{Jyoti's Rings and Staff, Thane, Mumbai}
{12th July 1992}
{Rigel's POV}
My fingers brushed the edge of the old, leather-bound book, and a shiver crept down my spine as I felt its malevolent aura. The magical aura radiating from the volume was weak at first, as if it were trying to hide and blend in, but it carried a distinctly unsettling familiarity.
My pulse quickened as memories flickered to life, the familiar feeling of cold whispers and twisted lies, an echo of dread similar to a certain diary I'd confronted last Halloween.
Voldemort's diary. It had been a Horcrux.
'What is something like this doing here, in public, with no one ever the wiser? Surely someone who knows what he is doing would be able to sense and deal with this...' A million questions flashed through my mind as I focused my mana sense onto the book.
And I noticed that this wasn't exactly the same mana signature. Maybe it was because of a different soul. This mana wasn't as malevolent or invasive as Voldemort's had been, but it undeniably held some similarities. The magic binding this tome together whispered to my senses in a darker, deeper resonance as it begged to be opened and read.
Lost in thought, I almost jumped as Jyoti's gentle voice broke through my contemplation. "Ah, you've found a fascinating one there."
I turned to see her observing me closely, an intrigued expression lighting her eyes, yet her entire demeanor seemed rather odd. She glanced briefly toward the others, who were enthusiastically engaged in having their magical resonances measured by Jyoti's assistant. Satisfied that they were occupied, Jyoti stepped closer, her voice lowering slightly.
"That book is rather special, Mr. Black," she murmured softly. "It's incredibly rare, the only surviving limited-edition copy personally penned by the legendary healer, Dhanvantari."
My curiosity deepened, and I looked at her sharply, interest overcoming caution for a bit as I asked, "Dhanvantari? I'm not familiar with that name."
Jyoti smiled, her expression thoughtful, almost reverent. "He is a figure of near-mythical status in our magical history. A wizard widely regarded as India's greatest healer, perhaps one of the greatest magical healers to have ever lived. His skills and feats were legendary, as much for their extraordinary effectiveness as for their uniqueness."
Lost in thought, I carefully opened the book's cover, noting how the pages seemed both fragile, as if they would tear themselves apart, but didn't...likely strengthened by layers of enchantment. Elegant script flowed gracefully across the parchment, a style so meticulously neat it resembled artwork rather than mere text.
Yet something else quickly became apparent: the words weren't written in ordinary script. They twisted and curved in patterns I wasn't familiar with, yet I felt like I could somehow read and understand them. I felt the call of mana emerging, trying to reach me, but I blocked it.
"Why does it feel so… unusual?" I asked softly, meeting Jyoti's gaze.
She gave a knowing nod, as if she had expected the question. "Dhanvantari was famously skilled in the rare trait of Parseltongue... not merely as a language, but he was solely focused on using it as a powerful magical focus. This book is dedicated to the healing magic and spells he personally created and cast through Parseltongue, a field almost completely unknown outside his writings. It's rumored he could heal wounds no ordinary wizard could even think of."
My heartbeat quickened at that. Parseltongue magic was precisely what had been on my hit list when I had planned this trip. And here, unexpectedly, I had come across what was perhaps the greatest magical text on the subject, sitting quietly in Jyoti's shop.
'What a coincidence, really...' I thought as I gazed down at the twisting loops of script.
Jyoti paused thoughtfully before she continued, "He was also extremely skilled in space magic, which further elevated his legendary status. But this particular work—' The Serpent's Tongue: Secrets of Parsel Healing'—focuses exclusively on Parseltongue enchantments for healing. Unfortunately," she added regretfully, "it's written entirely in Parselscript. More than that, it's heavily encrypted. Only someone intimately familiar with Parseltongue and the unique script itself could hope to decipher it."
I glanced again at the mesmerizing, sinuous letters winding across the pages as I felt the call of mana again and this time didn't move to block it. The letters seemed to shift subtly as I studied them, sliding into new positions. "Encrypted Parselscript?" I asked, fascination steadily overtaking my initial wariness.
Jyoti nodded solemnly. "Yes. He wanted to ensure the knowledge would be protected and only accessible to his successor—someone who could truly grasp its severity."
My mind raced as I tried to make sense of this situation I had found myself in. Voldemort's diary had been a corrupt vessel for his dark soul... but this book, while similar in magical structure, didn't feel malicious.
"Why would something so precious and valuable just be here, out on display?" I asked carefully, sensing there must be more to the story.
Jyoti smiled faintly, as though appreciating my caution. "It's not exactly on display. It chooses who notices it. Only a rare few even become aware of its presence here. I noticed your reaction immediately... your sensitivity to mana is uncommon. You can see far beyond the surface, unlike most people."
'That still doesn't make sense. Sirius has mana sense too, I'm pretty sure, but he didn't react.'
I exhaled slowly, trying to decipher the whys wasn't going to get me anywhere for now. Jyoti's expression grew serious as she cautioned. "The book has chosen to reveal itself to you. Its magic reached out and found your resonance suitable."
