The air in the French countryside had a different scent, fresher and lighter than in England. Aurelian breathed it in deeply from the garden of the Flamel house, his arms crossed and his gaze fixed on the horizon, which was beginning to turn golden in the evening light.
Time never stood still, and September 1st was getting closer and closer. The return to Hogwarts, his fourth year at the castle.
The summer had passed in a way he never imagined. From training sessions that pushed him to his limits, conversations that made him question his own motivations, and the warmth of an improvised family that welcomed him as if he had always belonged there.
He smiled, remembering Perenelle's laughter and Nicolas' jokes, the way they had cared for him. Leaving that new routine filled him with a strange feeling of melancholy.
But Hogwarts awaited him. He had left childhood behind long ago, but he felt that this new school year would mark a turning point.
Not only must he continue his training, but he must also begin to interfere in the political arena, becoming increasingly visible in a world that was already beginning to tremble with rumors of old shadows beginning to awaken.
The wind ruffled his dark hair, and his eyes sparkled with a mixture of calm and anticipation for the new challenges that awaited him.
"It's going to be an interesting year..." he murmured to himself.
Behind him, Perenelle's cheerful voice called him to dinner, interrupting his thoughts. He turned around and headed toward the house.
As he descended the stairs the next morning, Aurelian stopped dead in his tracks. The dining room had been transformed. The long, sturdy table was covered with steaming plates overflowing with food. Freshly baked bread, roast meat, fresh fruit, and sweets were lined up as if for a party.
In the center, standing with a satisfied smile, Perenelle was waiting for him.
"We couldn't let you go back to England on an empty stomach," she said in that affectionate tone that brooked no reply. "So I prepared a farewell feast for you."
Aurelian blinked, surprised. He had never had a farewell like this before... well, if we don't count Stinky.
Nicolas, already seated, raised a glass of light wine and looked at him with a smile.
"Come on, boy. Don't just stand there. This table won't bite. Sit down and enjoy yourself, you've earned it."
Aurelian obeyed, still feeling a mixture of shyness and joy that he rarely experienced. He served himself a little of each dish, and soon the room was filled with laughter. Perenelle encouraged him to try everything, Nicolas made little jokes, and the table became the center of a warm moment he would never forget.
In a moment of silence, Aurelian put down his cutlery and looked at them both seriously.
"Thank you... truly... for everything. Not just your teachings, but for what you gave me this summer. It was... much more than I expected."
The two elders looked at him with warm smiles, as if listening to a grandchild express what was in his heart.
"You are just beginning your journey, dear," said Perenelle softly, leaning toward him. "And we are happy to be there to see it."
Nicolas nodded, with that spark of complicity in his eyes.
"Enjoy your fourth year. Learn, make mistakes, get back up again. Because next summer..." he raised her glass, as if toasting, "will be the moment when I fully instruct you in alchemy. And believe me, that will be a journey you will never forget."
Aurelian smiled, feeling the emotion rush through his chest. The banquet continued amid laughter and anecdotes.
When the table was almost empty and the afternoon was drawing to a close, Perenelle stood up, walking around the table until she was facing Aurelian. She looked at him with those eyes full of warmth and tenderness that always seemed to pierce through his mask.
"Listen to me carefully, dear," she said, gently placing a hand on his shoulder. "You are strong, very strong, and you will become even stronger. But always remember that not everything in life is about power. Take care of your heart. Take care of those you love. That way you will never forget who you are and above all..." she looked at him mischievously, "don't let your studies make you forget that girls need attention."
Aurelian blushed and looked away, his expression somewhere between embarrassed and amused.
"Perenelle..."
She laughed softly and gave him a hug before returning to her seat.
It was then that Nicolas stood up and took a white feather with a pearly sheen from his tunic.
"Here you are," he said seriously, handing it to him. "It's a transporter. It will take you directly to the entrance of your house in England."
Aurelian took the feather carefully, noticing the magical pulse emanating from it. Nicolas smiled at him with his usual calm.
"You've made great progress this summer. Remember, the best is yet to come. I wish you success in this new school year."
Aurelian nodded, holding back the words he wanted to say. With one last glance at both of them, he squeezed the feather.
The familiar tug enveloped him, and in an instant, the Flamels' dining room disappeared.
When he opened his eyes again, he was standing in front of Gaunt Manor. Here the air was denser, heavier, and his lips curved into a quiet smile.
He looked up at the sky, squeezed the feather in his hand, and murmured softly.
"Thank you... Grandparents."
With a steady step, he walked toward the entrance of his home, knowing that this summer had changed something in his life forever.
As soon as he crossed into the lobby of Gaunt Manor, Stinky appeared before him with a snap. His large eyes sparkled with excitement and his ears trembled with pure joy.
"My lord!" exclaimed the elf, jumping up and down as he bowed awkwardly. "Stinky is so happy you're back! Stinky knew his young master would become even more powerful! Stinky always believed!"
Aurelian couldn't help but smile sincerely. He crouched down slightly and placed a hand on the elf's shoulder.
"Thank you, Stinky. It's good to be home."
The following days were quiet. Aurelian alternated between training, reading, and long, silent walks around the mansion, reflecting on his experiences in France.
But that morning, he had something important to do.
