Found Treasure

Harry wandered through rooms in Malfoy Manor that hadn't seen a human in decades. Spells kept the rooms dust free but life had left these rooms long ago. Harry wondered who was the last sentient being to touch anything in these rooms.

Harry loved wandering the Manor. He was alone in the quiet. With no one to disturb his thoughts he could get lost in memories or just meandering thoughts. He often got lost in the paintings. Harry had found a new love; if it were not for Lucius demanding his presence at dinner and during the evenings Harry would stare at portraits and paintings well into the night. Then again Harry loved staring at Lucius so it was an amiable compromise.

Harry saw several wizard portraits and wizard photographs at Hogwarts but he never saw a wizard painting until he started exploring the Manor. Every room had its own series of portraits and paintings. Each room had a different theme and style. Harry was floored when he walked into a red and gold room. It seems one of Lucius' ancestors was into Chinese decor. The room was dominated by ebony and pine furniture. With ivory antiques and jade ceramics decorating the room. Paintings in this room depicted events in a samurai warrior theme. Ancient weapons and possibly ancient spells were shown in vivid colors and scenes.

Lucius explained that paintings like wizard photographs worked on the same principle. The artist would use spelled paint which would animate the work. The painting would reflect the artist's mood. Depending on the skill of the painter the painting could evoke the feeling the artist wanted you to have. Lucius pointed out that many of the great artists of the world were squibs.

Well that explained why a great many "Muggle" artists paintings littered the Manor. So when Harry walked into a room high in the south tower he was still shocked when he saw a familiar painting. The style was reminiscent of one of the most famous artists in world. Harry couldn't focus on the scene. He would try to stare at the painting but he always found his head turning and then he would see the picture. It was a slight blur. A kaleidoscope of purples, pinks, yellows, and greens assailed his eyes. When he stopped trying so hard to see the picture he saw a field of flowers. The image lacked the clarity of more realistic paintings but the flow of color and light was mesmerizing. It reminded him of Monet.

When he asked Lucius about it at dinner Lucius was intrigued. Together they had a look. The work was so similar that Lucius decided to hire someone to clear the painting's apocryphalness. If Harry's speculation was right then Lucius had the gold ring of the art world. Such a work would make Lucius the most sought after collector in the world. Lucius loved anything that would make others envious. First Harry, now this, Lucius could barely stand it.