As if evoking memories, Artel sighed with profound emotion.
"I must applaud my acting skills!"
Artel's internal acknowledgment was followed by an apologetic glance at Dumbledore.
"Forgive me. Memories from the distant past flooded my mind—a time so ancient that the concept of time has lost its meaning."
"I believe you heard what Shelob mentioned. Yes, Gandalf is also a Maiar, an immortal being. He vanished, and your spell is the only connection to him."
Dumbledore, grappling with the revelations, felt a storm of uncertainty churn within him. For the first time in his 110 years, he questioned the authenticity of the world around him. Saruman's words held an eerie calm, devoid of any mental fluctuations. Dumbledore couldn't ascertain whether the other was a master of Legilimency practicing Occlumency, but for some reason, he was inclined to believe.
"I regret to say that if that's the case, I cannot assist you. I happened upon a volume from Mr. Gandalf's diary, and that's the only magic-related item I possess."
Expressing regret, Dumbledore processed the shocking information, simultaneously grappling with other unanswered questions.
"Could you show me the diary then?"
Artel took the initiative.
"Of course."
Dumbledore retrieved the parchment from his robes, commanding it to hover before Artel. As Artel scanned the contents, his expression changed.
"Parchment from the glen, where fairies and elves dwell."
Artel returned the parchment to Dumbledore, his countenance transforming.
"The entries describe events of the Third Era, likely related to the Fellowship of the Ring. That period... let it be. Despite their ultimate failure, they brought hope for peace."
"Sauron has been silent for ten thousand years, and news of the Supreme Lord of the Rings reappearing suggests that peace may soon come to this world. The Demon, dormant for ten thousand years, is about to recover. I must find Gandalf as soon as possible..."
Artel seemed to be lost in his thoughts, then snapped back to reality and addressed Dumbledore.
"Headmaster Dumbledore, I know you are well-known in the wizarding world. Can I ask for your help in finding Gandalf or gathering clues about him?"
"I will," Dumbledore affirmed. He hesitated for a moment before posing another question, "Mr. Saruman, you mentioned Sauron. I would like to know who he is."
Artel feigned contemplation, then, after a brief pause, responded, "This information should not have reached you. However, with the Holy White Council members withering away and many missing, and considering your potential to become a wise man, it is harmless to share with you."
"Sauron... is a shadow that devours light, an undead Demon. His gaze has been fixed on the Doomsday Volcano of Mordor, unchanged for ten thousand years."
"The Ring of power was created by Sauron. If he regains it, darkness will sweep the entire world. At that time, both the wizarding world and the so-called Muggle world will be wiped out."
Observing Dumbledore's worried expression, Artel decided to intensify the revelation.
"Aren't you curious about Gandalf's way of recording? The Third Era... Strictly speaking, it should be the Fourth Era. Each new era marks the dissipation of the old civilization, and the civilizations of the first three eras were all created by Sauron, only to be destroyed."
"Now, the shadow of Mordor has revived, and Sauron will reappear before the eyes of the world."
After Artel delivered his extensive explanation, Dumbledore was left in a state of disbelief.
Artel's words not only shocked Dumbledore but also carried a hint of disbelief and fear. If Artel didn't possess the aura of a powerful wizard and the wisdom that naturally draws people in, Dumbledore might have dismissed his words as mere storytelling.
A Demon who destroys civilization?
All Dumbledore had been concerned with for years was thwarting Voldemort, who championed pure-blood supremacy. In this context, what was Voldemort compared to Artel's revelation?
Dumbledore hesitated, his expression shifting several times before finally asking, "Is what you said true?"
Artel regarded Dumbledore with seriousness and replied slowly, "Certainly. I have no reason to lie to you. The records of the last era have been erased, and apart from us old folks, almost no one knows the name Sauron. However, the hobbit I want you to capture has memories you should read."
"Those are fragments from the ring of power, many originating from the last era. They are genuine. The Ent I brought yesterday is a being from the last era, marking the end of an era."
"One day, Mount Mordor will rise again."
Dumbledore fell silent, recalling the memories he had glimpsed in Gollum's mind. Artel's words began to resonate more convincingly.
"Then, I presume you're familiar with trolls?" Dumbledore inquired.
"Of course, creatures from the Third Era, savage and uncouth. They were rampant back then, with various ethnic groups."
Artel glanced at the sky, sensing that their conversation had run its course.
"I believe it's time for me to depart. I leave Gandalf in your hands. As a token of appreciation for your assistance, I can share a message with you."
Artel gestured toward Hogwarts Castle in the distance.
"In that castle, there's an individual with tattered cloth wrapped around his head. Behind him resides a soul as virtuous as him, albeit weaker and tinged with a hint of malevolence. I think you might find it interesting."
"And there's a mouse in the castle you might want to see."
Seeing Dumbledore's curious gaze, Artel smiled and vanished, leaving only these parting words in the air:
"Don't underestimate the power of the wise."
Dumbledore stood in silence for a moment before turning and heading towards Hogwarts Castle.
.....
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