The Slate and the Ruby

*Morpheus pov*

As Alrazad disappeared from the ritual pentagram holding him in place a smile formed on my face.

I know for a fact that Alrazad will bring me the Dream Stone but, I know he will try and trick me somehow.

After all, he holds a grudge from our last meeting.

I laughed aloud, Alrazad might be smart but he won't see the trick I have planned for him coming.

Oh, he will get the Slate that much I promised with magic but, if he misunderstood what the Slate really is that's not my problem.

It is a transportation Slate, and it can bring one across the veil and back with just a thought and some magic. But an army? No, an army is too much.

I wonder what surprise he has in store for me?

***

Today for my class I will move away from group casting. As I still need to plan around the whole 'ritual' issue.

Instead, I will be teaching about crystal balls. They are the hallmark of divination and not teaching about them my first year back at Hogwarts would be a travesty.

"Today, we shall delve into the depths of the unknown, for divination is not merely about foreseeing the future, but about understanding the currents of fate that shape it," I told my class which instantly perked them up

"When I taught you tea divination I was preparing you for this class, I will be instructing you on the vast and mysterious topic of crystal ball divination," I said with a smile

Someone raised their hand, "Yes Ms. Bones?" I beckoned her to speak

"I thought you said crystal ball divination is mainly used by people who have the eye and it is hard for those without it to practice the art?" She asked pointedly

I smiled, "I did say that, what you must understand is those with the eye will be able to see a clear and full picture inside the crystal ball. Those without will mainly see symbols that pertain to the future,"

Continuing I said, "But, in me saying this I do not mean that if you don't have the eye you will never see anything but symbols. If you work hard and practice you can become a master with a crystal ball,"

I then took out a crystal ball from my desk that had intricate carvings shaped into the crystal. Placing it on a pedestal I put my hand atop the crystal ball and whispered a short incantation.

Suddenly an ethereal faint image of a crescent moon projected into the air.

"This, young students, is the symbol of the crescent moon," I explained. "In divination, the moon holds great significance. It represents change and transformation. The sliver of the crescent signifies a time of new beginnings and possibilities."

I waved my hand, and the crescent moon within the crystal ball projecting in the air transformed into an intricate pattern of stars. "And here, we have the celestial constellation of Draco, the serpent," Professor Elara said. "This pattern symbolizes hidden knowledge, mysteries, and secrets. By studying the stars and their movements, we can glimpse into the hidden corners of fate."

As I spoke the students scribbled notes down with fervor, eager to learn more about the true nature and symbolism of divination.

"You will learn these patterns, memorize these patterns engraining them into your mind. Slowly you will start to understand these patterns and with understanding comes success, you will be able to accurately predict the future," seeing the student's excitement a grin spread across my face

"These symbols aren't specific to just crystal ball divination, you will be able to see them in real life, everywhere you look you will be peaking into the realm of the future," I said

"For the rest of this class, I will go over common symbols, their meaning, and the different ways and combinations in which you can translate them. Next class, I will provide the most basic of crystal balls and you will try to see into the future yourselves," I smiled wider as a perfect idea hit my mind

I think I just found out how to practice group casting without ritualistic patterns.

***

I held an ornate, silver dagger in my pale hand, its hilt adorned with intricate engravings. The moment had come to perform a ritual known only to a select few.

My heart beat calmly as I began to chant the incantations to summon the infamous demon of deals. The ancient words filled the chamber, resonating with an eerie power.

The atmosphere grew charged with magic as I traced intricate symbols in the air with the dagger, its blade glinting in the eerie light. The ground beneath my feet trembled slightly, and I could feel the presence of the enchanted water that flowed through the Chamber's heart.

With each incantation, the chamber's secrets seemed to stir, and the oppressive atmosphere intensified. Shadows danced on the rough stone walls, and the altar before me began to glow a deep red.

The shadow of Alrazad began to form, he was calmer this time. As I finished the ritual I pocketed the dagger and walked forward.

"Do you have it?" I asked Alrazad pointedly

Alrazad scoffed, "Of course, I do, when have I ever gone back on a deal,"

I took out the slate from my robes as he summoned an ornate wooden container, I smiled at the sight.

I could feel the power of the Ruby within.

Just as he could feel the power of the slate.

I walked closer to the edge of the ritual and Alrazad joined me. We both reached out our hands at the same time, eying eacohter waiting for the inevitable betrayal.

I quickly grabbed the container while he took the slate from my hand. I could already feel the corruption trying to infect me.

I went to open the box and found I couldn't, I didn't see any wards either. Then it hit me as I heard his dark chuckle.

"Clever Alrazad, how did you get one of them to do this?" I asked with a defeated laugh

"I have my ways," Alrazad said mysteriously before activating the slate to see if it worked

He disappeared from my ritual pentagram like a ghost.

He then reappeared with a furious look plastered on his face, "I just had to kill an old ally I made a deal with because of you," he snarled

I laughed, "It's not my fault you tried to immediately bring someone over to kill me,"

"Although the slate can bring you to and from the veil, once used it is bound to that person only. It would be a pity if your kin found out about it and hunted you down," I threatened

"I see we are at an impasse if I tell them about you owning the Ruby they will hunt you down with more ferocity and you can cause me to go on the run too. Hahahahahha! You bastard," Alrazad lost his composure at the end

"You are mistaken," I corrected him

He looked at me confused by what I meant.

"I don't care if you tell them, I'm already enemies with them, I'm already hunted," I laughed seeing his expression fall

"Goodbye Alrazad," I said with a small smile while breaking the ritual and sending him back to where I summoned him from

Now to open this box.

—-

A/n: Patre on : patreon.com/Boogie324