Harry Potter: Return of the Death Walker

by WhiteDevilMGN

After a thousand Years of death and isolation Harry Potter will perform a ritual on his search of peace and slumber only to return back to when it all began. With knowledge and experience no ten year old should possess and his memories in a jumble Harry must ready himself and the world for the War that is to come. Further plot to be detailed inside. Lemon Multi:Harry

27. Chapter 27 :: Gathering of the Unwilling

I just bloody noticed. As of July 2nd, this story has 2K Favorited, and is 54 followers short of 3K followers. I didn't expect this welcome result. Thanks so much for enjoying this story and sticking around and a huge thank you to my beta testers. A really big shoutout to Scottken and all his work and feedback. Don't think I'm gonna stop saying that anytime soon. Here's chapter 27, have a safe summer and very patriotic Fourth of July.

P.S. To the veterans defending the Wilson Country War Memorial, it's people like you that make me proud to be an american. Good luck to you gentlemen and stay safe.

Beta'd by: Scottken (who's still awesome, and I will never get tired of saying that)

---

Book II :: Chapter 7 :: Gathering of the Unwilling

---

Harry sat on the couch in his apartment complex. The morning sun was only starting to peek through the windows. Beside him lay both his trunk and a large cloak that shimmered slightly in the light, the rays of the morning sun reflecting off the silver threads weaved into the fabric.

In his hands was his list of supplies for the next semester, a parchment that he received while disguised at his local coffee shop.

The event brought him to a chuckle even now. The sudden appearance of the letter deposited by an owl raised quite a few eyebrows. Thankfully Harry raised an excuse about a very eccentric friend and apologized before leaving.

Worries that the letter was traced, or marked, left Harry concerned but both were elicited by Ted who had joined him that particular morning.

Receiving the letter was a moot point, but brought Ted's suggestion that Harry move to live in his new penthouse apartment. His reasoning made sense since he needed to appear at some point, it was best he was far away from them so as not to bring unwanted eyes their way.

Harry agreed that leading Dumbledore to their doorstep during their investigations would be a bad idea. However, Harry was more of the belief Ted just wanted Harry out because he couldn't stand Tonks relieving herself with Harry.

Andromeda teased him for being lonely and jealous of Harry, but seeing Ted's response, it did leave Harry to wonder how much of it was teasing.

Still, after receiving it, Harry decided to reside in his new apartment as well as enjoy the luxury living alone would provide him.

Thus, for two weeks, Harry spent his time living alone in his new residence. Like a king and his castle, Harry enjoyed the freedom that came with a place he could relax. In all honestly however, Harry wasn't sure how to feel about the change of pace. After living with the Tonks family for two and a half months, he had come to like living with them. The noisy, busy, and energetic family was something Harry really enjoyed. That wasn't to say there were times he felt annoyed, but there was a great deal of love to be felt. On the other hand, compared to his penthouse suite, the Tonks's didn't have the many magical protections that he had. The sense of security he now felt in his home was glaringly missing when living with them.

In the end, Harry felt more like a part of the family then he thought was possible. Tonks, in particular, was upset at his leaving.

She had spent several nights with Harry and he with her, much to their own benefit. Sometimes it was for their own individual studies. Sometimes, for mild and simple fun. The latter was for more energetic and intimate activities.

Those activities were more recreational, but it did leave Harry to understand the importance MUK had on wizarding society and why behind the curtains it was invaluable and important to their culture.

Harry never would have believed that fucking Tonks weekly, almost bi-daily, would produce anything other than a sex fiend. In contrast, Tonks improved greatly, as did he. The progress he made with his own meditations, and magical exercises brought forth massive improvements to his magic. His studies in runes bloomed and allowed him to develop a greater understanding and better implementation on top of what he already knew.

Glancing over to the windowsill, Harry watched the 'artwork' that made use of his runes run pointlessly. It was a simple collection of glass shards made to shift and move into the shape of a sun, a flower, and a snowflake every three minutes. At noon the shift would reverse and the cycle would go backwards.

It was a simple and pointless bit of magic but the runes involved proved three things possible. Runes were semi-efficient at storing energy, something Harry already knew well. The form they take could produce different outcomes and finally and more importantly, if arranged using the properties of the second lesson, runes could function in a similar fashion as computer codes.

That last part drew Harry's interest greatly.

But right now, he was anxious.

Three months.

For three months he had disappeared from the public eye.

For three months he had practiced magic, studied, and improved his own skills. He gained a new home, acquired a powerful magical cabinet he was close to replicating, and most of all grew closer to a lifelong friend.

However, it was probably that feeling, in particular, he was worried about. Tonks and he had grown close, and now with the day of his return drawing near, when he would become a second-year student, Harry was worried.

No, worried wasn't the right word. Uncertain was more accurate, as Harry wondered how Hermine would respond to his return. Sure he had sent her letters via untraceable means but that also meant she couldn't reply. Harry was worried she would be upset.

The second concern he faced was Ginny. Harry had not spoken to the Weasley's since his letter, sent months ago, when he first disappeared.

Eyeing the rising sun and the paper in his hand, Harry shrugged as he stood up.

"No point overthinking it. Might as well do something to pass the time." Harry muttered to himself, stretching his much more toned body in the light of the rising sun.

Looking back at the letter in his hand Harry shrugged. "Might as well go shopping." Putting the letter down, Harry picked up his cloak and walked outside. Placing it on the backrest of a nearby lounging chair Harry started stripping off his clothes. Down to nothing but his birthday suit, Harry smiled as he tapped a rune at the side of the pool. Jumping up, Harry dove into the pool water, swimming in the airborn liquid that now floated over the empty tile basin.

He had four hours till Diagon Alley officially opened. He might as well have fun. If he was going out as Harry, he might as well pass the time having fun swimming before he faced the music, should he end up facing it.

Knowing his own luck however, Harry was sure he would be facing something.

Miles away in the countryside, A large mansion stood overlooking great sprawling pastures of glass. Row upon row, like longhouses of glass they shimmered elegantly in the morning light. In the distance a forest of trees fenced in the property, defining the boundary of the land.

Within each greenhouse, the source of the Greengrass family's fortune could be found. Flora and Fauna, magical and mundane, elegant and violent, one could purchase from the Greengrass all the ingredients they could ever need for a price. Amidst this elegant landscape of glass a portion chard black with soot, corrupted the impressive landscape.

A black stain in a sea of blue. It was this that the Head of the Family gazed upon as he stepped away from his desk in the third floor study.

From the window, he recalled his earlier meeting with Lucius Malfoy. His fist balling behind his back, his knuckles so white they threatened to bleed. It was days like this that he questioned his beliefs in pure-blood supremacy.

He gazed at the damage, his gut telling him that it was Malfoy's doing. He had no proof, no evidence, but there was little doubt that Lucius Malfoy was behind the series of events that wronged his business.

Yet still, there was that perpetual thought, that almost staged scripted possibility, that seemed to fit so perfectly with the universe's plan.

Ten years. It struck him just how short a time it had been. Ten short years and the Greengrass name had lost the majority of its worth. All the while, the Malfoy's name had risen to be synonyms with pureblood almost as much as it was synonyms with the term silver-tongued. He let out a sigh as once upon a time, the Greengrass name was the epitome of what it meant to be pure-blood.

Nothing like the meaning it now held under the Malfoy mantle.

If one ever wanted to know who was a true pureblood, one need only look upon the Greengrass name. Wealth, Prosperous, potent in magic, and pure in blood. Their name aspired to the traditions and nobility that was granted upon them for their services towards their race. They were a Noble and Ancient family, and if not for the Potter's, their name would be known as the most Ancient. A fact that was argued quite frequently by the Black family.

