Observing Harry and Snape departing, Artel left the Hogwarts castle in high spirits, making his way to the outskirts of the Forbidden Forest.
Originally, two Aurors from the Ministry of Magic stood guard outside the Forbidden Forest, tasked with overseeing the creature within, Shelob. However, being Christmas, their reliance on Dumbledore's magical enchantments lulled them into laziness, opting for a festive drink at the Bar.
The consequence of their festive distraction left the Forbidden Forest unguarded.
Having previously observed through the Isil spar, Artel knew Dumbledore was absent from Hogwarts, engaged in Christmas celebrations with an old friend in Nurmengard—a fact that played into Artel's plans.
"Apologies, Headmaster, for interrupting your festive hour."
Artel halted before the magic barrier of the Forbidden Forest. Closing his eyes, he sensed the grandiose mana composing the barrier. Raising his hand, he tapped the scepter.
This marked Artel's first fight with Dumbledore.
Magic enchantment, a complex blend of metamorphosis, protection, and contract magic, shielded the Forbidden Forest. With the Ring of Air augmenting his polymorphic and protective magic skills to unparalleled heights, Artel lacked only in the foundation of contract magic.
Empowered by the Ring of Air, Artel's immense magical prowess surged through the scepter, dissecting Dumbledore's enchantment. Swiftly analyzing its core, Artel obliterated it through the principles of Transfiguration.
A resounding crash echoed, as if shattering glass, signifying the destruction of Dumbledore's magical barrier. Artel opened his eyes, poised at the threshold of the Forbidden Forest.
The magical barrier outside the forbidden forest crumbled under Artel's power.
As the barrier disintegrated, Dumbledore, far away in Nurmengard, felt a violent shudder. His once serene gaze turned sharp, a sign that something urgent had occurred.
Dumbledore offered an apologetic smile to his old friend, Grindelwald, seated across the table. "I'm sorry, something urgent happened, and I'm leaving."
Grindelwald gracefully responded, "I'm already very happy today. It's rare that you still remember me, an old guy. Go do your thing."
Dumbledore, without uttering a word, nodded and stood up. He walked out of the room, glanced back at Grindelwald, and Apparated away from Nurmengard.
Outside, Grindelwald gazed at the stars, a faint smile playing on his lips. "Big change! The big change I've been waiting for is coming soon!"
.....
Deep within the forbidden forest, Artel moved slowly, leaving varying shades of footprints on the smooth snow, resembling an old man.
"It seems that since being attacked by Aurors, Shelob has completely withdrawn," Artel observed, looking at the sparse spider webs around him. He sighed silently, recognizing that the power at his disposal was insufficient, considering the vast wizarding world. The might of a London Ministry of Magic was just a fraction of what Artel faced.
"When I need more power.The likes of Smaug, the dragon, Balrog, and the thousands of strong orcs..." Artel muttered to himself as he approached Shelob's lair.
.....
After a brief wait, Artel spoke with an aged voice that echoed through the depths of the Forbidden Forest, "Shelob, your old friend is here to meet you."
Before long, a rustling sound emanated from the entrance of the underground lair, and then, Shelob's massive form materialized in front of Artel.
"You are... Saruman?! How did you know I was here?"
Shelob's eight enormous eyes scrutinized Artel, her tone a mix of excitement and suspicion.
A spider's sense of smell isn't particularly keen. The last time Shelob detected Dumbledore was due to the wizard encountering Shelob's spider web during his movements.
Though Shelob sensed a slightly unusual scent from the supposed Saruman, she didn't dwell on it. After all, the last time she saw Saruman was many, many years ago, and memories had blurred over time.
Shelob knew Saruman. However, the two had only met each other a few times. In the past Saruman had personally visited Shelob's Lair, he exchanged a few drops of blood and venom with Shelob.
The purpose at that time was, of course, to conduct experiments on creating strong orcs.
"I'm pleased you still recognize me, Shelob!"
Artel surveyed Shelob, whose legs had been crippled by Aurors and were still on the path to recovery. Missing a few eyes, Shelob was in a less-than-ideal state.
"Seems like you've had a rough time lately."
.....
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