Moving to the next portrait, which was of his grandparents that he had heard so much about, Harry gazed up to see the two couples.

On the right stood a handsome man dressed in a fine suit with an ascot tie and a golden watch that came with it. His face highlighted by the same emerald-colored eyes as him, and a distinctive goatee. He looked like a lot far more modern man than his forefathers who were stuck in the middle ages or victorian time period. Harry finally knew where he got his good looks from, the man was a fine specimen just like him.

Next to him was a woman that shared a lot of similar features to Sirius; black flowing hair, grey eyes, high cheekbones, and a surprisingly happy smile on her face.

"Ohhh, would you look at that, Charlus, our grandson," the woman joyfully cried out. Harry had to point out, she was just like Sirius and Tonks — people far, far too dissimilar to all the Blacks he had met and heard about.

"I can see that dear," the man said with a wry grin, then turning to look at him he smiled down and addressed Harry. "It's good to see you again, grandson. Ah, I remember the day that your mother and father brought you here like it was just yesterday."

"It was yesterday, you handsome oaf," the woman... his grandmother uttered. "Remember we got our portraits done and a piece of our soul places inside of it."

"Ah, look at me and my poor failing memories," the man self deprecatingly mocking himself.

Shaking her head his grandmother pinched his grandfather's cheek and reassured him, "it is alright, you are my handsome oaf."

Feeling a bit awkward about his grandparents acting all lovey dovey before him, Harry still couldn't turn his gaze away since he was happy for them That was the kind of relationship he wanted in the future.

Noticing his slight blush, his grandmother remarked, "Oh, stop it, you are embarrassing our grandson."

"It's alright dear, my boy must have already experienced a few things out at Hogwarts. You know how we were," he whispered near the end.

"You do know I am only fourteen right?" Harry asked.

"Unlike muggles, we wizarding-kind mature much faster and hit puberty at a much earlier age than muggle children."

His grandfather was right, wizards and witches grow up much faster than regular non-magical children. For Harry, it did not show much since he was underfed and mistreated for all of his life by the Dursleys but still at just eight years old he started to grow hair down there and start growing erections at the same time as well.

Already Harry looked like he was about)sixteen years old when he was actually just fourteen. That is why the boys in his year were all gangly and awkward and the girls were growing in places that immediately drew the eyes. It was because they are were turning into young adults. Unlike muggle children like such as Dudley who still had some baby fat and looked very immature.

A wizard's development is a very fascinating topic Harry found about during his reading, and it showed how very much different they were too regular peoples. Harry imagined it was the magic at work, since things did not end there. Once one of his kind hits adulthood at age seventeen, they stop aging at that point for years and years on end, then slowly begin to age up aging after a long period.

For example, Sirius who Harry was sure was in his late thirties or even early forties if he was to judge by comparison to his parents' age, if they were alive.

However, the man looked like he was in his late twenties, living the dream life and everything.

And finally what caught his attention the most was the longevity of a wizard, it was thanks to this fact that it became clear why wizarding-kind thought of themselves as the superior race, compared to muggles. Wizards get to live for twice the amount that the regular man does— that is almost two hundred years. Plus we can even further increase that with rituals, rare potions, legendary magical herbs and plants just like the Golden Apple he ate.

So not only does wizarding kind mature much faster during our adolescence, but they also age slowly during early adulthood, and live much longer than the common man. All around, in every aspect it's good to be a wizard.

"Ow, stop," his grandmother said as she playfully smacked his grandfather's elbow, then turning to face him she conspiratorially whispered towards him like a gossip monger. "Tell your old grandmother, did you find the one?"

"I am not sure," Harry honestly answered as his mind drifted towards Tonks. Although they had slept together, he wasn't sure where they stood and if he would be happy with only her.

"Mm, mm," his grandfather said as he nodded his head sagely, "I see that you are having womanly woes."

"I guess so."

"Well, my advice to you is to wing it till you make it," his grandfather said as he stuck a thumb out. "You can never understand a women's heart, they are strange mysterious creatures completely separate from us men. So don't even try to."

"Is that what you think dear?' his grandmother asked in a very dangerous tone.

"Ahh," his grandfather replied as sweat poured down his forehead. Deciding to come to his rescue, Harry cut in with, "Do you know where my parents' portrait is?"

Coming to a pause at his question, his grandparents shared a look with each other, and then his grandfather spoke up. There was none of the previous levity in his tone, but just sadness, "James and Lily never got a portrait done. They passed away before a piece of their souls could be put into it."

"Oh," Harry simply said. He did not know why, but a sudden wave of grief passed through him, it was like he had lost his parents for a second time. The only reason why he was truly interested in this place was a chance to meet his parents for the first time. But now...

"It's alright," Harry said as he put on a false smile on his face.

"Are you sure?" his grandmother asked as the worry was clearly evident on her face.

"Yes," Harry said with a vigorous nod of his head. Then deciding it would be best to change the topic he asked, "Do our Griffins live in the mountain?"

"Mmm, I see you want to visit The Roost," his grandfather uttered as recognition bloomed in his face.

"Yes," Harry replied with a nod of his head, "Can I?" Harry asked.

