For the disclaimer, see Prologue.

Chapter Five: The First Victim

Carolyne Desmond was walking down a hallway in the fifth floor. She was a fourth year Ravenclaw with shoulder-length black hair and an overactive imagination. She was currently not trying to get anywhere in particular, but instead just wandered about, deep in thought. She and her friends were trying to bring the concept of the classical muggle role-playing game into something with actual magic in it. It was no easy feat, but she was optimistic that they would succeed. As she walked, Carolyne tried to come up with rhymes for the riddles that they would write in some of the playing cards. She would pace around for a while, her brow furrowed and eyes faraway and stop suddenly to scribble (or cross out) something in the notebook she held in her left hand.

The problem was that Carolyne's mind kept going back to the idea of including dragons in the game, and her friends' lack of support regarding that specific suggestion jarred on her. How dare they say that it was childish? There was certainly nothing childish about gigantic, fire-breathing, human-eating, millenary lizards! She huffed indignantly.

In truth, although she was fascinated by them, Carolyne Desmond had never in her life seen a real dragon; only having watched them in moving pictures that she had found in the school's books. Two years ago, the Triwizard Tournament had been held at Durmstrang and, as stories would have it, the champions had battled one of the mighty beasts each, but she was just a little girl in her second year then, and she had not been allowed to attend.

But of course, deep down, Carolyne suspected she would not have been allowed even if she had been of age, because she was a muggleborn.

Being muggleborn was not all that easy in the current Wizarding Britain and, by the way events were unfolding, Carolyne feared the political circumstances surrounding the Kingdom (the so called 'Magical Liberation') would eventually extend to the whole of Europe.

It all had started years ago, before Carolyne was even born. An incredibly powerful wizard known to everyone as Lord Voldemort had begun spreading the ideology that wizardkind was superior to the muggles, going so far as to declare them different species and stating that the two should be completely separated. Carolyne had never been interested in the world of politics, and was unaware of all of the premises involved, but Voldemort had apparently gained the sympathy of most pureblooded families and used their influence to sway others to his beliefs. Over the course of the two years that followed, a movement to drive all the muggles away from Britain had started. It was supposed to be 'peaceful' unless the muggles attacked first, which, obviously, was an underhanded move. Who could be expected to be told to leave their house and country behind and not breathe a word of protest? A war had exploded, but the worst of it had lasted less than a month due to the muggles being annihilated at an alarming rate and few magic folks falling in the process. Hell, the muggles did not even know where to attack! As a last resort, nuclear weaponry had been utilized, but Lord Voldemort had somehow predicted this and the Ministry had protected the wizarding areas (and in doing so, most of the Kingdom) with dome-like wards so enormous they reached higher that any wizarding invention could get. These wards transformed the missiles that breached the protection into white plush bunnies, of all things. The wards had the added effect of making every electronic or otherwise non-magically operated appliance to malfunction, stop working altogether or, in some cases, even explode; thus making life for the muggles that were inevitably protected by the wards very difficult.

The war ended when the muggles finally surrendered. Lord Voldemort himself convened with the muggle authorities, allowing a one-week ceasefire for the muggles to migrate out of the Kingdom.

The muggle parents that had magical children at the time had been allowed to remain and were moved to specific locations adapted to let them carry on with semi-normal lives. In a process that took several years, jobs were assigned, essential electrical appliances were adapted to perform in the magic-laden environment and the families had stablished secluded, quasi-muggle societies in the locations provided by the new Muggle Interest branch of the Ministry of Magic. That is not to say that these places were left alone, of course. For the sake of order-keeping, so called 'peace watchers' in blue robes (a half-arsed wizarding attempt to make aurors feel more like policemen to the muggles) patrolled the four such cities that existed, silently protecting the people while observing that no movement was made in rebellion while the magical children from the families were immersed in the new Wizarding Britain for good. For what was there to look forward to in a small city full of muggles having already experimented the growing wizarding empire and its wonders?

Muggles driven out, the wizarding population had flourished like never before, progressively reclaiming, demolishing and reconstructing. Even magical beasts that were previously endangered were thriving in the new extensive non-habited areas. Another factor that was greatly helping to increase the population was the migration of several wizarding folks running away from the dangers of their own countries and finding a magical haven of sorts in the new Wizarding Britain.

