Author Notes: Hello everybody, welcome back to my story.
Decided to wait a little before posting chapter 4 because of some last minute revisions, but I think it's at a point I am willing to commit with what I wrote. I hope you guys like it as much as I do.
Without further ado, here's chapter 4. Enjoy!
Chapter 4: The Magical Family Registry
The days dragged on in an agonising semblance of normalcy. No more breakfast mishaps, no bizarre incidents with car engines, and certainly no hostile trees. J, preoccupied with his German finals, remained blissfully unaware of the magical chaos that had engulfed our lives. I couldn't help but envy his ignorance.
In the midst of the uneasy calm, my parents were on edge, tiptoeing around the unspoken tension. As for me, confined to the confines of my room and grounded, I grappled with the looming conversation that needed to happen. Each creak of the floorboards and every distant argument in the house intensified my anxiety, a constant reminder of the storm brewing within my family.
I kept thinking about everything Professor Longbottom said - about me being on the early stages of developing an Obscurus - was it as serious as he made it out to be? For better or worse, I had to agree with my father: I was doing just fine before all of this began. If I really was suffering from a condition that could kill me, I'd be seeing signs of it, wouldn't I?
One evening, as the sun dipped below the horizon, I found myself drawn to my grandfather's book. I still didn't know what it truly was, or what's its purpose. The repeating message about the Codex persisted, a cryptic name that kept eluding me.
Establishing connection to the Codex.
Awaiting response…
…
Connection to Codex failed.
I groaned after about the fifth time this message appeared. What even is this Codex thing? Why is the book trying to connect to it?
"Hey!" I called, "What is this Codex?"
A message was displayed on the book:
Establishing connection to the Codex.
Awaiting response…
…
Connection to Codex failed.
"Why are you trying to connect to it?" I inquired further.
The following message was displayed on the page:
Establishing connection to the Codex.
Awaiting response…
…
Connection to Codex failed.
Frustration bubbled within me as the repeated attempts to connect to the mysterious Codex proved futile. I stared at the book, half-expecting it to offer some clarity, but it remained silent on the matter.
Does it even do anything else?
…
Does it do anything else?
I flipped through the book as if that would help me find something new, stopping around the first pages. As I scrutinized the initial pages, frustration gnawing at my nerves, I thought of what my next approach would be.
"What even are you?" I decided to ask.
I was expecting the same thing to happen yet again… but this time, only a single word was displayed on the book:
Grimoire.
"Grimoire?" I mumbled. "What's a Grimoire?"
Instead of answering my question, a new message was displayed on top of the page.
Table of Contents
Searching…
Table of Contents? Like, some sort of list? I expectantly awaited for something else to appear on the page when I heard a knock on my door. I quickly shut the book, not feeling an urge to hide it this time around.
"Come in!" I announced.
The door then opened to reveal the figure of my brother, J.
"Uncle William is here. He wants to see you." He relayed.
"See me…?" I responded, slightly taken aback. "Okay, um… tell him I'll go see him in a minute."
"Will do." He said, closing my bedroom door.
I sighed, unsure of what to feel or think. I really wasn't in the mood to see anybody, especially during punishment. I wasn't about to have a jolly conversation with my uncle after the whole magic fiasco.
… but I could ask him about the book.
I put on my blue cotton jacket and left my room, heading downstairs. Uncle William and my father seemed to have been finishing some conversation about politics, as I could hear a tinge of animosity while I headed down the stairs. I made it to the living room and saw everybody there. The place looked pristine, no signs that a magical tornado had ever passed.
"Hey Carlos, how's everything?" My uncle got up to greet me with his typical side-hug.
"Hi Uncle William, um… things are… going… somewhere." I replied with an excitement similar to that of a boulder.
"Are they now?" He chuckled. "Hopefully they're going somewhere good. How are you enjoying your birthday gift?"
"Yeah, about that…" I began, "Can we talk a bit about the book? I wanted to ask some questions."
"Sure thing Carlos, ask away!" He offered.
I looked around at the living room. My father was staring daggers at the two of us, mum was pretending to be busy by sipping her afternoon tea, and J was reading a book of his.
"... in private… would be best, I think." I awkwardly proposed.
"I mean sure, we could do that!" He promptly agreed.
And so we walked to the back garden, with me looking over my shoulder to make sure nobody was spying or listening in on us.
"Drawing any castles as of late?" He asked rather enthusiastically.
"Uh… no, unfortunately this hasn't really crossed my mind these last few days." I admitted.
"Oh, and why is that?" He asked in a tone of mild worry.
"It's… a little hard to explain." I dodged the question, unsure where to even begin. "I was… mostly curious as to what's the history behind the book that you gave me."
"I see. What exactly did you wanna know?" He questioned.
"First, I want to know how my grandfather got it." I began, "You said it was a family heirloom. Why is that?"
"Ah…. I'm afraid I'll have to disappoint you on that front." He admitted. "I know very little of how your grandfather got most of his collection, the book included. He would mostly just return from voyages with some new trinkets, and wouldn't tell us much about them."
"Why would grandfather not tell you anything? If it's an heirloom, it should have some significance to the family, right?" I asked, wondering just how much my uncle was letting me in on.
"Well… it was certainly significant to him." He explained. "And to me that was enough justification to consider it an heirloom, which is why I passed it down to you. I hoped you would value it somewhat like your grandfather did."
I hesitated for a moment. What did he mean by valuing it like my grandfather? "You seem to have very fond memories of grandpa, but dad doesn't. What exactly happened between them?"
