Chapter 14:
Harry landed gracefully at Greengrass manor. He had come back to home to celebrate the wedding anniversary of his uncle and aunt. He and Daphne got three days leave from headmaster for that occasion.
Harry remembered the previous week. It was very eventful week for him and his friends. At the beginning of previous week, the presence of Alistair Moody as Potion tutor was able to shock him.
In his home universe, he was never able to see Moody as his teacher. Therefore, Harry was feeling curious to see the teaching method of Moody. Harry knew that, Potion was not the favorite subject of Moody. However, he also recognized that, an Auror like Moody must be more than decent in Potion.
Harry was impressed by Moody's teaching method. Moody first explained the theories behind of a specific potion in simple terms, then he told the class about the usefulness of that potion. Moody told the class to prepare a low level-cleaning potion. Moody told them it worked as some kinds of disinfectants.
Harry soon got himself busy in potion making. That potion was not a hard one to make. If Harry wanted, he could complete the potion in three minutes. Nevertheless, Harry did not want to give Moody any reason to suspect him. Therefore, Harry took ten minutes to complete the potion.
Harry was still the first among his peers to complete the potion. Because of that he praised by Moody. Harry knew that, it was very hard to impress Mad eye Moody and he also did not give Moody any reason to suspect him. Therefore, Harry was feeling pleased with himself.
Harry continued to hold himself back in potion class for rest of the week. Because of that, Harry recognized by Moody as a very talented young 11 years old potioner but at the same time Moody did not get anything suspicious about him.
Harry also read Moody's report about the Gaunt manor incident. As expected, Moody did not write anything significant in his report. Obviously, Moody did not trust the ministry officials completely. Moody also classified the whole thing as a minor incident.
Nevertheless, Harry knew that, Moody did not think the whole thing as minor incident. Harry also believed that, Moody would take some serious steps to solve the mystery in coming weeks with the help of his good friend Albus Dumbledore. He had to be cautious in the coming weeks Harry reminded himself.
Harry also read the report about Gaunt family. Harry learned that after the death of Octavian Gaunt his younger brother Marvalo Gaunt became the heir and ultimately head of House of Gaunt. Marvalo had two sons named Joseph and Brandon.
Apparently, young Joseph died at the age of 15 in mysterious circumstances. The report noted the similarity in death pattern of young Joseph Marvalo Gaunt with his deceased uncle Octavian Gaunt. Harry suspected young Joseph also killed by his family for political power. That report once again reminded Harry about the hunger for power in Gaunt family.
Brandon Gaunt had a son and he named his son after his father Marvalo. Harry understood that Brandon's son Marvalo was Tom Riddle's grandfather. The rest of the Gaunt family history was the same as Harry's home universe.
However, Harry only found a simple note about Sophia Gaunt. It informed him that, Sophia Gaunt had just died as a kid. Harry realized that, Octavian ritual was responsible for that. Nobody in the wizarding UK knew that, Sophia Gaunt did not die as a kid.
Harry decided that, he would investigate about Sophie Garrison in summer break. Harry wanted to do that soon. However, he had no other choice than to delay the investigation about Sophia Gaunt as he had classes, training schedule with his friends, an upcoming honor duel, and two pet projects.
Harry spent significant amount of his time in previous week in doing those things. When Harry informed Ravenclaw head about his willingness to invent a charm that could produce light, Prof. Flitwick was shocked. He cautioned Harry it was highly improbable thing to do.
However, Flitwick also did not want to discourage such talented young wizard like Harry completely. Therefore, he recommended the name of Prof. Vector to him. Flitwick told him to learn some basics about spell creation from Prof. Vector.
Harry soon contacted with Prof. Vector. Prof. Vector was more than happy to give Harry some basics about spell creation. Vector already heard about Harry's talent and he was hoping that, Harry would choose his subject in Harry's third year. After discussing some basics about spell creation with Harry, Prof. Vector was impressed as he saw Harry's talent in this subject. In Prof. Vector Harry could easily attend third year Arithmacy class.
Harry on the other hand studied Arithmacy in his home universe after his sixth year. He found the similarity of that subject with muggle math. He cursed himself for not taking that subject in his third year. In the next two years in his home universe Harry work hard on that subject. Hermione was also ready to help him.
Because of that, Harry had OWL level knowledge about Arithmacy. In his home universe, the spell creation history and spell sequence of some simple spells were the first few things Harry learnt while studying on that subject. Lumos or lighting charm was one of them.