With the inevitable fall of the Statute of Secrecy, protests, revolts and attacks to families suspected of being magical had broken through all of the globe. Additionally, there were several international tensions arising due to the problems that the masses of immigrants from the EU swarming in to other countries were causing. Homelessness, poverty, hunger and starvation sky-rocketed while the native population suffered from the foreign viruses and bacteria that the immigrants had brought with them. Crime rates were also higher than ever, and terrorist attacks were more common than ever.

As a response to this, most of the wizarding world had been led to believe that Lord Voldemort's ideals had the truth of it, and that living along muggles was simply no longer possible. New wizarding leaders were rising in other European countries (mostly), and the current objective seemed to be making the Old Continent a purely wizarding-inhabited one, leaving the rest of the world for the muggles to wallow in their violence and destruction.

Wizarding Britain, of course, had its own (if less pressing) issues. Inside the growing magical community of Britain, matters were moving slowly, but the improvements in the quality of life were already noticeable. Truly, even muggleborns were finding their place in society with much more ease, although the ethical discussion behind the 'retrieval' of magical babies from the exiled muggle population was still a hot and very much unresolved topic laid at the political table of the Ministry.

Certainly, muggleborns were no longer excluded from participating in any significant way but, as a response to their full incorporation to the new Kingdom, the elite purebloods had become positively rigid in following the Traditions of Old, attempting to recreate the class system that had existed in years long gone by. It was yet unofficial, but as Carolyne Desmond understood it, efforts to establish several more educational institutions were already afoot, all the more because the sudden convergence of wizarding folks in a much larger society had revealed a severe lack in education for hundreds of children; and the sudden arrival of immigrants had posed the additional question of how these were to be educated, as Hogwarts was both unable to accommodate such numbers and unwilling to take in so many students because it would endanger its traditions.

The situation with education had only been made graver when, five years ago, a new Headmaster had been appointed at Durmstrang and their whole organizational system had been altered to not accept muggleborns, untalented or poor students unless it was under very specific circumstances (which were not public knowledge and had to be discussed with the Headmaster directly); thus inciting elitists in Britain to press for exclusive education in the Kingdom as well. It was suspected (correctly) by most, that the only thing keeping the purebloods from re-arranging certain social institutions to their liking was Albus Dumbledore and his undeniable influence in the Ministry of Magic.

Carolyne remembered that it was because of Durmstrang's views that Headmaster Dumbledore had determined it was best not to permit any of Hogwarts' muggleborns to attend the other school for the Triwizard Tournament. Naturally, he had not openly let this on, but it was implied, smartly hinted at, and Carolyne (even at the tender age of twelve) had understood.

All in all, Carolyne perceived that some of the structures being born in the new British wizarding society (that is, not only in education but in other areas such as commerce or marriages) conveyed the underlying message that there was a group in the wizarding society that was superior, formed by the wealthy elite pureblood families; a group that was average, made up mostly by half-bloods but which also included middle class purebloods and anyone with potential power; and a group that was inferior, that is, the poor, the muggleborns and some creatures that had attained citizenship in recent years.

This offended Carolyne greatly, because she was not to be underestimated or taken lightly. Oh no, she was so much more that everyone else. She had always known, deep within her soul, that she was smarter, greater. She believed she was probably destined to some great adventures and fame.

This innocent fantasy would, for years to come, be a source of harsh disappointments for her.

Carolyne's thoughts had wandered far from her original task for several minutes now. She stopped her walking and raised her head to the deserted hallway, trying to focus back and missing in on the fact that the only two portraits in this specific section of the castle were eerily empty. Her head turned just slightly to the left and something else piqued her curiosity: next to her, in a windowless alcove, was an unimpressive bust of a hooked-nosed witch with a sour expression above a small, rusty plate. She had seen this bust several times, of course, but had never really noticed it. It was just the sort of not-really-there thing which's presence you only notice after it has been removed, leaving you with a sense of inexplicable loss.

What had caught Carolyne's attention was naturally not the dusty old bust itself, but a golden necklace than hung from its neck. She approached to take a better look, awed by the five large, perfect emeralds that adorned its middle.

It was like a treasure, she realized. Probably one of those rare appearances Hogwarts destined for a special someone, like the fabled Rowena's diadem or the Chamber of Secrets. And it had appeared just as she was musing over her own greatness! It could not be a coincidence.

Of course, Carolyne was nothing if not clever, and so she took out her wand and ran a quick scanning spell to check that the necklace was harmless before pulling it off the bust. It had no clasp, she realized, but was long enough to comfortably pull over the head. She ran to the nearest loo and put it on, admiring the way the shards of light flickered inside the gemstones. Running her fingers over the fine golden links, Carolyne sighed. Beautiful, it was so beautiful.

