Chapter 4
Over the following days, Harry began to settle into his new routine at the Leaky Cauldron. For the first time in his life, he had an unprecedented freedom: no one was watching him, there were no Dursleys yelling or ordering him around, and, most importantly, he was in the magical world. He realized he had two and a half months before the school year started at Hogwarts, and while he was safe, he could explore Diagon Alley as much as he wanted.
Diagon Alley was a vibrant, lively place. Harry loved walking through the bustling streets, watching wizards and witches buying potion ingredients, cauldrons, spellbooks, and enchanted clothes. He spent hours at Flourish and Blotts, flipping through new releases on magic and Defense Against the Dark Arts manuals. But the most interesting part was how he always seemed to discover something new at every corner.
One afternoon, while exploring a narrow, quiet alley near a magical quill shop, Harry spotted an old, worn sign that read "Ancient Magic." The library looked like it had been there for ages, with a dusty display showcasing a collection of old books and mystical artifacts. The place exuded an air of mystery and lost knowledge.
Curious, Harry pushed open the heavy wooden door, which creaked as it swung open. He stepped into a dim space, lit only by enchanted lamps that floated gently through the air. Bookshelves rose to the ceiling, packed with ancient tomes and yellowed scrolls. The smell of old leather, parchment, and something vaguely herbal hung in the air.
An elderly witch with a wrinkled face and sharp eyes looked over her half-moon glasses. "Welcome to Ancient Magic," she said in a raspy voice. "Looking for something specific, young man?"
"Er… just exploring, really," replied Harry, looking around, fascinated. "I’ve never seen this library before."
The old witch gave an enigmatic smile. "Few do. Few who are ready, at least. Most who enter here are searching for… something special."
Harry was intrigued. "What kind of books do you have here?"
"Books and knowledge of ancient magic, of course," she said, gesturing to the shelves. "Magic that has been forgotten or deemed too dangerous for common use. Some are stories, others lost theories. Many are secrets kept for generations."
Harry's interest grew. He began walking along the shelves, running his fingers over the spines of old-looking books. Some titles were in languages he didn’t recognize, while others seemed to glow softly in the floating light.
One book, in particular, caught his eye. It was a large volume with a dark leather cover and no title, only a symbol of a circle divided into four parts, each with a different symbol: a five-pointed star, a crescent moon, an eye that seemed to blink, and a Celtic knot. When he touched the cover, he felt a slight vibration, as if the book were alive.
"Ah, that one is special," commented the witch, silently approaching. "The ‘Book of Primordial Spells.’ It talks about magic that dates back to the very foundation of magical laws. They say some of the spells contained within it can touch the fabric of reality."
"Can I look through it?" Harry asked, hesitantly.
"If you have the courage," she replied, shrugging and smiling.
Harry carefully opened the book. The smell of ancient pages enveloped him, and he began to read about spells he had never heard of. Each page seemed more fascinating than the last, from ancient protection enchantments to soul transfigurations and lost healing spells.
One spell, in particular, caught his attention: "Ancestral Aegis." The description spoke of a powerful magical barrier that could protect the caster from almost any attack, but at a significant energy cost. Harry imagined how useful this spell could be in a world where dangers always seemed to surround him.
"Interested?" the witch asked.
"Yes," Harry replied, still immersed in the words. "But, this book seems… dangerous."
The witch chuckled softly. "Ancient magic is always dangerous, young man. Power comes with responsibility and risk. The books here are not for just anyone. Only for those with purpose and the courage to seek the knowledge they offer."
Harry closed the book, feeling a mix of fear and curiosity. "I want to learn," he said, looking at the witch seriously. "I want to know more about this ancient magic."
She looked at him for a long moment, her eyes glinting with something like approval. "Very well, Mr. Potter. Return when you’re ready for your first step. Not all answers are in the books, but this is a good start."
Harry left the "Ancient Magic" library with his heart racing, knowing he had discovered something rare and important. He felt that, for some reason, he was meant to explore the secrets this place held. And, for the rest of the two and a half months he had left, he knew he would return, each time more eager to uncover the mysteries of forgotten magic.
