Shadow_D_Monarch3
patreon
Heavy is the Crown (Harry Potter) Chapter 13: Acknowledge and Deliver
🕑 Added 2025-04-09 21:00:07 +0000 UTC[Third Person's PoV]
Arthur jolted awake the next morning, his heart racing. He looked around frantically, eyes still half-closed. "Huh?! Where am I? Oh..." Realization dawned as he rubbed the sleep from his face.
Without wasting another moment, he jumped out of bed and rushed downstairs. The scent of breakfast greeted him as he found Merlin in the kitchen, busy at the stove.
“So, Mel, what do you think?!” Arthur blurted as soon as he stepped in.
“About what?” Merlin asked, raising an eyebrow.
“The book, Merlin. The book. What do you think of it? Is it good?” Arthur asked, his eyes full of hope.
“It’s acceptable,” Merlin replied with a shrug. “I corrected a few grammar mistakes here and there to make it more comprehensible, but it’s not half bad.”
“So... it’s done, right?” Arthur asked, trying to keep the eagerness out of his voice.
Merlin nodded, and Arthur pumped his fist in the air. “Yes!”
“Are you going to publish it right away?” Merlin asked, glancing at him curiously.
Arthur sighed. “I wish it were that simple. But no, not yet. I’m going to write one more—an intermediate guide.”
“Why?” Merlin asked, tilting her head. “You’re not even sure if the first one will succeed. Aren’t you getting ahead of yourself?”
Arthur shook his head. “For starters, it’ll make things easier in the long run. I think people will trust what I write more if they see how it progresses. The first book covers Tiers 1 through 3, but the second will cover Tiers 4 through 6. People are going to get greedy for more knowledge, so I might as well publish them together. Then, I’ll hold off on the third book to keep them anticipating more.”
He took a breath before continuing, “Also, Hogwarts is still in session. Dumbledore won’t have time to entertain my ideas or visit the Flamels while he's busy as Headmaster. His endorsement is what will really set things in motion and grab attention. I should have the second book finished by mid-August, maybe even the end of July since I already know what I’m doing. That’ll be just in time for summer break when Dumbledore will be more available.”
Merlin nodded, turning back to the stove. “Very well then. Whatever you think is wisest.”
Arthur paused, frowning. “Did... did I say something wrong?”
“Nope,” Merlin said casually, not looking at him.
“Then why did you say it like that?” Arthur asked, narrowing his eyes.
“Say it like what?” Merlin replied innocently.
“‘Whatever you think is wisest’—that. Why did you say it like that? Do you think I’m making a mistake?”
Merlin finally turned to look at him, amusement flickering in her eyes. “Art... I’m messing with you.”
“Oh…” Arthur muttered, his cheeks flushing red. He coughed and cleared his throat awkwardly. “I’m, uh, going to do my morning training now…”
Arthur practically speed-walked out of the kitchen and into the yard, leaving Merlin chuckling to herself as she shook her head.
---
Two Months Later
Location: The Flamels' Home
Nicholas and Perenelle Flamel closed the book they had been reading, exchanging thoughtful glances. Arthur sat across from them, fidgeting nervously.
“So... what do you think?” he asked, his voice filled with anticipation.
“For starters… unbelievable,” Nicholas said, removing his glasses and setting them down. Perenelle mirrored the gesture, her expression a mix of amazement and concern.
“Art…” Perenelle began gently, “this reads like it was written by someone with a great deal of experience. I’m worried that if you present this, no one will believe it was written by you. In fact, if you manage to get Dumbledore’s endorsement and publish it, people might assume he wrote it, not you.”
“That won’t be a problem,” Arthur said, nodding as he understood her concern. “The Ministry of Magic will process it officially. We’ll have proof that I’m the author. With both Dumbledore and the Ministry backing me, that should suffice—at least until I can prove myself through my own actions, not just their words.”
Nicholas leaned forward thoughtfully. “I know how to get Dumbledore’s attention. Do you mind if I send the books to him?”
Arthur hesitated. “Well, we need to be sure it’s secure. If it falls into the wrong hands... But after that, I don’t mind.”
Nicholas nodded in understanding and immediately set to work preparing the secure delivery.
As he left the room, Perenelle reached over, gently ruffling Arthur’s hair. “You must’ve worked extremely hard on these. You should be proud.”
Arthur looked down, a smile spreading across his face. “I am.”
Perenelle chuckled softly, resting her chin on her hand. “You know, I can’t help but wonder how that brilliant mind of yours works—how you come up with such bright ideas.”
“Please don’t give him a big head,” Merlin sighed from her seat next to Arthur. “Let’s keep him humble.”
Arthur laughed and shook his head. “I didn’t do this alone. I had help. I know I wouldn’t have made it this far without Mer—lynn. She just doesn’t want to take any of the credit.”
Merlin shrugged. “I might’ve helped here and there, but this was ultimately all you. You’re the one who spent all those nights writing and working.”
