As tensions outside Hogwarts stirred up like stormy skies, the atmosphere within the school was anything but tranquil. Students were still abuzz, discussing the bizarre events that had recently unfolded on the Quidditch pitch. Meanwhile, the professors had convened in Dumbledore's office, their expressions ranging from grim to inquisitive.
Moments later, Professors McGonagall and Snape arrived together, the latter carrying a small, wrapped parcel in his hands.
Snape placed the parcel on Dumbledore's desk without a word, and the gathered professors instinctively moved closer to inspect it.
"No need to bother looking. The package itself is harmless. The problem lies with what's inside it," Snape remarked in his usual, chilling tone, before unwrapping the parcel with a deliberate flourish.
From within emerged a crumpled sheet of parchment and an almost-empty glass vial.
At that moment, Ilona, the Defense Against the Dark Arts professor, returned from a visit to Wentworth's dormitory. The sight of the items on the desk seemed to ignite an intense curiosity in her. Without hesitation, she reached out for the parchment, eager to uncover the identity of the one pulling the strings behind these events.
But her hand was intercepted mid-air by none other than Professor McGonagall.
"Professor McGonagall? What's the meaning of this? Am I not allowed to examine this letter?" Ilona's voice carried a note of displeasure as she demanded an explanation.
McGonagall, unfazed, replied calmly, "Professor Ilona, you're being too hasty. We're just as keen to uncover the truth as you are. But have you not noticed that there's something peculiar about this letter?"
Ilona hesitated, her hand hovering over the desk. A closer look at the letter deepened her confusion. Moments later, her eyes widened in realization.
"This parchment... it's been cursed?"
McGonagall nodded solemnly. "That's correct. But this curse doesn't seem to be a standard European spell. It resembles a Confundus Charm or even the Imperius Curse, but the method and effects differ significantly."
She paused, her gaze shifting toward Dumbledore, who had remained silent throughout.
Sensing the professors' expectant eyes on him, Dumbledore finally stood and spoke with measured gravity.
"It's a spell known as the Curse of Aversion. Its effect is to instill hatred in the victim's heart—hatred so profound that it compels them to destroy the object of their disdain, no matter the cost. It's an exceedingly advanced and dangerous spell."
A wave of astonishment rippled through the room. Most of the professors, despite their vast knowledge, appeared unfamiliar with the name of the curse.
Ilona, however, seemed visibly shaken.
Dumbledore glanced at her briefly before continuing. "The most terrifying aspect of this curse is its ability to alter the victim's thoughts. This is why, during the incident on the Quidditch pitch, it was initially mistaken for the Imperius Curse. But in reality, it is not much less sinister than the Unforgivable Curses."
He paused, allowing the weight of his words to sink in.
"This curse has the power to make someone loathe even their most cherished possessions—or, worse, those they love deeply. As the hatred festers, it eventually culminates in an uncontrollable urge to destroy the target, regardless of the consequences."
The room fell deathly silent, save for the sharp intake of breath from several professors.
"Headmaster," McGonagall finally ventured, "why is it that such a malevolent curse is so unfamiliar to us?"
Dumbledore paused, his expression turning grave. "Because this curse is not just dark—it's beyond reprehensible. From the moment it was created, it has been closely monitored by the International Confederation of Wizards, banned from study or practice. Its very existence is shrouded in secrecy, and its use is prohibited."
He hesitated, then added, "It is primarily known in the land where it was first devised…"
Before Dumbledore could finish, Ilona interjected.
"America!"
Her exclamation startled the room. Realization dawned on the professors, but Ilona wasn't finished.
"Headmaster Dumbledore, why not tell them the full story? The truth about this curse? For instance, that it was created by an Auror?"
A gasp echoed through the office. The idea that such a vile spell could originate from an Auror was almost unthinkable.
Ilona continued, her voice firm. "Years ago, the magical world was far less harmonious than it is today. Rivalries between the Ministries of Magic were fierce. An Auror from the Magical Congress of the United States developed this curse to eliminate a high-ranking official from another country's Ministry."
"The International Confederation of Wizards discovered the plot, sentencing the Auror to life imprisonment. They even tried to erase his memory of the curse with Obliviation, yet somehow, the spell survived and spread, albeit in a limited capacity."
She paused dramatically. "So when the headmaster says the curse is confined to its place of origin, he isn't entirely correct. It has persisted… but primarily in America."
Ilona's revelation was abruptly cut short by Dumbledore's raised voice.
"That's enough!"
His tone was firm, yet not unkind. Turning to Ilona, he added softly, "Professor Ilona, without concrete evidence, it is unwise to make assumptions. Wouldn't you agree?"
Though Ilona bristled, she chose not to press the issue further. The rest of the professors, though clearly intrigued, remained silent out of respect for Dumbledore's authority.
Ilona, however, silently resolved not to let this rest. Her mind raced with the implications of what she had deduced.
It seems we were bound to cross paths again. Fine. This time, let's settle things once and for all.
Her eyes glinted with determination as she quietly watched the unfolding events.
-----------------------
Want to read ahead of schedule?
Join here for advance chapters: PATREON.COM / PRIMALDEMON