At least it was.

Their golden era was over and the family now found itself in a steady decline. The Greengrass name was now only ever spoken as a stray thought. Secondary when in the presence of other families such as the Notts, Goyles, and Malfoy's. All of whom back in the day would be considered posers when compared to their lasting legacy.

The war, however, had changed everything.

While many purebloods rallied behind You-Know-Who's banner, the Greengrass family refused. Never would they bend the knee to any but their own, and never to a stranger who's origins remained unknown. Yet this idea, this pride in their lineage was lost amongst that thing's charisma.

Charming the many pureblood families into his thrall, You-Know-Who's rise did not sway the previous Greengrass Lord, Eryx Greengrass.

And having lived during the war, seeing the result of You-Know-Who's crusade, even when he took Lordship of the family, Galloron did not change their course. Staying true to the Greengrass way Galloran made the decision that his family would remain neutral in the war. A choice that saw the Greengrass's through the war unharmed and safe.

At the end, Galloran believed that prosperity was destined for his family. Yet despite losing, it seemed as if all who sided with You-Know-Who had found greater success while those who didn't, like his own family, began to fall from grace.

While they came out with their pride and dignity, they were slowly losing everything else.

The Malfoy's in ten years had successfully risen through the political ranks of the ministry while also cornering the market on potions. This gave them an edge and control over the market, forcing Galloran to sell his goods, the many exotic and quality ingredients his importing business brought at such low prices that he was rarely able to use the black ink to mark his financial records.

Aside from the Malfoy's, politically his family was ostracized as all those who fought in the war, evaded the law and now held positions of power and influence. Even the Macnair's, a family of nobodies, was spoken of with greater respect than they.

So here he stood. Galloran Greengrass, head of the Greengrass family, proudly able to proclaim his rule over the family's lowest point in history. A point that was continuously falling even now under his lordship.

Worse was the despairing fates for his two daughters.

Two daughters whom he loved.

Two daughters who would not be able to carry on the family name.

One would think that a Line Continuation Contract like the one on his desk would then be a blessing to the falling family.

Line Continuation Contracts were almost as important to purebloods as the blood they were made to protect. Without them, the existence of magical lineages wouldn't even exist.

Like he and his ancestors before him, such contracts were used to ensure the passage of their magics made it down to their offspring. Their names and their blood, both ensured to continue in times were an heir capable of caring on such things was lacking.

Without a male heir, one was liable to lose the magic of their family line.

It is for this reason why a male heir was imperative to a family legacy. For whatever reasons, family magic - magics that accumulate via the passing of blood from generation to generation - only noticeable accumulated within the male heirs of magical families. Never the women.

While some children would be born with weak magic, it was well recorded by their family that so long as the blood was there, the magic of the family would be carried within the male heir despite their incompetence. So long as their blood was succeeded by an heir of blood, eventually, he or his descendants would produce a child worthy of their name.

That was why male borns were so important, and why only they could carry the name of a family and why his daughters could never take over the family name as Lord.

While many muggleborn would shame him for essentially selling out his daughter, it only proved how ignorant and arrogant they were of the ways of magic. It was also why he would never side with Dumbledore's faction of light. The man despite his own pureblood lineage disregarded the traditions that resulted in his own genius prowess in magic.

Magic was passed down from parent to child, but if that blood became polluted, then all those years of accumulated magic would have been for not. The purer the blood, the stronger the connection to magic, and the stronger the magic a family could wield. Just a small reason as to why muggles and muggleborns were feared. While they did show promise of new bloodlines being born, their arrogance and beliefs threatened to destroy the magical world's foundations, forget their way of life, they threatened magic with their ignorance.

While many muggles would call them barbaric, contracts like these while miss usable were essential and bridged the gap of blood and blood ties between families and their magic. These magic contracts ensured that even in union, the foreign blood did not assimilate their families magic and blood. Making it possible to produce an heir of the mother's blood rather than the fathers.

So normally, such a contract from a long strong bloodline would normally ensure the continuation of the Greengrass name. Yes, normally this would be a good thing, however, it was anything but this time.

Galloran would have burned that accursed paper if not for the fact he was cornered by a choice regarding it. Yes or no, there would be no survival for his family.

Amongst the ideals pureblood's held highest, second only to one's blood purity was one's lineage followed by their prestige, their willingness to contribute to magic.

And it was in this third value that Galloran recognized the silver wording in the parchment.

To sign away his eldest daughter to this document, to the Malfoy's, would guarantee his family's end.

What few knew was the curse that plagued his youngest. Blood Malediction.

His wife had told him about the family curse and that it was present in their youngest daughter.

There was never a darker day in his life than when she confirmed to him that his youngest would be the carrier of that damned curse. Making it worse, he blamed his wife for giving it to his daughter. Later once his rage had settled he would be forgiven by his wife. Still his words that day still linger in him, a regret for life.

If the Malfoy's knew of her condition, then this contract was a masterstroke of genius in Galleron's eyes.

Should he betroth his eldest, Daphne, to the Malfoy's son, even though she would be a courtesan in all but name she would be guaranteed a single heir to her name. However, the contract offered no protections in the name of his family. If a male was born, Galleron knew that he would surely be killed off. The boy was born, fulfilling the condition, and thus would be useless. If a girl was born, well, Galloran was no stranger to the darker side of magical society and knew what would become of her in the hands of people like the Malfoy's.

In the end, the contract would uphold nothing, and he would eventually die without an heir to their name.

And through the binding contract of marriage, they would usurp their fortune into their own. Ending both their bloodline and their family name, all while profiting to boot.

Daphne would be given no choice in the matter and happiness would never find her. To them, she would be a tool to be used. A means to circumvent his stubbornness and end their lineage indirectly.

With their name gone, and their wealth and distinction tore to the ground it would spell the end for the remaining Pureblood traditionalists. With the most powerful and influential of the 'grey's gone, all the smaller families sheltered under the Greengrass influence, meagre as it was now, would instantly fall under the sway of those like the Malfoy's or Dumbledore.

No matter which it would spell the end of an age and the decline of magic.

However, to deny the contract would result in the same outcome. His family would be mocked and shamed as traitors to the pureblood traditions. It would be seen as him insulting another pureblood family of greater renown, while publicly stating indirectly that securing a pureblood heir meant little to their family. Their little influence and political power would vanish and result in a steady death of their family pride, wealth, and lineage. After rejecting it, no one would offer another contract to them, they would be social outcasts, rejected by both the light and dark, with no salvation.

Their businesses would suffer horrible, their family would lose everything before their daughters even made it out of school, and their legacy lost.

Galloran walked over to his desk and shakily grabbed his cup of tea. He stared at his hand, its shaking intensifying. If it was rage that caused the tremors or fear, he honestly couldn't say. The beverage was cold to his lips but it was lost to his notice.

Everything was falling apart for him. He could only imagine the shame he was bringing to his father and father-in-law. He swore to uphold their beliefs, to protect their magical line and ensure the continued prosperity of magic. Yet there was no winning path for him to take to do so.

Either way, he would lose. Either he submitted to the Malfoy's condemning his family and daughter, or he condemn his family and brought forth a final legacy of shame upon his whole household, dooming them to any number of misfortunes.

On one end his daughters might be able to make something of themselves if he agreed, even if it strengthened the Malfoy's coffers. On the other hand, denying it would be a final act of defiance, their pride maintained, yet socially isolated and directly responsible for the end of a blood line.

No matter what, regardless of the oaths he made to his ancestors, the one he made to himself was doomed no matter what. That oath that wished for his daughter's happiness. No matter what, that would be lost to him.

