Chapter 15 Book, Romance and Battle
The first week back after the winter break proved exhausting for all. Adjusting to early mornings and a full day of classes was a challenge that most students struggled with, still basking in the two-week break's afterglow. The atmosphere within the castle was notably sombre, and even Eve couldn't escape this mood. Her initial enthusiasm waned rapidly as the workload began to accumulate.
Professor Thorne, the new Potions instructor, displayed remarkable proficiency in both practicing and teaching the subject. Notably patient with the students who needed more time to grasp the concepts, and prompt in acknowledging the overachievers, Thorne's teaching approach was well-rounded. In this environment, Albus promptly distinguished himself as the class's most adept student in the field of potions, earning him extra attention from Professor Thorne.
Rumours began to circulate that each year he selected the most exceptional and brightest students to mentor during the summer months, offering them a highly sought-after internship that would significantly enhance their prospects in any profession involving potions.
Nevertheless, being a compassionate and effective teacher didn't exempt him from assigning additional coursework, much like the other professors. By the week's end, Eve found herself tasked with producing a minimum of two pages of written work for each class, covering a diverse range of topics.
Fortunately, the mysterious voice that had whispered to Eve had fallen silent, albeit temporarily. She remained in the dark about the voice's origin and its cryptic message. "Today," she mused while ascending the stairs toward her next lesson with Charlie, "perhaps I'll finally uncover its meaning."
With a sense of relief, Eve entered the Room of Requirements on Saturday evening. She had dedicated her entire morning and afternoon to extra work on her day off, so she welcomed the opportunity to engage in something she genuinely enjoyed. Charlie, with his consistently positive attitude and impressive expertise, had been an excellent mentor. Eve had absorbed a wealth of knowledge from him.
"Good evening, Evelyn. I'm delighted to see you again," Charlie beamed, his childlike features exuding enthusiasm. "These lessons are the highlight of my week." Eve reciprocated the smile. "Mine too! I'm always eager to explore the magic I can create with my unique gift. So, what are we doing today?" she inquired as she hung her robe on the back of a chair, allowing herself more freedom of movement in just her jumper and skirt.
"Today, we're going to delve into temporal projection. Before you inquire about its specifics, I must admit that even I don't have a comprehensive understanding of what it might fully involve," Charlie explained. "It's a working theory I've been exploring for the past two weeks. There's a chance it might not even work, but I'm eager to give it a try nonetheless."
Eve regarded Charlie with a hint of scepticism. She felt a touch of uncertainty. If her teacher didn't entirely grasp the magic she was supposed to perform, how could she? However, she couldn't ignore the fact that Charlie had never led her astray in the past.
"Allow me to clarify the task and the expected outcomes," Charlie began, emphasizing, "As I mentioned earlier, this is merely a working theory, so we must exercise patience. There's a chance we may not witness any immediate results." He cleared his throat before elaborating, taking a step back in thought.
"Temporal projection falls under the category of illusion magic, but it typically requires a high level of skill. The ability to concentrate on the illusion and deceive every observer at once is a challenging feat. However, temporal projection has a unique twist. It involves bringing an object from the past into the present or even an entire scenario, depending on your magical prowess. The crucial distinction is that this item or scenario is fully tangible; only you will know it's not real. You can pick it up, touch it, taste it, and interact with it in every way. This sets it apart from traditional illusionary magic, where illusions remain ethereal and can't be interacted with. The potential benefits of this type of magic, if achievable, could be truly remarkable," Charlie explained, pausing to invite questions from Eve.
Eve's scepticism was evident in her raised eyebrows as she asked, "Charlie, is this safe?" The question hung in the air, prompting a serious and emotionless response from him.
"As I've mentioned, this is a theory I've been exploring. It's not inherently dangerous, but I can't guarantee complete safety. You'll have to be willing to take that risk with me as we delve into the unknown," he replied, his tone steadfast and unemotional.
With animated hand gestures and an exuberant smile, Charlie exclaimed, "We could be at the forefront of magical discovery! I've pored over my tomes repeatedly, and this particular form of time manipulation has never been documented before. This could be the breakthrough my career has been yearning for—I'd secure my place in the annals of magical history." In his excitement, Charlie hadn't even noticed that he had started to ramble, veering completely off-topic.
Eve bit her lip, letting Charlie continue his passionate monologue, uncertain about when to interject and initiate the task. After a minute of attentive listening, she gently raised her hand, signalling her readiness to begin. As she started to concentrate on relaxing her mind and bringing her emotions to the forefront, Charlie quickly noticed her intent and apologized, "My apologies, Evelyn. I didn't mean to go on a tangent. Let's begin. I'd like you to journey back into your past and visualize an item that brings you joy. Focus solely on that item, clearing all other thoughts. Feel it as though it's trying to come to you, as if you're drawing it closer."
Eve nodded, took a deep breath, and cleared her mind, centring her thoughts solely on her childhood teddy bear, "Mr. Biggle." She whispered the name with a growing smile. With intense focus, she brought to mind the bear's tattered fur, the missing eye, and the stained belly. She visualized every detail, from the stitching along his right arm—repaired after an accidental tug of war with Sebastian—to every cherished memory associated with the bear.
She closed her eyes, directing her hands towards the floor, focusing solely on the image of the bear. The magic within her palms ignited, sending tingling sensations down her arms, through her shoulders, and into her spine. It caused a momentary discomfort, a sensation she hadn't experienced before. After a brief moment, she regained her concentration.
As she relaxed, the shocking feeling subsided, and the magic once again felt warm and inviting. She could sense it under her control. Gently, she pushed the magic down into the tips of her fingers, releasing it ever so slightly to form a golden ball in each palm. Slowly, she brought them together, and as the balls collided, small sparks erupted from their surface. The combined balls began to shrink, now the size of a golf ball, Eve cupped the energy within her hands rolling in around in her palms.
Once Eve felt that the energy was sufficiently infused with the image of "Mr. Biggle," she summoned her determination and directed the magic into the padded floor. Eve hesitantly opened one eye, peering down at the floor, only to find nothing. A wave of disappointment washed over her. She flung her arms to her sides and frowned at Charlie, her head hanging low.
"Nothing happened," she sighed, her voice reflecting her disappointment. "I really thought that was going to work. I could feel it; the teddy bear felt so real."
Just as her frustration was settling in, Charlie gasped and suddenly threw himself to the floor. He was already holding a small pair of tweezers and picking up the faintest strands of fur. "Do you know what this means?" Charlie said, holding up the tweezers with the barely visible strand of teddy fur. "I was right, it is possible!" Charlie's face lit up with joy, and he took a step towards Eve as if to hug her, but then he remembered the inappropriateness of it and quickly moved backward. He pulled a vial from his jacket pocket and placed the strand of fur into it.
