[Grey Manor, Scotland.]

[31st August, 1990.]

[Nate's POV]

~*Crack*~ The pull on his body disappeared as he portkey-ed outside the wards of Grey Manor.

Just returning from Ildathach, Nate dried himself by removing most of the excess water that soaked his clothing.

' Well, that was the last batch of the plants.' He then grimaced ," Plants are bloody expensive, just like the cows and pigs. Miach better take care of those things properly or I will probably find out whether exorcism works against animated spirit intelligence or not."

He walked past the tree line and felt his magic tingling at the familiar wards.

He slowly walked towards the dueling ring he created for his first duel.

' I really did a number on this place last time.' Nate thought to himself.

He moved slowly to the center of the ring.

' Illusio.' He cast non verbally. The world around himself immediately burst into what could be described as a kaleidoscope of colors. The colors changed around him constantly as if in a flux.

Nate's smile could have brightened the night when he focused his magic and cast again, " Illusio."

The world shifted around himself again as if it was Nate's to command.

"You are a beautiful flower." he muttered as he plucked a Blue Rose. His nose was filled with the scent of dew and roses when he sniffed the flower.

" This is beautiful." he spoke entranced by the world he had brought to life. A field that had no end, filled with blue roses as far as his eyes could see. Their scent filling the field bringing a peaceful to him. The gentle breeze brushing his hair across his face bringing a feeling of satisfaction.

The Rose shattered suddenly, as if glass shattering.

"Yet it is not real."

"Grandma." Nate greeted the woman looking at anywhere but her eyes.

"Nothing to be embarrassed about Nate. It was beautiful, it had to be the best view I have seen in a long time." She walked to him and brushed his grey hair back.

"Thanks." Nate murmured as he hugged her.

"You are welcome but can't you tell me what kind of project would you need those plants for? What are you working on?" She whispered to him as she grinned at him.

"It is a surprise." Nate grinned back towards her.

' Lying for stuff like this just feels wrong but can't have her running to Grandfather if she figured I was vanishing to Diagon Alley or Muggle London. I even have to dump the portkeys out of the ward to avoid detection.' Nate hated lying.

"Ok. Just don't get lost or become a chew toy. The forest doesn't have anything dangerous but, caution is always advisable in the wild. Finally don't go into any caves. Ok?"

"Yes Grandma." he chorused rolling his eyes.

"Nate, you are leaving tomorrow right? So will you be taking both Mist and Charcoal?"

Nate blinked owlishly at her, "Yes?"

"And have you written to your head of house about this?" Grandma raised her eyebrows at him expectantly.

"No?" he felt stupid for not doing it.

She sighed as if expecting his reply, "That was expected. I will be writing a letter to Minerva, just hand it to her. Nate you have to be more responsible."

"Its not like Mist needs any space, she's a Spirithound." Nate was tackled and suddenly there was a wolf-like creature slobbering all over him. It licked him on the face while gazing at him with its red eyes.

"It needs plenty of it. Can't keep it under control. If we lived in a smaller house, it would have been a menace." Grandma giggled.

"Tell me why did I get her?" Nate groused out as he stood up and upholstered his wand to clean himself.

"Because it can become intangible whenever it wants and multiply itself into ten others."

"Grandma Mist's a girl."

"It is a Spirithound. They are genderless and ageless." came the matter of fact reply.

"I like calling Mist a 'she'. It feels more right. You don't have to go all Magizoologist on me.", Nate muttered unhappily. Mist barked at his grandma prompting him to add, "See even she like it."

"Well just take care of her, she was expensive even by our standards." his grandma just rolled her eyes seeing Nate shoot her an incredulous look.

"She cost us nothing, I literally used legilimency on her previous abusive muggle owner, how the man got something that could lock spirits with a spirit inside in a pawn shop is beyond me. The department of magical artifacts is useless.The only payment made has been in bribes for a license to hold her as a familiar."

"The bribes for a XXXXX class beast license is expensive. You are only the thirtieth to hold such a license in the last hundred years, Nate."

"Isn't she class XXXX rated?" Nate questioned.

"William was offered a XXXXX license, so he took it. Just don't parade her in Diagon alley, we don't need such scrutiny on you."

"Of course!" Nate bobbed his head at her words.

An owl landed on Nate's shoulder as he was nodding. It was an Eurasian Eagle Owl.

"You done hunting, Charcoal?" Nate patted his plumage as the owl bobbed its head as if saying ' Yes'.

"Good for you." Nate said to his owl.

[1st September, 1990.]

[Hogwarts Express.]