I do not own Harry Potter.
This chapter is beta read by WyrdFyre.
Please review, I really want to know if you like this chapter or not.
CHAPTER FIVE : THE FLAMEL CASTLE
The next day, Harry woke up at 7.00am as was a habit of his. Rays of golden sun were peeking through the window, a light breeze carried the scent of flowers and of the forest around the castle, the singing of birds roused his subconscious, it was a beautiful way to wake and greet the day.
He went to the bathroom to get ready. Looking at his reflection was weird as staring back at him was the mini copy of Nicolas, his father. Truth be told, he didn't miss his previous appearance as much as he thought he would. Searching for clothes without having a house elf aid him was an interesting affair, as he was searching, he stumbled upon a cupboard the size of his bedroom. You would think that finding clothes in there would be easy - you would be wrong, but at last he found a white button up shirt and a pair of pants - Without frills. This should be mentioned specifically, as his mother, Perenelle seemed oddly fond of them. Thinking about it brought a smile to Harry's face.
He took the muggle book - The Hobbit - a gift from his mother. It was a fantasy novel set in the muggle world, but in the wizarding world all the creatures depicted in it could be found. It was authored by a Squib named J. R. R. Tolkien.
As he read through it, the poetic words took shape in his mind, narrating adventures of daring and gallantry. Taking him through the valiant quest. Making him laugh at the foolishness of the dwarfs, the idiocy of the elves and admire the cleverness of the hobbit. He was engrossed in the book when a house elf popped in,
"Mistress told Tinku to wake Young Master, and to tell him to come down when he is ready." he told Harry.
"I'll be down in a moment, " Harry replied. Tinku nodded and popped away.
Putting the book on the bedside table, Harry went down to the kitchen. His mother was preparing breakfast, the aroma of food was mouth-watering.
"Good morning, Mom." he greeted her. On seeing him Perenelle smiled.
"Good morning, dear, you're up early?" she asked.
"Well, I often wake up early. I was reading a book - The Hobbit." Then, their conversation was on the book until Nicolas walked in and wished them Good morning.
"Nicholas, You should learn from Harry, he was in the kitchen at 9.00am sharp. He wakes up at seven just like me." Perenelle scolded him, looking proudly at Harry.
"No, no, Harry, this can't continue! We'll have to make sure you are a late riser, just like me, you can't be in Perenelle's team." Nicolas shouted, a look of horror and determination on his face, acting like it would doom the world if he failed in his quest.
"You will do no such a thing! " said Perenelle, her eyes narrowing at Nicolas, waiting for answer.
Nicolas nodded meekly, all his resolve vaporizing before the might of Perenelle's and said, "Oh Perenelle, you know I was just joking. In fact I should start waking early. From tomorrow!" trying to appease Perenelle.
"I have been hearing that for centuries." Perenelle rolled her eyes, turning to her cooking, but Harry could bet that her lips had twitched, holding a smile in. Nicolas winked at him, articulating that he was firm to his belief of sleeping in. Just not in front of Perenelle. Harry was amused at his mom and dad's antics, his family.
They were halfway through breakfast when an owl swooped in through the window and dropped The Daily Prophet in Nicolas's lap. As he read the headlines, his mood changed.
Heir Potter Dead?
By : Rita Skeeter
Dear readers, don't panic! The Boy-Who-Lived is alive and as healthy as a horse.
But an incident at Potter manor last night left many people in tears.
Dear readers, I was one of the guests invited to Potter manor for the Boy Who Lived, Danny's (Daniel Potter) birthday party.
The party was in full swing, Danny was about to cut the cake, when Lord James Potter collapsed, screaming in agony, he then fell unconscious.
When the matter was investigated by Lord Lucious Malfoy, he declared that Potter heir was dead or had been adopted by another family.
The pain Lord Potter suffered was the result of magical backlash through the Potter Lordship ring.
I, like many others had thought, Daniel Potter was the heir, but it appears I was wrong.
The heir to the House Potter was Danny's twin brother.
Yes, dear readers, the younger twin brother we didn't even know about. His name was Harry Potter.
With this revelation came forth many dark secrets and disgusting deeds of The Most Ancient and Noble House of Potter .
The Potters lost young Harry in muggle London on twenty eighth of July. But the shocking news is that they weren't even aware that their son was missing until it was revealed to them, along with everyone else, by a house elf at the party due to the incidence I mentioned earlier.
