"Wow!"

The thunderous roar of the crowd shook the very foundations of the grand stadium as Scotland made a brilliant score. The atmosphere was electric, every corner of the colossal Quidditch arena alive with fervor. Above, the enchanted sky rippled like a stormy sea, mirroring the emotions of the thousands gathered. Scotland’s team had just pulled off a spectacular play, and the entire Scottish side of the stadium erupted in cheers, their voices mingling with the sharp crackle of enchanted fireworks bursting into the air.

In the middle of the pitch, the Scottish Chaser—known for his fierce skill—hovered proudly on his broomstick, his chest rising and falling with the thrill of victory. He was a towering man with fiery red hair that matched the fierce Scottish colors, a thick beard framing his face that gave him the look of a warrior straight from the Highlands. His broom dipped low as he pumped a fist in triumph, a roar of laughter escaping him as he joined in the celebration with the crowd.

"Magnus McDougal!" the enchanted announcer's voice boomed through the stadium, filled with enthusiasm. "Scotland’s finest—what a goal! And look at that celebration!"

The massive enchanted screen hanging above the field zoomed in on him, his wide grin flashing across the entire stadium, capturing the joy and energy of the moment. It was as if the entire world paused to witness the glory of his performance, every eye in the stadium locked on the display. The screen, a marvel of wizarding technology, flickered slightly before expanding to show a replay of McDougal’s score in slow motion. The Scottish crowd went wild, stomping their feet in unison, a rhythm that echoed like a drumbeat across the arena.

The goal itself had been nothing short of breathtaking. Magnus had skillfully dodged two Canadian Beaters, his broom swerving like lightning between the bludgers sent his way. The Canadian Keeper had dived with all his might, arms outstretched, but the Quaffle had soared through the right hoop with a speed that left the Keeper grasping at air. Magnus made it look effortless, but it was clear to anyone watching that it took extraordinary skill to execute such a flawless move.

"Do you reckon Scotland will win, Nicholas?" Draco asked, his eyes alight with excitement as he settled back into his seat, though the momentum of the match had moments ago stirred even the most composed among them to stand and cheer with the crowd.

Nicholas glanced at the pitch, his expression thoughtful. "I wouldn’t bet on them just yet," he replied, leaning forward slightly. "Canada’s lineup is solid. They’ve got a strong Keeper and their Chasers move like they've practiced together for years." His voice carried a level-headedness beyond his age, though his eyes betrayed the thrill he felt. He couldn’t help but be caught up in the energy, his gaze flicking to the massive scoreboard hovering magically over the stadium, numbers dancing in the air as it updated in real-time.

It had been a while since Nicholas felt this engrossed in a match—his last sporting event was two years ago when his mother had taken him to see the 1988 World Series, where the Los Angeles Dodgers had triumphed over the Oakland Athletics. Though baseball was exciting, it couldn't quite compare to the sheer grandeur and magic of Quidditch. The exhilaration here was infectious, as if the magic of the game itself pulsed through the air, making every cheer, every move of the Quaffle, feel larger than life.

Draco gave a small, approving smirk, though his eyes remained fixed on the match. “Canada might be strong, but Scotland has a reputation to uphold. They won’t give in easily.”

Nicholas turned slightly, glancing up at his grandfather seated with the esteemed figures of the wizarding world. Godfrey Gryff’s calm, dignified air rarely shifted, but every now and then, even he would break his conversation with Fudge to cheer when Scotland pulled off a particularly dazzling maneuver. Meanwhile, Mark, who had mostly remained quiet, leaned in closely to exchange whispers with the Ministry wizard seated beside him.

“I’ll admit,” Nicholas continued, a sly grin forming, “Scotland’s Chasers do have impressive coordination. But one slip-up and Canada will take full advantage. It’s anyone’s game.”

…

Five days. Five grueling, thrilling, and exhausting days of Quidditch. The finals match, stretching into its fifth day, became the stuff of legends. Even seasoned fans marveled at the endurance of both teams, while the Scottish supporters gradually found their hopes dashed as their team struggled against the sheer force of Canada’s players. By the end, the stands were a mix of jubilation and despair, as the Canadian National Quidditch Team clinched victory. The roar of the crowd was deafening when the final whistle blew, but for some—like Nicholas—those last few moments were filled with amazement at the endurance and skill on display.

