When you are with friends you like spending time with, time tends to move faster. So, 5 days went by in the blink of an eye. Magnus was not able to get out of his home because the journalists were still outside. His parents had told him that he can't go out without their permission and supervision of them.
Finally, it was Sunday and Magnus had asked his dad to take him and Bobby to the park. He showed it like he wanted to play there but in reality, he wanted to find the strange kid whose mother had called him a filthy muggle before. Because this was what the portrait in Buckingham Palace said, so there must be a connection.
So, Magnus took his bicycle along. It had a backseat too so it wasn't going to be a problem for both of them to make a trip. Magnus's memory had gotten very good so he was easily able to remember the whole way.
*Bump*
Suddenly, just like the last time, a flying disc came out of nowhere and bumped on his head. Magnus looked to the side and said the same old fat kid.
"Ah, aren't you the guy from last time? What was the name? Ronan?" Magnus asked. He had a good memory but that didn't mean he would remember insignificant things too.
The fat kid's eyes twitched, "It's Vernon, actually. Huh..."
"What's his problem?" Bobby questioned.
"Diabetes maybe. I heard about it on T.V. Pretty horrifying disease. You have to get injections daily. I'd be mad if I were him." Magnus replied and they continued their excursion. Adam as usual took a spot on a bench and read the newspaper.
"Okay, Bobby. Sit on the backseat. I will be very fast." Magnus said.
Bobby sat down and lifted his feet a few centimetres above. Soon, Magnus started paddling it like no tomorrow and soon they were talking to the air. This time, Magnus knew the right way, he reached the place quickly.
"It's supposed to be here," Magnus muttered. He looked at the building and hoped to see the boy outside. They waited there for a few more minutes but nobody came out.
"Do you know his name? Maybe we can shout it?" Bobby asked.
Magnus shook his head, "Nah, mate, his mother was too scary. I couldn't ask as I was busy running away."
Soon, they lost patience and went ahead to press the doorbell. But, they still couldn't find the boy in the whole building.
*Sigh*
"I guess we should head back now. Maybe his family is not at home." Magnus decided. He sat back on the bicycle and pedalled back to the park. But while going away, they saw another kid, with black hair but smaller height walking towards the building. But they were already back on their way.
The little kid went back to his house and found his big brother, "Brother, someone was waiting for you outside. Two boys, rode on a bicycle."
"Regulus, why didn't you call me? The blonde kid was the one that could spew fire out of his mouth. I'd have shown you. Well, he must want to talk to me, so I'm sure he will come again. I will look for a charm that can notify me of his visit." Sirius decided.
"Hah, sure brother." Regulus shrugged, totally not taking his words seriously.
On their way back, Magnus had another thing in his mind, "Bobby, tell me something, how much is your parent's mortgage left?"
"Ummm... I don't know. I don't even know what Mortgage is." Bobby answered.
"Well, it is the money borrowed usually from the bank to buy your house. You keep on giving them money every month for a few years. If you don't then the house will become theirs and you will lose all the money you've already given." Magnus explained.
"Ow, I understand now. But, I really don't know the amount needed. Maybe I can ask them." Bobby decided.
"Listen, Bobby, what if I lend you money? I really meant mine, not my parents'. Can you then convince your parents to pay the whole mortgage with that and say that you'll return the money when you grow up?" Magnus suggested.
"You have money?" Bobby asked in scepticism.
"Not yet, but if you promise that you will convince them, then I will get the money," Magnus asked seriously.
"I... I don't know, Mag. We are just 9-year-olds. My parents think I am too immature and don't even talk about stuff with me. How can I convince them?" Bobby asked.
He was tempted to take the offer because he didn't want to leave his friend and the house he grew up in. But, he also stayed a bit realistic about it.
"Just tell them that Magnus has the money. Tell them that I earned it and have lent it to you. Tell them that you have promised to give it back. Mate, I don't wanna lose my only friend either. Dumb as you may be, a friend is still a friend." Magnus said teasingly.
"Yeah... wait... what? Who's dumb?"
...
That evening, Bobby went back to his home because the school was starting to continue from the next day. But, today he needed to talk to his parents about Bobby's situation.
"Mummy, Daddy, I want to help him," Magnus said.
"Sure, Mag. I think we can help them. We both earn enough for that," his parents agreed.
