Worthy Of Magic

Part 51 - Enter the Badlands

The Temple, Avalon

"Ok," Tracey whispered.

They alley's were widening and establishments made their presence known with architecture borrowed from all parts of the globe. Although, Harry found it strange they were all still closed. He'd expected near noon to be atleast a little busy. He had been looking forward to seeing the different people who populated Avalon.

"We're going to enter the courtyard and we need to remain silent. It will be crowded and the chances of being recognised by Bellatrix's friends is high. So keep your hoods up."

Harry's heart quickened, feeling the rush of excitement. He loved this feeling. The thrill of finding a secret gateway.

"And if we're attacked, you and I run and let the asshole fight," Freya said to Tracey seriously.

He was looking forward to seeing what Bellatrix would do. She was going to be there. Regardless of Tracey's schemings, truth heard through the Void was fated to be faced.

When they turned left into an enormous courtyard, Harry first saw an enormous black temple rising from the centre of the courtyard, absorbing all the colours and making a faint sound that reminded him of home. It was gorgeous.

His eyes absorbed the surrounding gardens, stalls and large archways embedded in the corners which obviously served as the entrance and exit to Avalon. He vividly noticed the massive courtyard was empty. Bellatrix, he thought. It had to be.

"What the fuck?" Freya gasped. The courtyard was always milling with people. How was it empty?

Harry smiled, containing his growing excitement. He was attracted by a faint blue light glowing out of the temple and decided to do what he came here to do.

It was the source. It was calling him. Nothing could obstruct his path.

As if in a trance, he walked towards the temple. Scriptures engraved into the stone became larger as he grew closer and the light of the temple began to welcome him in.

"Let's go," Freya whispered to Tracey. This was a trap. They had to get out of here.

"What about..?" Tracey began. Harry was her clue to finding her friends again.

"Forget him! The exits are clear. Let's just go."

Freya and Tracey took on a fast pace towards the closest archway.

The courtyard turned into soft grass and Harry felt a calm wash over him. He kicked of his sneakers and sank his feet into the soil beneath. "So this is Avalon," he breathed in wonder and closed his eyes as he felt something magical wash over him. It felt like an awareness.

Tracey and Freya were almost at the exit when a black shadow moved in the corner of their eyes.

Freya grabbed Tracey by the waist and kicked of the ground with immense force just as the ground was sliced into pieces.

Another blur cut their exit and Freya was forced to dodge.

Harry felt aggressive power and smiled wryly. She was here. What did she have up her sleeve?

The entrance was right before him. If he wanted he could just teleport in and avoid this confrontation all together. But the itch to fight and flex the Void was strong.

Freya drew her waist gun and fired three rounds at the new arrivals who were wearing black robes and a hood obscuring their faces.

"Assassins," Tracey breathed with fear.

Her plan had failed. Bellatrix had played her.

A fourth shimmered in front of Harry and had his hood down.