Chapter Twenty-Three – Tech

Neville did a great job on the new plants and trees in Harry's new greenhouse. He even made sure Grady was up to speed on what the exotic plants needed to thrive. When Neville completed the project, he made sure Harry knew to call him anytime he needed more assistance.

Harry tried to pay him but he refused, claiming he had too much fun and the education was worth far more than any monetary payment, he explained. Harry then insisted that he take some clippings for his own personal greenhouses so he could grow his own, but made him promise to wait a few years before supplying any to the school or anywhere else.

Neville agreed.

At Hogwarts, he was constantly asked about Harry Potter since word had spread about him working for the famous man over several weekends. Even more people started asking after Harry killed Voldemort in the Ministry. Neville was not accustomed to the extra attention but soon learned to deal with it. He refused to answer many of their questions since it would betray Harry and it was none of their business anyway. They had no right to that personal information.

He told his friends that Harry had simply acquired some special plants that needed special care, so he was sent over to take care of them for a few weekends. At least, until they were fine on their own with a house elf tending to them after that.

His friends dropped the subject quickly since they all knew that Neville liked to talk incessantly about plants, especially new ones. That was a subject they had little interest in. Of course, they didn't know Neville had no intention of sharing any of that information with them and he made no mention of that fact, smiling all the while.

oOo

Harry pulled QE off of helping with the space station temporarily and set him cataloguing every single piece that was needed to create a speeder. He was given one to study so he could put together that information. When QE was done with that, he was to do a search across the Earth to see if all the needed material existed, or if not, see if those missing pieces can be substituted with parts native to the planet.

The droids, with the help of the house elf Grady, had already figured out a way to piggyback the computers in the space station to the internet so a lot of the searching could be done that way. They ran a cable to the nearest major facility point where they could connect. The elf was there to hide them from any who might see them and to bury the cable deep and quickly with magic once the connection was made. He also made sure the non-magical people would not notice the connection they setup.

The facility was several miles away from the manor, but the newer technology they possessed did not have a problem with that distance. They did however have to step their technology down in order to connect to the slower technology of Earth's internet. Otherwise, they might have overloaded it.

If QE couldn't find it on the internet and a personal visit was required then Harry would handle that part. One thing that helped QE understand if native parts could be used was studying how current means of transportation were built. He looked at everything – including cars, trucks, motorcycles, tractors, buses, trains, airplanes, and even the space shuttle. He even delved into the side businesses that supplied the parts to the manufacturers that made the vehicles, learning of the materials and processes they used to make their products. Earth's latest and greatest firewalls were not up to QE's hacking skills and they never even knew he was there.

The biggest hurdle was creating the engine propulsion system and repulsor coils from native parts that would allow it to function properly as a speeder. The rest of the craft could easily be substituted if necessary as it only pertained to the body. Earth was already creating vehicles that were lighter than their predecessors in an effort to save on petrol. Plus, QE already had ideas on how to improve on that, but make the body tougher in case of an accident.

Harry had to make three trips to check for material in person. He went to Germany, Russia, and then China. He took Lisera with him on these trips as they experienced travel by Earth standards. Dealing with the airport, the lines, and the slow travel made her understand better the need for introducing Earth to better technology. They also enjoyed the travel together which allowed both of them to see other parts of the planet and enjoy some time together while out and about.

From the speeder, all types of transportation would eventually be replaced with faster, safer transport. Harry had plans later to introduce transport ships for planetary use. These would replace airplanes and helicopters, eliminating the need for runways since the transport ships could land and lift off more like a helicopter. After that, he would introduce better technology for space travel and perhaps even droids, if possible.

While he had no plans for mass-producing the vehicles, he did plan to be well compensated for his ideas and workable demos. He wanted to sell the plans to all the different governments and/or manufacturing companies, who were able to build their own vehicles. He would also require a small percentage of the profits to further his research into newer technologies that all of them would benefit from.

He was planning to offer the technology to all countries but would refuse to any who were at war with another. Only peaceful countries would be able to benefit from the advanced technology. He knew this would worry those countries who were always at war because they would fear the countries with the new technology would be able to invade them and defeat them with such advancements. He was hoping they would realize that there's a bigger world out there and their petty squabbles were a waste of time.

If not, then the rest of the world would continue to advance while they stagnate. Their money supply would dry up and the problem would right itself eventually.

Harry had plenty of money in Gringotts in the form of galleons, sickles, and knuts from his Potter inheritance. If he played his cards right then he would be even richer than that on the non-magical side by the time he was through advancing Earth to newer levels of technology.

