A/N: I do not own Harry Potter nor the Advent of the Archmage. They are owned by J.K. Rowling and Mo Xiang respectively.
The next two weeks progressed in a similar fashion to that day Link visited. It was the best summer Rose had ever experienced, so far. She even went over to his house multiple times. Doctors Granger were very nice. She enjoyed her time there.
They also realised that her letters were being intercepted. They didn't know by whom, but they were sure of it. The upside was that now she knew she wasn't abandoned. Someone was messing with her mail. At least, Link came by often, if he didn't she might have thought that she was abandoned.
Though not everything was great. She also had to deal with the Dursleys. They were especially unpleasant that day when Dudley returned all bruised and pitiful. They screamed themselves hoarse that day, with her receiving the brunt of it. They became even more aggrieved when she told them that Link was the one that did that and to take it up with him. Link had told her this will happen. He also told her that he will take all responsibility for this.
When they punished her all the same, the next time Link came by, he repeated the punishment on Dudley. Forcing the Dursleys to cease their punishments of her, lest Dudley gets even more hurt.
They tried confronting him, but he reminded them that he could use magic, and as long as no one witnessed the act, he would not be punished by the ministry. He truly held them by their weak point. They could do nothing but accept the new status quo.
Summer became much more enjoyable from then onwards, especially when the Grangers went out of their way to celebrate her birthday. She was so touched, she started tearing upright in the middle of the restaurant. Link gave her a gift then, the England Quidditch Jersey. She loved the gift, it was her new favourite shirt. Dr Emma Granger even baked her a cake. She couldn't thank them enough, she still felt emotional when she thought of that day.
She started enjoying the muggle world as much as she enjoyed Hogwarts. As even if the muggle world was mundane, she believed it could feel magical when it was shared with the right people, namely Link and the Grangers.
It was the middle of summer when they finally discovered what happened with her letters.
Link and Rose were hanging out in her room after enjoying the day walking around the town. Rose was packing her things, to go to Links house again. The Dursleys didn't like that she wasn't miserable, but the fact that she was away from their home was enough to allow her that little freedom.
She was just chuckling at a little joke Link made when a crack sounded in the room. She whirled around startled. Link was already holding the intruder by the neck with a wand pointed to their head.
Looking carefully, it was a little being, with leathery skin, floppy ears and wide eyes. It was dressed in a dilapidated pillowcase.
"What are you doing here, elf?" started Link.
'So that's a house-elf?' She had heard about them from Link. He explained they were the ones that served the food and kept things clean in Hogwarts.
"I *gasp* I- I wanted to talk to Great Mistress Rose Potter" the elf explained. "Must, must speak with her."
"Link let him go, he can hardly breathe" she finally spoke.
Reluctantly, Link let go of the house-elf, but he kept his wand trained on him.
"Thank you! Thank you, Great Mistress Rose Potter, Ma'am! You are very kind! Very Kind! Oh, Dobby is going to cry. Great Mistress Rose Potter is truly very kind." The house-elf, Dobby he called himself, was sobbing and cheering, and basically making a racket. Much to Rose's chagrin.
"Shush, Dobby, was it? I don't mind you being here, but please you have to be quiet."
A great year and summer she may have had, but the intrinsic fear she felt towards the Dursley's was still there. She would prefer not to antagonize them more than necessary.
"So, what did you want to talk with me for?" she continued, curious why Dobby wanted to meet her.
"Yes, yes. Great Mistress Rose Potter, Ma'am. You must not come to Hogwarts. You must promise Dobby that Great Mistress Rose Potter will not return to Hogwarts this year."
"What? Why?"
"Great Mistress Rose Potter must promise. The great danger, Great danger at Hogwarts. Must not leave."
"Dobby, I can't do that. I have to go to Hogwarts. I can't stay here. I must go. Also, call me Rose."
"Great Mistress Rose Potter is truly kind, wanting Dobby to call her by her name. Very Kind. That's why, that's why Dobby must protect you. Great Mistress Rose Potter must stay away from great danger. Great Mistress Rose Potter must not come to Hogwarts."
"I told you Dobby, I must go. Hold on, what do you mean by great danger?"
