Chapter 9: Tranquil Mind
"This is Tranquil Mind!" gasped the man in shock. "How on earth did he manage to achieve this state?! I only managed to achieve this state when I turned 30 years old!"
Harry opened his eyes in delight, enjoying his new achievement. The level of control he had over his magic had just leaped and left him giddy with excitement.
'This is amazing!' thought Harry. 'I haven't had this level of improvement in my Magic Control in forever! Now I'll be able to perform Chantless Magic and Wandless Magic at the same time!'
Almost as if sensing the fluctuations in his emotions, the ball of water that has been hovering above the lake trembled and fell back into the pool of water, causing a slight ripple to spread out.
'What happened?' frowned Harry. 'Why did I lose control?'
"Curious, is it not?" a voice reached Harry's ears.
Harry turned his head to see the suited man from earlier staring at him with a wide grin plastered on his face. 'What's he grinning like a fool for?'
"What is curious?" asked Harry, his eyes half-closing lazily.
"Is it not curious that you lost control over your magic when you have just reached such an advanced stage?" asked the man, smiling.
Harry did not say anything and simply waited for the man to continue.
"The state you have reached just now is called "Tranquil Mind"," explained the man. "It is a state that only those who have taken their Control of Magic to a very advanced stage."
"Why call it "Tranquil Mind"?" asked Harry with curiosity.
"The state does not have a formal name," said the man, shaking his head. "I have simply named it such to better explain it. It is just as the name states; your control over your magic is enhanced when your mind is in tranquillity. Those who have reached this state can be said to be less than 10 throughout Britain. In such a state, you can cast spells without the need for Wands or Chants with greater fluidity."
'Interesting,' thought Harry as the corners of his lips curled into a smile. 'Rowling never talked about such details. I always knew that performing Chantless & Wandless Magic was down to your control over your magic, but I never knew such wonders actually existed. It seems that entering the "Tranquil Mind" state relies on the combination of your concentration & Control of Magic reaching a certain stage.'
"So, young man, I have a question for you," asked the suited man, breaking Harry from his train of thought. "How would you like to study under me?"
"Hmm? Pardon me?" asked Harry in surprise. "How would I like to what now?"
"Study under me," repeated the man with a kind smile. "I can teach you more about your Control of Magic as well as other aspects of Magic if you would like."
"I have always been adept at self-studying," replied Harry with a sigh. "I'm not sure if me studying under you is a good idea."
"Pardon me, where are my manners," said the suited man, seemingly getting the wrong impression. "I have not even introduced myself and I'm already taking in a student. My name is Gareth Greengrass."
'Greengrass?' exclaimed Harry in his mind. 'No way! One of the Sacred Twenty-Eight?'
"You appear surprised," said Mr. Greengrass.
"I wasn't expecting the name Greengrass," said Harry, chuckling. "It's a bit strange."
"Really? It's quite a famous name in the wizarding community," said Mr. Greengrass. "What would your name be young man?"
"Harry Potter," said Harry, after a moment's thought. He was considering giving the man before him a false name. However, he decided against it as Gareth Greengrass appeared to be a very sharp man and would figure it out if he were to see the scar on his forehead, if he has not already. Harry was not yet proficient in Transfiguration enough to Transfigure his scar yet for it to appear normal.
"Harry Potter," mumbled Mr. Greeengrass' as shock covered his face.
Of all the people to have potentially used Apparition accidentally and stumble upon his humble abode, he did not expect it to be The Boy Who Lived.
'More importantly, how is it that this boy have such control over his magic?' thought Mr. Greengrass, his shock deepening. 'He is supposed to be living with Muggles! Why is he so attuned to magic?'
Mr. Greengrass closed his eyes as he took deep breaths to calm himself. Moments later, he opened his eyes and stared intently at Harry. "Young Mr. Potter, how is it that you can use magic so proficiently? From what I know, you live with your Muggle family, no?"
'Shit, I got carried away with the environment here and did not even think about that!' cursed Harry in his mind. "Muggles?"
Harry was not sure if "playing" innocent would work at this stage, he still gave it a try. Having read all the original Harry Potter series, Harry naturally knew what the word "Muggle" meant. Despite that, he still decided to "play" innocent to through off some of the troublesome questions that would be aimed at him.
"Ah, "Muggle" is the terminology that us wizards use when referring to those who are unable to use magic," explained Mr. Greengrass.
"I see," said Harry with a relieved smile. "So there truly are more like myself. You see, I have always been curious about myself since there were times that I could do things that others could not. I discovered that there was a type of energy in my body that I could use to do things like moving stuff without touching them. The more I used that energy, the better I got at controlling it. Then, when I was using that energy, I fell asleep and I came here."
"Just like that?" asked Mr. Greengrass, disbelief and shock written all over his face.
"Well, I was thinking of a comfortable environment where I could better use this energy before I fell asleep, and then here I was," said Harry innocently.
'Merlin's beard! Such circumstances actually exist?' Mr. Greengrass' mind felt like it was about to explode.
He had spent all his life being surrounded by magic and magical beings, yet this was the first time he had come across such a thing. Mr. Greengrass looked at Harry as he began pondering his next course of action. As soon as their eyes met, Mr. Greengrass saw intelligence far beyond the age group of the young boy in front of him.
