HARRY POTTER :Rebirth in Time.

The tension in Snape's office was suffocating, the green glow of Slytherin's amulet casting eerie shadows across the shelves of potion vials and ancient tomes. Harry felt the weight of Snape's words settling deep in his chest.

"You're saying it can be destroyed," Harry said, his voice steady but cautious. "But… there's a catch."

Snape's black eyes bore into him with an intensity that made Harry's skin prickle. "Dark artifacts such as this are not so easily undone, Potter. To destroy it, you must meet the magic with an equal force—blood for blood, sacrifice for power."

Hermione paled. "Blood magic?" she whispered, horror creeping into her voice.

Snape nodded slowly. "The amulet is bound by ancient rites, forged with the blood of Slytherin's descendants. If you wish to break its hold, a sacrifice of similar value is required."

Harry's jaw clenched. "What kind of sacrifice?"

Snape's expression remained impassive. "Something… personal. The magic must take what it values most—your strength, your memories, your very magic if necessary."

A heavy silence followed his words. Ron, who had been standing near the door with Daphne, finally spoke, his voice shaking with anger. "So you're saying… it could take Harry's magic? Or worse?"

Daphne scoffed, crossing her arms. "I don't know about you, but that doesn't sound like an appealing option."

Harry ignored them, his mind racing. "There has to be another way. What if we don't destroy it—what if we use it against Malfoy?"

Snape's lips curled into a sneer. "Foolish as ever, Potter. Dark magic does not serve its wielder without consequence. If you attempt to use it, you will not come out unscathed."

Hermione pressed her hands to her temples, pacing anxiously. "Harry, we can't risk it. We don't know enough about what this amulet is capable of. If Malfoy wants it this badly, it's because it gives him power. We shouldn't give it to him, but we definitely shouldn't use it ourselves."

Daphne studied Harry intently. "She's right, Potter. You're reckless enough without cursed objects whispering in your ear."

Harry scowled. "We don't have time to play it safe. If Malfoy's bringing in reinforcements, we need an advantage."

Snape leaned over his desk, his voice like silk laced with steel. "And that, Potter, is precisely how you will fail. The desire for power blinds even the best of men." He turned his gaze to Hermione. "I suggest you reconsider your options before making an irreversible mistake."

Harry's fists clenched, but before he could argue further, Snape flicked his wand, and the door creaked open. "You have what you came for. Now leave."

Later That Night – Gryffindor Common Room

The fire crackled softly as they gathered around the table in the common room, the amulet resting in its cloth covering between them like a coiled snake waiting to strike.

Ron shook his head, still pale. "I don't like this, mate. If it means losing something important… it's not worth it."

Hermione nodded, her fingers gripping the armrest of her chair. "Harry, we need to think rationally. Snape was right about one thing—dark magic takes more than it gives. If we destroy the amulet, we stop Malfoy's plan for good. But if we try to use it…"

Daphne, leaning back with a thoughtful expression, interrupted. "Then we need to figure out how to destroy it without losing a part of ourselves." She eyed Hermione. "You're the bookworm—find another way."

Hermione sighed, rubbing her tired eyes. "I'll check every resource I can, but ancient magic like this doesn't leave a lot of loopholes."

Harry sat back, staring at the amulet. "I don't want to risk anyone else. If there's a price, I'll pay it."

Daphne rolled her eyes. "Martyr complex much?"

Ron shot Harry a glare. "No way. We're in this together. If you do something stupid, we'll all be here to stop you."

Hermione nodded in agreement. "We should hide the amulet somewhere safe until we figure out our next step."

Harry thought for a moment, then stood abruptly. "I know just the place."

The Room of Requirement – A Temporary Solution

The four of them stood inside the ever-changing Room of Requirement, which had transformed into a chamber filled with shelves and locked cabinets. At the center was an ornate glass case that shimmered with protective enchantments.

Harry placed the wrapped amulet inside carefully and shut the case with a flick of his wand. "This should keep it safe for now."

Daphne raised an eyebrow. "You trust a room that gave you a closet full of lost homework?"

Harry smirked. "It's not perfect, but it's better than having it with us."

Hermione reinforced the case with additional spells, and Ron paced anxiously. "So what now? Malfoy's probably already looking for it."

Harry's expression hardened. "Then we make sure he doesn't find it. We stay ahead of him."

Daphne crossed her arms. "And how do we do that, oh fearless leader?"

Harry met her gaze, his green eyes burning with determination. "We find out what Malfoy's next move is before he makes it."

Meanwhile – Slytherin Common Room

Draco Malfoy stood by the fireplace, his face illuminated by the flickering green flames. His fingers drummed impatiently on the mantel as Blaise Zabini and Pansy Parkinson stood nearby.

"Potter has it," Blaise said, his voice laced with frustration. "Greengrass hasn't said a word, but I know they have the amulet."

Draco's jaw clenched. "Of course they do. Potter never knows when to mind his own business."

Pansy twirled her hair, looking bored. "So what's the plan? We can't exactly storm Gryffindor Tower."

Malfoy's eyes darkened. "No. But Potter's weaknesses are his friends. We'll draw them out… and when we do, the amulet will be ours."

Blaise smirked. "You have something in mind?"

Draco turned, his lips curling into a sinister smile. "Oh, I do. And Potter won't see it coming."

The Next Day – The Calm Before the Storm

As Harry, Hermione, Ron, and Daphne moved through the corridors of Hogwarts, they couldn't shake the feeling that they were being watched. Students whispered in hushed tones, and the usual chatter in the Great Hall felt subdued.

Hermione glanced over her shoulder. "We need to stay vigilant. Malfoy's going to retaliate."

Harry nodded. "Then we stick together. No one goes anywhere alone."

Daphne smirked. "Afraid I'll run off and join the dark side, Potter?"

Harry shot her a look. "No. But Malfoy might be counting on us getting careless."

Ron grumbled. "Great. Another day of paranoia."

As they approached the Gryffindor table, Ginny waved them over, concern etched across her face. "What's going on? You all look like you've seen a ghost."

Harry forced a smile. "Nothing we can't handle."

But as they sat down, he couldn't shake the feeling that their enemies were closer than they realized.

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