Playing With Magic

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Chapter 33: Dinner At Greengrass Manor

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26 December 1991 - Wiltshire, Greengrass Manor

Johnathan Grey

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After arriving at Greengrass Manor, Cyrus, Lord Greengrass, had Daphne give me a small tour before taking me to the room I would be staying in. Later, once I had settled in, Daphne came knocking to tell me lunch was ready, and the entire family was at the table, waiting. After following the girl to the elegantly set dining room table. The table was adorned with fine china, silverware, and an array of delicious dishes that filled the room with inviting aromas. Finding my seat on the right side of the table as was customary, we got to eating and a little small talk.

Having finished my lunch before the rest of the family, I decided to casually turn my face into different animals—a lion, a cat, and even a duck—causing Astoria to giggle at each one. Her laughter was infectious, and even Lady Greengrass couldn't help but smile at the sight of her youngest daughter so entertained. What can I say, she was growing on me. All according to Lord Greengrass's plan I expect.

"Ahem," Daphne politely cleared her throat, drawing my attention away from her giggling little sister. "I wanted to thank you for the Yule gift you sent me. I would have sent you one of my own, but you wouldn't tell me where you live."

 "No problem, Daphne," I shrugged, offering the girl a small smile. "I just thought it would be useful. Everyone should study Arithmancy, regardless of which line of work they plan to go into after Hogwarts. It's incredibly useful in creating spells. And as for my address, well, it's more my carers' address, really, and their muggles. 'Wouldn't want to have magical mail turning up now, would I? I should really get a place to store my mail in Diagon Alley at some point."

"I quite agree," Cyrus said at the head of the table, having just dabbed his mouth with a linen napkin, gaining the table's attention. "Arithmancy is indeed a powerful tool. Have you already ventured into creating spells of your own, Mr Grey? Aside from the changes you made to the Animagus ritual, of course."

Here we go. I noticed he took a glance at my rings a few times, trying to pinpoint its use or a link to a House a few times but said nothing on the matter. Without delving into my mind, he would be forced to use conversation to get any answers.

"I have, actually," I replied, completely ignoring the Animagus comment. "I've experimented with a few spells, mostly to see how Arithmancy can be used to modify existing ones. It's fascinating how small changes in the magical equation or sequence can lead to almost entirely new or better effects."

"Is that so?" Cyrus sat forward as he went on to ask, "Have you developed or modified healing spells or rituals? Perhaps even potions by any chance?"

"Yeah, I've modified several healing spells and potions. Made them either more potent or last longer. I thought that was a requirement of getting O's." I shrugged, glancing at Astoria before looking back at the man. "I don't believe they would be effective in completely curing someone of a Blood Maledictus condition, though."

"So," The man's eyes narrowed slightly as his jaw clenched a little. "You've learned of the curse I would have hoped to cure. How did you come to the conclusion of that specific curse, if you don't mind me asking?"

Meeting his gaze, I said, "I have an acute magic sense, it's one of the reasons I'm so good at magic. It helps when tweaking and improving spells and potions when you can gauge how it could turn out. I could sense Astoria's condition when we were at the bank. Though, I already had an idea from the types of books Daphne was offering."

A brief silence settled over the table as Cyrus took a moment to relax in his chair to process. "There is no actual guarantee that your healing spells and potions would be effective in this particular case, even Hogwarts' Potions Master was only able to improve on the potions used to alleviate the effects. But do you think it's possible?"

Yeah, trying to get to me through my pride this way was never going to work, I couldn't give less of a fuck about comparing to Snape and his title as Potions Master. I simply shrugged lightly, completely unbothered and said, "I understand that, and I didn't suggest otherwise. But I can say that I gave some of my potions to Lord Black to help him get back on his feet quicker after Azkaban. If you're looking for confirmation, you could always ask him directly."

"I will consider that, Mr Grey," Cyrus regarded me for a long moment, clearly weighing the implications of what he had heard. Finally, he nodded slowly and added, "I appreciate you satisfying my curiosity."

"No problem. Oh, I almost forgot to ask."

"Yes?" Cyrus asked, slightly confused.

"Do you know how I would go about setting a meeting with dwarves?" I smiled a smile that didn't really reach my eyes. Cyrus noticed, but the way his lips twitched let me know it only seemed to amuse him. I don't need to physically hurt the goblins to get my revenge, but I would be getting my revenge regardless.

