Obsidian Hearts

AU / Same world as all of my previous stories.
The world and the characters in it belongs to J.K. Rowling

AN: This story will be a multi-chapter one, I don t know how long or how frequently will I update but I will try not to finish on a cliffhanger. If you got any constructive criticism feel free to share it.

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Severus Snape stood hunched over his cauldron, the dim light of the potion lab casting eerie shadows across the stone walls.
The bubbling concoction emitted wisps of smoke that curled lazily upward, filling the air with a pungent aroma that could only be described as equal parts foul and fascinating.
Lost in concentration, Severus didn't immediately notice Hermione Granger's entrance. It was only when the soft click of the door announced her presence that he looked up,
his dark eyes narrowing behind his spectacles.

"What do you want, Miss Granger?" he asked, his voice a low murmur that carried a hint of irritation. Hermione Granger walked straight to him.
The weight of the discovery she had made bore heavily on her mind, and she knew she had to share it with Severus, his Master..
Severus was still standing over his potions in the dimly lit laboratory, meticulously measuring some raw material. The fire crackled softly in the hearth,
casting flickering shadows across the stone walls.
"

Master Snape, I need to speak with you urgently," Hermione said, her voice tinged with urgency. Severus looked up from his work,
his black eyes narrowing slightly at Hermione's tone. "What is it, Miss Granger?" he asked, his voice clipped.
"It's about the task the headmaster assigned us," Hermione began, her words rushing out in a torrent. "I've been doing some research,
and I've made a very big discovery. The weird magic we've been encountering is tied to a student from the late 1890s."
Severus's interest was piqued. He set aside his quill and parchment, giving Hermione his full attention. "Go on," he prompted.
Hermione took a deep breath, steadying herself. "I was researching old records in the Hogwarts library, trying to find any mention of similar occurrences in the past.
And I stumbled upon a weird diary belonging to a student whose name was crossed out. She or He attended Hogwarts in the late 19th century and was known for
her ability with a special kind of magic."

Severus absorbed this information, his mind racing with possibilities. "If what you say is true, then we need to delve deeper into this student s history,"
he said, his voice determined. "We must uncover the truth behind this and find a way to find out what is this strange magic that plaguing Hogwarts."
Hermione glanced at Severus, her brow furrowed with concern. "Do you have any idea where we could find out more about this student?" she asked,
hoping he might have some idea.
Severus paused for a moment, tapping his chin thoughtfully with his index finger. "There is one man who may be able to help us," he said finally,
his voice tinged with a hint of reluctance.
Hermione's interest was piqued. "Who?" she pressed, eager for any lead that might shed light on their mysterious discovery.
Severus leaned back in his chair, his expression inscrutable. "Phineas nigellus Black" he said simply.
Hermione looked at Severus with a mixture of surprise and confusion. "Phineas Nigellus Black?" she repeated, her brow furrowing in disbelief.
"But he's been dead for over a century."

Severus nodded, confirming her statement. "Indeed, he has. But his portrait still hangs in the Headmaster's office.
The portraits of former headmasters retain the knowledge and memories of their subjects. If anyone would have information about this and the student, it would be him."
Understanding dawned on Hermione's face as she realized Severus's plan. "Of course," she said, nodding.
"We can speak with his portrait and ask him about it and the boy s or girl s time at Hogwarts."
Severus inclined his head in agreement. "Precisely. We must tread carefully, however. Phineas Nigellus Black was known for his sharp wit and cantankerous nature.
ŰConvincing him to cooperate may prove to be a challenge."
Hermione squared her shoulders, determination shining in her eyes. "We'll approach him with respect and courtesy," she said firmly. "With any luck, he'll be willing to help us."
Together, Hermione and Severus made their way to the Headmaster's office, where the portrait of Phineas Nigellus Black hung on the wall, its eyes fixed in a perpetual glare.
Taking a deep breath, Hermione stood before the portrait of Black, her gaze steady as she addressed the former headmaster. "Phineas Nigellus Black,"
she began respectfully, "we come seeking your assistance in a matter of great importance concerning a student who attended Hogwarts during your tenure as headmaster."
Phineas Nigellus Black regarded her with a skeptical expression, his eyes narrowing. "And why, may I ask, should I help you?" he inquired, his voice tinged with the same haughty arrogance that had characterized him in life.

