Chapter 18 Discovery
A blanket of unending whiteness stretched as far as the eye could perceive, enveloping Eve in an ethereal aura. The air, frigid and unwavering, embraced her with a crisp chill, and a profound silence hung in the atmosphere, granting Eve the ability to discern the gentle rhythm of her own heartbeat. When she reached towards her chest, a startling revelation awaited her – her hand effortlessly passed through her corporeal form. In that moment, she existed here not as flesh but as a spectral projection of herself.
A diminutive silhouette emerged in the distance, prompting Eve to squint in an attempt to discern any defining features. The figure remained shrouded in obscurity, too distant for Eve to decipher details. Intrigued, she took a deliberate step forward, only to be startled by the realization that she hovered slightly above the ground. Undeterred, fuelled by determination, she propelled herself toward the solitary figure with swift grace. In a matter of seconds, she closed the gap, arriving at their side with an almost ethereal speed.
A woman of modest stature and slender frame knelt, engrossed in the examination of the pristine white ground. Eve, intrigued, circled around to gain a clearer view of this enigmatic figure. Framed by a dark hooded cloak, her long, flowing black hair cascaded down, creating an air of mystery. As Eve positioned herself in front for a closer look, the woman lifted her gaze, peering straight through Eve as if unaware of her presence.
"Hera!" Eve gasped, her eyes locking onto Hera's steel-grey gaze, a gaze that seemed to pierce her very soul. A sudden stillness gripped Eve, her senses dulled, realizing she stood mere inches away from the woman who haunted her every waking moment, powerless to act.
Hera, momentarily breaking eye contact, glanced down at the ground, shaking her head in contemplation. With a swift motion of her hand, she brushed away the snow covering the icy ground. Peering over Hera's shoulder, Eve saw through the crystal-clear ice a stairwell descending into the inky blackness below.
With her wand pressed against the icy surface, Hera uttered an incantation, and the frosty barrier yielded to her magic. The ice began to melt away, creating a hole large enough for her to gracefully slip through. Eve, in her ethereal state, floated effortlessly in Hera's wake.
Hera descended the slippery, icy steps with caution, each footfall deliberate. The darkness eagerly swallowed them both as they ventured deeper into the abyss below.
A subtle glow emanated from the tip of Hera's wand, and a flickering light followed as it trailed behind her, casting its gentle radiance to unveil the secrets of the ancient cavern they had entered. The once thick ice gradually yielded to solid stone, revealing intricate etchings of god-like figures adorned on the cavern walls.
As the floating orb passed along, its light filled the thin grooves, causing the golden details of the god-like figures to gleam with a celestial allure. The cavern, once concealed in darkness, now showcased the grandeur of its divine engravings, illuminated by the soft, dancing glow of the magical light.
Eve gazed around in awe, captivated by the golden radiance that bathed the cave's ceiling. Drawing nearer to the intricate etchings on the cave walls, she discerned depictions of an hourglass and a godlike figure, both adorned in a shower of golden light. The solid rock bore witness to hundreds, perhaps thousands, of symbols meticulously etched along the entire length of the cavern.
As Hera and Eve ventured deeper into the cavern, it gradually contracted, transforming into a narrow, man-made corridor within the rock, seemingly extending infinitely into a shadowy abyss. Symbols adorned the walls, floor, and ceiling of this passageway, creating an intricate tapestry of ancient lore.
Eve, intrigued, ran her fingers over one of the symbols. In an instant, the symbol metamorphosed into English, revealing the word "God." She repeated the process with another symbol, uncovering "Time," and yet another, unveiling "Savior." Contemplating the revelations before her, Eve mused, "These people must have revered Time as their god. This place must have been sacred ground, a place of worship."
Abruptly, the floating orb of light fizzled out the moment Hera entered the corridor. Frustration etched across her face, she raised her wand and muttered the same incantation, but to no avail. With each attempt, the outcome remained unchanged.
"There must be potent anti-magic wards in place here," Hera muttered under her breath, a hint of annoyance in her voice.
A look of fear, unfamiliar to Eve, marked Hera's face, revealing a genuine terror for this unfamiliar place. Deprived of her magic, Hera seemed vulnerable and defenceless. In the enveloping darkness, Eve closely trailed behind Hera, floating silently, pondering the purpose behind her presence in this unsettling realm and why it happened at this moment. The questions echoed in her mind, persisting as the corridor stretched endlessly.
Gradually adjusting to the darkness, Eve discerned the outlines of the walls and the silhouette of Hera. Up ahead, a fork in the path emerged, presenting a pivotal decision—left or right.
After careful deliberation, they opted for the right path and continued to traverse the dark hallway with a determined pace. Minutes stretched into seemingly endless hours, and hours blurred into what felt like days, yet the corridor showed no signs of conclusion. Hera and Eve began to feel the weariness of their prolonged journey, a journey that appeared to stretch indefinitely with no discernible end in sight.
Following a brief respite, Hera resiliently rose to her blistered feet. Determinedly, she quickened her pace, drawing upon every ounce of strength and stamina. A peculiar substance began to coat the floor in the darkness, its nature elusive. Though challenging to discern, Eve could sense that it consisted of fine grains, reminiscent of sand. An urge to reach down and explore its texture surfaced in Eve, but her hand effortlessly passed through the ground. Hera, it seemed, harboured a similar curiosity.
Hera crouched down, sifting her fingers through the powdery, coarse material. "This isn't any sand I've ever seen," she mused to herself. With curiosity overtaking her, she moistened two fingers with her lips and dipped them into the substance, collecting a substantial sample. Bringing her fingers back to her mouth, she tasted the mysterious material, contemplating its unique flavour.
