Chapter 2 – A Fond Farewell, An Immature Vampire, Two Gifts, The Sorting
Hi all! So my update schedule will be a little irregular for a while as I write with school and all. I'm amazed at the response that I got from my last chapter, I want to thank everyone! Your reviews have made me think about some things so before we begin:
So a reviewer stated that it's hard to picture Alec and Harry doing what they are doing, to be honest, I felt like they had a point. In this chapter I hope I cleared up why they push themselves so hard and what is motivating them. (I also dropped some hints with Project Heritage for yall)
Another Reviewer asked what happened to Sirius. He doesn't really have a role until a point that's pretty far in the future, sorry. I have given you guys a little information about what happened to him in this chapter though.
This chapter is quite long because I wanted to get to the sorting. There's a time skip in here as well as multiple POV switches so please pay careful attention. Hope you enjoy!
Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter, or any of the companies mentioned in this chapter & story; please don't arrest me.
Harry dumped in the lacewings and watched as they dissolved in the burn-healing potion currently boiling in front of him. His brother beside him slowly sat back as they watched the potion simmer. Turning down the heat, the two stretched.
"Very good you two, you were able to do it without burning a hole in the desk." A woman's soft voice behind them said. The twins turned around to find her staring pointedly at Harry.
Harry grinned sheepishly, "I'm still really sorry about that." He had thrown the wrong ingredient into a cauldron a few weeks ago and his brother had barely been able to tackle him to the floor before it had exploded. The woman laughed. "It's okay Harry, no need to apologize. The wards were able to stop it from doing too much harm to the room."
"Thanks, Ms. Raven."
Ms. Raven smiled again and then turned back to her cauldron as Alec brought out a book and started to read as he took some notes. Harry glanced at the potion one more time before looking around at the room they were in; St. Mungos's Potions Lab. The lab was a sterile white and had desks dotting the room with cauldrons on them. A door near the back led to an ingredients storage room. His eyes fell upon the sole woman in the room who was currently stirring the contents of her cauldron.
Ms. Raven was beautiful lady in her early fifties. She had long ebony hair and a bright face with high cheekbones. She wore a pair of librarian glasses and was a world renowned Potions Mistress as well as a Healer. But Harry and Alec knew her as their mother's personal healer and Potions Tutor. Ten years ago, she and her husband moved to England from France, with her taking a job in St. Mungo's. Having been assigned to their mother, it was natural that she became well acquainted with the Potter twins who visited their mother often.
As the twins had learned more about magic and that they wouldn't be able start learning much in the way of wands until school they had asked her if she would be willing to tutor them in potions, to their surprise, she had agreed. Talking to Moony and getting his permission, they had agreed to meet with her every Monday for a few hours at the lab during the afternoon. It had taken some convincing with the Lab's potion master but he had agreed as long as Ms. Raven kept a close eye on them and they weren't reckless.
The deal had gone smoothly as months passed and the twins had mastered the beginner's basics. Alec had especially excelled, thriving under Ms. Raven's tutorage. Harry managed to do okay. He still didn't have quite the grasp on the theory behind each potion they made, even though they were basic. To be honest, he blamed his brother's skills on the amount of Potion books Alec had read; which were a lot.
As the potion cooled they bottled it up and Alec labeled it in neat handwriting. They placed the vials in a storage cabinet and turned to Ms. Raven who had finished bottling up her own potion, which Harry recognized as a burn-healing cream.
"We would like to thank you Ms. Raven for all you've done for us." Alec began, "We-I've learned so much from you."
Harry elbowed his brother, "We've learned so much from you Ms. Raven."
Ms. Raven shook her head at their antics, "Oh you two, thank you. It has been wonderful teaching you both; it helps me keep my memory fresh."
"We didn't know what to get you since this is our last lesson." Harry admitted, as he and his brother faced her after cleaning the lab.
"Are you sure you won't reconsider retirement?" Alec blurted in.
Ms. Raven laughed, "I'm sorry boys, but I have projects at home that have been calling me and my husband's job will be enough to support us alone. You didn't need to…"
She trailed off as Alec carefully brought out a small satchel, (which rested right beside their prized eggs which had yet to hatch). "We purchased an advanced kit of potion ingredients for you "Since you wouldn't let us repay you for our lessons we wanted to get you something really nice."
Ms. Raven's smile brightened further and a solitary tear ran down her face, "Oh you two shouldn't have. It must've cost quite a few galleons."
"We wanted to show our thanks Ms. Raven. We really appreciate what you've done for us, taking time out of your busy schedule for us. We wish you a wonderful rest of the Summer and year. We'll miss you." Harry added.
Ms. Raven brought the boys in for a hug before they left. Sighing, she looked at the kit of ingredients and smiled brightly. Looking inside, she saw several ingredients that were hard to get for the average potion brewer. She looked at the disappearing backs of the boys as they walked down the hall and she smiled murmuring, "You may see me sooner than you think."
~Slight Time skip to the morning of the day before the twins leave for Hogwarts~
Remus Lupin walked to the kitchen of his home. He stretched as he yawned loudly from his late night. Even though the twins had quite the large trust fund because of their parents' old jobs, he had insisted on holding his own job and helping to provide for them. He currently was employed at a large muggle nightclub as a barman. He had previously been a bouncer after taking some training courses. It had been quite easy for him to get the job. His fast reflexes and unusually strong strength, granted to him from being a werewolf, enabled him to take care with the most stubborn of clients and had helped him rise as one of the best in his boss's eyes.
As he had befriended his boss, Rick Calman, he had told him that it was his dream to be a bar man with his own bar. Rick had looked at him peculiarly. He had then offered him a spot as one of the club's barmen, giving Remus a chance. Remus had very quickly proved his popularity with the crowds, to quite a bit of teasing from his nephews.
