Chapter 99: Chapter 99: "Summer Holidays Part -1"
As Harry and Sirius materialized on the grounds of the Black Castle, Sirius turned to Harry with a warm smile, his eyes twinkling with both joy and expectation.
"Harry, there's something important I need to share with you," Sirius began, his voice filled with deep emotion. "Amelia is pregnant. I'm going to be a father."
Harry's face immediately brightened with a sincere smile. "That's incredible, Sirius! Congratulations!" he cheered, giving Sirius a hearty pat on the back. "It's about time you had a child. I love the idea of having another brother or sister to play with."
"Thanks, Harry," Sirius responded, his signature grin spreading across his face.
They continued walking towards the castle, their conversation light and full of excitement. As they approached the grand entrance, Lord Black warmly welcomed them. A wide smile spread across Arcturus's face upon seeing Sirius and Harry.
"Welcome home, Harry! And Sirius, do hurry back to Amelia. Make sure to support her and lessen her workload. I eagerly await the new joy this baby will bring to our family," Arcturus said enthusiastically, his voice echoing in the hall as he hugged them both.
"Thank you, Grandfather. I'll head back now. Take care, Harry. I'll see you soon," Sirius said, already turning to leave, his steps quickening as he exited the castle grounds.
Sirius and Amelia had previously lived at the Black Castle, but as Amelia's job became more demanding—often requiring her to meet with many people at home—they found the castle's secluded location less than ideal. To accommodate her professional needs better, they moved to the Bones Manor, which offered easier access for visitors and was less stringently protected than the Black Castle.
Then Harry went inside the castle and freshened up. Later that evening, he and Arcturus settled into the study, where the old man expressed a keen interest in Harry's first year at Hogwarts.
Arcturus leaned forward, his voice tinged with curiosity. "I heard there were quite some disturbances at Hogwarts this year. Something about the Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher attacking students and then being sent to St. Mungo's?"
Harry nodded, settling into his chair. "Yes, it was quite an eventful year. I was actually involved in that situation. I was the one who ended up sending him to St. Mungo's, so I know all the details."
Arcturus raised an eyebrow. "I suspected as much. So, what exactly happened?"
Harry then delved into the more dramatic parts of his year, starting from the destruction of the library on Halloween, and then progressing to the mysterious attacks on students. "I found out that Professor Fletcher was behind it all. I followed him one night under my invisibility cloak and discovered he was attacking students to collect their blood, which he needed to unlock a special key."
"What happened next?" Arcturus asked, leaning in closer.
Harry continued, "One morning, he attacked me. Thankfully, I was wearing a dragon hide vest, which deflected his attack, and then I managed to knock him out."
Arcturus shook his head slightly, a mix of concern and relief in his voice. "What have I always taught you, Harry? Always be mindful of your surroundings. What if he had used a stronger spell?"
Harry met Arcturus's gaze, his expression serious. "I know, Grandfather. I've learned from that mistake. I'm already working on a solution that will allow me to see invisible people, so I'll be better prepared in the future."
Arcturus nodded thoughtfully. "Good. What did you discover from Fletcher?"
Harry leaned back slightly, his voice steady. "I found out that the key he was after required blood from the Gryffindor line to unlock it. Fletcher was desperately searching for this."
Arcturus's interest peaked. "The Potters are descended from Gryffindor. So, did you manage to find the treasure? What exactly was this treasure?"
Harry then explained about the Knight inheritance, the battle spells, and the sword he discovered in Gryffindor's hidden vault. He carefully left out any mention of the basilisk; he didn't want to alarm Arcturus unnecessarily. The idea of a thousand-year-old basilisk lurking in the castle might prompt Arcturus to cause a commotion or call the Aurors to kill the snake, and Harry wanted to avoid this to possibly handle the basilisk himself and claim its valuable remains.
"Fascinating," Arcturus mused thoughtfully. "I've heard whispers of such a lost art, which faded into obscurity as wizards grew stronger and more prevalent. In ancient times, many kingdoms relied on knights to win wars. But that's all I know—nothing specific about the techniques or training."
Arcturus looked thoughtfully at Harry. "What do you plan to do with the inheritance? It seems like it will require considerable effort, but the rewards might be relatively modest for the years of practice the Knight Breathing Exercise demands before showing results."
Harry nodded, his decision clear. "I plan to practice it. The boost in physical strength it provides is more beneficial than just continuing with my aimless daily exercises."
Arcturus appeared supportive of Harry's choice. "I agree. You should definitely give it a try. The potential benefits in strength and longevity sound very promising. I would have attempted it myself if it were possible, but the requirement for a specific bloodline makes it impossible for me. However, do proceed with caution."
"Yes, I've arranged a check-up with Cordelia tomorrow to ensure everything is okay," Harry confirmed.
"And what about learning to wield a sword?" Arcturus inquired, showing interest in Harry's diverse skills.
"I'm really interested in mastering swordsmanship," Harry confessed. "It might not be the most practical skill for dueling, but it looks cool. Plus, imagine being able to fight a dragon with a sword and being called a dragon warrior?"
