CHAPTER – 22 THE INVITE
"Unbelievable, this is completely messed up!" Harry exclaimed in frustration, his forehead pressing against the cool glass of the window. The recent conversation with Sirius and Andi had not only cleared the air but had also inundated his mind with a multitude of thoughts.
Only a month ago, my biggest concern was the impending challenges of the Third Task. Heck, just a few weeks back, all I had to worry about was the trial. I thought I'd have the time to learn more about my family, spend quality moments with Sirius, Andi... and Fleur. Maybe even pen another letter to Ron and Hermione, hoping for some useful insights in their reply...
Speaking of Ron and Hermione, Harry was acutely aware of their silent protest. The cold shoulder they were giving him was their trademark disapproval tactic. It wasn't a surprise; they had used it before. From the midnight duel incident in their first year to the conflict with Crookshanks, and then the tumultuous Triwizard Tournament, the duo had a knack for not acknowledging his existence for extended periods, sometimes spanning months. Harry could vividly imagine the icy reception he'd receive when, and if, they finally crossed paths again.
As far as Harry could tell, Hermione was probably seething with anger. Her knitted brows and clenched fists were telltale signs of her frustration. Harry knew that she must be meticulously researching the situation, trying to uncover the truth and seeking a way to exonerate him. It was in her nature to fight injustice with knowledge, and the more Harry thought about it, the more he realized he owed her an explanation and an apology for not confiding in her sooner. It pained him to think that their friendship might be strained, but he was willing to do whatever it took to mend the broken ties.
On the other hand, Ron's silence was equally deafening. Harry had seen him pull this act before, and it was as if he was building a fortress around his emotions. Ron was fiercely loyal, and Harry knew that his best friend must be grappling with feelings of betrayal. He couldn't blame Ron; the secret had eaten away at him for weeks, and the recent revelations only deepened the wound.
The weight of all these emotions bore down on Harry as he continued to gaze out of the window, his mind filled with regret and a sense of helplessness. He longed for the days when the trio would sit in the Gryffindor common room, sharing laughter and camaraderie, completely united. Now, that unity seemed to be hanging by a thread, and Harry knew it was up to him to mend it, no matter how difficult the task might be.
"This is completely unnecessary, Harry!" Hermione exclaimed, her voice tinged with exasperation. "Dumbledore must have a valid reason for his decisions, and your behavior is rather immature. You should consider that your actions might jeopardize the critical work the Order is engaged in."
But honestly, Harry couldn't care less about the Order's inner workings. It was exasperating to be treated as if he were inconsequential when he was the one who had originally alerted them to Voldemort's return. He knew that Hermione's commitment to the cause was unshakable, but he had hoped that she, of all people, would understand his frustration.
Ron, on the other hand, was likely in a sulk over Harry choosing to live with Sirius instead of at the Burrow. Harry was fairly confident that eventually, Ron would emerge from his self-imposed exile, shaking his head and exclaiming, "That was insane, mate! Talking back to Dumbledore like that! Completely nuts!"
And then, in his typical Ron fashion, he'd suggest a game of chess or a round of Exploding Snap as an icebreaker. Harry would be so relieved not to be isolated that he'd readily agree to rejoin the group. He missed the camaraderie of the trio and hoped for a swift reconciliation.
Harry scowled, feeling the weight of his actions on his shoulders. His mind was a whirlwind of thoughts and emotions, and he longed for the simplicity of life before the chaos of recent events had unfolded.
"But this time," Harry thought to himself, "it wasn't going to happen. I can't just brush this off." He turned his attention to the street outside, watching the passersby and the bustling city life with a detached gaze.
"That all seems like a tale from another lifetime now," he mused, his sigh tinged with weariness. "This Peverell bloodline, the concept of Death, my unpredictable magic – it's like too much is unfolding all at once."
