On Oliver's return to the castle, Finikis seemed short and peculiar to him. The Archduke inquired to where Oliver had been, but he responded with a lie, he was sworn to secrecy. The lie was willingly accepted by Finikis and Oliver said his good nights and headed to his room. He was keen to get reading.
On entering his bedroom, Oliver quickly took out his wand, closed the door and enchanted it so it was inaccessible. He then waved his wand to close the large drooping curtains. Another flick of his wand he created a floating fireball that hovered high and swirled ferociously. The room quickly heated. Oliver had resorted to such means during the winter months and now, even in the summer, it was sometimes necessary. His Scottish blood failed him on occasion, he was too much of a soft southerner now.
Turning the lights on in the room, Oliver dispelled his fire spell, flung himself onto the bed and reached into his pocket for the book! Taking out the original and potentially only copy of, My Diabolica, by Ekrizdis, from his jacket pocket, he began to flick through. He held his breath; he could feel his heart race as his eyes fell upon titles on each of the pages.
- Protego Diabolica
- Fiendfyre
- The Killing Curse
- Homcidious Charm
- Patronus Charm
- Animacare
- The Unspoken Counter Curses
- Herpo's Creations
- Blood Magic – The Blood Pact
- Horcrux
- Curses of the first ones
- Curses against the feared creatures
Oliver had only flicked through a selection of pages, but he was overwhelmed with what he was seeing. He was well-versed in the Killing curse and Fiendfyre, they were standard course content for Auror training. He had heard of Protego Diabolica, but it was a magic he knew little about. He was instantly drawn to it. He opened the first entry and began to read.
Protego Diabolica, a spell of the darkest magic. Enshrined in the old ways of deomon magic. It is unlike the other protection Protego spells, in that it provides the wizard with an offensive protection, rather than a solely defensive one. For it to be conjured in its effective and potent form, a wizard must be of extreme talent and power and possess a darkness and control, unparalleled.
Incantation - Protego Diabolica.
Inner eye - the spell can be achieved without speaking the incantation. However, to master inner casting with the ability to focus one's inner eye, you must channel the darkness of the Deomon Vosh.
Power of the spell - the spell, if performed correctly, will produce a circle of black flame that will surround the wizard. The flame has the magical power to absorb all manner of hexes, jinxes and some curses. The black flames also possess the ability to determine the intentions of those that attempt to pass through. If their hearts hold malice intent toward the wizard who casted it, the flames will turn on them. The flames produce heat that can burn through most materials; however, the flames heat will have no effect on the wizard who produced it.
Cautions - it is vital that the wizard who casts the spell remains focussed throughout. The spell requires the channelling of the Deomon Vosh. Casting the spell allows that darkness into your heart and it can leave scares that taint the soul. Also, like other Deomon magic spells, it has the risk that if the spell is left to go unrestrained, it can assume the form of its source. In this case, the Demon Vosh.
Ending the spell - the spell can be ended by the caster bringing the flame down and using the incantation followed by Finitum.
Dispelling – an opponent can bring the spell to an end, using the incantation - Protego Diabolica Finitum. Though the opponent will require a stronger will, a greater source magic and a more determined casting from their wand than yourself. Keep focussed and it will require a phenomenal opponent to vanquish your spell.
I have cast this spell many times, particularly around the island, when so called visitors who apparently came with good intentions – they all burned.
Oliver paused for a moment. He raised his head and looked at the corner of the room, his mind mesmerized by the details of what he had read. During his Auror training, he was taught about the Protego Diabolica, how to combat it, and the cautions surrounding the black flame's ability to burn those with malice intent. However, reading just a single page from an account of one of the darkest wizards to ever live, put a whole new perspective on it. There was something in the words penned by Ekrizdis that was both informative and terrifying. Reading up on dark magic, and particularly around spells, which had a Deomon magic origin, was standard for any Auror that specialised in investigating and defending against dark wizards. Oliver was one of a handful of wizards that received particular tutorship on the subject, from Alastor Moody.
Reflecting on the subject titles, he had glanced at, he began to wonder what dark spell he should read from the book now. He was instantly drawn to a spell that not only had he not performed or come across, but one that he had never heard of before. For a moment he could hear the voice of Moody in his mind; 'always beware of spells that are a mystery to you, of the jinxes, hexes and most importantly cures that are unknown to the Ministry. For spells that are concealed with deep secrecy are often either extremely dangerous, or incredibly powerful.'