"Oh… it has more to do with what didn't happen between them." He began, slowly pacing back and forth. "Winston was rather attatched to your grandfather, but when it came to his work, he always kept everyone at an arm's length. He barely ever told us stories of his travels or what he did in them, always saying he 'didn't want to think about work at home'."
"But he'd be gone for a long time, wouldn't he? That's why dad is so bitter about him. He thinks he abandoned the two of you." I inferred.
"Exactly. And like I said, one day he never returned home." Uncle William reiterated. "As we didn't even know who it was he worked for, we had no way of reaching out to know what had happened. We were at a loss."
"Do you think he might have… died?" I wondered, concerned for how this question would be taken.
"I don't know." He admitted. "Even if we knew what happened, I think your father wouldn't have forgiven him. In a way, he resents our father's job for stealing him from us, but given he never knew who his employers were, that resentment was transferred over to your grandfather."
"I see. So the book you gave me, it was one of the… trinkets… he got in his travels?" I inquired. He nodded. "Have you ever noticed anything… different about it?"
"Different? In what sense?" Uncle William asked me to clarify.
"Well…" I held my breath, unsure how to explain it without sounding crazy. "You know, like... does it do anything strange?"
Uncle William chuckled, "Well, it's an old book. It doesn't do much to begin with."
"But what if it did do something?" I pressed.
"I'm not sure I follow…" He said, giving me a side glance.
"It has… things written on it." I exposed.
"Written on it? But I was sure it was blank when I gave it to you."
"Yeah, I thought so too, but…" I began, wiggling my way around the topic. "It said something about a… Codex, I believe?"
"What was that?"
"A Codex. Do you happen to know anything about it?" I asked.
"Hmm… I'm afraid I don't." He said, "Never came across that name. Are you sure you saw it in the book?"
"I'm positive. It… seemed like a fine print?" I lied, "I was hoping you would know something about it."
"Sorry to disappoint you." He apologized. "Is this all you wanted to know?"
"I mean…" I sighed in frustration. If not even Uncle William knew anything about that book and this Codex, then who did? "I just was wondering if it had anything to do with grandpa, is all."
"If it does, I have yet to learn about it." He explained, kneeling to my level. "But I commend you for taking an interest in your family history. He was a remarkable man in his own right…"
"How was he remarkable?" I pressed.
Uncle William hesitated for a bit. I could tell I touched on a delicate spot.
"Well… He certainly did have his accomplishments." He dodged the question. "So much so he considered his collection to be his trophies."
"Trophies? Trophies of what?" I asked.
"Of his many… adventures, let's put it that way."
"What kind of adventures?" I pressed further.
Uncle William pursed his lips with a look of worry. I was backing him into a corner.
"Like I said, he visited many historical sites… all those were adventures of his!" He omitted.
"But what about-"
"Oh, would you look at the time!" He pretended to look at his watch "I need to get going. See you later, Carlos!"
"Wait, Uncle William-"
"Good to know that you're enjoying your present. Be sure to tell me of anything new you draw, alright?" He spoke in a rush, turning around to leave.
"But I still-"
"I'll make sure to answer whatever questions you have another day, is that alright?" He hurried as he scurried off.
"BUT I KNOW ABOUT MAGIC!" I shouted, my voice echoing through the neighbourhood as birds flew away from nearby trees, scared by the sudden noise.
Uncle William froze as he reached the back door.
"And about Hogwarts too…" I completed.
He turned around to look at me, a peculiar mix of surprise and bewilderment written across his face.
"Carlos, where did you hear about this?" He asked in a serious tone.
Before I could answer, I saw my parents walk outside to the garden, likely attracted by me screaming.
"What's happening here?" Dad inquired, already impatient.
"Nothing, nothing!" Uncle William quickly deflected. "Carlos just saw a really big insect, didn't you Carlos?"
"Um… yeah?" I agreed, not wanting to get into any more trouble.
"Carlos, what did you tell him?" My father marched my way. "Answer me!"
"He said nothing I didn't already know about, Winston!" My Uncle defended me… wait, he already knew it?!
Dad shot him a bewildered look, "Are you telling me you already knew about all this… nonsense?"
"It's not nonsense, Winston. It's something deeply powerful that can't be ignored." Uncle argued.
I was flabbergasted. Uncle William knew about magic this whole time… and he never told us? What else was he not telling?
"Whatever this is, I've seen enough of it. Don't like it, don't want it in my household!" Dad dismissed.
"Winston, you can't deny Carlos the truth about our family-"
"The truth is that this nonsense has destroyed our family, and I won't let it happen again!" Dad shot back.
Wait a minute, again?
"So that means the two of you knew about magic? and everything else?" I questioned.
Dad shot my uncle one more angry glance before turning his eyes to me.
"To your room, boy. Now!" My father ordered.
"Yes, sir…!" I scurried off while looking down at the ground, avoiding contact with everyone.
I heard bickering coming from outside as I closed my bedroom door, afraid of what might come next. My parents definitely heard me scream the word "magic", along with the rest of the neighbourhood. The raised voices downstairs grew louder before eventually fading into an unsettling silence.
The night came along as I lay on my bed, mulling over the chaos I had unleashed in this household. A soft knock interrupted my thoughts, and the door creaked open. It was J.
"Hey, lil' bro. What happened down there?" he asked, stepping into the dimly lit room.
I sighed, struggling to find words. "I... I messed up, J. Big time."
"Why do you say that?" He said, coming over to my bed.
