The primary challenge in summoning demons lies in successfully constructing a demonic altar, a vessel for creating purely magical creatures. Building such an altar is an exceedingly difficult task, demanding a plethora of materials and gruesome sacrifices. Evan found these requirements both unattainable and morally repugnant.
The process of constructing a demonic altar and summoning a demon for the first time is fraught with peril. Engaging in this profound black magic carries a risk of fatal consequences if one isn't exceedingly careful. Evan's current knowledge is quite limited, and the odds of success appear infinitesimal.
Given these unfavorable conditions, Evan decided against attempting the summoning method outlined in "Cutting Edge Black Magic Revealed." Instead, he was drawn to the prospect of an already activated demonic altar, which presented fewer complications. By fulfilling the altar's conditions, he could potentially summon the demon it was linked to, a task well within his current magical capabilities.
Disregarding the ethical concerns surrounding demonic magic, it was a known fact that demons possessed incredible power, surpassing that of typical dark magic. Having a potent demon ally would be invaluable in confronting various challenges. The traces of magic around the altar suggested it could summon a high-level ice-based demon, a formidable asset.
Evan's realization was clear: this activated demonic altar was a unique research opportunity and a potentially powerful resource. It could provide answers to his questions and grant him the strength needed to overcome formidable adversaries.
In contrast to those who might have fled at the sight of the demon altar, Evan was driven by curiosity and ambition. He aimed to explore its principles, understand its inner workings, and harness its potential.
"Dobby, let's venture further and investigate," Evan suggested. With a wave of his wand, he created an entrance by melting the thick ice wall. Leading Dobby inside, they were greeted by an intricate and imposing sight—the Devil's Altar, revealed in all its grandeur.
The altar was composed of massive stone blocks, forming concentric circles that were far more majestic from within. These rectangular stones were stacked in patterns, creating an enigmatic design. Some positions seemed tied to celestial events, bearing significant magical significance.
Oddly shaped hollows dotted the walls, embedded with softly glowing gemstones. However, the focal point was the central green boulder adorned with dark golden symbols and intricate patterns. It emitted sporadic pale blue light, accompanied by bursts of frigid air, causing the surrounding mist to swirl.
Despite magical protections, the biting cold was palpable. Evan and Dobby took refuge behind the stones, avoiding the icy fog, and continued to approach the core of the altar. There, they found the immense demon statue—an entity that Evan had previously seen only vaguely through the ice wall.
Upon closer inspection, Evan realized that the statue resembled a house elf, albeit a mutated and malevolent version. Its blue skin lacked the customary submissive expression, replaced by a sinister smile. Its hands formed an eerie gesture. Evan deduced that this demon was the one connected to the altar.
The revelation that a house elf served as the model for this demon statue perplexed Evan. The black wizard who designed this place possessed peculiar tastes. Evan didn't immediately venture into the heart of the concentric circles with its intermittent blue light. Instead, he observed the altar from various angles.
The presence of this demonic altar within Hogwarts, associated with house elves, hinted at a deeper secret. It had not materialized there by happenstance. It concealed untold mysteries.
Carvings of ancient magical texts adorned a stone table in front of the house elf statue, presumably detailing the origins of the demon and the rituals required for its summoning. Evan documented these inscriptions and the intricate floor symbols for future study before departing the site with Dobby.
Finally free from the chilling confines of the underground ice chamber, Dobby breathed a sigh of relief. Evan cautioned him to maintain secrecy regarding their discoveries. The activation of a demonic altar would surely attract unwanted attention from Ministry of Magic Aurors if word got out.
Before leaving the underground storage, Evan investigated a room secured by a heavy iron door. Inside, the ancient Hogwarts water system, still operational, came into view. Evan noted the green stone drains and modern pipe networks, which transported water throughout the castle.
As they entered the room, the sound of rushing water greeted their ears. The water channel extended downward into darkness, preventing them from seeing its end. Evan couldn't comprehend the designer's intentions for creating this underground passageway within the water system and had no inclination to investigate further.
Having inspected the room and found no additional clues, Evan and Dobby departed, leaving the mysteries of the demonic altar and the hidden passageway for future exploration.
When Evan and Dobby returned to the kitchen, they found Hermione sitting there with a troubled expression. Winky, still in tears, sat beside her, her face buried in her hands. Tear streaks ran through the gaps between her fingers. The situation had not improved since Evan's departure; in fact, Winky appeared even more despondent.
Hermione seemed to have given up on persuading her, her gaze fixated painfully on the house elves in the distance. About 300 house elves had gathered, huddled near the wall, appearing fearful and submissive. Their wide, panicked eyes reflected nothing but fear, servility, and submissiveness.
