Dumbledore nodded gravely.
"However, there are still limitations to the improved spell. It can only reveal the target's location at the moment it's cast. If the target moves afterward, it becomes ineffective."
As Dumbledore explained, Snape was already decanting the potion from the crucible into small bottles, distributing them silently.
"As long as you drink this potion, you'll be able to discern where Black was taken," Snape stated.
Everyone exchanged uneasy glances before taking the potion.
The supply was limited—it wasn't feasible for everyone to join the search for Phineas.
After a brief discussion, Dumbledore, Snape, Moody, and Arthur Weasley were chosen to track him, while the rest returned to their duties and remained in hiding.
Voldemort had not fully returned yet. This was no time for the Order of the Phoenix to reveal themselves.
Though Apparition was prohibited within Hogwarts Castle, Dumbledore had the power to temporarily lift this restriction. Yet they chose not to. The prohibition was a protective measure for the castle, and their destination lay beyond its bounds.
The four wizards exited to the Forbidden Forest. Beyond the castle's perimeter, they were free to Apparate.
After drinking the potion, an image formed in each of their minds—a strange location, unmistakably the dungeon where Phineas was being held.
The base was a vampire stronghold. Vampires came and went frequently, so it wasn't protected by the Fidelius Charm. Otherwise, not even the improved locating ritual could have pinpointed its exact coordinates.
Once the location was confirmed, they Apparated.
Their destination was a castle—smaller than Hogwarts and with a very different architectural style.
Unlike Hogwarts' spires and expansive grounds, this castle had only one main building, squat and imposing.
Dumbledore took the lead, wand in hand, striding toward the vampire stronghold.
With a mere flick, the protective enchantments crumbled before his centuries of accumulated power.
Expecting battle, they advanced cautiously—yet they reached the lower levels of the castle without encountering a single foe.
Only when they descended to the dungeons did they find enemies—but all were already dead.
The deaths varied. Some showed no visible wounds, their faces frozen in horror. Others were decapitated or brutally slashed.
"The Killing Curse," Moody muttered grimly as he examined one of the corpses.
"There are also signs of cutting and blasting spells."
Snape's expression darkened.
The four exchanged uneasy glances. It seemed someone had reached Phineas first.
"Keep going," Dumbledore said calmly. "We may still find a clue."
They continued forward. Now, among the vampire bodies were corpses of Muggles and wizards—all mauled and drained by vampire attacks.
"This was a horrific battle," Arthur murmured, tightening his grip on his wand.
Dumbledore's eyes were grim as he took in the devastation.
"Alastor, Severus, Arthur—we should split up. This place wasn't attacked from the outside. The truth may be more complicated."
Snape turned back toward the upper floors, retracing their entry path.
Arthur headed outside to survey the grounds for any signs of escape or pursuit.
Moody descended further into the dungeons—where Phineas had supposedly been held.
Dumbledore moved inward, toward the deepest part of the stronghold.
The deeper he went, the more bodies he found. Eventually, he arrived at a room where corpses were strewn thickly. But these were not ordinary vampires—only high-ranking ones, along with a few wizard corpses. No low-level vampires. No Muggles.
What stood out most was that these bodies still clutched wands. The earlier ones did not.
The door was ajar. Dumbledore pushed it open, and the scene inside gave him pause.
There were no bodies inside. Only blood—pools of it, streaks of it, a whole ritual circle etched in it.
Behind him, Moody's metal leg clinked on the stone.
"Albus, there were three vampire bodies in the lower cells—along with some Muggle corpses. No sign of Black."
He stepped into the room, surveying it with narrowed eyes.
"A ritual chamber," he muttered. "That circle—it's a one-time teleportation array. The blood was used to power the ritual."
"There are no signs of long-term habitation," Dumbledore said. "They were here only briefly. Likely arrived, prepared the ritual, and vanished again."
Arthur and Snape entered next, both halting at the sight.
"This is..." Arthur faltered. As a descendant of a family steeped in alchemical traditions, he knew what he was looking at.
"A blood-directional teleportation array," Moody said, glancing at him. "Arthur, what does it do?"
Arthur sighed.
"I've read about it in old family journals. It's an ancient magic circle used by vampires to transport themselves. Normal teleportation magic doesn't work on them, since they're magical creatures. This array circumvents that. It can also transport magic items carried by vampires. But it requires a tremendous amount of blood—human blood, from Muggles or wizards."
Dumbledore's gaze sharpened.
"Yes," he said quietly. "This kind of array was common during the Dark Ages—when Muggles persecuted wizards without mercy. Back then, many had no qualms about striking back with dark magic of their own."