He mentally counted to five, as he often did, but as always, it didn't provide much solace. Hedwig, perched on the windowsill throughout his contemplation, trotted over to him. She stood by his hand and fixed him with her knowing, beady eyes. After a brief moment, she emitted a soft, scoffing noise, then began to rub her head affectionately against his sleeve before casually knocking his wand over with her dainty feet. As the magical focus rolled into his palm, she gracefully returned to her favorite position and let out a long, drawn-out hoot, as if to convey, "Mission accomplished."
Harry couldn't help but smile at Hedwig's antics. Even in the midst of his troubles and complicated relationships, she was a constant source of comfort and companionship. He knew he could always count on her to be there, to understand, and to provide a much-needed moment of levity in his otherwise heavy life.
Harry couldn't help but chuckle at her playful antics, but the weight of his thoughts soon reclaimed his brow.
"Dumbledore was supposed to prepare me for the battle against Voldemort. Or at the very least, help me stand my ground. But now that I'm not playing by his rules, he's perfectly willing to leave me out to dry."
Hedwig hooted at him again, her response causing his frown to deepen.
"He can go indulge in his lemon drops, Hed. I won't be offering any apologies."
But it hardly mattered anymore. Sirius was already instructing him. With the former Hit-wizard's wealth of combat experience, an extensive repertoire of spells spanning charms, martial magic, and a rather unsettling assortment of Dark Arts spells, Harry had been steadily amassing an ever-growing arsenal. Snape's book had proven to be quite helpful too, offering valuable insights. While he still favored spells like Reducto and Confringo for dealing with adversaries, there was something about the deadly precision of Sectumsempra that made it a necessary addition. And not to be overlooked was his newfound affinity for Ice, a curious twist, along with his Dark Arts-embracing wand. So, if Professor Dumbledore wasn't willing to step up, well, it's not like he was the greatest wizard alive or the sole individual Voldemort ever feared, right?
Harry groaned. The way things were going, he might find himself echoing Fudge's sentiments by the week's end.
Hedwig emitted an uncertain, high-pitched noise.
"Oh, really? How do you think I feel?" he countered, before abruptly standing up. "You know what? I need a drink. Sirius must have some of that firewhiskey stashed in the cellar here. I'll go have a look."
His snowy owl hooted at him disapprovingly.
"Don't give me that look, Hed," Harry admonished, playfully wagging his finger. "Sirius let me have a drink while sharing that story yesterday, and I need something a bit stronger than butterbeer to cope with all this."
Hedwig emitted a distressed noise and took to the air, her wings flapping as she perched on his shoulder.
"Sure, we can go and see if there's a rat or two in the cellar too. I just—"
At that moment, a creaking sound echoed through the house, and Harry's wand was in his hand in an instant. He gestured for Hedwig to stay put as he silently moved towards the source of the noise, his senses on high alert. The tension in the air was palpable, and he couldn't help but wonder if it was another unexpected visitor or something far more sinister. His heart pounded, and he realized that he might need more than a drink to face whatever was lurking in the shadows of Grimmauld Place.
WHOOSH! A brown blur swooped through the open window, narrowly missing Harry's head as it streaked across the room, much to Hedwig's vocal discontent. The mail owl dropped a large envelope held in its beak at his feet and executed a graceful turn, its wingtips just skimming the top of the fridge. Without any prompting, it zipped back outside and soon became a tiny speck in the sky.
"...Well, that was unexpected."
Hedwig's furious screeches left Harry wondering where his beautiful, pristine, seemingly innocent snowy owl had picked up such colorful language.
"A letter," Harry mused, crouching down to pick it up. Mid-motion, he had a realization about the potential folly of his actions. Swiftly, he whipped out his wand, preparing to cast one of the diagnostic spells he'd acquired over the years.
"Revelio!"
The envelope emitted a bluish glow for a few moments as it hovered just inches above the ground. Then, as the glow gradually subsided, it dropped to the floor like a marionette with its strings severed.
