Sirius and Kreacher were still curled up on the ground, moaning softly.
Zhang Xiao stood beside Dumbledore, watching the lake churn as if boiling. Countless shambling Inferi rose from the water and closed in on the island.
"It seems this is Tom's final trick. Finishing the potion triggers it."
Dumbledore's long beard quivered. He seemed entirely unsurprised, as though this were only to be expected:
"The potion isn't lethal, but it leaves its victims unable to resist, just like Sirius and Kreacher.
Even if Tom cannot arrive immediately, he is confident he can keep anyone who attempts to take the Horcrux here forever."
Zhang Xiao lightly tapped his wand against his palm, looking perfectly at ease.
Come on, Dumbledore was standing right beside him-and at full strength, too!
"Professor Dumbledore, if these Inferi drag someone underwater and they die, will they become an Inferius too?"
"I believe so. Quite a number of spells have been placed on this lake. Only Inferi could remain submerged for so long without rotting."
Dumbledore surveyed the lake and shook his head slightly:
"Utter madness. To create this many Inferi, he must have slaughtered at least an entire town.
Zhang, I remember you have a very useful little spell that could brighten this place up.
I believe there is no need to hold back now."
Zhang Xiao promptly stretched out his hand and snapped his fingers:
"Let There Be Light!"
This time, he did not restrict the Illumination Spell's range. For the first time, he unleashed its full power.
Bright light flooded the enormous cavern in an instant, like sunlight.
The darkness beat a bedraggled retreat, leaving only gentle light behind.
The Inferi frantically raised their hands to shield their eyes and faltered, shrinking back. Clearly, light also had a powerful suppressive effect on them.