Month: June 2024

James Potter and The Court of Owls Chapter 13

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Angus was the first to step out unto the streets with James following close behind him. James took in New York City for the first time in his life. His head kept turning looking at the mixture of buildings and construction sights every where. What he found the most strange was the open show of the magical world being shown around them.

It was in the buildings that had ward marks on them and project spells on the side of the buildings that took framed along side non-magi technology for news adds and information being transmitted.

Every once in a while he would see a wizard walking around in non-magi clothes or outright with wand viable or with an old school wizard staff. James moved closer to Angus.

“Dad. Is this legal?” James asked carefully.

Angus frowned looked around them as they crossed a side walk. “What’s that?”

“Ah you know. I see a lot of our world and non-magi cultures mixed into together out in the open. What about the magical code of order.”

Angus snorted in laughter. “I should have taken you around the homeland of the magi more. What better way to keep something hidden then to have it in plain sight. The non-magi have evolved their world to a point with technological advances that their coming pretty close to achieving some semi on par to what the magi have got going.”

James frowned. “It’s still strange though and I can tell the difference though the lines are crossed and seem to be blurring things.”

“Yeah. It’s cool isn’t it?” Angus said.

“Cool?! It seems more dangerous to me of exposing us the non-magi. Where are we going?” James asked.

“Hawk Landing building. We’re going to be taking a port key short cut to the main building. Let’s go.” 

Angus walked up to a construction site mobile portapotty. He knocked on the door on the side and then opened it a crack to threw some flew dust inside from back before he went inside waving James to follow him.

James frowned and then followed his father inside and then he stepped outside in another part of the city outside where Angus was waiting for him. He frowned closing the door behind himself.

Angus grinned. “Let’s go.” He said walking down the street toward an old bookstore front.

James hurried to catch up as he held the door open for him and waved him inside. James walked inside the old bookstore. Angus was quiet as James took in the room a man with dark hair and silver blue eyes in a blue suit at the welcome desk staring at Angus and ignoring James altogether.

“Sir. You are Mr. Potter.” The man asked addressing Angus in a stiff English accent.

“Yep. You can pretty much guess the reason I am here. I met one of his employees yesterday. I’m here to talk with your Boss.”

“Talk? I was given the impression from Mr. Wells that you were here to take something that belongs to him currently.”

“Yeah. Well. A bit of change of plans. I did send Mr. Wells a note to see if I could get an audience with him. So we could talk a bit and skip all this fighting violence stuff.” He said and smiled.

The man didn’t return the smile. “Indeed. Mr. Wells asked that you leave your weapon here? You son of course would be free to keep his wand but can remain here while you conduct your meeting with Mr. Wells.”

Angus sighed. “If I leave my weapon here. You have to promise not to touch it or allow anyone else to do so. It would very dangerous for anyone to do so.”

The man at the desk started sweating. “Mr. Potter. I have been well informed about the weapon you have crafted is dangerous. I can assure you I would not think to touch it or look at it or allow anyone else the ability to do so. Mr. Wells assures me to tell you that no hurt or harm would come to you or your heir if your intention is peaceful.”

Angus slowly reached for his weapon putting it in his bag and handed the bag over to James and then looked at the man. “If my son is not here when I get back or any harm has fallen to him for any reason I will hold you to an accounting. I’m will destroy you and make you wish you had chosen a better profession before you died here in this room and then I would burn this whole damn building to the ground. Have I made myself clear?”

James’ heart beat against his chest as the quiet lasted for far longer then he liked. There was a strange. Angus sighed. “I thought you were informed about me. Do you know who I am?”

The man nodded. “I do. You are the Dragon of the West. The future grand magi of the magi community.”

Angus nodded and laid a hand gentle on James shoulder. “This young man. Do you know who he is?”

“He is your heir to your family legacy. If anything were to happen to him your future would come to an end. No. I can not promise you his protection physically or mentally. It would be best that you take Young Mr. Potter home with you Sir.” He said.

Angus stared at him and then he smiled. He took his pack from James. “Honesty, that is refreshing. Tell Mr. Wells. He can keep the rock for however long he wants or can. I don’t give a damn. No. I’m not joking. I don’t get paid enough for this type of shit. All I wanted was a conversation. I don’t associate with men with no honor. I’m taking my son and I’m going home and hopefully Mr. Wells and I will never meet each other or encounter one another. Please tell him however that if he crosses the President or the safety of the magi community then I will be called upon to neutralize him otherwise I say let live. I took an oath to protect and safe guard our people here. If he cannot respect that then he is unfit to be apart of the magi community here and the magical wizard world at large.” 

Angus turned to go but James looked back at the man. “Sir. What is your name?”

“Timothy Zane Oswald. Mr. Potty. Please have a safe trip back. Sir. It was an honor to meet you and your father.” He said with nod and serious face.

Angus nodded to him taking James’ shoulder they world shifted away into darkness twisting between time and space and then they were back in Angus’ workshop. James frowned as Angus set his bag down and looked at him.

“That’s it. Your just going to let Wells keep the mystic stone? What about your promise to the Count?”

Angus shrugged. “Of course. I failed. There is on way in hell I’m going to get that stone without putting down a lot of guilty and innocent bodies on the floor and Wells has proven himself to be a fool willing to test me by attempting to touch you.”

“Dad. I am an adult. We have a job to finish. I can take care of myself and we have a job to do. We have to get the stone.”

Angus shook his head. “No. We failed. I tried to be reasonable and discuss thing with the man peacefully even so there is something you have to learn quick. Know when to walk away if you can from a situation that just isn’t worth dealing with or a damn rock. Wells is old school. I talked with him to try to saddle the situation privately. I can’t even leave my seventeen year old son in his establishment so we can talk. No. I felt something wrong with this damn case from the job. I’ll explain the situation to my boss and send a message to The Count and that will be that.”

“Your just going to let Wells go. Because your afraid he’s going to do something to me?”

Angus shook his head. “We’re not letting him go. It’s just a matter of time before we’ll have to put him down. It ain’t now though. It’s going to be like this son. You don’t get them all in one go some times. You win some, you lose some but the name of the game is to keep living on to fight against the darkness. You have choice son.”

James stared at Angus. “What do you mean?”

“This isn’t a battle son, this is a war our family has been fighting sense Grandpa Harry faced Riddle on his first year at Hogwarts. I drafted into this war when my Grandfather died because I didn’t have a choice. I had to get stronger and my friend had enemies on all sides and needed just one person willing to stand with him and not stab him in the back. I accept my fate but you can choose different. I’ll teach how to get stronger and how to gain your own power but the choice to step into this war is one I want you to think about it first but hopefully you can avoid it altogether when I get done laying down the law and laying down my sword.”

James sighed feeling his heart hammering against the inside of his chest. “Why do they keep calling you the Dragon of the West?”

Angus snorted. “It’s because your old man is a bad ass coyboy that lays down for no man, wizard or beast.”

James Potter and The Court of Owls Chapter 12

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James came awake slowly to find himself laying on a soft bed. He blinked twice staring up at a gray wall and then looked to his side to see Angus sitting on a twin bed with his head down staring down at a book while a breakfast tray of pancakes and eggs set between them on the nightstand.

Angus looked over at him as he noticed James was awake. He stared at James in concern. “How are you doing?”

James shook his head rising to a sitting position before he sighed and stared at Angus. “What happened?”

“You got tired from all the travel and fell asleep when we got to the hotel. Bad dreams?” Angus guessed.

James shook his head not meeting his gaze. “Sorry. I was just tired. I’ll be ready to get up and go in a second.”

“Take your time son. We were doing a lot of hoping around here and there. We get our rest then we’re on the hunt again. Do you want to talk about what’s bothering you?” Angus said.

James shook his head. “No I don’t want to talk about my feelings bro.” He said automatically then flinched at his mistake.

Angus was quiet. “Hmm. So you saw an embarrassing moment in your old man’s past.” He said with a rye humor in his voice. “It wasn’t my best moment but it was a moment I needed to have to make change in my life.”

James nodded silently. “Are eggs still warm?”