So long as Malfoy cornered the market, holding steadfast to the potions monopoly in their possession and so long as he stood proudly as an honorary pureblood in greater name than his own, there was no hope for them.

All he could do was delay for as long as he could. Yet even then he only had a year at best. While he had lost his temper and denounced Lord Malfoy, he knew it would be long until that man retaliated against his family. A few measly greenhouses were just a prelude to a far worse calamity.

Yet a single ray of hope persisted. One that at the moment was nothing of worth, but to Galloran it was too brilliant to pass up.

Donohan Handsinn.

That name alone gave Galloran hope for a means out of this ordeal.

This lone shopkeeper had publicly refused to submit to Malfoy's sphere of influence. Normally a small shop would be inconsequential. Too small to make waves and not large enough to survive the cutthroat rivals that already existed. Tet this man, this shop, held a trump card. The Foy Elixir.

This potion alone had drawn the masses in. And now, only three months since its opening, it rose to become a premier potions shop in Diagon Alley. With quality and cheap price for any and all. Soon it would be the premier shop in Diagon Alley, and if the Daily Prophet was accurate, already many were making their move to try and steal the recipe for the Foy Elixir.

Even many pureblood families were abandoning their pride in favor of the goods they sold.

This, within the span of three months, left Galloran to wonder, 'where would they end up in five years.'

There was no shortage of interest domestically and already signs showed foreign interest in their products as well.

If they continued to grow and the other Potion shops failed to regain their influence, then there was a slim chance that this one store might corner the market and force Malfoy out of his throne.

Galloran could only hope, no, pray that this would come to pass. For if it did come to pass, then a path out of his darkest hour might very well be possible.

If this possibility was real, then he would even bow down to these newcomers in hopes of salvation. Anything for his family… for his daughters.

"Daddy?"

Galloran turned around to see his youngest hiding behind his office door. Astoria Greengrass, his cute little girl, looked in on him as he voice squeaked through the barely open mahogany wood.

Looking at her, Galloran was amazed at how much his little girl looked more like him than his wife.

While Daphne drew on the traits of his dear Adonia, Astoria took on his more prominent features; Namely his black hair and pinkish skin. Aside from her frail body, skin tone, and black hair, she was a carbon copy of her sister from when she was ten. Unlike her sister, however, Astoria was an outgoing kind of shy to Daphne's closed hidden shyness.

Where Daphne would clam up, remaining stoic like a statue, Astoria would hide and seek comfort.

Cheerful when with family, she would always try to run around and enjoy everything that was new to her, despite her body's misgivings. In large gatherings, she would cling to either her mother or sister, the latter of whom was all too willing to take up the mantle of protector despite her shyness.

While frowned upon at social gatherings, to Galloran it was a sight of pride. Purebloods protected their own.

"What is it, Stori? You know you're not supposed to enter my study."

Astoria nodded hesitantly under his cold tone. "Mum told me to come get you." her words hiding her trembling concern well. He didn't blame her for being scared, he had told her many times, quite firmly, that his study was off-limits to all but his wife.

Smiling Galloran nodded. "I see, it's time to get you and your sister's supplies for school. Tell your mother I'll be right down."

The smile that blossomed on her face shined like a thousand stars, upon realizing she wasn't getting into trouble as Astoria rushed out from the doorway and down the stairs. Her tiny feet thundering down the stairs as she rushed to complete her mission. The sound brought a smile to Galloran even as that smile shifted into a dark depression.

There had to be a way to cure his daughter. Yet if he didn't solve the current crisis, even if they found a cure, he would have no way of procuring it let alone the means to implement it.

Far away from the luxury of the Greengrass family, another family was preparing to head out. With a hecticness that contradicted everything pureblood the swarm of redheads went this way and that as they prepared for their trip to Diagon Alley.

"Come on Percy help out your brother!" A very flustered Miss Weasley said. "Fred! George! Stop fooling around and get your shoes on. Ron, stop eating for a second and get your robes on."

The entire family was in a flurry of movement and rushed to enter Diagon Alley. All with the exception of one.

"Where's Ginny." A disgruntled Miss Weasley asked loudly.

"Saw her in the living room mum." Fred shouted.

"She's waiting on you, I think." George added in.

"Thank you boys. Now, get your stuff ready! And George changed out of that shirt."

"I'm not George, he's George." George started up.

"Don't start that with me now boys. Get. Hop to."

Rushing into the living room, Miss Weasley settled down at the sight of her little girl.

Ginny was sitting on the couch, dressed and ready for what looked to be a while. The quietest of her children by far. The joy and happiness she showed that winter was not replaced with a growing return to her quiet self from years before. She didn't smile or grin. Just sitting there she waited with her knees under her chin, her arms wrapped around them.

"Ginny, dear?" Molly asked her daughter. Looking up, Molly could see her daughter's eyes. There was little joy to be seen in them. Ginny's eyes reflected her inner turmoil and the depressed air about her. Molly stilled as she looked down at her, eyes filled with concern and worry for her little girl. "What's the matter dear?"

"Do you think he might be there?" she asked. "Harry?"

Molly felt her heart weap for her daughter. The loss of her penpal and subsequent news from her father that Harry was missing had brought back her sombre moods.

"I don't know, sweetie. But all the letters went out today, so if we keep an eye out I'm sure he'll be there." Molly reassured her. Ginny knew it was an empty promise but forced a smile all the same. She knew her mother was just consoling her, that Harry was either not okay or was hiding and was okay. Either way, if he was okay, why wouldn't he stay in hiding. If he wasn't okay, then he wouldn't show up anyway.

The fear of Harry disappearing again… her body shivered, the fear gripping her heart like a vice. Red eyes and pale snake-like complexion looming over his corpse. The smell of gunpowder and angry shouts of those kept in the dark, demanding their deaths. No, she couldn't think like this, none of that was real, and she would never allow it to be real.

"Mum?" Ginny asked just loud enough that her mother could hear her over the bustling house.

"Yes, dear?"

"If we do spot him… could we invite him over?"

"Of course we will dear. That poor boy has it rough as it is. Would be shameful of us if we didn't."

Ginny nodded before going back to blankly staring at the fireplace.

Arthur Weasley, stood just around the corner. Having just heard the tail end of their conversation he managed to somehow keep a weak smile on his face. As Molly approached him, she too had a similar worry.

"How is she?"

"Ginny - she's fine. She seems more worried over Harry than anything else." Molly added. "Have you heard anything more about Harry, dear?"

"I wish I could tell you more. I still don't know why, but Albus and the Department of Magical Law Enforcement is keeping a tight lid on it. Not that I can blame them. If word got around about what Harry went through growing up with those muggles… it would be a political nightmare. The wizarding world would demand blood and You-Know-Who's followers would have justification to discriminate against muggles." Arthur explained.

Molly grumbled in a huff. "I still can't believe it. What was Albus thinking."

"Calm down Molly. It's a miracle that the story hasn't spread out as far as it has. How Albus managed to contain the story from even muggleborn wizards without the Obliviator Office getting involved… even I can't imagine how he pulled this off." Arthur admitted.

"Even so I just can't- RONALD WEASLEY! What are you- FRED! GEORGE! I swear if you jinx your brother one more time I will have you cleaning the whole lot for all of next summer! Percy, please help your brother out of his shirt." Molly was distracted by the clearly distressed Ron Weasley who was fighting his sweater as it tried to bear hug him into the cabinet.

"Why don't I take the twins and Ginny off your hands. You can catch up with Percy and Ron when they're ready." Arthur suggested.

"We really should go together." Molly argued but Arthur wasn't going to fall back that easily.