Hermione squared her shoulders, meeting Phineas's gaze head-on. "Because this matter concerns the well-being of Hogwarts and its students," she replied firmly.
"We believe that this student's actions may have had far-reaching consequences, and it is imperative that we uncover the truth."
Severus Snape, standing beside Hermione, nodded in agreement. "We seek only to protect Hogwarts and its legacy," he added, his voice resonating with authority.
Black studied them both for a long moment, seeming to weigh their words. Finally, he let out a resigned sigh. "Very well," he conceded grudgingly.
"I will share what information I possess. But be warned, I do not take kindly to being summoned for trivial matters."
Severus stepped forward, his dark eyes fixed on the portrait of Phineas Nigellus Black. "Phineas," he began, his voice carrying a note of urgency,
"we have encountered some peculiar occurrences within the castle. Strange magic, unlike anything we've seen before."
Phineas Nigellus Black's portrait regarded Severus with a mixture of curiosity and skepticism. "And what, pray tell, does this have to do with me?"
he asked, his tone bordering on disdain.

Severus sighed, feeling the weight of the task ahead. "The source of this magic appears to be tied to a student who attended Hogwarts during your time as headmaster,"
he explained, choosing his words carefully.
The old headmaster s expression shifted, a flicker of interest crossing his features. "Ah, I see," he murmured thoughtfully. "And who is this student?"
Severus exchanged a glance with Hermione before continuing. "We don t know but She or He had a very special book or diary.
She or He was known for her special kind of magic and was expelled under mysterious circumstances."
Black's eyes narrowed as he absorbed this information. "Euphemia Selwyn," he repeated, the name rolling off his tongue with a sense of recognition.
"Yes, I remember her. A troublesome student, to be sure."

Severus nodded, relieved that the portrait seemed to understand the gravity of the situation. "We believe that her experiments with dark magic may have left a lasting imprint on the castle," he explained. "We need to know more about her time at Hogwarts, her studies, and any interactions she may have had with the faculty."
Phineas Nigellus Black considered Severus's words for a moment before nodding in agreement. "Very well," he said, his tone more subdued than before.
"I shall do my best to assist you in uncovering the truth about her and her connection to the strange magic within Hogwarts."
Severus and Hermione exchanged a glance, grateful for the portrait's cooperation.
Phineas Nigellus Black's portrait settled into a contemplative stance, his gaze drifting into the distance as he began to weave the tale of Euphemia Selwyn.
"Euphemia Selwyn," he began, his voice carrying the weight of years gone by, "was a young witch of exceptional talent who arrived at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry in her fifth year. Her arrival stirred whispers among the students and faculty alike, for she bore an air of mystery and intrigue."
Hermione and Severus listened intently, hanging on Phineas's every word as he continued.

"Euphemia was placed under the tutelage of Professor Eleazar Fig, a renowned scholar and Potions Master," Black recounted.
"Under his guidance, she quickly distinguished herself as a formidable student, excelling in her studies and displaying a keen intellect far beyond her years."
Severus's interest was piqued at the mention of Potions. "Did she show a particular affinity for the subject?" he asked, his curiosity evident.
Phineas nodded in acknowledgment. "Indeed, Severus. She possessed a natural talent for potion-making, mastering even the most complex brews with ease.
Her skill in the art of potioncraft soon became the talk of the castle, earning her admiration among her peers and respect from her professors."
Hermione's eyes widened in astonishment at Phineas's revelation. "Starting at Hogwarts in the fifth year? That's unheard of!" she exclaimed, her voice tinged with disbelief.
Severus nodded in agreement, his expression reflecting Hermione's incredulity. "Indeed, it is highly irregular," he added, his tone reflecting his years of experience as both a student and a professor at Hogwarts.

Phineas Nigellus Black's portrait inclined his head in acknowledgment of their surprise. "Yes, indeed, Miss Granger, Professor Snape," he replied.
"Euphemia Selwyn's arrival at Hogwarts raised more than a few eyebrows among the faculty. But her remarkable talents and undeniable potential convinced Professor Fig to take her under his wing."
Hermione furrowed her brow, her mind racing to make sense of this new information. "But why would someone begin their education at such an advanced level?"
she pondered aloud. "And why Hogwarts specifically?"

