The Marauders Rise (II)

The Come-And-Go Room

September 8, 1973

In an empty corridor, NARCISSA, LUCIUS, MAFALDA, and SEVERUS quietly make their way down the quiet hallway. It is very late at night, and there is very little light except for the flamed torches on the wall and NARCISSA'S sit wand.

SEVERUS: Are we really supposed to be out this late?

MAFALDA: (winking at him) We're Prefects, relax.

They arrive at the tapestry of Barnabas the Barmy, and then turn and face the opposite wall.

NARCISSA: All right, you know the drill. We've got to walk past this wall three times, concentrating hard on what we need.

MAFALDA: Which is?

NARCISSA: We need a place to study the Dark Arts. A place to prepare for what's out there.

The four Slytherins line up in a row, take a breath, and slowly walk back and forth in front of the wall. Before a long, a massive double door begins to materialize on the surface.

MAFALDA: (amazed) Oh my God.

LUCIUS carefully opens the door, and the four enter the Room of Requirement, which has now taken a different form. Rather than the Hiding Place where they journeyed the previous year, the Room has become less empty of objects and therefore appears much more open and larger. Off to the side is a bookshelf with several Dark books, a raised dais in the center of the room, and a replica Auror to fight with.

MAFALDA: This is impossible.

NARCISSA: This is amazing.

NARCISSA goes over to the bookshelf and begins examining the volumes there. LUCIUS walks over to the replica Auror and begins to practice duelling with it. Before long, the door opens once more, revealing ROSIER, WILKES, AMYCUS, and ALECTO.

ROSIER: Whoa.

WILKES: What is this place?

NARCISSA: (standing up, while flipping through a book) Welcome to the Room of Requirement, also known as the Come-And-Go Room. It takes the form of whatever the user needs, in this case, a room to practice magic.

MAFALDA: So where's our fearless leader?

As if on cue, they hear a rumbling in the corner of the room. They turn to see an object resting in the darkened back corner of the room that they hadn't noticed before: the Vanishing Cabinet. It continues to creak and moan until the handle turns and the door opens, revealing the tall, dark silhouette of BELLATRIX LESTRANGE.

BELLATRIX: Good evening, Narcissa.

NARCISSA: Hi, Bella.

BELLATRIX looks around, then points to the center dais.

BELLATRIX: Everyone circle up.

The eight students gather around the center dais, with BELLATRIX walking slowly around them.

BELLATRIX: You are here because we believe you hold unique strength within you. But that belief will only stay a belief until you give evidence to testify its truth. You must prove to me that you have what it takes to fight alongside the greatest wizard of our generation. Only then will you be considered worthy of our cause.

BELLATRIX: Now, the Dark Arts are copious and great. They are versatile and many-sided. They are one and many. Fighting them will take everything that you are, everything that you were, and everything that you will be. Not an ounce of your body can be neglected. You must use your whole being- even you soul. Lucius! Up front.

LUCIUS stands at one end of the dais, and BELLATRIX stands at the opposite end. They each bow to each other and then raise their wands.

BELLATRIX: Prepare yourself.

A pregnant pause is instilled, before BELLATRIX raises her wand first.

BELLATRIX: Stup-

LUCIUS: Expelliarmus!

Immediately, BELLATRIX'S wand flies across the room. BELLATRIX begins to clap.

BELLATRIX: Very good, Lucius. DisArming is a common spell, but a highly useful one. You can bet that your enemies will use it. In order to defeat them, you must do more. Today, we shall learn stunning. Now, pair up!

BELLATRIX goes to retrieve her fallen wand, while the eight students pair up and stand across from each other.

BELLATRIX: The incantation is "Stupefy", and your hand movement will be a straight and vertical line. When executed successfully, the spell will render your opponent semi-unconscious. Not to worry, though- I don't expect many of you to get it down so soon. Carry on!

The students attempt the Stunning Charm, but none are successful the first few times. BELLATRIX walks in between them, observing them.

BELLATRIX: Raise your wand higher, Cissy. (She guides NARCISSA'S hand so that her wand is pointed directly at LUCIUS). Feel the power surging through your body. Concentrate on what you want to happen. Let the magic consume you.

NARCISSA stands still, her wand pointed at LUCIUS'S chest, but remains silent.

BELLATRIX: Do it!

NARCISSA: Stupefy!