20
Alice's discovery about Celtic resonance patterns proved more significant than either of them initially realized. As she explained her findings, spreading ancient texts across his desk with familiar enthusiasm, Voldemort felt a familiar thrill of anticipation.
"See here," she pointed to a complex diagram, "the ancient Celts believed certain locations could amplify magical energy through what they called 'earthen vessels' - non-magical conductors that somehow enhanced the natural flow of power." Her fingers traced the intricate patterns. "They described using these vessels to strengthen wards and enhance ritual magic, but the texts are frustratingly vague about what exactly these vessels were."
Voldemort watched her piece together fragments of his grand design, ignorant of their true significance. patterns. "They described using these vessels to strengthen wards and enhance ritual magic, but the texts are frustratingly vague about what exactly these vessels were." A flicker of amusement danced in his eyes, mirroring the early days of their acquaintance when she'd unknowingly confided in him, mistaking him for the harmless "Tom."
"And what do you think these vessels might have been?" he inquired, his voice laced with a subtle irony. And what do you think these vessels might have been?"
"Well, that's the fascinating part," she continued, pulling out another text. "I found references to similar practices in other cultures - Norse, Egyptian, even some early Asian magical traditions. They all mention using non-magical elements to enhance magical power." She looked up at him, eyes bright with academic excitement. "What if they weren't talking about objects at all? What if they meant people?"
The irony of her accidentally discovering the truth about his plans for her kind was not lost on him. "An interesting theory," he said carefully. "Though perhaps a controversial one."
"I know," she admitted, "but think about it - muggles have no inherent magic to interfere with magical energies. We're like... empty vessels that could theoretically channel power without affecting its nature." She paused, frowning slightly. "Though the ethical implications of using people that way would be..."
"Complicated?" he suggested smoothly, watching her work through the moral quandary in real time.
"To say the least." She sat back, running a hand through her hair. "It's probably just an academic exercise anyway. The magical world has moved beyond using muggles as tools."
Voldemort allowed himself a small smile. "of course."
Alice couldn't shake the feeling that she was missing something crucial. The idea of muggles as magical conduits…she found herself back in the library's restricted section, surrounded by increasingly obscure texts.
"The vessel theory again?" Antonin's voice startled her from her research. He had taken to checking on her periodically, though whether out of genuine concern or surveillance, she was never quite sure.
"I've been thinking about the muggle world lately," she admitted, a wistful note in her voice. She gestured vaguely at the pile of books, though they weren't specifically related to her thoughts. "It's strange, being so immersed in magic, I almost forget what it was like...before."
Antonin regarded her for a moment, a flicker of understanding in his usually guarded eyes. "It's a different world," he agreed quietly. "One most of us can't comprehend." He paused, then added, with a surprising touch of vulnerability, "Sometimes, I envy that ignorance. The simplicity of not knowing."
Alice looked up, surprised by his candor. "I never thought I'd hear a wizard say that."
A faint smile touched his lips. "There are burdens that come with knowledge, Lady Waters. Burdens you are perhaps fortunate to avoid." He hesitated, then continued, his voice rough around the edges, "If you ever find yourself... missing that world, I'd be happy to listen. Spent enough time there myself. Enough to understand... what it's like." He rubbed the back of his neck, a rare moment of self-consciousness flickering across his face.
A warmth bloomed in Alice's chest, unexpected and welcome. "When did you spend time in the muggle world, Antonin?" she asked softly, surprised and genuinely touched by his offer.
"There was... someone. Long ago. They... showed me a bit of it." His voice trailed off, the memory bringing a strange awkwardness for the hardened Death Eater. He cleared his throat, regaining his composure. "But that's not important.”
"Ah, I nearly forgot –” he said, feigning a sudden remembering, “Lady Malfoy has returned from the manor. She's asking after you."
"Narcissa's back?" Alice's eyes lit up, her research momentarily forgotten. She had missed the older witch's steady presence and subtle guidance these past weeks.
"In the blue drawing room," Antonin confirmed, watching as Alice hurriedly gathered her things. "She mentioned something about upcoming events she wished to discuss with you."
As Alice rushed off, practically bouncing with excitement to see her friend and mentor, Antonin cast a quiet glance at the books she'd left behind. With a wave of his wand, he carefully reshelved them in different sections of the library, ensuring the connecting threads of her research would be harder to follow.
Better she focus on court politics and social calls, he thought, than dig too deeply into certain historical practices.