Chapter 11: Ox Talisman · The Power of Protection
In the summer of his ninth year, Star-Swirl Manorwelcomed a rare magic storm.
That afternoon, the sky suddenly darkened, and dark clouds pressed down toward the ground like giant palms.
The wind began to howl, and branches swayed wildly, while the rumble of thunder came from afar—but that thunder was unlike ordinary thunder; it carried a strange echo, as if some magic forces were colliding in the sky.
Cassiopeia stood at the entrance, frowning as she watched the sky.
"This isn't right," she said in a low voice. "It's not a natural storm."
Lyla walked out of the house, clutching her wand in her hand.
"Mom, the news came from the Ministry of Magic; someone used large-scale Dark Arts in the north, triggering a chain reaction. The storm might spread here."
Cassiopeia nodded, turned around, and shouted toward the house, "Rhys! Come inside!"
Rhys was standing at the edge of the garden, looking up at the rolling dark clouds.
He was nine years old and already knew how to distinguish between ordinary weather and magic weather—this storm was indeed unusual.
He turned and ran toward the house.
Just then, a blinding flash of lightning struck down, hitting the century-old oak tree in the garden squarely.
Boom—the loud noise made Rhys's ears ring.
He instinctively crouched down, covering his head with his hands, and only stood up slowly after the sound faded.
Then he saw it.
That oak tree, the old oak tree that had stood in the garden since he was born, was currently tilting.
Its main trunk had been struck by lightning, and the thick trunk cracked down the middle, emitting a terrifying creaking sound, and then—began to fall.
"No—" Before Rhys could even shout, he saw a small figure under the tree.
Bangbang.
Bangbang had been picking up acorns under the tree just now; he should have run away when the storm came—but he didn't.
Perhaps he ran too slowly.
Perhaps he wanted to pick a few more for his young master.
Perhaps he never expected the tree would fall.
In any case, he was right there.
When the oak tree fell, he didn't even have a chance to dodge.
Crash—the huge trunk slammed into the ground, kicking up a cloud of dust and fallen leaves.
Rhys's mind went blank, and then he dashed over like a madman.
"Bangbang! Bangbang!"
He ran to the tree and saw Bangbang pinned under the trunk.
The oak tree was too thick; the trunk was almost as thick as Rhys's body, and only Bangbang's lower body was exposed, while his upper body was completely pinned.
"Bangbang!" Rhys lay down, desperately trying to see Bangbang's face clearly. "Bangbang, how are you?"
"Young... young master..." Bangbang's voice came from under the trunk, so weak it was almost inaudible. "Bangbang... hurts..."
Rhys's heart felt as if it were being tightly squeezed by someone.
He saw Bangbang's exposed lower legs twitching, saw those large ears that were usually always twitching now hanging weakly, and saw the blood seeping out from under the trunk.
"Bangbang, hold on!" Rhys stood up and looked around. "Grandma! Aunt! Someone help!"
But his voice was swallowed by the storm.
The wind howled, the thunder roared, and another bolt of lightning struck in the distance, illuminating his pale face.
No one heard.
No one came.
Bangbang's moans grew weaker and weaker.
Rhys turned back and looked at that huge trunk.
He remembered what his grandmother had said: a House-elf's constitution is tougher than a Wizard's, but being pinned by such a thick trunk, he wouldn't last long.
Bangbang would die.
Bangbang would disappear before him, just like his mom and dad.
No.
He couldn't.
It must never happen again.
Rhys threw himself beside the trunk, hugged the rough bark with both hands, and used all his strength to lift it—it didn't budge at all.
He tried again, but it still didn't move.
His fingers dug into the bark, his nails cracked, and blood seeped out, but he couldn't care about the pain.
He just desperately tried to lift it, lift it—
"Bangbang... Bangbang..." His tears flowed down, mixing with the rain, blurring his vision. "Don't die... You promised to stay with me forever... You promised..."
Bangbang did not answer.
Rhys's heart sank little by little.
But he didn't let go.
He continued to lift, continued to exert force, using all the strength of his nine-year-old body—
Then, he felt something wake up inside his body.
It wasn't the system's voice; it wasn't any feeling he was familiar with.
It was a power surging from the depths of his bone marrow, like magma, like a torrent, instantly filling every muscle fiber.
His arms began to swell.
No, not swell—strengthen.
His muscles became firmer and more powerful than before, as if some invisible force was being injected into his body.
He didn't know what was happening.
He only knew that this time, when he exerted force to lift it again—the trunk moved.
Little by little, slowly, that oak trunk weighing several tons was lifted by him.
Rhys gritted his teeth, his muscles bulging, his whole body like a small statue, using all his strength to prop up the trunk.
Rain hit his face, mixing with sweat as it flowed down, and his eyes were fixed intently on the small figure under the trunk.
"Bangbang... come out..." His voice squeezed out from between his teeth. "Quick... come out..."
Bangbang moved a little and slowly crawled out.
Little by little, slowly, he crawled out from under the trunk.
Only after Bangbang was completely clear of the trunk's area did Rhys let go.
Crash—the trunk slammed back onto the ground, shaking the surrounding ground.
Rhys's legs went soft, and he knelt on the ground, gasping for air.
His arms were trembling, his muscles sore as if they were about to split, but he couldn't care about that.
He just stared intently at Bangbang, looking at the blood-covered House-elf, watching him slowly lift his head.
"Young... young master..."
Bangbang's face was covered in mud and blood, but those round, large eyes were still so bright.
He looked at Rhys, looked at Rhys's hands that were still trembling, and looked at Rhys's pale face.
Then he crawled over and hugged Rhys tightly.
"Young master!" Bangbang's crying was sharp and trembling. "Young master saved Bangbang! Young master saved Bangbang!"
Rhys was held by him, feeling that small body trembling, feeling warm liquid staining himself—he couldn't tell if it was Bangbang's blood or his own tears.
He raised his trembling hand and gently patted Bangbang's back. "It's okay now." His voice was hoarse. "It's okay, Bangbang."
Bangbang just cried, burying his face in his shoulder, crying until his whole body shook.
— — Just then, the system's voice rang out in his mind.
[Detected intense emotional fluctuations of the host: fear of loss, obsession with protection, and the desire to "save someone important."]
[Emotional value met; triggering ability unlock.]
[Ox Talisman unlocked — Super Strength.]
[Ability description: Provides a hundredfold or even thousandfold superhuman strength, multiplying the user's base strength. The stronger the user is, the more terrifying the effect. Muscles will instantly strengthen and swell upon use.]
[Note: The Ox Talisman is at its peak as soon as it is unlocked; no proficiency is required. The host can use this ability at any time.]
Rhys knelt in the rain, listening to the system's voice and looking at his still-trembling hands.
Ox Talisman.
Super Strength.
The power just now allowed him to lift the oak trunk weighing several tons.
If he hadn't awakened...
If he hadn't had this power...
Would Bangbang have already...
He didn't dare to think.
"Young master." Bangbang's voice came from his arms, muffled. "Young master is bleeding."
Rhys looked down and saw his fingers.
His nails were cracked and still bleeding, mixing with the rain to stain a small patch of ground red. "It doesn't hurt," he said.
Bangbang looked up at his face. "Young master is crying."
Rhys paused for a moment and raised his hand to touch his face.
It was wet.
Whether it was rain or tears, he could no longer tell.
— — When Cassiopeia and Lyla finally rushed out, this was the scene they saw: Rhys and Bangbang kneeling beside the fallen oak tree, the two of them hugging tightly, soaked through, and covered in blood.
Cassiopeia's expression changed, and she rushed over to kneel down, her wand quickly checking the two of them for injuries.
"Bangbang was pinned by the tree!" Rhys said urgently. "Grandma, save Bangbang first!"
"Don't move." Cassiopeia held him down, her wand continuing to check. "You are both injured; don't move."
Lyla helped from the side, her face also terrifyingly pale.
When the results of the check came out, Cassiopeia's expression became very complicated.
Bangbang's injuries were indeed not light—two broken ribs, internal bleeding, and he needed immediate treatment.
