December 24, 1992, 8:30 PM, Great Hall, Hogwarts
Adam Clarke
Bathed in a soft, ethereal glow that mimicked a starlit sky sprinkled with glistening snowflakes, the Great Hall exuded an ambiance unlike any other. A lighthearted melody filled the air, its moderate tempo inviting dancers to twirl and sway across the polished floor.
In those moments, there was only Helena and me, lost in our own world as we danced amidst the enchantment. Her ghostly form glided along the floor, her translucent gown trailing behind her like wisps of mist.
Helena’s laughter echoed softly around us, her eyes sparkling with mischief as she guided me through the steps of the dance. It was as if time had ceased to exist, and there was only the two of us, sharing a fleeting moment of joy amidst the chaos of the world.
In her embrace, I found solace and understanding, a kindred spirit who accepted me for who and what I was. The worries of the outside world faded into insignificance.
The tranquility of our dance was momentarily interrupted by a few mishaps with other dancers passing through Helena. I could feel their glares boring into us, their put-upon expressions a stark contrast to the serenity we had been enjoying.
With each interruption, I couldn’t help but feel a pang of frustration. Why couldn’t people just mind their surroundings?
Still, despite their disapproving looks, Helena and I persevered, determined to reclaim the peace that had been momentarily shattered.
And so, we danced on, refusing to let the negativity of others dampen our spirits.
However, the interruptions still came. Eventually, the mishaps on the dance floor began to weigh on us, and Helena and I made the mutual decision to step away from the bustling crowd. Arm in arm, we moved towards our table, seeking refuge from the chaos that had encroached upon our moment of peace.
However, as we approached it, I noticed someone seated in Helena’s chair, engrossed in conversation with the couple who hadn’t even greeted anyone at the table. A surge of annoyance bubbled within me at the thoughtlessness of their actions.
Were people intent on ruining this for us?
With the intention of rectifying the situation— one way or the other— I moved to address the intruder, ready to demand that they vacate Helena’s rightful place. Before I could utter a single word, however, I felt Helena’s gentle hand on my shoulder, halting me in my tracks.
I turned to look at her, confusion spreading over my features as I met her gaze. To my surprise, she shook her head, her expression one of silent understanding. At that moment, I realized that Helena was urging me to let it go, to not let the actions of others ruin our evening together.
Reluctantly, I acquiesced to her silent plea, and instead gave a nod to my friends, who’d just noticed us.
As Hermione and the others noticed us, they waved us over with friendly smiles.
“My Lady, Adam, come join us!” Hermione called out, motioning towards my empty chair beside her. “Would you like a drink? You two have been on the floor for quite some time.”
“Thank you, Hermione, but we’re actually just about to leave.” I replied politely, glancing at Helena, who nodded in agreement.
But before we could take our leave, however, the person occupying Helena’s seat suddenly seemed to notice us, her eyes widening in surprise. Hastily, she got up, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment as she approached us.
“I’m so sorry!” She apologized earnestly, her tone contrite. “I didn’t realize someone was sitting here. Please, take your seat. I’ll find another spot.”
I exchanged a quick glance with Helena, realizing that perhaps I had let my anger get the better of me and ended up misjudging the situation. She had been right, after all.
“It’s quite all right.” I reassured the girl with a friendly smile, trying to hide my embarrassment. “We were just leaving, anyway. No harm done.”
The stranger nodded gratefully, relief evident in her expression as she quickly returned to her own group. Meanwhile, Hermione and the others watched the exchange with amused expressions, clearly entertained by the brief interruption.
“Enjoy your night, guys.” I nodded to my friends before addressing Hien. “Meet back here in, say… two weeks? Friday, after classes.”
Hien, who’d been watching us the entire time, nodded. “I look forward to it.”
With a final nod of farewell to everyone, I turned to Helena, offering her my arm as we made our way towards the exit.
The Great Hall fell silent behind us as Helena and I made our way through the corridors of Hogwarts. The echoes of our footsteps seemed to amplify the slight, quiet tension between us, a stark contrast to the lively atmosphere we had just left behind.
After a few minutes of walking in silence, Helena spoke up, her voice soft and weary.
