The Awakening of a Magus

the-dreamer

Story Summary:
In the summer after the Triwizard Tournament, Harry suddenly awakens to new powers and a new look. However, the powers of a Magus aren't so easy to control, and they don't make life easy. Voldemort is much more powerful than ever. Some new characters come into the picture, some old characters will not survive, and other old characters will learn a new outlook. No slash, O/C but no Mary-Sue, light R/Hr ship, possible other light ships, lite Harry/Tonks

Chapter 43

Chapter Summary:
In the summer after the Triwizard Tournament, Harry suddenly awakens to new powers and a new look. However, the powers of a Magus aren't so easy to control, and they don't make life easy. Voldemort is much more powerful than ever. Some new characters come into the picture, some old characters will not survive, and other old characters will learn a new outlook. No slash, O/C but no Mary-Sue, light R/Hr ship, possible other light ships. This file: Chapter 43: ‘Seeking Solutions’
Posted:
10/13/2004
Hits:
3,797
Author's Note:
Author Notes, Some Answers to Reviewer Questions, Credits and Local Canon (spells and characters of the 'Harry Magus' universe added to the 'Harry Potter' universe) can be found on website helena.whitaker.name . (warning ... local spoilers on website.) The website is a bit behind (chap 35 as of Jan05), but still lots of info.

The Awakening of a Magus
Chapter 43 - Sun, Aug 6 - Day 17
Seeking Solutions

Ron and Hermione were following Harry and Draco down to the staff dining room to participate in a meeting for the first time in their capacities as student assistants. "Oi, Harry! What's this I hear about you and Goyle this morning?" the redhead asked his best friend with a grin.

"I meant to talk to you about that," Draco commented, glancing around to see if they were still alone in the halls. "I never took you for a showoff. You should have shown more restraint than to let Goyle become aware of your recent ... improvements." At Hermione's questioning gaze, and Ron's avid expression, he elaborated. "You've seen how both Crabbe and Goyle will lock onto a person they're unhappy with. Goyle had grabbed hold of Harry's arm with that vise he calls a hand. Quick as you please, Potter here just flexes and breaks the goon's grip. Not subtle, Potter. Not subtle at all. You nearly popped your shirt seams, for Merlin's sake. And that look in your eyes ... not your typical 5th year by any stretch of the imagination." Turning back to the other Gryffindors, he smirked a bit. "He was drowning in puppy-eyes for half an hour after that ... Savannah and Michaela were suitably impressed ... as young as they are." Draco had a bit of his old arrogance and disapproval in the glare he turned back on the wizard in question.

Harry's expression became cool and distant, making even his friends a bit nervous. "I beg to differ, Malfoy. If I hadn't shown such a tremendous amount of restraint, there would be a Goyle-shaped smear on the wall of the Slytherin commons at this moment, and maybe even a smattering of Crabbe as well. You are judging without all the evidence." He stopped to calm himself and drew the other three teens into a shadowy alcove for privacy. "You didn't feel what I picked up from Savannah when her brother stormed up and pushed her. Terror ... pure unmitigated terror, and memories of both physical and emotional injuries ... all Goyle's doing ... though sometimes he shared his 'playtime' with Crabbe. Both are perfect Death Eaters at heart. They get sick pleasure from causing fear and pain. Savannah got control quickly ... she's had enough practice. But a small piece of what I 'saw' made me do a quick scan on your former bodyguards. They're not only brutes as we all guessed, but have been developing a ... shall we say ... unhealthy interest in Savannah, though praise heaven they haven't acted on that yet. Before I even realized it, I was sending healing to the poor girl, healing and reassurance that she really didn't deserve the abuse she received, or her parents' inaction. She has a bad feeling that the fathers actually approve. I think those reassurances and my refusing to put up with his ... garbage ... was what gave her the courage to stand up to him."