Perenelle smiled warmly. “Do you plan on doing anything as grand as Arthur here?” she asked Merlin.
“Not really,” Merlin replied, patting Arthur’s back. “I’m fine as long as I can help him.”
“You sure do care about him, huh?” Perenelle said with affection.
Without warning, Merlin threw her arms around Arthur. “Obviously! Mwch! Mwch! Mwch!” She peppered his cheeks with playful kisses.
Arthur’s ears turned bright red as he tried to wrestle her off, but Merlin only clung tighter, laughing.
“What is your deal?!” Arthur exclaimed, mortified.
“Hehehe! Don’t be afraid of a little affection now!” Merlin teased.
Perenelle watched them with a soft smile, her heart warmed by their playful banter.
…
Elsewhere…
An owl soared gracefully over a vast, shimmering body of water, its wings gliding effortlessly through the cool morning air. Suspended from its talons was a small, carefully wrapped package tied with sturdy strings.
As the owl flew further, a grand castle slowly emerged on the horizon, its towering spires piercing the sky. The sun struggled to break through the shadows cast by its majestic silhouette.
(A/N: Play Hedwig's Theme)
The owl beat its wings harder as it approached one of the tallest towers, ascending toward an open window framed by ancient stone. With a few precise flaps, it gently lowered the package onto the windowsill, then tapped insistently at the glass with its beak.
Inside, an old man in flowing purple robes and a long, silver beard glanced up from his desk, his bright blue eyes narrowing in curiosity. He approached the window and opened it, letting in a crisp breeze along with the persistent owl.
“Well now,” he said in a warm, grandfatherly tone, “it seems you’ve brought me something special.”
The owl gave a solemn nod as the man stepped aside, allowing it to flutter inside and deposit the package onto his desk. Neatly inscribed on top of the parcel were the words: For Dumbledore. From Nicholas Flamel.
A twinkle of amusement danced in Albus Dumbledore’s eyes as he reached over to scratch the owl’s chin. “Off to the owlery with you, my friend. Have some food and rest before your journey home. I’ve my own ways of sending replies.”
The owl hooted softly in acknowledgment before taking flight once more, disappearing into the morning sky.
Turning his attention back to the package, Dumbledore rubbed his hands together, his eyes gleaming with curiosity. “Now, what has dear old Nick sent me? It’s not my birthday, nor is it Christmas… but I wouldn’t mind some sweets. Perhaps Perenelle has been experimenting with new recipes.”
Carefully unwrapping the parcel, he discovered a neatly folded letter resting atop two thick books. Setting the books aside, he opened the letter and began to read:
---
Dear Dumbledore,
If you recall from our last conversation, I mentioned taking in a student—a remarkably bright boy, wise beyond his years. Perenelle and I have grown quite fond of him and his equally talented little friend, an exceptional young witch.
One of the reasons I call this boy wise is due to his groundbreaking theories on magic. His ideas are nothing short of revolutionary. I daresay, if you met him, you’d be just as enchanted by his brilliance as we are.
---
Dumbledore paused mid-sentence, chuckling softly. “It seems Nick has truly taken a liking to this young fellow.”
He resumed reading:
---
This boy has a particular talent for Runes. He’s poured considerable time and effort into documenting his theories and ideas in the books I’ve enclosed, hoping to share them with the wider Wizarding World. However, given his age and limited connections, I fear he may face resistance.
I know I ask much, Albus, but if you find these works impressive—and I believe you will—I hope you’ll consider endorsing them. Your support would open doors that might otherwise remain closed to him.
Also included is a piece of chalk, infused with magic—another of his brilliant inventions, created through alchemy. You’ll understand its purpose once you’ve finished reading.
Of course, if the books fail to impress, feel no obligation to act on this request.
Sincerely,
Nicholas Flamel
---
Dumbledore set the letter down, his brow furrowed with interest. He peered into the box, spotting the two books, a small piece of chalk, and—just as he’d hoped—a bag of freshly baked cookies.
He picked up the books, noting the intricate designs of magic circles on their covers. The titles read:
The Art of Magic Circles. The Fundamental Theory for Beginners
By Arthur King
The Art of Magic Circles. The Fundamental Theory for the Intermediate
By Arthur King
Intrigued, Dumbledore opened the first book and read aloud:
"This is the beginning of a revolution in magic, and it all starts with one simple question: ‘What is a magic circle?’”
A spark of amused curiosity flickered in his eyes. The more he read, the deeper his curiosity grew, pulling him further into the pages. Without glancing away, he sank into the chair behind his desk, one hand flipping through the book while the other reached for the bag of cookies.
As he nibbled on a biscuit, he muttered under his breath, “What an interesting concept…”
And with that, Dumbledore was utterly absorbed, the world outside his study fading into the background as he delved deeper into Arthur King's revolutionary ideas.
Comments
Vilmer
I think Nick would call Dumbledore, Albus since they seem so close
