#21 Slithering Back

It was just as the first time she'd tried, only now she had the time to work on the task without (hopefully) any interruptions.

The raven only reacted when Lindsey said her full name. The raven's eyes shone red, like enchanted jewels.

It flew out of frame, similar to how other paintings would often wander to visit each other or hide when Peeves was throwing things around. It remained bare for a moment, then the painting turned into a mirror. An inscription appeared on it, clearer than her own reflection staring back at her.

Her reflection waved at her in greeting. It considered Lindsey's words and considered that she wasn't wrong from a philosophical perspective, yet neither were what the mirror sought of her to grant passage.

The glass may as well be a concrete wall, and was unyielding to her touch. Her reflection stared back at Lindsey, though her copy's face shook its head at her attempt. It gestured to itself.

One thing that became noticeable the longer Lindsey studied for anything amiss or a further clue to go by, was that only she was reflected back. Not the stairs behind her, not the other students, and none of the castle itself. It was just blank space, in which she was the only thing present.

Her reflection nodded, gesturing to itself then pointed to Lindsey.

She was on the right track.