Chapter 136: Hidden Exposure
Dumbledore bypassed the two Aurors stationed at the entrance to the Forbidden Forest and passed through the magical barrier he had erected, venturing deep into the woods.
Since Artel had healed Shelob, the giant spider hadn't ventured far from her underground lair. However, her minions had expanded her territory throughout the Forbidden Forest, weaving webs that now interconnected the entire area. Descendants of the eight-eyed spider and Shelob's offspring roamed freely, while other magical creatures had been nearly decimated by Shelob's hunger. Thankfully, Dumbledore's barrier didn't prevent ordinary beasts from entering, preventing Shelob from trying to breach it in her relentless quest for food.
Despite the unsettling presence of Shelob, the Forbidden Forest retained its natural beauty, its underground lair stretching in all directions, hidden and secretive. Yet, Shelob's dissatisfaction stemmed from the absence of human prey, a desire she had long harbored.
Deep within the forest, Shelob stirred from her slumber as the spider silk beneath her trembled, signaling the intrusion of a human.
"A delicious morsel..." Shelob's mouth watered as she extended her eight spider legs, swiftly maneuvering through the undergrowth.
Following the vibrations, Shelob located the intruder and her excitement turned to wariness.
"It's you... powerful wizard, what brings you here?" Shelob's unease was palpable as she detected only Dumbledore's presence, easing her apprehension.
Since the old man's departure, other humans had ventured into her territory, nearly resulting in her demise at the hands of those wizards.
"Dumbledore... Wise Elder, descendant of the legendary Ungoliant... I seek an audience with you."
Shelob regarded Dumbledore, her terrifying eyes betraying a human-like greed. Her hoarse voice reverberated through the forest:
"What business do you have with me?"
"I wish to inquire about Sauron."
Dumbledore spoke honestly, sensing an unparalleled malevolence emanating from the creature before him, distinct from ordinary magical beings. This was an ancient and potent evil that filled Dumbledore with awe.
"Sauron... hehe..." Shelob's laughter was acidic, her sharp claws clicking against one another. After a moment, she regarded Dumbledore and replied:
"That fellow Sauron... he's my neighbor, and I know much about him that others do not... But why should I share this knowledge with you?"
Dumbledore attempted to use Legilimency, but a potent malevolence enveloped Shelob's mind, thwarting his attempt to probe.
Still, Dumbledore glimpsed the voracity in Shelob's heart, prompting him to inquire, "What is it that you desire?"
"I crave the taste of flesh... Elves... Dwarves... Hobbits!" Shelob's forelimbs quivered with excitement, reminiscing about these delectable morsels she hadn't savored in ages.
"This is unacceptable." Dumbledore's expression darkened. Did this giant spider truly still harbor a hunger for people? If certain, he'd swiftly deal with this nefarious creature. Yet, Shelob's revelation intrigued Dumbledore, for she must possess knowledge, mentioning races unfamiliar to him like elves, dwarves, and hobbits.
"Then we have little to discuss," Shelob dismissed, turned to depart.
"Hold on, perhaps we can negotiate further. What if I offer you livestock? Pigs, cattle, or poultry?" There was an abundance of such in Hogwarts' stores, given the daily consumption of pork chops, steaks, and roast chickens in the castle.
Shelob paused, considering Dumbledore's proposal. The Forbidden Forest's fare had dwindled, leaving her satiated but unsatisfied. If someone could provide ample sustenance, Shelob saw no harm in cooperation.
"Speak. What knowledge do you seek?" Dumbledore pressed, his anticipation mounting. After a lengthy quest, he finally unearthed a lead.
"I should've sought this long ago," Dumbledore mused, lamenting the wasted efforts of himself and the Order of the Phoenix amid recent tumult.
Recollections flooded Shelob's ancient mind. "Sauron... He was Morgoth's most potent and trusted Maia. Morgoth, once known as Melkor, my mother Ungoliant once served him, much like Sauron."
Shelob drifted into memory, her millennia-spanning existence housing buried truths.