Black's portrait regarded her with a knowing look. "Ah, those are questions that only Euphemia herself could answer," he replied cryptically.
"But rest assured, her presence at Hogwarts would leave an indelible mark on the school's history, for better or for worse."
Severus and Hermione exchanged a glance, their curiosity piqued by Phineas's enigmatic words. Euphemia Selwyn's unorthodox arrival at Hogwarts was just the beginning of a story that promised to unravel the mysteries of the past.
Phineas regarded her with a solemn expression. "The ancient magic of Euphemia Selwyn has long since dissipated," he explained.
"What Albus Dumbledore discovered was not the magic itself, but merely the residual echoes of its power. It exists now only as a faint afterimage, a ghost of what once was."
Severus Snape nodded in understanding, his features grim. "So, we're left with nothing but traces of a magic that no longer exists," he muttered, his voice tinged with disappointment.

He nodded gravely. "Indeed. The magic of Euphemia Selwyn was powerful, but fleeting. Whatever knowledge or power it once held has been lost to the sands of time."
Hermione's mind raced as she considered their options. "But surely there must be some way to uncover more about Euphemia's magic,"
she insisted, her determination unyielding. "If we can't access the magic itself, then perhaps we can still learn from the records and artifacts left behind."
Phineas regarded her with a knowing look. "A wise suggestion, Miss Granger," he conceded. "There may yet be clues to be found in the annals of Hogwarts's history,
in the tomes and manuscripts that have survived the ages."
Severus nodded in agreement. "We'll scour the archives and consult with the other professors," he said, his voice resolute.
As Hermione, Severus, and Phineas Nigellus Black's portrait concluded their conversation, the heavy oak door of the Headmaster's office swung open, revealing the towering figure of Albus Dumbledore.

"Ah, Severus, Miss Granger, what brings you to my office this fine afternoon?" Dumbledore inquired, his eyes twinkling with curiosity as he stepped into the room.
Severus and Hermione exchanged a glance, momentarily taken aback by the unexpected arrival of the Headmaster. However, they quickly regained their composure,
knowing that they had much to discuss with Dumbledore.
"We were just discussing matters pertaining to the strange magic that has been affecting Hogwarts," Severus explained, his voice steady.
Dumbledore's expression grew somber as he absorbed the gravity of Severus's words. "Indeed, it seems that we are facing challenges of a most peculiar nature,"
he remarked, his tone tinged with concern.

Hermione stepped forward, her determination shining in her eyes. "We believe that the magic may be tied to a student from the late 19th century, Euphemia Selwyn,"
she explained, recounting the details of their conversation with Phineas Nigellus Black's portrait.
Dumbledore's eyes widened in recognition at the mention of Euphemia Selwyn's name. "Euphemia Selwyn," he repeated thoughtfully. "I remember the notes about her.
A name steeped in mystery and intrigue."

Severus cleared his throat, drawing Dumbledore's attention back to the matter at hand. "Albus," he began, his tone measured, "it appears that the magic we've encountered is not something we can harness or manipulate. Instead, it seems to be little more than residual echoes of a greater force from the past."
Dumbledore's brow furrowed in contemplation as he absorbed Severus's words. "I see," he murmured, his expression thoughtful.
"So, the magic we've been sensing is merely a remnant of something much more powerful."
Severus nodded, confirming Dumbledore's assessment. "Exactly. It's as if we're glimpsing shadows of a long-forgotten era, traces of magic that have lingered in the fabric of Hogwarts for centuries."

Hermione interjected, her voice tinged with frustration. "But if the magic is unusable, how are we supposed to combat it or protect the students?" she asked, her concern evident.
Dumbledore regarded her with a gentle smile. "My dear Miss Granger, while the magic itself may be beyond our reach, there are still ways we can safeguard Hogwarts and its inhabitants," he reassured her. "Knowledge is our greatest weapon, and by understanding the nature of this ancient magic, we can better prepare ourselves to face whatever challenges may arise."

Severus nodded in agreement, a sense of determination settling over him. "We'll continue our research and explore every avenue available to us," he promised, his voice resolute. "With your guidance, Albus, I'm confident that we'll find a way to protect Hogwarts from whatever forces may threaten it."
Dumbledore's eyes sparkled with pride as he looked upon his colleagues. "Together, we will face this challenge head-on," he declared, his voice filled with conviction. "For the sake of Hogwarts and all who call it home."
As Hermione, Severus, and Dumbledore stood united in their determination to safeguard Hogwarts from the echoes of its past, they knew that they faced a formidable task. But with their combined knowledge and unwavering resolve, they were prepared to confront whatever challenges lay ahead in their quest to protect the school they held so dear.