"I've… done and said things I shouldn't have." I omitted.
"No, you didn't?" He countered. "Really, you didn't. Mum and dad are just worried about you."
I turned my head to face him, "Did they tell you anything?"
"About the Hogwarts thing? I heard dad and Uncle William arguing about it." He told me.
"And about magic?" I tested the waters.
"Mmhmm. Though it wasn't exactly easy to believe." He admitted. "Do you want to go to this place?"
"It's not whether I want to go or not…" I sat up in bed. "I've been told that, if I don't go… bad things could happen."
"What sorts of bad things?" J asked inquisitively.
"They said that, if I don't learn to control magic, it could… control me instead," I rephrased, not wanting to reveal the Obscurus part, "and if that happened, I could hurt you, mum, dad, or myself."
"Then by all means, go!" He encouraged. "If you tell this to dad, I'm sure he'll understand."
"You saw how he reacted with Uncle William." I disagreed, "He's already on edge, and I don't want to push his buttons…"
"But if it's important to you, you have to fight for it!" J said, "Do you think opportunities like these come off easy? I'm having to juggle all sorts of things just to stay afloat in my current school. It's not ideal, but it's what I have to do."
I looked at him in defeat, "You know it's not the same…"
J sat down on the edge of the bed, contemplating my words. "Maybe not the same, but it sounds like you're dealing with something big. If this Hogwarts can help you, then you should go. Mum and dad will come around eventually."
"But what if they don't?" I asked, a knot tightening in my stomach.
J leaned back, staring at the ceiling. "You have to be persistent, Carlos. Explain it to them, make them see it's not just about what you want, but what you need. Sometimes people need a bit of time to understand things they're not familiar with."
"But they were familiar with it. Both of them. They knew about this magic thing and never told us…"
"They were just scared, Carlos. Scared of losing us too."
"Losing us too? What do you mean?" I asked.
"Did Uncle William not tell you about our grandfather?" He reminded me.
"Oh, right. He's scared I'm going to walk away like our grandfather did."
"He knows grandpa didn't just 'walk away'. Did you hear what they said downstairs?" My brother asked.
"No, I tried not to listen." I admitted.
"Our grandfather was also from this magical world, Carlos." J explained, confirming what I already suspected. "And he was much more than just an architect."
"So grandpa was magical. Big deal. What does this have to do with him leaving?" I retorted.
"Dad thinks that magic took our grandfather away from him, and from us." J said. "He doesn't want the same to happen to you, or to any of us for that matter."
I sighed. I knew what he said made sense, but I was bitter about being thrust into this whole situation. I never asked for this.
"Listen, let's wait for him to calm down, then we'll come up with a plan, alright?" He proposed, getting up from my bed.
"Why do you want to help me?" I questioned.
"Well, because you're my brother… and I care about you." He replied with a soft smile.
I snorted, "Okay, now what's the real reason?"
J flashed a mischievous grin, "The real reason? Well, if you go to Hogwarts, you might bring me back a magical creature. A pet dragon, perhaps?"
I couldn't help but chuckle, "Come on now, dragons aren't a thing…"
"That Hogwarts pamphlet says otherwise…" He teased me. I glanced at him dumbfounded. "But seriously, Carlos, I just want you to be happy. If this Hogwarts thing is what you need, I'm here to support you. And who knows, maybe I'll learn a trick or two from my wizard brother."
I sighed, "I don't even know if I'm an actual wizard yet…"
"You'll figure it out, Carlos. Just give it time," J reassured me, his eyes reflecting a mix of understanding and determination.
And with that, we heard tapping coming from my window.
"What's that?" J asked.
"It's Trevor…" I said.
"Trevor?"
I got up from bed and pulled the curtains open to reveal Trevor, the owl, perched outside my window. It carried another letter.
"Is that an owl?" J asked as I opened the window to retrieve the envelope. Upon unfolding it, it read the following:
Carlos,
I hope this message finds you well. Due to Ministry demands, we'll need to pay another visit to your home tomorrow afternoon. I can't go into much detail, but suffice to say that the Ministry is worried your parents won't accept the Hogwarts offer.
I hope you were able to have a heart-to-heart conversation with your father. It is essential that you convince him that Hogwarts is a matter of necessity, not luxury. Now I don't mean to alarm you, but should he refuse the offer, the Ministry will take matters into their own hands, which could involve some dire consequences.
Best of luck to you,
Professor L.
I sighed as I felt the pressure fall on my shoulders once more. What did he mean by the Ministry taking matters into their own hands? Are we going to be criminals now?
"Who was it?" My brother asked.
"It's from Hogwarts. They said that I need to talk to dad ASAP because they're coming here tomorrow." I condensed the message to him.
"Then let's figure out a way to do that. Tonight. I got time!" He proposed rather enthusiastically.
I sighed, "Right, and it better be good."
And so, J and I spent the early evening concocting a plan to convince dad that I had to go to Hogwarts. It now seemed not only my life depended on it, but theirs too.
The tension at the dinner table was palpable that night. I avoided eye contact like the plague and kept my head down while I noticed dad was scanning us for… I don't know, misbehavior? The clinking of cutlery against plates echoed through the room, each bite accompanied by an awkward silence. I glanced at J, exchanging a look that conveyed our shared discomfort.
Dad was focused on his food, occasionally stealing glances in our direction. Mum looked down the whole time, her posture reserved. After what felt like an eternity, I mustered the courage to break the silence. "Dad... can we talk after dinner? It's important."
He looked up from his plate, his gaze locking onto mine. "We're talking right now, aren't we?"