Draco paled. He cared a great deal for Savannah, the little 'sister' who could always make his heart lighter. "I should have seen it. I should have stopped it." He glanced vaguely in the direction of the Slytherin quarters. "Those ... unmitigated bastards!" His grey eyes sharpened to chips of ice ... diamond-hard. "They will pay. We have to get her away from him ... from both of them. I wonder if Michaela also needs protection?"

"We should talk to Dumbledore immediately after the meeting," stated Hermione insistently. "He'll know what the best recourse is."

"Snape, too," offered Ron, to the surprise of everyone else, who knew Ron had more trouble accepting the older Slytherin than even the younger. "What? Snape is Head of Slytherin House ... he needs to know what's happening."

"Agreed," nodded Harry. "There must be a way to protect them." They had continued walking, and were now just outside the closed door. "Here goes ... remember ..." he began muttering to himself, "just Harry Potter ... just Harry Potter."


"Now that we are all on-campus, so to speak, there are several issues to be resolved for the coming term," Albus addressed the group. Present in the crowded staff dining room were all members of the faculty and staff plus the student teaching assistants: Harry, Hermione, Ron, Draco and Rachel (as her aunt's assistant). It wasn't often that the full staff met together, and never in the Headmaster's memory had such a meeting included student leaders, and even a house elf representative, in the fidgeting form of Dobby sitting beside Harry nervously.

"I realize I haven't given our newest additions time to settle in," Albus continued, smiling at Amelia and Rachel, "but there are matters that many of you are unaware of and which must be dealt with immediately. Minerva, please begin with your report."

Shuffling her parchments once more to organize them, McGonagall adjusted her spectacles then began, her gaze sweeping around the room. "The final report for last term is as follows: the term began with 256 students, finishing with ... 254 students," McGonagall's voice cracked slightly, "the difference being 2nd year Emily Watkins, whose family moved to America and transferred her to Salem Institute," she directed a small smile at Amelia and Rachel, "and ... Cedric Diggory." Her voice trailed off as she glanced with sympathy at Harry. Shaking her head slightly, she continued. "There were 37 graduates, leaving 217 potential returning students. As of last week, we had confirmed 34 first year students bringing expected enrollment to 251. However," she set down her parchments and grew more serious, "after the events of this past week, much as changed."

Filius Flitwick piped up from his place down the table. "I'm surprised that people would withdraw their children considering how safe Hogwarts has always been," the diminutive wizard commented.

Dumbledore chuckled, his eyes regaining that maddening twinkle. "Quite the contrary, Filius. Our enrollment hasn't dropped at all. It will be increasing ... dramatically. My apologies, Minerva. Please continue."

Glancing sternly at the Charms professor for the interruption, she did continue. "With the loss of Durmstrang, the surviving students will be transferring to other institutions, primarily Hogwarts, though some have chosen Beauxbatons as being closer to home. 179 former Durmstrang students, as well as 7 members of the staff have asked to come here. In addition, 43 current Beauxbatons students have applied for transfer, which would bring the enrollment up to 473." There was now a wave of murmuring around the room. McGonagall tapped her water glass with her wand to regain their attention. "There is more," she said firmly.

"As of two hours ago, the Headmaster had received requests from no less than five heads of small wizarding schools, from South Africa, Canada, Australia, Egypt and Spain, expressing their desire to suspend operations and ... combine their resources and student body with Hogwarts. There are over 60 staff members and nearly 800 students involved by my estimates ... minimum. They cite concerns over their safety after the fall of Durmstrang, and feel that Hogwarts is, in the words of one, 'the only safe place in the wizarding world, with both Dumbledore and a Magus in residence'. Needless to say, the current configuration of Hogwarts castle is not meant to handle so many. And there are even rumors that Beauxbatons may ask to suspend their own operations and join us. We are looking at the potential of a student body of approximately 1500, half-again the largest enrollment on record, and far larger than we have housed in several centuries."

