Diagon Alley was bustling with life under the summer sun. Wizards and witches walked back and forth carrying bags, enchanted packages, and waving their wands awkwardly. The cries of the vendors mingled with the hubbub of the customers, while the shop windows sparkled with steaming potions, flowing robes, and books that whispered to themselves.
Sitting at one of Florean Fortescue's outdoor tables, Aurelian Gaunt enjoyed one of his favorite ice creams: a tall chocolate and mint sundae with a hint of raspberry, served with a light cooling spell that kept it perfect even in the midday heat.
Spoon in hand, he watched the crowd come and go in silence. Small children staring wide-eyed at racing brooms, mothers haggling with tailors over the prices of robes, elderly people pausing in front of bookshops. Everything flowed, always somewhat chaotic but together transforming the place and moment into something vibrant.
That day, however, was different from all the others.
Aurelian rested his spoon on the rim of the cup, letting the cold slide across his palate as he reflected. Today was not just another birthday. Today he turned fourteen.
The day he would cease to be just an heir.
The day he would officially become Lord Gaunt.
A barely perceptible smile appeared on his lips. The air was different, whispering promises of power and a sense of responsibility. He had survived Hogwarts, his father, Flamel... and now, a new chapter in his story was beginning.
As the hustle and bustle of the Alley continued, Aurelian allowed himself that moment, just him and his ice cream, the sun, and the murmur of everyday life in the alley. A moment of calm before the inevitable storm fell upon him again.
After finishing his ice cream in silence, Aurelian got up from the table and walked calmly down Diagon Alley. Each step brought him closer to his destination, his robe fluttering gently in the summer sun.
The imposing Gringotts building appeared before him, majestic, its sloping pillars and marble gargoyles watching from above always making him feel intimidated. Goblins guarded the entrance dressed in polished goblin steel armor, their dark eyes always fixed on every customer who crossed its doors.
Aurelian climbed the stairs with a steady gait, and upon entering, he was greeted by Kravix, who was already waiting.
"Mr. Gaunt," said the goblin with a slight bow, although the tone of his voice was somewhat different, more respectful. "Or should I say... Lord Gaunt?"
They descended silently through the passageways carved into the rock until they reached a chamber unlike any he had seen before. It was vast and circular in shape, with black pillars covered in ancient runes and an obsidian altar in the center. The air was thick with the magic of the place, heavy, as if the energy of thousands of years had accumulated there.
Kravix led him to the altar. On it rested a blackened silver chalice, a ritual dagger, and a parchment sealed with green wax.
"This is where the shadow of a surname ends and the weight of a true lineage begins," said the goblin solemnly. "Today you will not only obtain your title of Lord. Today you will awaken the lineage of your blood... the legacy of Salazar Slytherin."
Aurelian took the dagger and made a clean cut in his palm. The blood fell into the chalice, which absorbed it quickly, the metal seeming to thirst for it. The parchment glowed with an intense green light, the runes on the pillars lit up in unison, filling the chamber with serpentine whispers, evoking phrases from times past.
The letters began to trace themselves onto the parchment.
Aurelian Gaunt – Heir of Slytherin – Lord Gaunt
Then, the world seemed to shatter before her eyes.
A torrent of pure energy coursed through his body, feeling both freezing cold and burning hot at the same time. His vision darkened, and he felt as if a colossal serpent were coiling around his soul. The chamber disappeared, replaced by a timeless place. A stone hall, covered with statues of basilisks and green torches, appeared before his eyes.
There, standing in the shadows, Salazar Slytherin awaited him.
The founder had the same imposing presence as in their previous encounters, tall, wearing dark robes adorned with silver, his black hair falling over his shoulders and his eyes shining with intelligence and pride.
"Aurelian," he said, his voice deep, echoing off the walls. "You have done it. You have finally claimed what is rightfully yours."
The boy looked at him without looking away.
"Everything that was dormant has awakened within you," he said, pointing to his heart.
Salazar nodded slowly, his lips curving into a faint smile.
"I am proud of you. Not all who bore my blood were worthy of my name. You are. You have shown ambition, intelligence, and the strength necessary to carve out your own destiny."
The figure took a step forward, his eyes shining brightly.
"Fulfill your dreams, Aurelian. Free the mages from the weakness that consumes them. Restore the power of the Slytherins. And never forget this. The serpent does not crawl on the ground... the serpent rises above all others."
The words burned in his mind. In that instant, a new wave of power coursed through his being. His magic expanded, tearing apart the limits that had contained it until now. Being a Conjurer was behind him. The strength of a Invoker awoke within him, pulsing like a second heart.
The vision faded.
He was back in the Gringotts vault, with the empty chalice, the parchment burning with green flames, and Kravix kneeling before him.
"My Lord..." whispered the goblin, trembling. "I have seen it... I have felt his rise. His magic is stronger... He is a Invoker."
Aurelian clenched his fist, feeling the immensity of his new strength pulsing through every fiber of his body.
"Yes. That is so, Kravix."
