A Dark Halloween I (Page 63)

~~~(POV: Alexander Aevum)~~~

~~~(Location: Library, Scotland, Hogwarts)~~~

~~~(Date, Time, Year: October 31st, 3:23 PM, 1992)~~~

~~~(Age: 13 Years)~~~

While I'm sitting alone in the library, everyone else is enjoying the festivities of Halloween. Not that I hold that against anyone. I'd be enjoying time with the few friends I've made if I wasn't consumed with my current subject of study.

Ginny has completely recovered from whatever was plaguing her behavior. The object that was doing so has come back into my possession.

A diary that belongs to a boy named Tom Riddle. I've heard the name before. Unlike a diary, it's empty. Not a single drop of ink has stained any of its pages. It's on the desk in front of me, and all I can do is brainstorm on what to do.

Talking to Ginny about her experience with the diary provided no fruit at all. She has almost no recollection of what she did while under the influence of the diary.

"Whatever effect the diary had on Ginny isn't happening to me... Certainly, a powerful dark artifact like this can overwhelm most... Then again, it's fair to say it can think..."

It's no mystery to me that Ginny was under instructions from the diary. Proof there is an intellect bound in these pages. I shove open the book and jump to a random page. Dipping my quill in some ink.

After a few seconds, I write down a simple question. 'Who's there?' The words disappear, but I get nothing in response.

Where the ink goes, I don't know. Magical enchantments and curses like this is a subject I'm very unfamiliar with. I'm sure I could find something if I spent even more time searching the restricted section.

But I haven't found anything so far despite the time I've spent searching for answers. I've yet to try one method, and it's something you do when no options are left.

My quill is dipped into some more ink. Then, my following words are drawn on the paper.

'Finding out how to destroy you won't take me long.'

The words I've written down ink into nothing, and still no response. Threats don't work, either. Maybe... Something else will work.

'Perhaps Albus will like to see what you are.'

My new approach sinks into the paper, and instead of no response this time. I got something back from the diary.

'What do you want to know?'

Interesting... All the threats I could've come up with, and mentioning Albus is the most effective.

In moments like these, you can't tell if someone is upset. It's just words on some paper. Still, I've never heard of a talking diary before. I still don't know everything about the magical world. But I've confirmed something with this.

The diary is intelligent. There is some sort of consciousness behind it. One that's manipulative and vile. Endangering the life of Ginny meant nothing to the book.

'What are you.'

If I can find out what this is, I'll be able to find a weakness. I've tried regular spells on it. Nothing harms the diary. I doubt it'll tell me a weakness. Getting it to talk will eventually lead me to my own answers that I'd never ask the diary.

'I'm the diary of Tom Riddle.'

The one I'm talking to behind this book is a fan of games. I can play, too. Bringing Albus into this worked the first time.

Tom Riddle...

Tom...

Riddle...

'This conversation is over.'

I shut the book and push it away slightly. Rolling my neck after a few seconds. Voldemort's name before he became the dark lord was Tom Riddle. This diary is more than what meets the eye.

I knew the name from somewhere, but learning the diary responded to a threat from Dumbledore is what connected the dots.

"It seems that Ginny unleashed something... Voldemort is working through her... Possessing her through the diary..."

So why didn't it work on me...

I'm talented, yes. However, my knowledge and practice of magic is still inferior to the teachers of Hogwarts. Excluding Lockhart.

Surely, the power of a dark artifact created by Voldemort could overwhelm me...

A deep breath enters my lungs as I lean back in my chair, and the front legs come off the ground. I stare at the library's ceiling as I release a long sigh and pinch the bridge of my nose.

Most would say that it's intelligent and wise to give the diary to Albus now that I know who it once belonged to.

But my own curiosity about why the diary is here gets the better of me. I walk to a remote corner of the library and move some books. Placing the diary in my hiding spot. After Ginny took it from my nightstand, I knew keeping it close would be a wrong decision.

For now, I'll forget about the diary. There are other things I need to focus on. When I find more answers as to what the diary is precisely, I'll come back.

As of now, it's of no danger to anyone.

I leave the library and make my way to the Great Hall. Scanning the room for some familiar faces. The only one I see who I can say is a friend is Neville. I make my way over to him and sit down. He's currently talking with Seamus.

Down the table is where I'd usually see Harry, Ron, and Hermione. However, they're not here. From what I remember, Harry and Ron are still serving detention, but where is Hermione...

"Neville, do you know where Hermione is?"

The question turns my friend's conversation off the topic of potions class, and he looks at me. Adopting a thinking expression for just a moment.

"From what I heard, she's one of the group members preparing to celebrate Nearly Headless Nicks Deathday. I don't know where it's at, but if you're looking for her, that's where you'll find her."

Nevermind then.

I'm not scouring the castle looking for a party I don't care about. That's a waste of time. I can talk with Hermione later.

This will give me time to decide on what to do with Hermione. She's been bugging me lately. Always asking what I'm doing and where I'm going. I don't know what's gotten into her, but I need some space.

The same thing can be said for Daphne. I can't get away from either of them for very long. This is one of the rare occasions that Daphne hasn't seen me come in and join me at the table. It's rather lovely.

I need a break from the two... They take so much energy...

Maybe it's just me...

~~~(POV: Daphne Greengrass)~~~

~~~(Location: Walking Through The Corridors, Scotland, Hogwarts)~~~

~~~(Date, Time, Year: October 31st, 7:38 PM, 1992)~~~

~~~(Age: 12 Years)~~~

All the activities throughout the day have made me extremely tired. I didn't get a chance to relax for more than five minutes after twelve o'clock.

I'm alone as I walk through the halls... Taking this moment of silence and peace for all it's worth...

SSSSLLLLLLLLL...

A strange sound reverberates from a direction I can't discern. One that sends chills up my spine. I start moving faster down the hall after having heard that.

SSSSSLLLLLLL.

This time, the sound is louder, and it's getting closer. Now is when I start running. My tired body throbs in protest as my lungs burn. Trying to stay ahead of whatever is behind me.

SSSSLLLLLL!!!

It's right behind me now!!

"AAAAHHHHH!!!!!"

The scream leaves my lips as the sense of being prey surges through my body. It feels like I'm being chased by something that wants to kill me. The corner is coming, and as I turn, I impact another student.

Falling hard and coming to a stop.

"Geez, you okay, Daphne? I heard you scream."

The familiar voice of Alex fills me with hope. I lean up and look at him. He has a concerned look on his features. Standing up after a second. That's when I remember something is chasing me.

However, when I spin my head and look where I was being chased from.

There's nothing there.

"Hello? Earth to Daphne?"

Alex turns the corner and looks down the hall, too. I'm trying to see if there is anything there to cause me to look so serious.

"Umm... I was... I don't..."

I'm at a loss for words...

It really felt like a predator was chasing me...

"Here, stand up and talk to me."

Instantly, a hand is helping me to my feet. My eyes turn to Alex, and he's waiting for an explanation. Instead of saying anything about the subject, I grab his wrist and pull him to the closest classroom.

"We can't talk here."

As we reach the door to the class, I push it open and rush inside. Alex is right behind me. I slam the door behind us and lean against it with my back.

Taking a deep breath as I do.

After a few seconds of catching my breath and easing my racing heart, I see Alex waiting with his arms folded and a calm look.

"Well, what's going on?"

I'm so lucky to have run into him, of all people. That was one of the scariest moments of my life.