But strangely, he had survived.
Given the weight of that tree and being pinned like that, Bangbang should have undoubtedly died.
But Bangbang was alive.
Because someone had lifted the trunk after the tree fell.
Cassiopeia's gaze fell on Rhys.
Rhys's hands were bleeding, the muscles in his arms were still trembling unnaturally, and his face was as pale as paper.
But he was still standing, still conscious, and still holding Bangbang's hand tightly.
"Grandma," Rhys said. "Save Bangbang first."
Cassiopeia was silent for a second, then nodded.
"Lyla, carry Bangbang inside," she said. "Rhys, come with me."
— — That night, Bangbang was placed in the infirmary, and Cassiopeia kept watch personally for the whole night.
Rhys lay in his own bed, bandaged all over like a mummy.
The wounds on his hands had been treated, and spells to soothe muscle damage had been cast on his arms; his grandmother said, "A few days of rest will be fine."
But he couldn't sleep.
He was thinking about the afternoon's events.
Thinking about that power that had surged from his body.
Thinking about the moment the trunk was lifted.
Thinking about the sound of Bangbang holding him and crying.
[System.] He called out in his heart.
[Present.]
[The power of the Ox Talisman... will it be like this every time I use it? Muscle swelling?]
[Yes. The essence of the Ox Talisman is to amplify the user's base strength. When used, muscles will instinctively strengthen to adapt to the multiplied increase; this is a normal phenomenon.]
[Will it hurt?]
[There will be a feeling of muscle stretching, similar to soreness after strenuous exercise. As the number of uses increases, the body will gradually adapt.]
Rhys was silent for a while.
[The unlock condition... was it because of Bangbang?]
[Yes. When the host faced the critical moment of Bangbang's near-death, an intense obsession of "must save him" was generated. This desire to protect triggered the awakening of the Ox Talisman.]
Rhys looked at the star chart on the ceiling and didn't speak.
He thought of the Rabbit Talisman, which was because he was afraid of losing Bangbang.
The Snake Talisman was because he dreamed of his mother.
The mask of ninja was because of fear and helplessness in the cellar.
The Mountain Demon was because he wanted to protect his family.
Now, the Ox Talisman was because Bangbang was dying, and he had to save him.
Every awakening of power was related to the people he cared about.
Related to the fear of losing them.
Related to the desire to protect them.
He suddenly understood something.
— — The next morning, Rhys struggled to get up and went to the infirmary.
Bangbang was lying on a small bed, covered in bandages, but his eyes were open.
Seeing Rhys enter, those round, large eyes immediately lit up.
"Young master!" He wanted to sit up but was bound by bandages and couldn't move. "Why is young master here? Young master is injured and needs to rest!"
Rhys walked over and sat down by the bed. "Bangbang, does it hurt?"
Bangbang shook his head: "It doesn't hurt! Grandma healed young master and Bangbang! Bangbang doesn't hurt!"
Rhys looked at him, looked at him trying hard to act like nothing was wrong, and looked at the pure trust in those eyes.
"Bangbang."
"Hmm?"
"Yesterday, I was so scared."
Bangbang was stunned.
"I was afraid you would die," Rhys said, his voice soft. "Just like Mom and Dad, never to return."
Bangbang's eyes turned red.
"Young master..." His voice trembled. "Bangbang will not die... Bangbang will stay with young master forever... Bangbang promised..."
Rhys reached out and held Bangbang's small, bandage-wrapped hand.
"I know," he said. "So I will protect you."
Bangbang's tears gushed out, but he was smiling.
"Young master has already protected Bangbang!" He said. "Young master lifted the big tree! Young master saved Bangbang!"
Rhys nodded.
He looked down at his hands.
Those hands were still wrapped in bandages, but they didn't hurt anymore.
Yesterday, it was these hands that lifted the oak trunk weighing several tons.
Yesterday, it was these hands that saved Bangbang's life.
So, power was used for this.
It was used to protect the people who were important.
Chapter 12: The Triple Awakening of Winter
In the winter of his ninth year, Star-Swirl Manor was blanketed by a rare blizzard.
Polaris Black stood by the window, gazing out at the vast, white world. Large snowflakes fell in thick sheets, quickly burying the path in the garden until it was no longer visible.
"Little Master, you cannot go out to play." Bangbang stood beside him, ears drooping. "Grandmother says it is too cold outside, and you will get sick."
Polaris Black nodded.
He was nine years old now and knew when to be obedient.
But he felt a bit stifled inside.
He had been cooped up at home for nearly two weeks this winter. The snow fell incessantly, and neither his grandmother nor his aunt would let him go out. He could only stay indoors, reading books, practicing the abilities he had already awakened, or just zoning out.
Bangbang kept him company every day, conjuring bubbles, telling stories, and trying to cheer him up.
But he still felt bored.
"Bangbang, let's go to the attic," he said.
Bangbang blinked. "The attic?"
"Yes. There are many old things there, and I want to take a look."
Bangbang hesitated for a moment, but seeing the expectant look in Polaris Black's eyes, he nodded.
"Okay! Bangbang will go with Little Master!"
— —
The attic was on the top floor of the manor, and it was rarely visited.
Polaris Black pushed the door open, and a wave of dust and the smell of old wood rushed out to meet him. He waved his hand to clear the air a bit before stepping inside.
The attic was piled high with all sorts of old items—old furniture, old trunks, old books, and old portraits. Some things were covered with white cloths, looking like silent ghosts. Light shone in from the only small window, forming a slanted beam in the air where countless dust motes drifted slowly.
"So many things…" Bangbang's eyes widened. "Do they all belong to the House of Black?"
"I suppose so." Polaris Black walked over and began to look through the old trunks.
The first trunk contained some old clothes, yellowed lace, and faded embroidery; they were likely the gowns of some lady from many years ago.
The second trunk held old books, mostly about History of Magic, along with some family trees and records of the House of Black.
The third trunk…
Polaris Black opened the third trunk and froze.
Inside were some old toys.
A small wooden dragon with wings that could still move; a set of mini Wizard Chess with the pieces lying quietly; several cloth dolls dressed in different colors; and a teddy bear missing an ear.
"This is…" Bangbang leaned in. "Are these Little Master's toys from when you were little?"
Polaris Black shook his head.
These toys were too old; they couldn't be his.
Were they his father's? Or Regulus's? Or perhaps belonged to some other child of the House of Black from even earlier?
He reached out to pick up the teddy bear, but as soon as his fingers touched it—
Whoosh—
A sudden gust of wind poured in through the gaps in the window, blowing the things in the attic askew. Polaris Black was blown off balance, took a step back, and bumped into an old cabinet.
The cabinet door swung open, and something fell out.
A scroll.
Polaris Black bent down to pick it up, but before he could look at it, he heard Bangbang's exclamation:
"Little Master! The window!"
Polaris Black looked up and saw that the small window had been blown open. The cold wind, carrying snowflakes, surged in and swirled around the attic. Worse yet, something was moving outside the window—
It was a tree branch.
A branch snapped by the weight of the snow was being blown about by the wind, ready to fall at any moment.
"Bangbang, come here!" Polaris Black put down the scroll and walked toward the window.
He had only taken two steps when the tree branch broke.
But it didn't fall down—it was blown by the wind and smashed into the window.
Bang!
The window shattered, and broken glass and snow poured in together. Polaris Black instinctively covered his face with his hands, but a few shards of glass still scratched the back of his hand.
"Little Master!" Bangbang rushed over, trying to pull him back to safety.
But Polaris Black didn't move.
He stared at the shattered window, at the howling wind and snow outside, and suddenly felt something surging within his body.
Like wind.
Like a gale.
It was swirling and roaring inside him, wanting to burst out.
He didn't know what was happening, only that the power was growing stronger and becoming increasingly uncontrollable. He opened his mouth to tell Bangbang to get out of the way—
Whoosh—
A massive blast of air erupted from his mouth and exploded inside the attic.
The old trunks were blown over, the old books flipped their pages frantically, and old portraits fell from the walls. Bangbang was blown across the floor, rolling twice before hitting a cushion and coming to a stop.
