Magical Origins

Author Notes: I'm aware of the fact many previous chapters hold spelling errors. I do intend to fix them once this story is complete. At nearly ninety chapters long and counting, I'm sure you all can understand the amount of time, work, and effort it would take to re-edit the previous chapters.

Year 6: Detour Down the Alley

A couple of days after their meeting with Dumbledore, Harry and Lily's O.W.L.'s came in, followed by their Hogwarts school list.

Harry looks at his O.W.L.'s and sees he had top marks.

Harry James Potter

Care of Magical Creatures – E

Charms – O

Defense Against the Dark Arts – O

Arithmancy – O

Herbology – O

Inscriptions– O

Potions – O

History of Magic – D

Transfiguration – O

Astronomy – E

Harry looks at his O.W.L.'s and sees he had acquired six Outstanding's, and nine O.W.L.s.

He wasn't surprised he failed History of Magic, Binns was a horrible teacher who talks about the same thing every year. Dumbledore really needed to consider getting another teacher.

"How well did you do?" asked Lily.

Harry hands her his grades as she does the same.

Lilianna Elizabeth Morris

Astronomy – E

Care of Magical Creatures – O

Charms – O

Defense Against the Dark Arts – O

Divination – D

Arithmancy – E

History of Magic – D

Herbology – O

Potions – O

Transfiguration – O

Ancient Runes - O

Harry wasn't surprised to see Lily had gotten top marks in Potions. She was a potioneer and the best of their generator. Harry was surprised to see she got seven O's. That was one more than him, and he knew she wouldn't live it down on him to remind that she bested him in their O.W.L.'s exams.

"You both did very well," said Artemis looking over their shoulders at their grades.

"I bet you if we run into Granger, she's going to go on about her O.W.L.'s and what she got wrong," said Harry.

"Not to mention how much she'll criticize you for your own mistakes," Lucas said down the table.

Lily said nothing even if she was the only female friend Granger had. Hermione's annoying tendencies caused the student body of Hogwarts to despite Granger to the point no one liked even before around her.

"We should head to Diagon Alley," said Olivia. "Even with the Minister's new regulation, we need to get our supplies and return as soon as possible."

"Why are you returning to Hogwarts, Artemis?" asked Lily.

"Dumbledore is hiring a few more healers to support the staff," said Artemis. "He requested I join the school as an Assistant Healer under Madam Pomfrey. As well as keep an eye on you."

"Granger is going to be thrilled," Harry said, grinning.

Artemis belittled Granger during her first three years of her academic years. Unlike Percy, who had every follow the rules to the letter, Artemis was far more flexible with the students and only punished students when they stepped out of line.

"That girl has been sniffing too many potions," said Olivia.

Sniffing too many potions. The wizards saying of having a screw loose.

"Hermione is not that bad," Lily said, defending her fellow Gryffindor.

"What does she talk about with you, other than academic?" asked Artemis.

Lily said nothing. Hermione only cared for Academics.

"Speaking of Diagon Alley," said Harry. "What will people do for wands?"

"There are other wand shops," Samuel said, walking into the kitchen. "Ollivander's was the best and made good quality wands."

Harry remembers the first time he got his wand from Ollivander. Lily's wand, the phoenix feather, was the twin core of Lord Voldemort.

The funny thing, Lily has never fought Voldemort before, so Harry was curious to know what would happen if Lily and Voldemort's wands crossed paths.

Harry could understand why Lily was given a phoenix wand. Her element of Fire was a perfect match for the Phoenix.

Harry's wand, oak with a threstral tail feather, was also perfect for him. Surprisingly he has bested Voldemort twice despite the fact his wand didn't have the same core as Voldemort.

Dumbledore believed it was because Voldemort used Harry's blood to resurrection. Making their magic having a similar signature, even if they were using different wands.

"It's going to be packed," said Lily.

"Don't be too sure," said Samuel. "Diagon Alley is very much empty. With a public recognition of the Dark Lord's return, many parents are ordering their supplies via owl."

"Why?" asked Lily.

"Safer," said Samuel. "Fenrir Greyback has been very active lately. It's no secret why he is siding with the Death Eaters and is in open rebellion against the Ministry. He despises wizards."

"Why?" asked Harry.

"He's one of Europe's most savage Werewolves," said Lupin. "Greyback likes to target children and turn them into werewolves. Voldemort has promised Greyback plenty of children in return for his services. Many families who serve the Dark Lord do so to ensure Greyback doesn't visit their children."