Immediately, Hera spat and sputtered, suggesting an unpleasant taste that Eve could only imagine. "Bone!" Hera cursed, her pace accelerating into a rapid sprint. Left in shock, Eve took in the realization that the floor was layered with this bone-like material. The sheer volume begged the question of how many lives had been claimed in this corridor. Shaking off these unsettling thoughts, Eve swiftly floated after Hera. She had been brought here to observe, and losing Hera was not an option.
The endless expanse of bone-like material scattered across the floor caught Eve's attention. Glancing at the walls, she noted their unusual bareness compared to earlier, where intricate etchings adorned every available inch. "Perhaps this is as far as Time's worshippers ventured," she speculated. Spotting Hera still sprinting in the distance, Eve's ethereal form swiftly closed the gap, and once again, she found herself following her arch-nemesis into the unknown. Eve couldn't help but think, 'At least I'm only here in my mind; I couldn't imagine doing this for real.'
A subtle golden glow beckoned from the distance, and the tunnel gradually constricted, forcing Hera to crawl on all fours and then onto her belly. Finally, she wriggled through a narrow gap at the corridor's end, emerging into an expansive room. The walls, roof, and floor exuded a resplendent sheen of solid gold. Two grand braziers, casting ethereal flames that danced upon the glossy gold surface, stood before a majestic black door towering over the two women.
The door looming before them presented an imposing obstacle with no handles or apparent means of entry. Hera initiated her attempt by pushing against the mighty door, but it refused to yield even a fraction of an inch. Determined, she aimed her wand and fervently shouted incantations, yet her magical efforts proved futile as the wand remained unresponsive. In her frustration, she hurled the wand at the door, and upon collision, a golden spark ignited, revealing a hint of the door's elusive nature.
The eyes of both Eve and Hera widened in astonishment as the door exhibited a response to magic. Hera, spurred by this discovery, scrutinized the door closely, her fingers delicately tracing its smooth surface in search of concealed mechanisms or seams. In her exploration, she detected a faint, intricate pattern etched into the door, which subtly glowed upon contact. Intrigued, she pressed her palm against the pattern, and to her surprise, it responded to the magic within her touch.
Gradually, the majestic black door emanated a low, resonant hum, and the once-hidden seams materialized before their eyes. The door gracefully parted in the middle, unveiling a concealed passage as it slid open, guided by some imperceptible force. Hera hesitated, glancing back, momentarily contemplating the idea of turning away. A wave of uncertainty washed over her, suggesting that the journey ahead might only intensify. Dismissing these thoughts, she shook her head, amused at her own momentary hesitation. "I've come too far to give up now, even if it means risking my life," she declared aloud. With cautious determination, she stepped through the now-open doorway, pressing onward into the unknown.
Upon crossing the threshold of the mysterious doorway, they entered a dimly lit chamber bathed in an otherworldly glow. The air hung heavy with an ancient energy, and the walls were adorned with intricate carvings that depicted forgotten tales and mythical creatures.
At the chamber's heart, a pedestal cradled an ancient artifact, bathed in a soft, ethereal light. "At last, I've discovered it—The Sands of Eternity, and it is mine for the taking." Hera approached it cautiously, her eyes widened by curiosity. The artifact exuded a power that seemed to transcend both time and space. A steady hum reverberated through the room, akin to static but with a profound depth. As Hera drew closer to the hourglass positioned at the room's centre, the hum intensified, reaching a deafening crescendo.
The escalating sound compelled even Eve to cover her ears, inducing a dizzying sensation. Nausea gripped her, and weakness seeped into her knees. Her attention fixated on Hera, who, in the throes of the cacophony, clutched her head with both hands, hunched over and screaming in a desperate attempt to quell the noise.
As if responding to Hera's distress, a faint voice permeated the room, whispering from all directions, "Touch the hourglass; it will all be over if you touch the hourglass." The voice carried a mischievous undertone, weaving through the words with a subtle sense of intrigue.
Unwavering, Hera surged forward with both hands outstretched toward the pedestal. In an instant, a tempest of black sand erupted, enveloping the hourglass in a protective shield. Hera's arms and part of her body were ensnared within the swirling vortex of sand. Desperation seized her, and she screamed, pleading for release, even to the point of begging for death. The skin on her hands and arms aged and withered away within a matter of seconds.
Hera's screams echoed with terror, each cry a testament to the agony she endured. Despite her desperate attempts to pull away, an unseen force held her firmly in place, subjecting her to further torment. The rapid spread of aging across her body was a ghastly spectacle, as if time itself were voraciously consuming her in a merciless onslaught.
In a final, gut-wrenching scream, Hera propelled herself forward, her bony fingers closing around the glowing hourglass. The moment her touch met the hourglass, the torrent of black sands ceased abruptly. Relief washed over Hera's countenance, though the echoes of pain still lingered—they had halted just before consuming her entirely.
A subtle rumble stirred in the room, causing the scattered sand on the floor to vibrate and lift a few centimetres above the ground, suspended weightlessly in the air.
A brilliant, blinding white light flooded the room with such sudden force that both Eve and Hera were sent sprawling to the ground. The weight of the light pressed heavily upon their chests, making the attempt to rise to their feet seem an insurmountable task. The intensifying rumble added to the sense of unease, prompting Eve to fear that the entire cavern might collapse. Yet, to her surprise, not a single crack formed, and the structure remained resolute against the mounting uproar.
From the void, a figure of golden, ethereal glow began to materialize, its form a mesmerizing dance of radiant energy. Time itself took shape—an otherworldly being that transcended mortal comprehension. Its essence shimmered with the hues of ages past, present, and future, a living tapestry woven into the fabric of the cosmos.
The figure emanated an aura that echoed through the eons, with each moment manifested in delicate patterns of light adorning its form. The very air seemed to ripple with echoes of events long past, carrying the whisper of possibilities yet to unfold.
The silhouette of Time morphed and twisted, embodying the ceaseless river of moments. A cloak of stardust cascaded across its shoulders, carrying the memories of countless civilizations and the echoes of laughter and tears. Its eyes sparkled with the wisdom of eons, witnessing the rise and fall of worlds, the birth and demise of stars.