"No, I mean... alone. It's something I need to explain," I clarified, aware of the unease in my voice.
"No need to be alone. If you have something to say, say it right now." He challenged me.
Alright then, challenge accepted. I took a deep breath and spoke:
"Dad, we need to talk about grandpa." I dropped the bombshell.
He dropped his cutlery and gave me a stern gaze, "What is there to talk about?"
"I want to know what happened to him." I said. Dad let out a skeptical laugh.
"And what makes you think I know what happened to him, boy?" He retorted.
"You and Uncle William seem to know far more than what you're letting on. Don't you think it's time we learned the truth?" I appealed to him. He looked at me impatiently.
"You want to know the truth? Fine, here's the truth: your grandfather was a selfish man who cared more about traveling than taking care of his own family, and one day, he decided he had enough of us and walked away." He ranted, "And that's as far as I'm willing to go. Now, if you dare to ask-"
"Winston!" Mum interrupted him sternly, "Talk to your son properly!"
She gazed into my father's eyes with a firm gaze, holding her ground. He took a deep breath and leaned back on his seat, his arms folded. "Fine. What do you want to know?"
"What do you know about our grandfather's trips abroad?" I asked.
"Very little. He only ever told us where he was going upon return, and even then would keep the details to himself. Would mention something about 'archeological site' this, 'historical preservation' that, etc." He explained in a huff.
"But he did more than just that, didn't he?" I tested the waters for the big topic. "More than just historical preservation."
"If he did, he never told us about it. His secrecy is what tipped us off that there was something more to it." He explained.
"Then how did you figure out that he was… you know…?" I tried easing into the conversation.
Dad looked at me with an expression of frustration, taking a deep breath before responding. "He always tried hinting at it, hoping we'd piece it together eventually. One day, however, he sat us down and decided to let us in on this… magic… stuff because he expected 'something big' to happen."
"Something big?" I repeated. "like what?"
Dad gave me a side glance. "I knew about this school, kid, way back then. He was hoping that we'd turn out… like him." He spoke.
"You mean, like… magical?" I asked.
"Something like that, yes." He confirmed.
"And what happened after that?" I continued.
"Absolutely nothing." Dad said bitterly. "We never got called to this school thing, and as the years passed, our father became more and more distant from us."
"Distant? How so?" I pressed, thinking I might be reaching a point of no return.
Dad let out a sigh of defeat, "When I say he stopped caring about us, it's because he… did so, to some extent. He grew colder, harsher, sometimes even hostile towards us."
"Because you weren't like him?"
"From what I understand, it seems he never got over the fact we didn't inherit this magic stuff. He might as well have died of distaste." Dad said, now with a look of distaste himself.
"That's… awful." I gave him a sympathetic look. "He shouldn't have done that."
Dad kept staring down with his arms folded. He might as well have lost his appetite. "It seemed we had already lost our father by the time he was gone for good. With no way of tracing him, we were left to swallow his disappointment in us."
I stared at him for a moment. I wasn't expecting dad to get this vulnerable with me.
"And you're afraid I'm going to end up like him?" I asked.
"It's not that, it's just…" He sighed, taking his accounting glasses off. "I don't want to have you taken from me like he already was. It would be like losing him all over again."
"I'm not being taken away from you, Dad." I comforted him. "I'm just as scared as you are. But I'm going to need help navigating this."
"You don't have to navigate this!" He appealed. "You can have a normal life here, with us!"
"I… don't have a choice, dad." I spoke regretfully, "What you saw in the living room that day, it… could get worse. And if I don't learn to control it, I could hurt you, or mum, or even myself…"
"But aren't you controlling it right now?" He tried to reason with me.
"No, dad, suppression isn't control." I said. "I've kept this caged my whole life, and it's… starting to take a toll on me. I can't afford to do it for much longer… please." I pleaded.
Dad looked at me worryingly. I think he was finally starting to see what was at play here.
"You'd be giving up your life as you know it… going into a strange world where nobody knows you." He warned.
"I won't have to be alone if you guide me through it." I said. "Whatever I do, I need you and mum to be there for me. Is that not what grandpa would have wanted?"
He looked at me, a mix of defeat and compassion painted across his face. He was genuinely considering it.
"What would I have to do?" He asked.
"Professor Longbottom said they'll be here again tomorrow, with people from their Ministry." I told him. "They're expecting a final answer."
"Tomorrow's… too soon, Carlos." He shook his head in exhaustion.
"But it'll have to do." I said. "At least consider it until then."
He sighed one more time, staring at the void in front of him. Conflicted wouldn't probably describe how he's feeling right now.
"Winston…" Mum looked at him with pleading eyes. "... Do it for him."
Dad took a deep breath and unfolded his arms, as he was about to make a concession.
"We'll talk to them, alright?" He spoke. I felt a huge weight lifted off my shoulders.
"That's… great!" I awkwardly responded. "Thank you, dad."
"Just promise me one thing…" he said.
"What is it?"
With a slight smirk in the corner of his mouth, he said, "Don't forget about your homework, will ya?"
I drew a soft smile, "Can't make promises."
And so we ended dinner on a much lighter note than what I was expecting. This wasn't a 'yes' but it was close enough for me to consider it a victory. Now, all I had to do was wait until tomorrow and hope for the best…
…Or at least that I'm not making a mistake.
I turned on my table light and stared at the closed Grimoire above my desk.
