-Chapter Thirteen- Return to the Dragon Cave

The letter from Dumbledore to Oliver arrived via the enchanted bottle that the headmaster had sent him over ten months ago. The ex-Auror had expected to use it more than he had. It was rarely used beyond him sending an update on when he had found the location of the Tear of Ra and that he had a plan to secure it. Oliver also expected to receive more messages from Dumbledore via it over the year. But it was clear the Hogwarts headmaster had been extremely busy and preoccupied over the year, the past couple of months in particular. Oliver read the letter, it was brief, a simple message.

I shall see you the last Saturday of the Month. In the evening. I'll send another letter before. Well done young Manannán.

That would be two weeks tomorrow, Oliver thought to himself. It was the middle of June and after six months of trawling for answers, searching for locations, he had finally found the famed Tear of Ra. It was still not in his possession, but he was confident that that fact was simply due to time. By then end of the weekend, he would have it. Then he could begin his quest on protecting it or destroying it.

His plan was set and everyone was prepared for it, Finikis, Jynx, Oliver and the house elf, Voran. On Sunday they would all return to the Draconis cave. The three people would talk and negotiate with the vampire Faren, whilst the house elf would venture behind the barrier, guided by the snitch, and retrieve the Tear.

Oliver was sat in the study room reading a book on full vampires that he found in the Bergmane Library. He was making sure he understood every aspect of their power. Unlike half vampires, full vampires were immortal, in the sense they would never grow old and could only be killed by specific means. The most efficient way was sunlight. That element of the legend appeared to be true, which gave rise to the Ra'oumous charm. Which in the ancient world was commonly used, when vampires were in larger numbers. But as their populations dwindled, the spell came out favour. Oliver read on about the demon curse that grew entirely in full vampires and diluted but present in half vampires. How that curse resided in the creature's heart. Which gave rise to the other way to end the vampire, to dispel that powerful demonic magic. Which could only be achieved with an incredibly powerful vanquish spell – Vitaternum. Which required to be cast and the spell to make direct contact with the dark charm itself. In the book, it contained accounts of how some wizards used spells to cut the vampire's chest open to expose their organs so they can shoot the spell directly. The most widespread account, of how to kill a vampire, was to use one's wand like a blade, and stab it into the vampire's heart as they cast the spell. Using a wand like a knife to stab, was clearly what gave rise to the folklore of the wooden stake, Oliver thought to himself.

'That would be risky. You would need to be accurate with the lunge and position, to hit the heart.' Said Oliver. 'A centimetre or two either way, could result in the wand hitting bone, which could easily snap it!'

There wasn't any clear description on whether the killing curse would have an effect on a vampire. But Radoslav was certain on it. He was convinced from what Lenark had told him. That the spell, as Radoslav put; could not make dead, the undead.

The book did detail how effective or more importantly how ineffective lots of different, hexes and curses were upon a full vampire and a half vampire. In general lots of jinxes and hexes had little to no effect. Some curses were useful. But for most spells, they had greater potency against a half vampire and little impact on full one. It was essential for any wizard who confronted a vampire, to master the Ra'oumous spell and the Vitaternum spell. Oliver noted that the Ra'oumous spell took a long time to kill a vampire, but it was a useful weapon to fight one at distance. The Vitaternum spell assured death, but you had to be directly in front of them, and you had to cast the spell completely at the heart. That closeness to such a dangerous creature would certainly come with the risk of death.

Oliver also took note of a significant difference between the two types of vampires. The book he was reading described, how to pass on the curse to someone differed greatly. For the curse to be transferred to another person from a half vampire, the victim would need to be both bit by the vampire and to drink the vampire's blood. However, with a full vampire, the curse was passed on, simply from them feeding on someone, if that victim survived.

Taking out his own journal. Oliver scribbled down everything he had learnt from the book. He had educated himself more on vampires in one day that he had throughout his time as an Auror. That was due to the fact, his career was mostly focussed on hunting down Death Eaters who were on the run. He was not involved much in the services Counter Dark Creatures Department.

Spending the whole day covering everything he could about vampires, and transferring that to his own journal, his own defence against the dark arts manual. He felt he was now ready to return to the cave and finally obtain the Tear of Ra.

*

Under the shiny crisp blue sky, Oliver stretched out his hand, offering it to Finikis, Jynx and Voran to take. The four were stood just on the outside of the Bergmane Estate. Oliver concentrated hard upon his intended destination, as the three hands gripped his, he closed his eyes and embraced the awful sensation of compression.