Arcturus chuckled at the idea. "Whatever you wish, Harry. With the progress you've shown in your wizarding studies, you deserve some time to explore other interests. You'll need a proper instructor, though. I'll see who I can find."
"That would be perfect," Harry responded, his appreciation evident.
They then shifted the conversation to Harry's year at Hogwarts.
"It's good to hear that you've made friends from different houses," Arcturus said, settling more comfortably into his armchair. "It's wise to have friends of diverse characters. Sticking to one house, as most do, can lead to problems. I experienced that myself. We Slytherins are known for being cunning and ambitious, so most people around me were trying to outdo each other. I never managed to forge true friendships during my school days."
Harry nodded, understanding the value of Arcturus's advice, and then inquired about the families of his friends, particularly if any were associated with Death Eaters. He was relieved to learn that none of his friends' families were supporters of Voldemort.
Pleased with their discussions, they concluded their evening. Harry was set to visit Cordelia the next day for his check-up. He really hoped all was well because he didn't want to stop practicing the Knight Breathing Exercise. It was crucial for him to gain strength quickly if he was to match Voldemort's power in the limited time before the dark lord's potential return.
Chapter 100: Chapter 100: "Summer Holidays Part -2"
The next morning, Harry sprang out of bed and immediately set off for Cordelia's cottage, accompanied by Mira. Harry made a mental note that one of his holiday goals was to learn how to apparate. He knew he couldn't always depend on Mira for transportation.
As he stepped into Cordelia's cozy cottage, a wave of familiar scents—various medical herbs and brewing potions—welcomed him warmly. It was a comforting reminder of his many visits here.
No sooner had Harry arrived than Emma appeared, drawn by the sound of the door.
Emma greeted him with a playful reproach, "Harry, it seems you still remember us. There was a time you visited every day, and now I see you only a few times a year. It seems little Harry has other priorities."
Harry responded with a grin, "I had to go to Hogwarts, and it's not entirely my fault. Someone went and got married, and then got so caught up in her work she hardly had time for her younger brother. I had to find other people to hang out with."
Emma retorted, "Hey! Don't put all the blame on me. If someone hadn't introduced me to muggle medical technology, I wouldn't be so busy. So blame the person who did that."
Just then, Cordelia joined the playful argument, "Okay, stop fighting. You both are important to each other. Look, Harry came to see you on the first day of his holidays."
Harry, wanting to lighten the mood, chimed in, "Yes! See, I even brought you some gifts from Hogwarts." He handed Emma a collection of rare medical plants he had 'borrowed' from the Hogwarts greenhouses.
Emma's face softened, and she accepted the gifts with a smile, "Okay, I forgive you."
They then walked into the house, eager to spend the day catching up. Emma shared updates about her recent activities, while Harry eagerly recounted his experiences at Hogwarts.
Cordelia raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "So, you stumbled upon the lost Knight breathing exercises? I'm not sure whether to call you lucky or unlucky. Your first year at Hogwarts certainly wasn't dull, was it?"
Emma, looking puzzled, chimed in, "Knight breathing exercises? What are those?"
Cordelia explained, "They used to be a way to become extraordinary. Those who practiced these exercises could become many times stronger than ordinary humans. However, after wizards rose to prominence and defeated the powerful Knights in wars, these practices faded into obscurity. People shifted their focus to wizardry, and knights lost the stature they once held in the world."
Harry added, "These exercises are also typically restricted within families. They're designed that way. So, when those families died out, their Knight breathing exercises became useless."
Cordelia nodded, understanding the situation. "I am guessing you want to practice this?"
Harry confirmed, "Yes. The benefits are too good to overlook."
"I thought as much," Cordelia said with a smile. "Given your constant desire to gain strength, I knew you wouldn't pass up on this."
Harry expressed his motivation, "Anything to become strong enough to protect my family."
Cordelia nodded approvingly. "Alright. I'm guessing you've already started using the method. Let's check to see if the exercises have had any adverse effects on your body."
Harry followed Cordelia into the examination room, where she began casting a series of diagnostic spells on him to assess his condition.
After completing the examination, Cordelia spoke reassuringly, "There's nothing wrong with your body, so I don't foresee any problems with you continuing the practice. Just make sure to eat enough while you're training; the exercise requires a lot of energy and could cause issues if you're not well-fed."
Harry felt relieved to hear this news. He knew he just needed to make more frequent trips to the kitchens to keep up with the increased calorie demands.
Later, Harry enjoyed dinner with Emma and Cordelia. In the middle of their conversations, he promised to go on a trip with Emma and her husband during the summer. After a pleasant evening, Harry said his goodbyes and left the cottage, onward to his next destination.
Harry's next stop was the Bones manor, where he was greeted by an enthusiastic Susan and a composed Amelia. After congratulating Amelia, Harry couldn't resist Susan's eager requests for stories from Hogwarts.
Sirius joined in the fun, beaming with pride when Harry recounted the success of the prank Sirius had designed. Sirius was thrilled to learn that his alter ego, Padfoot, had garnered many fans at Hogwarts.
