*Narrator pov*
In the dimly lit corridors of Hogwarts Castle, the heavy rain outside beat against the tall, gothic windows like a relentless drumroll. The castle was shrouded in a somber, mystical atmosphere, its ancient stones seeming to absorb the essence of the storm.
students' footsteps echoed in the hollow silence, resonating with the rhythmic patter of the rain. Some clutched their books and wands tightly, while others sought shelter in cozy corners, their laughter and whispers filling the air like secret incantations.
In the Great Hall, the grand windows offered a breathtaking view of the storm's fury. Lightning illuminated the dark sky, briefly revealing the sprawling grounds and the Forbidden Forest beyond. The rain pelted against the glass, creating a mesmerizing spectacle.
Inside the castle was a stark contrast of the outside, a warm atmosphere permeated through the stone walls. Students enjoyed the safety of magic.
As the storm raged on some students decided to use the loud thundering of the storm to their advantage. A lone Severus Snape was walking toward the library about to meet his friend Lily Evans when he felt something was wrong.
All of those times he was pranked by James Potter weren't for nothing, he almost had a sixth sense for danger now.
In a flash, he drew his wand, his eyes filled with steely determination. He spun around and yelled, "Stupefy!" a red light flashed from he wand
His would-be attacker obviously didn't account for Severus to attack first, with a thump the older student hit the floor stunned.
Severus walked forward to get a better look at who was planning to attack him, he frowned seeing it was just an underling of Lucius Malfoy, it seemed they had escalated their methods of getting him to join.
Severus ran his hand through his hair, he didn't know what to do.
Severus looked around just in case anyone else saw the altercation, seeing no one nearby he left the stunned body.
He was late.
*Morpheus pov*
I stared at a young Ravenclaw student, she was on the smaller end and had blond hair, she seemed to have a mystical inquisitive air around her.
"How may I help you Professor?" she asked me
We stood in a corridor, the heavy rain beating on the stone walls.
I smiled, "You are a rather tricky student to meet Ms. Wesia," I replied
She frowned softly, "Pandora is fine professor,"
I laughed, "Not a fan of your last name? Neither am I. I've been looking for you, was that modified Avis spell your creation?"
She smiled brightly at the mention of the spell, "Yes, it took many days to create, and Kingsley seemed excited to try it! I was rather pleased to see it perform so splendidly,"
Days? I would have figured for someone her age that modification would have taken much longer.
I nodded, "I see, it is a beautiful spell. I heard you are gifted in spell creation and modification, I myself am rather fond of magical research if you wish to speak in depth in any subject please let me know. I know how hard it is to communicate with peers when ideas swim wildly in your mind," my tone was sincere and caring
Her face lit up, "I will have to take you up on that offer Professor. Professor, I've been wondering, will you take the dueling stage?" she asked curiously
I chuckled at her enthusiasm, "Yes I think I will, perhaps during the next meeting,"
She lit up, "Well sir, I look forward to your display,"
"Good day Pandora," I replied while walking away
"Good day, Professor!" her bubbly voice sounded behind me
She was a lot more talkative than I thought she would be.
As I traveled toward the headmaster's office I stopped by the library, on the floor was a stunned Slytherin student.
I laughed seeing him pleading for me to undo the spell with his eyes, "Whatever you did, this will be your punishment instead of points taken and detention," I said walking away
I recognized the kid, he would grow up to be one of Tom Riddles's soldiers.
Walking up Albus's stairs I entered the room with a small smile, he sat at his desk with his chair turned watching the storm outside.
"Beautiful isn't it," I said while approaching his liquor cabinet
"Indeed," Albus replied while calmly stroking Fawkes's feathers
"Storms are often thought of as scary, but I enjoy the atmosphere they bring," I said while conjuring a chair next to him
"What brings you here today Morpheus?" Albus asked not taking his eyes off the barrage of rain
*KACHA!* a lightning bolt flashed in the sky followed by the roaring sound of thunder
"I came to give you some information, it seems Tom Riddle who we know will be the next dark lord has some minions in the Castle," I replied calmly taking a sip of my drink
Albus frowned, "I see, any idea of who?"
I laughed, "I can do you one better, Lucius Malfoy and his whole gang, are trying to recruit more Slytherins to join their master's cause, one Slytherin they are trying to force into joining them is Severus Snape, it seems his talent for potions is becoming valuable,"
Albus frowned, "interesting,"
"Very,"
"Well, that won't do, we must fix this in a way that doesn't reveal our hand," Albus replied with a thoughtful expression
"We have a way already, you just haven't seen it yet," I replied taking another sip of my drink
Albus fell into thought for a moment before saying, "The dueling club,"
"Yes the dueling club can help this issue somewhat, we need to pair the ring leaders against students we know can beat them; it will lower their image in the eyes of the students thinking about following them," I nodded
"Who do we choose?" Albus asked
"That's what I'm wondering myself," I laughed
"The next couple of meetings I'll attend and see if any student is up to the task, If not we might need to think of other ways to go about this," Albus said heavily
"Albus, I have many ways to end their little recruiting but, I know you will want to take the more ethical path," I replied before standing from my seat
Albus stayed silent deep in thought as I left.
*Narrator pov*
As Morpheus left the old portraits of past headmasters seemed to jolt, and they looked around confused.
They don't remember anything beyond a tall man entering the headmaster's office.
This has been happening more and more lately and the portraits couldn't help but feel something was wrong.
The storm that had raged over Hogwarts Castle for hours was finally receding, surrendering to the persistent efforts of nature's timeless cycle. Raindrops had transformed into a gentle drizzle, and the thunderous applause of lightning had become a distant rumble in the horizon. As the turbulent clouds retreated, they revealed a vast expanse of cerulean sky.
As the storm left the outside welcoming in the beautiful radiant golden light of the sun, a storm began to rage inside the resilient walls of Hogwarts.
-end-
A/n: Patre on : patreon.com/Boogie324