Stage 23: Nicked Papers

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CONFIDENTIAL REPORT

Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry Internal Archive

Date of Original Incident: March 17, 2005
Subject: Mysterious Death of Student – Laurence Pellham-Hess (Year 4, Ravenclaw)

Summary:
Laurence Pellham-Hess, a fourth-year Ravenclaw student, was discovered deceased in a disused wing of Hogwarts castle on the morning of March 17, 2005. The half-breed wizard, notably dhampiric in heraldry, was found on the second floor, buried beneath three inches of earth, curled in a fetal position and surrounded by a ring of toys—many of which were unfamiliar in style and origin. They appeared to be handmade, stitched together crudely. Upon further assessment, it was noted that the toys were stuffed with straw as well as other oddities such as teeth, bone, or hair.

Pellham-Hess was mentally ill. The teen had a known obsession with a now-defunct toystore by the name of Herr Grimmel's Emporium of Delight and Discipline, referenced in several journal entries and letters found among his possessions in his dormitory. The shop was believed to have been demolished decades earlier, but this cannot be proven. There is no record of existence in any wizarding commercial registry, suggesting either fabrication or magical concealment. However, there is an old tale involving this name, so it is also possible that this was a delusion.

Notable Observations:
Pellham-Hess had reportedly become increasingly reclusive in the weeks prior to his death, showing signs of sleep deprivation, paranoia, and mild magical instability. His hygiene was limited and attempts to contact the student's parents via messenger were unsuccessful. It was recommended that Pellham-Hess be transferred to St. Mungos, but Hogwarts Staff were unable to acquire parental consent for transfer.

Witnesses from Ravenclaw house noted he frequently clutched a worn rag doll he referred to only as "Professor Stitch," and spoke to it when he thought no one was listening. Some of the students claimed that 'weird' things happened in Pellham-Hess's dorm and for that reason Pellham-Hess bunked alone.

Addiction is believed to play a part in this tragedy. A small vial containing residue of Darkest Night, a banned hallucinogenic potion known for inducing vivid, often prophetic nightmares, was discovered hidden in his sock drawer. It is believed that abuse of this substance resulted in a psychological break that might have resulted in his death.

However, the presence of toys arranged ritualistically around his body has led some to speculate on the possibility of cult influence or dark magical fixation. A third party's involvement persists due to the fact that his body was discovered buried beneath a thin layer of earth, despite being found indoors.

Foul play may be involved.

Filed by: [Redacted]
Access Level: Auror/Headmaster Only
Case Status: Dormant – Reclassification Pending

CONFIDENTIAL REPORT

Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry Internal Archive

Date of Original Incident: September 25, 2008
Subject: Mysterious Death of Student – [Name Redacted]

Summary:
First-year Hufflepuff student, [name redacted], died under disturbing circumstances. The first year student was found in the owlery, eyes sewn shut and their chest carved with an unidentifiable symbol that resembles an eye (pictured below). Evidence suggests an underground cult or organized magical group may have been targeting vulnerable students.

Due to the heavy influence of Darkest Night, a highly addictive illegal recreational substance, misuse of potions cannot be ruled out. However, this pre-teen does not fit the general mold of a child with addictions.

Surviving reports link this first-year to an encounter with an older boy bearing a strong resemblance to Laurence Pellham-Hess, despite the fact that Pellham had been deceased for over three years. A reported incident involving a “boy with button eyes” and a stitched mouth warning the Hufflepuff of some sort of danger days before his death was dismissed at the time as a prank.

Further investigation was stalled due to pressure from external parties. The file was quietly closed.

Status: Cold Case.

Recommendation: Reopen case for full investigation under the Department of Magical Law Enforcement – Special Situations Division. Cross-reference all magical toy-related anomalies with Grimmel's Emporium. Monitor new first-years for signs of magical artifact possession tied to cursed objects or ritual patterns.

Filed by: [Redacted]
Access Level: Auror/Headmaster Only
Case Status: Dormant – Reclassification Pending