Playing With Magic

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Chapter 32: Aerondight, Dragon Silver

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23 Oak Avenue, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire.

Johnathan Grey

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[Aerondight - Magical Item]

[A Dragon Silver sword designed precisely like the sword of the same name in the Witcher universe. Aerondight was created by a master blacksmith, Johnathan Grey, after he had learned the process of creating Goblin Silver from a long-dead goblin using the Ressurection Stone. Grey would then go on to rename Goblin Silver to Dragon Silver.]

[+ Absorbs that which strengthens it.]

[+ Highly durable.]

[+ Repells mundane dirt.]

[+ Retains its lustre.]

Looking at the Sword, I couldn't help but think that even Goblins were suffering from the same desease Witches and Wizards are. Sheer laziness. After creating the Sword, I realised I could use the exact same process to make a steel version, which would be much more durable than silver. The reason Goblins didn't, was because it would take more energy and didn't look as shiny. The morons.

Taking a vial of Basilisk venom from my inventory, I used [Telekenisis] to take a few drops from the vial and place it on the sword end of the sword to test out the whole 'Absorbs that which strengthens it'. Observing the way the magic if the sword reacted, I noticed it started to match the makeup of the substance. When it had gained all it needed, it sent the information down the length of the sword, giving it the desired properties. Using [Observe], I confirmed it had worked as it should.

[+ Basilisk venom damage.]

There wasn't even so much as a glow or flicker of light, so most who weren't as sensitive to magic wouldn't be able to even notice the change. After cleaning off the remains of the real venom, I walked up to the sheep I had Poppy set aside for a test and gave it a cut on its side, watching as it slowly lost the light in its eyes. It turns out the magic in the sword doesn't actually create more venom, it actually uses magic with the exact properties of the venom. 

The venom seemed to cease to exist as the magic lost its power, but considering the type of venom I was using, I wasn't going to worry about an opponent surviving. With a nod, I ended the test and went on to create an enchanted Dragon Silver ring to house the Ressurection just in case I'd like to take it out and don't want it recognised.

As for the stone itself, the ghost-like spirits I summon seem to do as I ask and give me the information I want, but it doesn't seem to have the ability to summon spirits from other realities. If it did, I would know magic from Marvel, DC and all the other fictional works I'm aware of by the end of the Yule holidays. All other plans would have been cancelled. There was nothing stating it was only linked to this dimension though, so I was hoping it would allow me to use it the same way when I start dimension hopping.

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26 December 1991 - Wiltshire, Greengrass Manor

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Daphne descended the grand staircase, already dressed in her dark green skirt and blouse combination paired with almost knee-high leather boots, and a pair of black tights. As she reached the bottom of the stairs, she saw her father sitting by the fireplace, already prepared to leave for Diagon Alley in a dark grey tailored suit and leather shoes, The Daily Prophet in hand.

"Father," Daphne greeted him as she approached. "I've never really known John to arrive anywhere near an hour early, so I don't see why we need to get there so far ahead of time."

This would not be the first time she had mentioned this but it was always good to remind someone in case they hadn't heard the first time. Her father, Cyrus Greengrass, turned to her with a slight smile, his eyes gleaming with the sharpness she had always connected with thinking a few steps ahead. "I have a feeling that Grey will likely arrive early in Diagon Alley, either to pick up a few things—books most likely—or simply to explore a little before our scheduled meeting. It would be a good opportunity to observe him and see what he does with his time."

Daphne creased her eyebrows a little as she tried to decipher her father's words. After a few seconds of silence, she nodded slowly, understanding dawning in her eyes. "So you want to see how he acts when he's in public. You're trying to figure out how best to get him to join us based on his likes, dislikes and behaviour. But I've already written to you about those, and we have the rest of Yule to find things I missed."

"Ah, but you haven't seen him in public either," Cyrus shook his head, continuing before she could counter. "School doesn't count. Grey is…different from others his age, or in general for that matter. It's important to understand how he treats those he meets for the first time and or isn't trying to recruit him for anything. If one can gain insight into his character and motivations, we can make better decisions that might benefit the family."

