Sometimes the Goddess of Fate Really is a Tricky Bitch
Gringotts Wizarding Bank,
Friday, August 6th
Dudley couldn't help but notice that the room was far less extravagant than the hallway that preceded it. There weren't any fancy decorations or weapons on the wall, the chairs and desk were sturdy but with a surprisingly ordinary design. The lack of visual distraction allowed him to see the small imperfections in the walls that showed the room was carved into stone rather than built by it. When did we go underground? Dudley thought.
He was knocked out of his rumination by the sound of papers shuffling on the desk. Sitting on a plain dark wooden chair was the smallest goblin they had encountered since entering the bank. Perhaps even the youngest as well. While Rabbla was easily half the age of Gripli the Teller, she still had grays starting to streak at her temples.
The goblin, who he’s assuming is the apprentice they were sent to see, has her long dark brown hair pulled back into a severe bun with a ridiculously sharp looking hair pin. Her suit, as finely pressed as the tellers, is a deep purple. Instead of a tie or cravat she has some sort of dark gem clasping her high collared white undershirt closed. Dudley has to force himself to look at her eyes so that he isn’t caught staring at her mouth. The right side of her upper lip looked like it had been ripped and wasn’t healed properly before it scared. He could make out the glint of a vibrant polished green emerald fang sitting behind the scarred skin.
Dudley thought, definitely not for the first time, that he really needed to get to a bookstore. How did Goblin Naming traditions work? Gripli and Rabbla sound like names you'd be given by your parents, but EmeraldFang? SilverClaw? It’s obviously a play on her quite literal emerald fang, but he also really doubts that any goblin could just change a physical characteristic and expect to have a name based on it. So it has to be related to something worthy of recognition, and he really wants more information.
The boys followed Marissa's lead as she sat down in the middle chair that was offered, either oblivious to or ignoring their unease at being separated in a new environment. “Apprentice EmeraldFang,” She gives a slight incline of her head. “Thank you for seeing us on such short notice. I am Senior Agent Marissa Polkis with the British Isles Magical and Mundane Enforcement Agency. We’re here to do preliminary information intake for case #P4775 before the meeting tomorrow between BIMMA, the Ministry, and Gringotts. With me is Mr. Dudley Dursley, the affected party in the case, and my son Piers Polkis, who is here under Mr. Dursley's request.”
They waited as EmeraldFang wrote their names and case number on one of the sheets of parchment before turning her attention back towards them. “Gripli said you requested Inheritance and Health scans, am I assuming we are to follow High House Procedure?” He and Piers shared a quick look, she was rather… straight to the point. And what in the world was the High House Procedure?
“Yes, the other affected party, who will be disclosed after the signing of the secrecy contract, is the sole heir to an Ancient and Most Noble House. Due to Mr. Dursley's familial relation with the individual, as well some recent circumstances, we find pertinent he is tested.”
For the first time since they walked into the room, Dudley found himself pinned under her gaze. Her blank mask of indifference broke for a split second and surprise shone through brightly when they made eye contact. “Pertinent indeed…” was all she said before shuffling another formal document out of the pile and signing the bottom. A dim golden glow emanated from the sheet before she slid it over to their side of the table.
“This is a standard secrecy contract for such cases,” Marissa explained to the teenagers. “All magically binding contracts will glow when signed so don't be surprised when it happens. You will both read every word before you place your name at the bottom.” Reading through it once it was handed to him, Dudley was thankful his head was finally clear otherwise this would have gone in one ear and out the other. Using the feather quill provided was super awkward and he commiserates a moment over his handwriting before the document began to glow again. Messy signature accepted he guesses.
EmeraldFang was watching them being taught about contracts with a barely concealed look of interest. It was obvious to her that they were new to everything magical, and she couldn't help her excitement as her eyes strayed over to the larger of the two children. She wasn’t quite able to put her claw on it, but there was something about Mr. Dursley magic that resonated deeply with her own. The inheritance test shall be profoundly revealing.
“We will begin with the Inheritance Test. It is normally minimally invasive in terms of your part Mr. Dursley, however, The Nation recommends the Sanguis Summa variation as it shows more than a listing of possible titles. It will require 21 drops of blood instead of the standard 7, as well as 3 tears willingly given.”
“‘Willingly given’ means they are not forcibly or unknowingly taken,” Marissa explained.
“Oh that's cool,” with the state of his emotions, it wouldn't take much for him to start crying again. “Does that matter for the blood portion?”
