpose for it's creator—"
"Let me guess," Sunset interrupted, "immortality? Voldemort split his soul to keep the main portion around."
Dumbledore looked surprised. "Well, yes. Was it that obvious this was a horcrux?"
Sunset shrugged. "I don't know what a horcrux is, but Voldemort's not the only one who has wanted immortality. It's not outside the realm of possibility," Sunset said with nonchalance. "Although, this is by far the darkest method I've heard."
"There were others in Equestria who wanted immortality?" Dumbledore asked warily.
Sunset waved a hand in a so-so fashion. Sure, Sunset herself was one of those people once, but there were others. Tirek was immortal so long as he had magic, and Sombra was Celestia knows how old. But their methods were not for the sake of immortality itself, just a byproduct.
"I know methods exist, I know of multiple immortal people; I've met two, not counting phoenixes, and heard of a few more," Sunset explained. "But I never considered splitting the soul. I can't even begin on how someone does that. That wouldn't offer power in return, which was half the reason some look for immortality."
"So, I'm assuming you couldn't find a way to destroy the horcrux?" Twilight asked.
"That is where we run into our first issue," Dumbledore said. With a wave of his wand, two large books floated from his shelves to join the locket on the table. One was a light brown while the other was an ominous purple-and-black. "Magick Moste Evile and Secrets of the Darkest Art. These are the only two books I know that make mention of horcruxes, but only the latter speaks to their nature." Dumbledore flipped to a specific page in the dark leather-bound book and slid his wand down the page. Several pages were severed from their book, and the greater whole was shelved again. Illusory words floated from the pages and were imprinted on a blank piece of parchment.
"The book only mentions a few methods of destroying a horcrux, only two of which we have available." Dumbledore turned the parchment around. "Basilisk venom is the most potent venom in the wizarding world, and it happens that the sword Harry used to kill a basilisk absorbed the properties of the venom." Dumbledore pointed to a case where the sword of Gryffindor rested. "Despite that, the sword possesses no power to overcome enchantments. Any other method involves dark magics too volatile to attempt safely. Not even I would attempt Fiendfyre; it gains strength the more it consumers, I don't know what would happen if it absorbed a horcrux."
"Well then, if you have a method to destroy them, why is this still here?" Twilight asked.
"That is where the first issue lies. The sword cannot break it, yet. Secrets of the Darkest Art only mentions destroying horcruxes that are without enchantments. The locket's defenses were likely constructed over years, they will not be broken easily. The enchantments over the locket apply to the outside; I believe it may be possible to destroy it by opening it. Even then, it may have more defenses. We will need all of them to be destroyed if we are to defeat Voldemort. That is our number one priority."
"So that's our goal, teach students and destroy horcruxes in our free time?" Twilight asked.
"Yes. You will have free reign of the restricted section and my personal library in your endeavor, and the memories I've collected my pensive are at our disposal." Dumbledore pointed to the large silver bowl in the corner of the room. "We have one purpose now: to find and destroy horcruxes." Dumbledore said.
"So, what have you figured out about the locket?" Twilight asked.
"Many things, not all of which are useful," Dumbledore said. "It belonged to Salazar Slytherin, one of the school's founders. Voldemort is a descendant of this bloodline, which is what gives him the ability to speak parseltongue. It's said to be a powerful artifact with many powers, similar to Godric's sword and the sorting hat."
"Parseltongue? You mean that snake language Harry speaks?" Sunset asked. Dumbledore and Twilight shot a surprised glance at her. Sunset shrugged. "Harry tells me things from time to time."
"Do you think parseltongue could unlock it, like the Chamber of Secrets?" Twilight asked.
"I have considered that, however, I cannot speak the language," Dumbledore said. "Harry did have the ability to speak parseltongue, which he discovered in his second year. However, without his link to Voldemort, the language should've faded out of his memory."