"He values knowledge, magic, and straightforwardness over traditional incentives," Daphne said as she looked at her father, confused as to what she was missing. "He already has money, he pays for the books. He already has fame from his own achievements, he doesn't even flaunt it. What else could there be?"

"That is why he needs to be observed carefully, Daphne," Cyrus replied. "We know he has money, but where does it come from? We know he turned down some books because he had already read them, but when and who gave them to him? All before Lord Black was freed, so it wasn't from House Black, so where could he have gotten it all from?"

"...I see." Daphne relaxed on the couch. She had thought of that, but she thought it didn't matter that much. Anyone with good sense would want the next up-and-coming genius to be on their side, even if it was to make sure their opponents didn't have him. But the way her father was saying it, it was possible whoever was giving him the things he had could use him to turn against them somehow.

Her father nodded, going back to his paper as he added, "Being a genius is all well and good, but it doesn't explain access to books that are basically hidden from most people so soon after being introduced to the magical world. Besides, we'll be able to get some shopping done, I thought girls love that."

Hearing the soft sound of footsteps descending the grand staircase, Daphne turned her attention to see her mother making her way down with her sister by her side. Her mother was dressed in a tailored, rich, plum-coloured coat with fur trim around the collar and cuffs, paired with matching gloves and a stylish hat. Her sister was wearing a lavender-coloured coat with a warm scarf and gloves to match.

"We're ready to leave," the lady of the house announced, before focusing on her firstborn. "Daphne, darling, where are your coat, scarf and gloves?"

"I was waiting for you guys to finish up," Daphne said, straightening her skirt. She knew Astoria needed more help getting dressed due to her weaker body, so she would always get ready with her father and wait for them both whenever they had a family outing. Her sister could do it herself, but she couldn't that week, even if she hadn't taken her potion yet. But her mother always liked to do it for her. "Mossy!"

In an instant, the family house-elf appeared with a soft pop and a bowing. "Yes, Miss Greengrass?" 

"Could you please bring my coat, scarf and gloves?" Daphne asked.

"And mine as well, Mossy," Cyrus added, putting his paper on the small coffee table next to his seat as he made his way to his feet. 

The elf nodded vigorously. "Right away, Miss Daphne, Master Cyrus." He disappeared with another pop and reappeared moments later, carrying two elegantly tailored coats, two scarves and two pairs of gloves. He presented Cyrus with his own long, dark overcoat. He then handed Daphne hers—a stylish, high-collared, dark grey coat with silver buttons.

"Thank you, Mossy," Daphne said as she slipped them on.

"Thank you, Mossy," Cyrus echoed, adjusting the collar of his own coat. He glanced at his wife and younger daughter, who were now standing beside them. "You all look wonderful."

The lady of the house gave him a graceful nod, and Astoria beamed up at her father and sister. Daphne, usually reserved, allowed an almost imperceptible smile to cross her lips upon seeing her younger sister's smile. It was a small, fleeting expression, but one that the lord of the house noticed from the corner of his eye. He chose not to comment on it, instead leaning in to give his wife a gentle kiss, and then he pulled both Daphne and Astoria into a brief but warm hug. Something he would do every time they left together.

"Let's get going, then," Cyrus said. With that, they stepped into the Floo, and with a swirl of green flames, they were off to Diagon Alley.

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Diagon Alley

Johnathan Grey

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Walking through The Leaky Cauldron's entrance to Diagon Alley, I adjusted my coat and began making my way toward Gringotts. I didn't want to make a trip to the Alley when at Greengrass Manor so I wanted to get some miscellaneous things I could find just walking around for a while. As I approached the entrance of the bank, I noticed the Greengrass family stepping out, all dressed up in what looked like very expensive and stylish clothes. Daphne called out to me, a little confused. "John?"

She gave her father a quick, questioning glance, but the man responded with a knowing look. Ignoring the look, because I frankly couldn't be bothered, I smiled and walked over to them. "I missed you at the platform. It's good to see you all, and a lot earlier than scheduled to boot."