Her back was straight as she walked out of the bathroom.

Through the rest of the day, she noticed the envious eyes of the other girls on her necklace and flickered her hair proudly. Some were even bold enough to ask about it, but she didn't let anyone else touch it. It was hers and hers only. Hogwarts had chosen her for a reason.

At night-time, Carolyne took longer than usual in the loo, admiring herself and her necklace in the mirror while slowly combing her hair. When she finally decided to go to bed, her hands grabbed the necklace with utmost care, barely touching it with her fingertips only to release it immediately, yelping as something akin to an electrical shock coursed through her fingers. She gasped, her hands felt numb. Shaking them to regain sensibility, she took a firmer hold of the artefact and tried to pull it off her. The electrical shock was stronger this time, extending from her hands to her arms and shoulders and she had to let go with a strangled cry. Her fingers hurt badly now.

Scared now (What is happening? Is it cursed? I checked!), Carolyne steadied herself and poised her shaking hands over the necklace, preparing to take it off in a quick movement. Breathing deeply, she avoided looking at the crazed look her eyes reflected in the mirror and took hold of the piece of jewellery, telling herself she would endure the pain until the awful thing was off her.

The pain was back as soon as she touched the necklace, becoming more intense by each passing second. Her fingers felt on fire but Carolyne pulled for all she was worth until she could feel the necklace raising only the tiniest bit from her skin, as if it was tremendously heavy or her arms incredibly weak. Tears streamed down her cheeks and a ragged scream tore out of her throat. She would not give up! She would take it off! She was no ordinary witch! Her legs suddenly felt unsteady and a moment later failed her. Carolyne fell down like a rag doll just as three of her dormmates rushed inside the lavatory to check on her.

"Carolyne, you're bleeding!" yelped one of them.

Carolyne was laying on her side, blackened fingers curled in front of her chest, her skin unnaturally pale and her body trembling. Fine tendrils of blood flowed from her ears and nose. She could also taste the coppery fluid in her mouth but could not tell if it was from her nose or if her throat was bleeding as well. She tried to answer, tried to ask for them to help, but her mouth would not cooperate. She babbled through open lips and heavy tears fell from her eyes. The other girls ran screaming.

Professor Flitwick found her in the same position not ten minutes later. Her dormmates were afraid of touching her because of the blood, that led them to think she had been poisoned.

Madam Pomfrey entered the room after the professor and the both of them floated Carolyne to a stretcher and escorted her towards the infirmary, followed by a group of scared Ravenclaws in pyjamas. The students were left even more agitated after Dumbledore, who was waiting by the infirmary's door with a sombre expression, prohibited them from entering with Carolyne and advised them to be calm and return to their dormitories.

At the Ravenclaw dormitories however, there was no calmness to be found. The murmurs and nervousness was further fed by professors Slinkhard and Snape, who looked haggard and irritable as they interrogated everyone and raided the rooms in search of any clue as to what had happened. Nobody knew a thing and it was a sobbing girl with long brown hair who claimed to be Desmond's friend who first mentioned the necklace.

While the Ravenclaws fidgeted in their tower, in the infirmary Madam Pomfrey quickly discovered that Carolyne's magical core had been drained almost completely and immediately administered a strong potion to put the girl into a deep slumber so she could begin to recover. It was determined that she had probably touched something cursed, because of her bloodied fingernails and blackened fingers that looked as if they had been frostbitten. Madam Pomfrey covered these in salve and bandaged both hands.

Dumbledore's countenance through all of it was grave.

Although both the headmaster and the mediwitch had run detecting spells on the girl, they had been unable to recognize that the gold necklace was the source of the problem. It was not until past midnight when professor Snape showed his sour visage in the infirmary to give a succinct report of his findings that attention was drawn to the object.

"Miss Montgomery mentioned that Miss Desmond showed up with it today and that she had never worn it before. She also said she seemed 'enthralled' by it."

Dumbledore pointed his wand at the necklace and muttered an incantation. A soft purplish hue glistened off its emeralds.

"It's cursed," confirmed Dumbledore.

The three adults exchanged glances.

"Is it a dark curse?" asked Pomfrey.

"I am afraid so," answered Dumbledore while Severus refrained from scoffing. Was there such a thing as a light curse?

"We should take it off her. If that is what is draining her core, it could very well kill her in the next few hours!"

"I don't think that taking it off would be wise," reasoned Dumbledore. "Without knowing what the results could be, we could inadvertently cause her demise by trying to remove it."

