Ch. 31 Harry's Inherited Properties

Harry felt a rush of warmth and magic as he activated the Potter Head Family Ring, focusing on their next destination. In a blink, he, Ruby, and the Malfoys stood before the grand, timeless structure of Potter Manor in Wiltshire, England. The Manor, surrounded by lush gardens and ancient trees, exuded an aura of history and nobility, its stone walls bearing the weight of generations past.

The magnificence of the estate took their breath away. The Manor was vast, with tall windows that reflected the afternoon sunlight, casting a warm glow over the scene. Ivy climbed the walls, and the gardens were filled with blooming flowers, their fragrance wafting through the air.

As they approached the entrance, Narcissa spoke, her voice carrying a touch of nostalgia. "This Manor belonged to your grandparents, Charlus and Dorea Potter. Dorea was my great-aunt, a beautiful and intelligent witch. Like the rest of our family, except for my cousin Sirius, she was sorted into Slytherin." Harry recognized the name from his inheritance test but kept his thoughts to himself.

"Dorea married your grandfather, Charlus Potter, a Gryffindor and a renowned Potioneer. Together with his brother Fleamont, they invented Sleekeazy's Hair Potion, which became quite popular." Narcissa glanced at Harry with a small smile. "You've inherited much from her, Harry. The Blacks were known for their beauty, and I see that regal, royal-like quality in you."

Ruby smiled as she imagined Dorea in her youth. "I can picture Dorea as a stunning queen," she said, glancing at Harry. "You definitely have that royal charm, with your emerald green eyes and that dark hair of yours."

Harry felt a blush creeping up his neck as he looked around, taking in the Manor's magnificence. It was a place filled with history, yet it felt welcoming, like a home that had been waiting for him all these years.

Lucius, observing the surroundings with a discerning eye, spoke up. "Potter Manor is impressive, Harry. The grounds are extensive, and the Manor itself is magnificent. What do you think? Do you see yourself living here or perhaps using it as a summer retreat or a safe house?"

Draco nodded in agreement. "It's got potential, definitely. You and Ruby could make it your home if you wished."

Harry turned to Ruby, who was gazing at the Manor with a serene expression. There was something peaceful about her standing there as if she belonged there. It warmed his heart to see her so at ease.

"I like it here," Ruby said softly, her eyes meeting Harry's. "It feels... right."

Harry smiled, his decision already forming. "I think we should keep Potter Manor as an option for our future home," he said, his voice firm. We still have other properties to check out, but this place... it feels special."

Narcissa nodded approvingly. "It's a wise decision, Harry. Potter Manor is more than just a house; it's a legacy, a piece of your family's history."

As they continued to explore the Manor, Harry felt a deep connection to the place, a bond that seemed to bridge the past and the future. He saw himself and Ruby living here, building a life together within these ancient walls. With its rich history and beautiful surroundings, the Manor was more than just an inheritance—it was a home waiting to be filled with new memories and beginnings.

The familiar warmth of magic surged through Harry as he used the Potter Head Family Ring, transporting himself, Ruby, and the Malfoys to Potter Cottage in Godric's Hollow. But as the scene materialized around them, the peace they had felt at Potter Manor was replaced by a heavy, suffocating tension. The once-charming cottage, which had once been his home, now stood in ruins, its walls scarred and broken, a silent witness to the horror that had taken place here ten years ago.

The weight of the past hung in the air, and even the usually composed Narcissa, Lucius, and Draco exchanged worried glances, knowing all too well what had transpired on that fateful night of October 31, 1981. The night Harry's parents, James and Lily Potter, died.

Harry's heart clenched as he took in the sight of the destroyed cottage. The sight of the neglected home stirred something deep within him—a mixture of sorrow, anger, and a profound sense of loss. He could feel the memories tugging at the edges of his consciousness, memories he knew he had but was too young.

"I'd like to check out the cottage by myself," Harry said softly, his voice thick with emotion.

Lucius, Narcissa, and Draco nodded understanding, stepping back to give him space. But Ruby, her eyes filled with concern, refused to let Harry face this alone. Without a word, she reached for his hand, lacing her fingers through his. Harry didn't protest; instead, he squeezed her hand, drawing comfort from her presence as they entered the cottage together.

