Chapter 6: Time, trouble and trepidation.

Her eyes widened as she awoke to find herself in a room shrouded in absolute darkness and silence. She fumbled on her nightstand, desperately searching for her phone to check the time, only to realize it wasn't there. Panic set in as she reached out beside her, but there was nothing; an eerie emptiness surrounded her, leaving her feeling suspended in the void. She called out, her voice echoing into the abyss, but there was no response, only an unsettling silence.

As Eve continued her walk, a biting cold gripped her, making her clutch her body in a futile attempt to ward off the harsh chill. Despite rubbing her arms vigorously, the cold refused to relent. It seemed to seep into her very bones, intensifying the shivers that wracked her body with each step.

A sinister, barely audible whisper sent a chilling breath down her neck, halting her with a sudden, eerie stillness. In the distance, a blood-curdling scream pierced the darkness, begging for help. Eve's heart pounded as she sprinted toward the source of the cry, but before she could reach it, another wail, even more desperate, shattered the silence. This time, the anguished plea echoed ominously from behind her, as if some malevolent force toyed with her every move, cloaking her in a web of relentless terror.

Whipping around in a frenzy, she bolted back along the path she had taken, only to be greeted by yet another bone-chilling cry for help, this time from her left. As she hesitated, another agonized wail, coming from her right, pierced the already suffocating darkness. "HELP!" Her mind spun in a disorienting whirlwind, leaving her paralyzed with fear, caught in a horrifying game of torment.

Then, a voice she recognized, but now distorted and ominous, pierced the chaos, sending shivers down her spine. "EVE, I need you!" It was the voice of her friend Rose, but something about it had been twisted, and the dread that clawed at her heart only deepened.

"ROSE, I'M COMING!" Eve's voice trembled as she screamed, the words clawing their way out of her throat, pushing her to sprint toward the source of the first voice. But as she drew closer, the voice became increasingly unsettling, a distorted plea that sent shivers down her spine. "Eve, I need you," it whispered, twisting with an otherworldly malice, filling the air with a dreadful foreboding.

Suddenly, another voice, this time her friend Albus, called to her from the left, a haunting undertone to his plea. She spun toward the new direction, torn between friends in need. Her mind whirled with uncertainty, her steps faltering as she grappled with the agonizing choice.

Before she could decide, the darkness was filled with two more desperate, heart-rending screams. "EVE, HELP ME!" Scorpius and Dotty cried out, their voices warped by an unearthly terror, adding to the cacophony of torment that surrounded her. The darkness seemed to close in, as if conspiring to trap her in a nightmarish maze where every choice led to deeper horror.

Collapsing to her knees, she desperately clutched her ears, attempting to stifle the agonizing cries for help. She felt a profound isolation and a paralyzing sense of helplessness. With her eyes tightly shut, she sought refuge in darkness, murmuring to herself, "This can't be real, this can't be real," as if the repetition of those words could somehow break the nightmarish grip that held her in its merciless embrace.

Her eyes fluttered open, and she anticipated the familiar sight of her bedroom ceiling adorned with stars, a reassuring place of solace. However, her heart leaped into her throat when she found herself confronted with a chilling sight. Her friends knelt before her, each gripping a wand and pointing it toward their own heads, an eerie determination in their eyes. Hooded figures lurked ominously in the shadows, shrouded in inky darkness.

Malevolent whispers slithered through the consuming darkness. "Choose one," they hissed, leaving an oppressive silence in their wake. "Choose one to die!" The sinister words grew louder and more menacing, pushing her to the brink. "I CAN'T!" Eve's anguished scream tore through her throat, her voice fractured and raw, and as the weight of the impossible choice bore down on her, tears streamed down her face.

"CHOOSE!" The voice thundered within her mind, a cacophony that eclipsed any sound she had ever heard. It clawed at her sanity, demanding a decision. Again, Eve whimpered, her voice a mere whisper against the tempest in her mind. "I can't," she pleaded, her gaze locked on the ominous shrouded figures. Desperation gripped her, and she implored them, her voice quivering with the anguish of a mother about to lose her child. "Please, take me instead." Her words hung in the still air.

"CHOOSE! OR THEY ALL DIE!" The voice reverberated through her; a chilling ultimatum that left Eve shattered. She curled into a fetal position; her voice silenced by the weight of her impossible decision. She could only watch in mute horror as her friends, one by one, transformed into ethereal puffs of smoke, vanishing into the engulfing abyss. Her cries and screams were soundless, her body motionless, paralyzed by the sheer force of her trauma, trembling with an unrelenting dread.

"Eve, wake up!" A distant voice echoed into her ears, jolting her from the depths of her nightmare. She felt her body being shaken, and the urgency in the voice grew. "Eve, wake up!" With a disoriented groan, she opened her eyes to a blinding, all-encompassing light that made it nearly impossible to gaze at directly. She instinctively raised her hands to shield her eyes from the searing brilliance.

As her eyes adjusted, the blurred shapes gradually transformed into recognizable figures. She blinked several times until the room came into focus, and the disorienting dream world dissolved. To her relief, she found herself back in her own bed, surrounded by seven girls, all of them staring at her. One among them held a wand with a bright tip that cast an eerie glow on their faces, illuminating their expressions.

"What's happening?" Eve rasped, her voice breathless, her throat dry and aching. Dotty stood at the forefront, clutching Eve's hand, which was slick with sweat. "You were having a nightmare," Dotty explained, her voice heavy with concern. "You woke all of us up with screams—blood-curdling screams. We thought something terrible had happened. You sat up in your bed, your eyes staring into the void, and you started screaming, 'help me.' At one point, you begged us to take you instead. It was like you were trapped in a living nightmare, and we had to wake you up."