He let himself smirk as he poured himself some coffee; the money he earned explained to the school how he paid for Alec and Harry's tuition. It also helped that, since the club was very popular itself, his pay left him quite a bit of money left over after taxes and such. Remus checked the time, 10 o'clock, and realized he hadn't heard the twins upstairs. He shook his head unworriedly; it was late in the morning and he wasn't surprised that the twins had already left. The twins had their own unique summer schedule. Usually getting up around 8, they exercised lightly and ate before leaving; generally going to the Greengrass's home or Diagon Alley to check on Alec's wand by 10. Remus paused in his thinking, Diagon Alley? No, Harry said they had been going to Knockturn for Alec's wand; to Gregory's. As the name bounced in his head suddenly the events of Flight's Familiars suddenly rushed back to him. Investing. Remodeling. Goblins.
Remus set down his coffee. How did they do it? How did the twins learn so much? It was almost as if they were several years older than they really were. Remus grew slightly depressed as his mind followed that train of thought. The twins were more mature than most kids their age, and they had a good reason to be; their mother. Remus blamed himself for their mature actions. He was afraid of their old selves returning.
He couldn't deny that the attack had changed them, it had changed him. Gone were the bright blubbering and smiling boys they had been at the age of four. They became sullen and quiet. Sending them to a muggle school at the age of six, he had sought to help them by helping them gain friends. Instead of socializing, the twins had taken up to their studies. They had learned to read and write and started learning about numbers at the age of 7.
Slowly, they grew out of their shell, and Remus was overjoyed when they started to talk to their peers. Although, he didn't stop them from studying because he was too afraid of Alec and Harry putting their old 'shell' back on. When they were eight, the twins had finally asked if they could visit their sister and mother. Remus pondered the thought. That was when he had noticed the biggest change in their demeanor; after the twin's first visit to Lilly. If he had to sum up what he had seen, he would say the twins had gained an aura of seriousness that started to exist alongside their now normally bright selves. The twins became further diligent in their muggle studies and even asked him if they could start learning more about the magic world. They borrowed books from the Greengrasses and devoured the information. They still did; well Alec mostly.
Remus ran his hand through his hair as he remembered that the twins had approached him when they had just turned 10 if they could visit Gringotts. He had agreed and that must have been when they talked to their account manager about the investing Harry had talked about, that they somehow understood at their age. After seeing them reading during most of their spare time for the better part of the year Remus had put his foot down and insisted that they do something. The next day Harry had told him that they had signed on for a summer football league. It was significant because Harry had been the one to sign up. While Alec probably would've preferred to be left to his books, Harry was a lot more outgoing. Remus smiled slightly, the twins had excelled at the sport, showcasing an amazing amount of teamwork.
Remus supposed he had let the twins leash go this summer since they had finally opened up and that this was their final summer before Hogwarts. Hogwarts. The Headmaster. He blamed Dumbledore for quite a bit of how the events of that fateful night had turned out.. The same night that the Potters had been attacked, the Longbottoms had as well. Dumbledore had taken everyone in the Orderto the Longbottoms and the new Boy-Who-Lived. If just a few more people had arrived, the outcome could've been a lot different. Snape had been the only one to come to the house after the attack. And for that, Remus would always be grateful.
But mainly the blame lay with himself. He had attended the school for seven years; with his best friends. Remus growled, all his friends were dead; and their murderer was rotting in jail. One who he thought he had known. It had been weeks after pulling himself out of the depression he had after the attack that he had found out that Sirius had been thrown in Azkaban after a trial. Good riddance. He never wanted to see the animagus again.
But then again animaguses, that was yet another unusual thing about the twins; Harry had his animagus transformation down. It was a panther. A bloody panther. At first, their magical doctor had been worried if the growth factors would affect Harry, but there had been no ill side effects. Though Remus suspected that the reason Harry didn't need glasses was because he was a cat animagus.
What would James think of his sons if he was here? Would he be proud or frown on Remus for letting his sons grow up with hardly any childhood. Remus hung his head; he had tried to raise them to the best of his ability. He had a countless number of times, in the early years, considered giving them to the Greengrasses. But he couldn't. They reminded him of the friends he had lost and he needed them to help him cope with the madness. But the twin's abilities were madness! How did they do it? Another instance had been when they had wanted a tutor for potions and he had had no objections to their request. His worst class had been potions when he was in school and as a result, he had told them they would have to get their own tutor. And they had! Somehow convincing Ms. Raven, the healer in charge of their mother, to help them. Remus rubbed his head, it gave him a headache.
His body stilled, no; what was giving him a headache was what the twins were doing in Knockturn Alley. They spent far too much time in the place, and they were 11! Harry and Alec had been surprisingly tired and silent when they had come to the Greengrasses for dinner after their meeting in Diagon Alley. Normally the pair was happy and bright around their sister. Remus and Mark had excused them after dinner and let them head home through the Floo to bed a little early. The incident had fled to the back of his mind and Remus assumed Mark was letting him take the lead of when they would confront the boys. It had been two weeks! The boys had somehow avoided the problem surfacing for the past two weeks.
Thinking back, Remus realized that they must have been planning to avoid Mark and him from confronting them. When he was home for the past two weeks, only one of them had been at home, usually Harry; unless they were both at the Greengrasses. And Harry was usually buried looking over papers or drawing. Remus smiled at the thought, Harry was truly a gifted artist; something he must have inherited from his mother. No! No more distractions.
Remus stood; he needed to get to the bottom of what they were up to. He strode up the stairs to their room, stopping outside of the door. He opened it quickly and then walked inside. Looking around he shook his head, their plans would be in what they liked to call their study. He exited and then walked across the hallway to another door. Opening it, he strode into a spacious room. On the left, 5 bookshelves stood filled with the brothers' book collection. To the right, two desks stood facing each other with comfortable chairs behind them. Remus walked over to the right, knowing it was Alec's desk. It was made of a light brown wood and was relatively clean except for a neat stack of papers. Looking through them, he gaped.
