The Dark Artifact
We need to get this to Dumbledore," Harry said through gritted teeth, the weight of the artifact seemingly growing heavier by the second. "It's too dangerous for any of us to hold for long."
The two men nodded, their expressions a mix of awe and horror. "But how do we get it to him?" TK asked, his eyes never leaving the malevolent device.
"We'll need to find a way to transport it," Harry said, his mind racing. "The portkey I used to get here...it's one-way. We'll have to figure something else out."
They stepped out of the building into the cool night air, the artifact's glow casting an eerie light on their faces. The city was quiet now, the chaos of the earlier events having settled into a tense calm. They knew that they didn't have much time; the dark wizards wouldn't be far behind.
"We can't let this fall into the wrong hands," Carlos said, his voice a low growl. "We have to stop whoever's doing this."
They huddled together, their heads close as they whispered their plan. It was risky, but it was the only way. They'd use the artifact's own power to track down its creator, to bring an end to the chaos it had wrought.
Their journey took them through the streets of Austin, the neon lights flickering in the reflection of their grim faces. They faced more dark magic, each encounter more terrifying than the last. But with every step, their bond grew stronger, their determination unshakeable.
The artifact in Harry's hand grew heavier, the malicious energy emanating from it making his stomach churn. "We have to hurry," he urged, his eyes scanning the map they'd found in the warehouse. "The more people this...this monster touches, the more powerful it becomes."
TK nodded, his eyes hard. "We'll get it to the right people," he assured Harry. "But first, we have to find who's behind this." His thumb traced the path of the stars, a habit he'd picked up from his late mother. It was a comforting gesture, one that made Harry feel less alone in the vastness of this uncharted territory.
As they approached the final location, the air grew colder, the hair on their arms standing on end. The building loomed before them, a shadowy monolith in the heart of the city. They knew that within its walls, the dark wizard responsible for the chaos awaited them.
"Remember," Harry said, turning to face TK and Carlos. "This is dark magic we're dealing with. It's going to be more dangerous than anything you've ever encountered."
Carlos's jaw was set. "We're not letting you face this alone," he said, his voice firm. "We're in this together."
They entered the building, their flashlights cutting through the darkness. The air was thick with the scent of fear and desperation, the cries of those who had been stripped of their magic echoing in the empty halls. Harry could feel the artifact vibrating in his hand, its power growing stronger with every step