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After Harry and Aiden stepped out of Ollivander's Wand Shop, they found Hagrid waiting for them, a large cage in his arms with a snowy white owl inside.
"Here you are, Harry. Aiden's already given you a birthday present, and this one's from me," Hagrid said, handing over the cage.
Harry's face lit up with delight. "Thank you, Hagrid—and thank you, Aiden. I didn't get a chance to thank you properly last time."
Aiden smiled. "You're welcome, Harry. I hope she brings you luck."
Hagrid grinned. "Right, I'll take Harry back now. Got to get him settled before the big day." He turned to Aiden. "Are you coming with us?"
Aiden shook his head. "I want to have a look in the pet shop, see if anything catches my eye."
The three parted ways, and Aiden made his way to Eeylops Owl Emporium. The bell above the door tinkled as he entered.
"Welcome! Looking for an owl?" The shop assistant, Evelyn, greeted him with a friendly smile.
"Not today, thank you. I was hoping to see what other pets you have," Aiden replied, glancing around at the cages and enclosures.
"Of course! We've got snakes, toads, mice, scorpions… all sorts. Anything in particular?"
Aiden chuckled inwardly. If these wizards ever got into Gu refinement, they'd probably excel at it. "Actually, do you have any cats?"
Evelyn's face brightened. "We've just had a new batch in, breeds from all over the world. Would you like to have a look?"
Aiden followed her to a row of cages. After some consideration, he chose a spotted cat with sleek fur and intelligent golden eyes.
"You've got excellent taste. That's a leopard cat, imported all the way from the Far East. We went to great lengths to get her—"
"How much?" Aiden cut in, his expression unreadable.
"Twenty Galleons," Evelyn replied, watching him hopefully.
Aiden fixed her with a knowing look, letting his visionary abilities gently nudge her thoughts. "Seven Galleons. You'll still make a profit, I know it."
Evelyn hesitated, then sighed. "All right. Seven Galleons it is."
Aiden paid, collected the cat, and stopped by the sweet shop for a few treats before heading back to the Burrow.
*****
When he arrived, the living room was alive with the usual Weasley chaos. Ron, now the proud owner of the family's legendary hand-me-down wand, was waving it about excitedly. George and Fred were tormenting him with made-up spells, their laughter echoing off the walls.
As soon as Aiden walked in, the three of them crowded around him.
"Oy, Aiden, you got a cat as a pet? Mine's just a rat," Ron said, eyeing the spotted feline.
"Don't worry, Ronny, I'll train her well. She won't bother your rat. If you're really worried, you can always sleep with your rat in your arms," Aiden said, his voice laced with a subtle, persuasive charm. Ron's doubts seemed to melt away.
George and Fred, however, were more interested in Aiden's luggage. "Where are all your school things? You're only carrying a tiny case."
Aiden grinned. "I cast an Undetectable Extension Charm on it. Everything's inside."
"Cool! But isn't that against Ministry rules—"
"If you don't tell and I don't tell, who's going to know?" Aiden interrupted, winking.
Fred crossed his arms. "I'm telling Mum, unless you do one for us too."
Aiden laughed. "Deal. But you two owe me."
The twins nodded, satisfied, and the group dispersed.
In his room, Aiden set the spotted cat down and cast a calming charm to help her adjust. He crouched, meeting her golden gaze. "Time to give you a name," he mused aloud, but nothing sprang to mind.
"System, any suggestions?"
"Ding. Disgusting. Providing the name Leoparda, symbolizing a female leopard—swift and elegant."
Aiden wrinkled his nose. "Bit much. Let's just call her Lada."
The moment he decided, he felt a subtle pulse of magic pass between him and the cat. If he hadn't advanced twice already, he might not have noticed it at all.
"So this is what it's like to have a wizard's familiar," Aiden murmured, stroking Lada's head. He could feel a faint boost to his own wisdom and strength and a new sense of connection—he knew she could find him by tracking his magic, no matter where he was.
Inspired, Aiden decided to try something more. He fetched a vial of Audience Potion he'd brewed from leftover ingredients, picked up Lada, and coaxed her to drink it.
"Quietus," he whispered, casting a silencing charm as the potion took effect. Lada yowled and writhed in discomfort, but the spell kept her cries from reaching the rest of the house.
At last, the transformation ended. Lada glared at Aiden with a look of pure feline outrage, then turned her back on him, tail flicking.
(╬◣д◢) I'm angry; I don't want to talk to you.
Aiden grinned and scooped her up, lifting her high like Simba in The Lion King. "From now on, you're the great Cat of Fantasies."
Lada's expression was pure exasperation.
After lunch, Mrs. Molly found Aiden in the kitchen. "Aiden, you'll be starting at Hogwarts soon. I'd like to take you back to the old Prewett house," she said, her voice tinged with emotion.
Aiden nodded. "Of course, aunty." He could see the sadness in her eyes and quietly cast a calming charm to ease her heart.
*****
They travelled to Biberel Village, where the Prewett family's ancestral home stood. The house was old but well cared for, as if someone had been tending it all these years.
Molly stopped outside the door and pressed a key into Aiden's hand. "Ten years ago, your father and his brother died here. Now I'm giving you the key. From now on, only you can bring anyone to this place."
Aiden stared at the house, then asked, "Is this place protected by the Fidelius Charm?"
"You even know about the Fidelius Charm. Honestly, you're so knowledgeable—just like your mother," Molly said, looking at Aiden thoughtfully.
"Aunt Molly, what kind of person was my mother?" Aiden asked, curiosity shining in his eyes.
Molly's expression softened. "Your mother's name was Ellinor Peverell. Her golden hair shone like sunlight, and her blue eyes were so deep and bright, it felt as if she could see straight into your heart. She was especially talented in Potions and Herbology. In the end, when she faced Lord Voldemort, she bravely sacrificed herself to protect you."
Aiden smiled wryly. "Herbology, eh? I didn't inherit any of that."
While Aiden was lost in thought, they had already arrived at the door. Molly unlocked it with her key and stepped inside, with Aiden following close behind. The house was immaculate; every surface gleamed, and the furniture looked as though it had been polished just that morning.
A sudden flicker caught Aiden's eye, and a house-elf appeared in front of him.
"Master Aiden! Sibby knew you would return. The contract with the Prewett family has never been broken. Sibby has waited all these years for you," the elf cried, voice trembling with joy.
"Thank you for waiting, Sibby," Aiden replied, touched.
"It is Sibby's duty, Master. Will you be staying?" The elf asked, hope shining in his eyes.
Aiden looked at Molly, who nodded. "Of course, Aiden. You can stay here as long as you wish. And remember, the Burrow will always be your home too. There is always a place for you with the Weasleys."
Aiden hugged her tightly. "Thank you, aunty."
As the afternoon sun streamed through the windows, Aiden felt a sense of belonging settle over him—a connection to his past, his family, and his future at Hogwarts. For the first time in a long while, he felt truly at home.
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