Admittance and Shopping

As the morning sun painted the sky with hues of pink and orange, Harry stood in the expansive courtyard of the Potter estate, his heart racing with excitement. By his side stood Cosmos, his loyal phoenix companion, a creature of fiery grace and boundless energy.

With a shared glance and a silent understanding, Harry and Cosmos prepared to take flight. There was no need for brooms or wands, for they possessed a connection that transcended such mundane tools. With a deep breath and a surge of magic, Harry felt himself lift off the ground, the wind rushing past him as he ascended into the sky.

There was a freedom in flying without the constraints of a broom, a sense of liberation that filled him with exhilaration. He soared higher and higher, the world below shrinking to a mere speck as he and Cosmos climbed ever skyward.

Together, they danced among the clouds, weaving intricate patterns in the air as they revelled in the joy of flight. The wind whipping through his hair as he marvelled at the beauty of the world spread out beneath him.

For a time, they flew in silence, the only sound the rush of wind and the beating of Cosmos' wings. But as they reached the highest point of their flight, Harry couldn't help but feel a sense of awe wash over him. From this vantage point, he could see for miles in every direction, the world stretching out before him in all its breathtaking splendour.

"Isn't it incredible, Cosmos?" Harry exclaimed, his voice filled with wonder as he gazed out at the world below.Cosmos let out a trill of agreement, his fiery feathers shimmering in the sunlight as he circled gracefully through the air. As the sun began its slow descent towards the horizon, Harry and Cosmos began their descent back to earth.

As Harry landed gracefully in the courtyard, Cosmos circled overhead, his keen eyes watching every move Harry made. With a sense of determination, Harry focused his magic, channelling it into a precise and controlled manner.

With a flick of his wrist, he conjured a pocket of vacuum, the air around him seeming to shimmer with unseen energy. The pocket expanded before him, growing in size until it was as long as his arm and as wide as a Quaffle. Harry's brow furrowed in concentration as he maintained the spell, his magical energy pulsing through him as he willed the vacuum to hold steady.

Cosmos let out a soft chirp of approval, his fiery plumage glowing with pride as he watched Harry's progress. With each passing moment, the vacuum pocket held firm, a testament to Harry's skill and determination. As the spell reached its peak, Harry released a breath he hadn't realised he'd been holding.

The vacuum pocket hung in the air before him, a tangible manifestation of his magical prowess. With a satisfied nod, Harry dismissed the spell, the pocket dissipating into nothingness as the air rushed back to fill the space.As Harry stood in the courtyard, his chest swelling with pride at his accomplishment, Cosmos descended gracefully to land beside him. The phoenix's fiery gaze met Harry's, and a sense of understanding passed between them.

"Congratulations, young one," Cosmos trilled, his voice filled with warmth and pride. "You have shown great skill and control in mastering the vacuum pocket spell."

Harry smiled gratefully at his loyal companion, grateful for his encouragement. "Thank you, Cosmos. I couldn't have done it without your guidance."

The phoenix dipped his head in acknowledgment before continuing. "But remember, Harry, with great power comes great responsibility. The vacuum pocket spell is a formidable ability, one that can be both useful and dangerous if wielded carelessly."

Harry nodded solemnly, understanding the weight of Cosmos' words. "I'll be careful, Cosmos. I promise."

The phoenix's fiery feathers seemed to glow with approval as he spoke again. "Good. Remember, not everyone may understand the true nature of your abilities. It is important to use them wisely and to keep them hidden from those who may seek to exploit them."

Harry's expression grew thoughtful as he considered Cosmos' advice. He knew that his vacuum abilities were unique and powerful, and he understood the importance of keeping them hidden from prying eyes.

"I'll keep that in mind, Cosmos," Harry replied earnestly. "I won't let anyone know about my abilities unless absolutely necessary."

Cosmos let out a soft chirp of approval, his fiery gaze meeting Harry's with pride. "That's my boy. Now go get some well deserved rest, I will see you tomorrow."

Harry nodded and started going back to the Manor as he was thinking about his progress over the years. It had been a week after his 11th birthday which he had enjoyed a lot with his friends and family.

