Chapter 4. The Keepers of the Keys.oOoOo

  That night, after Lily Potter's departure, Séléné found herself, as she often did, standing before Okuni in the quiet of the Kabuki theatre. But this time, she had many questions. Unfortunately, Okuni had few answers.

  “Makoto ni mōshiwake gozaimasen, Soshi.” (I am deeply sorry) Okuni expined, apparently as frustrated as Séléné, though far too poised to show it. “I myself am lost. Of course, the simplest expnation would be that my vision was simply wrong, that I misread it… but Lily Potter is real, just like Hogwarts, a pce I had never heard of in my lifetime.

  The only thing I can imagine, at this point, is that something happened in the past that altered the course of things drastically. And if so, it must have happened before 1981.”

  “I mean, I guess... but what am I supposed to do now?” Séléné asked, her tone more whiny than she intended.

  “Nothing at all, Soshi. For now, you just act naturally. You go to Hogwarts. You study. You live as you would have done, even if we had never met.” Okuni’s eyes softened. “I can still teach you my craft and my rituals, even if my visions can no longer guide you. And if you truly wish to make use of my memories… someday, when you are older, you may choose to investigate. To understand why the present is so different from what we expected.”

  There was nothing dramatic in her tone, just quiet truth, and a kind of mourning neither of them had words for.

  Séléné let the words settle around her like dust in the footlights. It wasn’t the answer she’d hoped for. But it was the only one that felt real.

  After all, Okuni’s predictions hadn’t been completely wrong. Just… unreliable.

  oOoOo

  The following evening, after an excruciatingly slow day at school for Séléné, the Denge family gathered once more in the living room to finally examine the letter.Without hesitation, Gabriel handed the sealed envelope to his daughter.

  “It’s yours,” he said simply.

  For a long moment, Séléné didn’t move. Her fingers brushed the parchment, thick and fibrous beneath her touch. Her name and address were written in flowing green ink, precise and elegant. It felt more like a relic than a message.

  Then, with a quiet breath and a precise movement, she broke the seal and drew out a small stack of parchment sheets.

  Rather than skim it herself, she looked up at her parents.

  “I’ll read it out loud,” she said. “That way, we can all hear it together.”

  She unfolded the first page.

  HOGWARTS SCHOOL of WITCHCRAFT and WIZARDRY Headmaster: Albus Dumbledore (Order of Merlin, First Css, Grand Sorcerer)

  Dear Séléné Ushio Denge, We are pleased to inform you that you have been accepted at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Please find enclosed a list of required books, clothing, and equipment for your first year.

  She paused, lips parting slightly.

  “I know that part already, but… seeing it written is weird.”

  Her parents didn’t speak, so she continued.

  The Hogwarts Express for first-year students will depart on the st Friday before the first Monday of September from Ptform 9?, King's Cross Station. Term officially begins on the first Monday of September. Older students may travel to Hogwarts by approved magical means, but first-year attendance on the Express is mandatory.

  Gabriel gave a small, impressed grunt. “They’ve got magic, and still they make train schedules. Love it.”

  We kindly ask you to confirm your attendance by owl no ter than 31 July. Should you or your family have any questions, we remain avaible for further expnation and assistance.

  Please also note that once your wand has been purchased, you are not permitted to cast magic outside of Hogwarts grounds until you reach the age of seventeen, unless supervised by a magical guardian in a properly registered magical household.

  At that, Miyu’s eyebrows twitched slightly.

  “I assume someone will expin what qualifies as a ‘properly registered magical household,’” she said.

  “Eventually,” Séléné muttered, flipping the page.

  The winter holiday break begins in mid-December, at which time students may choose to return home or remain at Hogwarts. More information will be provided during the term.

  We look forward to welcoming you to the castle. Warm regards, Minerva McGonagall Deputy Headmistress

  Séléné took a slow breath. Her fingers trembled just slightly. Then she turned to the next sheet.