"Of course you can, dear," his grandmother said with a nod. "Though be careful," his grandmother added, "some of the creatures living there might have gone stir crazy with no one visiting them in a while."

"Also," his grandfather butted in, "visit the Venerable Royal Gryphon, he lives at the very top of the mountain. It is a tradition that we Potters like to keep."

"Will do, grandfather," Harry said, this was exactly what he needed some time away and left along with his thoughts.

"Tobry," Harry called to the house-elf who stood back while he conversed with all the Potters of the past.

"Yes, Master Potter?" the chamberlain asked.

"Prepare some warm clothing for me, I will be going to The Roost."

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"I heard you going to visit The Roost?" Sirius called out as he came to him at a passageway that led from the castle up to the mountain. In his hands was a steaming mug that Harry had no clue where he had got it from, and in his other was some baked treats.

Tobry was packing everything he would possibly need for the journey and put them into his magical spatial folding camping bag. Whether that be a toothbrush and paste, winter clothing, skis, foodstuff that would last him days on end, or climbing gear and robes. The house-elf was going above and beyond what was really necessary for a trip that would last him a few hours to a day at most.

"Yep," Harry slowly answered, "and it will..."

"Just be you," Sirius finished for him as he took a sip of his drink.

"Are you okay with it?" Harry asked in confusion.

"As much as I want to come with you," Sirius replied, "this is a journey that you need to undertake on your own."

Narrowing his eyes at him in suspicion, Harry quizzed, "Are you sure it isn't because you are lazy and don't want to trek up the mountain?"

"Come on," Sirius said in a hurt tone, "do I look that lazy and careless to do that?"

Giving him the look which said it all, Sirius waved his hands and said, "wait don't answer that. Just go already," he said as he turned around then mumbling under his breath he whispered, "I really should bring Buckbeak here to live with his own."

"Alright," Harry said as he slung the bag over his shoulder. "Wish me luck," he shouted as he headed on his way.

Rearranging the bag, Harry walked into the early afternoon light, it was a nice day with the sun shining down brightly and a pleasant breeze blowing about. Harry took in a deep puff of air as he smelled the flowers and took in the sights all around him.

Following the trail that must have been laid out by his ancestors, Harry looked ahead at the vast distance he had to cover. The mountain was a massive place with a plethora of creatures about from large mountain goats, bleating sheep, bounding deers, slow moving yak, sneaking foxes, and hopping rabbits.

To move things along Harry took out his wand from his holster and muttered a few Latin words under his breath and gestured with his wand. Suddenly he was encompassed with a slight green wind and instantly he felt the effects take hold.

In ten quick breaths, Harry covered the massive distance of 30 meters without breaking a sweat or exerting himself at all. The sudden swiftness he gained was all thanks to the new spell he learned over the summer. One called Haste, which boosted your speed and reflexes.

Thanks to the very useful spell the journey that would usually take a couple of days was now massively shortened. With it, Harry traveled up the mountain like a snow leopard at a speed that would beguile any man.

Just as Harry was about to take a short break and let a bit of his magic restore, Harry caught something out of the corner of his eye. Turning to look in that direction, Harry saw nothing but a massive boulder off to the side and grass patches.

Thinking of it as a trick of the eye, Harry was about to settle down until something bounded out from behind the boulder. With his training kicking in, Harry cast a powerful Protego around himself that could withstand a rocket launcher at point-blank range, then followed it up with a Baubillious that struck the creature in a pure white electric arc before it could even cross half the distance.

Not letting up he stunned it with a Stupefy then used an Incarcerous spell, silvery ropes appeared out of thin air and started to bind the creature.

Finally being able to catch a breath, Harry nearly did a double-take as he gazed at the bound creature and then at his own hands. At long last he realized he did this, he took down an enemy in less than 5 seconds and was still rearing to go.

It seem like all that hellish training Sirius put him through had paid off.

Walking over to whatever he had struck down with his wand raised and at the ready, plus his shield at full capacity, Harry looked down to see what it was.

Before he left Tobry had given him a brief overview of all the Griffin-kin that his family reared up here in this mountain. He was surprised to note that there were just too many fucking variants of Griffins. He wondered what the man upstairs was thinking when he created dozens upon dozens of different kinds of Griffins.

There was the classical kind of Griffins that everyone knew about, half lion, half eagle. Then there was the Minoan griffon, some strutting peacock-like Griffin. There were also the hieracosphinx which was basically Egyptian Griffins. Followed by Keythong, a very bloodthirsty and vicious kind of Griffin. Plus the Lion-griffin which was basically the reverse kind of Griffin.

And from there the list just kept going on. The creature at his feet was definitely a Griffin-kin. It had the head of an eagle with white feathers coving all the way to its chest, and it had the body of a lion with strong, powerful legs, sharp gleaming claws, and a bulky, muscled frame.

Yet what it was missing was the eagle wings that separated it from regular old Griffins.

Trying his best to recall what the creature was, a name appeared in his head.

Demigryph!

They were the favorite land mounts of his family and during their hay day they would use them for very powerful heavily-armored shock cavalry.