Oliver had passed every dark magic course at the Ministry and read nearly everything the Ministry had on the dark arts. And one spell that he had never heard of, throughout all that time, was the 'Homcidious Charm.'
Flicking through the book to find the entry, Oliver opened and eagerly began to read.
Homcidious Charm. A spell that I have only just come across. I had heard rumours and theories of such a power, but until last year, I did not know of the spell itself, let alone the incantation. Fortunately, my travels in Eastern Europe had led me to the forbidden sanctuary of Herpo. There, I met two powerful and fearless practitioners of true magic. In that cold hidden temple, I had learned more of the darkest art, than my last five years of study. Fate was kind to me, for though the two sisters of the temple were powerful, they were also willing to share. Apparently, tales of my work had reached them. This kindness in their nature, was a weakness, one that I was happy to exploit. For when I killed them, as they slept, I was free to study the writings on the temple's walls and had unrestricted access to the scrolls they kept. From that knowledge I had come across this spell, and I had finally found the means to complete my life's work.
Homcidious Charm – the true antithesis of the Patronus Charm. One that provides the caster with a protection against all manner of defensive magic. And a charm that enables unparalleled protection from almost any counter curse.
Incantation - Expecto Homcidium
Inner eye - for any wizard or witch to be able to achieve this spell, in either of its corporeal or incorporeal forms, must have focus, great power, and above all, malevolence. For your inner eye must only be concentrating singularly, with every fibre of your being, on a very dark and wicked memory. The only memory that is described as ever being powerful enough, is a memory of the caster killing another. Without such a memory to draw on, this spell is impossible to conjure. - Ending someone's life, is the memory I used to cast mine, with great effect.
Power of the spell – the spell produces two forms, much like its twin, the Patronus. There is the corporeal form. Which produce a Homcidious in the particular shape of a living creature. There are few accounts of this in the temple. However, my Homcidious takes the form a large spider. I assume there is no way of knowing what form your Homcidious will take until cast, much like its twin spell. The corporeal form, I find to be incredibly effective. It is not passive in its approach. It actively attacks any nearby enemy of the caster. Though its attacks provide limited damage with no real fatal armament, I am working on a theory of how to combine my Homcidious with another spell, such as Fiendfyre. My corporeal form has been shown to protect me, leaping to take direct curses which it absorbs well. I have also witnessed my Homcidious engage in direct conflict with a Patronus; the outcome of the battle was what could best be described as a draw. Though it is worth noting that during the battle the Patronus was occupied and failed to protect their witch from a dementor attack. The incorporeal form is truly wondrous and has propelled my work by many years. For where the Imperius fails the Homcidious does not. The charm has the power to enslave Dementors. Those Dementors influenced by the charm relinquish all independent action, left only with the desire to feed on happiness. I have successfully utilised this spell to subjugate and propagate a slaughter of Dementors.
Cautions - Great control is required when casting. I have read of one account where a wizard who did not have the required repertoire of memories. It is said that they used a memory of them merely attacking a muggle. This memory was not strong enough or not dark enough. For it is recorded that they were unsuccessful in producing the charm and ended up having their arms turned to stone, with no magic being able to reverse the infliction.
Ending the spell - the spell can be ended with the casters will alone. However, the effect of the incorporeal form has on dementors can last for several weeks after. Also, I have come to the belief that the Patronus charm has the power to remove the controlling ability of the charm from a Dementor, if that Dementor is struck by a strong Patronus.
Dispelling – an opponent can bring the spell to an end, using the Essence Vanquish Charm as I have described in The Unspoken Counter Curses pages. The essence vanquish charm is the only known spell that can defeat the Homcidious or the Patronus charms. However, for that spell to work, it must be cast by a more powerful wizard or by a wizard that casts their spell with a stronger will and a greater skill, than the original charms casting. I am yet to have my form vanquished.