Therefore, Harry already knew about the steps of creating Lumos spell and the sequence of that spell. Because of that, the completely inventing lighting charm thing was already rigged in his favor.
However, Harry did not want to invent that spell within days, as it would be too much suspicious to all the people. Instead of that, he decided to 'invent' Lumos in January right after the Christmas to get maximum amount coverage. Harry planned that, in each week he would find some major breakthrough in lighting charm invention that would ultimately result in the invention of Lumos spell.
Nevertheless, after arriving Greengrass manor he only wanted to enjoy family time with his relatives for the next three days. In Harry's mind, it felt great to have a loving family.
Daphne also felt good when she returned into the Greengrass manor. The last week was also eventful for her. Like her cousin, she was also surprised by Moody's presence in the potion class. Nevertheless, she soon found herself busy in making cleaning potion.
As expected, her cousin became the first person to complete the potion. However, she noticed that, Harry took longer time to complete the potion for his standard. After few minutes, she was also able to finish her job. Daphne assumed that, she would get a straight O from Moody and she was right.
"Ms. Greengrass your potion making skill is noteworthy like your cousin. I have no doubt that, one day you will be known as a prominent potion maker in the UK." Moody praised her.
Daphne was feeling very much pleased with her effort in potion. However, she knew that, potion was not her most favorite subject and therefore she would not take potion making as her profession in the future.
After that, she and Harry helped their friend in the potion making. She felt pleasure when she saw her friends were able to complete their potion before Draco and his friends. Daphne's initial dislike for Draco and his friends turned into hatred after the incident that happened in Slytherin common room.
She was determined to defeat Draco Malfoy in the upcoming honor duel. Daphne also engaged herself in morning exercise. She spent more times in practicing spells alone in the secret room. She gave attention to shielding charm, disarming spell, stunning spell, water conjuration spell and cutting curse. She wanted to humiliate Malfoy in the duel. Therefore, she was pushing herself to do best.
She recognized that, Malfoy would try use some semi dark curses against her. However, she was confident to overcome that by attacking Malfoy mercilessly in the duel. Daphne always believed that attack was the best form of defense and she would apply that theory in the duel.
She also remembered in the previous week how she got herself engaged in an angry conversation with Lilith Moon. She was returning one of her practice session when Moon started the conversation by mocking her.
"Look someone is practicing a lot nowadays. It seems like Ms. Greengrass is afraid of facing Malfoy." Moon mocked her.
"I am not afraid of anyone and Moon you will understand that when I will humiliate your dear friend Malfoy in front of the whole house." Irritation was evident in Daphne's voice.
"We will see that, Greengrass. Nevertheless, I find it amusing that, nowadays you are not spending so much time with your friends. Especially I am noticing you are spending less time with your beloved cousin Hadrian." Moon remarked.
"Why you are interested in my relationship status with my cousin. Do you have a crush on him my dear Moon?" Daphne asked in a predatory voice.
"To be honest, I find your cousin interesting. He looks cute, he is a pureblood heir, and he is rich and intelligent. However, I know that, your family has already chosen him as your husband. Therefore, he is forbidden to see other potential girls." Moon replied.
Daphne got herself angry after hearing that type nonsense talking point regarding her parents and cousin from Moon's mouth. However before she gave a fitting reply to Moon it was her cousin Harry who joined into the conversation.
"Moon you should not think every pureblood family will be immoral like yours. Ancient and Noble house of Greengrass have a high moral standard compare to you and your friend's family. They do not use their children to achieve their political goal. My uncle and aunt never imposed any political view or friendship on me.
However, Daphne is my best friend, as we share many common character traits, passion. We also have a similar political view. Our friendship is genuine not enforced. Actually, I am feeling proud to have her as my best friend and cousin.
I think you are jealous of my cousin as she is more intelligent, powerful, and talented than you. You should also know that she is much cuter than you are. I am warning you Moon I consider Daphne, Astoria, Uncle, and Aunt as my own family and if you ever try to insult them again in front of me than I will ask for a honor duel against you." Harry cautioned Moon in angry voice.
The way her cousin defended her family really impressed Daphne. Daphne knew her cousin's every word was coming from his heart. She was also finding herself blushing when she heard Harry's praise for her. Daphne loved the feeling when Harry told everyone that, he found her much cuter than Moon. Daphne once again realized that, she found a true friend in the form of Harry.
Nevertheless, she also did not forget about her first friend Tracy Davies after finding Harry. They shared each other's thought. They also had their girl time together. Daphne assured that Tracy should not feel ignored by her. On the other hand, Tracy gave her strength through her friendship. Daphne always felt that, she could share anything with her.
