Chapter 33: 33 Heartfelt Talk
Lucas froze at her words "…"
"I just can't bear to loose you … again." She continued. He could clearly feel the thin veil beneath her happiness, keeping her fragile emotions together. The joy of having him back was undeniable, yet the trauma of not knowing his fate had left an indelible mark on her. And she just didn't know what she would do if she actually lost him. "...Hogwarts doesn't seems to be a safe place."
Lucas, letting go of the hug, glanced at his mother with a mixture of understanding and reassurance. "I know, Mom. But I can't just switch schools now. I have made an agreement with Dumbledore for at least one more year."
Sophia sighed repeating herself, it was the only thought going through her mind, all the while her eyes reflected the conflict within her. "I just want you to be safe, Lucas. I can't go through that again. And Hogwarts... it's not as safe as it's supposed to be."
"Just one year. Can you bear with that, afterwards I'm open towards other options" Lucas explained, understanding the gravity of his mother's worry.
Sophia's eyes glistened with unshed tears. "I know you're growing up, making your own decisions, but I can't help but worry. You've been through so much, and I just want what's best for you."
Lucas reached out, placing a reassuring hand on his mother's shoulder. "I understand, Mom. And I promise, after the next year, we can look for other schools together."
Sophia managed a small smile through her emotions. "You're the best son I could have asked for, Lucas."
----
The sun shone through Lucas' window. It was the morning after their heartfelt talk, which had stretched into the late evening, and now he could finally digest everything that had happened to him. Starting from his magic.
First of all, his magic power was leagues above his before the incident and now he let it loose for the first time. It swept through the room causing some smaller items to judder, but it didn't stop there. The non-magical walls of his Muggle house didn't stop it like the Hogwart's ones did, so he could clearly feel his sleeping mother in the adjacent room.
He did some minor experiments, which confirmed what he already knew. His domain's power sharply declined with its range, for example, if he wanted to lift the same weight twice as far away, he needed four times the power.
Secondly, for the first time, he used his two minds to their maximum capacity. He fully unleashed his Legilimency parallel to his already opened domain. To say it felt strange was an understatement. It was a completely new way of perceiving the world around him and frankly, it felt good, almost seductive. The world of the mind somewhat overlapped with the physical one, but not exactly, because space worked a little different there. Now he not only knew his mother's room's layout he also felt her fragile mind inside the darkness. It was so weak compared to his that it felt like a small breeze could topple it over.
That's when an idea flashed into his mind and the happiness that kept the darkness away from his mind formed a road towards his mother's. Once it reached her mind it embraced her, shielding her, protecting her. Just like he wanted it to do. He also slowly and meticulosity pulled her mind closer, all the while ensuring that she didn't feel any discomfort. Only when her mind was next to him did he stop.
Done with what he wanted to try he pulled back his domain, but kept up the connection, which to Lucas' surprise worked better than he expected. There was no interference and he distincly felt his mother's overall feelings and well-being. It also didn't go back to its original place, meaning he might be able to keep up the connection regardless of distance.
Before he could do anything else, Sophia barged into his room with a beaming smile on her beautiful face startling him in the process, "What did you do, sweety? I can feel you even when you are not there."
So for the next half an hour he explained to his mother what he had done and what this all meant. That he needed to test some more things, but if everything works as he thinks it might then they should be able to feel the overall mood and health of each other. Nothing too specific, but enough to take a load off of Sophia's mind.
----
It was later on the same day and Sophia had gone off to work, leaving Lucas alone to ponder on the things he wanted to accomplish this summer. On his highest priority was that one ritual, but he needed the ingredients, which meant he needed money. Money that he didn't have. He could have simply asked his mother, but even though he was only 12 he wanted to be independent, it just felt weird asking. It wasn't really logical, he just felt uncomfortable. Anyway, he was also pretty sure that he would need more money in the future, especially in the wizarding world and the exchange rates the goblins offered weren't the best.
That left him with only one option, earn his own money. And that was the reason why he was currently walking around Diagon Ally, looking for ways to earn some income. He didn't want to take a summer job, not that anyone would hire a 12 year old, so he had to look for something else.
A few hours into his research he came to the conclusion that he needed to start his own business, if he wanted to earn enough and also consistently throughout the year. The question remaining, what?
Transfiguration needed at least a master certificate. He was too bad at potion making to syphon off any customers from the existing shops, let alone make a profit. Wand making was also out of the equasion. The same goes for sewing.
Eventually he landed on enchanting. Lucas was sure that his unique magic could proof to be a big advantage here, the only problem being he had no idea how to do it.
Nothing he couldn't easily change.
He made his way over to Fine Enchanting Cauldrons, a shop specialising in enchanting cauldrons, duh. It was a quaint little family-owned shop with hundreds of cauldron on display.
