Preparation For The Hunt

"Nagini... finally at Hogwarts?" A peculiar gleam flickered in Artel's eyes.

Her arrival could prove Dumbledore's initial acceptance of her, potentially providing Artel with valuable insights once she joined the Order of the Phoenix.

Meanwhile, Quirrell, seated at the professor's table, also cast a doubtful glance at Nagini. Sensing Voldemort's simmering anger within him, Quirrell couldn't help but wonder about the connection between Nagini and his master.

"Does this woman have any ties to the master?" Quirrell pondered suspiciously, though he found nothing remarkable about her appearance, being a young Asian wizard in his twenties.

As Voldemort's mood swings intensified, Quirrell, unable to ignore them, reluctantly stood and quietly left the Great Hall, his mind troubled.

Passing through the Gryffindor dining area, Nagini's presence didn't go unnoticed.

"What's the matter, Nagini?" Dumbledore inquired gently as he noticed her demeanor.

"It's nothing, just a strange feeling..." Nagini replied, her gaze resting on Dumbledore's face, her tone solemn. "I sense the presence of that man, Voldemort... he's here."

Dumbledore's reaction was subtle, a slight twitch of his temples as he glanced towards Quirrell's recently vacated seat.

"I understand, Nagini. Let's not mention that individual's name at school; it may unsettle the students. Come, I believe you're hungry. Do you remember Hogwarts' food?" Dumbledore redirected, guiding Nagini towards the staff table for dinner.

Artel, observing the exchange, admired Nagini's tact in concealing her true identity from Dumbledore.

As the meal drew to a close, Artel gracefully finished his food, exchanging nods of acknowledgement with Professors McGonagall and Snape before taking his leave from the Great Hall.

Professor McGonagall and Professor Snape shared approving smiles as Artel departed, each harboring their own fondness for the Slytherin House member. Snape, with his penchant for cunning and ambition, found a kindred spirit in Artel, while Professor McGonagall, the steadfast head of Gryffindor, admired his intellect and demeanor.

Seated in the professor's chair, Nagini sat beside Dumbledore, expressing her gratitude for the dinner he had arranged. The encounter with Dumbledore had left her deeply moved, realizing how much time had passed since she had been trapped in snake form. Witnessing Dumbledore's transformation from a wise sage to a kindly grandfather figure stirred a sense of nostalgia within her.

Lost in her reverie, Nagini noticed the twinkle of fond memories in Dumbledore's eyes. After a moment of reflection, he spoke softly, sharing his joy at seeing the curse lifted in his lifetime. He suggested that Nagini could remain at Hogwarts, utilizing her expertise in curses and healing within the school's infirmary.

Nagini nodded in agreement, appreciating the opportunity to apply her knowledge gained from overcoming her own blood curse. Dumbledore's smile conveyed his approval as he concluded their conversation.

However, Nagini couldn't help but raise the concern of a certain individual's fragmented soul. Dumbledore assured her that he had taken measures to address the issue and that there would be no cause for alarm.

With a sense of relief, Nagini left their discussion, while Quirrell discreetly made his way back to his office. Once safely inside, he removed his turban, calling out cautiously, "Lord..."

Voldemort emerged from the recesses of Quirrell's mind.

"Master, do you recognize that woman?" Quirrell hesitated, seeking clarity.

"I do not know..." Voldemort's hoarse voice responded, punctuated by gasps. After a moment, he added, "I don't know her... but her aura is so familiar, like... Nagini. Yes! That's right, it's Nagini!"

Voldemort's mind raced, grappling with uncertainty about Nagini's whereabouts. Despite the familiarity in the woman's aura, he couldn't sense Nagini's presence at all, sparking a fear that she might be lost. Yet, a glimmer of hope arose as he reasoned that the destruction of the Horcrux would have alerted him. He speculated that Saruman might have intervened, sealing her or discovering her true identity.

Confusion enveloped Voldemort as he contemplated the woman's presence and her link to Nagini. His fragmented soul struggled to process the intricate thoughts.

It dawned on Voldemort that the act of splitting his soul had not only marred his appearance but also diminished his intellectual prowess.

"Quirrell, find a way to locate that woman and gather information about her. Additionally, seek the Philosopher's Stone or prepare to hunt unicorns," Voldemort commanded before withdrawing into Quirrell's body for rest.

Trembling, Quirrell acknowledged the command. Relief washed over him as Voldemort fell silent. Though the tasks ahead seemed formidable, he was determined to fulfill his master's wishes.

Wrapping his turban, Quirrell retrieved the music box from the drawer, silently praying to Saruman for guidance. The journey ahead promised challenges, but Quirrell steeled himself for the mission entrusted to him.

 ....

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