The Hunt | Regulus Black

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Regulus and Theodora arrive back at Hogwarts, she practically drags him up to the astronomy tower, notebook in hand.

"I found this in my mother's study" She holds out a book.

The deep shade of green on the cover, exudes a sense of calmness and sophistication. The cover is textured, with a subtle grainy finish that adds a tactile quality to the notebook. Embossed in the centre of the cover is a simple golden 'D'.

Upon closer inspection, one might notice the faint sheen that coats the surface, hinting at a protective layer, almost like it had been concealed by magic.

Regulus looks at the book and back up at Theodora, with a curious look in his eyes.

"Is it because it matches my eyes?" He jokes.

Theodora rolls her eyes, "It has an enchantment on it, one that's slowly disappearing".

"You know you're a wizard right?" He chuckles.

A light giggle passes her lips, she used to laugh all the time, these days... Not so much.

"Okay okay, let's look" Regulus shines a smile and takes the book out of Theodora's hands.

As soon as he opens the book his eyes are locked on to the page, it's a drawing. The drawing depicts a tiara with a captivating level of detail and reverence. A silver tiara with a large blue jewel in the centre, delicately drawn to emphasise the importance. Above the jewel is a head of what looks like a bird, the silver pathways of the tiara forming wings.

The two look at the page, both noting that before them is Rowena Ravenclaw's lost diadem.

"Do you think..?" Regulus begins to ask.

"We can't be sure, but it's all we've got" Theodora responds, predicting his question.

Regulus offers Theodora a soft smile, she returns the gesture. Their smiles streaming of comfort, one step closer.

"I need to go talk to Helena" Theodora smiles, before taking the book from his hands and making her exit.

Rushing through corridors, a sensation of urgency following her as she moves. Her swift pace of footsteps echoing against the walls, creating a rhythmic cadence that propels the person forward. The corridors become narrow passageways to her, as she moves quickly.

After searching various places for Helena, she arrives at Ravenclaw tower. She climbs the stairs hoping to see Helena at the top.

As Theodore reaches the top of the stares she spots Helena, standing with an air of elegance and poise, her gaze fixed outward, towards the sprawling grounds of Hogwarts. Through the windowpane, the sunset spills in, casting a golden glow that bathes her in a ghostly radiance, illuminating her features with an otherworldly aura.

"Helena" Theodora says, attempting to catch her breath.

"Thea?" Helena responds, maintaining her gaze on the grounds.

"I need to talk to you about something" Theodora smiles.

Helena begins to turn around and sees a rather out of breath Theodora, "Is everything okay Thea?".

Theodora nods and then opens the notebook and presents it to Helena. A cold look descends upon Helena's face, a look of anger and hurt. The beaming golden glow is gone, leaving a bitter silvery glimmer.

"Helena?" Theodora nervously asks.

"What is this!" Helena says more as a command than a question.