Throughout the match, players had been subbed in and out, some succumbing to fatigue, while others had pushed through incredible injuries, their magical healing barely able to keep up with the punishing pace. Some spectators, deeply committed, hadn’t slept in five days, their eyes red and wide, but still filled with fervor for their teams. Nicholas and his peers, though, had managed to maintain their energy in other ways. Between the excitement of the match, they’d ventured into the sprawling campgrounds, exploring the sea of magical tents that hosted the elite wizarding families from around the world.

They played enchanted games that involved mimicking dueling spells and broom races, tried magical foods from different regions, and even sneaked into the tent filled with rare magical creatures, like owls, bats, and strange creatures from distant lands. At night, they’d gather around fires or inside enchanted tents for sleepovers, their laughter ringing out as they told stories of their families, shared dreams of their future, and debated the merits of various wizarding schools. For Nicholas, these days had been a revelation, bonding him with other young heirs of wizarding families.

Now, as the sun began to set on the last day, it was time for goodbyes.

“I’ll be writing you letters every time I can, Nicholas! Don’t forget to write me back!” exclaimed Louis Delacour, a brown-haired boy with a wide smile, pulling Nicholas into a hug. When they had first met, Louis's English had been halting and broken, but after spending the last five days together, his confidence had grown. "I wish you’d pick Beauxbatons next year, so we can be classmates.”

Nicholas chuckled but before he could reply, Draco Malfoy interjected with his usual smirk. “Oh, shut it, Delacour. Nicholas’s ancestor was one of the founders of Hogwarts, for Merlin’s sake. He’ll be going there, of course. Why would he waste his time at Beauxbatons?”

Pansy Parkinson, always eager to back Draco, stepped in with her own disdainful tone. “Draco’s right. Beauxbatons doesn’t even deserve to have Nicholas. He’d be wasting his time learning nothing in that prissy little school.”

Nicholas tilted his head slightly, amused by their fierce loyalty to Hogwarts. “Now, now,” he said, flashing Louis a friendly smile. “I haven’t made up my mind yet, but wherever I go, I’ll be sure to keep in touch with all of you.” His tone was diplomatic, and though he didn’t outright agree with Draco and Pansy, he could see the shock in Louis’s face soften.

Draco, however, remained unyielding, his grey eyes gleaming with a mix of determination and something softer, something more personal. “Hogwarts is where you belong, Nicholas. Your family’s legacy is practically carved into its walls. You’re not just a wizard; you’re a Gryff!” His voice held a note of reverence, but then, almost as if slipping out by accident, he murmured, “It would be nice if you were sorted into Slytherin.” There was a boyish longing in his tone, a rare vulnerability that showed he wasn’t just talking about legacy or schools. For the first time, Draco Malfoy had found a peer he could genuinely call a friend, and the idea of sharing his time at Hogwarts with Nicholas thrilled him more than he would openly admit.

Nicholas chuckled softly, sensing the sentiment behind Draco’s words. “Now, don’t jump to conclusions,” he said with a warm smile. “I barely know anything about Hogwarts yet.” His tone was light, teasing, but there was sincerity in his words. He wrapped his arms around the shoulders of both Louis and Draco, pulling them closer in a friendly gesture. “Why don’t we all meet again before the year ends?”

Draco’s eyes widened, caught off guard by Nicholas's casual confession. "How could you not know about Hogwarts?!" he exclaimed, almost scandalized. Pansy, standing nearby, echoed his shock, her hazel eyes narrowing with equal incredulity.

“You have to go to Hogwarts!” they both blurted out in unison, their voices rising in pitch as though the very idea of Nicholas going anywhere else was a personal affront. Draco, ever the zealot when it came to his Hogwarts, straightened up, puffing out his chest slightly. “I’ll tell you why it’s the best school in the whole world,” he said confidently, clearly preparing himself for a long lecture.

