The Cursed Soul

Chapter 24

ÍROAS

I wish he's still here... my brother,

Walking into the Great Hall, my vision was indulged by the massive light from the thousands and thousands of candles garnishing midair and the enchanted ceiling showcasing the silvery moon waxing crescent and the dotted stars. Instead of the usual four long tables for the Hogwarts Houses, there only stood one. Positioned horizontally in the middle of the Hall and now surrounded by students in different year levels. The table is coated in a blue mantle with different faces of the moon weaved on top, making the table look like someone who owned a future teller business in a muggle film.

This morning, we found on the notice board at the Entrance Hall that there would be a Dueling Club. Supposedly for precautions while there's someone looming with a monster in their control. – Now that we're here, I might just add that every fiber of myself is screaming in thrill and excitement. I feel like a part of me weirdly missed this kind of setting. Though, the environment is a bit friendlier than I anticipated.

I imagined a harsher burst of wind with sounds of clashing metals and battle cries enveloping an entire Arena, with dozens of kids soaked in a few of their blood mixed from with the others', fighting with swords, shields, and spears. Not with wands and spells.

We squeezed our way through the midst of the crowds, "Who do you think would teach us?" I asked Harry.

"Well, as long as it's not..." he abruptly stopped as a turn of a voice rang in the area, and at once, his face melted in dismay.

With a deep sigh, I shifted my gaze back to the table and saw Lockhart stepping over and was followed by a half-hearted Snape, constantly and secretly throwing glare daggers to the arrogant Professor.

"Iro," suddenly came the voice of Neville, fighting his way through, "Professor McGonagall wanted to see you in her office."

After a quick look at Harry, I smiled at the timid boy, thanking him, and left the Great Hall. But it sure is McGonagall's downhearted mood immediately swallowing me the moment I stepped into her office.

"I'm here, Professor,"

You could say the lady is a mess. Her usual stern posture that would make any timid souls be intimidated is now gone. Her hair is crumpled, looking as though they were drunk dancing over her head. And the eyes, they were shadowed by worry and stress. Over her table are piles and piles of books and parchments scattered around.

"Err... are you okay, Professor? I think you desperately needed a rest."

"Thank you, but rest could wait for a while. – I rescheduled your registration to the Ministry for the 23rd. Please tell Ms. Granger that... And please, no extension. If you two get caught unregistered, you'll go straight to Azkaban right away. I hope you understand what I said, Mr. Olympia."

"Certainly, Professor." I assured her quickly, "Uhm... Is that all?"

Sigh... Fixing the littered objects. Before she responded, whatever feeling was hanging in her eyes was tenfold, "It's about your curse, Mr. Olympia... The curse breaker had owled me earlier this morning, he wasn't able to figure out anything yet. Whatever dark magic they used on you, it's quite peculiar and out of their knowledge. He says."

"Oh..."

Lost at words, the two of us just stared at each other. Embracing the awkward silence, waiting to break the sudden tension shimmered in midair. To be honest, the curse has never crossed my mind for days now. With all the mysterious incidents and the unknown heir, the idea of me being cursed has been put aside. Harry, Ron, and I agreed to never leave Hermione unattended, but I guess the three also made my head occupied all the time, to not stress myself and think about it.