A New Dawn - Part 1
POV Filius Umbra
The applause was still echoing through the auditorium when I raised my hands, asking for silence. The energy in the room was electric, a mixture of disbelief, hope, and contained excitement. As the last echoes of applause died away, I could see thousands of faces illuminated by the same question: how would this work in practice?
"Thank you," I began, my voice projected clearly throughout the auditorium by the amplification runes. "Now that you've seen what's possible, let me explain how we'll make this accessible to everyone."
I made a smooth gesture, and a three-dimensional projection of the process appeared above the stage, rotating slowly so everyone could see.
"At the Court of Owls headquarters in each country," I explained, "we will reserve a special wing for evaluation and application of the procedure. They will be dedicated centers, equipped with everything necessary."
I took from the inner pocket of my robes a device the size of a palm, elegant and silver, with runes engraved on its surface that emitted a soft, pulsing light.
"This," I announced, holding it up for all to see, "is the Magical Pathway Assessor. It was developed after years of research in collaboration with the best rune and arithmancy masters."
A murmur of admiration ran through the audience as the device floated above my hand, its runes glowing more intensely.
"It will analyze not only the level of damage in each person's magical pathways," I continued, "but also map unique patterns of magical flow. This will allow us to completely customize the runic tattoos for each individual, maximizing their effectiveness."
The projection above the stage showed a simulation of the scanning process, with energy lines mapping an ethereal human body.
"After the evaluation," I proceeded, my voice becoming more serious, "each candidate must sign two magical contracts."
Two glowing parchments materialized in the air, their Court of Owls seals slowly rotating.
"The first contract," I indicated the parchment on the left, "stipulates that the person cannot conspire or plot against House Umbra without just and legally recognized cause."
Some murmurs of concern arose from the audience, and I nodded understandingly.
"I understand your apprehensions," I said calmly. "But consider this—I am about to grant magic access to thousands of people. As leader of House Umbra and the Court, I have the responsibility to protect not only our family but the entire magical community from possible... unintended consequences."
I paused, allowing my words to be absorbed.
"The second contract," I continued, indicating the other parchment, "stipulates that they cannot attack Court members or their property. Again, this is a measure of mutual protection."
An older wizard in the front rows stood up. "And if we refuse to sign the contracts?"
"Then we will refuse the procedure," I responded firmly but without hostility. "This technology is a privilege, not a right. And with great power comes great responsibility."
Another person shouted from the audience: "And what constitutes 'just cause'?"
"Legitimate family or commercial dispute matters," I explained. "We are not preventing anyone from seeking justice through appropriate channels. We are merely preventing betrayal and unprovoked aggression."
I could see that many were still hesitant, but most understood the logic behind the contracts. After all, there was no alternative—this was the only way for Squibs to access magic.
"After signing the contracts," I continued, shifting to a more optimistic tone, "the next step will be to visit Mr. Ollivander or any of the wandmakers trained by him throughout the magical world."
The projection now showed a wand workshop, with various woods and cores meticulously organized.
"Each personalized wand will be created specifically for the individual," I explained. "Just as traditional wands choose their wizards, these adapted wands will be tuned to each person's runic tattoos."
A witch seated in the Eastern European section raised her hand. "What about the cost?"
"The basic ten-spell wands will cost ten Galleons," I responded. "The intermediate ones, thirty, and the advanced ones, seventy. For families with financial difficulties, the Court will offer assistance programs and flexible payment options."
Now came the part I knew would be crucial for the program's long-term success.
"But granting magic access is only the first step," I said, my voice becoming more solemn. "Education is the key to truly integrating these new witches and wizards into our society."
The projection changed to show a Hogwarts classroom, but with some interesting adaptations.
"For children," I explained, "the wands sold will always have space for one additional spell. This will allow them to fully participate in classes at Hogwarts or other magic schools."
I showed a diagram of a personalized wand with visible magical compartments.
"If a spell needed for class is not among those pre-loaded in a student's wand," I continued, "teachers can temporarily load it using this device."
An elegant wand charger appeared in the projection, rotating to show all its angles.
"Each teacher will receive one of these chargers," I explained. "Before each class, they can prepare the necessary spells that aren't in the students' standard wands. The spell will remain in the wand only for the duration of the class, ensuring students learn without permanently overloading their wands."
A Transfiguration professor from Beauxbatons stood up. "And how will we ensure students don't use these spells outside of classes?"
"Good question," I praised. "The spells loaded by teachers will have an incorporated timer. They will automatically dissipate after class ends. Additionally, each loading is recorded in the teacher's spellbook, ensuring complete transparency."
Over the next few minutes, I answered several other questions—about tattoo maintenance, spell updates, training for adults, and even possible applications for magical creatures.
"For creatures like centaurs or merpeople who already have natural magical abilities," I explained in response to a specific question, "we are developing variations of the system that can amplify their innate abilities rather than replace them."
