Chapter 4: A Shadow in the Library
The first week at Hogwarts flew by in a whirlwind of classes, new friendships, and the ever-present sense of wonder that permeated the castle. By the end of it, I had settled into a comfortable routine, balancing my knowledge of the future with the immediate challenges of school life. But there was one place that held a particular allure for me—the library.
On Saturday afternoon, after finishing our homework, Hermione, Ron, Harry, and I decided to explore the vast collection of books housed in the Hogwarts library. We walked through the towering shelves, the scent of old parchment and ink filling the air. Hermione's eyes sparkled with excitement, while Ron and Harry seemed more interested in finding books on Quidditch and magical creatures.
"I can't believe how many books there are!" Hermione exclaimed, pulling out a thick volume titled Hogwarts: A History. "I've read about this one. It's fascinating!"
Ron rolled his eyes. "Hermione, you've already read it, haven't you?"
"Well, yes, but it's always good to refresh your memory," she replied primly.
As they bickered good-naturedly, I wandered deeper into the library, drawn to a secluded corner where the Restricted Section lay beyond a rope barrier. My heart pounded as I stood before it, the faint glow of magical wards shimmering in the dim light. I knew the treasures and dangers that lay within those forbidden shelves.
"Hey, Oliver," Harry called, breaking my reverie. "What are you looking at?"
I turned to see him standing a few feet away, curiosity etched on his face. "Just wondering what kind of books they keep in the Restricted Section," I said, trying to sound casual.
Harry's eyes widened. "Do you think we'll ever get to read any of them?"
"Maybe," I said, an idea forming in my mind. "But we'd need a teacher's permission."
Before Harry could respond, a shadow moved at the edge of my vision. I turned quickly, my heart skipping a beat. For a moment, I thought I saw a figure lurking in the shadows, watching us. But when I looked again, there was nothing.
"Did you see that?" I whispered to Harry.
He frowned. "See what?"
"Never mind," I said, shaking off the unease. "Probably just my imagination."
We rejoined Ron and Hermione, who had found a table and were already piling books in front of them. We spent the next few hours engrossed in our reading, the quiet ambiance of the library wrapping us in a cocoon of knowledge and discovery. But the feeling of being watched lingered in the back of my mind.
As the evening approached and the library began to empty, I decided to stay a bit longer, hoping to catch another glimpse of the shadow. "You guys go ahead," I said to my friends. "I want to finish this chapter."
"Alright, but don't stay too late," Hermione advised, glancing at the clock. "It's easy to lose track of time in here."
After they left, I returned to the corner near the Restricted Section. The silence was almost palpable, broken only by the occasional rustle of pages or the distant hum of magical wards. I scanned the area, my senses on high alert.
Suddenly, there it was again—a fleeting shadow at the edge of my vision. This time, I didn't hesitate. I moved quietly towards it, weaving through the maze of bookshelves. The shadow slipped around a corner, and I quickened my pace, determined to uncover its source.
Turning the corner, I found myself face to face with a tall, cloaked figure. The hood obscured their face, but I could feel their piercing gaze on me. My wand was in my hand before I realized it, the tip glowing faintly in the dim light.
"Who are you?" I demanded, trying to keep my voice steady.
The figure remained silent for a moment, then spoke in a low, gravelly voice. "Curiosity can be dangerous, Oliver Evans."
My heart pounded in my chest. "How do you know my name?"
The figure took a step back, merging with the shadows. "Be careful where you tread. The past and the future are delicate threads, easily tangled."
Before I could respond, the figure disappeared into the darkness, leaving me standing there, my mind racing with questions. Who was that? How did they know about me and my knowledge of the future?
With a deep breath, I tucked my wand away and headed back to the common room. The encounter left me feeling both intrigued and unsettled. The magical world was full of mysteries, and it seemed I had just stumbled upon one more.
As I climbed the stairs to Gryffindor Tower, I resolved to be more cautious. My knowledge was a powerful tool, but it also made me a target. I would need to navigate this world carefully, protecting my friends and myself from unseen threats. The adventure at Hogwarts had only just begun, and I was determined to face whatever came my way.