I sat in Albus's office sipping some tea as Fawkes sang gently, I smiled leaning back into the oddly comfortable chairs Albus had.
"Morpheus, what brings you by?" Albus asked sitting across from me with his own cup of tea in his hand
"I thought I'd tell you some more information I managed to glean from my divinations," I replied taking another sip of the tea
"Oh? Do tell," Albus said trying to keep the interest from his tone
The keyword would be trying, I could instantly hear the eagerness in his voice.
I smiled, "It seems this new dark lord is planning to start some small attacks soon, probably to gather some fear in preparation for his big debut,"
Albus sighed, "So soon?" he asked worriedly
"Yes, it seems we don't have much time left to prepare. Luckily from what I've gathered, he won't be attacking with all his might for now," I said reassuring the man
"Speaking of Tom, when are you going to remove the curse he put on the defense class?" I asked curiously I genuinely couldn't figure out why Albus hadn't removed it yet
He frowned, "I've tried but I can't seem to find the curses anchor," Albus admitted
"Gringotts curse breakers are handy for that type of thing," I replied with a small chuckle
"Yes I know, I've even hired some alas they always get injured before finding out how to break it," he said with a small hint of anger
I frowned, "This old student of yours seems to be a crafty one,"
Albus laughed sadly, "He is," I could hear the regret in his tone
I thought for a moment, wracking my brain for a solution. I think Professor Yowie is too good of a professor to have leave because of some stupid curse.
"I will try to find the location with some divination, then rehire the curse breakers and inform them of the exact location. They should be able to eradicate it then," I said putting down my cup of tea
Albus smiled, "Thank you for the help Morpheus,"
I laughed before leaving, "I am a professor, aren't I? It's my duty to keep this castle safe,"
Leaving Albus's office I made my way toward my room. Hopefully, my students are practicing their finals project. I honestly don't know if I made the assignment too hard, I will have to check up on them to see if they need some extra help.
Entering my room I took out a crystal ball from my pouch, it was made solely from life Charoite crystal, and its gentle purple glow seemed to illuminate the darkness in my room.
Sitting in my chair, I held the crystal ball in my lap and peered into the purple work of art. My mind solely focused on one question, 'Where is the curse Tom Riddle placed on the Defense Against the Dark Arts class located'
As I repeated the question in my head like a mantra my eyes went out of focus and suddenly I was inside the defense against the dark arts classroom.
My vision turned to the bookcase on the right wall, suddenly the bookcase slid open revealing a small room.
Inside was the skull of a unicorn, its head positioned in a way to perfectly face the professor's desk.
Blinking my eyes my vision returned, I put the crystal ball away and frowned. No wonder the recent defense teachers had such bad luck.
Using the purest magical creature to cast a curse on a teaching position is absurd, he could have used so many other methods. I can tell his hatred runs deep, I don't know the full history between Albus and him but I know one thing.
Tom Riddle will be unlike anything the current wizarding Britain has ever seen.
For this, Albus will need to hire the most expensive curse breakers. The curse will sense that someone is trying to undo it and lash out violently.
Luckily no students have been affected.
I should inform Albus immediately, I can tell it won't happen anytime soon but give that curse some time and it will start to do much worse than just prevent a teacher from coming back.
Deep in my thoughts, Negary flew onto my shoulder.
"CAW!"
"Yes, you should go back out and search for more. This time also see if you can find traces of the other races as well. I have a feeling they have been preparing for this war for a long time," I said gently petting Negary's pitch-black feathers
Negary nodded and flew out of my open window. Standing from my chair I pulled out the box containing the Ruby of Dreams.
I have been studying it for a while and I think I know how to open it but, I will wait until this school year ends to initiate my plan.
There is nothing worse than rushing to complete something and failing in your haste.
***
I walked through the halls of Hogwarts aimlessly, I didn't have any classes today and I didn't have any plans so naturally I was bored.
As I continued to walk the winding halls I eventually stopped and sighed, I seemed to have made my way to a spot I don't like to frequent.
Before me was the arch leading toward the gardens, I could see the magical plants thriving in their habitats.
Helga would have loved this sight, but she would be equally as saddened. The garden wasn't as big as the one she made but, it was still a garden.
I could almost envision her spending countless hours adding to this garden.
I let out a saddened sigh turning to leave, I couldn't stand the sight of that garden.
When I turned I saw a student looking at me with a wide smile, "You are a hard person to track down Professor Morpheus," she said with an odd tone
"Bellatrix Black, what can I help you with?" I asked with a small smile
She walked closer, "Professor, I heard you are a master in rituals, how about you teach me?" she asked boldly
"Rituals are banned in Britain," I replied with an easy calm tone
"Bah, laws are only for the poor," she replied confidently
I chuckled, "That might be so but I still refuse to teach you," I answered
I could see a flash of anger flash across her eyes, "I think you should reconsider," she replied in a darker tone
"Oh and what will happen if I don't?" I asked with a smirk
She smirked at me, "I heard a little of what you are teaching, what would the ministry do if they heard about Hogwarts students' learning ritual patterns?" she said as if she trapped me
"I wouldn't know, they will never learn of it after all," I replied calmly
"Teach me, rituals, and they will never understand," a scowl was forming on her face now seeing her little game isn't working on me
"Your mind is unbalanced, it's quite sad really," I said
"What?" she asked not knowing what I meant
My hand shot out gripping her hair, I pulled her head back staring into her eyes she didn't have any time to react.
Her eyes widened as he saw the scene of her me killing her over and over again in my eye's reflection.
"Bellatrix Black, you will not say anything because if you do. I will end you," I whispered in her ear
Tossing her aside she hit the stone wall crumbling to the floor.
I walked off with a small smile plastered on my face.
Even if she did tell the ministry it wouldn't matter, she just caught me at a bad time.
—-
A/N: Patre on : patreon.com/Boogie324