Pausing for almost a minute, Oliver took a deep breath in. There was something incredibly shocking and profound from what he was reading. There was a spell that was kind of the opposite of the Patronus charm. One that could only be cast by someone who had murdered. A charm so powerful and dark it could allow an individual to control Dementors and potentially get them to do their bidding. The horror of those thoughts gave him an understanding of dark magic that he had not achieved throughout his career. He didn't believe the revelation could become anymore shocking or terrifying, until his eyes returned to the book, and noticed an addition, a postproduction entry.
Tom has achieved this spell, that, I am certain.
Oliver instantly recognised the handwriting, it was Dumbledore's, it was the same writing he had seen on the parchments from the enchanted bottle. There was another entry just below it, which appeared to be fresher, more recent.
I am also of the belief, that what Ekrizdis had not mastered, Tom has. The blending of two dark spells in to one. Homcidious and Fiendfyre.
Unspoken Counter Curses are insightful.
Utter horror surged through the ex-Auror. If Voldemort had truly blended such dark magic together, he was most certainly the most dangerous dark wizard ever. Oliver raced to the pages on the Unspoken Counter Curses. He memorised and took notes on the Essence Vanquish spell. He read the powerful counter curse to Fiendfyre. It was similar to the countering for Protego Diabolica. Though if incantated, and you overpower your opponent, you can take control of their Fiendfyre, bringing it under your will or vanquishing it. Though again, the book described how you would need to be more powerful, of a stronger will, and to cast the counter curse with a greater spell than that of the original casting of the Fiendfyre.
'Holy crap!' He whispered. 'He truly is the greatest.' A revelation popped into the young wizard's head. Thoughts spiralled in his mind, they were clouded, the fear he had felt, was dispelled with the knowledge he gleamed from the pages on the Unspoken Counter Curses. He knew then at that moment, what a truly remarkable feat Dumbledore had achieved.
'Last year. In their duel. Dumbledore not only successfully vanquished the Dark Lords Homcidious charm, but he ripped the control of the Fiendfyre it was encased in. He must have simultaneously used both counter curses, with such power, will, and casting, that it was more powerful than Voldemort's. Dumbledore banished his corporeal Homcidious form, and then took direct control of the Fiendfyre from him. And then used it against him. Voldemort must have been furious and perplexed. Dumbledore is truly terrific. What incredible wand casting.' Saying it aloud was a necessity for Oliver. He had to give the thought a sound. Something so profound and remarkable, needed to be said, even if there was no one else around to hear it.
'I better start practicing these counter curses.' He continued, but before he could return to the book, there were three loud bangs on his door, followed by a shout which came from Jynx.
'Oliver, come quick. It's Finikis, I think he's dying.'
*
Entering the study, Oliver was shocked to see a muggle, propped up and dead in a chair, his arm blackened and crisp, his skin pale, his last expression one of absolute terror. His gaze then turned to Finikis who was curled in the corner cradling his own arm, alive but looking incredibly weak.
'What have you done?' Asked Oliver, as he walked towards Finikis.
Neither Finikis nor Jynx answered the question.
As Oliver reached his wounded and fragile friend, he kneeled and took out his wand. 'Stay still, let me examine your arm.' Oliver waved his wand over Finikis injured arm.
The air in between the wand and arm distorted and Oliver closed his eyes to focus his thoughts on what he was feeling. He could feel the deep magic connection, and it remained. To Oliver's surprise he got the sense that the connection between Finikis and the muggle, who now lay dead, was still intact and that it was a conduit in two ways, not one.
'I can't believe you tried to enchant the Tear. You promised you wouldn't. Not until we got a better understanding of the ritual.' Said Oliver, his tone angry yet concerned.
'I know friend. Please help me. It hard to describe. I feel, like I'm dying. I have sense of doom.' Replied Finikis feebly.
'I'll try some Sanare spells. You going to need a potion as well. But this is as new to me as it is to you.'
Casting a few healing spells, Oliver attempted to undo the damage and keep his friend alive. The spells appeared to have some affect, as Finikis seemed and stated he was feeling better. However, after Oliver assessed the arm again, he could still feel the connection, none of the spells he tried altered the bond at all. He could feel a cold, lifeless pull from the connection. It was clear to him that all he could achieve at that moment, was to prolong Finikis suffering. He could not break the link, it was a knowledge beyond him at that moment.