"I will try to set up a meeting. I assume it is smithing-related." The Lord of the House inquired.

I nodded, "Yes, exactly."

The man gave a nod of his own, "I'll see what I can do."

"Thank you."

Daphne, who had been quietly observing our exchange along with her mother and sister, took the opportunity to speak up after hearing the conclusion of the verbal tennis match, "I also got you a gift."

"You didn't need to do that," I shook my head as I looked at her. "But I appreciate it."

"Of course I did." The blonde offered a small smile as she pretentiously lifted her chin. "Especially since you sent me one. But don't worry, it's just a book on magic.."

"Thanks," I nodded appreciatively. "I'm sure I'll enjoy it."

"Why don't you go sort out your gifts now?" Lady Greengrass chimed in. "And I hope you wouldn't mind if Astoria joined you?"

Recognising a dismissal for what it was, I said, "Of course not." Making my way to my feet along with Daphne, I waved Astoria over with a smile. Even the most dense could see they wanted to discuss all the information they got from observing me all day, best to give them room to set things in motion to get me the best deal possible.

Astoria quickly stood up and joined us as we began making our way toward the door. As they reached the doorway, Cyrus called out to Daphne, "Daphne, after you've shown Mr Grey his gift, why don't you take him to the library? I'm sure he'll find it to his liking."

Library? Oh, I do like a good library. It's time to see what they'll give me access to.

"Of course, Father." Daphne nodded, understanding the subtle suggestion. "I'll make sure he sees it."

With that, Astoria, Daphne and I left the dining room, heading down the elegantly decorated corridors. Astoria, walking between us, looked up at me and asked, "Can you turn into a dragon now?"

"Bwahahaha," I couldn't help bursting out in laughter. I knew she was holding her tongue and being good for her parents, now I know the question she was dying to ask me all day.

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Dining Room - Greengrass Manor

Lord Cyrus Greengrass

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As John, Daphne, and Astoria left the dining room and started on their way towards the library, Evelyn turned to her husband with a concerned look. "Do you think he is telling the truth? Do you believe it might finally be possible to remove the curse? I-I just hope he won't be another dead end like the others we've tasked with the same."

"I've wondered about that myself," Cyrus said, still leaning back in his chair with a thoughtful look on his face. "A few other lords and I had speculated on how Lord Black managed to recover so quickly after his release from Azkaban. Even with a potion regiment, it was too quick. We theorised it could have been a Black family ritual, but it could just as well have been one of Grey's spells or potions in combination with a standard potion regiment."

He paused, as a frown made its way to his face. "I'll be sending a message to Lord Black to confirm this before we ask to try any of Grey's methods on Astoria. If the results are better than what we currently use, then we could place orders with the boy. If not, there's no real loss in trying."

Evelyn nodded with a small frown of her own. "I haven't heard of any new healing potions or spells on the market lately, or any patents, for that matter."

"It could be that the boy doesn't care about such things as patents and market sales. Or it could be that he knows no one is skilled enough to replicate it." Cyrus gave the Lady of the House a small, wry smile. "Considering that even Snape hasn't made a breakthrough in this area and replicated his method for sale, I'd assume it's the latter. The man would have at least mentioned it to Malfoy at some point."

Evelyn sighed as her gaze drifted to the door through which her daughters had exited. "I just hope, for Astoria's sake, that this isn't another false hope."

"We'll take every precaution, my dear," Cyrus reached out and placed a comforting hand over hers. "But for now, let's allow them to enjoy their time. We'll proceed carefully, as we always do."

"Hmm," Evelyn almost sounded sad as she spoke. "I almost feel sorry for the Goblins."

The husband and wife exchanged a look before they both burst out in laughter, "Bwahahaha." Cyrus wiped the corners of his eyes as he said, "Whatever he has planned can't be good, I could practically feel the anger towards goblins in his eyes when he asked for the meeting."

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January 4, 1992.

Hogwarts - Headmaster's Office

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"It's not a coincidence, Dumbledore," Snape said, sitting comfortably in one of the spare seats in front of the Headmaster's desk. "Just a few days after Grey had a private meeting with the goblins, they start hounding the Ministry to prevent the dwarves from selling Goblin Silver—or as their 'supplier' renamed it, 'Dragon Silver.'" He snorted. "He couldn't even resist naming it after his Animagus form."

