Chapter 26: The Challenger

Harry looked around hopelessly for something to grab; the tongues were rapidly dragging him towards the Veil. He would surely join the dead.  Only a few feet away from the Veil, he saw a streak of red light fly over his head. It hit the beast straight in its face, which, in turn, let out a loud roar. It loosened its grasp on Harry.

The creature thrashed around the place and then, after a few ear-splitting screeches, it disappeared behind the Veil, dead.

Harry got up and looked at his rescuer: it was Jeremy. He had an evil smirk on his face, laughing at Harry's bemused expression. 

“Hmm… Very well, Potter. I see you have just met the Demon of the Underworld,” said Jeremy.

“The demon of what?” asked Harry loudly, unable to contain himself.

Jeremy closed his eyes as though trying to resist his fury.

“You stupid boy! Do you ever understand anything? The Demon of Underworld lives there,” said Jeremy, pointing to the Veil, “And guards all the people who have gone down. It’s inadvisable to speak the name of the person who has disappeared behind this Veil. If anyone does so, the demon wakes up and attacks. Only a reckless person would dare to speak the name of one of the perished folk. But lately, I have seen you have been really foolish to give yourself into the hands of trouble.”

Then, suddenly, Jeremy's face glowed as he said, “Oh, but enough of this chatter. We've got a little game of Quidditch to play, haven't we?” And with that, he left.

When Harry walked into the circular room again, he saw Jeremy standing in front of a door, muttering some inaudible words. After a couple seconds, he looked back, nodded, and said, “Yes, Potter. Our goal lies in here.”

But something else had caught Harry's attention: that was the door he had tried to open three years ago. He had inserted Sirius's Knife inside the lock, and it had melted. Only the Challenger and Seeker could have the chance to enter that room.

After a few moments, he saw Jeremy caress the door with his hands and at once, there was a click. Jeremy pushed open the door to reveal a room filled with greenish smoke. He gestured Harry to follow him.

As soon as Harry entered through the door, it shut itself. The room certainly was filled with mist. Harry took a few steps into the room before he heard a loud Thump!

Harry looked back. The door had been replaced by a solid wall. He gulped. This was his destination; there was no going back.