Chapter 73
Chapter : A Subtle Disturbance
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Alex McKinnon-Black’s POV
The constant surveillance of Dumbledore and Snape had become a nuisance, a thorn in my side that needed removing—at least temporarily. I needed a distraction that would keep them focused elsewhere, but one that wouldn’t hint at my involvement. The Horcrux in Bellatrix Lestrange's Gringotts vault was an ideal choice. If they were set on a wild hunt for it, they’d be occupied with enough layers of secrecy to stay off my trail.
The plan was simple in concept, but executing it without revealing my magical signature required precision. Any traceable hint of my involvement would raise questions I couldn't afford. I prepared a note on ordinary muggle paper, in clean block letters to mask any identifiable handwriting. Every precaution was taken: no parchment, no quills—just an ordinary pen and blank sheet of paper, devoid of any trace of magic.
I slipped out late at night, making my way to Snape's quarters. After carefully bypassing the basic wards, I slipped the note into his room. As I walked away, a certain thrill coursed through me—knowing that the little piece of paper would set off a series of ripples that would force them to search for the vault Horcrux, keeping their eyes off me.
The note read:
One part of the Dark Lord’s soul resides in Gringotts, in Bellatrix Lestrange’s vault. Destroy it before he replaces it.
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Severus Snape’s POV
The following morning, as I entered my chambers, my gaze fell upon an unfamiliar slip of paper on my desk. I approached cautiously, a frown creasing my forehead as I examined it. A mundane piece of muggle paper, inscribed with plain, unadorned letters—a message. I skimmed the words, feeling a chill run through me.
"One part of the Dark Lord’s soul resides in Gringotts, in Bellatrix Lestrange’s vault. Destroy it before he replaces it."
My mind raced, analyzing each line of the message. Horcruxes—the Dark Lord had hinted at such dark magic, though the specifics were never shared with his followers. The fact that someone knew this...that someone dared to bring this to my attention without signing it—unsettling.
I tightened my grip on the note, glancing around the empty room as though the walls might offer some revelation. How had someone bypassed my wards without raising an alarm? My wards were sensitive, but this letter had slipped through undetected. Whoever left it was someone I’d need to watch closely.
I debated for only a moment before deciding to bring it to Dumbledore.
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Dumbledore’s Office - Snape and Dumbledore’s Conversation
I found Dumbledore seated behind his desk, his blue eyes twinkling as they always did, though a subtle weariness lined his face these days. He looked up when I entered, curiosity sparking in his gaze.
“Severus,” he greeted, folding his hands. “Is something the matter?”
I wordlessly extended the letter, watching as he took it from me. As his eyes scanned the message, his brows furrowed, his expression shifting to one of serious contemplation.
“This…is troubling, to say the least,” Dumbledore said softly, folding the letter carefully and placing it on his desk. “It would seem someone within Hogwarts is aware of…far more than we previously thought.”
I inclined my head. “It would appear that way. But who, Albus? Who could know something so specific—something as closely guarded as a Horcrux?”
Dumbledore was silent, his gaze distant. “That is the question, Severus. Whoever sent this intended for it to reach us, but I wonder…why now? And with this level of anonymity?”
“It’s certainly peculiar. Whoever sent this was cautious enough to avoid detection, which suggests they possess a level of skill and foresight.” I frowned. “Do you believe the note?”
Dumbledore steepled his fingers, deep in thought. “I do. The Dark Lord’s propensity for dark magic, particularly in the realm of the soul, has long concerned me. This aligns with certain…theories I have entertained. The notion that he would guard a piece of himself in Gringotts, particularly within Bellatrix Lestrange’s vault, is plausible.”
I couldn’t hide my skepticism. “And yet, Albus, why would someone who knows this information hand it over without a trace of identity? If they wanted the Horcrux destroyed, why not seek you directly?”
Dumbledore's eyes flickered. “Perhaps they fear association with us, or perhaps they simply wish to stay hidden. In any case, if there’s a chance of disrupting Voldemort’s plans, it is worth investigating.”
I nodded, though inwardly I felt the uncertainty linger. Whoever orchestrated this was playing a dangerous game, and my suspicion that someone within these walls held information we didn’t only grew stronger.
Dumbledore leaned back, his voice thoughtful. “We’ll keep this between us for now, Severus. If it’s true, and if we manage to obtain this Horcrux…it could bring us closer to ending Voldemort’s reign once and for all.”
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As I left Dumbledore’s office, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of foreboding. Whoever had delivered that letter had clearly calculated every step, and as much as I tried to brush off my suspicions, I couldn’t shake the sense that someone—someone who understood the game well—was watching from the shadows.