"We'll take care of getting Ginny's wand and meet up at Flourish and Blotts. I'll keep the boys out of trouble while you handle getting Ronald ready. I'm sure between you and Percy you'll meet with us before we're even done."

His wife pondered this for a second and huffed out a sigh. "Oh alright. Keep those boys out of trouble, you hear."

Placing a kiss on her cheek Mr. Weasley smiled, "Sure thing dear. Fred, George, come here."

The Twins rushed into the room with grins on their faces.

"What's up dad. Whatever it is, Fred did it."

"Snitch." Fred retorted.

Arthur looked at his boys firmly as he asked, "What did you do."

"Nothing," George said lazily as he avoided eye contact.

"George might have tied Percy's shoes to the door." Fred ratted out.

"Snitch" Fred bit back.

"You first." George playful teased.

"Boy's, enough. Come along now, we're going ahead with Ginny to take care of her wand while Molly gets everyone else ready." Arthur said in a stoic fashion.

In a whisper, he added, "And if we leave now we might make it out before your mum comes down for you."

Saluting the twins gave replies in the affirmative. Behind him, Ginny was already by the fire waiting patiently.

"Ready dear?" Arthur asked with a hint of loving concern.

"I'm fine dad, really, and yes I am."

"Alright dear, after you."

Ginny stepped into the floo and holding the green powder spoke clearly.

"Diagon Alley."

Walking through the entrance of Diagon Alley, Harry paused to admire the magic of the bricks as they rearranged themselves into an archway for him to pass through. It was the small stuff that made Harry love magic. The wall was frequently ignored by every witch and wizard and yet Harry wondered if such magic could be used in other fields like construction and building arrangement. How much could the wizarding world benefit if they simply utilized their magic more productively then on a simple need on-demand basis.

Shrinking charms and levitation charms were used frequently to move goods around and store them after they were bought. This was true for Harry during his last few trips. With the number of tomes and books he had purchased, without them, he would have needed a forklift to get them out of Diagon Alley.

As the stone wall settled back into its regular wall-like shape, Harry turned around and proceeded down the street.

Looking at his list he noticed that most of the items he would need, he already had plenty of and most he didn't he could acquire from the Room of Requirement. What he mostly lacked was ingredients for his potion business and a few materials for his experiments.

As he walked down the street he made his way to Flourish and Blotts with the intent to purchase the absurd number of books required for his Defense Against the Dark Arts class.

The store was far more crowded than normal, even by magical standard the amount of people jammed in there was abnormal. Curious Harry turned to the sign nearby and tried to make out what the display said through the crowd trying to storm the building.

"Gilderoy Lockheart… signing?" Harry read aloud in disbelief.

Looking at his list, Harry double-checked it to make sure it was the same person and sure enough, it was. Gilderoy Lockheart was indeed the author of the books listed for his DA lessons that coming semester.

Looking back up at the crowded store Harry made the confident and courageous decision to stay as far away from the shop as he could. A public signing that was this popular, screamed trouble for someone trying not to stand out.

Crowds were one thing, but this was closer to a mob.

"So much for my books. I guess I'll come back some other time. I wonder if I can get the books at Obscurus?" Harry wondered aloud.

"Harry?" a voice called out with uncertainty.

Turning around Harry came face to face with a bramble bush of hazel colored hair, and he smiled. "Hey Hermione."

"HARRY!" Hermione shouted, rushing him and wrapping her arms around him in a crushing hug. Brief as it was Harry enjoyed the contact. "I'm so glad to see you."

Harry smiled cheerfully with a big grin. "It's nice to see you too, Mione. How was your summer?"

"Oh no you don't. You got a lot of explaining to do. Do you know how worried I was? You disappeared and then... what were you thinking?" Hermione demanded.

"Several things. You did read the muggle paper, yes?" Harry asked with a raised eyebrow. It might have been a small story but even that should have gotten Hermione's attention. After all, if it had words then surely Hermione had read it already.

Hermione's smile dropped instantly and she shuffled back cautiously.

"Hermione?" Harry asked.

In the silence of the bustling street, Harry stretched out his hand and placed it on Hermione's arm, just shy of her shoulder.

"You did get my letters, right?" He asked with uncertainty.

"Yeah. I got them." She admitted hesitantly, "But... I don't know. Was what you wrote true? I mean, a lot of what was written in them… it's hard to believe."

Before Harry could give an answer a voice from the crowd called out to Hermione.

"Hermione! Don't go rushing ahead all of a sud- oh, someone from your school?"

Harry was taken aback as the Hermione from his memories stood before him with the same warm smile she always had.

Miss. Granger, Harry assumed, was literally a carbon copy of her daughter thirty years in the future. Slightly tall and thin, she had the same hazel amber-colored hair that her daughter had. She wore a similar long sleeve shirt that Hermione had on under her draping black robe but unlike her daughter, filled out a comfortable pair of jeans. Just behind her was a kind-looking man, with a robust build hidden cleanly under a sweater. If not for the manner in which he walked and held himself Harry was sure to have believed that he was likely just as thin and fit.

"Yes, I'm in Mione's year. Different houses though. Harry," Harry said offering his hand, "Harry Potter, Mrs Granger?" Harry stated with certainty.

Mrs Granger froze for a moment upon hearing his name. She looked shocked and in disbelief as she looked between him and her daughter. Hesitantly she began, "Then you are…"

Harry's eyes met hers with a fierce determination, shimmering even before they met hers.

"I ask that you don't interfere with my affairs. I'm sure you know how celebrities are hassled by all manner of politics on the natural's side of things." Harry said coldly and with a heated forcefulness. "I can understand why you might assume informing someone would be the right thing to do, but, you'll only make things more complicated. I ask for your understanding." Harry said from a low bowing position. Raising his head his eyes shimmered with an emerald spark.

Hermione's mother looked dazed for a second and nodded in understanding. "I understand. Are you here shopping for the school semester?"

"For a few things, yeah." Harry acknowledged.

"Then why don't you join us? If it's not too much of a bother. This way we can all get our shopping done together."

"Sure, I'd love to." Harry agreed.

smiled with a cheer that almost hurt Harry. "Wonderful, having my daughter's first friend at school tagging along, oh this will be fun. There's so much to see here and my husband and I don't get to come here very often with Hermione. Perhaps you can show us around later. Oh, one second I'll go grab your father dear. Wait a minute." Mrs. Granger said joyfully as she merged with the crowd in pursuit of her husband.

Hermione watched in utter disbelief as she walked away to get her father who was currently in a deep discussion with another wizard who was explaining the fine mechanics of a nimbus 2001.

Turning to Harry she frowned as she pushed forward, getting right in his face.

Pulling him close she demanded, "Did you just cast a spell on my mom!? Casting magic outside of school is illegal and more importantly, why would you do that to my mum!?"

She was so close Harry could smell strawberries on her breath. Trying to beat down the questions and thoughts that discovery inspired Harry nodded.

"Yeah, sorry Mione." he apologized.

"I don't care if you're sorry, I want to know why?" she asked firmly. Hermione was not too happy with him controlling her parents and it showed. Her brow threatened to turn her frown into a scowl with teeth bared.

"Hermione, relax. I know you're upset but there is a reason for it." Harry insisted. Slowly Hermione let go of him and seeing Harry wasn't going to run away she relaxed a bit as Harry took a breath.

"Yes, I used magic, but it only distracts and interrupts a person's focus. There's a lot going on with me that isn't normal. I'll tell you more when we're on the train ride to school, but just know there's a lot of sketchy activity regarding my parents, Dumbledore, and my upbringing that I couldn't risk putting in our letters."

Hermione still glared at him, but huffed in indignation as she crossed her arms. "I'm guessing that's why all your letters were encoded."