"No problem at all, Mr Grey." Lord Greengrass stepped forward with a polite smile and extended his hand. "It's good to finally meet you as well. Allow me to introduce you to the rest of my family." He gestured to the woman and child beside him. "This is my wife, Lady Greengrass, and my younger daughter, Astoria."

Lord Greengrass himself looked like he was around his late 30s to early 40s with sharp features, though he was around 6 feet tall and carried himself well. Lady Greengrass looked slender and elegant, and Astoria basically looked like a younger Daphne, which wasn't surprising. Shaking Lord Greengrass's hand firmly before offering a polite nod to Lady Greengrass and a friendly smile to Astoria. "It's a pleasure to finally meet you all."

Lady Greengrass returned the nod with a gracious smile, while Astoria greeted him with a cheerful "Hello!"

"I was just heading into Gringotts to have a chat with the Goblins," I told them as I glanced up at the building they were exiting. "Maybe do some shopping afterwards, before meeting with you guys at the time we arranged."

"No issue at all, Mr Grey." Lord Greengrass gave a small, thoughtful nod. "We could accompany you, if you wouldn't mind. Goblins are very savy, I could give you some pointers if needed."

It seems I found where Daphne gets her political mindset from. Not surprising, considering he is the head of their household. Not bothering to give it much thought, because I simply didn't care, I shrugged and said, "That would be fine, thank you. I wouldn't want to keep you though, so if you have places to be then…"

"Oh, it's not trouble at all."

With that, the group turned and walked with me back into Gringotts.

I led the way to one of the available counters, where a sharp-eyed goblin eyed me, but unlike the other times I arrived, he didn't seem to recognise me. Whether this was due to being new to his position or he was doing this because he didn't want my entourage to catch onto anything, I wasn't sure. "Good day. How may Gringotts assist you today?"

I stepped forward and nodded to the money grubber. "I'd like to speak with someone regarding goblin silver."

The goblin blinked, glanced at Lord Greengrass for a moment, and received no extra information. He then looked back at me, nodded, and turned to give a few instructions to another goblin off to the side. After that, he motioned for us to follow the other goblin to one of the meeting rooms, grunting, "Follow my colleague to one of the meeting rooms."

As we walked through the grand marble corridors, Daphne walked up next to me, matching my stride. "Why do you want to buy goblin silver? Or do you really think the goblins will be willing to teach you how it's made?" she asked teasingly.

I could practically feel Lord Greengrass's gaze assessing me from behind us and likely planning his next move based on my response. I simply smiled and responded, just as the goblin came to a stop next to an enchanted door, "I don't need to be taught how it's made."

"Please wait here." The goblin leading us pushed open the door and gestured for us to enter. "A representative will be with you shortly."

The room was tastefully furnished, with dark wood panelling and luxurious chairs arranged around a polished table. Thanking the goblin, we all took our seats, settling into the comfortable silence of the room—until I decided to break it. "So, I've noticed that you've mostly been presenting me with books on healing and related topics. Is there any particular reason for that?"

Lord Greengrass, who had only been observing for a while, gave a sly smile and answer for Dapne after he noticed her pause. "I get the feeling you've already figured that out by now, Mr Grey… Or perhaps," he added teasingly, if a bit challengingly, "you're not as smart as they say you are."

I met Lord Greengrass's gaze and returned the smile, then redirected my attention to Astoria, who was sitting quietly beside her mother. 

[Astoria Greengrass - Witch (Harry Potter)]

[Secong-born child of Cyrus Greengrass, Lord of House Greengrass, and sister to Daphne Greengrass.]

[Cursed with a blood malediction.]

The small but telling gesture indicated that I had already figured it out. Using my magic sense to get a better read of her condition, I could feel the curse using her own magic against her body, weakening it. It wasn't as bad now, but the more magic she had, the more it would affect her body, causing her frail physical condition. Which meant it would only get worse as she grew. Astoria, witnessing the shift in the conversation, looked back at me with wide eyes but said nothing as her mother put her hand over hers. 