Just then his thoughts were interpreted by the creature as it uttered a low whine.

Letting his shield down Harry came to rest at the creature's massive head, "Oh, I am sorry buddy," he uttered as he let the ropes drop to the floor. "I was just surprised and didn't expect you to come right out of nowhere."

Not needing to cast any healing spell on the creature since all his lightning bolt spell did was ruffle some feathers. He just whispered sweet words of comfort and regret. If this magical beast was a regular animal it would have been suffering from cardiac arrest at the very least. Yet here it was perfectly alright with only hurt feelings and wounded pride. Just that alone proved how much more superior magical creatures where to the mundane ones.

Likely it was because he was a Potter and as Tobry had put it, we had a close bond to all the creatures that live in the mountain. So no harm would come to him from them. If he wasn't a Potter then this would have been a battle to the death, and he really wasn't sure who would come on top.

Getting up from the ground, the creature was still happy to see him as it wagged its tail and lulled its tongue at him. It kind of reminded him of a dog happy to see its master.

That is why Harry scratched the Demigryph head and neck, and uttered to it, "Who's a good boy, huh? who's a good boy?"

Crooning in answer the griffin like creature hopped around and Harry enjoyed petting it for a long while. But all good things must come to an end and Harry broke away from the Demigryph.

"Sorry boy, but I've got to be on my way. I have got a journey to complete which will see me to the top of the mountain." Not wanting to see the creature's heart break, Harry turned away with any more words, and started back on his trek.

However, the magical beast did not seem to want to break away from him as it followed him like a lost puppy. Spinning around to face the creature, Harry pronounced with a bit of firmness in his tone. "Down boy, I am sorry but you got to stay."

Whining as it gave him the puppy eyes and made itself look as small as passable, this time Harry's heart nearly broke. However, he knew what had to be done. As much as a hold his family has over all the Griffin-kin creatures that live in The Roost, their nature can never be broken down.

This place is no paradise, here you do not have peaceful and docile creatures, but ones that are both the kings of the sky and land. Only the strong remain supreme.

Griffin beasts battle it out to see who is the strongest.

As much as his family tries to ease it by placing easy games like goats, sheep, yaks, and other wildlife the Griffins still fight and kill each other. This might be a safe and easy journey for him, but the fluffball might be attacked by other Griffin creatures.

Steeling himself, Harry commanded in a very severe tone, "Shoo, go away. I do not want to see you. Go!"

Hanging its head, the furball put its tails between its legs and did as its master commanded. Harry's heart nearly broke all over again as it turned its head ever so often and looked at him miserably. Keeping his tongue from spilling out apologies and not giving in to his base instinct and calling the creature back, Harry watched as it disappeared into the distance.

Sighing Harry spun on his feet and firmly carried on his way.

Every so often in his journey, Harry would see a white feathered head and brown-furred body jutting out of shadows. As much as the furball tried to act stealthily it was obvious from its massive size it wasn't built for it.

Sighing Harry knew there was nothing he could do about it, if he chased it, it would take time out of his journey. Plus there was actually catching it, even with haste applied to him, the furball was much faster than him.

Shaking his head, Harry just continued on his way. He was just thinking about calling the Demigryph over since it was so adamantly following him until a few shadows jumped out of the undergrowth.

Jumping out of the undergrowth where six beasts, they had the hook becks of a bird of prey, with tiny upturned tusks, horns jutting out of their heads, and prominent feathered ears. Their fur was a mix of yellow and brown spots, and with none of the wings of its other kin. Yet spins protrude all over their back like that of a porcupine, with the front feet of an eagle, and the back feet of a lion.

The creatures were as large as the biggest breed of dogs, the Great Dane, as they stood three-quarters the height of an average man. They didn't look the most friendly of lot as they growled and pranced before him ready to go on the attack.

Without any delay, Harry put up Protego spell around himself, he knew what these creatures were, they were the one kind of Griffin-kin that Tobry told him to avoid at all cost.

The Keythong.

Keythong were the most vicious and cruel of the Griffin like beasts that his family reared. They act as the attack dogs and scots of his house. Send them out to hunt down a wizard, and they would sniff him out and tear him from limb to limb.

However, the hold that his family has on them is very tentative at best. A creature's nature can never be changed no matter what sort of compulsion or bond you have with it.

Just as he was about to discipline the rabid creatures that bite the hand that feeds you, a white and light brown furball came reeling into the opening. Butting its head against the closest Keythong which stunned it, then smacking away the second Keythong that came to the defense of its packmate.

The furball stood menacingly before the remaining Keythong. It stood tall with its eyes narrowed into slits, its tail standing on end, and most importantly right before him at his defense.

Comparing the two creatures was like that of a massive lion and four scranny street cats. They yipped and pranced all they wanted to but they did not dare attack the Demigryph.

Finally, after a brief confrontation, the Keythong slowly back up dragging away their slightly dazed packmates. Once Harry was sure the vicious little pack of Keythong were gone, he came up to the Demigryph and scratched his neck and ear. "Ow, you did not have to do that buddy."

Chirping in answer as it leaned its head in for him to get the best spots, Harry whispered to him, "I am sorry, I shooed you away buddy. I just wanted you to be safe."