Fear was etched on the faces of the other first-year Slytherin girls, not directed at Eve, but rather born from their empathy for what she had just endured. They clustered around her, their eyes filled with compassion, as she trembled in the aftermath of her nightmarish experience. All seven of them, one by one, found their place in Eve's bed, creating a circle of comfort and unity. Their collective heartbeats slowed and synchronized as they held one another, their embrace providing solace and a reassuring sense of security.

"Thank you," Eve whispered softly, her words not directed at anyone in particular but filled with genuine gratitude. All eight of them remained in their comforting embrace until the morning light began to filter into the room, signalling the approach of a new day. At 7 a.m., the magical lights flickered to life, accompanied by a collective groan from the girls, who reluctantly disentangled themselves from Eve's bed. They headed into the bathroom to prepare for another day of classes. It was a Friday, marking the end of their first week at Hogwarts, and anticipation hung in the air as they looked forward to their first weekend at the magical school. Eve had a host of plans, eager to explore and make the most of her free time.

Kicking off her bedcovers, Eve couldn't help but notice a significant wet spot on the sheets, a chilling reminder of the nightmare-induced sweat. Determined to banish any lingering unease, she swiftly stripped the sheets from her bed and placed them into the magical washing basket positioned at the end of her bed. In a matter of seconds, the sheets vanished into the basket, only to reappear moments later, folded neatly and emanating a fresh, invigorating scent in the basket beside it.

Eve stepped into the bathroom, ready to take a refreshing shower and prepare for the day ahead. Inside, not a word was exchanged among the girls, all still reeling from the night's harrowing events. It was a shared experience that had woven an unspoken bond among them. No longer did Eve receive sneering looks of disgust; instead, the atmosphere had shifted, and the girls regarded her with an unspoken sisterhood and genuine care.

While Eve stood before the mirror, engrossed in brushing her hair, she noticed Dotty's approach from behind. Dotty gently laid her hand on the nape of Eve's neck, and they both met each other's gaze in the mirror. Eve appeared slightly perplexed, but Dotty sported a warm smile.

"You look even better with your hair up like this," Dotty remarked, as she carefully gathered Eve's long locks into her hands, deftly fashioning them into a stylish bun and holding it at the centre of the back of Eve's head.

"You hide your beautiful face with all that hair; this suits you more," Dotty murmured, her intense blue eyes locked onto Eve's reflection in the mirror. Eve pivoted to face Dotty, their proximity increasing as they stood close together. Dotty noticed Eve's eyes flicker toward her lips, and she swiftly closed her own eyes, apologizing, "Sorry, sorry, that's my fault. I had a flare-up again."

Eve shook her head, trying to dispel the dizzying sensation that had overcome her. "It's okay, don't worry about it," she reassured Dotty, though her cheeks had become flushed and warm. With a determined effort, she returned her attention to the mirror, working carefully to pin her hair into an elegant bun.

Once they were dressed, the first-year Slytherins convened in the main communal area, where they joined Albus and Scorpius. Together, the group of four began their journey towards the Great Hall, eager for a hearty breakfast. With a packed day of classes ahead, they knew they needed a substantial meal to fuel their minds and bodies for the challenges that awaited.

Eve remained mostly silent during their brief walk to the Great Hall. Scorpius, perceptive as ever, sensed her mood and gently nudged her as they trailed behind the others. Leaning in close, he whispered, "Hey, you okay? You seem a bit down."

Eve gave a small shrug and replied, "I guess so," lowering her head to study her feet.

"Are you sure?" Scorpius's persistent concern seeped into his voice. Eve lifted her gaze and locked eyes with him. "I had a nightmare, but it was just that—a nightmare. It's over now," she hastily assured him before striding past Albus and Dotty and making her way to their usual seats.

Albus chimed in, "Did she wake up on the wrong side of the bed?" He nodded his head in the direction of Eve, who had distanced herself from the group.

Dotty abruptly halted, causing Scorpius to nearly bump into her. She turned towards Albus and spoke with a seriousness that caught their attention. "She had a terrible nightmare last night, and I don't say that lightly. So, drop it, okay? She's already been through a lot today. What she needs right now is some fun and laughter. Got it?" Her final words carried a weight that sounded almost like a warning.

The other three Slytherins joined Eve at the table, eagerly pouncing on the plates of food in front of them. Scorpius let out a groan, his head sinking down over his plate as he said, "I can't believe we have double potions first thing this morning."

Albus, with a proud posture, responded, "I actually like potions. Professor Rute said I'm an exemplary student." His chest swelled with pride, but the mood shifted abruptly when Scorpius, in a mischievous display, used his spoon as an impromptu catapult to launch beans across the table. The beans hit Albus squarely in the face.

Laughter burst out as Albus's radiant expression transformed into one of pure annoyance. "She only likes you because you're a Potter," Scorpius declared amid his own laughter.

"That's not true!" Albus protested, glancing around the table, where everyone nodded in agreement, coming to Scorpius's defence.

Rose spotted the four Slytherins as they settled at the table and quickly made her way over to them. Upon seeing her cousin's pout, she couldn't help but laugh and quip, "What's got your knickers in a twist, cousin?"

Albus turned to his cousin and explained, "These lot, they're telling me that I'm bad at potions and Professor Rute only likes me because I'm a Potter."

Rose clapped a hand on Albus's shoulder and delivered her verdict with a playful smirk, "I hate to break it to you, but it's true." She then cheekily swiped a piece of his toast, winked at him, leaving him speechless.

Their conversation came to an abrupt halt when a loud squawk echoed above them. All heads turned skyward as a pitch-black hawk swooped down, depositing a letter right in front of Eve. Her hand reached out for the grey letter, and she deftly peeled off the black seal on the back, revealing the message inside. Her eyes quickly scanned the contents as her friends leaned in with curious expressions.

Dotty chimed in, trying to get a glimpse over Eve's shoulder, asking, "What does it say?"

