Ultimatum
A/N: Please note that Harry is 5'9" the same height as Tony Stark. Not much action here, just a lot of moving around and some talking. Harry will be reunited with some of his old friends as he prepares for the future.
Chapter 4: Homecoming Part 2
Harry got off the plane and look around. Despite the few changes London was still beautiful as always. Harry was grateful Tony provided him with transportation. He didn't have any muggle money. Tony however felt he owed it to Harry to help pay his way. Harry didn't complain, it was a first class with almost everything you could wish for. Although he could do without the stewardesses stripping and trying too woo him.
Harry walked through the streets of London still amazed by the muggle's who walked through. However Harry, destination was somewhere else. A house he once believed he would never enter again.
Number 12 Grimmauld Place was still as gloomy as it was the day Harry left. Walking through the front door Harry was surprise to see the house elves were still in the house cleaning it. Kreacher, bless that little elf heart finally died five years after the great war was finally over. However Kreacher had done a good job finding other house elves to serve Harry and keep his belongings well taken care of.
"Master Harry." A little young elf said in a high pitch voice.
"Hello Dinky." Harry greeted with a small smile. Dinky was oddly enough Dobby's first cousin once removed. Unlike Dobby, Dinky didn't have a passion over clothing, or socks for that matter. He did however was like Dobby and wanted to do everything he could to please his master. It sometime drove Harry crazy.
"Is my wand still here?" Harry asked
"It is Master Harry." Dinky said as he led Harry up the stairs. To Harry's great pleasure, the wand was still located in Sirius's room. He knew none of his former friends would think to look at the one place Harry owned and hated. Harry grabbed the wand from the drawer and could feel as if it was the first time he picks up the wand.
It happens so fast Harry didn't have time to be surprise or amazed by the event. The Elder Wand changes from a fifteen inch stick to nearly six feet in length. Harry was surprise by this, he never heard of a wand changing into a staff before. He knew Merlin wielded a staff, is it because he's wand change into one? Knowing he couldn't get the answers by pondering here he decided it was time to return to Diagon Alley.
"Dinky, please keep my return quiet. I do not want things to become complicated before I'm ready to deal with things." Harry stated.
"Of course Master. Would you like to eat before you go?"
"No, I'll eat when I return; I must see Ollivander's." Harry said.
Harry went to the wardrobe and was please to see all of his robes were in perfect condition as the day he left. Putting on some simple black robes Harry quickly disparate.
Harry appeared in the backroom of the Leaky Cauldron. Harry looked around and was please to see it was the same as it has always been. Wizards and Witches were chatting away like there were no troubles or war.
Harry walked up to the bar and could see Hannah Abbott née Longbottom behind the bar. Harry found it quiet odd that Hannah would choose to become a barmaid instead of a healer like her best friend Susan Bones. Speaking of Susan, Harry found it odd she didn't become an Auror or a member of the Magical Law Enforcement like her aunt.
Harry walked up and sat down at the bar. Careful to keep his hood up and his head down.
"Can I have a butterbeer?" Harry asked.
Hannah gave him an odd look, as if telling him she recognize his voice but couldn't remember. She gave a slight nod and handed him his butterbeer. She kept looking at him while he was drinking his drink slowly.
"Are you giving Mrs. Longbottom some problems?" A wizard in a blue robe said as he and another wizard walked up to Harry. Harry knew at once they were security. Hannah wanted them so she wouldn't have to deal with drunks or idiots who would throw spells around.
"I don't recall giving her any problems." Harry stated coolly.
"Let's take this outside." He said as he place a hand on Harry's shoulder. Appearing as if on instinct Harry's staff appeared in his hand and a couple of spells later, the two men were on the ground moaning.
"Your security sucks Hannah." Harry said lifting his face up so Hannah could see who he was.
"Harry, I thought you left." Hannah said in a small voice.
"Well, our boys are not pro's like you. They deal with drunks and some idiots who want to wave their wands around." Neville said behind him.
"When did you know?" Harry asked turning around to see his best friend.
"I saw your ring when you reach for your goblet. It's the House of Black ring. Seeing how you're the current head, I figured it had to be you." Neville said.
Harry smiled and hugged his best friend who was like his brother. It was strange that they grew close during the fifth year and onwards. Harry had no idea how close their destinies were entangled.
"How's Hogwarts?" Harry asked as he shook his mind from thoughts of the past.
"It's good; Professor McGonagall is considering retiring soon from her post. Professor Flitwick is still the cheerful little professor as always." Neville replied.
"Let's drink and talk about the times before us." Harry said as he pulled up a stool next to him. Neville sat down and look at Harry pretty hard before he asked the question that was bugging him.
"Why are you back? After that prophecy came out I thought you wanted nothing to do with it and just disappear."
"I did, but I've decided that I better accept some things can't change and just go with it. Though I'm a bit confuse on the whole prophecy."
"I thought it was clear." Neville said.
"Prophecy's are never clear. It says I will unite the world, but I'm not sure if I will lead it to a golden age or a dark age." Harry stated.
"That is true, it didn't state what type of world we be living in."
"I'm going to find a way to lead it into a positive light. However I get the feeling that darkness is coming."
"What kind of darkness?" Neville asked.
"Don't know, just that it's coming." Harry replied in a grim voice.
"So what are you doing back?"
"I was held captive for three months. During my captivity, well... its best I tell you from the beginning." Harry said and he told Neville the whole story. It took well about an hour to explain everything but Neville didn't interrupt until Harry was done.
"So you left because someone was following you?"Neville asked slowly Harry gives a slow nod.
"They were good, almost undetectable. It took me a week to figure out they were muggles when I began to do my disappearing act." Harry said as he drain his fifth goblet of butterbeer.
