The Pheme and Young Geniuses

Swiftly excusing herself from the imposing couple and the three young boys was easy enough, trying to stop her mind from thinking excessively about the future was not. Even if her talent lied in the art of Legilimency, Anne had a firm foothold when it came to her less impressive occulmency however thinking about plot deviations always makes her head throb. 

The feeling of having half baked knowledge bothered Anne to the extreme. Therefore she had decided very early in her life to have absolute power. Power enough to to stand firm even if her plan A-Z failed, because she always had plan A1 - Z1.

And she was currently on her way to establish her plan H. Information is powerful and the one who distributes information is even more so. Hence, Anne's grand plan involved controlling the flow of information in the Wizarding Britain, not in a negative sense though because The Prophet did it enough. 

She made her way to a charming restaurant tucked away in a quieter corner of the alley. As she entered, she spotted Aaron Grey already seated at a corner table, reviewing a stack of documents. Aaron, a 30-year-old half-blood wizard, had been working as the director of the public relations department of Sallow Industries. His shock and excitement upon receiving Anne's letter a month ago had quickly turned into action as he prepared to help her establish a newspaper under the family name.

"Aaron," Anne greeted, approaching the table with a confident stride. "Thank you for meeting me."

Aaron stood up, a warm smile on his face. "Miss Sallow, it's an honor. Please, have a seat."

They settled into their seats, and a waiter promptly brought them menus. Anne took a moment to observe Aaron. He was not particularly tall, but his presence was commanding. He had an easygoing charm that made people naturally gravitate toward him, a trait that had served him well in his career.

"Aaron," Anne began, "I trust everything is in order?"

Aaron nodded, his expression serious. "Yes, Miss Sallow. I've set up all the legal documents and obtained the necessary permissions to run the newspaper. We're ready to move forward."

Anne leaned back, a satisfied smile playing on her lips. "Excellent. Let's go over the details."

As they discussed the procedures and employment details, Aaron's character became increasingly evident. He was incredibly social and well-connected, with a knack for shaping public opinion. His network spanned across various sectors of the wizarding world, from influential figures in the Ministry of Magic to respected journalists and media moguls. Aaron had a talent for understanding what made people tick, and he knew how to use that knowledge to his advantage.

"I've already contacted some of the best writers, editors, and reporters," Aaron said, his voice confident. "They're eager to join The Pheme and start working."

Anne nodded approvingly. "Your connections are impressive, Aaron. That's one of the reasons I chose you for this role. Your loyalty to those in power and your ability to navigate the social landscape will be invaluable."

Aaron's eyes lit up with pride. "Thank you, Miss Sallow. I won't let you down."

Anne really chose Aaron because of his loyality to the position of power. The man was loyal to powerful people but not bold enough to try be the leader himself... the perfect subordinate.

After they finished their meal, they went through the final paperwork. With a flourish of her quill, Anne signed the last document, officially establishing The Pheme. Aaron Grey was appointed as the Chief Executive Officer, marking the beginning of a new chapter in the British wizarding world.

As they left the restaurant, Anne felt a sense of accomplishment and anticipation. The Pheme would be more than just a newspaper; it would be a powerful tool for controlling the flow of information and shaping public opinion. With Aaron's expertise and connections, Anne was confident that they would make a significant impact.

"Aaron," she said, turning to him as they walked, "this is just the beginning. We have a lot of work ahead of us, but I have no doubt we will succeed."

Aaron smiled, his confidence matching hers. "I'm with you all the way, Miss Sallow. Let's make history together."

With The Pheme now a reality, Anne felt the first pieces of her grand plan falling into place. The journey ahead would be challenging, but with the power of the press at her disposal, she was a lot more confident.

Anne stepped out of the Floo Network and into the entrance of Feldcroft, a quaint hamlet nestled between the Scottish Highlands. The familiar sights and sounds of her childhood village greeted her, offering a brief but comforting respite from the intensity of her recent encounter at Gringotts.

The conversation with the Lestrange heir had been brief yet impactful, leaving Anne with more questions than answers. She needed time to think, to piece together the cryptic hints.