I stared back at her in surprise. "Chosen me?"
'What, am I the chosen one now?'
"Yes," she replied firmly. "I have seen others come and go, never giving it a second glance." She paused, studying me intently. "It's rare that the book shows interest in someone. Perhaps there is something within you it senses...a connection, perhaps."
A cold prickle of suspicion stirred briefly, memories of Voldemort's diary flaring again. But as I cautiously brushed the book again with my mana sense, this magic felt distinctly different... not malicious like a Horcrux, but expectant, waiting.
Jyoti sensed my hesitation and gently continued, "This book has remained in my shop for a long time, waiting. If you wish, you may study it here in privacy. Take your time... ensure you feel comfortable reading and exploring it. Some magical texts can be… quite intense."
"I'd like to purchase this," I finally asked Jyoti, trying...and failing...to sound nonchalant. My heart was pounding softly with anticipation.
Jyoti hesitated, her gentle eyes firm yet sympathetic. "I'm sorry, Rigel. This book isn't something I can sell. It's considered part of historical magical heritage, and frankly, its value goes far beyond mere Galleons."
I exhaled softly, disappointed but understanding. "Then... what if I could borrow it, perhaps? Take it with me and study it carefully?"
She shook her head apologetically, her voice gentle but firm. "Again, my deepest apologies, but the book must remain here. I'm bound by promises older than myself and the book's enchantments. It's said that this tome contains directions to a hidden place...an inheritance left behind by Dhanvantari himself. Though no one has ever managed to find it, that legend alone makes it priceless."
'A hidden inheritance?' The idea ignited something within...a blend of curiosity, excitement, and intrigue. "Do people really believe such a place exists?"
Jyoti's expression turned thoughtful. "Some do, others consider it a simple myth. But myths have power, and many have searched tirelessly for that hidden treasure. They know this book is the key...or so the legends claim. Unfortunately, not even our finest Parselmouth scholars have succeeded in deciphering the location from the text, even if they could read a few of the spells. They didn't have enough affinity in the end."
I glanced down at the book again, carefully turning its archaic pages. The flowing Parselscript shimmered softly under my fingertips, each word resonating gently with my mana sense. Suddenly, as my eyes traced the intricate lines, the indecipherable script began to glow softly, and, as if responding directly to me, the words rearranged themselves effortlessly into familiar English.
...
'That was easier than expected.' I thought, as I tried to suppress my excitement and disbelief.
I used my Occlumency training to conceal my reaction. I raised my eyes briefly, but Jyoti was already turning away, called over by Sirius, who eagerly discussed designs for his ring. I was left alone, staring down at the pages, pulse racing as I read through the words written by an ancient mage.
"Healing arts begin not with restitching flesh but with understanding the injury itself. To heal is to speak life into a wound, binding magic with intent. The serpent's tongue reveals everything: hidden truths, buried wounds, concealed secrets of the world. To master the healing art is to embrace the hidden path of empathy and power."
I turned another page, my fingers trembling faintly with exhilaration. And as I got lost in its pages, a paragraph at the bottom of the 7th page caught my eye.
"If you were able to read this, the gift of the serpent's tongue dwells within you, my descendant. Seek my hidden sanctum, a haven of magic untouched by prying eyes. Follow the song of life to the place where three rivers meet beneath the silver moonlight. There, speak the words of healing, and the way shall be revealed."
I paused. Instructions, actual fucking instructions to a hidden treasure...a path to Dhanvantari's hidden inheritance. The book's mana pulsed gently beneath my touch, resonating with my own as if acknowledging the connection, whatever it was.
'But what could it be? It's my first time coming to India...'
My heart tightened slightly, grounding me in the reality of our trip and reminding me that, despite my excitement, caution was necessary.
I took a deep breath, composing myself. Jyoti wouldn't let me take this book away, but she'd already granted me permission to study it here. That would have to suffice for now. There was no rush, the treasure had waited this long, and I could afford a little more patience. More importantly, I needed time to understand exactly what secrets this text guards and what exactly it means for someone like me to have access.
Jyoti rejoined me, observing quietly. "Found anything of interest?" she asked gently.
I hesitated, choosing my words carefully. "It's…fascinating. The Parselscript is incredibly intricate. Thank you."
She smiled knowingly, perhaps sensing more than I revealed. "Of course. You're welcome to return whenever you wish to continue your study."
"Thank you," I said sincerely, gently closing the book. "I will."
For now, I would hold this secret close, carefully considering my next move. I stepped back to join my friends, smiling at Ginny as she approached with a curious look.
"Found anything interesting?" she asked softly.
I nodded, eyes bright with hidden excitement. "More than I ever expected."
She smiled warmly, and together we rejoined the lively conversation. Yet, even as I laughed and talked alongside everyone, part of my mind remained fixed on the hidden words I'd just read.
'The serpent's tongue reveals all.'
A secret was thus entrusted to me, quietly whispering of adventures and temptations.
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AN: So ready for a side trip?