The Professor

I was half-listening to Professor Fin's lecture about the Death Eaters when the door creaked open. Professor Victor Bliss walked in, her expression as stern as ever. Fin stopped mid-sentence and turned to face her colleague.

"Victor," Fin acknowledged, her tone a mix of curiosity and irritation. "What can I do for you?"

Victor's eyes locked onto mine. "I need to borrow Adriana for a moment. It's important."

I was half-listening to Professor Fin's lecture about the Death Eaters when the door creaked open. Professor Victor Bliss walked in, his expression as stern as ever. Fin stopped mid-sentence and turned to face his colleague.

"Victor," Fin acknowledged, his tone a mix of curiosity and irritation. "What can I do for you?"

Victor's eyes locked onto mine. "I need to borrow Adriana for a moment. It's important."

Fin gave a slight nod. "Go ahead, Adriana. We'll continue without you."

I stood up, feeling the eyes of my classmates on me. As I followed Victor out of the classroom, I couldn't help but wonder what this was about. We walked down the corridor in silence until we reached a secluded corner.

Victor turned to me, his face unreadable. "My friend is involved in the investigation at the Malfoy estate," he began, his voice low. "He spoke to the guards who were on duty that night."

I raised an eyebrow, pretending to be interested but inwardly wary. "And?"

"One of the guards mentioned that one of the thieves had an American accent," he said, his eyes narrowing. "Care to explain that, Ms. Lanceworth?"

I leaned against the wall, crossing my arms. "Interesting. But what does that have to do with me?"

Victor's expression hardened. "Don't play coy, Adriana. You're the only American student here with enough nerve to pull something like that off."

I smirked. "Assuming you're right, do you have any proof? Or is this just a hunch?"

He took a step closer, his voice barely above a whisper. "I don't need proof to keep an eye on you. And believe me, I will."

"Suit yourself," I said coolly. "But unless you have concrete evidence, you're just wasting your time."

Victor studied me for a moment, then nodded curtly. "You can go back to class now. But remember, Adriana, I'm watching you."

As I walked back to the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom, I couldn't help but chuckle to myself.

****

I was heading towards the common room, my mind replaying the tense conversation with Victor. His suspicions were troublesome, but nothing I couldn't handle. As I turned the corner, I saw Cindy hurrying towards me, her expression a mix of worry and confusion.

"Adriana," she called out, her voice slightly shaky. "Something strange happened in my room."

I raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "What do you mean, strange?"

She glanced around nervously before continuing. "It looked like someone had been in there, searching for something. My stuff was all over the place, but nothing seemed to be missing."

I frowned, considering the implications. "Did you tell anyone else about this?"

She shook her head. "No, just you. I thought you'd know what to do."

"Alright," I said, my mind already racing with possibilities. "We'll figure it out. Keep this between us for now."

Cindy nodded, looking slightly reassured. "Okay. Thanks, Adriana."

As she walked away, I couldn't shake the feeling that this wasn't a coincidence. Someone was sniffing around, and that made things dangerous. Later that day, I ran into Chris in one of the hallways. He looked agitated, his usual bravado replaced by unease.

"Adriana," he muttered, glancing over his shoulder. "We need to talk."

"What's going on?" I asked, already suspecting his answer.

"I felt like someone was watching me earlier," he said, lowering his voice. "I was talking to a client, and I swear, I could feel eyes on me."

"Did you see anyone?" I asked, my tone sharp.

"No," he admitted, running a hand through his hair. "But it was creepy, man. Like, someone was definitely there."

I sighed, piecing things together. "Alright, listen. Cindy's room was searched. Someone's definitely onto us. We need to be more careful."

Chris nodded, his face pale. "What do we do?"

"First, we stay calm," I said firmly. "Second, we need to find out who's behind this. Keep your eyes open and don't talk to anyone you don't trust."

"Got it," he said, looking slightly more composed.

As Chris walked away, I knew we were running out of time. Victor's suspicions, the search in Cindy's room, and now this... the noose was tightening. I needed to stay ahead, to ensure that whatever game was being played, I would be the one to win.

The sensation that jolted me awake was like an electric shock. I lay there, eyes wide open, heart pounding in my chest. I felt it before I saw or heard anything—a presence in the room, something off. My senses were on high alert, every sound amplified in the stillness.

Then, the door slammed shut. The noise echoed through the room, startling me into action. I sprang from the bed, grabbing my wand from the bedside table. The corridor outside my room was bathed in the dim glow of the castle's night lights, casting long shadows along the stone walls. But it was empty. Not a soul in sight. Whoever had been there had vanished, leaving no trace.