In the weeks that followed, Harry returned to the “Ancient Magic” library whenever he could. There was something about the place that drew him in, as if it were filled with secrets waiting to be uncovered. He grew familiar with the narrow corridors between shelves, the smell of aging parchment, and the dancing shadows cast by the enchanted lamps. Each visit revealed a new fascinating book or a lost scroll, drawing him further into the history and mysteries of ancient magic.
The witch who ran the library, whom Harry now knew as Madame Emily Carter, had become somewhat friendlier with him. She watched him explore with interest, occasionally pointing out a book he might like. She seemed to realize that Harry was not only curious but determined to learn.
One quiet afternoon, Harry stumbled upon a section of the library he hadn’t noticed before. It was a shadowed area, marked by a carved wooden sign with the words "Histories of Lineage and Blood." Curiosity led him to explore further. There, he found books about the oldest wizarding families, pure-blood lineages, and their deep connections to the magical world’s history. Many of these books were about noble houses like the Blacks, the Malfoys, and even the Lestranges.
While browsing the shelves, a particular title caught his eye: "The Most Ancient and Noble House of Potter." Harry’s heart raced. He knew his parents were wizards, and that he came from a wizarding lineage, but he had never known much about his own family’s history beyond what he’d been told at Hogwarts.
With trembling hands, he pulled the book from the shelf. The cover, made of thick leather in a deep shade of blue, bore elegantly engraved golden letters. At the center, the Potter family crest stood out: a blue background, symbolizing protection and trust, over which a majestic golden phoenix rose, representing resilience and rebirth. Around the phoenix, stylized silver leaves conveyed the idea of family unity and protection. At the base, a silver ribbon displayed, in refined calligraphy, the motto "Stronger Together." Details of stars and flowing patterns surrounded the crest, adding a touch of magic and wisdom, reflecting strength, magic, and unity.
Harry flipped through the first pages, where he found an introduction explaining the origins of the Potter family. He read, fascinated:
"The House of Potter goes back centuries, being one of the oldest and most respected wizarding lineages in Britain. Unlike many pure-blood families, the Potters have always prided themselves on their tolerance and belief in equality between wizards and Muggle-borns. This nobility of spirit, however, never diminished their importance or power in the wizarding world."
Harry was surprised. He knew his family was respected, but he had no idea the Potters were considered such a noble and ancient House. He continued reading, discovering more about his ancestors.
One of the first Potters mentioned was Linfred of Stinchcombe, a talented medieval wizard who accidentally invented several potions still used at Hogwarts. He was the first to be nicknamed “Potterer” due to his constant work with cauldrons and potions, a nickname that eventually became the surname "Potter."
Further on in the book, Harry found accounts of Henry Potter, a wizard who helped lead the resistance against the early attempts of dark wizards to dominate the magical world. He also read about Charlus Potter, known for his achievements as an Auror and his role in defending equal rights in the wizarding world. Each story revealed a legacy of courage and honor that filled him with pride.
But then, he reached a chapter about more recent times: James Potter. Harry held his breath as he read:
"James Potter, the most recent heir of the House of Potter, was a talented wizard, known for both his bravery and kindness. He actively opposed blood purity ideals, openly challenging the beliefs of more conservative families. He married Lily Evans, a highly talented Muggle-born witch, consolidating the Potter family’s commitment to acceptance and equality."
Harry read the paragraph several times, feeling a mix of sadness and pride. He knew his parents were heroes, but seeing their story written in a book, connected to generations of wizards who fought for justice and equality, touched something deep inside him.
As he turned the page, he found something unexpected: a map of an ancient property, Godric’s Hollow, with a small caption that read, “Historical residence of the House of Potter.” There was a detailed description of the property, including a mention of a Potter Grimoire, an ancestral family book of magic said to be hidden there.
Harry felt a surge of excitement. He had found the place where his parents had lived before Voldemort attacked them. Perhaps there was more to discover about his own history — maybe even secrets that could help him in the fight against dark forces.
That night, as he left the library, Harry knew he was on a new path. The knowledge of ancient magic, his family’s legacy, and the potential discovery of the Potter Grimoire had given him a new sense of purpose.