Chapter 118
Albert had been searching for information about the sender of the mysterious message that his mind could not comprehend, yet eventually, he gave up and stopped seeking any explanation.
He picked up a book from his small desk to read, hoping it would relieve the boredom gnawing at him.
Meanwhile, Hermione had entered her common room, shared with five other girls from her house.
One of them, Serene Jackson, asked why she was late.
Hermione told her it wasn't important and that she had been talking to Albert only.
Serene misunderstood, jokingly teasing Hermione, but Hermione quickly clarified that it was nothing like that.
Moments later, Hermione sat on her bed after changing from her school uniform into casual clothes. She placed her pillow behind her back to sit comfortably and began sketching in her spare notebook.
Opening the book with a pencil in hand, she started drawing eyes and adding finishing touches to the hair, which was colored black. Her cheeks flushed slightly with shyness whenever she glanced at her own drawing.
It was evident from the book that this was not the first time Hermione had drawn in it. Many pages were already filled with sketches, most of them of Albert.
When she finished the drawing, she smiled softly, closed the book, and placed it into her bag.
Time passed quickly until the agreed-upon meeting hour arrived.
Three hours had flown by. Albert and Hermione met at the agreed spot, punctual and ready.
Albert wore his usual attire: a blue shirt, black trousers, and a fine watch on his left wrist.
Hermione had dressed in her casual home clothes as well: a pink jacket, her hair loosely styled with an accessory, and blue-and-white striped pants.
Albert stepped forward slightly, holding the key, and asked, "Shall we go now?"
"Of course! Let's go!" Hermione replied eagerly.
Albert recalled what Professor McGonagall had told him days earlier, before Professor Trelawney's Divination class—that the Restricted Section of the library was near the boys' restroom.
They decided to move quickly, to avoid being seen by other students, especially Hermione, who might feel embarrassed passing by the boys' restroom.
After a short walk, they reached the designated location.
It was 6:30 PM. The corridor was narrow and dimly lit, making visibility difficult.
Hermione drew her wand and cast a light spell: "Lumos Botnem!"
A strong beam appeared at the tip of her wand, illuminating their path like a large lantern.
They walked forward along the long, narrow corridor. As they progressed, disturbing sketches on the walls came into view, giving the place a dark and oppressive atmosphere.
Approaching their destination, they saw images and symbols suggestive of murder, alongside strange, unreadable inscriptions.
Albert suddenly paused as he read one of the phrases on the wall. Without realizing it, he spoke aloud the strange words, a language ancient and unfamiliar.
Hermione noticed Albert frozen, motionless, yet muttering to himself as he stared at the wall with a terrifying intensity.
She approached to see his expression, and was shocked by the fear etched across his features.
The terror deepened when Albert suddenly turned to her and spoke in a chilling tone:
"Yes… yes… I must finish this… Shall I start with you… Hermione?!"
He seemed possessed, as if someone else controlled his actions, and he did not know what he was doing.
To be contined ...