Eve glanced at her friends, then folded the paper and tucked it into her pocket. With a playful grin, she replied, "Top secret."

The letter:

Dear Miss Warren,

On behalf of the Department of Mysteries, we wish to inform you we have accepted Headmistress McGonagall's invitation to assess your extraordinary magical abilities this upcoming Saturday. We acknowledge the uniqueness of your talents and are excited to collaborate with you.

We must emphasize the utmost confidentiality of this matter. It is of paramount importance that the knowledge of our participation remains an exclusive secret. We kindly request that you share this information solely with those directly involved and remind you of the stringent confidentiality agreements that will be in effect during the evaluation process.

Please ensure that you are fully prepared for this assessment. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated, and we eagerly anticipate a productive evaluation session.

Yours sincerely,

X

Department of Mysteries"

Eve swiftly rose from her seat, announcing, "I've got to run; wouldn't want to be late for Albus's favourite lessons." She winked mischievously at him before darting away. She was determined to avoid any questions regarding the letter, understanding now that its contents were far more confidential than she had initially anticipated.

Upon her arrival in the dungeon, the location of the potion's classroom, Eve entered the room with utmost care, her steps hushed to avoid disturbing Professor Rute, who was engrossed in her work over a bubbling cauldron. Eve attempted to sneak a peek at what the professor was brewing, but in doing so, she inadvertently bumped into a desk, creating a grating noise as it shifted slightly across the floor.

Professor Rute spun around, her expression startled, and her gaze fixed on Eve. "Miss Warren, you're here early. Is everything all right?" she inquired. Eve offered a pleasant smile and replied, "Yes, Professor. I just wanted to secure my seat and be well-prepared for the lesson."

"Very well, then," Professor Rute responded, gesturing for Eve to take her seat. As Eve made her way toward her desk, her curiosity got the best of her, and she couldn't resist asking, "Professor, what are you working on over there?"

Professor Rute appeared momentarily flustered, like a deer caught in headlights. She stammered, "Nothing of note, really. I'm just experimenting with a new recipe." Her voice wavered slightly, and Eve couldn't help but notice how the professor's gaze seemed to dart around the room, avoiding eye contact.

Eve offered a closed-lip smile and a nod of understanding as she took her seat, deciding not to press further.

Eve couldn't shake the feeling that something was amiss. Professor Rute's excessive nervousness seemed disproportionate for a simple new recipe experiment, prompting Eve to suspect that there might be more to this situation than met the eye. She made a mental note to share this odd interaction with her friends later.

As Eve patiently waited, she observed Professor Rute securely lock away the peculiar potion. The professor, a slim woman with pronounced cheekbones and black hair, fell somewhere between plain and pretty. After a few more minutes, the entire first-year class had gathered. Spotting her friends, Eve waved them over as the class began, a mix of Slytherins and Gryffindors awaiting the day's lesson.

"Welcome, class, welcome. Please, take your seats at your cauldrons," Professor Rute greeted, her tone warm and welcoming. "Today, we will be brewing a wonderfully useful potion known as the Edurus Potion. Can anyone tell me what the Edurus Potion is used for?" She encouraged the students to engage in the discussion.

Albus eagerly shot his hand into the air, prompting an amused eye-roll exchange between the others at his table. Scorpius couldn't resist muttering, "Suck-up," his voice hushed as he used his arm to stifle the sound.

Professor Rute acknowledged Albus with a nod and a fixed gaze. "Yes, Mr. Potter, go ahead."

Albus answered with a sense of pride, "Edurus Potion is used for defence. When consumed, it bestows a stone-like texture to the drinker's skin for up to a minute, depending on the potion's potency. This allows the person to deflect magic during that time."

Professor Rute applauded with a smile. "Excellent, as always, Mr. Potter. Five points to Slytherin. And I'll add, whoever brews the best Edurus potion today will be walking away with one."

As Professor Rute's words settled in, a flurry of activity erupted as students flipped open their textbooks to locate the appropriate page for the potion. Amidst the bustling commotion, Scorpius, looking somewhat sheepish, approached Eve.

"Hey, Eve, do you mind if I share your book? I left mine in the common room," he inquired, pushing a stray strand of hair away from his eyes. However, Eve clutched her book protectively, guarding it as if it were her most cherished possession.

"You'll have to come up with something more convincing than that, Malfoy," Eve challenged with a mischievous smirk, playfully winking at him. Scorpius, not one to back down from a challenge, rose from his chair and circled the table, positioning himself next to Eve, who was still seated.

With a dramatic flair, he lowered himself onto both knees, pressing his palms together in a begging fashion. Fluttering his long lashes, he adopted a beseeching tone, "Oh, Queen Eve, the fairest maiden in the land, may I, a humble peasant, have the privilege of sharing in your boundless wisdom to better my education?"

Eve, embracing her role with an air of royalty, extended her right hand in a regal display. "Kiss it," she commanded firmly. Scorpius, being a good sport, took her hand in his, leaning his lips perilously close. But before contact was made, Eve swiftly withdrew her hand, teasingly exclaiming, "Ewww, you were actually going to do it!"

Laughter erupted around the table as Scorpius, now visibly flushed and embarrassed, he took a seat next to Eve.

Eve shot Scorpius a sly wink and shifted a bit closer to him, sharing the reading material. Scorpius, with a smirk, rose from his seat to fetch the necessary ingredients for the potion.

Rose leaned in and discreetly whispered in Eve's ear, "I think he 'forgot' his textbook on purpose." She subtly returned to her seat, her hushed words slipping by unnoticed in the midst of the classroom's activity.

Eve's attention shifted as she observed Scorpius returning to their table. He had a confident stride, his dashing medium-length platinum blonde hair parted down the middle accentuating his strong, sharp features. His grey eyes exuded a hint of fierceness and slyness that was hard to ignore. Mesmerized, she found herself watching his lips move, seemingly lost in a trance.