The cottage's interior was just as damaged as the outside. Debris littered the floors, and the walls bore deep scorch marks. Yet, as Harry walked through the remnants of his first home, faint memories began to surface. He could almost hear the echoes of his parents' laughter and feel the warmth of their love. But those memories were overshadowed by the grief of what had been lost.

"I... I faintly remember living here," Harry whispered, his voice trembling as they walked through the crumbling remains. "I was only a year old when it happened, but... some things stay with you, even if you're too young to understand."

Ruby looked up at him, her heart breaking as she saw the tears welling in his eyes. She could see the pain etched on his face, the way this place held so many sad memories for him. Without thinking, she wrapped her arm around his, holding him close as they continued their walk, heading upstairs.

When they reached the damaged nursery, Harry's steps faltered. His gaze locked onto the ruined crib, the scattered toys, and the hole in the ceiling, a testament to the violence that had taken place. Suddenly, memories began to flood his mind—memories he hadn't even realized he possessed.

He saw his mother, Lily, standing in front of his crib, her red hair glowing in the light, her voice soft and full of love as she whispered something to him, words that had always made him feel safe. But then the memory darkened, and he saw the flash of green light as Voldemort cast the Killing Curse on her. Even in those final moments, Lily had looked beautiful, surrounded by that deadly green light, her love for him shining through despite the fear and pain.

Harry blinked, and the image of Lily's lifeless body faded, replaced by Voldemort's cold, ruthless face as he turned the wand on Harry himself. But instead of darkness, there had been a blinding white light, an explosion of magic that had left its mark on this room.

Returning to the present, Harry tore his gaze from the hole in the ceiling, his hand tightening around Ruby's as he tried to steady himself. The tears were now freely falling down his cheeks, but Ruby said nothing. She stayed by his side, her presence a calming force amidst the storm of emotions swirling inside him.

"This place..." Ruby began softly, glancing around the nursery, "holds so much history, so many memories. We should use it as a vacation home whenever you want to visit your parents. I can imagine them being buried nearby."

Harry nodded, his throat too tight to speak. Ruby had understood, as she always did. She knew what this place meant to him, and she wanted to honor that.

They made their way out of the cottage, where Draco was waiting for them. "My parents found James and Lily's graves," he said gently, gesturing for them to follow.

The trio walked to the cemetery in silence. When they reached the graves, Narcissa and Lucius stepped back, giving Harry space. Ruby joined them, sensing that Harry needed this moment alone.

Harry stood before the simple headstones of his parents, his heart heavy. He could almost see them there, standing together, smiling at him. He imagined what it would have been like to have them in his life, to grow up with their love and guidance.

"I've been through so much," Harry whispered, his voice breaking as he spoke to the empty air. "The Dursleys... they never loved me. Aunt Petunia always called me a freak. I... I thought about ending it all once. I was so close. But then, I met Ruby."

He paused, swallowing hard as he remembered that day at the park, the day everything changed. "She became my only source of living, my only friend. I... I think you sent her to me, didn't you? An angel to keep me going."

Harry's gaze drifted to Ruby, standing with the Malfoys, her eyes on him. She looked beautiful and full of life, and Harry felt deeply grateful. "Thank you for sending her to me," he continued, his voice filled with emotion. "I promise I'll love and protect her for the rest of my life."

He stood there a moment longer, letting the words sink in before he turned and rejoined Ruby and the others. When he reached them, he retook Ruby's hand, drawing strength from her.

"I've decided," Harry said, his voice steady now. "The Potter Cottage will be renovated, and we'll use it as a vacation home. I want to be able to visit my parents whenever I need to."

Ruby smiled, a soft, understanding smile that told him she was with him every step of the way. Lucius and Narcissa nodded in approval, and Draco offered a supportive smile.

Together, they left the cemetery, leaving the sadness and tension behind as they walked into the future, hand in hand.

As Harry looked at the Stonelake Head Family Ring on his finger, he felt a surge of energy ripple through his body. The ring glowed faintly with its ancient runes and deep emerald stone, and with a whispered chant, the world around them began to blur. A soft tug pulled Harry, Ruby, and the Malfoys from their surroundings, whisking them through space until they arrived at their destination: Stonelake Manor in Marunweem, Highlands, Scotland.