“Yes they are as are the pancakes. The plate keeps them warm. What were you thinking about before we left that jackass in the country?”

James was quiet as he picked up his plate setting it on the bed and picked up his knife and fork and started to dig into his breakfast. “I wasn’t thinking about anything, Dad.”

“That my friend is poor attempt at an evasion and a out right lie. You won’t hurt my feelings none by your answer son. I did what I had to. I didn’t owe that man nothing.”

James looked up at Angus to see him smiling kindly and looking at him. “I wanted to know how you became so powerful. I’ve never seen anything like you did Dad. Your quick reaction. That show of raw power coming out of your weapon and then your use of magic I haven’t seen. I imagined you had always been like that but I just for some reason hadn’t seen it.”

Angus nodded his head. “But, then you saw my embarrassing moment. I bit that paints things in a different light of understanding. You got to start somewhere.”

James nodded. “The Wuxia helped you become a great wizard.” He said.

Angus shook his head. “No. I’ll never be a great wizard. The Wuxia taught me how to become the best version of myself how to develop what I was good at and how to take the first steps toward my own greatness. I haven’t completed my training that will take me more decades to go but they put me on the right path.”

James frowned, picked up his knife and fork and started slicing up and started eating a few moments. Angus left James to his breakfast silently.

Angus went back to his book. He was reading intently and James noticed that his weapon set beside him on the bed in his holster. James noticed the peacemaker glowed occasionally.

“Why does your weapon glow like that some times? Is it alive?”

“The peacemaker is as much alive as the wand in your pocket son just not quite like us.” Angus said calmly.

James frowned. “Did you create the peacemaker?” He asked.

“Yes. I did. I made a handful of peacemakers over the years. It’s a very niche market. As a whole peacemakers are viewed as a novelty to wizards and the magi. I make more making magical weapons and sword and wand repair.”

“Wand repair. Do you know how to make wands?” James asked.

“Yes. I worked and studied under Mr. Garrick Ollivander in the art and science of wand creation before I attempted to study blacksmith work with the Drawfs. They weren’t as welcoming to a human magi attempting to learning the precious secrets of their super secret blacksmithing though they were more then ready to try and “sell” me one of their weapons until I died of course then they would just as soon take the thing back. No big deal on my end I just learned old fashioned blacksmithing from non-humans.”

James stared at him. “Was all that before you finished Hogwarts or after you returned from the land of the Wuxia?”

Angus still looking down at his book flicked another page with his finger. “It was a couple of years during my times at Hogwarts in the summer and winter breaks when I worked part time jobs in Diagon Alley.”

“You worked part time jobs during school? Why?” James asked.

Angus smiled but there wasn’t anything nice about on the expression on his face. “I had to pay for my school supplies and room in board at Hogwarts after my mother got sick and couldn’t work anymore. So I worked part time jobs and tried to learn trades I use to earn spending money.”

“Oh.” James said quietly. “I didn’t know. I’m sorry.”

Angus shook his head looking at James. “Nothing to be sorry about son. It’s life. You have good times and hopefully you have much better times. Your mother I worked hard so that you didn’t have to focus on nothing but your school work, making friends and focusing on becoming the best person you make of yourself.” He said and nodded to James.

James pursed his lips together and sighed but nodded back. He glanced back at the book Angus had been intently reading. “What are you reading? A spell book?”

Angus shook his head. “Oh no. It’s Grandpa Harry’s diary. He left it to me after his death. Every once in a while I read it to to keep mind remembering advice on subjects and lessons he learned from his own mistakes.” He said.

James stared at him. “Oh. I never knew he had wrote a diary.”

Angus nodded closing the book. James looked at the cover it was a plain red leather bound thick book with gold gilded pages. “Neither did I until he died. I met him a few times before he died. He was just a regular English guy. He asked me to consider a simple career path and widening my education beyond being a great wizard. He said I should consider being a great Angus.”

“What did you say to him?” James asked.

“I told him to go screw himself. I was going to live my life the way I damned well wanted to become a greater wizard then he ever was.” Angus said with a grin. “While I failed to become a great wizard. I think I have made a bit of legend of myself if not greater then the him then at least equal to Grandpa Harry.”

James stared at Angus. “You did not say that to him? Did you!?”

Angus still grinning pointed to James’ breakfast. “Finish your breakfast James. We got a job to finish. We’re going to head out and get that dammed stone for the Count.”

James Potter and The Court of Owls Chapter 11

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Angus lay on his back in a field of dandelions staring up at the cloudy sky. He heard rather then saw his wand being destroyed by his opponent. To the victor goes the wand and what he would do with it.

It was done. He had fallen into the same trap his father, uncles and all his brothers. Power and position. He had failed to resist it in a most damnable way possible. Now his family line would end with him. He didn’t know how to handle that at first. He had failed.

“Do you hate me?” Max Hellion asked still with his weapon drawn.

Angus frowned at the question and he wondered why Max even bothered with such an idiotic question.

“Angus. Come on mate. I need to know your thoughts here. It would benefit you depending on how this thing would continue on.”

“Continue on?! I have no idea what the hell your talking about bro. You won. I lost. That’s the general way of a duel goes. One idiot challengers another idiot and guess what happens? The idiot loses.” Angus said.

“I had to destroy your wand mate. No way around it.”

“I don’t feel like talk about my feelings bro. I challenged you. I lost. It is what it is. My girl is on going to my ass because of this shit.”

“You didn’t use Avada Kedavra. Why not?” Max asked in confused voice.

Angus frowned up at the sky. “What the hell are you talking about now?”

“You know Avada Kedavra. You didn’t use the spell. It’s a duel.”

Angus glared up at the sky. “Now I get to listen this bullshit. Your a damned asshole for rubbing it in like this bro. You can’t let me go down like real G. You have to rub my face in the shit.”

“Bloody hell would you answer my damned question.” Max demanded.

“We agreed to using Stupefy. Asshole. So I used Stupefy. What the hell are you on bro? It’s just a duel it ain’t a damned war or something. I can’t believe I challenged you to a duel. What the hell was I thinking? This is the most embarrassing day of my life.” Angus said as he stared at the sky now realizing the full idiocy of his situation. “I blame you for this?”

Max sighed and put away his wand to sit down on the ground next to Angus. “Okay. Ah. I got something to ah tell you.”

Angus shook his head. “No. I can feel your about to say something that is going to add to me feeling like a bigger jackass then I already feel like right now.”

“Just listen to me first. Barney came to last night telling me you had wanted this to be a real duel. You had some rumor that I had tried to seduce your lady. He said you were getting serious ideals about going for rising for power. So I had to use serious force and destroy your wand.”

“Good old Barney likes to talk shit Max. He always has sense forth year at Hogwarts when we had to get him out of jam because he had talked himself into being thrown in a trash bin on Diagon Alley. Don’t go trying to tell me you believed him. You still blasted my ass into the air with Stupefy on the first draw. I’ve never seen you draw that fast in my life. I never had a chance.” Angus said as he realized the distance he really did have from being a great wizard as his grandfather was to faraway from him to touch. “I never had a chance.” He whispered softly.

“Shit. You can get a new wand mate. Hell I’ll even pay for it for you to get a top one.” Max said.

Angus shook his head. “No. This ain’t going to work. I have to find a different way. I’ll just keep hitting the same damn wall if I keep going down this path. If this is as far as I go as a wizard so be it. But, I can’t end my life like this. I have to change. I have to find a way to win.”

“No you don’t.” Max insisted. “Your the last descendant of Harry Potter. You’ve got me and Ava to back you up. You got great skills as at dueling and hunting dark wizards and combating dark creatures.”

Angus shook his head. “No. Grandpa Harry told me not to coast along on his name. He told me to not lean on my friends to much but be someone they can lean on. He told me that I had to find my own way and make my own name. He told me I had to become great for myself sake not to make for some bullshit legacy.”

