-𝕏𝕍𝕀-
Professor Albus Dumbledore sat quietly at his desk, the soft glow of candlelight illuminating his thoughtful face. He held a single letter in his hand, meant to have been sent out to Lupin. He had luckily intercepted it in time. Unfolding the parchment with delicate fingers, he began to read:
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Dear Uncle Remy,
I hope you are doing well. I know I am writing early but I have some news that I need to share with you right away. You'll never believe what happened to me at Hogwarts! As you know, the staircases here are magical and constantly changing. Well, after I sent my first letter to you three days ago, I found myself on a staircase that decided to take me on a little adventure of its own. Before I knew it, I was completely lost and ended up in a part of the castle I'd never seen before.
At first, I thought it was just another part of the school, but then I realized I was in the forbidden corridors! I tried to find my way back, but the more I walked, the more lost I felt. It was really eerie and quiet. I knew I had to get out of there as quickly as possible, but then something horrifying happened.
I stumbled upon a room and discovered exactly why the corridor was forbidden! Inside, there was a gigantic three-headed dog! I couldn't believe my eyes. It looked exactly like the Cerberus from those Greek mythology books you had at home. I remembered reading about them. The dog was guarding something, but I didn't dare get any closer to find out what it was. I was so scared! But I got away in time!
I couldn't believe what I had seen and I told Leo and Neville, but I also thought I should tell you as well. So here I am, writing to you. Why would Dumbledore be keeping such a dangerous creature in the school? Do you think there is something important hidden here that needs protection?
Please write back as soon as you can. I'm trying to stay out of trouble and follow the rules, but it's not easy with so many mysteries around. Speaking of mysteries, Leo had found a hidden room behind one of the clocks - but the strange part was Professor Quirrell. He came in and was muttering to himself madly, he gives me the heebie jeebies. We manage to leave pretty quickly and instead went to visit the giant squid. Did you ever notice the cave with the mosaic of the squid? It seems quite fascinating. Anyways, I can't wait to hear from you and get your thoughts on all of this. I miss you and Kreacher so so so much. I hope you both are well, and that you aren't missing us too much!
Sending you lots of love and magical hugs,
Adhara
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Dumbledore's expression grew even sterner as he finished reading. He knew that this information must not leave the castle walls, let alone reach Lupin. Nosy little werewolf. With a determined look, he waved his wand, "Incendio," he whispered softly, and the parchment ignited in a gentle flame. The letter curled and blackened before disintegrating into ash.
With a sigh, Dumbledore stood and walked to the window, looking out over the grounds of Hogwarts. As the last embers of the letter faded away, he smirked and whispered to himself, "For the greater good."
ϟϟϟ
The Great Hall buzzed with the usual morning energy as students gathered for breakfast, the enchanted ceiling reflecting a clear, bright sky. Leo, Neville, and Adhara, huddled together at the far end of their house table, eyes glinting with excitement and a touch of mischief.
Leo, glanced around making sure no one was listening, before he whispered, "Are you both ready?"
Neville, slightly nervous but determined, nodded. His round face was flushed with a mix of fear and exhilaration. "I think so. But are you sure this will work?"
Adhara, her long black hair neatly braided back, grinned confidently. "Trust me, Nev. They won't know what hit them."
They had spent weeks planning this moment, inspired by tales of the Marauders' legendary pranks that uncle Remy told them. Of course, Leo knew all of them as he lived it, but he couldn't tell them that.
The Weasley twins, Fred and George, were notorious pranksters, but Leo, Neville, and Adhara were determined to prove that they could play the game just as well.
As breakfast continued, the twins were engrossed in a conversation, their attention divided between each other and their breakfast. Leo gave a subtle nod to Adhara, who discreetly slipped her wand under the table. With a flick, she sent a tiny charm they practiced towards the twins' goblets of pumpkin juice.
Neville, nervously whispered, "They're drinking it now."
Within seconds, the twins' faces contorted as the juice turned into a thick, magenta bubbling sludge. They spluttered, spitting it out, and the entire Gryffindor table erupted in laughter as they slowly began to turn the color of the sludge. They went to reach for their napkins only for Adhara and Neville to both discreetly use the levitation charm to move the napkins away from them everytime they reached for it.
Fred looked down baffled. "What the!?"
George, equally disgruntled, tried to grab literally anything else - yet it all kept moving away from him. "Lee, is this -" He began only for Lee to cut him off, "It ain't me, mate." He stated, holding his hands up to prove he wasn't doing it.
