Hello Ladies and Germs! Sorry I took so long to update, even with covid happening I had a lot of things happen that caused me to delay writing this. I also decided to delete the READ ME chapter as it was not indeed a chapter. Now, ON WITH THE SHOW! I'M GONNA DIE! OH MARK! WRONG SHOW!
"So how was it?" Ambrose asked as they entered the lounge.
"I have to admit, muggles have some pretty cool stuff." Harry said. He was now dressed in dark trousers, white joggers, a darker green shirt, and a zip up grey jacket. Remus was dressed similar to how he had left, but now his clothes were nicer and matched better.
"Well, what did you do?" The old painting asked.
"First we got clothes, they have a much larger selection than that of wizards, at least here in England that is. Then we tried some foods, all of which were delicious, including an Italian dish called Pizza. Oh, apparently, Muggles can mass produce raw ingredients for food. Then we shopped around and bought a few things, including some interesting music that I want to see if we can play on our gramophone. Then finally we caught what's called a movie."
"What is that?" Ambrose said with wonder in his eyes.
"It's a lot like magical pictures in how they move, but they also have sound, and talking, and go on for hours on end." Harry explained. He never was able to see a movie when he was placed with the Dursleys, so this was quite the experience for him. He hardly ever saw the television on either.
"Anything that could be changed for wizards?" Ambrose asked.
"There are a few things I could see being improved on that are already magical, but changing something muggle to magical is beyond either of our skill sets, and most of the things I'm not sure anyone could change." Remus explained as he set down some bags.
"I see. Tell me more about this, movie." Ambrose stated.
"Well it was called Beauty and the Beast. It's what's known as an animated film. That's where the movie is entirely drawn out." Harry started. About an hour later he had filled in his grandfather with the entire trip.
"How fascinating. The Mundane have made quite the leap forward in technology." Ambrose said as they retired to the study. Remus was out, preparing for the next day's full moon, so it was just the two of them. "A better way of communicating, and a way to broadcast things live besides the radio. And the movie gave me a few ideas, enchanted utensils and furniture, how amusing." He smiled.
"Indeed. Maybe, besides a focci crafter, and politician, I can become an enchanter as well." Harry thought aloud.
"Why not? There's nothing saying that you can't be an enchanter, even Hephaestus said that you pick up a bit of enchanting with Focci crafting. I could certainly give you some tips as I was quite the enchanter myself." Ambrose smiled. "That reminds me, there are some things we must speak about regarding our family." He said growing serious.
"Such as what Grandpa?" Harry asked.
"For one we need to continue your training to take over as Lord Thornwood. Another is continuing your magical training. And finally, connected to the previous statement, there is a tradition I've not told you about as you were not of proper age or qualifications till now." Ambrose said looking a bit into the distance.
"Tradition?" Harry questioned.
"Indeed. As closest of kin, even if I am but a painting, I was required to access your skill and competence in order to gauge if you were ready. After all that Remus, Bod, and I taught you, along with the more solid grounding at Hogwarts I am please to say that you are ready to pass the heir's trial." He exclaimed with a smile.
"The heir's trial?" Harry asked.
"Indeed. Hidden in the manor are six texts which contain the theory and final spell work of the most prominent members of our family. You have until the end of three years to find and learn these spells. Just in time for you to take up lordship of the family." Ambrose explained. "Tell me Hadrian, how many spells have you learned with your elements?"
"I have learned two spells and a magical ability. I can travel short distances using shadows by stepping or melding into them. For life I have learned the basic enhancement spell, fàs, which fastens the growing cycle of a plant. And for wind I've learned the spell impingere, which forcibly shoves a target in a direction of my choosing."
"Very good, but why have you not learned more?" Ambrose inquired.
"I was not able to learn more as I had started Hogwarts." Harry said.
"Correct, and also incorrect." Ambrose stated. Harry gave him a puzzled look. "The library house's many a spell and ritual. However, due to our families traditions, only the most basic of spells were at your disposal. The same shall go for your children when you have them. As heir, and eventual Lord, you also get access to few spells that the rest of the family is not privy to. When you finish the trial, the entire library shall be open to you." He explained.
"Now, let me tell you what I am allowed for the first text, but only the first. The rest you must find on your own." He explained. Harry nodded, determination in his eye. "Very good. The first text is located in a dark ebony container, hidden somewhere you may not think to look. You must be very careful with this, as it the oldest relic of our family, having been created by the first Thornwood in history."