She snapped out of her reverie when Scorpius addressed her. "Sorry, did you say something? I was miles away," Eve admitted, realizing she had been utterly captivated by Scorpius.

Scorpius playfully flicked her on the forehead. "Pay attention. I was saying that we're going to crush this potion. Well, I am definitely going to, maybe not you."

Eve shot Scorpius a playful glare, holding the expression for a few seconds before she delved into her potion-making. As she cracked her knuckles in a dramatic fashion, she flashed a mischievous smile in Scorpius's direction.

The room buzzed with activity as wisps of smoke and the sounds of bubbling cauldrons filled the air. Most of the students were making progress in their potion brewing, with one exception: a young Gryffindor boy who had spilled a potion on his robe. In desperation, he was trying on a spare one, as his original robe began to melt from the spillage. This wasn't a typical outcome, and Professor Rute found it quite perplexing.

After everyone had completed their potions, they gathered, filled with anticipation, waiting for the critical moment when their concoctions would be assessed.

Professor Rute approached their table, holding a small vial, which she carefully dipped into Eve's cauldron. She then raised it to the light, scrutinizing the contents as she hummed thoughtfully. "A very well-brewed potion, Miss Warren," Professor Rute began, her voice filled with measured praise. "However, this particular batch would only provide the effects for a brief 30 seconds. A commendable first attempt, nonetheless."

Professor Rute swiftly moved to Albus's cauldron, a broad smile gracing her features, leaving no doubt as to who her favourite student was. As she repeated the steps she had just performed with Eve's concoction, her excitement was palpable.

"I am utterly speechless, Mr. Potter," she proclaimed, her enthusiasm unmistakable. "This surpasses the skill level one would typically expect from a first-year student. I see an exceptionally bright future in the field of potions for you, young man. I am of the mind that we should include your father in discussions regarding extra lessons."

She trailed off, her voice becoming a murmur as she wandered away, clearly lost in a dreamy reverie about none other than Harry Potter.

Upon inspecting everyone's potions, Professor Rute made the declaration that Albus had emerged as the victor. A collective sigh resonated from his table, as they were well aware he would win.

"Class dismissed. I appreciate all your hard work, and a special congratulations to you, Albus," she commended. With a smile, she handed him a small vial containing a rich, deep-blue liquid as a token of his triumph.

The Slytherins bid their farewells to Rose, as their next lesson, Transfiguration, was with the Ravenclaw students. Albus, Scorpius, Dotty, and Eve strolled leisurely through the halls of Hogwarts, knowing they had another 30 minutes before their next class. When they exited the central hall, they found themselves in a grassy courtyard adorned with a fountain at its heart, with trees scattered about in a tranquil arrangement.

The brisk weather of the Scottish Highlands didn't deter the older students from basking in the cooler September sunshine. The group settled onto the soft, well-groomed grass. Before they could fully settle in, a reddish-brown ball suddenly landed in the centre of their circle. Albus's eyes widened as he swiftly scooped up the ball and, with a powerful throw, sent it back in the direction it had come from.

An older student nearby shouted, "Good arm, Potter! Want to join us for a game of hand Quidditch?" Albus nodded, a grin spreading across his face. He stood up and pulled Scorpius to his feet, playfully quipping, "Come on, mate, let's leave the girls to their chat about flowers and unicorns, or whatever they discuss." With a laugh, they made their way off to join the game.

Eve couldn't ignore the brief moment of hesitation in Scorpius's eyes as their gazes connected. He promptly averted his gaze and trailed after his friend. As Scorpius moved away, Dotty broke the silence, her voice filled with kindness as she turned to Eve.

"How are you feeling?" Dotty inquired; her head slightly tilted as she awaited a response.

"I'm actually doing well," Eve replied with gratitude in her voice. She turned to Dotty and continued, "I need to thank you and the rest of the girls. I couldn't have gotten through it without you all. So, thank you so much, Dotty; you're amazing!" With those words, she playfully lunged forward, embracing her in a warm, ground-hugging hug. Both of them burst into laughter as they lay on their backs, gazing up at the clouds above.

"Can you believe it? We get to do this for seven whole years. It's like a dream come true," Dotty's voice drifted off in the gentle breeze.

Eve responded, "No, I can't believe it. I keep thinking I'm going to wake up and find myself back in Chester, in my room, doing maths homework." She shuddered at the thought. The two friends lay in silence for a while, gazing at the clouds, appreciating the simple moments of life.

"Come on, girls, it's time to head to class!" Albus's voice resounded from across the courtyard.

Eve and Dotty quickly gathered their bags and made their way toward the two boys. Eve, a look of wide-eyed curiosity in her gaze, inquired, "Did you two enjoy your game? What was it you were playing?"

Albus smirked, replying, "I beg your pardon. What game were we just playing?" He paused for a moment, allowing Eve's confusion to settle. "I forgot, Muggle-born," he teased. "It is called Quidditch. It's the biggest magical sport around. But we don't have time to get into that right now. We have flying class later. I'll tell you all about it then." With that, Albus led them toward their next lesson.

Students began to stream into the well-lit Transfigurations classroom, where a central desk stood at the back. Rows of desks were neatly arranged on both the left and right sides of the room.

Albus and Scorpius occupied seats together, while Eve and Dotty sat side by side. At the front of the classroom, a casually leaning man in his fifties, adorned with a white beard, impeccably groomed white hair, a captivating smile, and deep blue eyes, exuded an air of authority. His attire consisted of tweed suit pants and a matching waistcoat, giving him a distinguished appearance.

When every student had settled into their respective seats, the professor strolled nearer to the board, twirling his wand gracefully between his fingers. As he did, writing magically began to materialize on the blackboard.