"That and I thought you'd enjoy the brain teasers." Harry quipped back with a smile.

Hermione's anger was instantly replaced, melting into a cheery smile. "Well, I did enjoy trying to figure them out." she admitted. "It was weird at first though."

Harry laughed knowing how strange it would have seen, all things considered. Especially since Hedwig never stayed long enough for her to send him a message back.

Hermione, now calmed down, started to think back on the magic Harry used. "Hold on, what kind of spell was that? I've never heard of magic like that. Wait, where's your wand. I didn't see you use it, how-?"

Harry grinned as Hermione stirred up a brainstorm trying to recall any books on such magic. "I'll tell you later." Harry insisted, placing a finger over her lips.

"I have a book on mind magic, I'll lend it to you after I give you the overview." Harry said.

Hermione grinned back, turning a teasing glare onto him. "Don't think bribing me is gonna work and get you out of trouble."

Raising his hands defensively Harry chuckled. "I'm not, I'm not." settling down Harry stared intently at Hermione which caused her to settle down herself, other for a different reason.. The normally warm eyes were focused, cautious, and serious.

"Like I said, There's a lot of suspicious stuff going on and that's why I disappeared. I don't want your parents getting caught up in it if I can avoid it. That's why I used magic and why all my letters were written in code."

"But how are you able to use magic? Wouldn't the ministry know?" Hermione inquired.

"You'd think so right. I'm guessing they can't actuarially detect people using magic, just magic used in muggle regions." Harry theorized.

Hermione's grin smoothed itself back into a gentle warm smile.

"I'm really glad you're back Harry."

Harry chuckled a little. "Yeah, good to be back. Not planning on giving me the cold shoulder this year right?" Harry teased.

Chuckling back Hermione retorted, "Not a chance."

Mr. Granger watched the two work out the problems from a safe distance, due to his wife wanting to observe their daughter in their natural habitat. He couldn't help but find his wife's interest endearing. It was like she was watching another one of those cable wildlife documentaries she loved so much, in real life. Still something about the boy bugged him. Even from a distance, Harry Potter was more than he expected.

He knew very little about the boy. From what he could see, the man was well dressed. Most likely wealthy or at the very least was left behind a good fortune from his parents. His attitude seemed confident but not overbearing or cocky.

From an external view, he looked like a very nice young lad.

Yet, there was something in his posture that was alarming to him. He couldn't put his finger on it, but there was something, worrisome.

Before he could figure out what it was, Hermione was dragging Harry towards them. With a grin she smiled as she gestured to her parents respectively.

"Harry, these are my parents. This is my mum, Jean Granger, and my dad, Danial Granger."

Harry stretched out his hand to Hermione's father. "A pleasure to meet you sir."

Danial, burying his uncertainty, shook Harry's hand firmly. "It's a pleasure. Thank you for being friends with my daughter."

Harry grinned. "She's a handful, but it's more fun that way."

"What do you mean by that?" Hermione asked indignantly, only to be quelled by her mother.

"Calm down dear." she said, stretching a hand out to Harry. "Jean Granger, a pleasure."

"Harry."

Shaking her hand Harry and the three Grangers heard a large ruckus coming from the bookstore just down the road.

"Did something happen?" Dan asked, looking down to see a mob screaming in excitement.

"Whatever it is, it's trouble." Harry said flatly.

"Trouble?" Jean questioned.

"Just go with it mom." Hermione insisted. "Strange stuff tends to happen around Harry."

"Which is why I am avoiding that bookstore at all cost. Was considering checking out Obscurus Books." Harry stated.

"Obscurus Books?" Hermione asked.

"Yeah, it's a store down this way. Just past the new potion shop. Speaking of which, can we drop by there first? There are a few ingredients and potions I'd like to pick up there if I can."

"I don't see why not." Dan said, sharing a look with his wife who nodded in agreement with his assessment.

"But mum, Lockheart is supposed to be signing books there." Hermione argued.

"Not in that crowd you're not dear." Jean said.

Hermione gave a pleading look at Harry who gave a weak smile and shrugged.

Pouting Hermione moaned, "Oh, fine."

Harry smiled as he took the lead towards his shop.

"Well, this place looks pretty new. It definitely has a different atmosphere to it that's for sure." Jean said as they walked into the store.

"Returner and Handsinn: Potions and Elixirs Emporium?" Dan asked, looking at the sign.

"What do you need from here?" Hermione asked.

"Three things." Harry said as his attention was immediately drawn to a voice from the counter.

"Look, I told you before and I'll tell you again. The answer is no. So go jump off a cliff you blonde hair cunt, I am not selling my shop down to you."

Harry focused his attention on the two men he recognized well. The one behind the shop counter was a very pissed off . Across from him stood Lucius Malfoy.

"Huh, didn't expect to see him here." Harry muttered.

"Who?" Hermione asked as, like everyone else in the shop, stared at the commotion occurring at the register with heightening curiosity.

"The blonde one is Lucius Malfoy, Draco's father." Harry whispered.

"What's going on? Why is the shop owner shouting?" Dan asked, leaning down to Harry.

"Not sure, but it's best not to get involved if you can help it." Harry answered.

"Mr. Handsinn, clearly you can see the benefit of working with a broader network to work with." Lucius explained calmly and unphased by the outburst.

Mr. Handsinn just crossed his arms. "And clearly you see, that I don't care. My partner whom I work with isn't here Malfoy. I won't make any big changes without him since he supplies my best potions. You might own all the ingredients in town, but that just means if I can't buy here, that I should just move my shop elsewhere. Diagon Alley isn't the only place I can sell my goods. So like I told the Ministry. Go take your bullshit elsewhere cause I ain't here TO BUY IT!" Handsinn shouted out in Malfoy's face.

"Think carefully, Mr. Handsinn." Lucius stated, his tongue curling horribly upon acknowledging his name, "You wouldn't want to lose your business would you."

Handsinn leaned over the counter, his buff build overshadowing Lucius's skinnier frame. "I am not paid by how much I sell. I get paid by the hour. Do your worst. Anything you do, Malfoy will only limit your countries access to this fine Elixir. I own the rights to sell it, the Goblins own the permit, and its creator owns the knowledge of how it's made. Which means you have nothing. Which by the way, I will not be selling to you." Handsinn said grinning at the frown the now adorned Lucius's face.

"That's right. You're in my castle now Malfoy. And I get to choose who I sell my goods to."

Lifting up a fancy vial which had the letters 'F','O', and 'Y' engraved in gold cursive he added, "You've got no power here Malfoy and worse, you've pissed me off. All your political pull amounts to nothing when you want something I can't give you. Don't try to pull this profitable negotiation bull. Everyone wants to know just like you do. How do we make our own Foy Elixir. Thing is, I don't know. I just sell it."

"Then tell me who does know? Who is this partner?" Lucius whispered a little too loudly since almost everyone could hear him.

Handsinn smirked. "That's none of your business, Malfoy." Handsinn pointed to the door where Harry stood. "Leave Malfoy, or I'll have Santa's helpers kick you out."

Lucius sneer was almost venimus, and dripping with malice. Storming out of the building he said loudly. "Careful you don't piss off anyone you shouldn't, Mr. Handsinn, you might want better security should you draw the ire of the wrong crowd."

"I'll take it under advisement." Handsinn said with crossed arms.

After they left Jean and Dan shared a look.

"Well he was a nasty fellow." Jean mentioned.

"Yeah, well a lot of the noble snobs are like him, just less civil in expressing it." Handsinn said seeing the group for the first time. "Welcome to Returner and Handsinn. Your shop for cheap and quality Potions and Elixirs. Hold on, are you two muggles by any chance?"