  Uniform First-year students will require: – Three sets of pin work robes (bck) – One winter cloak (bck, silver fastenings; optional house crest) – One pair of protective gloves (dragon-hide or reinforced cloth) – One pair of protective goggles or gsses (for Flying lessons)

  Gabriel let out a small whistle. “That’s a lot of bck.”

  Miyu, meanwhile, was already focused. “Do they specify sizes? Fabric requirements?”

  Séléné scanned ahead. “...No, just that all items must be beled.”

  Students are also encouraged to bring casual Muggle clothing for weekends and personal time. Laundry and storage services are provided.

  “Laundry service,” Gabriel said. “They’re wizards, but they know what matters.”

  Course Books All students should have a copy of each of the following: – The Standard Book of Spells (Grade 1) by Miranda Goshawk – A History of Magic by Miranda Fortescue (annotated by Florean Fortescue) – Magical Theory by Griselda Marchbanks – Fundamentals of Transfiguration by Minerva McGonagall (updated edition) – Understanding Magical and Mundane Societies by Bathilda Bagshot – Beginning English Language and Composition by Susan M. Turner – Mathematics for the Modern Mind by An K. Whitaker

  “Good,” said Miyu, nodding slowly. “They kept some core subjects.”

  Gabriel leaned toward her. “I think the Fundamentals of Transfiguration might not be quite what you’re imagining.”

  Other Equipment – 1 wand – 1 wand holster (hip, wrist, or forearm style recommended) – 1 set of brass scales – 1 school trunk or magically-reinforced travel case – A supply of parchment, quills, and ink for written work – Optional: 1 broomstick (must be registered with Madam Hooch and used under supervision)

  Séléné mumbled to herself, “No way I’m getting one of those.”

  Note: First-year students do not need to bring cauldrons, phials, or telescopes. These are provided in ter years when applicable.

  Gabriel squinted. “That’s oddly generous.”

  Pets Students may bring one of the following companion animals: – Cat – Owl – Ferret – Snake

  All animals must be non-venomous and safe to keep in shared dormitories. Exotic magical creatures are not permitted.

  “I can’t believe snake is an option,” Gabriel murmured.

  “I kind of want a cat,” Séléné whispered.

  She flipped to the final page. It had a more… animated energy. Even before she began reading, she could feel the shift.

  HOGWARTS PROHIBITED ITEMS NOTICE As issued by the Office of the Deputy Headmistress

  For the safety, dignity, and general sanity of the Hogwarts student body and staff, the following items are not permitted on school grounds...

  She began reading aloud, her voice ced with curiosity.

  Magical Misconduct Items – Enchanted objects that stalk, spy, or follow others (e.g., tracking dolls, whispering mirrors) – Items with aggressive autonomous behavior (e.g., animated hats that argue, boomerangs that don't stop) – Enchanted musical instruments or objects that induce sleep, nausea, or involuntary dance – Repeating spell scrolls or “curse-mail” – Any object that shrieks, explodes, or weeps uncontrolbly between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m.

  Gabriel gave a little snort. “So as long as it explodes before 10 p.m., we’re good.”

  Auditory Nuisances & Confounding Charms – Items that loop phrases, songs, or sound effects – Babbling bookmarks, whispering quills, or simirly distracting charms – Self-pying instruments not approved for performance use – Farting shoes are permitted, but may not exceed 10 emissions per hour

  There was a beat of silence.

  Then Gabriel leaned back, hand on heart. “I have never been more proud of British education.”

  Miyu didn’t even look up. “You are not buying her those.”

  Restricted Substances – Love potions (even “just for fun”) * – Truth serums or emotion-altering brews * – Personal or unlicensed Polyjuice Potion * – Non-registered alchemical compounds

  Séléné frowned. “Wait. What’s a love potion?”

  Miyu stiffened. “That’s not something an eleven-year-old should ever be near.”

  Gabriel’s voice was dry. “That’s not something anyone should be near.”

