The spirits of the Hawthorne family were given bodies forged with dragon-steel skeletons and etched with golden runes by the goblins of the island.
Simon's wolf, named Volkrin, carried a core gifted by Thimrill. The fox, Sylvenna, held a core made from a Vitalis Bloom petal fused with a basilisk fang. The snake, Chaya, bore a core of moonlight essence intertwined with Nagavriksha wood.
Meanwhile, Sirius recovered faster than anyone expected. Simon had given him a set of restorative potions, and within a week, Sirius was healthier than he had been in years. The man himself was shocked. Along with his health, he received new clothes and a custom wand — rowan wood with the core of a Moonstag's hair.
Wands couldn't simply be made from any material, even if custom made, but these materials resonated perfectly with Sirius. His focus, his drive, his very identity had narrowed down to a single truth: protecting Harry above all else.
Though he despised Grimmauld Place, Sirius set about putting the old Black estate in order. He wanted Harry to one day live with him, and for that, the house had to be presentable.
For the rest of the summer, the Hawthornes often traveled to Nepal. Aaric practically stayed there full-time, exploring the region with Elder Huo. They spent days studying plants and magical beasts. Though Elder Huo never bound himself to a spirit, Nyxthar aided him in refining his flame, granting it spiritual depth.
Aaric regretted that he will not be able to speak with Ars in person for some time, but he made sure the boy had ways to contact him. Dune, now carrying a space-blessing from a spirit, could cross nations with ease, faster than ever. She was more than happy to act as their messenger.
At that moment, Harry was resting in his room at the Leaky Cauldron, enjoying the rare freedom it afforded. A knock came at his window, and he turned to see Dune.
"Hello, girl. Thanks for the letter." He let her in, gave her a treat, and watched her trot off to play with Pyra.
The note was short, written in Aaric's hand: If you're done brooding, come to my house. Harry chuckled.
He flooed over with Pyra and Dune, emerging in the Hawthorne mansion's parlor where the family sat having tea.
He smiled and greeted them before settling next to Aaric.
"Are you feeling better now?" Edwina asked with a trace of worry.
Harry nodded. "I've had some time to think. And Uncle Simon wrote me — he said she's fine. So… yeah. I'm better."
Edwina returned the smile before Simon spoke up. "You've heard about Sirius Black by now, haven't you?"
Harry's fists clenched as he nodded. "Mr. Weasley told me."
Simon sighed and carefully explained the real story. Harry listened in stunned silence.
"He's… here?" he asked at last.
Simon nodded, and Sirius entered the room, looking uncharacteristically nervous. The two stared at each other for a long moment, until the rest of the family quietly left, giving them space.
Later, Harry found Aaric sitting with Dune and Chaya. "So…?" Aaric asked.
Harry took a breath. "There are only three days until school starts. Can I spend them with Sirius on the island?"
Aaric shrugged. "Why not? It's not a big deal."
So Harry and Sirius flooed to the island together. Sirius froze at the sight before him.
"We… are nothing compared to them," he muttered, thinking of his own House. The Blacks seemed diminished in comparison to the Hawthornes.
The next day, Harry and Sirius visited the centaurs and goblins. Sirius, never one to stay idle, asked Thimrill for training. The guardian spirit regarded him with a rare grin before agreeing.
The Hawthornes, Sirius, and Harry were at the train station as Aaric and Harry bid farewell to those they cared about.
Harry and Aaric then met up with Daphne, Luna, and Ron. Draco was with them as well, and Astoria, who would be joining Hogwarts this year.
Daphne seemed sleep-deprived, which was very concerning to Aaric, as he had already given her some Moonblood Resin potions. She should have been basically immune to most diseases and even able to go long periods without sleep. Aaric resolved that he would be getting answers from her this time.
They had to separate from Astoria when they reached their destination since she would be going via the boats. Aaric did notice, however, that she was much healthier than before.
As the group reached the school gates, Aaric took Daphne's hand and separated from the others.
"What are you doing?" Daphne asked as they reached a secluded place.
"I have restrained myself and shown patience about whatever you've been going through, thinking one day you'd trust me enough to tell me. But it seems I was wrong, so I'll ask you directly… what happened?" Aaric said all of it in one breath and just stood there.
Daphne looked down in guilt as she bit her lip. She then looked up at him and sighed. "There… is a blood curse that runs in my family. And Astoria has been suffering from it all her life. One day, when I was researching in the Room of Requirement, I found a way to cure her."
After she said that, she stepped forward and held Aaric's shoulders as she spoke more seriously. "Do not tell her. I told her it was cured by some potion I gave her. But… I found a way to transfer the curse."
Aaric's eyes went wide at that last part as he took a step back. "Transferred? Why? You could have asked me for help—my mum could have cured her long ago. We knew something was wrong for a long time…" Daphne listened to Aaric's words and just shook her head.
"We asked some very powerful healers for help, but just as any of them seemed to get close to a cure, they suffered very cruel ends. That's why we stopped asking for cures and just looked for ways of containment. And… it's not that bad for me." She stepped toward him as she said the last part.
"The potions you gave me are great. I don't feel that bad anyway. The curse isn't as effective on me as it was on her. Please, just don't tell anyone about this. My parents don't know, and Astoria would never forgive herself if she knew what I did."
Aaric looked at the fragile state Daphne was in and hugged her. He then sighed and said, "I won't tell anyone… and I have a way to not just cure the curse, but even make you stronger." He broke the hug as he said it.
Daphne shook her head. "No, you'll get hurt."
Aaric just grinned. "Don't worry, I know what I'm doing."
A/n: A little bit of drama, all those emotions are for pussies though..
All i want are your power stones, i as long as i don't get all of them.. the next chapter will stay in the basement, begging to be let out.