Let's see if I remember how to activate it…
"Draco… Dormiens… Nunquam… Titillandus…" I whispered to the book. A faint glow was projected from the clock mechanism in its cover, indicating the book had been activated.
I opened it and saw a familiar message displayed on the center of a page:
Welcome, Carlos.
Now it was time for me to delve deeper into its secrets.
"Table of contents." I spoke. Soon after, the book displayed this as a message on top of one page followed by 'Searching…' right underneath.
Instead of providing me with a list of content, the Grimoire simply displayed the message:
No records found. Create new section?
"Yes." I responded. The message faded with yet another prompt:
Name new section:
I thought for a bit in what I could call this new section, whatever it was. I landed on a name that had been very pertinent to me the last few days:
"Hogwarts." I said.
With that, the prompt faded and the word 'Hogwarts' preceded by a right-pointing arrow was displayed on top of the page.
It was waiting for input.
"Let's see…" I mused for a bit, "What is Hogwarts?"
And so, information was displayed below the school name:
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry is a school of sorcery located in Scotland, hidden from the non-magical world by ancient, powerful enchantments. It was founded around 990 a.d. by four powerful witches and wizards: Godric Gryffindor, Helga Hufflepuff, Rowena Ravenclaw, and Salazar Slytherin. The school is known for its four houses, each bearing the name of its founder. Students are sorted into houses upon their arrival, and throughout seven years, they learn all manner of magical knowledge.
"Ah, so you do have content." I said defiantly. "It just takes some digging…"
A new message was displayed under the text:
Expand?
"Yes, expand." I confirmed.
A list of topics materialised below the first text:
History;
Founders;
Houses;
Subjects;
Academic Records;
Castle and Grounds;
So there's even more to be found?
"Uhh… History?" I said, unsure of which topic to choose from.
And so, the list of topics disappeared and new text formed below the introduction:
A millennium ago, hidden atop the Scottish highlands, four great sorcerers settled and built a place to ensure the safety and education of all magic wielders of Great Britain for centuries to come: Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. The founders, famously known as Godric Gryffindor, Helga Hufflepuff, Rowena Ravenclaw and Salazar Slytherin, were amongst some of the most powerful wizards of their time. Having spent their lifetimes in pursuit of a thorough understanding of magic and all of its properties, they coalesced with a skilled Wizard Architect to design a great fortress that would serve not only the purpose of training generations of highly skilled sorcerers for centuries to come, but also of preserving all the knowledge they've acquired as part of their legacy.
It is rumoured that this knowledge went far beyond the scope of magic commonly experienced by contemporary wizard folk, with some claims that go as far as to say they were capable of fundamentally altering the reality surrounding them, sometimes in ways that seemed incomprehensible. Said rumours have led to centuries of speculation over just what kind of power these figures wielded, many having attempted to trace this information back to all the places known to have been visited or lived in by these sorcerers. No place, however, is as elusive as Hogwarts Castle itself. Despite its age, the school is famous for its ever changing nature both in and out of itself, a feat that very few magical structures have achieved. Indeed, the complex behavioural patterns displayed by the castle, at times mirroring the likes of a living entity, suggests this mysterious architect was not only exceptionally methodical in his craft, but also considerably well versed in a kind of transfiguratory structural magic which, as of today, very little is known of.
The architecture of Hogwarts Castle stands as a testament to the collaborative efforts of the four founders and the enigmatic Wizard Architect. Built on the highest peaks of the Scottish highlands, the castle's location was carefully chosen to conceal it from the non-magical world, shrouded in ancient enchantments that continue to safeguard its secrets.
Godric Gryffindor, known for his valour and prowess in magical duels, contributed to the defensive structures of the castle. The towering Gryffindor Tower, with its vigilant stone gargoyles and secret passages, reflects his dedication to ensuring the safety of Hogwarts and its inhabitants. The enchanted entrance to Gryffindor Tower, guarded by the legendary Fat Lady, exemplifies the intricate and magical nature of the fortress.
Helga Hufflepuff, celebrated for her nurturing and inclusive spirit, played a vital role in designing the expansive kitchens and Hufflepuff common room. The underground passages that connect Hogwarts to Hogsmeade village bear her mark, providing discreet pathways for students and staff alike. The Hufflepuff common room, adorned with earthy tones and located near the Hogwarts kitchens, epitomises the warmth and hospitality associated with Helga Hufflepuff.
Rowena Ravenclaw, revered for her intellectual prowess, shaped the castle's libraries and classrooms. The grandeur of the Hogwarts Library, with its towering shelves filled with countless magical tomes, pays homage to Ravenclaw's commitment to knowledge. The ever-changing staircases, a hallmark of Hogwarts, reflect the cleverness and adaptability that characterise the legacy of Rowena Ravenclaw.
Salazar Slytherin, known for his cunning and resourcefulness, left an indelible mark on the dungeons and the Chamber of Secrets. The hidden and serpentine layout of the Slytherin common room beneath the Black Lake embodies Slytherin's affinity for secrecy and the art of subtlety. The Chamber of Secrets, an ancient and mysterious chamber linked to the heart of Hogwarts, serves as a reminder of Slytherin's belief in the purity of wizarding blood.
The collaboration with the mysterious Wizard Architect is veiled in secrecy, leaving scholars and historians intrigued by the elusive nature of this figure. The castle's dynamic behaviour and ability to adapt to the needs of its occupants suggest an unparalleled mastery of structural magic. Theories abound regarding the potential influence of this Wizard Architect on the castle's sentient and ever-changing characteristics, raising questions that continue to elude definitive answers.