They had a sincere talk with each other in previous day.
"Why you are smiling suddenly Daphy?" Tracy asked in a teasing tone.
"I have just remembered Moon's face after Harry's reply."Daphne said in a happy voice.
"Yes, after Harry's humiliation the color of Moon's face has disappeared. However, I did not know Harry admire you so much. I always knew that, you have great admiration for your cousin. Now, I have realized that, a big mutual admiration exist between you two. I can see future Lord and Lady Sayre between you two." Tracy further teased Daphne.
"Tracy, please stop teasing me. We are just 11 years old and we are just friends and cousin."Daphne blushed.
"Yes, you two are just friends now. However, I have no doubt that when we will be in our fourth year you two will be more than friends will. Already you two are finding each other very cute and Daphy you should know marrying within the family is very much common in pureblood society." Tracy remarked. She was clearly enjoying that as Daphne was feeling embarrassment.
"Tracy I don't know you have the talent of a seer." Daphne told Tracy. Irritation was clearly visible in her voice.
"I am not a seer. However, I can make some educated guess. One day you will be Lady of two powerful houses. You will be happy. You will probably forget about me." Tracy told Daphne.
"Whatever happened in our future I will not forget about you. You are my first friend. I will always expect your help in my life." Daphne assured her.
"I don't know how much I will be able to help. I am the weak link among our friends." Tracy told Daphne sadly.
Daphne got worried when she heard those words from her friend. Nevertheless, Daphne was determined to remove that misconception of Tracy about herself.
"You are not a weak link among us. I know you have the ability to beat Malfoy, Moon, Nott, and Parkinson in most of the duels. You are doing well in all the subjects. You are also learning first in our training session. Therefore, I am warning you, I will not tolerate if you ever think so short of yourself." Daphne notified her.
"I am glad that, you are my best friend Daphne." Tracy hugged her best friend after saying that.
After that, two friends spent some time together in discussing some funny things.
Both she and Harry hugged Tracy and Blaise when they were leaving Hogwarts for three days. They also told their friends to be cautious in those three days. Tracy and Blaise also promised to inform Harry and Daphne via owls if anything significant happened.
Daphne was thinking about that and next week in Hogwarts. However, her thought process was disrupted when her sweet sister Astoria hugged her.
"Did you miss us, Tori?"Daphne asked her.
"Yes." Astoria replied affirmatively. Daphne looked lovingly at her sister. She also missed her very much. Daphne realized, how much the spending time with family meant to her when she was away from her home. Daphne wanted nothing more than enjoy the next three days with her family.
Hundred miles away from Greengrass Manor in Hogwarts Alistair Moody was thinking like crazy in his office room. He was not able to identify a single person as the suspect of his investigation.
Alistair initially came to Hogwarts to ask Albus about the identity of unknown male student of Hogwarts who was involved in the incident of Gaunt Manor.
Albus was surprised to see his old friends suddenly in his office. He was further surprised to know that the potential suspect was a 16/17 years old male Hogwarts student who was also a parseltongue.
After hearing that how easily that student was able to kill several poisonous snakes, he found himself worried. He was wondering that, if there was any linkage between the incidents of Gaunt Manor and Slughorn.
He immediately notified his suspicion to Alistair. Alistair also noticed that timeline of both incidents was indicating the suspect of the both incidents was same.
Therefore, they both agreed to set up trap to catch the suspect. Alistair wanted to be DADA professor at first. However, Albus did not want to down the moral of Professor Quirrell. Therefore, he proposed to appoint Alistair as temporary Potion professor.
For the last one week, he watched every student from 5th-8th year to find any clue about the suspect. However, his all attempts were ended up in disappointment.
He gave upper year students complex potions and asked them advanced potion quiz. Nevertheless, no one among the upper year students seemed to be a prodigy.
He found two-potion prodigy in Hadrian and Daphne. Harry was a super prodigy; Alistair had no doubt that, one day that boy would match his great friend Albus in terms of magical power. Daphne was also a prodigy, she was definitely among top four students of last 100 years of Hogwarts history. Alistair also interestingly found that, both of them were second cousin and they did not have any enmity between them. Both cousins along with Davies and Zabini hanged out together.
If Hadrian or Daphne were 16 years old, then Alistair would definitely suspect them, as they were both magically very powerful. However, they were only 1st year student. Therefore, Alistair did not put them in his suspect list.
