"You know, Mione. I could really need some help."
The hand that had been stroking my head so nicely froze for a moment.
"What kind?"
"I haven't figured it out yet, but I'll definitely figure it out tomorrow. By the way. How's our experiment going?"
"Fruitful."
Opening my eyes, I looked up at Hermione, who smiled.
"However," she pouted with seriousness in her voice. "I think it's too early for us to be thinking about something like that."
"Yes, I think so myself. But in principle, can we think about it?"
"Who knows..."
"By the way. You almost had a Freudian slip of the tongue."
"What?"
I made a cocky smile.
"What did you say Amortentia smells like to you?"
"I do not know anything. Hear it for the first time. And generally speaking," I was forcibly returned to a sitting position. "It's time for bed, it's late, classes tomorrow, training. Gotta get some sleep."
"Okay, okay."
"Good night."
"Good night."
Upon reaching the women's wing entrance, Hermione turned around for a brief moment and looked at me.
"Oh my God…"
"That's it," the twin who appeared on my right said, sitting down next to me and throwing his arm over my shoulder.
"Yep," added the other, appearing on my left.
"Sailed, pretty boy, anchor dropped..."
"...no more freedom. What are you going to do?"
"What do you want?"
The twins looked at each other.
"Our flighty brother Ronnie with the hero of all England..."
"...are diligently trying to fit you under the term 'Death Eaters Son.'"
"Well, let them indulge. What does it matter to me?"
"You know, we're trying to start our own business..."
"...a joke shop..."
"...even got a name for it..."
"Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes!" the twins exclaimed together.
"Let's admit."
"And to be in business..."
"...you must have connections..."
"...so we know everyone..."
"...who can pay."
"By the faces? What's your point?"
"You're foster, aren't you?" the right one asked. I nodded.
"And it looks like we know who your parents are..."
"...Starts with 'M'..."
"...Ends with an 'Oy.'"
"Even so?"
The twins looked at each other again.
"Really, brother Fred?"
"Definitely, brother George."
"He doesn't know..."
"Mate," the one on my left clapped me on the shoulder. "We're not the ones who have to tell you this, but when Ronny gets to the bottom of it..."
"...And sooner or later, it will happen..."
"...he'll be right."
"So?"
"Just to let you know. He's a little hot-tempered and harsh in words. Just don't be offended."
"Can I just punch him in the face if he gets impudent?"
"He's our brother, of course, but if he gets so insolent that 'Mr. Nerd' decides to punch him in the face..."
"...it's definitely something serious."
"That's a deal. I'm going to bed. Don't drink too much in case McGonagall stops by."
I got up from the couch and went to my room. Stupid day. Stupid twins. Stupid... Everything is stupid.
***
The morning of the first day of the new semester began with a jog. Only this time, I was wearing an insulated uniform - I got out of Hogwarts under a cloaking spell and ran, ran, ran. At the same time, I mentally called out for Kreacher. Only after running almost a mile and a half away from the castle toward the Hogsmeade platform did Kreacher finally hear me, and with a characteristic clap, he appeared slightly to my right, immediately shuddering in the breeze with snowflakes rising.
"Kreacher greets the Head of the Most Ancient and Noble House Black," the old house-elf immediately oriented himself and bowed, shuddering in the cold breeze as he did so.
The note had already been written for him, and the situation was laid out quite clearly, although there was no mention of changes in my soul.
"Read the note to Lady Walburga. Perhaps she will have some advice. I'll call you tomorrow with an answer."
Kricher took the note, bowed, and apparated back to Grimmauld while I ran to Hogwarts.
After a shower and other hygienic measures, I sat down in the common room. Hermione was one of the first to come out and looked visibly sleep-deprived. She blushed a little at the sight of me but immediately got it under control.
"Good morning."
"Morning."
With a wave of my wand, I created a silence spell around us.
"I have an idea how you can help me. We need to study something related to the soul trap."
"Soul trap? I've never heard of such a thing."
"It's a conventional name. I just made it up myself. Need to find out information about something capable of enclosing a soul for a short time."
"Why would you need such a thing? These directions are forbidden by the Ministry, and we could be put in Azkaban for such a thing - for practicing necromancy without a license and guild membership."
"I can assure you that it is necessary for me. No one is going to catch the souls of the living."
"Wha..."
"And we won't kill anyone either."
"That's not what I mean. Just don't get into any trouble yourself, and I'll look for it."
After removing the spell from the area, we headed to Breakfast and then to class.