Chapter 4: Chapter 4: The Price of Power and the Path Ahead
The silence following the owl's abrupt entrance was almost deafening. The shattered glass from the window lay scattered across the lavish dining hall, glinting under the golden chandeliers. Every eye was fixed on the parchment that Don Salvatore now held in his weathered hands, the seal of Hogwarts still intact.
Salvatore read the letter aloud, his deep voice echoing through the hall. The mention of magic, wizards, and a school hidden from the world of men left many at the table exchanging uncertain glances. Some of the older members scoffed quietly, thinking it was some elaborate joke. Others, those who had spent years in the shadows, knew better than to dismiss the unknown so easily.
Leonardo sat still, his fingers tapping lightly against the table as he processed the information. He had encountered something supernatural back in Arcana Cabana—that much was undeniable. And now, as if the universe had decided to confirm its existence, here was an official invitation to study magic.
After a long pause, Don Salvatore exhaled through his nose, placing the letter down. His sharp, calculating eyes met Leonardo's.
"What do you make of this?" he asked, his voice steady but filled with an underlying curiosity.
Leonardo leaned back, rolling his cane between his fingers. "I think it would be foolish to ignore an invitation from people who can send an owl to break through a fortified window without setting off any alarms."
Murmurs spread through the family. Some nodded in agreement, while others remained skeptical. Salvatore raised a hand, silencing them.
"If this is real," Salvatore continued, "then it means there is an entire world out there we have yet to touch. And if they believe you are one of them, then we must consider the advantages."
Leonardo smirked. He had been raised to see power as something to be earned, something to be seized. If magic was real, then it was just another tool—another weapon to master.
Salvatore tapped the letter with a finger. "You will go."
Leonardo arched a brow. "That quickly? No debate?"
Salvatore's lips curled into a knowing smile. "You are Giovanna. We do not turn away opportunities. We adapt. Learn. Conquer."
A round of approving chuckles and nods spread through the table. Even those who had doubts were forced to admit that having someone on the inside of a magical society could bring untold benefits.
Leonardo lifted the letter again, rereading it. Deputy Headmistress Ancient One? Sorcerer Supreme? He knew enough from old myths and whispered rumors that the title wasn't just for show. Whoever was in charge of this place was someone of importance.
He rested his cane against the table and picked up his wine glass—well, grape juice, since Salvatore didn't allow him alcohol yet. Raising it slightly, he smirked at the gathered mafiosi.
"To new business ventures," he said.
"To new business ventures!" they echoed, clinking their glasses together.
As the celebration continued, Leonardo's mind raced. Magic was real, and he was about to step into a world few men like him had ever seen.
The path ahead was uncertain, but one thing was clear—power was power, no matter what form it took. And Leonardo Giovanna would claim it all.
The next morning, preparations were underway. A trip to London was in order—specifically, a place called Diagon Alley.
Leonardo leaned against the railing of the private jet as they soared across the ocean, a smirk tugging at his lips.
A new world awaited him.
And he couldn't wait to make it his own.