Nicholas, still smiling, raised a hand as if to halt Draco’s incoming speech. “Alright, alright,” he said, his tone one of playful surrender. “I’ll ask my grandfather if I can invite everyone to our house this Christmas. Then, you can tell me all about Hogwarts over butterbeer and a turkey.”

The thought of meeting again in the grandeur of Gryff Manor seemed to placate Draco, Pansy, and the other wizardlings, who exchanged excited glances at the prospect of visiting such a storied house. Louis, meanwhile, smiled, though there was a flicker of wistfulness in his eyes at the thought of Nicholas ultimately choosing Hogwarts over Beauxbatons.

As Nicholas scanned the crowd, he spotted his grandfather, Godfrey Gryff, standing tall in the distance, flanked by Mark and George. George carried the charmed case that could hold endless objects within its enchanted space, a practical tool that always fascinated Nicholas. With a sigh, he knew it was time to part ways.

Turning to his new companions, Nicholas began to bid them farewell. “Until next time,” he said, offering a firm handshake to each of them, “let’s make sure we keep in touch. There’s a lot more for us to learn from each other.”

…

“Nicholas Gryff, heir to the mighty Gryff family, stands as the leader of the heirs of the Wizarding World’s elites,” Godfrey read aloud, his voice brimming with pride. The headline dominated the front page of The Daily Prophet, with a large photograph beneath it: Nicholas, poised and confident, surrounded by the heirs he had befriended during the Quidditch World Cup. To his right stood Draco Malfoy, and to his left, Pansy Parkinson, surrounding them were the other kids. The photograph, taking up nearly half the page, radiated with the promise of a new generation of wizarding nobility.

“The resurgence of the Gryff family gains momentum as the heir is placed firmly in the spotlight following the events of last month’s World Cup…” Godfrey continued reading with a smile. Sitting in the grand study of Gryff Manor, the sunlight poured in from the tall windows, casting a golden glow over the rich, wooden interiors. As he glanced up, his gaze drifted through the window, out towards the vast lawn where Nicholas was practicing his flying.

The sight of his grandson expertly maneuvering a broomstick filled Godfrey with a renewed sense of pride. Nicholas, despite having only begun formal Quidditch lessons three weeks ago under the tutelage of a former Quidditch champion, was already mastering the art of flying with remarkable ease. The boy’s face was alight with joy, his smile wide as he sped through the air, the broom tilting and weaving as he executed agile moves and sharp descents, narrowly avoiding a crash each time. His skill was undeniable.

But what Godfrey found most amusing was the way it had all started. Just three days after their return from the World Cup in Wales, Nicholas had discovered his magical affinity in a rather dramatic fashion. Fueled by the excitement of watching world-class Quidditch players in action, Nicholas had been eager to try flying himself. Without waiting for instruction, he had grabbed the souvenir broom his grandfather had bought him and attempted to take off, recalling a spell he had read in one of the many books lying around the manor.

To everyone’s astonishment, the broom responded to Nicholas immediately. The boy had not only activated it but had managed to take off. However, as quickly as he had lifted off the ground, his lack of experience nearly led to disaster. Spiraling out of control, he careened through the air, narrowly avoiding the manor walls, before veering dangerously close to crashing into the garden fountain. It had been a chaotic scene, but amidst the near-calamity, there was an undeniable truth—Nicholas possessed powerful, untapped magical potential.

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That incident had been enough to prompt Godfrey to assign him a proper tutor. The family had always known Nicholas’s magical abilities would manifest sooner or later, but no one had expected it to happen so suddenly or so dramatically. Now, watching him glide effortlessly through the air, Godfrey couldn’t help but feel proud of how quickly Nicholas had adapted. The boy had taken to flying as naturally as a fish to water, and his agility on the broomstick was a testament to his lineage.

Nicholas’s expression was one of pure exhilaration as he leaned forward on his broom, accelerating with every descent. The wind rushed past him, but his hands remained steady, controlling the broom with precision. Just as he approached the ground at what seemed like a perilous speed, he pulled up sharply, executing a flawless maneuver that left him hovering just inches above the grass. It was as if the broom itself responded to his will, obeying his every command with uncanny ease.

