Harry Potter and The Grey Alliance

By SkyeDeploro

Disclaimer: I own nothing that you recognize. All rights belong to J.K. Rowling, along with the Harry Potter series. All info researched was based on PS/SS, CoS, PoA, OotP by J.K Rowling, and The Magical Worlds of Harry Potter: A Treasury of Myths, Legends, and Fascinating Facts by David Colbert. This is fanfiction, get over it.


Chapter Three: Summer Contacts

Earlier that summer…

Sunday July 21, 1996

The sun had just risen in Melun, just south of Paris, France. Men, women, and children alike were waking for work and chores for the day. In a cozy villa, a young man wearing grey sweat pants, a black fitting t-shirt, and a pair of running shoes, was stretching from after his morning run. He had black messy hair that was almost long enough to tie in a ponytail, and fringe that he had to keep brushing from his eyes. His eyes were deep emeralds, hard as though they could cut glass. He had a strong jaw, with a straight nose. His build was that of an athlete, slim but toned. And of course no one can forget his lightening bolt scar on his fore head.

He was, of course, Harry Potter. No one from around here knew that though. Around here he was known as Devlin Black, the young, rich, English investor on vacation for the summer. They were muggles, so that may explain them not recognizing him. The locals didn't know anything about him really besides that. The ones that had spoken to him said that he was polite, if not a little cold.

Harry had spent the last week and a half getting familiar with his new abode. Of course that was when he wasn't studying or exercising. He had spent his first few days in France, at Hotel Meridien in Paris on Av. Charles de Gaulle, waiting for his solicitor to finish having his villa fixed up. The villa was of course one of the properties he had inherited from Sirius. It was big, but not overly done. It was built in an older French style, newly renovated to have in door plumbing. It had an eat-in kitchen, a dining room, a library, a small sitting room, an attached green house, three full washrooms, and five bedrooms, including the master suit with attached washroom. He also had the attic changed into a weight and exercise room. He felt that it was perfect for his plans this summer, and silently thanked Sirius for helping him, even in death. With a lake on the property, south of the country home, Harry had even learnt to swim and was now an avid user of said lake when his muscles and joints were sore from a long day of working.

He had left Gringotts earlier that month with three trunks full of books, weapons, and heirlooms. After the Black vault, he had ventured onto the Potter Family vault. There he had found his parents' school things, journals, and magical objects that had been passed down the family line, just as his invisibility cloak had been. Some of the things he found, he didn't even know what they were or did, but just had the feeling that he would need them. And he did.

A few days after the meeting at the ministry, Harry had received a letter from Mafalda, explaining that the Minister was still monitoring all magic he did and that although the Minister could not do anything for now, he was hoping for Harry to do something incredibly stupid and mess up. This led to Harry going through the heirloom trunk he got from the Black vault, finding a Caecus Amulet. It was a black oval shaped stone with green swirling matter on the inside, with silver trim, and a matching silver chain. He had read about them in one of the defense books he had for the DA. The British Ministry of Magic classified them as dark arts. Really all they did was hide your magical signature, and the Ministry being a bunch of nosy twats, didn't like not being able to monitor everyone. Luckily for Harry, he wasn't in their jurisdiction right now and they could sit on it for all he cared. So now he was effectively off their radar, and could perform all magic he liked, which included some that he was sure the ministry would frown upon.

Harry had spent nearly an entire day trying to figure out how he could learn and practice as much as possible, because lets face it, Voldemort has over half a century worth of practice more than he does.

After searching for most the day, he had been reading an old, deteriorating potions book (one that the ministry would confiscate if they knew he had it), and had found a potion that allowed the user to stay awake for an extended period of time with out any harmful effects as long as the proper amount was taken. It was named the Noyes Draft, after its creator, a German Potions Master of the early 1900's, William A. Noyes I. The Ministry deemed it 'dark', because Harry would have to add three drops of his own blood, which he was wary of at first since the only other encounter he had with a potion that used blood was the one where Voldemort made a guest appearance. He had to take it every morning, and did so 6 out of 7 days a week, using the maximum amount before he would become addicted.

The day he did take off he usually never had nightmares because he had surprisingly figured out how to keep moldie shorts out of his head. He figured this out just by chance. He had come upon this one day when he was thinking about occlumency. Occlumency was to protect the mind from legilimency and Voldemort was not using legilimency, which needed eye contact or a wand within seeing distance. So Harry did trial and error work and eventually built a figurative wall around his thoughts and memories, and poured magic into it. Harry read that in occlumency one keeps their mind blank, so thoughts can't be read at all. But in Harry's technique, his thoughts were all there, just protected by his wall and magic. He hadn't had a Voldemort induced dream yet, and he was usually too tired on the seventh night for his own mind to bother him.