The papers were detailing the investments the boys had made. The investments looked to have been made by a goblin by the name of Griphook, and approved by the Potter's Account manager, Goldclaw. Looking at the numbers, Remus couldn't believe his eyes. Through a spread of investments in mainly muggle companies and with previous Potter family investments, the boys had made about 6 million galleons. Through, according to the papers, 2 million was going back to the Family Vault (taken for the original investments) while most of the remainder was going back to the Goblins under the title of Lilly's Circle. Remus noted that 'Prong's Circle' was written above the name 'Lilly's Alley' which had been crossed out.
Suddenly looking closely, he realized that the location of a place called Lilly's Circle had been written on a map where Knockturn Alley was located. He rifled through the papers and then glanced around. He quickly placed a copying charm on the papers and then frowned as the charm didn't work. Pursing his lips, he tried again, only for the charm to fail twice in quick succession. Shaking his head, he worked on trying to memorize the information.
Done, he made to leave; but then a large piece of paper on Harry's desk caught his eye. Walking closer to the glass desk he realized it was a drawing. On it was a beautiful design of a modern muggle mansion on a cliffside. Looking at the name of the artist he tilted his head confused. Martin Fowler? Who was he? He didn't recognize the name. Sliding the paper over he was puzzled as he saw large blueprints of what he recognized as Potter Manor, James had taken him a few times; though the actual manor had been destroyed a few years before the attack on Halloween by Voldemort when he had killed the Potter Grandparents.
Remus shook his head and then hesitantly cast a copy spell on the picture. To his surprise a copy appeared. He felt slightly guilty of going behind his nephews' back but he shook his head, he was their guardian. He shifted his body and he suddenly felt his foot hit something he hadn't seen under the desk. Curious, he pulled out the object only to see that it was a medium-sized chest.
As he was about to open it his werewolf's magical senses tingled. He frowned. The twin's must've had locking wards put on the chest. He drew his eyebrows together, wondering what was in the chest. He examined the chest, which was made out of a dark black wood, and the only clue he got was on the lid. On the lid was written in golden lettering: 'Project Heritage'. What would the twins want to keep locked away? Remus shook his head rapidly, he had intruded on his nephews' space enough already. He walked out of the door quickly, not looking back.
Harry nearly ripped the paper he held in his hand as a small explosion roared the shop surprising him, "Keep it down! I can't concentrate!" he yelled in the crowded dusty store.
Alec's head popped out of the back entry way for employees, coughing slightly, "Sorry Harry."
"What in the world are you two doing?" Harry said in exasperation. "For two weeks you guys continue to have explosions! The dust is everywhere! I can't even see to the other side of the store!"
Alec grinned, "Experimenting."
"Is it on that project you two are working on? Or your wand? That is taking forever to make I might add?"
A male teenager's head stuck out behind Alec's grinning madly as two fangs were bared, "Now now Harry, the experiment has to be kept under wraps." The new person said in a teenager's voice. "And I would take it kindly if you didn't insult my shop, after all, many of the items here are older than you. Including the shop itself." The fanged teen added.
"You'll let the whole Alley know what you're doing Gregory if you keep it up." Harry grumbled.
Gregory's grin widened, exposing even more of his fangs, before he disappeared back inside. He was a vampire, who Harry privately suspected was a little mad. Gregory was originally from China and had been bitten at the age of 16, thus his youthful teenage appearance. Alec and Harry had tried to get him to tell him his real age but he had so far refused, though from his knowledge, they suspected he was ancient. He was a wandcrafter and was the best in the business, or at least that's what he liked to tell them.
They had befriended the immature vampire on their first trip to Knockturn Alley. After being saving them from a feral hag the vampire had asked them why they were there. Finally caving into pressure and regretting refusing Goldclaw's offer for an escort, they caved and told him they were scouting the Alley for remodeling. Gregory had taken them into the small shop he owned and sat them down for a long talk. Alec had emerged with several books on wandlore and both brothers with a new friend. Gregory was currently helping Alec make a new wand, or maybe they were just experimenting Harry didn't know, while Harry was going over the information on businesses Goldclaw had sent their way.
"Besides, use that wand of yours. Swish and flick or whatever you wand-holders do. Jab for all I care." Gregory yelled in return, his voice slightly muffled.
Harry grinned, "Oh yeah! I forgot. This wand doesn't have a ministry tracing charm on it!" He pulled out his wand only to stop, "Um I don't know any dust clearing charms." He looked at Alec expectantly.
Alec sighed and closed his eyes, thinking. "Tergeo. It doesn't have a specific hand movement."
"Sweet." Harry uttered the incantation as he waved his wand. It took him five tries, but by the sixth one, the dust had cleared considerably.
"Thanks. Hey Alec I need you to take a look at this." Harry told his brother before Alec could go back to the rear rooms.
Alec walked over through the shop, weaving past the ancient relics and wands Gregory had collected or made in the past centuries. "What's up?"
"As I told you last Monday, Goldclaw has sent us several papers on the businesses that they have approached. His team compiled the pros and cons of each business and he's gone through them and marked the one's he suggests. The thing is, he's said many companies have approached the bank in the last year needing space for offices."
"Like who?" Alec said as he looked at a paper Harry had handed him.
"Teenage Witch Weekly, The Daily Prophet, The Quibbler, a couple broom companies, a law firm, even the Aurors." Harry stated, pointing at another paper which had a list of the companies asking for business space.
"We don't want offices in the Circle." Alec commented.
Harry nodded his head, "No offices. Even with the 10 extra stores we can put into the Circle, an office wouldn't look good. But from what Goldclaw has written down here, the companies are willing to put quite a bit of money or shares on the line. The goblins have renovated some other run-down buildings in Diagon, but the rest are filled. There isn't near enough space for all the companies."