"They're my parents." Hermione shot out.

"Relax Hermione." Harry whispered.

"Sorry, sorry," Handsinn said politely. "I need to work on my pitch. I asked because it's important to know. Most of my customers start off coming here to see if the Foy Elixir is real or not. It's doesn't affect Muggles so I kinda try to warn them upfront of that.

"Parden, but what is a Foy Elixir?" Dan asked.

"Foy, short for Fount of Youth. It's a rejuvenation potion of sorts. Reduces aging, revitalizes the body, makes the drinker all-around younger." Handsinn explained.

"So it's like the fabled elixir of immortality?" Hermione asked excitedly.

"A watered-down version, yeah, sort of." Handsinn admitted. "I don't make it so I only know that it does. It reverses aging over time, and restores a person's youth. If you're already young it doesn't do much. It's not a cure-all or anything and doesn't affect muggles."

"So it's like a beauty product?" Jean asked.

"Oh no. A beauty product makes you look younger. This actually makes you younger." Handsinn corrected her.

"What else do you sell?" Hermione asked looking around.

"We'll... we sell your standard array of potions. Pepper Up, Boil Cures, Dreamless Sleep. We're a new shop so we don't have a large inventory at the moment. Our biggest sell is Foy Elixir which alone pays for this shop twice over on its own."

"Any plans to expand into selling ingredients?" Harry asked.

"Yeah we- bless my soul, your Harry Potter." Handsinn said in a slow whisper.

"Yeah." Harry said softly, "I get that a lot."

Handsinn had the decency to blush in embarrassment. "Sorry, It's just I read the muggle report on your relatives. I'm sorry for that."

"It's not your responsibility." Harry stated.

"Perhaps not, but no child, especially someone who ended that war, should suffer like that. I can't help but feel like we did nothing to help the boy who saved us all that night. Please accept my apology." Handsinn said, offering a subtle bow from behind the counter.

"It's fine, really." Harry insisted. "So, are you thinking of branching into ingredient selling?"

"I'm considering it, but there aren't many suppliers willing to sell to me. Aside from the Malfoy's the only real sellers are the Greengrass and, well, speak of the devil." Handsinn explained as his attention was drawn to the door.

Walking in was Galloran Greengrass. Behind him were two girls, only one of which Harry recognized as Daphne Greengrass.

"Dad, please? I want to get my books signed." the younger girl whined, clearly interesting in the book signing Harry was adamant to avoid.

"Behave yourself Astoria. I have business to take care of and this behaviour is unbecoming a young Greengrass in public." Turning to his wife he added, "Dear, why don't you take Astoria to get Daphne's books. Daphne, I want you to stay with me. This store apparently has a master potioneer in their employ. Perhaps you might pick up something to help your dwindling grade."

Daphne just bowed slightly with her head as she replied with a quiet, "Yes father."

Turning back up, Galloran looked at the Handsinn who was bracing himself for a repeat of his argument with Lucius.

"You must be Mr. Handsinn." Galloran said looking at the man with a keen eye. A frown crossed his face momentarily as he recognized the more muggle like style and attire the man wore. A grey business suit and slacks did little reflect wizarding pride. It was also very muggle and failed to follow wizarding traditions.

"And you're the illustrious Greengrass Lord. Seeing as you're a customer like everyone else here, you can wait your turn." Handsinn said coldly with a glare.

Galloran was taken aback at this which Handsinn caught on to quickly. "Yes, yes, I know who you are. Big family, traditionalist pureblood. The Malfoy's came in with a lip and I kicked him out. If you're here for business you can wait your turn, if you're not then you can leave." Handsinn said with a bit of a bite to it.

"I see, Then I shall browse your wares then." Galloran said politely though clearly ticked off.

Nodding, Handsinn turned back to Harry. "As I was saying. I have been considering it, but our shop is more focused on potions rather than ingredients. Since most of what we sell is of higher quality and uses little ingredients we can make due even despite the large prices the market has. I also have to run it by my partner."

"Why's that? Don't you run the shop?" Harry asked.

"Yeah, I run the shop but my partner kinda funds it. I just manage the store while he manages his other businesses and potion creations."

"He's a Potion Master?" Hermione jumped in. Similarly Galloran looked up in interest, eager for any hint as to his partner's identity. Daphne paid attention but seemed generally uncomfortable.

"Couldn't say." Handsinn admitted. "If he is, he's not a registered master."

"I think we're getting off-topic Hermione. Mr. Handsinn, right. Could I have, twelve wit-sharpening potions, thirty calming draughts, ten shrinking solutions, six Peeper-Up Potions, twelve Ageing Potions, ten Girding Potions, eight Confusing Concoctions, six Sibilis Scolding Solutions, nine Drowning Drafts, and twelve Purging Pots?"

Blinking for a second Handsinn grinned back. "I might need you to read off that list again." He chuckled out, turning around to shuffle through the shelves behind him. "Let's see…" he mumbled. "We got, twelve… thirty… thirty… thirty...shite. I'm gonna have to go into the back for that. What's a kid like you need so many potions, if you don't mind me asking."

"I'm taking an apprenticeship with Professor Snape this year and I wanted to stock up on a few potions for use and experimentation."

Handsinn laughed loudly. "Well I'll be damned. Never knew you were an aspiring potioneer." Handsinn chuckled out. "Tell you what," he said as he laid out several boxes and crates of pre-stacked potions. "If you need a job next summer come check with me. I'll hire you if you're any good."

Harry could tell he was only saying that to encourage the young kid in front of him to pursue a career in potions. Little did he know, just how much of a laugh it was that he was offering him a job.

"You're quite young to be taking an apprenticeship." a voice called out to Harry. Turning around Harry was greeted with a polite hand. "Galloran Greengrass"

Shaking the hand Harry nodded. "Harry Potter, pleasure to meet you sir."

"Yes, I've heard a bit about you, Mr. Potter. Still. I find it hard to believe that you are taking up an apprenticeship with Professor Snape." Galloran said aloud. Leaning forward he added in a warning whisper. "If you wish to make a lie believable you should know the individuals you're referring about."

Hermione cut in, "I'll have you know that Harry is the best potions student in Hogwarts. He even helped tutor a seventh-year student in her potions final."

Galloran raised a doubtful eyebrow. "Oh, I doubt that very much." Before he could say anymore Daphne managed to subtly grab his attention with her hand tapping at his back. With a whisper, she informed him of what she had heard regarding Harry Potter.

"What she said might be true. Mr. Potter has on several occasions been excused from potion lectures and there were rumors that he was working with a seventh-year Hufflepuff in potions. He also made a potion that shrank himself."

Galloran frowned at this and recomposed himself. "According to my daughter, you've been excused from Professor Snape's lectures, is this true?"

Harry and Hermione looked at each other, surprised at the change in attitude. Looking back at him Harry dropped his hold over his barriers as he started confirming his suspicions.

"Yeah. Professor Snape hates me, so when he gets a chance he kicks me out. I guess his pride as a potions master is the only reason he doesn't just forbid me from taking his class or something like that."

"And what of this potion that shrinks. Shrinking Solutions are a third-year potion. It's quite impressive that you can make something like that so young."

"Oh, that wasn't a Shrinking Solution." Harry grinned. Pulling out a bottle he handed it to the elder Greengrass. "That's a potion I made last year."

Galloran frown grew. The bottle held blue and red pills, not a liquid and certainly not the acid green that was associated with a proper Shrinking Solution. "This… isn't a Shrink Solution."

"No sir. I call them Aging-pills. The red ones make you grow up by ten years for several hours, while the blue ones short you off by five. Taking one red then a blue cancels the effects, and vice versa." Giving him his open hand he asked, "Would you like me to demonstrate?"

