Chapter 14: A Comforting Breakfast
[Early Morning, Next Day — Great Hall]
Sitting and chatting while enjoying a hearty meal was something most people overlooked. For many, it was just part of the daily routine, something to be taken for granted and never really appreciated. The laughter, clinking of cutlery, and warm scent of fresh bread filled the Great Hall, setting a comforting backdrop to start the day. Here, people could simply be themselves, putting aside academic pressures and enjoying the little things that made life pleasant.
But for some, it was far more valuable —it was memorable.
"And you say Filch tripped and scraped his knee?" George, the ginger-haired senior, laughed, his eyes gleaming with mischief.
"That's the funniest thing I've heard in days!" Fred exclaimed, sharing his brother's amusement.
"It's all thanks to Damien," Ron pointed to the boy, who was sipping a glass of milk with a satisfied smile, clearly enjoying the lively conversation. "He came up with the plan, and we followed."
While Damien was good at making plans and helping others succeed, he wasn't so great at accepting praise for his efforts. He felt warmth spread across his cheeks, embarrassed by the attention.
"I…" he set the cup down, scratching his head awkwardly. "It wasn't a very complicated plan."
"Nonsense!" Fred countered, shaking his head. "Not only did you plan to separate Filch from his cat, but you also orchestrated quite the show! I wish I could have seen it myself."
"I feel the same way," George agreed. "The only bad part is that we weren't there to witness it."
"So, if you ever need help from us," George pointed to Fred.
"Or if you need any supplies for a prank," Fred pointed back at George.
"You know who to ask," they said in unison, grinning.
Damien chuckled lightly, surprised by how quickly they'd accepted him into their circle of mischief. It was strange, but he felt like he belonged here, more so than he ever had before.
As Damien expressed his gratitude, Harry turned to him with a question.
"Do you have any plans after class today?" Harry asked. "Our classes end early, and I was thinking we could scout for spots to set up props and booby traps."
"For Halloween?" Hermione asked, her curiosity piqued.
"Yeah," Harry sighed. "Damien and I were put in charge of making sure the decorations and events go perfectly for our class. I asked if the seniors could handle it, but Professor Dumbledore said no."
"Not today, Harry," Damien replied, pushing away his now-empty plate. "I asked Professor Flitwick if I could visit the bank. I need to open a savings account."
This news made everyone pause, their expressions a mixture of confusion and curiosity.
"But the school already covers the fees and most student expenses," Hermione said. "Why do you need to open a savings account?"
Damien smiled at her question. He knew that while Hermione wasn't wealthy, her family still lived comfortably enough. The same went for Harry. His Muggle relatives weren't the kindest, but after inheriting the Potter fortune, he was well-off.
The Weasleys were considered poor, but Fred and George had managed to earn some money for their pranks. Most of their expenses, however, were still covered by their parents.
Damien didn't have that luxury. Smiling politely, he stood up, picking up his plate. He didn't feel ready to share the full story of his circumstances yet, not even with his closest friends.
"Sorry, Harry, but not today."
He didn't explain further, knowing they wouldn't understand. Leaving his friends behind, Damien made his way toward Flitwick's office, making sure to return the plate to its place to be cleaned.
He appreciated these little magical innovations—the fact that clothes and dishes could be cleaned with a simple spell, food could be warmed or chilled with a flick of the wand, and most ailments could be cured with a prayer. Magic made life easier, especially for someone like him who didn't come from wealth or privilege.
Yet, there was a touch of sadness. He wasn't allowed to use magic in front of Muggles, not even his parents. In a way, it made his magic feel useless if he couldn't help them. However, he understood the reasons behind it. He knew that any money he saved, and the comforts he dreamed of in the Muggle world, would only be possible thanks to his magic.
With that in mind, he approached the one professor who always found ways to help him.
"May I come in, Professor?" he asked, lightly knocking on the door of Professor Flitwick's office.
"Ah, Damien," the professor's voice called out. "Please, come in."
Damien had only been inside Professor Flitwick's office a few times, but each visit left him amazed. The room was filled with rare books on charms and magic, wands from defeated opponents, battle memoirs, and certificates for spells the professor had created. It was a room that quietly celebrated success, a humble display of great achievements.
As Flitwick settled into his padded chair, another figure sat across from him, barely fitting into the chair meant for an average-sized man.
"Is this the lad I'm to be goin' with then?" the man asked, his gruff voice indicating that Damien wouldn't be traveling alone this time.
"Under the headmaster's orders, Hagrid will be accompanying you," Flitwick explained. He turned to Damien with an apologetic look. "I'm sorry, Damien, but if you want to visit the bank, you'll have to go with Hagrid. As for what you need to buy, students are usually expected to make their purchases at the start of the school year and have them registered. But given your circumstances, I'll help you with the registration."
It was a lot to take in, but Damien appreciated that while one problem had been added to his day, another had been taken off his shoulders.
"I'm grateful, Professor," Damien said, knowing Flitwick was one of the few who always helped his students. "And I understand the rules."
In truth, Damien didn't want anyone accompanying him, but his hands were tied. Rules were rules, and it was always better to stay on the good side of the professors and headmaster.
"But why are you visiting the bank so often, Damien?" Flitwick asked, curiosity evident. "This is your second visit in just a few days. The school already provides for most needs, and for anything else, they can retrieve the money on your behalf."
"It's not about withdrawing money this time, Professor," Damien explained. "I'm opening a savings account. The bank recently started offering accounts for junior wizards, and I want to start saving early."
Flitwick chuckled, amused. "Only twelve, and already thinking about finances."
The professor leaned back, smiling. "Most adults would tell you not to chase wealth, but unless you work for it, money doesn't just come to you. I support your decision, Damien. It's wise to be responsible with your finances."
Damien was grateful. Flitwick always seemed to approach things rationally, without unnecessary lectures.
"I trust you'll return safely and on time?" Flitwick said, turning to Hagrid. "The safety part will be your responsibility, Hagrid."
"Don' worry, Professor, I'll see to it not a hair on his head gets harmed."
With Hagrid's assurance, Flitwick nodded, looking relieved.
"Then I leave Damien in your care. And Damien," he added with a small smile, "be wise with your purchases."
"I will, Professor. Thank you for everything."
Flitwick gestured toward the door. "Now go, before the sun sets. Be back before curfew."
As Damien and Hagrid left, the professor watched them for a moment, then sighed, leaning back in his chair.
"He's growing stronger," Flitwick mused. He could sense that Damien's magic had intensified over the past few days, and it worried him. "It's not dark magic, nor has he taken any potions…"
The professor had discreetly inquired with the potion masters, but none of them had seen Damien recently.
"His growth can't be normal…"
It wasn't unheard of for young wizards to experience sudden bursts of magical strength, and Damien had mentioned feeling a newfound freedom in his magic. Flitwick was concerned.
"Rapid growth is good, but too much magic too quickly can harm him." He sighed again. "I just hope he knows what he's doing. He's one of the most hardworking and talented students I've come across in years."
Flitwick closed his eyes, allowing himself to relax.
"In all these years, only Harry's batch has matched the brilliance of James' generation," he thought with a soft smile. "But it's rare to have so many heirs of great houses and children with such potential in one group."
With that, the professor decided to call it a day. It had been months since he'd taken a break, and today seemed like the perfect time for one.
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[A/N: 25+ Advanced Chapters on Patreon + Other Stories: https://www.patreon.com/Greedyfrog
P.S. Was rewriting the DxD story, hence the delay. Done with 6 chapters of DxD. I will start uploading DxD once I reach 25 chapters. Should take around 2 weeks (+/- 3 days) because of my schedule.]