The Hour of Judgment (V)

Beyond the iron gate lay an enormous room, as large as the Great Hall but with a ceiling far higher.

Much like the reception hall of the British Ministry of Magic, one wall of the room was fitted with a long row of fireplaces. Most were dim, but every now and then, after a flash of green fire, someone would hurry out of one. The opposite wall held multiple elevators, which led up to a dense array of doorways in the wall above, each opening onto some unknown destination.

The front wall bore a massive relief carving. Within a great circle representing the sun stood a magnificent, imposing castle.

At last, this underground fortress, unknown to the wider world, had begun to feel inhabited.

"Long time no see, Ms. Vogel."

A man who had just stepped out of a fireplace and boarded an elevator with Jasna before its doors closed looked mildly surprised when he saw her. "Are you here to see Mr. Raman too?"

"As far as I know, Mr. Raman isn't in The Hive."

Jasna did not answer his question, merely asking coolly, "How is the progress of establishing your branch going, Barker?"

"Not especially well."

The middle-aged man with the high bridge of his nose replied, "Those Vampires live lives of indulgence in the Muggle world. They don't care about the plight of wizards at all. Frankly, I don't particularly agree with Mr. Raman's proposal to win them over. That trash does not deserve to be our kin. I came back this time hoping to see whether I could persuade Mr. Raman."

"You know, Barker, Mr. Raman does not easily change his mind once he has made a decision."

The elevator stopped. After leaving him with those words, Jasna strode quickly out of the car.

Another maze-like