I stood there for a moment, listening intently, but the only sound was the faint rustle of my own breathing. Slowly, I backed into my room and closed the door behind me. My heart was still racing, my mind whirring with questions. I moved towards my bed, my eyes scanning every corner of the room, looking for anything out of place.

That's when I saw it—a short, golden strand of hair lying on the side table, glinting in the low light. I picked it up, holding it delicately between my fingers. The hair was silky and smooth, a striking shade of gold. Too short and too thick to be mine, or anyone else's I could think of at Hogwarts' Girls dorm.

Whoever it belonged to had been in my room, standing right next to my bed. The realization sent a chill down my spine. This was no ordinary prank or careless intrusion. It was deliberate, a clear message meant for me. Someone was toying with me, testing my reactions.

I sat on the edge of my bed, still holding the strand of hair. My mind raced through the possibilities. 

Victor Bliss?

I twirled the hair between my fingers, a dark determination settling over me. This was a challenge, and I never backed down from a challenge. I would find out who had been in my room, who dared to invade my space. And when I did, they would regret it. I'd make sure of that. This wasn't just about staying ahead anymore. This was personal.

I placed the hair back on the table, a grim reminder of the night's events. Lying back down, I knew sleep wouldn't come easy, if at all. I stared at the ceiling, plotting my next move. The game had changed, and I intended to play it to win.

After Herbology class the next day, I approached Professor Victor Bliss with a determined stride. He glanced up from his desk, his expression guarded as he regarded me.

"Professor Bliss," I began, my tone firm and resolute. "I've made a decision."

He arched an eyebrow, a silent invitation for me to continue.

"I've decided to submit all the Nightshade weed to you," I declared, meeting his gaze head-on. "I won't be involved in this business anymore."

A flicker of surprise crossed his features before he composed herself, his expression unreadable. "Is that so, Ms. Lanceworth? And what brought about this sudden change of heart?

I paused for a moment, carefully choosing my words. "I've realized that the risks outweigh the benefits. It's not worth jeopardizing my future."

His gaze lingered on me for a moment longer, as if assessing my sincerity. Finally, he nodded. "Very well, Ms. Lanceworth. I appreciate your cooperation. I'll expect the Nightshade weed to be delivered to me promptly."

"Of course, Professor," I replied, masking any hint of hesitation in my voice. "You'll have it by the end of the day."

As the evening descended, casting long shadows across the Hogwarts grounds, Chris appeared at Professor Bliss's office door, his expression a mix of nervousness and determination. He knocked softly before pushing the door open.

"Professor Bliss," Chris greeted, his voice steady despite the apprehension in his eyes. "I've come on behalf of Adriana to submit the Nightshade weed."

Victor Bliss glanced up from his desk, her eyes narrowing slightly as he took in Chris's presence. "Ah, Mr. Porter. How thoughtful of Adriana to send you."

Chris nodded, trying to suppress the nervous energy coursing through him. "Yes, he wanted to ensure the delivery was made promptly."

Victor's gaze lingered on Chris for a moment, as if assessing him. "Very well, Mr. Porter. You may leave it on the desk there."

Chris moved forward, carefully placing the package containing the Nightshade weed on the designated spot. He resisted the urge to fidget under Victor's scrutinizing gaze, forcing himself to maintain a composed exterior.

"Thank you, Professor," Chris said, offering a brief nod before turning to leave

The next day, I found myself in the Herbology Lab, a tablet in hand, and a determined glint in my eyes. Victor Bliss stood before me, his expression composed as ever, but I could sense the tension simmering beneath the surface.

"Professor Bliss," I began, my voice steady as I held out the tablet towards him. "I think you'll find these photos quite... enlightening."

Victor's eyebrows furrowed in confusion as he glanced at the screen, but as the images came into focus, his eyes widened in shock. There, captured in vivid detail, was Chris handing him the package of Nightshade weed.

"What is the meaning of this, Ms. Lanceworth?" he demanded, his voice tinged with barely concealed anger.

I met his gaze squarely, my own expression cool and collected. "I believe the photos speak for themselves, Professor. It appears that you've been... engaging in some illicit activities."

Victor's composure faltered for a moment, his face paling as he realized the gravity of the situation. "You wouldn't dare..."

"Oh, but I would," I interrupted, a hint of menace in my tone. "You see, Professor Bliss, I have quite a few friends in high places. And I'm sure Headmistress MacGonagall would be very interested to see these photos."

Victor's eyes narrowed, his jaw clenched in frustration. "What do you want?"

I smirked, knowing I had the upper hand. "Simple. I want you to leave me and my associates alone. No more prying into our affairs, no more suspicions. You stay out of our way, and these photos never see the light of day."

He hesitated for a moment, weighing his options, before finally nodding in reluctant agreement. "Fine. You have my word."

"Good," I replied, a sense of satisfaction coursing through me. "I'll be keeping an eye on you, Professor. Don't make me regret this."

With that, I turned and left the Herbology Lab, leaving Victor Bliss to grapple with the consequences of his actions. 

The next day, I found myself summoned to Headmistress MacGonagall's office, my heart pounding with anticipation. As I entered, I found both Victor Bliss and Irene MacGonagall waiting for me, their expressions a mix of curiosity and apprehension.

"Adriana," Irene began, her tone measured. "Victor here has brought something concerning to my attention. He claims you've been blackmailing her."

I met Irene's gaze evenly, refusing to show any hint of guilt. "No, Headmistress. I may have evidence that suggests Professor Bliss has been meddling in affairs he has no business in. But I never blackmailed her"

Irene raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued. "And what evidence would that be?"

Without a word, I handed her the tablet, displaying the incriminating photos for her to see. As Irene's eyes scanned the images, a look of realization dawned on her face.

"I see," she said, her voice grave. "These are quite damning, Victor."

Victor remained silent, his expression tight-lipped as he avoided Irene's gaze.

"And what do you propose we do about this, Adriana?" Irene asked, turning her attention back to me.

With a flick of my wand and a whispered incantation, I planted a subtle suggestion in Irene's mind. A seed of doubt, carefully crafted to grow into full-blown paranoia. I made her believe that Victor was under the influence of Nightshade weed, her perceptions distorted, her accusations unfounded.

Irene's brow furrowed in confusion as she glanced between Victor and me, uncertainty clouding her features. "Victor," she began, her voice tinged with suspicion. "Are you feeling alright? You seem... off."

Victor's eyes widened in alarm, her attempts to protest drowned out by Irene's growing concern. I watched with satisfaction as my manipulation took hold, twisting reality to fit my narrative.

"It's the weed, Irene," I interjected smoothly, playing my part to perfection. "Victor must have gotten hold of some bad batch. He's been acting strange all day, imagining things that aren't there."

Irene nodded slowly, her expression troubled. "Victor, considering your reputation and long-standing service to Hogwarts, I am choosing not to take any immediate actions against you. However, I expect you to reflect on recent events and ensure they do not repeat."

Victor's relief was palpable as he nodded in gratitude, his shoulders sagging with the weight lifted off his chest. "Thank you, Headmistress. I assure you, this will not happen again."

With a final nod, Irene dismissed Victor, her gaze lingering on his retreating form. As the door closed behind him, Irene turned her attention back to me, her expression unreadable. "Adriana, I hope you understand the gravity of the situation. We cannot tolerate such behavior within our staff."

I met Irene's gaze evenly, my demeanor composed. "Of course, Headmistress. Rest assured, I have no intention of causing any further disruption."

With a nod of acknowledgment, Irene returned to her desk, signaling the end of our conversation. As I left her office, a sense of satisfaction washed over me. Despite the close call, I had managed to manipulate the situation to my advantage once again.

I had barely left Irene's office when she called me back, holding out a sealed envelope. "Adriana, I need you to deliver this to Mr. Hargrove, our Hogwarts accountant," she said, her tone brisk.

I took the envelope, curiosity piqued. "What is this?" I asked.

"It's a quotation for the International Wizard Competition," Irene replied, her voice steady but laced with a hint of something I couldn't quite place.

"An attempt to recreate the Triwizard Tournament?" I queried, my interest now fully engaged.

Irene's expression darkened slightly. "I'm afraid it's going to be even more barbaric. It's being hosted at Durmstrang this year."

I couldn't help but raise an eyebrow. "Durmstrang? They're known for their... less than friendly approach."

"Precisely," Irene nodded, her eyes narrowing slightly. "This competition will test our students in ways we've never seen before. I hope they're prepared."

I glanced at the envelope in my hand, feeling a mix of excitement and trepidation. "I am," I replied, a smirk playing on my lips.

With a final nod from Irene, I turned and made my way to the accountant's office. The halls of Hogwarts seemed more alive, buzzing with the anticipation of the upcoming competition. As I walked, my mind raced with possibilities, strategies, and the dark thrill of the unknown challenges that awaited.

Reaching Mr. Hargrove's office, I knocked once before entering. The accountant, a wiry man with a perpetually harried look, glanced up from his ledger. "Yes, can I help you?"

"I have a delivery from Headmistress MacGonagall," I said, holding out the envelope.

Hargrove took it with a nod, tearing it open and quickly scanning the contents. His eyes widened slightly, and he muttered something under his breath.

"What is it?" I asked, feigning casual curiosity.

"Preparations for the International Wizard Competition," he replied, his tone grim. "Looks like we'll have our work cut out for us."