  There was a short, uncomfortable silence. Then Séléné gnced at the next line. “Polyjuice Potion?” she tried.

  Gabriel cleared his throat. “Let’s… not find out.”

  Wardrobe Viotions – Prank clothing that resizes, vanishes, or impersonates uniforms – Garments with voice charms (e.g., mooing pants, singing underwear) – Clothing enchanted to deliver jolts, tickles, or unsolicited hugs

  Gabriel grinned. “Still not as bad as those jeans your aunt Michiko bought me.”

  Miyu gave him a look. “Do not bring up the jeans.”

  Disguise & Impersonation Items – Facemasks or charms that mimic teacher or student voices – Recording devices or mimic stones used to forge permission – Unauthorized illusion spells or gmours – Spectacles or enchanted lenses that reveal clothing, personal effects, or otherwise viote privacy * – Any attempt to impersonate staff or bypass magical security *

  “Okay,” Séléné muttered, “that got serious real fast.”

  Creature-Reted Restrictions – Venomous or parasitic pets – Magical insects intended for prank brews – Dolls that stare or move on their own (especially those that watch you sleep) – Creatures that attempt to enroll themselves as students

  “I love this school,” Gabriel said simply.

  Collectibles & Printed Material – Chocote Frog Card collections are allowed, but must not duel in the corridors – “Spicy Vee Stickers” are banned in all forms – Magazines or printed material rated above PG-13 – Gossip scrolls, auto-writing quills, or unauthorized biographies

  Séléné lowered the parchment slowly. “They really thought of everything.”

  Gabriel nodded, mock-solemn. “And yet, somehow, the singing underwear got in anyway.”

  The room was quiet.

  Not solemn, just still. The kind of silence that follows ughter. The kind that holds space for wonder.

  For the first time, the path ahead felt slightly less terrifying.

  oOoOo

  In the weeks that followed, the Denge household was filled with questions, discussions, small compromises, and long conversations that often stretched into the evening. Almost every day, Miyu wrote in the enchanted notebook Lily had left behind, and each time, she received thoughtful, detailed replies.

  One of their main concerns, shared quietly between cups of tea or during pauses in the conversation, was communication. The magical world, it seemed, still didn’t have anything resembling a telephone. And if something were to happen to their daughter, they might not know until long after, they couldn't exactly spend their days glued to a journal, waiting for a message.

  As it turned out, they weren’t the only ones with that worry. According to Lily, Hogwarts had recently implemented a new system to ease those very fears. The school now provided a set of magically linked bracelets to all students and their guardians.

  The child’s bracelet would gently reflect their emotional state through shifting colors, and the parents’ bracelets would echo those changes in real time. A calm child might shine green. Curiosity might appear as gold. Frustration, orange. It wouldn’t reveal everything, children were entitled to privacy, but certain critical situations, such as magical coercion or the effects of an unknown potion or spell, would trigger an immediate signal. In those rare cases, the bracelets would fsh white, and both the parents and Headmaster Dumbledore would be notified instantly.

  The reassurance this offered was immense. It didn’t solve everything, of course, but it was enough to tip the scale. For Gabriel and Miyu, it meant trust didn’t have to be blind, just brave.

  And so, quietly, unanimously, they made their choice.

  Séléné would go to Hogwarts.

  They informed Lily a few days ter, and a Saturday was arranged for their first official step into the magical world: a visit to Diagon Alley, with Lily as their guide, to begin preparing for everything that y ahead.

  oOoOo

  A few weeks ter, as November drew to a close and every breath dressed itself in cotton clouds, the family walked the streets of London, visibly searching for something.

  Lily Potter had written the day before, inviting them to meet her on Charing Cross Road, at a pub called The Leaky Cauldron.

  It was Séléné who spotted it first, her parents, unable to see the establishment themselves, relied on her guidance as she led them forward, hands gently csped in theirs.

  The pub had clearly seen better days.