Almost in every subject except herbology he had completed Hogwarts 3rd year curriculum, he also reached the OWL year syllabus in Ancient runes. His training with Aunt Bella as he fondly called Bellatrix Lestrange was also going well, she had mentioned something about participating in U-18 British Duelling Championship and after that the ICW U-18 World duelling championship the upcoming year which he was excited about. 

His relationships with all his friends and family was also going rather well, his grandmother would always shower him with affection, her reason being he had missed out a lot in his initial days. Also his Hogwarts letter would soon arrive according to Professor Mcgonagall, whom he called Aunt Minne when in private though she did threaten to turn him into a flobberworm if he called her that in public.

He was rather nervous for the upcoming day as Arcturus was going to check his progress in the mind arts, specifically occlumency. He was at stage 5 in occlumency. The stages being clearing your mind first, sorting through and organising your memories being second, build a storage area for the precious and secretive memories being third, constructing a mind place to hide the storage unit and confuse the invader being fourth, creating defences for the place and making it a impenetrable fortress being fifth, finding your core and inner animal being sixth and merging your core with your physical, mental and spiritual form being seventh. The sixth and seventh stage were the hardest to perform, but if the 7th stage is achieved one could literally bend magic to his or her whims and perform feats with magic that under normal circumstances should not be possible. 

Most of the determined people stop at stage 5 considering the job done, but Harry wanted to be a stage 7 or Grand master in occlumency. Arcturus, Dumbledore, Grindelwald, Voldmort and his Grandmother Euphemia were stage 7 occlumens. His grandfather and father were level 6 while his mother was level 5. As he thought about his life, sleep slowly claimed him.

Harry knew that today would be a crucial test of his abilities in occlumency, and he was determined to prove himself worthy of reaching the elusive seventh stage. As he made his way to the designated meeting place within the Potter Manor, his mind raced with thoughts of his previous occlumency lessons and simultaneously he was checking his mental defences and reinforcing them where he felt the defences were weak.

Arcturus awaited him in the grand library, a room filled with towering bookshelves and comfortable reading nooks. The elderly wizard greeted Harry with a nod of acknowledgment as he entered, his piercing gaze seeming to penetrate straight into Harry's soul.

"Good morning, Harry," Arcturus said, his voice low and commanding. "Today, we will put your occlumency skills to the test. Are you ready?"

Harry squared his shoulders and met Arcturus' gaze with determination. "Yes, I'm ready."

Arcturus nodded approvingly before gesturing for Harry to take a seat opposite him at the large oak table.

Arcturus raised his wand and said legillimens after which Harry felt a powerful force invading his mind.

As Arcturus delved deeper into Harry's mind palace, he encountered a formidable array of defences meticulously crafted by the young wizard. Each layer of protection was imbued with Harry's determination to safeguard his innermost thoughts and memories from intrusion.

At the perimeter of the mind palace, a shimmering moat encircled the grounds, its waters crackling with electricity charged currents. Any intruder attempting to breach the palace would face a shocking deterrent, warding off all but the most determined adversaries. Arcturus nullified the moat by removing the wards protecting it and using a complex twirl he managed to vanish the water but it took quite a bit of his energy.

Beyond the moat, towering walls rose up to surround the palace grounds, fortified with an arsenal of magical cannons and guarded by an array of mythical creatures. Majestic hippogriffs soared through the skies, their piercing cries warning would-be invaders of the dangers that lay ahead. Ferocious dragons roamed the battlements, their fiery breath serving as a fearsome deterrent to any who dared approach. And above it all, a flock of phoenixes circled, their radiant plumage ablaze with protective magic. To face the creatures Arcturus literally bent magic to his will to create illusionary magic of the highest kind and made it seem like the creatures had warded off the attacker and compelled them of it.

As Arcturus approached the main entrance to the palace, he encountered the most formidable defence yet – the blazing sun itself. With a powerful burst of magic, Harry had fashioned a mechanism that caused the sun to emit a searing beam of light, burning with an intensity that could incinerate anything in its path, though its disadvantage was that it could only attack once and after the attack sun shaped structures fire burns out and the remaining mass hurls itself at the attacker like a meteorite. Only those with the strongest occlumency skills would be able to withstand the blinding glare and penetrate the palace's inner sanctum.

Arcturus just cast the Aegis Sanctum that covered his entire body and protected him from both the incineration and meteorite.