"We need to do something about this," said Harry.

"Not much we can do," said Lupin.

"Actually, there is," said Lily. "Are you the Pack Leader of Werewolves and Lycans?"

"I am," Lupin said slowly.

"Then take the fight to him," said Lily. "You can't fight a war with one hand tied behind your back."

Lupin takes a sip and thinks carefully.

"That's not my nature," said Lupin.

"You better grow a spine," said Lily. "Or we're already going to lose this war. History has proven those who lack the will to fight in a war, never win and lose more than their lives."

"I'm starting to see why Voldemort has been winning for so long as he has," said Harry. "It looks like many wizards lack a spine to do what is necessary."

"You think fighting fire with fire will work?" said Lupin.

"I'm not saying fight fire with fire, I'm saying you must be willing to go on the defensive," said Lily. "You must make that decision, the moment you take a stand against evil."

"We must not lose ourselves," said Samuel. "We can't be as vicious as the Death Eaters."

"We're not saying we lose sight of ourselves, we can't be playing by Dumbledore's rules," said Harry. "He wants us to capture, they are fighting to kill us. If we don't fight back and eliminate those who seek to destroy us, then we're not going to win this war."

"He makes a valuable point," said Olivia. "In the previous, Dumbledore didn't want to fight fire with fire as Mad-Eye did. He wanted us to capture Death Eaters and try to have them give them deals to end the war peacefully."

"He did witness the brutality of war with Grindelwald," Lupin argues slowly. "He knows the full well what would happen if we went on the offense."

"Even so," said Samuel. "Harry and Lily make a value point. We won't win this war if we remain on the defensive. In the last war, countless wizarding families were wiped out by the Death Eaters to the point many bloodlines are on the verge of becoming extinct. The Crouches bloodline has ended as no living heirs are remaining. We can't keep on the defensive. We sided with Dumbledore because he's the only one who the Dark Lord fears. How many of our friends died in the last war before the Dark Lord vanished?"

"I agree," Sirius said, entering the room. "I lost my two best friends because Dumbledore didn't share information and played close to his chest. Isn't the reason why we're in a lodge in the middle of the forest is to move against Voldemort on our own terms and end this war quickly."

"Still, to match bloodshed with more blood," said Lupin. "Don't you think we ought to be more…"

"Moony," said Sirius. "Like you, I'm tired of war and fighting Voldemort and his Death Eaters. The sooner this war ends, the better the next generation has of living in peace."

"We need to hunt Fenrir Greyback and put him down for good," said Lily. "I have no doubt that he'll attempt to set foot on Hogwarts."

"Any luck on locating Wormtail?" asked Harry.

"No," said Sirius. "I have long dreamed of killing the traitor. Voldemort has him well hidden and will keep him hidden until its safe for him to walk around again."

"He's making a move against the Ministry," said Lily.

"Voldemort has had a year to operate undisturbed thanks to Fudge's denial in accepting the truth," said Sirius. "Gaining the prophecy wasn't the only thing he was interested in during that time. He was recruiting and been recruiting heavily. He's been placing spies within the Ministry, and due to Fudge's incompetence, it's safe to say the Ministry has been infiltrated at every level."

"We should have removed him earlier," said Ruby.

"We didn't have a strong case at the time," said Isabelle.

"I fear for our world," said Harry.

"We better get going," said Olivia. "We need to do our shopping quickly. We're going casual, so wear nothing that stands out."

No one said anything as they quickly eat their morning breakfast.

No longer trusting Portkey's, as they could be tracked and followed, the family instead went to the teleportation room. It was an ancient magic spell that sent the user anywhere to their desire... more advance than the Floo Network.

Harry invented it after studying apparition and the Floo Network. Once Harry had the general idea of how apparition worked, he was able to create a teleportation circle using runic spells.

They stood in the circle and arrive at the Leaky Cauldron.

Harry looks around the once crowded Inn and sees it was empty with only a couple of wizards and wizards present. There were a couple Aurors station at the door, but the Inn was empty for the most part.

Harry didn't want to stop and say hello to anyone, he quickly turns walks out the door back door into Diagon Alley. Sirius, Lupin, Olivia, Artemis, and Lily follow him.