Pulling her cloak tighter around her shoulders to ward off the Highland chill, Anne began the familiar trek toward her family manor. The path wound through the village, past cozy cottages and old stone walls, until it reached the edge of the hamlet where the imposing silhouette of Rookwood Castle stood against the horizon.

As she passed by the castle, Anne felt the now-familiar pull deep within her. The sense of belonging was almost overwhelming, but so was the temptation. She knew that Rookwood Castle held secrets—secrets that could unlock the true potential of her ancient magic. But she also knew that the castle was fraught with danger.

Standing on the path, Anne gazed at the ancient stone walls, feeling the weight of the castle's history pressing down on her. The wind whispered through the trees, carrying with it the echoes of past battles and forgotten spells.

Rookwood Castle in Feldcroft stood as a testament to a bygone era, its ancient stones steeped in both history and mystery. The castle, though in ruins, exuded a sense of majesty that was impossible to ignore. Its once formidable walls, now crumbled and weather-worn, were overgrown with ivy and moss, creating a tapestry of green and gray. Despite the ravages of time, the castle's structure retained an aura of grandeur, with tall, jagged remnants of towers reaching skyward like skeletal fingers.

The castle's silhouette against the twilight sky was hauntingly beautiful, casting long shadows across the landscape. As Anne approached, she could feel the air thrum with latent power, the very stones of the castle pulsating with ancient magic. The enchantments woven into its foundations still held strong, a tangible reminder of the formidable wizards who had once called it home.

The main courtyard, once bustling with activity, was now silent, its cobblestones cracked and uneven, sprouting wildflowers and weeds. Yet, there was a strange, almost ethereal light that seemed to emanate from the heart of the ruins, casting a gentle glow that illuminated the intricate carvings on the remaining stone walls. These carvings depicted scenes of wizarding battles and mythical creatures, their details remarkably well-preserved despite the passage of centuries.

Inside the castle, the great hall, though roofless, still conveyed a sense of splendor. Broken columns lined the hall, their marble surfaces streaked with the passage of time but still displaying faint traces of their original gilding. The floor was littered with debris, yet in places, the original mosaic tiles peeked through, their vibrant colors hinting at the hall's former glory.

Amidst the decay, Anne could sense the pulsating core of ancient magic. It was as if the castle itself was alive, its stones humming with an energy that resonated deeply with her own magical essence. The air was thick with the scent of damp earth and old stone, mingling with the faint, almost imperceptible aroma of lingering spells.

As she wandered through the ruins, Anne felt a profound connection to the castle, as though it were whispering secrets of the past, urging her to uncover the mysteries it guarded. Each step she took was a journey through time, the castle revealing glimpses of its storied past and its critical role in her destiny. The sense of belonging she felt near the castle was undeniable, yet the immense temptation of its magic was a constant, enticing her to delve deeper into its enigmatic depths.

Anne shook her head, forcing herself to walk away. She couldn't afford to be distracted now. There was too much at stake, and she needed to gather her thoughts and prepare for whatever lay ahead. It wasn't the time yet. She doesn't have enough information , and her steps can't be miscalculated. She is not stupid or desperate enough to willingly be a fool. She continued her walk, her boots crunching on the gravel path, until she reached the gates of the Sallow family manor.

Pushing open the heavy iron gates, Anne stepped into the grounds, feeling a wave of comfort and familiar magic passing through her body as she crosses through the powerful layers of wards guarding her family home.

Immediately Perry, her dear personal house elf greets her with a tray of of water, tea and snacks. Thanking Perry, Anne makes her way through the twisting hallways to sit in her favourite parlour.

Anne's favorite parlor in Sallow Manor was a perfect blend of luxury and simplicity, a sanctuary of comfort and elegance. The room was adorned with rich, dark wood paneling and plush, deep burgundy drapes that framed large, arched windows, allowing soft, natural light to filter through.