Godfrey’s smile widened as he gazed out the window, watching his grandson glide gracefully through the air. The sight of Nicholas flying with such skill and confidence filled him with pride. The resurgence of the Gryff family wasn’t merely about reclaiming status or reviving their ancient legacy; it was about Nicholas—this bright, talented young heir who was quickly proving himself worthy of the name. With every passing day, the boy’s natural abilities shone through, and it was becoming increasingly clear that he was destined for greatness.

"A gift," Godfrey murmured to himself, his voice carrying the weight of a long-forgotten promise. "It’s about time."

His hand drifted to the finely carved rosewood table before him, his fingers tracing the edge as he reached underneath to pull open an ornate drawer. From it, he carefully retrieved an object wrapped in velvet—a wand. But this was no ordinary wand. It was ancient, its wood polished to a deep, lustrous sheen, adorned with intricate carvings that seemed to shimmer in the light. The wand was long, sleek, and yet possessed a certain gravitas as if it had seen many generations of powerful magic. Its handle bore delicate etchings, runes of old magic that whispered of a time when wizards of great renown wielded such instruments. It was a treasure, passed down through the Gryff family for centuries, and now, it would find its way to Nicholas.

Godfrey rose from his seat, his movements slow and deliberate, as if savoring the moment. His robes, rich in deep burgundy and gold, trailed behind him as he walked out of the study, each step exuding quiet authority. He made his way through the grand halls of Gryff Manor, his eyes set on the sight of Nicholas in the distance.

Outside, Nicholas stood leaning casually against the broomstick, catching his breath after a particularly intense flying session. His cheeks were flushed from exertion, and beads of sweat trickled down his face. His tutor, a former Quidditch champion, approached with a towel, handing it to Nicholas with a nod of approval.

“Well done, lad,” the tutor said with a smile, his voice gruff but kind. “You’ve improved remarkably in just a week. Keep that up, and you might just give the best flyers at Hogwarts a run for their money.”

Nicholas grinned as he wiped his face, his chest still rising and falling rapidly from the exertion. He accepted the compliment with the humility instilled in him, though his eyes betrayed his excitement. Flying had become second nature to him, but it was more than that—it was exhilarating. The broom beneath him felt like an extension of his own body, responding to his every thought and movement with uncanny precision.

As Nicholas straightened up, he noticed his grandfather approaching. Godfrey’s regal presence was impossible to miss, his tall figure casting a long shadow as he walked with purpose. There was something in his expression—a certain intensity, yet a warmth—that made Nicholas stand a little taller, curiosity flickering in his bright eyes.

“Grandfather,” Nicholas greeted respectfully, though there was an unmistakable glint of excitement in his tone.

Godfrey arrived in front of Nicholas with a regal air, his eyes gleaming with satisfaction as he gave his grandson a nod of approval. Standing tall in his stately robes, the elder Gryff turned briefly to speak with Nicholas’s tutor, whose own expression reflected quiet pride. The exchange was brief, but the message was clear—Godfrey was pleased with Nicholas’s progress. The tutor, a seasoned former Quidditch champion, offered a respectful bow before departing, marking the end of their lesson for the day.

"You’ve done well, Nicholas," Godfrey began, his voice deep and filled with the kind of authority that came naturally to him. "Far better than I had expected. I couldn't even handle a broom with such finesse at your age." His words carried weight, and Nicholas felt a warm sense of pride swell within him. To receive such praise from his grandfather was no small thing.

As Nicholas absorbed the compliment, his gaze was drawn to something in Godfrey’s right hand. His heart skipped a beat—A wand! The thought echoed in his mind, filling him with sudden excitement. The craftsmanship of the wand was exquisite, and it shimmered faintly in the light, as though it held centuries of magic within its core. Nicholas’s mind raced with possibilities, imagining what kind of power such a wand might hold.

"You deserve this," Godfrey continued, his voice taking on a more solemn tone as he extended the wand toward Nicholas. "A gift, passed down through the generations of our family."