Whining as it gave him the puppy eyes, Harry begrudgingly added, "You can come with me if you want."

Wagging its tail like a dog, Harry softly chucked as nipped at him affectionately. He quickly had to dodge as that sharp beck was like that of a bear trap. Still, he comforted it with scratches especially behind its ears where it liked it.

"Alright let's go," Harry said as he led the way forward, however, he came to a stop when the big furball didn't follow him. Turning around, Harry looked at the magical beast in confusion and asked, "What wrong, buddy? Don't you want to come with me?"

Whimpering the Demigryph pointed down and he looked over in confusion at its front paws. Coming over he looked again at its powerful lion feet and asked, "Is there something wrong with your legs."

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Nodding it head up and down, Harry held out his hands and instructed, "Alright, let me see."

Raising its powerful right foot which he noted it used to smack away the Keythong, it rested it on his palms and turned it around until he could see the sole of its feet.

Right away he spotted what was wrong as he saw two spins lodged into its paws. Taking a sharp intake of breath harry finally understood what was wrong. Keythong are very hard creatures to hurt physically since their spins cover most of their body. To get to it you will need to deal with its spins which are very painful and most importantly coated in very deadly poison as well.

"Alright buddy," Harry muttered, "don't worry I will take care of it." Unslinging his bag from his shoulders, Harry dug into it and pulled out a few flasks. At that moment he was very thankful towards Tobry who went beyond what was necessary as he packed everything imaginable including a few Antidote to Uncommon Poisons.

"Here you go boy," Harry said as he removed the stopper from the flask and held it out. "Drink it all," he commanded as the Demigryph protesting squawks at the foul tasting concoction. Unsure of how Demigryph physiology worked he shoved another antidote down its gullet.

"Now give me your paw again," Harry instructed which the hybrid creature did as told. "This is going to hurt for a moment, but bear with me." Looking at him with trusting eyes, Harry nodded his head and uttered on the count of three, 1, 2..."

Before even uttering three Harry pulled out the first spin and the Demigryph uttered a skrill cry of pain and betrayal. Ignoring it, Harry quickly followed his action up as he pulled out the second and final spin from the beast's paw.

This time there was only a brief echo of pain as Harry poured the last antidote on the wound and muttered a few words under his breath. Then before his very own eyes, the spell he cast took effect and the wounds slowly nit shut until only a tiny scar was left.

Letting the massive beast's paw drop to the ground, Harry turned to look up at the furball and asked. "Now how is your foot feel?"

Slowly trying out its foot, the big furball stared up at him in surprise once it felt no pain and started to bounding around in happiness. Even Hary was effect by the creature's jovial nature as he laughed out loud.

"Alright let go you big softly," Harry said.

Nudging its head against him, Demigryph pointed to its back and Harry slowly asked, "You want me to climb aboard?"

Nodding its head happily, Harry thought it over for a moment until he just said, "Screw it, let's go." Riding on the back of a Demigryph like the Potters of old would be too fucking awesome to pass up.

Anyways it would cut his journey in half if he took a ride on the back of the big, old furball. Even with Haste, the journey to the top of the mountain would take half a day without any interruptions on the road.

Climbing aboard, and grabbing on to its white-feathered neck, Harry didn't even have time to utter a "Yee-haw," as the furball took off up the mountain.

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At long last Harry reached near the top of the mountain where the Royal Gryphon territory began at. Here snow-covered the whole of the area, with freezing winds billowing about, and it offered a really great view.

Looking back at where they come from Harry recalled all the sights and creatures he met along the way.

After healing the big furball's paw and their run-in with the Keythong pack, both Demigryph and wizard carried on their way. The first magical beast that they ran into was a Minoan griffon who was basking in the rays of the bright afternoon sun.

The sight of the creature perched on outcrop was a sight for sore eyes. The Minoan griffon was the most beautiful and stunning griffin-like creature that his family kept. These beasts were natives to the islands of Greece before one of his ancestors brought them here to the Roost.

They had leopard-like bodies with white fur, fringes of colorful feathers on their head and shoulders, plus they have the most amazing feathered wings of a myriad of colors.

Coming to a stop, Harry went over to greet the magnificent creature and it in turn bequeath him its most valuable feather, the crest feather.

Griffin feathers of all kinds cure many ailments. However, what makes a Minoan griffon's feather different is that they are used in all sorts of beauty products since they bring out a certain pop and they just don't hide age lines, scars, pimples, and other minor defects but make them go away permanently.

Now what makes a Minoan griffon's crest feather very special is that they are the key ingredients for the very rare beautification potions and love potions that work permanently.

Harry wasn't going to use it for a love potion since he just held a certain distaste for that kind of thing and had no idea why it wasn't already illegalized since it was basically mind control like the Imperius Curse. But if he was to give it to any woman out there for the very ultra-rare beautification potions then they would worship him like their idol.

Carefully pocketing the crest feather, Harry continued on his journey. As Harry was cresting a small rise on the back of the big furball they saw a small deer herd grazing on the patchy grass earth. Suddenly before the herbivores could turn their heads upward a shadow came swooping down.