Her favorite sofa, upholstered in a soft, velvety fabric, sat facing the centerpiece of the room: a magical portrait of her great-grandfather. The portrait, encased in an ornate, gilded frame, depicted the distinguished man with kind eyes and a gentle smile. As Anne settled into the sofa, the portrait comes to life, her great-grandfather's eyes twinkling as he smiled warmly in greeting. The rest of the room was tastefully decorated with a few elegant pieces of furniture and art, maintaining a sense of understated opulence that made the parlor both luxurious and inviting.

 As she sipped her tea, she called out, "Perry, could you please bring all my letters here?"

Within moments, Perry, her loyal house-elf, appeared with a stack of letters. "Here they are, Miss Anne," he said, placing them on the small table beside her. Anne thanked him and began to sort through the correspondence.

Most of the letters were business-related. One letter was from the head of Sallow Industries' research division, outlining the progress on a new line of magical artifacts designed to enhance spell casting efficiency. Another was a report from the financial department, summarizing the quarterly earnings and highlighting a particularly profitable deal with a prominent clothes supplier.

As Anne continued to sift through the letters, one particular envelope caught her eye. It was from Professor Brewstor, her potions tutor. She opened it eagerly and read:

Dear Anne,

I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing to inform you that I will be absent for the coming week due to a prior commitment that requires my immediate attention. Please continue with your studies as discussed during our last session, and do not hesitate to owl me if you have any urgent questions.

Yours sincerely,

Professor Brewstor

Anne sighed, slightly disappointed but understanding. She placed the letter aside and continued to enjoy her tea, contemplating the tasks ahead and the temporary absence of her tutor.

Since her tutor would be absent, Anne decided to dedicate the next week to practicing and improving her magic. She had many areas to exercise in, but her ancient magic often took up a significant amount of her time, leaving her feeling behind in certain subjects. Transfiguration, in particular, was one area where she felt she needed to improve, especially her skills in wandless transfiguration.

Anne set herself a rigorous schedule for the week. She planned to spend each morning in the vast library of Sallow Manor, surrounded by ancient tomes and modern texts alike. There, she would study the intricate theories and principles behind transfiguration, delving deep into the complexities of changing one object into another without the use of a wand.

Afternoons would be dedicated to practical application. She had arranged a special practice room within the manor, a spacious chamber lined with enchanted mirrors that allowed her to observe her own technique from multiple angles. This room also housed a variety of objects for her to practice on, ranging from simple items like quills and goblets to more challenging targets like small animals.

Anne had already mastered the basics of wandless magic: channeling her internal magical energy without relying on a wand to focus it. At first ,she began with simple transformations she could perform, such as turning a feather into a flower, matches into needles . These spells weren't even warmup for her, as she had been doing transformation spells since 5 years old.

Anne was already at an extremely adequate level when it came to the sub-branches of Transfiguration, which included Switching, Trans-Species Transformation, and Human Transfiguration, as well as Untransfiguration and Vanishment spells.

Switching Spells involved changing one object into another. Anne had mastered the nuances of these spells, able to effortlessly switch the forms of various items. She could turn a goblet into a quill and back again with a simple flick of her wrist, and she had practiced enough to do so with precision and speed.

Trans-Species Transformation required more complex magical understanding, as it involved changing a creature of one species into another. Anne had successfully transformed a mouse into a cat and a toad into a rabbit, maintaining control over the intricate details of each species. This branch of magic demanded not just power but also a deep understanding of the biological and magical properties of the creatures involved.

Human Transfiguration was among the most advanced and dangerous forms of Transfiguration, yet Anne had achieved a remarkable level of skill. She could alter her own appearance, changing her hair color, eye shape, and even the length of her limbs. However, she was cautious with this branch, always mindful of the potential risks and the need for precise control to avoid permanent or dangerous consequences.

Untransfiguration was the ability to reverse a Transfiguration spell, restoring an object or creature to its original form. Anne excelled in this area, capable of undoing even the most complex transformations with ease. She had practiced tirelessly to ensure she could seamlessly revert any magical changes she enacted.

