"Harry Potter- Ravenclaw"Chapter 22: Snow Like Shattered Jade
Under the goblin's watchful eye, Wyzett and his companions climbed into the mine cart.
With a screech of metal on metal, the cart shot forward, careening along the twisting, turning tracks. The world outside blurred into streaks of shadow and light. Guided by magic, the cart seemed to know every turn and fork, weaving left and right through countless tunnels without so much as a word from their goblin escort.
Wyzett activated his Oculus Magicae, letting his senses drink in the ancient magical currents swirling through the stone. He channeled the power into The Wizard's Practical Combat Guide, feeling the book tremble with anticipation.
Pages fluttered, and new words shimmered into view:
Basic Magical Forging: Master the power of Ancient Magic… Enhance metals with ancient energy… Imbue them with unique properties…
Magical forging, metalwork—these were crafts at which goblins excelled. Their skill in shaping and enchanting metal ran deep, far surpassing what most wizards could achieve.
It was no wonder that witches and wizards so often relied on goblin-forged metals for their wands and magical tools—only such craftsmanship could withstand the test of time.
Godric Gryffindor himself, one of the founders of Hogwarts, had once commissioned the goblins to forge his legendary blade—the Sword of Gryffindor.
As Hogwarts: A History recounted, the goblins, after completing the sword, grew covetous. They tried to deny the commission and steal the sword back. But Godric Gryffindor was no ordinary wizard. After fending off the would-be thieves, he issued a warning: should the goblins attempt to steal the sword again, they would face open war. Daunted by his power, the goblins let the matter drop, never again daring to covet the Sword of Gryffindor.
…
Alongside Basic Magical Forging, a wealth of related knowledge unfurled on the pages—alchemical principles, the art of flame control, and the subtle similarities between forging and other magical disciplines.
For Wyzett, it was fascinating. Magical forging wasn't so different from Potions—only, instead of a cauldron as a barrier, the wizard worked directly with flame, fusing metals and materials together. The special qualities derived from alchemy became part of the metal, giving it its enduring power.
The more he learned, the more curious Wyzett became about goblin forging. Were there shared roots between their techniques and the ones he'd just unlocked? He'd love to ask—but goblins were notoriously secretive. Even a hint of inquiry might be seen as an attempt to steal their secrets, and that would not end well.
…
The cart slowed to a halt before a heavy metal door. The goblin's voice cut through the silence, sharp and shrill: "Ladies and gentlemen, we have arrived."
"Ugh!" Xenophilius was the first to leap out, his face pale and his steps wobbly.
He staggered to a corner, doubled over, coughing and retching.
Luna hurried after him, gently patting his back, helping him catch his breath and soothing his cough.
"Sir, I will unlock your vault now." The goblin produced a key and turned it in the lock. The door swung open, revealing piles of gleaming coins—Galleons, Sickles, and Knuts stacked high, a dazzling sight.
"Cough, cough…" Xenophilius finally regained some color, his trembling hands fishing a ledger from his pocket. "Go on, count it… I've written everything down… you know the prices."
Wyzett glanced at him. Though Xenophilius still looked a bit wan, there was nothing evasive in his gaze—only earnestness.
When Wyzett hesitated, Xenophilius pressed, "You've got to be careful! I wouldn't cheat you, but I might have made a mistake. You should always double-check."
The goblin interjected, "Sir, Gringotts offers accounting services. If you're worried about errors, we would be delighted to provide a full audit, for only—"
He flashed a toothy, insincere grin, hands rubbing together in a picture of mercenary cunning.
"Oh! That reminds me!" Xenophilius smacked his forehead. "I forgot to write down one expense! Gringotts charges a storage fee for your Galleons!"
"How much was it per year, again? Well, you work it out! If there's less in there, that's the goblins' fee!"
Without realizing it, December 24th had arrived.
The weather in Ottery St. Catchpole was dreary and damp. A chilly wind prowled through the houses like a ghost, rattling windowpanes and howling down the lanes. Gray clouds stretched across the sky, blanketing the village in gloom with no sign of snow.
But this year, a goal set last winter was finally within reach.
Wyzett stepped from the garden, drew his wand, and pointed it skyward. "Fine snow like shattered jade!" he incanted softly, wrist swirling as if stirring the clouds themselves.
The heavy clouds began to churn, shifting from dull gray to milky white. As they settled, the first snowflake drifted down, landing gently on Wyzett's palm.
He looked around—then another snowflake, and another, soft as feathers, began to dance through the air.
The damp wind faded away, and a hush fell over the village, as if the world had slipped into a peaceful winter dream.
Only when the fields and rooftops were blanketed in white did Wyzett call for Luna to come out.
"It's snowing!"
Luna bounded out, wearing a tiny unicorn hat and, at Xenophilius's insistence, a fluffy, milk-white scarf wrapped around her neck. She dashed to Wyzett's side, eyes shining.
She had seen grander snows at Hogwarts, but somehow, the snow at home always felt different.
Wyzett led the way, his boots pressing thin tracks into the fresh snow. Luna followed, at first stepping in his footprints, but soon catching up to walk beside him.
"Let's build a snowman!" she exclaimed, already scooping snow into a ball, crouching to roll it forward bit by bit.
"Alright!" Wyzett agreed, echoing her movements, rolling his own snowball.
Neither of them used a bit of magic—just patient, careful hands, forming two balls of snow and merging them together.
Luna clapped with delight, her pale cheeks flushed pink, breath swirling in the cold air, her brilliant smile sparkling like the snow itself…
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