Max stared at him. “He didn’t say that last part.” He said.
Angus sat up and looked at Max. “Yes he did. Grandpa Harry was a real one. He was nothing like the bullshit stories people told us. That’s why he was a great man because he wanted me to be my own man. I’ll never be what he was but I will obtain my own greatness. My story isn’t going to end up like my father and brothers or uncles.”
Angus got up to his feet. At the same time Max did.

“Are you going to be alright?” Max asked in concern.

“I don’t know yet. I have to go away for a bit. I’m going to see Ava first to tell her what I’m going to do. If she’s willing to wait for me then they’ll be something for me to come back for.” He said and stared off.

“Angus. Where are you going?”

Max smiled. “East. I’m going as far East as I can go until I find them.”

“The Far Eastern Wizards? We’ve got plenty of their wizards here and we have all the books from the masters in the Far East. You should know, you studied them in Hogwarts. You are a scholar on them.”

Angus grimaced shaking his head. “Am I? Learning from books ain’t the same as being instructed from the people that wrote the damned books. It’s time I upgraded my training. Come on. I’m going to need emotional support when we meet my girl and tell her I lost against the future minister of magic.” He said and disappeared.

James Potter and The Court of Owls Chapter 10

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James and Angus had been walking on the road in silence for half an hour. James looked at Angus who seem perfectly at ease.

“Dad. Did you just pick this road for us to have a moment of privacy to talk a bit before we move on to the next location?”

Angus held up two fingers. I nodded. “Not really. There was supposed to be a location out here for us. It’s gone now. So I used this opportunity for me to answer your questions as best as I can. We’ll be moving on to the next location. I’m just waiting a bit trying to get my baring and-”

Angus turned pushing James behind as he drew his peacemaker and fired. An explosion of a fire storm shot out of the noose of his weapon as another blast of dangerous magical energy came racing toward them. Both spells met clashing. Angus stood his ground as the ground shook with the clash of masters contended in a duel for supremacy over the other.

Angus snarled as blood came from his nose. “Damn it.” He said as he started being pushed back and the spell came closer toward them.

James shook head. “Dad.”

Angus shook his head. “I got it.” He said and lifted his other hand that was glowing gold. He pointed two toward his enemy and a circle of light surrounded him.

James stared at him wide eyed. “Holy shit!”

Angus smiled. “Damn straight.” He spoke in an echoing voice before golden flames came out of his weapon punching against the dark magical energy. The golden flames quickly overpowered the dark power. A second later there was a loud scream and the battle was over.

James stared wide eyes at Angus. Angus turned to him holstering his weapon. There was still an afterglow of golden energy around his body as he smiled at James. “That was scary. I’m a bit of energy for the moment we’ll have to walk over toward that jackass that tried to sneak up on us. We maybe able to get something off him that will help us.” He said turning and started walking back down the road.

James was frozen for a few a seconds until his father looked back. He started following after him just then. Down the road they could see a body on the ground dressed in dark robes.

“What the hell was that spell he used?” James asked.

“Avada Kedavra.” Angus said frowning. “He was pretty strong one too by the amount of energy he put into it. Still he was a bit slow on the draw. If he had been faster he would have caught us in the back.”

James shook his head. “How did you know? How? I didn’t even hear him speak it.”

Angus shrugged his shoulders taking out another sandwich from the bag. “Nether did I son. I just felt the spell go off.”
James flinched. “You felt the spell go off?”

Angus nodded chewing on his sandwich. “Yep. It’s something I picked up in part from being unlucky enough to get myself into some dumb situations like this over time so I had to pick up a means of being alert when a spell like that goes off into this realm of existence.”
James frowned at him. “Did you learn it from your master in The Wuixa?

“Yes. Master Chen had interesting way of instructing me toward listening for shift when magic is activated.” Angus said with a grin. “It was not easy learning it.”
James shook his head at Angus. “I don’t understand what I just saw. I thought your weapon just shot fireballs or bullets and then I see you firing off a type Fiendfyre spell and then it changes to golden flames. How?!”

Angus shook his head. “I wasn’t using a spell. It was pure wuixa flame element. It’s the element I can work best through the peacemaker. however lightning element would have worked better just as well.”

James frowned and started to say something but Angus drew out his peacemaker. He followed Angus’ lead pulling out his wand and looking around for danger as they slowly approached the body of the wizard on the ground.

“Why did he attack us like that?” James whispered.

Angus shook his head. “He was probably put here to watch for us and he’s dark wizard. Killing people is what they do best. There are no rules in battle. Be watchful but relax a bit so you can be quick to draw on attacker.” He said as they quickly neared the body on the ground.

“Yes, Sir.”

Angus had the peacemaker aimed at the body frowning at it. He noticed the wand was still in hand of the wizard on the ground. “Your in a lot a pain. I expect. I could relieve you of that pain right quick if you want.”

There was no response. James frowned but kept his eyes darting around. He didn’t know what Angus was about but he kept to his assignment.

“Listen. I don’t fault you for sneaking up on my back door to put me down. It’s the name of the game but you tried to kill my son and good buddy over here. I’m willing to let you go though if you tell me who stole the stone from The Count. I don’t want it personally. This is just a job to me.”
No response.

“I know. I know. Your thinking I’m talking out of my ass but I’m being real with you Mr. Killer. I just want to finish this job and get back to my business and spending time with my son. You’re probably feeling sore about loosing to an American Magi but it is what it is. No fault on your end. I been around. I learned some stuff from the Wuixa.”

The wizard opened his eyes staring up at Angus. “The Wuixa do not welcome outsiders of the West into their sect with your power and name. How did you learn holy light?”

Angus smiled. “My Master Chen taught me. He took a liking to me because I made him laugh and I am a very patient man.”

“Damn you.” The wizard cursed Angus. “Damn you and your entire mudblood family legacy. Your are a disgrace to the pure bloods and magical world.”

“Tell me where your master is and where I can find him or I’ll destroy your wand and leave you here for wild animals or the next passing dark wizards to play with. I’m not leaving without the information. We can do this kindly or I can squeeze the information out of you. I’ll do it. Don’t push me. But besides all that. I won. You lost. It is what it is. You know the rules of the game” Angus said cold.

“Your a liar. You have defeated me. My wand is yours.” He said.

“I don’t want your wand. I don’t need it. In fact I want you to keep. You can work out. Build your muscles and maybe one day you’ll be strong enough to attack me from behind again and or catch me with my pants down on toilet. Then you can pat yourself on back for much of a strong brave pure blood you are.” Angus said and then snorted in to laughter.

James flinched shaking his head. He said nothing but kept his eyes on watch for danger.

“Damn you, Dragon of the West. Damn you to hell. He said I’d never be able to beat you but I had to try. His name is Hector Wells. You can find him in the East Coast City of the Capital of the congress. Now leave me to my failure and disgrace.”

“James. Grab hold.” Angus said holding out his hand he kept his gaze on his target and peacemaker leveled on the wizard on the ground.

James pocketed his wand and grabbed a hold on Angus’ arm.

James Potter and The Court of Owls Chapter 9

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Mara cried and babbled on and on in a strange language as James worked to calm her down and kept speaking back to her in the same language until she finally got a hold of herself and nodded to him in understanding. He kissed her forehead before placing the cloak into her arms.
James looked up at Angus to see him holding out his arm. Angus gave him a wink and smile. James returned the smile before he gave Mara one last look. “I’ll send you an Owl every week. But, I’m going to working a lot. Tell your father I will see him soon to tell him my plans.” James said before taking a firm hold on his father’s arm with both hands.

The world fell away for James but he kept his focus on Angus’ even as he felt his eyes being pulled forward and being pushed inside his body and then they were in another place. James blinked twice as vision cleared and looked around to see they were inside a restroom. Stalls were all were to his right and wash basins to his left with tall mirrors attacked to the walls.

James straightened up as Angus helped him to his feet. “You doing better son?” Angus asked him and helped James to steady himself while standing.
James nodded though his head was beginning to pound. He would have to get use to it. If he was going to be any help to his father in the hunt for the item the Count wanted. He frowned in thought. “Dad. What’s the item the Count wanted returned back to him. Was it in the file he gave us?”

