Chapter 7: Hogwarts Year (3)

Ludwig and Miss Grey strode quickly towards Professor Flitwick's office, their intent clear and urgent. Upon reaching the small door, they knocked expectantly. Flitwick opened the door, his eyes immediately catching the seriousness on their faces.

"Professor Flitwick, we need to see Professor Dumbledore immediately. There's something very important we must convey," Ludwig said in a firm voice.

Flitwick didn't hesitate for a moment. "Very well, follow me."

Without further delay, Flitwick led them through the winding corridors of Hogwarts. Their steps were quick and purposeful, heading towards Dumbledore's office, which was filled with an aura of grandeur and mystery.

Upon arrival, they were greeted by Dumbledore, who was reading a book. His sharp eyes immediately looked up, a little surprised to see who had come and the object Ludwig carried.

Dumbledore looked at the object seriously, then asked in a calm but wary voice, "What is that? Is it... an object bound by dark magic?"

Ludwig took a deep breath, his eyes fixed on Professor Dumbledore, who was still staring intently at the object he held. The room seemed to groan in silence, only the heavy ticking of a clock filling the air.

"I found the Ravenclaw Diadem," Ludwig said slowly, his voice trembling slightly with the weight of his words. "Initially, the diadem appeared as described in legends—a magnificent relic full of wisdom. However... something has changed."

Miss Grey stepped forward, her shadow merging with the dim light from the large window behind Dumbledore. "The diadem... has been corrupted by dark magic," she said with a tone full of sorrow and hidden fear. "Its energy has been tainted, transforming into something dangerous and impure."

Dumbledore took a long breath, stroking his thick white beard, then looked at them both with attentive eyes. "Dark magic corrupting an object with such deep history and power is no small matter," he said in a grave, wary voice. "The danger carried by such an object threatens not only its owner, but the entire wizarding world."

The warmth of the room seemed to vanish, replaced by a suffocating tension. Ludwig felt the weight of responsibility pressing increasingly on his chest, realizing that what he carried was not merely an artifact, but a threat that could shake the foundations of their world.

"I don't know how severe the corruption is," Ludwig continued, "but I'm convinced we cannot let it remain in this state. I came here hoping, Professor, that you can help me find a way to cleanse it—or at least contain it before it's too late."

Dumbledore nodded slowly, his face full of contemplation. "We must act quickly. But first, I want to examine this diadem directly. We will need time and deep knowledge to handle the dark magic that has permeated the object."

Miss Grey sighed, her eyes glinting as if holding memories she found difficult to reveal. "I will help you, Ludwig. And I am willing to teach you everything I know about alchemy and ancient magic."

The room fell silent again, but this time it felt like the birthplace of hope. Ludwig knew that their journey had only just begun—a winding path full of risks, where every step had to be taken carefully to save the wizarding world from the lurking shadows of darkness.

Dumbledore gazed at the Ravenclaw Diadem lying on his desk with eyes full of mixed emotions—like someone confronting the shadow of a past he didn't want to fully accept. His hand slowly touched the diadem, as if feeling the heavy burden it carried.

"This is... more than just an ancient artifact," he said softly, his voice almost a whisper. "I know what the presence of this object means, but... I'm not ready to fully accept the reality."

He took a deep breath, looking straight ahead with a renewed resolve. "I will call an old friend, someone highly skilled in alchemy and ancient magic. I believe only he can provide the proper assessment and help us understand the condition of this diadem."

That night, Dumbledore's mind was filled with both hope and worry.

The next day, Professor Flitwick came to fetch Ludwig with his friendly smile and said, "Come, Ludwig. We must return to Professor Dumbledore's office. Someone is waiting for us."

Upon arriving there, the atmosphere felt distinctly more serious. Several important figures had already gathered in the room: Professor Dumbledore stood with a calm demeanor, while around him were Nicolas Flamel—the alchemist famous for his profound knowledge—along with Professor McGonagall, Professor Snape, Professor Sprout, and not to be forgotten, Miss Grey, who stood gracefully but with a vigilant posture.

