Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter or any of the intellectual property associated with Harry Potter.

Hi all,

Here's the next chapter. Harry completes the Wardstone and arrives at the manor with his grandfather, but there are some unexpected visitors.

Chapter 87

29th January

Harry stepped back, surveying the cauldron before him with a critical eye. It was nearly complete—a birthday gift for Daphne that had consumed his attention for weeks. Instead of traditional metals, he'd chosen Fire Crab shells as the base material. The shell, almost as hard as steel, possessed unique properties that made it ideal for potion-making.

The superior conductivity and resilience of the Fire Crab shells, resistant to both mundane and magical damage, made them perfect for this purpose. Even in the event of a catastrophic potion failure, the cauldron would remain intact.

Running his hand over the smooth surface, Harry marvelled at the seamless fusion of the shells. The process of combining two shells into one had been painstaking, demanding precise tempering and welding techniques. The result was flawless—a cauldron that appeared to have been crafted from a single, massive Fire Crab shell. His scrutiny revealed no imperfections, a testament to his growing skill.

Remus' werewolf friend had excelled in procuring these rare materials. Since Harry had recovered the last Province watch, he'd tasked her with sourcing unique magical components from across the world. Though she had only managed to obtain two broken pieces of a larger adult Fire Crab shell, it was a remarkable find nonetheless.

Harry began the meticulous process of inscribing the arrays onto its surface. He started with the standard enchantments—a feather-light charm for easy handling and a self-cleaning spell to streamline the brewing process. These, however, were merely the foundation.

Next, he carefully etched the arrays for the Dewdrop's receptacle. He designed an array that would allow Daphne to activate the pearl with a simple tap of her wand, channeling magic to produce a stream of pure water directly into the cauldron.

The final and most complex array was the shield enchantment. It would automatically detect unstable potions, instantly raising a protective barrier to contain any potential explosions.

After two more hours of work, Harry completed the enchantments. He inspected his work, verifying each rune multiple times. Satisfied with the result, he allowed himself a small, proud smile. The cauldron was complete.

As he declared the project finished, a familiar warmth emanated from the symbol on his hand, signalling a waiting message. Harry retrieved the Source to see the result of his efforts.

The host has finished crafting the Dewdrop Cauldron. (Artifact)

Description: This advanced cauldron, crafted from Fire Crab shells, represents the pinnacle of potion-making equipment. Its base material provides superior heat conductivity and resistance to both physical and magical damage. It features an enchantment for the Alchemist's Dewdrop, providing an endless supply of pure water. The crowning feature is its automatic shield enchantment, which activates to contain unstable potions, ensuring the safety of the user.

Reward: General Experience 30000; Blacksmithing Experience 10000; Workshop Points 200

Blacksmithing has levelled up to 4!

Current Level: 15 Next: 172310/ 500000

Level 16 Unlocks: Magical Emporium Upgrade.

The Workshop has levelled up to 3!

Reward: Workshop Wardstone

The control mechanism for the Wardstone has also been added to the workshop's control matrix.

Workshop Level: 3 Next [40/40000]

His workshop had finally reached the next level. He could have completed it sooner because there were still many tasks waiting for his attention. But he had been preoccupied with other projects and was content with gradually accumulating points. However, the next level would take some effort.

Harry's gaze fell on the Province watches, arranged in a perfect triangle formation on the floor. The Temporal Domain ability they granted had become an indispensable tool in his arsenal, dramatically boosting his productivity. Being able to test and visualise his creations before he started on the actual work ensured that he didn't experience any major setbacks.

He'd been relying heavily on it lately. The efficiency was intoxicating, but a nagging doubt lingered in the back of his mind. What were the long-term consequences of using them so frequently?

Harry shook his head, pushing the concerns aside. Those were questions for another day. Right now, he had more pressing matters to attend to. He needed to return to his main workshop to inspect the Wardstone.

Harry called for Fawkes, and the phoenix appeared in a burst of flame. With a gentle trill, Fawkes landed on Harry's shoulder. In an instant, they vanished from Hogwarts and reappeared in front of his main workshop in France.

They entered the workshop. Harry immediately noticed a new addition when a portion of the wall next to the entrance slid open, revealing a control matrix. It was identical to the one in his trunk workshop but with additional options.