Alistair was feeling unhappiness as he would have to leave Hogwarts within few days and he still did not know about the identity of his suspect. It was a desperate time for Moody and he decided to take a desperate action to catch the suspect.
"A divisional dueling tournament, are you sure about that Alistair." Albus asked his friend Alistair.
"We don't have any other choice, there is a good chance that, I will get a list of potential suspects after seeing them perform in dueling arena." Alistair expressed his hope to his friend.
"You are probably right my friend. Now tell me how you will divide the different years of students?" Albus asked his friend in a curious voice.
"I am thinking about dividing them into three divisions. 1st division will be 1st to 3rd year students, 2nd division will be 4th to 5th year student, and the final division will be 6th to 8th year student."Alistair notified Albus.
"I like your proposal my friend, I think next will be a great time to start the tournament, I will tell the head of houses to notify their students about this tournament." Albus finalized the schedule for the tournament.
"I hope this time we will be able to catch the suspect." Alistair told himself in a low voice.
In Greengrass Manor:
Shawn Greengrass warmly received Daphne and Harry. He got himself worried when he found that, both Harry and Daphne found themselves into an honor duel with their school rivals. However, he was also proud about the fact, how both Daphne and Harry cared about family honor.
Shawn also observed many positive changes in his daughter Daphne. She was more open now and relatively more cheerful. She was still more and less an introvert person, however she now had three friends compared to one.
Shawn was sure Daphne's second cousin Harry played an important part in those changes. Shawn was pleased that, Harry and Daphne got along so well. They had already become best friend to each other. Shawn also found that both Harry and Daphne only addressed each other as cousin not as cousin brother/sister and it made Shawn happy for obvious reason.
When Shawn was thinking about Harry and Daphne's relationship, they were playing with Astoria. They played puzzles, wizarding chess, and many more games.
After playing about one and half hour Harry, Daphne, Astoria joined with Shawn and Athena in dining table.
"I am very glad to see you both back in the manor, now tell me how well you two are preparing for the honor duel?" Shawn asked Harry and Daphne.
"We will not let you down, father. Both of us are preparing hard for the duels."Daphne tried to assure her father.
"I want to test you both." Shawn demanded and both Harry and Daphne knew that Lord Greengrass would not take no for an answer.
"We can do that tomorrow." Harry suggested that to his uncle.
"I am glad to hear that Harry. Now, Harry I want you to know that, House Sayre will get Noble status in next wizengamot meeting." Shawn informed Harry.
"Uncle Shawn I am very grateful to you for this without your help it would not have been possible." Harry expressed his gratitude to his uncle.
Shawn smiled after hearing this.
"You are family Harry. Athena and I will always be there for you." Shawn told Harry.
"Uncle Shawn, Aunt Athena I want to invite you both along with Daphne and Astoria in ritual room of Sayre Manor in next Sunday." Harry invited them.
"Why Harry?" Athena asked his nephew.
"I want to complete a ritual that should have been done by my Grand Father." Harry replied to Athena.
Shawn did not understand what Harry implied. However, Athena got hint from Harry's statement.
"We will be there, Harry" Athena accepted his invitation.
Next day Shawn called Harry and Daphne into the dueling room of Greengrass manor. He first told them to perform some basic spells like disarming spell, stunning spell. He was clearly pleased after seeing how easily both Harry and Daphne were able to cast them.
"Very impressive it seems like you were practicing a lot for the duel." Shawn proudly commented.
"We have a practice session together in a secret room in Hogwarts." Daphne informed him.
"Very well, now let's see your real skill, cast an advanced spell." Shawn ordered both.
Harry casted two forms of Agumanti spell modified cutting spells, as expected Sha stunned after seeing the magical ability of Harry. He always knew Harry was more advanced than his peer was but he did not think Harry would be ahead that much compare to his peer.
After that, Daphne showed her skill. Harry was clearly surprised and happy after seeing how comfortably she was able to cast Agumanti spell and cutting spell. While her spell work still did not reach at Harry's level but it was more than decent when compare to any third year or fourth year students.
Daphne saw a proud look in her father's face after her spell casting. She was practicing and pushing herself a lot in last few days and now her effort was showing its result. She not only wanted to defeat Malfoy in the duel, she wanted to humiliate Malfoy scion in front of his family and housemates.
She also noticed how happy Harry was after seeing her performance. He was pleased at her progress. She felt a sense of gratitude towards Harry for teaching her those spells. Daphne vowed at that moment she would not let Harry or her friends or her parents down she would just destroy her opponent in the next week.