“No Mr. Dursley, it is why, solely Gringotts, has been sanctioned over the last 600 years to perform any variation of the ritual on UK soil. These tests are highly regulated.” EmeraldFang informed him.
Taking a deep breath, he tried to center himself. This will be a turning point and he can't help but feel like his life is never going to truly be the same once he leaves this room. “I wish to follow the recommended ritual variation.” His voice came through more sure than he felt, but he’ll take the small mercies at this point. “I’ll need you to guide me if that's alright?”
With a nod of affirmation, the apprentice gracefully slid out of her chair and made for one of the few metal cabinets in the room. A long razor-sharp claw tapped on the metal and slid down a line that was etched into the surface, making the mechanisms unwind themselves from their locked position. “Wicked,” Piers whisper echoing in the nearly silent room.
EmeraldFang turned back to them holding a golden scroll and a small bone white bowl. Wait. Dudley's brain screeched to a halt. He’s almost certain the bowl was actually the crown of some type of skull. Nope, totally not going to ask any questions about that. Once she had it situated on the table, he could see that there were thousands of super small symbols engraved across every available surface.
From a drawer in the desk came a slim box and beige cloth that slid towards him. “I suggest cutting your arm, it will be more difficult to get the required amount of blood from your finger and you should only cut the palm if the ritual requires it,” EmeraldFang told him as Marissa nodded along to her.
“You will add twenty-one drops exactly,” the apprentice began, “after, we will collect the tears in a vial to make incorporation easier. You need three drops, no more or less. We find that there is power in numbers, Mr. Dursley.” She unrolls the golden scroll and lays it flat on the desk before she moves the ‘bowl’ to sit in the center.
Opening the box, he finds a beautiful silver athame with a black stone handle with elegant silver finishing. He stands up to have a better angle over the table and is grateful when his friend gives his leg a quick squeeze once he gets close enough. Taking the advice given, he carefully cuts the side of his left arm. He’s a bit surprised the blade was sharp enough that he couldn't feel it until after he was done. Carefully moving so that he doesn't get any blood on the golden paper, he counts out loud as each drop lands in the bowl.
Hitting 21, he quickly puts his free hand under the flow and moves to sit back down only to realize Marissa had switched to his spot so that he could sit in the middle. Grabbing the beige cloth, Dudley wipes off the athame before wrapping it around his injured forearm. He barely had the chance to lower himself before his arm began tingling like mad. Unwrapping the cloth, his and Piers' eyes widen at the sight of the cut stitching itself closed.
“The cloth is coated in healing potions with self-cleaning runes stitched into the hem.” EmeraldFang supplied.
Piers perked up, feeling more confident now that he was sitting next to his friend. “How long does the healing potion last? Could it be used again or does it need more now after healing his arm?”
The side of the apprentice's mouth twitched upwards. She was finding the Polkis boy rather amusing, with his subtle quips, and the way he seemed to be holding back his questions till now. He had stared at her with such open curiosity at the beginning of the meeting, that had it not been for the childlike wonder present, she may have found herself greatly unsettled. As it was, EmereldFang found it quite entertaining to be on the receiving end of such questions.
Wixens simply did not defer to goblins for such information. Demand, yes, but not defer. There are of course exceptions, but those Wizards or Witches either work for the Nation or are in close partnership. It’s not every day an Apprentice is treated as the smartest person in the room, and she is self-aware enough to recognize the resulting boost in her pride.
“It should heal a similar cut at least 100 times over. However, the potion only works on localized areas with contact to the bloodstream. You still need salves to heal the bruises caused by the main injury. It won't fix anything too severe but it would give you time to hopefully reach aid.” Reaching over, EmerandFang scrawled a note in the request ledger for parchment and an ever-inking quill to be delivered. The child looked like he wanted to be writing everything down, and who was she to deny him that?
“Now the tears,” She said. As he had thought, it didn't take much for Dudley to will up the emotions that were simmering just under the surface. It was tears of sorrow, guilt, and regret that streamed down his face moments later.
Piers was the one to hold the vile up to his cheek to collect the falling drops. “We definitely have more than 3 I think. What do we do with the rest?”
“It is common practice to either banish it entirely or store it within a vault for safekeeping. Due to the emotions used to create them, safekeeping is the recommended method. You can never know when such a thing would be useful. Now, Mr. Dursley, 3 drops exactly as before. I will add the remaining ingredients and start the incantation once you’ve finished.”