Approaching the matrix, Harry examined it closely. New information had been added, displaying the protection wards and their current strength, all at maximum capacity. The list of wards was impressive, with some of the more recognisable ones including: a Damage Repellent Ward, an Anti-Apparition Ward, a Lockdown Ward, an Intent Ward, a Concealment Ward, an Anti-Scrying Ward, a Fire Suppression Ward, a Magical Signature Recognition Ward, an Alarm Ward, and an Anti-Theft Ward.

He could deactivate them any time, but he didn't see any reason to right now. He would research the wards he wasn't familiar with, though, as he may add them to the Potter Manor Wardstone.

Unlike his trunk workshop, his main workshop didn't previously have a control matrix to keep people out. The addition of the wards changed that. Harry quickly added his friends and family to the access list, ensuring they wouldn't be affected by the new protections.

A new switch caught his eye, labelled 'Wardstone Access'.

Harry flipped the switch. The floor in the centre of the building began to part, and a platform slowly rose from beneath. On it sat a small Wardstone, perched atop a stone plinth.

Fawkes squawked with surprise and flew off to nest on his perch.

"How did this get here?"

He approached the platform, examining the Wardstone closely. It was smaller than he had expected, but it was more than adequate for the workshop's needs.

There was a narrow gap between the platform and the floor, drawing Harry's attention downward. Through this opening, he could see a small swirling rift below, powering the Wardstone. It was a manufactured rift, rather than a naturally occurring one.

Harry circled the platform, taking in every detail. The Wardstone, despite its size, was intricately carved with a complex series of rune arrays that utilised every available space for maximum efficiency.

He glanced at his watch, noting he still had a couple of hours before dinner. Plenty of time to do some research.

Harry began copying the arrays inscribed on the Wardstone's surface. Each new array he documented held potential insights that could significantly enhance the Potter Manor Wardstone. He paused occasionally to cross-reference his notes with information from Ignatius Potter's journals. The combination of his family's wisdom and the Source's warding technology promised to provide formidable protection for the Manor.

Harry finally stopped taking notes nearly two hours later. He managed to gather several pages of information.

He turned to Fawkes. "This stays between us, alright?"

Fawkes bobbed his head.

6th February

Harry emerged from the DADA room, wincing as he rubbed his shoulder. Sheena had landed a particularly vicious blow with her staff, and he was certain it would leave a bruise. Despite his recent improvements and occasional victories, she still didn't hold back when she got the upper hand.

He'd been practising level eight of the Sanguis Furor movement skill, pushing his limits. The increased speed was challenging to manage, draining both his magic and stamina rapidly. However, it was beginning to give him an edge over Sheena, allowing him to overcome her vast experience with sheer velocity.

As Harry approached the stairs, Neville, Blaise, and Terry intercepted him. Terry thrust the Marauder's Map into Harry's hands, prompting a twinge of guilt as Harry realised he'd been neglecting his duties in monitoring the map.

"What's happening?" Harry asked, scanning the parchment. "Is this about the Room of Requirement?"

They shook their heads, directing his attention to a section of the fourth floor. There, a tiny dot labelled 'Gilderoy Lockhart' paced within an abandoned classroom.

"He's been spending an unusual amount of time there lately," Neville explained.

Blaise nodded. "It's odd. He's rarely seen outside his Care of Magical Creatures classroom these days. Quite the change for someone usually so omnipresent."

Harry frowned, acknowledging the peculiarity. They watched as Gilderoy's dot exited the room and stood at the door for a minute before hurrying away.

"Maybe he's still smarting from the prank?" Harry suggested.

Blaise scoffed. "Please. A man that shameless would recover in no time."

"What's our next move?" Neville asked, fidgeting nervously. "Should we alert your grandmother?"

Terry shook his head. "What are we going to accuse him of? His behaviour is unusual, but nothing that would warrant an investigation."

As they debated, Harry noticed a cat running down the corridor. A realisation struck him—his grandmother was likely already aware of Lockhart's behaviour. She'd been using the castle's cats as her eyes and ears.

"I'll speak with her anyway," Harry decided, noting that she was in her quarters with his grandfather. He took the map and headed for the second floor.

Arriving at her door, Harry knocked and was promptly admitted. He relayed their observations, but Minerva's lack of surprise confirmed his suspicions.