Upon entering Diagon Alley, Harry was surprised to see how… empty the shopping districted appeared. Diagon Alley has always been very crowded ever since Harry enters Diagon Alley at eleven years old. Only a few people were walking in Diagon Alley, and they were together in a tight group and in a hurry.

This was strange, as people would sit down with their friends, family, and colleagues and talk for hours together.

Diagon Alley itself had transformed into a gloomy alley was something, or someone would jump out to scare you at any time.

Thankfully, as Harry and Lily were finally sixth years, they didn't need to do serious shopping like the younger students. They only need to acquire N.E.W.T. Books for Advance classes.

Harry and Lily needed new robes. They plan on buying robes for the next three years, knowing the demand of robes was going to increase unless Voldemort and his Death Eaters were defeated.

They enter Madam Malkin's Robes for All Occasions.

Only, the shop wasn't empty as they expected.

"Watch what you're doing, woman!" shouted a familiar voice.

Draco Malfoy was inside the shop, and he wasn't alone. His mother, Narcissa Malfoy, was also present inside the shop.

Harry hadn't seen Draco since Lucius was sentenced to life in Azkaban.

Harry remembers the article on the Malfoy Family.

'Fall from Grace'

Narcissa Malfoy and Draco Malfoy didn't give any comment regarding Lucius' actions. Still, it was clear the public was eating them alive.

Draco looks at the mirror seeing Lily come inside the shop behind Harry.

"If you're wondering what that smell is, Mother. A mudblood just walked in," said Draco.

"I will not have that kind of talk!" shouted Madam Malkin.

Lily glares at Draco dangerously with the candle near him suddenly burning brightly dangerously.

Draco jumps as if he suddenly remembered Lily's gift with fire. In doing so, he freaked out over his left sleeve. Becoming frantic on covering his left forearm.

"I'm surprised you have the galls to step outside Malfoy after what happened with your father?" Lily said coldly. "How long do you think it will take for you to join in Azkaban?"

"Be silent," Narcissa Malfoy said, standing before the pair. "If you even think of attacking my son again, you'll be very sorry indeed."

"Narcissa Malfoy," Lily said, grinning. "Tell… how's your dear sister Bellatrix Lestrange with a missing arm? Does she wailed over being best by a mere 'mudblood'?"

Narcissa nostrils flare dangerously knowing her sister's missing arm and the fact she was bested by a muggle-born witch wasn't good for the Black Sisters.

"You would be wise to choose your sides 'wisely,' Narcissa," Isabelle said, stepping forward. "Lucius made a poor decision siding with the Dark Lord."

Narcissa glares at her cousin, knowing this was turning into a dangerous family feud.

"Be careful on what you speak of," Narcissa hissed dangerously.

"The Black Family is on the verge of extinction because of the Dark Lord. Or did you forget the Dark Lord had Regulus Black murder because he questions the Dark Lord's methods of wiping out entire magical families?" Isabelle said, looking at her cousin coldly.

Narcissa stood there, glaring at her cousin coldly.

Draco suddenly yelps out loud, breaking the silence that filled the shop.

"Do you not watch what you are doing!" Draco hissed at Madam Malkin. "I don't want these robes!"

"Agreed," said Narcissa. "Now that I know what kind of service this place provides. Perhaps we'll have better luck at Twilfitt and Tatting's."

Draco throws the robes to the ground in disgust as he steps down and follows his mother out of the shop.

"Did they leave because of the argument, or did you get under her skin?" said Harry.

"Narcissa was never close to Regulus, but even she can't disregard the death of magical families. Something she holds of great value as much as her pride of being a member of the Black family," said Isabelle.

"She appeared distressed," said Harry.

"She's going through a tough time with Lucius in prison," said Olivia. "The Ministry has frozen her accounts, so she has limited gold."

Harry did notice her robes weren't as magnificent when he first met her at the Quidditch World Cup.

Harry and Lily order their robes without further incident.

Once they were done, they were walking back to the Leaky Cauldron when they came across a shop, unlike any other shop in Diagon Alley. Most of the shops in Diagon Alley were boarded up, dark, gloomy. This shop was colorful, with a variety of objects that could be seen.

Weasley's Wizard Wheezes

A poster on the front window could be seen in large font.

'Why are you worrying about You-Know-Who?

You should be worrying about U-No-Poo –

The Constipation Sensation that's gripping the Nation!'

Harry couldn't let out a chuckle, knowing this was the Weasley twins joke shop.