Most of those present were stunned and began frantic conversations with each other. After a few moments, Dumbledore drew their attention and they quieted. "Calm down, please. We are not totally unprepared for the situation." He reached down into a bag beside his chair and took out a large, very old volume. "The school records have quite a bit of logistic and organizational detail from past years. This volume, for instance, describes the layout and curriculum from several hundred years ago, which includes that time when Hogwarts experienced its record enrollment of 999 students. The castle was designed to change to accommodate varying requirements. We can use the information from that time as a starting point and expand as needed." Seeing she had a comment, Dumbledore looked over at Professor Vector. "Yes, Victoria?"

"I did my mastery thesis on such logistics, and I am forced to point out that such changes have always been done gradually, over the entire summer at the least, and require an extraordinary amount of power." The Arithmancy professor was serious and insistent. "How can we possibly make such drastic changes in so short a time? A three- to five-fold increase would ideally be accomplished in stages over several years. It is about 3 weeks to the usual start of term, and I've heard there have been many insisting that we open the gates to students early this year."

"Power is not a concern," Harry stated quietly.

Though both Dumbledore and Snape nodded in agreement, several of those present seemed to resent a student daring to speak up, and were shocked that Snape wasn't objecting strenuously. Vector sneered, as though she had been taking lessons from Snape. "Mr. Potter, please take care not to interrupt your elders, especially in a field which you haven't even studied. Albus, I fail to see why these children are participating in such discussions."

/* Albus, considering the Order members and half of those present already know about me, it might be worth telling at least the current Hogwarts staff about the Magus. It would make things simpler and reduce the need to play mind games again, at least until those from the other schools arrive. */ Harry had turned deliberately away from Vector to face Dumbledore and McGonagall and had mindspoken to all his Circle members in the room.

Aloud, Dumbledore sighed and answered, "I have to agree with you. Do you wish to reinforce the wards on the room for the rest of this meeting?" Those not already aware of Harry's secret were confused, uncertain with whom Dumbledore was agreeing, and to whom he was deferring the warding. "Those of you present who don't already know will shortly understand both why Harry is correct in his evaluation and the reason why his opinion should be very seriously considered." He waited a moment as Harry's expression became both distant and focused. There was a crackling sound throughout the room as purple energy sparked along the walls, floor, and ceiling. When Harry nodded and stood up, Dumbledore continued. "Harry is quite correct. In controlled rituals such as these must be, power is not a concern for a Magus." With that statement, Harry Potter shifted into the form of Darius Magus for a few moments, then shifted back, but more as Harry Magus. Much of the masking he usually held in place to hide his Magus power was released.

There were a great many different reactions. Trelawney began to hyperventilate and Pomfrey kept repeating, "Breathe, dear. Breathe slowly." Flitwick squeaked and fell off his chair. Vector's jaw dropped and she appeared to be in a daze. Hagrid stood up suddenly, then began to stumble over his chair and Flitwick. Hooch had a strange smile, Pince looked like she'd had an overdose of Sherbet Lemons, and Filch was scared out of his wits. Anastasia Sinistra looked thoughtful, Amelia grinned and nodded slowly, and Rachel began to giggle, remembering how she had suggested Darius shift to Harry Potter. Dobby bounced up and down, bobbing his head excitedly. Those who already knew were smiling (or smirking) indulgently. The rest were all babbling to each other.

Seeing the half-giant Hagrid about to fall and crush the little half-goblin Flitwick, Harry apparated the short distance, catching and steadying the huge man easily with one hand. He helped Flitwick up with the other hand. "Careful now, we don't want to make Poppy work even before the rest of the students start showing up," he said gently to his two professors and friends.

Hagrid stared at Harry, grinning foolishly with tears in his eyes and snuffled, "Harry, lad, ah once tol' ye, you were a thumpin' good wizard, but ah never would've guessed ... oh, yer parents, they'd be so proud, ah know they would." He reached over to give Harry a great hug, then backed off, worried.

