𝐍𝐚𝐢𝐯𝐞 | 𝐃.𝐌, 𝐓.𝐍

031 - ᴄᴜʀsᴇᴅ

[ totally forgot the potions class scene happens like the first day of school, but please forgive me i have the memory of an ant. i'm including it now. ]

𝐂𝐨𝐫𝐚 𝐁𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐥𝐞𝐲

—

We all want power. But at what cost?

—

I shivered again in the freezing cold as I clutched my package to my chest. The wind and snow were almost unbearable this time of year.

I was thinking and thinking. Who could I possibly curse? More importantly, how can I make sure Dumbledore gets the package from the cursed individual?

I hummed contently inside the warmth of The Three Broomsticks, shaking the snow off of my jacket. I scanned the restaurant quickly to consider the people inside.

I decided I would order a drink, while I pondered my plan of action. I walked up to the bar, waiting for Madam Rosmerta to come back to my spot.

While I was waiting, I took the opportunity to view the different types of drinks and elixirs she had on display on the wall. A certain liquor caught my eye. Licorice and cherry.

"Hello, darling. What can I get you?" Madam Rosmerta blocked my view from the drink, but I moved my head to look around her.

"I'd like to buy that bottle." I pointed at it.

She smiled and grabbed it from the shelf, bringing it back to the countertop. "That will be 15 galleons. Anything else?"

My thoughts grew darker as the seconds passed. I believe I just found my victim. Putting in a facade, I allowed all of my face muscles to relax. "Actually, I'm not really feeling too well, it's incredibly cold outside. Do you think I could go in the back for a little, warm up some more?" I batted my eyelashes a little.

She smiled warmly. "Of course, darling! Come right this way."

I grabbed my bottle of liquor and clutched the package I had in my arm tighter, following behind her as she led me into the back of the restaurant.

As soon as we were out of the public eye, I set my things down on a table in the middle of the room, letting my wand fall from my sleeve.

When Madam Rosmerta's back was turned for a split second, I took a deep, shaky breath. I muttered the incantation so lowly I was almost whispering. "Imperio."

With a small buzz and a flick of light from the end of my wand, her shoulders went slack, a small gasp leaving her lips. I felt my stomach churn with the thought of actually going through with this. My mark was already starting to burn with the use of such dark magic.

I carefully grabbed my package, making sure not to touch it directly. I flicked my wand to lock any doors to prevent anyone from getting in. "Listen to me." I demanded as she looked at me. A thin film had casted over her eyes.

"I need this package delivered to Headmaster Dumbledore. Find a way to get it to him. Do whatever you have to." She mindlessly took the package from me, with absolutely no protest.

I then grabbed the liquor, bringing into her view as well. "Poison this bottle of liquor. A deadly poison. Get both of these into the Hogwarts castle, intended for Professor Dumbledore. No one else."

She nodded her head frantically, in acceptance and submission.

I felt the magic coursing through my body. I identified the sensation as power. I had the power to manipulate this woman in any possible way I wanted to. She was at my service. She serves me; and it terrified me to know that I was even a little bit exhilarated at that idea.