Hadrian's grip on his wand tightened as the footsteps drew closer. He could hear the faint rustling of robes and the steady, deliberate pace of someone moving through the Restricted Section.
Whoever it was, they weren't just passing by—they were searching for something. Or worse, someone.
Slowly, he edged backward between the towering bookshelves, careful not to disturb the dust-covered tomes. The flickering light of the approaching torch threw shifting shadows across the stone walls.
Then, a voice broke the silence.
"I know you're there."
Hadrian froze.
The voice was smooth, controlled, and entirely too familiar.
Stepping into the dim light, Professor Snape emerged from between the shelves, his black eyes gleaming like obsidian. His long, dark robes billowed behind him as he slowly advanced.
"Sneaking into the Restricted Section, Potter?" Snape's tone was laced with disapproval. "How predictable."
Hadrian knew he had to think fast. He slipped the book he had been holding behind his back and forced a casual smirk.
"Couldn't sleep," he said, tilting his head slightly. "Thought I'd find a good bedtime story."
Snape's lips curled slightly, though it was impossible to tell if it was amusement or irritation.
"And you believed a book on forbidden magics would be comforting?"
Hadrian shrugged.
"Knowledge is power, professor."
Snape's gaze flickered down to Hadrian's hands, as if he could see through the shadows hiding the book.
"Indeed," he murmured.
For a tense moment, neither of them spoke. Then, with a slow, deliberate motion, Snape reached out and plucked a different book from the shelf beside Hadrian.
"You should be more careful, Potter." He studied the ancient tome in his hands before snapping it shut. "The castle has eyes everywhere. Even places you think are safe."
Hadrian didn't move.
Snape watched him for another few seconds before turning away, his robes sweeping the dust as he strode toward the exit. But just before he stepped beyond the Restricted Section's boundary, he paused.
"I'll be watching."
Then he was gone.
Hadrian exhaled, his heart still pounding. He knew Snape suspected something.
And if Snape was watching him now…
That meant he had even less time to uncover the truth.
—