"Hmm," Cyrus hummed, relaxing into his chair without adding anything else. I assumed he was just waiting to see what I planned to do with the information, but he could play all the mental chess he wanted. After a few seconds of Cyrus just leaning back on the couch trying to figure me out, the door opened, and two well-dressed goblins entered, each carrying a small leather-bound ledger. Without a word, they moved to the table, activating the enchantments on the door and walls with a touch.

The first goblin interlocked his fingers as he surveyed the five of us before settling on Lord Greengrass and addressing the man. "Which House would like to purchase goblin silver, and what type of weapon would they like crafted? If you can afford it, Gringotts will be willing to create it once the contract has been signed."

Lord Greengrass, having not taken his eyes off me, didn't reply.

"Actually, I have a few different questions." I spoke up, "First being, what are the protocols if a person who isn't a goblin figures out how to make goblin silver?"

The first goblin's eyes narrowed as he measured my word, or possibly thought this was a joke of some kind. The second, who I assumed was here because they knew I came to sell gold on seemed to raise his eyebrow a little. I guess it was almost exactly like big companies in the muggle world, different departments have different worries and problem. 

"That is a question that is not asked lightly, Mr Grey. Dealings of that sort are normally done in private," I was told, as the goblins glanced at the Greengrass family.

Oh, that's right, the whole 'safeguard the secrets of a valuable Gringotts' thing. I simply shrugged and said, "I was just curious. Once I have the information I will think on the matter of potential sale and all that. Either way, I'll be exchanging gold for galleons, so…" 

The goblin in charge of their silver craft nodded and said, "Goblin silver is a closely guarded secret, a craft known only to our kind for millennia. If someone were to... stumble upon our methods, there would be consequences."

He paused, giving me a sharp look, trying to gauge his intent. "Such knowledge would be considered a theft of our heritage, and the repercussions would be severe, both legally and personally. The individual would be summoned to Gringotts for a... discussion, and any use of the knowledge would be strictly prohibited. The materials and creations involved would be reclaimed by us, and the matter would be resolved to our satisfaction."

"So, let me get this straight," My expression was completely blank as I looked directly into the goblin's eyes as a sliver of my magic started to make its way into the room, enough to make the inhabitants freeze a little but now cower in fear or suffocating like they would if I actually tried. "If I were to make enchanted silver the same way you guys do because I was simply smart enough to figure it out…then we would have a problem?"

The silence that followed grew heavily as the Greengrass family remained quiet, observing the exchange closely. I had anticipated the goblins' protectiveness over their craft, but this was ridiculous. I just couldn't wrap my head around it, the smart thing to do is simply say they would be willing to pay the person to keep it quiet as a reward. Both parties win, like how hackers get paid when they bring a flaw in a system to a company so they can fix it or something.

"That's Good to know. Thank you for the clarification," I said evenly when the goblin didn't respond, slowly reigning my magic in. "It's important to know the boundaries before proceeding with any further requests."

If they wanted beef, I would sell goblin silver to the entire Wizarding world and simply watch their value decrease with a smile on my face. 

"Indeed." The goblin in the suit gave a curt nod with a blank expression of his own. "Now, if you wish to proceed with a more conventional transaction, we can discuss the terms and conditions."

Soon enough, we were out of there. With my gold exchanged for galleons, the members of House Greengrass were confused as to where I even got the gold in the first place but didn't bring up what occurred in the bank. When they saw that the meeting didn't bother me in the slightest, we made some small talk as we walked around the Alley. After making a few extra purchases with the family, we used the Floo to Greengrass Manor.

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"I've got a letter and a lot of gold. Something about it being your inheritance? Oh, and... sorry for your loss."

— A courier, Skyrim.

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Autor Here

John: Hey, what if I figured it out myself though?

Goblin: We would still try to fuck you up in some way.

John: Oh, OK then.

John's thoughts: Fuck you too…and your mama. 

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