18 The Plan Unfolds - Book 2, 3, 4, 5
Lucas did the same thing with a different student the week after, but this time he got a book that was far more interesting. It was called "The Book of Shadows".
As its name suggests it delved into magic focused on manipulating shadows or darkness. These were a few of the spells in there with their effects:
Umbrae Imperium - Exerts control over shadows, compelling them to act according to the caster's will.
Umbral Veil - Shrouds the caster in a cloak of shadows, rendering them unseen and unheard.
Nox Aeternum - Conjures a dark, everlasting shadow that extinguishes even the brightest of places.
Umbrae Nexum - Manipulates shadows to bind and immobilize the target, rendering them unable to move or escape.
Umbrarum Nigrum - Manipulates shadows to form tendrils that bind and constrict the target, causing immense pain.
Tenebris Nocere - Manipulates shadows to cause harm, creating shadowy tendrils that ensnare and choke the target.
Tenebrosus Dominus - Summons a powerful and malevolent shadow entity to do the caster's bidding.
Lucem Consumere - Absorbs light from the surroundings, plunging the area into darkness and sapping vitality.
Umbrarum Commixtio - Merges the caster's form with shadows, allowing them to move seamlessly and quickly through dimly lit environments.
Susurra Mortis - Summons eerie whispers from the realm of shadows to instill fear and unease in the target.
Umbrarum Forma - Transforms the caster's body into living shadow, granting them enhanced agility and stealth.
Resurgens Abysso - Channels the essence of the deepest shadows, empowering the caster with increased strength, agility, and dark magic proficiency.
Umbrae Proiectio - Projects a shadowy apparition of the caster to distant locations, allowing them to observe from afar.
Sanguinis Obscuratio - Conjures a dark eclipse that saps the strength and vitality of all within its shadowy embrace.
Visum Tenebrarum - Enhances the caster's ability to perceive and sense hidden truths and secrets obscured by darkness.
Complexus Obscurum - Envelops the target in tendrils of living shadows, draining their emotions and leaving them in a state of desolation.
Umbrarum Nova - Releases a burst of concentrated shadow energy, causing widespread darkness and disarray.
Tenebrae Aegis - Creates a protective barrier made of intertwining shadows, capable of deflecting incoming spells and attacks.
Commigratio Umbrarum - Allows the caster to pass through solid objects by melding with their shadow, enabling stealthy infiltration.
Umbrarum Ignis - Ignites shadows into searing flames, causing intense and persistent burns that consume the target.
Umbrarum Laceratio - Allows the caster to use their shadow as a sharp weapon.
Umbrae Tactus - Allows the caster to touch and interact with objects and beings through their shadow.
Tenebrae Sepulcrum - Engulfs the target in a suffocating darkness, simulating the sensation of being buried alive.
Umbrae Dissipatio - Disperses all nearby shadows, leaving the area completely devoid of darkness and concealment.
Nexus Tenebrarum - Manipulates the connections between shadows, allowing the caster to travel instantly from one shadow to another.
Umbrarum Infestatio - Summons a swarm of shadowy creatures to attack and devour the target.
Umbrae Tempus - Temporarily freezes the victim, by trapping their shadow.
----
One week later the Lucas did the same thing again, this time with a Ravenclaw and unfortunately he got a way thinner book.
The book was called: "Sectumsempra: The Forbidden Curse", written by Snape. The book provides insights into the curse's effects, describing how it unleashes invisible, slashing wounds upon the target, causing severe haemorrhaging. While the book primarily focuses on the curse itself, it also includes cautionary warnings and advice on the responsible use of such powerful magic.
----
Again a week later, this time with a Gryffindor, he got another thick book.
"Necromancy: A Guide to Communicating with the Departed" was a sinister and forbidden book that explored the forbidden art of necromancy. Its pages were filled with ancient incantations, macabre rituals, and detailed instructions on how to communicate with the deceased.
Animus Evocatio - Calls forth the presence of departed spirits to the realm of the living.
Vox Mortis - Enables the caster to hear and communicate with the voices of the deceased.
Tenebrae Manes - Summons ethereal and shadowy apparitions of departed souls.
Animam Ligare - Binds the essence of a spirit to an object or individual, temporarily.
Exequiae Divinatio - Allows the caster to receive glimpses of future events through contact with funeral rituals and artifacts.