Harry slowly realized the Triwizard winnings help them get this shop started, and it looks like it was booming. Children of all ages were gathered inside, looking at whatever they could. Even the adults look at the items with interest.

Harry and Lily walk inside with Artemis and Olivia behind them. Sirius and Lupin also enter looking around in interest.

"James would have loved this place," said Sirius.

"Harry!" Fred shouted over the noise as he apparates down in front of Harry. "Good to see you!"

Fred shakes his hand as George pops next to his twin.

George grabs Harry's hand and shakes his hand, as well.

"Business doing well, I see," said Harry.

"Booming," said the twins.

"Come look at this," Fred said as he leads them towards a shelf.

'Pre-Order Defensive Objects'

"Pre-Order?" Leia said in confusion.

"We sold out the moment we put them on the shelf," said George.

"Scarfs, hats, gloves with a shield charm place on them," said Fred.

"We thought it would be funny to challenge your friends to a duel and watch their jinx's and hexes bounce off," said George.

"Course they won't do much protection against the Unforgivable or some nasty curses," said Fred.

"Some high-end Ministry employees came in made a mass order for these objects in cloaks," said George.

"We're talking mass," said Fred.

"Like we're backstock on these orders," said George.

"That's not the only thing that's been selling out crazy," said Fred.

"You won't believe how many of them can't cast a decent Shield Charm," said George.

"Only because they didn't have you as a teacher," Fred said, grinning.

"Yeah, we started developing these," George said, handing Harry a rock.

"What are these?" asked Harry.

"We've been trying to develop these into absorbing spells and curses," said Fred.

"They're not perfect yet," said George. "But we are making progress."

"Amulets might be better," said Harry. "Easy to wear and protect the wearer."

"Obsidian would also be useful in using as well," said Lily. "Obsidian does have magical resistance properties, so it would be useful from protecting many curses and spells."

"Be careful of whom you sell these to," warned Harry. "I'm sure the Death Eaters would love to use these in their arsenal."

"Don't worry," said Fred, grinning mischievously.

"These are only available to our 'exclusive' buyers," said George.

"Angelina and Alicia are also working here," said Fred. "It's hard to find a steady income during these times, so they're here with us."

"Help yourself to whatever you like," said George.

"We've never forgotten the loan you gave us to start this up," said Fred.

"I told you guys it was a gift," said Harry.

Fred and George didn't say anything as they were quickly ushered, as several customers needed their attention.

"Don't them appear to be understaffed?" asked Lily.

"I wonder how well they can manage their own business right out of school," said Harry.

Harry and Lily looked around the shop, looking at many items out there.

Fred and George had a stock of love potions in the girls' section, and Harry could see at once that Ginny Weasley and Hermione Granger were looking over the potions.

Harry knew at once Ginny was thinking of a way to dose him with love potions so she can become Mrs. Potter.

"How much is this?" Ron Weasley asked his older brothers.

"Five Galleons," said the twins.

"How much for me?" Ron said in annoyance.

"Five Galleons," the twins repeated.

"I'm your brother!" protested Ron in disbelief.

"Ten Galleons," the twins said without a care.

Ron looked upset as he chucks the item aside. Ron looked out the window and seemed to have seen something to have caught his eye. He motions for Ginny to follow him, and she does as she puts the love potion back.

The two quickly made their exit without Mr. or Mrs. Weasley noticing.

"Where are Ron and Ginny going that they don't want their family to know," Harry said in a low voice to Lily.

Once they were out the door, Harry throws his invisibility cloak over himself and Lily, as the two quickly shadow the two youngest Weasley's.

Ron and Ginny were met by a wizard wearing black robes with a hood over his face. They exchanged a few words before the wizard led them down towards Knockturn Alley. Ron and Ginny follow without question or hesitation.

Harry and Lily quickly follow, knowing the Weasley family wasn't allowed in Knockturn Alley.

Knockturn Alley was even more deserted than Diagon Alley.

A few individuals could be seen within the area, but they were hard to identity. Wearing masks, hoods, and enchantments to conceal their identities.

Harry and Lily had a hard time following under the Invisibility Cloak. Unlike their first three years at Hogwarts, they were taller at sixteen and couldn't move as quickly under the cloak.

Harry and Lily ducks the corner as Lily pulls out a couple of masquerade masks. Lily puts on her masquerade mask, appearing different than normal. Harry grabs the spare and appears to be a young man with brown hair and eyes.