With each layer of defence he encountered, Arcturus marvelled at Harry's ingenuity and determination. The young wizard had crafted a fortress of the mind unlike any Arcturus had ever seen, a testament to his unwavering resolve to protect his innermost self from harm.

As he navigated the treacherous obstacles before him, Arcturus couldn't help but feel a sense of pride in his young protege.

Harry watched nervously, his heart pounding in his chest as he waited for Arcturus' assessment. The tension in the air was palpable as the elderly wizard scrutinised every detail of the mind palace, searching for any weaknesses or vulnerabilities.

After what felt like an eternity, Arcturus finally spoke, his voice tinged with satisfaction. "Impressive, Harry. Your defences are strong and well-constructed. It is clear that you have put a great deal of thought and effort into this."

Relief flooded through Harry as he heard Arcturus' words of praise. He had poured countless hours into perfecting his mind palace, refining its defences to withstand even the most determined intruders.

"Thank you, Arcturus," Harry replied, a sense of pride swelling within him. "I've worked hard to ensure that my mind palace is as secure as possible."

Arcturus nodded approvingly before turning his attention back to the shimmering structure before them. "Indeed you have, Harry. But remember, occlumency is not just about building defences – it's also about maintaining them and adapting to new threats as they arise. Also Be sure to reach level 7 before next year, Harry."

"I will ensure that I will master it." Harry replied. They bid farewell and Harry went to the dining room where his grandmother was slowly sipping some tea with grace and elegance. Next to her a Tawny Black colour owl was waiting with a letter which he recognised and got excited.

The Hogwarts crest is a symbol of the esteemed magical institution, representing its rich history, noble values, and commitment to excellence. At the centre of the crest is a majestic shield, proudly emblazoned with the four iconic house animals: the lion, representing Gryffindor; the serpent, symbolising Slytherin; the eagle, emblematic of Ravenclaw; and the badger, representing Hufflepuff. Each animal is depicted with intricate detail, their features fierce and proud, reflecting the qualities of courage, ambition, wisdom, and loyalty that define the four Hogwarts houses. The animals are arranged around a central motif, which features a large letter 'H' for Hogwarts. Above the shield floats a majestic phoenix, its wings outstretched in flight. The phoenix symbolises rebirth and renewal, embodying the spirit of resilience and transformation that defines the Hogwarts experience.

Below the shield, a ribbon unfurls, bearing the school motto in bold, golden letters: "Draco dormiens nunquam titillandus" – "Never tickle a sleeping dragon." This timeless motto serves as a reminder to students to approach their magical education with caution, respect, and reverence.

"Grandmother!" Harry exclaimed, unable to hide the excitement in his voice as he rushed forward to greet her. "Look, it's here! My Hogwarts acceptance letter!"

Euphemia Potter's eyes sparkled with pride and affection as she regarded her grandson. "Ah, Harry, I knew this day would come. I am so proud of you, my dear boy," she said, her voice filled with warmth.

Harry beamed with pride as he carefully retrieved the letter from the owl's beak, holding it up for his grandmother to see. The parchment was aged and yellowed with time, but the Hogwarts crest embossed upon it gleamed brightly, filling Harry's heart with a sense of belonging and anticipation.

With trembling hands, Harry broke the seal and unfolded the letter, eagerly scanning its contents. The words danced across the page, detailing everything he needed to know about his upcoming journey to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

Hadrian J Potter

5th floor 3rd room

Potter Castle,

We are delighted to extend to you an offer of admission to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, where you will begin your magical education alongside fellow witches and wizards from across the wizarding world.

Enclosed with this letter, you will find a list of required and optional supplies for your first year at Hogwarts. Please ensure that you acquire all necessary items prior to the commencement of term on September 1st. Should you require assistance in obtaining any of these materials, please do not hesitate to contact the school.

Required Supplies:

Wand - Each student is required to purchase a wand.

Cauldron (Pewter, Standard Size 2) - For potion-making classes.

Set of Glass or Crystal Phials - For storing potion ingredients.

Telescope - For Astronomy lessons.

Brass Scales - For weighing potion ingredients.