As Time fully manifested, it stood as a sentinel between the realms, a custodian of the temporal tapestry, observing the intricate threads that connected all existence. With a simple gesture, it had the power to elongate a mere second into a span of a millennium. It existed beyond the constraints of clocks and calendars, an eternal force that shaped the destiny of all things.
Time's melodic voice echoed through the room, each syllable resonating multiple times in rapid succession with a powerful and weighty resonance. "You have claimed my hourglass as your own, chosen one," Time declared. A pause followed, its ever-seeing eyes fixated on Evelyn, perceiving her presence. With an eon-length smile, it redirected its attention to a bewildered Hera, whose eyes streamed tears down her face. The sight before her was unfathomable. For years, she had researched and searched for the Sands of Eternity, the rumoured source of immense power. Now, all the tales and stories had materialized into reality as she held it in her hands.
"I bestow upon you my gifts, and you shall execute my will on this plane in my stead," echoed Time's voice simultaneously in Hera's ears and mind. The sensation overwhelmed her, leaving Hera incapable of forming words. As she opened her mouth to speak, only air escaped her trembling lips, her mind scrambled and in a state of disarray beyond belief.
As Time's voice resonated in Hera's ears and mind, the chamber pulsated with a luminescent glow. The echoes of the celestial symphony surrounded her, and the air seemed to shimmer with the weight of temporal power. The words hung in the air, an unspoken contract between mortal and cosmic force.
Abruptly, the golden, ethereal figure embodying Time started to disperse, its radiant form gradually fading from the fabric of reality. The symphony of time softened, leaving behind only a lingering resonance in the chamber.
Hera sensed a profound shift in the air, as if the very essence of the hidden realm had taken her worlds time with it. The overwhelming sensation began to subside, and she found herself standing alone in the now-quieter chamber.
The air felt charged with newfound energy. Though still reeling from the encounter, Hera sensed a purpose embedded in the core of her being. The gifts bestowed upon her by Time were now hers to wield, and the path ahead unfolded like a tapestry waiting to be written by her actions.
Eve observed as Hera took a step backward toward the black door. In an instant, the room flooded with a white light that engulfed everything in its scorching glow. As swiftly as it appeared, the light surged back towards Hera, snapping at her and transporting her outside the cavern, back to the icy tundra.
Eve, suspended alone in the inner chamber, surveyed her surroundings. An invisible presence lingered in the shadows, its essence palpable. In a voice resonating with the echoes of ages, Time spoke, its words carrying the weight of the entire world.
"Retrieve the hourglass and return it here, for I am weakened. Without it, I fear I may descend into the abyss of the unknown, lost to the currents of eternity."
Before Eve could fully grasp the weight of the words spoken to her, the stark reality of her world surged back with an almost forceful intensity. It felt as if she were abruptly pushed back into her own body, an intense pressure building behind her eyes as they reverted to their ordinary grey hue. Clutching her head, she sank into the plush green leather chair. Everything she had just witnessed altered her understanding. Now, she comprehended why the hourglass had reached out to her, calling for her. Its master had been guiding her all along, urging her to return it to its rightful place. Somehow, Time was growing weak, and the only way to restore balance was to bring the hourglass back to the very location where she had been granted visions.
Eve found herself half-lying, half-sitting in the plush leather seat for hours, concealed from the bustling activity of students coming and going. Deep in thought, she mulled over every piece of information she had been granted in her visions. Time seemed to vanish during her contemplation, and before she knew it, evening had faded into night. Glancing around the now-quiet common room, her eyes fixed on the clock above the fireplace. "21:55, only 5 minutes before I need to be in my room!" With a sense of urgency, she clamoured to her feet and darted across the common room, down the circular tunnel, and into her shared bedroom, with a few minutes to spare.
The other girls in the room paid no attention to Eve's abrupt entrance, continuing with their nightly routines. However, Dotty jumped up from her bed and rushed over to Eve. In a tone that mingled relief and desperation, Dotty exclaimed, "Where were you!? I thought you had disappeared again for the third time. I'm going to go grey being your friend!" She theatrically grabbed her lovely blonde locks to emphasize her point.
Eve endeavoured to soothe her friend with a warm smile. "I was sitting in the corner of the common room, lost in thought. I hadn't realized how much time had passed. I'm sorry for worrying you unnecessarily, but you'll be pleased with what I've learned." Dotty arched one eyebrow; her curiosity piqued. "What did you learn?" Now looking puzzled, she began to mentally piece together how Eve could have gleaned information while sitting alone in the Slytherin common room.
Stepping toward Dotty, Eve gently took her hand and guided her to the bed. After climbing onto it and drawing the curtain for privacy, Eve began to divulge everything she had seen, heard, and felt during her vision. Her words cast a captivating spell over Dotty, drawing her into an almost trance-like state. She listened intently, soaking up the information like a sponge.
"This changes everything" Dotty whispered, slightly scared of her own words.
In the ensuing days, not much unfolded. Eve shared with her friend group the details of her vision and its implications for the future. The urgent task at hand became clear: they had to secure the Sands of Eternity and restore it to its rightful place if they were to thwart Hera and return Time's magic to its source.
The four Slytherins gathered in their customary spot for breakfast on a Friday morning, gearing up for a day of classes before the weekend. To fuel up, they indulged in tasty strips of bacon, plump sausages, and runny eggs. Eve smiled as she spotted Rose approaching, and the warmth of the smile was reciprocated. "I have it!" Rose exclaimed to Eve, sitting down and pulling out her phone to show the eager girl who instantly understood the significance.
Over the past few days, Eve had persistently pestered Rose for the crucial information they needed from Rose's mother to locate the Sands of Eternity. "Show me, show me!" she squealed with excitement. Both girls leaned in, peering at the illuminated phone screen, reading the text in silence.
