NOVEL NEXT Chapter 10: Ch. 10 Two years
It's been two years since I was taken in by my Aunt. I am now 7 years old. I've grown and filled out quite a bit due to being able to eat enough food and my constant exercises, now being 4'6 (and yes I'm keeping at it, never know when a well trained body will come in handy). My hair has grown with me to stop around my shoulder blades, but it's now well groomed and so smooth that I've heard both Susan and aunt Amelia protest at the injustice.
Three big pieces of news happened in the family in the last two years.
The first happened about six months into my stay at the Bones house. It was when the trial against those responsible for my imprisonment and torture was to be held. My aunt was spearheading the trial and had gathered enough evidence to "make half the dementors of Azkaban give them the Kiss at once" in her words. There was just one problem: the current current Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot, Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore. He screwed over the trial like it was nothing. The first thing he did was remove my aunt from the proceedings, the reason for this was apparently that she was "too involved in the case and victims to permit for a 'fair' trial." Let tell you, I've only seen her that enraged twice in my stay with her. The second time came a few days after and the verdict was announced: 20 years emprisonnement in Azkaban for one Ignacius Avery, stating that due to his age he would be unlikely to serve it fully. She was livid at that one, frustratingly drinking the entire evening while complaining about Dumbledore and his stupid ideology of giving the worst criminals in modern history a 'second chance' to correct themselves.
'That old demon better die in that place, because if he escapes with He-who-I-can't-take-seriously I'll make it feel like a fucking vacation' I thought as my eyes glowed with determination at the thought.
The second major event was after I'd turned six and I received an unexpected gift for my birthday. It was pretty nice birthday too. The dining area was decorated nicely with floating letters saying happy birthday, flying firecrackers were dancing around the room and a delicious looking cake was sitting on the table waiting to be sliced into and eaten. It was only me, Susan, Amelia and Tilly, but that was enough for me because it felt warm and I was unable to stop the goofy smile on my face from showing. We even managed to convince Tilly to eat cake with us, which was a lot more difficult than it sounds since she wouldn't stop crying like it was the biggest honor in the world for her. When it came to the presents it was great: Aunt Amelia got me a formal book on Occlumency to help me learn the established system, she also got me some wizard candies on behalf of Susan, Tilly handed me some incredibly nicely made robes for indoor wear and even Sol, who had grown into her full size (and let me tell you that it was both funny and frightening when Aunt Amelia realized she was a Phoenix), gifted me one of her Heart feathers, which I immediately thanked her and had Tilly properly store it. What made this event special was when one package arrived by owl near the end of the celebrations with a sender who's not too popular in this house arrived: Dumbledore. It seemed the package was for me, but I looked at Amelia as her face lost its emotions and only when she nodded so I carefully open it.
'Dear Mister Bones,
I know you may not have much in the way of positive feelings towards me due to the results of the Avery trial, but I've heard from a colleague of mine that you possess a very particular ability. I discussed this with an old friend and we found what I believe to be perfect little solution until you gain control of it.
Wishing you a Happy Birthday.
Albus Dumbledore'
'So this is the Albus " I give second chances to psychopaths" Dumbledore that exists in this world huh? One that is still smart but has a heart. I'll have to be careful around him cause I'm not planing on being another one of his weapons.' I thought after reading the message.
I looked at the small wooden box with my initials engraved in golden cursive and opened it. Inside was a pair of glasses. It had a metallic frame, with what felt like engravings throughout.
"I'll have someone in the ministry look them over before you try the on. We can't be too careful as it might be a fake sender or a cursed item." Said Aunt Amelia.
A week later she came back with them.
"Wear them and look me in the eyes after."
She simply ordered
I put them on as instructed and look into her eyes.
"They really do work!" She exclaimed as her eyes widened. " i didn't feel even the hint of a tugging on my defenses! You can finally go outside without worrying Aedan!"
My eyes widened at the time. I felt excited beyond words at the thought of finally being able to see more of the world.
