𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝘂𝗻 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗯𝘂𝗿𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗠𝗼𝗼𝗻

𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝟑: 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐃𝐚𝐫𝐤 𝐂𝐮𝐫𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐮𝐥𝐮𝐦

The atmosphere in the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom was tense. Professor Vivienne Florere stood at the front, her expression grave as she addressed the students. "Today, we will be discussing the three Unforgivable Curses," she announced, her voice steady. A murmur of shock rippled through the room. Hermione's hand shot up. "Professor, isn't it illegal to even demonstrate these curses?"Vivienne met Hermione's gaze calmly. "Yes, Miss Granger, it is illegal to use these curses. However, understanding their nature and recognizing their signs can be crucial in defending against them. Knowledge is our best weapon."Draco Malfoy smirked from his seat. "Doesn't seem very...appropriate for school, does it, Professor?"Ignoring Draco's insinuation, Vivienne continued, "The Imperius Curse, the Cruciatus Curse, and the Killing Curse—each of these spells is a tool of domination, torture, and death. Knowing how they work can help you defend against them or recognize when they are being used."Harry felt a chill run down his spine. The mention of the Killing Curse brought back the night his parents died. He clenched his fists, listening intently.Vivienne demonstrated the theory behind each curse, using visual aids and explaining their history and effects in great detail. The room was filled with a mix of horror and fascination as she spoke. By the end of the lesson, even the most skeptical students understood the gravity of what they had learned.

---

That afternoon, Vivienne made her way to Hogsmeade. The village, with its quaint shops and cobblestone streets, was a stark contrast to the dark lessons she had just taught. She walked briskly, her mind focused on the impending meeting.She arrived at The Three Broomsticks, where Narcissa Malfoy awaited her at a secluded corner table. The two women hadn't seen each other in seventeen years, and the air between them was thick with unspoken words."Vivienne," Narcissa greeted, her voice soft yet guarded."Narcissa," Vivienne replied, her tone icy. She took a seat, her posture rigid. "What do you want?"Narcissa sighed, looking down at her hands. "I need your help. It's about Draco. He's been...influenced by the wrong people. I fear he might follow in Bellatrix's footsteps."The mention of Bellatrix sent a shiver through Vivienne. Memories of her old friend flooded back—the passionate, intense girl who had once been her closest confidante. Vivienne could see Bellatrix's face, her dark eyes filled with fervor as she spoke of her new allegiance to the Dark Lord.

Flashback

It was a cold winter night when Bellatrix had revealed her dark secret. They were sitting by the fire in the Slytherin common room, the flickering flames casting shadows on their faces. "Vivienne, I've made a choice," Bellatrix had said, her voice tinged with excitement and determination. "I've joined the Death Eaters."Vivienne's heart had plummeted. "Bella, no. You can't. This path...it's dangerous. It's wrong."Bellatrix had grasped her hand, her grip firm and unyielding. "You don't understand. This is about power, about securing our place in the wizarding world. You could join us, you know. We could do it together."Tears had welled up in Vivienne's eyes. "I can't. I won't. Please, Bella, don't go down this road."But Bellatrix had been resolute. "It's too late. I've made my choice. And I won't turn back."That night, Vivienne had pleaded with Bellatrix, her heart breaking as she realized her friend was slipping away. They had parted on bitter terms, and Bellatrix had plunged deeper into the darkness.

