Chapter 25: Through Shadows and Reflections
The air in Hogwarts had shifted.
Though the castle looked the same, Luna could sense a subtle change in the atmosphere, like the soft murmur of leaves before a storm. Rumors floated in the common rooms and corridors. Students whispered about a forbidden corridor, a giant three-headed dog, and something precious being guarded in the depths of the castle. Luna, seated by the window in the Ravenclaw common room, listened without reacting, her fingers gently stroking the cover of her latest dream journal.
System Sync Rate: 61.2%
Passive Observation Enabled: Rumor Classification — HIGH CONSISTENCY DETECTED
Warning: Converging Threads of Canon Timeline
"They're reckless," Luna whispered to herself, watching Harry, Ron, and Hermione rush past the corridor below through the window's enchanted transparency. "But maybe that's what fate needs."
She had no desire to interfere—yet. Instead, she focused on refining her own abilities. The Room of Requirement had responded to her subconscious thoughts the night before, and now it beckoned her again.
She returned to the seventh floor that evening. Walking past the blank wall three times, she focused her thoughts.
A place where I can train in dreams, a place where I can safely test limits.
The door appeared with a soft whisper.
Inside, the room was vast and quiet, its walls shimmering with stardust and echoing the calm of her dreams. Soft clouds hovered mid-air, acting as training platforms. Crystal orbs floated in columns, each representing an aspect of her evolving abilities. The room understood her now.
She stepped forward, her wand steady.
"Lumos Maxima."
Light surged, brighter than before.
Spell Progression: Lumos Maxima — 46% Control. System Aid Activated.
She tested Wingardium Leviosa again, lifting a book through controlled breath.
System Note: Magical Core Response Improved. Mana Flow Stabilizing During Practical Use.
But it was the next spell that brought a flicker of challenge.
"Protego."
The first time, it sputtered. The second time, it formed a shaky, transparent shield. She braced herself as magical projectiles summoned by the room hit the barrier.
New Spell Acquired: Protego
Shield Manifestation: 24%. Structural Integrity: Weak but Forming.
Luna exhaled.
She wasn't a duelist—not yet—but the basics were taking root. Each failed attempt added to her understanding.
Later that week, in the library, Luna sat across from Hermione again.
"You've been missing meals," Hermione said bluntly.
"I've been in the Room of Requirement," Luna replied dreamily, "training with clouds."
Hermione blinked. "Clouds?"
"Metaphorical ones, mostly."
The bushy-haired girl tried not to smile. "You're strange, Luna."
Luna grinned. "I prefer peculiar. Stranger implies danger."
Despite their differences, Luna appreciated these moments. Their dynamic was like two gears grinding into place—different in rhythm, but working together when needed.
System Observation: Social Link Strengthening — Hermione Granger: +12% Affinity
As they pored over books about magical barriers, Hermione paused. "Do you think Harry's really involved with what's hidden here?"
Luna's eyes flicked toward the ceiling. "I think... everyone has a thread to follow. And some threads are pulled tighter than others."
Hermione didn't know how to reply, so they returned to their books.
That night, Luna's dreams were more vivid than ever. She stood again before the hall of mirrors. This time, one shimmered gold.
She reached out.
A flash.
A memory. A shadow. A voice she couldn't recognize:
"Beware the mirror that reflects too clearly. Not all truths are safe."
System Log: Dream Thread Anomaly Detected — Unknown Voice Fragment Stored.
Warning: External Magical Interference Suspected. Investigate in Future Chapters.
Luna woke with her heart beating faster than usual. She stared at the moonlight on the ceiling, breathing slowly.
She would keep training.
She would keep watching.
And when her thread tugged too tightly, she would be ready to pull back.
End of Chapter 25: Through Shadows and Reflections