Ludwig felt the pulse of tension hanging in the air. This was no ordinary meeting. They had all gathered to face something far greater than ordinary magic—a mystery that tested the limits of their knowledge and courage.

Nicolas Flamel looked at the Ravenclaw Diadem with intense concentration, his eyes conveying both reverence and sharp curiosity. "We must begin the examination immediately," he said in a firm voice, "for every minute that passes could worsen the object's condition."

The meeting became the starting point of a new, enigmatic chapter, where the best wizards gathered to combat the hidden threat within the legendary diadem.

Nicolas Flamel took a long breath, then with a serious face, held the Ravenclaw Diadem closer to the dim candlelight in the room. He slowly turned the diadem, his eyes scrutinizing every curve and carving.

"I must convey something very serious," he said, his voice holding a tremor of tension. "This diadem... has been made into a Horcrux."

The words were like a thunderclap in the silent room. The professors' faces paled, even the usually calm Miss Grey looked visibly startled.

Dumbledore furrowed his brow, his voice deep and full of both curiosity and concern. "How could... the Ravenclaw Diadem become a Horcrux?"

All eyes turned to Miss Grey, who slowly stepped forward. With a soft but burdened tone, she began to tell her story.

"Miss Grey," Dumbledore said softly, almost like a plea, "if you know something about this... we are all listening."

Miss Grey did not answer immediately. Her dim eyes gazed at the diadem for a long time, as if traversing time invisible to others. Finally, she sighed... if a ghost could sigh.

"I will tell you everything..." she said, her voice sounding like a winter wind carrying secrets.

"My name... is Helena. Helena Ravenclaw. Daughter of Rowena Ravenclaw herself."

The atmosphere in the room tightened. Flitwick held his breath, and even Severus Snape visibly clenched his jaw.

"I stole the diadem from my mother. I—I am ashamed to say it—was driven by jealousy. Mother was always glorified for her wisdom... and I wanted to be more than just her shadow. I believed that if I possessed the diadem, I could become wiser than her, greater than anyone."

Helena lowered her head, her voice trembling like shattered glass.

"With the diadem, I fled to Albania. Into foreign forests far from all I knew. I hid... but my mother, as her end approached, yearned for me. She did not seek me herself. She sent someone—a man who... loved me."

Ludwig held his breath. He knew this part of the story, from traces of hidden history he had secretly learned in the library.

"He is whom you know as the Bloody Baron," Helena continued. "My mother asked him to persuade me to return home. But... when he found my hiding place and I refused to come back... he became enraged. His anger turned to violence."

Helena stared blankly at the fog-shrouded window. "He killed me with his own hands... and in remorse, he ended his own life. Since that day... we both haunted Hogwarts. I became the Grey Lady of Ravenclaw house... and he... became the Bloody Baron."

The professors were silent. Even McGonagall turned her face away for a moment, concealing welling emotions.

"I don't know how—or when—someone found the diadem in Albania," Helena whispered. "But years later... there was a young man. Handsome. Ambitious. Charming. He asked me to tell him about where I had hidden it."

"Would you speak his name?" Dumbledore asked, his voice calm yet deep.

"Tom Riddle," Helena answered, barely audible. "He charmed me with his words. I thought he was merely a seeker of knowledge... and I was foolish to believe him. I told him where I had hidden the diadem."

Flamel nodded slowly. "And he turned it into a Horcrux. A place to store a piece of his soul."

Ludwig clenched his fists. Beside him, Professor Flitwick bit his lower lip, filled with anxiety and horror.

Dumbledore stroked his beard, his sharp gaze still fixed on the diadem. "We have not only found a historical artifact... we have found evidence of a crime older than we suspected."

Flamel turned to Ludwig. "And you found it."

Ludwig nodded slowly. "I just want to cleanse it. To restore it to its original state. The diadem... it shouldn't be ruined by darkness."

Dumbledore looked at Ludwig for a long time, then stood up.

"Then, let us prepare. For we not only need to cleanse this artifact... we may need to cleanse a history that has been sullied for too long."

