The late‑summer sun slanted gold across Thornwood Manor's restored lawns as Kai Thornwood stood before the portrait‑gallery wall. His ancestors' painted faces regarded him with quiet pride. He had learned of Harry Potter's triumphs and tragedies, the fall of the Potter line, and the rise of the Second Wizarding War. He discovered that his mother's parents had named him heir apparent to the Potter legacy, tasking him with watching over the Chosen One when the time came and guiding young Harry toward his destiny.
A crisp letter lay in his hand: his Hogwarts acceptance for seventh year. His breath caught. This would be his final term as a student and the start of his greatest challenge.
By late afternoon, Kai Apparated into Diagon Alley. Its bustle was both familiar and strangely new. He rounded the corner by Flourish & Blotts and nearly collided with Charlie Weasley, now a dragon‑handler for the Ministry's Creature Division, who laughed in genuine delight at seeing his old friend. Soon the rest of the Weasley clan joined them: Percy, Bill, George, Ginny, and Ron, all beaming with warmth.
Over shared Butterbeers, they caught up. But Kai's gait was restless—his shoulders held tension the Weasleys could plainly see.
"Something's on your mind, Kai," Ginny observed, studying him over her drink.
Kai forced a smile. "Just… knowing what lies ahead."
They made their way to the grand white‑marble foyer of Gringotts. Goblins at the counters glanced coldly at the wizarding party, whispers rippled among them. When they approached a teller to request a deposit, the goblin sneered, muttering insults in Gobbledegook, the harsh, rasping tongue of his people .
The twins' earlier mockery of goblins melted into fear. Yet Kai, in those tense moments, found himself responding in the very language the goblins feared: Gobbledegook. His accent was rough but precise. The goblin's sneer froze.
"Follow me," the goblin hissed, and summoned two guards to escort them to the King's vaults.
In the vaulted depths, they stood before Ragnok the Pigeon‑Toed, King of the Goblins. The vast chamber was silent but for the drip of distant water. Ragnok's hooked nose twitched as Kai bowed in the goblin fashion.
"I apologize for my family's history," Kai began in Gobbledegook. "I come as heir to both Thornwood and Potter lines, seeking to restore trust between our peoples."
Ragnok's coal‑black eyes studied him. At last, he inclined his head. "Your words carry truth. We have long memories and long grievances. Yet your mastery of our tongue shows respect."
After tense negotiation, recounting past injustices and forging new accords Ragnok granted Kai access to his ancestral vaults. Gold and enchanted heirlooms poured forth. More important, Ragnok agreed to Kai's proposal for regular councils between goblin and wizard leaders. They shook on it in silent, dignified ceremony.
When Kai and the Weasleys emerged back into daylight, the lobby behind them buzzed with astonished goblins, witches, and wizards. By evening, the Daily Prophet's front page blazed with the headline:
"Wizard Heir Speaks Gobbledegook—Forging New Era in Goblin–Wizard Relations!"
Scholars and statesmen worldwide debated the significance. Kai's feat, long hidden, became instant legend.
Homeward Bound and Portrait Counsel
That night, back at Thornwood Manor, Kai recounted every moment to the assembled portraits. His father's painted eyes shone with pride. His mother's gentle smile betrayed relief. The Potters, amused, proud, a touch wistful, welcomed him as their heir. They admonished his boldness and praised his diplomacy.
"Remember," his grandmother's portrait said, "your true power lies not in spells or gold, but in the bridges you build."
As dusk gave way to starlight, Kai retreated to his chambers to ready himself for seventh year. Robes were laid out. Textbooks stacked. His new wand, Blackthorn with Thestral hair, rested on his desk. Outside the window, the newly widened towers of Hogwarts gleamed in the moonlight, a promise of one last journey.
Kai Thornwood, heir of two noble houses, breathed deeply. The world watched and he would not fail.