The Missing Piece ||°Theseus Scamander °

°Dumbledore°

As Lydia cautiously made her way through the bustling streets of London, she kept her eyes peeled for any signs that would confirm the year. The magical atmosphere seemed both enchanting and dangerous, an unfamiliar world where danger lurked around every corner.Turning a corner, her heart skipped a beat when she spotted someone holding a copy of the Daily Prophet. She couldn't help but approach the person, trying to appear as casual as possible. Pretending to browse through a nearby shop's window display, she caught a glimpse of the headline on the paper - "Grindelwald's Campaign Spreads Fear Across Europe." The date at the top of the paper confirmed her fears - it was indeed 1927.Now that she knew the year, Lydia's mind raced with thoughts of how to get to Hogwarts. She remembered that Dumbledore was a teacher there during this time, and that would be her best chance to fulfill her mission. After a moment of contemplation, she decided that using the Floo Network would be her best option, as Apparition was not possible at Hogwarts.As she entered the Leaky Cauldron, she felt a mix of urgency and discomfort. The barmaid, a kind-hearted witch with warm eyes and a motherly demeanor, greeted her with a welcoming smile."Hello, dear. What brings you here?" the barmaid asked, noticing the slight distress in Lydia's expression."I need your help," Lydia replied, her voice tinged with urgency. "I'm in a hurry. Could I use your fireplace to travel through the Floo Network? It's important."The barmaid's eyes softened with concern as she observed Lydia's torn clothes. "Oh, of course, dear. The fireplace is typically reserved for regulars, but in your condition, I can make an exception. It's right behind the bar, and I'll help you get there."Lydia thanked her profusely and turned to make her way to the fireplace, her sense of urgency growing. As she approached the hearth, she noticed three figures in dark robes observing her from a corner of the pub. Her instincts kicked in, and she felt an instinctive hostility towards them.She glanced at their robes and saw the unmistakable symbol of the Deathly Hallows - the mark of Grindelwald's followers. Her heart raced, and she knew she had to be cautious with these dangerous individuals. Her intuition was proven right - she could feel their gaze fixated on her, listening to her every word."Seems like you're in a hurry," said one of the followers with a smirk, a sinister glint in his eyes.Lydia remained composed, her guard up. "Yes, I am. It's personal, and I'm not at liberty to share where I'm headed."The strangers' grins widened, seemingly amused by Lydia's defiance. "You'd be wise not to keep secrets from us, little witch. I bet Grindelwald would love to have a word with you," said the tall figure, his voice dripping with malice.Lydia's hostility escalated as she now fully recognized the danger she was facing. She knew she couldn't reveal her true purpose to them, so she chose her words carefully, giving away as little information as possible."My business is my own, and I don't take orders from Grindelwald or his little helpers," she retorted, her voice firm.The followers exchanged knowing glances, their patience wearing thin. "We heard where you're headed, and we're not about to let you go to Dumbledore," said another figure, a woman with a cold demeanor.With her heart pounding, Lydia attempted to maintain her composure. "I have my reasons, and I'll make sure you don't get in my way."Before the confrontation could escalate further, the barmaid intervened, recognizing the tension in the air. "Enough! Leave the young lady alone! She's hurt and in a hurry."The strangers hesitated for a moment, their focus shifting to the compassionate barmaid. In that moment of distraction, Lydia saw her chance. The barmaid subtly gestured towards the fireplace behind her, a silent offer of escape.With a surge of determination, Lydia stepped back, her hostility transformed into defiance. "You don't want to mess with me. I suggest you leave now."With these words she seized the moment and slid into the fireplace, mumbeling, "Hogwarts"The world around her blurred as the Floo Network carried her swiftly through the interconnected fireplaces. Her heart raced, and she braced herself for the arrival at her destination.Suddenly, with a whoosh, she was expelled from the fireplace and landed with a graceful onto the floor of Hogwarts, in a time far removed from her own. As she looked around, she couldn't help but feel a mix of determination. Her journey had only just begun, and she knew that she had a crucial role to play in this tumultuous period of history.