With as steady a hand as he could manage, Dudley tipped the vile and counted aloud as the tears dripped slowly out of the topper. Not really knowing what to expect, both he and Piers were a little disappointed when nothing happened once they were combined. Dudley could see a small smirk on the apprentice's face that made him briefly panic and wonder if she had the ability to read minds. He relaxed, however, when he remembered that not only were Goblins trained to watch body language but he was also a rather open book.
Opening a box on the desk he hadn’t paid attention to before, EmeraldFang began pulling out jars of various fresh and dried herbs. A dried purple flower was crushed with deft fingers and sprinkled across the surface of the blood. Next, she picked up a sprig of what looked like a type of pine needles and tossed that into the middle of the bowl. To his confusion the last thing she used was chunks of honeycomb. Were the bees that made it magical? Or were they normal bees that pollinated magical plants? Was it just plain non-magical honey?
As soon as the honeycomb was added a soft chant began to leave EmeraldFangs mouth. Runes around the lip lit up with a bright silvery glow and seemed to thrum with concentrated power. They watched as the dried flower and honey melted into the blood and gave it swirls of color. The tree sprig started to smoke as the liquid around it boiled. Ash mixed in as it bubbled leaving it an even dark red. The chanting changed and the rest of the runes began to glow.
Dudley was fascinated by the magic that he could literally taste in the air. Runes and rituals might just be his newest obsession. Hold up, how did he know those were runes and that this was a ritual? They had just seemed like weird symbols not even 5 minutes ago. It was like when he bowed while entering the bank. He rubbed at his temple but stayed quiet as the bowl seemed to absorb the blood and herb mixture.
The silvery runes ran an almost eerie glowing red that pulsed to what seemed like the beat of his own heart. As the last bit was absorbed, it immediately started to bleed back out through the bottom of the bowl and onto the gold parchment placed underneath. Like ink that had a life of its own, it swirled along the paper in abstract patterns. The bowl glowed twice and without stopping her chanting, EmeraldFang picked it up and set it aside. Apparently no longer needed.
With the obstruction gone, the ink like blood filled the space and in an instant sank completely into the parchment. She uttered a final line to the chant and honey colored dust burst out to settle over the surface of the empty document.
“Now we must wait 5 minutes as the blood writes the results. We will use the time to prepare for the Health Test.” With that said, she stood up with the bone bowl and moved back over to where it was stored.
Dudley couldn't help himself this time, “Are those available for sale?” referring to her incredibly cool and most definitely magical safe.
“Not this model and not for cheap. Most Gringotts' vaults open only to Goblin magic as is the case with this one.” He was really starting to appreciate how the apprentice took to answering their questions. It showed a level of patience that he’s not used to adults exhibiting, and then there was her lack of condensation at their obvious ignorance. While he had no doubt she is a force to reckon with, he couldn't help but be grateful their first official interaction with the Nation was with someone so kind.
“The health test, while simpler, still requires a small amount of blood to be applied to the focusing crystal. Nothing more than a finger prick and the amount does not need to be counted so long as it's a decent drip. A healer will be up here in about 30 minutes to perform the spell and to help explain the results.” A knock at the door kept her from continuing. After she barked out in what Dudley is assuming is their native language, the door opened to Rabbla carrying a couple of scrolls of parchment and a slim box. He can make out the words ‘Ever-Inking’ printed on the side. Maybe another quill?
They exchange a few words, of which, only Piers' name was understandable. They exchange a look again before Rabbla was walking over and placing the items in his bewildered friend's hands. She gave him a firm nod and was out of the room before he could mentally catch up with the situation.
At the imploring look sent her way, EmeraldFang simply said, “For notes of course.” She reached into a small pocket of her suit and withdrew a pretty gold pocket watch. “Come forward Mr. Dursley, it is almost time. The process is rather interesting to watch, seeing all tests are unique to the individual in more ways than just the information they provide.”
Seeing as she wasn't going to continue her explanation, Dudley stood up to lean over the desk. He looked over to see Piers putting down what looked like a fancy quill to join him. Marissa joins on his other side and sets her hand on his shoulder. Her steady hand is grounding and he throws her a small smile for the gesture.
He can't help but feel like the other shoe is going to drop at any moment. But he’s not entirely sure it would be a bad thing if it does. This last week had been the hardest of his life and showed him how entirely mortal he really was. He wouldn't say he fears death so much as he fears his lack of good contribution to the world before his death. Something that only became starkly apparent after the attack.