Turning to look upwards at what ensnared the deep, Harry saw a creature much bigger than a horse but more to the size of a van with the front legs, wings, and head of a giant eagle and the body, hind legs, and tail of a horse. Instantly Harry knew what it was, a Hippogriff.

Being a lot more docile than their progenitor, the Griffins, they were the favorite steeds of most wizards. Plus they were the prized aerial mounts of his family as they are able to fly as fast as lightning and fetch a handsome price in any place.

Swiftly realizing that one of their own has been swiped the deers when wild and broke out into all directions looking for shelter. However, the lone Hippogriff didn't seem to be the end of their nightmares as more swooped down from the sky.

It was clear this was a flight in action.

Sitting back and watching as the Hippogriff tore into the small herd with plunging dives, slashes of their claws, stomps of their back foot, and piercing becks with their beaks. Before long those that couldn't escape were laid to waste and the Hippogriff settled down to have their fest.

Suddenly banking down was a massive Hippogriff the size of an RV truck. It flapped its massive wings a few times then settled down on a perch over its brethren. Sitting there dominant a Hippogriff came to it with a whole deer then set it before it and left.

It was obvious that this was the alpha of the flight.

Seeing no reason to stay any longer, Harry turned around and kicked the Demigryph to get it moving. With that, they were off once again.

It wasn't too long before Harry made another encounter for the day.

Coming up on a wide stretch of open meadows Harry heard a loud roar that echoes in the space. Coming to a stop, Harry looked around until he spotted what produced that noise. Near the shade of a tree was a pride of reverse griffin or better know as lion-griffins. A male lion-griffin sat at the center of the pride, yawning and acting lazily with female lion-griffins serving him.

They have the head and front legs of a lion with an eagle's hindlegs, wings, and feather tail. These were beasts that were brought from the middle east by his family.

If all Griffin-like creatures were very prideful then these magical beasts are the icing on the cake. They are very difficult to control especially the males, but they serve as good special units for his family's old army and diversify things up even more.

Hearing a low growl come from near, Harry turned around and saw two female lion-griffins the sizes of large warhorses prowling underneath. Looking suspiciously at him, Harry smiled at them hopped off the big furball's back who was looking at the two female lion-griffins carefully, and unslung his bag.

Taking out a slap of meat that Tobry prepared for him to feed to the Griffins living in the Roost, Harry offered it to the creatures. Sniffing it suspiciously, Harry laughed and uttered, "Don't worry there is nothing wrong with the meat, its actually prime meat as Tobry put it."

Stepping forward was the lion-griffin on the right who took a small bite. Suddenly eyes lighting up, the reverse-griffin clamored happily and nudged its other pride member. Taking a bite as well, the first lion-griffin took the meat into her mouth and seem to be taking it off to the male lion-griffin.

"Oh, don't worry," Harry called out as he reached out and rubbed the beast's head, "I got more where that came from. Eat up, and give this one to that lazy bastard," Harry said as he took out another slab of meat.

Purring softly at him the two lion-griffins tore into the meat and Harry watched happily. His mood was only soured when his gaze turned to the lazy fucker milling about.

If ever he has a harem which he is getting to want more and more each passing day, he sure as well won't be like that asshole. A man is supposed to be a provider, that a man's pride.

It's the women who are supposed to take it easy, not the other way around.

Shaking his head, Harry got up, but felt a small nudge at his back. Turning around he saw the big furball staring at him with a pleading look in its eyes.

"Oh, you want some meat as well?" Harry asked as he quickly understood what he wanted.

Nodding its head, Harry laughed and took out another slab of meat from his pack and threw it to the big softy. "Alright, let's go," Harry said as he jumped on the Demigryph back.

As Harry was wading through a ravine he made his fourth encounter for the day as three Cynogriffin ran pass them without even looking back. Looking on in confusion, Harry wondered what had the wolf-griffin in such haste, and before long he got his answer.

Hearing the heavy beat of wings, Harry turned to look upwards and saw a sight that nearly made him drop out of his seat.

Staring down at him was the OG granddaddy himself, the beast that put griffin in griffin, a real live Griffin. The thing was as large as a fucking semi-truck with its classical parts of half lion, half eagle. Although it didn't even come close to the size of a Royal Gryphon it was still colossal and made him look like a tiny mouse before an elephant.

Landing on top of the gorge as its weight sent rocks tumbling down, the Griffin peered at him with intelligent eyes with its prey long forgotten. Then as if suddenly understanding the creature, Harry knew that it wanted him to follow it.

Watching as the magical beast took off, Harry nudged his knee to the Demigryph's ribs, and whispered, "I think he wants us to follow him, boy."

Whining softly, the Demigryph did not seem to want to even come near the giant beast, but nevertheless it proved its loyalty and did as told.

Staying on the Griffin's tail, the two of them covered long distances as they traveled through many places until they finally reached a cave opening large enough to fit a mansion.

Seeing that the Griffin flew inside, Harry kicked the Demigryph and entered as well.

The place was really dark with no natural lighting, and although Harry had no problem seeing in the dark thanks to the assimilation ritual with the basilisk, he still threw up some wizard lights.

