Finally, the boat came to rest at the dais. Fearfully and cautiously, Albus followed Snape up each step until they got to the top platform. The two halves of the curtain fluttered faintly in the mystical-looking archway. Its mystery would have been rather enticing, had it not been for the three massive Dementors hovering in front of it. Now that he was closer, he saw each Dementor holding the face of one person up to their hoods. Albus recognized the faces of all three of them, for they were famous throughout the wizarding world.
"Potter, these are those who have committed treachery to their greatest master of all: Magic itself." Snape pointed to the first Dementor, who held close a large witch, who bore an uncanny resemblance to a toad. "Dolores Umbridge, former High Inquisitor of Hogwarts. By doing her best to break down all student and teacher attempts to fight evil, she became an accomplice to the evil that was rapidly overtaking the land."
Snape then pointed to the second figure: an older wizard with a graying beard and steel-grey hair. "Grindelwald, formerly Professor Dumbledore's intimate friend. He planned and attempted to take over the wizarding world and set up a hierarchy, in which all muggles would serve pure-blood wizards. He planned to use Magic--a force meant for good--to bring more inequality and resentment into the world. Under his control, Muggle-borns and even half-bloods would pay dearly for their birth--a distinction which," his gaze drifted off, "does not make any difference in the end."
Regaining his focus, Snape pointed then to the third figure: one who slightly resembled a man, but who had a pale, waxy face, slits for nostrils, and red eyes. "The Dark Lord Voldemort, formerly known as Tom Riddle. He attempted to evade death itself, doing things with Magic that are unnatural and act against all things for which Magic was created. And indeed, he came closer to evading death than any other human in history. But now, he will long for death, just to put an end to his mangled soul."
"But sir, wouldn't their souls be gone by now?" asked Albus.
Snape shook his head. "Normally, yes, a person's soul would be gone in a matter of seconds at that exposure. But through their treachery to Magic, the souls of these three were severely diminished. The Dementors try to regain their energy from the souls of these traitors, but can only glean enough to survive if they keep these diminished souls with them. So these three people suffer the Dementor's Kiss for all of time, forever facing utter hopelessness without the relief of losing their souls completely."
Suddenly, Albus felt a chill travel down his spine. A feeling crept into his heart-- despair, like he would never feel any joy again. He looked up at Professor Snape, whose little color had drained from his face.
"Potter, they've sensed you here. They can smell your soul, in all its wholeness and life. We have to get you out of here."
He assumed a look of resolution and shouted, "Expecto Patronum!" From his wand, a silvery light streamed out and took on the form of a doe. The doe began pacing calmly around the Dementors, who shied away, avoiding the doe as much as they could. Immediately, Albus felt all warmth and hope return. Looking over at Snape, he saw a savage look come into the former professor's face.
"Potter! Through the archway! Quick!" Albus looked into the archway, which he now noticed emitted a cryptic rumbling sound. He hesitated, unsure of what he might find. Then he noticed the doe beginning to fade, and his feelings of hopelessness returning. He thought about all of Snape’s harsh words, his seeming enjoyment at the sinners’ torment, his dismay that he had had to lead Albus through this journey. A thought came into the boy’s head that made the pit of his stomach drop. What if Snape had actually led him here on purpose? And now he would be stuck here forever, whether he stayed with the Dementors or went on into whatever worse fate might lie beyond the archway.
"POTTER! JUST GO!" Albus looked into Snape's dark eyes, full of bitterness, sadness, and mystery. Then he looked up at the Dementors. He could not stay here with them; he just couldn't. Left with no other option, Albus closed his eyes and hurled himself through the archway, into a vast nothingness.
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