The Library
On their way back to the castle, the students’ thoughts were heavy. They still had no idea who or what that mysterious shadow was, nor what they were doing there in the first place. Even more disturbing, Hagrid seemed to know something but refused to say more, instead sending them to Ms Pince. They didn’t have much hope there, as most students’ experience with Hogwarts’ librarian was of her shushing them or throwing them out the place if they disrespected her books. Still, they made their way there, sighing in relief when they finally left the cold October air behind. It caused the new music teacher to laugh when he passed them. “I don’t know how he can go outside to do music without catching a cold when he doesn't have a scarf and there’s still mist outside !” grumbled Ron. “Artists”, simply answered Hermione.
They finally reached the library and entered carefully so as to make as little noise as possible.
However, once inside, they see Ms Pince desk empty. Well, the chair is empty, the desk is covered by piles of books to sort and put in their correct places. But still, no librarian. They start to look around, dividing to cover more ground and end up finding her tidying a shelf and muttering about students needing glasses because surely whoever put a D with the Ps was in dire need of them.
She turned to glare at them when Harry gently coughed to ask for her attention.
“Shhht ! What are you doing here, what do you want ?” She crossed her arms and looked at them furiously, waiting for an answer.
“Hm. We had…a question for you ? We…well, we did something…and saw…someone ? And were told to come ask you ?” tried Harry.
“What you’re doing right now is making me lose my time. Speak clearly or be gone.” Her eyes were turning darker by the second.
“Wewenttotherestrictedsectionandsawascaryshadow,” threw Ron.
“Clearly, I said.”
“...we went to the restricted section and saw a scary shadow.”
“To the restricted section ? I received words some students went there yes. What did you think you were doing !? There is a reason this is called the “restricted section” ! It’s because some books are dangerous, either by their content, or because you could quite literally lose an arm touching them ! Idiots, all of you, this is for your security !” She sighs loudly and pinches her nose, trying to calm herself. What is done is done. “What were you doing there anyway ?”
The trio exchanges looks, but no one dares to speak.
“I said, what were you doing there. What were you looking for ?”
Since she’s the one who took the book in the first place, Hermione is the one to speak. “If we answer your question, will you answer ours ?”
It is risky, but they can’t allow themselves to lose their only element.
“What are you playing at Ms Granger ?”
“We want answers, and so do you.”
“And I suppose that if I refuse, I will once again receive word of you three being somewhere you shouldn't.”
“A possibility.”
“Fine. I much prefer you going there supervised that sneaking around and getting yourself hurt. The library is my responsibility, but so is the security of those inside of it.”
“Really ?”
“Don’t make me regret this.”
“Yes yes, thank you ! Hm. We were looking for information on the name “Thargeliones” but when we entered we saw the scary shadow Ron was talking about. It didn't look like a ghost but it had us very worried. Could you tell us who that was ?”
Ms Pince's eyes go round. “Well, for starters that “scary shadow” is the Head Librarian, my superior. I’m not sure he would like to be called such. I’m also not sure if I'm allowed to say more. My turn, now. Where did you hear of this “Thargeliones” ? There is a mystery we are trying to solve and I think you might have the key.”
“I…erm…I happened to find a book with that name in it and took it with me to study it…without registering it.” admitted Hermione, her eyes fixed on her shoes.
Exasperated, Ms Pince asked her if it was an old leather book with a tree and stars on the cover and written in Old English.
Hermione's silence and turning of her head was answer enough.
“It’s very old and very damaged. My superior was looking for it to make a newer copy. It’s also very important for the history of our school. I’m asking you to give it back immediately.”
Saddened, Hermione opens her bag and take the book out of it to give it to Ms Pince. The woman looks at the trio before her and comes to the realisation that even if they look sufficiently chastised for now, they will obviously try again.
“Follow me.”
Surprised, the three students look at her.
“Hurry up !”
And she guides them to the door of the restricted section.