Chapters 141-150

Power and Peverells

Here we go, Hermione thought and took a deep breath. ‘All evidence points toward the fact that the Peverell brothers passed beyond the Veil and returned. We know that the wood of the Elder Wand came from trees growing on the banks of the River of Death. Severus, Alina, and I have seen them. Severus tells us that the Resurrection Stone is made of the same stone as the Nine Gates. This information can be checked easily by asking one of the registered Necromancers. They must have seen the Gates, so they should be able to corroborate that. Finally, while the Stone and the Wand are lost or destroyed, Harry still has the Cloak, and there is that…image? simulacrum? seflection? of the Veil in the Department of Mysteries. We should be able to determine if Nicolas Flamel’s claim is correct, and the Cloak is really made of the same fabric or substance as the Veil.

‘However, all of this can only prove that it is likely that the Peverell brothers went beyond the Veil and returned.

‘What we really need to know is how they managed it.

‘The biggest clue so far seems to be how powerful they were. All sources agree that they were the most powerful wizards of their time. In connection with what Severus said about how he was barely able to return from the last precinct of Death, that seems to be one of the two most important factors.

‘The Peverell brothers had two things going for them: they were Necromancers, and they were damn strong.’

Dubois nodded approvingly. Then she added, ‘There is something else we know: They were three. Three is a number of unique power. The first odd prime number, the pivotal number in many Muggle mathematical theories, one of the most powerful figures known in Arithmancy. And the figure with the most important influence on mythology, both Muggle and magical.’

‘Unfortunately we don’t have three Peverell brothers readily available just now,’ Harry commented. ‘But that was a good summary, Hermione.’

‘So that is the reason why you went to bed at three o’clock in the morning during the last week,’ Severus remarked.

Hermione gnawed on her lower lip and ducked her head, blushing. Then she shrugged. ‘Research is what I do best.’

‘So the salient factors may rather be that the Peverells were very strong, and that they were Necromancers, and not some arcane spells or something?’ Harry asked.

Dubois nodded. ‘Of course it is prudent to find out as much as possible about the spells they may have used. But indeed, that is what it all may come down to: Necromantic talent and brute magical strength.’

Harry forked his hands through his hair. ‘So, are there three Necromancers around who are as strong as the Peverells supposedly were?’

Minerva shook her head. ‘Currently there are three Necromancers registered with the British Ministry of Magic. One of them works for the Ministry, the other is a decrepit old man in a nursing home near Leeds. And the third is an inmate of the Spell Damages ward at St Mungo’s.’

She glanced at Madame Dubois. ‘How about Necromancers in France, or in the States?’

Dubois shook her head. ‘Necromancy is a very rare gift, and it has a very bad reputation. I think I am currently the only Necromancer registered in France. And while there are five Necromancers active in the States—one of them a quite powerful young lady in St. Louis—I doubt they are anywhere near as strong as Professor Snape or Mr Potter.’

‘Do you need three strong wizards? Or do you need three strong Necromancers?’ Healer Mugwort asked.

‘It is possible for Necromancers to take another wizard with them,’ Severus said. ‘If the other wizard has a certain “affinity” for Death, the Necromancer will be able to draw on their power.’

‘That’s what Alina did,’ Hermione interrupted. ‘When she took me with her to look for you!’

Dubois frowned. ‘Who is this Alina? You’ve mentioned her name before.’

‘A student,’ Minerva explained. ‘A second-year of Slytherin House.’

‘She’s a Necromancer,’ Hermione added.

‘How strong is she?’ Dubois asked at once.

‘She’s a child!’ Severus exclaimed, raising his hands in a gesture of denial. ‘Barely a teenager! She’s only thirteen.’

Dubois regarded him dispassionately. ‘In terms of power, youth doesn’t matter that much. What you need is either three powerful Necromancers, or three powerful wizards with as much in the way of Necromantic affinity as you can find.’

‘Harry has it, too,’ Hermione said suddenly. ‘He entered Death before he defeated Voldemort. And he is the descendant of Ignotus Peverell.’

Harry grimaced at her. ‘And what about you?’ he retaliated. ‘Technically, you died when you saved Snape the first time. And then you died again when he saved you at Halloween.’

‘If that guy near Leeds is out of the running and the lady at St Mungo’s as well—why don’t we grade the power of those we’ve got?’ Bill Weasley suggested. ‘It’s a very simple test.’

oooOooo

‘“Sphaera magica illumina” is the spell. The wand gesture is a perfect circle. Pour in all the strength you’ve got. And everyone else: Don’t forget to shield your eyes—that is really important! You can go blind if you don’t protect yourself,’ Minerva ordered. ‘Is everyone ready? Yes? Severus, you can go first.’

Severus produced a ball of lightning that hurt Hermione’s eyes even through her protective goggles.

Harry was next. His orb appeared to be slightly smaller, and its flare was not as intense as the one Severus produced.

Then it was Hermione’s turn. Although bright and clear, her globe was considerably smaller and paler than the other two.

Alina followed her. The burst of lightning she produced didn’t keep its shape, and it was the smallest yet. However, it was just as bright as Severus’ magic.

Madame Dubois cast the spell with casual elegance. But although her sphere was perfectly formed, and its light glowed evenly, it was very small and translucent.