Magnus' father, Adam, was a Colonel and his salary was about 6100£ (87,000£ today) while Grace was a Lieutenant Colonel and her yearly salary was 5100 Pounds £ (83,798£ today). The average cost of a home was now £2,530 (approximately £55,784). So, it was not very tough for them to help.
But, Magnus denied. "No, I don't want you to do it. If you give money then uncle and aunt will feel bad. So, I want to do it myself. Daddy, aren't there a lot of news people out there? Will they pay me if I give them an interview? What if I give the BBC an interview or some radio station?"
Adam looked at his wife with a smug face suddenly. They just realised that their son was going too fast for his age, at least in a mental capacity.
Adam jokingly thought ~My boy will become a big businessman it seems.~
"Mag, are you sure you want to do this?" Grace asked.
"Yes mom, not many people remember the news anyway. They will forget about it in a few days." He assured.
"Good, then I will see what arrangements can be made." Adam got up and went to the telephone to call some people.
...
Hogwarts,
"Professor Dumbledore, Minister for magic, Eugenia Jenkins is here. She has some urgent business with you." McGonagall told the old man.
"Yes, Minerva. Leach has retired already and I am yet to meet this new Minister. A good opportunity it is. Send her in." Dumbledore said from his seat.
McGonagall left the room and soon an uptight witch entered. She was certainly not a pushover like Nooby Leach.
Dumbledore humbly received her into his chamber and gave her some tea. "Minister, what can I do for you today?"
"You flatter me, Professor. Can't I just come and visit our esteemed Headmaster of Hogwarts?" She replied like a true politician.
"Haha, I am too old now, not many people find charm in meeting me." Dumbledore was also trialled and tested when it came to politics.
"Then I will get straight to the point. Professor, what did Nobby talk about with the Crown? The Queen has especially named you and wants to meet you." She revealed.
Dumbledore didn't show any reactions except a bit of light shining on his pupils. ~It seems she didn't find him. Then does this mean...?~
"Minister, you do not need to worry about this. It's a muggle matter, something about the line of succession. It seems old Merlin had enchanted some stone tablet with King Arthur's decree. Now it is shining and warning the royal family of a curse. They likely want me for that." He explained, leaving bits of pieces of info alone.
"Will you be going?" Minister asked.
"It will be quite demeaning to go there for me," Dumbledore muttered. In fact, he was playing a game. He knew there was more to get from this.
"I recommend that you go there, Headmaster. It will set up good relations with the royals, also, the queen has generously agreed to pay 50,000£ to the Ministry of magic. Of course, half of it will be given to Hogwarts funds, directly to be used by you." she offered.
Dumbledore was tempted by this. Money was always welcome for maintaining Hogwarts. He was also interested in Merlin's magic so he agreed.
"I will visit the crown. But tell them not to keep their hopes very high," he announced.
[Discord - https://discord.gg/DgHkrAn]
______________________________
You can read 20 advance chapters on -patreon.com/misterimmortal.
Special thanks to *Douglas Flower* *Umar Latif* *Julian Rocamora* *Darrien Steely*
Thank you for your support!
1 Stone = 1 Sweet and Sour Bubblegum. [Effect: Chew it and lose body fat.]
Buckingham Palace,
Dumbledore arrived straight outside the palace with a representative from the Queen's side. Buckingham Palace had started to hire some wizards now, since the queen found out about the curse. These people were registered as private security. However, they were not allowed to enter too deep in the inner circle of the queen because these people were allied to no one. They might even kill her if someone pays them a good amount.
Dumbledore was respectfully invited inside the castle. Queen also knew that this man was deemed as the strongest wizard at least in the British magical community.
She greeted the old man respectfully, "Mr Dumbledore, welcome to my home. Have a seat,"
"Thank you, your majesty." Dumbledore took a seat while looking around. This was his first time entering this place. But it wasn't anything grand. In fact, it was lacklustre compared to Hogwarts.
Soon, tea was served and the serious talk started.
"I heard about your trouble from ex-minister Nobby." Dumbledore started.
Queen Elizabeth II was 43 years old and Dumbledore was already 88. She had to talk nicely, without her pompous manner.