Coming to an opening, Harry thought for a moment that the creature might just be leading them to their doom, but placed his faith in the bond that his family shared with all griffin-like creatures.

Jumping off the back of the Demigryph, Harry patted the big furball beck who was nervously prowling, and walked into the lair. Immediately when he saw what laid inside, his eyes nearly popped over.

Inside was a large cavern with gold, gems, jewels, treasures, precious stones, and other assorted items piled up in the center. Sitting on top of it all was the Griffin that they just met.

Harry knew that all Griffins were hoards like dragons, it why any sane wizard would try to hunt these monstrous creatures. PLus why they make exactly guards for rare treasures you want to hide since they zealously guard it.

It's mostly thanks to their ability really to find metal veins and dig up precious stones that they must be rich.

Yet he did not expect all this wealth. The creature was a fucking millionaire.

Clearing his throat, Harry asked, "Why did you bring me here?"

Nudging its head, the Griffin pushed some of its hoard towards him. Looking up at the creature Harry asked, "Are you giving me some of your treasures?"

Nodding its head, the Griffin spread one of its massive wings and pushed the offered gifts.

Seeing no reason to refuse a gift since it is especially very costly, Harry walked up and held out his Lordship ring. Suddenly all the treasures that the Griffin offered disappear right before everyone's eyes.

It was all thanks to the functionality of the Lorshship rings, every day he is learning something new that it can do, whether it be to detect poisons from food and drinks to the spatially folding capacity it has.

Looking up at the massive beast, Harry bowed his head to in thanks and said, "Thank you."

Nodding its massive head, Harry could somehow understand it once again as it said, "come again, little Potter chick."

Laughing at being called a baby, Harry just shook his head and made his way towards his mount.

"Alright," Harry said once he came back to the Demigryph, "let go."

"Alright girl," Harry said as he jumped out of the Demigryph's back, and patted her neck. The big softy was shivering as she stared up the peak of the mountain, she never had that kind of reaction when she faced any of the other Griffin-like creatures that they met.

The scent that drifted down of the Royal Gryphon must have shaken her since these guys are the true alpha and supreme ones of this mountain.

"Thanks for bringing me all the way up here," Harry voiced, as he softly nested his head against her neck and rubbed behind her ear. "Go back to your little pups, I can make it on my own from here."

Recalling how the big furball lead him to her nest once they left the Griffin lair, Harry remembers well those to die for little Demigryph.

The Demigryph he thought all along was a male was actually female, with her own litter of Demigryphs. Harry was shell shocked when the big furball lead him to her nest to met her little pups.

Crooning softly at him the big furball looked torn between following him up the rest of the mountain into the Royal Gryphon territory or running back to her nest. Placing his hand on her crest, Harry whispered to it, "It's alright girl, I will be fine, but I am not sure if I can protect you from big hungry birds the size of airlines. Don't worry, I will make sure to visit and cuddle with your adorable pups."

Gazing at him for a long while, the big griffin like creature slowly nodded her head and then slowly bounded away. Watching as she disappeared into the distance, a small part of him went with her.

Even if the journey was short the two of them made a very close bond and they got to know each other very well. Sighing Harry willed himself to spin around and look at the summit of the mountain.

From this distance, he could make up a few Royal Gryphon the size of airlines gliding in the sky.

Trudging up the rest of the distance, Harry cast a warming charm on himself to keep the chill away. Even though he would have needed a heavy winter clothing, Harry made do with only his regular summer clothing. It was all thanks to the body temperature regulation he seem to have, plus the highly warm body as well that he could make do with very little clothing in this freezing temperature.

Finally reaching a gorge with an opening up ahead, Harry walked through and when he did he was blown away with what he saw. On either side was a mountain face with countless cave openings, there were numerous ledges as well that held a myriad of Royal Gryphon.

Somewhere little chicks running about and playing around the size of bulls, otherwhere juvenile and trying to please the female populace with tricks and gifts. Most of the adults where either gone out hunting or just sitting on the legs watching everything that was going on.

They all had different colorations ranging from gold, blue, green, red, black, and so forth with either patches, spots, stripes, or just nothing but smooth silky feathers.

Harry felt like an ant inside a giant's home as he took in the sights. He thought at any moment some Gryphon would squash underfoot by accident. However, he kept his cool and held out his head up high.

His family was able to subject these creatures by not acting weak or afraid, but by being bold and fearless. So he should follow in their example and be the man of the house.

Suddenly Harry spotted a Royal Gryphon he knew very well, one the color of pure gold banking towards him. The very familiar Gryphon didn't look to be as mature as the adult Royal Gryphon but he could give them a run for their money in comparison to them for might and size.

Being given a wide berth the Royal Gryphon landed before him as it folded its wings. Staring down at him, the giant bird/lion creature seem to get across to him, "jump on board," as it bent its head low.

Seeing no reason to agree, Harry did as asked of him, and climbed on to the golden Gryphon's neck. It was a struggle at first climbing aboard since he felt like a tick crawling on a dog. But soon he was in position and the Gryphon spread its wing and took off.