'This is really serious Finikis. I can feel that the union between you and the Tear of Ra is still very strong. And I am not convinced it can be broken.'
'How?' Said Jynx as she stood over. 'The connection should end if the vessel dies, that's what we read. Anyway, I have removed it.' As she spoke, she held out the bracelet.
Oliver reached out and took the bracelet and waved his wand over it. Again, the air distorted. He examined the bracelet and could feel the deep strong magic that was still in place.
'The connection is very much still there. And for some reason it is channelling a connection both ways. And there's no better way to describe it, then the union you have, is now one with death. And it is pulling you in.' Said Oliver.
'Please, you must do something?' Pleaded Finikis.
'I'm not a miracle worker Finikis. This is new to me.'
'You said a potion?' Asked Jynx, feeling largely responsible, as it was her that removed the protections Oliver had put in place to protect the bracelet.
'I did. But I can't think of any that would work. We can try some. But there's only one way I know of, to break that bond. To remove that spell.'
Jynx instantly picked up on what Oliver was implying, but it didn't click with Finikis. The archduke might have been too addled of mind and fragile to understand, or it could be that Oliver and Jynx were smarter and more gifted than he was.
'Vhat. Let's do it.' Cried Finikis.
'As the text your great-grandfather worked on said, the only way to break the spell, was to destroy the Tear itself or to place another connection spell on top. The new spell would always supersede the previous one. Remember?' Replied Oliver. 'We could try and destroy it.'
'No. that could make it vorse. Ve don't know how. Ve must place another spell. Ve could do that.' Begged a panicked Finikis.
Jynx and Oliver shared a look. They both knew that neither of them would even contemplate being the one to place the spell on the charm, not after seeing what it had done to Finikis.
'Not that I don't want to save you. There's no way I'm that crazy, were I would try that. We should probably start by you two telling me exactly how you conducted the ritual. Maybe there was something you missed.'
Jynx quickly moved to help Finikis to his feet, as he was slightly stronger post Oliver's spells, and had attempted to stand on unaided. She was quick to his side. It was clear to Oliver that there was more than just a work relationship between them.
'I assure you. We did it exactly as we all thought it should be. Just as it's written.' She replied, her tone defensive and laden with guilt.
'Perhaps that is the problem. Maybe you made the same mistake your great-grandfather had done.' Contemplated Oliver.
'Ya. Possibly. Then ve must return to Dragon cave. Faren vill know.'
Oliver turned to Finikis; he could not help but dwell on how pointless it might be for them to return to the caves. Their last visit had ended with them betraying the vampire and taking the bracelet without consent. He was convinced the vampire would not be willing to offer assistance. That said, the three had to try.
'He might not be that helpful. He may know what went wrong, he may just not be willing.' Offered Oliver.
'He vill help me, or he vill die.' Said Finikis, bitterly.
'Okay. Give me a minute to collect my things. I'll take the bracelet.' Offered Oliver.
'Ne. I'll keep it. Jynx will protect us both.' Snapped Finikis, as he snatched the bracelet from Oliver's hand. It was clear that his friend no longer trusted him. He suspected that the archduke probably believed that he was about to run off with it. That was not on Oliver's mind. He was committed to saving his friend. He just felt the bracelet would be much safer in his possession.
As the three left the large estate, not one of them noticed the malicious eyes watching them from the trees. They were now under surveillance by Death Eaters. Dolohov and Rankin were now joined by a third, called Mevin. The three of them watched on, with intrigue. They had been fortunate, that Dolohov had taken the time, as ordered by Voldemort himself, to extend the Dark Lord's charm throughout large parts of Eastern Europe. The charm allowed the detection of anyone who spoke the Dark Lords name. Why someone within the castle uttered Voldemort's name, was not known to them, but one of them had. Dolohov instantly recognised Oliver and Jynx as the two wizards he duelled with at the merchant's house. He was eager for a rematch, for revenge.
'We follow them. That's the archduke. His ancestor was the one who had the bracelet that we're looking for. We should follow. They made lead us to it.' Said Dolohov. His companions simply nodded in agreement.
*
Navigating the long entrance way through the Draconis cave was as awkward as it had been on their previous visits. Struggling with her stability, it was incredibly exhausting for Jynx, as well as traversing the perilous course, she also supported the shaky Finikis. Losing her footing on more than one occasion, her ankles were suffering from the strain, she held Finikis up under the shoulder. She kept them both from falling, but she was eager to rest and heal her injured feet.