"After Morgoth's defeat in the War of Wrath, he was cast into the Void, foretold to return for the final apocalyptic battle..." Shelob's recount furrowed Dumbledore's brow.
Sauron's whereabouts remained elusive, and now another figure from Morgoth's cadre surfaced? And purportedly Sauron's master?
Seemingly seeing Dumbledore's concern, Shelob chuckled twice before speaking:
"You don't have to worry. The lives of Maiar and Valar are immortal. Morgoth's return... That won't happen for hundreds of millions of years, long after you've turned to dust..."
Dumbledore was taken aback, then nodded, indicating for Shelob to continue.
"After the Battle of Wrath, Sauron fled to Middle-earth. He hid for nearly a thousand years, only reemerging when his name had faded from memory. He assumed a handsome guise, changed his name, and befriended many elf craftsmen, aiding them in making sixteen Rings of Power..."
"Afterward, Sauron parted ways with the elves and forged another ring in secret... the One Ring, devoted to his dark purposes. It possessed unparalleled power and the ability to control the other rings."
"The elves, however, crafted three rings independently... three rings beyond Sauron's grasp. He coveted them..."
Shelob noticed Dumbledore's rapt attention and paused, drooling slightly.
"I'm hungry," she stated abruptly.
Dumbledore was startled, taking a deep breath before leaving the Forbidden Forest.
After about five minutes, he returned with a bag, tapping it with his wand to release hundreds of kilograms of fresh beef.
Shelob emitted a harsh laugh, rushing to the beef and devouring it. The other spiders watched from a distance, intimidated by Shelob's dominance.
Hundreds of kilograms of beef disappeared in five minutes.
"Not enough to eat..." Shelob remarked dazedly, looking at Dumbledore.
"Tell me about Sauron, and I'll provide more," Dumbledore offered.
The corner of Dumbledore's eye twitched at Shelob's insatiable appetite. Hogwarts' budget would likely take a hit. Nonetheless, he felt compelled to hear more.
Shelob stared at Dumbledore, sensing he wasn't a capricious villain. She cautioned him, "Remember your promise."
"In his quest for the elven rings and the sixteen rings of power, Sauron waged war. He amassed troops— orcs, trolls, and humans enslaved by his will..."
"I don't know the specifics, but Sauron successfully seized all Rings of Power except the Three Rings of the Elves. He gave nine to humans, corrupting them into the terrifying Ringwraiths..."
"Seven more were given to dwarves, but Sauron failed to sway them..."
"Sauron's shadow loomed over Middle-earth during the Dark Ages, ruling through violence and terror. Eventually, surviving humans allied with the elves, leading to the Battle of the Last Alliance, where Sauron was defeated..."
"The One Ring was taken by humans. Sauron lost his power, retreated to Mordor, and fell into a deep sleep..."
Shelob chuckled ominously. "The human who took the One Ring was later killed. The Ring vanished for thousands of years... But..."
"One of my servants, a hobbit named Gollum, possessed the One Ring. He stumbled into my domain seeking refuge. Though I intended to devour him, he promised to help me find food. I released him, but alas, I haven't seen him since..."
Shelob sighed, and Dumbledore pondered her words, organizing the information.
Gollum had possessed the One Ring for five hundred years before it was stolen. He sought the Ring and somehow infiltrated Azkaban...
"Will Sauron return?" Dumbledore inquired.
Without hesitation, Shelob replied, "Sauron will return... Once he reclaims the One Ring, he'll regain his full power, casting his shadow over the world. No one can stop him."
"Sauron has been amassing his forces in Mordor, near Kiris Ungo where I reside. Orcs, ghouls, mammoths, trolls, and other vile beasts serve him. The nine Ringwraiths tirelessly hunt for the One Ring, preparing for Sauron's return. Recently, the Eye of Mordor grew intensely hot. I believe Sauron has traced the One Ring's trail."
Dumbledore's heart sank at Shelob's words. Considering, he asked, "Where is Mordor? And Gandalf... Do you know him? Where can I find him?"
.....
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