Chapter 5

Disclaimer: No money. Just borrowing.

Beta appreciation—no names until the reveal.

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What a relief, Lucius hasn't quite lost it. Yet. I've been suspecting for a while now that he has started to doubt the Dark Lord's philosophy, and certainly today almost proved it. Why else would he disclose to me—whose loyalty he is not exactly sure of, no matter how our Lord proclaims his trust in me—the ancient spell which appears to have been activated for the sole purpose of defeating the dark?

I do believe him when he says he has no idea who activated it. Judging by the old tomes I procured this afternoon, the spell might even have been activated by intelligent creatures; it is certainly not impossible according to history. Of course, I would not put it beyond Dumbledore to do just that and not tell anyone.

Potter doesn't seem to be quite as useless as I was afraid. He reactivated Dumbledore's Army, and according to my loyal portraits, there has been an increase in membership. They've been training nearly every day, and I hold hope that the children will be somewhat more prepared for what undoubtedly is to come. So far, I am not privy to the Dark Lord's plans. Which leads me to suspect that he has not quite figured out exactly how to defeat Potter. I am so looking forward to the day I'll be free. Either I'll be dead or the Light will win. Either result is preferable to this in-limbo situation.

I found the Granger girl lurking in the corridor near the door to my personal stores. I wonder what, if anything, she was after. I do not believe that she just happened to be standing there when I approached, tying her shoe no less. Had she not heard my approach, I might have caught her in the act. As it is, I’ve given her detention with me tomorrow evening. From the book she was carrying, she could have been after one of many ingredients not readily available to students. I have the book on my desk and shall try to discern what pages she touched most.

The book might be important and enable her to help Potter somehow. Why else would the little do-gooder break the rules? If I can’t find out what she was up to, I shall return the book and utilize my spying ability to find out the old-fashioned way. One way or another, I will know what they are up to.

Severus,

It seems my personal business will keep me away from Hogwarts for the entire day. I shall meet with you in your quarters tonight upon my return. I’ve much to discuss and to disclose with you. It appears that things might finally be falling into place.

Albus

I surely am relieved that Albus, for once in his life, does not appear to implicate me in his mad scheming. Although, I can't be certain, since the Granger girl rudely interrupted our discussion mid-way in her never-wavering enthusiasm to help Potter. Her harebrained idea to magically bond with the youngest Weasley instead of allowing Potter and the Weasley girl to do it is simply preposterous. How can she so willingly throw her entire future away and all because she is of the opinion that her precious Potter has enough on his plate? When she made the suggestion, I thought, ‘She has no idea what a bonding means for wizards.’ It is as far from those Muggle "bonding" ceremonies as another planet! Simply preposterous! But she is indeed well aware of the implications, as I learned during her detention. Which wasn't much of a detention, but alas. She for one knows whose side I'm on, so there is not always need for pretence.

If I'm completely honest, she isn't quite as nerve grating as I thought she was. And she can certainly stand her ground in an argument without becoming rude. Interesting, that.

Another day over and still no idea what the future holds. The Dark Lord's attack is looming over the school. Everyone seems to feel it, and everyone seems on edge. No wonder. I hope it'll be over sooner rather than later.

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AN: I know some people complained because the chapters are short, but I just don’t think people write very lengthy journal entries. There may be many chapters, but at least they should come out more quickly. Hope that’s okay and that you enjoy anyway.