A Web Of Magic - Volume 1 Chapter 58 Boon Or Bane?

Magnus later came to know that his patient was Pandora Lovegood and the house he visited was the Lovegood house. Her husband, Xenophilius Lovegood, was the owner of the paper Quibbler. The man was highly grateful for what Magnus had done and gave him a lifetime free subscription to the paper. The daughter Luna always had a wide-eyed look to her. Her eyes were filled with wonder and gratitude whenever she looked at Magnus. She gave him a tearful hug when she realized her mother had been saved. Magnus found her innocent eyes too cute and can only pat her head in return. He visited the family two more times in the next week. Pandora was his patient after all, he had to check up on her once in a while.

The Healers at St. Mungo’s were all very surprised when they learned about Magnus’s deed. They had never seen a student so proficient at Healing magic at his age. Most just chase after offensive magic or even magic bordering on the dark side of the spectrum during their youth to prove themselves. Hence, they were all very friendly to him. Mr. Galen, the Healer-in-charge of the fourth-floor ward where they treat spell damage, even offered him an internship of sorts for him during the holidays. Magnus promised to take him up on it at a later date. Healing people did give him proficiency and even sometimes impact points. It’d be a great way to supplement his knowledge and level up.

But all wasn’t well. Pandora wouldn’t be waking up anytime soon. They put her in an artificially induced sleep and provided her supplements for now. Her organs would take time to regrow despite the small damage they incurred. But the Lovegoods were still very happy. Where there is life, there is hope. Mrs. Weasley and the midwife, whom he now came to know as Martha, were both very impressed with his work and wouldn’t stop thanking. Mrs. Weasley even cooked him up a grand meal at her house. The Weasley children were all the happier for a good meal.

The vacation was soon done and Magnus was back in school. Madam Pomfrey heard what Magnus had accomplished and she praised him for his work. Even Prof. McGonagall and Flitwick had heard what he had done and were very impressed. Too bad they couldn’t give him house points as the deed wasn’t done on school grounds. But they still sneaked in extra points whenever he performed well in their class. Magnus was all the happier for the points. He fell into his old routine of learning and having fun with his friends once again.

Two weeks after his return, Helena called him for a talk. They spoke with each other for a while and Magnus shared with her what happened during his holidays. When Helena heard about his deeds, she was very impressed and seemed to have finally come to a decision. “I trust you have digested your rewards by now Magnus?” she asked him probingly.

“Yes, the knowledge was a wonderful welcome,” Magnus answered.

“Then it is time I take you to see your other reward. Whether it’s a boon or a curse depends on your capabilities. Are you willing?” she asked with narrowed eyes.

“A reward? Then what are we waiting for? Lead on. Let me see for myself whether it’s a boon or not,” Magnus answered her confidently. He can always use [Identify] or other forms of divination to avoid any danger. Helena nodded her head and she took him through the castle. There was a quidditch match going between Slytherin and Hufflepuff so most students went to watch. The castle looked deserted. She finally led him to the corridor containing the Room of Requirement.

“Are we going to the Room of Requirement?” Magnus questioned her.

“You are familiar with the room then? It’s not surprising I suppose. You are a curious mind after all. Yes, our goal is the room of requirement, specifically the Room of Hidden things version of it,” Helena stopped in front of the room’s location. She moved back and forth thrice and soon a simple door materialized on the wall. Magnus was surprised, he didn’t know even ghosts could use the room.

As they entered the room, Magnus was even more surprised. ‘I never knew the room could get so big! It must be as tall as a castle in here! And all these items! There must be so many treasures buried within. Hmm, I must investigate some other day,’ he decided.

Helena led him through large piles of old and broken items of all manner. There were books, sculptures, furniture, broken potions bottles, robes, cauldrons and all manner of things imaginable. They were all dusty, broken and in a state of disrepair. Helena looked at his surprise and said with a smile, “Amazing isn’t it? It’s one of the greatest wonders in the castle. Mother wouldn’t tell me how it was done, but I’m pretty sure it was the work of her and Merlin. The other Founders might have pitched in some help, but they definitely didn’t design it. It wasn’t their focus of work,” Helena proudly yet casually revealed secrets not found in any books. That is what Magnus liked about her. Free information about Hogwarts and the founders without even asking.

“Merlin? So, its true then? He was a student here?” Magnus asked curiously. Who didn’t want to know about Merlin, the Prince of Enchanters in the wizarding world? They practically worship him here.

“Yes, it’s true. He was a genius even by the standards of mother and Slytherin. Slytherin took him in as an apprentice. He was very intelligent, yet also equally infuriating,” Helena revealed.

‘So, Merlin was in Slytherin? It’ll be hilarious to see what some people would do if they know. Then again, the Slytherins may become even more stuck up. Better keep it to myself then,’ Magnus chuckled in his head.

They finally stopped in front of a small pedestal. Lying on the pedestal was a discolored old tiara with a blue sapphire embedded at the center. ‘Is this it? It’s just an old tiara. Wait a moment, tiara is also called a diadem. Could it possibly be?’ Magnus wondered. Before he could continue his thoughts, Helena spoke, “There it is. The item that many people coveted over the millennia. Whether for the sake of pride, vanity or ambition, they all wanted it. The most famous and coveted possession of Rowena Ravenclaw, the Diadem of Ravenclaw. Many a Ravenclaw has scoured the castle to find it over the centuries, but they all failed. This is my greatest shame and regret. The cause of my untimely death,” Helena said sadly.

Magnus stared at the legendary artifact in front of him. When he looked clearly, he saw etched upon it a famous quote, “Wit beyond measure is man’s greatest treasure.”

‘How true,’ Magnus agreed. He imagined the legendary artifact to be sparkling and emitting dazzling light that’d charm and awe anyone looking at it. He heard the sadness within Helena’s words and he’s sure there’s a story behind it, but he wouldn’t ask something that personal unless she took the initiative to tell. Just as he hadn’t told her about his own experience with the hag. The diadem looked so dim that no one would even use it as a normal tiara. But he could see the traces of a once great artifact, said to be the greatest creation of Rowena Ravenclaw.

‘Hmm, let me see what it’s about, [Identify],’ Magnus used his ability.

[Diadem of Ravenclaw (Cursed)]

The title was followed by a row of question marks indicating that either its level was too high or that it was somehow protected against divination. ‘The protection is not a surprise. It is supposed to be a legendary artifact. Ravenclaw probably knew more about divination than me. But it’s cursed? Is that why I feel this compulsion? Just move a bit closer. It’s so close, I just have to reach my hand over and put it on-‘