Harry taps his wand on Lily's masks, changing her clothes' appearance. A black witches robes that were more goth-like than normal. A miniskirt with a corset that had the symbol of the Dark Mark on her right breast. A clear sign she was a Death Eater to any who were looking.

Harry taps his mask, changing his appearance as well. He was a young man with brown hair and brown eyes. He alters his skin tone to appear like a younger version of Mad-Eye Moody with a patch leather face.

Once they were complete, they quickly walk down the alley in a hurry.

Knockturn Alley, it seemed, was completely deserted. There wasn't a soul in sight. It was strange as many people were known to crowd these streets in the past. A lot of these shops were devoted to the Dark Arts.

Harry and Lily would occasionally peer into the shops as they passed them. None of the shops appeared to be open for business.

Ron and Ginny had thrown on their hoods as they follow the wizard down the deserted path.

Ron and Ginny then enter the Sleepy Tavern.

Harry and Lily couldn't risk getting any closer. They were lookouts both inside and around the shop, keeping a sharp eye out if anyone was approaching.

Harry and Lily weren't so dismayed.

Harry and Lily climb the roof that overlooks the Sleepy Tavern and looks at seven people who were gathered in a circle as three adults, clearly Death Eaters were talking.

The ten people, two who had to be Ron and Ginny, were clearly getting inducted into the Death Eaters. Fenrir Greyback appears at the window, forcing Harry and Lily to duck out of sight before he sees them. He took no notice as he shuts the curtains closed.

"Is this a Death Eater indoctrination?" Lily whispers in a low voice.

"Most likely," said Harry. "Ron, I can understand, but Ginny? I wonder if Percy is in there?"

"Doubtful," breathed Lily. "These are Hogwarts students."

Nott was a bit supporter of the Dark Lord, so he might have been in that room. Pansy, Crabbe, Goyle, along with Draco.

"Should we wait?" asked Lily.

"No," said Harry. "It will not be easy to return behind them to Diagon Alley. We should return before Olivia, and Artemis get worried. I know they would have noticed us disappeared."

Harry realized it was foolish not to inform Olivia or Artemis on his detour. He knew they were both capable witches, and would be able to track him, but he couldn't help but feel guilty for making them worried.

Harry leaps down on the alleyway before he caught a very strange sight.

Draco Malfoy was walking alone without his mother. Lily watches Draco with interest, knowing no one walked in Knockturn Alley without reason.

Lily begins to follow Draco with Harry behind her.

They didn't have to follow Draco far.

Draco had gone into a very famous dark shop knowing for buying and selling dark artifacts. Borgin and Burkes, currently run by its own Mr. Borgin. An oily-haired wizard who looks another version of Snape but not as foul.

Mr. Borgin comes out the back and looks at Draco Malfoy.

"What are they saying?" asked Lily.

"No idea," said Harry.

They couldn't enter the shop without Draco being aware someone was nearby.

"Here, Extendable Ears," Harry said, pulling out a pair.

"… so, you know how to fix it," Malfoy sneered at Mr. Borgin.

"Possibly," said Borgin, in a tone suggesting he was unwilling to help Draco. "I will need to see it, to asset the repairs. Why don't you bring it in so I can…"?

"Don't be stupid," snaps Draco. "It's going to stay put. It will look suspicious if it disappears."

"Well, without seeing it, I must say it will be difficult to repair the item in question, perhaps impossible. I couldn't guarantee anything."

"No," Malfoy said, Harry and Lily knew from their experience with Draco he was sneering at this point when he believed he had an advantage over his victim. "Perhaps this will make you more… cooperative."

Harry and Lily couldn't see what Draco was doing, but Borgin's face paled darkly. He was scared, and it showed on his face.

"I'm sure you know what happens if you open your mouth," snaps Draco. "Perhaps you would like to ask Ollivander? My aunt Bellatrix is going to be stopping by to ensure you're giving this your full attention. Even Fenrir Greyback will be stopping by to ensure you're doing your job."

"I assure you, there is no need…" Borgin said, losing his oily voice.

"I'm the one who decides that," snaps Draco. "I better get back. Don't forget your instructions."

Draco turns and walks out the door without saying another word or waiting for Borgin to respond.

Harry and Lily look at each other after Draco disappears down the road.

They said nothing more as they knew they had to return to Olivia and Artemis as quickly as possible and tell them what they have learned about Ron and Ginny… and Draco.