Suddenly the short form of Gregory appeared silently beside them. He smiled widely, "Couldn't help overhear your problem boys, I might have just the idea. Do you happen to have a map of Diagon?"
Harry stared at him, wondering if he was serious or not before ruffling through the papers he had. He pulled out a map the Goblins had drawn. Studying it, Gregory swiftly pointed at several buildings. "I was walking around the other night; yes Harry, I do get out sometimes; and I spotted several dilapidated buildings. If you could fix those up, you could convert them to offices."
Alec frowned as he looked at the map, "Why has no one done it before? It would be so easy to."
Gregory laughed, "Because all those buildings are near Knockturn."
That made all three of them chuckle. Harry spoke as his artist's mind envisioned it, "I could see it happening. It would put us in good standing with the ministry don't you think? The offices could be on the top floors and maybe a shop or two in some of the ground floors; along with more offices. It would also help to modernize Diagon a bit."
Gregory's normally cheerful face darkened, "It would help the ministry wouldn't it? I take my idea back, you can't use it. I'm not helping that Umbridge creature any more.
Alec looked at Gregory, "You know by creating the Circle we are helping your people right? It'll be open to everyone. They'll even have a place to stay at our Uncle's inn."
Gregory shook his hair stubbornly, his spiked black hair hardly moving. "Nu uh. No way. It'll be helping the ministry- wait, place to stay?"
Harry nodded, "Of course."
Gregory's face brightened, "And I'll be able to meet your family? Your werewolf uncle?"
The brothers nodded as Gregory did a victory dance, "This idea was soooo worth it!"
The twins shook their head. "Since you helped us so much, we'll even let you have a shop in the Circle." Harry added.
Gregory stopped dancing and crossed his arms as he huffed, "You two weren't going to let me keep my shop?"
"Ummm Gregory, most of the stuff in here is junk." Harry said, a little uncomfortably at the sight of the vampire pouting. "And the shop is well… old."
"It is not! And this 'stuff' as you call it is very valuable! I got this when I was in France! This came from Russia! This cat statue I was given to by a pharaoh! I swum to the bottom of the canal to get this!" Gregory said in a fit as he grabbed said objects and tossed them at Harry.
Harry dodged a cane and then picked up a metal pole that had landed near him. "You swum to the bottom of the canal to get a piece of metal?"
Gregory frowned, "It's not a piece of metal. It's a staff. Of Iron." He added resolutely.
Harry shook his head but it was Alec who spoke this time, "The Goblins will let you design your new store and besides, there will be a new potions store in the Circle. You'll be able to have a bigger store; with ingredients close by."
Gregory paused from throwing the items in his shop. The teenage looking vampire looked at the twins with an unusual smile, "I'll be able to have a place to put even more stuff?"
Harry winced, "Yes."
"Deal!" Gregory shook Harry's hand vigorously. "Pleasure doin business with ya mate!"
"That was a terrible accent." Alec replied smiling."
"Um but you'll have to do one thing." Harry commented.
Gregory froze, "What do I have to do to be able to have the bigger shop?"
Harry laughed, "You'll have to register your business with the ministry."
"Oh. I guess that's fine." Gregory responded glumly. "I guess no more making wands without the trace." He then disappeared with a whoop into the back of the store.
Harry and Alec stared after him. Harry spoke, "I've said it before you know, he sure is interesting."
Alec laughed, "He's a very good teacher though. He's been showing me how to craft wands as we work on our project."
Harry shook his head, "When will you guys tell me what you are working on?"
Alec grinned, "When we succeed."
"Well you better succeed on making your wand. It's the last day before we leave tomorrow." Harry muttered.
Alec gave a wide smile, "Gregory finished the wand by the first day."
"What!" Why didn't you tell me?"
"'Cause I wanted to keep coming back to the store."
Harry laughed, "Only you. Well? Let's see it?"
Alec reached to his left arm and out of a holster pulled out a long wand. "It's longer than most, it's 15 inches."
"Man it's the length of a miniature sword." Harry commented as he examined it.
The wand was a made of a light blue wood that was interrupted by the darker blue swirls of the pattern in the wood. On one end, the handle, seemed to be plated with a polished black metal.
"What is it?"
"It's called Oceanwood. The bark of the tree is originally a dark blue, but salt gets into the wood and changes its color over time therefore creating the different patterns. The core is a thunderbird's feather and along with my blood."
Harry looked at the wand, "Your blood? That's intense."
Alec nodded but then frowned. "What's wrong?" Harry asked.
"It feels right, but it seems like there's something missing from it."
"What do you mean?"
"It feels like it was made for me, and as if I've bonded to it. I just, when I hold it, it feels like there could be more to it."
Harry quirked his eyebrow and then shrugged. "Maybe Gregory can figure it out." Alec nodded his head as Harry continued, "I'll write a letter to Goldclaw and tell him about the idea Gregory had. He can think it over and if he likes it, then wallah! We're one step closer to Project Heritage. I've listed the businesses I think would make the Circle prosper. You should probably take a look at it tonight and then we'll send it to Goldclaw for his approval and any final changes. With that he can do his magic and talk to the companies. With luck, they can start building in a few weeks after they tear down the Alley according to the notes here."
Alec smiled and then paused as he turned to walk away, "We have to tell Mark and Monny tonight."
Harry sighed and rubbed his head, "Yes. We need to tell them the entire truth. This will have major impact on the family."
"Alrighty then brother. Just think, after we get to Hogwarts, it'll be smooth sailing. Classes; hardly any more paperwork, Goldclaw will be taking care of it; and we can start making friends our age."
"Moony will be proud."
They suddenly gasped as they heard another small explosion come from the back room. Alec ran back to the door, "Gregory! You said you would wait to combine the cores!"
Harry shook his head and laughed.
Harry and Alec hugged their crying sister before she was carried away by Isabelle. "I-I-I love you Harry. L-L-Love you Alec. Have fun and write me." Rose said between sobs, she hid her crying face into her adopted mother's shoulder.