'Such intelligence!'
This was the only thing that ran through Mr. Greengrass' mind as he sighed in awe. 'This is not the kind of intelligence that is easily found. This boy will be extraordinary if he matures properly. I wonder if Dumbledore is aware? I doubt it. Otherwise, he would not have left this boy alone like this.'
'Damn it! I really shouldn't have fallen asleep like that!' Harry was repeatedly cursing in his mind.
How was it that he fell asleep and appeared before this man? Harry hardly knew anything about the Greengrass family aside from the fact that they were one of the Sacred Twenty-Eight families and that this man, Gareth Greengrass was one of the Unspeakables that worked for the Ministry of Magic. He did not want people from the Wizarding Community to know he was already practicing magic so soon before he started at Hogwarts.
Harry's plans were simple. Since he was an unintended Horcrux Voldemort created and that the Dark Wizard would be aiming for his life relentlessly according to the original novel, Harry wanted to become as strong as possible before starting his formal studies when he went to Hogwarts. He would then slowly showcase his talent and solidify his position and influence in the Wizarding World before he started battling Voldemort.
Now, due to his unintended Apparition to Gareth Greengrass' household, there stood a chance of him being exposed to the Wizarding World ahead of schedule. This, in turn, lead to many thinking he will be the next Voldemort.
It was not that he cared much about what others thought of him, it was more to the fact that he would find the unwanted attention a nuisance and a hindrance to him strengthening himself. However, these thoughts proved to be unnecessary upon the next words that Mr. Greengrass spoke.
"Young, Mr. Potter, your intelligence is truly a gift to you if used correctly," said Mr. Greengrass solemnly. "However, if others found out about your prowess in magic at this point, it would bring unwanted attention that may prove to be a hindrance."
'Oh? I may have judged this man too soon,' thought Harry as his full attention landed on the man before him. However, Harry needed to continue acting "innocent" to uncover the pure-blood's intentions. "What do you mean, Mr. Greengrass?"
"Young, Mr. Potter, you have demonstrated to possess a great deal of talent for one of your age," said Mr. Greengrass in a serious manner. "I believe it is safe to say you possess wisdom that may not be beneath your intelligence."
"Mr. Greengrass, please don't beat around the bush," said Harry, looking annoyed. "I like straightforward people the most."
"Hahaha, as do I," said Mr. Greengrass, laughing. He then turned serious and said, "You see, not long ago there was a wizard who was extremely talented, much like yourself, who went down the wrong path and caused a great deal of misfortune to many people. If those of the Wizarding World found out of your talent in magic at this point, they may believe you may grow to become a second him."
"From what you are saying, he must have a very evil wizard," said Harry with a worried expression.
"That he was," said Mr. Greengrass. "Also, your magic, at present, is still greatly under-developed. There is also the fact that you subconsciously appeared here. This is a highly advanced magic you used; something that even most adults are not very skilled at using. If done incorrectly, there is a high chance you could either appear within walls or leave parts of your body behind. Which is why I would like to take you in as an student and guide you to develop your magic. What do you say?"
'This guy is a some smooth-talker - a good usage of a scare tactic,' thought Harry, chuckling in his mind. "Mr. Greengrass, what I would like to know is how you will be teaching me if I were to accept?"
"I could either come to your residence during the weekends or you could come and spend the weekend here," said Mr. Greengrass. "You would naturally get acquainted with my wife and two daughters either way."
'Hmm, I don't know what his intentions are for wanting to teach me magic,' wondered Harry. 'I could continue learning magic on my own - I am making great progress, after all. Rowling barely said anything about the Greengrass family on the original novels, meaning I don't know if they used to be Death Eaters or not.
But, if I were to accept his tutelage, I could then pass it off as learning from him after I accidentally used Apparition to come in contact with him. From his way of talking, he doesn't seem to want to reveal my mastery over magic.
Sigh, accept or not to accept; that is the question. Either option has its pros and cons - hmm? I just went Shakespear, hahaha.'
Mr. Greengrass found Harry pondering over his decision amusing as he silently watched over the young boy. In all honesty, he knew from Harry's performance of magic earlier and from how Harry was carrying himself so far that the boy had immense untapped potential. Being the curious man that he was, Gareth Greengrass wanted to watch the boy grow.
Harry's potential as well as his identity as The Boy Who Lived Mr. Greengrass wanted to find out more about the famous Harry Potter. Therefore, his businessman instincts kicked in and made Harry the offer he did. Just what did this boy possess that defeated the most powerful Dark Wizard he ever knew?
CREATORS' THOUGHTS 
Profound1
Profound1 Hey guys, I'm really sorry for not replying sooner. Know that this novel has not been dropped.
I wanted to introduce someone magical to Harry before he started Hogwarts, & I figured who better than the Greengrass family.
Let me know in the comments what you think about Harry's Decision (name of the next chapter) - whether you believe he should accept (and why) or decline (and why). Please also let me know the pros and cons of either decision as I want to use it to determine the future of the story.
Happy New Year everyone :-)
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