The Death Wish: Book One (Hogwarts Legacy)

Fangs, Flames and Frames

"Here, careful now."

You gripped Ronen's hand as he steadied your teetering frame, assisting you to navigate a crumbling stone staircase.

The three of you had been walking and clambering for about twenty minutes, the cave widening into a massive dripping cavern.

Professor Hecat's hawk-like eyes scanned the darkness for danger—her wand always at the ready as you listened to the rushing of water and the echo of distant sounds.

"Which way should we take, little one?" she asked, turning to glance back at you and Ronen. You looked past her at two diverging paths—one leading upwards while the other turned down another long corridor.

You furrowed your brow as you looked for any sign of the right direction...or the path to your mentors.

"I'm not sure which is the right way." you worried aloud, your hand clenching at your side as you tried to glean some kind of heading. Ronen gave you an encouraging smile as he stood beside you looking at the choices.

"I cannot pretend to know anything about how your unique magic works, but it does seem you are able to sense ancient magic; corrupted or otherwise, such as with your little save back there—for which I am very grateful by the way. Take a moment and see what you sense."

You gave him an appreciative nod.

"That's a good idea, Professor." you replied before taking a calming breath "—and for the record, you immediately returned the kindness when the cave collapsed, so I guess it's as Ominis says: Snakes look out for each other."

Ronen beamed proudly at you.

You took another breath and shut your eyes.

Where do I go?

Where are the Figs?

You let the strange magic you held in your heart flow a little—the emotions of the last hour already setting it to a low boil in your chest.

A ripple of power flowed up your chest, with you craning your neck to the side as you worked the magic through your shoulders.

Where are they?

Your eyes snapped open as you felt a sudden tug towards the upward path, the way looking lighter and brighter somehow.

"That way." you said confidently, pointing to the incline beside a large open carven.

"Knew you'd find it." Ronen cheered warmly with a flourishing gesture for you to lead. Hecat caught up with you and fell in step beside you.

"While we are walking, little one, I was hoping you might be willing to tell me what you can about this time manipulation magic that brought your counterpart's warning from the future."

You raised a brow at this, caught off guard by the request.

"Oh...I'm not really sure how she did it. I know it was sent in the last moments of her life. The memory I viewed appeared to have taken place after a great battle—that I do not believe she won." you admitted in a low voice, your mind fighting to keep some of the more harrowing imagery from the pensieve locked away. "But...she didn't even know if it had worked or not—which makes me believe it was a desperate, unplanned act."

Hecat nodded as she listened, casting a side glance at you.

"I see. Your ancient magic is certainly a tempting mystery. I can see why Miriam is so taken with you." and she cast a glance at Ronen.

You sighed as you felt that nervous bubble expand in your chest.

"I hope they are alright." you muttered as your eyes stung, the mention of the memory making their absence all the harder.