"Huh. Looks safe, then. Good to know."
Harry nodded, relieved. It was the best he could do for now. Picking up the envelope gingerly between his thumb and forefinger, he cautiously counted to five in his head. When nothing cursed him or attempted to attack his face, he slowly tore open the envelope and extracted its contents. Inside was a letter adorned with an ornate seal at the top. His eyes darted to the sender's identity, and then widened in surprise.
He couldn't help but wonder who had sent this letter and what it might contain. With a mixture of curiosity and caution, he began to read the message. The words on the parchment held the potential to change the course of his already tumultuous life, and he braced himself for whatever revelations or challenges lay ahead.
The Noble and Ancient House of Greengrass
Dum Spiro Spero While I breathe,
I hope.
Dear Mr. Harry Potter,
My most heartfelt congratulations on your ascension to the position of Lord Potter. I am Joshua Greengrass, formerly of House Pince. Please pardon my assumption, but I believe you may not be aware that your grandmother, Euphemia Potter, was the elder sister of Camilla Greengrass, my mother-in-law.
I take this moment to extend my formal greetings to you. My daughter, Daphne, who is in the same year as you and sorted into Slytherin House, has shared that you have expressed a strong dislike for her House and its members. This led me to believe that you might have held an unfavorable opinion of our family, refusing to acknowledge our connection. However, the recent revelation of your status and recognition as a member of House Greengrass has made me wonder if you were previously unaware of your heritage.
With this in mind, I am writing this letter, hoping to find you in good health. I understand that you might have important matters concerning your upcoming trial to attend to, but I respectfully request an audience with you at our family manor. You are welcome to bring any chaperone you deem suitable. I would like to discuss a specific maledictus that afflicts the Greengrass bloodline. As one of the two remaining true Greengrasses on this earth, it is only right that you are informed about its nature.
I have already lost my wife, Anastasia, to the maledictus. Unfortunately, I believe both you and Daphne share this curse. My intention is to meet you and speak openly, putting all pleasantries aside. I assure you, in the name of the Noble and Ancient House of Greengrass, that your safety during this meeting will be guaranteed under the Guest rights.
I anticipate our forthcoming meeting.
With warm regards,
Joshua Greengrass
Regent of the Noble and Ancient House of Greengrass
"A maledictus?" Andi covered her mouth, her eyes locked onto Harry with mounting anxiety. "That's... that's..."
"A fabrication," Sirius practically snarled. "This is a trap, Harry. An elaborate scheme designed to divert our attention. I know Joshua Greengrass, and he's a schemer. James never trusted him, and neither should you."
"Sirius!" Andi exclaimed, standing firmly by his side. "Stop being unreasonable and consider this for a moment. This is a letter from the office of a Lord. No one, especially someone like Joshua Greengrass, would jest about it. Besides, all the genealogy mentioned can be cross-referenced from reputable sources."
She turned towards Harry. "I assume he's correct about your grandmother being a Greengrass?"
He nodded dumbly. Truth be told, he had been planning to meet this Daphne at Hogwarts next year to see how their conversation might unfold. But as always, things had taken an unexpected turn for the worse. He seemed to have the worst luck.
Harry's jaw tightened as he clenched his teeth, suppressing the hollow feeling beginning to take hold within him. He craved answers, facts, and an understanding of his options. Curling up into a ball like a child or lashing out in anger wouldn't help. Especially if...
He glanced at the crumpled letter.
Especially if the author of that letter was indeed as unpleasant as Sirius portrayed.
"What's— what's a maledictus?" Harry croaked out.
"It's a curse," Andi replied, her voice eerily soft. "A truly wicked curse that is not directed at an individual, but an entire bloodline. Unlike spells, they are enacted through thaumaturgical rituals—malevolent, dark rituals. In ancient times, they were employed to obliterate whole families, typically as a result of blood feuds."
The mention of 'blood feuds' made Harry go rigid, but he remained silent.