'Hello sweetheart, sorry it took me so long to get back to you about this, but I'm quite busy at work at the moment. There was a break-in at Azkaban, and a handful of prisoners escaped, so that's been a lot to deal with. I managed to find the information you needed for your history project.' Eve gave Rose a knowing look, and Rose shrugged; she didn't like lying to her mum, but she needed an excuse to request the information. 'It looks like to me that the home itself was sold to Lord Prewett. The belongings are a bit of a mixed bag as a lot of people wanted to get a hold of Hephzibah's treasures, but the name that comes up the most often is Augustus Rookwood. I will text you a list of everyone else who is mentioned in the estate sale; it's a lengthy list. I hope this helps with your project, sweetie. Love, Mum x'
"What does it say?" Scorpius blurted out, attempting to look over Rose's shoulder for a glimpse of the text. Rose playfully pushed his head away and planted a kiss on his cheek. "If you give me a second, I'll tell you and everyone else. Gosh, you're so impatient." Rose smiled at Scorpius.
Rose began to recite the text to everyone else, and collectively, they agreed that Augustus Rookwood was the most likely person to have come into possession of the hourglass. Their entire plan hinged on the assumption that Hephzibah Smith indeed had the hourglass. There was a chance they might be following a cold trail, and their efforts could lead to nothing, but it was the only lead they had to pursue.
As usual, the screeching of owls heralded the arrival of the morning newspaper. Eve sighed, anticipating the potential horrors she might read about today. The rolled-up newspaper bounced off the long wooden table and landed on the floor. Eve stood and retrieved it, her emotions growing numb to the headlines. Opening the newspaper, she discovered that the headline today confirmed what Rose's mother had told them over text. 'Prison Break: Azkaban Inmates on the Run. Why Didn't the Ministry Warn Us About This?' Eve tossed the newspaper onto the table for everyone to read, then sat back down between Rose and Albus with a heavy sigh.
"I wonder who escaped?" Dotty said quietly. The others thought for a moment, then shrugged, coming up with no answer to Dotty's question. "We should be fine if we just stay in the castle," Dotty said through the silence, her expression panicked. She knew exactly who could have escaped from Azkaban and gave a sideways glance to Eve, who was face down on the table. Dotty suspected that their former potions professor might have escaped and held a grudge against the person responsible for her imprisonment.
Her morbid thoughts were interrupted by Albus. "So, what are we going to do now that we know about this Augustus Rookwood?" he asked the group. Eve lifted her head from the table, a slight red mark adorning her forehead.
"I think during study hall today, we should all look up what we can about this Rookwood. Maybe there's mention of where he lives, and we can pay him a visit if it's close by," Eve suggested. Dotty gripped the edge of the table and bit her tongue; she didn't want her best friend to accidentally put herself in any danger, but she also didn't want to worry anyone else. She knew she had to talk to Eve privately.
Scorpius, Rose, and Albus unanimously nodded in agreement with Eve's proposal. With a solid plan in hand, the group swiftly concluded their breakfast and proceeded to their respective classes before study hall. Little did they know, except for Dotty, that unforeseen dangers might loom ahead due to their chosen course of action.
An hour before dinner, the group headed to the library with a singular objective: to gather as much information as possible about Augustus Rookwood. Dispersing throughout the library, the five of them diligently combed through the bookshelves. After a few minutes, each member returned to their table, armed with one or two books containing valuable insights. They gathered the books into a neat pile at the centre of the table, each person selecting one and delving into its contents in hushed concentration.
"According to this," Rose spoke up, glancing from her book with a hint of fear in her eyes, "it states that he fought on the dark side in the last wizarding war."
"I came across that as well; he doesn't strike me as a pleasant individual," Scorpius added, sharing his observations.
"Take a look at this," Eve interjected, placing her book on the table and pointing to a paragraph. It mentioned that Augustus Rookwood had vanished since his substantial acquisition of Hepzibah Smith's diverse collection of artifacts, and he was reportedly secluded in his manor outside Hogsmeade village.
"He's not far at all; Hogsmeade is just down the valley. We could go there tomorrow," Eve suggested, placing her hands on the table. The excitement of pinpointing the potential location of the Sands of Eternity overshadowed her other emotions.
"Stop!" Dotty abruptly slammed her book shut, turning to face a shocked Eve. "Do you hear yourself right now?" she yelled, indifferent to onlookers. "Rose and Scorpius just told you that this man is clearly dangerous. Did you forget that there are escaped prisoners roaming around, God knows where? One, in particular, would love to get their hands on the little witch who foiled her operation." Dotty raised an eyebrow, awaiting her friend's response.
Eve stammered, attempting to find the right words, but her mouth betrayed her. Instead, she chose to gaze down at her feet, regretting unintentionally upsetting her best friend. "I have to go," Eve muttered quietly, ensuring her words went unheard. Lifting her head to meet Dotty's blue eyes, she could discern the lingering sadness in those orbs. "I won't let you go. I won't let any of you go. I can't let you get yourself killed," Dotty sighed, offering each of her friends a strained smile.
Albus placed a reassuring hand on Dotty's forearm. "We'll find another way, won't we, guys?" he proposed, scanning the faces around the table. He received nods of agreement from everyone, and even Eve nodded back at Albus.
Eager to leave, Eve gently kissed Albus on the cheek and whispered, "I'm going to lay down; don't wait up for me." Before he could respond, she slipped out of his loose grasp and exited the library. Eve acknowledged the truth in Dotty's words—seeking out the Rookwood manor was undeniably perilous. However, she also felt an unshakeable sense of destiny compelling her to find the Sands of Eternity. This was her quest, and if no one wanted to join her, she was prepared to embark on it alone.
