A Growing Threat
As the weeks passed, the Marauders continued their research, but they soon began to notice something unsettling. Strange occurrences began to happen around Hogwarts. Students reported seeing shadowy figures in the hallways, and there were whispers of dark creatures lurking near the Forbidden Forest.
The atmosphere at Hogwarts grew tense. Professor Dumbledore addressed the school, urging students to stay vigilant and avoid unnecessary risks. The Marauders, however, couldn’t shake the feeling that these events were connected to their discovery.
One evening, while the Marauders were in the common room discussing their findings, a letter arrived for them. The envelope was sealed with an unfamiliar wax emblem.
Sirius opened it and read aloud. “To the Marauders, I have information regarding the locket you’ve found. Meet me in the Room of Requirement at midnight. – A Friend”
The Marauders exchanged puzzled glances. “Who could it be?” Remus wondered.
“I guess we’ll find out,” James said, determination in his voice.
At midnight, they sneaked into the Room of Requirement, their hearts racing. The room was filled with old books and artifacts, and at the center stood a figure cloaked in shadow.
The figure revealed himself to be an older student, known as Lucas Blackwood. He was a member of the Ravenclaw Quidditch team and had a reputation for being knowledgeable about magical artifacts.
“I’ve been researching the locket,” Lucas explained. “It’s part of a larger set of artifacts connected to a dark wizard from the past. They were hidden to keep them from being used for dark purposes.”
The Marauders listened intently as Lucas detailed the history of the locket and its connection to a dark wizard named Morvane the Cursed, who had been notorious for his dark magic.