Evan let out a sigh, noting the stark contrast between these contemporary house elves and their ancestors he had encountered beneath the castle. Centuries of enslavement had profoundly distorted their minds, erasing any notion of independence or freedom. Though their physical appearance had not changed, these house elves had evolved into an entirely different species from their forebears. They were now willing slaves to wizards, no more than that.
"I tried to talk to them, ask them what they think, but they all fled in fear!" Hermione sighed, then turned to Evan and asked, "So, what were you two up to down there?"
Evan, his mouth still filled with pie, briefly summarized his discoveries to Hermione. She sensed that Evan had come across something intriguing and chose not to press further on the matter.
Her frown relaxed, and her attention returned to the house elves, clearly frustrated by their behavior.
A few minutes later, as Evan and Hermione prepared to leave, the house elves, who had been huddled against the wall, timidly approached them. They extended their hands, offering Evan and Hermione numerous treats to take with them.
While Hermione declined their offerings, her face displaying a mixture of pain and frustration, Evan gladly accepted, having expended considerable energy during their climb up the icy staircase.
"Farewell, Master Evan!" Dobby waved his hand, smiling. "Goodbye, Miss Granger!"
"Goodnight, Dobby!" Evan replied. "Don't forget to collect the clothes I gave you."
Dobby beamed at the reminder. Hermione also waved goodbye to Dobby and glanced at the other house elves who had requested similar attire.
"I've been thinking," Hermione began as they ascended the marble staircase, "it might be a good idea for those house elves to observe Dobby more closely. Seeing how much he enjoys his newfound freedom could gradually influence them to desire the same."
"That's a sensible approach," Evan agreed. "The first step to helping house elves advocate for their rights is to change their deeply ingrained beliefs about servitude. While it may not be easy, Dobby might be able to lead the way. It's a long shot, but it's better than rushing them. I just hope they won't scrutinize Winky too closely."
"She'll find happiness as well," Hermione said, though she sounded somewhat uncertain. "Once the initial shock subsides, and she adjusts to life at Hogwarts, she'll realize how much better off she is without Mr. Crouch."
"I hope so," Evan nodded. Remaining in Crouch's service seemed like a bleak prospect for Winky.
In the following days, Evan continued to contemplate the demon in the guise of a house elf lurking beneath the kitchen. Despite extensive research in the library, he found no clues about its origin or nature. Investigating a dark wizard who had resided at Hogwarts centuries ago, not to mention the enigmatic Demon Altar, proved challenging without relevant information.
Evan concentrated on deciphering the ancient magical text he had acquired, a task made less daunting by his earlier research in the swamp ruins. While the texts were centuries old, the magical concepts of that era largely mirrored the present day, making them decipherable with time and effort.
Periodically, Evan visited the kitchen to ensure nothing had gone amiss. Although the magical texts were ancient, the magical principles were still largely consistent with contemporary practices. Deciphering them was a matter of time.
Concern for the house elves also preoccupied Hermione. Ultimately, she decided against reporting Dobby's story to anyone else and focused instead on changing the house elves' outlook.
Amidst these endeavors, time sped by, and before long, December arrived. The month brought fierce winds, rain, and snow to Hogwarts. Despite the castle's perpetual chill, the warmth of its fires and thick walls provided respite from the harsh weather. Durmstrang's ship, anchored on the lake, swayed and creaked in the gale, its black sails fluttering in the night sky. Many imagined the conditions aboard the ship to be equally cold.
Krum continued to visit the school library, while his fellow Durmstrang students chose to remain in the Slytherin common room, where they found camaraderie. However, Gabrielle, increasingly popular after Fred and George's exploits, was a notable exception. Fleur, on the other hand, did not visit the school, demonstrating her trust in Evan's care for her sister.
Despite the cold weather, the Boothbottom students remained in their carriages. Evan couldn't help but notice that Hagrid kept Mrs. Maxime's Abraxan horses well-supplied with their preferred single malt whiskey. The smell of alcohol often drifted over to the students attending the Care of Magical Creatures class, giving them a light-headed feeling. This sensation was exacerbated by the need to manage the temperamental Fire-Tailed Snails.
"I can't quite tell if they're hibernating," Hagrid admitted to the shivering class as they gathered in the pumpkin patch during their next lesson. "We might as well try to see if they're willing to sleep and place them in these boxes."
With only ten Fire-Tailed Snails remaining, it was evident that their aggressive tendencies had not been entirely eradicated.