"I suspect there was a disagreement between Mr Grey and the goblins over the silver," Dumbledore said, seated behind his desk as he stoked his phoenix, Fawkes. "Perhaps when the topic was raised, they told him he couldn't sell or make it, and in response, he took his findings to the dwarves. The boy seems to be the ask for forgiveness and not permission type of person when it comes to magic, if his behaviour with potions and spells so far is anything to go by."

Snape's eyes narrowed slightly at the old man as he continued to focus on his pampered familiar. "I can't help but think that your concern isn't purely about the situation itself but about the fact that you wished the boy had made all his deals through Sirius or perhaps through yourself instead. I'm surprised the ministry isn't worried about another Goblin rebellion if we don't put a stop to the Dwarves."

The Dwarves had declined significantly after the Goblin invented Goblin Silver. Seeing the Silver perform better than Dwarf-crafted objects, which were magnificent in their own right, people started to gravitate to Goblins like sheep. They completely disregarded the fact that they were only ever renting the items they paid astronomical amounts of money for, and would have to give it back at some point. Unlike the Dwarves, who sold theirs like normal merchants and were nicer to their customers, if only slightly.

"It would have been better for the boy not to get cheated in any way." Dumbledore shook his head as he offered his familiar a sweet, much to its delight, and gestured to its resting place. Turning his attention to his Potions Master, he continued, "The boy may be a prodigy when it comes to magic, but business is an entirely different game. The complexities of negotiation, the subtleties of alliances and rivalries—it's easy for someone inexperienced to be taken advantage of."

"And you're worried that he may have gotten himself into a situation he can't easily navigate?" Snape crossed his arms, his expression unyielding. "What would it matter? He was always going to be a target in one way or another with his level of talent, if anything knowing how to make Goblin–Dragon Silver, makes him even more important to the Ministry. They'll be bending over backwards once they find out it's him."

"Possibly," Dumbledore nodded slowly. "We both know the goblins are shrewd, and they do not take kindly to what they perceive as betrayals. If Mr Grey has inadvertently set off a chain of events involving the dwarves and the new 'Dragon Silver,' it could lead to tensions he's unprepared to handle. He could be blamed for the aftermath, and that could lead to the boy being…frustrated with the magical world."

"So, your concern is that the boy, in his eagerness to prove himself, might lead to what, yet another Dark Lord?" Snape rolled his eyes. The constant back and forth of trying to get Grey to their side, giving him space to grow and trying to restrict him was getting on his nerves. "Why don't we deal with the current, still alive, Dark Lord, and then we can deal with a child possibly being upset that people won't like him for selling some shiny trinkets." 

"The boy's potential is undeniable," Dumbledore sighed as he slumped in his seat. "But he is still young and inexperienced in the broader, often harsher, realities of the wizarding world. I only wish he had sought guidance before taking such a bold step."

"Then perhaps it's time we offer him that guidance, whether he thinks he needs it or not." Snape frowned as he brought his hand to his chin. "I have no doubt he has finished the curriculum to graduate from Hogwarts, at least in most subjects. And if he hasn't, I believe that will certainly be the case by the end of the school year. Talk to the boy, get him to graduate and take him as your apprentice for his Masteries, knowing him it'll be more than one."

"I had already thought of helping him with his Mastery. If not for all his chosen subjects, then you or Nicolas could help, Severus," Dumbledore smiled faintly. "That had always been the plan. I don't believe he would have been able to resist."

"Do it quicker," Severus shot back as he crossed his arms, a blank expression now on his face. "We find ourselves in this situation because you are being too passive. That's only going to bite us in the arse. If you want to stop this, then pass a Law that stops deals between children like he did. Obviously, the law preventing children from signing contracts without their magical guardian clearly isn't enough."

"There would be no way to prove it was him to begin with," Dumbledore countered. "When the Dwarves were asked who the supplier for the Silver is, they kept their mouth shut, and the ministry is not willing to force it out of them because they are getting the Silver around 20% cheaper than the Goblins, and they are allowed to keep the object. The only downside is that they are only allowed to place orders for non-weapon related objects like plates, trays, chalices, etc."

As much as the Lords and Ladies in the ministry wanted to prevent another rebellion, they loved money a lot more. Getting them to give up the possibility of getting cheap enchanted Silver of that quality at that price was practically impossible.