The night sky hung low over the towers of Hogwarts, stars hidden behind the thin mist that enveloped the peaks of the old castle. After the tense meeting in the headmaster's office, Ludwig slowly walked back towards Ravenclaw Tower. His footsteps echoed softly in the stone corridor, blending with the long shadows cast by the torchlight. His mood was mixed—a combination of tension, curiosity, and awe at what he had just experienced.

The professors, Nicolas Flamel, and the Grey Lady were still gathered in Dumbledore's office, discussing seriously, delving into the effects and possibilities of the darkness bound within the diadem. Ludwig knew their conversation went beyond the understanding of most young wizards. However, what he knew for certain was this: his journey was not over. In fact, it had only just begun.

The next day, the morning sky was bright for the first time in weeks. Ludwig sat on one of the furthest benches in the Ravenclaw library, gazing at the pages of an ancient book with cracked leather spread before him. In the air hovered the faint figure of Miss Grey—Helena Ravenclaw, who was now slowly beginning to be more open and engaged with him.

"That book is written in a mixture of archaic symbols—some from the Basilian language, and some from an ancient runic system that is hardly taught anymore," Helena said, hovering low beside the table, pointing with her ethereal finger.

"So, I have to start by deciphering that language first?" Ludwig muttered, his brow furrowed in concentration.

Helena nodded. "Ancient magic cannot be mastered quickly, Ludwig. But you possess something rare—a pure curiosity. And that will take you further than mere talent."

Days turned into weeks. And weeks turned into months.

Time passed quickly to the rhythm of the library's silence, secret experiments in old practice rooms, and quiet visits to the Room of Requirement, now used as a hidden study place by Ludwig and Helena. They studied the basics of energy transmutation, the purification of magical objects from cursed influences, and complex theories about the relationship between magical objects and a wizard's soul.

Ludwig began to sketch new alchemical tools, formulas sprawled across his dormitory walls, and the scent of rare plants from experiments filled his robes every night.

And through it all, Helena remained faithfully by his side—sometimes sharp, sometimes teasing, but never disappearing. "You're even more stubborn than my mother," she said one afternoon when Ludwig refused to give up on a formula that had failed dozens of times. Ludwig just laughed, and kept trying again.

The end of the fifth year arrived.

The air at Hogsmeade station felt warm, birds beginning to return to the greening trees. Students bustled, packing and boarding the train to King's Cross. Ludwig stood on the platform, gazing at Hogwarts one last time before leaving for summer break.

But before he stepped into the carriage, a familiar voice called him from the direction of the castle gates.

"Ludwig."

Dumbledore stood there, his deep purple robes gently fluttering in the wind. Beside him stood Professor Flitwick, offering a small smile.

"There's something I wish to tell you before you go home," Dumbledore said softly. "Nicolas Flamel... wishes to invite you to his residence this summer. He said, your time at Hogwarts has laid a strong foundation. Now... he wishes to guide you further."

Ludwig froze for a moment. An invitation from a legendary alchemist... that was more than just an honor. It was an opportunity that came only once in an era.

"May I?" he asked carefully.

Dumbledore smiled warmly. "I will speak to your parents, of course. But I think... they will understand that your destiny... is waiting to be shaped."

Ludwig bowed respectfully. "Thank you, Professor."

Dumbledore nodded. "Be prepared, Ludwig Lovegood. The world of alchemy is not just about metals and stones. It touches the soul, transforming not only objects, but yourself."

And with that, Ludwig boarded the train—his heart full of hope and trepidation—imagining the summer ahead... and the long road stretching before him.

Summer enveloped Ottery St Catchpole Valley with the scent of wild grass and blooming wildflowers. At the Lovegood family home, the atmosphere felt warm and peaceful. Pandora was preparing potions to ward off magical insects from the backyard, while Xenophilius sat on the front porch, reading the latest edition of The Quibbler, which for some reason was written in glowing ink.

Ludwig sat at the kitchen table, looking at his parents with serious eyes. Luna, who was then making dolls from seeds and tree bark, sat not far away, eavesdropping on the conversation with wide-open ears.