"Awe yes, I remember your disappearing act. I always wondered how you were never caught out at nights at Hogwarts. Filch had good ears and a sixth sense too."
"Found that out in my first year too." Harry said. Harry got up and turn to leave.
"I got to see Ollivander; I hope he can explain why my wand changed into a staff. And don't tell me it's a big deal. I'm well aware of it." Harry stated as Neville began to open his mouth. Neville nodded and wish Harry well.
Harry went out the back door and entered Diagon Alley. Harry was glad his hood was still up or people would have surrounded him and start worshiping him like he was a saint. Though, Tony did have a point and maybe he should take advantage of his fame to get what he wants. A public image can go a long way. Harry knew that first hand during his fifth year when the Ministry of Magic was committed to a smear campaign against him and Dumbledore.
Shaking any thoughts about what Tony said, Harry slowly enters Ollivander's Wand Shop. Looking around, Harry could see a single witch sitting behind the counter reading Witches Weekly.
"Welcome back Mr. Potter." Ollivander said as he seemed to have appeared from no where. The poor girl jump in fright she drop her magazine.
"Mr. Ollivander, I have come with a question."
"More questions about wandlore I presume." He said.
"You could say that." Harry said as he began to explain what happen to his wand. Ollivander listen patiently. For a moment he didn't say a word. Then he spoke in a rasp voice.
"It is very rare for such an event to occur. The last known sorcerer who wielded a magical staff was Merlin himself. It's a magical moment when a wand will turn into a staff. This means your magic is too strong for a mere wand to wield it. As just as the wielder has changed, so too does the wand. Can you think of anything Mr. Potter? Anything that could have made such a change possible."
Harry did know. It was when he finally decided to stop holding back his talents and abilities. No longer bound by a friendship that was made out of pity or pride. He could first the first time, be free from the influence of others and become his own man.
Ollivander nodded as if he understood.
"I told you once before Mr. Potter; but you are destined for great things."
Harry gave his thanks and took his leave before deciding to head to Madam Malkin's Robes for All Occasions.
Walking in the store Harry immediately recognized it had been magically expanded. Unlike Harry's first year at Hogwarts, the shop had been a bit small. Now it felt like going into a muggle convention store.
"Hello, how may I help you?" A young witch asked.
"Yes, I need to buy some dragon robes with enchantments." Harry asked politely.
The girl frowns at Harry's request. Harry knew why, Dragon Robes were highly expensive. To add enchantments on the robes was going to be more expensive than what the poor girl would make in a year. Harry doubt all the employees yearly income put together would be enough to scratch the robe he was going to buy.
"Um one moment please; Madam Malkin!" The girl shouted as she rushed towards the back.
Madam Malkin came out looking much older than ever but still looking professional.
"Mr. Potter." Several of the females employees turn their heads and squealed when they saw the man under the hood was indeed the famous Harry Potter. Looking at the parchment she could see what he wanted.
"I see, this is very expensive Mr. Potter."
"I'm not worried about the price Madam Malkin. I just want those robes with these enchantments." Harry said handing Madam Malkin a piece of parchment. Madam Malkin read the parchment and frown, it was clear to her that Harry has done his own research on runes and enchantments.
"This will take several days Mr. Potter, once it's ready, I'll send you an owl." She finally said.
"I'll pay for the price it needs."
"Expecting trouble." One thing I've learn in my youth, is that trouble always finds me." Harry said as he gave Madam Malkin a bag full of gold.
Harry left after picking out the material for the robe and soon went to Flourish and Blotts. Harry quickly bought all sorts of books on Transfiguration, Charms, Defense, Potions, Wandless Magic, Occlumency, Legilimency and to his great surprise, Warding, Enchantments, Runes and Nonverbal magic.
As Harry was leaving, he bumps into someone walking into the store.
"Sorry." Harry said and to his horror, he realized just who it bumps into. It was Hermione.
"Hello Hermoine."
The years have obvioiusly not been to kind to Hermoine. Harry knew she had joined the Aurors but shortly left in hopes of bringing out the S.P.E.W. to the wizarding world. Harry only knew she wasn't having a good time with it. The years have obliviously not been to kind to her.
"Harrry? It's good to see you again." Hermoine said.
"It's good to see you as well." Harry said. He was wondering when the last time she got a decent amount of sleep. "How are things going between you and Ron?" Harry asked. Trying to avoid things from getting too awkward between them.
"Oh, well things were great at first, but we broke up a few years ago. He got fired from the Auror's for abusing his authority. So he's been living with his parents and helping George out with the joke shop." Hermione said in a slow voice.
"Oh, I see." Harry said.
It was no surprise to Harry that they broke up. He would have been astonished if they were able to stay together.
"How have you've been?" Hermione asked.
"Well, I'm doing some business with a muggle now. He's a good friend to me." Harry stated. Hermione looked pale at the word friend.
"I see, well I'm glad you still have friends."
"But you don't. You never did understand how to live beyond the world of books and rules." Harry pointed out. Hermione look hurt at Harry's insult.
"As much fun as it has been running into you Hermione, I have things I need to do." Harry said as he disappeared.
Harry appeared in his living room. He made his way up to the Black Family Library. He was reading his books and just by reading the theory he was fascinated at the wonders what magic could do. Harry was so caught up in his reading he nearly miss it was dark and his meal was getting cold.
It was going to be a hard time being back, but he was enjoying it none the less.
A/N: Not much action but I'm building up to it. I'm working on my Magical Origins too so expect an update from that story as well. Hope you guys enjoy any suggestions I'll gladly take please review and rate.
