Hadrian remained motionless in the empty corridor, his mind processing what had just happened. The figure's words echoed in his thoughts.
"You are not meant for this world as it is now."
He had encountered many mysteries since coming to Hogwarts, but this felt different. It felt personal.
Taking a steady breath, he tucked away his wand and turned back the way he had come. He needed answers, and there was only one place where he could begin his search.
The Restricted Section.
—
The library was nearly empty at this late hour, save for the soft scratching of quills from a few determined Ravenclaws. Madam Pince hovered nearby, her hawk-like gaze sweeping over the students still lingering.
Hadrian made his way toward the darker, dustier aisles of the library. He had been there before—only briefly—but tonight, he needed more than a passing glance at the ancient texts stored within.
The chain blocking off the Restricted Section gleamed under the candlelight. He knew the risk of being caught, but it wasn't the first rule he had broken, and it certainly wouldn't be the last.
With a flick of his wand, he murmured, "Alohomora."
The chain unlatched silently.
Slipping inside, Hadrian moved between the towering shelves, his eyes scanning the worn spines of books filled with knowledge most wizards feared. He traced his fingers along the titles until one caught his attention:
"Echoes of the Forgotten Magics"
He pulled it free, the ancient leather cover cool beneath his fingertips. He carefully opened it, his breath catching as he read the first line.
"There are powers in this world older than Hogwarts itself. Powers that were sealed away, hidden in places only the worthy may find."
Something inside him stirred.
His instincts whispered that he was on the right path.
But before he could read further, a sudden noise made him snap the book shut.
Footsteps.
Hadrian quickly pressed himself against the shelves, his wand ready. A flicker of torchlight stretched across the floor.
Someone was coming.
And they were looking for him.
—