October, 1995

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Not every answer to life's questions can be found in a book. I once told that to Hermione Granger, and hid a smile at her look of dismay.

I smile at myself now, over an experienced wizard's naïveté in thinking I would find a definitive answer to the question of blood magic in a text from Sirius' library. I doubt anyone would mistake my expression for one of amusement, however. I can feel the corners of my lips twisting downward.

Power in the Blood claimed to be a 'scholarly text.' Perhaps in a way it was. The pages inside the leather-bound book were treatises on blood magic. I found the subtitle ominous: The Path of Corruption.

The author, Augustus Milverton, used a circular kind of reasoning. According to Milverton, blood represents life, and a wizard's life is characterised by his innate ability to perform magic. Therefore, a wizard's lifeblood has an intrinsic power to enhance spells.

There were two methods of obtaining blood. The caster either willingly sacrificed his or her own, or used the blood of others. The sacrifice of unwilling blood was considered more potent.

Candles were often used in the rituals. Anointed with blood, the wax supposedly released magical energy as the candle burned. Nymphadora had used a candle when she bound her spirit to the werewolf.

I only skimmed, not read, the various ways blood magic could be used. Aside from a brief mention of binding the target for the person's benefit, the spells listed were Dark. They were aimed at corrupting the victim's body through crippling disease or manipulating his or her mind.

One ritual claimed to have an effect similar to an Imperius Curse. The spell would make the victim do or say what the caster wished—momentarily. Only an Imperius was long-lasting.

The most chilling words I read concerned the 'Theft of Vitae.' According to the text, it wasn't the theft of vitality or even the literal life from someone that should cause concern. Milverton cautioned those who used blood magic to take care. On rare occasion, wizards and witches experienced a drain of their own vitality instead of stealing it from victims.

Until I read that passage, I was able to view what I was reading with emotional detachment. Afterwards, I shut the book and immediately returned it to the library.

Ironically, I didn't want to read anymore. I needed to write. Put my findings on paper and let the words strengthen my resolve to do what is best. Not for me. My wellbeing is immaterial. I must do what is best for Nymphadora. Some benefits are not worth the risk. There are chances I won't take.

Whether she agrees with my decision or not.

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A/N: If there are any Sherlock Holmes fans, yes, Augustus Milverton was based on Charles Augustus Milverton, aka 'the worst man in London.'

Speaking of worst, I've had the worst luck. The hard drive of my laptop crashed late Wednesday, ironically on the very night I got it back from the company from being repaired. The crash took half of this week's chapter of Moonlight and Shadow with it…right when I was about to save it on FF. (cue the violins, or Alanis Morrisette, heh)

I'll post chapter 19 next Friday, but until then, if readers want to read a story where Sirius imagines pissing on Scrimgeour's shoes, Off the Leash is posted in the Sirius/OC cat. Thanks so much to everyone who has already read and reviewed!

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