**Chapter 5: Shadows in the Night**

The stranger's warning echoed in Harry's mind as he stood frozen, his wand still poised for defense. The figure's eyes, piercing and urgent, seemed to bore into his very soul. Harry's mind racing, he tried to place the face, but it remained just out of reach. The stranger's gaze darted around the room, as if searching for something or someone. Without another word, the mysterious figure grasped Harry's arm and pulled him toward the door. Harry's initial resistance gave way to curiosity, and he followed the stranger out into the night. They moved swiftly, the darkness seeming to swallow them whole. The streets were empty, save for the occasional distant lantern casting flickering shadows on the ground. As they walked, Harry tried to press the stranger for answers. "Who are you?" he demanded, trying to keep pace with the figure's long strides. "What's going on?" The stranger didn't respond, instead leading Harry through a maze of alleys and side streets. They eventually arrived at a small, unassuming door hidden behind a dumpster. The stranger produced a key and unlocked the door, pushing Harry inside. The room was dimly lit, with only a single candle casting a warm glow. Harry's eyes adjusted slowly, revealing a small, cluttered space that seemed to be some sort of makeshift office. Books and papers were stacked haphazardly, and a small desk sat in the center of the room. The stranger closed the door behind them and turned to face Harry. As the candlelight danced across their features, Harry's memories finally stirred. He had seen this face before, in a dream, or a vision – he couldn't quite recall. But the eyes, those piercing eyes, were unmistakable. "You're the one who's been sending me messages," Harry accused, his voice barely above a whisper. The stranger nodded, a small, wry smile playing on their lips. "I've been trying to reach you, Harry. You're in grave danger. Sebastian may seem like a benevolent mentor, but he's hiding something. Something big." Harry's mind reeled as he tried to process the stranger's words. Could it be true? Was Sebastian not what he seemed? The images, the visions, the cryptic message – it all began to make sense. The stranger handed Harry a small piece of parchment. "This is a map of the castle's hidden passages. You need to be careful, Harry. There are those who would stop at nothing to keep you from uncovering the truth." As Harry took the parchment, he felt a surge of determination. He was ready to face whatever lay ahead, to uncover the secrets that had been hidden from him. With the stranger's guidance, he began to formulate a plan, one that would take him deeper into the heart of the mystery surrounding his Horcrux. But as they stood there, the shadows outside seemed to grow longer, as if darkness itself was closing in. Harry felt a shiver run down his spine. He knew that he had to be careful, for in this game of secrets and lies, the stakes were higher than he could ever have imagined.