"We've been monitoring Lockhart's unusual activities," she said, her expression grim. "However, there's a more troubling development. Many of the cats assigned to watch him have vanished recently."

Harry's eyes widened. "Vanished? How many?"

"Eight," Minerva replied, closing her eyes briefly. "All of them were students' pets. If something's happened to them, I bear the responsibility."

Charlus, who had been listening silently, spoke up. "We've been trying to gather solid evidence, but Lockhart's been remarkably cautious. We can't move without proof."

"Have you investigated the room he's been frequenting?" Harry asked.

Minerva frowned. "There are enchantments on the door—spells I wouldn't have thought Gilderoy capable of casting. If we were to enter, he'd know someone's onto him."

Harry shrugged. "So? It's an unused classroom. Does he have permission to use it for personal purposes?"

Minerva and Charlus exchanged a glance. She rose to her feet. "I'll speak with the headmaster about Gilderoy's suspicious behaviour."

"Can I come?" Harry asked.

"No," Minerva said firmly. "Stay clear of the fourth floor."

Harry grumbled but headed for the door. "At least promise to tell me what you find."

He rejoined his friends in the Great Hall, where they huddled together, speculating in hushed tones about the unfolding situation. As they spoke, Gilderoy entered the hall and took his seat at the high table. While he appeared to maintain his usual demeanour, Harry noticed him repeatedly, almost compulsively, adjusting his wig.

Scarcely ten minutes later, Harry's grandparents and the headmaster strode into the hall, making a direct path towards Gilderoy. The headmaster leant in, speaking quietly to the professor. Though Gilderoy blanched momentarily, he swiftly regained his composure, rising from his seat to follow the headmaster and Minerva out of the hall.

Charlus broke away, approaching the Gryffindor table, and beckoned to Harry. He rose and followed his grandfather out of the Great Hall.

"What's happening?" Harry asked.

"We managed to undo the enchantments on the classroom door," Charlus began, his tone measured. "We didn't find anything overly suspicious, except..."

"Except?"

"The Vanishing Cabinet."

Harry's eyes widened. "Seriously? What explanation did he give for having it?"

"We haven't questioned him yet," Charlus replied. "It wouldn't do to interrogate him in the Great Hall, with the entire student body as an audience."

"He must be behind the attack on Terry and locking us out of the Room of Requirement!" Harry exclaimed.

"That's yet to be proven."

"At least we took the precaution to protect the other Vanishing Cabinet so Gilderoy couldn't use it," Harry muttered.

Charlus grunted. "I say we should have laid a trap and caught him in the act."

"It's fine. We didn't know who had access to it until now."

In theory, it was simple to disable a pair of Vanishing Cabinets. The most basic method was to block the cabinet's door with a heavy object, preventing anyone from exiting.

However, the simplicity of this solution belied the complex magical nature of these artifacts. While it was technically possible to use magic to force open a blocked cabinet door, few wizards were foolhardy enough to attempt such a feat. The reason for this caution lay in the peculiar magical properties of the space between the paired cabinets.

This liminal dimension, for lack of a more precise term, was notorious for its unpredictable behaviour. Spells cast within this space often produced wildly unexpected results. Even a simple charm like Lumos could potentially trigger a catastrophic magical reaction, resulting in anything from minor magical disturbances to full-scale explosions.

It was impossible to predict the outcome of such a disaster. What if you destroyed the cabinets and got stuck in the dimension indefinitely? Nobody truly understood the nature of this dimension, so it was best not to underestimate it.

It was fortunate that the paired cabinets could only be used with each other. Each one had an array that linked them together. If you were to find another vanishing cabinet, you couldn't use it with the first pair. Theoretically, you could link the cabinet to one of the pairs, but you would have to break the connection first.

Harry ran a hand through his hair. "Do you remember what I mentioned about the possibility of another Horcrux in the school?"

Charlus nodded. "Your friend Terry said he sensed something reminiscent of the Diadem."

"It's not the sort of feeling one easily forgets."

"True enough. I'll conduct a thorough search and see what I can uncover," Charlus assured him before shifting the subject. "How's progress on the Wardstone?"

Harry grinned. "Nearly finished. Give me another week. You won't believe the improvements I've made."

