The Agent of Necropolis

by Kevin Weber

Author's Note: Just a few quick things before getting to the story. First off, this is my attempt to bring some excitement and action to a dull post-book-7 fanfiction. Everything these days seems like a fluff fic between Harry and Ginny, or a light and generally plot-less story involving their kids. Well, if you're looking for a return to driving story-telling, this one's for you. Strap in and enjoy the ride.

Also, just heading one small thing off at the pass. This story involves an original female character of some importance. I know fanfics have a bad history with this sort of thing, but you have my assurances that it will not be any sort of Sue. Have faith.

Chapter 1 - Prologue

Samir, seeming to ignore the confused and slightly panicked look of his companion, strode through the bloodred marble halls. He could understand Asis' fear - every step they took seemed to bring them face to face with an increasingly chaotic and rule-breaking universe - sound, light, even gravity didn't seem to be their ordinary selves.

"The fog's not helping any," Asis muttered, squinting to see through a red mist that seemed to glow with a diffuse light.

"It's not fog," Samir replied back automatically. "It's writing."

"Writing?"

Asis stopped walking, falling behind, as he scooped some of the 'fog' into his hand. Crimson strands with the same consistency of angel hair pasta lazily floated in his palms. Sure enough, up close, he could discern words. "Aklathik Memntaka?" he said questioningly, reading a strand.

"NO!" Samir shouted, as the floor began to rumble, dust falling from the ceiling to further obscure their sight. "Hurry!" Samir grabbed Asis' robes and pulled him quick as the room began to collapse.

"Booby trap?" Asis asked sheepishly.

"Spell," Samir said firmly.

"Spell? You mean..."

"Yes. Now, don't say anything and stick behind me."

The pair quickly made their way through the labyrinth of hallways, the only sign of progress being a steadily thicker fog and the occasional pinprick of anxiety. Samir suddenly stopped, causing Asis to jostle into him. "Asis," Samir said softly. "Up these stairs and through the door is Ankh's sanctum. I will need you to go in and distract him."

"What will you be doing?" Asis asked, a tinge of fear in his voice.

"Sealing this place up from the inside."

"Sealing? Why not destroy it?"

Samir sighed. "Some evils are so great that nothing can completely destroy them. No power on this earth could completely expunge the nightmare that is Ankh's Domain. Since we cannot erase it, our best path is to diminish it and hide it away."

"But..."

"No. There is no time. Go and confront Ankh, while I do what I can here."

Asis swallowed, but nodded his head, wielding his wand while carefully climbing the small set of stairs. He could barely see anymore, the thick red fog obscuring even his own feet. His feet guided him by touch while his unused hand feeling around for the door Samir mentioned. He blindly grasped the handle and turned, wincing as it let out a very loud squeak.

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