HARRY POTTER STORY: Lions in snake den

Part 31

The warm glow of the afternoon sun filtered through the grand windows of Potter Manor's study, casting a golden hue over the rich mahogany shelves lined with ancient tomes and weathered scrolls. Harry and Hermione sat comfortably in high-backed chairs, a large, ornate table between them piled high with books detailing their family history. There was something both thrilling and sobering about uncovering the legacy that had been hidden from them for so long.

"Can you believe this place?" Harry said, flipping through a thick leather-bound book. "It feels like we're in a history lesson, but everything here is our history." "I know," Hermione replied, her eyes shining with excitement. "Look at this! The Potters had a seat in the Wizengamot for centuries. They were key players in magical politics." She leaned closer to the pages, her finger tracing the elegant script. "It says here they were influential in the passing of several important laws that protected the rights of magical creatures."

"Yeah, but then everything changed," Harry said, frowning. "It's like they intentionally faded from importance. What happened to their influence?" Hermione sighed, turning a page. "It looks like there was a decline after the First Wizarding War. Many families withdrew from politics due to the rise of the Dark Arts. But the Potters were still respected, even if they weren't as visible."
"Let's see what else we can find," Hermione suggested, her fingers skimming the pages. They continued to trace their lineage further, their attention drawn to a particular branch of the family tree—one that led them to the Peverell line.

"Wait a second," Hermione said, her voice suddenly sharp with realization. "Ignotus Peverell? He's one of the three brothers in 'The Tale of the Three Brothers'! And we're related to him?" Harry leaned closer, his emerald eyes widening. "That means the Invisibility Cloak in my possession is more than just a family heirloom—it's a piece of history! I've always known it was special, but this... this is incredible!" Hermione nodded, her excitement palpable. "The Cloak is said to have been passed down from Ignotus himself. If it's genuine, we're carrying a legacy of true magic, something powerful."

As they delved deeper into their ancestry, Hermione's expression shifted. "Harry, look at this." She pointed to a section of the parchment. "We knew our mum was not a Muggle-born. And that she was adopted by the Evans family. But look at who her true lineage connects us to... The Gaunts."

Harry's breath caught in his throat. "So... we're related to Riddle?" The name hung in the air like a dark cloud, casting a shadow over their discoveries. "Technically, yes," Hermione replied, glancing up at him, her brow furrowed. "But that doesn't mean we share his values. We're not like him."
"I know that," Harry said, shaking his head. "But it's still unsettling. We've always been taught to see that name as something dark. I don't want anyone thinking we're connected to that madness."

Hermione nodded, biting her lip. "And yet, we're also Potters. There's so much more to our legacy. We need to focus on that."
They continued to uncover the lost traditions exclusive to the Potter family. The Potters had once been known for their mastery of defensive and protective magic, developing spells and enchantments that were nearly impossible to break.

"Listen to this," Hermione said, her eyes wide. "They crafted wards that could shield entire estates from detection. Imagine what we could do with that kind of magic."
Harry grinned. "We could protect Potter Manor from anyone who might want to take it from us. It'd be like Fort Knox for wizards. And considering everything that's happened, I think we need that kind of security."

"Exactly!" Hermione said, her excitement infectious. "And there's something about a ritual—a sacred practice that binds the family magic to the heirs."
"A rite of passage?" Harry asked, intrigued. "What does it say?" "It mentions awakening dormant abilities," Hermione explained, her voice hushed as if the weight of the words could shatter the moment. "It's like a magical awakening that could enhance our powers. We could discover new skills we didn't even know we had." "Do you think we could try it?" Harry asked, his eyes alight with possibility.