Walking down the sun kissed halls, and tiled floor of his summer home, Harry made his way to the kitchen to make himself a sandwich or three and get a glass of milk. Sitting down at the wrought iron table on the balcony off the kitchen, he picked up the Daily Prophet Hedwig just dropped off for him. He had a copy rerouted to him everyday from Fred and George Weasley. They were two of the few people he kept in contact with the last two weeks on vacation.

"Thanks girl…" he said absently petting her. She gave him a quick nip before stealing a piece of ham from his sandwich and flying off.

Finding that there were no new attacks, he started in on one of the papers he had picked up from town this morning.

The Prophet had reported his disappearance and his emancipation earlier that summer, and continued to have articles every now and then updating the people on the current search for him. Harry was tempted to write a letter to the paper telling them that as his right as an 'adult' he could take a vacation if he wanted, and they could piss on it for all he cared.

One of the other useful heirlooms Harry had gotten from the Black vault, was a translator ring. Which currently resided on the chain around Harry's neck along with the amulet. Apparently, as long as it touched him it would work. It too was silver with three black stones, and ivy engraved on the band. This had helped him quite a bit while out of the country, reading foreign newspapers, and talking to the locals.

The papers were quite useless today. Usually he also got the French equivalent to the Daily Prophet, called La Voix, but they didn't have a Sunday edition.

He quickly looked up to take in the landscape. The sun was still low, bathing the land in light, grass was seen rolling on hills as far as the eye could see. Harry took off his glasses before rubbing his eyes and standing up where he went inside to wash his plate and glass, while thinking of what he was going to have to do today.

Harry knew that he would need friends and allies in the coming war. After speaking with Ragnok and Mafalda, he was working on a plan to start an alliance. He wasn't really sure of who he could include, but he figured it would have to be people often looked over, and willing to do anything to defeat the evil, including using all types of magic. He had started really thinking about this ever since he received the letter from Mafalda. He couldn't fight this war alone, and it was nice to have contacts out there to rely on just a little. He just thought things would go a lot smoother this way.

Walking out of the kitchen, Harry made his way to the entrance hall where the spiral iron staircase that led to the second floor was. Lightly jogging up the stairs he made his way to his office, all the while thinking about who his inner circle would be.

He had Fred and George already. Surprisingly, he felt his friendship with them was one of the most enjoyable ones he had ever had. They had been very helpful to him and never asked for an explanation, they just helped him if they could. Harry trusted them with his life. Most would probably be more than surprised to hear this. Harry though, felt that they were under appreciated, and not given enough credit. If people even knew half of the stuff they had accomplished, their opinions would falter. They may have only gotten three OWL's, but the twins were really hard workers when it came to something they felt deserved their attention. That and they gave their word to Harry, and he believed them. Marauders honour and all that.

Stepping through the large dark doors of his office he looked around at the room. It was pretty big with two large windows directly across from the door. Facing away from said windows was a desk, covered in newspapers, letters, and spare parchment. Behind the desk was a matching chair, that not only looked attractive, it also looked comfortable, practical for constant use. To the left was a fireplace, which was currently not in use, and two wingback chairs were facing it with a small table in between them. Sitting down behind the desk, he continued with his assessment of possible candidates of his inner circle.

Remus Lupin, his former teacher, a marauder, and his parents' friend. Harry held mixed emotions for the man. He didn't know if he could trust him or not. He did tell Harry about the inheritance, and when he asked him, Remus did speak of his parents, if briefly. But Harry had to wonder where was he all those years he was made to live with the Dursleys? Why had Remus never come to see him? Of course he knew there were many reasons that could have stopped him but Harry would have to think about it, perhaps they could have lunch one day.

Next he thought about Ron and Hermione. His two first best friends. This is where he was really inflicted with an inner turmoil. He loved them both dearly. How ever, he just didn't think they would be able to handle what he was proposing to do.

Ron Weasley, his brother, was too prejudice. Sure he accepted Remus and all, but he was stubborn in his beliefs of dark and light, and Harry had crossed that line a while back. Ron saw everything as black and white, no grey. All Slytherins are evil, dark magic is evil, and Gryffindors are all good were just a few of Ron's opinions. Harry also felt that Ron was childish still over issues like money, fame, and materialistic things. Harry knew Ron wouldn't be able to see that things are not so two-dimensional. However, things change, and he was going to try to keep an open mind to Ron; the Department of Mysteries and the summer may have given him a pause to think and a cause to change.

Hermione Granger, his sister, was the one person who never once turned their back on him. The thought of loosing her friendship hurt him the most. She may be bossy and all but, she stood up for what she believed in, and she was also brave and ambitious. But she put entirely too much belief and faith in Dumbledore and other authority figures. She also balanced him out and could usually read him better than anyone. Well, at least before this summer she could.