Wondering where the creature was taking him, Harry just asked it since most griffin-like creatures seem to understand him very well. "Where are we going goldy?"

Craning its head back to stare at him with one eye the size of a truck's wheel, Harry somehow understood that the creature seem to be musing about the name he called it. "Goldy," Harry repeated, "you are just so golden, I guess that name fits since I don't really know yours."

Saying nothing, the Gryphon just continuing beating its wings as it flew on. Before long they seem to reach the very top of the mountain, and the Gryphon slowly descended downward.

Bending its head low so that Harry could climb off, Harry decided it would be just easier if he slide down instead. Landing on the ground in a mess of snow and ice, Harry picked himself up and dusted himself up.

Gazing around, Harry had a really wonderful view of everything from here, he could see miles on end and they were so high up that the clouds covered everything from hundreds of feet below.

However Harry still had no idea why the big goldy brought him here, the view is wonderful but there is nothing here at the peak but a giant mound of snow the size of a massive hill.

Turning around to face the Royal Gryphon, Harry was just about to ask it why exactly it brought him here until he felt a great vibration at his feet. Peering around to see where the shaking was coming from, Harry saw nothing but moving snow.

Then that was when it hit him, it wasn't exactly the snow moving but the hill. Peering closely at it, a great big milky eye open ajar like gates as they were the size of a king-sized bed. Gaping, Harry watched as the snow drifted away and what laid beneath was uncovered.

"Ahhhh-hahaha," the massive hill said as it yawned like it was waking up from a nap.

Staring wide wide wide and mortified, a very ancient Royal Gryphon with grey and white feathers was now presented. Crying out shrilly, Harry took it that goldy was as surprised as him until he saw it ran around the humongous ancient Gryphon.

It was like comparing a dog to a giant as the golden Royal Gryphon ran circles around a gigantic Gryphon. "Would you quiet it down for a moment," the immense Gryphon called out as it yawned.

Harry wasn't even shocked anymore when he heard the creature speak in a very human-like tongue. Deep down he knew that some very ancient and powerful magical beasts are capable of human speech, but he was far, far too gone for that as he just stood there frozen unable to process anything more.

"Mh," the white and grey mound said as he listened to the golden Gryphon speak in its bird/lion-like language. "You say our guest has arrived?" the giant Gryphon asked. "Well, why didn't you say so?"

The golden Gryphon shriek in annoyance as it said a few choice words in its own Gryphon language, and the giant Gryphon looked down at it and uttered, "Now watch your tongue before I have to wash it with snow."

Deciding it was best, the golden shut its mouth and did not back mouth its elder like a mouth teenager.

"Now where is our guest?" the ancient creature asked no one in particular as it whirled around its head. Harry noticed that it had a grey beard jutting out of underneath its jowls.

"I am over here," Harry called out as he really did not feel like being stomped on.

Turning its head to face him, a kind smile split the old creature's face, "Oh-hohoho, Sunchaser did tell me you would be visiting, young one, when he went down the mountain after he sensed your presence."

So that was what goldy's name was Sunchaser, quite an apt name since he does shine brightly like the golden sun. Inclining his head to the ancient creature, Harry greeted it, "The pleasure is all mine, sir."

"Now, now," the venerable Royal Gryphon said, "there is no need for sir. Your parents, your grandparents, their parents, and their parents before that have been calling me old Gryp. You can call me that too."

Gazing up at Old Gryp, Harry wondered how old he was if he had four generations of Potters calling him old Gryp. Still conceding to it, Harry remark, "My grandparent if you would say- told me to visit you. You are the venerable old Royal Gryphon, right old Gryp?" Harry asked.

"Yes, that is me," the old birdy answered with a chuckle which sent snow tumbling down and vibrations to his very core. "Now before all that," the wizened old creature said, "did you bring any snack?"

"Aaa," Harry said, "yes, I guess." as he unslung his pack.

"Good, good, it has been ages since I had anything. After a while it gets dull sustaining yourself on magic alone."

Saying nothing at the unimaginable word that came out of the creature's beck, Harry pulled out all the remaining meat he had. "I do not know if they will be enough, but I got fresh meat."

"My boy, it has been 34 years since I ate something. I do not care if it's even rat poop, just toss it into my mouth."

"Okay," Harry said as he did as told. It was like feeding a man grains of rice but the old creature still smiled as the meat when down its gullet.

"Mmmm, prime meat," the old Gryphon said as he closed his eyes. "Now back to the business at hand, I assume you are taking on the Lordship of House Potter."

"Yes," Harry replied with a nod.

"Aaaa," the old creature said with a said sigh, "how such a great and powerful House has fallen that only a child remains." Tuning around the old birdy, quickly amended, "I mean no offense to you my boy but I remember the old day where your family used to field legions, possess dozens of main branch members and hundreds of side branch. Ah, those were the day as we tore apart our enemies and conquered all."

"None taken," Harry said with a shake of his head, there was no denying that his family has fallen on hard times that he, a child is the one to assume power.

Peering closely at him with sad eyes, the old Gryphon pronounced, "there is much that rests on your shoulder little one."