Contrary to her assertion to Albus about heading to the Slytherin common room, Eve veered towards the castle entrance, where the stables were situated. Intent on avoiding detection, she skilfully lingered in the shadows. Upon reaching the stables, Eve approached the same Thestral with which she had formed a connection before. The majestic creature pranced around its stall upon spotting the little purple-haired girl. Displaying a gesture of mutual respect, the Thestral lowered its head, prompting Eve to respond with a graceful curtsy.
She giggled when the Thestral extended its head over the stall door, attempting to nudge the latch holding it in place. Stepping forward, Eve placed a gentle hand on the rough, leathery skin of the Thestral's head. "You want to get out of here too?" she mused. "Me too. I think we can help each other, what do you say?" The Thestral stepped backward, granting Eve the opportunity to open the gate.
Stepping into the centre of the stable, the Thestral unfurled its wings in the expansive space, emitting a neigh that resonated with what seemed like happiness, at least to Eve. Swivelling back toward the little girl, the Thestral lowered its head and body, providing access to its back. Though Eve hesitated for a moment, she eventually climbed onto the creature's back. As the majestic being rose to its full height again, a pang of self-betrayal pricked Eve's conscience—not from external pressures but from within. Despite going against her friends' wishes, she steeled her nerves and gently nudged the Thestral forward.
The creature trotted toward the opening, venturing out into the untamed wilderness. Sniffing at the air, the Thestral emitted another contented neigh. Its trot turned into a sudden gallop, prompting Eve to tighten her grip around the creature's neck. The ground steadily receded as the Thestral's wings flapped, lifting them off the ground and into the sky.
It was a breathtaking experience to witness the castle from above, with the sun setting behind the majestic mountains and a sliver of orange rays reflecting off the still black lake. The air at this altitude was tranquil and motionless, instilling in Eve a sense of steadiness and security. In a moment of bliss, she spread her arms wide, envisioning herself soaring through the skies unaided—an unparalleled sensation that surpassed any she had experienced before.
After soaring for ten exhilarating minutes, Eve spotted Hogsmeade village below. Scanning the surrounding area, her eyes locked onto a high hill a few miles away from the village, where a regal manor stood. Its black exterior loomed forbiddingly against the dark backdrop of the evening's sunless sky. Eve gently tugged on the Thestral's neck and pointed towards the imposing structure. They began to descend, gracefully gliding in the direction of the mysterious manor.
A broad path stretched out before the manor, offering a perfect spot to land. The Thestral came to a graceful halt, flapping its wings as if thanking the little girl for the chance to soar once more. Eve dismounted the creature, casting one last appreciative pat on its flank before turning her gaze up the path toward the imposing manor.
As she took her first steps into the unknown, a lump settled in her throat and her stomach twisted into a knot. She recognized that this wasn't merely where she should be, but rather where she had to be.
At the summit of the path, two imposing iron gates stood tall and formidable, serving as guardians to the entrance of the Rookwood Manor. As Eve approached, her eyes were drawn to a majestic crest adorning the centre of the gate, with the prominent letter 'R' affirming that she was indeed at the correct house. Tenderly wrapping her fingers around the cold iron bars, Eve peered into the grounds of the manor.
A meticulously manicured cobbled path extended from the gate to the house, flanked on each side by low, tidy hedges. Eve's gaze traced the path to the front door, perched atop a flight of dark grey stone steps. Continuing her visual exploration, she noticed red ivy adorning each side of the front entrance, carefully cultivated into the desired shape.
Eve experienced a blend of awe and trepidation as she took in the grandeur of the manor and its surrounding gardens. The air carried a sense of anticipation, leaving her to wonder about the secrets hidden within the home and the potential dangers concealed behind its walls. Casting a glance upwards at the imposing iron gates, she hesitated, unsure of how to enter the property. With a gentle push, she attempted to open the gates, only to find them unyielding.
Encountering firm resistance from the gates, Eve surveyed the perimeter, seeking an alternative means of entry. Her eyes scrutinized the iron bars, searching for latches or mechanisms that might unlock the imposing entrance.
As her fingers traced the cold iron bars, she discovered a discreet panel on the side. Closer inspection revealed a small, ornate lock with an emblem resembling the letter 'R,' mirroring the design on the gates. Eve realized this emblem held the key to her entry.
Feeling the weight of uncertainty, she closely examined the emblem, searching for clues or patterns. With a subtle press on the emblem, there was a quiet click, and the gates yielded with a faint creak. The once resolute entrance now invited Eve to step beyond the threshold.
With bated breath, Eve advanced along the cobbled path, the house seemingly growing in height as she approached, nearly reaching the sky by the time she reached the steps. A sense of smallness and vulnerability washed over her. Gazing up at the ascending steps, she took a deep gulp, suppressing her fear and steeling her nerves. One step at a time, she ascended. To her surprise, the front door creaked open, revealing a small house elf dressed in a well-tailored suit. Blinking his large eyes at Eve, he brought her to a sudden halt. Eve blinked back, and an awkward silence settled between them.
"My master is expecting you. Please follow me," the house elf didn't linger for a response, instead turning and making his way into the warmly lit home. Eve hesitated, her expression a mix of confusion. How did Augustus Rookwood know she was coming to see him?
Eve cautiously peered inside the open door, revealing an exquisite and pristine home. The air carried the scent of aged wood and polish, while a grand chandelier from the second story cast a soft, dim light that danced on the polished marble flooring. Moving into the entranceway, Eve's eyes darted around in search of the house elf. A small voice to her right broke the silence, saying, "This way." She paused for a moment, a flicker of caution crossing her mind. After all, she was inside a stranger's house, following a house elf she neither knew nor trusted. What unsettled her most was the realization that Rookwood was already aware she was coming to see him.
In a visceral flight-or-fight response, Eve spun on her heels, instinctively reaching for the door handle. However, her efforts proved futile as the door remained firmly sealed. With options dwindling, a sense of confinement closed in around her, the realization settling that this place could become her prison.