Sirius, though clearly agitated, was listening. His memories of his best friend James's distrust of the Greengrass family seemed to resurface, but he stayed silent for now, allowing Andi to continue explaining the situation.
Andi's gaze was heavy with concern as she spoke, "A maledictus typically manifests in a family member of a certain age, often triggered by life events or strong emotions. It's a devastating curse, Harry, one that can turn a person into a magical creature permanently, like a snake or a bird. The transformation can be irreversible, and it's often hereditary, passing down through the generations. That's why he's saying you and Daphne share this curse."
Harry felt a chill run down his spine as the gravity of the situation sank in. This wasn't just a simple request for a meeting; it was a matter of life-altering consequences. He was torn between wanting to learn more about his newfound heritage and the inherent danger that might come with it. The world of magic was more complex and treacherous than he had ever imagined, and every decision seemed to have far-reaching consequences.
"How does it work?" Even Sirius seemed attentive now.
"I'm not an expert, but…" Andi paused, biting her lip. "I can look up some historical cases. I believe the Shafiqs ended due to a bloodline curse. Corvinus Gaunt captured some of the youngest generation and cast the curse, followed by using a sacrificial dagger to kill them. It eliminated all the relatives of the victims. The Shafiq line was wiped out overnight."
The youngest generation...
Harry stared at the floor, processing the horrifying concept of a curse targeting children to annihilate an entire family. And this was considered magic? Something so vile, so dreadful, so fundamentally wrong was... magic? A tempest began brewing in his chest, gathering fury and anguish like ethereal blades. Anger welled up in his eyes, and everything around him started to shift into grayscale...
"—ARRY!"
He was trembling, just as he had done in the past. Had he lost control again? Could he see the concern and, though he didn't want to admit it, the fear in Sirius's eyes? Deep down, he understood that he was the source of it. Both his godfather and Andi were afraid of him. Whatever was happening to him, it was perilous. He was perilous. He...
Harry shut his eyes, forcefully containing the rage, guilt, frustration, and helplessness that surged within him. He had learned from the Patronus Charm that intense emotions were a potent way to supercharge one's magic. Casting a destructive spell in the throes of fury could cause even more havoc than with a calm mind. The challenge was knowing where to draw the line.
Pull yourself together, Potter.
With his eyes still closed, he took a deep, steadying breath and willed himself to regain control. The turmoil inside him slowly subsided, and he felt the vivid colors of the world returning. When he finally opened his eyes, he saw both Andi and Sirius watching him with a mix of concern and relief.
"I'm okay," Harry whispered, his voice hoarse. "Sorry, I just... it's a lot to take in."
Andi reached out and gently squeezed his shoulder. "It's all right, Harry. We're here for you. Just remember, no matter what, we're a team."
Sirius nodded in agreement. "We'll face this together, Harry. We've dealt with dark magic before, and we'll do it again. You're not alone."
With the support of his godfather and Andi, Harry felt a renewed sense of determination. The mysterious curse and the enigmatic letter were daunting, but he knew that he had allies he could rely on, even when facing the darkest corners of the magical world.
"What does all of this mean for me?" he finally inquired after taking several calming breaths.
Andi shrugged with a touch of sorrow. "I can't provide a definitive answer. Bloodline curses fall under thaumaturgy, a form of ritualistic magic. Their effects can vary depending on the curse's nature, the success of the ritual, and the caster's strength..."
"But the Greengrasses are still alive," Harry interjected. "So that means the curse didn't work properly, right?"
"No, it did."
Both Harry and Andi turned to Sirius, their expressions marked with surprise.
"Aunty Euphie was in her fifties when she conceived James," Sirius spoke in a subdued tone. "Uncle Fleamont and my grandfather Arcturus were contemporaries, fairly close in age. I always assumed that Aunty had some sort of conception issues."
