Harry Potter Enshrouded

Adrian sat in his dormitory after the eventful day, pondering deeply. His duel against his sister showed him the fact that his spells lacked potency. He felt that he needed to start delving into the Dark Arts. According to him, the Dark Arts were not inherently bad. Magic is magic, and the end result depends on how one utilizes it. Who said that the Dark Arts cannot be used to save people? After all, the Aurors were once allowed to use the Unforgivables on the Death Eaters.

Although he knew that the Dark Arts were not that bad, it was common knowledge that one needed a powerful mind to not be ensnared by the Dark Arts. Even these arts had their limits. While keeping this in mind, he decided that tonight he would head into the restricted section, borrowing a book on the dark hexes. These were the most basic forms of Dark Magic that would be his starting point into the field of Dark Arts. He decided that his goal by the end of the year would be to master the hexes.

A few hours went by as a cloaked shadow, amidst the flickering torchlights, exited the common room. It was midnight, and befitting the hour was the sound—a pin-drop silence only accompanied by the faint hum of the wind via the open windows. Adrian used his invisibility cloak to walk through the empty corridors of Hogwarts.

He soon reached the library on the fourth floor, which was dark and quiet. The only source of light was a lamp on the desk of Madam Pince. Madam Pince was fast asleep; this was his chance—his chance to head into the restricted section. Adrian went deep into the restricted section and used Lumos to locate the book A Century of Dark Hexes.

He made his way back to the common room while making sure to avoid as many portraits as possible. After all, who knew whether Dumbledore was prying or not? Adrian made his way back successfully without alerting anyone. His endeavor was successful. He made up his mind to start his studies in the Room of Requirement tomorrow.

A few days went by, and it was finally Halloween. During this time, Adrian was engrossed in the daily hustles of life. He never forgot to study and practice his mastery over magic while also spending time with his friends and his Ho-Oh.

He had also received back the letter from Skyflare innovations. Currently, the company was struggling and a Blackthorn's investment was like a seed of life to them. They immediately scheduled a meeting with Adrian at the Three Broomsticks in two days time.

Halloween was quite eventful at Hogwarts. The castle and its hallways were scattered with large intricately carved pumpkins; bats playfully fluttered from the ceilings. Hogwarts had a completely different atmosphere at this moment. The atmosphere was light as the students chattered freely. The teachers were lenient, and even Professor Snape chose to remain a normal human being during this moment.

It was in the evening that the students headed to the Great Hall for the Halloween feast. Adrian headed to the feast with his usual friends as they conversed about the exciting event.

"What performance do you think will there be today? My father told me that there is always some sort of performance during Halloween," said Malfoy.

Luciano spoke up. "Oh, it's probably going to be the ghosts dancing. I guess it might be a unique experience seeing the Hogwarts ghosts performing."

The group soon entered the Great Hall, and they were mesmerized by the aroma of the food. Even the Sorting Ceremony did not have so many delicacies present. It had been a long time since all of them had seen so much variety.

Nott hungrily muttered, "The golden-brown roast chickens look insane today... I can't wait to eat it."

All the students sat at their respective seats as Dumbledore soon began his annual Halloween speech. Just as Dumbledore's jolly speech was going on, the merriment was abruptly cut short.

The heavy oak doors of the Great Hall were opened with a thud as a figure wearing a coat stepped through, gasping. It was Filch, and he looked shaken.

"Headmaster! Headmaster!" Filch stammered, his voice quivering. "There's... there's been an incident!"

Gasps rippled through the hall. Adrian leaned forward as his curiosity piqued.

 Flich clutched his head in disbelief. "The Potions storeroom has been ransacked—ingredients for highly dangerous potions are missing! Oh, Merlin! How could this happen?"

Adrian's sharp mind immediately attempted to tie up the knots. Why would someone target the Potions storeroom? And who would have the skill to bypass Snape's defenses? 

Just as Adrian looked for DADA professor, he noticed that Quirrell had been here the entire time. As the Great Hall descended into murmurs and confusion, Adrian's mind raced. Why was this incident in the Potions classroom? Was it not supposed to be a troll? 

 Soon, Dumbledore's cheerful expression hardened in an instant. "Students, remain calm," he said, his voice steady but firm. "Prefects, escort your housemates back to their common rooms. Staff, with me."