The owl settled in the attic of the manor. After his son's explanation, Father accepted the bird's acquisition with understanding. The servants were a little surprised, but no more than that. Wealthy people have their quirks. Some keep hunting falcons or even jaguars—so what was unusual about a boy owning an owl? Caring for it required little more than feeding it and tidying the attic from time to time.
On Monday, after breakfast, Richie regained himself a little and then called the detective.
The phone rang for a long time without being answered. Richard even thought Scott wasn't home. The boy was just about to hang up when the ringing stopped and an uncertain, boyish voice came through the receiver:
"Hello?"
"Good morning," Richard began. "May I speak to Mr. Potter?"
"Uh… yeah, that's me. And who is this?"
The child's voice sounded familiar to Richard, but it clearly wasn't Scott.
"Sorry, I think we've misunderstood each other. I'm Richard Grosvenor. I'm looking for Scott."
"Richie?!" the boy on the other end exclaimed, his voice bright with delighted surprise.
"Harry? Harry Potter?"
"Yes, sir!" Harry answered happily.
"What do you mean, 'sir'? Cut that out. We agreed—I'm Richie, you're Harry. If you call me sir, I'll have to address you exclusively as Mr. Potter, sir!"
"All right. And why do you need Uncle Scott?"
"It's about work."
"Richie, um…" Harry hesitated shyly.
"What is it?"
"Thank you!" Harry blurted out. "After you scared my aunt and uncle, I… I felt better. And then Uncle Scott showed up. He told me about my grandparents and that it was thanks to you he found out about me by accident."
"Whoa! Harry, I'm surprised. Scott and I spoke not long ago, and you're already living with him. How is it, being with him?"
"It's great!" Harry replied cheerfully. "Uncle Scott is awesome! He's a cool detective and… well… he treats me better than Uncle Vernon did. He let me steer his car, and he promised to teach me how to shoot a pistol and a rifle."
"Oh yeah? And where exactly? How come no one ever offered me that?"
"I don't know," Harry answered, embarrassed.
"Relax, I'm kidding. Scott's your relative, after all. Though I have a suspicion where you'll be learning to shoot. My father has a hunting club your uncle belongs to. I suggest we arrange a trip there together sometime. I'd love to fire a few rounds myself. It's awesome!"
"Really?! I'll ask Uncle Scott!"
"And I'll check what options I can line up on my end. All right, Harry—better tell me, is Scott home?"
"No. Uncle said he left for work. Do you want me to pass something on?"
"Yes. Tell him I called and asked him to get in touch with me about an important assignment."
"Okay, Richie, I'll tell him."
"Harry, are you transferring to a new school now? It's usually school hours, and you're at home."
"Well…" young Potter drawled. "Uncle Scott is still arranging the paperwork for my transfer. He said I'll have to stay home for a few more days. But I'm not upset about it at all. I'm worried about how the new classmates will treat me."
"Don't be. Even if they turn out to be jerks, forget them. You've got at least one friend. I'm talking about myself."
"You…" Harry's voice was filled with utter astonishment. "You really want to be friends with me?"
"Of course. Why wouldn't I? Do you know how hard it is for a guy like me to find a friend? If you don't mind, I'd be happy to be your friend."
"I don't mind!" Harry said brightly. "Richie, but you're not at school either!"
"I finished elementary school. It bored me to death, so I took the exams externally."
"No way! You could do that?"
"Believe it! All right, Harry, I've got to go. Come visit me on Friday with Scott. You can tell your uncle the matter isn't that urgent—we'll discuss it when you come over."
"Okay, I'll tell him. Bye, Richie."
"Good luck, Harry. Don't get bored. Scott has a TV, right?"
"Yes."
"Well, then watch something. See you."
The week flew by unnoticed. On Friday, Richard relaxed until noon, and after lunch he had a training session with a fencing champion. The boy's results were gradually improving.
Toward evening, an old Rover hatchback pulled up to the estate of Eaton Hall.
Richard had just stepped out of the shower and begun to dress when a cautious knock sounded at the door.
"Master Richie, Mr. Potter has arrived with his son," Lucy called from the corridor.
"I'll be down in the living room in a moment. Lucy, please bring our guests some tea and sweets."
"Yes, sir."
(End of Chapter)
P@treon: /SadRaven
🥳Joining P@treon keeps me motivated and eager to work diligently, so please consider joining.🥰