"A reasonable assumption," Andi replied briskly. "Witches face greater challenges during childbirth than Muggle women, with the notable exception of Molly Weasley," she muttered under her breath.
Sirius nodded. "Uncle Fleamont used to describe Aunty as a spitfire, but by the time I knew her, she was a frail, weak old woman. She wasn't ill, wasn't cursed. Just... frail."
"You believe it was the Greengrass maledictus taking its toll?" Harry inquired, his voice hushed.
"We can't rule out that possibility," Andi said, giving Sirius a meaningful look. "However, you'll need to speak with Joshua Greengrass to be certain. He claims his wife perished due to the curse, so he should provide a better understanding than our speculative ideas."
"I'm not taking Harry to a Death Eater's house!"
"That's absurd, and you know it," Andi retorted. "The Greengrass family has maintained neutral relations with everyone."
Harry could see the tension between Sirius and Andi, and he knew that their conflicting opinions were rooted in concern for his safety. He couldn't help but wonder about the truth behind the Greengrass maledictus, and the possibility of him and Daphne sharing it weighed heavily on his mind.
In the end, Harry knew that he would have to make a decision about whether to meet with Joshua Greengrass. The prospect of facing this unknown danger was daunting, but he had already faced Voldemort and many other dark forces. With the support of his godfather and Andi, he felt a renewed sense of determination to confront this new challenge and find answers about his family's mysterious past.
"Neutral," Sirius repeated, his tone carrying a hint of disgust. "Is that how they're describing it these days?"
"They didn't choose sides—"
"Washing your hands of the conflict between the powerful and the powerless essentially means you're siding with the powerful, not being neutral."
Her retort fell silent.
Harry gazed at his godfather, then turned his attention to Andi.
And he reached a decision.
"He mentioned," Harry began, clearing his throat, "in that letter, that I'm one of the last two remaining Greengrasses. Me and... Daphne. I think I remember her from school. She's friends with Pansy Parkinson, and Parkinson is..."
"An arrogant, stuck-up pureblood?" Sirius suggested.
Harry restrained a chuckle. "Sort of."
Andi rolled her eyes.
"But, I mean, we're second cousins. She's kind of like... family, then, isn't she?"
"When it comes to the wizarding world, Harry, everyone is related to everyone else. Second cousins, third cousins, it doesn't really matter," Sirius replied.
Andi muttered something under her breath, making Harry wonder about her comment.
"If things had turned out differently, I might have grown up with Daphne and her father. But they didn't." Harry swallowed hard, maintaining unwavering eye contact with Sirius. "When I saw the Greengrass name during the inheritance test, I thought I might have found some family, aside from you, that is. Real magical family, not like my aunt and uncle. I thought maybe we could talk. I also wondered why they never approached me all these years, and this letter provides one possible explanation."
Harry's words hung in the air, and the room fell into a contemplative silence. The weight of the situation was evident, and the potential family ties Harry had discovered were both a source of hope and uncertainty. It was clear that he longed for connections beyond the pain and isolation he had endured growing up with the Dursleys, and the prospect of having family, even if distant, was alluring.
Andi finally broke the silence, her tone soft but resolute. "If you choose to meet with Joshua Greengrass, we'll ensure your safety to the best of our abilities. But, Harry, be cautious. This world is filled with secrets and dangers, and not everyone has your best interests at heart."
Sirius nodded in agreement, his expression reflecting the concern they all shared. "You're not alone in this, Harry. We'll stand by your side, no matter where this path leads us."
With the support of his godfather and Andi, Harry felt a sense of determination and purpose. The mysteries of his family's past and the enigmatic Greengrass curse were daunting, but he was ready to confront them, knowing that he had a team of loyal allies to rely on.
"Harry," Sirius implored, "this man might as well be a Death Eater."
"But it's his daughter who's under a bloodline curse, not him."