"Dobby can't say. Dobby can't go against bad masters"
It took a second, but when the little guy registered what he had just said, he panicked. His eyes were wide, almost bulging, his breath short. He scrambled to the nearest hard thing he could muster, grabbed and started hitting his head against it, rather violently.
"Bad Dobby, Bad Dobby. Must not insult masters. I must iron my hands when I return."
He was making so much noise, but the suddenness of the action left the two pre-teens dumbfounded. They couldn't understand what happened.
Link recovered almost instantly. This was the first time he witnessed a sentient creature punish itself for even talking ill of its master. That is some strong loyalty, or at the very least, some powerful loyalty spell. 'How interesting…'
Rose, just a step behind Link, reacted quickly by grabbing hold of Dobby and stopping him from hurting himself.
"Stop that" she started. "Stop hurting yourself. ('Great Mistress Rose Potter is really kind') I told you to call me Rose. Now, what can you tell me without hurting yourself."
"Great danger in Hogwarts. Great Mistress Rose must not return to Hogwarts."
"Great danger? Voldemort?"
The elf screeched at the mere mention of the name. Turns out, humans weren't the only creatures afraid of the name.
"Sorry, sorry. I meant, he-who-must-not-be-named?"
The elf was hesitant.
"No, not he-who-must-not-be-named" he said shaking his head slowly, almost meaningfully. As though the key to a great mystery lies within his words.
While Link took the hint seriously, Rose neglected it completely. Instead, she continued saying.
"Anyway, I can't not go to Hogwarts. All my friends are there, besides it's dangerous here"
"Friends? Friends who do not write to Great Mistress Rose Potter?"
"Well, I'm sure there is a prob- hang on, how did you know that?"
"Great Mistress Rose Potter must not be angry with Dobby"
"Dobby, how did you know that?"
"Dobby thought that if Great Mistress Rose Potter thinks her friends had forgotten about her, she would not be willing to go to Hogwarts. Dobby is sorry, but Dobby must protect Great Mistress Rose Potter." the elf replied placing a stack of letters on the bed.
Rose was angered beyond belief. If Link did not take the initiative and visited her very often, she might have felt very isolated this summer. She might have spent her birthday alone, feeling sorry for herself, instead of with her best friend and family spending the entire day in London. She was pissed.
"Dobby, leave those here and leave"
"Will Great Mistress Rose Potter stay away from Hogwarts?"
"I will not"
"Dobby is sorry, but Dobby must do whatever it takes to keep Great Mistress Rose Potter safe."
Just as Dobby was preparing to dash out of the room, he suddenly found himself slammed into the wall, a small but strong grip around his neck, his feet dangling a few feet above the ground, and a wand pointed right at his eye.
"You know, I would kill you for trying to frame my friend like that. But you are trying to 'save' her in your misguided way. Tell you what, I will let this matter slide, I won't even hurt you for stealing her mail. But, you will leave her alone, and I promise to do my utmost to make sure she is safe. I'm sure you won't believe me, but I warn you. Do not cross me."
Dobby stared at the boy, eyes wide in disbelief. How did he cross the room that fast? He could have sworn the boy was leaning against the wall on the other side of the room just 10 seconds ago. How?
Too shocked to think properly, all the elf could do is nod slowly. When he was let go, all it could do was leave. Popping away, it left.
"Pack your things, you can read the letters later on at our house."
Nodding, Rose grabbed the stack of letters and grabbed her bag. The two pre-teens left the Dursley household, with hardly a grunt acknowledging their departure. A few trains later, Rose is making herself at home in her appointed bedroom.
After dinner, Rose confined herself to her bed and started reading her letters. There were a few from her roommates wishing her a happy birthday, and asking if they could meet up in the summer. Feeling guilty of the possibility of ignoring her friends, she wrote an answer immediately. Explaining that someone was blocking her mail and that she would love to meet up. She was sure Link could help her with that.
A few were from Ron and the Weasley family inviting her over to their place. She wasn't sure if she should go. Yes, they were friends, but not that close that she would sleep over. Maybe they could meet up in the alley to buy their school supplies.