The legacy of Hogwarts Castle extends beyond its physical structures, encompassing the extensive curriculum and magical knowledge imparted within its walls. The dedication of the founders and the enigmatic architect to magical education and preservation have left an enduring impact on the wizarding world, solidifying Hogwarts as an institution that stands at the forefront of magical excellence for generations to come.
Source: BAGSHOT, Bathilda. Hogwarts, a History, pages 3-4. Latest edition and revision by MURTLOCK, Rudolph.
So that's… interesting.
I couldn't say I was exactly fascinated because it was late in the evening and my nerves were through the roof thinking of tomorrow's visit by Hogwarts and Ministry staff. So this book either contained information about what Hogwarts is or was able to directly reference other texts. Almost like an… encyclopaedia?
Is that what a Grimoire is?
I thought the text was done by then, but a new message materialised under the text.
A latest appendix to this chapter has been found. Append?
I was confused by that question. An appendix was added to a chapter of a book that's already written?
"Uh… Yes, append?" I confirmed.
New text followed:
That is to say, it wouldn't take a highly educated guess to infer that such a castle, in all its intricacies and uncanny features, could potentially hold many of the secrets left by the founders, including those pertaining to knowledge of ancient magic. Many attempts were made throughout history to uncover some trace of the castle's hidden history, with varying degrees of success. That is, however, until a rather recent breakthrough was made by the renowned Curse-Breaker Rudolph Murtlock. Upon reviewing prior research on the history of Hogwarts, Mr. Murtlock focused his efforts on a figure largely ignored throughout all literature: The castle's architect. To him, such an oversight regarding the very wizard responsible for planning and building the fortress was not only a severe blind spot for previous researchers, but likely not a coincidence either. Indeed, very few references are made regarding the existence of this unnamed individual in the related literature, yet an extensive overview of records related to famous wizard architects of the middle ages led Mr. Murtlock to a very promising find: The discovery of the Architect's tomb.
Rudolph Murtlock's meticulous research into the history of Hogwarts led him to a breakthrough in the form of an overlooked tomb belonging to the elusive Architect. Located in a hidden crypt deep within the Castle, the tomb bore intricate engravings and symbols that hinted at the Architect's proficiency in both conventional magic and an esoteric understanding of structural enchantments. The tomb's inscriptions suggested that the Architect played a crucial role not only in the physical construction of Hogwarts but also in imbuing the castle with magical properties that surpassed the knowledge of their time. The arcane nature of these enchantments hinted at the involvement of ancient and potent magical practices, sparking the author's curiosity about the extent of the Architect's abilities.
Through a careful examination of archival manuscripts and tomes, Murtlock has managed to unearth a series of coded correspondences between the founders and this elusive architect. These correspondences, written in a cryptic language that combined runic symbols with an arcane script, suggested a profound collaboration that extended beyond conventional magical architecture. One recurring motif in these coded messages hinted at a deeper understanding of magic, one that surpassed the ordinary bounds of wizardry. The architect, though unnamed, was revealed to be a master of structural enchantments, capable of imbuing the very stones of Hogwarts with a dynamic, living essence. It became evident that the castle itself was a manifestation of the architect's profound grasp of magical theory and his commitment to preserving the founders' accumulated wisdom.
The author's research also pointed to the architect's intentional concealment within the historical records. It appeared that the founders, recognizing the potency of the knowledge embedded within the castle's structure, took deliberate measures to safeguard the identity and contributions of this wizardly craftsman. The rationale behind such secrecy remained speculative, yet it was plausible that the architect's methods and insights into ancient magic were considered too potent for casual scrutiny.
As Curse-Breaker Murtlock unravelled the intricacies of the architect's work, he proposed a bold theory suggesting that the castle's dynamic nature, its ability to adapt and evolve, pointed towards there being a remnant of the Founders' - or perhaps the Architect's - essences imbued within the castle itself, a form of structural magic seldom comprehended in contemporary wizardry. This groundbreaking hypothesis fueled renewed interest in Hogwarts' hidden history and the potential reservoir of magical knowledge that lay dormant within its walls.
The pursuit of understanding this elusive architect and the secrets woven into the very fabric of Hogwarts had opened a new chapter in magical scholarship. The legacy of Godric Gryffindor, Helga Hufflepuff, Rowena Ravenclaw, Salazar Slytherin, and their unnamed collaborator seemed destined to captivate the imagination of generations to come, inviting both admiration and scholarly curiosity as the enchanting mysteries of Hogwarts Castle continued to unfold.
Source: BAGSHOT, Bathilda. Hogwarts, a History, pages 4-5. Latest edition and revision by MURTLOCK, Rudolph.
The Architect's Tomb…
This can't be a coincidence. Both the dream and the remembrall vision focused a lot on the discovery of this tomb. But why was I getting glimpses of it? What did it have to do with me?
"Um… return?" I asked, hoping the book would understand my command. Thankfully, it did.
The list of topics from earlier appeared once again below the introduction:
History;
Founders;
Houses;
Subjects;
Academic Records;
Castle and Grounds;
"Let's see now… how about houses?" I suggested.
The book complied. New text was displayed on the page:
The Gryffindor House, founded by the esteemed Godric Gryffindor, epitomizes the virtues of courage, chivalry, and daring. Its emblematic animal, the lion, symbolizes strength and bravery, reflecting the house's ethos. Students sorted into Gryffindor are known for their boldness, willingness to confront challenges head-on, and their commitment to justice. The house encourages a sense of camaraderie and instills a fervent desire to stand up for what is right. Gryffindor's common room, situated in Gryffindor Tower, boasts a warm and inviting atmosphere, fostering an environment conducive to forging lasting friendships among its members.