Polaris Black himself was startled.
He had just… breathed out wind?
At this moment, the system's voice rang in his mind.
[Host detected experiencing strong emotional fluctuations during extreme weather: annoyance at the harsh weather and concern for Bangbang's safety.]
[Emotional value threshold met, triggering the awakening of a demon ability.]
[Xiao Feng (Wind Demon) has awakened—Beginner.]
[Ability Description: Can create and control gales. Current level is Beginner; power is limited by the host's emotional intensity and environmental factors. Proficiency must be improved through practice.]
Polaris Black was stunned.
Xiao Feng?
The Wind Demon?
He had just… breathed out a gale?
"Little Master!" Bangbang crawled out from behind the cushion, his face full of terror. "That… that wind just now… it came out of Little Master's mouth…"
Polaris Black opened his mouth, not knowing what to say.
He looked down at his hands, then at the shattered window, and then at the broken glass and snow covering the floor.
The Wind Demon.
Another power had awakened.
— —
"Bangbang, we have to block the window." Polaris Blackregained his composure and walked toward the old cloths in the corner. "Otherwise, the snow will keep coming in."
Bangbang nodded and ran over to help.
The two of them picked up some old cloths and walked toward the window. But after just a few steps, Polaris Black's foot slipped—
The snow on the floor had melted a little and mixed with the dust, turning into a puddle of mud. Polaris Blackstepped on it, lost his balance, and fell backward.
He hit the floor, the back of his head striking something, and his vision went Black.
When his vision cleared, he found himself lying in a puddle.
No, not just a puddle.
It was water that had accumulated from the melted snow on the attic floor.
He was lying in the water, his clothes soaked through, and he was shivering from the cold. He braced himself on the ground to get up, his hand pressing into the water—
And then he froze.
The water under his hand was moving.
Not blown by the wind, not flowing naturally, but… listening to him.
He could feel the temperature of the water, could feel its shape, and could feel it trembling gently under his will.
He tried to say in his mind: Gather.
The water actually gathered, flowing from all directions to form a small ball of water beside his hand.
He tried to say: Float.
The water ball wobbled and floated up, hovering above his palm.
Bangbang's mouth was open wide enough to fit an egg.
"Lit… Little Master…" His voice was distorted. "The water… the water is flying…"
Polaris Black looked at the water ball, dumbfounded himself.
Then the system's voice rang out again.
[Host detected establishing a strong mental connection with water after an accidental fall: instinctive desire to control water.]
[Emotional value threshold met, triggering the awakening of a demon ability.]
[Baisha (Water Demon) has awakened—Beginner.]
[Ability Description: Can control water in any form and gradually master liquid transformation abilities. Current level is Beginner; can control water within a small range. Proficiency must be improved through practice.]
Polaris Black looked at the water ball in his hand, not knowing whether to cry or laugh.
What kind of day was this?
First wind, now water?
Was he going to awaken all eight demons?
"Little Master!" Bangbang ran over, eyes wide as he stared at the water ball. "Little Master can play with water too! Just like playing with mud last time!"
Playing with mud?
Polaris Black paused, then remembered what Bangbangwas talking about.
The Mountain Demon.
That had awakened when he was six, but he hadn't used it much since. Grandmother had said, "Practice slowly," so he had secretly practiced a few times in the garden, turning mud into stone and stone back into mud.
Now, he had the powers of wind and water as well.
He gave his hand a gentle wave, and the water ball fell to the floor, merging with the accumulated water.
"Bangbang, let's block the window first."
— —
The two of them blocked the broken window tightly with old cloths and tidied up the attic a bit. By the time everything was done, Polaris Black was so tired he just sat on the floor, not wanting to move.
Bangbang was tired too, but he insisted on wiping the floor dry around the Little Master, so the water wouldn't touch him.
"Bangbang." Polaris Black spoke up suddenly.
"Hmm?"
"About today…"
"Bangbang won't tell!" Bangbang replied immediately. "Bangbang won't tell anyone!"
Polaris Black smiled.
Bangbang was truly the best friend.
He leaned against the wall, looking at the messy old items in the attic, and suddenly remembered the scroll. The one that had fallen out of the cabinet earlier.
He looked around, found the scroll, picked it up, and unrolled it.
Inside the scroll were some hand-drawn patterns and text, which looked like some kind of ancient magical array. The text was in English, but in some places, it was mixed with symbols he didn't understand.
"What is this?" Bangbang leaned in.
Polaris Black looked at it carefully for a while and shook his head.
"I don't know. It might be something from a long time ago."
He rolled up the scroll, planning to take it back and ask his grandmother.
Just then, his gaze fell on the floor beside the scroll.
There was something there.
A mask.
Dark yellow, with sickle-shaped patterns; it was very similar in style to the mask of ninja, but the aesthetic was completely different.
Polaris Black froze.
This mask… it wasn't there when it fell out earlier, was it?
He picked up the mask and examined it carefully.
The cold touch, the intricate patterns, the empty eye sockets.
It felt exactly like the mask of ninja.
But it was different.
The mask of ninja was dark red, while this one was dark yellow. The patterns on the mask of ninja looked like ninja swords, while this one's patterns looked like scythes.
He remembered the contents of the lore book.
The Ten Masks.
Besides the mask of ninja, there were…
Before he could finish his thought, the mask in his hand suddenly emitted a dark yellow light, and then—
It vanished from his hand.
No, it didn't vanish.
It merged into his body.
He felt that familiar power surge into his mind, just as cold and sharp as when the mask of ninja had awakened, but it was also a bit different.
Heavier.
More like… the weight of a scythe.
The system's voice rang out for the third time.
[Host detected contact with the physical Manny Mask, triggering mask awakening.]
[Manny Mask fully unlocked—can summon the Mantis Shadow Soldiers.]
[Mask Description: The Manny Mask corresponds to the Mantis Shadow Soldiers, summoning ninjas that look like insects or mantises, possessing sharp, scythe-like forelimbs and tough carapaces. They have incredible jumping ability, extremely fast attack speed, and excel at using their claws for rapid cutting and ambushes.]
[Wearing Method: Worn tilted on the head, the host can maintain a normal state of mind; if worn directly over the face, full power can be unleashed, but it will temporarily affect personality, causing the host to enter an extremely calm state.]
Polaris Black sat on the attic floor, unable to speak for a long time.
What kind of day was this?
Wind Demon.
Water Demon.
Manny Mask.
A triple awakening.
He looked down at his hands, watching those hands that had once controlled rock, wind, and water, and had once summoned Shadow Ninjas, and now had added a Mantis Shadow Soldiers unit.
Bangbang watched him nervously from the side.
"Little Master… are you okay?"
Polaris Black looked up, seeing Bangbang's worried face, and suddenly smiled.
"Bangbang," he said.
"Hmm?"
"I think I've become stronger today."
Bangbang blinked, then nodded vigorously.
"Little Master has always been strong! Bangbang knows!"
Polaris Black stood up and brushed the dust off himself.
"Let's go, let's head down. Grandmother must be worried."
He walked to the attic door, suddenly remembered something, and looked back.
The scroll was still on the floor. He bent down, picked it up, and tucked it into his clothes.
Perhaps his grandmother knew what it was.
— —
That night, Cassiopeia looked at the scroll Polaris Blackhad brought back and remained silent for a long time.
"Where did you find this?" she asked.
"In the attic. An old cabinet."
Cassiopeia nodded and returned the scroll to Polaris Black.
"This is something from a long time ago, probably from… your great-great-grandfather's generation. An ancient Alchemy array, rarely used by anyone nowadays."
Polaris Black took the scroll, deep in thought.
Alchemy?
He remembered the lore book mentioning that the House of Black had a tradition of Alchemy. Perhaps it would be useful in the future.
"Polaris." Cassiopeia's voice brought him back to reality.
"Hmm?"
"Did anything… happen in the attic today?"
Polaris Black's heart skipped a beat.
Had his grandmother discovered something?
"Nothing much, just that the window was blown open by the wind, and Bangbang and I blocked it with some cloth."