"Yeah, not necessarily," Twilight said hesitantly. "After his soul was cleansed the second time, Fluttershy asked him to help with some snakes that were inhabiting some rubble. Harry was still able to understand them. I think it was some sort of imprint from Voldemort's memories. Harmless. At least, Luna seems to think so."
"Then Harry may be some help with Salazar's locket," Dumbledore decided, slowly stroking his beard. "If he can open it, we can destroy it once and for all."
Sunset smirked. Sure, she didn't understand some of what was going on, but she knew enough. This Voldemort guy tried to kill Harry, one of the first people to get to know her, the real her, after her little... episode with Twilight's crown.
"Harry's wand and amulet would help as well," Sunset said.
"Agreed," Twilight said.
"Might I ask why Harry's wand is so important? Despite its usage in the battle at the graveyard, phoenix-feather wands possess no extra powers." Dumbledore requested.
"I meant Harry's new wand." Sunset corrected herself. "As far as we can tell, it comes from an Equestrian tree called the Tree of Harmony, the source of the Elements of Harmony. It could mean his wand has a connection to Harmony magic, which is highly effective against dark magic. And his amulet's usage is self-explanatory."
"At that point, we should just bring Harry in now." Twilight decided.
"He will join a later session," Dumbledore said. "I will need to make preparations, we don't know how dangerous this horcrux is, For today, I wanted to introduce you two to the basics. I only ask you not to attempt to destroy or retrieve horcruxes without alerting me. But, that is all we have time for today, I am required elsewhere this afternoon."
Sunset looked around the room, thinking. Potent as her magic was, this horcrux business looked beyond their caliber of magic. The princesses couldn't help until Twilight found a way back, assuming Celestia even got her letter. Sunset's eyes scanned the shelves, looking past the many titles until one caught her eye. It was an exceptionally old book, bound in a dusty old cover, but in surprisingly pristine condition. But what drew her eyes wasn't the book itself, but rather the mark written on it. The spine of the book was decorated with a mark of silver spirals and five-point stars. It looked familiar to something Sunset had seen before, she just knew it.
"Before we go, can you tell me what this book is?" Sunset asked, retrieving the book. She walked over to the headmaster and handed the book over; Dumbledore looked surprised when he looked at the cover.
"That? It's an ancient book, belonging to the great wizard Merlin," Dumbledore said. "He was widely believed to be the greatest wizard to ever exist, a living legend. He was a part of King Arthur's court, his greatest advisor. However, his legacy is made of as many facts as rumors. Some believe him to be a druid, a long-extinct clan of wizards. He was said to be sorted into the first year of Hogwarts students, which is five hundred years after Arthur's time. Some say he aged backward, citing this event. Others believe it to be an honorary sorting, like yours. Regardless of the rumors, he is credited with some of the greatest magical creations and feats in wizarding history.
"But this book is a peculiar work. Many ignore it, and those who don't seem drawn to it. This book is written in a runic language that can't be deciphered. Magic won't translate the book, and no one knows what any of the runes are. Furthermore, the pages change between readers. As such, it's remained to every headmaster at Hogwarts, unread."
Dumbledore handed the book back to Sunset. She opened the cover and her eyes widened in shock when she saw the inside writings. I can read this!
"Well, it's no wonder why. This isn't a runic language, it's Old Equestrian!" Sunset exclaimed. "I mean, it's an older dialect, it might require some translation, but I can read it!"
"Really!?" Twilight shouted, rushing over to Sunset's side. "What's it say?"
"The inscription on the inside cover reads: To my friend Merlin, the greatest (and only) wizard I know. May these spells light your darkest days. Signed: Star Swirl the Bearded!?" Sunset said in shock. This isn't Merlin's book, it's a gift from Star Swirl to Merlin! That's the mark on the spine, Star Swirl's cutie mark!
"No way! Really?" Twilight said, grabbing half the book. Her eyes scanned over the book. "It is! Is there anything else?!"
Sunset flipped to the back cover, hoping to find another inscription. Sure enough, another entry was scribbled on the inside of the back cover. Sunset's heart twisted when she noticed the writing. That was painfully familiar.