Helga Hufflepuff's eponymous house, Hufflepuff, stands as a bastion of inclusivity, hard work, and fair play within Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. The badger, a resilient and industrious creature, serves as the house's emblem, embodying the values of tenacity and loyalty. Hufflepuff prides itself on embracing students with diverse talents and backgrounds, fostering a strong sense of community. The house's common room, located near the Hogwarts kitchens, exudes an earthy warmth and promotes a culture of collaboration. Hufflepuff encourages its members to cultivate their unique strengths and contribute positively to the wizarding world through dedication and diligence.
Founded by the insightful Rowena Ravenclaw, the Ravenclaw house celebrates wisdom, intellect, and a pursuit of knowledge. The house emblem, the eagle, signifies sharpness of mind and a soaring intellect. Ravenclaw House is home to students known for their thirst for learning, creativity, and critical thinking. The Ravenclaw common room, perched high within Ravenclaw Tower, offers breathtaking views of the Hogwarts grounds, creating an inspirational ambiance. Academic excellence is highly prized in Ravenclaw, and its members are encouraged to explore the depths of magical lore and broaden their intellectual horizons.
Salazar Slytherin's house is synonymous with ambition, cunning, and resourcefulness. The serpent, emblematic of Slytherin, embodies traits of shrewdness and adaptability. Slytherin House attracts students with a penchant for leadership, a strategic mindset, and an innate drive for success. The common room, concealed beneath the Black Lake, exudes an aura of mystery and exclusivity. Slytherin encourages its members to cultivate their unique talents, fostering a strong sense of ambition and a dedication to achieving their goals, even if it involves navigating the complex intricacies of the wizarding world.
Each of these houses contributes to the rich tapestry of Hogwarts, embodying a unique set of values and principles that guide its members on their magical journey. The Sorting Hat, a venerable artefact imbued with the wisdom of the founders, plays a pivotal role in sorting students into the houses that align with their core characteristics and aspirations.
I slowly began realising that the Grimoire contained information that, from this point forward, would likely be vital for me. Given I knew nothing of the magical world, I could at least step into it knowing something.
Speaking of magical world,
"Return to… main menu?" I commanded, hoping the book would pick up the language. Upon understanding my command I followed it with: "Create new section. Name it 'Wizarding World'".
The book complied and a new section appeared right below that of Hogwarts.
Following that, I requested: "Tell me everything there is to know about the magical world."
Unlike what I expected, instead of simply displaying a few texts on the pages, the book flipped through itself rapidly as walls of text materialised upon its old yellow pages.
"Whoa!" I muttered, "Okay now, book, let's take it easy. One thing at a time."
And so, I found myself with a lot of reading to do. What compelled me to get through it was my drive to not make a fool of myself in front of anybody tomorrow, as I didn't know what the meeting with the ministry people would encompass. I did, however, know that, with this book, I could perhaps be on par with a student from the magical world…
… if not better.
The four of us sat expectantly in the living room, awaiting that dreaded doorknock that would likely change our lives forever… or at least my life. Dad was waiting quietly with his arms folded. Mum had just brought some hot tea to serve the guests, and J, the chillest of all of us, was reading a book of his while listening to its audiobook on his earbuds. I, on the other hand, was the sleepiest of us, given I'd barely gotten any sleep the night before due to anxiety and curiosity at what information the book had to offer me.
Despite my modest success in conversing with my father the night before, I still felt dreadful about things. The minutes dragged on like heavy chains, the suspense hanging thick in the air. I glanced at the beckoning cat statue, its ticking amplifying the tension. Finally, the anticipated knock echoed through the house, a harbinger of the impending conversation with the representatives from the magical world. My heart raced as Mum rushed to open the door.
This time it was the two fedora-wearing gentlemen, robed in deep blue with official emblems, that greeted us at the door with solemn expressions, Professor Longbottom and Headmistress McGonagall standing behind. The lead wizard, an older man with grizzled hair and a stern demeanour, took off his hat and stepped forward.
"Good evening, Ms. Edward. I am Auror Roland, and this is Commissioner Larkin. We've met on a previous occasion, though we skipped introductions." He spoke, gesturing towards the younger robed man by his side. "May we come in?"
Mum nodded, and the four of them were ushered into the living room. This time, the Auror and Commissioner sat down instead of Longbottom and McGonagall, who stood behind them. Auror Roland surveyed the room, his eyes settling on me with a calculating gaze. "So… Carlos, is it?" he asked.
I nodded nervously, feeling the weight of their scrutiny. Mum handed them cups of tea, a small attempt to ease the tension that lingered in the room.
"Let's get straight to the point," Auror Roland began. "The two of us are hereby representing the Magical Family Registry, an official organ of the Ministry of Magic. We're here to discuss your acceptance into Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry."
Dad's gaze hardened, but he remained silent. Commissioner Larkin leaned forward, a more empathetic expression on his face. "Carlos, we understand this is a lot to take in. Your father has some concerns, and we are here to address them."
I shifted uncomfortably in my seat, glancing at Dad, who hadn't taken his eyes off the wizards. "I know this is unconventional, but magic is indeed real, and Hogwarts can provide Carlos with the education and guidance he needs to navigate it safely," Commissioner Larkin explained.
Dad finally spoke, his voice a mix of frustration and apprehension. "I understand that, I'm just not convinced that sending my son off to some magical school is the right solution."
