Harry Potter: Archmage of Another World

As the small boat glided across the icy lake, countless pale hands brushed its sides, producing a soft, pattering sound like raindrops. Augustus smirked dismissively. "These things are even less impressive than the undead servants of necromancers. Their simplicity alone defines their ugliness."

"Inferi," Dumbledore said, his azure eyes scanning the lake as a faint smile touched his lips. "These creatures of the dark may seem intimidating at first glance, but Voldemort is mistaken again. There's truly nothing to fear about darkness. Voldemort, however, doesn't think so—he undoubtedly harbors a hidden fear of these very things. Once again, he reveals his lack of wisdom. When faced with death and darkness, what we fear is only the unknown, nothing more."

"Without darkness, how could there be light?" Augustus said, his silver eyes reflecting a profound depth. "All opposing forces in the world coexist in contradiction. Their existence is inherently reasonable. Every so-called opposite has its rationale for being. The interplay between opposition and unity is just a process of balance and integration. A world devoid of any one color would be far less vibrant. Complexity and diversity are the essence of existence."

Dumbledore regarded Augustus silently, neither refuting nor agreeing, lost in thought. Clearly, Augustus' philosophical approach to magic far surpassed both his and Voldemort's. It was a path of magic that embraced all things with an open mind. To walk alongside such a person on the legendary road of magic was indeed a rare fortune.

"We're almost there," Dumbledore said cheerfully, breaking his reverie.

Sure enough, the green light ahead grew larger and brighter. A few minutes later, the boat gently bumped against something and came to a halt.

The small island was about the size of Dumbledore's office—a flat expanse of black stone with nothing on it except the source of the green light. From this close, the glow seemed much more intense. At the center of the island stood a stone basin filled with an eerie, greenish liquid that emitted a shimmering mist.

Augustus slowly approached the basin, with Dumbledore following close behind. The two stood before the stone basin, their gazes fixed calmly on the vivid liquid.

"What an unusual substance," Augustus remarked, rubbing his chin as his silver eyes glimmered with faint intrigue.

"Yes," Dumbledore agreed. "It appears far more dangerous than anything we've encountered thus far."

He shook the sleeve of his robe back to reveal his blackened hand, stretching his fingers toward the surface of the liquid. Augustus, unfazed, also extended his hand toward the basin's contents.

Both their hands stopped short as an invisible resistance prevented them from making contact.

"Interesting, truly interesting," Augustus murmured with a light laugh. He gently moved his hand against the point of resistance above the basin. "Clearly, this is a property of the liquid itself. It cannot be touched—not the result of any magical barrier."

"Indeed," Dumbledore agreed. "If it were merely a magical barrier, it would be far too simple."

He drew his wand and performed a series of intricate motions over the liquid, muttering incantations under his breath. The liquid glowed brighter but otherwise remained unchanged.

Augustus activated his Eye of Insight. Silver pupils shimmered with streams of intricate data.

"This liquid has some very peculiar properties," Augustus mused. "It cannot be touched, dispersed, or transformed. It cannot be made to disappear, nor can it be scooped or poured away. Truly, Voldemort has chosen an exceptional material for this container."

Dumbledore nodded thoughtfully, remaining silent as he deliberated their next move.

After a moment, he absentmindedly conjured a crystal goblet with a flick of his wand, holding it delicately in his hand.

"My only conclusion," he said at last, "is that this liquid must be consumed."

"Yes," Augustus agreed, folding his arms. "It seems there's no other way."

Dumbledore frowned slightly as he gazed at the green liquid, clearly deep in thought.

"Without a doubt," he finally said, "this potion will aim to hinder me from retrieving the Horcrux. It may paralyze me, cloud my purpose for being here, inflict excruciating pain, or otherwise incapacitate me. Whatever happens, the task of ensuring I drink it all will fall to you, Mr. Augustus. You must not hesitate."

"Logically, I should accept this duty without question. However, it's evident," Augustus said with a gentlemanly smile, "that it doesn't necessarily have to be you who drinks it, Professor Dumbledore."

"Don't deflect responsibility," Dumbledore responded sternly. "I am far older than you. In both youth and magical potential, you hold far greater value. This perilous and unpredictable task is mine to undertake."

"Ah," Augustus replied awkwardly, waving his hand slightly. He drew his wand and traced an elegant arc in the air. The next moment, a small, bewildered goblin appeared at his side. "What I meant was that we could let it drink it for us."

"A goblin? On this island, protected by magical wards? How did you summon it?" Dumbledore asked in surprise.

"It's summoning magic," Augustus explained. "In theory, it can bring beings from alternate dimensions into any space."

"How may I serve you?" the goblin asked Augustus with a polite bow.

Dumbledore watched the creature curiously, stroking his silver beard. It resembled a blend of a house-elf and a goblin.

Augustus gestured toward the stone basin. "Drink everything in there," he instructed.

The goblin nodded respectfully and approached the basin. It attempted to lift the large stone vessel, but the basin remained immovable.

Dumbledore handed his crystal goblet to the goblin with a polite smile. The goblin accepted it hesitantly, murmured a brief thanks, and dipped the goblet into the glowing green liquid. In an instant, the goblet filled to the brim.

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