Nicholas’s eyes widened as the wand came into full view. It was old, but there was an undeniable majesty about it. The wood was dark and polished, carved with intricate runes and symbols that seemed to pulse with latent energy. This was no ordinary wand; it held a history that went far beyond anything Nicholas had ever touched before.

"This," Godfrey said, his voice steady, "is a wand that once belonged to Godric Gryffindor himself, in his early years. It has been entrusted to every heir of our family, and now, Nicholas, it is time for you to bear this responsibility."

Nicholas's breath caught in his throat as he stared at the wand his grandfather was holding out before him. The weight of the moment pressed heavily on his young shoulders—not just because of the wand’s history, but because of what it symbolized. This was no mere tool; it was a legacy—a lineage that stretched back through the centuries, connecting him directly to Godric Gryffindor, one of the most legendary figures in wizarding history. The realization that he was not simply inheriting a wand but the very essence of what it meant to be a Gryff, filled him with awe.

Godfrey's voice broke the reverent silence. “I trust you are familiar with the International Statute of Secrecy?” he asked, his tone serious but instructive. “You’ll need to start by reading the appropriate books, learning spells from their pages. However..." He paused, letting his gaze fall on Nicholas, "next year, a tutor will take over your formal education.”

Nicholas couldn’t suppress a faint frown. A tutor? He was hoping to begin practicing magic right away. A bummer, he thought to himself. The promise of study and reading didn’t thrill him nearly as much as the idea of casting spells. But before he could dwell on his disappointment, he took the wand from Godfrey’s outstretched hand—and immediately, something remarkable happened.

The moment his fingers closed around the ancient wand, a brilliant light burst from its tip, illuminating the room with an ethereal glow. Nicholas gasped as he felt an immense surge of power flow through the wand and into his body, causing his arm to tremble violently. The magic was almost overwhelming, pressing down on him with such force that he had to brace himself, planting his feet firmly on the ground just to remain standing. His muscles tensed under the strain, and a groan escaped his lips as the raw energy pulsed through him.

“Argh!” Nicholas gritted his teeth, his whole body shaking as if he were caught in a storm. The power within the wand was ancient and potent, far beyond anything he had ever imagined. For what seemed like an eternity, the pressure built, the light blazing brighter and brighter—until, just as suddenly as it had begun, the tension vanished. The wand’s glow faded, returning it to its dormant state, and Nicholas was left breathless, his heart pounding in his chest.

When he finally gathered the courage to glance up, he found his grandfather watching him intently, his expression unreadable—except for a glimmer of approval in his sharp, knowing eyes. Godfrey nodded slowly, his lips curling into the faintest hint of a smile.

“Well done,” Godfrey said softly, his voice filled with pride. “You’ve felt its power. You’ve begun to understand what it means to carry the weight of our family’s legacy.”

Nicholas swallowed hard, still processing the experience. The wand felt heavy in his hand, as though it were more than just wood and core—it was alive, a part of him now, bound by blood and history. As the adrenaline of the moment began to subside, his thoughts turned to what Godfrey had said earlier—about holding a banquet. The memory of their conversation resurfaced, and he looked up with curiosity.

“Haven’t you mentioned holding a banquet this Christmas?” Godfrey continued, as though reading his thoughts. “Perhaps we could use the occasion to introduce something even more significant—the ancestral home of our family, the very house where Godric Gryffindor himself once lived.”

Nicholas blinked, confusion crossing his face. The estate they lived in now was grand, sprawling over acres of pristine land. It was their ancestral house, wasn’t it? “The ancestral house?” he echoed, his brow furrowing slightly. “I thought this was it.”

Godfrey chuckled, a deep, rich sound that filled the room. “No, Nicholas. This is but one of the properties our family has acquired over the years. Our true ancestral home lies elsewhere. It is a place steeped in history—not just for our family, but for the wizarding world as a whole.”

Nicholas’s curiosity grew. He had spent countless hours poring over the books in their vast library, and yet none of them had ever mentioned another ancestral home. He had already read through a quarter of the collection and skimmed most of the others, but there had been no reference to any other family estate.