A set of standard-sized Brass Scales

A standard-sized pewter cauldron

Books:

The Standard Book of Spells (Grade 1) by Miranda Goshawk

Magical Drafts and Potions by Arsenius Jigger

Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them by Newt Scamander

A History of Magic by Bathilda Bagshot

Magical Theory by Adalbert Waffling

One Thousand Magical Herbs and Fungi by Phyllida Spore

The Dark Forces: A Guide to Self-Protection by Quentin Trimble

Other Optional Supplies:

Quill and InkParchment

Wizard's Chess Set

Crystal Ball

Sneakoscope

Brass Telescope

Please be advised that all students are required to wear full wizarding robes while at Hogwarts. If you do not already own a set, they can be purchased at a number of shops in Diagon Alley.

We eagerly anticipate your arrival at Hogwarts and look forward to welcoming you into our school community.

Please note first years are not allowed to bring a broomstick to the castle, also venturing into Hogsmeade and forbidden forest is prohibited. We await your note of acceptance or deniance.

Yours sincerely,

Minerva McGonagall

Deputy Headmistress

Harry immediately wrote a response accepting the admission and sent it back with the same owl after making the necessary payments.

Excitement crackled in the air as Euphemia bustled Harry(who was in disguise to avoid the general public)through the Leaky Cauldron. The dingy pub gave way to a bustling cobblestone street, Diagon Alley, overflowing with shops catering to every imaginable magical need. Their first stop was Gringotts, the wizarding bank.

Their first shop was Ollivanders, the esteemed wand shop with its peeling paint and dusty display cases. The moment the bell chimed over the threshold, a hush fell over the gathered customers. All eyes turned towards them, particularly towards the regal Euphemia Potter.

Ollivanders himself, a man seemingly cobbled together from twigs and parchment, materialised from behind a towering stack of wand boxes. His milky white eyes, magnified by spectacles perched precariously on his nose, seemed to pierce right through Harry. "Ah, Dowager Potter, a pleasure as always," he rasped, his voice like dry leaves rustling. "And is this the young Heir Potter? A momentous occasion indeed."

Euphemia, the picture of composure, inclined her head. "Indeed, Mr. Ollivander. Harry is here for his first wand, and wouldn't mind exploring the possibility of a custom creation."

Ollivander's lips curved into a thin smile, his curiosity piqued. "An admirable ambition. Now, young Mr. Potter, have any woods or cores particularly called to you?"

Harry, still absorbing the weight of this magical place, hesitated. "Not exactly, sir. But… I wouldn't mind a wand that reflects balance, maybe with a touch of power."

A knowing glint flickered in Ollivander's eyes. "Balance, eh? A complex request, but one we can explore. First, let's see what the wood whispers to you."

With surprising agility for his age, Ollivander embarked on a whirlwind tour of the shop, retrieving a selection of wood samples. He laid them out on the counter, each radiating a distinct energy: fir, known for its adaptability and resilience; maple, prized for its intellectuality and focus; and hornbeam, associated with courage and protection.

Harry reached out hesitantly, touching each wood. Fir felt reassuringly solid, maple sent a jolt of mental clarity through him, and hornbeam pulsed with a sense of unwavering resolve. Yet, none truly resonated with his core.

Ollivander, ever the patient guide, continued his presentation. He offered redwood, known for its connection to the natural world; vine, prized for its elegance and ability to channel subtle magic; and ebony, associated with power and a touch of mystery.

Harry explored each wood carefully, feeling a grounding energy from the redwood, a surprising strength in the vine, and a powerful, almost overwhelming aura from the ebony.

A thoughtful frown creased Ollivander's brow. "Intriguing. Perhaps a more unique approach is needed. What about a combination?"

His eyes sparkled with a hint of mischief. He retrieved three boxes, each containing a wood Harry hadn't considered yet: elder, a potent wood harbouring immense magic but fickle in its allegiance; holly, known for its loyalty and power; and yew, associated with death and power, often favoured by those with a strong will.

Tentatively, Harry reached out and touched each box. Elder sent a thrill of raw power coursing through him, holly emanated a comforting warmth, and yew prickled with an icy coldness. A sense of hidden potential thrummed within him, urging him to explore further.

"Interesting," Ollivander murmured, his voice laced with intrigue. "You seek power, but also balance, and perhaps a touch of resilience. Elder offers immense magic, but it's fickleness might not suit you. Holly provides loyalty, a perfect match for your desire for balance, but might lack the raw strength you crave. And yew… yew offers control, but its association with darkness could be a concern."

