*Morpheus pov*
Before summer break officially ends and students begin to pour into the halls of Hogwarts once more I need to stock up on some ingredients for what I will be teaching this year.
Of course, I have the ingredients stored away in my manor or storage depots but that's the good stuff that's been aged and magically treated for years. It would be a waste to use them for students who would likely mess up.
Donning my pitch-black robe I left the castle and headed toward Diagon Alley the perfect place to gather ingredients.
While I walked through the Alley my appearance garnered many stares as I wasn't hiding myself this time around. This is nothing new to me, rituals always have their price I'd rather look like this than a snake-like Tom did in a branch of the future.
Walking into an herb store I spotted an older lady behind the counter, "What can I help you with Sir?" she asked politely while I looked around
Gesturing around I replied, "I need all of your Artemisia vulgaris, Boswellia, Salvia officinalis, and Juniperus," luckily this store seemed to have a full stock
The Lady smiled, "It's rare to have a customer use the older names you must be very knowledgeable, we have plenty of each though buying it all will cost a lot," as she finished her sentence I placed a bag of Galleons in front of her, "That will suffice," she confirmed with a broad smile
Looking at her face she reminded me of someone, "May I have your name?" I asked while looking around
"Abigail Elderbrook," She replied while packaging my goods
"Ah! I teach a member of your family I think her name is Alice Elderbrook?" I said thinking about the girl whom Frank Longbottom is always with
She seemed pleasantly surprised to hear Alice's name "Alice is my granddaughter, you teach at Hogwarts?" Abigail asked
Nodding I answered, "Im the divination professor,"
She seemed to jolt, "How could I forget Alice was talking about you when she got back this summer, it seems your class is rather fun," as she replied Abigail handed me my herbs
Putting them away I said, "I'm glad she enjoys my class,"
As I left the store, Abigail called from behind, "Have a good school year professor!"
Now back on the streets of Diagon Alley, I noticed there weren't many people out and about. It seems Tom managed to strike some fear in the citizen's hearts in just a short amount of time.
"Professor!" I whimsical voice called from behind me causing me to turn around
I had to hide my groan at what I saw, Xenophilius and Pandora were running up to me waving madly. No, they were skipping up to me.
Why do I have to run into these two?
"Xenophilius, Pandora how has your summer been?" I asked with a small smile
Xenophilius grinned, "Magical! Did you know Pandora and I lived so close to each other," His eyes practically shone like stars
"How could I know that?" I replied with a small chuckle
When Xenophilius went to reply Pandora elbowed him in the side, "Ignore him, professor, how was your summer?"
"Enlightening," I replied looking between the odd pair
"Have you created any new spells, Pandora?" I asked curiously
She beamed at my question, "Not yet professor, I have been theorizing and planning to create some but I am waiting for your analysis I remember you said spell creation can be dangerous and I'm lucky nothing has gone wrong yet," worry filled her tone
Odd she doesn't seem like the type to worry.
"What? I swear you pray- OUCH!" Xenophilius was interrupted once again
Seeing what was happening I laughed, "Send a letter or just wait a couple of days to hand your notes to me I'll give them a look over," I suggested
"Thank you, professor," Pandora looked quite proud of herself maybe she invented something spectacular this time around
*Narrator pov*
The Pottor family manor stands tall and grand amidst a sprawling estate. The ancient architecture, a blend of stone and ivy-covered walls, exudes a sense of magical heritage and tradition. The manor's silhouette is enhanced by spires that reach towards the sky, hinting at the family's long history of wizardry.
As James Potter practices Quidditch with Sirius Black outside, the expansive grounds come to life with the exhilarating swirl of robes and the whooshing sound of broomsticks. The Quidditch pitch, nestled within the estate, is meticulously maintained, with enchanted hoops and boundary lines that shimmer in the sunlight.
The gardens surrounding the manor are a tapestry of magical flora, where vibrant flowers bloom year-round and mystical creatures, like garden gnomes and magical insects, add to the enchanting ambiance. A pathway lined with ancient trees leads towards the Quidditch pitch, their branches forming a natural canopy under which the Pottor family has enjoyed countless generations of magical pursuits.
The manor's windows, adorned with elegantly crafted curtains, reflect the warm glow of magical candles within. As James and Sirius soar through the air, laughter and shouts of excitement echo against the sturdy walls of the manor. A magical aura surrounds the estate, carrying the echoes of spells cast and Quidditch cheers from generations past.
The Pottor family crest, carved above the grand entrance, depicts symbols of Quidditch and elements of magic, proudly representing the family's legacy. Inside, rooms are adorned with tapestries, antique furniture, and magical portraits that come to life to recount the tales of Pottor's ancestors.
James and Sirius soon tired out and flew back to the ground, their bodies covered in sweat they began to pack up their Quidditch gear.
"I'm surprised your family let you come here so easily," James said while packing away the snitch
Sirius shrugged, "They didn't have much say my grandfather said it was okay,"
James looked up puzzled, "I thought you said your grandfather stays out of family business these days,"
Sirius barked in laughter, "That's what I thought too, until recently he stayed to himself but now all of a sudden he is being more active. Bloody thankful for it too,"
"Everything is weird these days mate, the attacks and my mum talking all hush-hush with Dad about dark Lords," James huffed in annoyance
Sirius scoffed, "You have it easy, an argument breaks out every night at my house. Bloody pure blood bollocks,"
"Bet them slimy gits are going to be quiet this year with all of the 'disappearances'," Sirius added
"Anyways Stiles and Remus sent a letter the other day they can go to Diagon Alley with us before school starts," James changed the conversation as they neared the manor
***
A couple of days passed and now students hurried to board the Hogwarts Express. They ran through the train looking for their friends, joy filled their faces as they reunited ready to start the new year.
The magical train began to move smoke billowing in the sky, and green hills appeared outside the train windows.
The sum seemed to smile upon the children as they approached yet another year of magical schooling. Many were excited to start off the year fresh, some wanted to prove themselves in during the dueling club while others aimed to dominate the top scorer position.
This year will be magical that was for sure.
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A/N: Patre on : patreon.com/Boogie324