In a slightly dim passage, the echoes of footsteps reverberated, but although the sound lingered, the figure producing it did not appear until the echoing footsteps finally reached the end of the corridor.
In the flickering light of torches lining the sides of an ordinary chamber, old furniture stood. The footsteps halted for a moment, then suddenly a figure emerged from the shadows. Edward, concealed beneath a cloak, revealed himself.
He visually assured himself that no dangers lurked within the room before fully exposing his presence. Carefully observing his surroundings, it reminded him of a secluded retreat. Furnished with amenities such as a large sofa, a fireplace that ignited as he entered, and a table adorned with quill, parchment, and various notes, the chamber exuded a sense of comfort and solitude.
Cautiously approaching the table, Edward noticed inscriptions on some of the parchments. Curiosity piqued, he picked them up and began to read.
"Welcome to my secret chamber, following Salazar's idea, I too have constructed a sanctuary to escape from prying eyes and ponder in solitude.
I have employed no magic here, save for enchantments to preserve the durability of the furnishings and artifacts, so you may rest assured."
Upon reading this paragraph, Edward's apprehensive heart finally found solace.
"Most likely, you have unraveled my enigma and found your way here, as there is no other means of entry. Furthermore, the chamber is only accessible during the specified time mentioned in the riddle, precluding any alternative access. Attempting to disrupt the enchantment guarding the passage would be unwise, as it is intricately linked to certain aspects of Hogwarts, and such interference could potentially awaken living stone statues or unleash other unwelcome consequences."
"Based on the information I left in that book, you may harbor an interest in uncovering some hidden truths about this world. Or perhaps you simply sought to solve the riddle as a testament to your intellect.
Regardless, I have left my notes on my worktable. You will notice a neatly folded parchment to the left, wherein I have recorded the secrets I have uncovered. If you wish to avoid any risk, you may refrain from unfolding or even consign it to the adjacent fireplace.
However, should you proceed, the following notes will reveal some clandestine passages within Hogwarts. Some of these lead directly beneath the lake, from where you could certainly surface, though it would be perilous for any student below fourth-year."
Edward continued reading, discovering several well-concealed entrances into the dormitories of the four houses. Additionally, he learned of another secret passage that would grant him direct access to the restricted section of the library – truly remarkable information that could potentially allow him to infiltrate any of the four common rooms.
From Rowena Ravenclaw's account, he also learned of a hidden passage leading directly to the headmaster's office. However, the other founders eventually discovered this and sealed the entrance. She recounted the tale in an amusing manner, but Edward paid little heed, engrossed in his reading.
Finally, he reached the section describing how to leave Hogwarts undetected via the Floo Network. It was permanently connected to a single fireplace, the other end located somewhere beneath London, though its functionality might have ceased over time.
Having finished reading the information, Edward glanced around but found nothing more of interest, save for the folded parchment.
"Well, since you have chosen to pursue this knowledge, you alone bear the responsibility for its consequences.
A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.
To begin, I would like you to locate something on the wall ahead. By feeling along the surface near the worktable, you will find what I wish to reveal."
After reading the first paragraph, Edward tentatively reached out and began running his hand along the wall. When he did not immediately comprehend the intent, his hand suddenly penetrated through the solid surface. Although the wall remained visually intact, Edward's arm passed through it, discovering a small hidden alcove.
Finally, his hand seemed to grasp something – a square object he then withdrew from the concealed space.
However, what Edward beheld perplexed him. A three-dimensional Rubik's Cube, a classic puzzle he had encountered in his previous life. Yet, instead of colors adorning its surfaces, incomplete symbols covered the cube's faces. Attempting to twist and turn it, he confirmed it was indeed a functional Rubik's Cube.
"And so, you have found the square object. It was not created by me, but I discovered it in the Fatimid Caliphate. Aside from the renowned pyramids, there exist other structures, and within one, I uncovered this artifact – the Pyramid of Amenemhet III in Dahshur.
The crux of the matter is that I could not solve this enigma, as an ancient and potent enchantment has been cast upon it. Every few seconds, it alters itself, preventing me from resolving the otherwise straightforward puzzle.
However, I did notice one peculiarity: the longer the timespan, the longer the interval between shifts.
Over the years I possessed it, the shifting interval has gradually increased. You may verify this yourself by leaving the object undisturbed for a time. In this manner, you can deduce the shifting interval."
Reading this paragraph, Edward eyed the Rubik's Cube in his hand suspiciously. Though devoid of colors like its modern counterpart, it instead bore various incomplete symbols. Contemplating for a moment, he placed it on the table and waited. Indeed, after some time had passed, the Rubik's Cube levitated into the air and rapidly reconfigured itself before dropping back onto the surface as if nothing had transpired. During this event, Edward had already begun timing the interval.
After precisely 55 seconds, the scene repeated itself. Edward sighed with relief, for although he knew how to solve the Rubik's Cube, doing so swiftly was beyond his capabilities. His personal best was a mere 36 seconds, achieved only after extensive practice.
Putting the cube aside, he resumed reading.
"And so, with that matter settled, let us proceed to what will undoubtedly capture your interest – the secret that may pose a threat to you.
The secret is this: just as wizards conceal themselves from the eyes of Muggles, there exist extraordinary individuals who remain hidden from the entire world, both Muggle and wizarding alike.
Who are they, you may ask? I have uncovered some information about them, but even after extensive research, I could not trace their origins. According to the accounts, they possess powers surpassing those of the wizards we know, and they are not solitary beings but rather a clandestine society.
The information I have gathered stems from various rumors, some of which have been recorded in certain locations.
These rumors suggest that they adhere to some grand scheme, with some whisperings claiming they orchestrate well-known events for an unknown purpose.
Although I remain skeptical of such claims, these rumors led me to this cube, whose magic is incredibly ancient.
After prolonged contemplation, I have reached the conclusion that if they indeed engineer these events for a specific purpose, it is highly probable that their existence could be uncovered by disrupting the course of said events. However, even at the end of my life, during which I pen this letter, I have been unable to decipher the cube's enigma or locate these elusive individuals. The primary obstacle lies in determining which events the inscriptions allude to."
As he read more intently, Edward's hand gripping the parchment began to tremble slightly.
The words inscribed in the letter would hold little significance for most individuals. However, upon comprehending the content, a shudder ran through Edward's body, for unlike others, he possesses knowledge of certain aspects of this world.
"An inescapable fate, a prophecy that paves the path towards this destiny."
How could he not recognize the events mentioned in the letter? Merlin, the founding of Hogwarts, the four powerful wizards, the creation of wands, the Deathly Hallows, the goblin rebellion..., the first Dark Lord, the second Dark Lord.
"Are not all these events well-known? And according to the letter, they are the handiwork of some unknown entity? Surely, this cannot be mere nonsense?"
Yet, the more Edward contemplated these notions, the more he trembled. He clearly understood the narrative that awaited this world and the predetermined fate it was destined to face.
"But what if this were true?"
His eyes began darting back and forth, and his head started to spin.
If this were indeed true, then this world was far more perilous than he had ever imagined.