Oliver led, his wand in his hand, lighting the way with the illumination charm. He kept turning to ensure that Jynx and Finikis were not too far behind, close enough to defend if required. After a few more steps, they entered the large cavern were the pedestal resided. The air was still icy. The dark abyss beyond the shield barrier was still of a blackness that their eyes could not penetrate.
Jynx guided Finikis to a small rock just in front of the shield, she helped him to sit down on the same rock where they had perched on their previous visit. He was breathless, fatigued. It felt to him that all the spells Oliver had cast upon had now faded, and he now felt close to death again. Oliver walked just in front of the one-way barrier, squinted his eyes and tried to look for the vampire.
'Faren!' Shouted Oliver. 'Faren, we need to talk.'
He was met with silence. No reply came. Oliver side stepped, moving away from his companions, again he strained to make anything out in the darkness beyond.
'Vampire. Come. Ve come to make amends. Ve are villing to negotiate.' Said Finikis, attempting to shout, but could only muster raspy, slightly audible speech.
'Failure runs within the family I see.' The cold, sinister voiced filtered from the darkness. 'You will find no answers here, descendant of my jailer.' Faren spoke from the shadows, he did not venture into the light, which originated from Oliver's wand.
'Ve can offer vat you vant.' Pleaded Finikis, his words were followed by several coughs.
'And why would I trust you? You stole from me. Why don't you step through and we can talk about it directly?' said Faren, as he stepped into the light. His gaunt pale face reflected the light which cast shadows over his eyes, it gave his face an even deeper menacing appearance.
'That's not going to happen. You can see from his appearance, his hand, that he has attempted to enchant the Tear of Ra. It failed. We need information. You help us, and we can discuss how we can help you.' Said Oliver, as he flicked his wand throwing the light at the end high into the air, illuminating the entire cave. As he brought his wand back down, he pointed towards the vampire.
'You do not frighten me child. I have grown tired of this world. I could welcome death into this cave tonight if fate wills it.' Replied Faren, staring deep into Oliver's eye. The two shared a resilient stare, which was only broken by Finikis interjection.
'Talk and Ve Vill let you free.'
Oliver turned to look towards Finikis, whose eyes were locked onto the vampire.
'How can I trust you?' Asked Faren.
'You know vhat plagues me? You know my end is near vithout help. Please?' Pleaded Finikis, again.
'You wizards are so full of voraciousness. Soulless and empty. Your failings, like that forefather before you, stem from your impetuousness. So quick to meddle with magic that you have little understanding for. Tell me how you created the bound?'
'We followed the incantations that you confirmed in Radoslav's journal. We completed the deep powerful blood magic. It formed the bond, but it was so strong it worked bidirectionally. We did it exactly as described.' Said Jynx, still filled with remorse that she had failed.
Faren let out a large ominous grin. It was more chilling than the icy air within the cave. The vampire was fully aware of the mistake that had been repeated. He hadn't shared the error with Radoslav. His hunger back then took over and ensured his incarceration would continue. He was determined not to let that happen again. He needed to be free, to escape was his only desire. But he knew he could not solely give up the information, he could not trust his visitors, not after they took the bracelet last time they met.
'Free me. And I will share exactly why the spell did not work for you.'
The three wizards all glared at one another, each one with their own unique perspective on what they should do. It was clear to Finikis, that if they set him free, he would run, and only Oliver could ensure he did not succeed. Oliver was not keen on setting the vampire free, from what he knew, he was an incredibly dangerous predator, and if freed, he would kill innocent people for certain.
'We can't let you go. Not until you tell us what we did wrong?' Shouted Jynx.
'You can't expect me to give up my only card. I know exactly what you did wrong. You see, you are so blinded by dark magic. You feel that that kind of magic is superior to all, and that blood magic is the embodiment and truest form of dark magic.' Replied Faren.
'There's greater magic?' Asked Finikis.
'Of course. Dark magic accesses only one half of the great source. There is magic that resides in all. And it is so often the trait of mortals not to see this. Despite how often fate reminds you and teaches you of it.'
