"Alas — my poor Muse — what aileth thee now? Thine eyes are bedimmed with the visions of night. And silent and cold — I perceive on thy brow in their turns — Despair and Madness alight."
The Sick Muse. Fleurs du mal. Charles Baudelaire.
III
Hermione Granger held the diary in her hands and felt like it was alive. It was warm and beating, almost like it had a heart. The old, cracked leather cover seemed to be hiding secrets that were waiting to be discovered.
She couldn't believe it when she finally figured out the answer to the puzzle that had been bothering her for so long. "Is this really it? Is this all there is?" she exclaimed, feeling a mix of relief and disappointment. How could something so simple have taken her so long to figure out? She grabbed her quill, eager to write back, but then she hesitated.
Hermione shivered as she remembered James Potter's warning. He had told her to be careful with the diary, that it was dangerous and unpredictable. He had said that curiosity could be risky, and that she might not like what she found.
The book seemed to understand her doubt and whispered in her ear, "Don't be scared. I won't harm you, unless you try to destroy me." That made Hermione even more curious, so she decided to take the risk. "How do you know what I'm feeling?" she wrote, fascinated by the book's ability.
"We have a connection, you and I," the book replied, its voice echoing in her mind. "I can feel your emotions, and you can feel mine." Then it asked for her name, but she didn't want to reveal too much. She gave it a variation, Hermia.
"That's a beautiful name, Hermia. It means 'messenger' and comes from Hermes, the Greek god of messengers," the book complimented her, impressing her with its knowledge.
"And what is your name?" she asked, curious about the book's identity.
"Tom," the diary answered simply, disappointing her with its plainness. She expected something more exotic and mysterious for a book like this. "Tom? That's a common name for a book!" she protested, showing her displeasure.
"And who told you I'm just a book, Hermione?" Tom challenged her, shocking her with his revelation. He knew her real name! What else did he know? Her mind was filled with questions and wonder.
The witch closed her eyes tightly, preparing herself for what was about to happen. Slowly and cautiously, she opened her eyes again and found herself in a place that surpassed her wildest imagination. It was a bedroom, but unlike any she had ever seen before.
The room was a mess of books and papers, piled high and scattered all over. In one corner, a cauldron was boiling and bubbling, with various ingredients strewn about on a messy desk. The disorder mirrored the chaos that had consumed her life ever since she met Tom.
Hermione took a deep breath, inhaling the musty scent of old paper and magic. She glanced out the window and gasped at the breathtaking view. It was nothing like London, where she had been just moments ago. A magnificent mountain range loomed on the horizon, adorned with a lush green forest that beckoned her to explore.
Sensing someone beside her, Hermione turned and saw a young dark haired man with a pale face. He looked at her with a mischievous smirk on his lips. It was clear that he knew something she didn't.
"Where are we?" she asked, her voice trembling with both fear and curiosity.
He smiled cunningly and replied, "We are in Albania." Hermione was taken aback. How did she arrive here so quickly? Was it because of the diary she had found? Or perhaps a portkey had transported her to this mysterious place?
Before she could voice her questions, he lunged at her with a hunger in his eyes. His voice dripped with venom as he spoke, "You have no idea how long I've been waiting for this."
Fear surged through Hermione, causing her to back away from him. "What do you want? Why are you doing this, Tom?" she cried out, her voice filled with both terror and defiance.
He grinned wickedly and revealed, "Initially, I wanted to kill you," he admitted, "but now that you're here, I have a better plan. I want to keep you alive and exploit you for my own gain."
Her heart pounded rapidly in her chest as she retreated, her voice trembling with fear and defiance. "You won't succeed! I won't allow you to use me!"
He smirked and declared, "Oh, my dear, you don't comprehend the power I possess. You have no choice in the matter. You are here, and you will be mine."
Everything went black, and Hermione felt a wave of nausea. She panicked as she tried to escape the darkness. When she came to, she was back at the lab table. But something was terribly wrong. The diary was gone. And next to her was Regina Rowle's lifeless body, just like Frank Bryce's.
A chill ran down her spine as she realized the seriousness of what had happened. The book was not just a book, but a gateway to a dark and evil realm. A place where Tom's mind lurked, waiting for a victim. She had unknowingly fallen into his trap, and now she was in great danger.