Galloran, while doubtful, wasn't going to deny the chance to see if it was true or not. If he was lying, he was sure he would be able to tell, having some skill in potions. Popping a red one into Harry's hand Harry smiled and popped it into his mouth. In a burst of smoke Harry appeared, ten years older and very well built.

Jean, Hermione, and Daphne all blushed slightly at the new Harry Potter.

"Oh, my," Jean spoke aloud as she admired the more muscular man before her. Dan appreciated the appearance in his own way. Mr. Potter was incredibly well built if this potion was anything to go by. It reminded him of his brother's company in a picture he sent home.

Galloran was shocked himself. Not by Harry's size but from what he saw. Despite what many thought, the smoke wasn't smoke, but a byproduct of the growing effects. A mixture of dead skin shooting outward, and steam from rapid expansion. He had seen the effect form several other potions, many of which were poisons.

Mr. Handsinn continued to work with disinterest even as his eyes desperately tried to move to see the six-foot, two hundred pounds of meat that was Harry Potter.

Or rather, the appearance of his business partner.

The sight of his partner just up and appearing was shocking enough for the man. More so who his partner really was. It didn't help that the goblin contract he signed was forcing him to act as if nothing was happening, much to his annoyance, but because of how sudden it was, he desperately wanted to look, to stare blankly until his disbelief was sated.

"Cool, right?" Harry asked in his deeper voice. Taking back the bottle from Mr. Greengrass's hand Harry popped a blue pill and in another burst of smoke, reappeared as a young man of twelve years once more.

"Not the words I would use." Galloran admitted. "But, yes that is most impressive. It must take quite a bit of skill and numerous ingredients to make a potion at your age."

Internally Galloran was screaming to make use of this knowledge immediately. What Harry just demonstrated, if his words were true, was a genius level of skill. Potion Master's took years, sometimes lifetimes, trying to craft one potion. Yet if everything he heard and saw was true, then it would explain everything. Why Snape might take on an apprentice, why Harry provided help to a seventh-year, and why he was so confident in himself and didn't bother to correct him after he assumed that the boy was lying. Harry Potter was a genius. A potions prodigy.

"I see. Yes," he said to himself, "I apologize for before, my words were due to a lack of faith. Mr Potter, it is a shame Professor Snape has claimed you as his apprentice, I believe I could have provided you with a far greater wealth of ingredients to work with."

"While I am honored that you think so, I was under the belief the Greengrass market was under the management of Lucius Malfoy." Harry said with a grin.

Galloran's eyes twitched at Harry's words. "I see, you have been miss informed Mr. Potter. Our goods are still as good as they have always been, backed by the quality and price befitting of our good name.

"Is that why they seem so scarce and unaffordable now?" Harry jabbed back.

Galloran felt his eye twitch even more violently. If he didn't know better he would have sworn the brat was doing this on purpose. Even so paranoid it may be, Galloran tightened and reinforced his mental barriers.

"While our business is no longer as widespread as it once was, I can say with wholehearted honesty that quality ingredients can be found nowhere other than in our fine business."

"I see, I'm glad that is so." Harry replied. "It's a shame though. I couldn't possibly afford the prices of rare ingredients on the market. It's hard enough getting the regular stuff. I can experiment with common ingredients since they're cheap but rarer goods, they're too expensive to work with since it's such a risk that one will fail in a new concoction." Harry explained.

"About that." Handsinn spoke up. Looking at Galloran with a firm gaze he seemed to be evaluating his very soul. "If I recall, Mr. Greengrass, you and Mr. Malfoy have a working relationship in the ingredients market. A monopoly if I'm not mistaken?"

"In a manner of speaking." Galloran said politely even as he bit the urge to bemoan the Malfoy family.

"Is your relationship restrictive or open to expansion?" Handsinn asked, glancing at Harry without anyone's notice. Seeing Harry's devilish smile he knew he was on the right path.

"I don't see why that would interest you Mr. Handsinn." Galloran said cautiously.

"Well, it just so happens that I hate the Malfoy's. And pardon my bluntness, it seems they have you in a cornered market. Am I wrong?"

Unbeknownst to the party, a subtle magic was being cast by Harry to distract and misdirect the attention of anyone else in the store.

"I believe you might be misinterpreting our business association with the Malfoy's, Mr Handsinn."

"So you're not here to propose some form of partnership between our two businesses?" Handsinn asked.

Galloran bit his tongue as he hesitated to speak carelessly. If he spoke aloud - he gazed at the other people present - then it would be publicly admitting to him distancing himself from the Malfoy's. On the other hand, this might be the best opportunity ever.

Sensing the politics involved Handsinn glance at Harry who was still grinning ear to ear.

"Lord Greengrass." Handsinn called out, pulling Galloran attention back onto him. "This is a bit rushed, so let's set a proper appointment, shall we. I need to still contact my partner before I make any major changes business-wise, however I believe we could benefit greatly with a partnership with your business. As Mr. Potter has stated, rare ingredients are rare and hard to come by. However I'm sure my partner would like to have access to rare ingredients himself. The man is a right genius at potion-making and inventing. He has many experiments and tests going on even as I speak. I'm sure we can find a mutually beneficial arrangement for both of us to prosper."

"I believe you are right," Galloran said while internally a small side of himself screamed out in joy. "Please contact me at a later time, with a time and date that is suitable for such a meeting once you've contacted your partner."

As he stepped out of the way of everyone, making his way to the door, Mr. Greengrass paused as he thought of something else. "Mr. Potter, correct."

"Yes?" Harry asked.

The silent pause was palpable, but shortly after the moment passed Galloran muttered, "No, it's nothing. Come Daphne."

"Yes father."

As Daphne left, she looked at Hermione and her emotionless face fell into one of sour disdain. Similarly, Hermione glared at Daphne, her lips flattening into a firm line.

And like an obedient emotionless doll, Daphne followed her father out of the store.

"Well that was odd." Dan muttered.

A laugh and a loud thud accompanied by the ringing of many vials tapping each other, drew everyone's attention to the shopkeeper. "Yeah, Pureblood politics tend to be like that."

"Pureblood politics?" Dan asked.

"Times are changing, and those from original magical families are dwindling in number. They're scared that the times are changing and that they will lose the position of power. Same old song, no matter where you go. Anyway, here you are Mr. Potter. Twelve wit-sharpening potions, thirty calming draughts, ten shrinking solutions, six Peeper-Up Potions, twelve Ageing Potions, ten Girding Potions, eight Confusing Concoctions, six Sibilis Scolding Solutions, nine Drowning Drafts, and twelve Purging Pots. Make the most of them."

Smiling Harry nodded. "Oh, I will."

Handsinn nodded as he grumbled a bit. "Still…" he pondered aloud.

"What?" Hermione asked, finding his stare to be a bit rude towards Harry.

"No, it's nothing." Handsinn said waving his hands back and forth from a distance. "I guess you would know best huh."

"What does that mean?" Hermione asked, confused.

"Nothing, just something my partner said once." Handsinn muttered aloud.

"Pardon me, but you're not from around here right?" Jean asked politely.

"No ma'am. I'm from the states." Handsinn stated.

"New York, right?" Harry added with a grin.

"Connecticut, actually."

"Right." Harry chuckled. "In any case, I wish you luck with your business."

"Another happy customer." Handsinn laughed out.

"Would you like me to package all this up for you?" Handsinn asked.

"No thanks," Harry said, "I'll take it with me." And before anyone could say anything Harry lifted up his robe and one by one he put the packages of vials and ingredients into his cloak where it seemed to vanish into nothing.