Both Harry and Daphne enjoyed their free time with their family. Along with study and dueling, they also spent times by playing with Astoria, cooking potion with Athena and learning political lessons from Shawn. House elves of Greengrass family were also busy in making special dishes for them.
Overall, they were very happy to return in their home. On Sunday morning whole family were prepared to go Sayre Manor.
They reached at the front door of Sayre Manor via side along apparition. When they reached there they saw an elf which had House Sayre's symbol imprinted in its cloth.
"Identify yourself Heir Sayre and Lady Athena Greengrass nee Sayre." The elf told Harry and Athena.
Harry was about to open his mouth but the elf interrupt him.
"Not this way Heir Sayre and Lady Greengrass nee Sayre, use this." The elf gave them a blood quill and indicated them to write on the parchment.
Shawn was about to protest it as he could sense that blood quill would take significantly more blood from a person than any other quill. He was worried about his wife using that quill. He was more worried about Harry's health as he was just 11 years old boy and losing so much blood could harm the boy. However, Athena prevented him some rules in ancient Pureblood houses were seemed cruel at first glance but there was strong reasons behind those rules.
Harry came forward first and he was expecting a sharp pain when he was signing his name, nevertheless the pain he felt was very negligible as the quill used very little amount of blood. Harry realized that, the completely large blood quill thing was very deceptive in nature.
After signing his name, he was immediately provided with pain relief potion from the Sayre house elf. Soon Athena followed Harry in signing in that parchment. After that, their whole family entered into the manor.
The elf introduced itself as Tobby the head elf of House Sayre. Harry took whole Greengrass family into ritual chamber of House of Sayre with the elf Tobby.
It was a beautiful room and the whole family was stunned after seeing the beauty of that room. Harry decided to start the conversation.
"Uncle Shawn, Aunt Athena, at first I am apologizing on behalf of my Grandfather. He was wrong to let his personal bitterness with his brother to come between in performing his house duty." Harry commented.
"It's ok Harry, you don't need to apologize for what happened in past."Athena assured him.
"Uncle Shawn please come forward and raise you wand" Harry requested his Uncle.
Shawn came forward and raised his wand.
"Do you Lord Shawn Greengrass Lord of Ancient and Noble House of Greengrass accepts your relationship to Ancient House of Sayre through your wife Athena Greengrass nee Sayre?"Harry asked his uncle.
"I do." Shawn simply uttered a blue light erupted.
"Then I, Hadrian Sayre as the Heir of Ancient House of Sayre accept you as a member of Ancient House of Sayre."Harry declared and a green light erupted from Harry's wand and met with blue light that came from Shawn's wand. Both of the light got mixed and resulting in a membership ring that appeared on Shawn's finger.
"Welcome to family Uncle Shawn." Harry hugged his uncle.
Shawn was really touched by Harry's gesture. That symbolic membership ring gave him formal recognition of his ties to House Sayre. As a pureblood who always celebrated heritage, family, and tradition proudly, he was feeling good by completing that ritual.
Athena was also feeling happy; she always wanted to welcome her husband into her paternal family officially. Now her nephew fulfilled her desire. She smiled when she saw Harry and Shawn hug each other.
After that, Harry called both Daphne and Astoria and after completing the vow welcomed them into House Sayre officially. Daphne hugged her cousin and thanked him for doing that. Little Astoria was also happy to be included into the process and loved the new ring.
"That ring looks beautiful." Astoria commented.
"Yes it is beautiful, and it will also protect you from love potion, other harmful potion, and low level hex and most importantly help you to throw out imperious curse."Harry informed them.
"Wow, this ring will be very much helpful then." Shawn remarked.
Harry smiled in happiness after hearing that comment. Harry was feeling happy after completing his family duty. Suddenly another house elf called him from the behind.
"Heir Sayre, I need to talk with you sir." A small elf requested Harry.
Harry thought may be the elf wanted to talk about issues related of the manor , however Harry soon noticed that the elf wearing a cloth that did not imprinted symbol of House Sayre, it was wearing symbol of another house.
Chapter end
I am sorry for the delay. Recently I was going through personal lost as my Grand Father passed away few days ago. I also found myself busy with university studies.
From now, I will try to update regularly.
I like to say thanks to reviewers of my previous chapter and they are
The Shadows Mistress
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In next chapter:
What is the mystery behind that elf?
Daphne have a secret!
Like previous chapter, I will give more hints about next chapter to reviewers of this chapter.