Hermione wondered if she had gone mad. Had she really traveled to Albania with Tom? And what had he done to Regina Rowle? She had so many questions, but no answers. She knew she had to continue researching the book, to uncover its secrets and weaknesses. It was the only way to save herself.
Suddenly, the door slammed open, shattering the silence. Five hooded figures stormed into the lab, their badges gleaming on their chests. They looked serious and determined. Their leader spoke with authority. "Hermione Granger," he announced loudly, "you are required to provide a statement regarding the murder of Unspeakable Regina Rowle."
They escorted her to an interrogation room, where the atmosphere was tense. They forced her to drink Veritaserum, the truth potion, hoping it would aid her recollection of events.
Senior Auror Wilson Harris sat across from her, his expression stern and his eyes cold. He leaned forward and questioned her in a harsh tone. "Now, Miss Granger, tell me the truth. What were you doing in the lab today?"
Hermione recounted everything she could, explaining her research on cursed objects and the strange series of events. "And then," she said calmly, "this man, Tom, appeared and threatened me."
Harris didn't believe her, continuing to interrogate her with more inquiries. He was relentless and impolite. He made her feel like a criminal. "I'm telling the truth," she insisted firmly.
The interrogation lasted for hours, continuing until the sun set outside. Then, the Senior Auror delivered his verdict. "You will be held," he said harshly, "until your trial."
The cell where they placed her was nothing like the lab. It was a cold and damp dungeon, where she felt alone and without hope. She realized that her future was uncertain and gloomy.
A week later, as Hermione entered the Wizengamot chamber, she felt a surge of adrenaline. The circular room was impressive, with its tall stone walls adorned with beautiful tapestries that depicted stories of the magical world. The court members, dressed in rich crimson robes, sat on raised platforms, emanating an aura of authority and power.
Supreme Mugwump Albus Dumbledore, his eyes filled with concern, carefully surveyed the room. Chief Warlock Ahmed Shafik locked eyes with Dumbledore, his gaze filled with determination as he began to address the assembly. "Ladies and gentlemen, our purpose today is to unravel the enigma surrounding the tragic and untimely demise of Unspeakable Regina Rowle, as well as the chain of events that preceded it."
Dumbledore nodded gravely, expressing his understanding of the situation. "I understand the urgency, and we will conduct this inquiry with great care and diligence."
The room fell silent, captivated by the impending revelations. All eyes were fixed on the central platform, where Hermione stood, intensifying the atmosphere of anticipation. The tension in the chamber seemed to thicken.
The few witnesses, influenced by Veritaserum, had already given their testimonies. They all agreed that she had succumbed to dark magic, resulting in Regina Rowle's tragic demise. The weight of their evidence cast doubt on her innocence, creating a gloomy atmosphere in the room.
The tension in the Wizengamot chamber was palpable as Bill Weasley approached the stand. With confidence, he broke the silence, his words clear and resonant. "It is true," he began, facing the Wizengamot. "I examined the cursed objects that Hermione was researching at the Department of Mysteries. They were undeniably cursed, and one of them had the power to cause disastrous events when activated."
The people in the courtroom were hanging on every word, their faces filled with worry and curiosity. Chief Warlock Ahmed Shafik interrupted, sounding suspicious. "How can we be sure, Mr. Weasley, that Miss Granger didn't activate this cursed object and cause Unspeakable Rowle's death?"
Bill looked at Ahmed with determination. "Because, your Honor, there was no evidence of Miss Granger casting a curse at the crime scene. The book, which was one of the cursed objects, was most likely activated before, without her knowledge or consent. It disappeared from the scene, leaving behind a mysterious trace of magic. She was just an innocent witness."
A strong wave of frustration and desperation drove Hermione to speak up. Her voice trembled as she asserted her innocence. "I swear, I had nothing to do with Regina's death. I was just as shocked and scared as everyone else when I found her body."
Augustus Rookwood, the new Head Unspeakable of the Department of Mysteries, surprised many with his unexpected support. "I agree with Mr. Weasley's analysis. After carefully examining one the cursed objects involved, I strongly believe that Miss Granger is not responsible for this tragedy." This revelation raised questions and doubts, considering Rookwood's infamous reputation as a blood purist.