"I can hardly wait to see it."

As Harry returned to the Great Hall, his friends immediately bombarded him with questions about his conversation with his grandfather. Noting the curious glances from nearby students, Harry shook his head slightly.

"Not here," he said. "We'll talk when we have more privacy."

Harry and his friends gathered in the Gryffindor common room after dinner, huddled in a quiet corner away from prying ears. As Harry recounted his conversation with his grandfather, Terry's face darkened with each word.

"The Vanishing Cabinet?" Terry hissed. "That settles it. He's the one who attacked me!"

Neville placed a hand on Terry's shoulder. "We don't know that for certain, mate."

"What else could it be?" Terry snapped, shrugging off Neville's hand.

"Calm down," Harry said. "We need to wait and see what my grandparents discover."

Seeking to lighten the mood, they shifted the conversation to Daphne's recent birthday celebration. Hermione, Susan, and Gabrielle had taken charge of organising the party, collaborating with Turf the house-elf to arrange the decorations and bake the cake. The entire club had been invited, along with a few others, including Daphne's sister, Luna, Ginny, and several Gryffindors. Daphne had even extended an invitation to Professor Snape, though he had declined.

Harry recalled the moment Daphne unwrapped his gift. Her eyes had lit up, and she'd planted a quick kiss on his cheek.

"I reckon Professor Snape's kicking himself for not coming now," she had said with a grin. "He's bound to be green with envy over this cauldron."

He scored the most points with Daphne when he had Fawkes teleport her parents into the castle to attend her birthday. After what he did for Hermione's birthday, he had to do that much at least.

The portrait hole swung open, revealing his grandmother. Her eyes narrowed as she spotted the group.

"I should have known I'd find you all together," she said. "I suppose there's no point in keeping you in the dark now."

The friends leaned in as Minerva briefly outlined what they'd learned. Gilderoy had claimed to have stumbled upon the Vanishing Cabinet in the empty classroom, becoming fascinated with it. He'd used the excuse of avoiding public scrutiny after the prank incident to justify his secrecy.

"He denied any knowledge of the Room of Requirement," Minerva added.

"And you believe him?" Harry asked.

Minerva's lips thinned. "We've got no proof to the contrary. We searched his quarters thoroughly but found nothing incriminating."

"You've searched before, haven't you?" Blaise asked.

Minerva nodded. "This isn't the first time. Gilderoy is being exceptionally cautious."

Harry slumped back in his chair. "So we're back to square one?"

"Not quite," Minerva said. "We need you to keep a close eye on the map, Harry. Monitor Gilderoy's movements carefully."

"What about the cats?" Neville asked.

Minerva's expression grew grim. "Given the number that has gone missing, I cannot in good conscience continue using them. The risk is too great."

Terry, who had been seething silently, finally spoke up. "So we just sit back and wait for him to make another move? What if someone else gets hurt?"

"We understand your frustration, Mr. Boot," Minerva said. "But we must proceed cautiously. Unfounded accusations could do more harm than good."

"We'll keep watch, grandmother," Harry said. "Day and night, if we have to."

"Just be careful," Minerva warned. "Don't confront him directly or take any unnecessary risks. If you notice anything suspicious, come to me or the headmaster immediately."

"Where's the Vanishing Cabinet now?"

"The headmaster will keep it in his office for the time being."

As Minerva left, the friends exchanged determined looks. They might be at an impasse for now, but they weren't giving up.

As they continued to discuss their plans, Harry couldn't shake the feeling that they were missing something crucial. Gilderoy might have evaded them for now, but Harry was determined to uncover the truth, no matter how long it took.

12th February

Harry finished up the Potter Manor Wardstone on the following Sunday evening.

The project had consumed nearly two weeks of Harry's time, even with the aid of the Temporal Domain. He had poured countless hours into designing the improved schematic. The inscription process itself had been a gruelling test of endurance, with Harry often working late into the night.

As he inscribed the final rune, Harry let out a long, weary sigh. He had pushed himself to the brink, neglecting other responsibilities and barely allowing himself time for rest. His friends had expressed concern over the dark circles under his eyes and his increasingly distracted demeanour during their study sessions. Even Quidditch practice had taken a back seat to this all-consuming project.