A few from Link, though that's fine as she got to see him fairly often this summer.
The last letter was actually from Hogwarts with her list of school supplies. She could have missed that letter if Dobby didn't come by. Or if Link didn't already show me his letter.
Done with the letter, she attached her replies to Lavender, Parvati and Ron to Hedwig, and asked if she could deliver these letters. Which she could of course. The poor owl was practically waiting for the opportunity to do its duty.
After that was done, she went to sleep, content in the knowledge that she was away from the Dursleys.
A few days later she received letters from the girls. They expressed their understanding and willingness to meet. They set up the date for the coming weekend. They were to meet in Diagon Alley, and decide what to do then.
Link opted out from going, he knew better than to be with 3 women on an excursion, especially when they were going shopping. He had enough experience with his mom to know it was not something he will enjoy.
So, while the girls enjoyed their day out, Link took the time to inspect himself and his progress.
He was now Peak level-5 in terms of magical power, which is remarkable for one as young as he is, should anyone realise the truth of his power, Link would be regarded in both fear and awe. After all, he is a prodigy in every sense of the word. His power is such that he stands equal with the majority of adult wizards at the ripe age of 12.
To top it of, his knowledge in Magic in this world is also at the Peak of level-5. Again a remarkable feat as most wizards, after they finish their formal education (Hogwarts, Beauxbaton, etc…) their knowledge should place them at the Peak of level-5, or if you were very diligent, the beginning of Level 6. But Link defied logic and is already at that level. Let's not forget his previous Level-10 knowledge and experience.
Honestly speaking, after Level-6 it gets complicated in the power levels. A Level-6 is twice as strong as a level-5, a Level-7 five times as powerful as level-6, and a Level-8 ten times that of Level-7, etc… It's exponential growth. It's why no one can truly oppose Dumbledore, or (if the rumours are true) Voldemort. Alone they can face more than 10 Level-7 mages with little difficulty. The only problem, where are they to find that many Level-7s in England? With such little opposition, it's no wonder why the two powerful men were free to move as they liked. The only reason Dumbledore does not impose his will is due to his honour which stays his hand.
The more Link understands this world's magic, the more he realises that it is fundamentally different from his realm's magic. Magic on Earth is more versatile, ever-changing and easier to use. Whereas magic in Firuman is much more structured. Mages can use magic they don't fully understand here, the most important factors besides their magic is their will and their intent. These two factors could make the spell work without a rigid structure to guide it. There are instances when the magic utilised is solely composed of these two elements, making it an unknown spell. Though not common, it is not very rare either.
In Firuman, although Will and Intent were used, they were not as important. The most important factor is the total understanding of the magical structure. Though this makes the magic more rigid and difficult to learn, the upside is that it is more powerful, and in later levels, allows the mage to advance steadily with a clear finish line to cross.
It is difficult to determine which magic system is better, as both have their pros and cons. Firuman magic is powerful and structured, Earth magic is versatile and fluid. In a fight, it may very well end in a stalemate.
Of course in the end it all depends on the mage using the magics. In his not so humble opinion, he would be the victor regardless of the opponent or their level or any type of magic to be used. That's what he does, he wins. Of course, he won't brag about it, but his actions do tend to speak louder than any words he might have to say.
'But I digress, I should come up with a plan for this year.' He should think of a way to gain access to the forbidden section. He plans to be Level-8 in knowledge by the end of the year, and Level-6 peak or early Level-7 in terms of Power. He also plans to have Rose reach Level-8 at least by the end of Hogwarts. She will be a force to be reckoned with as soon as she graduates.
That last thought only reinforced itself when he saw Rose smiling happily as she returned from her Girls day.
Money is power.
Out of all the adages to power Lucius knows about, money is the one he believes in the most.
Power is power, or knowledge is power. While they are important, he truly believes that money trumps both of them.
Just look at his comrades stuck in that dreadful place. Bellatrix Lestrange, she was admittedly more powerful than him, but look how she ended up. Augustus Rookwood, the most knowledgeable out of all the death eaters, but that had done little to keep him from Azkaban.