"Perhaps that's what he wants you to think!" Sirius retorted. "Harry, this man isn't innocent. Look at how he's written this letter. It's evident he knows what he's doing. He's aware that once you get involved in something, you don't let go."
"Sirius—"
"No, listen to me, pup," his godfather continued. "This man is adept at reading people. He understands that helping others is a crucial aspect of your character. Not because you expect gratitude or romantic entanglements, but because you're dedicated to doing what's right. You've demonstrated this time and time again—like saving Hermione from the troll, rescuing the Weasley girl in the Chamber, and finally, rescuing me. You even saved Delacour's sister and herself last year. Helping those in peril appears to trigger some kind of good-versus-evil impulse in your mind, and this man is exploiting that."
Harry growled. "We need information. Information about the curse. My grandmother was a Greengrass, so there must be something about it, right? And that's something the Greengrass family can provide. I... I believe I'd like to meet this man face-to-face. Just once, to clarify things."
Sirius's expression turned stony. "I still think this is a terrible idea."
"Why?"
"Because—" Sirius started, appearing much like the canine he could transform into at will. "Because this isn't the first time the Greengrass name has come up since your inheritance, Harry. Ripclaw informed me about it. Lucius Malfoy entered into a betrothal contract, marrying his son Draco to the eldest Greengrass, in return for ten years of unrestricted access to the Black Library. Joshua Greengrass paid Malfoy five hundred thousand galleons as a commission. I know this because it was the first of many such deals that Lucius brokered while serving as Regent, deals I nullified upon becoming Lord Black. Trust me, Harry, that man has a hidden agenda!"
"Sirius?" Andi interjected softly, "I believe you should at least meet with this man once."
Sirius spun to face her. "Are you out of your mind, Andi? This man is—"
"Desperate," Andi retorted. "House Greengrass is a Noble family, and their wealth surpasses even that of House Black. They lead the Neutrals. Even Lucius Malfoy and Albus Dumbledore steer clear of them. And this man paid Malfoy five hundred thousand to marry his daughter, his heir, into the Malfoy family? Why?"
"He essentially sold off his daughter to Malfoy, and that paints him as contemptible in my eyes. Forget the 'why'!"
"And there's the Gryffindor in you!" Andi snapped back. "He literally paid Malfoy to marry his daughter into a family of, at best, equal status to his own. Who does that? And why? For access to the Black Library? Clearly, there's more at play here than we know."
"Yes, the man is a scoundrel who now wants to ensnare Harry."
"And you're not saying that because you had a crush on Anastasia before Joshua Pince proposed and she accepted?"
"Erm... what?"
"Your father's cousin," Andi responded sweetly. "She was two years his senior. Sirius had a crush on her before Marlene came into his life!"
"... That has nothing to do with this!" Sirius protested, though the faint flush on his face hinted at a different story.
Andi smirked. "Oh, come on, Sirius, go meet the man. You did mention Euphiemia Greengrass suffered from the curse yourself. Perhaps there's some truth to it?"
"Sirius?" Harry implored.
"Oh, for goodness' sake," Sirius grumbled. "Fine. Let's pay a visit to this blasted Greengrass estate and get it over with!"
With this reluctant agreement, the three of them seemed to reach a temporary compromise. The prospect of visiting the Greengrass estate loomed ahead, shrouded in mystery and danger, but Harry felt a sense of determination. He was resolved to uncover the truth about his family's past and, in the process, gain a better understanding of the enigmatic Greengrass curse.
Their path was set, and the next steps would lead them into the heart of a family that had maintained a secretive existence for generations.
Step into the world of PEVERELL_MAGIC on P.a.t.r.e.o.n! Experience where tales unfold, magic ignites, and the future takes shape.
For exclusive support and early access to upcoming chapters, join us at PEVERELL_MAGIC on P.a.t.r.e.o.n.
Note: Get the scoop a day before anyone else! Updates release on P.a.t.r.e.o.n before they hit FanFiction. Join us for free to read ahead!