Clasping her hands together, she summoned her magic, feeling it surge from within and flow like water between her palms. With a focused intent, she visualized herself back on the steps, attempting to transport herself to that moment in time.
She sensed the magic tugging in one direction, but a powerful opposing force pulled it in the other. Despite her efforts, she remained rooted in the same spot, her magic faltering. Overwhelming fear gripped her, rendering her frozen on the marbled floor. Her eyes darted left as a figure entered the room—an additional small house elf holding a cloth and polish, clearly surprised by Eve's arrival.
"Master has another guest," the house elf rushed over, attempting to free Eve from her robe. "Let me take that for you. Master would not like it if his guests were not taken care of."
Eve swatted at the persistent house elf, who stepped back and bowed her head. "Polly is sorry. Polly didn't mean to upset miss." Polly turned and hurried off in the direction she had come from. The house elf in the well-tailored suit returned to the entrance and cleared his throat. "Miss, if you would like to follow me, the master is most eager to see you." His words sounded more like an order than a request. Eve gulped, knowing escape was impossible; she had to face whatever awaited her.
Following the smartly dressed house elf, Eve tightly clutched her wand hidden within her robes. Every subtle noise made her jump, leaving her on edge. The house elf came to a halt outside a mahogany door, gesturing for Eve to enter on her own. She hesitated, her hand hovering over the handle. After letting out a long sigh, she turned the handle and cautiously opened the door.
Eve stepped into the room, finding herself surrounded by towering bookshelves that reached from floor to ceiling. The warmth of a crackling fireplace nestled against the back wall, flanked by two wingback chairs. As she hesitated, a slender gloved hand emerged from the side of one chair, gesturing her inside. Trepidation gripped Eve, curiosity pulling her forward, yet fear keeping her rooted in place.
"Evelyn, it's rude to keep your host waiting," a voice floated across the space, instantly recognized by Eve. Instinctively, she withdrew her wand from her robes, pointing it at the back of the chair. Before she could utter a word, a second voice to her right commanded, "Expelliarmus!" In an instant, Eve's exquisitely crafted wand was forcefully disarmed, clattering to the ground ten feet away.
Her head snapped to the right, eyes widening, and mouth dropping in shock. In the corner of the room stood two figures—a man and a woman. Instantly recognizing the woman as her former potion's professor, Eve assumed the man to be Augustus Rookwood. Before she could grasp the unfolding situation, a deafening crack pierced the air. "Crucio," Rute spat, her tone ferocious, the crimson spell crashing into Eve's small frame.
She crumpled to the ground, her legs feeling like jelly, unable to support her weight. The pain was visceral, engulfing her in an all-encompassing torment that seemed to radiate from every part of her body. It was as if fire were consuming her from the inside out. Convulsions seized her, causing her body to repeatedly collide with the unforgiving wooden floor. Blood-curdling screams echoed through the still air, desperate pleas for the agony to cease. Amidst the horrifying symphony, the only other sound that reverberated was Rute's gleeful cackle, relishing the torment of the young girl who had unwittingly led to her imprisonment.
"Enough," Hera's commanding voice echoed through the room. Rute instantly halted the spell, retreating into the dark corner with her half-brother. Hera rose gracefully from her seated position, circling the chair. She glided across the floor, standing over Eve, who still convulsed on the ground.
"Pitiful," Hera tutted, disappointment evident in her voice. "You are my kin, yet you are so weak and feeble." Kneeling down, she placed a hand on Eve, instantly halting the convulsions and calming her trembling form.
"Did you believe you were the sole seeker of the Sands of Eternity?" Hera spat. "Once I rediscovered it here and held it again after so long, it revealed the future to me." Hera paused, a small chuckle escaping her. She continued, "it showed you defeating me in a duel—how improbable that is. The hourglass reveals the truth. I had to take action and put an end to you once and for all." Rising to her feet, Hera paced across the room toward an unassuming bookcase. With a deliberate pull on a specific book, the wall opened up.
Eve's eyes remained blurry from lingering tears, making it difficult to discern the details of the room. Only a glimpse of a golden hue emanated from within. Hera entered, and moments later, she exited, cradling the object projecting the radiant glow. Eve's breath became heavy as she beheld the Sands of Eternity in person—its presence was breathtaking.
The glass bulbs containing the sand were anything but ordinary; they shimmered with a subtle iridescent glow. Peering into them, one could see their reflection, but with each glance, it was a different age staring back. The golden frame surrounding the glass was intricately curved, and its arms were adorned with strange symbols and runes. The sand within the glass defied gravity, shifting in an enchanting dance—up and down, left and right. As the hourglass entered, a low and ancient hum began to fill the room.
Hera placed the hourglass onto a small end table next to the chair, mocking Eve, "So close and yet so far from obtaining it, and now you never will." Raising her wand at Eve, she added, "Goodbye, my child. I wish it didn't have to come to this, but I cannot let you stop me." She reeled back her arm, ready to launch a spell, when a faint whisper echoed around the room, originating from the hourglass: "They are coming. Pain and death will follow."
Hera lowered her wand, turning to the hourglass with shock spreading across her face at the ominous warning. From the corner of her eye, she glimpsed something through the window hurtling at speed towards the house.
[flashback]
After Eve departed from the library, the remaining group diligently worked to stow away the pile of books they had acquired. The atmosphere among them was laden with a sombre weight. Now faced with the need for a new plan—one that didn't involve jeopardizing their safety—they gathered to brainstorm.
Feeling a bit peckish, the group made their way to dinner. Dotty hesitated, wanting to go after Eve to ensure she was okay, but Albus stopped her. "Let her be alone; she'll come around in a few hours and understand why it's a bad idea to go," he whispered reassuringly. Dotty slowly nodded in agreement, acknowledging that Albus was right—Eve needed some time alone. Albus guided her into the Great Hall, where the group sat at their usual table, discussing future plans as they shared a meal.