"Yes, he suggested some means to find this heir to the throne. I've heard that there is a book with names of all the kids in Hogwarts. I humbly request you to please look through it once. It would be a great boon to the family and the crown. We shall never forget this favour." She said in length.
Dumbledore stroked his long beard. "Hmm, Ma'am, how much do you know about magical laws?"
"Barely anything." She replied. Though she was getting a bad feeling.
"Unlike Muggles... I mean non-magical people's laws, magical laws are far more dangerous. Once broken, they can cause a serious penalty. All through the magic. The book of acceptance is something that even I don't dare to open. It gets read only before each year's term starts, to send new children letters of acceptance." He explained. However, he was not revealing everything. The book of acceptance could be opened but he'd rather not do it because there was no need to.
The world was not ending, the sky was not falling. So, without any major reason, he didn't want to break the rule of not reading kid's names before the letters went out.
"So you can not open it no matter what?" She asked with a sullen face.
"No, I cannot. But, maybe I can help you if you let me see the stone tablet." He suggested. In reality, he just wanted to see it to experience Merlin's magic.
The queen agreed and told her assistant to bring it. Soon, it was in Dumbledore's hands. He checked it from all sides and felt the magic used in it. It was still lighting up.
"Hmm, it is indeed strong old magic. Definitely cast by Merlin. I'm sure this stone tablet will not stop glowing until the chosen king sits on the throne. And yes, this thing shall curse you and your family to extinction if its decision is ignored.
"However, it won't kill you immediately. Only when you try to harm the selected king. So, you have no immediate threat. Also, if the name comes up while sending the acceptance letter from Hogwarts in the next few years, I shall inform you. That is all I can help you with." Dumbledore said in length.
The Queen had some relief now. "Thank you, Mr Dumbledore, we will definitely not forget this help."
"It was nothing. Now, I should head back to school. I have some work to do.." Dumbledore respectfully left the building and returned to Hogwarts.
Quickly, he called McGonagall to his chamber. "Minerva, starting this year, when the acceptance letters are sent out, I want you to check for a name with Pendragon in it. If it comes up, you need to inform me. I shall go personally to receive the student."
McGonagall was confused by this request. But she didn't ask. It was a simple task after all.
...
10 Privet Drive
Magnus was returning from school. It had been a few days since the schools had started. He got out of his dad's car and was bombarded by flashes of some journalists. But what shocked him was that there were even more than before.
~Why are they not leaving me already?~ he wondered.
"MAGNUS"
"MAGNUS" they shouted his name.
Soon, his father also came and stood behind him. "Why are you all still here?"
"You don't know, Mr Grant?" One reporter asked.
"What?" Adam inquired.
"Magnus will be awarded the George Cross. It was announced today. It was even in the evening newspaper." the journalist said.
~WHAT? Magnus... George Cross?~ Adam was in shock. He looked down at Magnus.
Magnus was also looking at his face, "Who's George?"
"MAGNUS MAGNUS... How do you feel about this news?" a guy asked him.
Then, Magnus gave a one-word answer. It was a word that he had recently learned in school. "Flabbergasted."
With that, he was taken into the house by Adam. Grace was already there. She was sitting on the couch, watching the television. Her face had the same shocked expression that Adam had not long ago.
On the T.V., the news was being broadcasted and it also showed a report about Magnus receiving the George Cross.
"What is George Cross?" Magnus asked.
Grace looked at him and stayed silent for a few seconds. Then she suddenly came to him and lifted him in the air and circled around happily.
"YOU LITTLE RASCAL. You have no idea how big of a news this is? George Cross is like the Victoria Cross but for civilians. This award is very hard to get. In the news, they said that the Queen will be awarding you personally and it will be live broadcasted." Grace revealed.
"Really? That's nice. Dad, did you ask about the interviews?" Magnus asked as he remembered Bobby. He was more concerned about this than the medal.
Adam nodded and informed him, "Yes, I did. I have a friend who worked for the public affairs department. He helped me set up some interviews. Including an interview on BBC1. Then there are also some for newspapers."
"Thank you... I will go to my room and start preparing for what I will say." Magnus happily ran to his room.
Once he was gone, Grace's face turned a bit serious. "Adam, are you sure letting him be on television is the right thing?"
Adam hugged her, "Don't worry, Grace. They will not look for our family history. Our records are also confidential. We are both military personnel after all."