He opened his eyes and could smell the musty and earthy air as carried out of the cave entrance. It was a warm June day, and everyone was dressed for it. Apart from Oliver, he was wearing his green Barbour jacket as though it was freezing. The opening to cave was dark and for a horrible moment Oliver had a brief vision of two deep white eyes peering at him from the darkness. He blinked and saw nothing, it was just his imagined he told himself.

'Right, it took us about twenty minutes last time to get to the cavern. Give another ten minutes to distract him, I would say give it half an hour and then apparate to this.' Said Oliver to Voran as he held up his snitch. 'You have linked with it right, so you can find its location in the cave?'

'Yes sir. I understand thirty minutes and I'll jump to it.' Replied Voran.

'Excellent. Stay with it, be as quiet as you can. We will keep him distracted for as long as possible. When you get to the bracelet don't waste any time, grab it and disapparate.'

'Yes sir. Voran knows. Voran will do his duty.'

'You're a good elf.' Said Oliver, before he looked up at his human companions. 'Shall we go?'

'Ya. Let us get the Bracelet. Revenge my ancestor.' Said Finikis.

The three slowly entered the cave. The journey was as treacherous as their first visit. They could not use apparation to get to the cavern itself, as the counter charm was placed in every inch of the rock, from the caves entrance onward. All three had lost their footing a little as they travelled over boulders, squeezed in between narrowing avenues, and walked on slippery moss-covered stone. Guided by Lumos light coming from Oliver's wand, the three continued.

Almost fifteen minutes on, from entering the cave, the three were entering the open space where the plinth and the magical barrier were. The dark void beyond the invisible wall was incredibly ominous. Oliver bravely looked into the abyss, wand in his hand, only a light tremor in his leg. Finikis and Jynx flanked by the plinth to the right, Oliver was on the left, all facing the darkness.

'Faren. Ve come to discuss the trade.' Shouted Finikis.

The call was met with silence. Oliver flicked his wand and raised the light from it, high towards the ceiling of the cave. Light now beamed down upon them. All strained to see anything beyond the barrier.

'Faren. Talk, if you vant your freedom.' Continued Finikis, loudly.

Seconds passed, with no reply. Then the piercing silver eyes with deep black pinhole pupils appeared. Stepping into the light to reveal his gaunt, deathly face, the vampire smirked to reveal two rows of yellow, razor-sharp teeth.

'You have returned. Therefore, have discovered a way to free me from this prison.' Said Faren, his voice still fragile and scratchy.

'There is a way. But we should talk about the bracelet, we want to see it before we free you. We also want to know more about your past.' Said Jynx.

'Yes. There are things about your past we would like to talk through. Now. Before we can move forward.' Said Oliver, ensuring the conversation focussed more on the vampires past and less on the bracelet.

'Happy to answer your questions. As you can imagine, the last hundred and fifty years, I have not done much conversing.' Quipped Faren.

Oliver smirked, he appreciated the vampire's directness, his honest and relaxed attitude. The Auror looked over at Jynx, indicating she should start asking the prepared questions.

'Before that though. We want to know about your life before Radoslav trapped you here.' Said Jynx.

Faren looked directly at Jynx. He felt he was in the stronger bargaining position. He was in no way tempted to lie about his past. Though he was slightly cautious with how to phrase it. As Jynx started to talk, Oliver started to move slightly to the left, close to the side of the cave.

'You will need to be specific. I have lived a long life. I don't think I or you, have time for me to go through it all.' Said Faren, a large grin revealed his revolting teeth again.

'Are you vampire responsible for the massacre at Bitola?' She asked.

'Bitola.' Said Faren, he tilted his head. 'Massacre. Again, can you be more specific.'

'Are you the Butcher of Bitola?' She demanded.

'That name. To hear it said by another's voice. It's been too long.' Replied the Vampire as he reminiscent.

Oliver turned his body, angled towards Faren and his companions. His hands were behind his back, as he held the snitch with their glass magical eye inside. Its wings instantly flexed. It lifted in the air and covertly drifted over the threshold and into the abyss.

'So that's a yes.' Replied Jynx, her tone sounded hurt. It was unclear if her tone was due to annoyance at the way he was replying or revolution by his crimes.

'Yes. I was once known by that name. I have been known by many names.'

'And the crimes. You killed more than thirty people in one night. Why?'

'One has to eat child. It was simply the way of the beast.' Faren's reply was cold and emotionless.

'That is not true. You did not simply feed. You brutally tortured them.' shouted Jynx.