Cassiopeia looked at him, her grey eyes seemingly able to see through everything.
But she didn't press him.
"Be careful when you go to the attic in the future," she said. "Some of those old things still carry magic."
Polaris Black nodded.
— —
That night, Polaris Black lay in bed, reflecting on everything that had happened today.
The Wind Demon Xiao Feng.
The Water Demon Baisha.
Manny Mask.
Three powers awakened in a single day.
He remembered the moments of awakening—the gale rushing out of his mouth, the water gathering into a ball in his hand, the mask merging into his body.
Each time, it made him a little stronger.
But each time, it also made him realize more clearly—these powers didn't come without a reason.
It was because of the people he cared about.
Because of the people he wanted to protect.
Because of Bangbang, because of his grandmother, because of his aunt, because of everyone he didn't want to lose.
Outside the window, the North Star was still twinkling.
Nine-year-old Polaris Black closed his eyes, a faint smile on his lips.
Today, he had become a little stronger.
Tomorrow, he would practice controlling water and wind in the garden.
The day after, he would try to summon the Mantis Shadow Soldiers.
One day, he would be strong enough to protect everyone he cared about.
Chapter 13: Dog Talisman · The Miracle of Immortality
In the autumn of 1990, Ris went to Knockturn Alley for the first time with his aunt.
At ten years old, he had already learned a lot about the House of Black's industries from his grandmother and aunt. Star-Swirl Brooms, Potion ingredients, magical fabrics—the scale of these businesses was much larger than he had imagined. Especially under his Aunt Lyra's management, the House of Black's industries had not declined due to his parents' sacrifice; instead, they were flourishing.
"I'm taking you to see our shops today," Lyra said while straightening her robes. "You're growing up; it's time you knew about the family business."
Ris nodded, feeling a bit expectant.
This was his first time going to Knockturn Alley. He knew that place—the dark side of Diagon Alley, where Dark Wizards and shady businesses gathered. But the House of Black having shops there meant that some business indeed needed to be conducted in such a place.
"Scared?" Lyra looked at him with a smile on her lips.
Ris shook his head.
"Good that you're not," Lyra patted his head. "People of the House of Black aren't afraid of those things."
—
Knockturn Alley was narrower and darker than Ris had imagined.
Shops on both sides were crowded together, with windows displaying all sorts of eerie things—dried human hands, glowing eyeballs, and bottles containing unknown liquids. Occasionally, people in cloaks walked past, their faces obscured, only their cold and wary gazes felt.
Lyra held Ris's hand, walking at a steady pace, seemingly indifferent to the stares around them.
"What do those people do?" Ris asked in a low voice.
"All sorts," Lyra said. "Some come for business, some to dodge debts, others to buy things they shouldn't. Don't look too much, and don't ask too many questions."
Ris nodded and withdrew his gaze.
They stopped in front of an unremarkable shop. The storefront was small, with a few pieces of dull-colored fabric in the window, looking very ordinary. But there was a House of Black crest on the door, very small, almost impossible to notice if one didn't look closely.
"We're here." Lyra pushed open the door.
The inside of the shop was much larger than it appeared from the outside. Shelves were filled with various Potioningredients—dried plants, bottles of powder, and strange organs soaking in liquid. The air was filled with a complex scent, a mix of bitter, sweet, and pungent smells.
An old Wizard stood behind the counter; seeing Lyra enter, he nodded.
"Miss Lyra," he said. "Today's goods just arrived; they're in the backyard."
Lyra nodded, leading Ris through the shop and out the back door.
The backyard was small, piled with crates and barrels. Two workers were moving things; seeing Lyra come out, they both stopped to bow.
"These are the new Potion ingredients that arrived today." Lyra pointed to an open crate. "Take a look, do you recognize what they are?"
Ris leaned in to look.
The box contained bundles of dried herbs, with long, thin leaves of a grayish-green color, emitting a pungent scent.
"Is this... Dittany?"
"Incorrect." Lyra smiled. "Dittany has a milder scent and wider leaves. This is dried Nettle. Although it's also a Potion ingredient, it's much cheaper."
Ris felt a bit embarrassed.
"It's alright, learn slowly," Lyra patted his head. "When your grandmother taught me to recognize ingredients back then, I made mistakes too."
Just then, Ris suddenly felt a chill.
The feeling was hard to describe—as if something bad was approaching, as if the air had suddenly become thick. He instinctively turned his head to look at the entrance of the backyard.
Several people in Black robes stood there.
He didn't know when they had appeared.
The leader wore a hood, his face hidden, but his gaze could be felt, cold as a snake.
"Lyra Black," the person spoke, voice raspy. "Long time no see."
Lyra's body tensed instantly. She subconsciously pulled Ris a step behind her, her other hand already gripping her wand.
"Who are you people?"
The man laughed, a sound like sandpaper rubbing together.
"You don't remember me? Right, when your brother killed my younger brother, you were hiding in the back and didn't see my face clearly."
Ris's breath hitched.
Brother—Father?
"You're a Death Eater." Lyra's voice was ice-cold. "Lord Voldemort has already fallen; why are you still scuttling about?"
The man's laughter stopped.
"Fallen?" He slowly repeated the word, then suddenly raised his voice, "The Master has only temporarily departed! He will return! When that time comes, all who betrayed him, all who helped the Order of the Phoenix, will die!"
The several Black-robed people behind him raised their wands simultaneously.
Without a second thought, Lyra pushed Ris back with one hand while waving her wand with the other—
"Protego!"
An invisible barrier unfolded in front of her, but the opponent's spells came faster. Several red lights hit the barrier at once, shaking Lyra back two steps.
"Take Ris and go!" she shouted to the workers in the yard.
The two workers had long been paralyzed with fear; they only reacted upon hearing the shout, rushing over to try and pull Ris away. But Ris shook off their hands, staring fixedly at the Black-robed people.
He knew he should run.
But he couldn't run.
His aunt was there.
"Ris!" Lyra noticed he hadn't moved and looked back at him, her eyes full of terror. "Go, quickly!"
In that moment of distraction, the opponent's attack intensified.
A green light shot from the leading Black-robed person's wand, heading straight for Lyra.
Avada Kedavra.
Ris's mind went blank.
He didn't know how he moved.
Perhaps because of the speed of the Rabbit Talisman, or perhaps simply out of instinct.
In any case, by the time the green light reached Lyra, he was already blocking its path.
The green light hit him square in the chest.
—
"No—!"
Lyra's scream was so sharp it almost tore the air.
She saw the green light hit Ris, saw that small body slump down, and saw him lying on the ground, motionless.
Her mind went blank.
Just like that night nine years ago, when she learned her brother and sister-in-law had sacrificed themselves.
Just like the countless nightmares where she saw Ris leaving her as well.
"Ris—!"
She lunged forward, kneeling on the ground and gathering the small body into her arms.
Ris's eyes were closed, his face as pale as paper. Where the green light had struck his chest, there was a scorched mark on his robes.
"Ris... Ris..." Her voice shook uncontrollably, tears blurring her vision. "Wake up... Wake up... Auntie is here... Auntie is here..."
The Black-robed people stopped, watching the scene.
The leader let out a satisfied laugh.
"One less member of the House of Black today," he said. "Lyra Black, this is what your brother owed me."
Just then, a voice spoke.
"Auntie, I'm okay."
Lyra froze.
She looked down and saw Ris in her arms opening his eyes.
Those gray eyes were as clear as if nothing had happened, looking at her with concern.
"Auntie, are you crying?"
Lyra's mouth hung open, unable to speak.
Ris sat up from her arms and patted the dust off himself. The scorched mark on his chest was still there, but he appeared completely unharmed.
"You... you..." Lyra's voice seemed to be blocked by something.
Ris stood up and looked at the Black-robed people, who were equally stunned.
The leader's eyes widened, his face full of disbelief.
"Impossible... That was the Killing Curse... No one can survive the Killing Curse..."
Ris ignored him.
He looked down at his chest, at the scorched mark.
Did it hurt?
It didn't.
The moment he was hit, he felt a massive force collide with him, and then... nothing. It was as if that force had been absorbed by something.