Present Day

Vivienne's eyes refocused on Narcissa, her expression hardening. "Why should I help you? You chose your side long ago, just like Bellatrix."Narcissa looked up, her eyes pleading. "I made mistakes, Vivienne. But Draco is my son. I don't want him to make the same ones. You're at Hogwarts now, you can keep an eye on him, guide him. Please."Vivienne studied her old friend. The years had changed them both, but the desperation in Narcissa's eyes was genuine. With a sigh, she nodded. "I'll do what I can. But don't expect miracles."Narcissa's relief was palpable. "Thank you, Vivienne. I knew I could count on you."Vivienne stood, ready to leave. "Just remember, Narcissa, I'm doing this for Draco. Not for you."As she walked away, the weight of old memories and new responsibilities pressed down on her. She exited The Three Broomsticks and made her way back to the castle, her mind heavy with the past.---That night, Vivienne felt a restless urge to clear her head. She slipped out of the castle and headed towards the Forbidden Forest, the only place where she could find solace and think.Unbeknownst to her, Hermione Granger was once again trailing her. Hermione's curiosity and suspicion had only grown stronger after the day's events. She followed Vivienne at a safe distance, watching as the professor disappeared into the dense trees.Vivienne ventured deeper into the forest, her footsteps silent on the forest floor. She reached a familiar clearing and stopped, taking a deep breath. The memories of Bellatrix's betrayal were fresh in her mind, and she needed to process the emotions they stirred.Hermione watched from behind a thick tree trunk, her heart pounding. What was Professor Florere doing out here? And why did she seem so troubled? The questions swirled in her mind, each more urgent than the last.As Vivienne stood in the clearing, the moonlight casting an ethereal glow around her, she whispered into the night, "Bella, why did you leave me? Why did you choose darkness over us?"Hermione's eyes widened in shock. There was so much more to Professor Florere than anyone knew. Determined to uncover the truth, she resolved to continue her secret surveillance, hoping that in time, the enigmatic professor's past would reveal itself.As Hermione strained to hear more of Vivienne's whispered lament, she accidentally stepped on a dry twig. The snap echoed through the clearing like a gunshot, and Vivienne's head snapped up, her eyes narrowing."Who's there?" Vivienne's voice was sharp, her wand drawn and pointed in the direction of the sound.Hermione's heart raced as she realized she had been discovered. She stepped out from behind the tree, her hands raised slightly in a gesture of peace. "It's me, Professor. Hermione Granger."Vivienne's gaze softened slightly, but she kept her wand raised. "Miss Granger, what are you doing here?""I... I followed you," Hermione admitted, her voice trembling slightly. "I was worried about you, and I was curious. You seemed upset."Vivienne's eyes flashed with a mix of irritation and something softer, perhaps understanding. She lowered her wand but didn't put it away. "You shouldn't be out here, Hermione. It's dangerous."Hermione took a cautious step forward. "I know. But I couldn't just ignore it. I feel like there's something you're hiding, something important."Vivienne sighed, her shoulders sagging slightly. "You're a brave and perceptive young woman, Hermione. But there are things you don't understand, things that are better left buried.""Please, Professor," Hermione pleaded. "I just want to help."For a long moment, Vivienne said nothing, weighing her options. She could erase Hermione's memory of this encounter, but something held her back. Maybe it was the earnestness in Hermione's eyes, or perhaps it was the memory of herself at that age, seeking answers and justice."Very well," Vivienne said at last. "But I need you to understand that what I'm about to tell you is not to be shared with anyone. Not Harry, not Ron. Do you understand?"Hermione nodded vigorously. "I promise, Professor."Vivienne gestured for Hermione to sit on a fallen log, and she took a seat opposite her, the moonlight casting a silver sheen over the clearing."My past is... complicated," Vivienne began, her voice steady but tinged with sadness. "I was a student here at Hogwarts, and like you, I was sorted into a house that didn't quite fit the mold for someone of my background. I was a Muggle-born in Slytherin."Hermione's eyes widened. "I can't imagine that was easy.""It wasn't," Vivienne confirmed. "But I was determined to prove myself. During my time here, I became friends with the Black sisters—Bellatrix, Narcissa, and Andromeda. They were... an influential group, to say the least.""What happened?" Hermione asked softly.Vivienne's eyes darkened as she continued. "Bellatrix and I were very close. She was passionate, intense, and had a certain charisma that drew people to her. But as we grew older, her views became more radical. She was seduced by the promise of power and purity that Voldemort offered."Hermione shivered at the mention of the Dark Lord's name. "And you?""I tried to dissuade her," Vivienne said, her voice heavy with regret. "But Bellatrix was resolute. She joined the Death Eaters, and our paths diverged. Narcissa... she chose her family, her bloodline, over everything else. Andromeda was the only one who broke away completely, choosing love over blood purity."Hermione listened intently, her heart aching for the young woman Vivienne had once been. "And now? Why are you here?"Vivienne's gaze hardened. "I'm here to teach, to protect the students of Hogwarts from the darkness that's always lurking. And I'm here to keep an eye on Draco Malfoy. His mother, Narcissa, fears he might follow in Bellatrix's footsteps. I owe it to my past, to my mistakes, to try and guide him away from that path."Hermione nodded slowly, understanding the weight of the responsibility Vivienne carried. "I understand, Professor. Thank you for telling me. I won't tell anyone, I promise."Vivienne studied Hermione for a moment, then nodded. "I trust you, Hermione. Now, you should return to the castle. It's not safe out here after dark."Hermione stood, feeling a newfound respect for her professor. "Goodnight, Professor. And thank you."Vivienne watched as Hermione disappeared into the trees, her heart heavy but a little lighter for having shared a piece of her past. She turned back to the ancient tree, placing a hand on its rough bark once more."Bella," she whispered, her voice barely audible. "I hope you found whatever it was you were searching for. I'll do my best to make things right."With that, Vivienne made her way back to the castle, the shadows of her past trailing behind her, but a glimmer of hope guiding her way forward.