The consumed parchment left behind a symbol engraved in the obsidian. A serpent coiled around a scepter. Salazar's very own emblem.
Aurelian contemplated him for a moment, knowing there was no turning back. He was Lord Gaunt. He was Slytherin's heir. And the world would soon learn it.
Back on the surface, he left Gringotts with the same calm with which he had entered. But as he walked through the bank's doors, his eyes fell on a nearby figure.
A thin old man in a light-colored robe and dark glasses was sitting on a nearby bench, simply resting in the sun. He was smiling, calm, seeming to enjoy the comings and goings of the people around him.
Aurelian paused for a moment. There was something about that serene gesture, the way the man seemed to take in every detail, that told him this was no coincidence. He took a determined step toward him.
Flamel raised his face, lowering his glasses, a calm smile appearing on his wrinkled face.
"Congratulations, Lord Gaunt."
Aurelian tensed, though he kept a serene expression.
"How do you know...?"
The old man let out a soft laugh, without malice, as if talking to a curious grandson.
"Magic changes when a bloodline awakens. Yours has just resonated throughout your entire being. I don't need scrolls to know this... I can feel it."
Aurelian pressed his lips together, uncomfortable with how exposed he felt before the immortal's eyes.
Flamel bowed his head slightly.
"Get your affairs in order, Aurelian. Your house, your finances, whatever you want. Because on August 3, I'll be waiting for you in France."
He raised his hand, and a small golden sphere appeared between his fingers. He gently placed it in the young man's palm.
"It's a Portkey. It will take you to my home, where my wife and I will welcome you."
Aurelian held the sphere, feeling the latent heat radiating from within. He looked up, a questioning gleam in his eyes.
"And... what will it be like to be your disciple?"
The old man laughed again.
"All will be revealed in due course, young man. Do not rush things; what must mature on its own will mature in its own time."
He rose slowly, as if the centuries did not weigh on his ancient body. Before turning toward the crowd, he added with a sincere smile,
"I am sure my wife will be delighted to meet you. It has been almost twenty years since anyone crossed our threshold."
Then, with a slight wave of his robe, Nicolas Flamel disappeared into the crowd, invisible in a matter of seconds.
Aurelian stood there, the golden sphere burning in his hand. A new path lay before him, and he wasn't sure if it was the one he had chosen... or the one Flamel had decided for him.
The fresh country air enveloped him as he appeared in the courtyard of Gaunt Manor. The setting sun bathed the stone walls in a golden glow.
"Lord Aurelian!" exclaimed a high-pitched voice.
Stinky ran toward him, his huge eyes shining with pride and joy. His ears trembled and his hands clasped together in a nervous gesture.
"My Lord! The master is no longer just an heir, he is now a Lord!" The elf jumped up and down with excitement, tears in his eyes. "Stinky felt it, yes, his magic changed, it became stronger, brighter. My mistress Elaine's son is now greater, so great..."
Aurelian watched him silently for a moment. Stinky's devotion moved him more than he would let on.
"Thank you, Stinky," he said with a smile. "And this is only the beginning."
The elf nodded frantically, wiping his tears with his hands.
"His mother will be so proud! Stinky is proud too! That's why... that's why Stinky prepared something special!"
With a snap, the entrance hall lit up, and a delicious smell wafted from the dining room: roasted meats, freshly baked bread, steaming stews, and a huge chocolate cake topped with bright strawberries.
Stinky looked at him with his big eyes and gave him a big smile.
"Today is your fourteenth birthday, my Lord. Stinky prepared a feast worthy of a Gaunt... not one worthy of you."
Aurelian couldn't help but smile more openly, a somewhat rare gesture for him.
"Then let's celebrate."
The young lord walked with his faithful elf to the dining room, where the long table was overflowing with dishes that sparkled under the light of the chandeliers.
The chocolate cake had been the perfect end to the banquet. Aurelian lingered a little longer in the dining room, enjoying the peace. Stinky looked at him proudly from the right side of the dining room, as if he had fulfilled his greatest duty.
Finally, he got up and walked to his study. The table was covered with books, scrolls, and pens laid out for him.
He sat down, unfolded a blank scroll, and began to write in clear, straightforward handwriting.
"To the honorable Carrow family,
I extend my warmest regards. As lord of my house, I wish to arrange a visit to your mansion to discuss the pending matters of our commitments.
I am at your disposal at your convenience."
He signed with his new title, letting the ink dry slowly.
"Lord Gaunt"
He rolled up the parchment, sealed it with the serpent emblem, and handed it to Stinky, who left immediately with a snap.
Only a few hours passed. Night had fallen completely when Stinky reappeared with a new parchment in his hands.
"The answer, my Lord," he said, bowing as he handed him the message.
Aurelian broke the seal and read silently. A smile appeared on his lips.
"We await you in five days at Carrow Manor."
The young man placed the scroll on the table and leaned back in his chair. He looked out at the garden from his window. "Nothing in the future will be as I remembered it..."
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