Chapter 28: Going home, mother and son reunited
As the school year came to a close, the dormitories bustled with activity as young wizards packed their belongings into trunks. However, in Lynn's room, tranquility reigned. His robes remained neatly arranged, and Lynn lounged on his bed, engrossed in "The Tales of Beedle the Bard."
The following day, Lynn effortlessly packed his belongings into his magically expanded rucksack, then used his wand to shrink them down and fit them snugly inside.
As the students prepared to depart Hogwarts Castle, a notice warning against underage magic was issued to all. However, Lynn paid it little heed. Whether at Rowle Manor with his mother, Rowena, or accompanying Professor Green to France, he was beyond the reach of the Trace.
Even if Lynn were to cast spells recklessly, the magical traces left behind were indistinguishable from those of adult wizards. Furthermore, he had mastered wandless and non-verbal Incendio spells, evading the Ministry's detection measures.
Boarding the Hogwarts Express alongside his peers, Lynn enjoyed the scenery passing by outside the train windows. Eventually, they arrived at King's Cross Station, where an Auror maintained order as the young wizards disembarked.
"See you next term! Lynn! Remember to write to us!" Fred and George called out, waving goodbye as they joined their family, the Weasleys, who eagerly awaited their return.
Charlie and Percy had already reunited with their parents, who were waiting ahead of them. Mrs. Weasley observed her children with a fond smile as they approached.
As the Weasley twins drew closer, Mrs. Weasley noticed Lynn standing alone nearby.
"Young man, come here quickly. I've heard from Fred and George about you, and I have to thank you for looking after them this year!" Mrs. Weasley expressed her gratitude with a warm smile, seemingly unconcerned about the presence of a Death Eater at Lynn's residence.
Lynn respectfully bowed to Mrs. Weasley and replied humbly: "No, Fred and George also helped me a lot."
Despite his modest response, Lynn felt a twinge of guilt towards Mrs. Weasley. After all, his improved Dungbombs had played a significant role in the Weasley twins' mischievous escapades throughout the school year.
After bidding farewell to the Weasley family, Lynn made his way to a secluded corner where the house-elf Gale had been patiently waiting.
With a snap of his fingers, Lynn seized Gale's wrinkled hand, and with a burst of air, the two vanished from the spot.
They reappeared on the first floor of Rowle Manor, where Lynn excitedly announced his return to his mother, Rowena.
Although Lynn was a reborn individual, Rowena was his real mother in this life, and their bond of eleven years was irreplaceable.
Rowena, who hadn't seen her son in a year, felt a surge of longing as Lynn entered the room.
Sitting together on the sofa, they engaged in a detailed conversation about Lynn's experiences at Hogwarts that year, while the Muggle television in the background played the news.
Upon learning about Lynn's studies in alchemy and his encounters with danger, Rowena's emotions fluctuated between surprise, pride, and fear. She was relieved that her child had returned unharmed, yet apprehensive about the risks he had faced.
Rowena's feelings towards Professor Green were complex. She appreciated his role in Lynn's development but harbored some reservations following the incident involving the dark wizard on Halloween night.
"Mom, you don't have to worry. I willingly assisted Professor Green on Halloween night, and I emerged unscathed," Lynn reassured his mother, hoping to alleviate her concerns.
Rowena gazed at Lynn and inquired softly: "You mentioned learning wandless and non-verbal casting. Can you demonstrate them for me?"
Lynn naturally didn't hesitate to comply. Instead of reaching for his wand, he elegantly waved his left hand, conjuring a flickering flame that danced according to his will.
"Wingardium Leviosa!"
With a fluid motion, Lynn extinguished the flame and recited the levitation spell once more. The glass of water before them obediently hovered in mid-air, gliding over to Rowena's awaiting hand.
Rowena accepted the glass with a smile, taking a sip before letting it return to the table under Lynn's control.
Impressed, she turned her attention to Lynn's wandless Lumos spell.
"Lynn, I recall giving you a short sword for Christmas, intending it for your alchemical studies. May I see what you've accomplished?" Rowena inquired, her tone gentle as she observed her son.
From the canvas bag secured at his waist with an Undetectable Extension Charm, Lynn produced the short sword. Its blade gleamed brilliantly under the light, radiating a dazzling silver sheen.
Upon closer inspection, Rowena could discern at least three interconnected alchemy arrays etched along the sword's edge. These arrays imbued the weapon with exceptional sharpness, piercing ability, and a supposed ability to counteract poison. However, she noted that the anti-venom property lacked the potency to neutralize real venom, rendering it ineffective.
Moving her gaze to the hilt, Rowena observed two parallel alchemy arrays, each endowed with the attributes of strength and dexterity respectively. Lynn, she realized, could toggle between these attributes based on the demands of battle.
In the center of the blade, a lone alchemy array stood out, boasting the attribute of enhancement. This array not only amplified the sword's innate capabilities but also fortified the effects of other alchemy arrays attached to it.
(end of chapter)