Harry grinned. "Squeeze all you like, Hagrid, I can take it." Joyfully, Hagrid caught Harry up close, hugging him with all the love of a proud and happy 'uncle', heedless for once that he could hurt someone with his great strength. Harry basked in the affection, feeling a wave a rare contentment.

Smiling, Dumbledore waved his wand, sending around rainbow-colored sparks to get everyone's attention. "I think we should proceed with the business at hand. Then I think Harry would be willing to address any questions afterwards." As everyone regained their seats and settled down, Dumbledore began his proposal for the Hogwarts remodeling rituals. "Harry, interject as you are led. I know your instincts for ritual composition are excellent. I propose that we form four groups around the castle, each a Quadralis. Harry can feed energy into the four groups allowing for a marathon session or two. Each group will be assigned a quadrant of the castle building itself. Other aspects of the grounds can follow, such as the Quidditch pitch and the greenhouses. Composition?" He glanced over at Harry.

"Each group will include a Head of House. Also, each should have a Founder's descendent and one of the student assistants. We need to spread the most powerful wizards out among the groups. Some people will fill more than one of these requirements." Harry grabbed some parchment and a quill and marked out four sections. "The obvious place to start is the four House Heads." So saying, he entered the names McGonagall, Snape, Flitwick and Sprout in the four areas of the parchment.

"Founders' descendents?" questioned Pince. "I wasn't aware that four such people were definitely identified and available."

Amelia had been performing an initial reading on those in the room, knowing of three Gryffindors already, namely herself and Rachel as the last of the Dragonriders, and Albus Dumbledore. "So, Albus, I think I know who you wanted me to do a reading on," she commented, glancing at Snape and Draco. "Something has changed with you since the old days, Severus. I didn't notice your heritage then." Seeing the odd looks some were giving her, she explained. "For those of you who don't know, I'm a Genopath. We have," she glanced around once more, "six, no, seven Founders' descendents in this room and I know of at least one other Gryffindor ... Sylvia Forester, I believe?" She glanced at the Headmaster who gave a small nod of agreement. "For Gryffindor, we have Albus, myself, Rachel, and Harry. For Slytherin, we have Severus and Draco." These revelations triggered a great deal of shocked glances and muttering. "Also, for Ravenclaw, we have Hermione over there."

The newly revealed Ravenclaw descendent began to stutter. "But, that can't be right. I'm Muggleborn."

"Well, yes and no," Amelia answered gently. "I can't see all the details without a full reading, but Founders' Blood shows like a beacon even on a quick check. Yes, your parents are both Mundanes ... I mean Muggles. However, the Ravenclaw line has included at least two squibs. Your father's line seems to include one, and your mother's family has the other."

Ron grinned at his girlfriend and whispered, "Well, that explains the owl, doesn't it? Didn't you once tell me that, though the Ravenclaw family crest was a raven, Rowena was an owl animagus?" Then he thought a moment. "But Hermione was sorted into Gryffindor."

"Founders' Blood doesn't always determine which House you belong in. There are many aspects to a person's personality." Dumbledore thought for a moment, then decided to drop his own little secret. "For instance, very few people know that I was sorted into Slytherin, even with Gryffindor ancestry."

Snape looked over at the headmaster thoughtfully. "Now that explains a great deal," he muttered.

"Getting back to the rituals," Harry raised his voice slightly while smirking almost as well as a Snape would, "I'd like to suggest the following assignments. Albus, can I use some non-staff members on these teams?"

Albus gestured that the decision would be Harry's, but added the comment, "There is also a Hufflepuff descendent enrolled at Hogwarts if you wish to have all four Founders represented." At the questioning looks from around the table, he supplied, "Neville Longbottom."

Professor Sprout's face glowed. "So that explains the child's gift for Herbology. I wonder what characteristics put him in Gryffindor instead."

McGonagall offered, "The boy has a stronger backbone than most realize, at least when the stakes are high in his mind. And he does use his father's wand. Perhaps we should speak to his grandmother about his having one that is a better match. He's Hufflepuff from his mother's side, isn't he, Albus?" The headmaster nodded. "And he was a late-bloomer as well. But does he currently have the confidence and active power to participate in such a ritual yet?"