"We love you Lilly Rose." The two said to their sister. They smiled sadly and looked at each other.
"You know, she almost makes me want to stay here instead of going to Hogwarts." Alec said. "It's almost like she doesn't know she'll see us tomorrow for the send off
Harry nodded his head in agreement and the two brothers turned around. They headed down the hallway and then turned to a large ornate door, decorated with gilded flowers. Harry silently opened it and stepped inside, followed by his brother. Inside the room, it was set up as a large study. There were ceiling to wall shelves stacked with books and interspersed among them were figurines. Remus and Mark sat behind a large desk as they talked quietly to each other.
Mark looked up in surprise, "Boys? You're done saying goodbye already?"
They nodded and, Remus, noting their slightly down demeanor, gave a sad smile. "Are you two okay?"
Alec nodded, and then let a smile come on his features, "We're fine Uncle Moony. Its just that-."
"-saying goodbye is hard." Harry finished and his brother choked slightly. "We'll make sure to write Rose often."
Mark nodded and then gestured for the boys to sit down in front of the desk where two chairs were placed. "You two wanted to talk to us? As a matter of fact, we were going to ask you to talk to us tonight. But when you approached us after dinner, it made it easier for us."
Harry was the one to begin as Mark and Remus waited patiently. "We have something to show you." Alec, who was carrying a bag, pulled out a folder. "We haven't been completely honest with you two about what we've been doing in Knockturn Alley, especially for the past two weeks."
Alec handed the folder for Mark and Remus to look at as he spoke, "When we were ten and went to Gringotts we talked with our account manager about some ideas we had. I guess the original idea came from James diary that you gave us Uncle Moony. D-dad," Alec stuttered over the word, "in his journal when he was an auror, actually wrote about Knockturn Alley. He detailed it quite a bit as he knew a lot of it from his patrols. One day, he wrote in his journal that it could be a great area for shops and such except it had degenerated so much."
"That, combined with some ideas from our mother's journal sparked several…projects. One of these is what we're doing in Knockturn Alley with the goblins." Harry added.
Mark looked at the documents carefully, "These are papers on businesses that have signed on," he checked the bottom of a page, "For a place called Prong's Circle?"
The twins smiled at the name and Harry spoke, "Yes. Last year, we talked with our Family's Account Manager, Master Goldclaw, about the idea of remodeling Knockturn Alley into our father's idea. It took quite a bit of time, but Master Goldclaw came back and told us this was possible, except that we would need more money. As you know, the bank could've loaned money to us," Mark and Remus tensed at this, "but we didn't want to borrow money from the goblins. Alec had read a book about investing recently and he mentioned it to Master Goldclaw."
Alec took over, "Master Goldclaw had said there weren't many companies that we could invest in, but then we mentioned about helping half-blood companies. In mom's journal, since she um worked in the ministry, she talked about how in many cases, Pureblood companies have taken over. They either bribe their way to the top and then squash out any competition, or they are just given precedence over other companies by importing and exporting businesses. Mom wrote that this hindered many half-blood companies, who didn't have the necessary funds, get a good enough start. They usually dwindled away. Master Goldclaw then explained to us that, because the Pureblood families had such a large hand in the big businesses, they didn't see any reason to help other possible enemy companies."
Remus and Mark stared at the brothers as Harry spoke once again, "You see, the Potter Family shares in other companies had declined rapidly as they were either closed or were bought out. Our last share was in a newspaper called The Herald, which was eventually beaten out of business as the ministry officially sanctioned The Daily Prophet as the nation-wide newsletter. The Potter family money was doing nothing. Master Goldclaw, agreed to start investing for us. Six months later, as the new businesses got onto their feet, we were able to make a large profit. Prong's Circle will be the result of the money we earned from the investments."
"What do you mean?" Mark asked hoarsely.
"Like I told you and Uncle Moony two weeks ago, the goblins are remodeling Knockturn Alley."
"The entire Alley?" Remus interrupted with disbelief.
Alec nodded, "They will be using designs Harry's drawn or shown them."
"What do you mean?"
"You've seen the outdoor mall in the city right?" Remus nodded. "Imagine a large D-shaped plane with the stores and restaurants on the edge. The shops are mainly designed by a muggleborn architect that the Goblin's hired." Harry said. "He also helped with the park and the grass area in the middle. We plan on calling it Lilly's Park."
"Here." Alec said as he pointed out a map that was in the jumble of paper. "This is what it's to look like."
Mark and Remus gazed at the map as they slowly stared; dumbfounded. "You two did all this?" Remus asked.
Harry and Alex smile sheepily as they both mirrored the other's movement and ran a hand through their hair. "Well, Master Goldclaw and his team did most of the work." Harry said. "Mostly, we were given the businesses and we're selecting which ones, though Master Goldclaw gets final approval."
"Why's that?" Mark asked, perplexed.
"We're in this project with the Goblins. They want to have a say as well, especially since this project will be so big. They've also put their own money into the project." Alec replied.
"Which brings us to why Alec and I wanted to meet with you. We have a gift, of sorts, for both of you."
Remus remained silent while Mark furrowed his eyebrows. "What do you mean by a gift?"
"Well Lord Greengrass, on behalf of the goblins and our current project, Prong's circle, we extend you an offer to be the main import/export benefactor of Prong's circle." The twins said together.
Mark's face became surprised at the formality and then shook his head, "What? You want my company to be the shipper to all the new stores?"
The twins nodded and Alec spoke, "Yes. The goblins have looked over your company and they said it was solid."
Mark shook his head, "Boy's I can't accept this. It's too much. Looking at these numbers, the profits you stand to make alone…" he dwindled off.
Harry shook his head, "Master Goldclaw has given his professional opinion on your company. You have a solid background and a good reputation, you are also very reliable. You are the best pick, besides your main competition; Parkinson's Export & Imports. We want to repay you for everything you've done for us Mr. Greengrass. And this will help your company rise to the top."
