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Adhara sat at a small desk by the window in her dormitory, quill in hand, her brow furrowed in concentration. She dipped the quill into the ink bottle and began to write:
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Dear Uncle Remy,
I hope you are doing well. I'm writing again because I haven't heard back from you and I'm getting a bit worried. I know it's only been two days since I sent the last letter, but, it was a very important letter. I hope you and Kreacher are okay.
A lot has happened since I last wrote to you. I have something important to share. The other night, I couldn't sleep and saw Leo sneaking out of the common room. I followed him, thinking he might be up to some mischief. I lost track of him in the corridors, but then something strange happened. I felt this overwhelming pull, like a trance, and it led me to a room with the Mirror of Erised. I don't know if you know what that exactly is or not, but, you tend to know everything usually, so if not, ask me when you write back and I'll tell you. I'm just glad Leo had heard of it, and we all researched what it was before this incident. It was as if the mirror wanted me to uncover it. I almost did, but I managed to pull away at the last moment.
It was terrifying, Uncle Remy. The mirror's enchantment is so powerful. I felt like I would lose myself to it. I don't know why the mirror is here or why I was drawn to it. Please, if you know anything about it or why it might be in Hogwarts, let me know.
Also, we've been having some fun too. Leo, Neville, and I pulled a prank on the Weasley twins. It was a huge success, and everyone in the Great Hall was talking about it. We even left a message signed by the "Marauders II." I think you would have been proud of us. We're also working on something specialโtrying to make a new map of Hogwarts. It's a big project, but I think it will be worth it.
I hope to hear from you soon. Please write back as soon as you can. I miss you and Kreacher so much.
Sending you lots of love and magical hugs,
Adhara
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Adhara read it over a couple times, as the ink dried. She then gently placed it into the envelope before finishing it up to send. She then excitedly, left her dorm room and made way for the owlery before returning just before Leo and Neville wake up.ย ย
ฯฯฯ
The dawn's early light barely touched the ancient stone walls of Hogwarts when Amelia Bones and her group of trusted Aurors appeared at the school's grand gates. Clad in dark robes and emanating an aura of authority, they held a magical warrant in hand, a hard-won document obtained after navigating the labyrinth of political obstacles placed by Minister Fudge. Determination etched on her face, Amelia led her team through the grounds with purpose.
The gates creaked open at their approach, and the group marched through the corridors with the precision and swiftness that characterized seasoned Aurors. Professor McGonagall, ever vigilant, met them at the entrance hall. Amelia wasted no time, thrusting the warrant into McGonagall's hands.
"By order of the Wizengamot, we are here to search the third-floor corridor," Amelia declared, her voice leaving no room for argument.
McGonagall's eyes widened as she scanned the warrant, her lips pressing into a thin line of concern. "Very well, Madam Bones," she replied, her voice betraying a mix of worry and resignation. "I shall inform the Headmaster."
Without another word, Amelia and her Aurors continued their brisk pace towards the forbidden corridor, their footsteps echoing ominously through the hallways. Students and staff alike turned to watch the unusual procession, whispers of speculation and curiosity following in their wake.
As they reached the third-floor corridor, the atmosphere grew tense. Amelia's sharp eyes scanned the surroundings, searching for any sign of danger or deceit. She nodded to her team, and they began their methodical examination of the area.
To their surprise and frustration, the corridor was filled with the unmistakable signs of magical repairs. Shimmering spells danced around damaged sections of the walls, tools enchanted to mend and reinforce the ancient structure floated in mid-air, and the air was thick with the scent of magical auras intermingling.
Amelia's expression darkened as she realized they had been outmaneuvered. "He's outsmarted us," she muttered, her voice laced with frustration. "Dumbledore knew we were coming."
One of the Aurors, a tall witch with a keen eye for detail, approached Amelia. "Madam Bones, should we proceed with the search? There might still be something here."
Amelia shook her head, her mind racing with the implications. "He's covered his tracks too well. We'll find nothing incriminating here today. But do it, regardless."
As the Aurors continued their examination out of thoroughness, Amelia stood back, her thoughts already turning to their next move. Dumbledore had managed to elude them this time, but she was determined not to let it happen again. They would have to be more cunning, more prepared. The safety of the students depended on it.
With a final, resolute look at the corridor, Amelia turned on her heel and led her team back through the castle, the determination in her step undiminished.
