The Forgotten Potter

Chapter 3

Upon being transported through yet another pipe, they found themselves in a vast room. The entrance hall of the manor was a sight to behold, expansive and adorned with silver and white marble on the floors and walls. A chandelier, sparkling like distant stars, dangled from the high ceiling at the room's center. Flanking the entryway stood two towering statues: a ferocious dragon and a serpentine snake. The floor boasted a magnificent blue carpet, intricately patterned, radiating a sense of grandeur and sophistication. Adorning the walls were sizable flags, silver and white, each bearing the emblem of a serpent coiled around a silver shield.

Ultimately, the trio was taken aback, and Harry was jolted back to reality when the voice in his head clarified the significance of the decorations. His attention was particularly drawn to one element. 'Hold on, that banner bears the crest of the most ancient and noble House of Slytherin. What does that imply?' he pondered internally. 'Fear not, child, I shall enlighten you about its meaning, with assistance from your mothers,' the voice assured. With a nod of understanding, Harry gestured to his mothers. They shook their heads clear and ascended the stairs, following the instructions Harry conveyed. They stopped before a majestic black wooden door, its handles crafted into the form of intertwining snakes. Pushing the door open, they stepped through and surveyed the room with a sense of wonder.

The study room presented a magnificent display of the owner's affluence and refined taste. Sunlight poured through an expansive window, illuminating the white marble walls that shone with a radiant glow, accentuated by intricate silver details and sumptuous silver drapes. This grand window provided a sweeping view of the verdant garden and its centerpiece, a graceful fountain.

Beholding this study is an awe-inspiring experience that leaves one utterly spellbound. The centrepiece desk, a magnificent black wood structure, exudes an air of grandeur and sophistication. Adorned with a silver lamp, a leather-bound notebook, and a crystal pen holder, it beckons the owner to embark on a journey of intellectual pursuits. The elegant silver chair, with its cushioned seat and high back, stands as an inviting throne, eagerly awaiting its occupant to grace it with their presence and immerse themselves in the realm of productivity. The crackling fireplace, a warm and cozy companion, casts a mesmerising glow upon the smooth black marble floor, where a fluffy silver rug lies in reverent attendance. The fireplace itself, a masterpiece of black marble, contrasts beautifully with the pristine white walls, creating a harmonious symphony of elegance and comfort. Beyond the fireplace, a door leads to a vault, a tantalising gateway to the owner's most cherished and guarded treasures, igniting the imagination with endless possibilities. And yet, the true jewel of this sanctuary lies in the towering bookcases that reach towards the heavens, a testament to the owner's insatiable thirst for knowledge and literary exploration. These black wood behemoths, meticulously organised and labelled, house a vast collection of books spanning countless genres and languages, each tome a portal to new realms of understanding. A ladder on wheels stands ready to grant access to the highest shelves, while a cosy armchair and table beckon one to indulge in the timeless pleasure of reading, bathed in the warm embrace of natural light streaming through the window. This study is a breathtaking embodiment of the owner's multifaceted persona, a sanctuary where work, relaxation, and passion intertwine in perfect harmony. It is a space that transcends mere functionality, elevating itself to a realm of awe-inspiring grandeur and intimate serenity, a true masterpiece that leaves one utterly spellbound.

"Ah, hello to my lovely home, what might have brought you here?" They all jumped at the voice and looked back. Above the door, there was a portrait of a tall, handsome man in a black suit. He had pale skin with aristocratic facial features. His smooth, pitch-black hair was short and nicely styled. He had a charming smile, but what caught their attention were his eyes, and Dorcas and Marlene were immediately ready to go at the first sign of danger. His eyes were ruby red. 'Harry, this is my magical portrait. Greet him by the name Marvelo and tell him about me.' Swallowing, Harry nodded. "Hello, Marvelo. I'm Harry, and these are my mums. We were brought here by a voice who introduced himself as Marvelo and told us to come here," Harry said, unsure how to explain it. The guy in the portrait was shocked at first before nodding. "The voice is a piece of my soul, and you seem to have given it a form in your mind, and if I'm correct, it was subconsciously." The guy nodded as he talked, and Harry felt his mums tense, but they said nothing. "If I'm correct, my soul piece wants to train you to take up your heirship and maybe find a way to get his body back, but that's for later. First, you need to get some rest, and we'll talk again in the morning." Nodding, Harry looked at his mothers, but they gestured for him to go on, and Harry shrugged before following the directions Marvelo gave him.

Exhausted, Harry entered the room and collapsed onto the bed, too tired to do anything else. As he drifted into sleep, a voice spoke to him, not disturbing his rest but weaving into his dreams. ‘Alright, Harry, I'm going to teach you a skill called Occlumency,’ the voice began. ‘Occlumency is a defensive technique that shields one's mind against external penetration or influence by a Legilimens, who can read or manipulate others' thoughts and emotions. To practice Occlumency, you must empty your mind of all thoughts and emotions, or at least those pertinent to the Legilimens, creating a barrier against any mental intrusion. It's a challenging skill with many benefits, and that's the fundamental concept.’ Marvelo's explanation, though confusing, seemed to make sense to Harry who acknowledged in his own way. Marvelo, amused, continued, ‘The initial step is to regularly practice clearing your mind. This can be achieved through meditation and concentrating on your breathing. The objective is to attain a state of mental emptiness and tranquility, impervious to distractions or temptations. This exercise will also aid in relaxation and stress reduction. You'll practice every morning, afternoon, and evening, and eventually during sleep, until it becomes second nature. Only then will we proceed.’ Marvelo instructed. ‘Should I begin now?’ Harry inquired, puzzled. ‘Not yet. For now, focus on daytime practice, as it will be taxing initially. We'll progress to nighttime later. For now, just sleep,’ Marvelo advised, and sensing Harry's apprehension, he reassured, ‘I'll ward off the nightmares until you can fend for yourself.’ Comforted by these words, Harry sank into a profound, dreamless slumber.