Dudley grabbed onto his best friend's hand like a lifeline as dark red started to swirl back into view on the parchment. It started at each of the four corners. Pools of blood formed before it began to form designs along the border. He can see what the apprentice meant by uniqueness as he watched the parchment paint itself with his blood. It looked like it was creating interlocking tree branches that were carved with runic sentences. Dudley wondered if they could be used as a language in addition to their magical properties.
As the border finished itself, another pool of inky blood started to fill in the center before it spread out like a spider web. The lines of the web broke off from each other as they began to simultaneously form into words. Seconds later the honey colored dusk glowed fast and bright as it sunk back into the document to seal everything in place. The whole process took a minute to finish at most.
“There's more here than I expected,” He heard Marissa murmur.
A quick tap of her claw to the finished document, saw it lifting into the air to suspend in a place they could all see what was written. Finding their seats again they waited for EmeraldFang to pull out her own quill and parchment scroll for notes.
Inheritance Test of Dudley Darcy Dursley
Born 23rd of June, 1980
Paternal Parent ~ Vernon Christopher Dursley ~ Squib ~ Alive
Maternal Parent ~ Petunia Darcy Dursley nee Evans ~ Squib ~ Alive
Wixen ~ Core Level 5 ~ Discernible ritual magic corruption resulting in full collapse of main channeling thread ~ Discernible reinforcements to secondary threads
Titles
Heir Apparent ~ Most Ancient and Most Nobel House of LeFay ~ Main Line ~ Paternal
Heir Apparent ~ Ancient and Most Nobel House of Flamel ~ Main Line ~ Maternal
*Potions flush required before any attempt at claiming titles ~ Request Health Scan for further details*
Accounts
LeFay
Main Vault 43 ~ 43,050,710G
Artifact Vaults 44, 201, 222, 256 ~ Request Vault Audit for further details
Flamel
Main Vault 377 ~ 10,006,400G
Artifact Vaults 380, 457, 458 ~ Request Vault Audit for further details
*Account manager shall supply information regarding properties and business ventures upon request*
Education Vault ~ 15,000G ~ Created by Lily Potter nee Evens for Dudley Dursley or any magical decedent ~ Vault stipulations available upon request
Bloodline Affinities/Magical inheritance
Alchemical Magics ~ Flamel
Runic Magics ~ Flamel
Divination ~ LeFay
Magical Sensory ~ LeFay
Parseltongue and Parselmagic ~ Maternal Line
Soul Magics ~ Dementor
Family Tree…
“I-I don’t even know where to start with questions…” Dudley trailed off, more than a little shell-shocked. Every line on the parchment seemed designed to flip his world upside down. He shut his eyes, took a deep shaky breath, and tightened his grip on Piers. Start from the top and go one thing at a time. Piers can take notes and they can research more when this is over. He apparently has no shortage of funds, so the bookstore trip just looked to become a bit more extensive. He can totally break down later in the hotel room.
“Piers, are you ready for some note-taking?” He asks before turning to EmeraldFang, “Could we possibly get some water or something else to drink, please?”
The apprentice wrote something on the request sheet before addressing them, “Refreshments will be here soon. I’ll need to fill out some paperwork, so now is a good time to take a moment to write out some of your questions.”
Pulling his hand away, Piers grabs his new quill and does a couple of practice swipes with it. He’s never been so glad for all the hours of ASMR fountain pen videos he’s watched. Starting from the top of the inheritance test, with Dudley looking over his shoulder, he begins writing out questions they can ask Marissa or EmeraldFang.
Meanwhile, EmeraldFang was entering the information into the necessary case documents. The child being not just magical, but an heir will impact the proceedings in the Wizengamot, and he can actually be treated like a proper witness during the trial. Setting the file aside, she pulled out the two-way parchment she had with the manager overseeing her apprenticeship. The rest of the Nation needs to know that the LeFay heir has been found and he can pass the information on while she's in the meeting.
Somewhere deep in the caverns, a very old, distinguished goblin choked on his premium french roast coffee as he checked the note his favored apprentice sent his way.
Back in the office, Dudley was talking quietly with Piers as he wrote out some of the questions and research topics he’d had since the beginning of the meeting. Piers' handwriting, while not stunning, was far better than his own would have been.
Another knock on the door saw Rabbla wheeling in a covered cart. Her deft eyes traced the surprising length of the inheritance test on the desk. She couldn't make out anything specific but if the victorious glint in Apprentice EmeraldFangs eyes was anything to go by then… Well, then change may finally be on the horizon.
