A few days later Buck had settled into the Potter House and was gradually learning more about magic and the brothers. Every night one of the brothers would tell him their story of when they were rescued and had come to live at the house. It had started with Josiah's story and the brothers had decided to take turns by age in descending order, so the half-brothers JD and Vin would tell their shared story last. Even Josiah could remember quite clearly about when he was rescued.
Josiah came into the house at lunch-time on that particular day and motioned for Buck to follow him upstairs. The young man curiously followed as Josiah led him into the room that had been off-limits to Buck until now.
"This is our special magic room," explained Josiah. "We keep magical supplies hidden here, away from enemies and any friends who aren't aware of our magic. As you have learnt, magic can be very startling to those who don't believe it exists. There are those in the world who would enjoy selling our secret to the medi - then we would never be left in peace."
Buck nodded in agreement then walked over to a large, old book that rested on a table. The table wasn't much bigger than the tome resting on it. "Is this a spell book?" asked the brunet. Then he ran his finger over the complex triangular pattern on the front. He jumped back, blowing on his finger.
"The Book doesn't like people touching its special symbol," explained Josiah, as he walked over and looked at the symbol that now glowed red. "And yes, it is a spell book of sorts. It also has all of our family histories, potions, and various other things. Each generation of Potters has added to it. Unfortunately, our adoptive parents were the last survivors of that family-line, as they were unable to have their own children. The Elders chose them to rescue endangered children of other witch-lines as well as non-magical children. They couldn't tell which children the magical ones were until after they had rescued them. Of course WE were the magical children who had no homes to go to after we were rescued, so we were adopted by them. We all kept our previous surnames though."
Buck walked over to the book again and this time didn't touch it. His finger still felt quite warm. "What does the symbol mean?" he asked softly, nervous of this amazing book.
"This book was created by the Elders when the first magical Potter started our family-line many centuries ago. To start with, the cover was blank, but after I was rescued, this symbol began to light up. The Elders wouldn't tell us what it meant though - as though telling us might put us in danger." Josiah opened the book to show Buck what was inside.
Buck looked on wide-eyed, excited by what he was learning.
As Josiah got a few pages in, he looked surprised by something and Buck looked closer at the book. He was surprised to see that at the top of the page it said "The Wilmington Family".
"It's a sign from the Elders," said Josiah with joy in his voice. "They were the ones who added all our families to this book and now they have added yours as well. It means that you are meant to be here with us. You are embracing your true destiny, Brother." Josiah smiled warmly at the new witch.
"I really need you all, now that my parents have gone," said Buck. "I was really close to them when they were still alive and without all this, there would now be a large hole in my life."
"When Mother and Father died, I had my brothers and we all helped each other through our grief," sympathized Josiah; then he remembered something he meant to show their new unofficial brother. "I need to show you something else."
Josiah led Buck over to a small window and opened it. Then he looked out, and Buck stood beside him, also looking out. Outside was a magnificent view for miles around. "Wow," whispered Buck in awe, looking out at all the houses, streets and scenery.
"I find that just looking out at the view helps me relax. Things can be stressful at times in this house. It isn't easy living with several younger brothers, and having to fight demons and protect innocents as well."
"Thanks for showing me these things, Josiah."
"You can come in here any time you wish, but please tell at least one of us before you decide to try any magic. Spells and potions can sometimes give you more than you expect and can have adverse effects on the caster," warned Josiah. He remembered several times when his brothers had tried out new spells and potions without anyone knowing. Then it was either him or his parents who had eventually found out what had happened and had to put everything right. He couldn't help a laugh escaping, as he remembered some of the events that could be laughed at afterwards.
"What's so funny?" asked Buck, having no idea what Josiah was thinking.
"The things that have happened to my brothers when they have tried out spells in here. They weren't funny at the time, but after everything was set right they became amusing. I'm sure they'll tell you in their stories."
Buck smiled; everything was turning out fine and he was actually enjoying his new magical life. He looked forward to saving some innocents and vanquishing some demons.
The End – until the next story's ready!