"Hmm, I hope you are right. *Sigh* Okay, today is a special day. Let's celebrate it with a nice meal tonight." She happily headed to the kitchen.
But then she stopped and turned around, "Where do you think you're going, Adam? Come here and help me?"
Adam scratched his beard, "Heh, I was just going to the washroom. Coming, coming."
"Stop smoking, or I will kill you if something happens to you." She sternly said while staring daggers at him.
...
Magnus sat by his little study table. He had a paper in front of him and he wrote what he was going to tell the papers.
~Okay, I want them to want to know more about my deeds later. So I can't tell everything straight away. After getting the medal, they will surely come for me again. But I don't want us to be tagged as a greedy family so I can't ask for too much money. To earn maximum money, I need to give as many interviews as possible.~ Magnus decided.
When he was writing about the bus incident, he remembered his powers. He was still unable to understand how to control it. He knew that he could produce heat, but he was yet to know how to produce fire.
"Well, my hand should be able to do it. Maybe I should focus on it. Please come out, fire." He stared at his palms and reputedly asked fire to come out.
He waited for 5 minutes but nothing happened.
But then, suddenly a voice came inside his head. "You are the master of magic, Magnus, not the other way. Magic is a tool, use it as a tool. Never let it control you. The stronger your mind is, the stronger your magic shall be."
It was an old hoarse yet kind voice. It spoke softly to Magnus.
Magnus actually fell back from his chair in fright.
"W-WHO'S THERE?" Magnus asked. But no voice came this time. He asked a few more times but there was still silence.
Finally, he took a long breath and sat back on his chair. He again looked at his palms. "Hmm... I am the master? It's a tool? Like a hammer? Then it should move as I want it to move."
He focused on his palm again. This time not pleading for it. He firmly ordered it. Willed and imagined it to come out.
"YES," Magnus felt his palms become hotter. Expectations arose in his heart.
He silently focused. Then soon, there was a very tiny amount of smoke. "YEES..."
*POOF*
"NOOOO..." Like a fart, it just made a noise and disappeared. It was unsuccessful.
"Today there is smoke, tomorrow there will be flames. Yes, that's right. I shall practice it every day." Magnus tried to console himself.
But just then, Magnus had an idea, "I should be able to control my body temperature if it's just a tool. That shouldn't be hard."
Magnus then closed his eyes and tried to bring his body temperature lower. Soon, he started feeling cold, so he raised it a little bit so he wouldn't feel cold. But he still didn't know if his temperature had decreased.
He quickly went downstairs to his parent's room while they were in the kitchen and took the thermometer. He put it under his armpit and waited.
~Hmm... 110 was high, mummy said. I should keep it lower than a hundred.~ he thought.
After 5 minutes, he took the thermometer out and checked. It was at 99. "This should be good."
So, he ran to his mother to tell her. She was obviously on edge all this time, thinking about his health, thinking that he had some unknown disease.
"Mummy, look. My temperature came down." Magnus nearly shouted.
Grace quickly looked at him. She touched his forehead and instantly felt happy. "You're right. Let's check again."
Magnus again let the thermometer check. Soon, it was confirmed that his temperature was down to nearly normal. She hugged him and felt relaxed.
"This is such a great day for me. Go and wash your hands. Dinner is ready. I shall feed you myself," she said happily.
"No no, I will eat it myself." He embarrassingly replied and quickly went to the washroom. There, he looked at himself in the mirror. He still had a smile on his face. Seeing his mother happy was something that made him happy.
Then his eyes fell on the wooden locket on his neck. He was certain that it was magical. He held it with one hand.
"Whoever you are, thank you. Mummy is happy now." He thanked the unknown voice that helped him.
*BLINK BLINK*
To his shock, the locket blinked in blue light, as if accepting his words. Magnus' jaw was hanging. His days were turning weirder every day.
[Discord - https://discord.gg/DgHkrAn]
______________________________
You can read 20 advance chapters on -patreon.com/misterimmortal.
Special thanks to *Douglas Flower* *Umar Latif* *Julian Rocamora* *Darrien Steely*
Thank you for your support!
Paragraph comment
Paragraph comment feature is now on the Web! Move mouse over any paragraph and click the icon to add your comment.
Also, you can always turn it off/on in Settings.
GOT IT