Masquerade (Hermione x Female OC)

Chapter 13 - To inform

Total Words - 2640

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*The next day*

The evening sun cast a warm, golden glow over the Hogwarts castle as René found solace in one of her favorite spot—the fountain courtyard. Nestled between ivy-covered walls, the courtyard was a peaceful haven away from the busy corridors. The sound of splashing water created a gentle melody that resonated with her thoughts.

She had just spent a delightful afternoon with Emes, reminiscing about their shared memories from France. René cherished these moments that bridged the gap between their two worlds. She was not very close with droves of people, just a handful and she was content with them. Her social radius did not extend beyond those people and neither did her endearment.

As René lounged on a stone bench, her thoughts were interrupted by flapping of wings. Her family's owl, Artemis, gracefully descended from the sky and landed on the edge of the fountain. The owl's sleek feathers shimmered in the fading sunlight, and its intelligent eyes locked onto René's.

"Hello, Artemis," René greeted the owl with a gentle smile. She extended her arm, allowing Artemis to hop onto her wrist. The owl's talons gripped her arm lightly. Artemis carefully extended a leg, bearing a sealed parchment. René took the letter and gently stroked Artemis's feathers as a show of gratitude.

The words on the paper seemed to blur as her eyes widened in shock. She re-read the words, her thoughts racing as she struggled to comprehend the contents of the letter. The parchment self combusted. The flames engulfed the paper as the courtyard around the girl seemed to fade into the background, her mind raced.

The contents of the paper were vague but subtly piloting towards something. Some very important thing.

René,

Listen carefully, for there's no time to waste. You must step up now, no room for weakness. To inform you, this year, it's the Potter boy who will be in the spotlight at that school of yours. Your task: save him, lead him to victory.

You've got the talent, but this isn't for the timid. Be cunning, be ruthless if you must. Others will doubt, but you can't afford to.

Keep this quiet, even from your closest allies. Time is running out.

There will be forces there, guiding you. Do not doubt them.

This is our shot, René. Make him win, whatever it takes.

Vincent Lior

René's mind was a whirlwind of thoughts as she read her father's terse letter. What could have led to this sudden urgency? What is this cryptic call to action? A conspiracy, perhaps? And 'forces'? He clearly doesn't want me to know who. But why couldn't these 'forces' handle this task themselves?

'Make him win,' her father had demanded. She thought and thought. But win what? The only competition on the horizon was the Triwizard Championship, and Potter couldn't possibly participate, given his age.

"UGHH" she groaned. Was there another hidden scheme at work here, something...to bend the rules? She did not want to get up. Her mind making her body heavy and tired.

She decided to find out whatever unveils as time passes by. Thinking so much can only take me so far. Looking too deep into it might create problems for me that don't even exist. Let's see. Nap it is, then. She napped there on the stone until the sunset.