The Princess Witch - 1st book

Chapter VII: An unexpected discovery

The Christmas holidays had been wonderful, but now the students of Hogwarts were back for the second term. The Hogwarts Express train had rolled through the deep snow, and the students had reached Hogwarts Castle in a shower of snowflakes.
The students greeted each other cheerfully, exchanging stories about their Christmas holidays, as the teachers welcomed them back.
Talia, Harry and Enola recounted their holidays, and in particular what had happened during the Christmas ball. As for Davina, who had had to stay at school, she had discovered something unexpected. While they were in the Gryffindor common room the night before classes resumed with hot chocolates and everyone asleep, Davina explained what she had seen and heard:
-Hagrid invited me to tea at his house during the holidays and he taught me a lot of things. Do you remember the hydra we saw in October? Well, that hydra has a name and it's called Daisy. Dumbledore gave her a present about ten years ago and the headmaster asked her if he could use it to keep something. And when I asked him about what the Hydra was guarding, he didn't want to go any further because he'd already said a lot of things that shouldn't have been said in the first place.
-But did he tell you anything else?" asked Enola. Because if I remember correctly, there was a door behind the creature, well Daisy.
-He told me about a man called Edmund Wintanceaster.
-And who was this guy?" asked Harry.
-Wait, I'm getting to that. continued Davina. So I did my little research in the library during the holidays to find out who this Edmund Wintanceaster was. I even infiltrated the Forbidden Reserve and discovered that Edmund was a very powerful wizard in early 14th century England and he invented and even wrote a very powerful book of magic called The Book of Incantations. More importantly, Edmund is one of your ancestors, Talia.
-Wait what?" replied Talia. This Edmund is one of my ancestors? And what's this book all about?
-I'm getting there," continued Davina, taking a sip of her hot chocolate. So yes, Edmund Wintanceaster is indeed your ancestor. In fact, he defeated our dear friend Scarlett's family in the battle of the Princes' Dynasty to reign over the wizards of the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland. And this Book of Incantations is a compendium of all the most powerful spells in the wizarding world. It even has a formula for becoming immortal, a bit like the philosopher's stone of the late, great Nicolas Flamel. And this book has been handed down from generation to generation.
-And where's this book?" asked Enola.-Nobody knows," explained Davina. But wait until I explain what this book is. As I've just said, this book of spells is very powerful. The wisest sorcerers thought that this book was a myth because no one was allowed to go near it except the King, until one of his descendants, King Clarkson, your grandfather. And since then, no one knows who owns it. And rumour has it that the book is cursed.
-How cursed?" asked Talia.
-Nobody knows," replied Davina. But I think the book has something to do with the Lernaean Hydra that we saw in October on the third floor.
-Really?" said Harry.
-Yes, because I think the Hydra must keep Edmund Wintanceaster's Book of Spells! I bet it was King Clarkson who asked Dumbledore to put it in a safe place before he died.
-I think so too, even though I have no memory of that moment," said Talia. But I remember Dumbledore telling me that they were very good friends, and that Dumbledore was even his advisor.
-The funny thing is," commented Davina, "I snuck up on Snape and he tried to get past Daisy. I think he wanted to steal the book to become immortal. And the beast bit him on the ankle. He's had a little walking stick ever since. Suddenly, a voice came from behind them: "What are you still doing here at this time of night! It's past midnight! Go to bed, all of you! It was Prefect Percy Weasley making his rounds to see if all the Gryffindor students were asleep. At his words, the group of friends went upstairs and went to bed.

The next morning, Talia woke up with palpable excitement. The teachers were handing in the papers and giving their individual assessments. She wondered what the teachers would say about her hard work throughout the first semester.
In the Potions classroom, Professor Snape began handing out the papers, moving from desk to desk. Talia knew that Snape would make her sit her exam. She sighed in disappointment but decided not to let it get her down.
The other teachers were much more complimentary. Professor McGonagall congratulated Talia on her excellent marks in spells and transfiguration, even calling her brilliant. Professor Flitwick complimented her talent for complex spells and the way she mastered them with ease.
Leaving the classroom after celebrating their successes, Talia, Enola, Harry and Davina headed to the library to continue their research into the Book of Incantations. They knew they still had a lot to learn about this mysterious book, and they were determined to discover all its secrets.
As they flipped through the pages of the old books, they came across stories of powerful ancient sorcerers, forbidden spells and legendary magical objects. Each discovery brought them a little closer to their goal, and their excitement grew.
Talia felt a new wave of determination sweep over her. She was ready to face any obstacle that stood in their way. With her friends by her side, she knew they were ready to face any challenge, magical or otherwise.
Talia and her friends knew that their commitment to the team was just as important as their quest for magical knowledge. The training sessions were intensive and demanding. Under Oliver's guidance, they trained every day, perfecting their skills in flying, handling the souafle and game tactics. Talia, as a catcher, strove to follow every trajectory of the Golden Snitch with precision, while Enola, Harry and Davina excelled in their respective roles as chasers. Despite their dedication to the quidditch team, Talia and her friends couldn't stop thinking about the Book of Spells and their quest for magical knowledge. During the rest periods between training sessions, they would meet in secret to discuss their progress and discoveries.