Rabbla knows that she is beyond nosey, what can she say, it's a side effect of the job. But patience will always be a goblin's greatest strength, they are long-lived and war isn't won in a couple of battles. She thinks she can find enough patience in herself to wait out the information, but it doesn't stop her mouth from salivating in the growing excitement. Something the apprentice could definitely smell if the amused crinkle of her eyes was any indication.
“Thanks Rabbla!” Piers exclaimed with a grin. She could see EmeraldFangs amusement grow as she was subjected to the brightness of the muggle child. It was more than bizarre to be on the receiving end of such genuine kind-hearted enthusiasm from someone outside of her clan or friends.
Not wanting to overstay her welcome, Rabbla offered him a small smile in lieu of knowing what to say in response. Nodding to the apprentice she headed back towards the door to resume her position. She wished more than anything to stay at the back of the room and observe but needs must and she has a job to get back to.
At her exit, Marissa, who had been mostly quiet since the beginning, spoke up, “We will probably need to get Dudley a meeting with a Wizengamot representative so he can get familiar with what being an Heir and Lord entails. Books will be helpful but having someone to bounce questions off of will be beyond beneficial.” Looking at the document inquisitively, “This is a very good thing as far as how it will help the case.”
“I’ll look into acquiring someone for the meeting tomorrow. Normally it wouldn't be allowed, however, due to Mr. Dursley's lack of knowledge on such an important matter an exception can be made. While Madam Bones is the regent to her house, she will be at the meeting strictly under the capacity of the Head of the DMLE and as such will not be allowed to act as consult,” EmerandFang said.
She snapped her fingers, allowing her claws to rub together and create a spark of magic. The lid of the drink cart shimmered away and cups lifted their way towards the room's occupants. The boys caught theirs with looks of awe at the display. Marissa simply raised a brow, unlike the boys who were amazed at any magic, she was well aware that such a feat wasn't so easily accomplished by the goblin race. They had their own magic, yes, but what the apprentice just did was closer to something you’d see from a House Elf or a Wixen. Why was EmeraldFang becoming an account manager and not a healer or cursebreaker to take advantage of such a talent?
“If you can, that would be wonderful.” She doesn’t know whether Dudley will want to stay in the magical world or not but she wouldn't be surprised if he chose to take it by storm. Something monumental had changed in him a week ago, and this test just gave him a path to an incredible future.
The apprentice addressed the teens, “The cups are bound to the drink cart, all you need to do is touch the rim and ask for what you want.”
“Piers, you’ll want to touch it with the hand that has the bracelet,” his mom told him. Doing as instructed, he watched amazed, when would he not be amazed at magic, as the cup filled with hot chocolate. He saw Dudley follow his lead on the choice of drink. It was a little crazy how much chocolate worked to ease emotional stress.
“We don't have too much time before the healers arrive, do you have any questions?”
Dudley grabbed Piers’ list to scan what had been written. “Uhm, well I guess I have a bunch of questions… So both my parents are apparently direct line descendants from two notable houses? And since I’m somehow a Wixen, which I'm not sure how that's possible since they aren't, I can claim the titles?”
EmeraldFang tapped the test and said, “Yes, it looks like your mother is descended from the Flamels. We were under the assumption until a couple of years ago that the house would be gone forever after the previous lord's death. He was the world's foremost expert in alchemy and had created a stone that allowed him to lengthen his life to almost 600 years. He led everyone to believe that he’d had no children to continue the family name.
“The test can be expanded to show a very detailed family tree. We can use it to trace back exactly when your family moved into the muggle world. It’s also curious that you inherited Parseltongue from your mother but not necessarily from the Flamels.”
“Is Parseltongue where you talk to snakes or something?” Piers asked, and Dudley knew exactly what he was thinking about. The zoo trip on his 12th birthday.
She nodded, “It is, and Parselmouths have become exceedingly rare anywhere outside of India in this day and age.”
“Holy shit! Are you saying snake charmers are just secret Parseltongues?” At this the apprentice actually let out a small surprised laugh.
“Yes and no. There are those both magical and not that are capable of charming snakes, but it's the most notable stories that you’ll find the hidden Parselmouths. I’m sure we’ll be able to find out how it's possible through investigating the tree.” She then tapped on the house listed next to his fathers' name, and her face morphed into a look he couldn't begin to comprehend. She seemed excited beyond words and it made him think that this was going to be his answer to the weird treatment he’d been receiving since entering the bank.