Angus nodded stiffly and a grim expression formed on his lips. “Yes. It was. Though I don’t think he put it in the report he passed on to the Aurors about what the thieves stole from him yesterday. It was supposed to have been destroyed years ago. How the hell did he get it.”
James frowned at him. “Is it something illegal position or magical artifact he isn’t suppose to have?”

Angus shook his head putting a finger to his lips. He waved James to follow him to the back doors. He opened the door going out first and then holding the door open for James to go ahead.

They walked out into short hallway that led into an open area filled with paints and paints on the wall strange sculptures on top a podiums. There were only a few landscapes and but the majority of paints were of men and ladies in different periods of time.

Angus led the way looking for something among the painting. James was about to ask again what they were looking for when he stopped and saw a painting of himself. He blinked twice and then realize it was him.

Angus nodded to the painting. “That’s my grandfather when he was around your age after the final battle with Riddle at Hogwarts.”
James frowned. “Did he commission the painting? Shouldn’t this belong to our family.”

Angus shook his head. “Grandpa Harry didn’t commission it. Some jackass took a photo him from he and became an Auror. He was sitting down with Uncle Ron and Aunty Hermiona at Diagaon Alley for a drink.” He said and scowl of discuss was on his lips as he turned away from the painting.

James wondered about his father’s reaction but kept himself from asking Angus the question. Angus was frustrated now and came to a stop when they neared the exit of the museum. “It’s not here. We have this might take us a bit of time.”

“Dad what is this place? A public magical museum? What are we looking for?” James asked.

Angus shook his head. “To many questions. We have to keep moving. Grab a hold.” He said holding out his arm.

James took a breath and grabbed a hold of his father’s arm. He blinked and they were outside on dirt road in the country somewhere. He looked around in confusion. He looked at his father took out a sandwich from his pack and took two bites as he started walking in a direction down the road. James was quick to follow. There was a strange quiet that followed that made James uneasy.

“Dad. What’s wrong?”

Angus reached into his pack and removed a page they had gotten from Harmiona and handed to James. “Take a look that. Tell me what you think?”

James took the page looked over it.

The Counts gallery items thirty-six items:
Amber Rod of Sages 1
Honey Gold Love potions 10
Greek scepter 1
Carpet of flight 1
Gloves of ages 2
Mystic Stone of unknown properties 1
Paintings from the first wizard war era. 20

James frowned at the list and then he shook his head handing it back to Angus. “I don’t get it.”

“James do you remember the story about your grandpa Harry’s first year at Hogwarts?”

James stopped and starred at his father who continued walking and James started to quickly catch up. “Yes. It was part of magical history and mother told me more details to make sure I memorized the event. Why? Tom Riddle is dead. Right?”

Angus nodded finishing his sandwich and taking out two more from his pack and handing one to James to eat. “Damn straight. But, some of his followers are still alive and he did accumulate a few worshipers along the way. But more importantly do you remember the bit of trouble with the stone?”

“Of Course. I don’t see-” James paused and went silent. “Dumbledore told Grandpa Harry the stone was destroyed. Dad. Your not thinking that-”

Angus shrugged. “I don’t know anything for sure but the item we’re looking for is an uncommon ancient mystic stone.”
James shook his head. “Dumbledore couldn’t have lied about it. He couldn’t have Grandpa Harry nearly died trying to keep Riddle from getting it.”

Angus shook his head. “Who knows. I personally don’t care either way. In any regard our job is just to keep an eye out for it and get it back to our client. Once that’s done. Hopefully we never see this idiot again. One thing you need to keep in mind son as we’re on this job.”

“What’s that?” James asked biting into his sandwich.

Angus looked at him. “The people that stole that damned rock will believe it’s the philosopher’s stone. In that regard they’ll be doing a lot to kill anybody coming to take it away. So less questions from here on end and always have your wand out and ready from now on. One more thing I got to ask you. Did your girl teach you to speak snake tongue or did you learn it to get in her good graces?” He said with a grin.
James grinned back. “I found out she could speak and asked her to teach me so I could befriend her and get her to help me with my grades.”

Angus snorted in laughter. “When did she figure out that was all an excuse to get with her?”
James’ face flush. “It wasn’t an excuse. I wanted to become her friend and I needed help with my grades all through school.”

Angus shook her head. “Come on man. You can’t fool your old man. I saw that girl all on you. I almost thought you had enchanted her or made her drink two bottles of love potion a day. Though I can’t blame you son. Mara is a lovely young woman.”
James’ cheeks glowed with embarrassment. “It’s not like that bro. I just wanted to be her friend. She just ended up kind ah in love with me.”

Angus held up his hands. “Okay. Okay. I won’t say anything more about it.”
James stared at Angus. “I do like her. I love Mara a lot. She’s my best friend. I was just afraid of introducing her to you and Mom because-”

Angus nodded turning serious. “I know son. I know. It won’t be easy for her being connected to our family.”

What am I learning so far from writing a Parody?

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I’m writing around 1k words with in James Potter and The Court of Owl and uploading a chapter a day with edits and rewrites in the process. I started doing this project as a means to see if I could write a pure parody/fan fiction within the themes of an original story world. This is what I’m learning.

  1. Research. I have had to do a lot of damn research in getting some themes right and my mind focused on the world I’m writing in.
  2. Keeping to a tight schedule. I’m making myself stick to writing 17 chapters with this thing. Run and done.
  3. Outline. I have a outline for every damn chapter and the progress of the story and it’s a lot less complicated trying to think up what I will write about the next day. I already know but I still have to adjust the name of the chapter once it’s written.
  4. managing my energy. This is a short project in a novella form. But still I have to manage my energy because I still have another project that is on a longer time table.
  5. Chatgpt. I’m using A.I prompts a lot for this one. For images, analysis of writing, research and images. It’s cutting down the time and keeping me focused on getting my writing done on time.

Conclusion. I will adapt what I’m learning for my next books and use everything I’m collect it all together in a tool box. If I can master what I have going my productivity will increase as will the quality of my writing editing.

James Potter and the Court of Owls Chapter 8

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James and Angus sat with their great great aunt in-law Hermione Granger Wesley in the back the store at long reading and study desk to sat down for chat while Luna went to go make some tea for them in the back of storeroom.

James was jittery the longer Luna stayed in the back to make tea. Angus cleared his throat and James looked toward him to both Angus and Hermione were staring at him with amused smiles.

“What?”

Angus shook his head at him. “I don’t think your going to make it as a political figure son. I can read every thought your making by looking at your face.”
James started and stared wide eyed at his father. “Dad. Are you a master of Legilimens as well as the wusxia arts?”

Angus snorted. “I’m not a master of Legiliments though I do know a bit it and I’m inclined toward Occlumency. No I’m just noting your body lanague and how you keep looking toward the back. You look like your wondering what’s taking Luna so long with the tea and I did notice how you seem to have known Luna previously.”

James stared wide eyed at his father. “I thought you said you weren’t performing Legilimens on me. How could you know all that without using magic?”

Angus only smiled. “There’s more then one way to control someone or understand how a person is thinking without magic son. It’s just a bit of guessing and knowing how people think depending on their age gender.”

“Hmm. Interesting. So you’ve studied psychology and mentalism.” Hermione said turning to Angus.

Angus shrugged. “I have studied psychology but mentalism isn’t real it’s just using a form of mental tricks and psychological word suggestions.”

Hermione grinned at him. “Your a lot more adaptable and book smart then Harry was. He would be proud of the magi you have become.”

James stared wide mouthed while Angus shook his head. “I don’t know about that Aunty Hermione.”

“When did you become a master of The Wuxia. I thought you only studied under them for only two years before you came back. Their books and spells engineering are so lovely to look at and read. When are you going to take James to see them? It must be soon. You most bring me back another one of their books for copying. I so do love-”

Angus put a finger to her lips gentle and smiled at her. “Give me a turn in the conversation though I love your mind works. I still want to answer your first two questions.” He said gentle.