That night, Harry returned to the Black castle, where he shared with Arcturus the good news that the Knight breathing exercises posed no health risks, provided he maintained a large diet.
Arcturus, however, had some less encouraging news about Harry's interest in learning swordsmanship.
"I haven't been able to find a wizard instructor for you," he explained. "In the current age, no wizard is interested in practicing sword fighting. Goblins do, but they're generally unwilling to teach wizards. The only possible option seems to be learning from Muggles who pursue the art as a hobby."
Harry accepted this as his best course of action and was ready to move forward.
Arcturus reassured him, "Then I'll look around and find you a suitable instructor."
"Thanks, Grandpa," Harry replied gratefully. "An introduction and some basic guidance will be enough to get me started. With the books Gryffindor left, I can continue to learn and improve my sword fighting skills on my own."
The following day, Harry set about tackling another important task on his list. He joined forces with Sirius, and they made their way to Diagon Alley together. To keep a low profile, they altered their appearances — Sirius used some disguise spells, and Harry tapped into his metamorphagous abilities.
Their goal was to visit Borgin and Burkes, the notorious antique shop located in the eerie confines of Knockturn Alley.
Harry had asked Sirius's help the previous night to obtain the twin to the vanishing cabinet that Harry found in the Room of Hidden Things. By getting the cabinets and fixing them, Harry would be able to travel back and forth from Hogwarts to his home whenever he wished.
Harry could have gone to the shop by himself, but his young age could have potentially drawn the wrong kind of attention, inviting trouble from the dark characters that frequented the Alley.
Although Harry was sure he could handle any issues that arose, he preferred to avoid loud and unnecessary disturbances, hence why he asked for Sirius's help.
They traveled through the busy streets until they reached the darker, more foreboding paths that led to Knockturn Alley.
Upon entering Borgin and Burkes, the pair were immediately struck by the cluttered, dimly lit interior. Shelves and tables were crowded with an assortment of dark artifacts and mysterious relics, each carrying its own whispered promise of power.
Harry began to look around for the cabinet, while Sirius stood watch, his eyes roaming the shop for any undesirable or infamous criminal that might appear.
After a careful search around the cluttered shop, Harry finally located the cabinet hidden in a dark corner.
"Is this a vanishing cabinet? How much are you asking for it?" Harry inquired, looking intently at the cabinet.
Borgin, the shopkeeper, seemed momentarily surprised before making his way over. His appearance matched the disheveled state of his shop, and he eyed his customers warily. "Ah, yes, the Vanishing Cabinet," he muttered, sizing them up. "Quite a rare item, that. I'm asking a thousand Galleons."
Harry scoffed and stepped closer to examine the cabinet more carefully. "And where's its twin?" he asked sharply, his gaze fixed on the cabinet.
Borgin shuffled uncomfortably. "Sold it years ago, I did."
"You don't have its twin, then? So it's just a piece of junk?" Harry pointed out as he opened the cabinet and noticed more flaws. "Look, the channel is also broken. How can you charge a thousand Galleons for this? It's not worth more than ten Galleons."
Borgin's face flushed with indignation at Harry's low offer. "Ten Galleons? Are you joking? It's worth at least eight hundred for such a rare piece!"
Sirius, who had been standing back, stepped forward, his presence imposing. He fixed Borgin with a stern look, and a faint shimmer of magic encircled him. "Clearly, it's not in working order. I will give you a hundred Galleons, no more. That's more than fair."
The magic swirling subtly around Sirius was enough to change Borgin's stance. He swallowed hard, his earlier confidence evaporating under Sirius's intense glare. "Alright, alright, a hundred Galleons then," Borgin conceded gruffly, defeated by the combination of their tough negotiation and the unspoken threats.
Harry quickly signaled to Mira, who was hidden, to discreetly transport the cabinet away while Sirius distracted Borgin with the payment. It was important to Harry that Borgin did not see Mira and potentially identify him in the future.
As they left the shop, Borgin watched them go, a mix of relief and irritation on his face. The pair walked back through the alleyways of Diagon Alley, pleased with their successful negotiation and the strategic gain it represented.
Back at the Black Castle, Arcturus examined the newly acquired cabinet with a curious look. "Why did you buy this old thing?" he inquired.
Harry explained, "I found its twin at Hogwarts. The only issue is that the twin is broken. Once I repair it, I'll be able to travel between home and Hogwarts anytime I need."
"Really? The Hogwarts wards don't block this? I wish I had known about such a thing when I was at school. Imagine the prank items I could have smuggled into Hogwarts," Sirius remarked with a wistful grin.
Harry grinned, "Thanks for the tip, Sirius. Maybe you can help me stock up on some supplies."
Harry then turned to Arcturus and inquired about books on repairing the vanishing cabinet. Arcturus simply directed his house elf, Vardey, to fetch the necessary book for Harry.
Harry felt confident about his ability to repair the cabinet. "If Draco Malfoy managed to fix one in the books, it shouldn't be too hard," he mused. He planned to repair the cabinet during the holidays and practicing on this one would surely prepare him to fix the one at Hogwarts.
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