“I’m glad to be out of there.” She admitted in a soft, vulnerable tone; her ghostly form shimmered in the dim light of the torches that lined the walls.
Her words caught me off guard, and I turned to her with a furrowed brow.
“Were you unhappy?” I asked, concern lacing my voice as I searched her translucent features for any sign of displeasure. “Was it me?”
To my surprise, Helena shook her head, a wistful smile playing at the corners of her lips.
“No, of course not!” She reassured me, her gaze fixed on the path ahead. “It’s just… sometimes, it’s nice to escape the noise and chaos, if only for a little while.”
I nodded in understanding.
“I can relate to that.” I replied softly, reaching out to gently squeeze her hand. “Still, thank you for coming with me, Helena. It was a pleasure.”
Helena’s smile widened at my words, a glimmer of gratitude shining in her eyes.
“The pleasure was mine, Adam.” She replied, her voice filled with warmth, though her expression was somewhat puzzled. “Why does it sound like we are about to part ways for the night, though? We are not done.”
We shared a look and a smile. “I suppose you’re right.”
With that, we continued our journey through the quiet halls of Hogwarts, the gentle hum of conversation echoing in the distance as we got further and further away.
After some time, Helena’s question broke the silence which had enveloped us. Her voice was full of excitement and curiosity. “What are we going to do next?”
I was about to offer a response when a sudden gurgle emanated from my stomach.
I suppose that answers the question.
“I think I’m hungry; probably should’ve had a bite before we left.” I admitted sheepishly, a flush creeping into my cheeks. “I probably shouldn’t have left the Great Hall so quickly.”
Helena offered me a sympathetic smile.
“No worries, Adam.” She said in an understanding tone. “The kitchens aren’t too far from here.”
Her suggestion lifted my spirits, and I nodded eagerly in agreement.
“That sounds like a plan.” I replied, grateful for her accommodating nature. “Let’s be off, then.”
With that, we altered our course, making our way towards the Hogwarts kitchens. Our conversation flowed effortlessly between us, topics ranging from the training I’ve been doing to her nightly rides atop the back of Absol.
Yet, amidst the lighthearted banter, my thoughts turned inward, grappling with a decision that had been weighing on my mind for the past few hours.
I had witnessed something which rocked the core of everything I thought I’d known from the story. True, I knew what a Prophecy was, but the things I had seen— the black and white strings, the perfect shield encapsulating Professor Trelawney…
Was Grindelwald right? Were the soul threads somehow linked to fate itself?
I could still barely wrap my head around it all; and, while part of me longed to confide in Helena, to share the burden of this knowledge with her, another part hesitated, unsure of how to broach the subject.
As we walked, I made a silent vow to myself. I would tell Helena about the Prophecy when we were alone, without the risk of any possible eavesdroppers. For now, I would simply let her know there was something we needed to talk about. I knew that, when the time came, I would have her unwavering support.
That was the kind of woman she was.
But as I opened my mouth to broach the subject, my words caught in my throat, frozen by the sight that lay before us. Ahead of us, illuminated by the flickering torchlight, stood a figure hidden in the shadows, their presence casting a palpable sense of unease over the corridor.
My heart pounded in my chest as I instinctively reached for my wand, my senses on high alert.
As the figure ahead of us continued to advance, shrouded in a film of magic, the telltale sign of Disillusionment Charm— and a rather powerful one, at that. I felt a surge of apprehension coursing through my veins.
Though invisible to the naked eye, their presence seemed to radiate like a beacon to my heightened sight, sending a chill down my spine.
Quickly gathering my wits, I forced myself to maintain an outward façade of nonchalance, pretending as if I hadn’t noticed anything amiss. With practiced ease, I kept to the same steady pace, my steps measured and deliberate, all the while keeping a tight grip on my wand, ready to spring into action at a moment’s notice.
Beside me, Helena sensed my sudden tension, her gaze flickering towards me with silent concern. She didn’t comment, however, understanding the need for caution in the face of potential danger. Instead, she remained vigilant, her eyes surreptitiously scanning the corridor for any sign of trouble as we continued our seemingly innocuous stroll towards the kitchens.