QE was able to find all the needed parts, with some substitutions, in order to make a working speeder model for customer demonstrations. He also came up with a hybrid metal that was lighter than aluminum, or even fiberglass, but as strong as steel. This would be used to make the speeder, plus could be an individual item for sale on the market intended for additional uses. They could introduce that later.

Harry and the elves were able to use magic to transfigure the metals and parts into the shapes needed for the speeder model. Even some of the small pieces used with the engine and other places were changed into the right shape to work.

Of course, the vehicle manufacturers and their suppliers have machines that can bend metal into the right shape. They would have to make changes to adapt to the new speeders but once all that was in place they would then be able to mass produce them and sell them. The governments, of course, would have to come up with new traffic laws to adjust to the new flying cars but eventually they would have it all worked out.

Sometime in the middle of all the planning and production of demo speeders, Harry was introduced to his godfather Sirius Black and a friend of his parents, Remus Lupin. He had received an owl from Dumbledore that mentioned his godfather who was insisting on seeing his godson. The letter explained his godfather's close association with Harry's father and mother. Plus, he would have a friend with him who was close to Harry's parents as well.

Harry sent Hedwig off with a reply when he had a chance to write one. He agreed on a meeting time later in that week. They were to meet in Hogsmeade on Saturday for lunch. Some students would be in town on that day too since they could now go to Hogsmeade any weekend they wanted, at least third year and above. Sirius had Rosmerta provide one of the back rooms for privacy.

On Saturday, Harry teleported himself and Lisera to Hogsmeade. They were dressed comfortably in jeans, shirts, and trainers. They made their way to the Three Broomsticks with a few eyes on the street watching them since they were dressed like muggles.

When they entered the noisy pub, all sound ceased as everyone turned and looked at the two that entered. Harry was accustomed to being recognized so remained all business. Lisera, however, gave a nervous smile. She followed Harry over to the bar where he introduced himself to Madam Rosmerta. She then directed them to a back room where Sirius and Remus were already waiting.

When they entered the room, they found two men in their late thirties dressed in wizarding robes, one in much nicer robes than the other. They all four just stopped and stared at each other. Sirius gave a nervous smile.

"Is that really you, Harry?" he asked.

"I'm afraid so and this is Lisera," he said gesturing to her. "Would you be Sirius Black?"

"That I am and this here is Remus Lupin," he gestured with his thumb. "We were both very close to your father and then your mother as well. We all became friends when we were eleven and first attended Hogwarts."

"It's good to see you again, Harry," Remus greeted him.

"I'm sure I would say the same if I could remember either one of you," Harry quipped.

"No worries, Harry," Remus replied. "You were too young back then."

"Speaking of age," said Sirius, "You don't look like a teenager at all."

After introductions, they sat down and got to know one another. They even had a meal together. Harry explained about his ability as a Time Mage since Remus brought it up. He, after all, saw the memory when Harry used his ability accidentally at the age of six.

Eventually, after they got to know one another better over a few months, Harry told them about his plans for introducing new technology to Earth and how he was starting with replacing automobiles with flying speeders. It was through these connections with the two Marauders, that Harry was convinced to start out by forming a company of his own first to create the speeders and sell them that way. He learned that there were many wizards and witches who could use the work. Many of them were what the magical world called Muggleborn. Remus also knew several werewolves who could use the work.

The Muggleborns were stuck between the magical world and the non-magical world, being from both. You pretty much either worked in one world or the other. There were very few businesses that dabbled in both. One business that did were some legal firms. As it turns out, Sirius was related to a witch named Andromeda Tonks nee Black who married Ted Tonks. They were both lawyers and practiced in both worlds. Andromeda was a pureblood witch while Ted was a Muggleborn.

When they started out Ted handled all the non-magical clients while Andromeda handled the magical ones. Now, after many years in business, they both were comfortable handling either side. Harry immediately hired them to represent him in any legal needs that may arise.

On top of that, Harry found out that Sirius already had a flying motorcycle and Arthur Weasley had a flying car. The magical ministry wasn't exactly pleased with them using magic on Muggle machines, but they felt with Harry introducing flying vehicles to the non-magical world then that would free them up from having to use magic to make there motorcycle and car invisible while they flew. The ministry would also be hard pressed to complain if the Muggles were flying around themselves.

Convinced starting a company that "invents" flying vehicles was the best way to introduce the new technology to the world, Harry changed his mind and started making plans to form the company so they could get started.