An hour later, Dotty and Albus decided to make their way back to the common room, with Scorpius opting to spend a bit more time with Rose before heading back himself. Giving Scorpius a hearty pat on the back, Albus and Dotty exited the Great Hall and headed toward the Slytherin common room.
Anticipating Eve's presence in the main common area, both Albus and Dotty were disappointed to find her nowhere in sight. "Maybe she went to bed early?" Albus suggested, recalling Eve's earlier mention of laying down. Slightly panicked, they considered this possibility and made their way to the first-year girls' dormitory. Albus waited outside for Dotty's return.
Dotty hurried to Eve's bed, where the curtains were drawn shut. Pulling them apart, her panic heightened upon finding the bed empty. Peering into the bathroom, she called, "Eve, are you in there?" Her trembling voice echoed back, but there was no response.
With growing anxiety, she rushed outside and informed Albus that Eve was nowhere to be found. Instantly realizing that she had ventured to Rookwood's manor alone, Albus and Dotty exchanged alarmed glances. "We have to warn the headmistress; I think she's in great danger," Dotty exclaimed urgently. Albus nodded in agreement, and the two swiftly made their way back to the Great Hall, hoping the headmistress was still present.
Bursting into the Great Hall, their abrupt entrance drew the attention of many, including Rose, Scorpius, and Headmistress McGonagall. Rose and Scorpius hurried over to inquire about the commotion, while McGonagall descended from the low stage, approaching the two visibly distressed students. "What is the matter with the two of you?" she demanded, fixing Albus and Dotty with a stern, pointed stare.
"Eve, she's missing," Dotty panted, still catching her breath from the sprint. Albus added urgently, "She's gone to search for the Hourglass at Rookwood Manor. You have to stop her; she might be in danger." McGonagall's expression deepened, realizing the gravity of the situation. Rookwood was not a pleasant man, and if Eve was headed to his home, she was undoubtedly in great danger.
Without hesitation, McGonagall conjured four Patronuses. "I'll make sure she is kept safe. Don't worry; I won't let harm come to her. Except when she returns to the castle—detention for the rest of the year," she declared firmly, gripping the edges of her long gown, enabling her to move quickly toward the entrance of Hogwarts. There, she would meet her fellow professors and one other she had summoned.
Taking a moment to appreciate her still-youthful lungs, McGonagall waited patiently for the others to arrive. Professor Flitwick, Mercer, and Inkwood entered one by one; their faces marked with confusion. "Headmistress, you summoned us. What's the matter?" Inkwood inquired, the other two professors nodding in agreement, deferring to their fellow professor for the question.
"We have a student in potential danger, and I need assistance to retrieve her," McGonagall explained. "Where is she?" Flitwick asked. Before McGonagall could respond, a soft pop interrupted her. "Minnie, I got your Patronus. You said Eve was in danger? Where is she?" Robert asked urgently. "She's at Rookwood Manor, looking for an ancient artifact, I believe. We should hurry," McGonagall replied. Without another word, all five of them joined hands and Apparated to the entrance of the manor. Landing with a loud pop, the group surveyed the surrounding area for any sign of Evelyn.
"She's not here," cried Robert, kicking a rock off the path. "She must already be in the house," Inkwood spoke calmly, pulling his wand from his cloak and waving it in the air. "Accio brooms."
Five weathered brooms glided through the air and landed before them. Each member mounted one, fully aware that their task was to fly around the house, inspecting the windows for any signs of the girl. They swiftly ascended into the sky, circling the property, their eyes scanning anxiously for any indication. Robert opted for a lower approach, flying around the back of the grand building, meticulously examining the bottom floor.
[End flashback]
That's when he saw it—the unmistakable shape and outline of Hera. Lowering his viewing angle, he gasped, witnessing his granddaughter lying on the ground with a wand pointed at her. Without a second thought, he drew his own wand, aiming it at the window. "Bombarda Maxima!" he screamed. A large orange blast surged from the tip of his wand, hurtling through the air with unstoppable force. It crashed into the side of the building, shattering surrounding windows and creating a sizable hole upon impact.
He swiftly dodged a horrid green spell, instinctively diving out of harm's way. Moments later, he spun in the opposite direction as another spell careened towards him. The loud commotion alerted his ally, who rushed to his aid. A fierce battle erupted between the two groups, one seeking cover within the home, utilizing the charred brickwork as a shield, while the others fought fiercely from the once-manicured garden, now transformed into chaos from the flurry of spells.
Hera claimed the centre stage, unleashing an onslaught of cutting curses. The thin red lines of the spells sliced through the hedges, cleaving them in half and leaving deep gashes in the stone slabs. Her speed was incomprehensible, her wand work fluid and precise, placing her in a league of her own. Meanwhile, Rute and Rookwood opted for the coward's approach, launching killing curses from the safety behind the brickwork of the ruined room.
Professor Mercer, drawing upon his mastery of transfiguration, swiftly erected makeshift defences against the onslaught of killing curses. Transforming loose stone slabs into large granite walls, he provided a temporary shield for the group. "I can't hold them off forever! We need a plan!" he yelled over the cacophony of spells bombarding against his defences.
"Hera is mine!" shouted Robert. "I'm the only one with the same type of magic. I'll hold her off as long as I can." Just then, a chunk of the makeshift wall gave way under the force of a heavy blasting curse, exposing Mercer. Without hesitation, Hera directed her wand towards him. "Avada Kedavra!" The green spell hurtled through the space, casting a deathly hue over everything in its path. Reacting quickly, Robert raised his hands, aiming them at Mercer.
A small golden bubble materialized around him, halting the deadly spell just inches away from taking his life. Seizing this opportunity, Mercer swiftly dove out of harm's way. Hera's reaction was too slow to counteract Robert's magic, and she cursed under her breath. Mercer gave Robert a knowing nod, silently acknowledging that he owed the man a drink when they finished here.
