Bab 126: Longbottom Gardens
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The introduction prompted curious glances from Arthur and Helen's children, Mark and Lily, who seemed intrigued by the mention of a Muggle relative. Helen, however, greeted Petunia with a kindness that mirrored her earlier warmth towards Harry. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Ms. Evans. Your contributions to Harry's upbringing are evident in the fine young man before us."
Petunia offered a small, somewhat strained smile upon the introductions. The compliments directed at Harry, suggesting her significant role in his upbringing, struck a chord of guilt within her. She was acutely aware that for the majority of Harry's early life, she had not been the supportive figure Helen Longbottom imagined. The history of neglect and mistreatment at the hands of both herself and Vernon was a heavy burden, one that recent attempts at reconciliation could only begin to address. Despite the warmth of the Longbottoms' welcome, Petunia couldn't shake off the feeling of inadequacy.
Sensing her discomfort, Harry gave Petunia's hand a reassuring squeeze, subtly acknowledging the complexities of their past while focusing on the positive strides they had made in recent times. "How about the others?" Harry inquired, aiming to shift the conversation to a more neutral topic. "Have they arrived yet?"
Augusta Longbottom, the matriarch of the family, responded with a nod. "The Greengrasses will be here shortly. The Davis family should arrive any moment now. The Bones and Abbotts are already inside, waiting in the reception room. We can join them if you'd like."
The suggestion was met with nods of agreement, and the group made their way toward the reception room, a spacious area adorned with magical portraits that seemed to watch them curiously as they passed. The atmosphere in the room was one of anticipation and warmth, with the families of Susan Bones and Hannah Abbott already present, engaging in polite conversation.
Susan Bones, accompanied by her aunt Amelia, offered Harry a warm smile as he entered. Her eyes reflected a sense of admiration.
Hannah Abbott, standing close to her parents, Thomas and Eleanor, looked equally pleased to see Harry. Her parents, both of whom carried an air of gentle kindness, greeted Harry and Petunia with genuine warmth.
Nigel, seizing the moment to inject his trademark humor, whispered to Harry, "Ah, the gathering of the clans. Feels almost like a diplomatic summit, doesn't it? Shall we start negotiating treaties, or stick to pleasantries?"
Harry focused on greeting each family. "It's great to see everyone," he said, his tone sincere.
As the room filled with the soft murmur of conversation, Augusta Longbottom suggested, "Why don't we all sit? I believe we have much to discuss and share today." Her suggestion was met with unanimous approval, and the families settled into comfortable seats, forming a semi-circle that encouraged open dialogue.
Petunia, still slightly apprehensive in the magical setting, found herself seated next to Amelia Bones. Amelia, sensing Petunia's discomfort, initiated a conversation that gradually eased Petunia's nerves. They spoke of simple things at first, the beauty of the Longbottom gardens and the weather, but the conversation soon delved into more substantial topics, including the challenges of raising children in such tumultuous times.
Both Petunia and Amelia found common ground in their shared experiences of raising a niece and nephew. Despite the differences in their circumstances, the essence of their roles as guardians in challenging times created a bond between them. Their conversation, initially revolving around the beauty of the Longbottom gardens and the recent weather, gradually deepened into discussions about the responsibilities and joys of their roles. Petunia, initially apprehensive in the magical setting, began to relax as she found herself engaging in a genuine exchange of experiences and perspectives with Amelia.
Neville, seated next to Harry, occasionally chimed in with his thoughts, though he mostly listened intently. Harry, keen on making Neville feel included, often directed the conversation towards topics that would engage both Susan and Hannah, ensuring everyone felt part of the group. The conversation flowed effortlessly, touching on light-hearted subjects. Arthur and his family, meanwhile, contributed their own stories and laughter to the mix, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.
As they waited for the last guests to arrive, Nigel's voice resonated in Harry's mind, "Seems like a cozy little gathering we've got here. Do you think they'd notice if we started a game of charades? I'm quite adept at the invisible man."
Harry, keeping a straight face, responded mentally, "You are doing great, Nigel. Stick to the role."
Soon after, the Greengrass family arrived, with Cyrus and Helena Greengrass leading the way, followed closely by Daphne and her younger sister, Astoria. Cyrus exchanged firm handshakes with Arthur Longbottom and softly took Agusta's hand, while Helena, her elegance and warmth immediately apparent, greeted Agusta, Petunia, Amelia and Eleanor with a gracious smile. Daphne and Astoria quickly joined the circle, engaging in the lively chat.
The Davis family arrived shortly after the Greengrasses, bringing with them an air of cheerful energy that filled the reception room. Jonathan and Marianne Davis, Tracey's parents, were the epitome of warmth and approachability. Jonathan, with his hearty laugh and open demeanor, and Marianne, whose kindness shone through her every word, greeted everyone with genuine enthusiasm. Tracey, mirroring her parents' warmth, quickly joined her peers, her eyes sparkling with excitement for the gathering.
With every guest arriving, the atmosphere at Longbottom Manor was one of warmth and camaraderie. Augusta Longbottom, with a proud gleam in her eye, suggested they all take a tour of the family's renowned gardens. Arthur, assuming the role of guide with a natural ease, beckoned the group to follow him. The guests, eager to witness the famed beauty of the Longbottom grounds, rose to join him.