ฯฯฯ
From the lofty window of his Headmaster's office, Albus Dumbledore watched with a menacing smirk as Amelia Bones and her Aurors departed the school grounds. The sight of their retreating forms filled him with a sense of grim satisfaction. He had anticipated their move and had been well-prepared. The well placed magical runes that created the illusion of repairs had worked flawlessly, diverting their suspicions and buying him more time.
As the last of the Aurors disappeared from view, Dumbledore turned away from the window, his expression reverting to one of calm composure. At that moment, Fawkes, his loyal phoenix, soared gracefully into the room, landing on the edge of Dumbledore's desk with a soft flutter of wings. In his talons, he carried a letter โ another missive from Adhara intended for Remus Lupin.
"Ah, thank you, Fawkes," Dumbledore murmured, gently taking the letter. His eyes narrowed as he read it, his mind calculating the implications of its contents. Just as he finished, the door to his office creaked open, and Professor Snape entered, his expression one of stoic indifference.
"Ah, Severus," Dumbledore greeted, setting the letter aside. "I trust the runes have been removed?"
Snape nodded, his dark eyes reflecting a mix of irritation and grudging respect for the Headmaster's cunning. "Yes, Headmaster. The enchantments have been dismantled. There will be no trace of them left."
"Excellent," Dumbledore replied, his tone calm and measured. "We must ensure that our... preparations remain undetected. The safety of what we guard is paramount."
Snape's lips thinned slightly as he considered the implications. "And the Cerberus?" he asked, his voice low and measured.
Dumbledore's eyes gleamed with a dangerous light as he issued his next command. "Have Hagrid return the Cerberus to its post. We cannot afford any further interference."
Snape inclined his head, acknowledging the order. "It will be done, Headmaster." With that, he turned and left the office, his robes billowing behind him.
Dumbledore watched him go, then turned his attention back to the letter from Adhara. His expression hardened momentarily as he contemplated the young girl and her friends. He had a feeling that Leo Black was a potential threats to his carefully laid plans. He had this feeling that the boy knew more than he let on ... "Incendio," The letter curled and blackened as it turned to ashes, just like the letter before.
ฯฯฯ
In their secret room within the library, Neville, Adhara, and Leo sat huddled together on the floor, surrounded by a haphazard collection of parchment sketches and notes. The trio had spent countless hours sketching every nook and cranny of the Hogwarts common rooms and surrounding areas, each sketch representing a piece of the intricate puzzle they aimed to solve. Adhara's eyes sparkled with a mix of excitement and curiosity as she laid out the latest drawings on the floor.
"How could the Aurors and Amelia Bones not find anything?" she mused aloud, her brow furrowed in thought. "Surely they wouldn't have left without investigating properly. I mean, it would be hard to miss a giant three-headed dog."
Leo clenched his jaw, his eyes fixed on a sketch of the Slytherin common room, Draco had completed for them. He didn't say anything, but inside, he silently acknowledged what Adhara had yet to realize. Dumbledore had outsmarted the Aurors. The old wizard had always been several steps ahead, his cunning and plotting almost unmatched.
Neville, frowning slightly, picked up one of the sketches. "Maybe they were looking in the wrong place? Or Dumbledore moved it?"
"Perhaps," Adhara murmured, not entirely convinced. She sighed and pushed a lock of hair behind her ear. "I just can't shake the feeling that something's not right."
She leaned back against the side of the table's leg, her thoughts drifting to more personal concerns. "And I haven't heard from Uncle Remy since I sent my first letter. Do you think it's too soon to worry? I mean, I sent another one this morning, but..."
Leo's eyes softened as he looked at her. He knew all too well the anxieties that Adhara carried, remnants of the trauma inflicted by the Dursleys. "It's not too soon to worry, Adhara. But remember, sometimes letters can get delayed."
Adhara nodded, but the worry in her eyes didn't fade. "I know, but what if something happened? What if he's hurt or... or worse?" Her voice trembled slightly.
Neville reached out and placed a comforting hand on her arm. "He's fine, Adhara. Remus is strong. He'll write back soon, you'll see."
Adhara gave a small smile, appreciating their reassurances. "I hope you're right."
Leo picked up one of the sketches, changing the subject to lighten the mood. "We've done a great job so far with these drawings. We just need to keep exploring and mapping out more of the castle."
Adhara nodded, her determination returning. "Yes, let's focus on that. The more we know about this place, the better we can figure out what's really going on and create our amazing map II."
Neville and Leo nodded in agreement. They continued to arrange and review their sketches, the excitement of discovery mingling with the undercurrent of concern for the mysteries they were unraveling and the loved ones they worried about.