Hermione blushed and leaned back away from his finger. Angus stared at her. “As I told you before. I’m still twenty years away from becoming an expert let alone a master. I plan to take James over to visit my master, six months from now. I don’t know if I can bring you another book to study though. What have you done so far with what I brought over to you the last time I returned from the Wuxia?”

Hermione pursed her lips. “I’ve made a little progress in understanding it. My sons, grandsons are farther along then me and my youngest great great son is already thinking about making a trip over the wuxia audition for a chance to train in the hidden temple. Why did you come to see me?”

Angus opened his mouth only stop as someone knocked on the front door loudly. They saw Luna come suddenly into the room with a tray of a tea kettle and five cups on it. He smiled started pouring a cup of tea for them as they waited for Luna to let in whoever it was that had come.

“I came to see you for one and I wanted to pick your brain on all the current gossip going on in the world you know.” Angus said in conversational mode.

“I see. Hmm.” Hermione said quietly.

James was frowning and folded his arms as Luna opened the door and in walked in a young lady with straight platinum blond hair that fell to her hips. She was dressed in black dress with a pink belt around her thin waistline and she had long expensive leather pink knee high boots on. She looked. She was staring between James and Angus kept pursing her lips and had her hands cupped together.

Angus waved to her. “Hello, aren’t you a pretty young lady. Would you to join us for some tea?” He asked.

“Yes. Yes. I very much would thank you.” She said lightly.

She walked over with quickly and stood close beside James who was frowning folding his arms across his chest. Angus was smiling though. “So how you to know each other?”

James nodded stiffly. “Yes. We met at HogWarts and became friends second year. Mara this is my father Angus Potter the patriarch of the house of Potter. Dad this is my school friend Mara Scamander. She’s Luna’s grand daughter. Mara has been head girl in house Gryffindor for six years. She’s a specialist in dueling and historian in magical history. Mara helped me out a lot in my studies.” He said.

Angus nodded his head. “So did you two have a falling out?”

“No.” They both said.

Angus nodded. “So. Do you trust Mara?”

“Yes. I do. She won’t tell anything that is going on here. She’s just like younger version of Luna.” James said still frowning and looking uneasy.

Angus nodded. “That’s all I needed to hear. Aunty Hermiona. What do you know about a man named The Count of New Jersey.” He asked and then poured her a cup of tea.

Hermiona readdressed her large glasses before taking the cup and sipping before speaking. “Hmm. Well. He’s a real count for one. That’s just what he changed his name to. Wait a bit.” She paused before taking out her wand and the moved the tea tray and cups aside with wave of her wand.

“Informational-Expand-Dio.” She spoke with a wave of her hand a large leather bound book appeared on the desk.

Hermiona waved her hand again and the book opened and leafed through to a page of titled Count Jersey. A picture of the Count appeared along with description of early life and history.

James frowned as he saw the information change on the page slightly adding or editing information to something else. “Why is it changing like that?”
“It’s updating dear. Information changes you know as time goes by and new changes or marriages happen. So D.A has to keep records current. Let’s see here.”

Hermiona looked down on the page flicking her finger over it upward more information came and picture disappeared.
“Hmm. Let’s see. Alright what do you need to know Angus? I have everything you would need to know about this gentleman’s hobbies to reasons his last two marriages failed. It wasn’t because of lack of gold.”

Angus grinned at her. “I just need a report on his art and treasure collection at the beginning of the year and a list of his enemies.”

Hermiona placed her finger and then began to highlight a paragraph before tapping the highlighted section and then with a wave of her two pages appeared in Angus’ hand. He was looking them over as Hermiona glared at the book as she flicked through information and then stopped.

“So Ava has attached herself to the Count recently. Interesting.” She said but her voice sounded more annoyed.

Angus nodded started to get up after taking a drink of tea. “Come on son. We have to get going. We’re on the clock. Say goodbye to your friend.”
James nodded and turned to Mara who gave him several kisses on his lips before hugging his neck tightly. “I’m going to marry you. We’re going to married don’t forget that. Your all mean.” She said in a dreamy singing tone.

Angus frowned and tapped her shoulder. Mara looked at him. He whispered something and waved a hand in front of her face.

“Dad. She’s just very affection loving toward me. It’s fine.” James said calmly.

Mara tightened her arm around his neck. “What’s wrong?”

Angus smiled. “Nothing. When I get a chance. I would love to have a game chess with your father when I get a chance. Tell him I will send him an Owl.”

Mara grinned and nodded. “Thank you so ever much.”

James sighed and came to his feet with Mara still holding his neck. He carefully unwound her arms from his neck. He nodded to her. “I will see you in six months. I am training under my father right now and I have to start my new job with my mother’s company. So please stay calm and concentrate on your studies and work.”

Mara stared at him. “I can do my work anywhere. That’s why I picked my field of study. Can you not give me promise. Something.”
James looked at his father but Angus was digging in his bag and then brought out a red cloak. He stared at it as Angus held it out to him.

“James. It’s your choice. If she makes you happy then she makes you happy. You can figure out the rest before the wedding.”

“What about mother?”

Angus shook his head. “Your a man now. Your choice. I made mean younger then you and never have I regretted it once.”

James sighed but reached out and took the cloak. Mara frowned in confusion until he offered it to her. “This is my family’s treasure and legacy. It’s all I have to give you as a promise. If you take then the first you’ll have to give it to will be our son.”

Mara burst into tears and hugged his neck even more tightly dragging him down to the floor.

James Potter and The Court of Owls Chapter 7

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All four were seated at a table with James and Angus seated together and Ava and Nickolas facing them. James used to hiding his emotions in front of strangers smiled but he was quiet as the atmosphere felt strange but bot Angus and Ava acted like old friends reconnecting.

Angus turned to Nickolas. “Count. Your letter was rather vague on details of the item that was stolen from you. If you could give me just a little more details on what it is and when you noticed it stolen then I can get to finding the item and the possible thief or thieves that stole it from you.”

Nickolas studied Angus’ face closely and he nodded his head. “Of course I meant the letter to be a little vague being I didn’t want to entirely trust the details the relaying of it into letter no matter the magical protection and wards you have on your owl. Ava if you would be so kind as to present the file to Mr. Potter.”

Ava bowed to him slightly and with a twist of her a few whispered words barely heard her wand appeared in her hand. She spoke barely above a whisper again and a document folder appeared in Angus’ hands.

“Thank you, Ava. Alright. Let’s see what we have here.’ Angus said almost to himself as he unfolded the document and started quickly scanning the contents humming lightly. He stopped on one page frowned and brought it out. It was large page moving photo of private home museum that was wrecked while men in dark scarlet trench jackets looking around the area scanning it with their wands.

“How many Aurors do you have on your case currently?” Angus asked carefully.

“I have five. A great many value items and relics of the past were taken from my private collection. None as important as the one you will be seeking and the wizard and killing for the annoyance he has caused me.” He said firmly.

The Count glanced at James. “Mr. Potter. I found it very odd that your father introduced you as James Potter. Yet, your mother has referred to you as Harry Potter. A name sake of your ancestor the one lived and slayer the Dark Lord.”

James was used to this type of behavior. “My father named me James Potter Heir to the house of Potter, defender of the old true ways, The last Hallow of the past.. So that is my official house name and title. My mother can call me whatever name she pleases. It is her right. It is the name she gave me in respect to my ancestor and her hopes for me becoming a great Auror as my ancestor was in his day.”

He said speaking in calm tones. Though his voice didn’t carry the same echoing power as his father it was clear and direct.
The Count nodded stiffly and tried for a social smile. “Yes. Yes. I did forget that his career in the ministry as a Auror had been impressive after his defeat of the Dark Lord. Would you or your father care for a drink or something to eat before you and your father head off to your task for me?”

James looked at his Angus was smiling but shaking his head at The Count. “My apologies, Count but we’ll have to get going so we can handle your case.” He said.

The all started to rise from their seats. The Count shrugged and waved them outside back the way they had entered the restaurant. “I will live you to it then. Oh. I do apologies if the announcement of my engagement to Ava came as a surprise to you Mr. Potter.” He said addressing Angus.

