บท 306: Artifacts and Shopping
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Harry walked over to the artifacts, glancing at the range of ancient objects laid out on stone pedestals. Without a word, he called up the system's Observe function, scanning each item carefully to avoid missing anything worthwhile.
"Vial of Everlasting Night. A magical substance able to block out all light within a ten-foot radius for up to six hours. Highly restricted item from the 1200s, used in defensive wards."
Harry considered the vial, its dark, swirling contents hinting at powerful magic. He slid it into his bag. Blocking light on command could come in handy.
He moved down the row, his eyes catching on a small amulet engraved with delicate flames.
"The Amulet of Eternal Flame. Enchantment prevents user from freezing in temperatures as low as -50°C. Linked to the Slytherin family, late 12th century."
Harry picked it up, turning it over in his hand. Winters at Hogwarts weren't exactly warm, and if Slytherin trusted this amulet, it was worth keeping. It joined the vial in his bag.
The next item was a single metal shackle, rough around the edges and almost ominous in its simplicity.
"Shackle of Restraint. Used to bind magical abilities when worn. Capable of containing wandless magic for up to 24 hours."
Harry paused, raising an eyebrow. Definitely useful in the right hands—or if he needed to control someone with too much power. He pocketed the shackle, already considering its potential.
Then his gaze fell on a smooth, jet-black stone with faint silver flecks shimmering on its surface.
"Blackstone of the Seer. Allows one to see through magical illusions and glamours."
Harry didn't hesitate with this one; it went straight into his bag. Seeing through glamours would be a massive advantage. He'd learned the hard way that not everything in the magical world was what it seemed.
Next, his eyes landed on a dusty, ornate mirror framed in intricate silver carvings.
"Mirror of Recollection. Can replay recent memories of the last user. Known to be used by early magical families in the 14th century to store key moments."
Interesting. The mirror would let him review his memories—System had the same function, but it could still come in handy. He added it to the growing collection in his bag.
Then he spotted the last item, a small, battered notebook with the faded initials M.A. on the cover. Curious, he tapped Observe.
"Field Notebook of Merlin. Personal notes from Merlin's early studies of elemental spells. Includes primitive spells for manipulating wind, water, fire, and earth."
Harry felt a spark of interest. Merlin's own notes? This was priceless. He tucked the notebook into his pocket carefully, making a mental note to explore it later. If these notes held even a fraction of Merlin's knowledge, they could unlock a lot of doors.
Satisfied he gathered the most valuable artifacts, he glanced back at the shelves, deciding the rest could wait. The heavy door to the vault groaned as it opened, and Grimbletack glanced up as Harry stepped out, giving him a nod.
"Find everything you needed?" Grimbletack asked, his tone neutral as ever.
"Yeah, for now," Harry replied, adjusting his bag. "I'll be in touch if there's anything else."
Grimbletack's eyes flicked briefly to the bag but, true to form, he made no comment. He led Harry back through the twisting corridors of Gringotts, the path familiar now, though the weight of his finds made it feel different.
After thanking Grimbletack, Harry left the bank and made his way back to the Ice Cream Parlor, spotting Petunia through the window. She was still at their table, flipping through her magazine with a half-finished sundae in front of her. When he stepped inside, she looked up, giving him a bright smile that made the day's tension seem a little less urgent.
"All sorted?" Petunia asked, taking another bite of her ice cream, her tone casual.
Harry caught the way she quickly flipped the page when he sat down, and noticed it was a Madam Malkin's ad she'd been staring at. He smiled a bit, then said, "Yeah. All good." Leaning back, he added, "So, what do you want to do? How about a new dress for Yule? Looks like you had something in mind." He nodded at the magazine she was pretending to ignore.
Petunia raised an eyebrow, giving him a mild look of irritation. "I don't know what you're talking about."
"Right," Harry said, chuckling. "Totally random page flip then? Thought you wanted to be the well-dressed aunt at the Yule Ball."
She rolled her eyes, though Harry caught a hint of a smile. "Alright, maybe I was browsing. But it's not as if I need anything extravagant, Harry."
Harry chuckled, "Since you liked that dress and I'm hosting this Yule, you're the hostess. It's on me. Let's get you something nice, Aunt Petunia."
Petunia scoffed, a smirk tugging at her lips. "You're serious? Well, alright, if you insist," she said, adding, "Not that you'll get any complaints from me on a shopping spree."
"Good," Harry said, grinning. "We'll pick something perfect."
They finished up at Fortescue's, and after a few stops for last-minute holiday items, they finally stepped into Madam Malkin's Robes for All Occasions. The store was crowded with wizards and witches picking out festive robes, but Madam Malkin herself recognized Harry instantly and greeted them with her usual briskness.
"Ah, Mr. Potter, Ms. Evans, always a pleasure! And who might we be shopping for today?" she asked, eyeing Petunia appraisingly.
"Aunt Petunia here needs something classy for the Yule gathering. You think you can help us with that?" Harry asked, grinning as Petunia looked mildly embarrassed but equally amused.
Madam Malkin's eyes sparkled as she led them to a section of fine gowns, laying out options in rich blues, deep greens, and elegant silver tones. Petunia lifted a green gown, eyeing it critically before glancing at Harry. "What do you think?"
Harry nodded, looking over the green dress Petunia held. "It's nice, yeah, but you wore green the last two Yules. Let's change it up a bit. How about silver with green accents this time? Bit different, but still you."
Petunia raised an eyebrow, giving him a skeptical smile. "You really think I could pull that off?"
"Definitely," Harry said, gesturing to the rack of silver gowns. "It'll stand out, especially with those green touches. It's not like we're short on options here, right?"
Madam Malkin, eyeing the exchange with a pleased expression, swept over to a nearby rack and pulled out a silver gown that shimmered softly, embroidered with green vines along the hem and cuffs. "This might be just what you're looking for, dear," she said, holding it out for Petunia to examine.
Harry thought for a moment, examining the dress. "Definitely nice, but not unique enough," he said, then looked over at Madam Malkin. "Is it too late for something custom?"
Madam Malkin's face lit up. "For you, Mr. Potter? Never too late! Give me an idea, and I'll make it happen."
Harry glanced at Petunia, thinking over the options. "What about adding a bit of magic to it?" he suggested. "Not flashy—just enough that it stands out."
Madam Malkin gave a nod, catching on. "Subtle enchantments, perhaps a faint glow, or maybe something that reflects a bit of green when the light hits it?"
Petunia eyed him skeptically but with a hint of amusement. "I'm not about to start glowing at your Yule Ball, Harry."
"Not glowing, exactly," Harry replied with a grin. "Just... enhancing. Trust me, it'll look good."
Madam Malkin bustled away to a back room, muttering about fabrics and thread colors. Harry took a seat nearby, flipping through some nearby magazines as Petunia checked her watch.
After a few minutes, Madam Malkin returned, holding up a shimmering silver-green fabric that seemed to ripple with a soft glow. "This is perfect. We'll line the edges in a darker green, add a touch of embroidery, and we'll enchant it to catch the light just right. Simple, elegant, and just a hint of magic."
Petunia looked at it, and even she had to admit, it was impressive. She gave a small nod of approval. "Alright, that could work."
Madam Malkin's fingers worked deftly as she began making notes on measurements and adjustments. "You'll be the best-dressed lady at the Yule, I guarantee it."
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