For now, their task was clear: map out Hogwarts, uncover its secrets, and stay one step ahead of Dumbledore and any other threats lurking within the ancient walls. But in the back of their minds, each of them knew that the challenges they faced were only beginning.
ฯฯฯ
Draco Malfoy, Gregory Goyle, and Vincent Crabbe were lounging near a corner in the dimly lit corridor, working on their latest sketches, when they heard the familiar clipped tones of Professor Snape. Curious, they crept closer, staying hidden behind a large suit of armor, straining to catch the conversation.
"...the Cerberus is back in place," Snape's voice was unmistakable, low and precise. "And Hagrid has received the dragon egg at the Hogs Head Inn by a cloaked and disguised Quirrell. In his usual naive manner, Hagrid revealed information about the Cerberus."
Dumbledore nodded, his face partially hidden in the shadows. "Excellent. Everything is proceeding according to plan."
Draco's eyes narrowed, curiously. He exchanged a quick glance with Gregory and Vincent. They remained silent, their breaths held as they listened intently.
"Now, Severus," Dumbledore continued, "I need you to persuade Hagrid to invite Adhara Potter for tea."
Snape hesitated, his usual stoic demeanor faltering slightly. "Headmaster, is it really necessary to test the girl in this manner? Surely we can handle Voldemort ourselves."
A low chuckle escaped Dumbledore's lips, a sound that sent chills down the spines of the hidden trio. "Don't question me, Severus," Dumbledore said, his voice dripping with authority and a hint of menace. Without another word, he turned and walked away, his robes billowing behind him.
Snape stood there for a moment, his face a mask of reluctant compliance. He then turned sharply on his heel and strode off in the opposite direction.
As the sounds of their footsteps faded, Draco let out a shaky breath. "Did you hear that?" he whispered urgently.
Gregory nodded, his eyes wide with a mix of fear and confusion. "They're planning something with Adhara. A - And mentioned You - Know - Who!"
Vincent frowned, his mind racing. "What do we do? We can't just let them... you know, use her."
Draco's mind was already working on a plan. "We need to warn her. And Leo. They need to know what's going on."
Gregory and Vincent nodded in agreement. With a shared look of determination, they quietly made their way back towards the library, knowing that the information they had just overheard could change everything.
ฯฯฯ
Back in their secret room within the library, Neville, Adhara, and Leo were still deeply immersed in their collection of sketches. The excitement of discovery mingled with an undercurrent of concern for the mysteries they were unraveling and the loved ones they worried about.
Draco, Gregory, and Vincent entered the room, their faces unusually serious. Adhara looked up, her curiosity piqued by their expressions.
"What's wrong?" she asked, her voice edged with concern.
Draco wasted no time. "We overheard Dumbledore and Snape talking. They mentioned something about you, Adhara. And it involved You-Know-Who."
The room fell into a heavy silence, the gravity of Draco's words sinking in. Adhara's face paled, and Neville looked panicked and fearful. Leo clenched his jaw, trying to remain composed.
"What did they say?" Leo asked, his voice tense. How much did they overhear? Maybe, this could help him determine how much things have sped up.
Gregory stepped forward, his usual bravado replaced by genuine concern. "They said Hagrid is supposed to invite Adhara for tea. And Dumbledore has some sort of 'test' planned for her."
Adhara's heart pounded in her chest. "A test? What kind of test?"
Vincent shrugged, his expression grim. "We don't know, but it sounded serious. Snape seemed reluctant, but Dumbledore was insistent."
Leo's eyes narrowed in thought. The dragon? Already? Isn't it too soon ... he did speed up the mirror as well. "We need to be prepared. If Dumbledore is planning something, we can't let Adhara walk into it blindly."
Neville nodded in agreement. "We need to figure out what this 'test' is and why it's so important. And we need to be ready to help Adhara if things go wrong."
Adhara took a deep breath, her determination hardening. "Alright, let's focus. We need to find out more about what Dumbledore and Snape are planning. And we need to keep mapping out Hogwarts. The more we know about this place, the better we can protect ourselves."
Draco, Gregory, and Vincent nodded, their expressions resolute, they were in this together now.ย
Leo took her hand, calming his and her nerves, with a gentle squeeze. It was just tea. And a baby dragon. It was also a piece of the puzzle, Dumbledore, hopes for her to connect. This time, things will be different. He needed to find a way to safely unearth Quirrell and Voldemort. Something public, to prevent the Minister's blatant denial and slanderous campaign like before in her previous future. One way or another, things will be different. He was gonna make sure of it, even if it was with his last dying breath.