Both James and Ava looked toward Angus. Angus shook his head. “No need to apologies Count. Ava is her own woman and entitled to her own happiness. I wish you both well.” He said with nod of his head. “We’ll be off then.”

James felt it again. Unease. He glanced at his mother one last time to her smile. “Mother. I will see you soon.” He said and leaned toward her.
Ava met him half way the distance and he kissed her cheek. “I love you. Obey your father.” She said to him.

James nodded. “I will. I love you to.” He said and followed Angus out the way they had come in.

Angus wrapped his around James pulling him close while James notice his father hand a hand on his peacemaker. His father shook his head. “Close your eyes son. Nothing bad is going happen to you.”

James obeyed and they went into apparition. The feeling twisted apart to being pulled into yourself was worse because short period he had to rest his mind from it but soon enough they were somewhere else. James forced his eyes opened as Angus took his hand leading him into a store front shop.


James head hurt but kept quiet about it because seemed physically upset about finding out about Ava’s engagement. “I didn’t know mom was getting married.”

“She isn’t getting married, son.” Angus said in a distracted voice going to the front of the store and started looking around the small bookstore.
James froze. “What do you mean? Your not going to do something to him are you?”

Angus looked at him and shook his head. “What?! Of course not. Son. Listen. We’re going to finish this job as fast as humanly possible send the item to that jackass by Owl and hopefully your not going to be connected to anything related to him. Remember son. You only met that man once in passing. We have nothing to do with him and ill feelings for him. Understand?!”

James stared at him. “Dad. You looked you were going to kill him.”

Angus snorted and shook his head. “Son. I don’t care about that little shit. He’s an obvious jealous hater and an annoying fan boy still whining and moaning about his idol being blasted to hell by my grandpa when he was seventeen. What a joke?!” He said laughing loudly.

James stared at his father and then burst out into laughter. “Dad. You can’t be serious.”

“Son. Riddle’s fanboys always call him the Dark Lord or refer to us as the descendants of the slayer of Dark Lord. They never call it for what it is. They all have the same damn pattern. They simply just don’t get.”

“What is it then?” James asked paused in middle of his laughter.

Angus had that glint in his eyes and stared at his son with a spark gaze and a funny grin on his lips. “Tom Riddle was a middle aged psycho that had been taken out by a seventeen year old wizard because he was a loser. His fanboys can’t accept the facts. Grandpa Harry beat him in the duel but Albus Dombledore and Severus Snape assassinated his ass with a daring nerve and a cunning planning.”

James nodded silently and patted his chest with his fist at the same time Angus did in memory of the true heroes that saved the wizarding world in the last war. He looked around the book store in question. “Why did you bring us here? Where are we by the by.”

“London!” Angus grinned. “Where here to get some information and visit an old friend while we have the time.”

“What’s noise?”

They turned to the back to see a two elderly females one with wild orange and gray long hair with large glasses on her in brown dress on and her companion a slim woman with blond hair and gray blue eyes that studied them both in surprise.

Angus grinned coming over as they’re stared at him in shock. “Aunty Hermione. You’re looking good. I wasn’t expecting to see the wonderful Luna with you as well. I’m back.” He said coming over to them.

They cried hugging and laying kisses on his face and head as they cried. James stood in place surprised and not knowing what to do. Though he hadn’t met his great great aunt in-law before he had met Luna.

Luna looked over at him and put a finger to her lips giving him a wink and waved him over. James nodded and quickly over to join in the greeting.

James Potter and The Court of Owls Chapter 6

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The Count of New Jersey

Angus frowned suddenly at something and pulled up his sleeve to show to show a tattoo of an owl in flight glowing gold. He frowned at it. “I got another job. That’s a bit strange. My boss usually gives me a bit of rest between jobs.” He said in odd voice.

“Why is that?” James started to ask but then the sound of Owl made them turn toward the open doors to see large Owl fly in with a note attach to it’s leg.

The Owl flew and landed on a pouch stand next to Angus’ work desk. The Owl hooted at them. James pet the owl gentle. “Bill. What you bring us boy? A letter from Mom?”

Angus took the letter from the Owl’s leg and unwrapped it and read it silently. A grim frown was on his face. James frowned in confusion. “Is it bad news or work?”

“A bit of both. I got a letter from a man in New Jersey that wants to see me about job that needs doing. He’s offering to pay me a large amount of coin for it. Hmm. Interesting.”

James frowned. “Is it another hunting mission?”

Angus shook his head though he was still examining the letter very closely. “No. He wants me to recover a stolen magical item for him and terminate the one that stole it.” He said calmly.

“So your an assassin as well?” James asked carefully.

Angus frowned shaking his head. “No. I am weapons smith and Owl for the President. The later is my business the former is my duty and no one other then the court of Owls, the President and now you is supposed to know about my rank. Would you like to come with me, James?”

“Of course. So this is a mission for the President then?” James said.

Angus again frowned. “We shall see.” He said.

“Dad. That Tattoo. Is that how the President communicates to the Owls?”

Angus looked up putting away the letter and nodded. He picked up his traveling pack and slung it around his shoulder. “Yes. Some times it is a warning and some times it is a direction for an Owl to take flight for the hunt. How are you with apparition?”

James stared at him. “I got top marks in the subject tested well.”

Angus stared at him.

James sighed. “I’m okay. I’m not confident in it and I’m not comfortable going any longer distance then a kilometers.”

Angus smiled holding out his arm. “Don’t worry about it. We’ll work on your skill over time. Take my arm and hold on tight.”

James grimaced and put his wand away in his pocket before he took a firm hold on his father’s arm with both hands. He took a breath and then closed his eyes. “I’m ready.”

James felt the world disappear for a second. He gripped his father’s arm tightly as he fought to keep a hold on him. His body felt liked it was being twisted and then pressed back into himself. He fought to breath and calm himself down. He screamed for what felt like hours and then they where somewhere else. He caught a hold of himself stopping himself from screaming out but tears flowed from his eyes as he shook physically.

Angus wrapped an arm around James and rubbed. He didn’t say anything but gave him a moment. James took a breath to steady himself and then he nodded.

“Alright. I’m good. I’m alright. I’m alright.” James said and he finally. He forced his eyes open and saw they were now in a city in the north east of America standing on a roof top restaurant looking over the city.

“Where are we?” James asked his father.

Angus let go James and waved a hand. “We’re in New Jersey. We’re here to meet a client.”

“The Potters have arrived. Welcome to New Jersey.” A male voice said behind them in heavily London accent.

James frowned at the accent. It sounded as fake and phony as his own accent had been. He turned at the same time his father did and they faced a tall man dressed in an all blue suit, shirt, tie and shoes. The only thing not blue was his midnight dark hair. James notice how quiet it had gotten. It was an unusual stillness to the atmosphere around them and then it was gone just as quickly as it appeared when the other man laughed. “Welcome. Welcome. Descendants of the slayer of the dark Lord. I am Count Nickolas Damon Ross.” He said bowed.

Angus returned the bow respectfully. “Count Ross. You requested my services. I am here to handle your case matter. It is an honor to serve you quietly.” He said and paused to nod toward James. “This is my son James Potter the Heir to the house of Potter and defender of the old true ways, The last Hallow of the past.” Angus voice echoed with power and might.

James stared at him as he felt. It was the first he had heard his name and the titles that were associated with his name and titles. Angus motioned with his hand toward James.

“Son. Bow to the Count of New Jersey.” He commanded in tone and voice authority of a high Lord.

James straightened up and bowed to his father and then The Count in respect. “I am pleased to meet you Count of New Jersey.”

The Count nodded to them. He waved a hand toward them. “Please come inside and have supper and we can discuss plans with my fiancee and business partner.”

Angus nodded his head started forward James followed behind his father silently not sure what was going on but he remained silent letting Angus lead the way and be in control.

The Count fell slightly in the lead of the Potters. “You’re representation proceeds you Mr. Potter. Thank you for your quick response in getting here.” He said and led them inside to indoor empty restaurant but for a lady sitting at the bar by her herself in a black dress. Her back was to them but James eyes widened in surprise but Angus touched his arm lightly.