Nothing happened as I passed the hidden figure, and afterwards as well. A few more seconds passed and I turned around, expecting to confront the mysterious figure.
I was surprised, however, when I was met with an empty corridor, devoid of any signs of life. A sense of relief washed over me, and I let out a long exhale, my tension dissipating with each breath.
Helena regarded me with a furrowed brow, her eyes filled with curiosity.
“What was that about?” She asked, her voice tinged with concern.
I hesitated for a moment, unsure if we were truly alone, just yet. But ultimately, I decided to be honest with her.
“I saw someone under a Disillusionment Charm.” I confessed, my voice low with unease. “But they just passed us by.”
Helena’s eyes widened with alarm, her hand instinctively reaching for her wand even though she had been a ghost for nearly a millennium.
“A threat?”
I shrugged, my uncertainty mirrored in my expression.
“No idea.” I said. “It could be any number of things. A student sneaking around, an officer patroling the halls— I have no idea.”
Helena regarded me for a moment before a soft smile came to her face once more. “Then there is no cause for concern, is there?”
“…True.”
“I know.” She said, patting me on the shoulder. “For now, let’s focus on getting you something to eat. Hm?”
“Yeah, yeah.” I said, nodding more to myself than anything. “Thanks, Helena.”
“You’re welcome.”
With that, we continued on our way to the kitchens, putting the unsettling encounter behind us for the time being.
As we entered the warm and welcoming atmosphere of the Hogwarts kitchens, I banished the event from my mind, content to indulge in a few delicious treats before we embarked on our real destination— the Room of Requirement.
The journey there was refreshingly uneventful, allowing me to fully savor the delicious food from the kitchens; as it happened, they had made a fresh batch of eclairs, which I was more than happy to snatch.
My stomach is going to hate me in a few hours. I thought as I scarfed a few down even as we exited the kitchens, my taste buds exploding with pleasure. But damn; bad decisions never tasted so good…
As for Helena, her excitement continued to grow with each step we took. Her enthusiasm was contagious, and I found myself looking forward to the time we were going to spend alone together.
Still, when we actually arrived there, I found that I hadn’t been able to shake the lingering sense of caution that had settled over me since our encounter with the Disillusioned figure earlier. With a flick of my wand, I cast a discreet spell to check for any unwanted guests, ensuring that we wouldn’t be interrupted or overheard during our discussion.
Then, mentally reaching out to Alef Ard, I asked if anyone other than Helena and myself was present outside of the Room. Two distinct buzzes signaled a negative response, confirming that we were indeed alone. Satisfied, I turned to Helena with a reassuring smile, gesturing for her to enter ahead of me.
I followed her into the Room, watching as it transformed before our eyes, its walls shimmering and shifting until we found ourselves standing in a lovely chamber lined with towering bookshelves. Moonlight streamed in through the windows, casting a calming glow over the cozy space.
In the center of the room, two plush couches sat facing each other, a small table nestled between them. A crackling fireplace dominated the far wall, its flickering flames casting dancing shadows across the room.
As we stood there, taking in the tranquil beauty of our surroundings, I felt a sense of peace settle over me. This was the perfect setting for our conversation, a sanctuary where we could speak freely without fear of interruption.
But before I could broach the subject that weighed heavily on my mind, Helena turned to me with a smile, her eyes sparkling with anticipation.
“Adam.” She said, her voice soft and inviting. “Would you like to dance?”
Her unexpected request caught me off guard, and for a moment, I hesitated, unsure of how to respond. But as I looked into her eyes, I saw a glimmer of hope and longing, and I knew that this was her way of seeking comfort and reassurance for the both of us.
“It would be my pleasure…”
With a smile of my own, I extended my hand to her, accepting her invitation and marveling as her once colorless form erupted with life, now unhindered by the gaze of all around us. We pulled each other in a short hug, and I realized that I could smell a light hint of perfume coming off of her.
Helena’s subtle shifts had been going on for months now, but I found myself surprised with every development. It was as if, bit by bit, she was regaining her life, somehow.
I didn’t have much time to ponder this, however, as the strains of music filled the air. Automatically, we moved together in harmony, any lingering thoughts, worries, doubts and fears melting away with each step.
