Chapter 220 - Threads of Fate! Part-1

{12th July 1991}  {Rigel's POV} After the book, the rest of our shopping excursion seemed a blur to me. I remembered flashes—the vivid color

{12th July 1991} 

{Rigel's POV}

After the book, the rest of our shopping excursion seemed a blur to me. I remembered flashes—the vivid colors of Mumbai, the bustling energy of Marine Drive, the salty ocean air at Juhu Beach, and the comforting sound of waves splashing gently against our bare feet. Despite these vibrant distractions, my thoughts were tangled elsewhere.

Throughout our wanderings, I observed how seamlessly India’s magical population blended with the Muggles. Wizards in casual clothing walked openly among regular shops and busy streets, utterly comfortable in their coexistence. It fascinated me—especially considering Britain’s strict secrecy. And yet, despite this fascinating integration, a persistent question lingered in my mind: How did Indian witches and wizards manage the infamous incompatibility between magic and Muggle electricity?

But even as intriguing as these mysteries were, my thoughts repeatedly circled back to that book—Dhanvantari’s legacy. The possibility of uncovering a hidden magical inheritance left behind by one of the greatest healers refused to leave my mind. A quiet excitement churned within me, tempered only by caution.

As the day wore on, I noticed the concerned glances my friends kept sending my way. Ginny, especially, her worried eyes frequently flicking toward me, seemed particularly attentive. But I wasn’t ready to discuss anything yet. Instead, I smiled politely, doing my best to conceal my distraction.

It was only after dinner, when we returned to our hotel suites, that I knew I couldn’t keep this secret bottled inside any longer. I needed someone I trusted implicitly—someone who’d understand both the excitement and the danger. I knew exactly who that person had to be.

“Sirius?” I approached quietly, nudging him as he stood on the balcony, gazing thoughtfully out at the shimmering lights of Mumbai below. “Could we talk for a moment?”

Sirius turned immediately, smiling warmly. “Of course, Rigel. I wondered how long you’d wait. You’ve seemed half a world away all evening. What’s on your mind?”

I hesitated only briefly, glancing back at the suite where Harry, Ron, Ginny, and the twins were cheerfully laughing over some joke. “Privately?”

He nodded, instantly serious, leading me into a smaller adjoining sitting room and closing the door carefully behind us. “All right,” Sirius began gently, folding his arms and leaning casually against the table. “What’s eating at you?”

I took a deep breath and decided to be direct. “At Jyoti’s shop, there was this book—a very special one. It’s written entirely in Parselscript, enchanted so deeply only a true Parselmouth could read it.”

Sirius’s eyes widened slightly, interest flickering across his face. “Go on.”

“Well,” I continued slowly, “the moment I touched it, the text rearranged itself into English. It spoke about healing magic cast through Parseltongue—magic that’s supposedly incredibly powerful. But more than that, the book hints at a hidden inheritance left behind by a legendary Indian healer, Dhanvantari.”

Sirius’s expression shifted from curious interest to an excited gleam. “An inheritance?”

“Yes.” My voice rose slightly with enthusiasm. “Jyoti told me the book has been untouched for years now; many have attempted it, but no one else could decipher it, not even their finest scholars of Parseltongue. But somehow, it responded directly to me.”

Sirius let out a short, incredulous laugh, eyes narrowing slightly. “You’re telling me you stumbled upon a secret ancient book, a legendary wizard’s hidden inheritance, and you’re the only person who can read it? Merlin’s beard, Rigel, did you accidentally drink some Felix Felicis this morning?”

I smiled sheepishly. “Feels that way, doesn’t it?”

Sirius chuckled heartily. “Rigel Black, mystery magnet extraordinaire. This is exactly why I have grey hairs.”

Then abruptly, his amusement softened. Something sharper and far more analytical flickered behind his eyes. The Auror in him had finally awakened. He straightened slightly, tapping his fingers thoughtfully against his arm.