“Through your father, you are the Heir to a very important family,” her voice filled with gravitas as she spoke. “The House of LeFay was integral to the creation of the modern-day magical world. Morgana, the first sorceress of the line, was also the queen of the Seligen Court. She united Seelie and Unseelie and gave us the opportunity to flourish and build community. While the position on the court isn't hereditary, it did create a lasting mark on the LeFay family magic.”
“Do you know what kind of mark? I noticed members of the Nation looking at me as soon as I entered the bank. Also since getting here, weird things have been happening to me. The first was when I bowed to the guards out front, I crossed my arm over my chest and pounded it twice. Then since we’ve been in the meeting, it's like I instinctively knew that the symbols on the bowl were runes despite never seeing or reading about them before.”
“You’ll find you have a natural connection to almost all sentient magical beings. This could display as anything between subconsciously understanding cultural nuances to understanding their languages over time to having an affinity with their magic. The more contact you have the stronger it will be. You can see under the Affinities section that you have Magical Sensory listed. In the UK, the LeFays are the only family to have such a skill. There are other slightly less rare talents such as Mage Site or Magical Sensitivity, but these are partial in the sense that they only affect sight or touch respectively.
“Magical Sensory encompasses all the senses and strengthens the family magic that connects with creatures. I believe it was the two playing off each other that led to the interaction with the guards,” EmeraldFang explained. “Similar to the Black family where only some gain the Metamorphmagus talent, the last LeFay to be born with full sensory abilities was about 750 years ago.”
Dudley lost himself in thought for a moment. How come he was never aware of any of this before? Was it because of how foggy his head had been? Is it related to the ‘ritual magic corruption' the test mentioned? He felt the panic starting to build again at the thought of losing this new chance at life before it even began. No, he shakes his head as he remembers the line that said there was only one issue, and it was something to do with potions. How much longer till the healers got here?
“What about the Runes?” Piers asks while his friend collects his thoughts. He can always catch Dudley up on the details later when he has more brain capacity for information.
“That would be the Rune Magics affinity from the Flamel line. Again working in tandem with Magical Sensory, otherwise it would just make learning the theory and casting the magic of runes easier. He may find that all his affinities will be boosted once he starts training them.”
“Will taking the lordship come with any additional responsibilities? I know you said the position isn't hereditary, but I can't see the family having abandoned the court completely,” Dudley asked, not realizing he cut into the conversation.
“I’d write that question down to come back to, it's mostly a question for your account manager, but I can answer some generalities. You wouldn't want to accept the Lordship if you aren't prepared for what it would require. While the LeFays were no longer the ruler of the court, they were still the owners of the lands we made our homes. When the last head of the family passed away a little over 600 years ago, everything went into stasis until the next heir could claim the title. The problem was that if an heir wasn't found in 2 years' time, there was a set of preservation wards ready to activate.
“When that time arrived, hundreds of clans of all species were forced to rehome themselves. With nowhere to go, populations were decimated through a lack of resources, and Wixen hunting parties. By taking on the lordship, the contracts will enter renewal, but since so long has passed it will require more than simply opening the properties back up. Your manager would be able to pull up the contracts to give you the specifics.” EmeraldFang could feel the emotions crawling up her throat as she spoke. She may not have been alive when it happened but with their long lives and low birth rates, her people were still feeling the heavy impact the end of the LeFays had on them.
“Tha-that's horrible… Why did they never get rid of those wards if they knew they had no magical children to continue the line?” Dudley asked, the hot chocolate sat heavy in his stomach.
“They did not know about them. It was a failsafe placed more than a thousand years before their passing, when the land was first acquisitioned but before the creation of the treaties. With how grand the family had been, we assume they weren't worried about the chances of themselves dying out and the knowledge was lost to time. The moment of their passing saw the wards flaring to life and warning the inhabitants of the impending timeline.” She said sadly.
Their conversation was cut short by a knock to the door before 2 healers were entering the room. They both wore floor-length light gray robes with minimal embellishments. Dudley furrowed his brow at their clothes, he may not have been able to tell if they were in the muggle world but the cloth seemed… neutral. Like, everything around him buzzes with what he's growing to understand is magic, but the healer's robes seemed to resist the magic that clung to everything else in the room. Huh, maybe training his affinities won't be as hard as he thought if he could pick that up. Oh how wrong he doesn't know he is.
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END OF PART ONE of this chapter other half will release soon