“Where is it, Grandfather?” Nicholas asked, intrigued.

“Godric’s Hollow,” Godfrey answered.

Nicholas's eyes widened in astonishment. He had come across the name Godric’s Hollow in his readings, but only in passing, and never with any personal context. He had never realized it was so deeply tied to his own heritage. “Isn’t that the place where... where Voldemort fell?” he asked, his voice quiet with awe. "That’s the same village where the boy who lived—Harry Potter—was born."

The thought hit him like a wave. Harry Potter, the boy who, as a baby, had done what no one else could—defeated Voldemort. A name that had haunted the wizarding world for decades. Godric's Hollow was not only the place where his own family’s lineage began but also the same village where Voldemort's reign of terror ended. The irony of it all was staggering.

Godfrey's eyes narrowed slightly at the mention of Voldemort, but he nodded. "Indeed," he said in a measured tone. "It was in Godric’s Hollow where Harry Potter’s parents were tragically murdered by the Dark Lord and where the Dark Lord himself was defeated by the very magic he sought to control. But make no mistake, the significance of Godric's Hollow stretches far beyond that single event."

"Many wizards and witches have forgotten," Godfrey continued, his voice softer but no less commanding, "that Godric’s Hollow is not only known for that recent history but for what it represents in our family's past. Godric Gryffindor, one of the four founders of Hogwarts, once called it home. It was where he laid the foundation for a legacy of bravery, strength, and leadership—one that you are now a part of."

"And soon," Godfrey added, his voice taking on a gentler tone as he noticed the deep contemplation in Nicholas’s expression, "you will walk the same hallowed paths where our ancestors once stood. You will see the very house where Godric Gryffindor himself lived—where our family’s legacy began. But remember, before any of that, you must continue with your current studies and preparations. Power, true power, comes with both knowledge and responsibility, and you must be ready to wield it."

Nicholas nodded, absorbing his grandfather’s words with a mix of pride and anticipation. The weight of his heritage had never felt more real, and yet, the excitement of what lay ahead was intoxicating.

As they entered the manor, their paths diverged—his grandfather retreating to his study, while Nicholas bounded up the grand staircase toward his room. The echo of his footsteps resonated through the elegant halls, but his mind was elsewhere, already dreaming of Godric’s Hollow and the friends he hoped to bring there.

He burst into his room, barely able to contain his enthusiasm, and immediately settled into his chair at the writing desk. The large window beside him let in streams of sunlight, casting a golden glow on the parchment as he dipped his quill in ink. Nicholas knew he had to make these letters perfect; after all, he wasn’t just inviting his friends to any ordinary gathering—he was inviting them to Godric’s Hollow, the birthplace of legends.

With a steady hand, he began to write, crafting his words with the kind of care expected from someone of his lineage.

To My Esteemed Friends,

I hope this letter finds you in good spirits and that you are enjoying the holiday. I write to you with both excitement and great news that I am eager to share. This coming Christmas, I have been granted the extraordinary privilege to host a gathering at my family’s ancestral home, Godric’s Hollow, located in the West Country of England.

This is not merely any estate, but the very residence where Godric Gryffindor, one of the founding fathers of Hogwarts, once lived. It is a place deeply intertwined with our magical history and our family’s lineage. Not only was it home to Gryffindor himself, but it also stands as a significant landmark for many historic events, including those that shaped the very world we live in today.

I would be honored if you could join me there this Christmas. It would be a chance for us to explore these historic grounds together, a reunion like no other, in a place that holds both mystery and legacy. My grandfather has graciously agreed to open the house for this special occasion, and I can assure you, it will be an experience unlike any you’ve ever had.

Please do let me know if you can attend.

I eagerly await your reply.

Yours sincerely,

Nicholas Gryff

Heir to the House of Gryff

Nicholas carefully reviewed the letter, making sure every word conveyed the proper tone—formal, yet inviting; dignified, but with the warmth of true friendship. Once satisfied, he folded the parchment and pressed the Gryff family seal into the wax, letting the red insignia glisten against the golden light of the room.