"I'm aware, Malfoy was bragging non-stop about getting some for himself," Snape's eye twitched as he remembered the unnecessary amount of time the man spent just talking about how he deserved more of the Silver, to better differentiate between himself and the 'riff-raff'. "He also tried to have Draco visit Greengrass Manor to get closer to the boy, unfortunately, or fortunately, he was snubbed. Along with several other Lords and Ladies. In Greengrass' Defence, he seems to be going all out to protect the boy."

The excuse they had provided to all that tried was always that they were busy trying to deal with some family matters. Those in the know knew full well that the Greengrass' really meant 'trying–once again–to fix the family curse', so they were used to it. But that didn't stop them from being unhappy.

"Hmm, that will most likely have something to do with his healing potions, or his ability to modify potions to such a high degree. Sirius tells me they are miraculous, and he's checked with St Mungos to verify his health." Dumbledore caressed his beard as he reached for a lemon drop, raising an eyebrow at Snape to offer him one. When he was turned down, like he always was, he helped himself to the sweet. "It would be foolish of him not to put in this much effort for the boy when all his so far didn't solve his problem. He wouldn't have to spend much on the boy who just wants to use and learn magic, only protect him when others come seeking him harm."

"Malfoy intends to snub dealing with Greengrass, but due to t Cyrus''s lack of redistricting beliefs, it won't stop him from making favourable deals with muggle-borns and half-bloods. So it won't be so much as an irritation at best." Snape smirked as he shook his head. "Shame that. Couldn't have happened to a better person."

Dumbledore's long moustache seemed to twitch a little as he said, "Indeed."

Everyone seemed to know House Greengrass had always been rather good at business, even during wars. Preferring to stay out of it the best they could. It was how they always seemed to have enough in the vault to constantly splurge on finding a cure. Trying to snub them in business was akin to telling a fire-breathing dragon that you won't be helping it start a fire.

"The boy's mind is un-naturally well-protected. You made sure to check that yourself during your duelling sessions. His Occlumency is advanced enough that he would be able to hold his tongue even under Veritaserum, so we have little to worry about in that regard." Snape said, breaking the Headmaster out of his thoughts as he made his way to his feet. Under the pretext of walking around the room to gather his thoughts, he allowed himself to stretch his legs a little as he mentally snorted at how a man with as many jobs as Dumbledore had so much time to talk someone's legs to sleep.

"Progressive as you may have administered the tests, they were still able to confirm he would be able to handle himself." Snape continued. "The only thing that would be a problem is if they overdosed him to get the information they need, which I highly doubt, seeing that they still need him intact to finally rid themselves of the curse. So, forget the boy's holiday for now."

"Indeed, Severus," Dumbledore nodded, a hint of satisfaction in his eyes. "His mental defences are remarkably strong, which is a relief considering the danger."

Completely ignoring the Headmaster's attempt at making himself feel better for constantly trying to violate a child's mind, Snape carried on, "The real concern now is how to move things along before others–good or bad, like Lord Greengrass, seize the opportunity. Perhaps we should consider pushing for Grey to secure a Lordship—or, at the very least, help him set up a storefront to sell his potions after helping him ensure he has the necessary patents, of course."

"Hmm." Dumbledore leaned back slightly in his chair as he stroked his chair. "Helping Mr Grey establish his position and protect his innovations is crucial, and being the one to help him might endear him to Lord Black." He then gave a decisive nod. "I'll speak with Sirius about this matter. With his influence and my support, we can ensure that Mr Grey's talents are nurtured without falling prey to exploitation."

Upon hearing this, Snape stared blankly at the old man in front of him for several seconds, with his eye twitching every so often, before abruptly turning around and leaving the office, shaking his head. The irony of calling a grown man to his office to discuss possibly manipulating a child to their cause and then saying what he just said was not lost on him.

"I need a drink," Snape muttered under his breath as he made his way to his office.

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"I guess that concludes negotiations."

— Gimli, Lord Of The Rings.

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Autor Here

Honestly, I liked the idea of John getting his revenge through the Dwarves, so that's the plan moving forward. I appreciate the suggestions, people. Let's see where it goes.

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Disclaimer: I own nothing except my OC and original ideas. All credit goes to their respective owners.

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Thank you for reading.

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