Hodge had spent the past two weeks wandering the magical world, marveling at its wonders, before returning to Veromir to rest. That evening, Uncle Elaine came back carrying a hefty bundle of letters.
He plopped the package on the table, looking at Hodge with a mix of pride and amusement. "All for you. They were sent to the company. I never would've guessed my nephew was such a busy man."
Hodge sifted through the stack, picking out the urgent ones. "I didn't expect them to track me down during my 'Terror Tour' either…" He pulled out a letter, pausing thoughtfully. "Hmm, a reply from the publisher? About time."
He'd been corresponding with Obscurus Books and Whizz Hard Books earlier. While the latter was slightly larger, he'd ultimately chosen to work with Obscurus Books. Their publications were more traditional, and they were the ones printing major Hogwarts textbooks, including Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them.
That night, Hodge lounged in bed, flipping through a book on Animagi for some light reading. It mentioned an improved Jaw-Locking Charm that could securely fasten a Mandrake leaf to the roof of one's mouth. Practical, Hodge thought. At least he wouldn't have to worry about accidentally swallowing the leaf while eating or struggling to speak.
Animagus magic, a classic ritual spell, had roots stretching back to tribal times, likely evolving from sacrificial and shamanic ceremonies. Nowadays, only the Wagadou School of Magic in Africa still taught self-transformation as a core subject. Other schools, including Hogwarts, had largely phased it out, only touching on it in advanced years.
Hodge mentally compared Animagus magic to the ancient magic he'd gleaned from what seemed to be Sebastian Sallow's memories. Both were far more complex than anything he'd learned at school, and both demanded immense willpower from the learner. The difference? Animagus magic required tedious preparation and long waiting periods, while ancient magic was notoriously difficult even to begin mastering.
The next day, Hodge and Uncle Elaine traveled to Diagon Alley via the Floo Network.
"You sure you don't need my help?" Uncle Elaine asked.
Hodge shook his head. "I'm just going to check the printed layouts today. The story's changed a bit from my original idea, and they've asked for my input."
"Alright, I trust you've got this handled," Uncle Elaine said, handing him a black key. "You can use this to come here on your own. If I'm not around, it'll unlock the magical protections on the old house, including the Floo restrictions."
He also strongly suggested connecting the Blackthorn family fireplace to the old house.
"It's just a matter of filing an application with the Ministry. Makes travel easier… By the way, do your parents have any travel plans?"
"Uh, I'll ask," Hodge replied. "Dad might be curious about the shipwrecks in Bermuda."
Hodge took the key and watched Uncle Elaine leave, then headed to 18a Diagon Alley, following the address.
The editor-in-chief of Obscurus Books greeted him personally. The man, slightly balding and middle-aged, settled Hodge in a small room before stepping out. Hodge glanced around. The emerald-green walls were lined with hundreds of colorful, uniquely shaped first editions, their covers animated with movement. For a moment, he felt like he was back in the Headmaster's office, surrounded by portraits of past headmasters.
He guessed these books served as a display of the company's work. Sure enough, as he leaned closer, he spotted the Obscurus Books logo and publication dates on several.
The editor soon returned. "Fresh off the press, using the latest techniques!" he announced, proudly presenting a beautifully crafted set of books. The cover featured a black-haired, blue-eyed boy who looked strikingly like Hodge. Next to him floated a large, pale-orange figure. "As we discussed, we made the protagonist a young boy—more appealing to readers," the editor said enthusiastically.
Hodge opened the first page. His fingertip brushed a dynamic illustration: a mischievous boy appeared in his family's attic, discovering a sleeping ghost in an old elmwood chest. The ghost, awakened, stretched dramatically, revealing a massive form—nearly as large as a giant—forcing it to stoop to speak with the boy.
On the second page, the pale-orange ghost introduced itself as Andros. As the story unfolded, Hodge was delighted to see illustrations drawn by Mrs. Blackthorn herself, depicting Andros's adventures from when he was alive: battles with dragons, giant snakes, and ferocious crocodiles; encounters with Dementors and dark wizards; and heroic acts of bravery that earned him a legendary reputation.
Hodge turned to the third page. Here, Andros was old, lying in a hospital bed, yearning for the adventures of his youth. In his final moments, he made a wish to live those adventures again.
In a haze, he met Death itself. Death granted his wish—
As a ghost.
Andros begged for true death, but Death never returned. After endless, monotonous days, he fell into a deep slumber, only to be awakened by the boy. Together, they decided to embark on new adventures.
Hodge flipped through more pages. The story followed the boy, guided by Andros, through thrilling escapades. Most notably, the back of the comic included a section with Hodge's own research notes.
"We might need a few interviews to supplement the comic," the editor said cheerfully. "What do you think?"
"Not bad," Hodge replied.
"Good! We want to do this properly, so we've invited Madam Marchbanks. You might not know her, but she's highly respected in education, a long-time examiner for the Wizarding Examinations Authority. We're hoping she'll provide some commentary…" The editor winked, hinting at something.
Hodge got it. It was the classic celebrity endorsement tactic.
"Is that necessary?" he asked, genuinely curious, though he saw the value in it.
"Well…" The editor glanced at the books on the table. "The company's been under pressure lately. Business has stalled, and competitors are aggressive. We don't want to resort to flashy gimmicks… Some suggested tapping into the early education market. This is our first go at it, you see?"
Hodge understood.
A fun comic book with an educational angle could sell well. He agreed readily, though the editor cautioned him not to get his hopes up about Madam Marchbanks. She was known to be strict and serious, not likely to agree easily.
The editor's description reminded Hodge of Professor McGonagall.
Hodge asked for Marchbanks's address, planning to try writing her a letter. Even if she declined, it wouldn't hurt to ask.
They signed the formal contract. The editor confirmed that, regardless of Marchbanks's decision, the book would go on sale in October. Hodge had no objections. Leaving Obscurus Books, he set off to share the good news with Mrs. Blackthorn.
The streets of Diagon Alley buzzed with activity. In front of Flourish and Blotts, a massive, gaudy banner announced a countdown to Gilderoy Lockhart's book signing: Three Days Left.
Hodge finally understood what the editor meant by "flashy gimmicks."
He rubbed his chin, recalling something. If memory served, a Horcrux would surface at this tedious signing event, one that would eventually end up in Ginny Weasley's hands.
Hodge stared at the banner's photo—a golden-haired Lockhart winking playfully at every passerby with a dazzling smile.
Hodge looked away, expressionless, but his mind was racing. This could be the perfect place for a "chance" encounter.
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