Chapter 7: Chapter 6: A Meeting of Legacies
The bustling streets of Diagon Alley were alive with excitement as Arthur Pendragon II walked with Daphne and Astoria Greengrass, along with Draco Malfoy. The cobblestone pathways were lined with vibrant shops, magical wares displayed in every window. The group chatted animatedly about their upcoming visit to Ollivanders to receive their first wands, a rite of passage that symbolized their entry into the magical world.
As they approached the wandmaker's shop, a voice called out, sharp yet refined.
"Arthur Pendragon?"
Arthur turned to see two boys standing near the entrance of Flourish and Blotts. One had striking auburn hair, with stormy gray eyes that seemed to pierce through the chatter around them. The other stood slightly taller, his jet-black hair perfectly combed, and his silver-green eyes glinting with a cunning spark.
"Aurelius! Magnus!" Arthur greeted, his voice tinged with both surprise and delight.
Daphne tilted her head curiously. "Friends of yours, Arthur?"
Arthur smiled faintly. "Family, in a way. Aurelius Dumbledore-Black, my cousin, and Magnus Grindelwald-Riddle, his best friend."
Daphne and Draco exchanged glances, the weight of the names not lost on them. Astoria, on the other hand, looked up at the new arrivals with unabashed curiosity.
"A pleasure," Aurelius said politely, bowing his head slightly to the group. His voice was calm, measured, with a maturity beyond his years.
Magnus smirked. "Indeed. Always a pleasure to meet friends of Arthur's." His tone carried an air of charm, though there was an unmistakable edge to it.
Arthur stepped forward. "Why don't the four of you go ahead to Ollivanders? I need a moment to catch up with my cousin and Magnus."
Draco raised an eyebrow. "Are you sure?"
"Positive," Arthur replied firmly. "I won't be long."
Reluctantly, Daphne, Astoria, and Draco headed toward the wand shop, though Daphne cast a glance over her shoulder as if to ensure Arthur wasn't being left behind.
Once they were out of earshot, Arthur folded his arms and regarded Aurelius and Magnus. "It's not a coincidence you're here, is it?"
Aurelius sighed, his expression softening. "You know how it is, Arthur. Our families have a way of ensuring paths cross when it suits them."
Magnus chuckled, a low, amused sound. "And we thought we'd take the opportunity to see how the illustrious Pendragon heir is faring."
Arthur's eyes narrowed slightly. "If you're here to start trouble—"
"Relax," Magnus interrupted smoothly, raising a hand. "We're not here to interfere with your plans. But it's only fair we set some ground rules."
Aurelius nodded, his tone serious. "We may share bloodlines and history, Arthur, but our goals don't always align. The magical world is fragile, and it doesn't need more infighting."
Arthur regarded them both carefully. "Agreed. But let's make one thing clear: I have no interest in power for the sake of power. My focus is on protecting those I care about and ensuring the magical world thrives."
Magnus raised an eyebrow. "A noble sentiment. Let's hope it doesn't make you weak."
Aurelius shot Magnus a disapproving look before turning back to Arthur. "We'll stay out of your way, as long as you stay out of ours. But know this: if the time comes when we're at odds, I'll do what I must to uphold my responsibilities."
Arthur met his gaze, unwavering. "And so will I."
For a moment, the three boys stood in silence, the weight of their shared heritage and divergent paths hanging heavily between them. Then Magnus clapped his hands together, breaking the tension.
"Well, this has been delightful," he said, smirking. "But we should probably get on with it before your friends think we've kidnapped you."
Arthur allowed a small smile. "Good idea. Let's not keep them waiting."
The three boys made their way toward Ollivander's, their conversation lighter now, but the unspoken understanding of their future roles lingered in the air. They might walk the same streets today, but the paths they would carve in the magical world would be vastly different.
As they approached the shop, Arthur felt a surge of determination. Whatever challenges lay ahead, he was ready to face them—family ties or not.