  Heavy wooden tables bore the marks of time, their surfaces etched with silent tales whispered across countless conversations. The chairs, mismatched but comfortable, invited visitors to sit and stay a while. A soft amber glow filtered through tinted gss mpshades, bathing the room in an atmosphere both intimate and inviting. Behind the bar, a small collection of old bottles, unfamiliar bels and mysterious shapes, stood quietly alongside polished gsses waiting to be used. In one corner, a firepce crackled with unusual green fmes, casting flickering light against the stonework.

  They had expected to spot Lily Potter’s bright red hair instantly, but unfortunately, she had not yet arrived.

  The barman, who greeted them with a wide, toothless smile, seemed to notice their lost expressions. With a short expnation and a nod of understanding, he invited them to take a seat and wait for their guide.

  The wait turned out to be shorter than expected.

  Barely had the family settled in when the firepce suddenly fred brighter, catching their attention. As the fmes calmed once more, Lily Potter stepped out of the hearth, accompanied by a young girl who bore a striking resembnce to her and appeared to be about Séléné’s age. After sweeping the room with a quick gnce, Lily spotted the trio. A few words passed between her and the girl at her side before they both crossed the room and made their way to the table.

  “I’m so sorry,” Lily said with a touch of nervousness. “I should have arrived earlier, but my husband had an unexpected meeting and couldn’t stay home with Rose. I hope you don’t mind that I brought her along? She’ll be starting at Hogwarts next year too.”

  “There’s absolutely no problem,” Miyu replied with a reassuring smile. “At least Séléné will already know someone when the time comes.”

  Meanwhile, the two girls in question simply watched each other in silence, uncertain how to start a conversation with both their families watching their every move.

  Rather than let the quiet stretch further, Lily gently resumed the conversation.

  “I think we should begin with Gringotts. You’ll need to open an account, and there are a few procedures for families newly introduced to our world. The goblins can be a little gruff, but there’s no one better when it comes to banking or vault security. You’ll be in very good... hands? Cws? Either way, let’s go.”

  Following Lily’s lead, they exited through the back door of the pub and stepped into a narrow, enclosed alley. The only features were a brick wall and a few battered rubbish bins. Seeing their puzzled expressions, Lily couldn’t help but smile.

  Without further dey, she drew her wand and tapped several bricks in a precise sequence.

  Suddenly, the wall began to shift, the bricks rearranging themselves with the fluid momentum of an invisible wave. Miyu startled visibly, letting out a quiet gasp, while Gabriel gave a low whistle of admiration, visibly impressed by the unfolding magic.

  As they stepped through the arch, Rose shot Séléné a sideways gnce, not unfriendly, just a small smirk curving over her lips, apparently enjoying the look of wonder on the other girl's face.

  Once everyone was in the alley and breaths had found their rhythm again, Lily apologized for the rush, promising they’d have time to properly explore Diagon Alley once the banking was done and they had a bit of wizarding currency in hand.

  The mentioned establishment stood proudly, in stark contrast to its surroundings. It was a vast structure, constructed entirely of gleaming white marble that seemed to shimmer in the ambient light. Its architecture was intricate, adorned with soaring columns, delicate carvings, and spires that reached towards the sky like the fingers of a titan. It looked as if it had been plucked directly from the pages of a fantastical tale, a pce where gods might dwell or ancient secrets be guarded. The building's imposing presence made the surrounding shops and stalls seem almost insignificant, as if they were mere shadows against its brilliance.Without the slightest hesitation, Lily and Rose crossed the courtyard and began up the stairs leading to the bank. The newcomers, meanwhile, did their best to keep up, still disoriented and visibly out of their element, their steps just a bit less certain than those of the witches ahead.

  As they climbed, the Denge family couldn’t help but notice a poem carved into the stone, cleverly pced so that it was impossible to miss while ascending the broad staircase toward the main entrance. Curiously, neither Lily nor Rose gave it a second gnce, no doubt so used to its presence that it had long faded into the background of their routine.

