HARRY POTTER :Rebirth in Time.

The Gryffindor common room was unusually quiet, the weight of their discovery pressing down on them like a heavy fog. Harry sat at the edge of the couch, staring at the letter he had stolen from Snape's office. The name Erasmus Mulciber echoed in his mind, each repetition sinking deeper into his chest.

"We're in way over our heads," Ron muttered, running a hand through his hair. "Mulciber isn't just some dark wizard. He's… dangerous."

Hermione, pacing near the fireplace, clenched her fists. "We knew this was bigger than Malfoy, but this proves it. He's not acting alone anymore—he's part of something much larger."

Daphne sat across from Harry, her expression carefully neutral, but Harry could see the tension in the way her fingers drummed against the armrest. "Snape knew," she said finally. "He knew and didn't tell us."

Harry shook his head. "Snape always knows more than he lets on. But the fact that he let us go without reporting us… that means something."

Hermione glanced at him sharply. "You think he's helping us?"

Harry frowned, staring at the letter. "I think he's walking a fine line, like always. But if Mulciber's involved, this isn't just about the amulet anymore."

Ron sighed. "So, what's the plan, then? Because I'd rather not wake up with a Dark wizard knocking on my door."

Hermione stopped pacing and turned to face them. "First, we need to know what Mulciber wants with the amulet. If he's orchestrating things, it's not just to help Malfoy—he has his own goals."

Harry nodded. "Agreed. We need to find out more about Mulciber's past—his connections, his abilities, and most importantly, what he's after."

Daphne leaned forward. "And how exactly do you plan on doing that? Mulciber isn't exactly in Hogwarts: A History."

Hermione rolled her eyes. "No, but there are records. Old ones, buried deep in the Restricted Section. If he was part of Voldemort's original circle, there will be information."

Harry smirked. "Back to the library, then?"

Ron groaned. "Of course it's the library."

Later That Night – The Restricted Section

The air was thick with dust and the scent of old parchment as the four of them slipped through the aisles of the Restricted Section. Hermione led the way, her wandlight illuminating the towering bookshelves filled with forbidden knowledge.

Harry whispered, "Let's find what we need and get out. I don't fancy another run-in with Filch."

Hermione scanned the shelves, her fingers trailing over the spines of ancient tomes. "Look for anything related to the First Wizarding War. Mulciber was active then."

Ron picked up a heavy, leather-bound book labeled The Dark Origins, flipping through it cautiously. "This whole section is like a 'who's who' of people you don't want to meet in a dark alley."

Daphne pulled a slim volume titled Legacies of the Dark, flipping it open and scanning quickly. "Here," she murmured. "Mulciber. It says he specialized in mental domination—Imperius curses, mind manipulation, infiltration tactics."

Harry grimaced. "Great. So we're dealing with a master manipulator."

Hermione read over Daphne's shoulder. "And look at this—'Mulciber was known to have an obsession with blood magic, often experimenting with rituals tied to magical lineage.'"

Ron groaned. "Why is it always blood magic?"

Harry's mind worked quickly. "If he's working with Malfoy, he's after more than just power. He's trying to tap into something ancient—something tied to the founders."

Hermione frowned. "That means they'll come for the amulet again, no matter what."

Daphne snapped the book shut. "Then we need to be ready."

Suddenly, the sound of footsteps echoed down the corridor outside the Restricted Section.

"Filch," Ron whispered in alarm.

Harry motioned for silence, extinguishing his wandlight. They ducked behind a large bookshelf as Filch's raspy muttering grew closer.

"Bloody students, always sneaking about… I'll catch 'em one day, oh yes…"

They held their breath as Filch shuffled past, his lantern casting eerie shadows over the dusty floor. Once he was gone, they quickly gathered their findings and slipped back into the shadows of the castle.

The Next Morning – The Great Hall

Harry sat at breakfast, staring into his untouched plate, his thoughts racing. Across the hall, Malfoy looked smug, talking quietly with Blaise and Pansy. Harry knew something was coming—he could feel it in the way Malfoy's eyes flicked toward him, filled with malicious amusement.

"We need to move before they do," Harry murmured to Hermione.

She nodded, buttering her toast absentmindedly. "We should check the Room of Requirement—make sure the amulet's still safe."

Daphne dropped into the seat next to them, looking unimpressed. "You're not going to like this, Potter, but I think Malfoy already knows it's there."

Ron choked on his pumpkin juice. "What?"

Daphne leaned in. "I overheard Blaise talking this morning. They're planning something tonight. And if I know Malfoy, he's arrogant enough to try a direct hit."

Harry's jaw tightened. "Then we set a trap."

Hermione nodded. "We can enchant the room to alert us the moment someone tries to access the amulet."

Ron sighed. "I'm guessing we're skipping sleep again?"

Harry smirked. "You're getting used to it, mate."

That Night – The Room of Requirement

The four of them crouched in the shadows, wands at the ready. The enchanted case containing the amulet shimmered under the dim light, glowing softly in its protective barrier.

Minutes passed, and then, footsteps echoed in the hallway outside.

Harry's heart pounded in his chest. He signaled to the others to stay hidden as the door creaked open.

Malfoy stepped inside, followed closely by Blaise and Pansy. Their wands were drawn, their faces twisted with determination.

"There it is," Malfoy whispered, his eyes locking onto the amulet. "Potter's been hiding it all this time."

Blaise smirked. "Let's take it, then."

Before they could move, Hermione whispered, "Petrificus Totalus!"

Malfoy's body snapped rigid, toppling to the ground with a heavy thud. Pansy shrieked and tried to fire a curse, but Ron disarmed her in a flash.

Blaise, however, dodged and turned toward the amulet, attempting to grab it.

Harry stepped out, his wand pointed at Blaise's chest. "I wouldn't."

Blaise sneered. "You think this changes anything, Potter? Mulciber will come for it. And when he does… you won't be ready."

Harry's grip tightened. "We'll see about that."

With a flick of his wand, Daphne stunned Blaise, and the room fell silent except for Malfoy's muffled groans.

Hermione sighed in relief. "That went better than expected."

Daphne smirked. "Told you Malfoy was predictable."

Harry stared at the unconscious forms of Malfoy and his goons, but his thoughts were elsewhere—Mulciber was coming. And they weren't ready.

Not yet.

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