Curse

Authors Note-

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A part of this mess rests on Ivan's shoulders. The powerful vampire ancestor wouldn't exist if Voldemort didn't use a buy the potion in the Devil's Cabin. The grateful vampire clan formed a pact, making Voldemort their leader, plunging the wizarding world into chaos. (Ivan, of course, would never admit his role. After all, few knew he owned the Devil's Cabin.)

"Professor Dumbledore," Ivan began, a hint of curiosity lacing his voice, "your magic should surpass Voldemort's, even with the vampires on his side. Shouldn't defeating Voldemort be easier if Lupin can contain the vampire ancestor? Why let him rampage unchecked?"

Dumbledore hesitated, his face etched with a deep-seated worry. Finally, after a heavy sigh, he revealed a hand hidden beneath his robe.

"Ah, I see!" Ivan feigned surprise. Black tendrils crept across a portion of Dumbledore's hand, a curse Ivan recognized as an evil force.

"It seems your time is dwindling. This curse devours your life force, weakening you considerably."

A wry smile touched Dumbledore's lips. "Voldemort's curse is more potent than I anticipated—a careless mistake. Death holds no fear, but a heavy burden rests on my shoulders. I must rectify my errors before it's too late."

"Admirable, Professor Dumbledore. While this curse is vicious, it's not unbreakable. I can lift it, but it comes with a price."

Dumbledore's eyes widened in surprise. "You can lift it?" Countless methods had failed him.

Fear of death wasn't his defining trait, but clinging to life was an instinct. "Then what do you require? Name it!" The desperate plea vanished, replaced by the firm resolve of the resolute leader Dumbledore indeed was.

"I know your plan to use the Deathly Hallows – the Elder Wand, the Philosopher's Stone, and the Invisibility Cloak – against Voldemort. I won't obstruct you," Ivan said, his voice betraying no emotion.

"What I desire is a time-turner. You provide that, and I'll fulfill my end of the bargain – lifting your curse shouldn't be difficult for someone of your caliber."

A flicker of curiosity crossed Ivan's face. Time-turners were rare treasures, akin to Time Stone, with the power to meddle with time. Hermione Granger's use in the past to attend multiple classes and save Sirius Black and Buckbeak was a testament to their power.

Dumbledore readily agreed. "A time-turner it is. Additionally, since you possess such knowledge regarding soul magic, might I inquire about removing a fragment clinging to a child's soul?"

Ivan understood: "You speak of Harry, wouldn't you? Due to an unfortunate incident, he became Voldemort's final Horcrux, unknowingly harboring a piece of his soul."

"Indeed, you seem well-versed in the wizarding world's secrets," Dumbledore acknowledged, a hint of suspicion lingering in his voice.

"Let's just say I haven't been idle," Ivan replied cryptically. "Cultivating a few sources within the wizarding world for acquiring magical materials and news has proven quite beneficial."

This was a characteristic understatement from Ivan. In truth, his influence within the wizarding world far surpassed Voldemort's. He had meticulously built this power through Borjin yet remained shrouded in secrecy.

Dumbledore, sensing Ivan's guarded nature, cut to the chase. "Enough pleasantries. Can you perform the extraction?" The revelation of Ivan's knowledge and inaction left a bitter taste in Dumbledore's mouth. He felt like a pawn who had been manipulated from the shadows.

"Absolutely," Ivan assured him. "Voldemort's misfortune is that a newborn Harry ultimately defeated him. I've studied Horcruxes extensively and understand the principle. We can defeat Voldemort without harming Harry. Removing the soul fragment essentially destroys a Horcrux. We can discuss further actions and their corresponding fees."

Dumbledore pondered for a moment, a new concern emerging. "The prophecy has always hailed Harry Potter as the savior, destined to defeat Voldemort. However, his current strength pales in comparison to the Dark Lord's. While it may seem excessive, I highly appreciate your strengthening his abilities."

To Dumbledore's surprise, Ivan readily agreed. "No problem at all! While directly boosting Harry's magic is off the table, we can employ a different approach. I've recently developed Bloodline Animagus Transfiguration – a technique that merges magical and technological advancements. It integrates powerful biological genes with human genes, facilitating Animagus transformation.

I possess a potion containing ancient Phoenix genes, as luck would have it. Harry's injection would enable him to transform into a Super Phoenix, capable of facing Voldemort head-on."

Dumbledore's desperation and suspicion are highlighted, while Ivan's hidden agenda and power are hinted at. The introduction of Bloodline Animagus Transfiguration adds a layer of intrigue and foreshadows potential complications.

Ivan's lips were filled with a satisfied smile. "Lifting your curse, removing Voldemort's soul fragment from Harry, and enhancing his abilities—these are three tasks. The price: three time-turners."

Dumbledore's brow furrowed slightly at the last detail. "Why can't we perform the procedure at Hogwarts? Wouldn't that be more convenient?"

"Harry's first transformation after receiving the genetic treatment will require a vast amount of pure magic. This ancient castle is the only place to provide it and ensure a smooth process. The specifics are beyond your purview," Ivan stated firmly.

Some things were better said. Dumbledore, a wise leader, understood this and nodded. "Very well. I'll return in seven days."

After Dumbledore's departure, Ivan wasted no time returning to Skull Island. He delved into the underground warehouse, rummaging through boxes until he unearthed a long-forgotten vial.

"Finally, the Phoenix gene potion has a purpose," he murmured, holding the vial to the light. It'll grant Harry the ability to fight Voldemort, but raw power isn't essential. This will suffice. It's a waste, really."

This potion, created years ago, held the bloodline essence of a phoenix that had yet to absorb the Eternal Fire. Though residing in Skull Island's unique environment had spurred some bloodline transformation, the phoenix remained an impressive yet not divine creature with a wingspan of only thirty meters.

However, after absorbing the Eternal Fire, Ivan procured from Odin, the phoenix truly ascended to become a divine beast with a wingspan reaching nearly sixty meters. This advancement prompted Ivan to create a new batch of genetic medicines using the superior Phoenix blood, rendering the older ones obsolete.

He now intended for Harry one such obsolete potion. In Ivan's eyes, it was mere garbage. While sufficient to handle Voldemort, the resulting phoenix form would be far from its true potential.

With the potion secured, Ivan informed Tina, Chris, and the others that he would be unavailable for the next few days. He then retreated to the castle to commence preparations.

A colossal circular platform nearly a hundred meters in diameter stood at the castle's heart. In its center, an altar awaited. Ivan meticulously inscribed runes upon it, adhering to a cryptic sequence that formed a complex geometric pattern. This intricate design ultimately coalesced into a colossal magic circle.

Those able to see beneath the altar would have discovered transmission pipes channeling energy from deep-seated nodes within the earth. The magic circle transforms this channeled energy into the purest magical essence.

After a final, meticulous inspection, Ivan gave himself a satisfied nod. The initial bloodline transformation was the most critical phase, demanding a full reservoir of magical power. Any interruption could prove disastrous. As a precaution, Ivan activated the energy extraction from the node, converting it into backup magic power. Should Harry's reserves prove insufficient, he could directly draw upon this pure source, ensuring a safe transformation without the risk of bodily harm.

This revision maintains the plot points while adding details that enhance the world-building and create intrigue. The explanation of the magic circle and energy source hints at a more advanced technological infrastructure within the castle. The revelation of the "obsolete" phoenix gene potion foreshadows the existence of a much more powerful phoenix, piquing the reader's curiosity.