Only those with money were able to truly escape the prison. Of course their, namely Bella, devotion to the Dark Lord was also an important factor, but that is beside the point. Only the richest were able to escape the grim fate.
He was browsing his collection of Dark artefacts at home when he came across one that he had almost forgotten about. A Journal, given to him by his lord. He remembered his lord asking him to keep it safe, and to entrust it to a child in Hogwarts, should anything happen to him.
It was given to him so long ago that he had forgotten all about it.
He discussed his plans with his wife, and they finally decided who shall be the unlucky child that will be given the journal, or rather the lucky one. It would be her honour to serve the Lord. Redeem her family's traitor status. He just has to make sure to be at Diagon Alley the same day her family goes.
It was further reinforced when he received word that her father was planning a raid on his home.
Lucius sneered in disdain, that blubbering muggle lover is predictable. It appears he must hide his collection once more.
There were a few days left before September first. They were heading back to Hogwarts soon. Rose was feeling both excited and another emotion she can't quite figure out yet. It felt as if someone was squeezing her heart, but not painfully. She's not quite sure what to make of it yet. She has to ask Mrs Dr Granger. Maybe she might be able to help with that.
For now, She, Link and his parents are on their way to Diagon Alley. She is to meet up with the Weasley family, as she had promised to get their supplies together. They were at the leaky cauldron, sitting by the bar and sipping a hot chocolate, waiting for the family of redheads.
They were commenting on the mode of transportation the wizarding world used, well, more like Rose was asking Link and he was answering all that he knew. He explained the Portkey, apparition and floo. Of course, there was also the broom, but it was far slower than the other types. He was just explaining that he had read yesterday about another mode of transportation, called the knight bus.
The knight bus sounded promising to visit each other through the summer, much quicker too. They will have to try it today when they are done with their trip.
They heard the telltale sound of the floo, but they were so used to hearing the sound, neither of them bothered to look up. It wasn't until they heard the sound multiple times, around 7 successive floo trips. That got them curious. Looking up they happened upon the Weasley family. Their distinctive red hair; a clear giveaway of their identity.
The quartet walked towards the family, greeting them. Mrs Weasley returned the greeting warmly, introducing each of her family members to the Granger parents. Percy, the twins, Ron, Mr Weasley, and Ginny.
She was a very shy girl, as soon as she saw Rose, her face went as red as her hair. Rose, being the considerate girl she is, offered her a smile hoping to ease her anxiety.
Soon, they set off to shop for the required books and stationery for their school year. They got ink, parchment, a new quill, a new wand for Ginny, robes, potion ingredients etc… Though the Weasley's were far more careful with their purchases. Something seen but disregarded as inconsequential. Wealth does not determine the character after all, and the Weasley's were nice people if a little opinionated.
Whether by coincidence or by design, they left the bookshop till the end. Just in time for a book signing apparently. And if the books and gleaming eyes held by the two Weasley females were anything to go by, it was likely the latter.
While the two females lined up in a queue that was shaping up to be quite long, Rose, Link, his parents and the rest of the Weasley family spread around the shop to get the required reading material.
Arthur Weasley was in a passionate conversation with Dan and Emma on the topic of muggle technology. The Grangers were only too pleased to explain, all the while asking questions about the magical world.
A little while later, the shop got noticeably quieter. Looking up, Link spotted the most flamboyant man he had ever seen, and that is after seeing Dumbledore with his colourful robes. He carried himself in a sort of arrogant gait, dressed in bright colours. Everything the man did was to get and keep attention on him. He was a handsome man, no doubt, there was a reason most women swooned.
Rose didn't see the appeal honestly. He was strutting around like a peacock showing his feathers. He was handsome, yes, but really it was just strange seeing such a man. For some reason, the image of her average-looking best friend seemed to be more capable and charming. She shook her head, a slight blush at her cheeks, to get rid of the thought.
An old man made his way to the very front of the line, excusing himself as a photographer from the Daily Prophet.
"Hello all. So glad to see such fine people waiting to get my autograph. I would be happy to indulge. Please do not forget my autobiography, 'Magical Me'," he stopped briefly to bask in applause with a little coy smile, "which incidentally is on the 27th week at the top of the Daily Prophet bestseller list."
