Love, Aurélie | REGULUS BLACK

Chapter Thirteen

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[CHAPTER THIRTEEN]
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ODETTE CONTINUED TO VISIT THE LIBRARY, she had to find another book that could potentially replace the one Black took. She stopped hesitating about taking the books from the shelves as she was left paranoid that Black would take another book from her again.

However, aside from some classes they shared, she didn't really run into Black. She caught him reading the book he took when he was supposed to be paying attention to the class. She didn't say anything but she did roll her eyes. She was left bitter that he took the book from her.

While she didn't run into him, Odette did start noticing him more often compared to before he stole the book. In fact, she didn't even remember him until he stole the book. From what she noticed and heard, Black hadn't mentioned anything about her. According to Olivia Mae, Black seemed to have no interest in her whatsoever. Odette didn't care as long as he returned the book soon.

So far, she listened to Mei and stayed away from Black, which wasn't that hard. That was until a week went by and she still couldn't find another book. The book wasn't that long, so she didn't understand why Black didn't just finish doing whatever he needed it for and return it.

It wasn't like she could approach him and demand he return the book either. Odette wanted nothing but slam her head against something for letting the book go. What did Black even need the book for? Did he just enjoy reading about people who disappeared for entertainment? Perhaps he wanted to make someone disappear or maybe he wanted to make himself disappear. Odette didn't know nor did she care too much, she just wanted the book.

It was a Monday afternoon when she spotted Black walking into the library. Odette froze in her tracks as she stared at Mei and her friends, who continued walking. Olivia Mae was the only one who noticed right away, but Odette ran off. Once the girls disappeared, Odette hurried into the library.

She smiled once she saw that the book was returned and snatched it from the shelf. She was walking out of the aisle with the book opened when she bumped into someone. She bit her lip once she noticed it was Black. Neither one said anything as he picked up the book he dropped and walked away, but not before she saw the book title though.

Prisca Magicae.

She wasn't sure what the hell that meant, but she was left curious as to what Black was up to. He kept collecting books that seemed to have no connection with one another. Whether it was about Animagi, or wizards who disappeared, or whatever Prisca Magicae was, they seemed to be random topics. Odette figured either he just really liked to read or he knew exactly what he was doing and had a plan up his sleeve.

Either way, Odette put that aside as it was none of her business since he had returned the book she was after. Not that it was her business while he still had the book she wanted in his possession.

Odette walked happily to her dorm room, which she knew was empty. Emma was always busy talking to everyone, Naomi was with her friends, and Chloe disappeared with a bunch of books every morning.

Odette went unnoticed in the common room and walked up to the dorm. She plopped down on the bed and opened the book. She mainly just scanned the pages and flipped through the book. It was quite boring if she was being honest.

Throughout the years, many wizards disappeared without a trace. Many wizards blamed dark wizards, while others blame something we no longer understand. No use discussing Prisca Magicae —

So maybe things were related, although Odette didn't know how Animagi had anything to do with whatever Black was up to. However, something told her that Black was definitely plotting something. She kept telling herself to keep her nose out of it, but she couldn't help but wonder what it was.

She heard laughing as she looked up from her book. Olivia Mae entered with Naomi.

"Who do you think did it?" asked Naomi.

Olivia Mae shrugged, "Slughorn doesn't look too pleased though."

"What happened?" asked Odette.

"Hey, Odette," said Olivia Mae before she sat down, "Well, apparently, someone stole a couple of ingredients from Professor Slughorn."

"What did they steal again?"

"I think it was a couple of leaves," said Olivia Mae, "a couple of other things too."

"Leaves? Who needs leaves?" said Naomi.

"Who knows," said Olivia Mae.

Odette returned to the book.

— when he was found, he broke down crying. He told them that "she" made him do it. He said he should have never contacted "her". The rest of his family was never found, though they are most likely all dead.

"Odette!"

Odette looked up to see Olivia Mae and Naomi staring at her.

"Yes?"

"I asked what you're reading," asked Olivia Mae.

"Just something to kill the time," asked Odette.

"Xia said it was a while since you spent time with her and Lola."

"I've been busy," said Odette before she returned to the book.

He was accused of having involvement in the death of his family. He denied any charges, saying it was all her. When asked who he was referring to, he said he couldn't tell them. Even if he did, they wouldn't believe him. Years later, he told a writer that he believed someone sent "her" after him. He might have contacted her, but someone sent "her" specifically. He died soon after. To this day, we still have no idea who was the "she" he referred to.

Many theories were made, one being that "she" was a Xenio de Morte. However, that would never be proven. Xenio de Mortes was notorious for being absolutely untraceable, which makes it hard for the Ministry to find those who break the law regarding them.

Odette skipped through more pages, but none mentioned any more regarding "Xenio de Mortes". Her curiosity was piqued.

"Hey, Olivia Mae," said Odette, looking up from the book.

Olivia Mae looked up from her conversation with Xia. Odette waved her over.

"Do you know what this is?" she pointed to the word "Xenio de Mortes" in the book.

"Well, I don't know what they are, I just know that it's illegal to associate with one. In fact, they don't appear out of anywhere, so it's not that hard. I know there's a couple of books about it in the library, they're all in the restricted section I think, which I find weird since it's not really about dark magic, but what do I know?" said Olivia Mae with a shrug.

"What about this?" she pointed to the word "Prisca Magicae".

"That's Archaic Magic, or Old Magic, whatever you want to call it," said Olivia Mae, "It's where the magic we do today originated. The thing with Old Magic is some things were meant to be forgotten and Xenio de Mortes is one of those things. Unfortunately, that hasn't happened as they're still around humans. What got you interested in these types of things?"

Odette shrugged, "I was bored and picked up this book."

"Say, this isn't the book that you wanted that Black got, is it?"

"No," lied Odette.

Olivia Mae stood up, "Just don't read up too much about them. There are stories about people disappearing after they find out too much."

Olivia Mae left the dorm with Naomi before Odette could ask her final question.

"But did they disappear on purpose or on accident?"