For the Greater Good || Tom Riddle ||

Chapter Twenty: Light and Darkness

Gwen did not go to class the next day. She told Jane from behind her canopy that she didn't feel well. She waited until all the Ravenclaw girls had left the dormitory to dare change out of her nightgown.

When she finally did manage to make it out of bed, she quickly pulled on a black ribbed turtleneck and a pair of wide flowing pleated pants. Mustering the strength she had, she went on her hands and knees to retrieve the large hat box that sat underneath her bed. Out came the Cloak of Invisibility, shining, silvery, and strange to the touch.

Gwen had always liked the feeling of the Invisibility Cloak underneath her fingertips. Like water woven into material, it was visible until properly worn. Wrapping it around her body, Gwen felt near her grandmother. It was a comfort.

The cloak was heavy against her skin and her tender flesh still throbbed where her new mark was etched into her shoulder blades. This was her punishment for her failure to bring the Hallows. It was to serve as a reminder of who she was, her purpose.

The entire reason I am here...

She banished the thoughts from her mind as she felt herself begin to wilt with despair. She could have no weakness. It would destroy her. Gwen grabbed one more thing before making her way to her first stop—the library.

She traversed the halls as a phantom, but there weren't many students about in the halls since it was midmorning. When she reached the library, she swept the hallways with carefully trained eyes. There was no one. She removed the cloak, resting it in the crook of her arm as she pulled the large wooden doors open.

"Why hello, Miss Gawmdrey. It's nice to see that smile of yours so often again."

"Yes," Gwen nodded timidly at the woman who grinned so eagerly at her from behind the counter. Although Madam Ellesmere had commented on her smile, she wasn't able to conjure one to her lips.

Slowly, Gwen pulled a book from her side. "I have The Hobbit for you."

"Splendid!" Madam Ellesmere cheered, her grey eyes beaming to match her smile. "I can take that from you. Would you like to check that one book out now?"

Gwen had finished all she needed to know about Inferi. She had grown curious about something else.

"Actually," Gwen started, "I am interested in any papers or genealogical records you have on European wizarding families."

"Hmm," the librarian pursed her lips. "I will have to check in the back. Do you mind waiting?"

"No," Gwen shook her head.

When Madam Ellesmere returned, she was holding a thick black leather book with a strange, sprawling tree painted across the cover. In fine text it read: Nature's Nobility: A Wizarding Genealogy.

"This used to be kept in the Slytherin Dungeons, but Professor Dumbledore suggested that it be put back in the library to make it more accessible to students of every house."

She waved her wand along the spine and handed it over to Gwen. "Here, it's all yours. Due at the end of March."

"Thank you."

"You're welcome!"

Gwen took the book gingerly, and without further ado, exited the library. Looking to her right and to her left, she saw no one and slipped the Invisibility Cloak overhead.

While invisible, she passed Felicity Mumps in the hall. The kind but daft girl was rambling to one her friends about the upcoming Waterplant Festival at Hogsmeade. Gwen quickly sneaked by them and others during the passing period.