He remembered something.
The Dog Talisman.
Eternal life and immortality.
Could it be...
[System detected automatic trigger of ability after host sustained a fatal attack.]
The system's voice sounded in his mind.
[Dog Talisman unlocked — Power of Immortality.]
[Ability Description: Grants the holder eternal life and an immortal body.]
Listening to the system's voice, a strange feeling welled up in Ris's heart.
He really... couldn't die?
"Kill him!" the leading Black-robed man suddenly shouted. "Try again! I don't believe a child can't be killed!"
Several spells were fired simultaneously.
Before Ris could react, Lyra had already stepped in front of him.
"Petrificus Totalus!"
A red light shot from Lyra's wand, hitting one Black-robed man. But the spells of the other three hit her shield at once, forcing her back another step.
Ris looked at his aunt's back, at her slightly trembling shoulders, and at her hand gripping the wand tightly.
She was afraid.
She was afraid he would be hurt again.
But she was still standing in front of him.
Just as he had stood in front of her moments ago.
This was family.
Ris suddenly smiled.
He took a step forward and stood beside Lyra.
"Auntie, let me."
Lyra was stunned: "Ris, you—"
But Ris had already raised his wand.
It was his father's wand. He always carried it, but rarely used it.
He pointed the wand at the several Black-robed people.
"Densaugeo!"
A beam of light shot out, hitting a Black-robed man's face. The man screamed as his front teeth grew wildly, instantly reaching down to his chin.
Lyra's eyes widened.
That was... a spell... when did he learn that?
"Stupefy!"
Another Black-robed man fell.
The leader finally became afraid. He looked at Ris, at the child who had clearly been hit by the Killing Curse yet remained unharmed, his eyes filled with terror.
"You... what on earth are you..."
Ris didn't answer.
He simply walked forward step by step, his wand always pointed at the man.
"You're not going to kill me?" the man stammered, backing away.
Ris stopped.
"I won't kill you," he said. "But you must remember this day."
The man looked at him, waiting for him to continue.
"Tell those who are still waiting for the Dark Lord to return—" Ris's voice was calm, yet carried a strange pressure, "that someone from the House of Black is still alive. If anyone wants to come, I'll be waiting."
The man froze for a second, then turned and ran.
The remaining Black-robed people also scrambled to their feet and followed him out.
The backyard fell silent.
Ris put away his wand and turned around.
Lyra stood there looking at him, her expression incredibly complex—shock, fear, disbelief, and an indescribable emotion.
"Ris..." her voice was raspy, "just now... the Killing Curse... how could you possibly..."
Ris walked over and stood before her.
"Auntie, I'm okay."
Lyra looked at him, at those gray eyes, and at that face still carrying a hint of childishness.
Then she pulled him into a tight embrace.
"You scared me to death..." her voice was muffled against Ris's shoulder, her whole body trembling, "You scared me to death... just like your mother did back then..."
Ris was stunned.
Mother?
"Auntie..."
Lyra didn't speak, just held him, her tears flowing uncontrollably.
After a long time, she slowly released him and looked at his face.
"Your mother," she said, her voice raspy, "she also... stood in front of others back then."
Ris's heart tightened.
"Who did she save?"
Lyra shook her head, her eyes reddening again.
Ris fell silent.
He looked at his aunt, at the woman who was crying until her face was streaked with tears for him, and a feeling he had never felt before welled up in his heart.
He wanted to protect her.
To not let her cry again.
To not let her be afraid again.
To not let her lose anyone important ever again.
"Auntie," he said softly, "I will protect you."
Lyra looked at him, more tears welling up, but she smiled.
"Silly child..." she touched his face, "it's Auntie who should be protecting you."
Ris shook his head.
"I will protect you," he repeated. "And Grandmother, and Bangbang, and Kreacher. I won't let anyone hurt you."
Lyra looked at him, at those earnest eyes, and suddenly remembered many years ago.
Back then, Cepheus had looked at her the same way.
"I will protect you all," he had said.
And he really did—with his life.
"Ris..." she pulled him back into her arms, "don't be like your father... don't... Auntie would rather you stay alive, would rather you be a bit more selfish..."
Ris leaned into her embrace, listening to her heartbeat and feeling her tremors.
He knew what his aunt was afraid of.
Afraid of losing him.
Just like she lost his father.
He closed his eyes and said silently in his heart—
Auntie, I won't die.
Never.
Because I have the Dog Talisman.
Because I promised to protect you all.
Because this time, I can't lose anyone else.
—
That night, they returned to the manor very late.
Cassiopeia's face turned very pale after hearing Lyra's account. She checked Ris from head to toe three times, and only after confirming he was truly fine did she let out a long sigh of relief.
"Are you really... okay?" she asked, still worried.
Ris nodded: "Grandmother, I'm really fine."
Cassiopeia looked at him, at the scorched mark on his robes over his chest.
The mark left by the Killing Curse.
But Ris himself was completely unharmed.
She remembered what Long Meixiu had said: "Some powers cannot be explained by magic."
Perhaps... it really was so.
"In the future," she suddenly spoke, her voice solemn, "you are not allowed to do that again."
Ris looked at her.
"You are not allowed to stand in front of others again," Cassiopeia said. "You are still young; you should let others protect you."
Ris was silent for a second, then nodded.
"I understand, Grandmother."
But in his heart, he knew he wouldn't change.
Because that wasn't just "others".
It was his aunt.
It was family.
—
That night, Ris lay in bed, reflecting on what had happened during the day.
That green light.
The feeling of being hit.
And then—nothing.
He raised his hand and looked at his palm.
The hand of an ordinary ten-year-old child.
But these hands had already awakened many powers.
Rabbit Talisman, Snake Talisman, Ox Talisman, Dog Talisman.
Mountain Demon, Wind Demon, Water Demon.
mask of ninja, mask of manny.
He was already very strong.
But he wanted to be even stronger.
Because there wouldn't be only one enemy.
Because danger wouldn't strike only once.
Because there were still many people he wanted to protect.
Outside the window, the north star twinkled in the night sky.
Ten-year-old Polaris Black closed his eyes and said in his heart—
Mom and Dad, did you see?
Your son saved Auntie today.
He will save even more people.
He will protect this home."}],
Chapter 14: The Direction of the north star
July 31, 1991. The summer sun gilded Star-Swirl Manorwith a layer of gold.
Lys stood before the mirror, looking at his reflection.
Eleven years old.
Grey eyes, jet-Black hair, his features sharper than in childhood, yet still carrying a boyish innocence in his brow and eyes. He smiled at the mirror, and the reflection smiled back.
Today was his eleventh birthday.
It was also the day he had waited eleven years for.
Because he knew what would happen today.
——
Sure enough, when he went downstairs and entered the dining room, the first thing that caught his eye was not the breakfast on the table, but a greyish-brown owl perched on the windowsill.
Seeing him, the owl flapped its wings and flew over, dropping a letter it held in its beak onto the table before him, then flapped away again.
The envelope was made of parchment, addressed in emerald green ink:
Wiltshire, Star-Swirl Manor
Mr. Polaris Black
On the back of the envelope was a crest — a lion, a snake, a badger, and an eagle surrounding a large letter 'H'.
Hogwarts.
Lys picked up the envelope, his fingers gently tracing the familiar crest.
Eleven years of waiting.
It had finally arrived.
"Little Master!"
Bangbang's voice came from behind. Lys turned to see Bangbang and Kreacher standing together at the dining room entrance. Bangbang was wearing his favorite tea towel, freshly washed, his large eyes sparkling. Kreacheralso wore a clean tea towel, holding a tray with a cup of warm milk.
"Happy birthday, Little Master!" Bangbang bounced over, "Bangbang prepared a surprise for Little Master! A big surprise!"
Kreacher followed, muttering, "Of course Kreacherprepared a gift for the Little Master's birthday... even if that little elf Bangbang is always getting in the way..."
Lys smiled.
He was about to speak when another set of footsteps sounded.
Aunt Lyra descended the stairs, wearing a beautiful dark green robe, her hair carefully styled, a radiant smile on her face.