“All right,” he said, voice dropping into a more serious tone. “Let’s slow down and think clearly about this. You know, I spent years as an Auror—trained to recognize patterns and traps. Magical inheritances hidden behind complicated riddles and secret books usually aren’t sitting around, conveniently waiting to be found by a teenager from halfway across the world. This feels a bit too… coincidental.”

I frowned slightly, my own caution reasserting itself. “You think it could be a trap? For whom, Harry or me?”

“I think we shouldn’t rule anything out,” Sirius said carefully. “Books reacting exclusively to one person often mean powerful, complex magic—magic that’s selective and purposeful. You say the feeling reminded you of Voldemort’s diary?”

I nodded slowly, unease resurfacing. “The structure of the enchantment felt similar, though not malevolent. Just… protective, though, from what I can gather, the feeling meant that the charms protecting the books were similar in nature, maybe a soul-based protective charm? Attuned to the Parselmouth trait?”

“Protective magic can still hide plenty of malicious intent,” Sirius warned seriously, his voice soft but firm. “There’s no doubt about your talents, Rigel, and your instincts are usually impeccable, but this might require more caution. Before diving headfirst, we need more information.”

I nodded again, relieved Sirius understood both the opportunity and the potential danger. “Jyoti said no one had deciphered it before. If it is authentic, this could be life-changing. Imagine the healing spells I could learn—magic unlike anything we’ve seen back home.”

“Or imagine what might be waiting at the end of this road,” Sirius countered gently. “We don’t know the full story yet. Even Jyoti admitted it was shrouded in rumors.”

He took a step closer, placing a comforting hand on my shoulder. “Rigel, I trust your judgment. But promise me you’ll be cautious. We’ll approach this carefully, slowly. Maybe consult the Patils—they might know more about this healer and any legends surrounding his inheritance.”

“I was already thinking the same,” I agreed quietly. “But for now, I think we should keep this between us.”

Sirius hesitated briefly, his gaze thoughtful. “Maybe. But don’t forget, we have another resource right here—someone else who could read that book. Someone who might share your ability, and we might be able to see if the book does have a protective soul-based charm attuned to the Parselmouth ability.”

“You mean Harry,” I realized instantly.

Sirius nodded seriously. “Exactly. Harry’s a Parselmouth too. He might see something you didn’t, or maybe confirm your impressions. Another perspective might help clarify whether we’re walking into a genuine opportunity or stepping into a cleverly concealed trap.”

I considered this carefully. He had a point. Harry’s perspective could be invaluable. But revealing the book meant risking springing a trap if it was one—something I felt reluctant to do unless absolutely necessary.

“Can we wait a bit first?” I asked carefully. “I just want to be sure before we involve him.”

Sirius smiled understandingly, gently squeezing my shoulder. “Fair enough. Just promise you’ll keep an open mind about telling Harry later, I know you found it, and it is your opportunity, Harry would believe so as well.”

“I promise.” Not really concerned about him trying to steal any inheritance if there was one.

Sirius exhaled deeply, relaxing again and flashing his familiar mischievous grin. “Well, then, Mr. Black. You’ve done it as promised—made this trip far more exciting than anticipated. Why can’t we just have a peaceful vacation?”

I chuckled softly, feeling lighter again. “Where’s the fun in that?”

Sirius groaned dramatically. “You’re definitely James’s and Lily’s nephew. Trouble just follows you around. If my hair wasn’t already grey, it certainly would be now.”

I laughed warmly, grateful once more for Sirius’s understanding and caution. “I appreciate this, Sirius—your advice. I won’t take it lightly.”

He ruffled my hair affectionately. “Never doubted you would.”

Together, we walked back into the main suite, joining our friends again. Their carefree laughter washed over us, a comforting backdrop against the complexity of what we’d just discussed.

As I sat down beside Ginny, smiling quietly at her warmth, I knew the path ahead wouldn’t be easy or simple. But with Sirius’s support and caution, we could navigate whatever came next.

'Need to talk to Parvati tomorrow and see if I can get more information about the legendary healer himself...'

----