Although the verdict was not unanimous, Dumbledore's unwavering support influenced the judgment. His calm voice carried the weight of his immense reputation, leaving no room for doubt. "I have known Hermione Granger for many years, and it is unthinkable to me that she would intentionally commit such an act," he stated, his piercing eyes meeting Shafik's. "She has always been a source of knowledge, bravery, and unwavering honesty. We must consider the possibility that she, too, was a target of dark magic."
After intense deliberation, the Wizengamot ruled in Hermione's favor, clearing her of all charges. Ahmed's objections were quickly overruled, and the court's decision was firm: Hermione Granger was innocent.
The Wizengamot chamber was filled with mixed emotions as the verdict echoed through the room. Hermione was finally free, her name vindicated of any crime. But the mysteries of the cursed objects still haunted her, leaving a nagging doubt in her mind. The ring was found, but the diary was gone, taking its secrets with it.
After the trial, the witch joined Dumbledore, Bill Weasley, Harry, and his parents at the Potters' home. The mood in their cozy living room was somber, weighed down by the trial and the revelations that came with it. Albus, eager to solve the puzzle of the cursed objects, was the first to speak.
"Miss Granger," he said, his voice full of curiosity, "could you tell us what happened with the book?"
Hermione clutched the old armchair, sensing the tension in the room, as she began to share her bizarre experience. "It all began when I first wrote in the diary. To my astonishment, it wrote back to me, as if it could read my mind."
Bill leaned in, his eyes wide with interest, his brow furrowing. "Wait a minute. I've seen cursed dark objects, but can they actually come alive?"
Nervous yet determined, Hermione continued her story. "Things started to get worse after a while. The book transported me to another place, which I think was Albania. I had no control over it. It felt like the book had a mind of its own."
Lily, who had been listening silently, couldn't contain her curiosity any longer. "Hermione, did you meet someone else in Albania?"
The young witch's voice trembled as she carried on, "In Albania, I encountered a man. He appeared out of nowhere, as if he had been there for a long time. He introduced himself and claimed he had been waiting for someone to set him free. At first, he spoke of killing me, but then he changed his mind and decided to spare me."
Dumbledore's expression turned grave, his voice serious as he asked, "Miss Granger, do you remember the name of this man?" His eyes held a deep and troubling concern.
Hermione nodded, feeling a sense of unease wash over her. "His name was Tom," she revealed. The weight of that name hung in the air, creating an eerie atmosphere in the room.
As the conversation continued, Lily shared her ideas. "The only time I've come across someone creating a sentient dark object was in an old book about Herpo the Foul. He was an Ancient Greek wizard who was known for his skill in the Dark Arts."
Hermione eagerly joined the discussion, wanting to contribute her knowledge about Herpo's dark creation. "Yes, I've read that he created the first Basilisk and found a twisted way to live forever."
Bill and Harry expressed doubt, questioning the truth behind the story. Yet, Dumbledore, decided to delve deeper into the mystery.
Lily continued her explanation, sharing how Herpo had created a strange object. This artifact allowed a Dark wizard or witch to hide a part of their soul, granting them immortality as long as the container remained intact. The relic was believed to consume the life of an unsuspecting wizard, acting as a host for the soul fragment, but she didn't have any further details about it.
James, intrigued by the book and its connection to this curious object, suddenly had a realization. He remembered reading about such thing in a book called "Secrets of the Darkest Art," the only known source that provided clear instructions for creating a Horcrux.
Hermione's eyes widened as she asked, "Did you just say 'Horcrux'?"
James nodded. "Yes, that's what it's called. It's a form of dark magic, the worst kind, that allows someone to divide their soul and gain a form of immortality. It's a forbidden and despicable practice."
Lily's face showed concern as she added, "This goes beyond dark magic. We're up against something evil and ancient. We need to be cautious and find a way to stop it."
As the night went on, they discussed their plans, determined to confront the mysterious and wicked forces that were at play. The room buzzed with a shared objective as they prepared themselves to face the challenges ahead and uncover the truth.