They let out an amused huff, before sitting down and using their hands to wipe their mouths instead.
"It appears we're being pranked, Gred." George smirked.
"Wonder who it is, Forge." Fred smirked back.
Leo then glanced around before sending out his spell for the big finisher. Fireworks began popping off in the hall, before words in elegant, looping handwriting, formed by a magenta firework read:
" The heirs of Messrs. Moony, Padfoot, and Prongs salute you.
Welcome to the Prank Wars.
— The Marauders II"
The twins jaws dropped, and they exchanged excited glances. Leo smirked, he remembered how big of a fan they were of the Marauders.
The entire Great Hall was now abuzz with excitement. Whispers and giggles filled the air as students speculated about the mysterious "Marauders II." The Weasley twins were clearly intrigued, their eyes gleaming with admiration and competitive fire.
"Well, Forge, looks like we've got some opponents."
"Indeed, Gred. This should be fun."
Leo, Neville, and Adhara exchanged triumphant smiles. The thrill of pulling off such a successful prank filled them with pride. But Leo, felt a deeper satisfaction. The spirit of the original Marauders was alive and well. He'd have to keep things tame for now, as they are first years and Neville and Adhara are still learning ... but he was back and so too, were the Marauders.
Meanwhile, Professor McGonagall's reaction was one of reluctant amusement, tinged with nostalgia. She watched the unfolding scene with a raised eyebrow, trying to maintain her stern exterior but finding it increasingly difficult to suppress a smile. The words formed by the magenta firework, "Moony, Padfoot, and Prongs salute you," stirred memories of a time long past.
"James, Sirius, Remus... It seems your legacy lives on." She whispered to herself under her breath.
She glanced at the three first-years, noting their proud expressions. It reminded her of the original Marauders and their antics during their school days. Despite her strict demeanor, she couldn't help but feel a sense of pride in the students' ingenuity and teamwork.
As Snape stormed towards the Gryffindor table, McGonagall stood as well, but with a different intent. She intercepted Snape before he could reach the first-years, placing a gentle yet firm hand on his arm.
"Severus, let's not be too hasty. It was a harmless prank, after all."
Snape glared at her, his expression full of contempt.
"Harmless? Encouraging such behavior will only lead to more chaos."
"Perhaps. But let's remember, they are just children. And sometimes, a little laughter is what this school needs."
Reluctantly, Snape withdrew, muttering about irresponsible behavior and lack of discipline. McGonagall watched him go, then turned her attention back to the students. She caught Leo's eye and gave him a small, almost imperceptible nod. Leo's eyes widened slightly in surprise but then he grinned.
"Same old Minnie." He whispered to himself, fondly.
ϟϟϟ
Leo was determined to remake the Marauder's Map. Knowing the Weasley twins had the original, he quickly dismissed the idea of stealing it back due to the potential traps and the effort involved. Instead, he found the prospect of creating a new map with Adhara and Neville exciting, especially if he could enlist the help of Draco, Vincent, and Gregory.
"What if we make a map of Hogwarts? Find all its secrets..." Leo suggested quietly in the common room, his voice just above a whisper.
"A map? Isn't Hogwarts unplottable?" Neville mumbled, frowning slightly.
"Nothing is unplottable. Uncle Remy said he and the rest of the Marauders made one," Adhara grinned, her eyes twinkling with the thought of adventure.
"Exactly." Leo smirked, his eyes meeting hers with a shared excitement.
"I'm in! It'll be fun and exciting to make our own. The Marauder's Map II! I can see it now." Adhara's smile widened.
They turned to Neville, who seemed to be contemplating the idea deeply. After a moment, he nodded, a small smile forming on his lips. "Okay. I'm in as well."
ϟϟϟ
Draco Malfoy, Gregory Goyle, and Vincent Crabbe were diligently working on their latest History of Magic assignment. Draco's concentration was broken when a note slid in front of him. He glanced around quickly to ensure no one had seen it before picking it up.
"Furthest aisle on the right.
Bottom shelf.
Pull on the book "The Chronicles of the Concealed."
— The Marauders II"
Draco Malfoy stared at the note, his curiosity piqued. He scanned the library again to make sure no one was watching. Gregory and Vincent were still deeply engrossed in their own work, oblivious to the mysterious message. Trying to remain inconspicuous, Draco stood and made his way to the indicated aisle.