Mark placed his face in his hands. When he looked they could see that his eyes were slightly red. His face was a unique combination of shock and pure motion. He whispered, "I will consider it."
Alec smiled happily, "You'll need to contact Master Goldclaw with your final decision."
Mark nodded and stared at a shelf as he brooded he then turned to the twins, "I can't thank you so much boys for your offer. You don't understand what this means to my family. And I… don't know what to say."
Harry got up and then strode over to the man they considered an unofficial father figure and gave him as big of a hug as he could. "We love you Mark."
Alec also gave him a hug and then turned to Remus. "We also have something for you Uncle Moony." He pulled out a folder. "We know that you've always had a dream of owning your own bar along with an inn. We took an opportunity and purchased a lot in Prong's Circle for you. It has room for a large two story building with a basement."
Remus gripped the folder that was handed to him and wordlessly went through it. He looked up and tears fell down his face, "You two… how can… how in general, thank you so much." He whispered loudly. He suddenly pulled the twins to him and wrapped them in a large hug.
Harry and Alec both felt a tear run down their faces as they hugged the man that had taken such good care of them. They suddenly felt him shuddering in laughter as he looked at Mark.
"Your parents would be so proud." He paused and they felt more than saw the wide grin on his face, "but you two get to be the ones to tell Isabelle about all this."
Daphne, Harry and Alec waved goodbye from the train at their crying parents, uncle, and sobbing siblings. They moved inside and started down the corridor, looking for an empty compartment in the crowded train. Daphne suddenly turned to the right as a short girl lurched from the inside of a compartment and gave her a big hug. "Daphne!"
Alec and Harry shrugged as they watched the black haired girl start to rapidly speak to Daphne. Alec cleared his throat slightly, "Um excuse us, but we would really like to get out of the corridor."
The girl turned to him with a raised eyebrow and then blushed slightly, "I'm so sorry!" She moved into the compartment and was followed by Daphne. The boys put their trunks and Daphne's on the rack as then turned to the bright girl.
"Alec Potter."
"Harry Potter. It's nice to meet you…?"
"Oh! Sorry. Lauren. Lauren Zabini." The girl replied happily and shook their hands. She then gestured inside the compartment. "Take a seat. Sorry Daphne, there weren't really any open compartments left except for this one, and the boy didn't seem to mind. Truth be told, he hasn't even woken up yet." She pointed at a boy leaning against the window, sleeping quietly.
On closer inspection, Harry noticed he seemed their age, had short brown hair, and it seemed like he had seen him somewhere. "Do you know him?"
Lauren shook her head and the same action was repeated by Daphne. Alec ignored him in favor of pulling out a book to read. Looking at the bag he had pulled it out of, Harry smiled as he was reminded of the egg that was currently in his trunk; wrapped and bundled tightly. He frowned a little bit, it had been a source of frustration to he and his brother over the unhatching eggs. His brother was planning on doing some research using the famous Hogwarts library. He rolled his eyes, that was something his brother would do alright.
"He turned to Lauren and gave her a wide smile, "So how long have you known Daphne?"
"Oh we've known each other for a month or so. We met at the Summer ball. You obviously know Daphne well. Why weren't you at the ball?"
Harry paused and then looked at Daphne, "Was the Summer Ball that one that we didn't go to because we were 'sick'?"
Daphne smiled at him and shook her head, "Yes. That one that you said you were sick, and then were miraculously cured by the time we got back."
Harry laughed, "Ah yes, that's why we weren't able to go Lauren."
Lauren laughed and was about to ask another question when a boy with wild brown hair stumbled into the compartment. He accidentally bumped into Harry as he made his way to his seat.
"Sorry." The boy said apologetically. He then turned to Laure, "Sorry for leaving for so long, the bathroom line was quite large. Who are the new people?"
Lauren laughed and introduced the boy as Archades Montague. Archades smiled happily and then asked everyone to call him Archie. As everyone said hi, except for Alec who was engrossed in his book, Archades looked at Harry curiously. "I've met Daphne when she comes to the Zabini's, but I've never seen you."
"That's because you never get out." Lauren said quickly with a smile on her face.
Archades turned to her, "Hey not fair! Just because I didn't go to the Summer Ball because I had an appointment that night with a friend…"
"You said you were sick."
Archades winced, "Oh yeah… just because I was sick…"
Harry smiled widely, "I think we'll get on fabulously Archie. I'm Harry Potter." He said as he shook his new friend's hand.
Archades returned the smile from beside Lauren and then looked at Harry's brother. "Hey you never told me your name." He said.
Alec looked up and then gave a thin smile, "Alec Potter."
Archades pushed on, "Is that a potions book you're reading?"
Alec looked up again, "Yes, Hard to Get Ingredients and Where to Find Them in the Wild by Fred Summons.
Archades's eyes lit up, "Really! I love that book. Have you got the…"
Harry stared in disbelief as Archades turned from a guy he thought was pretty cool into a nerd, just like his brother. He groaned and droned them out as they began an animated discussion on Potions. Lauren and Daphne resumed their conversation and he looked at the sleeping boy and smiled, he had the right idea. His eyes grew heavy and, checking to make sure Daphne didn't mind, he leaned his head on her shoulder.
He was awoken up by the sound of silence, odd as that was. He felt a pressure on his shoulder and realized that Daphne had fallen asleep as well and that they had switched places; he had had his head on hers. He sat up slowly and looked around the compartment. Archades and his brother were both currently going over a book, pointing at some facts quietly. Alec had moved to the seat beside Archades to do so.
Lauren had fallen asleep as well as was leaning against the cabin's wall beside the whispering boys. Harry got Alec's attention, "Did he wake up?" He gestured to the still sleeping boy. Alec shook his head.
Harry carefully placed Daphne's head against the wall before standing up. "I'm going for a stretch." he whispered.