'A magic that access both, what dark and light?' Replied Jynx.
Oliver listened intently to the conversation, there was something familiar about the words and propositions. He searched his mind for a memory.
'Of course. A source of magic that can be either. A source that can lead one to incredible compassion or immeasurable evil.' Replied Faren.
Both Jynx and Finikis struggled to understand what Faren was alluding to. Oliver however, had an insight that was bringing a realisation. 'Love', Oliver thought to himself. As his minds eyes drifted back to the love letters of Domantas.
'Please. Stop being cryptic. Tell me!' Demanded Finikis, sounding livelier that he had that evening.
'Free me. And I shall.' Replied Faren, calmly.
'You idiot.' Whispered Oliver, inaudible to all those there apart from the vampire, who could just make it out with his enhanced hearing.
Oliver's thoughts were solely on the last letter from Domantas to Lady Bergmane. Particularly on the words he penned about how troubling he found it to contend with his feelings, particurly with the feeling of love.
'I struggle to find the words that will convey my turmoil. It pains me deeply that you are not here all of the time. Yet I am blessed that I have you some of my life. This insufferable sense of desire and loss is the true reminder of my love. I am mindful that it could compel me to do wondrous things in your honour. Yet, I worry that that same feeling could compel me to do terrible things to ensure that it continues, to increase the amount you are in my life. Love the purest magic.'
Farren's words and the letters of Domantas, reminded Oliver of something he had read a few times in the past. That there is a greater magic that is still unknown to the wizarding world, and one of such mystery. That being the magic around love. It then hit him, with such force and such clarity he nearly fell to the ground.
'It's not called the blood of Ra!' Whispered Oliver, gently to himself. It was again inaudible to Finikis and Jynx, but Faren heard. The vampire turned, looked at Oliver and smiled. He was slightly panicked that his advantage might now have been lost, but he was impressed with Oliver's deduction.
Not saying another word, Oliver could hear the words he had read from the Domantas letter, which convinced him that he was right in his belief.
'I am sorry my dear for the saturation of the paper. As I write, tears fall from my eyes. Tears are curious things, the embodiment of true emotion. They can encapsulate loss when heartbroken or love itself when filled with happiness.'
Oliver, like many before him had willingly believed a mistruth; that the word in the artefact's name solely referred to the tear shape of the gem. He cursed his lack of critical thinking. The mistake he, Finikis, and Radoslav before them, had made, was so evident to him now. A tear was the physical manifestation of love, Oliver reminded himself. He was now deeply conflicted with knowing the secret to the enchantment that it required not a droplet of blood, but a tear. He couldn't allow Finikis and Jynx to free Faren, but he also couldn't share the truth to the spell. If Finikis knew how to complete the enchantment, he would never willing agree to destroy it. But before Oliver could even make a decision, a large, crackling white light raced inches away from his head and smashed into the cave wall to his side. The explosion was so close to Oliver, it deafened him in his left ear, as the force threw him to the ground. Rock shrapnel spewed out and covered the ex-Auror as he lay on the floor.
Jynx on hearing the explosion quickly turned to the entrance way behind them. She was shocked, as three Death Eaters stood bold before her. Finikis took out his wand and struggled to his feet, using every ounce of energy he had. Rankin and Mevin were quick to send out curses from their wands at Jynx and Finikis direction. Displaying some incredible wand work, the witch produced protective shields deflecting all the curses away.
From the ground Oliver squinted to make out the three Death Eaters. He aimed his wand in their direction as he got to his feet. His senses quickly returned as Rankin noticed him getting up. The Death Eater turned to the ex-Auror and fired a large white curse at him. Oliver quickly produced a shield that absorbed the blast, which was so large he would have struggled to evade it.
With an incredibly bright red blast, Oliver sent a hex that swerved in the air. Rankin attempted to counter it with a shield but the hex dodged it and smacked him in the face slamming him to the ground. He didn't lose consciousness, but his nose bled profusely.
As Dolohov noticed his companion get struck so violently, he moved quickly to deploy a dark spell, fearing that Oliver would best him again, like he had months before. Within moments the cave was filled with bright orange and red light, as a huge rolling cloud of Fiendfyre hurled from Dolohov's wand and surged in the direction of Oliver, Jynx and Finikis.