"You cannot seriously be suggesting we leave it as it is!" erupted the woman.

"Let's not make any rash decisions," said Dumbledore. "What do you think, Severus?"

Snape approached the slumbering girl and inclined his head to better appreciate the necklace. He hummed and straightened, aimed his wand at the object and muttered under his breath. Several incantations followed, some producing a reaction off the object and some apparently doing nothing.

"I had never before encountered this particular curse," he said. "It seems to be keyed to the person's intent, though I would not dare hazard a guess as to what exactly it does. I will check to see if there is anything that could be of aid in any of my books."

"Thank you, Severus," said Dumbledore. "I would appreciate that, but it's best if you leave it for tomorrow. It's very late. Go rest now, my dear boy."

Severus agreed wholeheartedly, he was exhausted.

"I hope she recovers," he said. "I will take my leave now," and so he turned around and headed out of the room in a swish of fabric.

"So what now, Albus?" queried Madam Pomfrey once the two elders were alone.

"We can't assure that taking the necklace off Miss Desmond won't harm her. I suggest we let her sleep and see if there is any improvement to her condition in the morning."

"I won't be held responsible if she is no longer breathing in the morning," said Madam Pomfrey angrily, glaring at the old man.

"Certainly not," said Dumbledore sadly. "You should rest, Poppy. Tomorrow will be another day."

The moment the sixth-year Slytherins entered the Great Hall, they noticed something bad had happened. There was a gloomy aura that seemed to weight down the atmosphere; downcast faces and low murmurs everywhere. Commiserating looks were being thrown towards the Ravenclaw's table.

"What happened?" Pansy asked as they sat around their table.

Irving Cram, a fifth-year prefect turned to the newly comers.

"A student was attacked."

Gasps answered this declaration.

"From Ravenclaw," guessed Blaise.

"Yes," confirmed Cram, and then he leaned forward, looking about to confess some horrible and irresistible secret. "A mudblood. She was poisoned."

"What!?"

"Who was it?"

"Did she die?"

Mirage filled his goblet with juice and his plate with food, listening intently and looking properly curious and alarmed.

"It was Carolyne Desmond, a fifth year," continued Cram. "She's in the Hospital Wing now. Anna Blishen's younger brother Harold says that she was found in the lavatories of her dorm, having seizures and frothing at the mouth. They don't know how bad she is because the Headmaster wouldn't allow anyone inside the Infirmary."

"Merlin, that's horrible!" shrieked Daphne.

"Why was she attacked?" asked Draco.

"I don't know," said Cram. "Nobody seems to."

"Maybe they're just tight-lipped about it," suggested a boy with glasses that Mirage had seen in the common room but whose name it did not know.

Suddenly, Vincent Crabbe snorted.

"Who cares, anyway? It was just a filthy mudblood."

Mirage turned calculating eyes to him, but had no chance to speak as Draco jumped in:

"You shouldn't say such things, Vince."

"Why?" stepped in Goyle. "She was a mudblood alright."

Mirage noticed sidelong glances being thrown its way.

"You know Our Lord's opinion on that subject," said Nott nonchalantly from behind a book, munching on a strip of bacon.

"Besides," offered Pansy. "If a mudblood was attacked, they will immediately suspect our House and we can't give them reasons to think it was us."

"It was not us, was it?" Lysandra asked Cram.

"Not to my knowledge."

"It was probably another Ravenclaw then," declared Blaise. The others nodded thoughtfully, but Mirage noted that Draco's brow was furrowed.

"How can you tell?" it asked Blaise.

It was Goyle who answered:

"Curses are dark, and Gryffindors are too hypocrite to use 'em proper. Hufflepuffs are just dumb."

Mirage nodded, not certain it understood but not really caring enough to ask more.

"I don't understand," blurted Draco suddenly, and everyone turned to him.

"What?"

"Why a mudblood? Why now? Mudbloods are milling about our society without any restrictions and that is just fine with Our Lord. Who amongst his followers would oppose him by attacking mudbloods now that there is peace? It would make more sense if it was a move from Dumbledore's side, but seriously… who could even think that one of Dumbledore's would attack the same mudbloods that they love so much? And a student, no less."

They pondered for a moment.

"There is a game changer here, though," Theo spoke over the silence, lowering his book and looking directly at Mirage.

"What do you mean?" asked Millicent, not understanding.

"Mirage," realized Blaise.

Theo nodded.

"I think," he said seriously, not taking his eyes away from Mirage. "That someone may be trying to get you expelled."