He walked out of the compartment and then to his right. Looking at the other compartments, he realized his one of the unique ones. Inside all the others, the kids seemed to be very excited and were talking and gesturing at times wildly. He gave a sigh of contentment as he stood still in the middle, he was finally going to Hogwarts. A place his parents went. A place where Remus had gone. And a place where he and his brother would finally be able to start their magical training.
Resuming his walk, Harry eventually he came to the back of the train car and opened the door. In front of him another train car was being pulled and there was a pathway you could walk to get to it. He shook his head and instead stepped to the side in the small space, and ran into a blonde girl his height.
"Hey!"
He stumbled back and then rubbed his head as he mentally scolded himself. "I'm so sorry!" he exclaimed.
The girl turned around he was met with a regal heart shaped face hair framed by pure blonde hair that flowed slightly in the air. "Watch it."
Harry winced as he noticed that the girl was very pretty, "I'm really sorry." He paused wondering if he should continue, "I'm Harry Potter."
The girl studied him for a moment before finally holding out a pure white hand, "Allison Malfoy."
Harry shook her hand slowly, "Nice to meet you."
Allison gave him a nod before turning away to watch the landscape. Harry felt a sudden need to talk to her, "So um what house do you want to be in?"
Thinking back, Harry thought it was odd that he had yet to ask or be asked that question. Allison turned back around and regarded him carefully. Harry wanted to face-palm. Yes, ask someone you've just met such a personal question.
"Slytherin." She said before turning around, clearly wanting him to leave.
Harry muttered an "oh" before retreating back inside the car. He shook his head at himself. Yes, that was how one made allies and friends at school. That had been perfect. He banged his head on the wood of the nearby compartment, thankfully without disturbing any one. He walked away, never noticing the ice-blue eyes of Allison Malfoy carefully watching him through the doorway.
Alec stood with the other nervous 1st years as they waited to be let in the Great Hall. Soon after his brother had returned from his walk an announcement had gone through the train asking students to put on their school robes. He had changed quickly and, when the train had stopped, they were led to these boats by a rather tall man who identified himself as Professor Kettleburn.
The boats had taken them to see an amazing view of the magical castle, Hogwarts. They had then been led by a stern looking woman with grey hair in a tight bun, Professor McGonagall, to the big doors of what she had called the Great Hall.
Alec shuffled slightly, nervous as two red-headed twins went on about fighting a troll. He looked at his own older twin whose face had gone slightly pale; that had been what Remus and Mark had told them they would have to do to be sorted. It was worse to find the rumor nowconfirmed. He fondled the holster that held his wand; it had been a present from Gregory. He did know the theory of quite a few spells but lacked the magical strength to cast them. He looked at his brother who was doing the same thing. Alec saw the sharp tip of his brother's wand from his sleeve and it reminded him of a sword. Alec snorted, he could see his brother stabbing the troll they were to face with his wand. Alec then paused, a troll? Really?
It couldn't be a troll. A book he had read of magical creatures came to his mind, the Headmaster would never allow 1st years to face a creature that took a fully trained adult wizard to bring it down. He scowled at the thought of the Headmaster. Dumbledore. Remus had told them in no hesitant terms of what he thought about the man. Alec pursed his lips, he would reserve his judgment until he had all the facts, but he still was hesitant and blamed Dumbledore slightly.
He looked around and spotted the sleeping boy from the train. The boy had yet to say something to them, and had an impassive expression on his face. Before he could start to feel nervous Professor McGonagall walked out and gave a speech about the houses and then ushered them inside. Alec found himself facing several students who were looking at the group expectantly. He breathed a sigh of relief as a hat started to sing and he realized that it was the item responsible for sorting them.
"We're going to get Moony and Mark back." Harry whispered to him.
Alec grinned and nodded back and then suddenly froze as he noticed his brother's eyes fall upon the Headmaster. He lightly kicked his brother and shook his head. Harry gave a small smile but let a small frown linger before focusing on the sorting; which had started with a Logan, Banner going into Gryffindor. As the names passed Alec had to stop himself from yawning, once he knew what he had to do, he was relaxed.
Diggory, Cedric went to Hufflepuff
Davies, Emma went to Gryffindor followed by her brother, Roger.
Daphne went to Slytherin.
Suddenly the name Longbottom, Michael was called. The Great Hall was silent and suddenly whispers arose. To Alec's surprise, the sleeping boy walked up to the hat and placed it on. Alec was confused, the famous Boy-Who-Lived had a brother? He had never read that. He looked at his brother who gave a noncommittal shrug of his shoulder. The hat was on Longbottom's head for over two minutes before yelling "SLYTHERIN!"
At that, the whispers increased even further. Alec heard mutters of: "Dark Wizard", "Evil", and even "Death Eater". They stopped as the next girl; Malfoy, Allison; went to Slytherin.
Harry whispered to him, "I met her on my walk."
"How'd it go?"
Harry shrugged and Alec almost missed his new best friend, Archades, go to Ravenclaw; to what seemed to be the surprise to the other female occupant of their compartment, Lauren. His name was suddenly called and he walked slowly to the hat with a push from his brother. Feeling the eyes of the entire Hall on him he quickly let the hat sink down on his head.
"Ahhh hello Alec Evans Potter."A cranky voice said.
Alec gave a start, the hat could talk?
"Yes, the hat can also read your mind."The voice replied amusedly.
Alec instinctively recoiled, as his secret thoughts rushed through his head. He made to take the hat off but it stopped him.
"Easy young one, I am bound not to divulge any of the thoughts of my sortees." It paused, "Amazing! Your mind is most impressive. A memory bordering on eidetic!" It paused once again as it was silent. Alec could mentally feel the hat going through his memories. "Oh my, that is the dream, Project Heritage?"
Alec tensed and then relaxed, "Yes." He tried mentally.