"Welcome to Transfigurations, first years. My name is Professor Mercer. Can someone tell me what Transfiguration magic is?" Professor Mercer, with a warm and welcoming smile, addressed the class.

A Ravenclaw student eagerly raised their hand and explained, "Transfigurations involve altering the form or appearance of an object, like turning this desk into a rocking chair or multiple cinder blocks."

Professor Mercer nodded in approval. "A very good answer. Transfiguration can indeed be a very rewarding branch of magic, but it's also one of the most challenging. Let's begin with something simple for our first lesson, shall we?" With a clap of his hands, a matchbox appeared on every table.

"We're going to transform these matches into sewing needles. This will be quite a challenge, as you're not only changing the object but also the material, from wood to metal. I've only had one student successfully complete this on their first lesson," Professor Mercer explained, setting the stage for the class's first challenge.

With practiced ease, Professor Mercer twirled his wand in his hand and pointed it at a solitary match lying on Eve's table. In an instant, before her very eyes, the match underwent a magical transformation, becoming a gleaming and sharp sewing needle.

A collective "whoa" resonated throughout the classroom, stirring excitement among the students. Transfigurations was undeniably an impressive and captivating magical art that many witches and wizards aspired to master.

"In Transfiguration, I believe in nonverbal casting, as you just witnessed," Professor Mercer began. "The simplest way to explain how it's done is this: as you aim your wand at the object, picture the item you're trying to create in your mind. Consider the texture, size, weight, and every detail about the object. Push aside all other thoughts and let the magic flow down your arm into your wand. Once you feel it, gently twist your wrist and wand, releasing the magic within," he elaborated, sharing the essence of the art.

An excited chatter filled the classroom as the students eagerly attempted to follow Professor Mercer's instructions. "This is so unusual, casting a spell without an incantation. It's such a skilled form of magic!" Dotty exclaimed in frustration, throwing her hands up as her initial attempts bore no results.

The rest of the group, like Dotty, found themselves grappling with the task. Try after try, their efforts yielded no results, and the matches remained unchanged.

Professor Mercer strolled around the classroom, carefully observing the diverse attempts at transfiguration, but he couldn't help but feel unimpressed. As he moved along, he halted at a table where a girl with vibrant purple hair sat. He could see that she was gazing at the match with a deep focus, unlike most other students who were rushing into their attempts.

Eve devoted her full attention to the match, examining every inch of it—the texture, the size, the weight. She meticulously envisioned a sewing needle in her mind, focusing on every single aspect of the needle.

Eve remained fixated on the match; her eyes locked on its transformation into a sewing needle. The moment played on a loop in her mind. An unusual sensation enveloped her body as the magic flowed through her arm, into her hand, and then through her wand. With precision, the magic struck the match, and in an instant, it transmuted into a sharp, shiny sewing needle.

Eve gasped in disbelief, her wand clattering to the floor as her hand instinctively rubbed her eyes. She could hardly fathom what she was seeing; it was a testament to her own accomplishment.

A soft clap brought her back to the present. "Bravo! I did not expect anyone to achieve this feat today. Truly outstanding," Professor Mercer commended. Leaning in closer, he whispered, "Your name, child?" Eve quickly replied, "Evelyn." "A round of applause for Evelyn!" Professor Mercer announced, prompting the class to break into applause.

Her cheeks transformed from their normal colour to a bright shade of red in an instant. All eyes in the classroom were fixed on her, and she couldn't help but feel overwhelmed by the attention.

"You're certainly making quite a name for yourself, and it's only been one week. First, you get possessed, then you're the only one to counter-curse the mouse, and you nearly destroyed the Charms classroom. And now, this!" Albus exclaimed, pointing to the transformed match with both hands. "I'm glad we're friends. I wouldn't want you as my enemy," he added. Eve beamed at him, flashing a toothy grin in response.

Professor Mercer lightly flicked his wand, causing the matchboxes to vanish. "I believe that will suffice for today's lesson. Please practice on your own between classes, and you can always ask our superstar here for tips," he said with a wink at Eve. "Class dismissed."

Slowly, the Slytherin and Ravenclaw first-year students filed out of the classroom. Eve couldn't help but think that the next lesson would be quite interesting—flying lessons with the entire first-year class. What could go wrong?

"Hurry up, you lot! We need to get there first to snag the best brooms," Albus shouted as he raced ahead, his robe billowing in the autumn breeze. Scorpius shrugged and dashed after Albus. Dotty and Eve, however, decided to take their time, aware of the long walk to the Quidditch pitch they wanted to save their energy.

After a 15-minute walk along pebbled paths and a shortcut across a grassy field, the students arrived at the Quidditch pitch. In the centre of the field, a young woman with short brown hair stood amidst dozens upon dozens of brooms neatly arranged in a circle.

Albus, Scorpius, and numerous other enthusiastic students rushed to secure the finest brooms available. Eve, on the other hand, nonchalantly selected the one closest to her. Its wood was cracked, and its bristles were wiry and sparse. It was a sorry sight to behold.

After all the first years had chosen their brooms, the woman in the centre, Alexandra Hooch, addressed the group. "Hello, first years. My name is Madam Hooch, and I'm thrilled to be your instructor this year. Raise your hand if you've ever flown a broom before." The majority of the class raised their hands, including all of Eve's friends. Eve gulped; she wasn't looking forward to this one bit.

"Excellent," Alexandra said, clapping her hands together, the sound muffled by the leather gloves she was wearing. "Even though most of you have flown before, I will begin with the basics. So please be patient, even if some of you are eager to start flying." She waited for everyone to settle down before continuing.

"Alright, class, if you could mimic my actions," she instructed. Alexandra stepped to the side of her broom, a sleek black shaft with white bristles and gold lettering engraved on the hilt. Hovering her hand over the broom, she said the word "up," and without hesitation, the broom soared into her hand, which she gripped tightly before straddling it between her legs. "Now, your turn, class."

