"That was exhilarating," commented Christian.
"Indeed, and you did well, especially with the Keeper."
"Thank you."
"But this is not over. I need to clean up things with those two."
"Cleanup? You're not going to kill them, are you?"
"What do you take me for?" Tiara rolled his eyes. "I need to clean their memories of me as well. I don't want them to know anything about our little escapade. Only the two of us should know we entered the Hall of Prophecy."
"Why the excessive need for secrecy?"
"You only need to know it's for your protection."
"I…understand."
Tiara left, and Christian returned to his genuine self. More than an hour later, she returned while he read in the living room.
"Dealt with?"
"Yes."
"Where did you find these people? The Unspeakables do not seem like people who value money."
"On the contrary. Their research requires much funding, and despite their high level of authority, they do not have unlimited funds from the Ministry. So, it was easier than you imagined to bribe a few of them."
"In any society, money truly moves the world," sighed Christian.
"Oh, I have to thank you."
"For what?"
"These people's Occlumency was better than I imagined. Without your lessons, I couldn't have created memories good enough to fool thes."
Christian had the biggest grin after hearing these words; the idea that he could be a teacher to his teacher (mother) filled him with great pride. After all, how many people can teach such a powerful witch a few tricks?
"By the way, how is your Mind Palace going?"
"Well, it's 95% complete, but there are large gaps I cannot fill in no matter what I try."
"Really? Tell me about it." Christian did not face this trouble, so he was curious. After talking for a few minutes, he had an inkling of the problem.
"I believe the missing parts might be repressed memories."
"What do you mean?"
"Some of your memories are traumatizing, and you don't want to remember or relive them, so you repress them. As a result, you cannot complete your Mind Palace and have complete control of your mind or memories."
Tiara groaned as these words might be valid; she had a few experiences she would do anything to forget. "What do you suggest I do?"
"Go see Dr. Bart. You need to process your trauma with a specialist. Otherwise, the issue will never be fixed."
"Bart, huh? It's been over three years since I last saw a therapist. You might be onto something." She has been so busy running around the world that mental health was not her priority.
"I'm going to rest before cooking dinner."
"Wait, aren't you going to show me the prophecy?" asked Christian.
"No."
"Why not? It's about me."
"I don't want you to be influenced by it. Although you cannot control the curveballs that fate will throw at you, your free will and choices ultimately matter more."
"But, wouldn't knowing about it better help me prepare?"
"Or, it will become your burden. My decision is final on this," said Tiara sternly before walking away.
"So unreasonable," muttered Christian, who had to control his curiosity and focus on the book. Time passed, and Christian continued his writing and magic lessons. On April 18, he finished his book, [A Guide To Muggles' Life, History, and Society]. The entire thing contained more than 600 pages, but that was before the edit.
The editing process was tedious, and Christian was happy he did not have to do it alone. It involved more than fixing errors, sentence structure, or adding content. He wanted a lot of visual cues in the book, and adding magical images with movement that even resembled videos was an arduous and lengthy process.
Luckily, his mother spared no money to hire as many editors as possible so things could be done as soon as possible. So, on April 24, the finalized version of the book appeared, and on the 27th, it was already in stores.
…
The first week of May had passed, and Christian was enjoying his free and stressless time. Now that his mornings were free, he could read more magical books and even subscribe to different magazines and journals in the magical world. Professor Hallmark's services were no longer required as of last month. With his newfound Mind Palace Charm, learning languages became so much easier that he considered simultaneously learning more than one next.
"You're famous," said Tiara as she entered the living room with a few letters and a newspaper. She handed the newspaper to him.
"I am? How come I don't know?"
Christian discovered she was right, as the article on the front page discussed a new sensation that has enveloped the magical world—his book.
"What's going on?" He honestly did not expect this. His long-term plan was to slowly influence the magical world with many of his works.
"I think I can explain," said Tiara. "Hogwarts, Beauxbatons, Ilvermony, and Castelobruxo have announced they will use your books for their Muggle Study Courses. Then, Dumbledore publicly stated your book was mind-opening and recommended it to everyone, which led to countless people rushing to our store. Adding the book's cheap price, they sell like hotcakes everywhere."
Christian was momentarily speechless. "Is this what you mean by soft power?"
"Exactly. With one word from the greatest wizards of our generation, you became world famous," replied Tiara. "I guessed I don't have to pay people to write fluff pieces about your book."
"That was your plan?"
"You needed publicity, and that's the fastest way to get it," she shrugged, making Christian speechless.
"I might still do that," she continued.
"Why? We already have enough coverage."
"It only appears as such, but it's not nearly enough."
"You would have been an excellent marketer in the Muggle World."
"Thanks."
Things proceeded rather speedily for Christian. The craze over his books continued for weeks, and traction became even more intense when people learned he was only eleven. Titles like Child Prodigy were plastered everywhere in the news, followed by a few wondering whether he truly wrote the book.
On May 21st, Christian held his first book signing at Flourish and Blotts, and many people attended.
"I love your book," said a middle-aged witch with unkempt hair.
"Really? What part?" asked Christian while signing.
"I tried some of your scientific experiments with my daughter, and she was fascinated by how muggle science resembled magic to someone more ignorant."
"I'm glad she could develop a newfound respect for Muggles," replied Christian with a smile before the next person came, a young woman with a red robe.
"My favorite part was the Muggle's stories and lullabies used to put children to sleep. I only wish there were more. My child has been sick of listening to The Tale of Beedle the Bard and other stories."
"Unfortunately, the book was already too long, and I could not incorporate more, but you're more than welcome to find such books in the Muggle World. I doubt this kind of item is banned."
"I think I will."
"Next."
A tall and lanky individual walked in and handed his book. He looked at Christian in the eyes, "Did you really write this book?"
"I did. I spent months reading and researching. Can you imagine how I felt when I heard people doubting and downplaying all my hard work and effort?"
"I imagine it would be heartbreaking."
"Soul-crushing would be a more apt description," replied Christian, smilingly returning the signed book.
"For all its worth, I believe you wrote it."
"Your words mean more than you can imagine."
The next group was a family of three. However, before they could step up to his table, a man whose appearance could be described as filthy and dark pushed them to the side.
"Ridiculous. This book is nothing but nonsense."