Harry shook his head. "He isn't ready to be part of a Quadralis, yet, but maybe there is a part he can play. For the four groups, I think it would be best not to have the Founders' Blood, or the student assistants match the Head of House. Since Severus is both a Head and a Slytherin, I want to mix in some Gryffindor in that group. Let's see ... Amelia and Rachel with Severus and ... Professor Sinistra; Albus and Ron and Poppy with Professor Flitwick; Draco and Madame Hooch with Professor McGonagall plus Sirius Black, and Hermione and Sylvia Forester with Professor Sprout and ... Hagrid. No, don't look at me like that, Hagrid. You may not think you're much of a wizard but that's mostly because you never finished your schooling and because your giant blood confuses your magical instincts. Draco can help me sort things out for you and we can get you a proper wand in the morning."

He looked from the parchment listing he had just made to the people in question and continued. "Good, each team also has two members who are animagi or have some non-human contributions for diversity. And I'll be linked into the groups after each Quadralis is built so I can feed you all the energy you need to keep the ritual and the work going for hours at a time. I would have liked Remus involved, but this is a bad week for him, and Dobby's magic would be just a bit too different for a good balance, even if he is the strongest house elf in the castle." Dobby ducked his head and his large ears folded over, almost hiding his embarrassed but pleased eyes. "Maybe I can bring you in at my position. That could also be a place to bring Neville into the mix. I'll have to visit the Longbottoms in the morning as well. I have to think a bit more on that," he mused. Settling back in his seat, he asked, "Comments?"

There was quite a bit of discussion and commentary, but no real objections. Most often, the participants were curious about Harry's reasoning. It was tentatively decided that the first set of rituals would be conducted beginning at noon the next day, if Hagrid's wand and Neville's participation could be finalized. A quick mindcall to Sylvia and Sirius confirmed they would participate, /* As long as you can clear it with the boss, */ Sirius quipped, referring to Arthur Weasley who also heard the conversation.

Dumbledore then changed the subject. "Now that we have the facilities well in hand, we will need some curriculum and leadership structure settled. Since I believe we have determined that we can accommodate the expected influx, I will report that to the Board of Governors first thing in the morning. Once approved, as I expect it will be, especially if Darius will accompany me for reassurances," Harry nodded, "I will notify the headmasters and headmistresses so we can arrange for all of the incoming staff to arrive as soon as possible this week. Then we can have meetings among the corresponding staff members, such as all the potions professors, for curriculum planning. We will also need to determine the student leadership structure and house organization. Dobby, I'd like you to work with the Gray Lady, Argus, and the portrait of Phineas Nigellus to develop communication and security plans among the non-wizards of Hogwarts. I also expect we will have additional house elves arriving and would appreciate your assistance with them. Finally, Irma, would you work with the remaining staff members on matters such as furnishings, equipment and supplies?"

Dumbledore glanced again at Harry, who answered his unspoken question. "I should be able to produce as many duplicates of such things as needed. Just to be safe, if we don't already have at least one of an item, though, I'd rather we bought one so I have a model. I don't have enough experience to conjure something complex from scratch without a sample. And, yes, these will be permanent, not temporary conjurings." He could tell that many of those around were wondering about just how much Harry was promising. "Don't worry. I can indefinitely handle any spells of wizard level. It's the Magus-level spellcasting that I have some control issues with. The energy supply is effectively unlimited, so don't worry about whether or not I can 'deliver the goods' ... I can." Harry spoke, not with arrogance, but with quiet confidence.

Amelia was reminded of a line in a movie, a Western, she thought. No brag ... just fact. The fact was, she had never imagined such a high-power undertaking, and in such a short timeline. But even without Harry Magus, they had some of the most powerful witches and wizards alive working on the project, and she had no doubt they could all pull it off.

