*(73) The Prophecy

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As he contemplated his actions, a sense of conflict gnawed at him. Nipping at the trust between the three, he mentally attacked her in a moment of vulnerability and had to relay that one, specific fact back to his Lord...

Time had not been kind to Sophie during that entire week. The Hogwarts library, once her sanctuary, had become a bustling hub of students seeking her help. It seemed everyone needed assistance, leaving her with little respite or personal space. The once peaceful halls now echoed with the footsteps and chatter of her peers, and she longed for a moment of solitude.

Finding a quiet place to study became a challenge, and she resorted to retreating to her dormitory or the Great Hall, seeking pockets of tranquility amidst the turmoil. Despite the distractions, her focus remained fixed on the dark arts. Sophie knew that mastering these formidable skills would be crucial in the upcoming conflicts that lurked on the horizon. She was determined not to be caught off guard in the face of danger.

Outside, the sky mirrored the chaos within her mind. The clouds hung heavy and gray, taking on ominous shapes as if foretelling the imminent storm that would unfold at the Hog's Head Pub that night. There, Sybill Trelawney, Albus Dumbledore, and Aberforth Dumbledore would gather, and Sophie was aware of the pivotal events that would unfold.

Though she knew she should stay out of their affairs, her capricious nature lured her toward the momentous occasion. She thrived on perilous situations that held more profound meaning, even if they meant consequences later in her life. The temptation to bear witness to this critical moment proved irresistible.

Yet, she had to be cautious not to draw suspicion. After all, she was just a young Hogwarts student, and wandering about late at night would undoubtedly raise eyebrows. However, she was on the brink of turning 20 and knew how to blend in if needed. Few knew about her continued attendance at Hogwarts; most wizards assumed students graduated at 17. She had no fear of being questioned about her presence.

Deciding on her plan, Sophie resolved to position herself in front of the apothecary, conveniently caddy-corner to the Hog's Head. She pretended to be engrossed in her studies; thanks to her hearing enhancement, she could eavesdrop on the conversation. This way, she could observe the pivotal exchange without faults or missteps. Her heart raced with anticipation, eager to witness a moment that could alter the course of history.

•~Time Skip~•

Leaving the premises of Hogwarts earlier than usual, Sophie couldn't contain her excitement as she transformed into her animagus form—a sleek, agile panther with gleaming, amber eyes. She bounded through the forest with her feline grace, avoiding the cumbersome carriage ride to Hogsmeade. Now a thrilling pursuit, the journey allowed her to navigate the landscape with ease and speed.

As Thimblewhit Turn came into view, Sophie knew it was time to resume her human form. She shifted back, feeling her bones realign and her skin shift. After ensuring she was presentable, she set out to find the Hog's Head, her heart pounding with anticipation.

Choosing a metal table adorned with intricate designs outside the apothecary, Sophie felt the weight of curious gazes upon her. She ignored the attention, focusing instead on her objective. Swiftly, she cast a subtle, nonverbal spell that sharpened her hearing toward the Hog's Head. Satisfied with her preparation, she pulled out her wand, tucking it back into her sleeve discreetly, and began reading her book, Secrets of the Darkest Art.

Despite its grim subject matter, the book fascinated her, detailing the dark intricacies of magic, including the creation and destruction of Horcruxes. Sophie believed that arming herself with such knowledge would prove invaluable in the face of future challenges, even if she never had to delve into the darkest arts herself.

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