Morsu Cadaveris - Temporarily channels the strength and capabilities of a deceased body.
Funeste Evanesco - Causes the gradual disappearance and fading away of a person or object.
Phasma Custos - Summons a spectral guardian to protect and serve the caster.
Mortuorum Vox - Gives the caster the ability to speak with the voices of the deceased.
Manes Arripere - Forces wandering spirits to obey the commands of the caster.
Mortifera Conjunctio - Forges a powerful and dangerous connection between the caster and a deceased entity.
Inferi Circulus - Creates a magical circle that binds and controls infernal spirits and entities.
Animas Exanimes - The pinnacle of necromancy. Enables the caster to temporarily reanimate dead bodies. The spell harnesses the shadowy essence of the departed and channels it into a lifeless vessel, imbuing it with a semblance of motion and purpose. The spell only works if you have a deep conection with death. When it is cast, the targeted corpse responds, its limbs moving in a puppet-like manner as if manipulated by invisible strings. The reanimated body follows the commands and instructions of the caster, devoid of any consciousness or independent will. It can be utilized for various purposes, such as labor, protection, or carrying out specific tasks as directed.
----
Another week, another book. Unluckily it was not in english, instead in Elder Futhark, an ancient runic alphabet.
"ᚱᛁᛏᚢᚨᛚ ᚷᚱᛁᛗᛟᛁᚱᛖ: ᛅᚾ ᛁᚾᛏᚱᛟᛞᚢᚾᛏᛁᛟᚾ ᛁᚾᛏᛟ ᚱᛁᛏᚨᛚᛋ"
Now Lucas had two options. One look for a book about ancient runes and learn Elder Futhark himself, or find someone who had already learned it.
As the second option would let him learn it far faster he wanted to go with that and fortunately he could 'ask' a bookworm, who likely knew somthing about it. There was only a small chance that Hermoine had learned it, as "Study of Ancient Runes" was taught from 3rd year upwards, but she surely either knew someone who did or knew where a book on it was located.
The following day, Lucas patiently waited in the bustling Great Hall after finishing his breakfast. His eyes scanned the room until he spotted Hermione, accompanied by Holly, engaged in conversation and enjoying their meal. Seizing the moment, Lucas approached their table with a friendly greeting. "Good morning, Hermione, Holly."
Hermione's face lit up with a radiant smile. "Good morning, Lucas."
Holly, though skeptical, nodded in acknowledgment, keeping a watchful eye on her friend.
"Hermione, may I trouble you with something?" Lucas asked, a hint of anticipation in his voice.
"Of course, Lucas, anything" Hermione replied, her eagerness evident.
"Thank you. I knew I could rely on you. You see, I stumbled upon a fascinating book in the library, but unfortunately, it's written in a runic language, possibly Elder Futhark. Do you happen to know anything about it?"
Hermione's smile faded slightly, disappointment tingeing her expression. "Unfortunately, I don't. However, I can certainly research and study it for you."
Lucas shook his head appreciatively. "I truly value your willingness to help, but I don't want to burden you with unnecessary work. Thank you anyway." With those words, he bid them farewell and left the table, determined to explore his other option of information-gathering.
"Hermione, can I ask you something, and please be honest?" Holly looked at her best friend, concern etched on her face. "Don't you think your relationship with Lucas is a bit unusual?"
Hermione's eyebrows furrowed in confusion. "What do you mean?" She glanced at Holly, feeling defensive as if her friend had questioned something personal.
Holly sighed softly, trying to choose her words carefully. "I've noticed twice now that your reactions around Lucas are different. You don't respond to anyone else in the same way."
Hermione's defensive stance softened slightly, realizing that Holly was simply expressing her concerns. "It's just Lucas," she replied, trying to reassure her friend.
Holly persisted, her worry evident in her voice. "That's what concerns me. There's something about him that doesn't sit right with me."
Hermione's brow furrowed further as she contemplated Holly's words. Shortly afterwards she dismissed her friend's concerns. "You're overthinking, Holly. I've known Lucas since we were kids. He's just... different, but in a good way."
Holly remained unconvinced, her instincts telling her that there was more to the situation than Hermione realized. She couldn't ignore the nagging feeling in her gut, and Lucas's presence continued to make her uncomfortable. She couldn't simply dismiss that feeling based on Hermione's assurance.