A cacophony of noise erupted as every student shouted 'up.' Many of them experienced success on their first try, smug grins adorning their faces. However, Eve was having no such luck. She stared down at the broom, shouting "up" until her throat felt sore. It continued to stubbornly roll around in the grass, infuriating Eve even more.

Eve glanced around to ensure that no one was watching her. She knelt down, retrieved her broom from the ground, and straddled it. As she lifted her head, she unexpectedly made eye contact with Scorpius, who was shaking his head with a mischievous smirk on his face. A rosy blush quickly spread across Eve's cheeks as she felt the embarrassment of being caught in her awkward moment.

"Now, class, since there are more of you than there is of me, I need to level the playing field a little bit," Alexandra announced. She held her yellow teardrop-shaped necklace in her hand, squeezing it tightly. Suddenly, ten copies of herself sprang from the original, spreading evenly around the perimeter of the field.

Madam Hooch's proclamation left the entire class awestruck, mouths agape in sheer disbelief. "Everyone, meet my enchanting companions. They'll be assisting me in guiding you into the pitch, and if any adventurous souls dare to stray, my ladies will kindly bring you back." Her voice held an air of captivating authority, and her yellow eyes seemed to dance with the very magic she was invoking, leaving no doubt about her mastery over it.

"Now, everyone, give it your all and push off the ground. Hold your balance a few feet in the air," Professor Hooch instructed.

With an eager energy, all the students exerted themselves. A cacophony of crunching grass filled the air as the students pushed off, but despite her best efforts, Eve struggled. She attempted a single-footed launch, crouched down to increase her force, and even took a running start, but her broom remained stubbornly earthbound.

As Eve's classmates looked down at her struggling attempts to take flight, a mixture of reactions played out among them. Some felt sympathy, seeing her determination despite her difficulties, while others couldn't help but chuckle at her awkward predicament. The rest continued to circle above her, their brooms hovering with ease.

Seeing Eve's predicament, Rose and Dotty decided to land their brooms and offer a helping hand. However, in her frustration, Eve's pride wouldn't let her accept assistance. She was determined to master flying on her own, even if it meant facing failure for a little while longer.

Frustration and disappointment overwhelmed Eve, leading her to angrily toss her broom to the ground. With determination in her stride, she stormed away from the broomstick practice and headed toward one of the towering viewing platforms that encircled the quidditch pitch. Climbing the steel steps with purpose, she reached a halfway point and emerged onto the main stands that offered a grand view of the pitch. There, she found an empty seat, crossed her arms, and settled in, feeling defeated and discouraged.

Her gaze was fixed on the airborne spectacle below as Albus, Rose, Scorpius, and Dotty glided through the crisp air, chasing each other in a delightful game of pursuit. Albus, in particular, displayed an impressive finesse and agility on his broom, effortlessly weaving through the air. His movements, dipping and soaring with grace, captivated the onlookers, leaving them in awe of his flying prowess.

Eve's attention was abruptly captured by a pair of bright yellow eyes, radiating a friendly warmth, as they gradually drew nearer. Alexandra skilfully maneuverer her broom to a graceful landing beside Eve and gracefully dismounted before taking a seat beside her.

"Is everything okay, dear?" the young lady inquired, her expression tinged with concern as she observed that one of her students was struggling and seemed disheartened.

"It won't work for me! I can't get it to leave the ground. I've tried so many times, but it just won't work!" Eve blurted out in frustration.

""I think I may know what the problem is. Are you afraid of heights?" the young lady asked.

Eve nodded, puzzled. "I am, but what does that have to do with me not being able to take off the ground?"

"It has everything to do with it. Brooms are not inanimate objects; they have magic flowing through them and can sense if you are afraid. They won't allow you to risk your well-being, hence no flying for you," the instructor explained.

"So, all I have to do is get over my fear of heights, and I can fly a broom?" Eve inquired with a cocked head.

"Yes, I do believe so. In the next lesson, I'll work with you one on one. It looks like most of the other students don't need much of my attention," she said, gesturing to the two Slytherin boys racing each other at high speeds.

"Thank you, Miss Hooch," Eve said with a warm smile. "If it's okay with you, I'd like to just watch for the rest of the lesson."

"Of course, I look forward to our next lesson together," Miss Hooch replied, and with her final words, she mounted her broom and raced after an out-of-control Hufflepuff student.

After the lesson ended, Eve patiently waited for her friends to dismount and join her. They approached her with smiles, playfully mimicking the act of flying on their brooms as they weaved in and out of each other. Eve greeted them with a subtle, closed-lip smile. "Did you all have a good time?" she asked. Albus nodded enthusiastically, saying, "It was fantastic. I haven't been on a broom in weeks, and it felt amazing. I hope I make the team this year, just like my dad did!" Dotty chimed in with encouragement, her voice filled with excitement, "I'm certain you will, Albus. You were incredible on your broom, handling it with finesse."

Rose couldn't help but roll her eyes as she strolled past the group. "Come on, we have to head to the library for our study period," she called out, waving them in the direction of the castle. Eagerly, everyone fell in line behind Rose. The boys engaged in animated conversations about Quidditch tactics while they walked, while the three girls delved into discussions about the transfiguration lesson Rose had missed.

The group navigated the winding paths of the castle, both indoors and out, until they finally arrived at the library. For Eve, it was her first-time setting foot in this hallowed place. As the large doors swung open, she was taken aback by the impressive sight that greeted her. The library's ground floor sprawled out before them, boasting countless tall bookshelves, an abundance of desks and chairs at its heart, and two majestic spiral staircases at the rear of the grand room, leading to a second floor. The wraparound balcony on this second level overlooked the bustling centre of the first floor. Throughout the room, books floated gracefully, zipping to and fro as they autonomously found their rightful positions on the shelves.

After setting down their bags at an unoccupied table, they dispersed in different directions to retrieve the books they required. Eve's focus for the hour was on studying Time, so she embarked on her quest for relevant books. She trailed her fingertips along the spines of the books, moving her hand horizontally as she browsed. Suddenly, a tingling sensation coursed through her fingers, halting her in her tracks. Eve stopped and examined the book responsible for this curious reaction. In a hushed, almost reverent tone, she spoke, "Mysterious Myths and Hearsay."

Eve carefully plucked the book from the shelf, cradling it in her arms, and made her way to the designated desk. As she settled into her seat, she gingerly opened the weighty tome, causing a miniature dust storm to erupt, as though the book had been untouched for ages. It became evident to Eve that this particular volume had been neglected. She began to leaf through its pages, encountering sections dedicated to enigmatic subjects like Bigfoot and the Loch Ness Monster. With each turn of the page, the tingling sensation within her fingertips intensified, further piquing her curiosity.

"What have you got there, Eve?" Albus inquired as he joined her at the table, his own two books in tow. "I'm not entirely certain," she replied, her curiosity still piqued, "but this book seemed to call out to me in a way, so I'm exploring its contents." Albus offered her an understanding smile before immersing himself in his own chosen reading material.

The remainder of the group gradually settled into their respective studies, each deeply engrossed in their chosen topics. Eve, however, continued to flip through the pages, the tingling sensation in her fingertips now bordering on a burning intensity. Another page turned, and before her eyes lay a breathtaking sight: a golden page adorned with odd unreadable symbols, a central image of an hourglass that radiated an ethereal beauty. As her fingers gently grazed over the hourglass, a sudden and excruciating pain pierced her head, like a relentless worm burrowing into her brain. Eve clutched her temples with both hands, grimacing as she endured the torment, her breathing becoming shallow and erratic.

After a few agonizing seconds, everything abruptly ceased. The pain dissolved into nothingness, and an eerie stillness enveloped her surroundings, freezing everything in time.

"The book," she exclaimed aloud, leaning closer to the table to inspect it more closely, convinced that it was the source of this unexpected time stoppage. Her eyes remained fixed on the golden page, where the once-incomprehensible symbols had now transformed into legible words. At the top of the page, she read "Sands of Eternity" etched in elegant script. Below that, the remaining words beckoned her to read on:

"In a realm of eternal ice and snow, where the frigid winds relentlessly blow,

Deep beneath a hidden cave, secrets of old you shall unveil, I bestow.

Beneath the enchanting dance of the Southern Lights, where whispers of frost take flight,

Seek the place where shadows pirouette, in a boundless land, so bright.

With courage unwavering and breath crystalline, venture where no footprints have been,

Through caverns icy, dark, and pristine, lies the hourglass of stories unseen.

It measures time with a frozen embrace, a relic from a long-forgotten place,

To find it in this wintry space, requires both skill and a patient chase."

"A riddle," she murmured, "this must be the clue to the hourglass's location." Eve fixated on the golden page, the words echoing in her mind, repeating themselves endlessly. It became evident to her that the riddle alluded to a cave in Antarctica, yet the vastness of the place left her uncertain. It could be anywhere. She rubbed her tired eyes and pondered, "Tomorrow, when I meet the expert, I'll seek their knowledge and ask for guidance."

As she closed the book, the world around her resumed its normal pace as though nothing unusual had occurred. "Already done? That was quick," Albus remarked without lifting his gaze from his book. Eve chuckled softly to herself, replying, "Yeah, it's a quick read," although it had certainly been far from quick.

After carefully returning the book to its proper place for future perusal, Eve exchanged farewells with her friends and began her journey toward the exit.

"Wait up, I'll come with you," Rose offered as she packed away her own belongings.

The two girls made their way to the Great Hall for dinner, and once they were comfortably seated with plates of food before them, Rose broached the topic. "You have your extra lesson today, right?"

Eve nodded, hastily gulping down a mouthful of food before responding. "Yes, I do. I'm feeling quite nervous about it, you know. Occlumency isn't something to be taken lightly. What if something goes wrong?" she expressed, a trace of anxiety evident in her voice.

"Professor Inkwood is a true master in his field," Rose reassured her. "He wouldn't let anything untoward happen to you, I'm sure of it."

Eve nodded in agreement, acknowledging the truth in Rose's words, but the fear still lingered within her.

A lull in their conversation settled as they enjoyed their meal, but then Rose decided to shatter the silence. "So, you and Scorpius, what's the deal there?"

Eve nearly choked on her pumpkin juice, taken by surprise. She coughed and sputtered, finally managing to speak, "I beg your pardon, what?"

Rose raised an eyebrow, unapologetically direct. "You heard me. Is there more to you and Scorpius than just friendship?"

Eve sat there, looking like a deer caught in headlights. "Um... well, no, we're just friends. I don't think he sees me in that way. Plus, he's a bit quirky, don't you think?" Her eyes darted nervously around the room.

Rose fixed her with a pointed look and a raised eyebrow. "If you say so," she replied with a hint of scepticism in her tone.

Eve took another long sip from her drink and, while raising her phone from her pocket to check the time, she noticed it was already 6:15 PM.

"Oh, would you look at the time! I should get going. See you later, Rose," Eve exclaimed, hastily departing with a sense of urgency that Rose had rarely witnessed.

Rose couldn't help but smirk; she knew her comment had struck a nerve with her friend.

Eve arrived at the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom with a comfortable five minutes to spare. She chose a seat at the front of the class and anxiously anticipated the start of her session.

Promptly at 6:30, the office door swung open, and Professor Inkwood motioned for Eve to join him inside.

Inside the office, Eve was led to a plush, comfortable chair and settled in, patiently awaiting Professor Inkwood's instructions.

