Chapter 124
Author's Note: "You must understand, dear friends, that everything happening right now in the Restricted Section library is being seen from Hermione's perspective. This is what she will later recount to Harry and Ron. We will return to Albert's own perspective in the next chapter, God willing."
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Albert was stunned by the grand, almost unbelievable title of the book he had just opened. The very idea of it was extraordinary—for if true, it could greatly enhance his abilities.
Yet, he knew full well that inventing a spell was not something that came easily.
One could not simply "create" a spell out of thin air.
It required clear thought about the spell's nature, careful design of its properties, and the crafting of both the incantation words and the wand movements. These were the conditions for any hope of successfully forging a new enchantment.
Albert turned the first pages and began to read carefully. Soon, a particularly important passage caught his attention:
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The Book's Words:
*"If you wish to create your own spell, you must first possess a will strong enough to shape that desire into magic itself. For example, if you wish to reach the sky, you must hold a determined will for flight in order to craft a spell of levitation.
But will alone is not enough. You must also have exceptional magical talent and deep knowledge of how spells function.
Furthermore, to guarantee the success of your creation, you must test your spell—whether upon living beings or non-living objects is your choice as its creator.
Understand this well: the creation of new magic is not simple. If it were, everyone would craft spells at whim. Only the best of the best, with unwavering will and vast experience, can hope to succeed in such a pursuit.*
"The End."
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After digesting these key ideas, Albert closed the book and carried it over to where Hermione was seated, still immersed in her own studies.
When he told her what he had just read, her eyes widened in shock.
She snatched the book from his hands, scanning through its contents in hurried fascination.
Minutes later, she looked up, astonished at the difficulty of the requirements it listed. Some of the conditions seemed nearly impossible.
She asked him eagerly:
"Did you find any other good or interesting books? I've discovered a few here on potions—very useful ones, too. There are even manuscripts on history and famous figures who helped shape the magical world of our country!"
Albert nodded with a small smile.
"Oh, that's wonderful. I do enjoy history—I'll read those as well. The books I found fascinating I've placed on that table over there, stacked together. Feel free to read them. And as for the ones concerning Salazar Slytherin, they also contain knowledge that will—"
He broke off mid-sentence.
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For at that very moment, a massive black door appeared on the left-hand wall opposite them. Its surface was dark and imposing, with a golden handle gleaming faintly in the torchlight.
Above the door, the carved head of a serpent emerged, its scales shimmering green.
Both Albert and Hermione stumbled backward in shock at the sudden manifestation.
Albert immediately realized what had happened: the door had appeared the moment he uttered the name Salazar Slytherin.
Hermione, pale and tense, came to the same conclusion.
"Albert! I think the door appeared right after you said his name!"
She stood frozen, every nerve on edge, fearing that something—or someone—might emerge from the ominous doorway.
But then she saw Albert step forward, undaunted.
Heart pounding, she followed him cautiously, and together they laid their hands on the black surface of the door.
It was solid, immovable, and when Albert struck it with his fist, no sound came forth.
Determined, Hermione reached for the golden handle.
The moment her fingers touched it—
She collapsed to the ground, unconscious.
Albert's eyes widened in horror. He dropped to his knees beside her, shaking her shoulders.
"Hermione! Wake up! Please—wake up!"
But no matter how desperately he tried, she gave no response.
She lay motionless, her breathing shallow, as though trapped beyond reach.
To be continued …