After almost an hour of questions and answers, I felt it was time to conclude.
"Remember," I said, my voice echoing through the now silent auditorium, "this isn't just about giving magic to those who don't have it. It's about enriching our entire magical community. Every new perspective, every previously wasted talent, strengthens us all."
I took a final pause, looking at the thousands of faces before me.
"This is the dawn of a new era for the magical world. And I invite all of you to be part of it."
The applause erupted again, but this time it was different—no longer of astonishment, but of genuine acceptance and support.
As I turned to leave the stage, I felt a weight I didn't know I was carrying dissolve from my shoulders. This was right. This was just.
Backstage, I found Petunia and Lily talking animatedly with Harry and Dudley. Petunia was still holding her wand as if it were made of the most fragile glass, her fingers gently stroking the wood.
Dudley was listening attentively as Harry explained something about the Lumos spell, his eyes wide with admiration.
"...and it's one of the first spells we learn at Hogwarts," Harry was saying. "But seeing you do it, Aunt Petunia, was..."
"Amazing?" Lily completed, her face lit by a smile I hadn't seen on her in a long time.
Petunia blushed, but her own smile was shy and genuine. "I still can hardly believe it," she whispered, looking at the wand in her hands. "All my life... and now..."
Her voice failed, and Lily hugged her. "Now you're part of our world, Pet. Truly."
It was then that they saw me approaching. Petunia immediately straightened up, trying to regain her usual composure, but the traces of happy tears in her eyes betrayed her.
"Mr. Umbra," she said, her voice softer than I had ever heard it. "Thank you. Thank you for..."
I didn't let her finish. "There's no need for thanks, Petunia. Seeing families reunited is reward enough."
Lily looked at me, her green eyes shining with an emotion that made my heart tighten. "You didn't just give her magic, Filius. You gave us back to each other."
Harry smiled, looking between his mother and aunt. "Cousin Dudley is going to Hogwarts next year too!" he said excitedly. "I'll finally have a cousin to show everything to!"
Dudley looked simultaneously terrified and excited by the prospect. "And... and will I be able to do all the same things you do, Harry?"
"Well, not exactly the same things," Harry answered honestly. "But amazing things anyway! And who knows, maybe one day..."
He looked at me, and I completed softly: "With time and practice, yes, Dudley. Your magical pathways are young and resilient. There's a high probability that in a few years, you might be able to perform magic independently of the wand."
Dudley's face lit up like the Lumos spell his mother had just performed.
As I watched the scene—Lily and Petunia talking as sisters should, Harry excitedly explaining the magical world to his cousin, the wand still firmly held in Petunia's hand as a symbol of new possibilities—I felt a deep satisfaction.
There would be many battles to come, many challenges in implementing this system throughout the magical world, many political and technical discussions to face. But at this moment, seeing a healed and united family, I knew every fight would be worth it.
At least in this small corner of the world, I had healed something that had been broken for a long time. And that, I realized, was only the beginning.
The Warrior's Wand - Part 2
POV Lily
The late summer sun bathed Diagon Alley in a golden light that seemed especially magical that day. We walked in a lively group—me, Harry, Petunia, Dudley, and the Weasleys, who had joined us for this special moment. The joy in the air was almost palpable, and my heart swelled with emotion with every step.
I watched Petunia beside me, her light blue eyes wide as she absorbed every detail of the bustling alley. The same woman who once turned up her nose at anything related to magic now walked among witches and wizards with an expression of wonder I never thought I'd see on her. The excitement of Dudley's Hogwarts letter still echoed in my memory—Petunia's tears of happiness, the hug that lasted for minutes, the way her voice trembled as she read the words she had so dreamed of receiving as a child.
"Are you alright, Lily?" Petunia asked softly, noticing my gaze.
"Perfectly alright," I replied, squeezing her arm. "I'm just... happy."
And I was. After all these years, after all the distance that had separated us, we were finally here, together, not as the witch and the Muggle, but as sisters united by the magical world in a way neither of us could have ever imagined.
We had already bought all the supplies—Dudley's robes, the books, the cauldron. Only the most important purchase remained: the wand. As we entered Ollivander's shop, that familiar scent of ancient wood and magical dust enveloped us like an old friend.
Mr. Ollivander himself emerged from the shadows as he always did, his silvery, piercing eyes examining us with that characteristic intensity.
"Lily Potter," he said in his usual whisper. "Willow, ten and a quarter inches, phoenix feather—a wand for complex magical work and full of character." His eyes turned to Harry. "And Harry Potter... holly, phoenix feather, eleven inches—a remarkable combination, most remarkable."
Then his eyes landed on Petunia, and something like recognition shone in his gaze. "Petunia Dursley... cherry, unicorn hair, nine and a half inches. A wand for a witch with a pure heart and noble character."