My stomach dropped for a moment, thinking all the effort I made the night prior had gone down the drain.
Auror Roland leaned forward, his eyes locked with my father's, "Mr. Martin, the magical community has its own set of rules and dangers. Without proper training, Carlos might unintentionally put himself and others at risk."
"What sort of risk?" Dad inquired.
Auror Roland took a measured breath before responding, "Uncontrolled magical outbursts, accidental spells, and the risk of exposure to magical creatures are just a few examples. Without guidance, Carlos might struggle to manage his abilities, which could lead to unpredictable consequences."
Dad's expression remained stern, but I could sense a flicker of concern beneath the surface. "And what if he doesn't want to go to this Hogwarts place? Can't we find another way to deal with this magic issue without uprooting his life?"
Commissioner Larkin spoke up, "We understand this is a significant decision, Mr. Martin. However, Hogwarts isn't just a school; it's a place where young witches and wizards learn to control their magic safely. The magical world is integrated into our society, and without proper training, Carlos might inadvertently find himself in situations that pose a risk to him and others."
Dad's jaw tensed, his frustration evident. "I just want my son to have a normal life. How do I know this won't change him or take him away from us?"
Professor Longbottom, who had been observing silently until now, stepped forward. "Mr. Martin, we recognize your concerns, and we're not here to force anything upon Carlos. However, suppressing his magical abilities could lead to more significant issues. What you've experienced that day was only a fraction of what could happen should his magic remain uncontrolled. Hogwarts is not only a school but a community where he can learn to embrace and understand who he is."
I sat there, absorbing the weight of their words, caught between the desire for a normal life and the looming uncertainty of my magical abilities. Dad's gaze softened momentarily, a struggle evident in his eyes. "Carlos, what do you think?" he asked, shifting the weight of the decision onto my shoulders.
"What do I think…?" I asked impulsively, both as a confirmation of the question being asked and as a question to myself. Taking a deep breath, I began, "Dad, I don't want this any more than you do. But after what happened, I can't ignore the fact that there's something… different… about me, something I can't control. I'm scared, not just for me, but for all of you. If Hogwarts can help me understand and control this... magic, then maybe it's worth considering."
Auror Roland nodded approvingly, sensing a potential breakthrough. Commissioner Larkin added, "Mr. Martin, it's crucial that Carlos makes this decision for himself. Hogwarts offers a unique environment for magical education, and it's not about changing who he is but helping him navigate a part of himself that he can't ignore."
Dad sighed, his gaze shifting from me to the wizards. "I just want what's best for him."
Professor Longbottom spoke again, "Mr. Martin, we respect your concerns, and the decision ultimately lies with Carlos. If he chooses to attend Hogwarts, we assure you that he will receive the support and education needed to keep both him and those around him safe."
A heavy silence settled in the room as my family awaited my decision. The cat statue's ticking seemed louder than ever, a rhythmic reminder of the choices before me.
"Okay. I'll go," I finally said, feeling a mix of determination and uncertainty.
Dad's eyes betrayed a blend of relief and concern. "Are you sure about this, Carlos?"
"No, I'm not… but I can't wait until I am." I justified myself, hoping it would be enough for them.
The wizards exchanged glances, seemingly satisfied with my decision. Commissioner Larkin smiled reassuringly, "Mr. Edward, this is a significant step, and we appreciate your willingness to embrace this opportunity. We'll work closely with you and your family to ensure a smooth transition into the magical world."
I nodded, still uncertain about the path ahead. Auror Roland leaned back in his chair, a stern expression lingering. "We'll make the proper arrangement for your departure to Hogwarts, when September rolls around. There are essential supplies you'll need to acquire before the school term begins."
Mum spoke up, her tone a mix of worry and acceptance, "What about his current school? How will this affect his education here?"
Professor Longbottom addressed her concerns, "Rest assured, Mrs. Edward, we will make arrangements to integrate Carlos's magical education seamlessly with his non-magical studies. Hogwarts accommodates a comprehensive curriculum to ensure a well-rounded education."
Dad remained silent, his gaze fixed on me. J, who had been quietly observing, took out his earbuds and looked at me with a mixture of curiosity and support. "You're going to be a wizard, Carlos," he remarked, a hint of excitement in his voice.
"Yeah, I guess so," I replied, a small smile breaking through the tension.
Auror Roland stood up, putting on his hat. "We'll be in touch with the details. Expect another visit soon for the necessary arrangements."
As the wizards made their way to the door, Headmistress McGonagall spoke for the first time, her stern demeanour softening, "Hogwarts welcomes you, Mr. Edward. You have a place among us."
With a final nod, they exited the living room, leaving my family and me in a state of contemplation. Mum took a deep breath, "This is a lot to take in, but we'll support you, Carlos."
Dad sighed, "Just promise me you'll stay connected with us, no matter what."
"I promise, Dad," I assured him, realising the weight of the journey that lay ahead.
As the door closed behind the wizards, a mixture of apprehension and curiosity lingered in the air. Before we could notice the cat's ticking was gone, however, a soft, high pitched meow was heard coming from the living room.
"What?" I mumbled, confused by the noise.
Upon returning to the living room, the three of us saw the cat statue had now returned to its animated form, sitting on the coffee table and staring at us with a curious gaze.
"Oh yeah, the cat just did that…" J said from his armchair without taking his eyes off his book, seemingly unfazed by the extraordinary, "I assume things like these are going to be the norm from now on."
So yeah… that just happened.
Now what?
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