Faren enjoyed hearing her voice raise. He craved eliciting human emotion, particularly fear, fury and aggression. 'Well, not of all of them.' The vampire replied unsympathetically.

'You monster.' Said Jynx. Her tone was more controlled than her previous shout, but it was still ladened with fury.

'Semantics.' Sneered Faren. 'Definitions are words, assigned meaning. You say that your intention to insult. I am above such things. I have seen the birth of many languages and their eventual demise. Your words won't hurt me child.'

Jynx thought for a moment, composed herself and continued with her mission. 'That's not a denial then. You butchered a lot of people?'

'I have killed many people yes. Some for food, some for pleasure. Each kill gave me something, to enable me to be me. To live.' Replied Faren, giving the slightest hint of emotion.

Oliver continued to watch and not intervene. He was focused. His mind's eye was looking through the magical glass eye within the snitch. That very snitch, which at that very moment was relooking for the location of the bracelet. Guiding the snitch, in the fractured dark, illuminated sparingly by the light coming from his Lumos spell. As it lifted over a large rock, that Oliver remembered seeing last time, it drifted down and it was difficult to see beyond, as no direct light shown there from the spell. At that very spot, Voran apparated.

The elf squinted in the dark. He was about to speak at the snitch, but he held back. Oliver was not sure, if that was because the elf remembered it was just an eye within the snitch or because he was ordered not to make a sound. Either way, the elf placed a hand over his mouth to stop any words slipping out.

The snitch continued towards the destination to where Oliver believed the bracelet would be. Voran followed quietly.

'And you would kill in such ways again if freed?' asked Jynx.

'Is that what you won't me to say? Yes. I give you my word. I will never kill again.' Said Faren, meaninglessly. 'Of course, I can't swear to such a request. To kill is in my nature. You kill to survive do you not? We simply have different prey to murder.'

It was hard for Jynx to hear the vampire speak so heartlessly. She didn't agree with his comparison. And although she was committed to securing the bracelet for Finikis, she wanted to kill the monster before her so bad.

'Enough. Ve know how to get you out. Ve are prepared to do it. If you agree to only kill to feed.' Said Finikis.

'Like I killed your grandfather?' Replied Faren.

'His great-grandfather. And no. you killed him not simply to feed, but out of a sense for vengeance.' Said Oliver, as all other sets of eyes looked over at him. It was as though they all had forgot that he was there.

'Fine. I give you my word. Whilst you three are alive, I shall only ever kill to feed. But when you are all old and put into the ground, I will kill for what I need.' Said Faren, genuinely.

'I vant the bracelet and my relatives' body. Vhen you have brought them to the threshold. Ve Vill remove the shield. Ve Vill then take and leave. You can then escape.' Said Finikis.

Faren considered the plan, it was risky. But if they didn't remove the shield he didn't have to surrender either. He was confident that without the shield, he could move quick enough to escape the Ra'oumous charm with a mild scolding.

'I will agree. However, this must take place as the sunsets.' Said Faren.

'We should be able to agree to that. We would like you to confirm some details around the Tear and the Spell. You were once very involved in the casting of that spell. A witness. The only living witness. Can we talk through our understanding?' Said Oliver. He had some suspicions around the spell, but his driver for proposing the question was to keep the vampire talking.

'To show you my good will. I'll answer your questions.'

For the next few minutes, Jynx and Finikis talked through the letters of Domantas and Radoslav's journal. They shared with Faren their beliefs and interpretations on what the Tear does, the details of the Rituals and how to remove the spell if needed. Faren responded by stating that everything they said was what he remembered. He confirmed the power of the bond. He agreed that the description of the ritual was exactly how he recalled it. And confirmed the three ways that he was aware of, to break the spell. Finikis found the exchange extremely satisfying as it confirmed everything he wanted to hear. Jynx too enjoyed that it verified their beliefs. Oliver on the other hand, was left with an inescapable question, which the other two, had seriously overlooked. Did Faren know why the spell didn't work properly for Radoslav? The thought for Oliver, remained solely in his mind. He was prepared to ask the questions, however, for the Auror, he could not afford for that information to be shared with anyone outside that room. And if Finikis and Jynx became aware of the solution, then it would increase the chances that that knowledge, could get out, could find its way to the Dark Lord.

'Ve should do this exchange tomorrow?' Said Finikis.

