Harry Potter and the Hidden Treasure (Volume 3)

Chapter 416 Voldemort And The Vampire Caresius

As Evan and Sirius entered the ruins of the Centaurs, a bright orange light flickered in the darkness in a stone chamber hidden deep within the temple.

"Last night, my people found Sirius Black in that bar, and there was a boy beside him, about twelve or thirteen years old!" said a man with a deep and powerful voice, "That boy possesses a strong sense of magic, beyond imagination..."

"It's truly intriguing!" remarked another voice.

This was also a man, but his voice was peculiar, cold, and cutting as the chilly wind.

"Black and a boy, likely a student from Hogwarts, that's why Dumbledore suddenly appeared in this forest!" the cold voice paused for a moment, "Let me ponder. Undoubtedly, our goals should align... all the potent hidden forces within this desolate Temple of the Centaurs."

"I fail to comprehend, if you have chosen that magic, why are you here seeking other powers? You should be aware of the kind of evil concealed in this place."

"You don't grasp, Caresius, despite our common ancestry, our pursuit of power differs," the cold voice stated, "Whatever lies here, I shall obtain the Philosopher's Stone left by the ancient Centaurs, which will empower me further!"

"The magic leading to the final area demands much flesh and blood to be decoded," Caresius expressed with a hint of anxiety in his voice. "I suspect the magic itself is an ancient sacrificial ritual. We are summoning a being not of this world."

"I can sense the voice whispering to me, but it's a farce. It is now weak and even weaker than I am. It cannot stop us," the cold voice sounded threatening, "Do as I say, Caresius, and instruct your people to lure more fools here. We require more sacrifices of flesh and blood to unlock the portal. We must enter the central area before Dumbledore sees through everything and returns here."

There was a moment of silence, and the atmosphere in the chamber was profoundly bleak.

"You must remember our agreement, right, Voldemort?" Caresius whispered. "For the sake of Slytherin, I must remind you once more that we are only working together, and my people are not your minions."

"Naturally, I recall, our objectives are aligned, Caresius!" Voldemort spoke now with a different soft tone, "I will assist you in dealing with that nuisance after fully regaining my strength. I also wish to explore what our great ancestor, Salazar Slytherin, left behind."

"If you indeed wish to aid us, then hasten to regain your strength," Caresius said with a touch of annoyance in his voice, "You can do so without Harry Potter!"

The chamber fell silent once again, longer than before.

"Without Harry Potter?" Voldemort seemed to be musing. He spoke softly, "I understand..."

"That boy is under Dumbledore's close protection. We have no chance of getting near him at all. I don't want my people to die because of your senseless persistence," Caresius raised his voice. "If we utilize another wizard, man, or woman, matters can be resolved swiftly, and we can always bring you an appropriate individual. I believe the boy with Black is promising. He possesses considerable magic."

"Using another wizard?" Voldemort's voice grew colder. "You fail to understand, it has nothing to do with the strength of magic."

"I fail to see any distinction in this matter. My stance is evidently more rational," continued Caresius. "If you abandon that senseless persistence, you could swiftly grow stronger instead of lurking here like a bug."

"I comprehend everything, Caresius," Voldemort said hoarsely, his red eyes fixed on the vampire before him. "This is not without purpose!"

For a moment, he seemed poised to unleash an Unforgivable Curse in response to the insult.

A massive serpent, at least twelve feet long, glided smoothly from the corner, leaving a winding, broad trail in the thick dust on the floor.

It hissed at Caresius, its icy tongue flickering.

Tension reached its peak, and Caresius laid his hand on his wand at his waist.

But nothing transpired. Voldemort began to speak once more, his voice chilling enough to send shivers down one's spine.

"I have my own reasons for utilizing that boy. I've explained to you, concerning the boy's strict protection, I believe my plan will work."

"But your plan will take a few months to succeed," Caresius was unconvinced. He looked at the large snake on the ground with disgust, holding his wand firmly in his right hand. "You must know that during this time, any accident can happen."

"I won't use anyone else. I have been waiting for thirteen years. It will be fine to wait a few more months," Voldemort whispered, "I have my own plan, if you want to continue cooperating, do not bring up that topic again!"

"Very well, I noticed that you killed the woman named Bertha Jorkins," Caresius said angrily. "If this is part of your plan, it is stupid! I remind you that the woman was an official from the Ministry of Magic."

"I killed Bertha Jorkins because I had to. After finishing my interrogation, it was useless, completely useless," Voldemort said diplomatically. "If she were to return to the Ministry of Magic with the news of encountering me during the holidays, it would really ruin our future plans."

"We could have handled this in many ways other than killing her..." said Caresius, "We have many special magics that could alter her memory."

"I must admit that vampires have many magical tricks that ordinary wizards do not possess, but they are not infallible," said Voldemort. "Any magic, however powerful, would fail against a wizard strong enough, something I confirmed when I was interrogating her."

Caresius fell silent, clearly disagreeing with Voldemort.

"In conclusion, it is also an insult to her memory not to use the information I obtained from her," Voldemort said softly. "As long as you do as I say and find my most loyal servant, he will take care of the rest for ME."