The group materialized on a gravel pathway to a grand estate nestled amidst rolling hills and mist-shrouded mountains. The Manor was a sprawling, stately building of ancient stone, with ivy creeping up its walls and turrets that seemed to scrape the sky. The air was crisp, carrying the scent of pine and earth, and the distant sound of a babbling brook could be heard.

Harry felt an odd yet comforting sensation wash over him as though the ground beneath him recognized his presence and welcomed him home. He couldn't explain it, but it was as if the property was alive, resonating with a powerful, ancient magic that thrummed through the air. His magical core responded, almost vibrating harmoniously with the Manor's aura.

Lucius, Narcissa, and Draco exchanged glances, their eyes wide with awe. Even Draco, who was often hard to impress, couldn't hide his wonder. The ancient magical aura surrounding the property was noticeable, commanding respect and reverence.

Lucius was the first to speak, his voice tinged with admiration. "The magic here is old...ancient and incredibly powerful. It's no wonder the Stonelake lineage has been so kept, and only the descendants know of this property."

Sensing the need to fill the silence, Harry began recounting what he had learned about his maternal Great-Great-Grandmother, Holly Stonelake, during his visit to Gringotts. As they walked towards the Manor, he spoke softly, but his words carried clearly in the serenity of the Highlands.

"Holly Stonelake... Her background is unclear, but she was aware of the magical world from a young age. She dreamt for years of attending Hogwarts, but she wasn't accepted at eleven. It wasn't until she was fifteen when her ability to harness ancient magic was discovered that she was finally admitted as a late transfer."

Lucius nodded, clearly intrigued. "Ancient magic... My father, Abraxas, mentioned it once. It's a rare and powerful form of magic, almost forgotten by the wizarding world. Those who can wield it are incredibly rare, and the magic itself is... different. It manifests in traces, whispers of power that only those with the gift can perceive."

Harry glanced at Lucius, his curiosity piqued, but he kept his thoughts to himself. Could I have inherited this ancient magic? He wondered silently. He recalled that Holly had only begun to tap into her abilities in her late teens. Perhaps there's still time for me to discover if I have this gift.

As they approached the massive wooden doors of Stonelake Manor, Harry continued his tale, his voice taking on a respectful tone as he spoke of Holly's adventures.

"Holly received her Hogwarts letter in London, near Big Ben. She was tutored by Professor Eleazar Fig and was admitted to Hogwarts in her fifth year. On her journey to the school, she discovered a key that led her to the ruins of Percival Rackham's house, where she began to unlock the secrets of ancient magic. Her journey took her to Gringotts, where she encountered a Pensieve that showed her a memory of the Keepers' trials—a series of challenges only she could complete due to her unique abilities."

Lucius listened intently, clearly impressed. "To harness ancient magic and use it to unlock such secrets... She must have been extraordinarily gifted."

Harry nodded. "She was. She went on many adventures, uncovering ancient secrets and battling rebellious goblins and dark wizards. After graduating from Hogwarts, she met and married a descendant of Godric Gryffindor, Alastair Lyons. They had children, and the Stonelake legacy continued with me being their living descendant."

As they explored the grounds, Harry, Ruby, and Draco moved ahead, captivated by the sheer beauty and power of the place. Meanwhile, Lucius and Narcissa walked a few steps behind, quietly discussing their theories.

"Do you think," Narcissa began, her voice low and thoughtful, "that Lily Potter could have used ancient magic to protect Harry from the Dark Lord?"

Lucius considered this, nodding slowly. "It's possible. If she had even a fraction of Holly Stonelake's power, she might have been able to tap into it, even unknowingly, to protect her son. It would explain why the Killing Curse rebounded the way it did from Harry to the Dark Lord."

After thoroughly exploring the Manor, Harry and Ruby agreed that Stonelake Manor would serve as a safe house. The Gaunt Manor would also be a secure location, while the Reyes Manor, the renovated Sallow Manor, and Potter Cottage would be their vacation homes. The Potter Manor would become their future home once they were of age.

Satisfied with their plans, Lucius used his wand to transport them back to Malfoy Manor, where they would continue their winter holiday preparations. The snow-covered grounds of Malfoy Manor welcomed them back, and as they stepped inside, Harry couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation for the future—a future where he would finally have a home to call his own, surrounded by those he cared about.

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