Next he thought of Ginny Weasley. He didn't know her to well, but he did know she had an explosive temper, and was as stubborn as her mother. She fought for what she believed in, and had witnessed and been involved with terrors not many knew about. However, she still fought for her innocence, and was over protected by most of her family and with the same morals as Ron, black and white.

Neville Longbottom, his roommate of five years, friend, and runner up in the 'Who Might Be Able To Kill Voldemort' tournament. Harry had always seen that Neville had potential. He believed Neville was never given enough credit. Last year, he had shown more courage and ambition in the DA than anyone else really. Harry had come upon him more than once on sleepless nights last year, practicing in the common room on hexes and curses they had worked on in the DA, and others they hadn't. Harry believed that this year with a new wand and some confidence, Neville would really shine. Cheesy, yes, but true. Neville also had a reason to fight, and fight hard and dirty. Two reasons actually, and they both sat in a permanent ward in St. Mungo's Hospital for Magical Maladies and Injuries.

Luna Lovegood, one of the most peculiar people he had ever met in his entire life. Which was something to say when one has been involved in the magical world. Luna had a different way of looking at things, and often was misjudged and called weird. Harry would admit, she was a little strange, maybe more eccentric, but he felt she was also quite wise. It took him a little while before he actually understood the Ravenclaw. She said things with such truth, that people often felt uncomfortable around her, but Harry just felt at ease. After years of being told lies and not to ask questions, he rather enjoyed her bluntness. She didn't sugar coat things, and when she did say something it often had meaning. He also felt that she often acted eccentric to throw people off. He also knew that Luna was one of the smartest people in her year, she wasn't sorted into Ravenclaw for nothing.

Of course Harry had others he could keep as contacts, some he had made earlier that summer, and some he intended on making before the summer was over.

He would have to get to that later though because he had other things to do now.

Harry reached to the top drawer on the right side of his desk, pulling on the brass knob, he opened it to pull out a green, slightly worn, muggle style note book. Harry had six of these filled with the work he had been doing this summer. He reminded himself to pick up a few more next time he went to town before pointing his wand at his opened notebook, "Aparecium." He spoke, as words started to appear on the page.

This notebook was full of his transfiguration research. After seeing Dumbledore and Voldemort's dual Harry became really interested in involving all magic in a dual, including transfiguration. One of the main things Harry had researched this summer, was the animagus transformation. He figured it could give him some advantage in the future, be it stealth, offense, or a means of escape.

Harry found from one of his potion texts that the reason why it usually took people so long to become animagi was because the potion was really complex and took three years to brew. It was called the Corporeus Draft, it puts the user in an induced sleep, then allows them to see their second form. The book stressed the word form, which confused him a little. The complexity is also why the Ministry kept a close eye on animagi. If the potion went wrong it could be highly explosive and kill those attempting it. Of course it could be bought, in Knockturn Alley illegally, but not many people can drop 800 galleons for a potion. Harry was just lucky enough that he had more than enough money to buy the potion several times with out making a dent in his vault.

The transfiguration part of the procedure was actually the easier part. All he had to do before taking the potion was get in a meditative state, and try self transfiguration, which came a little easy for Harry, especially when he remembered the things he did as a child, like growing his hair, or making bruises he got from Dudley disappear.

Done reviewing his notes, he flicked his wand at the notebook, making the words disappear again before pulling out some parchment, a quill, and ink to start on the letters that he knew would lead to the start of a new era for the magical world.


Dear Neville,

I guess I will start by telling you that I wanted to thank you for all of your support and help this year, especially at the Department of Mysteries. You were the last one standing with me in the end, and I would fight by your side anytime.

I am also writing to you because I would like to speak with you in person. I can't write more detail than that because you never know who may intercept this letter. CONSTANT VIGILANCE! Well I was hoping we could meet up in front of the Leaky Cauldron on the muggle side of London on Thursday July 25 to have lunch and talk. I promise I will try to explain it all to you then. I know a lot of people are probably searching for me right now, but I have to ask you to please not tell anyone.

Sincerely,

Harry Potter

Dear Luna,

How is your summer so far? Was your search in Sweden successful? Well I wanted to say that I am very grateful for your support last year, and for following me into the Ministry, even though there was a chance of it being a trap. But you came anyway, and you fought well. You didn't know me very well, but you still came. You have an interesting way of looking at things, and maybe one day I will know you well enough to be able to look at things in a different light as well.

Anyway, I also wrote to ask if you would mind meeting me for lunch, and to talk on Thursday July 25. I will explain it all then. Please meet me in front of the muggle entrance to the Leaky Cauldron. I can't say any more than that just incase this letter is intercepted. As well, I don't know if you have heard or not, but I'm currently 'missing' in the wizarding world, and I would like to keep it that way for now, so please, please, don't tell anyone.

Sincerely,

Harry Potter.

Changing his sweatpants for a pair of khaki shorts that ended a little above the knee, Harry put on a pair of runners before grabbing a book and leaving the villa.


Later that night Harry came back to the villa, after spending most of the afternoon walking through the village, and stopping in a park to sit in the grass to read his book and watch the locals.

After a quick snack from the kitchen, he kicked off his shoes as he went to his room. The master suit was painted dark blue, with black borders. It was large with a connected washroom, which rivaled the prefects' washroom at Hogwarts, a small sitting area next to the fireplace and a large walk in closet. The bed was a queen sized four poster, with black (curtains?) and a matching black duvet with matching black Indian silk sheets.

With quick strides to his closet, Harry opened the door and walked in. The walls were covered with hanging areas and shelves for shoes. They were mostly empty.

"I'll have to do something about that." Harry mumbled before walking to one of the shelves.

Picking up a small box, he opened it only to pull out a potion that he had received in the mail earlier that week.

It was the Corporeus Draft. It was brown and sludgy, it looked terrible, and he assumed it would taste terrible as well.

Trembling slightly from excitement and anxiousness, Harry quickly sped from his room, down the stairs, towards the kitchen, and out the back door through the pantry, and made his way towards an empty field.

This was it. He was going to find out his second form. He assumed of course, that it would work for him, his father was after all was an animagi at the age of 15.

He figured that out in the field he wouldn't be bothered and he had lots of open space, so he wouldn't feel crowded.

Walking barefoot through the grass, Harry made his way out to the middle of the field. Looking to the far right, he saw the lake, which the small breeze would cause slight ripples every now and then.

Sitting down cross-legged, Harry lifted his left hand to look at the brown sludge filled vial.

"Cheers," he toasted before removing the cork and tipping it back to swallow the draft.

Yes, he was right, it did taste as bad as it looked. The smell was enough to make him gag.

Not even realizing, he closed his eyes before he relaxed further.

Anyone looking on would have seen a deep reddish glow surrounding him, but in his mind it was a totally different story.

It was dark all around him; he couldn't see anything, not even his hand when he tried to put it in front of his face.

He tried to walk forward, but found that he couldn't move his feet from where they were.

Hoping this was supposed to happen, he quietly waited for whatever was supposed to happen.

After an indescribable amount of time, that asked later Harry would have claimed that it could have been hours or seconds, a red light appeared in front of him.

The outline of a figure appeared, about his height, with black giant wings made up of what could have been described as dragon scales. The wing span was about two meters.

As it got closer, Harry saw that it was himself, but it wasn't.

The figure had really black shoulder length hair that had two thin braids starting at the temples. Its eyes were black, where they should have been white and sharp emerald green for the irises, but the pupils where slits, sort of like a reptiles. Looking at its teeth, he saw that its canines were sharp, and elongated which made it seem more animal like. Its nails looked pointed and faded from black to normal at the cuticles. Its build was a bit more toned than Harry, with muscles that seemed ready to spring into action.

Next Harry looked at its clothing. It had on black and bronze chest plate with a coat of arms detailing crossed spears behind the shield, with a dragon crouched, ready to pounce, holding a sword with its tail. The chest plate was a metal like material, sculpted to show muscle definition, and if Harry could see the back, he would notice the back was cut like a T allowing room for the beings wings. Around its biceps were black leather bands, about 3 cm wide, with what looked like ruins etched into them. Looking at the apparition's lower half, he saw it wearing black leather pants, that were fitted in the waist and thighs, but slightly flared at the bottom to go over its boots. From what he could see of them, the boots were black army style, with a bronze plate covering the toe.

Over all, the figure was quite intimidating; looking up at it, only one word came to mind for Harry.

"Ferus," he breathed before everything turned black.


AN: Alright, there is chapter three, and I hope you like it. I not entirely sure when the next chapter will be out, but soon I think.

Thanks to my reviewers, most of you figured out who Inesco was in the last chapter, I tried to drop hints, and if you didn't know then, you are sure to know now. Maybe who Nos is too?? Also, I am trying to work out my problem with detail, I promise I am. I'm pretty close to begging my beta to do my detail, I swear.

So that brings me to thanking DarkGoddess, it is 15 min to 3 in the morning, and I just kept her up to read this, all the while playing pool on yahoo messenger. Or at least she was trying to beta when I kept distracting her, I know, I know I'm just hurting myself.

Anyway, that's that. I hope you enjoyed it, and I cleared a lot of the confusion from last chapter, if not, don't worry, it will make sense later, or at least I hope it will.

SkyeDeploro