Everything would be all right.
oooo
A few minutes earlier, in the halls of Hogwarts…
Moving through the labyrinthine corridors of Hogwarts, concealed by the protective cloak of a Disillusionment Charm, he navigated with caution, every step a calculated effort to evade detection by magical law enforcement.
With each passing moment, the tension in the air thickened, the sense of impending danger weighing heavily on his mind.
The distant echoes of footsteps and the occasional flicker of wandlight— whether real or perceived— served as constant reminders of the ever-present threat lurking around every corner. Heart pounding in his chest, he darted from one hiding spot to the next, his senses alert for any signs of pursuit.
Finally, he spotted a partially open door leading into a darkened classroom. With a surge of relief, he slipped inside, resisting the urge to pull the door shut behind him.
A shut door surely invites a closer look. An open one may not. The man thought, stilling the trembling of his hands.
In the dim light of the classroom, he pressed himself against the wall, willing his racing heart to slow as he strained to listen for any signs of movement outside. The sound of footsteps grew louder, drawing closer with each passing moment.
With bated breath, he waited, pulse pounding in his ears as the footsteps approached. But to his immense relief, they passed by without pause, fading into the distance until all that remained was the eerie silence of the empty hallway.
As he let out a shaky exhale, he realized that he had narrowly escaped discovery once again. But the danger was far from over, and he knew that he would need to remain vigilant if he hoped to evade capture.
Peering out through the frosted windows of the classroom, he watched as a small group of magical law enforcement officers patrolled the narrow footpaths that crisscrossed the snowy terrain of the Hogwarts grounds.
The sight filled him with a sense of frustration and apprehension, knowing that escape would not be easy, if it was even possible at all.
Stifling the urge to curse, he weighed his options carefully, his mind racing with thoughts of evasion and survival. Could he find a way to slip past the patrols unnoticed? Or would he need to devise a more daring plan to outwit his pursuers?
As he considered his next move, a wave of uncertainty washed over him. The odds seemed stacked against him, and the prospect of escape felt increasingly daunting.
Still, keeping his resolve steady, he pushed aside his doubts and focused on the task at hand.
As he considered his options for escape, he couldn’t shake the feeling of unease that settled over him. The hidden passages within Hogwarts offered a potential means of evasion, but each one came with its own set of risks and uncertainties.
The passage behind the statue of Gregory the Smarmy was one such option, but its location on the first floor corridor gave him pause. Venturing into such a heavily trafficked area would undoubtedly increase the likelihood of detection, making it a risky proposition at best.
Suppressing a shiver at the thought, he contemplated his other option— or rather, the only other option he was aware of— the passage through the toilet on the Fifth Floor. It was a route fraught with unpleasantness and discomfort, but it offered a direct path out of the castle without the need to navigate through heavily patrolled corridors.
With a resigned sigh, he knew that he had little choice but to take the risk. Time was of the essence, and he couldn’t afford to waste any more precious moments deliberating his next move.
Steeling himself for what lay ahead, he set off towards the Fifth Floor bathroom, his mind racing with thoughts of disgust and hope.
As he made his way there, his senses on high alert for any sign of danger, he was suddenly brought up short by a peculiar sight: it was none other than Adam Clarke.
Clarke was walking the corridor ahead, accompanied by a ghost. The unexpected encounter sent a jolt of unease coursing through the man, his heart pounding in his chest as he instinctively froze in place.
I thought I would see him at some point. The stranger thought to himself, unconsciously covering himself in his cloak in a futile attempt to stay hidden.
For a fleeting moment, it seemed as though Adam had noticed him, his movements faltering ever so slightly before he continued on as if nothing had happened. But whether or not Adam had seen him remained unclear, and he couldn’t afford to linger and find out.
With a silent prayer for luck, he pressed himself against the wall and kept moving along the corridor, his breath held in anticipation as Adam and his ghostly companion drew nearer. He watched them intently, his senses heightened as they passed by, relief flooding through him when he reached the corner and disappeared from their direct line of sight.
That was close. He thought to himself. Adam probably wouldn’t have attacked, but I can’t take any risks right now.