It certainly proves Harry Potter was neglected in favor of his twin brother.
'Were the Potters abusing him?' is the question raised by the general guests.
The reason for all this is speculated to be that the Potters are hounds of fame and glory. They chose the Boy Who Lived over their other son. "The happiness of one son at the cost of the other's death" as Lord Malfoy said.
Our savior, our hero, Daniel Potter also didn't know about his twin's whereabouts.
This raises many questions.
What was the relationship between the twin brothers?
Was Danny also involved in his brother's abuse?
How could he do this to his other half, the other half of his soul?
But one thing is clear, House Potter brought Lady Magic's wrath on themselves.
She didn't choose a new heir: she didn't choose the Boy Who Lived.
What was so special about Harry Potter that Lady Magic was so angry that she decided to end the Lordship of House Potter.
We hope and pray that Harry Potter is all right.
If you know anything about Harry Potter, contact me at The Daily Prophet.
For information on the Boy Who Lived see page no - 3
For information on magical twins and their bond see page no -3
For information on the Potter family and Lordships see page no - 4
For details of the incident at the party and dear Harry's abuse see page no - 2
"What happened dear?" Perenelle asked seeing a grim look on her husband's face.
"It seems that the Potters found that Harry is no longer with them by a magical backlash through the Lordship ring, it's in the news," Nicolas said.
Seeing a look of fear on Harry's face, Nicolas assured him that the Potters couldn't take him away and didn't even know where he was.
"Now, how about I teach you to ride the broom that I gifted you," and with that they were off to the Quidditch pitch on the grounds of the castle. Nicolas told Harry that he was a natural on the broom and surely could play in The Quidditch World Cup one day. Time passed in a blur, and they had to return inside when Perenelle called for lunch.
"Harry, Perenelle told me that you've read the books on magical theory, what else have you read?" Nicolas asked Harry.
Harry thought for a moment and answered, "I have read some books on Transfiguration, Charms, Magical Creatures and Astronomy. I wanted to make a gift for Danny, so I also recently learned Ancient ruins and Arithmancy," at that his mom and dad shared a look.
"What did you make Harry, and how did you do it?" Nicolas asked enthusiastically, leaning forward.
"I made a pendant for Danny, using a Myosotis flower. It can improve memory, protect the wearer from potions and poisons in their food by alerting them, it has a temperature maintaining enchantment, and it'll alert me if Danny is in any danger," Harry answered.
"I read about a Gemani ritual in the Potter library, which helped in enhancing the powers of magical plants to convert them into a crystallised form. So, I used it on the Myosotis flower. I've enchanted it to keep the body temperature normal and detect poisons in food and water. When Danny is in danger, it should also alert me. I've bound it with blood magic to me and Danny, the twin bond would help, and no one can remove it but me once Danny wears it willingly, no magic can destroy it but mine and no new enchantments can be placed on it without my will." Harry explained excitedly, proud of his work.
Nicolas and Perenelle were in shock as they listened Harry's explanation. It was advanced magic. For a seven-year-old to have created such a thing was unheard of.
"Harry, that's pretty powerful and advanced magic," Nicolas told him, awe in his voice.
"I only followed directions in the book, Dad," Harry said blushing slightly.
Nicolas and Perenelle were sceptical about that last statement. Rituals and directions are always given in the books, but following those instructions was a true feat, as that was where everyone usually failed. Changes in the original ritual, affinity to certain magics, magical power and a strong will was the stone and mortar in building a successful ritual.
"We'll teach you all the magics that we've mastered," Nicolas declared. Perenelle nodded in agreement.
"Let's go Harry, I'll show you around the castle," said Nicholas and led Harry on the tour of the castle and grounds.
Nicolas explained all about the castle. It was a fascinating experience, parting the knowledge that was divulged to him by his father. He had passed down all he knew about the castle. He still remembers his exact words.
Flashback :
Six-year-old Nicolas and his father, Kellios, were in the library, discussing matters of state. He was dying of boredom, listening to issues of the I.C.W. Seeing the sleepy look on his face, his father sighed in exasperation and defeat, turning their topic to history which was Nicolas's favorite.
"Son, today I will tell you the history of The Flamel Castle." said his father. That statement was enough to get the total attention of Nicolas.
