Chapter 49 - The Past

discord.gg/q5KWmtQARF

Join my Discord!

**************

Harry stepped out of the mansion and into the forest, a part of the magical world contained within the Enchanted Haven Briefcase. He paused, taking in the symphony of sounds around him. Birds chirped melodically, leaves rustled gently in the wind, and in the distance, he could hear the soft gurgle of a stream. "Thousands of years," he whispered to himself, "I wonder what kind of creatures live here."

As he ventured deeper, the forest revealed its secrets. Trees of ancient lineage towered above, their branches woven into a natural cathedral. Sunlight filtered through the leaves, casting dappled shadows on the forest floor. Every step Harry took seemed to awaken the forest, with small creatures peeking out from their hiding spots to observe this new visitor.

"Quite the ecosystem you have here, Master Harry," Nigel's voice echoed in Harry's mind. "A veritable sanctuary for magical creatures, no doubt. Just be mindful, some of them might not be as welcoming as others."

Harry chuckled softly. "I'll keep that in mind, Nigel." His steps were cautious yet filled with curiosity as he explored the diverse flora and fauna. Some of the plants reacted to his presence, their leaves turning towards him as if sensing his magical aura.

As he walked, Harry noticed a clearing ahead. In the center stood a magnificent tree, its bark shimmering with a silvery glow. Around it, a variety of magical creatures gathered, as if paying homage to this ancient sentinel of the forest.

"A gathering of the magical kind, it seems," Nigel observed. "That tree appears to be a focal point of magical energy. Quite intriguing."

Approaching the tree, Harry could feel a surge of magical energy emanating from it. The creatures around him seemed to regard him with curiosity rather than fear. A small, dragon-like creature with iridescent scales approached him, its eyes gleaming with intelligence. Harry extended his hand, allowing it to sniff him. To his surprise, the creature nuzzled against his palm, a gesture of acceptance.

"Seems you've made a friend, Master Harry," Nigel remarked. "These creatures are quite adept at sensing one's intent. You must exude a trustworthy aura."

Harry smiled, gently stroking the creature. "I guess I do," he said. "This place is incredible. It's like stepping into a different world."

Continuing his exploration, Harry came across a serene pond. Its crystal-clear water mirrored the sky above, and magical fish darted beneath its surface. The tranquility of the scene was almost tangible, and Harry took a moment to sit by the water's edge, letting the peacefulness of the environment wash over him.

"An ideal spot for reflection, both literal and metaphorical," Nigel noted. "One could spend hours here, contemplating the mysteries of the magical world."

As the sun began to set, casting a golden hue over the forest, Harry decided to return to the mansion. The briefcase's world had so much to offer, and he knew he would be spending many more hours exploring and learning from it.

Back in the mansion, Harry found himself in the library once again. The shelves were lined with books that held the knowledge of ages, and he felt a surge of excitement at the prospect of delving into them. His fingers traced the spines of the books, each title promising new insights and discoveries.

"This library is a treasure trove of knowledge, Master Harry," Nigel said. "The histories and secrets contained within these books could provide invaluable insights for your magical education."

Harry nodded, pulling out a tome titled "The Lore of Ancient Magical Creatures." As he flipped through the pages, his eyes widened in wonder at the illustrations and descriptions of creatures he had never heard of.

"An excellent choice," Nigel commented. "Understanding the magical creatures of the past might shed light on those you encounter in the present."

Harry spent the next hour immersed in the book, his mind absorbing the information like a sponge. He made mental notes of creatures he hoped to encounter and study in the future.

As he closed the book, Harry felt a sense of fulfillment. The briefcase had opened up a world of possibilities, and he was eager to explore each one. He stood up, stretching his arms above his head.

"Time to head back to the real world," he said, a hint of reluctance in his voice.

"Indeed, Master Harry," Nigel replied. "But remember, this world within a world will always be here, waiting for your return."

With that, Harry stepped out of the mansion, shrinking the briefcase back to its original size. He placed it safely in his pocket, a small reminder of the vast world that lay within.

Harry finally took out his new wand, which he had acquired from Ollivander's. It was a unique piece, and he felt an immediate connection to it. As he held the wand, he activated the Observe function of his Technology System.