Harry looked on in shock at the thought of such a priceless artifact. "Very well then Grandfather, I shall complete this trial and prove I am worthy to become head of the family." Harry said as he started to get up. Ambrose waved him down, stopping him.
"Now, let me teach you a useful spell that shall help you immensely in your task. This spell was created by the ancient Greeks when they were constructing the Library of Alexandria. It translates a written language into one you can understand without destroying the original." He explained before pulling out his wand. "The spell is metafrázo, and the wand movement is a counter clockwise turn and then a slash." He said before demonstrating. Harry practiced for a moment before nodding, eager to begin his search. Ambrose held up a hand, stopping his grandson from leaving.
"You shall have time for that later. Now we shall continue your basic training to befriend your elements." Ambrose explained. Harry nodded.
"Let us go over everything quickly to make sure you are not rusty from your time at school." He said.
"Each element has its own personality. Life is both patient and impatient, while also curious. Air is stoic but when angered is extremely dangerous. And Shadow is Lonely, but also wary." Harry explained.
"Good, good. Now how did we go about introducing you to each element?" Ambrose asked as he paced along his main portrait.
"We used materials from each element to focus my magic into to gain it's attention. For life I held a flower in my hands. I sat in a dark room for Shadow. And I hiked to the clouds to meet Air." Harry explained.
"What was each of their response?"
"The flower started to bloom and grow, the shadows enveloped me, and I levitated momentarily." He said.
"Very good. And a quick overview of your other abilities."
"I can create minor illusions that last for upwards of a few minutes, my Occlumency is at exception strength, I have not started on conjuration as i would prefer a more solid foundation in transfiguration before attempting. My martial arts skills are quite high. I can transport myself and others using portals, I can talk with snakes, change my eye color but nothing else, and I have not attempted my beast mastery skills as I am not comfortable with the rest of my current skills to do so. I also can use the family protection spell that summons a corporeal form of our families guardian."
"Good. Then you are ready for the next step. Come and sit on the floor.
"This exercise will try your body, mind, and magic, so be prepared to be exhausted the first few times." Ambrose said as Harry assumed the lotus position. "For this exercise you must fill yourself to the brim with magic, and use the feelings from when you introduced yourself to the elements. When you are close to bursting, expel the magic from your hands, but keep it in the form of an orb. When you do this, concentrate on a single element and try to make your magic into that element. When you are successful, the orb shall exhibit qualities of the element you chose." The portrait explained. Harry nodded before folding his hands together. "For now just do the first part and focus your magic into an orb."
He took a deep breath before exhaling, accessing his inner mind. He shaped it like the Buddhist shrine he trained in, making basic memories into the trees and bamboo of the forest. His most personal memories were held in the sanctuary guarded quite heavily. But these were not what he was here for. He quickly walked up the mountain, stone steps guiding his path, until he reached a cave. Inside was a gold Buddha statue, and in its palms was a pulsating, floating orb.
Gently placing his hands upon the mass, he willed his magic to fill his body. After a minute, his eyes flickered open and a faint Aura was surrounding him. "Careful now, we don't want you to discharge and destroy the study." Ambrose warned.
Sweat dropped from his brow as he slowly moved his hands together. "Now release your magic into your hands, but keep its form that of an orb." Ambrose repeated. Harry nodded, before a tiny orb formed in his hands. It stayed still got a moment before it started undulating.
Sensing danger, Harry quickly unleashed a wave of magic from his body, sending small objects flying against the walls. Deep lines were gouged in the wood, and Ambrose's painting had fallen off it's hanger. "Well, that could have gone better." The portrait said as he straightened himself out.
"That... was not, pant, good." Harry said as he rested on the floor. "Pip...it." He called. Said House elf appeared with a pop.
"Masters Hadrian!" Pipit squeaked out as he rushed to Harry's side. "Is Master okay?!" The small elf asked.
"Y-es, just a problem with training." He said as he tried to get up. He quickly felt light headed and say back down. "I don't feel quite right."
"You must be magically exhausted. Pipit, if you could bring Harry here to his room and restore the study, I would be thankful." Ambrose said.
"Yes Masters Ambrose!" Pipit said before apperating Harry to his room. Feeling the soft mattress beneath him, he quickly fell asleep.
For the next few days, this process repeated itself until Harry could eventually control a small orb of pure magic for a few moments before dismissing it. "Good. I want you to practice this every other day, pushing how long you can maintain your control. When you can hold it for roughly ten minutes, we shall start incorporating an element into the mix." Ambrose explained. Harry nodded, breathing quite heavily, before the door opened.