Harry pondered this, considering the conflicting feelings each wood evoked. "Could we… perhaps combine them?" he suggested, a question brimming with hope.

Ollivander's eyebrows shot up in surprise. "Combine them? An unorthodox notion, Mr. Potter, but not entirely unheard of. However, finding the right balance within the core would be paramount."

He retrieved three vials containing the core materials Harry had envisioned: a shimmering phoenix feather(Cosmos's which Harry provided to Ollivander), a pulsating nundu heartstring, and a vial filled with a swirling crimson liquid – the blood of a Griffon.

"Phoenix feather, embodying rebirth and immense potential," Ollivander explained, his voice filled with reverence. "Nundu heartstring, powerful but potentially volatile. And Gryffon blood, offering courage and the ability to channel immense magical energy with control."

These were powerful components, each with its own strengths and potential drawbacks. A mix of excitement and apprehension bubbled within Harry.

Euphemia, a hint of concern flickering in her eyes, voiced her worry. "Mr. Ollivander, wouldn't that be… too much for a young wizard to handle?"

Ollivander stroked his long beard thoughtfully. "Perhaps, Dowager Potter. Yet, Mr. Potter seems to possess a unique connection with these elements. The key lies in finding the right focus, an element that can bridge the gap and promote harmony within the wand."

He then retrieved a small velvet pouch, revealing a single, stunning emerald, its tip infused with a hint of shimmering mithril. "Mithril-infused emerald," he explained, his voice filled with a quiet awe. "A rare focus, known for its ability to channel magic with incredible efficiency and promote stability. It might just be the element we need."

Carefully, with practised ease, Ollivander set to work. He inserted a single feather from Harry's companion, Cosmos (a phoenix with emerald green feathers), a single heartstring from a nundu, and a single drop of Gryffon blood into the hollowed centre where the three woods - elder, holly, and yew - were carefully intertwined. He sealed it with a muttered incantation, then slipped the core into the intricately carved handle, a combination of the three woods. Finally, he attached the mithril-infused emerald, its surface catching the light like a miniature constellation.

"Here you go, Mr. Potter," Ollivander said, his voice filled with a quiet anticipation. "Hold it, feel its presence."

As Harry grasped the wand, a surge of energy coursed through him, tingling in his fingertips and radiating outwards. The room shimmered momentarily, and a warm golden light, flecked with emerald and a hint of crimson, emanated from the tip of the wand. But unlike a single, vibrant colour, the light pulsed and shifted, reflecting the complex interplay of the core elements within. 

The wand that pulsed in Harry's grasp was unlike anything Ollivanders had ever created. The handle, a complex weave of three woods – elder, pale and smooth, holly, a warm, deep red, and yew, a cool, almost black ebony – shimmered with an inner light. The artistry was breathtaking; the woods seamlessly blended, their grains swirling together like a mystical tapestry.

Light emanated not just from the tip, but from the very core of the wand, casting an ethereal glow on Harry's face. The mithril-infused emerald, set at the tip, wasn't just a beautiful gemstone; it was a miniature constellation, tiny veins of silver threading through its green depths, mirroring the shimmering mithril infused within. As Harry moved the wand, the emerald pulsed in response, the light within the wand seeming to dance to a silent rhythm.

An aura of power resonated from the wand, a subtle yet undeniable presence. It wasn't a harsh, overwhelming force, but a contained energy, a sleeping dragon coiled within the wood, waiting to be unleashed. The very air around the wand crackled with anticipation, a testament to the immense potential it held.

This wasn't just a wand; it was a work of art, a masterpiece imbued with magic. It was a wand worthy of a legend, a wand that whispered promises of greatness to its wielder or so Ollivander told him. As Harry held it aloft, the weight of that promise settled on him, a thrilling burden that filled him with a sense of destiny. He knew, with a certainty that defied logic, that this wand and he were meant to be together, partners on a journey unlike any other.

A gasp escaped Euphemia's lips. "It's… magnificent," she breathed, her eyes wide with wonder.

Harry held the wand aloft, a sense of awe washing over him. It felt different from anything he'd imagined. Powerful, yes, but also balanced, the light and dark elements held in perfect harmony by the mithril-infused emerald. It was a wand unlike any other, a reflection of his own unique potential.