"But it was worth it," Harry murmured.

He knew the enhanced protection it would provide for his family's ancestral home was worth every moment of exhaustion.

He declared the project complete and retrieved the Source to read the new message.

The host has completed a task!

Task #17: Enhance the Wardstone to better protect the Potter property.

Reward: General experience earned 300000; 'Rifts: Unravelling the Mystery' book.

Progress to level 16: 472310 / 500000

Level 16 Unlocks: Magical Emporium Upgrade

Harry reached for his two-way mirror to contact his grandfather.

"Have you finished the Wardstone?" Charlus asked, guessing his reason for calling.

"I've just finished. It's ready for installation."

"Excellent work. I'll collect you shortly," Charlus replied before his image faded.

Harry carefully wrapped the Wardstone in a blanket. With a swish and flick of his wand, he levitated the bundle out of his trunk workshop. He then made his way to his grandmother's quarters.

They flooed to Hogsmeade. Charlus first addressed the matter of the Wardstone. He cast a series of protective charms over the artifact before using a portkey to send it directly to a secure location on the Potter property. When he returned, he firmly grasped Harry's shoulder and side-apparated him.

They appeared on the Potter Manor grounds. A neat pile of building materials lay nearby, along with the Wardstone, which had arrived unscathed.

Harry groaned and collapsed to the ground, his stomach churning.

"Goddamit," he muttered, fighting back nausea. "Why couldn't we have used Fawkes?"

Charlus helped Harry to his feet. "I'm not travelling with that flaming chicken unless it's absolutely necessary."

As Harry steadied himself, the hairs on the back of his neck stood on end, his senses suddenly on high alert.

"Something's wrong," he whispered, eyes darting around the grounds.

Charlus didn't hesitate or question. In one fluid motion, he drew his wand. Harry, following suit, ensured his gauntlet was unobstructed, ready to deploy his spell cards at a moment's notice.

Leaning close, Charlus whispered urgently, "Harry, transform into your Demiguise form and conceal yourself in the rhododendron bushes to our left."

Harry opened his mouth, ready to protest. The idea of hiding while his grandfather faced potential danger didn't sit well with him. However, Charlus' expression brooked no argument.

"This isn't a request, Harry. Do it now," he hissed, his tone leaving no room for debate.

Suppressing a frustrated growl, Harry complied. His form shimmered and shifted, taking on the appearance of a Demiguise. The world around him changed as his senses sharpened, colours becoming more vivid and sounds more distinct. He slunk into the dense foliage of the rhododendron bushes, their large leaves providing excellent cover.

From his hidden vantage point, Harry watched as Charlus cautiously began searching the property, his wand held at the ready. The elder Potter's eyes scanned the surroundings, alert for any sign of movement.

Suddenly, a flicker of movement caught Harry's attention. A dark figure darted between the ancient oaks at the property's edge. Charlus, demonstrating the reflexes of a seasoned dueller, spun towards the disturbance. He cast a powerful Lumos Charm that lit up the area like daylight.

The sudden brightness revealed a hooded figure attempting to flee.

"Stop! Identify yourself immediately!" Charlus ordered.

Instead of complying, the intruder responded with a barrage of spells, their wand movements quick and decisive. Vibrant jets of light streaked towards Charlus, who batted them away. He retaliated, sending a series of spells towards the assailant.

As Harry watched the duel unfold, his enhanced Demiguise senses picked up additional movement at the edge of the property. Peering into the darkness, he spotted a figure rushing towards Charlus, wand drawn. Without hesitation, Harry sprinted after the newcomer, his form allowing him to move swiftly and silently across the lawn.

Transforming back into his human form mid-stride, he unleashed a volley of Incarcerator spell cards. The intruder, clearly skilled in evasive manoeuvres, managed to dodge most of them with a series of quick sidesteps and a shield charm. However, one found its mark, striking the figure's left leg. In an instant, the attacker was stunned and bound with conjured ropes, toppling to the ground with a thud.

Harry dropped into a crouch, his heart pounding as he scanned the area for more threats. He considered shouting a warning to his grandfather but thought better of it, not wanting to give away his position to any other potential assailants lurking in the shadows.

