‘So, Darius, how come you never mentioned you were a magical prodigy before?’

His mom’s question as they boarded Knight bus shook him up. Despite all his efforts to appear relatively normal during his time with his mom and have a normal loving relationship, he never considered the news of his exploits at Hogwarts reaching her ears. It was a big lapse on his part, especially considering he knew about her personal friendship with Professor McGonagall. He decided to try to fudge it a bit and spill the beans if that didn’t work.

‘Whatever do you mean mum? Who told you I am a prodigy?’

‘You do know that I am a long-time friend of Minerva’s and also parents can request a copy of the student’s grades and a teachers’ appraisal from the school.’

At least she was grinning while exposing his secret. She should be in a good mood. And how come nobody mentioned Hogwarts sent home report cards. Anyway, he got a chance to come clean to his mother. He loved her and didn’t particularly want to keep secrets from her.

‘Mom, I was deeply attracted to magic since I first knew about it. I didn’t spend all my childhood casually perusing all those books and tomes, I understood and assimilated all of that knowledge. I didn’t want you to think of me as any different from other kids. I really love you but like magic as well. I already practised a lot of magic and that is why everyone thought I was a prodigy.’

‘Silly child, you are a prodigy. Let alone being able to perform magic, most kids don’t even bother to prepare themselves for it before school. And why hide it from me? I love you as well and will not treat you any differently just because of your curiosity. In fact, I could have helped you out had you asked me earlier. Now, tell me about everything you can do.’

‘Mum, I actually started doing magic several years ago and not just since I got my wand. I learnt most spells up to O.W.L.s level and few more extra specials I will soon tell you. But before that, can you tell me what exactly the teachers told you, I’m really curious. But I should tell you, they have only seen what I have decided to show them.’

‘O.W.L.s level! And you still have the gall to say that you aren’t a prodigy. Anyway, the teachers had lots of praise for you. All the teachers were very impressed with your magical skills and were pleased with your attitude. They did feel that you would be better served going up a year but that’s your choice. I am very pleased with your continued potions skill as well.’

‘Thanks mum. And I didn’t climb up a year because I didn’t want to set a precedent for it but I will think about it. Let me start off with one of the more impressive ones.’

And he promptly turned into the ocelot form and then turned back a minute later. His mother was left slack-jawed and just looked at him, blinking her eyes in sheer disbelief.

‘Non-verbal complete body self-transfiguration… no that’s not it. An Animagus transformation?!! But how……when?’

He admittedly felt awesome to finally show someone his transformation. And it was even more fun to see his mother lose composure like that. She always comported herself well, like a young noble lady and he had never seen her gaping like this.

‘I was researching Animagi since before joining school and finally managed to do it just about a couple of months ago. I haven’t shown it to anybody yet but now that I can talk to you about all this I wanted to ask you whether it will be better to keep this hidden or apply for a registration at the ministry. I don’t mind going either way but I am not fully aware of the potential problems that may arise.’

‘Darius, there hasn’t ever been a registered case of someone succeeding in this endeavour before they are even of age, let alone as a 11-year-old. Even I can’t be sure what ripples this will cause in the magical community. Seeing as you are underage, I think they will let you off any harsher punishment even if you don't register but the Houses and Lords will try to restrict or control you. I think you should wait for at least a couple of years and then reveal it. And be free to consult me on any such problems hereafter. I don’t want you catching the attention of any unsavoury types of people. Now, I believe you have some more magic to show me?

‘Thanks for the advice, mum. And yes, I do. I already told you about most of my magic being at the O.W.L.s level. I also know intent casting and non-verbal casting. I learnt this in a book while we were in Hogsmeade and have practised it ever since. I can cast all but the most complex spells even while wandless.’

‘That’s truly impressive Darius. By the way, I happen to know about intent casting too. Only, I am not as good at it as you. It takes a lot of practise and yields better results the sooner you start. Normal wizards condition themselves for years with wand work and it finally becomes a crutch for their magic making it very difficult for them to learn this. I will tell you this though, you need to keep practising this art even after you feel you have perfected it. Whether you realise it or not, this method of magic draws a bit more magic from the caster than with a wand and also causes a slight mental strain. Further practice can bring down the effects to the level a normal spell.’

'I have also learnt the art of rune overlay. I can make minor magical items but with practice, will be able to do much more later. I already have quite a few ideas.'

'That's not a particularly special skill. I know several people who work with runes. Granted, none of them as young as you but that is in fact an advantage for them. Why do you put so much stock by it?'

'The art itself maybe common but what it represents is endless potential. If you have the right ideas and figure out the way to construct them, you will rake in the galleons faster than you can count them. And I am sure my ideas are worth the effort. You just have to wait and see.'

'All this is well and good and I am very proud of what you have achieved, especially considering your age but I am a bit worried of this reaching the wrong ears or getting exposed. Exposing too much talent isn't a great thing in the wizarding world. There are families who would go to any ends to destroy those who stand in their way or infringe on their benefits.'

'I know of a couple of the families you speak of mother. I will be careful. It won't take me long to bring my personal skill up to par and meanwhile I already have precautions against potions like Veritaserum and have practised occlumency to a high level.'

'It seems my boy has an extremely smart head on those shoulders. Well, do what you are saying and develop yourself further. I think it will soon be time before you are invited by the family, maybe as soon as next year and I need to start preparing.'

'What do you mean invited by the family? Whay are you being so cautious towards them?'

'How do I put this? My family is an ancient clan with ties to many other similar families and there is a lot of politics involved. I left the family after marrying your father but they weren't really bothered then. But they now know the extent of my potion skills and word of your talent will soon reach their ears, if it hasn’t already. They will try to rope us back in and I want to be prepared to avoid that.'

'Do what you think is best, mum! Just tell me if there is anything I need to do.'

'You don't need to worry Darius. Just focus on what you have been doing till now and we will be just fine. Come, we have had long and rather weighty talks and its time to eat.'

We settled down for the rest of the summer after that and behaved like usual. My mother seemed confident in handling the family and I trusted her. We had a fun summer, though she didn't let me skip on my daily practice. It was fun and we settled into our usual patter.

Finally, the month was almost over and I was ready to head over to the Burrow when I got the letter from Hagrid.

Dear Darius,

How are you doing during the summer break? It's been swell for me over here. Anyways I wanted to talk to you about that offer about taking a trip together sometime that you made last year. I know it isn't a trip to see magical creatures but I got an important task from Dumbledore and having you along would help a lot. It should be a treat for you too. It's fine if can't make it. Just send a reply by owl asap.

Cheers,

Hagrid

I had nearly forgotten that it was Harry's birthday soon. I sent Dusk to Hagrid with a yes and we decided to meet at the Leaky Cauldron in a couple of days.

I have also been arguing with myself within my head about how involved I should be in Harry's life and the number of reasons not to do so are rapidly piling up. I finally decided to be there only as a elder figure and help him out when he really needs it. Guess that means I need to write a letter to McGonagall.