As Lucas entered the enchanting cauldron shop, the soft chime of a bell announced his arrival. The elderly couple behind the counter, presumably the owners, looked up from their tasks, offering him warm smiles. Their faces wrinkled with years of experience.
"Good day, young man! How can we help you?" the elderly witch, Mrs. Petillo, greeted him with genuine curiosity.
Lucas returned the smile, "Hello! I'm interested in some cauldrons, and I heard this is the best place to start."
The elderly wizard, Mr. Petillo, chuckled. "Ah, a young enthusiast! We always welcome those interested in our craft. What specifically would you like to take a look at?"
"I'm fascinated by the enchantments you place on cauldrons, I have only heard good things about this place and I was wondering if you could show me a few, preferable the ones with the best enchantments." Lucas said, wearing an earnest expression. He wanted to see with his own eyes how enchantments normally looked like and get any knowledge that could help him start his business.
The couple exchanged glances and after a moment, Mrs. Petillo spoke, "Well, dear, enchanting cauldrons is an art in itself. It requires an understanding of the magical properties of various metals and a delicate touch to weave the enchantments seamlessly."
Mr. Petillo added, "And a bit of intuition. You must feel the magic, understand its flow. It's not just about memorizing spells, it's about adapting and enhancing. About knowing, when you did something wrong and quickly correcting your mistakes. But, mind you, it takes years to master."
Lucas nodded thoughtfully, absorbing their words while subtly going deeper into their minds, unraveling the nuances of their enchanting techniques. "I appreciate your insights. It sounds like fascinating work. Do you mind if I observe your work, maybe learn from the best?"
The couple exchanged quick glances "I'm afraid we can't do that, dear. This is a family business and we wouldn't be able to keep this shop if we gave out our techniques." Mrs. Petillo said apologetically. "But we would be happy to show you our cauldrons."
Lucas smiled understandingly. "Of course, I'd love to see your cauldrons. That would be great."
The elderly couple led him through the narrow aisles, showcasing cauldrons of various sizes and materials. Each cauldron seemed to tell a story, its surface adorned with enchantments that shimmered and pulsed with magical energy. Even though they didn't go into the specific, Lucas listened attentively as Mr. and Mrs. Petillo shared anecdotes about their favorite creations, the challenges they faced, and the joy of perfecting an enchantment.
As they walked, Lucas continued his subtle exploration of their magical expertise, delving into the intricate details of the spells they used and the methods they employed. The Petillos, proud of their craft, didn't notice the subtle mind magic as they spoke animatedly about the art of enchanting.
"This one here," Mr. Petillo pointed to a silver cauldron with delicate filigree, "has an enchantment to enhance potion brewing. It's one of our best sellers."
Mrs. Petillo added, "And this one is charmed for self-stirring. Quite handy for busy wizards and witches, especially during the brewing process."
Lucas nodded appreciatively. "These are truly remarkable."
The elderly couple beamed with pride, their wrinkled faces glowing with a shared passion for their craft.
They showed him a few more, before the elderly couple bid him farewell, blissfully unaware that they had unknowingly shared all their knowledge with the young wizard.
As Lucas left Fine Enchanting Cauldrons, he felt a surge of excitement. He now possessed the knowledge to start his own enchanting shop. Well 'shop' is an exaggeration. He didn't plan to get his own building in Diagon Ally and sell his creations to anyone passing by, no, he wanted a highly personalised demand-only small cart where you could send your request. The only part that was still missing was a house elf.
He really needed one if he wanted to pull through with his vision, because without one he couldn't be as sneaky as he wanted.
The elf would be in charge of receiving the request and sending it to him. Once he had the product ready the house elf could then deliver it to the buyer at a specified location. In this way he would be able to dodge the nemesis of any business.
Taxes.
Lucas knew that there were only two ways to get a house elves. The first one was buyin one from the ministry and the second one is from families, who had elves serving them. Finding one willing to part from their bound family would be tricky, but buying one from the ministry would defeat the purpose of getting one. He also needed an elf skilled in discretion and efficient tasks.
His preference led him to the darker corners of magical society, where individuals sought unconventional services, Knockturn Alley. Covered from head to toe in clothes so that his figure would be obscured, he walked into a shabby bar.
Entering the dimly lit establishment, Lucas discreetly approached the old barman, walking past a few hooded figures sitting around wooden tables, drinking some nasty smelling beverages, not that the air inside smelled any better.
"I've heard you might have information about a house elf. Someone discreet, resourceful, and, shall we say, open to alternative employment?" Lucas inquired once he arrived at the counter, his voice low but purposeful.
He could now clearly make out the barman, a man with dirty grey hair and a badly healed scar running from his cheek over his lips down to his chin. The man eyed him for a moment before responding in a hushed tone, "Depends on who's asking and why."
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