Petunia visibly blushed but maintained her composure, nodding in acknowledgment.
But it was when Ollivander turned to Dudley that the real magic began. That fire that always burned in his eyes when he was about to find the perfect match ignited once more.
"And you must be Dudley Dursley," he said, his eyes examining my nephew as if reading his soul. "The most important moment in a wizard's life. Come, come."
He disappeared among the shelves and returned carrying several long, thin boxes. He placed them on the counter with ceremonial care.
"For you, young sir," he said, opening the first box, "we will start with oak and unicorn hair core."
The process that followed was as fascinating as I remembered from my first time with Harry. Wand after wand was tested, each rejecting Dudley in different ways—some producing unpleasant sparks, others simply refusing to respond. With each failed attempt, Ollivander seemed to grow more excited, as if solving a delightfully complex puzzle.
"Interesting, most interesting," he murmured, picking up another box. "Poplar and dragon heartstring. Ten and three-quarter inches, reasonably flexible."
Dudley took the wand with a reverence that surprised us all. The moment his fingers closed around the pale wood handle, a jet of golden sparks erupted from the tip, illuminating the shop with a warm, inviting light. The air around him seemed to vibrate with energy, and a gentle breeze stirred everyone's hair.
"Extraordinary!" Ollivander exclaimed, his eyes shining. "Poplar—a wood for witches and wizards with natural talent for dueling and an inclination for justice. And dragon heartstring—powerful, prone to more dramatic magic, and loyal to its owner. A truly remarkable combination."
He looked at Dudley with newfound respect. "This wand has chosen a warrior, young Dursley. Someone with the courage to defend what is right."
Dudley held the wand as if it were the most precious object in the world, his eyes moist with emotion. "Thank you, sir," he whispered, his voice thick with feeling.
"Return in a week," Ollivander said as he carefully wrapped the wand. "It will be ready for use and customized for Dudley to add the chosen spells."
As we left the shop, the sense of accomplishment was palpable. Petunia linked her arm with Dudley's, her face radiant with maternal pride. "A warrior," she repeated softly, as if savoring the words.
We regrouped with the Weasleys outside, and Arthur immediately began asking animated questions about the experience while Molly organized the group to go to the ice cream parlor.
At Florean Fortescue's, we sat at a large table near the window. The place was full of families doing their back-to-school shopping, and the air was charged with the characteristic end-of-summer excitement.
As we enjoyed our ice creams, Harry pulled out the list of spells we had prepared for Dudley's wand. Since it was an intermediate wand, he would be entitled to twenty pre-loaded spells.
"We have to choose wisely," Hermione said, pulling out her own parchment with notes. "The basic first-year spells are essential, but we should consider some that might be useful in specific situations."
Ron chewed a spoonful of chocolate ice cream before speaking. "Well, Lumos and Nox are obvious. Wingardium Leviosa too—it's useful for more things than you'd think."
"Protego would be good for defense," Harry suggested. "And Expelliarmus."
Petunia watched the discussion with interest, occasionally asking surprisingly insightful questions about the practical utility of certain spells. It was thrilling to see her engaging so genuinely with the magical world after so many years of rejection.
"And the repair spell?" she asked at one point. "What did you call it... Reparo? It seems like it would be useful for fixing things Dudley might break accidentally."
Hermione looked impressed. "That's very thoughtful, Mrs. Dursley. It really is a very useful spell."
As the discussion continued, I watched my son patiently explaining the pros and cons of each spell to his cousin. Harry had grown so much, not just physically, but in maturity and compassion. The boy who once felt so alone in the world was now helping his cousin find his place in the same world that united them.
"And for the twentieth spell," Ginny suggested, "how about a communication spell? The Patronus might be too advanced, but perhaps a simple message spell?"
Dudley, who had been listening attentively the whole time, finally spoke. "I'd like to have a spell that helps people," he said timidly. "Like Mum always says—we should use our gifts to help others."
The silence that followed was broken by Molly Weasley, who sniffled emotionally. "What a beautiful thought, dear."
By the end of the afternoon, with the sun beginning to set over London, we said goodbye to the Weasleys and began our journey home. Dudley carried his purchases with touching care, holding the wand receipt as if it were a treasure.
On the train back to Surrey, sitting between my son and my sister, with my nephew across from me talking animatedly with Harry about which Quidditch teams to support, I felt a deep peace that I had rarely experienced.
Petunia took my hand and squeezed it gently. "Thank you, Lily," she whispered. "For never giving up on me."
"Family is forever, Pet," I replied, returning the squeeze. "No matter how many years it takes."
As I watched the city lights pass by the train window, I knew this new school year would be different from all the others. Not just because Dudley would be at Hogwarts, not just because Petunia was finally part of the magical world, but because finally, after a lifetime, we were a real family.
And in that moment, that was all the magic I needed.