"I see you've stopped destroying your study." He said, an amused smile on his face. "I take it this is a good time to come in?"
"Sure, we just finished for today. Don't want to strain Hadrian here." Ambrose smiled. Remus nodded before setting down a large book on the desk.
"Good. It's time we continue your lessons on politics." Remus said, causing Harry to let out a short groan. He didn't mind the war of words, but it drained him emotionally, and was not feeling quite up to the task after practicing his magic so heavily. "You need to know this Harry."
"Yeah yeah, let me just grab a cup of water first. Pipit?" The elf appeared, glass in hand. "Thank you Pipit." Harry smiled before downing the water. "Alright, let's get this over with."
"Tell me Harry, what is the total amount of votes in the Wizengamot?" Remus asked as Harry took his seat.
"151."
"Yes, and how are those votes separated?" He continued. "And why that number?"
"151 allows for there to be no tie unless members of the council are missing for various reasons. The votes are distributed by Permanent, council voted in, Ministry, and elected seats." Harry explained
"Good. Now explain them and how many votes each get."
"Permanent seats are given to those of at least Most Ancient and Noble status. When a family achieves this rank, they are automatically given the position. If the family dies out, they no longer maintain that seat. They have 2 votes." He explained.
"Voted in by the council seats are like it says, voted by the Wizengamot to hold those seats, they have 1 vote."
"The ministry seats have 11 votes total, with the most important divisions having a seat with 2 votes, and the minister themselves having 3." Harry continued.
"Finally, the elected seats hold 1 vote, with 15 seats, and each election happens every seven years, just like the minister."
"Very good, Harry, you have been keeping up with your studies it seems." Remus beamed. "But let us go in to the more intricate semantics of the Wizengamot. What are the rankings of families?"
"Most Ancient and Most Noble, Most Ancient and Noble, Ancient and Noble, Ancient, Noble, Halfblood, Fullblood, and Muggleborn." Harry listed.
"What classifies each status?" Remus inquired.
"Muggleborns are those who are first in their families to be able to use magic. Halfbloods are the title given to those who are either second or third in their families with magic, although some of the more blood purist families debate that. Ancient Families are those who are at the very least fourth generation with magic. Noble are families who have one person who had done something significant for the magical world. Ancient and Noble is when both those qualifications have happened. Most Ancient and Noble, the family must have at least eight generations of magic, and finally Most Ancient and Most Noble, at least 12 generations, and three members who have made significant continuations to society."
"And in the case of a pureblood having a child with a muggleborn or halfblood, the child is considered fullblood, whose children can be considered pureblood."
"Good. And what of the current factions in the Wizengamot currently?" Remus asked.
"There are two major factions, the dark, led by Lucius Malfoy, and the light, led by Dumbledore. There are a few, much smaller factions in between that are made up mostly of the Gray families." Harry explained.
"Yes. As per your asking, I have maneuvered ourselves into the Gray territory. But as your Regent, and not of blood, I cannot introduce any legislature until you yourself have taken your post as Lord Thornwood." Remus explained.
"That is fine, I don't really have any ideas for amendments or bills as of right now anyway." Harry explained.
"Very well then. However, there is something a bit more pressing we must address in terms of politics. Allies. Whose faction we shall join, or whose elbows we shall rub in case a different family takes action against ours." The werewolf explained.
"I see. Well, I can see about Lords Greengrass and Davis. We are acquainted and have similar views on things." Harry thought.
"That should bid us over for the moment." Remus said. "We can inquire at the ball next month."
"Heir Thornwood, it's a pleasure to see you." Lord Greengrass said as the young man exited the fireplace.
"A pleasure it is to be here Lord Greengrass." He said as he shook the older man's hand.
"Daphne, if you could escort Heir Thornwood to the ballroom." He said looking over to his daughter.
"Of course Father." She said as she walked over. His cheeks turned red as he looked her over. Her hair was slightly curled and seemed to almost sway as if a slight breeze was around. She had on a silver dress and emerald earrings, making her look quite beautiful in his opinion. "Heir Thornwood."
"Heiress Greengrass, you look beautiful tonight." I said as he held out his arm.
"Thank you Heir Thornwood. This way if you please." She said taking it. Cyrus looked on with a knowing smile before he turned to the roaring fire.