He was just about to continue, clearly enjoying the adulation, when he spotted a face in the audience. Upon the face is the most famous scar in the wizarding world. Immediately an idea to boost up his sales even more popped up in his head. So with an expression of over the top surprise, Gilderoy started speaking.
"It can't be… Rose Potter?" a smile appearing on his impeccable face.
The entirety of the audience looked towards the direction of Lockheart's gaze. Locking in on the other celebrity in their midst.
The photographer, seeing this as a golden opportunity, reached over to bring the girl beside Gilderoy so that he could take such a monumental picture.
However, just as his hand was about to close in on her shoulder, something gripped it in a vice grip immobilizing him. Startled, he looked towards the owner of the arm that stopped him.
Link was staring at the photographer in his usual calm expression, though there was a certain amount of steel in his gaze as he spoke quietly so as not to cause a scene.
"Do not manhandle the lady. It would do you some good to ask her politely if she wants to go in the first place."
Gulping, the photographer, nodded slightly indicating his compliance, before asking Rose if she could join Lockheart on stage for a picture.
Rose was both thankful to Link, for helping her out, and irritated at the old man for trying to manhandle her. She was just about to refuse the offer, but then Link leaned in and whispered in her ear.
'I think it best to go for a photo. This Gilderoy Lockheart seems like an arrogant braggart, he places his public image very highly. He is also going to be our teacher for the coming year. Best not to antagonize him. But that does not mean you let him walk all over you. He may be famous, but he is nowhere near your level of fame, Girl-who-lived. I know you don't like it, but you have to be confident and exude a powerful presence. If he tries to make it about himself, try to think of a way to make it so that you both turn out as equals at least, if not better.'
Rose listened to his explanation, and although she didn't like it she agreed with him. Also, everyone was now looking at them as she took her time to decide. This she later realised was another ploy by Link, to make it seem as though she were considering it, placing herself in an important position. Finally, she nodded and made her way to Lockheart.
Meanwhile, the pompous author was staring at them like a hawk. He knew the photographer, he was paid to make him look good, always. He knew the man was going to bring Rose Potter over, and not in the gentlest of ways. It would keep the attention on him instead of the brat, who was a pushover. However, that boy right next to her. He could have sworn he was much farther away a few seconds ago, anyway, he held the photographer back, he spoke with Potter quietly, he held him up. He made the attention drift from him, the greatest author alive, to Rose Potter, giving her a more prominent value in terms of celebrity status. Although Gilderoy was not livid, he was annoyed at the boy. Though he kept it all behind his smile. 5-time winner in Witch weekly magazine.
Once the kid celebrity was next to him, he tried to pull her close to him, but she evaded the hand slightly, not enough to be honest, for which he was grateful, but enough to let him know not to do it again.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, what an extraordinary moment this is, see, when Miss Rose Potter came in this morning into Flourish and Blotts to purchase my entire book series, and my autobiography, she had no idea that she would be leaving with my entire collection, free of charge." Smiles widely at the audience.
Just before Lockheart was about to dismiss her, Rose, following Link's advice, decided to try and say something.
"Thank you, Mr Lockheart, for your generous gift. In return, allow me to grant you the privilege of being the first person to get my autograph. I believe that should be a good deal, don't you agree? Splendid"
Saying thus, Rose quickly took one of his books, signed it, and returned it to the flabbergasted man. Walking back slowly, she made her way to Link, where he grinned at her in approval.
The children were just exiting the book store when they were confronted by the pompous blonde Slytherin.
"I bet you enjoyed that Potter! Little miss potter, can't even take a trip to the book store without appearing on the prophet." Draco was sneering at his 'fated' rival.
Just as the situation was getting strained, and the Gryffindors looked ready for a fight, laughter broke the tension. Looking at the source, they were surprised to see that the usually calm Link was actually laughing so much.
"Haha, oh dear, you're actually jealous… Isn't that precious guys? Little Draco Malfoy is jealous of a little attention."
His joyous mood was infectious. The Weasleys and Rose laughing right along.
A little red in the face, Malfoy was annoyed. While he was a little, teensy bit jealous, He tried to provoke the girl to ruin her mood.
