Chapter 132: At Least Able to Save Her Life

The events that occurred in the dormitory caught Irina off guard. As she had been considered a "big sister" figure among Gryffindors her year and below, no one had ever dared to touch her belongings before. This gave her confidence when she hid the Horcrux diary under her pillow.

However, some unknown thief had thrown her pillow aside and stolen the diary from underneath. This sudden turn of events left Irina quite unprepared. 

"Irina, it seems like someone broke into our dormitory. You should check if anything is missing," Hermione urgently whispered to her.

Irina shook her head. She didn't need to check - other belongings didn't matter, but the crucial Horcrux diary had now disappeared without a trace.

"Listen, Hermione, try not to wander the castle alone from now on. I suspect that thief might be the one who unleashed the Basilisk. More attacks may happen soon!" Irina gripped Hermione's arm firmly as she spoke seriously.

Puzzled, Hermione replied, "But why would the thief be the attacker? Those two don't seem connected..."

Irina cut her off. "Don't worry about that. Just promise me that from now on, you'll always have company - that goes for Harry and Ron too. I'll remind them tomorrow as well!"

Seeing Irina's grave manner, Hermione simply nodded in agreement.

After Hermione's promise, Irina couldn't sleep. She left the dormitory for the now-empty Gryffindor common room.

"Lynn, the diary has been stolen!" Irina channeled her magic into the two-way mirror, addressing the pajama-clad Lynn solemnly.

Lynn froze momentarily before her expression turned grave. She waved her wand, donning wizarding robes over her sleepwear. "Meet me outside the Room of Requirement in two minutes," she told Irina.

Irina nodded, then cut the mirror connection. 

Disregarding the curfew, they cast Disillusionment Charms and met outside the Room's entrance.

"I need a place suitable for holding a meeting!" Lynn paced thrice before the familiar door appeared.

Once inside with the door closed behind them, they removed the charms.

Not wasting time on tea, Lynn took a seat at the round table. "The diary was stolen? When did it happen, and do you have any leads?"

Shaking her head, Irina admitted she found no evidence in the dormitory.

"Then from when you first got the diary until now, did anyone else ever see it? Who might have spotted it?" Lynn pressed.

Uncertainly, Irina recalled, "I never showed it to anyone else. Except...on Valentine's Day when those dwarves grabbed me, the diary fell. People around saw it then...I think Ginny was there too!"

Understanding dawned on Lynn's face. Likely Ginny had seen the diary with Irina that day and, fearing its secrets would be revealed, stole it today. 

Realizing his role, Lynn gave himself a slap. "It's my fault for having that dwarf serenade you, exposing the diary. I brought this on myself..."

Seeing the reddening mark on his cheek, Irina instinctively shrank back - that self-strike had not been gentle.

"Well, it's done now. No point regretting it," she said pragmatically. "But from these clues, we can likely confirm Ginny stole the diary."

"So should I try stealing it back?" Irina asked, undeterred.

Lynn sighed. "If you couldn't get it from her before, you'll have no chance now that she's on full alert."

Frustrated, Irina argued, "So are we just going to wait until the Horcrux lures Ginny into the Chamber like in the original timeline, and then let Harry and the others go rescue her?"

The feeling of having foreknowledge yet being powerless left her deeply unsettled.

Resigned, Lynn said, "For now, we'll have to wait and see. But we can still act. Try to warn everyone around you not to go off alone. And give this to Ginny." He handed Irina a bracelet.

"What is it?" she asked curiously.

"It contains a large amount of pre-stored life force," Lynn explained. "When the diary drains Ginny's life, this can replenish a small portion to keep her alive. The rest of her life force can only be returned once the Horcrux is destroyed."

Irina nodded solemnly. 

Their discussion reached an impasse, with the diary out of their control. The best they could do now was wait and observe.

The next morning on the day of the Quidditch match, young witches and wizards filled the Great Hall for breakfast. 

Irina approached Ginny. "Ginny, this bracelet is for you."

Hearing Irina's voice, Ginny instinctively stood up. Realizing herself, she looked at Irina guiltily. "Irina, why are you suddenly giving me a bracelet?"

"I bought it during the Easter holiday when I went out," Irina explained. "I saw it while cleaning up after the break-in yesterday and thought it would suit you."

At the words "break-in," Ginny shrank a little, feeling the guilt of a thief. She accepted the bracelet, putting it on her wrist. "Thank you, Irina..."

After Irina left, Ginny felt immensely remorseful. Irina had been so kind to her, yet she had made a mess of Irina's bed. She felt terribly about disappointing Irina.

Later, Harry heard the Basilisk's voice again and told the trio about it.

Seeming to realize something, Hermione exclaimed, "Harry, I think I just understood! I need to go to the library!" She made to rush off.

But Irina stopped her. "Hermione, did you forget what I said?"

"No, don't worry!" Hermione assured her. "I'll have at least two people come with me. Nothing will happen!"

Reassured by Hermione's words, Irina let her go.

Surely even Tom Riddle wouldn't dare attack Hermione in front of three young witches and wizards?

(end of chapter)