KenderCleric’s Challenge #28: The Nine Gates

Summary:

There are some events, some inventions, and indeed some people, places and things which are better left forgotten. The wizarding world’s memory may indeed be longer than the muggle’s, but even among the long-lived wizards and witches some things become obscured, hidden, or purposely lost. Sadly, it is usually those things which should remain in the shadows of the past the most that find their way back into the world at the worst possible times.

It was the year 1999 and Magical Britain was at a stalemate. Since the attempted infiltration of Hogwarts in 1997, and failed assassination attempt by Severus Snape against Dumbledore, the war which had never truly restarted had gone underground. Numerous attempts to subvert the Ministry, disappearances, and the occasional blatant murder were regularly covered up by the Ministry. Likewise, the disappearances, sudden changes of heart, and suicides among Purebloods were on the rise.

No one believed for a moment the stories that either side of the not-so-cold war told, but no one wanted to “rock the boat” by openly saying so.

In 1998, though unknown to all but a few members of either faction, the Dark Lord had been struck a grievous blow in the war. Albus Dumbledore and Harry Potter had located and destroyed Voldemort’s Horcruxes; for the first time in nearly five decades Tom Riddle was mortal once again.

The problem that plagued both Dumbledore and Riddle was the existence of a possibility to create more. Voldemort had already gone far, far beyond what was believed possible, and neither side truly knew if he could go further.

The answer to the question, and possibly to the war, was only available in purposely obscured or destroyed knowledge. Many long nights of research by both the Order and Voldemort began them all following a path of unequivocal darkness. It was in the early summer of ’99 that Harry Potter, Albus Dumbledore, Tom Riddle, and numerous innocents took the first steps toward a fate which could save, or damn the world.

Spies within Voldemort’s ranks had reported that the Dark Lord had vanished. The Inner Circle had been left with orders to maintain their current efforts, but to do nothing aside from that. No one had any information as to where Riddle had gone, but his sudden departure did not bode well. Two days after the initial reports of his leaving Dumbledore announced the fall of Nurmengard and murder of Grindelwald. The Order had its first clue.

A month past and various reports filtered in of sightings of the Dark Lord, of murders, and ancient manuscripts or tablets going missing. Dumbledore had a sinking suspicion he knew what Riddle was searching for, but prayed he was wrong. The conclusion the Headmaster had come to, however, was proven correct weeks later when reports of Voldemort personally assaulting the Temple of Anubis.

The temple was one of the oldest known Magical structures in existence. Truly, it predated even the Ancient Egyptian empires, but they had been the ones to lay claim to, and name, it. In the entire magical world there was no more heavily guarded location for within the temple were magics darker and more forbidden than any. While the temple itself was not a haven of Dark Wizards and Witches no one was naive enough to believe that a temple devoted to the God of the Dead, held only pure and righteous knowledge.

When the guards of the Temple, the curator and researchers were all discovered slain and Voldemort’s “signature” was all over the attack Dumbledore had his answer. Unsure as to his ability to create more Horcruxes, and not knowing enough of the Deathly Hallows the Dark Lord had been seeking the source from which all such knowledge came from.

The Order immediately dispatched agents to the temple to search for any clues. What they discovered only bode ill for the world. Voldemort had indeed found what he was looking for, or rather a direct map to finding it. Hidden within a buried and heavily warded chamber of the temple was what Dumbledore deciphered as the map to the Ultimate Dark Arts Manual. He later explained his findings to the Order as he detailed their most important mission ever.

“The Dark Lord has found what he was searching for I believe,” he stated in a tone that spoke volumes as to his concern. “The temple housed a wealth of knowledge that predates any other magical records I know of. Though it took considerable effort I believe I now can say with certainty what Voldemort is after.”

The Order members, almost as one, leaned forward in their chairs and waited with baited breath.

“As you all know there are magics and artifacts more ancient than even Wizarding memory. Older, and more obscure than even the ancient magical races can recall these magics have been safely forgotten or hidden. Among these lost memories are the origins of a specific group of artifacts and schools of knowledge.”

Harry spoke up, catching on to what Dumbledore was alluding to, “Horcruxes.”

Dumbledore nodded, his eyes turning on a thoughtful looking Hermione. She looked up at him, eyes widening. “The Deathly Hallows: the Elder Wand, the Cloak of Invisibility, and the Resurrection Stone.”

“Indeed. Also among these items and knowledge are the Avada Kedavra curse’s origin, Necromantic magics, and the…,” his eyes moved between Remus and Harry before continuing, “…Arch of Death in the Department of Mysteries as well as dozens of others.”

“What does it all mean Dumbledore,” inquired Charlie Weasley.

“Voldemort is seeking knowledge of what was once simply called Death Magic; the Source of it all, the origins of the magics that invoke, rebuff, or harness death. He thought he would find it at the Temple of Anubis, and his efforts until now had been to locate it and overcome its defenses. However, as I discovered within the temple he did not find what he expected.”

The Headmaster took a sip of his water and continued.

“Within the temple’s hidden chamber a simple guide was left. It spoke of, what I believe the original builders of the temple believed, to be the origins of magic itself. Two beings of power battled for the very souls of humanity in the dawn of time. One was benevolent while the other was vile. They each summoned minions from beyond our plane of existence and battled non-stop for control.

The humans who served them were granted the abilities of their minions, magic as we know it, to aid in the battles.

Finally, a decisive victory was won by the “Light” if you will. The Nine Gateways of the Dark being and its minions were sealed. Humanity, however, was wary of the constant war and looked upon the other being in distrust. Thus, while recovering from the battle the being and its minions too were sealed away and their Nine Gateways locked.

With the beings of both sides gone and their direct influence and knowledge lost the Wizards and Witches began to look into ways of defeating the other factions permanently. Those of the “Light” searched for ways to evade and cheat Death, while those of the “Dark” faction looked for ways to induce it and even, in some desperation, reopen the Nine Gateways.”

“Oh my God,” Hermione’s sudden cry interrupted the Headmaster.

Dumbledore simply looked at her and nodded. “I see if you understand,” he stated simply. All eyes turned to the young woman for an explanation.

“The knowledge has mostly been lost or obscured; the source long gone.”

Harry’s eyes grew dark. “The source was the wizards and witches who served those beings.”

Hermione shook her head. “No Harry, it was those beings ultimately. Voldemort’s now looking for a way to go directly to the source.”

Utter silence filled the meeting room.

“Voldemort has copied that which he sought and destroyed the original,” Dumbledore finally said, breaking the oppressive silence. “He seeks to reopen nine gates, but of which being we do not know.”

“Obviously the Dark one,” cried Ron.

“Perhaps, but if you reason things out as Voldemort does you would see that it was actually the “Light” faction which sought the means of avoiding Death. This, above all others, is Voldemort’s goal.”

“It doesn’t matter,” interrupted Harry, “we don’t want either of the beings released.”

Dumbledore nodded. “Then we must find, and protect or destroy the Nine Gates before Voldemort.”

“How Professor? You said Voldemort destroyed the guide,” replied Bill Weasley.

All eyes suddenly turned to Harry.

“Bloody Hell,” the Chosen One muttered as he realized what the stares meant.


The Challenge:
This should be easy to figure out. The challenge is loosely based on “The Ninth Gate” with Johnny Depp so feel free to reference that for ideas.

The Rules:

• Standard DLP-style ship rules.
• This is an “adaptation”, if you will, of the HBP and DH plots obviously so feel free to shift things around or alter explanations etc.
• As always, originality is the name of the game.