Harry Potter Enshrouded

Winter has settled heavily over the Blackthorn estate, wrapping the grounds in a thick, muffling blanket of snow. The sharp winds rattled the enchanted windows, but the cold did little to penetrate the warm glow of the grand estate's interiors.

Adrian Blackthorn stood in his dueling room, with his wand gripped tightly in one hand as he faced the training dummy before him. A flick of his wrist sent a bright jet of red light spiraling toward his opponent. The dummy retaliated with a burst of crimson sparks, forcing Adrian to sidestep and conjure a shimmering shield.

"Protego!"

The spell held firm, deflecting the attack harmlessly into the stone wall behind him. Adrian wasted no time countering, sending a Stupefy Charm that struck the dummy square in its chest, causing it to freeze mid-motion before crumpling to the floor.

Breathing heavily, Adrian lowered his wand and glanced at the timer ticking on the wall. He had improved, but not by enough. His movements were still too stiff, his aim not as precise as he wanted.

"You'll wear yourself out before you even get to Hogwarts."

Adrian turned to see Evanna leaning against the doorway, her arms crossed with a smug smile on her lips

"I need to prepare myself for the future," Adrian replied, straightening his posture. He pointed his wand toward the dummy, reviving it with a flick.

"What future ?," she said, stepping into the room. "Father's not even here to see it, you know."

"I'm not doing it for him."

Evanna tilted her head, studying her brother. "Then who?"

Adrian didn't answer immediately, instead aiming another curse at the dummy. The sharp crack of the spell echoed in the room as the dummy dodged. He followed it with a disarming charm, finally knocking the wand from its hand.

"Anyway continue the practice as I am going to go and sleep. It's still 6am in the morning and you woke me up" said Evanna

Later that evening, Adrian sat alone in his room, staring at the empty window. Tomorrow was the day he was going to get his Hogwarts letter. He knew that Hogwarts was his escape, his escape from this prison of politics. He wanted to be more than just another pureblood heir, more than a cog in the Ministry's well-oiled machine. He had seen enough during these last few years to understand the unspoken truth of this world: strength is power. If he was going to carve out a place amongst legends, he couldn't afford to be anything less than extraordinary.

His ambitions, however, were his own secret. Even Evanna, sharp as she was, didn't know the full scope of his plans.

Reaching for his sister's old wand, Adrian began practicing silent incantations. Non-verbal spellwork wasn't taught until later years at Hogwarts, but that didn't deter him. He worked through the basics, focusing on controlling the magic without the aid of spoken words. His movements were deliberate and precise as he conjured a faint light from his wand tip, extinguished it and then conjured it again.

The room was quiet except for the soft hum of magic.

The next morning, as the sun rose weakly over the snow-covered grounds, as Adrian joined Evanna for breakfast at the table. Their father was absent attending critical matters in the Ministry of Magic

The sound of flapping wings broke the peace at the table. Both siblings looked up as a gray owl swooped in through the open window with a thick envelope clutched in its talons.

"It's here," Evanna said

The owl landed neatly on the table, releasing the letter into Adrian's hands before flying off without ceremony. He stared at the wax seal bearing the crest of Hogwarts, his pulse quickening.

"Well?" Evanna prompted. "Are you going to open it, or just stare at it all day?"

Adrian broke the seal, his fingers steady despite the significance of the moment.

Dear Mr. Blackthorn,

We are pleased to inform you that you have been recommended for admission to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry...

The words were as all the same, yet they still sent a thrill through Adrian. This wasn't just an acceptance ; it was his step into the wider wizarding world. This was beginning, the beginning where his patients and resolve would be tested

He folded the letter carefully, sliding it into his pocket.

"Father will be really happy," Evanna said, watching him closely. "But I'm sure he'll have an entire speech ready about upholding the family name and making some good pureblood connections."

Adrian sighed not voicing his opinions.

That evening, Adrian found himself in the drawing room with his father. Damian Blackthorn sat in his luxurious chair by the fire, the amber glow casting sharp shadows over his stern face. His face showed signs of excitement. Finally, he could introduce the future Blackthorn heir to the world. He hoped to use his two genius children to cement the Blackthorns as the most powerful wizarding family for generations to come.

"So," Damian said, his voice low but firm, "you've received your letter."

 "I have." said Adrian in a tone lacking excitement

Damian gestured for him to sit, and Adrian obeyed.

"Hogwarts will be... an opportunity, not just for you, but for this family. You'll be surrounded by the heirs of Britain's most influential houses. Choose your friends carefully. They will be your future allies"

"I understand," Adrian replied, his tone neutral.

"Do you?" Damian leaned forward, his eyes narrowing. "The Blackthorn name carries weight. We are the sacred 28 but, we not untouchable. You must understand that politics is not just in the Ministry. It begins in the relationships you forge at school. I am sure there will be girls flocking like sheeps to have you as their man. They will want you as the future Blackthorn heir. Try to choose the best family and build that relationship, the relationship that will carry the Blackthorn's ahead."

Adrian nodded, biting back the urge to argue. He knew what his father wanted: a dutiful son who upheld tradition, who avoided risks and played the long game.

"I'll do what's necessary," Adrian said.

Damian's gaze lingered on him for a moment longer before he nodded. "Good. That's all I expect."

As Adrian returned to his room, he stood by the window, gazing out at the snow-covered grounds. Hogwarts loomed ahead like a vast and unpredictable chessboard. His father's advice was pragmatic, but it lacked vision like every other pureblood family.

Adrian didn't just want to play this game. He wanted to rewrite its rules and to accomplish that he needed to master some real skills.