"Happy birthday, Lys!" She hurried over, bent down, and kissed his cheek. "Eleven years old! A big boy now!"
Lys felt a bit embarrassed, but smiled and accepted his aunt's kiss.
Finally, Cassiopeia walked in from the direction of the living room. She wasn't wearing her usual robes, but had changed into a dignified deep purple dress. Her silver-grey hair was immaculately coiffed, and she wore the Blackfamily heirloom necklace around her neck.
She walked up to Lys, looked down at her grandson who was now as tall as her shoulder, her grey eyes full of tenderness.
"Happy birthday, Lys," she said softly, then bent down and placed a kiss on his forehead as well.
A wave of warmth rose in Lys's heart.
This was family.
This was what he had waited eleven years for.
——
"Alright," Cassiopeia straightened up and clapped her hands, "Bangbang, Kreacher, bring it up."
Bangbang jumped up excitedly, pulling Kreacher along as they ran out. Soon, the two of them carried in a huge box — larger than Bangbang himself, tied with a golden silk ribbon and adorned with decorations of various colors.
"Bangbang and Kreacher prepared this together!" Bangbang said proudly, "Bangbang had the idea! Kreacherhelped make it!"
Kreacher snorted: "Kreacher made it, Bangbang just made a mess..."
But as he said this, the corner of his mouth actually twitched upward slightly.
Lys walked over and opened the box.
Inside was a huge cake.
No, not an ordinary cake — it was a model of Star-Swirl Manor made from icing of various colors. The main house, the garden, the fountain, that lightning-struck oak tree, and even a tiny Bangbang and a tiny Lys standing in the garden.
"This..." Lys's eyes widened, "You made this?"
Bangbang nodded vigorously: "Bangbang and Kreachermade it together! Bangbang was in charge of ideas, Kreacher was in charge of making!"
Kreacher, for once, didn't argue, just muttered, "As long as the Little Master likes it..."
Lys crouched down, carefully examining the cake model. The details made of icing were so exquisite — you could even see the roses in the garden, red ones and white ones.
"I love it," he said seriously. "This is the best birthday cake I've ever seen."
Bangbang's ears quivered, his eyes shining like stars. Kreacher turned his head away, but Lys saw the tips of his ears turn red.
——
Next was his aunt's gift.
Lyra took out a slender box from behind her and handed it to Lys.
"Open it."
Lys opened the box. Inside was a broomstick.
Not an ordinary broomstick — it was the north star series from Star-Swirl Brooms, the latest model. The silver-white handle was engraved with star patterns, the tail twigs trimmed neatly, and it felt as light as air in his hand.
"This is...?" Lys looked at his aunt in surprise.
Lyra nodded: "The brand your grandfather founded. The north star series is a new line of brooms named after you. The north star-Sparkle — suitable for beginners to practice with."
Lys gripped the broomstick, a complex emotion welling up inside him.
Grandfather.
The grandfather he had never met, the founder of Star-Swirl Brooms.
"Thank you, Aunt," he said.
Lyra patted his head: "Practice well. I look forward to you joining the Quidditch team in your second year."
——
Finally, his grandmother's gift.
Cassiopeia slipped a ring off her finger and handed it to Lys.
It was a silver ring, set with a small grey gemstone. Something seemed to be moving faintly within the gem, as if alive.
"This was your mother's," Cassiopeia said. "I gave it to her when she married your father. Later, after she... passed, I took it back, thinking to give it to you when you grew up."
Lys took the ring, his fingers gently stroking the grey gem.
Mother's.
This was the first time he had received something that truly belonged to his mother.
"What's inside?" he asked, because he saw something moving within the gem.
"Your mother's protective magic," Cassiopeia said. "In her own way, she left a protective charm within this ring. Wear it, and it will protect you when you're in danger."
Lys slipped the ring onto the index finger of his right hand — slightly too big, but it just about stayed on.
The grey gem rested against his skin, emitting a faint warmth.
Like his mother's hand, gently holding his.
——
After the gifts were given, Bangbang and Kreacher went to prepare breakfast, and Lyra went to attend to business, leaving only Lys and Cassiopeia in the dining room.
Sunlight streamed in through the window, falling on the Hogwarts letter on the dining table.
"You've received it," Cassiopeia said softly, looking at the letter.
Lys nodded.
"Have you opened it?"
"Not yet."
Cassiopeia smiled slightly: "Then open it now."
Lys picked up the letter and carefully broke the seal. Inside was a piece of parchment that read:
Dear Mr. Black,
We are pleased to inform you that you have been accepted at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Please find enclosed a list of all necessary books and equipment.
Term begins on September 1. We await your owl by no later than July 31.
Yours sincerely,
Minerva McGonagall
Deputy Headmistress
Below was the list of items, a long string of them.
Lys looked at the letter, a strange feeling in his heart.
In his past life, while reading *Harry Potter*, he had imagined countless times what it would feel like to receive this letter. Now, he had really received it.
Cassiopeia watched him, waiting until he finished reading before speaking.
"Lys, which House do you want to be in?"
Lys looked up at his grandmother.
"Grandmother, which one do you think I should be in?"
Cassiopeia shook her head: "It's not about what I think, it's about where you want to go."
She paused, then began to speak.
"The House of Black has taken pride in Slytherin for generations. Your grandfather, Cepheus, was in Slytherin. Your foster maternal grandfather, Edmund Selwyn, was also in Slytherin. Your foster maternal grandmother, Aurora, was in Hufflepuff — that's a good House, loyal, hardworking, never short of good people."
She looked at Lys, a gentle light in her eyes.
"But your father, Cepheus, was in Ravenclaw. Your mother, Long Meixiu, was also in Ravenclaw. Your Aunt Lyra is also in Ravenclaw."
Lys was taken aback.
Both his parents were in Ravenclaw?
"Your father was intelligent from a young age, loved reading, loved thinking," Cassiopeia said. "Ravenclawsuited him best. Your mother too, with her Eastern wisdom, found the greatest respect in Ravenclaw."
"And you, Grandmother?" Lys asked.
Cassiopeia smiled: "I was in Hufflepuff. You didn't expect that, did you?"
Lys truly hadn't.
"A Black in Hufflepuff, it drove your great-grandmother mad back then," Cassiopeia's smile held a hint of mischief. "But I never cared. What's wrong with Hufflepuff? Loyalty, integrity, diligence — these qualities are far more important than any pure-blood glory."
She looked at Lys, her gaze turning serious.
"So Lys, which House you go to is your own decision. Not because of me, not because of your father or mother, but because of who you yourself want to be."
Lys was silent for a moment.
He was thinking about Ravenclaw.
The House that valued wisdom above all.
The place that had produced countless great Wizards and Witches.
The House with Professor Flitwick — Professor Flitwick, the dueling champion, the Charms master.
He recalled the description of Ravenclaw from the books he had read in his past life:
"Ravenclaw values intelligence, creativity, and learning ability. Their common room is in a tower on the west side of the Castle; to enter, you must answer a riddle. Famous Wizards from their ranks include: Professor Flitwick, Dolores Umbridge—"
Well, Umbridge didn't count.
But there were many others.
Those clever people, those who pursued knowledge.
"I want to go to Ravenclaw," he said.
Cassiopeia looked at him, not surprised, just nodded.
"Why?"
"Because..." Lys thought for a moment, "I want to learn. I want to learn real magic, to understand the nature of magic. Professor Flitwick is a dueling champion; I want to learn from him."
Cassiopeia smiled.
"Your father said the same thing back then," she said. "He said Slytherin was good, but not what he wanted. What he wanted was knowledge, not power."
Lys felt a slight stir in his heart.
Father.
The man he had never met, yet whose presence he felt everywhere.
"Grandmother," he suddenly asked, "what was my father... like?"
Cassiopeia was silent for a while, her gaze turning to the window, as if seeing through the sunlight to a long time ago.
"Him..." she sighed softly, "He was like you, intelligent, stubborn, carrying too many people in his heart. He loved your mother, loved her recklessly. He loved this family, loved it enough to give his life. He loved those who needed protection, loved them enough to go even when he knew it was dangerous."