[System Message: Observing Wand…]

The wand was made of holly, a wood known for its protective properties. It measured eleven inches, a comfortable length for precise spellcasting. The core contained a phoenix feather, a rare and powerful ingredient that resonated with Harry's magical potential. This combination made the wand particularly effective for spells requiring great emotional strength and moral fortitude. It was also excellent for defensive magic, a trait Harry found very appealing given his growing interest in the Dark Arts defense.

"What did Mr. Ollivander mean, Nigel? About this being brother to one who gave me the scar," Harry inquired, his brow furrowed in confusion.

Nigel sighed in Harry's mind, a sound that carried a weight of solemnity. "I wanted you to learn this later, but it seems the time has come, I suppose."

Harry braced himself for what he suspected would be a significant revelation.

"Master Harry, the wand that inflicted the curse upon you as a baby belonged to Voldemort," Nigel began. "Voldemort is a dark wizard of immense power and malevolence. He rose to power with a singular, obsessive goal – to purify the wizarding world and establish his reign over both magical and non-magical folks."

Harry listened intently, a sense of dread building within him.

"Your parents, Lily and James Potter, were members of the Order of the Phoenix, an organization opposing Voldemort. They fought valiantly against him and his followers, the Death Eaters. Unfortunately, Voldemort targeted your family, believing a prophecy that spoke of a child with the power to defeat him. That child was you, Master Harry."

Harry's hand trembled slightly as he processed this information.

"On that fateful night, Voldemort came to your home in Godric's Hollow. He murdered your parents but, when he tried to kill you, something extraordinary happened. The curse rebounded upon him, leaving you with just a scar. Voldemort was vanquished, at least temporarily, his power broken. This event made you famous in the wizarding world, Master Harry. You became known as 'The Boy Who Lived.'"

Harry was silent, the magnitude of Nigel's words sinking in.

"As for the wand," Nigel continued, "it's curious how these things turn out. The phoenix whose feather resides in your wand gave another feather, just one other – the one in Voldemort's wand. They are, in a sense, brothers. It's a connection that is rare and, frankly, quite ominous."

Harry looked at the wand, his feelings a complex tapestry of fear, curiosity, and a newfound sense of responsibility.

"Now, about your scar," Nigel spoke gently. "It's not just a mark, Harry. It's a symbol of your survival, a testament to your strength. However, it also draws attention, some of which could be dangerous. That's why I advised you to hide it. There are those who might seek to harm you or exploit your fame for their ends."

Harry nodded, understanding the wisdom in Nigel's advice.

"The path ahead is fraught with challenges, Master Harry. But remember, you have strengths that few possess – your innate magical talent, your ability to love, and your courage. These will be your greatest weapons against the darkness that lies ahead."

Harry felt a sense of determination settle within him. "Thank you, Nigel. I know it won't be easy, but I'm ready to face whatever comes. I won't let my parents' sacrifices be in vain."

"Very well said, Master Harry," Nigel replied, his tone carrying a hint of pride. "And remember, you're not alone. I'm here to guide you, provide information, and perhaps a bit of dry wit to lighten the darker moments."

Harry couldn't help but smile, despite the heavy conversation. Nigel's presence was indeed a comfort, a beacon of guidance in the uncharted waters of his destiny.

Harry then pondered the unsettling truth that Voldemort, the dark wizard responsible for his parents' deaths and his own near-fatal encounter as a baby, might still be alive. This revelation, coupled with the connection of their wands, added a new layer of complexity to his already extraordinary life.

"I have a feeling the other competitor to the Slytherin and Peverell Vaults is Voldemort, right? Then is he not dead?" Harry inquired, his voice laced with a mix of curiosity and apprehension.

Nigel, ever the repository of knowledge and wisdom, responded thoughtfully, "It is believed Voldemort is still alive. How, I don't know. If you like, I can use System Points to search for answers, but it will require more than you currently have to even begin scratching the surface."

Harry nodded in understanding. The enigma of Voldemort's survival was a puzzle for another day. "Time will tell," he murmured, more to himself than to Nigel.

"It is late, time to sleep, Master Harry," Nigel suggested, his voice carrying the subtle undertone of concern that had become familiar to Harry.

"Good night, Nigel," Harry replied, feeling the weight of the day's revelations.

"Goodnight, Master Harry," Nigel responded, his presence in Harry's mind a constant reminder of the extraordinary path that lay ahead.

--

It is the start of the new week. Please support me with Power Stones! Much appreciated!

-----

To Read up to 50 advance Chapters (25 for each novel) and support me...

patreon.com/thefanficgod1

Please drop a comment and like the chapter!