Jynx protected Finikis, she threw shields up to take the streams of Fiendfyre that reached them. The magic fire burned through the shields but Jynx was quick to throw up more shields which were lashed by even more magic flames. Oliver watched as the fire hit his companions, and as a large fiery horse form raced towards him, his mind returned to the Ekrizdis' book and the spells he had read a few hours earlier that night.
Reaching down he swiped his wand low to high, not projecting a shield, but employing the counter curse he had read from the dark book. Ripping the control of the Fiendfyre from Dolohov with incredible ease. His will, his power and his casting, were far superior to that of the Dark Lord's loyal follower. As the fire came close to Oliver's face, he quickly glided his wand with elegance and the flames rolled into a large wall in front of him. With another flick of his wand, he sent the fire raging towards the three Death Eaters.
As the blaze raced to the three attackers, they all panicked. The three, together, threw vanquishing spells. Fortunately for them, their combined action brought the fire up to the ceiling of the cave and shrink, until it disappeared completely. With the wands held up high Oliver instantly attacked, sending several curses towards them.
Jynx watched as Oliver competently challenged the three wizards on his own, she was making her way to aid him, when her eyes fell upon the plinth that once held the enchanted gem with Ra'oumous charm. It had been completely destroyed, burnt to a cinder by the Fiendfyre. Turning to look at the shield that contained Faren, she was frightened to the core, as the vampire stood right in front of her. Attempting to raise her wand, Jynx tried to throw a curse but she was too slow. Faren launched, with a swipe of his hand. He stuck her hard across the face and knocked her unconscious.
Oliver knocked Mevin out with incredible work from just one wand, he was moving his hand with such speed and movement he was casting shields, deflecting curses, and throwing his own curses with such ease.
Faren watched Oliver's skills, he was impressed by the young wizard. But was overcome with joy at his freedom and that the gifted wizard was fully occupied. The vampire turned to look at Finikis who had slumped back in fear against the cave wall.
'Please. I'm sorry.' Whispered Finikis.
Faren ignored the pleas and lurched straight at the wizard. Grabbing him ferociously the vampire sank his death into the fragile wizard's neck and began to feed. The blood was sweet and metallic. Ecstasy of consuming the dark nectar surged through his own fragile body. For not feeding for decades made the experience even more exhilarating than he remembered.
Incarcerating Rankin with a spell, Oliver then quickly disarmed Dolohov and then using elemental magic, encased him in a large hand made of rock from the cave. Oliver let a huge exhale of breath as he tried to normalise his breathing after the tense duel. His leg twitch violently throughout, but he hadn't noticed until the duel ended. Turning to look at his companions he was instantly shocked to see the vampire bent over the lifeless body of Finikis.
'Ra'oumous!' Shouted Oliver as he threw the sunlight charm.
The cave was filled with yellowy orange light. Faren screamed in pain as his skin smoked. He raced for the shadow filled corners of the cave, attempting to evade the magical sunlight. As he skirted around and made his way for the entrance way, Faren's hands caught alight. The flames started to billow from behind his tattered clothes. Oliver ran towards Finikis. As he reached his friend's side, Jynx started to wake.
'Finikis. Are you alive?' Asked Oliver, as he checked for breath and a pulse.
Oliver could see Finikis' shallow breath and felt a faint pulse, he was still alive, but so close to death.
Looking over at the entrance way, Oliver could just make out Faren sloping down and fading into the darkness of the entrance way.
'Shit, he's getting away. Stay with Finikis. You need to get him home. I'll take that.' Said Oliver, as he grabbed the Tear of Ra and placed it into his pocket. He then raced towards the entrance way and gave chase.
As Oliver clambered his way as quickly as he could, he could smell the burning of flesh that lingered in the air. As he continued and came to the exit, there were no signs of fire in the forest below him. In the darkness of night, he attempted to see any glimpse of the vampire; he could see nothing. Trying in vain, Oliver sent a few bolts of Ra'oumous charm light into the sky, illuminating the forest. But there was no instant combustion, no flicker of flames. Although Oliver had uncovered the secret to enchanting the Tear of Ra, bested three Death Eaters, he couldn't overlook this failure. Faren was now free, and he was partly responsible for that.