Enchantments of Serpent's Embrace: The acknowledge - T.N. FF.

Jewellery

Caroline's gaze wanders around the room, settling on the dried Peonies Damian gave her on Valentine's Day. A pang of guilt washes over her. The ancient diary, filled with spells and arcane knowledge, weighs heavily on her conscience. She yearns to share this discovery with Damian, but doing so would mean revealing her entire secret, a truth known only to Dumbledore. Not even Harry, Pansy, Hermione, or her closest friends are privy to this information.

This train of thought leads her to reflect on her fading friendship with Mattheo. Their interactions have become sparse, almost non-existent. The adventures stemming from their past entanglement and her current relationship with Damian has created a palpable distance. Mattheo's withdrawal since Mariano entered her life could be out of respect, but it doesn't fully explain their lack of communication. Caroline admits to herself, that it's probably her fault, because she kind off neglected him, forgotten him, with all the things on her mind. With a jolt, she realizes she's nearly forgotten his birthday tomorrow.

A groan of frustration escapes her lips. Not only does not have a gift, but she's also doesn't have an idea of what to give him. This oversight, however, pales in comparison to her primary concern: Damian's persistent quietness since their expedition to the cave. Her attempts to lift his spirits have not succeeded. His withdrawal has become noticeable to all, spawning rumours that put Caroline in his distress, further exacerbating her guilt.

Turning onto her side, Caroline retrieves the mysterious book, her fingers deftly flipping through its pages. She's pored over nearly every entry, absorbing a mix of personal anecdotes and magical instruction unlike anything in her education.

As she scans the yellowed pages, an entry catches her eye. The handwriting is neat and precise, detailing a potion recipe:

----

15th March 1892

Elixir of Emotional Equilibrium

Ingredients:

- 3 Moonstone petals, crushed

- 2 drops of Phoenix tears

- 1 sprig of fresh Lavender

- A hair from a content Kneazle

- 7 clockwise stirs with a silver spoon

This potion, when brewed correctly, helps balance extreme emotions without dulling one's senses or altering personality. It provides clarity of mind and a sense of inner peace, allowing the drinker to process difficult feelings more constructively.

Warning: Use sparingly. Overuse may lead to emotional detachment.

---

Caroline's heart quickens as she reads the recipe. Could this be the solution to Damian's emotional turmoil? The ingredients are rare but not impossible to obtain, she even has some of them in her bag. The promise of helping Damian regain his equilibrium is tempting, yet the warning gives her pause.

But she wonders, if it would be right to do? Using a potion, which has something to do with humans emotions are complicated and very dangerous. Besides, it wouldn't be the right thing to do. Damian should learn to handle his emotions.

As dawn's first light begins to seep through the dormitory windows, Caroline makes a decision. She won't do it. Giving Damian the position without his knowledge, would be a betrayal. Besides the risk is too much. For now on, she needs to be with him and firstly break the wall he built from the world.

As Caroline emerges from the bathroom, fully dressed and made up, she's confronted by an unexpected sight. Pansy sits on her bed, the mysterious diary in hand. Caroline's heart skips a beat.