With a heavy sigh, she acknowledged that her concerns couldn't be easily brushed aside. Deep down, Holly knew that she needed to keep a watchful eye on Lucas and their relationship. She couldn't let her unease go unchecked, especially if it meant protecting her best friend. She vowed to approach the situation with caution, gathering more information and paying even closer attention to the dynamics between Hermione and Lucas.
----
In the Hufflepuff common room, Lucas patiently waited for Hannah, knowing well her habit of waking up just in time to catch the last half-hour of breakfast.
Eventually, he spotted Hannah walking down the corridor, still caught in the realm between sleep and wakefulness. Following closely behind was Susan, equally drowsy.
Lucas greeted them with a warm smile, while taking away their sleepiness "Good morning, Hannah. Good morning, Susan. Sleep well?"
Hannah yawned and rubbed her eyes, all of the sudden wide awake. "Morning, Lucas. Sleep was... decent, I suppose."
Susan blushed seeing him and positioned herself behind Hannah. "Good morning, Lucas."
Lucas chuckled softly "Well, they're serving pancakes today. That should be enough to get you two through the morning. But Hannah, could I ask you something."
Hannah, ever the extrovert, replied eagerly, "Sure, go ahead."
Lucas's eyes sparkled with hope as he asked. "Are you aware of anyone who knows ancient runes, specifically Elder Futhark?"
Hannah pondered for a moment, trying to recall any relevant information. "Actually, I've heard of a fifth-year Ravenclaw named Robert Hilliard. He's known to be quite knowledgeable in runes."
Lucas's face brightened with a mix of relief and excitement. "That's fantastic! Thank you, Hannah." Now with a name he had a new target to look for.
Expressing his gratitude once more, Lucas bid them farewell, his mind already formulating plans to track down Robert Hilliard.
It was fairly easy to find him. It wasn't really uncommon for juniors to ask their seniors for assistance, especially for Ravenclaws. So a question here and there and eventually, Lucas found himself in the library standing front of the Ravenclaw in question, who was currently reading a book about runes.
Imagine Lucas' delight when he felt no traces of Occlumency whatsoever from him. A sign that their conversation would be highly informative and quick.
*Cough*
Lucas coughed lightly to get his attention, which worked wonders, because he looked up from his book straight into his eyes.
10 minutes later he walked out of the library with a broad smile, not only fluent in Elder Futhark, but other ancient runes as well, ready to translate the memory in his head, which turned out to be:
"Ritual Grimoire: An Introduction into Rituals"
The book covered a wide range of basic as well as forbidden rituals, it provided detailed instructions on the necessary components, incantations, and gestures required to perform these rituals, alongside cautionary tales of their consequences.
One of the rituals that especially caught Lucas' eye was a ritual that would render his body parts and fluids useless outside of his body, if they were not willingly given. It was described as a must have and one of the first ones you should undergo. It also helped that it only used common ingredients that could be found at any decent shop. The seven ingredients used were:
1. Salt of Purification: A simple yet powerful substance known for its purifying properties. This salt, collected from mana rich sites helps cleanse and protect the body from unwanted external influences.
2. Essence of Binding: Derived from a blend of natural resins and herbs renowned for their binding properties. This essence acts as a potent adhesive, metaphorically anchoring the body's essence and preventing it from leaving involuntarily.
3. Crystallized Moonlight: Captured during the waxing phase of the moon, these shimmering crystals imbibed the lunar energy that symbolizes protection and harmony. They aid in creating a barrier between the body and its external environment.
4. Essence of Consent: Obtained from delicate flowers associated with trust and consent, this essence represents the importance of voluntary cooperation in the ritual. It fosters a mutual agreement between the individual and their bodily components.
5. Grounded Earth Ash: Sourced from soil or ashes from magical fires, this elemental substance represents stability and rootedness. It helps ground and anchor the body's energy within its physical form.
6. Essence of Intention: Crafted by infusing common herbs, such as rosemary and sage, with focused intent. This essence amplifies the individual's intentions during the ritual, enhancing their control over the use and presence of their body parts and fluids.
7. Essence of Boundaries: Created by combining protective herbs like lavender and thyme, this essence forms an energetic boundary that safeguards the body's integrity. It aids in establishing clear boundaries between the individual and their surroundings.
But that was something for the winter break or summer, not like he could get these ingredients inside the castle. Although Snape should have a rather large storage filled with all kinds of useful things.