"Do you think that with enough practice, I'll be able to materialize more or less anything?" Eve asked, a glimmer of excitement in her eyes.
"I believe so, yes," Charlie replied with enthusiasm. "As long as you've seen it before and with enough practice, I think you'll be able to conjure entire memories into our present reality. The possibilities are limitless!" Charlie's excitement was palpable, and he couldn't contain his enthusiasm.
"Shall we unwind now by attempting to age me? I'm starting to get frustrated in this young body, as you witnessed the other day when my colleagues weren't the kindest," Charlie sighed, recalling the elevator ride.
"That sounds like a good idea. Let me prepare. I believe this time we'll begin to see real results. I've been feeling much more powerful recently," Eve started explaining. She described the severed connection she shared with Hera, and how, with Hera gone, parts of her knowledge and power were left behind, which she was slowly coming to terms with and absorbing as her own.
"Most interesting indeed," Charlie remarked as his thoughts began to wander.
Eve moved closer to Charlie, her hand gently finding its place on his shoulders. Her gaze locked onto his eyes, and she couldn't help but notice his striking handsomeness. Yet, she swiftly banished that thought, reminding herself of the stark age difference between them. He was a man fifty years her senior, not an innocent eleven-year-old boy. Determinedly pushing aside, the embarrassment that threatened to surface, she commenced her familiar ritual of channelling magic.
Energy flowed from her fingertips, traversing into Charlie's being and enveloping his cells in a tight embrace. With unwavering determination, Eve seized control of his cellular structure within the grasp of her magic. Silently, she screamed within the depths of her mind, channelling every last ounce of her remaining energy. She pushed her magical abilities to their limits without tipping over the precipice, maintaining perfect control throughout.
Her eyes widened with amazement as she witnessed the young boy before her undergo a rapid transformation. He began to grow and fill out, the changes initially slow but gradually accelerating with each passing second. In a mere five seconds, he had aged from 11 to 18.
As the transformation sped up, she had to release her grip on his shoulders, for she could no longer reach them. Her hands now clung to his, and as she squeezed, Charlie winced in discomfort. He couldn't discern if the pain stemmed from the rapid growth or the intensity of Eve's grip on his hands.
His twenties swiftly faded into the past, showing no signs of slowing down, and his thirties and forties vanished in the blink of an eye. "Stop!" Charlie's voice erupted, now deep and commanding once more. Hearing his plea, Eve released her grip and withdrew the magic back into herself. Exhausted, she crumpled to the ground, her body drenched in a hot sweat.
Charlie hurried to her side, kneeling down beside her and gently cradling her head on his arm. "You did it, kid. You really did it. That was amazing!" he exclaimed with genuine admiration. In response, Eve managed a weak smile, her breathing slowly returning to normal.
Gently lifting Eve, Charlie carefully settled her into the chair. He reached into his suit pocket, retrieving a handkerchief, and began to delicately dab at Eve's forehead. "Thank you," she whispered, her head resting against the chair as she tried to regain control over her body temperature.
A couple of minutes passed, and Eve's condition improved significantly. She smiled at Charlie and reassured him, "They won't be making fun of you anymore, Charlie. In fact, they might be scared of you now." She giggled, her once-pale complexion now restored to its vibrant, healthy hue.
"Good," Charlie responded, a mischievous grin playing on his lips. He turned as if to make his usual exit through the fireplace. However, Eve's voice halted him in his tracks, and he spun on his heels to face her once more. "Wait," she called out, stopping Charlie in his tracks.
"What is it, Evelyn?" Charlie asked curiously, his expression attentive. Eve took a deep breath, summoning the courage to share her troubling experience with him. "I've been hearing voices," she admitted, her voice trembling slightly. "It started with whispers, but the last time was more aggressive and painful. I don't know who these voices are from or why I'm hearing them."
Charlie's curiosity was significantly piqued, and he moved closer to the chair where Eve was seated. "Hearing voices, even in the wizarding world, that is not a good quality to have," he remarked. "May I ask what it is you heard?"
Eve whispered her response, "The hourglass." She didn't anticipate the immediate and intense reaction she received from Charlie. He swiftly covered her mouth with his hand and urgently inquired, "Are you sure those are the exact words you heard?" Eve nodded in affirmation, her eyes reflecting a mixture of fear and confusion, deeply unsettled by Charlie's reaction.
He slowly removed his hand from her mouth and, with remarkable speed, conjured a privacy bubble around them. "There now we can talk freely," he began, his tone serious and chilling, "even within Hogwarts. What we're about to discuss is dangerous business, Evelyn."
Eve leaned forward and asked her question nonchalantly, "Does the hourglass have anything to do with the Sands of Eternity?"
Charlie was taken aback, his expression turning ashen, and concern seeping into his raised voice. "How do you know about that?" His warm and kind exterior had vanished, replaced by a cold and serious demeanour. Eve, feeling small and uneasy, slumped into the armchair. "I found it mentioned in a book," she confessed. "The book's magic called out to me as I passed by it. After I found the page that mentioned the hourglass, my own magic helped me translate it, and I was given a riddle that could led to its location."
Charlie's previously pale expression had transformed, his eyes widening and his mouth agape, resembling a hungry dog about to be fed. "You know where the hourglass is. Where?" he blurted out in rapid excitement.
Eve recited the riddle she had discovered, "Also, I can show you where the book is. I'm sure it holds more clues than it has given. The second time I attempted to read the book, I was granted a vision of the hourglass in an empty, dark room, illuminated by a single light. That's all I saw, so I'm confident in saying it's no longer in Antarctica."
Charlie hummed thoughtfully, contemplating what Eve had just revealed. "I believe I need to take possession of this book. There are not many texts that discuss the Sands of Eternity, and adding this one to my collection would be invaluable." He started to make his way to the door, but once again, Eve asked him to wait. "Can you tell me about the hourglass?" Her expression was one of curiosity that Charlie couldn't ignore.
"Very well," he agreed, and with a mere thought, another chair materialized in the room. Seating himself in the chair opposite Eve, he began, "The hourglass, also known as the Sands of Eternity, is an incredibly ancient relic, its true age shrouded in mystery. To the best of my knowledge, it has never been seen, but your vision suggests otherwise. My understanding of the hourglass is derived from accounts of mad rambling men, so some of the information may be inaccurate."
He cleared his throat and double-checked the privacy shield before continuing, "According to these accounts, the Sands of Eternity is as old as time itself. If you're not aware yet, Time, Death, and Fate are very real beings that occasionally visit their chosen individuals on this plane. Each of these beings has one champion to whom they bestow their power, sometimes in the form of an object. The Sands of Eternity was Time's chosen object. It is said to grant the wielder the power of time itself, a claim that, judging by your abilities, appears to be true. Somewhere in your family's lineage, there is Time's chosen champion. I'm quite certain of it," he concluded, allowing Eve a moment to absorb the information.
"I have Time's magic running through me right now?" Eve marvelled, her gaze dropping to her hands as she examined them, turning them over and back. Charlie nodded in affirmation.
"Not much more is known about the hourglass," he continued, his eyes filled with a longing desire. "It has never been studied. Oh, what I would do to get my hands on that relic." His mind began to drift into contemplation.
Instinctively, Eve snapped her fingers, hoping to grab Charlie's attention. After a moment of inattention, he finally roused from his deep contemplation.
"Sorry, I got distracted," Charlie admitted, his focus returning. "So that's what I know about the Sands of Eternity; it's not much, but it's something. Shall we go and find this book?" He stood up from the armchair, which promptly disappeared. Eve also rose, taking her place by his side as she nodded in agreement. Together, both Eve and Charlie made their way to the library, their steps echoing through the corridors as they walked in contemplative silence.
Upon entering the library, Eve couldn't help but notice a new, younger library caretaker instead of the elderly lady. She thought little of it and proceeded to the bookshelf where she remembered leaving the book. As they rounded the corner, the distinctive hum she expected to find was conspicuously absent. Eve ran her fingers along the bookshelf just as she had before, but to no avail. She repeated her efforts several times, each time failing to locate the book.
"That's odd," she remarked, her face falling with disappointment. "I know I placed it here, but the book's magic is nowhere to be seen."
Charlie placed one finger to his lips as he contemplated their predicament. "Perhaps the librarian has seen the book," he suggested, breaking the silence.
Charlie turned the corner and strode in the direction of the librarian, Eve quickening her pace to keep up with his long strides. "Ahem," Charlie cleared his throat as they approached the librarian's desk.
The librarian looked up; a touch flustered by Charlie's presence. "Yes, how may I help you today, erm, Professor?" he stammered, his uncertainty evident.
"My, erm, student is looking for a specific book. Evelyn, what is the book called?" Charlie inquired, his gaze shifting down to the shy girl beside him.
"The Book of Hearsay, I believe it is called," Eve whispered. The librarian reached under his desk and pulled out a large roll of parchment, which streamed across the floor. His eyes quickly scanned the text, and his brow furrowed with frustration as each line turned up no results.
"That's strange," he said, "It appears the book was checked out and has not been returned. One moment." He spun his chair toward another desk, pulled a sleek-looking laptop from his backpack, and placed it on the desk. His fingers danced across the keys as he exclaimed, "That's odd. It seems the old librarian checked out the book. Very unusual, considering she was let go due to a bout of insanity. I'm sorry, but I don't have any further information to provide."
"Not to worry, thank you for your assistance," Charlie expressed his disappointment, his tone revealing his frustration. As he looked around for Eve, he noticed the librarian's lack of farewell, which struck him as odd. Upon closer inspection, he realized that the librarian was entirely motionless, frozen in place.
Charlie shook his head and chuckled. "Evelyn!" he called out, and seconds later, she reappeared with a mischievous grin on her lips, holding a piece of paper with her handwriting. Handing the paper to Charlie, she said, "The librarian's address. I think my grandpa would be proud."
"I would reprimand you if this weren't so important," Charlie began, "that was not okay to steal private information like that. But thank you for doing so." He stepped away from the desk with Eve.
"The evening is still young. Would you like to see this through with me?" he continued. "Once more, I must emphasize that this could be dangerous, and I can't guarantee your safety. If your headmistress were to find out I took you without her consent... I don't even want to think about that."
Eve bit her lip as she considered the offer. One part of her mind cautioned against it, reminding her that she had expressed a desire for a quiet term just a week ago. However, the other half of her mind insisted that she needed to learn more about the hourglass. After a few moments of contemplation, she finally answered, "Okay, let's go. I'm ready." She reached into her sleeve and pulled out her wand.
Charlie noticed the wand and advised, "You won't be needing that. If you cast a spell outside Hogwarts, the Aurors will be on us in seconds. Best leave that to me." His grin belied his serious tone.
Casting a swift glance around to ensure they weren't attracting any undue attention; Charlie reached into his suit jacket and withdrew a small cloak. He draped it over Eve's head and shoulders. "Button that up and follow me," he instructed in a hushed tone. "Stay low and keep quiet."
As Eve secured the cloak around herself, she gasped, realizing her arms and hands had turned invisible. She promptly tucked her loose hair into the hood and fastened the front of the cloak, rendering herself completely invisible.
Charlie kept his head low, striding purposefully through the halls of Hogwarts toward the entrance. At intervals, he paused, checking his surroundings for any potential onlookers or obstacles. He felt a slight bump, a sign that Eve was following close behind. Without stopping, he continued on his way, trusting that she was keeping pace.
Upon reaching the outer gardens at the front of the school, he pushed forward through the large metal gates. Two stone warthogs with wings guarded the entrance, their menacing appearance deterring most. But not Charlie, who had encountered his fair share of threats in the magical world.
"Evelyn, you can take the cloak off now," Charlie urged, waiting for a few seconds. When nothing happened, panic washed over his face. He frantically swept the area with his wand, sending out invisible tendrils to locate other hidden objects. A small sparkling trail from within the school grounds indicated her position. He quietly chuckled, watching the sparkle approach.
As it came within arm's reach, he gently lifted the cloak from Evelyn, who was panting and hunched over, gasping for air. "You... walk... too... fast," she said between breaths.
Charlie smiled and rolled up his cloak, placing it inside his jacket. "When you're ready, we can depart. Stay quiet, and I'll do the talking," he advised. Eve attempted to nod but struggled to catch her breath. After a few moments, she was ready to be Apparated.
With a gentle pop, the silence of the small hamlet they had found themselves in was disrupted. Evening was turning into night, and only a faint light emitted from one home, casting an eerie setting. A thick fog began rolling down from the nearby hills, swiftly enveloping the hamlet in a cold, dense cloud of grey.
Eve thought she felt something brush past her, but when she turned, they were still alone, her mind playing tricks on her. Regardless, she clung to Charlie's arm like a newborn babe, her fear palpable in her grip.
With no clear idea of which direction to take, Charlie and Eve cautiously moved toward the source of light, navigating through the thick fog that felt more like wading through a river. A low stone wall, with a creaking gate, appeared before them. Silently, they pushed the gate aside and continued up a stone path leading to a solitary thatched-roof cottage, its front room illuminated by a small flame.
Charlie conducted a thorough examination of his surroundings, his senses on high alert. He stealthily crept to the window and peered inside. The interior revealed a brown cowhide rug spread across the stone floor, with bits of thatch scattered about. Two rocking chairs were angled toward the fireplace, where a small fire crackled softly.
"I think someone is home," Charlie whispered as he returned to Eve, who was crouching, doing her best to stay low to the ground and out of sight. An uneasy feeling gripped her. "I don't like this one bit," she muttered.
Charlie placed a comforting hand on her shoulder and gently raised her to her feet. "We'll retrieve the book, and then we'll leave. It won't take long," he reassured her.
Charlie rapped his knuckles on the flimsy door and stood there, waiting for a response. He could hear movement coming from inside the cottage, the door hardly muffling any of the noise. A woman's voice rambled on unintelligibly from the other side of the door.
Then, without warning, the front door was flung wide open. Before them stood the librarian Eve had alluded to, but something was dreadfully amiss. Her skin was adorned with small symbols, one prominent marking on her forearm still oozing blood onto the floor. Her eyes were a solid white, and she was incoherently muttering nonsense.
Charlie attempted to communicate with the woman, but she suddenly lunged at him, brandishing a sharp knife. With a swift and effortless move, he sidestepped the attack and swiftly drew his wand. "Stupefy," he muttered, casting the spell that sent the librarian falling face-first onto the cold stone path, her body rigid and unmoving.
"What was that all about?" Charlie gasped; his wand still trained on the woman. However, the urgency in Eve's frantic words drew his attention away. As he turned to see what she was talking about, he was met with a shocking sight. Inside the cottage, every available surface was covered in strange symbols, either painted in blood or carved with the knife she had wielded. "My God," Charlie whispered in awe and disbelief.
Eve ventured further into the room; her eyes fixated on the inscriptions that seemed to leap off the walls. "Where is it hidden?" she read, passing one wall. "I have to find it," "The voices," "I have to know," she continued to read from various objects, the words bearing a frantic urgency.
"You can read this?" Charlie inquired; his surprise evident in his tone. "It's the same text that's written in the book. It must have corrupted her mind somehow. Look at all this, it's everywhere," Eve pointed out, gesturing to the hard-to-miss writings scattered throughout the room.
As she moved closer to the bed, she felt a peculiar pull emanating from beneath it. Eve could sense the book calling out to her, the irresistible temptation to uncover its secrets.
Bending down on her knees, Eve lowered her head to peer under the bed. Stretching her right arm under the bed, she wrapped her hand around the leather bindings and dragged the book out. "Here it is," she announced, holding the book up for Charlie to see. Before taking it, he reached into his suit jacket and withdrew a translucent bag made of thin silk. Carefully, he placed the book inside the bag and slid it back into his suit jacket.
Eve stared at him in surprise. "Undetectable extension charm," he explained, patting his suit jacket with a grin. "I need to get me one of those," she quipped.
Looking around the room once more, she shivered. "Can we get out of here now? This place gives me the creeps."
Charlie took her hand and helped her to her feet. "Yes, once I take you back, I'll send a team to collect the librarian. Poor woman, she has clearly had a difficult time recently," he remarked, glancing around at all the inscrutable symbols that meant nothing to him. As he felt the book within his suit pocket, he couldn't help but be baffled by the power of the book, or perhaps it was the hourglass within the book; he couldn't be certain.
Charlie cast one final glance at the cottage, the symbols flashing before his eyes repeatedly. He could sense the book's relentless attempt to influence him, but the protective silk barrier thwarted its most dangerous magic. Turning to Eve, he crouched down and spoke, "Next week's session will be different. We'll be delving into the text within this book, and since you can read it, I'll need your insights." Eve nodded, understanding her role as a translator.
"Now, let's get you back before Headmistress McGonagall realizes you're missing," Charlie added, a hint of fear in his voice.
Upon their return to Hogwarts, the hour had grown late. Eve knew she needed to get to bed before Filch discovered her. Silently and stealthily, she navigated her way through the castle, remaining undetected as she made her way to the Slytherin common room.
However, upon entering, Eve didn't take two steps into the common room before Dotty and Albus appeared at the top of the staircase.
Dotty couldn't contain her excitement as she laid eyes on Eve, and Albus breathed a sigh of relief. "We were just coming out to look for you," Albus declared, enveloping Eve in a warm embrace. Dotty also joined in on the hug.
"Is Scorpius not with you?" Albus inquired, his concern evident.
Eve replied, "No, I haven't seen him since this morning. Why? Do you think something's happened to him?"
Both Dotty and Albus nodded in agreement. "He was supposed to meet us in the common room a while ago to go over a few notes for class on Monday, but he's a no-show," Albus explained. Before he could continue, Dotty interjected, "We should go and look for him."
Eve concurred, "We should, but we have to be careful. Filch is roaming around. Where should we start?" she asked the other two.
After a few minutes of pondering the group decided to start looking in the great hall. Before setting off Eve took precautions "Dotty empty out your pockets" Dotty's mouth opened in a gasp "I don't have him with me, he's at home with mother, I learnt my lesson" she finished with a scowl.
Walking off with a chuckle Eve took the lead, being the expert in stealth and sneaking. She adopted a serious tone, whispering to the other to stay low and quiet. A fleeting though crossed her mind "so much for a quiet term"
Earlier that same day, Scorpius awoke feeling refreshed and joyful. Today was the day when his romantic plans would finally come to fruition. He had meticulously planned a lovely lakeside walk for himself and Rose, complete with a picnic at the end. Every detail had been carefully considered, and he was certain it was going to be perfect. A smile graced his lips as he began his day, with thoughts of his girlfriend and the wonderful time they were going to share.
Taking a bit more time than usual to prepare, Scorpius ensured he looked his absolute best. His platinum hair was perfectly styled with a subtle swoop to the right, and any loose strands had been neatly gelled and tamed. Coming from a pure-blood wizarding family had imparted several life lessons to Scorpius, including the importance of always presenting your best self to the world, regardless of the situation. This was something his father had instilled in him from a young age, along with many other valuable lessons.
Scorpius and his father didn't always see eye to eye, but he held a deep respect for the man. After the events that had tarnished their family name years ago, it was Draco Malfoy who had worked tirelessly to restore it to a place of Favor in the wizarding world. Scorpius had always been closer to his mother, who had been a constant presence in his life while his father worked late nights and embarked on business trips that could last for weeks. Scorpius's grandparents, on the other hand, weren't around much. His grandmother made occasional visits, but she led a reclusive lifestyle, having retreated from the world since Scorpius's grandfather was imprisoned in Azkaban for his actions during the last wizarding war, where he remained to this day.
Setting down the hand mirror he had been using to perfect his final look, Scorpius headed to their usual meeting spot with a basket attached to his wrist and a red rose held in his other hand. Scorpius didn't learn about romance from his parents. Their relationship was purely superficial, the result of an arranged marriage. Once upon a time, his mother had loved his father, but those days were long gone, and they now loathed each other, constantly engaged in bitter arguments, especially concerning Scorpius and what was best for him. Returning to Hogwarts provided a welcome respite from the constant manipulation and sugar-coated words intended to make him choose one parent's side over the other.
Shaking the intrusive thoughts aside, Scorpius pushed forward. Today was his and Rose's Day, and he was determined not to let his parents ruin it. As he continued, he caught a glimpse of a red beauty in front of him. Rose Granger-Weasley was seated with her legs crossed on a stone bench beneath the cherry blossom tree, pink leaves fluttering around in the crisp air, creating a breathtaking sight that captivated Scorpius.
Rose gazed into the distance, her eyes following the slow passage of the clouds. A brisk wind swept through the courtyard, prompting Rose to tug her woolly hat a few inches lower over her ears. She began to wonder where Scorpius could be, so she turned in the direction he would be arriving from. To her delight, she found Scorpius standing there with the widest grin on his lips, his well-coiffed hair lightly tousled by the wind. In that moment, he looked exceptionally handsome, and Rose's cheeks blushed as crimson as her hair. She couldn't help but place her hands under her chin, her gaze filled with admiration for her man.
Scorpius approached steadily, carefully cradling the basket to keep it upright. Behind his back, he discreetly concealed a vibrant red rose. With a graceful, fluid movement, he unveiled the rose to Rose and spoke softly, "They couldn't have named the most beautiful flower after anyone else but the most exquisite girl I know. This is for you, my beloved Rose." Leaning in, he planted a tender kiss on her cheek before gently placing the rose in her eager hands. She brought it to her nose, inhaling deeply as the fragrance filled her senses, evoking a swarm of delightful butterflies in her stomach.
Rose nodded in the direction of the picnic basket; her anticipation clear. "What do you have in store for me today? I must confess, I was thrilled when you asked me to meet you here for a day of adventure."
Smiling, Scorpius extended his hand toward her. "Take my hand, my lady, and you shall soon discover the surprises I've prepared for us." Rose delicately accepted his hand, carrying herself with the grace and poise befitting the lady she was being treated as.
Arm in arm, the couple strolled leisurely through the courtyard, meandering across the lengthy, winding bridge, and then venturing into the picturesque grounds surrounding Hogwarts. They followed a narrow pebble path that guided them to a set of steep steps descending to the water's edge. As they approached their first destination, Scorpius began conversing while playfully tossing pebbles across the water's surface.
"What did I do to deserve such a delightful surprise? I vividly recall scolding you just yesterday for splattering potion gunk on my robe. By the way, that stubborn stain on my left arm still lingers," she playfully complained, her gaze fixing on Scorpius with an endearing glare. He chuckled in response.
"You haven't done anything out of the ordinary. I simply wanted to express how much you mean to me and treat you like the princess you truly are," Scorpius declared with warmth. Rose couldn't help but roll her eyes, secretly enjoying when Scorpius affectionately referred to her as a princess. She feigned annoyance, knowing that it only encouraged him to use the term more often, a clever little game she played.
"Oh! Did you catch that? It had to be at least 10 skips, a new personal record," Scorpius exclaimed with an air of accomplishment, his eyes shining with delight.
"I'm certain I can get 11 skips. I just need to find the perfect stone," Rose replied, gracefully bending down to sift through the pebbled beach in search of the ideal skipping stone. Her face lit up with excitement as she triumphantly hoisted a smooth, flat stone into the air. "Yes!" she exclaimed, her competitive spirit shining through. "Prepare yourself, Malfoy."
Scorpius couldn't help but laugh, appearing entirely untroubled. "Oh no, Weasley has a stone. I'm utterly doomed," he teased, his playful confidence showing that he wasn't one bit concerned.
Rose wound her arm as far back as she could, lowering her centre of mass for maximum power and precision. With a graceful release, the flat stone sailed across the water's surface, each bounce meticulously timed and spaced. Scorpius watched in awe, a mixture of fascination and horror, as the stone danced gracefully across the water, barely disturbing the delicate tension of its surface with each elegant skip.
"HA! That's a solid 12 skips! I even bested you by 2," Rose jubilantly declared, her voice brimming with pride. She raised her hand, offering it to Scorpius, the back of her hand turned toward him in a regal gesture, silently asserting her reign as the queen of rock skipping. Scorpius playfully indulged her request, planting five tender kisses on her hand, causing the butterflies in Rose's stomach to multiply tenfold.
In that fleeting moment, an intense desire surged within Rose, tempting her to seize Scorpius by the cheeks and passionately press her lips to his. However, she firmly pushed aside her longing, reminding herself that there would be time for that later. The picnic came first. With a soft, affectionate smile, she gracefully redirected the moment, saying, "Shall we continue?" She paused for effect, then added, "Loser," her teasing tone underscoring the playful banter between them. Both of them shared a knowing smile, understanding that the jest was all in good fun.
Hand in hand, they meandered along the tranquil shores of the lake, Scorpius attentively pointing out a massive splash when he caught a glimpse of the giant squid's tentacle surfacing for a fleeting moment. Regrettably, Rose missed the spectacle. "Oh, no, I missed it," she lamented, her lower lip forming a pout.
Scorpius casually chimed in, "You know, in my common room, it's located beneath the Black Lake. You can peer right into its depths, and some of the older students swear that the giant squid occasionally swims up to the window and winks at them. But I've yet to witness it myself."
Rose's eyes widened with fascination. "Wow, that sounds amazing! From my window, all I can see is the Forbidden Forest. That place always gives me the creeps at night. If I left my window slightly ajar, I could hear the eerie creaking of the trees and plenty of howling," she recalled, her voice tinged with a shiver as she reminisced the eerie sounds.
"It's a shame we're in different houses; there's so much time we can't spend together because of it," Scorpius mused before asking, "Do you have any other friends in Gryffindor? I rarely see you hanging around with anyone but us Slytherins."
An embarrassed flush suddenly swept over Rose, as she realized she hadn't given it much thought before. In truth, she didn't have many close friends in Gryffindor, aside from her cousins. "Uh, yeah, I have plenty of friends—like at least ten. They just don't like Slytherins, so they tend to avoid me when we're together," she fibbed, her fingers absently rubbing the back of her neck, trying to deflect the topic. "Is it just me or is it getting warm out here?" she quipped, attempting to change the subject.
Scorpius chuckled and gave her a pointed look, saying, "Is someone telling fibs?"
Her confidence wavered under Scorpius's steady gaze, and she relented, "Okay, fine, I lied. I don't have any friends in Gryffindor." She let out a deep sigh. "They're all just so nice and pleasant. It's enough to make me want to cringe. At least with you Slytherins, you kind of know what you're getting upfront."
Another sigh escaped her lips as she wished she could have made friends in her own house. But the popularity of her parents and her family background had created an aura around Rose that made it challenging for some of her peers to approach her.
As they continued their conversation, laughter, and leisurely walk around the expansive lake, a small grassy hill came into view in the distance. At its crest stood a magnificent tree, its magical leaves still lush even in the midst of winter, offering shade from the brilliant midday sun. After a substantial trek, the two of them finally arrived at the hill, the sun now well past midday
"This spot looks lovely for a picnic, don't you think?" Scorpius suggested, shielding his eyes with his hand as he scanned the surroundings for a more suitable location, though none surpassed the current one. Rose nodded in agreement.
Moments later, Scorpius placed the picnic basket on the ground. As he opened it, the basket magically transformed into a beautiful red and white plaid blanket, adorned with an array of delectable foods. There were cheese and ham sandwiches, a whole baguette, and a charcuterie board filled with an assortment of cheeses, grapes, and other delights. A chilled bucket contained two bottles of fizzy lemonade, and a dozen or so tea light candles encircled them, forming a romantic heart shape. Though the flames were barely visible in the daytime, the sentiment behind the setup was heartwarming.
"What do you think?" Scorpius nervously posed the question to Rose, his eyes searching for her reaction. She stood there, her mouth agape, fingers lightly pressed to her lips as she took in the delightful spread before her. It was a remarkable array of her favourite treats thoughtfully laid out, including peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, cheese and cucumber crackers, and her cherished muggle chips, Pringles.
"Scorpius!" Rose squealed with excitement, enveloping him in a tight embrace. Her exuberant mood got the best of her, and they tumbled to the ground accidentally. Giggling, she planted a quick, slightly sloppy kiss on his lips. Scorpius, not minding one bit, interpreted it as a positive sign that she appreciated the surprise.
Grinning from ear to ear, Scorpius sat up, lending a hand to help Rose sit as well. He couldn't hide his pride at the success of their picnic. "Dig in," he encouraged, picking up two plastic wine flutes and filling them both with fizzy lemonade, then extending one to Rose. They clinked their glasses together, offering a toast for more days like this.
Rose leaned into him as he reclined, propping himself up on one elbow, and they savoured the tranquillity of the moment.
They sipped their drinks, their gaze fixed on the serene lake, observing the sun's rays creating a mesmerizing dance on the water's surface. Now and then, a playful splash of water produced a fleeting rainbow. Scorpius directed his attention downward to the enchanting girl nestled in his lap. In that singular moment, he felt like the luckiest man in the world to have such a spirited and extraordinary companion.
She embodied a rare blend of qualities – kindness and honesty, care and compassion when needed, as well as a fierce and protective spirit. Rose was the complete package, and Scorpius was acutely aware of it. He felt like he had struck gold with her and nothing, not now, not ever, could take her away from him. He knew deep down that he would marry this incredible girl. Even at the tender age of 11, he held that vision for his future.
"What's on your mind? I can tell by that look," Rose playfully nudged him, snuggling in closer against his chest.
"You," Scorpius whispered with a tenderness that conveyed his deep feelings. Rose couldn't help but blush, her cheeks flush with emotion. She didn't respond to his words but let out a long, contented breath, feeling completely relaxed and at peace in that perfect moment.
They had indulged in their picnic feast, nearly emptying all the containers. With their stomachs full, Rose and Scorpius lay there like contented pot-bellied pigs, playfully complaining about overeating. Gazing up at the fluffy clouds overhead, they held hands and shared a serene moment.
"That cloud up there, it sort of looks like a dragon, don't you think?" Rose remarked, squinting and tilting her head from side to side as she studied the formation. Scorpius, however, seemed lost in his thoughts, his gaze adrift elsewhere.
"Hey, is everything okay?" Rose inquired, her voice filled with concern as she propped herself up on her elbow, looking into his eyes.
Scorpius lay there, his gaze fixed on the sky, as he began to confide in Rose. "Rose, what should I do?" He paused, uncertainty in his voice. "About my parents," he clarified, turning onto his side to face her. "They're constantly at each other's throats, and I'm caught in the crossfire. They use me as ammunition, and it's tearing me apart."
He sighed, exhaling a long breath as he continued, "On Christmas day, I overheard my dad say something awful when they thought I wasn't around. He admitted he doesn't love my mom and never has. I listened to her sob while my dad sat at the table, oblivious to her pain." Scorpius sighed again, closing his eyes, and Rose, placing a soothing hand on his forearm, offered him a sympathetic smile, encouraging him to open up.
"I never want to be like my dad," Scorpius confessed, his voice filled with determination. "I don't want to be cold and calculating, making everything about image. My mom married him for love, but my dad did it for status."
"Because of my last name, I've had marriage proposals since I was practically born. Being paired off before I could even walk, it's no way to live," Scorpius lamented, rolling over and fixating his gaze on the cloud-dotted sky. He sighed deeply; his thoughts weighed down by the expectations placed upon him.
He continued, "Sometimes, I wish I could just run away, take my mom with me, and escape to a life of just the two of us... but I know she won't leave. Her life, as sad as it is, is also comfortable. They think I don't pay attention, but I'm smarter than they give me credit for." Scorpius sought out Rose's hand and gave it a gentle squeeze, reassuring her that he was okay. He simply needed to release the frustration that had been building within him.
"You know what I like to do when I'm upset?" Rose said, her voice laced with a smile that he couldn't see.
"No. What do you like to do?" he inquired, rolling onto his side to face his girlfriend.
"I like to do this," Rose replied, her response immediate. She abruptly rose to her feet, flung her arms backward, puffed out her chest, and unleashed a piercing scream as loud as she could, letting her lungs release all their pent-up frustrations.
Scorpius gazed up at Rose with a bewildered expression, caught off guard by her impulsive action. He knew she had a streak of spontaneity, but he hadn't expected her to take it this far. Rose peered down at him, a radiant smile lighting up her face as her chest rose and fell, the sheer joy in her eyes a testament to the effectiveness of her display.
"Now it's your turn. Oh, don't give me that look. It's amazing, you've got to give it a try!" she insisted, not leaving him much choice as she pulled him up to his feet. Rose went through the motions again, demonstrating for Scorpius what to do, though this time, she spared her tender throat from yelling. "Come on, you're not even making any noise. Really let loose. Trust me, you'll feel better."
Scorpius shook his head vigorously, as if trying to clear his thoughts. With a deliberate effort to empty his mind, he took a deep breath, closed his eyes, and exhaled slowly. Then, he opened his eyes and let out a scream that seemed to release years of bottled-up anger and frustration, each note carrying the pain he had been holding inside. His throat felt as if it were tearing, yet he continued to scream until he was practically blue in the face.
Feeling somewhat light-headed, Scorpius stumbled back and leaned against the nearby tree, his chest heaving. After a few moments and several deep breaths later, he grinned and exclaimed, "Whoa! That was incredible."
Rose hurried over to Scorpius and enveloped him in a tight, reassuring embrace, fully understanding the emotional release he must have experienced. "I knew you had it in you. I bet you're feeling like you can conquer the world right now," she commented, seeing the renewed spirit in his eyes.
Scorpius nodded, finding it challenging to articulate his feelings at that moment. He loosely draped his arms around her shoulders and drew her close, their lips meeting in a deep, lingering kiss. The raw emotions enveloped them both – it was passion, it was heat, it was everything they needed. It was a moment of pure perfection.
As their lips parted, Rose let out a playful giggle. "You know, this might be random, but I'm craving ice cream right now. There's something about something cold after all that heat," she said, mimicking fanning herself to emphasize her point.
Scorpius chuckled and gave Rose an apologetic shrug. "I'm sorry, I didn't bring any," he admitted.
Rose stepped back, placing her hands on her hips, tilting her head to the side, and biting her cheek, a cute and somewhat demanding expression. "I am a princess, am I not?" she declared. "And this princess wants ice cream. So, what are you going to do about it?" she playfully raised one eyebrow, challenging him with a mischievous grin.
With a resigned sigh, Scorpius swiftly folded the picnic blanket back into the basket. Once he was on his feet, he extended his hand to his princess. "Come on, I have an idea," he declared.
Rose, in her playful mood, responded with a giggle and accepted his offered hand. She was whisked away, back towards the castle, their steps guided by the last remnants of the setting sun slipping beneath the surrounding mountains. Unbeknownst to them, they had spent more time by that tree than they had initially realized.
Upon their arrival at the castle, the halls were deserted, with all the other students gathered in their respective common rooms. Ignited by the lingering energy of their day, Scorpius and Rose felt a playful spark of mischief within them.
Scorpius eagerly pulled Rose along as they descended a long spiral staircase into the cellar beneath the great hall, which happened to house the Hufflepuff common room. "What are we doing down here?" Rose asked, her voice laced with giggles.
"Shh, you'll give us away if you keep laughing. We have to be quiet," Scorpius hushed her, determination in his eyes. "I know where I'm going."
At the bottom of the staircase, to the left, stood a large painting of a fruit basket. Scorpius quickly glanced around, ensuring no one was nearby, and then extended his hand toward the painting. With a mischievous smile, he began to tickle the pear. Rose, at first concerned, thinking her boyfriend had gone mad, was taken aback as the painting swung open, revealing a hidden passage.
Rose was tugged through the frame and into the Hogwarts kitchens. The space was bathed in a warm, orange glow emanating from multiple fireplaces. Large tables, similar to those in the Great Hall, were laden with a diverse array of food. Self-stirring pots lined the outer walls, while stoves held enormous cauldrons of simmering soups and stews. The scents that wafted through the air were both tantalizing and mysterious. Yet, this wasn't what Rose was searching for. Once again, she felt a gentle pull on her hand, urging her in a specific direction.
Before them, a sturdy metal door stood, its heavy handle pushed down to reveal a chilling gust of freezer air that instantly made both of them shiver. Rose's eyes widened with astonishment as she took in the sight before her: every conceivable flavour of ice cream that she could ever dream of. The scene was nothing short of amazing, and she couldn't contain her excitement as she jumped into the air and let out a gleeful squeal.
Scorpius handed her a metal spoon, and together, they entered the freezer, armed with their weapons of ice cream destruction.
Approximately an hour later, two very stuffed and slightly ill 11-year-olds emerged from the freezers, clutching their heads due to the umpteenth brain freeze they'd experienced. "Best day ever!" Rose declared, though she moved her hands to her stomach, gently cradling it as her belly ached.
Scorpius couldn't help but chuckle at the silly sight they must have presented. Their mouths and hands were smeared with various colours of ice cream, the spoons had vanished after only ten minutes, and both had gone a bit feral in their ice-cream-fuelled frenzy.
"What time is it?" Scorpius inquired, hoping to restore some sense of responsibility.
Rose scanned the room, searching for a clock, and finally spotted one. "I think it's nearly midnight," she responded, her tone laced with concern. "We really should head back now. Everyone is probably going to be freaked out, wondering where we are."
Scorpius nodded in agreement, and the pair retraced their steps through the painting frame.
However, upon their return to the cellar, it was not as empty as they had left it. Two seventh year Hufflepuff boys were sitting there, drinking firewhiskey. The pungent smell of strong alcohol hung heavily in the air, searing both Rose and Scorpius's nostrils.
Their sudden appearance from the kitchen startled the two boys, making their eyes widen in surprise as they hadn't expected to encounter anyone at this hour. Scorpius and Rose stood there, frozen and uncertain about how to handle this unexpected situation.
The older boy, with mousey blonde hair, swaggered toward them, clutching a half-drunk bottle in one hand. He poked his finger into Scorpius's chest, accusing him, "You're that Malfoy boy, aren't you?" His face twisted into a snarl, and he spat at Scorpius's feet. "Your bloody grandpa killed my grandpa!"
The second boy stepped forward and placed a calming hand on his friend's shoulder, attempting to diffuse the tension. "Mate, he's just a kid. Let's forget about it and head back to the common room," he urged.
However, the first boy shrugged off his friend's pacifying touch and took a final swig of his firewhiskey, emptying the bottle. "Screw that. He's got what's coming to him," he declared defiantly.
With surprising agility, the boy seized the bottle by its neck and swung it with a thunderous crack. The glass bottle made solid contact with Scorpius's skull, although it didn't shatter, it landed with a dull thud, sending the Slytherin boy tumbling to the ground due to the force of the blow.
Rose gasped, her hands flying to her mouth, and a scream escaped her lips. She hastily retrieved her wand from her sleeve, ready to cast a spell. However, before she could make a move, her wand was already in the hand of the seventh year Hufflepuff, who wore a devilish expression.
"Your girlfriend has to fight your battles for you, Malfoy? Pathetic," he sneered, a distasteful look in his eyes. He gazed down at Scorpius, who remained on the ground. "Stand up and fight me like a man. Prove me wrong about your family," he taunted, spitting on the downed Scorpius.
Blood began to trickle down his forehead, and with a determined effort, Scorpius managed to clamber to his feet, although he was clearly disoriented. His hand shook as he reached for his wand, but the older Hufflepuff student was faster, twirling his wand between his fingers. In a ghastly flash, a yellow spell shot out from the wand's tip, colliding with Scorpius's shoulder. A loud snapping sound resonated through the cellar, indicating a bone had been broken.
Scorpius fell to his knees, cradling his limp arm, his wand clattering onto the stone floor. Tears streamed down his face as he struggled to bear the pain. "Stop it!" Rose screamed, her pleas falling on deaf ears, while the boy who had initiated the attack laughed with cruel enjoyment, savouring every second of Scorpius's suffering.
A sloppily thrown fist connected with Scorpius's jaw, resulting in another sickening crunch as he sprawled out on the floor, blood oozing from his busted lip. Rose, her anger boiling over, charged at the boy, flailing her arms wildly and raining furious punches onto the boy's side.
Meanwhile, the second boy, hesitant to join the fight, couldn't bear to see his friend getting ambushed. With trembling hands, he cast a binding hex on Rose, causing her arms to lock tightly to her sides and her legs to snap together, rendering her motionless and solid. She fell to the stone floor like a sinking brick, unable to move.
The first boy acknowledged his friend with a curt nod, then returned his attention to the fallen Scorpius. He mercilessly delivered a series of brutal kicks to Scorpius's ribs and sides, each blow causing a horrid whimper to escape Scorpius's lips.
"Owen, I think someone is coming! We have to get out of here, and quickly," the second boy frantically urged. His eyes darted toward the stairs, where hurried footsteps were approaching.
Elsewhere in the castle, a trio of Slytherin students—Eve, Dotty, and Albus—continued their search for their missing friend. They had begun their quest in the Great Hall, but it yielded no results; Scorpius was nowhere to be found. Staying in the shadows, they ascended a flight of stone steps leading toward the main tower with its revolving staircases.
As they passed a winding staircase, Albus halted, his brows furrowing. "Did you hear that?" he inquired, looking to his friends, who both appeared puzzled. The three of them froze in place, attempting to minimize any noise they made, as they strained to listen.
Suddenly, all three of them heard a faint scream, the sound of a young girl in distress. Unaware that it was Rose who had been screaming, the three friends didn't hesitate. They swiftly sprinted toward the stairs, descending without a second thought for their own safety. Their actions were a stark departure from their usual Slytherin nature, resembling the bravery more typical of Gryffindor students.
The screams had quickly faded, but that didn't deter Eve. She sensed that someone was in peril and couldn't sit back and ignore the cry for help. Her feet practically felt like they were floating as she raced down the stone steps, taking two at a time.
Eve came to an abrupt stop at the bottom of the staircase, her eyes wide with disbelief as she took in the scene before her. Both of her friends lay motionless on the floor, and two older Hufflepuff boys stood over them, wearing bewildered expressions with wide eyes staring back at her.
Albus and Dotty followed Eve in haste and collided with her as she abruptly stopped. They peered beyond her and swiftly comprehended the reason for her abrupt halt. Without any hesitation, all three Slytherins drew their wands, poised for a confrontation. Despite their lesser experience compared to their foes, they were resolute in ensuring that their friends' attackers wouldn't escape without facing consequences.
The Hufflepuffs struck first, unleashing a flurry of bright red Stunning Spells toward the trio. Swiftly, they erected the best shields they could manage, but, regrettably, Dotty's shield couldn't withstand the impact. The spell sent her skidding to the floor, and her small frame slumped up against the wall, knocked out cold.
While the boys celebrated their minor victory, Eve and Albus launched a counterattack. Albus planted his feet firmly and shouted, "Diffindo!" A thin red line sliced across the space between them, grazing the second boy's left arm and leaving a painful, nasty cut. The boy yelped in agony.
Eve retaliated with a barrage of Stunning Spells aimed at the first Hufflepuff boy. His shield held strong, showing no signs of faltering. His smirk oozed with cockiness as he rapidly spun on his foot, dropping low to the ground and launching another Stunning Spell, this time directed at Albus.
The red spell struck Albus directly in the chest, sending him tumbling to the ground with force. A gasp escaped Eve as she witnessed her boyfriend's fall, and she quickly pivoted to shield herself from another incoming Stunning Spell.
"Quickly stun her, and then we can erase their memories. If we don't, they'll get us in trouble, and you're already on your last warning," the second Hufflepuff boy urged his friend.
He raised his wand once again, aiming it at Eve. She looked around, and everything seemed to move in slow motion as her magic flared uncontrollably. It felt like her magic was in control of her, not the other way around. Pure anger coursed through her towards these boys. How could they be so cruel? The tingling, burning sensation spread from her core, enveloping every nerve in her body.
Her eyes blazed with crimson energy, sending sparks sizzling from their corners. In that moment, she transcended her identity as Eve, transforming into a living embodiment of fury. The smug expression on one of the boys' faces vanished, giving way to sheer terror. Desperate to end the battle, the two boys unleashed a barrage of spells—stunning, binding, hexes, and cutting curses—all aimed at subduing Eve
To their dismay, their spells were suspended in mid-air, thwarted by an imperceptible barrier, each one enveloped in a subtle crimson aura. Eve wore a smug expression as she observed the fear etched across their faces. Her mind was engulfed in a scarlet haze, imprisoning the rational part of her within its fiery grip.
"It's my turn," Eve declared, her words dripping with malice. Raising both hands, the red energy pulsed in her palms. With a deft flick of her wrists, the energy shot forth, shaping into thin, whip-like tendrils that swiftly ensnared both boys' hands.
A searing agony consumed the boys, and their screams pierced the air. Their hands underwent a rapid transformation, aging before their very eyes, becoming coarse and wrinkled. However, Eve was relentless; she intensified her magical assault, causing scorch marks to sear into the boys' forearms. Their hands began to wither and decay, the skin shrinking and peeling away from the bone. Overwhelmed by excruciating pain, both boys lost consciousness.
Suddenly, a thunderous pop resounded behind Eve, and there stood Headmistress McGonagall, clutching a bangle that vibrated with fury in her hand. Her face bore a mask of astonishment as she beheld the shocking scene before her. She lowered her gaze to Eve, observing the red mist gradually dissipating from her eyes, and then turned her attention to the two boys whose hands had been reduced to a mangled mass of bones and sinew.
"What have you done," McGonagall muttered to the eerily silent cellar.