READ NOVEL ONLINE Chapter 26: Chapter 26
The heavy storm clouds hung low over Hogwarts, their ominous presence mirrored by the tension brewing between Alex and Tom. It began as an ordinary day, with classes and magical studies occupying their minds, but by nightfall, everything would change.
The evening air was thick with unease as the group gathered in the Hidden Hall, a place that had once symbolized unity. Tonight, it bore witness to the first fracture. A dark artifact had been unearthed by Hagrid during one of his excursions—an obsidian amulet said to hold the power to manipulate time itself. But unlocking its full potential required a sacrifice, and that choice now fell to Alex and Tom.
Alex stood at one end of the room, his arms crossed and his expression resolute. "We can't use this. The cost is too great."
Tom paced at the other end, the gleam of ambition in his eyes. "And what cost is too great for power? For knowledge? We've worked too hard to let this slip away."
Their friends—Hagrid, Minerva, and Severus—watched in silence, each caught between the two strong-willed boys. The artifact sat on the central table, its dark surface pulsating faintly, as if alive.
"It demands something precious," Alex said, his voice steady but laced with pain. "Something we love. I won't make that choice."
Tom turned sharply, his eyes narrowing. "You're afraid. That's always been your problem, Alex. You're too sentimental."
The words hit like a slap, but Alex didn't flinch. "And you're too reckless. This isn't about bravery, Tom. It's about humanity."
"Humanity?" Tom's voice rose, echoing in the enchanted room. "What has humanity ever given us? Pain? Loss? Weakness? Power is the only thing that matters. If you're too blind to see that, step aside."
The silence that followed was deafening. Hagrid shifted uncomfortably, his large hands clenching into fists. "Now, hold on," he began, his voice gruff but kind. "Ain't no need fer fightin'. We're a team, remember?"
Minerva stepped forward, her third-year badge glinting in the dim light. "Tom, Alex… there has to be another way. Sacrificing something you love… it's too cruel."
"Cruelty is a matter of perspective," Tom said coldly, his gaze fixed on Alex. "If you're not willing to make the hard choices, maybe you're not fit to lead."
Alex's jaw tightened. "And if you're so willing to throw everything away for power, maybe you don't deserve it."
The tension snapped like a bowstring, and Tom lunged for the amulet. Alex reacted instantly, his wand drawn. A burst of light filled the room as their spells collided, sending sparks in every direction. The others scrambled back, caught in the whirlwind of magic and emotion.
"Stop!" Minerva shouted, her voice cutting through the chaos. But neither boy listened.
Tom's eyes burned with fury. "You think you can stop me? You're just like them, Alex. Weak and afraid."
Alex's voice was like steel. "And you're just like him. Willing to sacrifice anyone for your own gain."
The words hung in the air, heavy and damning. Tom froze for a moment, his expression flickering with something unspoken. But it was gone as quickly as it came, replaced by cold determination.
Their wands clashed again, the room trembling under the force of their magic. The artifacts on the shelves rattled, and the enchanted map glowed faintly, as if reacting to the conflict.
Suddenly, the door to the Hidden Hall burst open, and Caroline rushed in, her expression a mix of fear and determination. "Stop it! Both of you!"
Her voice was desperate, pleading, but neither Alex nor Tom heeded her. The magic in the room swirled violently, and a stray curse from Alex's wand veered off course. The fiery beam struck Caroline squarely in the chest.
Time seemed to slow as she crumpled to the floor, her eyes wide with shock. The room went silent, the weight of what had just happened sinking in.
"No!" Tom's scream shattered the stillness. He dropped to his knees beside Caroline, cradling her lifeless body. The flicker of hope in his eyes faded, replaced by a searing hatred.
Alex stood frozen, his wand trembling in his hand. "I… I didn't mean to…"
Tom looked up at him, his face twisted in grief and fury. "You killed her!"
"It was an accident!" Alex stammered, his voice cracking. "I swear, Tom—"
"Save your excuses," Tom snarled, his voice venomous. "You took her from me. I'll never forgive you."
The others were too stunned to intervene as Tom stood, his gaze dark and unrelenting. He lifted Caroline's body, his movements sharp and deliberate. Without another word, he stormed out of the room, the door slamming shut behind him.
The Hidden Hall, once a sanctuary, now felt like a tomb. Alex sank to his knees, the weight of his actions crushing him. Minerva and Hagrid exchanged helpless looks, while Severus stared at Alex, his expression unreadable.
"What now?" Minerva whispered, her voice barely audible.
Alex didn't answer. He couldn't. The bond between him and Tom had been irrevocably shattered, and the cost of their conflict had been far greater than he could have ever imagined.
The storm outside raged on, its fury mirrored by the chaos within. As Alex sat in the dimly lit room, he knew one thing for certain: nothing would ever be the same again.