  “Enter, stranger, but take heedOf what awaits the sin of greed,For those who take, but do not earn,Must pay most dearly in their turn.So if you seek beneath our floorsA treasure that was never yours,Thief, you have been warned, bewareOf finding more than treasure there.”

  Sharing a few gnces at the ominous tone of the inscription, the family nevertheless continued their climb, now more aware than ever of where they were. At the top, they offered a polite bow, deep, instinctive, unmistakably Japanese, to the goblin guards stationed at the massive doors.To their quiet relief, the goblins returned the gesture with solemn nods, their expressions unreadable but not unkind.

  Together, they stepped into the vaulted atrium of Gringotts Wizarding Bank.

  oOoOo

  "Grumpy and efficient" truly was an apt way to describe the goblins.

  Once inside the bank, Lily offered a swift expnation to the staff, and before any of them could blink, Gabriel, Miyu, and Séléné suddenly found themselves seated in an opulent office, unsure of how, exactly, they had gotten there.

  The goblin handling their case, a rather brusque individual named Grimtalon, took it upon himself to walk the Denge family through the peculiarities of magical finances.

  “To begin with,” he said, his voice gravelly but precise, “following the global economic reform of 1930, a new policy was implemented to revitalize the magical economy.”

  Séléné perked up at the mention of the year. She had wondered when things had shifted so much. Now, at least, she had somewhere to begin her hunt. 1930.

  Unaware of her sudden focus, Grimtalon continued his expnation. “When a magical bloodline dies out, their vaults are frozen and their keys are returned to us, the custodians. The contents remain untouched, waiting for magic to awaken again in one of the family's dormant descendants. Vaults like these, inactive and unproductive, are a nightmare for us as bankers. Money that sits still is money wasted.”

  He straightened a few papers with a practiced flick of his cws.

  “Fortunately, under the current system, every newcomer to the magical world is required to undergo an inheritance test. This determines whether they are descendants from any lineages in stasis.”

  Gabriel, attentive and practical, raised a question at once. “But does that come with responsibilities, or just rights?”

  Grimtalon’s lip curled into something close to a satisfied grin. He clearly appreciated Gabriel’s refusal to accept what might sound too good to be true.

  “A legitimate concern,” the goblin nodded. “At the very beginning, some of the more radical families did attempt to impose severe taxes on reactivated accounts, regardless of their contents. In some cases, the tax exceeded the gain. And there were… other ideas, popur at the time, that have thankfully been buried.”

  He tapped the desk twice with a long, polished nail, like a full stop.

  “But the reforms have evolved. Today, only assets may be passed down in this manner. No debts. No binding contracts. And given the positive impact this measure has had on the magical economy, even those resistant families had no choice but to accept, and even enjoy, the change.”

  It was Miyu’s turn to ask a question.“But we’re from Japan and France, surely the chances of Séléné inheriting from a British family are incredibly slim, aren’t they?”

  Grimtalon was clearly in his element now. “Not to worry. The Gringotts banking network is global. I don’t know if you’ve ever heard of the Hollow Earth theory, Agartha, and all that nonsense?” He waved a cw dismissively. “Of course, it’s false. But the theory originated when a non-magical expedition stumbled, quite by accident, into one of our deep tunnels before we had a chance to secure it.”

  His eyes glittered faintly.

  “Our galleries span the world beneath your feet. You could travel from here to Japan without ever seeing the sun, or even touching the sea.”

  He leaned back slightly, cws folded with professional satisfaction.

  “In any case, the test is mandatory, and entirely harmless. We prefer to use a single drop of blood, the results are instantaneous and significantly more accurate. But if you’re not comfortable with that, we can also use a saliva sample, in this case, the results will take several days.”

  Gabriel and Miyu turned toward their daughter, almost in unison. After all, it was her choice to make.

  Séléné, for her part, didn’t hesitate. If the banks were truly linked, she already had a good idea of what the test would reveal.