The morning sun glinted off the silver roofs of Silverthorne Manor, scattering prisms across the gardens and reflecting on the protective wards that shimmered faintly in the light. Birds of all shapes and colors fluttered across the courtyard, their songs weaving into the hum of magical enchantments layered over the estate.
Alaric Silverthorne stood in the great hall, tall and calm as always, silver hair glinting in the sun, blue eyes alert. Beside him, Elarisse moved with effortless grace, green eyes observing everything as she adjusted a stack of potion vials on the sideboard.
"Mavis!" Elarisse called, voice warm and inviting. "Come see our guest."
The seven-year-old girl appeared at the top of the stairs, skipping down two at a time. Her auburn hair bounced with each step, her green eyes bright with curiosity. Mavis's two small familiars flitted behind her—Sakari the pastel Nymfox and Aurelion, the white phoenix, glowing faintly in the morning sun.
"Good morning, Mavis," Elarisse said softly. "This is someone very important who wants to meet you."
Mavis tilted her head, curiosity piqued. "Who?"
The doors at the far end of the hall opened silently, and a tall, slender man with twinkling blue eyes and robes that seemed to shimmer with their own light entered. The iconic half-moon spectacles rested on the bridge of his nose, and the long silver beard that framed his serene, wise face nearly brushed his chest. Mavis knew that this was Albus Dumbledore, Headmaster of Hogwarts.
"Headmaster Dumbledore," Alaric said quietly, inclining his head. "Thank you for coming."
"Alaric, Elarisse," Dumbledore said, voice warm as a summer breeze. "I hope I am not intruding."
"Not at all," Elarisse replied smoothly. "Mavis has been looking forward to meeting you."
Dumbledore's eyes softened as they rested on Mavis. "Ah... you must be the remarkable young witch I've heard so much about."
Mavis giggled and gave a small curtsy. "I'm Mavis! Nice to meet you, sir!"
He smiled, bending slightly to meet her eye level. "And it is a great pleasure, Miss Potter-Silverthorne. Your reputation precedes you."
Veridia, now perched like a tiny dragon-sized sentinel on the mantelpiece, chirped melodically. Erevan padded along the floor silently, tail brushing against Mavis's leg, and both creatures watched the scene with curiosity.
Alaric nodded toward the hearth, where Zirael, his massive Zouwu, coiled in a careful half-circle, golden fur glittering with magical energy, allowed the smaller creatures to weave between his legs. Aeris, Elarisse's blue phoenix, rested atop a crystal stand, wings folded but eyes alert, feathers shimmering like sunlight on water.
"Do not be alarmed," Alaric said gently, noting Dumbledore's gaze widening slightly at the sight of Zirael. "They're protective, yes, but harmless if treated with respect."
Dumbledore's lips twitched in amusement. "I see. Protective indeed." He crouched slightly to observe Mavis, whose grin had broadened as she gestured toward her adopted siblings.
"Isolde!" she called. "Caelum! Nyx! Korrin! Come say hello to Headmaster Dumbledore!"
The siblings emerged in a flurry of movement. Isolde's half-Veela charm radiated subtly, her greenish-gold eyes sparkling as she curtsied. Caelum's enormous stature for his age made him stoop slightly, half-giant blood apparent in every movement, but he grinned warmly. Nyx, the vampire hybrid, moved with quiet elegance, though his eyes reflected curiosity and caution. Korrin, the rescued werewolf, stayed slightly behind, protective but respectful.
Dumbledore extended a hand first to Isolde, then Caelum, and finally Nyx and Korrin, nodding at each. "A remarkable family," he observed, eyes flicking to the dragons and phoenix. "I have not encountered such a combination of magical creatures under one roof before."
Mavis puffed out her chest proudly. "They're my family! They like me a lot."
"I can see why," Dumbledore said softly, his gaze turning to the small girl, now carefully stepping toward Veridia and Erevan. "And what of your companions?"
Veridia chirped and flitted down to land on Mavis's shoulder. Erevan lowered his head and brushed her arm gently with his mane. Sakari darted around her feet. Aurelion's wings glowed faintly as the phoenix landed atop her other shoulder.