James fixed his face into a calm mask immediately. He then felt the Count’s eyes were on his face now. He waited until his mother turned and he stared at her. Ava smiled at him coming to her feet.

“Harry. It didn’t think Angus would bring you. It’s been a few months.” She said and came over to hug him tightly before she came out his arms and turned to Angus and bowed to him. “Angus it’s been some time. You look well.”

Angus smiled. “It’s nice to see. It’s been a while. I hear your getting married again. I’m happy for you.” He said with genuine worth friendly affection in his voice.

James’ heart started racing as he caught the Count studying his parents exchange and the glare he was sending his father’s profile. The Count of new Jersey was playing a game of some kind. James was worried. He had no idea what the hell was going on?!

James Potter and The Court of Owls Chapter 5

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Angus had finished up repairs for the day on the front of the house and then he headed to his workshop at the back of the house. James had made himself and his father two beef sandwiches and two bottles of butter beer and carried them out to Angus on a large platter.

Angus’s workshop used to be a barn he had later converted into armor and workshop to build his weapons. The large doors were open as Angus stood by his work desk cleaning his weapon. Angus had on a leather apron and a genuine smile on his face as he saw his son.
“Hello. Sandwiches on your birthday for your old man. You must have something big to ask me.” He said with a grin. He took one of the sandwiches when James offered it to him and bite into it and nodded his thanks to his son.

“Alright son. What’s on your mind?” Angus said after finishing his sandwich in four bites and opening his bottle of butter beer.
James smiled. “Several things. I got questions though before I ask you.”

Angus shook his head. “Just ask me. It’s the happiest day of my life. So take advantage of the situation.” He said.
James nodded. “Okay. Ah. I want to become as powerful as you are. Can I be your apprentice?” He asked.

Angus put his bottle down and grabbed his son in a tight bear hug and patted his back. “You just made my day even brighter. Of course. Of course. It would be my honor to teach you my craft.” He said and pulled away to grin at his son. “Okay. Give me your questions.”
James stared at his father. “That’s it?”

Angus nodded. “Yeah. That’s it. We’ll get started today and by the time you reach my age you’ll be stronger then your old man when I become a gray beard. Go head ahead ask me your questions. I’m all game for answering you if I can.” He said with a chuckle.
James very much doubted that he would be stronger then his father when Angus advanced to a gray beard in power. Though he was smart enough not to say it. He smiled. “Why did you stop using your wand?”

Angus lost a bit of the light in his eyes at the question but he nodded. “I had a wand at one point when I was a wizard. I’m a magi now and my profession is weapons smith.”
James frowned. “Was? Dad you still are a wizard. I saw you use magic.”

Angus shrugged leaning back against his work desk and crossing his muscled arms across his broad chest. “I’m an American magi now but to answer you question I lost it in a duel. So I had to figure out another way of living. I traveled around spent some time in the wuxia and got a part time job here from an old soldier friend of mean.”

“The Wuxia?” James frowned tapping a finger to his chin. “I know that name from somewhere but I can’t remember. Who are they?“

Angus sighed. “The wizards of the far east as western Wizards call them. Wuixa is their proper name. They taught me a bit of the ancient ways before I came here and my friend helped me buy my ranch and get some employment going to start my weapons repair, trade and customizing business. Anymore questions.”

James pursed his lips. Angus snorted in laughter. “Come on son. Give them to me.”
James grinned. “Okay. Obvious question why didn’t you get a new wand?”

Angus sighed shrugging his shoulders. “Once a wizard loses his wand well you know.” He said shaking his head.
“Buying or winning a new wand isn’t the same. Wand chooses the wizard. So I had to let it go and search for another means of making magical contract of channeling.” He said and then picked up his butter beer to take another drink.

James frowned and studied his father. “What do you mean by magical contract of channeling?”

Angus held out his hand. “Can I see your wand for a bit. I’m not claiming it and this is not a duel.” He said.
James frowned at him but he took out his wand and passed it over to his father. James felt the wand come alive in Angus’ hand.

“Easy now. Calm down. I just want to teach your master a bit of knowledge. I don’t need your kind. The peacemaker chose me.” Angus said.

James stared as he realized Angus was talking to the wand. “Dad.”

Angus held up a finger. “You feel it don’t you. That easy feeling the wand is having just being held in my grasp. Have you ever let any of your girlfriends at school hold your wand?”

I shook my head. “No and I don’t have girlfriends I just have girls I’ve been interested in before. One my friends and professor Longbottom have held my wand before. It never reacted like this. Can I have my wand back?”

Angus handed it back to him with a nod of his head. “That was another issue for why I don’t use wands anymore. A funny thing. Wands know I don’t need them anymore. Anymore questions though.”
James started to shake his head but looked at the hybrid weapon on the work desk. “What is that?”

Angus glanced at his weapon. “Looks like a mogul weapon of war to me. It’s a engineered copy of a non-magical weapon. I call it 1911SC or the peacemaker for short.”

James shook his head. “It’s not just a simple copy of non-magi weaponry is it?” He said and started to reach for weapon as it glowed ruby red but Angus caught his wrist stopping James from touching it. He looked at his father.

Angus shook his head. “Your right. The peacemaker isn’t non-magi at all and neither is it a wizard kind hybrid. Remember the wand chooses the wizard. The reverse is true for this weapon. The magi chooses the peacemaker but it’s a mutual partnership. Do you wish to be a great powerful wizard?”

“Yes. I do. I’ll do whatever it take to achieve my goals. I must become a great wizard.” James said.

Angus smiled and quickly picked up his weapon and holstered it at his side. “Good. I can teach you what I’ve learned and help you become a great wizard.”
James picked up his sandwich and took two large bits from it suddenly feeling very hungry all of a sudden. A question suddenly came to him as Angus grinned at him.

“Are you a wuxia master? What is the far east magical world like?”

Angus’ pursed lips shook with held back laughter. “It is a wonderful place. I am not a master by any means it would take me well over a hundred years before I achieved the level of my former master Zhao Chen. If you do well in your training over next six months then I will take you to see Chen and do a bit of exploring in the hidden temple in the hidden forest. Is there anymore questions you got because I got two questions for you now.”
James had dozens or so questions swimming in his head but he wasn’t in rush now. He was free from school now and he had time to ask his father as many questions as he wanted. “I have dozens more questions but you can ask me your questions.”

Angus nodded. “So ah you got a girl your interested in?”

James chewed on his food a little before speaking. “Ah yeah. I talked my marriage plans over with mom and sense it is important event for the family to decide for myself-”

“So you do have a girl?” Angus said.
James flinched back frowned. “I didn’t say that.”

Angus chuckled. “I heard the sub text in the middle James. I was your age. I knew your mother was the one for me in 2nd year. I never let up until she accepted the fact. Okay you don’t have to tell me who she is yet. No. Don’t lie. I know when your about to lie. Second question what are you going to do for a living?”
James pursed his lips. “I plan to gain power like you and I have political aspirations to become the president.”

Angus nodded. “Continue.”

“I’m going to work for mom in her company in her magical spell engineering in between my training with you and my drive to gain power both politically and martially.”

Angus held up a finger. “Always remember son. Whether you choose to marry your girl or the one your mother chooses it just ain’t going to be a simple thing for you. I understand your reasons for keeping her hidden but eventually you’ll have to tell your mother. Two, I expect you to do your best while working for your mother. Don’t coast by on your ass or what your great great grandfather did. Do your best. Make your own legend. Three, you go for political power you have no friends but your family. One slip up and it’s over. So be sure of what you want. Position means nothing if the power behind the position isn’t yours by right. No one can give you power.”

James nodded. “Mother says you will be the most powerful wizard in the following decades when you come into your full power. Is this true?”

Angus shrugged. “I don’t know what will happen in the future. There are many powerful wizards and magi in the world.”

“Are you one of them?” James pushed.

“Yes.” Angus answered.

“Why aren’t you the president then? Why haven’t you taken control over America?” James asked.