Flitwick, Inkwood, and McGonagall breached the defence barrier, engaging the pair concealed within the house. Concussive blasts rebounded off Rute and Rookwood's magical shields, flying in every direction and shaking the entire house upon impact. "We can't win this, Augustus!" Rute yelled to her half-brother. Outnumbered and out skilled, they swiftly changed tactics.
Rute dropped her shield and rolled to the side, unleashing a cutting curse mid-roll. The spell left her wand with speed and precision, slicing through the air as it glided toward its victim. Professor Inkwood, too slow to react with a defensive shield, felt his entire side go numb. Raising his arm to cast another spell, he noticed a disconcerting lack of weight. Glancing to his right side, he screamed upon seeing a bloody stump where his arm used to be. He crumpled to the floor, causing both McGonagall and Flitwick to be momentarily distracted.
Rookwood seized the opportunity, dropping his shield and unleashing a sinister black spell toward the already injured Inkwood. The strangling curse wound itself around the professor's neck, crushing it instantly. His eyes rolled into the back of his head, and he fell limp to the ground, still and lifeless. The two remaining professors quickly pivoted, erecting their shields. They couldn't afford to mourn the loss of a close friend; there was still a battle to be won.
Eve, still reeling in pain, perceived loud sounds. Lifting her head, she witnessed Professor Inkwood fall to the ground and die shortly after, gasping and squealing in horror at the sight. Attempting to jump to her feet, her body didn't comply, and she instantly fell back to the ground. Her wand was still out of reach, so she crawled over the glass-covered floor, cutting up her hands in the process. Once she reached her wand, she knew she had to do something. Observing the two other professors on the defensive against the unrelenting flurry of spells from the duo, she urged herself, "Think, Evelyn, think!" Her arsenal of spells was very limited, and she couldn't come close to the skill of an adult trained wizard.
But she possessed something they lacked: her time magic. Wincing in pain, she aimed her bloody hands at Rute and Rookwood. Closing her eyes briefly, she delved into her mind to find the correct emotion without tipping the scale over the edge. When she opened her eyes, they glowed with a bright golden hue. Powerful ethereal gold magic escaped her hands, traveling at light speed and hitting the pair with force. The magic spread across their bodies, holding them in place, completely stopped in time.
This granted McGonagall and Flitwick a moment to catch their breath and launch an offensive. Each sent a potent concussive blast at Rute and Rookwood. Without their shields, the blasts hit them directly, but to everyone's surprise, they remained steadfast. Eve, feeling the strain on her weakened state, released her magic. The instant she did, Rute and Rookwood flew backward, crashing down on the hard stone floor, knocked out and bleeding from the ears. The two professors quickly bound them, redirecting their attention to the ongoing fight.
Hera launched into an offensive, dismissing Professor Mercer's feeble spells effortlessly. To her, they were mere child's play, easily batted away with minimal effort. In contrast, Robert possessed the same magical prowess as Hera and proved to be a formidable adversary. The clash of their time magic resonated with a thundering roar, as Hera's red and Robert's golden energies pushed against each other in mid-air. The collision created a protective barrier, isolating them from any external assistance for Robert.
As they circled the battleground, they had shaped, they engaged in a dynamic exchange, with one hand manipulating time magic while the other unleashed lethal spells from their wands. Although Hera still held a slight edge, Robert managed to stand his ground surprisingly well. This unforeseen resilience on Robert's part caught Hera off guard, as in every previous encounter within the void, she had always emerged victorious.
Robert made a strategic choice, dropping his wand to channel additional power into his time magic. The resulting crackling energy felt electric, causing static to spark in the air around him. Witnessing this, Hera swiftly followed suit, abandoning her wand to empower her magic with both hands. The clash of their intensified spells sent shockwaves reverberating through the air.
Outside the protective dome, the three professors observed in a mix of awe and horror. The collision of spells not only created a visual spectacle but also tore at the fabric of time itself. Black space began to seep around the point of impact, pulsating and growing, resembling the ebb and flow of a cosmic force. The speed of this phenomenon escalated until it reached a point akin to a black hole, then abruptly halted, unleashing an almighty shockwave that propelled everyone back 20 feet.
Robert crashed violently into a sturdy stone statue, the impact causing blood to seep from a wound on his head. while Hera was flung into the damaged library, landing beside an end table where the hourglass sat precariously.
Eve's scream echoed through the air as she witnessed her grandpa propelled across the garden, colliding with a statue with a resounding thud. Determination fuelled her as she swiftly rose to her feet once more, this time finding her commands met with obedience. Overwhelmed by the chaotic events, she yearned to rewind time to a point before the unsettling occurrences in this house, realizing her inherent lack of power for such a task. Yet, a glimmer of hope flickered as she extended her hand towards the hourglass. The sands inside violently reacted to both her and Hera's close proximity, hinting at the potential amplifying capabilities of the mysterious timepiece.
Hera's eyes snapped open, witnessing Eve's hand reaching out for the hourglass. Instinctively, she knew she couldn't allow the child to grasp it; such an act could spell her demise. Reacting swiftly, Hera extended her own hand, intent on snatching the hourglass away. In a tense moment, both Hera and Evelyn found themselves gripping one side of the hourglass, locked in a silent struggle for control.
A peculiar sensation enveloped her, rendering her body weightless. As her hand connected with the hourglass, an inexplicable force bound her to it, making release impossible. An overwhelming pull gripped her, and she sensed the hourglass reaching beyond her physical being, seizing hold of her very soul. In tandem, Hera underwent the same transcendent experience.
Locked in a gaze with Hera, a profound connection formed between them. Time seemed to freeze, stretching into an eternity as their gazes lingered. The world around them gradually faded into a void of pristine white, erasing everything in its wake.
With an ethereal stillness, both women, still clutching the hourglass, became limp. Their souls were ensnared, forever captured within the hourglass's grasp.