As the conversation continued between the three humans and the vampire, Voran the elf, persisted and quietly followed the snitch, hunting for the bracelet. Scrambling over rocks and navigating in the poorly lit shadows, was extremely tricky. Although fortunately for everyone, the current spot that he was in, was very familiar to Oliver. The snitch glided over and then around a sharp corner, to reveal Faren's comfortable residing spot. The cut-up clothes covered the floor, bags and fabric from the back packers were stretched out for a sleeping space. And there, hanging out from a bag that hung on the wall, was the Domantas Bracelet. Voran's eyes followed the snitch as it hovered high next to the bracelet. It was incredibly dark, and the elf's eyes had adjusted slightly. He saw the bracelet and eagerly moved towards it. The enthusiasm to obtain the artefact, made the elf careless. He didn't notice his foot catch on a piece of rucksack strap. It made him stumble and fall. A large thud rang out throughout the cave.

'Tomorrow it...' Said Faren, but before he could finish a large thud sound came from behind him. He instantly threw an outraged look at Oliver, and then angrily looked into Finikis' eyes. 'You tricked me.' On hearing the vampire, Jynx quickly took out her wand and aimed at the vampire.

'Incarcerous.' She shouted. The rope shot out of her wand and wrapped around the vampire. However, as the ropes finished coiling around, they changed in consistency. Instead of the fibrous tight strands, it became more like cooked wet spaghetti, it merely slid down and off Faren.

'Cruio!' Shouted Finikis, as his curse flew and missed the vampire.

Oliver's wand was now in his wand, but it was not aimed at Faren. It was pointed at the large crystal on the plinth. He sent a spell towards it, to override its normal initiation instruction and instantly activate the charm. The cavern was illuminated with bright orange sunlight. Faren was already on his way for cover when the sunlight rushed into his void. The light struck him moments before he reached cover. Some mild scorching to his arm and face, only made him angrier. He was not fatally wounded or incapacitate. He darted off for his resting spot, fearing something or someone was going through his stuff.

Voran pulled himself to his feet. He heard the shouts echoing through the chamber. The cave became brighter, a couple seconds later. The snitch darted off as Voran was inches away from grabbing the bracelet. He heard footsteps coming from behind, he turned to see the vampire launching towards him. His small fragile hand gripped the bracelet. He closed his eyes and vanished. A split second later, the vampire's pale hand was grasping at the air where the elf had been just seconds before.

Oliver's snitch flew out from the void and into his hand. All three where squinting to see down the cave. Now struggling to see due to the blinding sunlight. Moments later an angry, blood curdling scream reverberated throughout the cave. It was clear it came from Faren. Hearing it, the three new that the elf had been successful. He had obtained the bracelet.

*

Oliver and Jynx approached the front door of the castle, which was wide open as Finikis had already raced inside. He was eager to return to his castle and examine the prize. Oliver could hear Finikis talking with his elves in the study, from the hallway. The Auror then quickened his pace to join, he now had to be the voice of reason.

'It's vonderful.' Said Finikis, as he held the bracelet high. He was examining the red stone, the Tear! Holding it in his hands, filled him with immense pride and gratification. He had returned all the family treasures back to their rightful place. It was him, Archduke Finikis of Bergmane, who restored honour and prestige to the family name.

'It does look beautiful. Can I see it up close?' Asked Oliver, as he walked into the study.

Finikis eyed Oliver. He glared at him, curious about his friend's intentions.

'Just to look at it Finikis. You have my word.' Reasoned Oliver.

The archduke tentatively passed it over. As Oliver took it. He marvelled at the intertwined loops of silver and gold. The bracelet was exquisite. He turned his attention, to the teardrop stone, the source of the power. The true artefact. It was flawless. Ruby like. It was drawing him in. It was the sweet scent from Jynx's perfume, as she came to his side, that returned Oliver to the room.

'Can I look?' Asked Jynx.

Oliver looked for permission from the archduke, who readily gave it with a simple subtle nod, before Oliver passed the bracelet to her.

'Oh. It's stunning.' Remarked Jynx.

'Vhat we do now? Ve need to use charm, enchant it. I vant the power.' Said Finikis, as he stepped towards Jynx to get a better look.

'I don't think we're ready for that. It wouldn't be wise.' Said Oliver, as he walked towards the reading chair in the corner. He turned to look back at the other two, considering his words wisely. 'We should not perform the casting until we know for sure, what Radoslav did wrong. Until we work out why it didn't work fully for him. It would be too risky to carry out such powerful magic, without knowing what that error was.'

'There was no error. The vampire would have said. He said it was right.' Remarked Jynx, as she passed the bracelet back to Finikis.

'Ya. It Vorked enough. It protected him, little.' Said the archduke.