He began with a solemn tone, "What we are about to do will not be pleasant. I will delve into your mind, and nothing will be off-limits. Your objective is to resist my intrusion, to push me out. There are no incantations or spells; it's a battle of pure willpower. With practice, this will become second nature, and you will have a permanent Occlumency shield, turning your mind into an impenetrable fortress."

Before proceeding, he offered one last chance to reconsider, "You can leave right now if you wish." He waited for a few moments, but Eve remained resolute.

"Very well, let's begin. Legilimens," he commanded, his wand aimed at Eve's head. In an instant, Eve felt an intense, painful pressure building in her ears and behind her eyes. Her mind was probed, memories accessed and brought to the forefront as if from a well-organized filing system. The first memory that emerged was of her celebrating her sixth birthday at her grandparents' home in Devon. She had a chocolate cake with purple frosting, her name written in green icing.

As she leaned in to blow out the candles, an imposing figure suddenly appeared, professor Inkwood. He swatted at the cake, sending it crashing to the floor. "Push me out!" he screamed. Six-year-old Eve, in the memory, fled to a corner, fear and confusion etched across her face. "Push me out now!" he yelled again, this time brandishing a knife aimed at her grandma. Her eyes widened in terror as the memory unfolded, even though it had never happened in reality.

Without hesitation, Eve instinctively raised her hands toward Professor Inkwood, with the mental image of her grandmother held in a safe haven at the forefront of her mind. She shouted, "GET OUT!" A surge of powerful magic radiated from her palms; its golden hue unmistakable. Professor Inkwood could feel himself being pulled back through time, the knife returning to its place in the block, the cake reassembling itself on the table, and he, himself, exiting Eve's mind.

The force of her expulsion was so potent that he was propelled across the room, sending books tumbling from the shelves as he collided with them.

"I'm so sorry, Professor," Eve squeaked, genuinely apologetic. To her surprise, he laughed, a response that she found rather peculiar.

"Miss Warren, do you realize what you've just accomplished?" he asked. She shook her head quickly from side to side, her curiosity piqued.

"You've just successfully expelled me from your mind on your very first attempt at Occlumency, or whatever you did. The result is the same. This is an incredibly advanced magical skill you possess," he noted. "Let's try it again, this time focusing on keeping me out altogether."

Once more, Professor Inkwood aimed his wand at Eve, casting "Legilimens." The familiar pressure began building inside her head. She fought with all her might to erect a steel wall around her mind, but her response was too late; the sheer power of Professor Inkwood's intrusion overwhelmed her, leaving her defenceless.

Eve writhed in agony as her mind was laid bare, her memories flashing before her eyes. She saw the moment on the Hogwarts Express when she met her friends for the first time and another memory of the Slytherin girls comforting her after a nightmare. In all these memories, a shadowy figure loomed in the darkness, instilling fear deep within Eve.

"Enough," Professor Inkwood declared, putting an end to his Legilimency, leaving both of them panting, with Eve significantly more drained.

"I... tried... but I couldn't stop it," Eve admitted between long, laboured breaths.

"I applaud your determination for trying. I understand how challenging it can be, but we must press on. Again!" Professor Inkwood insisted, determined to continue the training.

The relentless practice persisted throughout the remaining hour, yet Eve made only modest progress, her first attempt remaining her most significant achievement.

"Well done, I can see some slight improvements, but remember, this is not a sprint; it's a marathon. Do not become disheartened, Miss Warren," Professor Inkwood offered, a reassuring smile on his face.

As the extra lesson came to an end, Eve navigated her way back to the Slytherin common room, her head throbbing from the intense mental exertion she'd endured.

Dotty, seated next to Albus and Scorpius, inquired, "How did your extra lesson with Professor Inkwood go?"

Eve responded with a groan, slumping onto the plush sofa facing the crackling fireplace.

Dotty emitted a soft chuckle, saying, "Was it that rough?" Another groan escaped Eve's lips, and she added, "My brain feels like it's on the verge of exploding. I've never experienced anything quite like it before. Don't mind me; I'm going to shut my eyes for a moment."

Eve gradually closed her eyes, making an effort to keep track of her friends' conversation. However, her eyelids grew heavier and heavier until she drifted into slumber right in the heart of the common room.

Thirty minutes later, Eve was in a deep slumber. She had rolled over to the other side of the sofa, her head now comfortably nestled against Scorpius's shoulder. As she nuzzled closer, Scorpius, with his platinum hair and pale complexion, couldn't help but blush at the proximity.

Albus observed his friend's growing embarrassment with Eve resting against him and suggested, "Shall we move her to her room? This isn't the most suitable place to fall asleep." Scorpius nodded with gentle agreement, careful not to disturb Eve as they prepared to relocate her.

With great care, the two boys carefully maneuverer Eve between them, each of her arms slung over their shoulders for support. Dotty walked ahead, ensuring it was safe for them to enter the room.

As she poked her head out from the oak door, Dotty gave the boys a thumbs up, holding the door open for their entry. But as soon as they crossed the threshold, an invisible force abruptly thrust both Albus and Scorpius backward, leaving Eve momentarily suspended in the air before she began to tip forward.

In an instant, Dotty threw her hands out, preventing Eve from plummeting to the ground. "What was that?" Albus inquired in hushed tones.

"It seems that boys aren't allowed in the girls' bedrooms. Now I have to carry her myself," Dotty remarked with a hint of frustration. "Goodnight you two, see you in the morning" Dotty softly spoke. Albus and Scorpius said their farewells before walking towards their own bedroom.

With all her might, Dotty managed to lift Eve onto her bed. She took out her phone from her robe pocket and plugged it in to charge. Afterward, she carefully tucked Eve in, ensuring her friend was comfortable and snug. A tender smile crossed Dotty's face as she leaned down, gently planting a loving peck on Eve's forehead.

"Sleep tight, Evelyn," she whispered before moving to her own bed and settling in for the night.