Weighing his options, Harry realised he needed backup. He attempted to send a message to Fawkes through their bond, reaching out with his mind, but the distance was too great. The absence of the phoenix's comforting presence left him feeling exposed and vulnerable.

With shaking hands, Harry pulled out his two-way mirror. He began calling for reinforcements, his voice barely above a whisper. First, he contacted his grandmother, whose worried face appeared in the glass.

"Grandmother, we're under attack at the manor. Send help, quickly!"

She nodded before disappearing from view. Then he reached out to Sirius and Remus, explaining the situation in hurried, hushed tones.

A sudden noise—the snap of a twig—made Harry throw himself to the side, rolling across the damp grass. A spell impacted the ground where he'd been crouching moments before, leaving a small, smoking crater.

Reacting swiftly, Harry launched several Fireball spell cards at his assailant. He shouted a warning to his grandfather before transforming back into his Demiguise form.

Harry sprinted towards the Wardstone, a plan forming in his mind.

Glancing back, Harry saw his grandfather surrounded by multiple attackers. Charlus was a blur of motion, casting spells and dodging incoming fire with the skill of a seasoned fighter. Vibrant jets of light crisscrossed the air, creating a deadly light show. For a moment, Harry considered turning back to help.

But Charlus' voice cut through the chaos, as if he knew exactly what he was thinking. "Run, Harry!"

The command was clear, brooking no argument.

Reaching the Wardstone, Harry transformed back and levitated it with his wand, the heavy stone rising smoothly into the air. He made for the installation point a deep hole near the manor's foundation. If he could install it, then it might help his grandfather. Even though the manor wasn't built yet, the property's ward protections would take effect, providing a much-needed advantage.

However, before he could lower the stone into the hole, his instincts flared a warning. A figure approached, his face obscured by a white mask bearing the number eight in stark black ink.

"Who do we have here?" the stranger asked.

Harry's mind raced, assessing his options. The Wardstone hovered mere feet from its destination, but the masked figure stood between it and safety. He couldn't risk damaging the stone in a confrontation—too much depended on getting those wards online.

"It doesn't matter who I am," Harry replied. "What matters is who you are and why you're trespassing on Potter property."

The masked figure chuckled, the sound chilling in its casualness. "Clever, Mr Potter. But I'm afraid you won't be activating those wards today."

Harry's grip on his wand tightened, his knuckles white with tension. He needed to buy time, hoping his calls for help would be answered soon. "You seem awfully confident. Mind telling me why you're so interested in us?"

The figure didn't bother to reply, raising their wand.

Harry reacted instinctively, throwing up a Shield Charm as the attacker fired off a spell. The impact sent vibrations through Harry's arm, the power behind it far greater than he'd anticipated. This was no ordinary wizard.

In the distance, Harry could hear the continued sounds of battle. Spells whizzed through the air, accompanied by shouts and the occasional cry of pain. His grandfather was still fighting, but for how long? He needed to end this quickly and get those wards up.

"You're making a mistake," Harry said, edging closer to the installation point. "Whatever you're after, it's not worth the trouble you're bringing down on yourself."

The masked figure laughed. "Oh, I think it is. You see, we've been planning this for quite some time. Dumbledore was nice enough to provide the location. It was just a matter of picking the right time."

Harry's blood ran cold. He mentally cursed the old bastard.

Before he could ponder further, the attacker launched another barrage of spells. The air crackled with magical energy as Harry dodged and countered, his training with Sheena paying off as he narrowly avoided each strike. But he was on the defensive, struggling to keep up with the relentless assault.

A cry of pain echoed across the grounds—his grandfather. Harry's heart leapt into his throat, fear for his grandfather momentarily overwhelming him. Charlus needed him, but the individual had him trapped.

In that moment of distraction, a spell clipped Harry's shoulder. He stumbled, nearly losing his grip on the hovering Wardstone. Pain lanced through his arm, hot and sharp. The masked figure pressed their advantage, closing the distance with purposeful strides.

"Give it up, boy," they said, voice dripping with false sympathy. "You're outmatched."

Harry gritted his teeth against the pain in his shoulder. "Not a chance."

A burst of flame appeared, distracting them. Fawkes had arrived, trilling a battle cry that sent hope surging through Harry's veins. The cavalry was here.

So, what do you think? In the next chapter, the conclusion of the battle.

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