Sirius immediately wanted to invest in the company and help with the startup costs. Harry saw no problem with that and liked the fun nature of his godfather. Sirius also recommended that Remus be hired to run things so Harry would be free to continue with his other projects. He told Harry that Remus was completely trustworthy and was one of the smartest people he knew. He was confident Remus could run the day to day things smoothly. He would also be good with hiring the needed people as the company grows.

With those ideas in mind, Harry and Sirius created a new company that was represented in both the magical and non-magical worlds. Remus was the one that came up with the idea for the name of the company. They decided to call it Fly, Inc. The name would cover the speeders and any new flying technology Harry planned to introduce later.

The Tonks law firm came in handy locating the land, space, and buildings they needed for the company. A lot of magic was used to get it ready, but they were up and running in record time. After working with Remus for a while on everything they accomplished so far, he quickly turned over the day to day reins to the man, making him the Chief Operating Officer (COO), while Sirius became the Chief Financial Officer (CFO). Harry took on the roles of President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) while Lisera was made Senior Vice President of Research and Development (R&D).

Remus took over hiring the staff they needed from mostly werewolves and Muggleborns. Before long, after magical contracts were signed preventing anyone they hired from stealing the technology or company secrets, they were creating speeders of all sizes and shapes. These included one-seaters, two-seaters, four-seaters, and so on. Harry even had them working on creating a few vehicles that would replace buses and trains that carry large groups of people.

While production was underway building new flying vehicles, Harry, Sirius, and the Tonks law firm took care of the licenses needed in the non-magical world along with any other government forms that needed filing. There were no regulations for the magical world. They then started talking to the magical and non-magical governments in earnest about their idea to introduce the new vehicles to the public. They knew the governments would need a heads up so they could start planning for changes in traffic laws and patterns. They also expected to have to prove to the governments how safe the new flying vehicles would be.

For most of the testing, the non-magical government officials were so surprised and excited about a flying car that was invented and that it actually works, they were less interested in performing their jobs. The complete presentation that they went over with the government officials before they started the tests, included the use of the new metal that was lighter but tougher than any metal used on current automobiles. It also included minor info about the propulsion system and repulsor coils that enabled it to fly. Nothing to reveal company secrets though or the real technology behind it.

It just so happened that the press was secretly notified, via the Tonks law firm, about the testing taking place so they received free publicity. Harry and Sirius spent a good bit of time being interviewed by the press while extoling them about their latest invention and how it would change the world.

The same presentation and demonstration was shown to the Ministry of Magic while many of the magical press were around to take pictures and interview Harry and Sirius.

After all that, they spoke to some automobile manufacturers, a meeting also covered by the press, and calmed them down as best they could after they saw and word spread about the government demonstration that the press so graciously advertised for free for them.

Companies all over the world were clamoring for more information about these new flying cars. News organizations were arguing over whether or not the new technology would "catch on." People all over the world were either accepting or refusing to believe that a car could fly. The doubters even said that it was a movie trick using special effects.

Harry just continued on as planned, ignoring all the news and opinions. Sirius was smiling the whole time. He thought it was one of the first and best pranks ever pulled on the world at large. Remus found it humorous as well.

After another six months went by, Fly was finally allowed to sell some speeders. On the extensive land they bought for the company an area was set aside for test driving the new speeders, including a track that could be followed. Of course, most people who were interested had to be shown how to fly them. Remus had several Muggleborns trained and ready to demonstrate the new vehicles as the potential buyer rode as a passenger. After sufficient instruction, the buyer was put in the driver's seat and the sales person rode as the passenger, offering help when needed or answering questions.

The government was still working on ironing out new traffic laws for the air and changes to the license to operate such a vehicle. The great thing about the new speeders though, was they could simply be flown a few feet off the road, instead of high in the air, at least until the government could finish creating the new laws. That way the regular laws could be adhered to since the new speeders were being driven like a normal vehicle, minus the tires, of course.

Fly, Inc. was the center of attention for the whole world. News crews with cameras were constantly hovering around the company since the new technology was the hottest thing going on at that time. Harry, Sirius, Remus, and even some of the sales people that worked for them, gladly answered the many questions to promote the business more, always portraying very friendly faces and courteous manners.

Occasionally, they would have a spy from one of the automobile manufacturers show up trying to discover company secrets. However, they were anticipating this behavior so setup wards that only allowed employees to enter restricted areas. If someone tried to break-in then the wards would stun and trap them and an alarm would sound. Someone from security would then notify the authorities and go release the prisoner from the wards, relieve them of any weapons, then hold the would be thief until the authorities arrived. Security guards carried both wands and service pistols. They used whichever one was needed at the time.

