Chapter - 96 : Shadows of the Past part - 2

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Sirius seemed to believe him now that he understood Harry wasn't joking. "Well I suppose the combination of inheriting from me, Lily and James might have uncovered hidden talents, or given you new ones," he said. "While the adoption changed your appearance pretty quickly, the change to your magic is more gradual. It might've taken this long to settle properly, which would explain why it's only now that you're really noticing the ability."

"Or it might be because until now I've mostly been surrounded by people I already know from before." Harry thought it over. "What are the chances though that I just happen to discover the ability that I pretended to have all along? My luck really is unbelievable sometimes."

"Maybe it wasn't a question of pure luck," Sirius suggested. "Magic works in mysterious ways after all. Maybe the widespread belief in your abilities pushed you to develop the talent. Or I don't know, maybe the whole idea of you pretending to be an Assessor didn't come out of nowhere. You could've looked in a mirror and managed to 'Assess' yourself, discovering your talent without realising it."

Harry stared at him disbelievingly.

"It could happen!" Sirius protested. "No one really understands how the gift of Assessing works."

The two continued to banter, tossing ideas back and forth before being forced to abandon the topic by the arrival of Arcturus.

"Sirius, Orion. I hope you are enjoying yourselves," Arcturus said as he surveyed them both.

"Uh yeah. I mean yes. I am. We are," Harry babbled helplessly until Sirius elbowed him to be quiet.

"I am glad to hear it," Arcturus said unsmilingly. "I am even more pleased to hear such good reports of you from school, Orion. You have done well."

"Thank you." Harry was happy to know that his boredom at school had at least been good for something, having gained him the man's approval. "I've worked hard," he lied.

Arcturus peered down at him. "Hmm. Perhaps you might begin learning some of the family spells when you come home for Yule."

"So soon?" Sirius looked surprised. "I had to wait until my third year."

"Your son has talent," was all the explanation Arcturus deigned to give. "I believe my wife has been looking for you, Sirius. There are several young ladies she wishes you to meet." The two older wizards shared commiserating looks before Arcturus turned to Orion. "As for you, a few of our guests have expressed a desire for you to Assess them. Would you care to oblige?"

It was clear Harry couldn't refuse and so he obediently trailed after his Paterfamilias, thankful that - no matter how - he truly possessed the gift, as otherwise he'd be in a lot of trouble. Arcturus would not have taken kindly to Harry embarrassing him in front of his guests. As it was Harry managed to impress everyone he Assessed, mostly by having enough sense to avoid mentioning any of their less desirable traits. He endured a barrage of questions on the trustworthiness of a business partner, the talents of a favoured child, and the compatibility between a witch and her fiance. Harry surprised himself by how accurately he could respond to such inquiries, although it was often necessary for him to skirt the truth in order to remain within the realm of politeness. Yet despite his success in charming the guests and attaining the acceptance into Pureblood Society he'd been aiming for, Harry longed for the end of the party and his return to the relative normalcy of Hogwarts.

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