She turned back to look at Lys.
"You're very much like him."
Lys didn't know what to say.
"But he made one mistake," Cassiopeia's voice grew heavier. "He lived too burdened, burdened until in the end, he lived himself into nothing."
She reached out and gently stroked Lys's hair.
"Lys, I won't stop you from protecting others. But remember — you can only protect more people if you're alive. Understand?"
Lys nodded.
He understood.
He had the Dog Talisman; he couldn't die.
But he couldn't tell his grandmother that.
So he just said: "I'll be careful, Grandmother."
——
After breakfast, as Bangbang and Kreacher cleared the table, Lys sat by the window, looking out at the garden.
Bangbang kept sneaking glances at him, his ears drooping, looking like he had something to say but couldn't. Kreacheralso muttered from time to time, his movements slower than usual.
Lys knew what they were thinking.
"Bangbang," he spoke.
Bangbang jerked his head up: "Little Master?"
"I'm going to Hogwarts in September."
Bangbang's ears drooped completely.
"Bangbang knows..." his voice was small, "Bangbang saw the letter..."
Lys stood up, walked over, and crouched down in front of him.
"I'll be back. I'll come back during the holidays."
Bangbang nodded, but his eyes grew red.
"But... but the Little Master will be gone for a long, long time... Bangbang will miss the Little Master..."
Lys reached out and gently patted his head.
"I'll miss Bangbang too."
Bangbang's tears finally fell, but he wiped them away forcefully, squeezing out a smile.
"Bangbang will wait for Little Master to come back! Bangbang will clean Little Master's room every day! Bangbang will make delicious food for Little Master! Bangbang—"
He couldn't continue, throwing himself forward to hug Lys.
Lys held him, gently patting his back.
On the other side, Kreacher stood in the corner, his back to them, shoulders trembling slightly.
Lys let go of Bangbang and walked over.
"Kreacher."
Kreacher didn't turn around.
"Kreacher is packing... the Little Master's things... things the Little Master needs for school..."
Lys saw his hands trembling.
He remembered when Kreacher first arrived, that old elf muttering about "half-bloods" and "defilement."
He remembered that night when Kreacher stood by his bed, tears in his eyes as he looked at him.
He remembered the desperate sorrow in Kreacher's voice when he told the story of Regulus.
"Kreacher," he called again.
Kreacher finally turned around.
In those cloudy eyes, tears glistened.
"Little Master..." his voice was hoarse, "Little Master is going to Hogwarts... Kreacher will guard the Manor... wait for Little Master to return..."
Lys reached out and grasped Kreacher's withered hand.
"I will come back," he said. "I promised you I would bring Regulus home. I won't forget."
Kreacher's tears finally fell.
But he didn't cry out loud, just gripped Lys's hand tightly, nodding vigorously.
——
That night, Lys lay in bed, looking at the star chart on the ceiling.
The letter lay on the bedside table, the broom leaned against the corner of the wall, his mother's ring on his finger.
Outside the window, the north star twinkled in the night sky.
Tomorrow, he would go to Diagon Alley with his aunt.
To buy the things on the list.
To prepare for the world he had waited eleven years for.
He closed his eyes and said silently in his heart—
Hogwarts, here I come.
This time, I won't just read your story.
This time, I will step into your world.
Chapter 15: Gringotts
Early one morning in August, sunlight streamed through the restaurant's French windows, spreading a warm golden glow across the white tablecloth.
Rhys sat at the dining table, a breakfast meticulously prepared by Bangbang before him: fried eggs, bacon, roasted tomatoes, and a steaming cup of pumpkin juice. He had grown accustomed to the taste of the Wizarding World in Britain, and the pumpkin juice actually tasted quite good.
Lyra sat opposite him, holding a cup of coffee and leisurely flipping through yesterday's The Daily Prophet. Cassiopeiasat at the head of the table, buttering a piece of toast.
A fluttering sound came from outside the window, and a grayish-brown owl landed on the windowsill, a rolled-up newspaper tied to its leg.
Bangbang ran over, untied the newspaper, and handed it to Cassiopeia.
"Today's newspaper, Mistress."
Cassiopeia nodded, unfolding the newspaper. Her brow furrowed slightly after just one glance.
"What's wrong?" Lyra asked.
Cassiopeia handed her the newspaper. Lyra took it, scanned the headline, and her expression also turned serious.
"Gringotts was robbed?" she whispered. "When did this happen?"
Rhys's fork paused in his hand.
Gringotts?
He remembered the plot from the Philosopher's Stone – there was indeed an attempted robbery at Gringotts, but it wasn't a true robbery; someone was attempting to enter a certain vault. That vault was number 713, and it contained the Philosopher's Stone.
"The newspaper says it was the night of July 31st," Lyra read. "An attempted break-in, but unsuccessful. The Goblins said the vault was already empty, and the thief got nothing."
July 31st.
That was his birthday, and Harry Potter's birthday.
Rhys's heart stirred.
If he remembered correctly, after Hagrid took Harry to Gringotts to retrieve the item, the Philosopher's Stone was transferred to Hogwarts. Then Quirrell attempted to break in but found the vault empty.
So, the attempted robbery happened after Hagrid took the Philosopher's Stone.
This meant Hagrid and Harry had already been to Gringotts.
"An empty vault?" Cassiopeia mused. "A vault that could be targeted certainly doesn't belong to an ordinary family. Did the Goblins not specify which one?"
Lyra shook her head: "It wasn't mentioned. Only that the thief was stopped and no losses were incurred."
"Hmph." Cassiopeia sneered, "Gringotts' defenses are boasted to be impregnable, yet someone still managed to sneak in. You only need to believe half of what the Goblins say."
Lyra put the newspaper aside and continued eating breakfast.
Rhys lowered his head, pretending to concentrate on his food, but his mind was racing.
The Philosopher's Stone.
Lord Voldemort.
Quirrell.
If he remembered correctly, Quirrell was teaching at Hogwarts at the time and tried to steal the Philosopher's Stone. Now that an attempted robbery had occurred, it meant Quirrell already knew the Philosopher's Stonewasn't at Gringotts, and he would next try to find a way at Hogwarts.
Would he also get involved in this matter after his enrollment?
He was a first-year this year, the same year Harry enrolled.
This meant the Philosopher's Stone incident would happen this year.
"...Rhys?"
Lyra's voice pulled him back to reality.
"Huh?" Rhys looked up.
"What are you thinking about? You didn't respond to me calling you a few times."
"Nothing." Rhys shook his head. "I was thinking... what was in that robbed vault."
Lyra smiled: "Who knows? It's none of our business anyway. The House of Black's vault is much deeper; you can't get in without some skill."
Cassiopeia glanced at Rhys, seemingly noticing something, but didn't press further.
"After breakfast, we should head to Diagon Alley," Lyra said. "There are quite a few things on the list; we'll withdraw money first, then browse slowly."
Rhys nodded, putting the last bite of fried egg into his mouth.
——
The Leaky Cauldron was nestled on Charing Cross Road, sandwiched between a bookstore and a record shop, looking small, shabby, and utterly unremarkable.
"Let's go." Lyra took his hand. "First, we'll say hello to Tom."
Tom, the owner of the Leaky Cauldron, was wiping glasses behind the bar. His eyes lit up when he saw Lyra enter.
"Miss Lyra! Long time no see!" He put down the glass and greeted them warmly. "This must be... young Mr. Black, isn't it? My, how you've grown!"
Lyra nodded: "Tom, how have you been lately?"
"Good, good!" Tom smiled, then lowered his voice, "Did you hear about last night? Gringotts..."
Lyra nodded slightly, saying nothing more.
Tom then looked at Rhys, smiling, and said: "This morning, another young guest came by. A Black-haired, green-eyed boy, Harry Potter, with Hagrid. It was his first time in Diagon Alley too, about your age."
Rhys's heart stirred.
Harry Potter.
Indeed.
"Really?" He tried to keep his voice calm. "Is he also a new student?"