Dressed in a simple tunic, he sat at an outdoor table in Diagon Alley, a half-melted ice cream cone in front of him. He watched the comings and goings of wizards and witches with apparent nonchalance. However, his mind was focused on a single detail. This was the day the Weasleys would come to do their school shopping.
And with them, his father's diary. The fragment of Voldemort that still slept in those pages, waiting to corrupt its victim.
Aurelian drummed his fingers on the table, his eyes fixed on the crowd. He knew he wouldn't get another chance this perfect. If he played his cards right, the diary would be his before he even fulfilled his purpose at Hogwarts... one less thing to worry about.
"It's time to get it back," he whispered to himself, a calculating smile on his face.
From his seat, Aurelian narrowed his eyes as he watched one redhead after another burst into the bustle of Diagon Alley. The Weasleys had arrived. Ginny clung to her mother's arm, while Fred and George teased Ron incessantly. Percy walked tall, as if carrying the responsibility of his family on his shoulders.
Aurelian remained silent, like a predator, watching for the exact moment when opportunity would unfold before him.
Lucius Malfoy, impeccable in his robes, walked with a gait that seemed to claim the very ground he trod. At his side, Draco imitated him, although his posture did not have the same air as his father's.
The clash was inevitable. Lucius approached with his characteristic poisonous courtesy, exchanging words with Arthur and Molly. The tension was palpable. And, in the midst of the exchange, Aurelian caught the gesture, an almost imperceptible slip, a calculated movement. Tom Riddle's diary ended up among Ginny Weasley's school supplies, without anyone noticing.
Aurelian's heart beat fast. There it was. The moment was now.
He rose calmly, making his way through the crowd until he reached the group standing outside Flourish and Blotts.
"Aurelian!" Molly exclaimed, smiling when she saw him. "What a lovely surprise to find you here!"
Fred and George greeted him enthusiastically. Ron just nodded and looked at him with a mixture of respect and shyness, Percy gave him a formal greeting, and Ginny barely dared to look up, hiding behind her father.
Aurelian's eyes met Draco's, who was watching him with admiration and caution. He was surprised that the boy respected him.
Lucius, for his part, raised an eyebrow when he saw him. His tone was polite.
"Lord Gaunt," he said with a slight nod. "It is always... interesting to meet someone of such distinguished lineage."
Aurelian returned the gesture with equal elegance.
"Lord Malfoy."
Lucius smiled coldly, his eyes briefly glancing toward the Weasleys.
"Although, if I may offer a word of advice, it would be prudent not to mix too much with certain... company. The prestige of a house is not built on charity."
The words hung in the air like a dagger wrapped in velvet. Without waiting for a response, Lucius turned and, with a flick of his black cloak, left the room, followed by Draco.
Aurelian watched him walk away, remaining silent. The diary was within his reach, hidden among Ginny's books. All he had to do was wait for the right moment to take it.
With a barely perceptible smile, he turned his attention to the Weasleys, who surrounded him warmly, oblivious to the deadly game unfolding around them.
While chatting with the Weasleys, Aurelian noticed something or someone else in the group: Harry Potter was with them. The boy looked at him with barely concealed suspicion.
"Potter," Aurelian greeted him with a smile.
Harry, instead of returning the greeting, frowned and responded with a brief, almost dismissive grunt. Molly and Arthur exchanged an uncomfortable glance.
"Forgive him, Aurelian," Arthur said with a sigh. "Harry is still getting used to all this."
"Don't worry," Aurelian replied calmly, his tone softer than usual. "I'm not offended. Everyone knows Potter is new to the wizarding world..."
With that calm smile he used when he didn't want anyone to suspect his true intentions, he took a step toward Ginny. The girl immediately tensed up, her cheeks reddening until they looked like fire.
"May I?" Aurelian asked, pointing to her supplies.
"Y-yes," she stammered, barely holding his gaze.
With a gesture, he checked the pile of books and scrolls. There it was: the diary. He picked it up as if he were simply tidying it up, with a natural movement of his wrist, slipping it under his robe without anyone noticing.
To Ginny and the others, it just looked like he was tidying up the mess of his things.
Aurelian straightened up and looked back at Molly and Arthur.
"I have an idea," he said casually. "Let me give you some new supplies and tunics for this school year. Consider it a gift from me."
Molly almost dropped the bag she was holding.
"Oh, no, no, Aurelian, that wouldn't be appropriate. We can't accept..."
Arthur followed her, nervously.
"It's very generous of you, but we can't let you bear that burden."
The twins, however, stepped forward in unison, with big smiles on their faces.
"Are you sure, Mother?" said George, his eyes sparkling.
"It would be a waste to turn down such offers, wouldn't it?" added Fred, nudging his father.
Aurelian laughed softly, waving his hand elegantly.
"Please. It's nothing to me, but it may be useful to you. It's just a small token."
Molly and Arthur exchanged another glance. Finally, they relented with a shy nod.
"All right, if you insist... we'll be very grateful, Aurelian," Molly said warmly.
The twins almost jumped with excitement.
"You're our hero, Lord Gaunt!" they exclaimed in unison, bowing to him.
As the family laughed and reveled in the small joy of the moment, Aurelian smiled.
The real prize of the day was already his.
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