"I can't believe…It is…I must say, I was under the impression your minds were impressive from what I gleaned from Ms. Greengrass, but this… this takes the metaphorical cake so to say. We must, we must get on with the sorting though. The Headmaster is getting curious."
Alec tensed once again at the thought of the Headmaster, and forced himself to breathe out slowly.
"Let's see what we have here; obviously a very brilliant mind. You are very loyal, especially to those who you call family. But sadly, you find it hard to make friends, maybe that's the wrong way to say it. You find it hard to find people who you deem worthy to be your friends; that crosses out Hufflepuff."
Alec breathed a sigh of relief.
"A great mind like yours shouldn't be so quick to judge my friend, after all, there's only four houses to be put in; each one has their own very powerful strengths." The hat chided gently. It then added as an afterthought, "and weaknesses."
Alec hung his head slightly.
"You have much to improve young one, but greatness lies with you in the house of - RAVENCLAW!"
Harry smiled as his brother took off the hat and rushed to join the other boy, Archades, at the blue decorated table. He titled his head, curious at why it had taken quite a bit of time for his brother to be sorted. He shook himself out of his thoughts as his name was called and strode to the hat.
To his surprise, he heard a mental voice speak after a few moments, "Greetings Harry James Potter. Your mind is like your brother's, filled with amazing ideas and knowledge." Harry made to speak but the hat continued, "I'll tell you like I told him, I cannot divulge your secrets."
Harry relaxed and waited for the hat to speak.
"I must compliment you Mr. Potter. Your designs for the city are truly amazing for your age."
"Thank you?" Harry replied in confusion.
"Just because I am a hat, doesn't mean that I'm not alive. I am a fully sentient being."
"May I just be sorted Mr. Hat?" Harry said cautiously.
The hat laughed before pausing, "John, you may call me John. You and your brother are some of the brightest students I have had the pleasure of sorting. Although, I feel I must give you some counsel like I did with your brother; you have the wrong idea. The base of your Project Heritage as you call it, has already been established."
"Where?" Harry said in excitement. "What do you mean?"
"It-" John stopped and muttered a curse, "I swear, he's teasing me! If I ever see him again…" It said in an angry and annoyed voice. John growled, "I'm afraid that I cannot reveal anymore. We must sort you."
Harry frowned and then desisted, after all, who was he to argue with a such an old artifact?
"Let's see what we have, a courageous heart; a pursuit of knowledge worthy of Rowena herself to cure your mother, just like your brother. Ahhh but you do make friends more easily than he does. You are also very loyal to your family. You will do well in – SLYTHERIN!"
Harry made to take off the hat but John had one last bit to say.
"A word of advice. Time. What you and your brother need is time, that and experience. You cannot buy either one, and you must wait. Grow in knowledge, you'll need it; for I can see many surprises in the future. Several people have taken an interest in your pair's potential…oh and do come visit me sometime, the Headmaster's office, while very interesting, gets boring after a few centuries."
He was bitter. Oh it had been fine in the train. His companions had mostly ignored him and gave him his space, he was thankful for that. But now, now it was time to make a name for himself. One as far away as his younger brother as he could. One that maybe would, if he was lucky, garner his parents' attention. That's what he wanted, to prove them that he was just as good as his brother. Michael sat down as the hat was placed on his head. It cut off the whispers that surrounded him.
"Michael Longbottom, you are a very angry person."
"Shut up Hat and sort me."
"Complete with a temper too."
I want to better than my brother Michael thought. I want to outshine him. Put me in a house that I can.
"Tsk tsk, patience."
"Now!" Michael mentally yelled, fed up with a combination of emotions. The hat didn't reply and then suddenly Michael felt a massive ache on his head. He fought the urge to grab his head and yell in pain; he would not be a weakling in front of everyone.
"You really are IMPERTINENT!" The hat yelled in anger in his head. "You know there was only one other that ticked me off in the many centuries of children I've sorted.
Michael suddenly deflated and the headache seemed to disappear, "I offer my apologies. I-I-I just I don't know. You can see my life can't you? My family doesn't even know me. Listen to the whispers around us; no one knows who I am. But they all know my brother."
The hat's voice came back gentle, "You hide your pain behind a veil of arrogance and aloofness. Yet, despite what you do, you do care; that is the difference between you and the former lad I sorted."
"What do you mean?"
"I am very sorry for what you've gone through Mr. Longbottom."
"Please, Michael will do."Michael felt the hat mentally grin.
"I know where you should go. You would do well in Gryffindor, house of the noble. I also see that you have enough talent to be in Ravenclaw. But there is one more place. Those that you seek will most likely be in it, but I cannot be entirely sure. I have only seen glimpses of them in others. You have wanted to forge your own destiny out of the shadow of the Boy-Who-Lived? Choose."
"You would let me choose?"
"Yes, the house you have in mind, you can help bring it back to its former greatness."
"Then place me there."
"Michael Longbottom, better be SLYTHERIN!" Even as the whispers grew louder the hat gave Michael another piece of information, "The former student I speak of, he tore down Salazar's house's reputation, help to rebuild it and be worthy of being a member of his house."
Pause for effect… YES! I give you Michael Longbottom! Neglected brother of the BWL! Not gonna lie, the 'Neglected' plot has been used quite a bit, but never like this I believe (well at least I've never read a story like it)! I really was dumbfounded when the idea came to me. I stared at the paper for about five minutes as the ideas whirled through my head…
On another note, I really hope your guys' questions got answered and I was able to do the characters justice, especially Ms. Raven. Let's just say that she has a role to play. Also Gregory, one of my most favorite characters I've come up with, was fun to put in this story; hope he brought some laughs. Please R&R! I really would like to know what you thought! Or any questions you might have…
Next chapter will consist of a flashback to the distant past, an unsurprising Newspaper article, and the first few day/weeks of school.
Stay as immature as well, Gregory;
~TyFighter