"Yes, yes!" Tom said. "Certainly, at this age, coming to Diagon Alley, what else could it be but school supplies? The boy seemed a bit nervous, but Hagrid was with him, so it's fine."
Lyra gave Rhys a thoughtful look but said nothing.
"We're going to Gringotts first," she told Tom. "We'll come back for a drink later."
"Alright, Miss Lyra, take care!"
——
Lyra led Rhys and tapped a specific brick on the wall. The brick began to tremble, then moved and rotated, and an archway gradually appeared before them.
Beyond the door was a narrow, cobblestone street.
Diagon Alley.
Rhys saw the street with his own eyes for the first time.
On both sides of the street were various shops, crooked and crowded, as if haphazardly stacked together. The shop windows displayed all sorts of peculiar things – piles of wands, spinning brooms, smoking cauldrons, and wriggling Potion ingredients. Crowds bustled, Wizards in robes came and went, and occasionally an owl flew overhead.
The air was a mixture of scents – the sweet aroma of pumpkin pasties, the bitter tang of Potions, the fragrance of some spice, and a faint, indescribable scent of magic.
Rhys stood there, momentarily lost in a trance.
In his previous life, he could only read about this place in books.
Now, he stood here.
Gringotts was located at the end of Diagon Alley, a towering building of pristine white marble. It was taller than all the surrounding shops, sparkling in the sunlight, appearing exceptionally grand.
Rhys stood at the entrance, gazing up at the bronze doors.
On either side of the doors stood Goblins in scarlet and gold uniforms, their backs slightly hunched, with pointed ears and long noses. Seeing Lyra, they immediately bowed slightly.
"Miss Lyra Black," one of the Goblins said. "Welcome to Gringotts."
Lyra nodded slightly, leading Rhys through the doors.
The second door was silver, engraved with a warning:
Enter, stranger, but take heed
Of what awaits the sin of greed,
For those who take, but do not earn,
Must pay most dearly in their turn.
So if you seek beneath our floors
A treasure that was never yours,
Thief, you have been warned, beware
Of finding more than treasure there.
Rhys looked at the words and suddenly remembered last night's attempted robbery.
Did the person who tried to break into the vault read these warnings?
The door opened automatically.
They entered a vast marble hall. Crystal chandeliers hung from the high vaulted ceiling, illuminating the entire hall. Behind long counters sat dozens of Goblins, some weighing coins on scales, some examining gemstones with magnifying glasses, and some recording things in huge ledgers.
An older Goblin saw Lyra, immediately put down what he was doing, and hurried to greet her.
"Miss Lyra!" His face was wreathed in smiles, an obsequious expression that reminded Rhys of luxury store salespersons in his previous life. "You've come in person? What business do you need to conduct?"
"To withdraw some money," Lyra said indifferently. "And to show my nephew the way."
The Goblin's gaze fell on Rhys, and he immediately became even more enthusiastic.
"This must be young Mr. Black, isn't it? It's an honor to meet you! The House of Black has been a long-standing client of Gringotts; generations of your family's wealth are stored with us. Rest assured, your vault is absolutely safe!"
He bowed and scraped, leading them through the hall towards a small door.
"Please come this way, I'll take you to the vault."
Beyond the door was a narrow stone corridor, with torches on either side, their flames flickering, casting long and short shadows. They reached the end, where a track appeared before them, with several small carts parked on it.
"Please get in," the Goblin said.
Lyra and Rhys sat in a cart, and the Goblin sat in front, pulling a lever. The cart shot forward, speeding through the maze-like tunnels.
Wind whistled past their ears, the tunnel twisted left and right, up and down, and cold air rushed at them. Rhys gripped the handrail tightly, feeling like he was on a roller coaster. Occasionally, he could see other tunnels passing by, and glimpse vault doors – some small, some huge, inscribed with different numbers.
"The House of Black's vault is very deep," the Goblinshouted, his voice broken by the wind. "Below the seven hundredth floor, only a few families have that privilege."
The cart finally stopped.
They stood before a massive vault door, engraved with the House of Black crest – silver stars, golden lines, and the family motto, "Always Pure."
The Goblin pulled out a key, inserted it into the lock, and turned it. Then he extended a finger, pressed it on a certain spot on the door, and muttered something. The crest on the door lit up and made a clicking sound.
"Fingerprint and key authentication," the Goblin explained. "Double security."
The door opened.
Rhys walked in, stunned by the sight before him.
The vault was huge, like a small room. It was piled high with Galleons, silver ingots, and Knuts, as well as some ancient-looking artifacts – goblets, armor, portraits, and even a gleaming sword stuck into a rack.
Lyra walked to a corner, picked up a leather pouch, and began filling it with Galleons. Her movements were skilled; she had clearly done this many times before.
"You'll need a lot of money in the future," she said as she filled it. "Pocket money at school, buying snacks, extra books, Christmas presents – all cost money."
She filled a pouch and handed it to Rhys.
Rhys took it; it was heavy.
"How much is this?" he asked.
"One thousand Galleons," Lyra said. "That should last you a while. If it's not enough, send a letter, and I'll send you more."
One thousand Galleons.
Rhys knew what that number meant. An average Wizarding family's annual income might only be a few hundred Galleons. Harry's
The House of Black was indeed wealthy.
The Goblin watched from the side, a wide smile on his face: "Miss Black is truly generous! Young Mr. Black, you must use this money well; Gringotts is always at your service!"
Rhys glanced at him but said nothing.
Lyra took a small, exquisite leather case from a shelf and handed it to Rhys.
"This is for you," she said. "Don't mind its size; open it and take a look."
Rhys took the case and opened the lid.
It was empty, but the bottom was incredibly deep – deeper than a normal case should be. He reached his hand in, and almost his entire arm could fit inside without touching the bottom.
"Undetectable Extension Charm," Lyra said. "Your grandmother used it when she was young, and it's been idle ever since. The space inside is roughly the size of a room, enough for you to store seven years' worth of things."
Rhys closed the case, opened it again, then closed it.
How magical.
"Thank you, Auntie," he said.
Lyra smiled and patted his head.
The Goblin spoke again from the side: "Miss Lyra, would you like us to send these Galleons to your residence? Or do you need to exchange them for other currencies? Gringottsoffers the most favorable exchange rates—"
"No need," Lyra interrupted him. "We'll carry them ourselves."
She put the leather pouch filled with Galleons into Rhys's case, then closed the lid.
"Let's go, to buy the items on your list."
——
When they walked out of Gringotts, the sun was shining brightly.
Rhys looked back at the white marble building, still savoring the experience.
The Goblin's flattery, the vault's riches, his aunt's generosity.
And that case – he could store many things in it later.
"Auntie," he suddenly asked, "You just said the House of Black's wealth from generations is stored there?"
Lyra nodded.
"Accumulated generation after generation, starting from your great-great-grandfather. Later, your grandfather managed Star-Swirl Brooms and earned quite a bit more. Plus, our marriage alliance with the Selwyn family merged our two businesses, making our wealth even greater than that of typical pure-blood families."
She paused, looking down at Rhys.
"But none of that is the most important thing."
"Then what is most important?"
"People," Lyra said. "Money can be earned again if lost, but if people are gone, everything is gone. Remember that."
Rhys nodded.
Of course he remembered.
He knew the taste of loss better than anyone.
"Let's go," Lyra extended her hand. "To buy your school supplies. I bet you're eager to explore this street."
Rhys took her hand and followed her into the crowd.
He didn't look back, but he knew the case full of Galleons lay quietly in his hand.
That was the confidence the House of Black gave him.
And the love his family gave him.
——
In the crowd, a Black-haired, green-eyed boy stood in front of the Quality Quidditch Supplies shop window, staring intently at the latest Nimbus 2000 on display.
His expression was focused and longing, completely oblivious to the two figures, one tall and one small, passing by behind him.
Rhys's footsteps paused slightly as he passed him.
Gray eyes and green eyes almost met.
But Rhys didn't stop.
He merely squeezed his aunt's hand gently and continued walking.
No rush.
They would meet soon enough.
——At Hogwarts