"Our home is the greatest relic of our heritage.The Flamel Castle." His lips twitched in amusement seeing Nicolas enraptured. He continued, his voice low,
"Whispers of awe and fear of its legends and chronicles flow around the magical as well as non-magical world. The myths of the land we live in." his father looked at him, a proud look in his eyes.
"The castle was built thousands of years ago, as you well know, so the history of its creation was lost in time long ago. It has been sheltering the Flamels since times unknown, protected by magic so powerful and old, that even if thousands of Witches and Wizards tried they wouldn't be able to take down the wards. That is, if they could find it. It is debated whether it is even on Earth. The connection to the Flu network, port-keys, and our ability to use apparition is proof enough that it is somewhere on the earthly plane. But the forest and the land around the castle is a true mystery. It stretches and stretches without any end. You could encounter mountains, rivers and even oceans while searching for the end. Forests full of magical wonders, sheltering creatures of magical and non-magical races, it is magnificent. It is home to many beauties and beasts that you couldn't even imagine in your wildest of dreams. Species long since extinct can be seen roaming these lands." Seeing astonishment and curiosity in Nicolas's eyes, his father said, "I will take you with me someday to show you the magic of this land." Nicolas nodded at that, engrossed in story, drinking in each word. His father continued, his tone becoming serious,
"Son, conundrum starts when you begin to think about the missing thing. You know what is it?" asked his father.
"Nay." answered Nicolas. So, his father explained,
"Humans, Witches, Wizards, Centaurs, Veelas, Goblins and many others. Yes Son, not a single sign of them. No humanoid being." Young Nicolas's eyes widened in realization. His father continued, his voice barely above a whisper,
"Like they were forbidden, banished for some heinous crime. An enigma. A mystery to unravel. If you set out in search for answers, you would meet puzzles instead and return home - lest you get lost, though no creature would hurt a Flamel.
Flashback ends
Nicolas himself had made it the mission of his life to solve this riddle like many Flamels before him. Through the research of hundreds of years and labors of thinking for days and nights, going through texts so ancient and of many languages, he was able to create something similar. A fruit of his patience, perseverance and hard work, still it was only a shadow of what his ancestors had created, a mirage of what was desired.
Nicolas told Harry all about the castle and land surrounding it. Harry was bewitched by the spell of the magical wonder. Nicolas told him that The Flamel Castle herself was semi-sentient, housing hundreds of rooms. The Library was big enough to shame all of the largest libraries on the planet, with rare tomes harboring secrets long since forgotten. Nicolas showed Harry to the Potion laboratory, the Dueling room, the Experiment room and the Armory. He also told him that they had Abraxans, Pegasus and Horses in the stables, if in case Harry wanted to roam the land. If he wanted to go to the world outside, Harry could take them with him, he just had to use a special Port-key which Nicolas gave him - with the promise of not telling his mother of course.
Their last stop was the Alchemy Tower, which was Nicolas's personal research laboratory, dedicated to his passion. With child-like enthusiasm, he led Harry to the Tower.
It was marvelous! Orbs of various colors were floating - dancing around each other like fireflies of different shapes and sizes, glowing and illuminating their surroundings. Vials and varieties of glass containers filled with sparkling liquids adorned the shelves with every shade of rainbow. It was the single most amazing sight he had ever seen. It was like... walking through the mine of crystals, each with a light of their own. Nicolas waved his hand and all the floating orbs rose up so that they weren't in their way.
"Harry, this is my Alchemy Lab, my pride. It is a very powerful branch of magic." said his father, "There are limitless possibilities, and Alchemy is a way to bring impossibilities to reality. You'll need all the knowledge you can get your hands on, magical and non-magical, to understand it. I'll teach you all of the things that I know." Nicolas looked at Harry, a look of ecstacy on his face.
"You have talent, Harry, if the Gemani ritual you performed was any sign. Do you want to learn Alchemy, Son?" his father asked. Harry nodded. Alchemy sounded fascinating.
"First you'll need to know about other forms of magic though, Perenelle and I will teach you whatever you won't be taught at school, we don't want you sleeping in your classes." Nicholas joked.
"When I deem your knowledge acceptable, I'll take you as my apprentice. Would you like that, my son?" Nicolas asked. As any wise person would say, Harry replied with yes.
And so, Hadrian Nicolas Flamel began his journey to Greatness.