“I don’t need the position. I already have power.” Angus said and stared at his son. “Power is power. No position can grant you that. You to have power first. It cost me a high price to learn what my father and brothers failed to learn. I’m telling you this now so that when someone comes to you and offers you a devil’s bargain for your soul you will know the proper response.”

James Potter and the Court of Owls Chapter 4

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James sat by the fireplace waiting as an image of a beautiful woman in her early forties appeared in the flames of the fireplace. She smiled at him.

“Happy Birthday Harry. Today your real journey begins today.” Ava Nightingale said in voice filled with warmth and pleasure.

James smiled at her. “Hello mother. Your looking well. Dad tells me you have some job offers to talk to me about. I’m up for hearing them but I also have somethings I wish to discuss with you.”

Ava’s image blinked in confusion at him and then studied his face closely and her smile faded away. “Something happened. Are you alright? Is your father with you?”

James nodded and tried to keep up his smile on his face in order not to overall worry his mother. “Yes. We got a visitor to our home looking for dad. He and I dealt with it there was also something else that happened.”

Ava shook her head. “Can you give me a little bit more detail on what or who came looking for your father?”

James looked over at his father who was now busy repairing the large hole left by the destruction of the Dementor. Angus glanced back at him and smiled and waved him back to his conversation with Ava.

James looked back at his mother. “It a creature Dad had been hunting for the-his boss. It was a dangerous creature. He had to use his hybrid weapon on it. I used my Patronus. We destroyed it so now we’re all safe now.”

“Hybrid weapon? Is that what he calls that silly monstrous weapon now?”

Angus started laughing in the background as he started to his work with some plywood, hammer and nails. He said nothing else so James focused on his mother.

“No. That’s what how I think of his 1911SC. A hybrid of magi craftsmanship and non-magi technological advance. It is very powerful weapon he uses to focus his power.”

“Angus allowed you to go into battle with him?” Ava asked in a strange tone.

James nodded. “Yes. I am of age. I told him so and he accepted me as an adult.”

“Harry. Your father did not need your assistance. He is a powerful wizard in his own who has not yet even reached his full measure of his powers. He will become the most powerful wizard in the modern era. You come a long line of powerful lords of magic and you are his heir. You have decades to go before you even touch his level and you are his heir.”

James nodded but still stared at his mother. “I know. But I am an adult now. I am a man. If I am to achieve me promise then I must-”

“-If?!” Ava said at him in shocked surprised. “You are Harry Potter. You will become every bit of strong wizard as your father and his fathers before him. Why are you doubting yourself at the beginning of your rise?”

James looked away. “I-I felt dad’s power when he took hold of his weapon. It was like a blanket of raw power and intent to destroy anything that got in his way. I don’t know. I know if I can live up to it.” He said honestly.

“James.” Angus called out to his son.

James looked up toward his father. Angus stared at him. “You are your own man now I’m proud of who you right now.. But, your still my son. Your mother and I didn’t leave nothing out in raising you. You hear me?”

James stared at his father and then nodded. “Yes Sir.” He said and then turned back to his mother that was studying him.

Ava was quietly staring at him as he finished explaining to her his thoughts on his father’s weapon. “Indeed. Did something else happen before the Dementor arrived.”

James frowned. “Yes. I had a dream about the night you sent me to live with father.” He said calmly.

Ava stared at him. “Did your vision involve me or my parts of the events that night.”

James grimaced but shook his head. “No. The dream was centered around Professor Longbottom, Tan Tan and dad having a short chat before they handed me over to dad and left. It doesn’t make any sense. Why am I having dreams like this now of all times?!”

“It wasn’t a dream. I made a mistake and underestimated how jealous people are of the Potter name and how many enemies your father has. Your father is a powerful wizard. Your father could have had any woman he wanted before after me.” She said staring at him.

Angus snorted in laughter and James looked at him. “What? Mom likes you a lot.”

“Tell your mother if she’s so grateful toward me then she can come around the house and I can provide her couple more kids for my grand legacy.”

James stared at his father. “Dad. Are you serious!?”

“Tell her!” Angus ordered.

James turned his head back to Ava’s concerned face. He smiled. “Dad says sense your so grateful to him for giving you a child then he would gladly provide you with more children if you were so inclined.”

Ava stared at him. “Harry. Now that you are in your adulthood. You’ll have to decide the course you need to take in life. I have positions in my company in the entry level of magical spell engineering. You can have it any time you want?”

“James. What’s her answer to my question.” Angus asked.

James’ face flushed with heat. “Mother. Ah Dad would like an answer to his question.”

Ava sighed. “Tell your father I will consider it when you have figured out your course in life and gone off on your own however, I will be around later in the week to have a cup of tea with him when I have finished my work. Remind him I still have the port key he crafted for me.”

James turned to his father. “Mom said she has to finish up some stuff at work and send you an Owl when she’s freed up but she also still has the port key your gave her so be ready when she comes by for a cup of tea.”

Angus nodded. “Alright. That’s good. I’ll do my best to convince your mother in bed when hit the sheets. Does your mother know about the Horn Serpent Patronus of yours?”

James nodded his head silently. “Yeah. Dad could give us a moment.”

Angus held up his hands. “Alright. Alright. I’ll leave you and your mother be. I got to go get other tools in the back down go near the front until I get back.” He said and then held up his hand a magical shield went up around the front of the entrance before he turned and left.

James turned back to his mother to see her smiling at him again. “What?”

“Your not coming to London.” Ava said with a nod her her head. “Your staying in the States?” She said with and assurance in her voice of it.

James sighed. “No. I’m not sure right now about it. I’m interested in getting an Auror position here. The plan will still be the same. I’ll work my way up the ministry and then head into the position of President like we’ve planned out.” James said.

Ava nodded. “I hear a but somewhere. What do you want?”

“Power.” James said softly. “I want what Dad has. Mother. Dad is powerful. He has real power.”

Ava pursed her lips but nodded. “Yes he does.”

“Have you seen him use that weapon he has. He killed a Dementors with it. He shoot fireballs of lightning out of it without being drained of any energy it seems. It was wicked. I have seen or read about anyone do what he does without using a phoenix core wand. He’s even the president here. How is that possible.”

Ava shrugged. “Maybe you need to ask him but at this point I wouldn’t ask him why he never chose to become the President of the American Congress of magic.”

James froze. “Why wouldn’t you?” He asked her.

Ava narrowed her focus on him. “Because it’s not a good question. Your father has his own reasons for why he’s in the position he’s in. Your a back sight you have the power to see into the past events of peoples and hear their thoughts. It’s a gift that takes time to develop over time and your going to end up working out the gift backwards and and present. No. I can’t explain it to you. You’ll have to experience it yourself. You’ll eventually find out the reason for that question but a better question that serves your purpose of gaining power is-”

Ava paused to give James time to think of the answer. He frowned shaking his head. He couldn’t think of it the only thing that came to his mind was-”

“Say it!” Ava said.

“Why did he stop using a wand?” I asked. “Did you ever use your back sight to see into his past? Did you ever find the answer?”

Ava shook her head. “No. No matter how many times I’ve tried. I can’t figure it out and I don’t know the reason he chose me. It’s like he walks outside of our reach to see into the events and patterns of the past or the power of oracles to see into the future. I don’t know. But, if you want to become like your father or gain his level power then you need to ask him or-”

“-I need to ask him to teach me become just as powerful as he is.” James said softly.

Ava nodded. “Yes. You can become his apprentice and shadow him and you’ll find your answer.”

“Mother. I read letter. Do you still think that way about yourself?” James said.

Ava stared at him. “It doesn’t matter.”

James pursed his lips. “I think your a powerful and a brilliant wizard. I think that’s the reason Dad choose you and wanted to start a family with-”

“-I have to go Harry. I love you. If your father approves of taking you on as his apprentice then you must obey his ever command and never doubt any decision he makes is to protect you because he loves you. We both love you and that is the only thing that matters. Remember that.” Ava said before her image disappeared and the fireplace became empty.

James stared at the empty fireplace and wondered if he had gone to far but then he knew that nothing was going to stop him.