Finding the bottom shelf, Draco's eyes searched for "The Chronicles of the Concealed." His fingers brushed the spines of several dusty books before landing on the right one. Taking a deep breath, he pulled the book.
To his surprise, the shelf swung open, revealing a hidden passage. Draco stepped through, the door closing silently behind him. The passage was dimly lit, casting eerie shadows on the stone walls. At the end of the corridor, a small room opened up, where Leo, Adhara, and Neville stood, waiting.
"Welcome to the Marauders II headquarters," Leo announced with a grin, his eyes twinkling with mischief.
Draco looked around, impressed and slightly unnerved. "What is this place?" he asked, trying to keep his voice steady.
"This," Leo gestured around, "is where we're going to create a map of Hogwarts. With your help, of course."
Draco raised an eyebrow. "And why should I help you?"
"Because, it'll be fun!" Adhara chimed in, "Besides, imagine the power of knowing every secret passage, every hidden room. You could use it to your advantage, and it also gives us something to bond over!"
Draco hesitated for a moment. Pursing his lips in thought.
"Did I take it too far with the bonding comment?" She whispered ever so quietly to Leo, anxiously waiting. Simultaneously chanting in her head - Please say yes! Please!! Say!! Yes!!
"Give him a second," Leo whispered back, amused.
Draco tilted his head, side to side ever so slightly, before nodding slowly. "Alright. I'm in. But this stays between us. If anyone finds out, it's over."
"Yay!" Adhara cheered, with a beaming smile. Leo snorted, as she hugged Draco and Draco froze like someone had just hit him with a petrificus totalus spell. She let go and went back to her spot, happily.
Draco, opened and closed his mouth, before clearing his throat and asking, "So, where do we start?"
"First," Leo said, plopping into the nearest arm chair, "we need to gather as much information as possible. We each take a section of the castle and start exploring. Make notes of anything unusual, any hidden doors, anything that looks out of place. As well as drawing that specific section's perimeter."
Draco, Adhara, and Neville nodded in agreement. They spent the next few hours planning their exploration, assigning sections of the castle to each member of their newly formed group. The excitement was palpable, and even Draco couldn't help but feel a thrill at the prospect of discovering Hogwarts' secrets.
As they left the hidden room, Draco felt a strange sense of camaraderie with the group. Despite his initial reluctance, he couldn't deny the appeal of having friends who shared his interest in the unknown. The adventure had only just begun, and he was eager to see where it would lead.
For Leo, the plan was more than just recreating a map. It was a way to bond with Adhara and ensure she got to fully experience a joyful time at Hogwarts full of adventures and fun.
ϟϟϟ
Later that night, past curfew, Leo waited for everyone to fall asleep before sneaking out of the dorms, down the stairs and out the common room. Moving silently through the dark corridors of Hogwarts, he made his way to the Room of Requirement. He focused on the workshop room he'd used before, and the door appeared. Stepping inside, he quickly retrieved the enchanted ornate box he had crafted to contain Voldemort's Horcruxes.
With the box securely in hand, Leo exited the workshop and returned to the Room of Requirement, this time willing it to transform into the Room of Hidden Things. As he entered, he found himself amidst towering piles of forgotten objects and ancient artifacts, the air thick with dust and the scent of old parchment. The room stretched endlessly, filled with the remnants of centuries of students' secrets and discarded treasures.
Leo remembered the Diadem of Ravenclaw was hidden somewhere within this vast labyrinth of lost items on the far left. He placed the enchanted box on a nearby table, carefully putting on a pair of earmuffs to block out any sounds, and slipping on a pair of dragon hide gloves. He didn't want to take any chances.
He began his search, methodically moving through the cluttered space. His eyes scanned every shelf, every pile of forgotten objects. Time seemed to stretch as he delved deeper into the room, his heart pounding with anticipation and a touch of fear. The dim glow of his wand illuminated the way, casting eerie shadows on the walls.
Finally, after what felt like hours, Leo's eyes caught a glimpse of something shiny and ornate hidden beneath a pile of old robes. He carefully moved the fabric aside, revealing the Diadem of Ravenclaw. It sparkled brilliantly, even in the dim light, its presence almost palpable. The diadem seemed to hum with an energy of its own, and Leo could feel its pull, even through the protection of his earmuffs.
With trembling hands, Leo opened the box. Slowly, he hovered the diadem, using the levitation charm, feeling its weight and the power it contained. He placed it gingerly into the enchanted box, the runes on the box glowing brightly as it sealed shut.