"Does anyone else think it's time for a big supply of butterbeer?" asked the Genopath.


Harry had asked Draco and Poppy Pomfrey to remain when the rest of the staff meeting dispersed. The fact that Harry was the Magus had been hidden with a security charm, the wards had been released, and as they left he had assured Amelia and Rachel that he would show them around shortly. Ron and Hermione had agreed to initially speak with Dumbledore about the situation in the Slytherin dorms while Harry split off with other tasks. Turning to the Slytherin and the mediwitch now, he asked, "I'd like you two to assist with a pre-healing evaluation, please. This is a tricky case for me, so I'll only do the groundwork tonight."

"Of course, dear. Anything I can do to help," said the mediwitch kindly. "Who and where is the patient?"

"Percy Weasley, at the Burrow," answered the Magus. "Were you aware that he had a twin who died at birth?

She looked startled, then concerned. "No, I didn't know that. I didn't know Molly and Arthur very well in those years. Don't tell me that the twin-loss-trauma wasn't addressed?" she asked, though she suspected the answer.

Looking at Draco, Harry asked, "Should I be obnoxious and just say 'Ok, I won't tell you' or not?"

In reply, Draco looked at Poppy and asked, "Do you want to swat him for that, or should I?"

Ignoring them both with a smile, Harry contacted his 'patient'. /* Percy? Are you free for a bit? I'd like to come by and plan the healing procedure. I'll be bringing along Madame Pomfrey and Draco. */

Percy was startled, but he was able to answer with only a slight false start, /* Harry? Uh, yes, I suppose. In the living room? */ He was quite nervous now, and wasn't at all sure he liked having Draco Malfoy involved. However, he had been sternly instructed by various Weasleys and Hermione to at least be polite and try to give Draco the benefit of the doubt. Harry trusted him, as did Dumbledore, and he was the best Scanner around.

The visitors arrived at the Burrow just in front of the fireplace. Immediately, the mediwitch pulled out her wand and sternly told the young man, "Sit, Mr. Weasley. If I had treated you a fraction of the times I've had to work with Mr. Potter, I dare say I would have finally noticed your situation. Scandalous, if you ask me," she muttered as she performed a medical scan focusing on evidence of magical trauma. "I really can't recall that you spent any time to speak of in the Hospital Wing, except as a visitor the time Miss Clearwater was petrified."

"Mum said that there weren't any full Healers available at the time because of the war," Percy answered in a small voice. "After that, they didn't really talk about my ... twin, and since most of us didn't even know, no one ever thought to follow up. I seemed to be fine ..."

"Hush now, child. Let me focus," she muttered, not unkindly. "Well, what are you two waiting for?" she asked the two student wizards testily.

"I am looking, Madame!" Draco answered with a touch of Malfoy arrogance. "I believe it will be more informative if we all observe as each of us examines the situation. Observe internally, that is." He glanced over at Harry.

"Poppy is accustomed to having to work alone or at least be in charge, Draco," he soothed, "but I agree, Poppy. Let me set up a temporary link so we can all observe what each of us can perceive. Percy, I'll include you in this link, though much of it may not make sense." Percy glanced among them uncertainly, but nodded.

In turn, each of the three used their own special powers to view the inner workings of Percy Weasley's magic, and in varying degrees each touched on areas needing some mental and emotional healing as well. Most represented old damage, though Percy's struggles to cope with the unrealized damage and vague, but constant sense of loss, had caused some 'scars' throughout his life.

As the most experienced of the group, Pomfrey took the lead in summarizing the situation. "This will be tricky, Mr. Potter, a delicate process that should be performed in stages. I know of some healing references that should assist you, and though this project is beyond my abilities, I can observe and advise ... only if you wish, of course ... I don't wish to interfere ..."

"Poppy," Harry said intently, "why do you think I asked you to come? Of course, I value your advice, your experience, and especially your instincts. Now, as to doing this in stages, it seems that working backwards, dealing with the more recent and easier to handle irregularities might be a good start. What do you think?"

