#18 Returned for the book

Madam Pince carefully scrutinised the note, looking for any sign of forgery. Deciding it passed the test, she nodded -- though with notable displeasure. The books in the Restricted Section were some of the finest collections and intended for those of dedicated learning, and it didn't settle well with her to allow a 1st year student access to them.

Conceding the girl had permission though, she led Alice towards the Restricted Section. Pince simply unlatched the gate and entered, though surely there was magic involved because if it was that easy then anyone could have sneaked in whenever they wanted.

'Wait here.' Pince firmly indicated to a spot just inside the Restricted Section. She glanced at the permission note again, then headed off to find the book.

It was implied that Alice should touch nothing else, but there was no rule about looking. The books had chains and seemed rather old or dark in nature. The whole section had an eerie and forbidden atmosphere about it. A 7th year Slytherin wandered by, reading a leather-bound book that looked stained with blood.