Chapter 5

Harry looked at his new home. It was a two-story building on the countryside, coupled with a luscious lawn. He bought this place under the name of Andre Shot and dubbed it 'Snake's Crest'. This would be his new home for the meantime. He was able to get the goblins to install some wards and a floo network. With a content smile, he entered the house.

Andre looked at the men in front of him, expression blank but immensely pleased. They had all accepted to work for him. He could finally get things moving. Soon he would have to leave for Hogwarts and he wanted things rolling by then.

"I am glad you agreed. We can now move to other matters. I have prepared our working space in central London. It is accessible with the floo network and apparition. For those without magic there are recognition wards that would let you in either way." His blue eyes roved over them in turn. "I have planned to build my own empire in the underworld. Your jobs are to set up networks for me to work with. I have a few already listed in the files I gave you. Build up on them. Are we clear?"

They nodded amiably. For the next hour Andre gave them their individual instructions. Alfred would recreate the connections with the magical world along with Alex. He was in charge of most of the information gathering in the magical world. Alex would be helping Alfred with his work but mostly would be centered around Andre's personal contacts in the magical world. He would also be the tracker of the organization. Samuel would be in charge of the connections in the muggle world as well as weaponry. Liam would take care of international connections since he travelled a lot before he was betrayed. Lastly, Naruto would see to the Asian magical and muggle community. His connections there are strong and would be a great help for Andre.

Andre himself planned to make Naruto his right hand man if the man chose to permanently work for him. He was not worried about betrayal since all his employees were bound to him by an oath. Naruto was a very unique man who could help him go far. Alex too could be of great assistance. The man was very experienced, more so than anyone he hired, definitely more than Andre himself. His advice would be invaluable. He would be his second-hand man.

Over the next two weeks Andre worked closely with his employees, studying every move and every motive. He was pleased to say they were dedicated and efficient. He already had over a dozen useful connections and in a few days he could start selling his merchandise. Weapons, drugs, loaning and more. By the time he went to Hogwarts, his men would be sure of their instructions and any plans of action.

But before that, he had to speak to his two most important employees. Naruto Uzumaki and Alex Winstone stood before his desk. "I'm sure you are wondering why I have called you here." Naruto nodded while Alex just grunted. Andre continued "You two are the ones I trust the most. That is why you are here. In two weeks I'll be leaving for a few months and I want you two to take care of things while I'm away." "May I ask why you are leaving?" Andre smiled a little at Naruto's honesty. He nodded. "I am not who I have so far claimed to be. This is actually an alias. My true identity would cause a few complications." With that statement, Andre reversed to his true identity of Harry Potter, a black-haired boy with green eyes and pale skin. Naruto openly blanched and Alex blinked in confusion. "My true name is Harry Potter." Alex's eyes widened, immediately searching the scar under his bangs. Harry smirked at their reactions.

"How?' Alex questioned, still in shock. Harry said "That does not really matter much. Maybe someday you would find out. What is important now is what you can do for me. I want business to grow positively under your watch while I go to Hogwarts. Are you up for it?" They nodded. Naruto spoke "Yeah. But why are you going to school? You obviously don't need it." "I need to stay under the headmaster's radar." "Dumbledore." Alex muttered in realization. Harry nodded. "He has an unhealthy obsession with me as you could imagine." They nodded in agreement. Harry smiled. It was going well.

The next week was annoying to say the least. His two trusted employees were observing him, that was clear. The way he worked, talked, dealt with situations, walked, hell they even looked at his dressing style! He felt like a bug under a microscope. He understood they were curious and cautious, but honestly!

They talked a lot more ever since he introduced his real self to them, getting to 'know' each other. In the underworld everything you did was suspicious, noticed or not. At this point, they hardly knew each other. They were just getting comfortable with each other. Harry could already see Naruto's loyalty forming. Alex would take time. He already told them his intensions with them. Naruto agreed instantly. Alex accepted with long-term agreement.

The Shot Empire was quickly gaining a reputation in the underworld. His contacts were growing rapidly, money had started plowing in within the month however small as it was presently. Alex advised he tell the other three of his real identity if he wanted to gain their trust. He agreed, he could not hide from them forever anyway.

Alfred, Samuel and Liam were seated before him in his office with Naruto and Alex flanking Andre. "There is a matter of importance I would like to reveal only to you. First of all, I want to propose that you work for me permanently. Your services are appreciated. Of course, this would be tied with another oath of secrecy and loyalty that we will all give. You work for me and protect my secrets; I will look out for your best interests and protect your secrets. Anything revealed here does not leave this room." He looked them all in turn, weighing, evaluating. He smiled a bit when he noticed Liam squirming in his seat. The man is good at his job, but also wears his emotions on his sleeve. "Agreed?" It took a while but they agreed. After the oaths were exchanged he leaned forward.

"Good. Now I will tell you that my identity is an alias. My true identity is that of an eleven year old boy." He reverted to his original appearance, to their shock. "What the hell?!" Liam shouted, eyes wide. Samuel nodded. "My thoughts exactly." Harry smiled. "I used to work for a thief, Malcom Polkiss, before I was arrested." "Wait, you mean that coward Malcom? YOU are Malcom's boy?!" Liam exclaimed. Alex tilted his head. "Of course, you gained experience from someone you could easily ditch, then made a name for yourself through Andre Shot before your 'disappearance' when, infact, Harry Potter got arrested for attempted theft."

"Yes. I recently got my Hogwarts letter and released from juvenile prison." Harry said shortly. Liam pouted. "So you would be leaving in a few days for school, that is why you told us right?" The raven nodded. Samuel said "So you want us to continue in your stead." Another nod. "I will of course make all major decisions. Naruto and Alex would take over." "Figures. You three are awfully close." Alfred said, no jealousy in his voice at all. Alex shrugged. "We come a long way." "Does anyone feel as left out as I do?" the brunette asked. Silence met him. "I'll take that as a no." Naruto burst out laughing. Alex smiled as Harry sighed.