Voldemort, in his quest for immortality, travelled all around the world and beyond. He learned magic beyond the ken of normal wizards, dealing with beings beyond comprehension. In his quest, he made many deals, but he always sought only his own profit. And so, though many beings made pacts with him and he subjugated many more to his will, he also made many powerful enemies. It is the age-old compact stopping these beings from directly interfering with the mortal world, that Voldemort used to his advantage. All Death Eaters bearing his mark have made a pact with him, exchanging part of their soul for a sliver of His own power, in turn, their belief in Him empowers Him, allowing Voldemort to ascend to a resemblance of godhood. At Hogwarts, Albus Dumbledore tries to prepare Harry as best as he can for his inevitable fateful encounter with Voldemort, but even Albus struggles with unravelling Voldemort’s secrets. And on numerous nights now, Harry had trouble sleeping, turning to and fro, plagued by strange dreams. Even this night, Harry dreams, but this time, it is different. He stands in a room filled with shadow when a doorway opens. A figure shrouded in darkness approaches him. “Harry Potter,” though the figure doesn’t speak, Harry hears the words in his mind, “long have I wished to speak to you. We have much to discuss.”