"Father, Mother..." Ludwig began, his tone calm yet deep. "Professor Dumbledore conveyed that Nicolas Flamel, the legendary alchemist you've heard of—has asked me to spend the summer holiday at his home. He wishes to guide me directly."

Pandora put down her potion spoon. Xenophilius slowly lowered his newspaper.

"Nicolas Flamel?" Pandora exclaimed, her eyes wide, her voice trembling slightly with awe. "Will you also meet Perenelle Flamel?"

Ludwig nodded slowly. "Of course. She was the one who helped examine... something we found at Hogwarts. And now... she sees potential in my ability to learn more deeply."

Xenophilius seemed to think hard, before looking at his wife and saying, "You know, Pan, we can't stop this son of ours. Since he was little, he's been writing books about fantasy creatures and making magic cards like a genius. If Nicolas Flamel wants to teach him, then this is... his path of destiny."

Pandora smiled softly. "Of course, Ludwig. But still be careful, and don't push yourself too hard. You're still a teenager... even if your brain seems to belong to a hundred-year-old wizard."

A small voice interrupted from the side of the table.

"I want to come too."

Luna had stood up, her eyes sparkling and her small hands clutching an unfinished wooden doll.

Ludwig turned, a little surprised. "Luna, this isn't a regular holiday. I'll be studying advanced magic, and the place might not be suitable for a child..."

But Luna crossed her arms over her chest and frowned, an expression very similar to Pandora's when she was adamant about her magical experiments.

"If I don't come, who will bring you breakfast? And who will look after you if you study too seriously and forget to eat?" she said, her tiny voice full of determination.

Pandora held back a laugh; Xenophilius just nodded as if everything was settled.

Ludwig sighed. He knew his sister wouldn't give up. And deep down, there was a sense of comfort imagining Luna joining him—a light balance amidst a heavy world full of ancient magic and mystery.

"Alright, but you have to promise to listen to everything I say, and not touch anything without permission," Ludwig finally said.

Luna smiled brightly like the morning sun, then hugged her brother tightly.

"Promise!"

A few days later, they prepared in the front yard, Ludwig's magic trunk full of notebooks, small alchemical tools, and his self-made card collection. Luna carried her tiny suitcase filled with oddities, including empty cans, dried flowers, and a miniature wizard hat she made herself.

A carriage sent by Nicolas Flamel arrived to pick them up, pulled by guardian creatures shaped like small griffins made of gold and glass—one of Flamel's alchemical creations. Ludwig looked at the creature in awe, and at the same time felt a growing tension in his chest.

This journey was not just to a legend's home. It was a step towards his destiny as a true alchemist.

And he wasn't alone.

With Luna by his side, the world felt a little warmer... even as they stepped towards the deepest and most dangerous doors of knowledge in the wizarding world.

The summer sun hung low as the thestral and griffin escorts landed gently in the backyard of an old house hidden among ancient mountains and forests, a place that seemed unregistered on any magical map. The building was tall and oddly shaped, with curved towers and stained-glass windows that glowed like jewels.

Ludwig disembarked first, then helped Luna, who was still gazing at the place with wide, wondering eyes.

At the threshold stood two figures.

One, an old man in faded dragonhide robes, his face lean yet warm, his hair silver-white and long, and eyes clear as untruthful crystal—Nicolas Flamel.

Beside him, a beautiful woman of similar age, with a smile that radiated serenity and an aura of hidden power: Perenelle Flamel.

"Welcome, young Master Lovegood... and of course, young Miss Lovegood," Nicolas said in a soft voice that flowed like a forest stream.

"Welcome to our home," Perenelle added, bowing gently towards Luna, who immediately returned a slight curtsey, though she didn't stop staring at Perenelle's robe, which shimmered as if woven from starlight.

"Thank you for having us," Ludwig replied politely, his tone slightly tense with admiration.

"No need to be shy. Dumbledore has told me much about you. I'm pleased to finally meet you," Nicolas said. "Come, follow me to the laboratory. We have much to begin."