Forbidden & Forgotten

The previous day

"The corridors of Hogwarts buzzed with the usual chatter of students as they shuffled between classes. Autumn had firmly taken hold of the Scottish Highlands, painting the grounds with a palette of gold and crimson. The crisp air carried the earthy scent of fallen leaves, mingling with the familiar smells of parchment and potions that filled the castle. Outside, the Whomping Willow's branches were bare, swaying gently in the breeze, a stark reminder of the changing seasons.

Among the bustling crowd, Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, and Hermione Granger moved with purpose towards the Great Hall, discussing their latest theories about Draco Malfoy's suspicious behaviour.

"Harry, you've got to eat something," she urged, her brow furrowed with concern. "You won't solve anything on an empty stomach."

Ron nodded in agreement; his mouth full of mashed potatoes. "Yeah, mate. You've been staring at Malfoy for days. It's not healthy."

Harry's eyes narrowed. "I'm telling you, Malfoy's up to something."

Hermione sighed. "Harry, you don't have any proof. We need evidence, not just suspicions."

Their debate was interrupted by the shrill sound of laughter from a nearby group of Slytherins, Draco among them. His eyes gleamed with an almost predatory delight as he glanced in Harry's direction. Harry scowled but said nothing.

Meanwhile, in Hogsmeade, an entirely different drama was unfolding. The usually bustling Three Broomsticks was eerily quiet, save for a solitary figure who moved behind the counter with mechanical precision. As Mattheo entered the Three Broomsticks, his mind was a whirlwind of thoughts and plans.

The cosy atmosphere of the pub, with its warm fire and inviting scent of butterbeer, seemed out of place with his dark intentions. His primary goal was clear: help Draco and Devina with their task. But was it truly for both, or was it mostly for Devina? Mattheo couldn't decide yet, the line between duty and personal desire blurring with each passing moment.

He spotted Madam Rosmerta behind the counter, her back turned as she prepared drinks for the few patrons scattered about. Steeling himself, Mattheo approached, his expression carefully neutral. As she turned to greet him, her usual warm smile was absent, replaced by a tired, polite nod.

"Good evening, dear," she said, her voice lacking its usual cheer. "What can I get for you?"

Mattheo leaned in, lowering his voice. "Madam Rosmerta, I need a moment of your time. It's rather important."

She raised an eyebrow but nodded, gesturing for him to follow her to a quieter corner of the pub. Once there, she folded her arms and waited, curiosity etched on her face.

Mattheo took a deep breath, his wand hidden in the sleeve of his robe. "I'm afraid this is more than just a casual visit. I have something I need you to do for me."

Before she could react, Mattheo drew his wand with lightning speed, aiming it directly at her. "Imperio!"

Rosmerta's eyes glazed over, her posture relaxing as the curse took hold. Mattheo didn't feel an ounce of guilt, as he was much too experienced in these kinds of things. He couldn't afford to make mistakes. There was too much at stake. He needed to do this for Devina, for Draco too, but mostly for Devina.

"Listen to me carefully," he commanded, his voice low and commanding. "You will place the Imperius Curse on Katie Bell. You will give her a package containing this necklace," he continued, pulling out a small, elegantly wrapped box from his robes. "She must take it to Argus Filch, saying it's from you. Filch will then take it past the Secrecy Sensor to Dumbledore."