Of course, cameras were installed all over the complex. They all were hidden by runes so neither magical nor non-magical could locate them. Every theft attempt was captured on camera and a copy of the incident was handed over to the authorities when requested.

There was one incident where a Muggleborn employee came into work after a weekend and claimed that they could not find their security card needed to access the premises. The employee was verified and issued a new card.

Two nights later an intruder was caught in the wards and the employee's stolen card was found on his person. The thief believed that with one of the employee's security cards then he would be able to get past the tight security. However, no one said that was all you needed to bypass security and he found out the hard way. The reason? Anyone using an employee card, which happens to be tied to the employee via blood magic, will get more than a stun from the wards if they are not the correct employee using that card.

Some squibs were hired as well so they adapted the security to fit the need. In that case, a magical employee, usually an officer, would provide any needed magic while the squib would still provide the little bit of blood to tie the card to them.

The business was very successful.

Once Harry and Sirius started selling the technology to the other automobile manufacturers around the world, the real money started rolling in. The deal also included 3 percent royalty for every vehicle sold using that technology. The first thing they did after making millions of pounds from their first sale, was to give all the employees a very nice bonus.

After a while, the other auto manufacturers who were holding out, jumped on board and paid the required price for the technology. Along with the new flight technology, they also started selling rights to make the new metal that was invented to go on the new flying vehicles. Fly, Inc. already had a division that made the metal but knew they would not be able to meet the new demand across the world. Soon companies all over the world were clamoring for a piece of the pie. This made Harry and Sirius multi-billionaires in a very short period of time. Remus and Lisera did not do so badly themselves.

Lisera even received an especially nice bonus when she completed the space station. The money was nice but marrying Harry was even better than that in her opinion.

After several more months the money was just rolling in. Fly introduced more and more vehicles, such as the replacements for buses and airplanes, which led to more contracts and sales to manufacturers that produced those items. Lisera helped with designing engines powerful enough for the bigger vehicles to carry lots of people and/or cargo.

Harry even looked into seeing if they could produce bacta or kolto for healing so they could help advance the medical field as well, but it turned out that the materials required to make either substance were not available on earth, nor could substitutes be found that would work.

However, Harry's medical droid, MT, was helpful in providing a way to incorporate bionics so if people needed something like a hand, foot, arm, or a leg replaced, that could be done. It took a good bit of work to find all the materials needed, but as it turned out, the light metal QE designed for the speeders, worked well for bionic limbs too. Many disabled veterans were helped by this new invention. Mad-Eye was pleased with the replacements he got that allowed him to move around like normal again and without the aid of his staff. He kept his magical eye though.

"CONSTANT VIGILENCE!" he yelled when asked why he didn't want a more normal looking eye.

Another idea that was easy enough for the droids to design was Moisture Vaporators. Now arid areas, such as deserts, etc. could use these to provide much needed water. In fact, any area that needed clean water provided was prime for this solution. Fly, Inc. even donated many of these to poor areas with unclean drinking water. Many countries with that problem benefitted from the generosity.

Hologram technology followed a little later, providing both instant and delayed communication over the internet. Businesses were the first to adapt the new technology with homes adapting it for personal use after that.

Carbon freezing for any bio-degradable product, such as food, was introduced later as well. It was not recommended to be used on humans even though it was perfectly safe, other than a little hibernation sickness that is. They later did start using it on humans who were sick with no cure, as long as they or their family elected that solution. The hope was to wait and see if the cure was to be found later so they could be healed. The patient could then be taken home and stored somewhere until such a time they could be safely thawed out.

As new ideas hit them, they dove in and tried to make it happen. Not all were successful, but many did work out to some degree or another. It was certainly enough to keep the company growing with offices springing up all over the world. The employees at Fly, Inc. certainly weren't complaining. They knew they were part of something big and they were well compensated for their time.

oOo

With all the work, constant demonstrations of the new technology, press interviews, and world-wide advertising, not to mention the quick expansion of his business at an international level, Harry had forgotten about something he put on his calendar. He just knew he was forgetting something with all the busyness that was going on with his life and company.

Harry grabbed his personal datapad and began looking through it. He found what he forgot in his notes to himself. He was supposed to go help Luke Skywalker at a certain time to combat the Vong invaders. It was a good thing he could go anywhere in time that he wanted, otherwise he would have missed it.