Five years had slipped by since Zain's fifth birthday, the banquet a distant memory. At age 10, he stood taller, his sharp mind sharpened by practice. Morning light streamed into a cozy study with cedar panels, a scratched desk, and a row of bookshelves. He sat there, sketching a business idea. He decided to propose a magical business, turning his vision into action.
Zain's idea was a magical "Snake and Ladder" game—standard rules, but with pieces moving themselves and snakes devouring any piece landing on them, sending it to the tail's spot. He also suggested a "Magical Doll Dressing Game," where dolls changed outfits with a charm. The games would blend magic and play, appealing to all ages. He outlined the concepts, his focus steady.
He approached Thaddeus, his voice confident.
"Father, I have an idea for magical games. A Snake and Ladder where pieces move and snakes send players back, plus a Doll Dressing Game with charm outfits. Can we fund it?"
Thaddeus raised an eyebrow, his tone intrigued.
"Games, eh? Show me your sketches. If they're viable, I'll arrange production."
Zain handed over his drawings, explaining the mechanics. Thaddeus studied them, his stern face softening as he saw potential. After a moment, he nodded.
"Fine. I'll have someone start with a few products. We'll see if it takes off, then scale up."
Zain smiled, his tone grateful.
"Thank you, Father. I'll assist as needed."
Thaddeus tasked a craftsman to produce a small batch. Zain provided input, ensuring the snakes' magic worked—pieces glided, and snakes swallowed them with a hiss, relocating them. The dolls shifted outfits with a wand flick. The first few games were ready for a family event.
The event buzzed in a lively hall with a long table, voices weaving together. Zain displayed the games on a side table, inviting children to play. The Snake and Ladder pieces moved, a snake devouring a piece and sending it back, sparking laughs and cheers. Adults watched, drawn by the novelty.
Daphne approached, her voice soft.
"Zain, this is clever. The snakes add a thrill."
System: Relationship with Daphne Greengrass increased to 38%.
Zain nodded, his tone warm.
"Thanks, Daphne."
Hannah joined, her tone shy.
"It's fun seeing the pieces move!"
System: Relationship with Hannah Abbott increased to 35%.
Zain smiled, his tone gentle.
"Glad you think so, Hannah."
Pansy smirked, her interest peeking.
"The dolls are neat—my cousin loves them."
System: Relationship with Pansy Parkinson increased to 40%.
System: Relationship with Pansy Parkinson has reached the 40% threshold. Reward—Random Ability: Occlumency.
System: Total Magical Power Level—Equivalent to a fifth-year Hogwarts student.
Zain felt a mental shield form with Occlumency, his power steady.
Zain grinned, his tone friendly.
"Good to hear, Pansy."
Ginny grinned, her enthusiasm bright.
"This is great! Can I play more?"
System: Relationship with Ginny Weasley increased to 32%.
Zain nodded, his tone encouraging.
"Sure, Ginny. Enjoy!"
The games gained traction, children playing, adults requesting copies. Thaddeus approached, his rare smile showing.
"Good start, Zain. If this hits, we'll boost production."
Zain inclined his head, his voice steady.
"I'll keep it on course, Father."
During the event, Luna arrived, her daisy crown tilted, her eyes wide. Zain saw a chance to build their bond, starting at 5%. He led her outside, his tone kind.
"Luna, let's count stars and note any patterns."
Luna nodded, her voice dreamy.
"Oh, yes! Maybe Nargle trails!"
They sat under the night sky, Zain listening as Luna pointed out constellations. He jotted her ideas, adding a charm to make a star blink. Luna smiled, pleased.
"Zain, that's magical! Thanks!"
Zain nodded, his tone friendly.
"Glad you enjoyed it, Luna. Let's do it again."
He focused inward, addressing the system.
"Show me my relationship level with Luna."
The system responded, its interface appearing in his mind.
System: Relationship with Luna Lovegood increased to 20%.
System: Relationship with Luna Lovegood has reached the 20% threshold. Reward—Slight Magic Power Increase.
System: Total Magical Power Level—Equivalent to a fifth-year Hogwarts student.
Zain felt a warm surge, his magic edging higher. Later, in a family meeting held in the study, Zain spoke, his tone calm.
"Grandfather, we should support Cornelius Fudge for Minister. He's shrewd, has strong pure-blood ties, and Dumbledore backs him. It's a winning move."
Tiberius paused, his gaze sharp, then nodded.
"I'll send people to verify. If it holds, we'll back him."
Days later, Tiberius confirmed Fudge's strengths and announced support. Fudge won the election around Zain's 10th year, his victory tied to Dumbledore's influence, a success Zain noted.
Months passed, and Zain's games took off, orders surging as production expanded. He monitored the growth, his idea a hit. Morning light brightened the study, where Tiberius held another meeting. The family leveraged their influence over Fudge, shaping his early decisions. Zain's insight had paid off, his voice gaining weight, his youth dimmed by his foresight.
Luna visited often, their friendship at 20%. One afternoon, she arrived via Floo, her voice eager.
"Zain, the star charm was lovely! Let's make a tiny lantern!"
Zain nodded, his tone supportive.
"Let's try. A lantern that glows softly?"
They crafted a small lantern, Zain enchanting it to emit a gentle light, Luna adding a Nargle design. The lantern shone, delighting her. Luna offered a handshake, smiling.
"Zain, this is charming!"
Zain shook her hand, his tone friendly.
"Happy you like it, Luna. More to come."
He focused inward, addressing the system.
"Show me my relationship level with Luna."
The system responded, its interface appearing in his mind.
System: Relationship with Luna Lovegood increased to 27%.
The business thrived, Zain overseeing expansion, his games spreading. He joined more meetings, advising on alliances, his influence solid. A year later, at age 11, an owl tapped the window, a letter in its talons. Zain opened it, seeing the Hogwarts crest. The letter invited him to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, starting in September. The time skip marked a new beginning.
Tiberius entered, his voice a low rumble.
"Your Hogwarts letter, Zain. A new path awaits."
Zain nodded, his tone determined.
"I'll honor the family, Grandfather."
Eleanor smiled, her voice gentle.
"We trust you, Zain."
Thaddeus clapped his shoulder, his smirk returning.
"Show them a Selwyn's resolve."
Zain held the letter, his mind on Hogwarts.