"How have you been Hadrian?" Daphne asked once they were alone. Still formal, but with a level of familiarity.
"Quite fine Daphne, I have been awarded the rank of adept by my master." He explained. Daphne gained a small smile, the best she could do in these kinds of meetings.
"Congratulations then. Do you have any plans for the rest of the summer?" She inquired as they arrived at the ballroom doors.
"Not at the moment, no. Just some familial matters to attend to, but nothing more." He said. The room was quite full already with Lords, Ladies, and a few Heirs. House elves popped in and out, giving refreshments and restocking the tables.
"Here we are Heir Thornwood. I must leave you now to return to my duties." She said releasing his arm. Before she could leave, he grabbed her hand and held it up to his lips, giving it a soft kiss.
"I shall await you at the dance floor then, our last one was disturbed after all." He said smoothly. Daphne schooled her features and gave him a small smile.
"So you are Heir Thornwood." Came a voice from behind him. He turned around to see an imposing man with a fairly attractive woman at his side. They both had blonde hair, and the man held a cane with a snake head in his hand. "Ah, forgive me, I am Lord Lucius Malfoy, and this is my wife, Narcissa."
"A pleasure to make your acquaintance my Lord, my Lady." Harry said as he shook Malfoy's hand.
"That was quite the spectacle over Yule, and I'm afraid at the time I could not introduce myself." Lucius explained.
"Of course; it was quite the peculiar situation I found myself in. But luckily Justice has prevailed, and I am still heir to the Thornwood family." Harry smiled.
"Yes, you carry quite the ancient blood in your veins. It does the world good to see it return to us." The man articulated.
"I believe so as well Lord Malfoy, I feel I have a lot to offer our world." Harry explained.
"Of course. Might I ask, where do you believe your family shall reside, politically that is?" Malfoy inquired.
"In the Gray faction Lord Malfoy." At this, Lucius looked surprised before quickly masking his features.
"Oh? Well that is not quite what I had expected." He said, a calculative look on his face. "Ah, there's Lord Nott. Excuse us Heir Thornwood." Lucius said calmly as the two walked away.
About twenty minutes later, the last guest arrived with Lord Greengrass in tow. "I thank you all for coming to this summer's ball." The Lord started. "It as always is a chance for memories and friends to be made. So without further ado, enjoy yourselves."
Music started to play in the background as couples partnered up and started to waltz. Horderves were served by house elves and most people had a glass of champagne in their hands. Looking around, Harry spotted Tracey chatting with Daphne's sister.
"Good evening ladies. You both look Beautiful tonight." Harry said as he approached.
"Your looking quite dashing yourselves Hadrian. Trying to impress a special someone?" Tracey wiggled her eyebrows, causing Harry to blush slightly.
"Perhaps. But until I find said someone, would either of you care to dance?" He asked offering up a hand. Tracey gave him a lopsided grin before escorting him to the dance floor. Joining the crowd, they quickly fell into step with those around us.
"It actually is quite good to see you Harry. How have you been?" She whispered.
"Good, my grandfather has been giving me more lessons over the summer. Hopefully I can utilize them during the year." He smiled.
"No hike up a volcano to find a phoenix? Or a trip to the middle of the jungle to find a rare tree that only flowers three times a year?" She smirked.
"Nothing that strenuous. I did however have an outing to the muggle world for a day." He said, surprising the girl.
"Oh really? You'll have to fill me in on all the details when me next meet." She said as the dance ended. "For now, I think someone is waiting for you." She cocked her head to side, motioning towards the edge of the tables. There, Daphne was being... wooed by Draco.
"Excuse me Heir Malfoy, but I believe I promised Heiress Greengrass her a dance." Harry said sliding between them. A dark look passed over his face before he conceded. Harry held his hand out, allowing Daphne to elegantly grasp it. With a gentle stride the two made it to the floor, where the music was starting back up for a new song.
"Thank you Harry. I did my mandatory dance with him, but he wouldn't leave me alone." Daphne sighed once they were safe.
"I think you could have handled him." Harry smirked.
"Not here I couldn't. Can you imagine the embarrassment my Father would feel if Malfoy suddenly found himself half frozen near the alcohol?" She laughed.
"Well he certainly wouldn't make a good ice sculpture." Harry thought aloud. Daphne hid a giggle behind her hand, trying to maintain her elegance. For a few minutes they danced in silence, enjoying each other's presence. "Did I tell you that you look quite beautiful tonight?" Harry asked, breaking the silence.
