Watching Ron playing chess with himself, Aiden thought it was time to prepare for his promotion.
In the afternoon, Aiden approached Mrs. Molly and said, "Aunt Molly, I need to buy some materials to practice making potions."
"Potion-making? No, no, Aiden, you're too young. The process of brewing potions comes with certain dangers. I know you're a clever child, but let's stick to reading and building knowledge for now. You can practice brewing after you enter Hogwarts, alright?"
"But Aunt Molly, I've already learned all the content of the O.W.L.s exam."
"What!? Is that true?"
"Yes, Aunt. If you don't believe me, you can test me."
"Alright, I'll test you. If you pass, I'll allow you to practice, but only while one of us is present. If you fail, you'll have to wait patiently until school begins." Mrs. Molly placed her hands on her hips.
"Okay, Aunt."
"What are the ingredients of a Soothing Draught?"
"Moonstone powder and Dittany syrup."
"What are the ingredients of a Moonshine Potion?"
"Moonflower, crystal dew, Biting Cabbage, and resin from the Whomping Willow."
"What is the most important ingredient needed to make a Strengthening Solution?"
"It requires the blood of a Fire Salamander."
"The last question—give me the configuration steps of the Starlight Elixir."
"Preparation Ritual: On a bright moonlit night, choose a quiet space and arrange all the ingredients. Light an incense blend of sandalwood and lavender to purify the area.
Harmonize Star Dew: Pour the star dew into a crystal bottle and gently add a pinch of Time Sand, allowing it to float in the dew.
Add Phoenix Feather: Immerse a phoenix feather into the dew and observe as it dissolves slowly, releasing a golden glow.
Grind the Fruit of Wisdom: Peel the outer skin of the Fruit of Wisdom, extract the seeds, grind the pulp into a paste, and add it to the bottle.
Smelt Dragon Blood Resin: Heat the resin in a copper pot until it melts, then carefully pour it into the bottle, mixing with the rest.
Sprinkle Moonstone Powder: Finally, evenly sprinkle the powder across the surface; it will merge into the liquid, turning it a soft silver.
Shake Well: Seal the bottle and shake gently to mix all the components.
Seal: Cast a preservation charm over the bottle to maintain the potion's efficacy."
"Well… it seems your potion knowledge is quite solid. Alright, I'll ask Arthur to bring some first-year potion materials from J. Pippin's Potions," Molly said, unable to resist Aiden's big, pleading eyes.
"No need, Aunt. I can take money from the Pruett Family vault and ask Brother Bill to take me to buy the materials." Aiden, with his own motives, couldn't let Arthur control his material supply and made a new request.
Mrs. Molly looked at him for a moment and finally agreed. "Fine. Bill's been home all vacation and writing Merlin-knows-who. Letting him take you out might be a good change. But! You! Absolutely! Must! Not! Go! To! Knockturn Alley!"
"Okay, Aunt Molly." Aiden quickly put on his most innocent expression.
That afternoon at Gringotts, Bill brought Aiden to the main hall and grumbled, "Hurry up, Aiden. I haven't received a reply yet. I bet Errol's already back home—I need to get back quickly."
"Alright, Brother Bill. Whose reply are you so eager to get?" Aiden teased, looking up at Bill.
"None of your business." Bill gave him a look and brushed it off.
They stepped through Gringotts' tall bronze doors. Goblin guards in scarlet and gold-trimmed uniforms stood at the entrance, bowing slightly to incoming clients.
The second door was silver, with the familiar warning engraved: Enter, stranger, but take heed... Greed is a curse... Taking what is not yours... will be punished...
Honestly, wasn't that line meant for the goblins themselves? Aiden mused internally.
Tall counters lined both sides of the marble-floored hall. Dozens of goblins were seated behind them, busy with ledgers and quills. At one of the counters, Bill handed over a key. "We're going to the Prewett Family vault."
The goblin inspected the key, confirmed its authenticity, then returned it. "Griphook, escort the guests to Vault 714," he barked.
A goblin approached—short, wrinkled, with long pointed ears and large, protruding eyes. His scruffy gray-brown hair was tied loosely behind his head, and his clothes were dusty and rough-spun.
"This way, please," Griphook said, guiding Bill and Aiden to a mine cart. Once seated, he pulled the lever and the cart sped off, plunging into the depths of the bank.
As they rushed through the tunnels, they passed under a waterfall. "This is our Thief's Downfall. It washes away enchantments and illusions," Griphook explained.
Vaults flew past until they arrived at the Prewett vault. Bill handed over the key, and Griphook opened the heavy door.
A golden glow illuminated the interior. Heaps of Galleons gleamed in piles—centuries of accumulated wealth. Bill stared in stunned silence, eyes wide at the dazzling treasure.
But Aiden, as a trained Audience, remained composed. He glanced at Bill's reaction and smiled. Who could resist a mountain of gold?
"Alright, Bill. Let's just take fifty Galleons," Aiden said calmly.
Bill snapped out of his daze. "Oh—sure."
"Also, Bill, look! My ancestor's wand is stored here. I'll take one to practice magic at home." Aiden picked up a wand and gave it a gentle wave. A breeze stirred through the vault.
"Are you sure? Mum's not going to like that," Bill said hesitantly.
"It's just a wand, Bill. For a little practice at home—nothing serious. Aunt Molly won't mind." Aiden smiled as the wand responded to his touch.
"Fine, just don't drag me into it when Mum finds out."
After collecting the coins and wand, the two stepped through the Leaky Cauldron's aged doorway. The air was thick with smoke and chatter, the scent of butterbeer and roasted nuts swirling in the atmosphere.
In a dim corner, vines coiled around a dusty fireplace. Bill grabbed a handful of Floo Powder and said, "Hogsmeade." Aiden followed closely behind.
With a whoosh of green flame, he was pulled into the spinning vortex.
When he opened his eyes again, Aiden found himself in a completely different world—Hogsmeade. The quiet village brimmed with magical charm. Old stone buildings and curious shops lined the cobbled streets, each with its own story.
End of the Chapter.