And for the third piece of news
Susan actually called me her big brother.
I mean, I know it's not a big deal for most people, but it felt great for me. Getting accepted by the little girl really makes the time and snacks I've given her between my readings of Aunt Amelia's book real worth it. So now half of the time she calls me brother.
Makes me smile every time I think of it.
Now, back to me being seven.
I knocked on the closed door in front of me and waited patiently for an answer.
"Come in." I hear the occupants answer.
I open the door and walk into Aunt Amelia's home office. It's a place Susan and I aren't really allowed into when she isn't there. There's her large and sturdy desk, with a few bookshelves in the the room and behind her chair, on the wall, are moments in her life she is proud of. Her graduation, first position in the ministry, notable captures and successfully sentenced individuals and the day she became the head of her department are all behind her in moving photographs.
She looks up from her work and realizes it's me. She takes off her glasses and looks at me.
"Aedan? What's wrong? How come you came here? Aren't you usually reading stories to help Susan sleep right now?" She asked in a tired manner.
"There's nothing Aunty. I just wanted to ask if it was possible to have some tutors come in and teach me about subjects that won't require a wand for."
"What?" She said, asking for a clarification.
"I want to study things like Potions, Herbology, History, Astronomy, Arithmancy and Ancient runes!" I said with stars almost coming out of my eyes. "And I also want to read about the charms, jinxes and curses I'm going to learn at Hogwarts, to at least know the words and motions. I also want the learn how transfiguration works!"
"Wait a second Aedan. You want to learn all those subjects now?" She asked confirming my requests.
I nod quickly. "But if I can't get tutors can I get the books instead? I've finished all the books downstairs." I ask trying to put an alternative on the table.
"You finished all the books downstairs?!" She exclaimed in disbelief as she abruptly stood up.
"I have been reading them for a while. I even made some corrections in some of them based on the collective opinions of other authors and my own research." I proclaim with my chest puffed out a bit.
"You did what?!" Almost screamed Amelia. "Come with me." She said as she dragged me downstairs.
"Which books did you make your corrections?" She asked me with narrowed eyes.
"Well, I looked at the Seven-volume work on Harry Potter's life and the Second Wizarding War, but most of it was completely ludicrous. Do people actually believe this nonsense?" I started by questioning some of the materials spread in the magical world.
"Then there was A Study of Recent Developments in Wizardry, which I found that they didn't properly reference similar spells and developments from either earlier wizards or modern Muggle breakthroughs. Most of the muggle studies books are out of date by almost a century. The Dark Arts: A Legal Companion had many loopholes that I found and listed a few possible solutions. Laws of Conduct When Dealing With Muggles was similarly ridiculous. And I found that both Legislative Guide to the Proper Use of Magic and Magical Misdemeanors in the Modern Law are showing a high level of discriminatory restriction on any muggle-born or wizards containing beast blood which can possibly lead to possibly violent reactions if the current trend of laws keeps up." I answered systematically.
Aunt Amelia quickly went through the mentioned books and found my notes. At first she looked mad, but as she read through them her eyes widened in understanding at what I wrote.
"Aedan. This is what you've been doing with these books all the time?" She asked
"Yeah, i would have tried forming opinions and new ideas on other things but your books are centered more on laws and history." I answered to her query.
She stayed silent for a time and looked at me whilst thinking.
"Alright. I'll get you some tutors." She finally declared
"Yes!" I exclaimed with a fist pump
"But." She added making my celebration stop in its track.
"We will start with the basic subjects of potions, Herbology, Astronomy and History. You will also be getting proper etiquette lessons and penmanship classes to deal with the horrendous scribbling you call writing. You must also spend some time with Susan as you have, without neglecting her. If you can't handle this then your lessons will stop until you get to Hogwarts. If you succeed we shall see if we can add the other subjects you requested." She stated her deal and it was take it or leave it.
"Alright Aunt Amelia, I agree to your conditions." I stated resolutely in response.
Starting my fruitful years of pre-Hogwarts studying.