As he resumed his journey towards the bathroom, he couldn’t help but notice the subtle changes in the boy since their last meeting. Adam had grown a little taller, his movements more fluid and graceful than before.
The thought stirred a sense of mystery within him, a nagging suspicion that lingered at the back of his mind. There was something about Adam’s demeanor, a certain confidence and poise that reminded him of the Russian Rogue— that accursed witch.
He could see it in the way Adam moved; a grace and precision that made him wonder if this was really the same boy he’d known not half a year prior.
As he stood in front of the familiar bathroom stall, memories of his previous visits flooded back— pun intended.
With a determined, if amused, smile, he focused his thoughts on the task at hand.
Closing his eyes for a moment, he recalled the method to activate the toilet’s escape feature. It wasn’t as simple as flushing himself down, of course— it wouldn’t be a very good escape route if every student managed to get themselves flushed outside of the castle, after all.
With a resigned sigh, the man accepted the absurdity of the situation.
It’s the only choice.
Summoning all of his resolve, he began to dance a silly jig, his movements exaggerated and comical as he performed the requisite steps to activate the enchanted toilet. As he danced, he racked his brain for a suitable limerick, one that would meet the eccentric criteria required to pass through the bowels of the castle.
And so, he began to recite his creation, the words flowing from his lips in a subdued, yet ever more playful tone:
“There once was a man from Hogwarts,
Whose bowels made terrible snorts.
With a jig and a heave,
He took a reprieve,
And into the toilet, he’d cavort!“
As the final words echoed through the bathroom, the stall opened and the toilet in its center gurgled and squelched, as if inviting him inside. With an expression of sheer disgust, he stepped into the toilet bowl.
With a stomach-churning lurch, the man was sucked into the enchanted toilet, feeling himself being compressed and propelled through a narrow tube with alarming speed. He steeled himself and held his breath, the slimy walls of the pipe pressing in around him as he fought the urge to lose his dinner.
For what felt like an eternity, he endured the nauseating journey, each twist and turn of the pipe sending waves of discomfort coursing through him. But he gritted his teeth and bore it, determined to see his escape through to the end.
Finally, with a sudden rush of air, he was spewed out of the pipe and sent hurtling through the frigid night air. With a sharp gasp, he plunged into the icy waters of the Great Lake, the shock of the cold water jolting him fully awake.
For a moment, he struggled to orient himself in the darkness, his lungs burning for air as he fought against the chill of the water. But as he surfaced, gasping for breath, he felt a surge of triumph wash over him.
He had done it. He had escaped the clutches of his pursuers and found freedom once more.
No. He thought, a few moments later, as he finally noticed the patrols moving along the footpaths, as well as the ones flying overhead and the giant Durmstrang ship moored nearby. Not out of the woods yet, but getting there.
Shivering in the icy waters of the Great Lake, the man pushed forward with grim determination, each stroke bringing him closer to the edge of the school’s anti-Apparition enchantment.
The thought of the warmth awaiting him in his safe house was the only thing that kept him going, a beacon of hope in the darkness of the night.
As he swam, his mind raced with thoughts of his failed attempt on Lockhart’s life.
He may not have succeeded in his endeavor, but he had escaped capture, and that was a small victory in itself. He knew that he would learn from his mistakes and try again, more determined than ever to see his plan through to the end.
With each stroke, he repeated the name of his father in his mind like a mantra, a vow of vengeance that fueled his resolve.
As the shore drew nearer, he pushed himself harder, his muscles burning with exertion as he fought against the biting cold of the water. But he refused to give up, driven by a fierce determination to see his vengeance come to fruition.
And as he finally reached the safety of the shore, collapsing onto the rocky beach with a gasp of exhaustion, he knew that his journey was far from over.
Slowly, he forced himself to get to his feet, and ignored the instinctive urge to build a fire. Officers and patrol-wizards would notice the orange glow of a fire very quickly in such darkness. No, he needed to put much more distance between them.
And so, the stranger set on foot, each step bringing him fresh waves of cold-induced pain. It only fueled him to go further.
The last thing Lockhart will ever hear before I bring his sorry life to an end will be the name of Guffries. Nick Guffries thought to himself.
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