"I want to write this before my teacher sends it to you. Remember, the best magic is what you share with others. There is magic in friendship. —Celestia."
"Oh my gosh, do you know what this means!?" Twilight giggled excitedly. "Star Swirl the Bearded—"
"—and Celestia—"
"—communicated with Merlin!" Twilight finished. "The spell I used in Star Swirl's section was unfinished; his and Merlin's letters must've traveled through time. One thousand years here, several thousand for us! He must have used that spell to send this book to Merlin!"
"Star Swirl? I heard Celestia mention that name, but I'm not familiar with it," Dumbledore admitted.
"I'd be surprised if you were," Sunset commented. "Star Swirl was, and possibly still is, one of the greatest unicorns to ever live. He mentored Celestia and Luna thousands of years ago. His theories on magic are still studied today." Sunset flipped through the pages reading a few notes over. Every page turn reveals the same eight or so pages, with a rare ninth now and then; the pages had been enchanted to change. "There are spells here, Equestrian spells! Altered, sure, but very much Equestrian. Scholars would've killed for this years ago, I know I would have once..." Sunset murmured.
She flipped through the pages once or twice more and noticed a pattern. The eight pages of spells spells were familiar, nothing entirely new. The rare ninth page was something new yet familiar. Perhaps the book's pages were limited to what the reader knew.
"Can we hold on to this, for now?" Twilight asked Dumbledore.
"You are the only ones who can read its contents, so I will allow it. I will, however, request that its more exotic contents are not shared with anyone but me. That will also apply to everything here. We can not risk our work being discovered."
"Don't worry, we'll be careful," Twilight said.
Twilight pushed the book into Sunset's hands and said goodbye to Dumbledore. The old wizard smiled and waved his wand, replacing all the items where they were before the two girls arrived. They walked outside Dumbledore's office, the book still open between them. Sunset looked down at the book as they walked down the hallway, not even registering Twilight's excited speech.
This belonged to Star Swirl the Bearded, I don't deserve this.
"I shouldn't have this." Sunset decided and shoved the book toward Twilight.
"Yes, you do." The princess pushed back, forcing it into Sunset's hands again. "You found it, the spells inside are yours to study!"
"Maybe I don't deserve that! I left Equestria because of this!" Sunset shouted, dropping the spellbook. Sunset stomped down the hall, not looking back. I am not doing that again, not now, not ever.
"Sunset, wait!" Twilight yelled as she ran up to the girl. Twilight placed her hand on Sunset's shoulder, and she stopped. "Talk to me about it. I'll understand, I promise."
Understand? How could you possibly understand what I'm going through?
"No, you won't," Sunset growled. "Twilight, I screwed up, bad. I got in trouble because of a book like this. You should have Star Swirl's book, you've already finished one of his spells. I blew the chance Celestia gave to you. I don't deserve that chance."
Sunset thought back. Her studies with Celestia ended over a book from the library she wasn't supposed to have. If she had never taken those spells, how different would her life have been? There was a slight chance that she could've had Twilight's position. She didn't want that power, not anymore, but it hurt, knowing that there was a chance. What else had she thrown out when she ran away? Instead, she ruined everything for everyone and hurt them. Why should she, out of everyone, get that book?
"Then stop punishing yourself," Twilight said. "Sunset, you're doing amazing, making amends for what happened. You need to put that past behind you and do something new. I think this would be a great step." Twilight held the book up between them.
Sunset took the book from Twilgiht's hands, dusting the dirt off the cover. She opened to the back inscription. There is magic in friendship.
It felt like an eternity before Sunset spoke again. "Alright, I'll read the book." Sunset sniffled, her voice horribly choked up.
A single droplet hit the page.
Yep, Sunset's got... well, trauma might be the wrong word for it, but she's got some self-loathing left over, I guess. Out of the whole gang, Ron is surprisingly the most stable, albeit with a temper.