As they stepped into the sunlight, the garden's splendor was immediately apparent. Vibrant flowers of every hue bloomed in meticulously maintained beds, their fragrances mingling in the air to create a heady perfume. Ancient trees, their branches heavy with history, cast dappled shadows across winding paths. Arthur, leading with a practiced step, pointed out various magical plants, each with its own story or peculiar ability.
"The Whomping Willow over there," Arthur began, indicating a particularly imposing tree that swayed gently in the breeze, "has been in the family for generations. It's much less temperamental than the one at Hogwarts, I assure you." His tone was light, sparking a round of laughter from the group.
Petunia, walking alongside Amelia Bones, marveled at the sights, her earlier apprehension forgotten amidst the garden's tranquility. "It's like something out of a fairy tale," she whispered, more to herself than to Amelia.
Amelia, with a knowing smile, replied, "The wizarding world has its share of wonders, Petunia. And gardens like these are just the beginning."
As they continued, Neville pointed out a patch of Fanged Geraniums to Harry. "Careful with those," he advised with a grin. "They bite." Harry, amused, watched as one of the plants snapped playfully at a butterfly.
Nigel couldn't resist commenting. "A garden that fights back. How... quaint. I suppose a stroll here is considered an extreme sport in certain circles."
Harry, chuckling under his breath, replied mentally, "Maybe I should plant some to motivate myself, hmm?"
Their path led them to a serene pond where Moon Frogs croaked melodiously under the shade of flowering lilies. "They sing only at night, under the full moon," Arthur explained. "It's quite the concert."
As they rounded a corner, they came upon a greenhouse that hummed with magical energy. "This is where we experiment with hybrid plants," Arthur shared, his pride evident. "Some of our greatest successes have started right here."
Inside, the air was warm and moist, filled with the scent of earth and greenery. Shelves lined with exotic plants, some emitting soft lights, others moving gently without any breeze, greeted them. Arthur carefully explained the purpose and magical properties of several specimens, each more fascinating than the last.
Nigel, observing the awe on Harry's face, quipped, "I suppose this is where the magic happens, quite literally. Do be careful not to bring home a souvenir that might eat the cat."
Harry grinned, replying silently, "I think Crookshanks can handle himself."
The tour concluded with a visit to a peaceful orchard where magical fruit trees grew. Apples that sparkled with a faint luminescence hung from branches, alongside pears that seemed to shimmer in and out of visibility. "The orchard is a place of peace," Arthur said, his voice softening. "A reminder that magic isn't just for battles and potions. It's in the very earth we walk on, the air we breathe."
With the tour concluded, Augusta and the others turned their attention to Petunia. They settled in the flower garden, where servants brought out glasses filled with freshly squeezed lemonade, the tangy scent blending harmoniously with the floral aromas surrounding them. Petunia, acknowledging the expectant looks from her audience, began to share her insights, drawing from her experiences with Muggle greenhouse technologies and magical herbology.
Petunia started, her voice steady, "What I've found fascinating is the potential for harmony between the magical and the non-magical. While technology as we know it may falter in a magical environment, the principles behind it, the science, can still offer us incredible insights." She carefully explained how she utilized Muggle innovations in greenhouse design, such as controlled environments and nutrient delivery systems, alongside magical enhancements to herb growth and pest control.
Augusta listened intently, her curiosity piqued. "So, you're suggesting that by adopting Muggle 'methods' without their technology per se, we can achieve results that were previously overlooked?" she asked, intrigued by the notion of combining these practices without actually blending technology with magic.
Petunia nodded, "Exactly. It's about taking the best of both worlds. For instance, using a magically enhanced environment to control temperature and humidity more precisely than any Muggle device could, but applying Muggle knowledge about plant care and cultivation techniques to improve yields and health of the plants."
The group around Petunia nodded, understanding dawning on their faces. Arthur, with a thoughtful expression, added, "It's a form of innovation that respects the boundaries of our world while pushing its limits. Very interesting."
As Petunia continued, she delved deeper into the specifics, discussing the selective breeding of magical plants for desired traits, much like Muggle horticulturists do, but with a magical twist that accelerated the process. "We've been able to develop strains of plants that are more resistant to magical pests, or that have enhanced magical properties, all through a combination of Muggle knowledge and magical application."
Augusta was clearly impressed. "Petunia, I must say, your approach is revolutionary. It's opened my eyes to the possibilities that lie in merging not the tools, but the knowledge of both worlds. I would very much like for you to share your designs with us. I assure you, we will compensate for your efforts."
Petunia, visibly taken aback by the offer but also visibly pleased, nodded. "I'd be honored, Augusta. There's so much potential for growth, for innovation. If I can contribute to that in any way, I'm more than willing."
As the discussion wound down, the gathering transitioned into a more informal chat, with members of the various families sharing their own experiences and thoughts on innovation within the magical world. Harry, taking a sip of his lemonade, felt a sense of pride in his aunt's accomplishments and the recognition she was receiving from the magical community.
Nigel, sensing Harry's contemplative mood, offered a thought. "Master Harry, it seems your family's legacy of pushing boundaries continues strong. From your parents to your aunt, the Potters and now Evans seem destined to leave their mark on the magical world."
Harry smiled, his gaze sweeping over the assembled group, each person engaged in animated conversation. "It seems so, Nigel. And who knows? Maybe together, we can all push those boundaries even further."
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