Chapter 1311: News of the Diadem
Chapter 1311: News of the Diadem
In the West Tower, within the office dedicated to the art of charms, sat Professor Flitwick. Having returned early to Hogwarts, he was engrossed in the latest issue of the "Defense Courier," perched upon a specially raised armchair behind his desk.
As he flipped to the column dedicated to Godric's Hollow, his eyebrows furrowed slightly at the obituary of the renowned historian, Bathilda Bagshot. What caught his attention, however, was the accompanying photograph: a copy of "The Life and Lies of Albus Dumbledore," with a note written in green ink resting atop it.
That note had been intentionally left by Rita Skeeter for Bagshot.
When Skeeter had first published "The Life and Lies of Albus Dumbledore," Professor Flitwick had paid attention, and now, seeing the content in the Defense Courier, he could guess at the tactics employed by that woman.
She deserved to be sent to Azkaban to keep company with the Dementors.
However, this was just a tiny glimpse of the sorry state of Britain's magical community under the control of He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named.
If circumstances had been normal, Rita Skeeter would never have dared to do such a thing.
Professor Flitwick turned his head towards the window, sighing softly. "I fear Hogwarts will not know peace for much longer."
Today, in the aftermath of Dumbledore's death, the situation was far worse than it had been over a decade ago.
Things had spiraled out of control.
Just then, there was a knock on the door of the Charms Office.
Professor Flitwick instinctively picked up his wand and looked towards the door.
Aside from a handful of professors who had returned early, there shouldn't have been anyone else in the castle.
And yet, someone was seeking him out?
Professor Flitwick closed the Defense Courier, gave it a light tap on the desk, and then said, "Who is it? Come in!"
"Sorry, Professor, for disturbing you."
Harry pushed open the door to the Charms Office, with Hermione and Ron close behind.
"Potter?"
Professor Flitwick stared in surprise at the sight of Harry Potter standing before him. He hadn't expected to see him in his office at this time.
"I heard from the Wizarding Wireless Network that you're in big trouble," Harry explained.
"We did indeed almost run into He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named, but we managed to escape before he arrived," Flitwick said, his eyes widening in disbelief as Harry nonchalantly recounted their encounter.
"We've encountered some problems, and we'd like to seek your guidance, Professor," Harry said, getting straight to the point.
"You shouldn't have come here," Professor Flitwick said, waving his wand to draw the curtains closed. "Hogwarts is under strict surveillance."
"Albert brought us directly here using house-elves and Disapparition, so we shouldn't have been noticed by the Death Eaters monitoring the school," Hermione reassured him.
"House-elves? Those magical little creatures are indeed unaffected by anti-Apparition spells," Professor Flitwick said, relieved to know how they had managed to sneak into Hogwarts undetected.
"What do you wish to ask me about?"
"Professor," Harry asked, his eyes sparkling with anticipation, "do you know where the diadem of Ravenclaw is?"
"The diadem of Ravenclaw?" Professor Flitwick's eyebrows shot up in surprise. He hadn't imagined that Harry's daring return to Hogwarts was in pursuit of the legendary diadem.
"While I won't deny that a little extra wisdom would be nice, I still believe that the diadem of Ravenclaw isn't worth the risk you're taking," the professor said.
"We're carrying out a task assigned to us by Dumbledore," Harry explained.
Hermione, Ron, and Harry exchanged glances, deciding to divulge some information to Professor Flitwick. "We're searching for the diadem of Ravenclaw to confirm something related to defeating He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named, not for the wisdom it may bestow."
"I..."
Professor Flitwick stared at the trio, his mouth hanging open in astonishment.
He had heard some of the rumors about Harry, and Professor McGonagall had shared a few tidbits as well. The other professors had all heard that Harry was attempting to complete a task assigned by Dumbledore, and they suspected it was linked to defeating He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named. However, they never imagined that Harry was seeking the diadem of Ravenclaw.
"Professor, do you know where it is? Have you seen it, or perhaps there's a portrait that depicts it?" Harry asked.
"I'm sorry, children, but the diadem of Ravenclaw disappeared centuries ago!" Professor Flitwick said. Although he didn't understand why Harry sought the diadem, he climbed down from his raised armchair and added, "If you wish to see what the diadem looks like, I can take you to the Ravenclaw common room. There's a half-body statue of Ravenclaw there that includes the diadem."
"The diadem of Ravenclaw is missing?" Harry had a sinking feeling about this revelation.
"It's said to have disappeared along with Ravenclaw herself," Professor Flitwick said, sharing what he knew without hesitation.
"Ravenclaw took the diadem to her grave?" Hermione asked, relieved. "If that's the case, then at least He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named won't be able to find it."
"He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named is seeking the diadem of Ravenclaw?" Professor Flitwick was taken aback by Hermione's revelation.
"Professor, do you know who the ghost of Ravenclaw Tower is?" Harry asked, changing the subject. "I mean, perhaps the ghosts might know something useful."
Professor Flitwick shook his head. "You're not the first to try and seek information from the Grey Lady. Many Ravenclaw students throughout the ages have attempted the same, but none have succeeded."
"Who is the oldest ghost in Hogwarts?" Ron suddenly asked. "Maybe we can get some useful information from them."
"It's Professor Binns, the History of Magic professor," Hermione reminded him. "Don't you remember? Professor Binns has been teaching at Hogwarts since the school was founded."
"It won't be easy to get information about the diadem from Professor Binns," Professor Flitwick said, leading the trio towards the Ravenclaw Tower. He suspected that without his help, they wouldn't be able to answer the riddle of the eagle-shaped bronze door knocker and enter the Ravenclaw common room. "I suggest you seek Albert's help. Perhaps he can obtain some useful intelligence through divination. Did he come to Hogwarts with you?"
"Albert can't find the diadem of Ravenclaw either," Ron mumbled.
"He went to see Professor McGonagall," Hermione said. "It's probably about those expelled students."
"Thanks to his warning, those Muggle-born students managed to escape," Professor Flitwick said softly, his eyes shining with gratitude. "Umbridge and her gang of Aurors stormed into Hogwarts, demanding the home addresses of the expelled students. They even intended to use Veritaserum on Professor Burbage to get the information."
Hermione's lips trembled as she bit back the words that threatened to spill from them.
(End of Chapter)
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