Poppy stared thoughtfully at Percy, circling him almost avidly as she did. Percy had the uncomfortable image of a circling vulture, an image that Harry picked up. He choked and coughed trying to hold back his amusement, though the mediwitch didn't notice. Draco did, glanced at Harry questioningly, then smirked and sent to Harry, /* She's had that effect on me on occasion. I never thought I'd have to agree with a Weasley, let alone this one. */

"Yes, I agree," Pomfrey said to Harry at last. "Some basic healing ... reassurance and reinforcement ... you did say you reviewed that two-volume set on 'The Tenacious Traumas Associated with Twin-less Twins', did you not?"

Harry was suddenly reminded of Minerva McGonagall. He had never seen the mediwitch in teacher-mode. Like a dutiful apprentice, he answered quietly and respectfully, "Yes, Madame Pomfrey."

"Well, if your retention of the material is as thorough as the headmaster has indicated, then I suggest we begin with the superficial effects described in Volume 1, Chapter 3." Poppy realized that she missed teaching. Hogwarts hadn't offered more than the most basic of classes on Magical First Aid in many years. All things considered, even this close to start of term, she resolved to discuss some training for students in both basic and advanced triage and field medicine, as well as the availability of basic counseling for grief and battle traumas ... she remembered the war years of a generation ago too vividly. Perhaps even the beginnings of a MASH unit (Magical and Surgical Healing) would not be out of order.

As Harry proceeded with the first treatment, and Draco observed with his Scanning senses, pointing out when Harry 'missed a spot', Poppy was struck at how good a team the two former enemies now made, a Gryffindor and Slytherin by both House and blood, from as divergent backgrounds as one could imagine. For Poppy Pomfrey, these two young men symbolized everything that would make it possible to defeat the darkness, and she smiled in satisfaction.


Very few people realized that Dementors were a sort of group-mind, a 'hive mentality'. What any one learned, the others could know without particular effort. They could understand human communication to some extent, as a well-trained pet can understand orders, but they couldn't really communicate with any but another Dementor ... with one exception. There was always one Dementor who was a sort of directing force, a racial memory, a spokesperson (spokes-creature?) who was able to communicate with other races in every possible language. Its name/title was unpronounceable, but translated to something like 'Voice of the Soul Feeders'. Those humanoids who knew of the existence of this representative referred to it as 'The Voice'. It was more resistant to magic, and could endure in the face of a Patronus in almost all cases, even for a short time against one as powerful as Dumbledore or Voldemort could produce (one shudders to think what the Dark Lord's 'happy thoughts' would entail). The Voice was very difficult to destroy, but if destroyed, its freed essence would inhabit another Dementor within minutes, providing continuity.

The Voice had just arrived at Voldemort's encampment. The Dark Lord observed that it seemed more ... substantial than others of its kind. As it spoke, the sound was chilling, both literally and figuratively. "As in days long past, it will be done as we discussed, Lord. I will send the knowledge to my people that their time serving those Ministry creatures is drawing to an end. They are to examine and note all beings in their environs to identify those who will become fodder and those who will be kept safe for your service. Though we normally have no concern for such things, they will observe the patterns of behavior of those in charge at Azkaban. They will prepare for direction to be given before the full moon."

Red eyes glowed in satisfaction, and the serpentine facial expression assumed a grotesque grin. "Yesss! I am pleased that you have directed your people to return to my service. They will be granted the feasting they have been denied, both at Azkaban and out in the populace, but it must be done slowly and carefully, lest our enemies interfere. Return to me tomorrow night with whatever information your people have collected at Azkaban. If all goes well, they will assuage their hungers the following night, the night before the full moon. In honor of our agreement, I offer you three souls. You there," Voldemort glared at the Death Eater standing shivering but attentive nearby. "Bring the prisoners. It's time for the festivities to begin."


(to be continued)