"I believe so, but a girl always likes an extra compliment or two." Daphne said.
"Well you do." He replied. They continued their dance once more in silence until the song ended. With a final bow, the two separated, going about their duties and plans for the evening. Harry danced with quite a few girls he recognized from school, and even a few younger women. By the time that the diner had actually begun, he could barely feel his feet.
"Seems your first ball is going well." Harry heard from behind him. Looking towards the voice, he saw the tall form of Lord Davis smiling at him.
"Lord Davis. A pleasure to see you again." Harry said giving him a firm handshake.
"The same to you Heir Thornwood. Have you been well?" Lord Davis inquired.
"I have, thank you." Harry replied as the two sat down at a table.
"Good. It's quite good to hear that you are fine after that strange experience at the Ministry not to long ago." The Lord said.
"I was quite surprised when my visit with Madame Bones turned into a lock down." Harry replied.
"I imagine so. And your visit to the fair Madame, what was the reason again?" Lord Davis inquired.
"The Madame and I had an appointment that I won't go into due to personal reasons, but I did also want to give a donation to the DMLE, after all more Aurors can never be a bad thing." Harry explained. The two stared at each other for a minute, before Lord Davis crossed his fingers in front of his face.
"And the purpose of such a move?" He inquired.
"I simply inquired into the state of the our law enforcement agency as to apposed to before the war. The answer shocked me, so I felt it best to help out the best I could." Harry said, looking Lord Davis right in the eye. After a moment Lord Davis broke the stare and smiled.
"A valid reason Heir Thornwood, if not a little much. A bit more subtly could have been used, but that will come with time." He said.
"I hope so Lord Davis. I wish to help further our world to the best of my ability, and only time can tell if my decisions will bear fruit." Harry explained.
"I see. For our sake, I hope you succeed." The two chatted for the rest of the evening until the ball ended for the night.
"I shall see you on the train Hadrian." Daphne said as he prepared himself to leave.
"I look forward to our next meeting Daphne." Harry said, leaving a kiss on her hand. "Lord Greengrass, Lady Greengrass, I had a wonderful evening." With that Harry threw a bit of floo powder into the fire and disappeared into the flames.
"Did you have a good time Daphne?" Cyrus inquired.
"It was fine." She responded. Arabella gave her husband a knowing look before ushering her girls upstairs for bed. After the women were gone, Lord Davis stepped into the foyer, a smile on his face, cigar between his fingers.
"Did you learn anything from Heir Thornwood?" Cyrus inquired. Lord Davis's smile grew a bit larger at this before he exhaled a bit of smoke.
"The boy seems quite savvy for his age. Of course, he's not got the experience for the big leagues yet, but I imagine in a few years he will be quite the player in the Wizenagamot." Lord Davis said before taking another puff.
"I believe the best plan of action would be to send a letter to his Proxy, Mr. Lupin."
"Harry." Blaise said as he entered the compartment.
"Hey Blaise, how have you been?" Harry asked.
"Fine, Italy was warm, as usual. Did you get my present?" He asked.
"Yeah, it's a wind chime right?" Harry asked.
"It's a tintinnabulum. It was created in Ancient Rome to ward off evil spirits." Blaise explained.
"That makes more sense now." Harry laughed. "Hopefully we don't have to deal with any malevolent spirits this year."
"I hope not. By the way, what did Tracey and Daphne get you?" He asked.
"Tracey got me a Monkey Puzzle tree I planted. Hopefully I can get some rare wood from it. As for Daphne, she got me a book on ancient Sumerian runes. They are a bit out of use, as there isn't nearly as many as the Egyptian or Norse alphabets, but it's interesting none the less." He explained as said girls entered the compartment, mid argue.
"Come on Daphne, you have to admit that what is in the books are amazing." Tracey wined. Daphne snorted in response.
"Please, that rubbish you call reading is better used as a fire starter." She responded. The two boys shared a confused look before helping them with their trunks.
"Care to explain what it is you guys are arguing about?" Blaise inquired.
"Tracey is gushing over the Gilderoy Lockhart books we had to buy for DADA." Daphne said as she sat down.
"I think the books are a wonderful series of fiction." Harry said. The room looked at him in confusion. "What?"
And there's the chapter. Once more, Sorry for the wait. The next chapter will be a while, but nowhere near as long as this last one. I will be updating some of my other stories though, so I'm not going to be working on this story solely. Thanks for understand! I bid you all adieu.