Standing up straight with his head held up high, and declared, "I will not fail, old Gryp, I will lead my family to greatness once again."

Although Harry went to visit the portrait room to see his parents, he still got a look at his ancestors of pass. Even if they were kind, good people he still saw the way they held themselves and all that they accomplished. They were great men and women who went out there in the big wide world and better his family.

"Anyways, what exactly brought my family so low?" Harry asked. He was curious to know what happen to such a great family, as the old Gryphon his family must have been really great.

He recently only started to get to know about his family so he did not know much, but this old birdy who has been with the family for countless generations must be the best source to go to for answers.

"Yes," the old Gryphon said with a deep sigh, "the decline of the family mostly has to do with the two wars that we have participated in back to back. First Grindelwald which was an utter disaster as it included all of Europe and America. That shook everything to its core and the conflict was so terrible that many of Potters died in it, numerous old and great families came to an end, and countless legions waged war every where.

Then there was the upstart Voldermort, before we could even recover from the devastating conflict we were thrown in another. This was more local but as you know it nearly ended everything for us that terrible night the bastard came after you."

Listening as the old Gryphon spoke of days long pass, Harry knew perfectly well most of Voldermort reign of terror. He did not want to dwell too much on that since it has costed him too much.

Turning to more neutral things, Harry recalled as much as he could from his history of magic class and asked. "Isn't the Grindelwald war what gave Dumbledore his name."

"Yes," the old Gryphon replied, "but we had that prance on the ropes when Dumbledore swooped in and defeated him in single combat."

"So," Harry said, "you are saying that I am the only Potter left now."

"Yes," old Gryp replied sadly, "the American branch of the family died out in the Grindelwald wars and there is no one left in our old motherland."

"Our old motherland?" Harry asked.

"Yes," old Gryp said, "Rome, of course, my boy. That is where your family came from."

Recalling that stern-looking man with the Roman legionary uniform, Harry finally connected the dots.

"What about this legion you speak of?" Harry asked. He remembers everyone mentioning this army his family used to have.

"You will have to go to the Fortress to see about the Griffin legion's situation."

Having his questions answered to a satisfactory level Harry got back to what he came here for. "Now why exactly did my grandparents send me again?"

Nodding his head in assent, the venerable beast voiced, "They must have sent you for the ceremony since you are assuming Lordship of the family."

"Ceremony?" Harry asked.

"Yes, all Potters that have come before have partook in it."

"Alright, but what is this Ceremony exactly?" Harry asked.

Reaching up with its clawed talons towards its heart the venerable Gryphon took out a feather. This feather wasn't like its old grey and white feathers but a multi-colored one like that of a rainbow with flowing lights shining within and glittering specks of dust surrounding it.

"You have to eat this," old Gryo simply said as he offered him the feather.

Staring again at the feather Hary saw that it was manageable since the feather seem to be much smaller than the massive feathers covering its body. Still, it was too unusual that why he asked, "Why exactly do I have to do that?"

"To gain my power of course," old Gryp said as if it was obvious.

"I wonder what will happen when you have the power of three legendary beasts coursing through your veins," he muttered under his breath.

"Wait, you know about that?" Harry asked.

"Of course," the old birdy said with a deep rumbling laugh. "I can smell their scent all over you."

"Wait," Harry said, "am I like going to explode or something. You sound too curious."

Waving his concern away with a wave that sent billowing wind, the old creature answer, "No.... actually," he added as if to think it over, "I am not sure really."

"You know what," Harry said, "at this point, I have done too many crazy shit. So what's one more right?"

"Now that's the attitude you need," the old birdy replied with deep reverberating laughter.

Looking at the feather, Harry steeled himself, power is power and he will need a whole but load of it to go against powerful Sorcerers like Voldemort and Dumbledore. In one swift motion, Harry shoved the feather into his mouth and gulped down.

For a long moment, he felt nothing until he felt electricity coursing through his fucking vein. It was like countless bolts were sticking him all at once and his body had no outlet to send it out.

At this point, he should have been used to excruciating pain but he still somehow found a way to scream and tear into his won flesh to ease the pain.

It was a long while before Harry was able to collect himself and catch a breath. Casting a healing spell on himself to ease the burning aftereffects of the pain, Harry got up from the ground he found himself at.

Peering down at him curiously were the two Royal Gryphon, smiling weakly Harry coughed to clear his raw throat then uttered. "It seems like I survived, but I do not feel any different."

"It will take time for you to manifest all your new abilities," Old Gryp answered. "I do believe that you are discovering new abilities each and every day, correct."

Nodding his head in answer Harry could see the old bird's point, there is much he still does not know about like if he could rebirth himself like a phoenix or can he cry healing tears. "Well," Harry said as he dusted off the snow from his clothing, "I best be heading down now. I got a lot of distance to cover."

"Don't worry about that," the ancient Gryphon, "Sunchaser can bring you down."

Nodding his head in thanks, Harry turned to face the massive creature despite the fact he got to know the old birdy, he was still shell shocked at its purely enormous size, might, and very advanced age. That is why he was bothered by one thing that just kept on nagging him endlessly, and so he asked. "Why didn't you kill Voldemort yourself?"