Vanishment Spells were used to make objects disappear entirely. Anne could make various items vanish into thin air, a skill that required both concentration and a deep understanding of the magical forces at play. She often practiced by making small objects like quills and parchment disappear, ensuring her ability to do so remained sharp.

Despite her proficiency in these areas, Anne recognized that she wasn't as advanced in Conjuration Magic, which was a part of the N.E.W.T.s (Nastily Exhausting Wizarding Tests) level curriculum. Conjuration involved creating objects out of thin air, a highly complex and demanding branch of magic. Conjured objects were temporary and required significant magical energy and control to produce.

Anne decided to focus on improving her conjuration skills, knowing it would complement her existing strengths and expand her magical repertoire. She began her practice with simple conjurations, such as summoning a chair or a bouquet of flowers. The challenge was maintaining the object's stability and form for an extended period, which required precise control and a deep reservoir of magical energy.

Determined to master this advanced magic, Anne integrated conjuration practice into her daily routine. She studied advanced texts and practiced diligently, aiming to achieve the same level of competence in conjuration as she had in other areas of Transfiguration. This dedication to improving her conjuration skills would bring her one step closer to becoming a truly exceptional witch, capable of wielding a vast array of magical abilities.

As the days passed, Anne's determination grew. She practiced diligently, focusing on honing her concentration and control. She meditated each evening to center her mind, drawing on her ancient magic to enhance her understanding and manipulation of magical energies. The challenge of balancing her innate ancient magic with her desire to excel in traditional wizarding skills fueled her passion and drive.

By the end of the week, Anne had made significant progress. She felt more confident in her abilities and was starting to see improvements in her wandless transfiguration. Though she knew there was still much to learn, she was pleased with her dedication and the strides she had made. This newfound confidence in her transfiguration skills gave her a sense of accomplishment.

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With the dawn of the next week came the launch of the first issue of The Pheme, Anne Sallow's newly established wizarding newspaper. The publication was met with enthusiasm and curiosity, quickly garnering attention for its unique approach to communication and news in the wizarding world.

The front page featured a bold headline about the latest developments at the Ministry of Magic, detailing new policies aimed at regulating magical creatures. This article, penned by one of the paper's top journalists, provided an in-depth analysis of the policy changes, interviews with key figures, and potential impacts on the magical community.

Inside, The Pheme offered a variety of engaging columns and articles. One popular column, "Potions and Brews," written by a renowned potioneer, shared tips on advanced potion-making techniques and featured a special recipe for a seasonal potion. Another column, "Ancient Runes and Their Modern Uses," delved into the practical applications of ancient magical symbols in contemporary spellcasting.

The newspaper also included a section called "Muggle Watch," which kept readers informed about significant events and trends in the Muggle world, helping wizards stay connected with non-magical society. This section featured articles on technological advancements, notable cultural happenings, and interviews with Muggle-born witches and wizards who provided insights into bridging the two worlds.

A dedicated "Sports" section covered the latest Quidditch matches, including a thrilling recap of a recent game between the Montrose Magpies and the Holyhead Harpies. This section also featured profiles of rising Quidditch stars and updates on other magical sports and competitions.

"The Pheme Investigates" was an investigative journalism column that promised to uncover hidden truths and bring light to underreported stories. In the debut issue, this column tackled the mysterious disappearances of several magical artifacts from private collections, sparking widespread intrigue and speculation.

Finally, the "Community Corner" highlighted local events, charity drives, and announcements from various wizarding communities across the country. This section aimed to foster a sense of unity and shared purpose among readers, encouraging them to participate in and support their local magical societies.

The success of The Pheme's first issue was evident in the positive feedback from readers, who appreciated the newspaper's thorough, insightful, and diverse coverage. The paper's unique blend of current events, practical advice, and deep dives into magical subjects quickly established it as a must-read publication in the British wizarding world. Anne's vision of creating a powerful tool for information communication had taken its first successful step, marking her as an emerging name to watch in the community.

Naturally, the launch of The Pheme did not go unnoticed by The Daily Prophet and its supporters. As the leading newspaper in the Wizarding Britain for decades, The Daily Prophet had enjoyed a near-monopoly on magical news, and the sudden rise of a new competitor sparked a wave of wariness and competitive fervor.

The Daily Prophet responded swiftly, stepping up their game to maintain their readership. They began to publish more frequent and detailed articles, aiming to outdo The Pheme's coverage. Their front-page stories grew more sensational, often featuring bold headlines and exclusive interviews with high-profile figures in the wizarding world. They also introduced new columns and segments to diversify their content and appeal to a broader audience.

In a bid to retain their loyal readers, The Daily Prophet rolled out a series of special issues and promotional offers. Subscribers were treated to exclusive content, such as behind-the-scenes looks at the Ministry of Magic, and limited-edition collectibles, including enchanted photographs of famous witches and wizards.

Supporters of The Daily Prophet voiced their skepticism about The Pheme, questioning the credibility and experience of the new publication. Some critics argued that The Pheme's fresh approach to news was too unconventional, while others expressed concerns about potential bias given Anne Sallow's background and connections.

Despite the competition, The Pheme continued to thrive. Criticism gives birth to popularity. The paper's unique and insightful reporting won over many readers who were tired of the sensationalism often seen in The Daily Prophet. The investigative journalism column, "The Pheme Investigates," became particularly popular for its commitment to uncovering truths and presenting well-researched stories.

Anne and her team at The Pheme remained unfazed by the competition, focusing on their mission to deliver high-quality news and information. They continued to innovate, introducing interactive features in their articles, such as enchanted illustrations that came to life and voice-recorded interviews that readers could listen to directly from the pages.

The rivalry between The Pheme and The Daily Prophet sparked a dynamic and exciting era in wizarding journalism. Readers benefited from the increased competition, as both newspapers pushed each other to provide better, more comprehensive coverage. This new landscape of magical media promised to keep the wizarding world well-informed and engaged, with The Pheme quickly establishing itself as a formidable contender in the realm of wizarding news.

A few months after its launch, The Pheme published an extensive article reviewing a newly released book titled "Ancient Arts in the Modern World: A Guide to Lost Traditions." The book, which delved into old wizarding traditions, examined their decline in contemporary society, their legitimacy as non-dark magic, and proposed ways to introduce these traditions to Muggle-borns in an unbiased and captivating manner.

The book had quickly become a sensation in the wizarding world, not only due to its profound and thought-provoking content but also because of its remarkably young author—Karlos Hector Fawley. At just 10 years old, Karlos was the heir of The Right Ancient and Noble House of Fawley, one of the eight Marquesal houses and part of the Sacred Twenty-Eight, a fact that added an extra layer of intrigue to the book's reception.

The Pheme's article offered a detailed analysis of Karlos' work, highlighting the boy's deep understanding of magical traditions and his ability to present them in a manner that was both scholarly and accessible. The review praised the book for its thorough research and the balanced perspective it provided on traditions often misunderstood or dismissed as dark magic. It also lauded Karlos for his innovative approach to bridging the gap between old wizarding customs and the modern, diverse wizarding community.

In addition to the review, The Pheme featured an exclusive interview with Karlos Hector Fawley. The young author spoke passionately about his motivation for writing the book, his fascination with magic, and his desire to preserve its traditions while making them accessible to all wizards and witches, regardless of their background. His articulate and insightful responses left a lasting impression on readers and further cemented his status as a prodigious talent.

Anne Sallow, the driving force behind The Pheme, was particularly intrigued by Karlos. An anomaly in the wizarding world, Karlos did not exist in the original Harry Potter timeline, making his presence and accomplishments even more remarkable. She found herself drawn to his story and his potential influence on the wizarding community. Anne began considering ways to further support and collaborate with the young talented Heir Fawley.

The article on Karlos Hector Fawley and his groundbreaking book solidified The Pheme's reputation for covering significant and impactful stories. It also underscored Anne's commitment to fostering a well-informed and inclusive wizarding society, where ancient traditions and modern innovations could coexist and enrich the magical world.

The young boy, Karlos Fawley stayed in her mind for quite some time though.