"Heh, look there Potter, got yourself a boyfriend?"
Though he meant to continue mocking the group, he was interrupted when his father's cane made itself known. Rose's reply was also left unnoticed.
"Now, now Draco, be nice. Ahh, Miss Potter, Lucius Malfoy delighted to finally make your acquaintance." He said, shaking her hand but he suddenly yanked her towards him. "Excuse me, but that scar is quite famous, as is the wizard that put it there."
Removing her hand from the man, Rose looked at him in defiance.
"Voldemort killed my parents. He killed a lot of other people too. He was nothing more than a murderer." Not noticing or caring of the flinches the name received from those that heard.
"Quite brave of you to say his name… or is it foolishness?" Malfoy senior became much colder now.
"How can it be brave or foolish to utter a name, a dead one at that? And such a cowardly name at that.. Voldemort, that means Flight from Death in french you know? That means the guy is very afraid of the thing he is best at. Death. How cowardly, don't you think?"
The statement garnered varied responses from the people that were present. The Weasley's were horror-stricken with the casual dismissal of the Dark Lord, though the twins were sniggering at it. Rose looked as though she was struggling to keep her laughter in. The Malfoy's… The Malfoys were simmering in a cold rage.
"You… you seem to be that new wizard, Link Granger." Looking at his son for confirmation, upon receiving it he continued. "Yes, Draco told me all about you and your parents. Muggles, aren't they?" The way he looked at them, as though they were lower than trash, lower than vermin, it set off the boy and Rose the wrong way. However, just before retaliating to the irritating man, Mr Weasley came to them in the hopes of getting them away.
"Hey Children, it's mad around here, let's go outside."
"Ahh, the father Weasley… Finally, found time out of the office? All these raids, surely they must pay you extra? Surely, to endure being a disgrace to wizard-kind, they must pay well… Though judging from the state of your flock, that doesn't appear to be the case. Raggedy clothing and tattered books" He said, snatching up Ginny Weasley's book.
"You and I have very different meaning to the true nature of disgrace, Malfoy."
"Clearly, consorting with the muggles… how low are you going to drag your family?"
While clearly enraged at the callous words, Arthur refrained from saying anything, in the hopes of getting the man to leave.
Soon after Lucius did leave, smirking in his usual arrogant demeanor, believing he had the last words. Also, that in a few days they could conduct a search on their house to 'verify' there was nothing dark. They might very well find something this time.
A few moments later, Link spoke up before they could move along.
"Ginny, a moment please. May I look at the book he borrowed?" taking the book before he finished speaking. "I don't trust that man, best look to make sure nothing is wrong with it." With a show, he began turning the book upside down and right side up. Stowing away the extra book unperceived in his cloak.
Eyes widening, Arthur jerked forward, grabbed the book and started uttering a string of spells to determine its safety.
Once donce, his shoulders sagged in relief that nothing was wrong with the book. Looking at Link in gratitude.
"Thank you Link for that. I completely forgot. Thank Merlin there was no problem. I can't imagine what might have happened to Ginny had I forgotten."
The rest of the Weasley family thanked Link as well.
"No problem, don't mention it. I'm glad there was no problem. Say, Mr Weasley, is it possible to learn what spells you used? I want to know how to recognise potentially dark items."
"Of course, so the spells are…"
Arthur Weasley was a good wizard, though average in power, around late Level-5 and early Level-6. His knowledge on spells though is at Level-6, which makes him more competent than most wizards. However, that does not determine his combat level, as Power and Skills are not the only factor in a fight.
Link learned the spells while the rest lead the way to a restaurant to end the eventful day. He would have to study the book. For some reason he has a bad feeling about it, especially now that he had touched it. At first it was only a suspicion, even now he was not 100% sure. However, he will crack the puzzle soon, so he wasn't worried.
A/N: Hope you enjoyed the chapter. We are now in book 2.
Edit: It was brought to my attention about an error I made. I think this makes more sense and is more in line with Link's character. So the Journal is now out and isn't the main cause for concern this year. I wonder, how will the year progress now?
Hope you enjoy