(Estella)

The Owlery was cold this evening, the early May wind sneaking through the stone windows and biting at my skin. I wrapped my cloak tighter around me as I reached for a familiar tawny owl perched on the wooden ledge. It hooted softly, stretching its wings after what must have been a long flight.

"You've been busy, haven't you?" I murmured, untying the letter from its leg. The envelope was slightly crumpled, but the bold handwriting was unmistakable.

Sirius.

My heart quickened as I tore the letter open, eager to see what he had written after my last note to him.

Dear Estella,

Thank you for the painting. It was beautiful—better than I ever could have imagined. I hung it in my room, and every time I look at it, it reminds me there's still light left in the world, even in places as grim as Grimmauld Place. You've inherited your mother's talent, without a doubt.

Now, to the matter you wrote about. Rose's vision confirms something we've feared but couldn't yet prove: Voldemort is growing stronger, rallying his Death Eaters and solidifying his power.

I believe, though I can't be certain yet, that Rose and Harry's connection to him is more than just coincidence. They both bear scars from the night he attacked their family—scars he left behind. And as horrible as it sounds, I think these scars connect them to him as much as they connect them to each other.

The part that worries me most is the possibility that this connection could be tied to something darker. My brother Regulus was obsessed with hunting horcruxes before he died. He believed that Voldemort had split his soul, anchoring parts of himself in objects to make himself immortal. I'm not saying Rose and Harry are horcruxes, but there's a chance their connection works in a similar way.

I'll dig into this further with the Order and keep you updated. In the meantime, tell Rose and Harry to be cautious. The closer Voldemort gets to full strength, the more dangerous this connection could become.

Take care of yourself. You're brilliant, Estella, and I couldn't be prouder of you.

All my love,
Padfoot

I folded the letter carefully, slipping it into my cloak as I let out a shaky breath. The word "horcrux" echoed in my mind, unfamiliar and unsettling.

If Sirius wasn't sure, then no one else would be either. And yet, the idea of Rose and Harry being tied to Voldemort in such a horrific way made my stomach turn.

I hurried down the Owlery stairs, my thoughts spinning. As I stepped outside, I nearly collided with someone.

"Sorry—oh, it's you," I said, recognizing the messy black hair immediately.

"Estella," Harry said, looking just as surprised. "What are you doing out here?"

"I could ask you the same thing," I replied, brushing some windblown hair from my face. "But actually, this is perfect. I need to talk to you."

Harry frowned. "About what?"

"Where's Rose?" I asked instead.

"Probably in the library," Harry said. "Why?"

"Because it's better if I talk to you both," I said, motioning for him to follow me.

The walk back to the castle was quiet at first, the crunch of gravel underfoot the only sound.

"So," Harry said after a while, glancing at me, "how's Rose been? I haven't seen her much the past couple of days."

I shrugged. "She's been busy, I guess. OWLs, Umbridge, everything going on... it's a lot for everyone right now."

Harry nodded, his expression thoughtful. "It's hard to believe OWLs are so close. I feel like I'm completely unprepared."

"You're not alone," I said with a faint smile.

-

(Rose)

The library was quiet, as usual, the faint scratching of quills and the whisper of turning pages filling the air. I was sitting at a table near the back, poring over a particularly dull book about defensive charms. Enzo was next to me, leaning over his own notes.

"You're actually studying?" I teased, raising an eyebrow at him.

Enzo grinned. "Don't act so surprised. I can be responsible when I want to be."

"Sure, when you feel like it," I said, rolling my eyes playfully.

We fell into an easy rhythm of quiet conversation and studying, though I could feel Enzo watching me out of the corner of his eye.

"Rosie," he said suddenly, his voice softer now.

I looked up at him, my quill still in hand. "What?"

"I..." He hesitated, his dark eyes meeting mine. "There's something I've been meaning to tell you."

My heart skipped slightly, though I wasn't sure why. His tone was different, heavier.

"What is it?" I asked, tilting my head.

Before he could answer, a familiar voice broke the moment.

"What's going on here?"

I turned to see Estella and Harry approaching our table, Estella raising an eyebrow as she glanced between me and Enzo.

"Nothing," I said quickly, closing my book.

Harry smirked slightly. "Apparently, Estella has something important to talk about."

"Privately," Estella added, her gaze flicking pointedly to Enzo.

Enzo stood, nodding. "No problem. I'll see you tomorrow, Rosie. Harry." His eyes lingered on me for a moment before he turned and walked away.

Estella cast a quick silencing charm around our corner of the library, her wand movements precise.

"Muffliato," she murmured, lowering her wand as she turned back to us.

"What's this about?" I asked, glancing between her and Harry.

Estella pulled a letter from her cloak and handed it to me. "Sirius replied to my letter."

Harry and I read the letter together, the words sinking in like stones.

-

"So," Harry said after a long silence, "he thinks we're connected to Voldemort because of the scars?"

"It makes sense," I said, my voice quiet. "The night he attacked, he left something behind. Something that ties us to him."

"But a horcrux?" Harry asked, frowning. "What's that?"

"I don't know," Estella admitted. "I've never read about them before, and I've been through half the library."

"Have you tried the Restricted Section?" Harry asked, his tone wry.

I raised an eyebrow, smirking faintly. "That's very slytherin of you, Harry. Breaking rules and all."

"I'm serious," Harry said, though his lips twitched slightly. "If there's anything on horcruxes, it's probably there."

Estella sighed. "We'll figure it out. But not tonight. It's late, and we all need sleep."

Harry nodded reluctantly, and Estella broke the silencing charm as we packed up our things.