'Yes. But it didn't protect him fully. And even if you did. Dark forces are coming for it. And now, we, I mean you, have it. They'll be coming for you! Those Death Eaters, who attacked me and Jynx, they were hunting for the bracelet too. And it won't be long before they come here.' Said Oliver, trying to reason as best as he could.

'You defeated them before. Vith this, ve can defeat again.'

'Finikis. Listen. They nearly killed Jynx. And I won that duel. But there's no guarantee I'd win a rematch. Besides. First it will be Death Eaters. But when word gets out that you have it. The Dark Lord himself will come for it. And I can't protect you from him.' Said Oliver, he felt his words had some influence. As on the mention of the Dark Lord, Finikis' expression changed. His colour faded.

'Maybe Vith this ve could beat him together.' Said Finikis, to the floor, in a whisper.

'Friend. I am not deceiving you. But listen. If he comes looking for it. And we don't, at least have it working, exactly as it should, he will kill us all to get it. You, me, Jynx. Anyone who gets in his way. For now, we need to keep knowledge of the find, a secret. Like no other secret in our lives. Protect and conceal it with everything we have. Then we study, work out what your Great Grandfather overlooked. Then, maybe, do the spell.' Said Oliver, as he walked close his old friend. Who seemed to take on board what was being said.

'And you need to give serious thought to actually destroying the Tear. Whilst it exists, you will never be safe. Even if we do work out the spell.' As Oliver spoke, Jynx stepped forward and looked at Finikis.

'He's right. We should hold off. Oliver's right. No one knows we have it, no one outside this room. We can keep it hidden until we're ready.' Said Jynx.

'Okay. But I don't vant to destroy it. I can't. I vill vait though.' Said Finikis as he looked up.

'Let me protect it?' Asked Oliver.

Finikis held the bracelet, he stared intently upon it. Taking it in. Connecting with it, non-magically. He was, now, willing to agree to wait. However, he was not as scared and worried about the challenges of the spell as Oliver was. He would be willing to let his friend magically protect it. Though he was unsure if he could hold back his hunger for its power. He stretched out his hand and gave it to Oliver.

'Thank you.'

After Oliver spoke, he took the bracelet in his left hand and took out his right-handed wand. He quickly walked to the far wall of the study. It was empty, except for portrait of a witch, another distant relative. Waving his wand in the air, the ground beneath began to stretch upward. It formed a similar plinth to the one that was in the cave. About a meter high. It was the same stone that made up the ground. He waved his wand again, and the top of the plinth flatted out and turned gold. He put the bracelet on top of the plinth. The gold top grew upwards and around, it engulfed the bracelet, concealing it completely. Another wave of his wand casted a small circular shield that floated around the top of the pedestal. Oliver kept his wand fixed on the shield as it grew in thickness and intensity. The appearance of the contents within were distorted by the powerful field. It was designed to repel all kinds of spells and physical penetration. Oliver stepped back; he took in the plinth with the globe shield protecting the top section. He swiped his wand again, and it was like he threw an invisible cloak over the whole thing. It vanished from site. He outstretched his hands wide to his sides. He jerked his arms back as his wand glowed. The wall itself moved outwards a meter, consuming the space where the invisible pedestal was. It was clear the contents were now secure inside the wall. Aiming his wand at the portrait a stream of light shot from it and stuck the body of the woman painted within. A few seconds of intense energy from his wand, Oliver pulled his hand back and it stopped.

'Password, Requiem.' Said Oliver.

'Accepted.' The female portrait replied.

'That should keep it safe for now. We can't tell a soul that we found it. And we should continue our efforts. I should stay here. I'll keep accessing the library and searching for locations. We need to make it seem to anyone on the outside, looking in, that we are still actively looking for it.' Said Oliver.

Finikis and Jynx marvelled at Oliver's magic. He made every spell look effortless. It was complex magic, a series of spells that would have taken either of them hours to complete.

'I'll spend my time trying to work out what Radoslav did wrong. Once I have figured it out. We can decide what to do. I'm going to retire to bed.' Said Oliver as he made his way. He was a little breathless from casting the spells, and unbeknown to the others, it had taken it out of him. He was a little drained by it.

Finikis and Jynx wished him goodnight and watched him leave the room.

'I vant you vorking on it too. His heart not in it. I don't think Radoslav was wrong. Perhaps, chose the vong vessel. Perhaps, vas because he used vampire. Or maybe it vas the spell, maybe vas not strong enough.' Reasoned Finikis. It was a dangerous train of thought, which needed to be challenged. But Jynx remained quiet. Which allowed the ember of desire to continue to burn and gain momentum inside the archduke.