Leo let out a breath he didn't realize he had been holding. The diadem was secure, and another step in his mission to defeat Voldemort was complete. He knew he had to get back to his dormitory before anyone noticed his absence. With the box securely in hand, he retraced his steps, making his way out of the Room of Requirement and asked for a room only he could ever enter through. A door appeared, and he entered, before safely placing the box down. He added a few more spells and protections around the box, just in case. Then he left, back through the silent corridors of Hogwarts.
ϟϟϟ
Adhara had only intended to go down and sit by the fire, unable to sleep, but then she saw Leo sneaking out of the portrait hole. Where was he going at this time? And all alone? She hesitated only a moment, thinking she should grab her cloak, but she didn't want to lose him. So, she quietly made her way down the girls' dormitory stairs and out the portrait hole. She saw him turn a corner in the distance, and she set off to follow him.
She moved silently, her heart pounding with a mixture of curiosity and apprehension. The corridors were eerily quiet, the only sound her soft footsteps on the stone floor. She kept quiet, trying to catch up with Leo. He moved with purpose, his legs moving faster than her own.
Then she felt it ... a tug. It was strong and all-consuming. Before she could blink, she had came to a stop, turned, and set off in a different direction altogether. The pull was irresistible, drawing her deeper into the castle. Adhara's mind was a whirl of confusion as the magical pull led her away from Leo. She felt an irresistible urge guiding her steps, her body moving of its own accord. The corridors seemed to blur around her.
She turned down a corridor she had never noticed before, the walls lined with portraits of ancient witches and wizards who seemed to watch her with knowing eyes. The tug grew stronger, pulling her toward a large, ornate door at the end of the hall. Her hand reached out, despite her attempts to pull away, and pushed the door open.
Inside, the room was dimly lit, a soft glow emanating from a single source. There, in the center of the room, stood something tall and draped with a dusty sheet. The pull intensified, drawing her closer.
Her hand reached out, trembling, to pull off the sheet. Just as her fingers brushed the fabric, her eyes glanced down and she gasped as she saw a piece of an ornate frame peeking out with a slight shine of mirror. The Mirror of Erised. Her hand froze, and trembled as she fought against the pull with all her strength. Her breathing unsteady, and her mouth going dry. She finally yanked her hand back, breaking the lure and fell back onto the floor.
"No." she whispered to herself, trying to even her breaths. She couldn't lose herself to the mirror's enchantment. She turned and fled, running as fast as she could through the corridors, her only thought to get away from the mirror's dangerous allure.
As she rounded the final corner, she collided hard with Leo, who was just entering the common room. The force of the impact sent them both sprawling to the floor.
"Adhara?" Leo gasped, scrambling to his feet. "What are you doing out here?"
Adhara struggled to catch her breath, her eyes wide with a mix of fear and relief. "I... I saw you sneaking out. I tried to catch up with you, but then... the Mirror of Erised... it pulled me in. I almost uncovered it."
Leo's expression shifted from surprise to horror. He quickly cupped her face, "The Mirror of Erised? Adhara, are you okay? You didn't look into it, right!?"
"I didn't," she stated, shaking her head. "I felt this overwhelming pull. As if I were in a trance and it led me to the mirror. It was terrifying." She whispered, anxiously.
Leo's face softened with a mix of relief and concern. "Thank Merlin you're alright," he said, his voice barely above a whisper. He glanced around the empty corridor, ensuring they were alone. "We should get back inside the common room before someone finds us."
Adhara nodded, still shaken but grateful for Leo's presence. Once inside, they collapsed onto a sofa by the fire, the warmth a stark contrast to the cold fear that still lingered in Adhara's chest.
Leo turned to her, his expression serious. "Why were you following me, Adhara?"
She looked at him, before whispering. "I couldn't sleep, and I saw you leaving. I was curious... and worried. Where were you going, Leo?"
He ran a hand through his hair. "I uh - I needed some air, to clear my head. I thought maybe, a snack would help." He paused, looking into the fire. "But now I realize I should have been more careful. The castle at night... it's not safe alone."
Adhara frowned, he always ran his hand through his hair when he was nervous about something. "Leo, if something's bothering you, you can tell me. We can figure it out together."
Leo looked at her, his eyes reflecting the flickering flames. He wished he could tell her the truth, but also he was a little glad that he couldn't. He didn't want her to ever know of that past. "I appreciate that, Adhara. But, I'm okay. Honest." He smiled softly, taking her hand.