– Parts of a magical beast willingly given.

– A place that has stood for more than five hundred years.

– A silver bowl filled with moonwater—spring water left under the full moon.

– Runes long forgotten by time itself.

These were the requirements for the ritual the Hawthorne family would be performing today. The knowledge of this ancient rite had been implanted in Aaric’s mind on his eighth birthday, a gift from his unique ritual talent.

The purpose of the ritual was clear: to merge the essence of a magical beast with a human, granting them abilities reflective of the creature.

In a secluded room atop the roof of the castle, with four pillars shimmering with ancient runes and open to the sky, the Hawthorne family prepared. The space radiated magic older than memory.

Aaric carried the egg of a mutated Ashwinder. While ordinary Ashwinders lived only a few hours and laid sterile eggs, these mutated ones—born on the island—lived for years and wielded refined control over fire. The egg Aaric held belonged to the oldest among them. Though sterile, it pulsed with dormant power.

Simon, his father, held the horns of a Romanian Longhorn. These dragons thrived in cold regions and were famed for their growing intelligence and strength with age. The horn Simon had belonged to one born on the island—hundreds of years older than even the ancient ones outside it.

Edwina, Aaric’s mother, brought the horns of a Graphorn, prized for their use in advanced healing potions and their powerful healing magic.

“I will go first,” Simon said firmly. “If anything goes wrong, I don’t want either of you caught in it.”

Aaric and Edwina could only nod under the weight of his gaze.

Simon placed the dragon horns into the silver bowl. The runes etched around the circle shimmered, and the moonwater inside stirred into a red, icy liquid. Simon seated himself in the center of the ritual circle, and the chilled liquid was poured over him.

Instantly, his body froze, and shivers wracked his frame as though he were atop Mount Everest. Yet he held firm.

In his mind, the image of a majestic dragon emerged. The freezing cold now brought him comfort rather than pain. Time blurred. His bones strengthened, his skin gained magical resistance, and his eyes glowed faintly with ancient wisdom. The surrounding ice shifted with his mere gesture.

The dragon bowed to him.

Simon opened his eyes.

He felt his magic expand, his strength soar beyond what any human should be capable of and a higher understanding of ice an an element.

“There were no complications, it seems,” he said, smiling.

Next was Edwina’s turn.

The same process followed. As the moonwater ritual enveloped her, her body reached its peak potential. Her healing magic ascended to a higher plane. A subtle aura now clung to her, altering the flow of magic in others, especially dark magic—it now bent in submission before her.

Finally, Aaric stepped into the circle.

Unlike the others, he took the egg with him and placed it gently on his lap. As the moonwater was poured, the egg dissolved into a stream of fire and flowed into his body.

His body, already enhanced, absorbed the flame eagerly. It settled in his heart, docile and obedient, nourished by his magic. Aaric discovered he could control it with his thoughts—without spell, without wand.

“You did good, son,” Simon said, proud, as Aaric stepped away from the circle.

They all turned and thanked Thimrill, who had been assisting them for the past two days. Even now, he stood at the side, ensuring every preparation was perfect.

With their ritual complete, they used a temporary portkey to return home.

Once back, Simon took the Thunderbird statue to the mansion’s wardstone. He placed it beside the stone. The statue expanded, and lightning crackled as the stone sparked to life.

Nibbin, the family’s loyal house-elf, was preparing food when he felt a surge of power rush through him. House-elves are connected to the wards of the homes they serve, and draw magical energy from them for survival. The ward’s shift had affected him directly.

Sparks of electricity danced around Nibbin, and the ingredients around him spoiled with a crackle. Simon, sensing the surge, ran into the kitchen.

“Sorry, Master! Nibbin ruined the family dinner!” he cried.

Simon simply patted his head gently. “It’s alright, Nibbin. That was my fault. I was adjusting the wards and didn’t account for how they would affect you.”

Nibbin blinked. “So… it wasn’t my fault?”

“No. And now that you seem to have gained some elemental magic of the thunder aspect, you’ll be able to protect the mansion—and your young master—even better.”

At that, Nibbin jumped with joy. After a few moments, he got back to cooking with newfound enthusiasm. He now stood a little taller than before, and even looked a little less… well, ugly.

A/N: These were the foundational chapters. There aren’t many chapters left before the Hogwarts arc begins. Aaric is just too OP right now. I hope you liked the chapter. Tell me you thoughts and suggestions in the comments.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep