Chapter 5 – The Alley

Harry made his way into the Ministerial building, a few days after his dinner at Black Manor. Correspondence with Arcturus had continued over the days, and it remained mostly cordial between them. Harry recognized that Arcturus was positioning for something yet wasn't sure what the older Lord could want. Harry put aside thoughts of potential machinations as he approached the office he needed to go to. Walking inside he made sure to put on a gentle smile that was returned by the person behind the desk.

"Good morning milord. Are you here to submit a request or for pickup?" The worker asked.

"Pickup." Harry responded.

"Name."

"Peverell."

The worker took a moment to find Harry's application. They reviewed it before turning their attention back to Harry, "Nature of your travel?"

"Business."

The worker nodded before handing Harry the international portkey, "Your departure time in two days, Wednesday, at 2pm."

Harry offered his thanks before exiting the office, keeping the portkey close. Going out into the alley he was hit with the sounds that he had grown accustomed to. The general noise of a busy street was welcome. He moved quickly towards the apparition point, wanting to leave and find a moment of peace. As he approached the point a memory of Hermione sprung forth; a conversation that happened years after the war. She had found peace in parks, enjoying the life that was happening around her. Harry only really remembered one park from his time in the mundane world, and he had no desire to go back. Still, he had some quid, so he decided to head out into the mundane world.

One cab trip later he found himself at a park. It wasn't terribly full, mostly youth and some mothers with younger kids. Harry was able to find a bench and smiled as he listened to the laughter and noise from all the children. A few off the mothers sent some questioning looks but Harry just smiled and waved. He knew there was some distrust, so he released his magic. Infusing it with warmth and life he let the magic settle over the larger area. It was a trick he picked up during his time as an auror. Warm magic evoked feelings of trust and safety, most people just naturally giving into the feeling. It worked on most magicals, and here the effect was amplified. The laughter increased, and the looks Harry got turned to all smiles. He stayed at the park for an hour or so. Just watching and soaking in the purity of children having fun. As he left, he made it a point to meditate on the memory of Hermione, she had mentioned the park she liked to go to. He wanted to follow in her steps and find the memories that she so cherished.

Harry returned to his flat, still on a small high from his time at the park. His time in the past so far had fully reinforced the belief in what he was doing. The smiles and laughter alone were enough to do that. He held onto that feeling as he walked into the room he had set aside for his study. Having magically expanded the room, there were boards and files strewn about the room. Summoning one of the files he sat down at the desk and got to work, looking it over. The Goblin Nation had provided Harry with background information on various families. Nothing menacing, and all public information; yet it would be difficult to compile everything without the resources the Nation had. Today he was focused on the Malfoy Family.

Harry went over the history of the family. Their exodus from France. Development of finances. The rise within the traditional faction of the Gamot. Combined with information from the voting history from the Ministry painted a picture. He was never sure if Lucius was an outlier, but the picture showed that Lucius didn't stray far from the family way. Setting the file down Harry walked over to the main board. Malfoy's name appeared on the list of most likely to become Death Eaters. There was no way to confirm allegiance to Voldemort but the names Malfoy, Nott, Lestrange, and Yaxley were the only ones he remembered from his past life.

Looking over other boards Harry stared at potential names. McKinnon, Carrow, Crabbe, Goyle, Davis, Diggory, Doge, amongst others were all ones that pulled at his memory. Yet he couldn't place them. Looking over at the confirmed names his interaction with Bellatrix pulled at his mind. The raving cackles weren't there. Instead, there was a young woman sure of her faith in family. Conjuring up another board he titled this one "Black Sisters" and wrote down each of their names. Next to Bellatrix there was a question about saving her and keeping her away from Voldemort. However, the question he had was centered around their beliefs. Bellatrix didn't profess any beliefs during their duel, but that meant little. He only barely saw Narcissa and Andromeda and knew extremely little about their upbringing. While Andromeda's name just held a question mark, Harry wrote the word "change" next to Narcissa's.

He set the board down and started to pace. War was approaching. Yet how to address it. The actions in the Gamot showcased a Magical Britain ripe for the taking. Voldemort would have supporters, and to meet them openly may produce nothing. Growling in frustration Harry fought the urge to punch the wall and reigned in his magic as it had started to crackle. He opened his eyes and the board on the Black Sisters was staring back at him. Bellatrix. She was the opening to start change. Through Bellatrix, he would have access to the rest of the Black Family, including Dorea and Charlus. Now he just needed the opening. His mind wracked for a few minutes until the memory of the duel sprang forth. She wanted a mastery. He couldn't give her that, but she wanted to learn.

Harry wrote "mastery" on the board and circled it. He had decided his opening move. Now he just needed to get more information to act on it. Picking up the file on the Lestrange's he once again looked over everything on the family. Harry spent the next several hours poring over various files, documents and information. Notes and various ideas were written on boards, scattered throughout the office. Everything related back to Bellatrix and the desire to remove her from Voldemort's influence. She was the Dark Lord's greatest tool during the wars.

A tapping at the window pulled him from everything. Harry's wand was out in an instant as he turned towards the window. An owl was outside, one that he hadn't sensed through the wards. Immediately, Harry assessed his connection and found them still up. He felt the owl's magical signature as he checked over the wards. He was just too distracted. The tapping became more insistent, and Harry reluctantly let the owl in. The owl immediately took off after Harry gathered the letter from its leg. Confused, he just stared after the owl for a moment before shrugging.

Looking at the letter he didn't recognize the family crest and there was no indication as to who sent the letter. Scanning it revealed no compulsions, curses, or otherwise harmful effects. He opened it, dropping it almost immediately afterwards. Stunned for a moment, he refused to move. One deep breath later, the letter was back in hand and Harry was reading it. He read it multiple times just to make sure. Setting the letter down on his desk he made his way into the kitchen. Reaching for the bottle of scotch he poured two fingers. Downing it quickly, Harry poured another two fingers. Taking that glass, he made his way back into the office.

It was a marriage contract. Already signed by the potential bride's family. Harry shook his head as he stared at it, the horridness of it all hitting him at once. He would sign primacy over to the bride's family. Looking at the letter Harry just put it down. As he looked around the room, he began to realize that the owl was gone, and he had no owl to serve as his own courier. Harry snorted at the absurdity. He knew the letter demanded a response but had no idea how to actually respond. His status in his previous life had headed off all official marriage contracts. Tomorrow. He'd deal with that shitshow tomorrow. Harry took his drink and left the office, his desire to work completely gone. He should've meditated, but there was no balance to be found. No state of mind to explore his memories.

The next day found Harry once again going through the Alley. His eyes scanned the families as many pureblood lords proudly displayed their family crest. Nothing matched the family crest as he walked through. His anxiety remained high, not wanting to even meet the family that sent the contract in passing.

He walked into the owl emporium and enjoyed the feel of nature's magic floating through the building. Each owl looked at the newcomer. Evaluating. Though none approached right away. The owner walked up to Harry. There were some pleasantries before Harry confessed, he wasn't really sure how to pick an owl. The owner directed Harry towards a point, deeper in the emporium. Once there the owner directed Harry to let his magic loose.

"Let it out. Slowly. But do not seek. Let nature come to you." The owner said.

Harry closed his eyes as he followed the owner's instructions. He could feel his own magic flowing outward. The brief flares around him were the owls reacting to the foreign magic. Some screeched at the touch. Others seemed to barely notice. He stood there for what felt like hours, just letting magic flow around him. Finally, there seemed to be a latch. He heard a fluttering of wings around him. Opening his eyes, he was greeted by an eagle owl landing on his shoulder. The owl looked young, and Harry turned to the owner.

"Intriguing, Lord Peverell." The owner muttered before directing Harry back towards the front of the store. "Would you like to purchase a protection harness?"

"Yes. What is her name?"

The owner brough the harness forwards and began fitting the owl, "She doesn't have one. Has seemingly refused all my calls."

Harry couldn't help the genuine smile on his face, "Athena." The owl pushed her head into Harry's hand.

The owner finished fitting Athena before handing her over to Harry. Athena took a perch on Harry's shoulder, nuzzling against Harry's head. Harry declined the offer, choosing to just walk out into the alley with the owl on his shoulder. He received a lot of stares from the adults. However, the kids were all staring at the owl, wanting to give her attention. Athena seemed to preen under the constant praise from the kids. Eventually she took off and flew around Harry, darting down towards the kids. Her actions drew excited squeals and laughs from kids. Harry let Athena play for a few minutes before calling her back. He began to walk towards the apparition point. It was then that two boys ran past him, bumping into his legs. Athena flapped her wings to maintain balance as Harry turned to face the boys.

"Boys!" a yell came from Harry's side, "You come back and apologize."

Harry turned and saw Dorea Potter next to him. The two boys that had run past him had stopped and shuffled back towards them. It was then that Harry felt his breath hitched as he realized who he was looking at. The young faces of James Potter and Sirius Black were staring back, nervous expressions on their face. Harry noticed their eyes darting towards Dorea as they offered apologies.

"Can we go now mom?" James asked.

Harry raised an eyebrow as Dorea sent the boys onward. She gave him a small smile before grabbing his arm, "Lord Peverell, it would honor me if you would accompany me for a time."

Harry nodded in acquiescence before sending Athena off. He knew she would find her way to where she needs to be. Dorea offered Harry her arm as she led him through the alley. They ended up at a café that Harry didn't recognize. It was probably a place that had been shut down after one of the wars. He didn't recognize any of the offerings nor the people that were running the café. Dorea ordered for him and brough him to one of the tables set up outside. As they sat down Dorea sent him a look.

"So, Lord Peverell. You come into the Alley today for an owl?"

Harry chuckled, "Funny story that one. Someone sent me a letter but didn't inform the owl to wait for a reply. Made me realize I hadn't any way to respond."

Dorea smirked as she shook her head, "And the mystery letter, if it's not too much."

Harry started to decline but hesitated, "Actually, how would I word a letter, thanking someone for the offer while politely but firmly decline. Preferably leaving no room for a rebuttal."

Dorea tilted her head in thought before a smile graced her features, "Now that is an odd request. Which family sent you a marriage proposal?" At Harry's shocked face she continued, "Now Lord Peverell, it really was not that difficult. You are a young bachelor to a very powerful family. I'm honestly surprised that you haven't received more."

Harry took a moment to compose himself before responding to Dorea. The two discussed how Harry should respond, outlining a response that could be tailored to nearly all future requests for marriages. Around that time their food was delivered to their table and Harry enjoyed the selections Dorea had chosen. He relished the small talk and inanities that spoke about. He loved spending time with the woman who was his grandmother, though she would never know that relation. The conversation began to wane as the food disappeared and Harry thought their conversation was ending. He was surprised when Dorea ordered for some dessert and wine.

"Now I know you spoke of it when last we saw one another but tell me more about why it is my cousin was nearly salivating over you."

Harry choked as he laughed at the description of Lord Black, "Salivating? He looked fairly impassive."

"Only as you do not know him as I do. He was salivating, and it had to do with your abilities in that spar against my grandniece. So, speak about Greece. Why were you there?"

Harry looked away, trying to sell the lie "I was born there. Mom and Dad were mundanes and stayed after the war – the mundane second world war. Grew up learning magic from some of the wandering tribes. Eventually I was taken under the wing of a recognized Spartan." Turning back to Dorea he saw her motion for him to continue, "I would say he taught me to fight, but really it was experience that did that. He just harnessed that experience."

"Experience?"

Harry forced a dry laugh, "Magical Greece isn't what one would call stable. A lot of Grindelwald supporters have found refuge in Greece's decentralized politics. Some think they can rally and resurrect the movement. Lots of fighting."

"And you fought them? You would've been so young." Dorea muttered

"They sought to challenge themselves against the one who taught me. Mentor would use that as a teaching moment. Got to the point where to face him they had to beat me. Some didn't hold back. Got better really quick under that."

"That's horrible."

"That's Greece."

"And now you're here." Dorea stated.

Harry was about to respond with a comment about the looming war. However, it was in that moment that James and Sirius ran up to them. They immediately started talking about something they had seen and wanted to buy. Harry smiled as he looked at the youngsters. He politely excused himself from the trio and made his way back to his flat. Athena was waiting out on a tree and flew down to meet him. Walking inside Harry transfigured a part of his wall to contain a specialized window for her. Connecting it to the harness Athena wore would allow the window to open for her and only her. He knew she would be fine during his upcoming trip, especially as he wasn't sure how long he would be. Shaking his head, he wrote out his reply to the contract and sent Athena off. She nuzzled him for a moment, seemingly knowing that it would be last time they would see one another for a while.

The next day saw Harry arrive in magical Paris – Place Cachée. Harry marveled at the beauty in the city as he walked around. He knew he was acting like a tourist, and it was fairly obvious that he was new to the area, but he didn't care. After a few moments he reigned in his wonder as he sought out a specific shop. He loved the unassuming entrance as he opened the door, revealing a simple shop dedicated to the crafting of wands. He was quickly greeted by the wandmaker, who thankfully spoke English with little accent. Once she gathered that Harry was the expected customer she shuttered the shop, preventing interruptions.

"My Lord Peverell, the letters from Gringotts were scant on the details. Why is it you are employing my services? Britain has an acceptable crafter in their own Alley."

"A crafter who is not known for his discreteness Crafter Tremblay." Harry responded,

She tutted before, "And your previous wand."

"Completely lost in an unfortunate magical accident. Something that shan't be repeated again."

She stared at Harry for a moment, "Give me your hand and take out your wand."

Harry complied with the request, holding out the Peverell wand that he had been using recently. She tutted again, muttering something about incompatibilities. She had Harry demonstrate some magic in the shop, gathering more information. She was demanding of Harry, needing him to be more precise than he had ever needed to be. Eventually, she had Harry channel some magic into a crystal lattice while adding a drop of his blood. After completing that the crystal began to hum with energy. She dismissed him saying she would contact him when her work was done. Harry was confused and let that become apparent.

"You aren't going to have me test wands?"

She tutted, "Pre-made wands good for youngsters. Magic malleable, receptive to change. Your magic mature and stubborn. Crystal will react to materials. This way better."

She walked back into her workshop and the shutters flipped open. Harry was stunned as he walked out. His previous experience not preparing him for any of what happened. The appointment with the wandmaker over Harry made his way to the next shop set up by the Goblins. Walking in he offered a name and was handed a package. No further exchange happened as Harry instantly walked out. Keeping the package close Harry made his way to a secluded area outside of Place Cachée. Making sure he wasn't seen he activated the portkey and was whisked away.

Taking a look around he couldn't spot anything for miles around. He really hoped that the Goblin scrying had been accurate, and he hadn't made this trip out the Ural Steppes for no reason. Harry began his trek, following the little charm that he had been given by the Goblins. He had to spend one night out in the wilderness, and a small part of his mind wondered if the Goblins had deposited him away from where he needed to be on purpose. Still, it was on the second day that he saw the stronghold on the horizon. Not long after he could feel the magical signatures of people nearby. He was being tracked. The trek to the front gates seemed to happen quickly, only to be stopped by the two gate guards.

"What business does a man have at the gates of the Kingdom of Women." One guard asked.

"I seek a boon from the Queen." Harry responded.

A/N: Thank you for reading Ch 5. I hope you enjoyed it and please leave any feedback as I am always looking to improve. Quick couple of items: I have a lot of deadlines in October so posting may get disrupted a bit in the near future. Next week is still on track and I will have a better idea then. If posting does get disrupted I will make a note on my profile.

Follow the links in my profile for Ch 6. It has already been posted there, as well as a quick Star Wars One-Shot. I hope you all have a fantastic day

Next Post: October 1st.

-Snakedoc444