Immortal Magic (Book 1)

Chapter Sixty-One

Allison's Point of View.

Later that night, Harry and I shared a look as we stood outside Dumbledore's office, both of us freezing when we heard raised voices coming from the other side of the door. "A man has died here tonight," Dumbledore said sharply. "You must take action." 

"I will not," Fudge snapped back immediately. "In times like these, Dumbledore, witches and wizards look to their Minister for strength."

"Then for once," Dumbledore replied coldly, "show them some." Harry glanced at me uncertainly. "The Triwizard Tournament will not be cancelled," Fudge continued stubbornly. "I will not be seen as a coward."

Harry and I just stood there awkwardly, unsure whether or not we should knock. Then Moody's gravelly voice suddenly echoed from inside the office.

"Excuse me, gentlemen, but it may interest you to know that this conversation is no longer private." Before I could even lift my hand to knock, the doors swung open magically.

Fudge turned toward us instantly, his face shifting into an overly cheerful smile. "Harry! Miss Weasley! What a delight to see you both again." I gave him a tight-lipped smile while Harry awkwardly rubbed the back of his neck.

"We can come back later, Professor," Harry offered. "No matter," Dumbledore replied calmly. "The Minister and I are quite finished." Fudge cleared his throat uncomfortably.

"Yes, quite." Fudge agrees. "After you, Minister," Dumbledore said politely, gesturing toward the door. As Fudge passed us, Dumbledore's eyes twinkled slightly.

"Feel free to indulge in the liquorice snaps while I'm gone," he told us pleasantly. "Though I should warn you, they are rather sharp." Harry blinked in confusion while I tried not to smile.

Dumbledore stepped out with Fudge and Moody following behind him. Before Moody left, however, his magical eye landed directly on Harry and me. Then, with a flick of his wand, the office doors slammed shut behind him.

Harry and I exchanged another confused look. "Well, this isn't suspicious at all," I muttered. Harry snorted quietly before wandering farther into the office.

While he moved toward Dumbledore's desk, I slowly looked around the room at all the shelves overflowing with books and strange magical instruments.

Then suddenly, Crash. I whipped around just in time to see Harry sprawled across the floor, desperately trying to catch something silver that was darting around beneath the desk.

"Harry!" I hissed, trying not to laugh. "What are you doing?" I ask him. "It bit me!" Harry whispered loudly while lunging after the object again. Before I could answer, both our attentions were drawn toward the corner of the office.

A cupboard had slowly swung open on its own. Golden light spilt from inside. Harry abandoned the strange silver instrument immediately and stood up beside me.

Together, we cautiously approached the glowing cabinet. Inside sat a large stone basin filled with shimmering silver liquid. I frowned in confusion. "There's a face in it." 

Harry leaned closer beside me. "It's moving." The silver substance swirled, and for a brief moment, we could clearly make out someone's face floating within it.

Harry leaned farther forward curiously. I did the same. Then, suddenly, both of us screamed as we were violently yanked forward. The world spun around us. I felt like I was falling through icy water before Bang.

Harry and I crashed into a pile of chairs. "Ow," I groaned. Harry pushed himself upright beside me, glasses crooked. "Where are we?" he whispered. I looked around in shock. We were inside a courtroom.