"You have quite the collection of familiars," Dumbledore observed, his voice still calm and kind. "All seemingly bonded with great trust."
Mavis beamed. "They're my friends! I take care of them, and they take care of me."
"Indeed," Alaric said, watching his daughter with pride. "They're more than familiars. They are her guides, and she has bonded with them in a way that is... unique."
Elarisse moved closer to Mavis. "Dumbledore, part of the reason for your visit was to observe her magic firsthand. She's showing incredible aptitude, and her soul... it is exceptionally rare. Her energy resonates with life, death, and everything in between."
Dumbledore nodded slowly, observing Mavis carefully. "I suspected as much from Alaric and Snape's reports," he said. "But seeing it directly... I can feel the layers of her magic, the strength and purity, as well as the care and discipline she has received. Remarkable indeed."
Mavis tilted her head, curiosity sparkling. "Do you like my dragons?"
"They are magnificent," Dumbledore said, smiling faintly. "And so are their care and training. It is clear that you, and your family, have worked very hard to build this harmony."
Zirael's tail flicked slightly, brushing against Mavis's leg as if in agreement, while Aeris let out a low trill, shaking her feathers in approval.
Dumbledore's gaze softened. "Tell me, Miss Potter-Silverthorne... what is your happiest moment here?"
Mavis thought for a moment, then grinned. "Every day! But I like it best when everyone works together. Like when we clean the dragon stables, or when Caelum teaches me how to be strong, or when Isolde helps me with potions. Even when Erevan is moody—it's fun figuring out what he wants!"
Dumbledore chuckled, nodding. "A bright mind indeed, and a generous heart. It is no wonder Alaric and Elarisse have nurtured you so well."
"Thank you," Mavis said simply, beaming.
Dumbledore's expression grew serious, but not harsh. "I must ask—have you had any experience outside this home? Any contact with the Dursleys, or... the Muggle world?"
Mavis shook her head. "No. Papa and Mama taught me everything I need to know. I know about the Muggle world a little, but I don't... I don't miss it."
Alaric inclined his head. "We shield her as best we can, Headmaster. Her magic is... special. Exposure to careless influences could be dangerous."
Dumbledore nodded, understanding. "And she is happy here?"
"She is," Elarisse said, voice soft but firm. "And safe. And growing stronger every day."
Dumbledore studied Mavis a long moment, then looked to Alaric and Elarisse. "Very well. It seems my concerns about her environment are answered. She is thriving, nurtured, and protected."
Mavis tugged at his sleeve. "Do you like me, Headmaster?"
Dumbledore bent down, meeting her gaze. "I do indeed, Mavis. You are remarkable in every way. And I will watch over you... from afar, as I always do for those in need of guidance."
Mavis grinned and hugged his robes briefly before stepping back, looking proud.
Alaric exhaled, a small smile tugging at his lips. "Thank you for visiting, Headmaster. Your approval means a great deal."
Dumbledore's eyes twinkled. "The pleasure was mine. And Miss Potter-Silverthorne... continue to grow as you have. There are many lessons ahead, but you are more than prepared for them."
He turned to leave but paused at the door. "And for the record," he added with a gentle smile, "I have never met dragons or familiars who seem so... attached to their human. You are extraordinarily lucky, and so is she."
Mavis waved enthusiastically. "Bye, Headmaster! Come back and visit soon!"
Dumbledore chuckled, adjusting his half-moon spectacles. "I shall. Good day to all of you."
The manor fell quiet once more, the dragons settling into their spots, familiars curling at Mavis's feet, and the siblings exchanging amused looks.
Alaric rested a hand on Mavis's shoulder. "Well?" he asked gently. "Impressed?"
Mavis grinned from ear to ear. "I think he likes me!"
Elarisse chuckled softly. "He does. And more importantly, he trusts us."
Snape, observing quietly from the corner, finally exhaled, a trace of rare relief crossing his usually impassive features. Even he could not deny it: the Headmaster had seen what he had seen all along. Mavis Potter-Silverthorne was exactly where she belonged.
And for the first time, all of them—humans and magical creatures alike—felt that certainty settle like a warm glow across Silverthorne Manor.15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1J6mxyz2Sv
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