Ollivander's eyes shone with a strange intensity. "Curious, curious," he murmured. "A wand of immense power, Mr. Potter. It seems you have a destiny unlike any other. Treat it with respect, and it will serve you well."

Harry nodded solemnly, a newfound determination settling in his heart. This wand, a manifestation of his own core, was more than just a tool; it was a promise, a whisper of the extraordinary adventures that awaited him. They payed 350 galleons for the wand along with a Dragonhide wand holster.

Exhilarated from his wand fitting, Harry followed Euphemia deeper into Diagon Alley. Their next stop: Madam Malkin's Robes for All Occasions. The shop, a riot of colourful fabrics, overflowed with witches and wizards draped in every imaginable attire. Euphemia, however, marched straight to the back, where a regal-looking witch awaited with a measuring tape in hand.

"Ah, Dowager Potter," the witch greeted, her voice laced with respect. "And I presume this must be the young Heir Potter. We did not expect you. Finest Acromantula silks, of course?"

Euphemia nodded curtly. 

Soon, Harry found himself surrounded by an assistant unfurling bolts of the most exquisite fabrics he'd ever seen. The Acromantula silk, boasting a subtle pearlescent sheen, shimmered with an otherworldly beauty. With a flourish, the assistant displayed a design – the Potter family crest. Seven sets of robes later (including a winter ensemble with a fur-lined cloak), Harry emerged feeling like a prince. He also acquired the full Hogwarts uniform – pointed black hats, jet-black robes with silver trimmings, and a neatly embroidered Hogwarts crest over the pocket.

Next came the most daunting purchase – his trunk. At Trunks, Ahoy!, a gruff goblin salesman presented various options. Finally, Euphemia settled on a magnificent seven-compartment trunk, crafted from rare dragonwood. This wasn't just any trunk; it boasted the strongest enchantments(including light weight and strengthening) and wards, including blood recognition for security. A whisper of a password to the keyhole activated the magic, revealing not just compartments but a whole miniature world within. One compartment transformed into a spacious, luxuriously furnished bedroom, complete with a comfy bed. Another housed a fully functional kitchen, stocked with magical cooking utensils and self-refilling pantries. A third unveiled a hidden bathroom, complete with a self-cleaning bathtub and miniature potions for a rejuvenating soak. The final compartment, accessible only through a hidden latch, revealed a fully equipped duelling room, complete with retractable dummies and protective charms along the walls. Harry gaped, speechless. It was a miniature Hogwarts dorm, a portable sanctuary within a trunk. Euphemia reminded him of the inbuilt library, stocked with classic magical texts and blank journals for his own notes.

With their heavy trunks shrunk to manageable sizes, they ventured to Magical Menagerie. Here, a cacophony of barks, squawks, and hisses filled the air. Harry, overwhelmed by the sheer number of magical creatures, was drawn to a magnificent snowy owl perched on the highest branch. Its feathers were a dazzling white, its amber eyes sharp and intelligent.

As Harry approached, the owl hooted softly, tilting its head in curiosity. He hesitantly extended his arm, and a moment later, the owl landed gracefully on his gloved hand. A spark of recognition passed between them, a silent connection that transcended words. Euphemia smiled knowingly. "Hedwig," she declared, the name rolling off her tongue like a prophecy.

Their next stop was Flourish and Blotts, the largest bookstore in Diagon Alley. Here, Harry indulged in all the books listed on his Hogwarts supply list, opting for the premium editions with embellished covers and gilded lettering. He also couldn't resist an "Astronomical All-Seeing Galaxy Globe," a mesmerising sphere that showcased the constellations in shimmering constellations and whispered the secrets of the universe when touched.

Potions, a subject he was surprisingly very good at, required a top-of-the-line potions kit. This included intricately crafted silver vials, self-stirring cauldrons, and a set of dragon hide gloves for handling potentially hazardous ingredients. As a precaution, Euphemia also procured him a set of durable dragon hide gloves for Herbology, just in case the magical flora proved more prickly than anticipated.

Finally, they capped off the day with a visit to Florean Fortescue's Ice Cream parlour. Harry, feeling slightly overwhelmed yet exhilarated, savoured a generous scoop of butterscotch ice cream, the sweet coolness was perfect after a tiring day. They then returned home and went into deep slumber due to soreness of their muscles.