"Harry! How did you do that?" Hermione asked.

"Magic." Harry replied cheekily which earned him another charley horse to the shoulder.

"In anycase, thank you for your business. I hope you come back for your elixir and potion needs. Perhaps in the future you can look forward to purchasing ingredients from us too." Handsinn said with a smile.

"Shall we go?" Harry asked.

Dan, who had been watching them, tapped his wife's shoulder, drawing her away from a shelf that displayed pain relief medicine.

"Yes, though I am curious to know more about these potions." Jean muttered.

"We can always talk with Hermione, dear." Dan said. Turning he looked at Harry and Hermione. "I think our next stop would be the bookstore, yes?"

Hermione lit up and pulled on Harry's hand. "Come on. Let's go." she said eager to make it in time to get her books signed from the author who wrote them.

Jean bit back a laugh at the sight of her daughter's eagerness. "Settle down Hermione. We'll go to the bookstore next. Is that okay with you Harry?"

Harry shrugged. "So long as the mob is gone then, yeah."

Leaving the store, Handsinn smiled and waved and only stopped when the four had left. Whispering to the air he called out. "Spitsy."

A quick popping snap sounded and behind the counter a small tan-colored house elf in a surprisingly clean pillowcase appeared to answer his call. "Seconds master called Spitsy?"

"Yeah, I just wanted to double-check with you Spitsy. Do you see the young man outside?"

"Yes," Spitsy confirmed in a high squeaky voice reminiscent of a bathtub rubber toy. "Is he also your master?"

Spitsy focused and squinted and clapped excitedly. "First Master came. But the first master looks smaller and younger than Spitsy remembers."

"That's fine Spitsy. Thank you. You can return to what you were taking care of." Handsinn said, and with a snap the house elf disappeared.

As Harry and Hermione traveled back down the street, Hermione's parents eagerly asked them about the shops and what wanderers lay inside each shop. Harry enjoyed the eager looks and curiosity of the two. Thinking about it himself, Harry wondered if there was a book that educated muggles about magic. The ones he read told them the general stuff, but avoided going into details about magic and what it could do.

"Oh dear…" Jean muttered aloud, although Harry almost missed it over the noise coming from the store. Looking up Harry was greeted with a larger crowd than before, almost obsessively desperate to make their way into the bookstore, Flourish and Botts.

"Good lord." Dan almost shouted. "Is this what it's like at that broom sport?."

"Quidditch dad, and while it's just as loud, I'd like to say it's not as… chaotic." Hermione explained, a bit hesitant to call the scene of women clambering over each other as orderly.

"I think Harry might have the right idea here." Dan suggested.

"I agree, but we still need Hermione's books." Jean argued.

"Either way, I'm not going anywhere near here." Harry abruptly argued. Knowing that staying anywhere near here was just asking for trouble Harry dashed into the crowd.

"Harry! wait!" Hermione shouted, but it was already too late. By the time she spun around Harry had dissolved into the crowd. "Damnit." she cursed.

"Language dear," Jean abolished.

"Even so," Dan chuckled, "Your friend really doesn't like crowds."

"He's a bit famous, and he gets more attention then he wants, so I don't exactly blame him for rushing off." Hermione explained, "Though it is strange to see Harry run off like that. Although…" she trailed off looking at the crowd. "He does have good instincts when it comes to avoiding trouble."

"Does he?" Dan asked.

"Yeah, a lot of seniors targeted him for… pranks and none of them could catch him." Hermione explained.

Jean laughed at this, but it was a fake laugh. She knew Hermione was not telling them something but figured it had something to do with the stature of secrecy or something so she didn't bother asking.

Meanwhile, Harry raced through the crowded with grace and speed that would make a professional runnerback proud. Once he felt he was no longer at risk of stirring up a hornets nest, Harry stopped running and looked back. The chaos was now long out of sight and Harry breathed a sigh of relief even as he wondered why he was so adverse to entering the store.

He had faced dark lords, bright lords, armies, and undead hordes. Hell, he faced basilisks face to face. Yet something, there… something about that store, terrified him now. Every instinct in him demanded he not enter the store, screaming at him as if he would live through torture that would pale in comparison to what he had experienced so far.

While that was wholly impossible, under logical thought, Harry was a man of instinct and dying was something he didn't want now. He had more reasons to live.

Turning around Harry passed three redheads. Two twins, sneaking off to check out the ruckus down the street, and a proud cheerful man trying his hardest to reel in their chaotic nature.

Stepping out of the crowd Harry paused as he walked into the second store he planned on going too before meeting with Hermione.

Ollivanders.

Stepping inside Harry looked around for any sign of Ollivander, the shop's owner. Interestingly enough the store was more of a mess then the last time Harry entered this store. Numerous boxes littered the store and several of them had cherry pink wings sprouting from them causing them to float about like butterflies.

Further into the shop, several shelves were rearranging themselves from what looked to be quite a fall.

"Well, this isn't what I expected." Harry mumbled out just as a ladder from the far corner of the shop slid into view with Ollivander on it. Making eye contact Ollivander smiled. "Oh, Mr. Potter. Good to see you again."

The man jumped down the latter with a spring in his step he didn't have before. What's more, he looked five years younger than he did before. Many of his wrinkles were smoothed out and overall his hair was starting to show signs of color.

"You look good, sir. I'd say even younger." Harry greeted him with a smile. The man still creeped him a bit.

"Oh and do I feel just so Mr. Potter." He said with a cheer. Looking about in a flustered start he added, "Can you hold on just a moment. I'm taking care of another customer. Let's see… ah. Let's try this one."

Harry nodded fruitlessly as Olivander grabbed one of the boxes that were flying and pulled it down so he could retrieve the wand. Harry watched him struggle fruitlessly to keep a hold of the boxes while simultaneously retrieving the wand.

Flicking his wand Harry raised it up in his right hand. "Would you like some assistance?"

Olivander looked up with a raised eye, both eager and curious. With a flick Harry calmly stated, "Immobulus.", and the chaos seemed to freeze in thin air, frozen like a painting.

Olivander looked on with a smile. "I knew I was right about you Mr. Potter, great things…" he said aloud, more to himself than Harry, oblivious to him even as Harry politely put his wand away, its work done.

"Now then my dear, why don't you try… this?" Olivander said to his other customer.

Harry peeked around the corner, and saw a short girl, a little smaller then he was with flaming red hair and a grimy grey wool robe. As she took hold of the wand her eyes met Harry's and surprising them both the wand in her hand started shooting off fireworks that blasted the shelves apart.

Olivander quickly grabbed the wand, snatching it out of her hand.

"Well that was definitely no good. No good at all." he muttered as he went into the back shelves. "Perhaps something more… flexible."

His departure went unnoticed as Harry and Ginny Weasley looked at each other in silence. Harry's mind stalled, memories of himself and their children, whom he couldn't quite see, playing in a yard while Ginny, with her long flowing hair, laughed cheerfully.

Shaking the image out of his head Harry offered his hand in greeting. "Hi, I'm Harry, Harry Potter."

Tears fell from down her face.

Harry was taken aback and his shock seemed to awaken the redhead from her own hazy gaze.

"I'm sorry, crying all of a sudden. I'm Ginny, Ginny Weasely. We've already… talked I guess."

Worried, Harry tried to tell what might have been wrong but was stunned when he could feel nothing. Just dropping his barriers normally would flood him with a torrent of emotions and thoughts from nearby people. But despite the surge from outside the store, the only immediate thoughts he could feel coming from the back of the store, where Ollivander stood.

Normally that should have been impossible Harry thought. Only very skilled Occlumency akin to his own ability should be able to do that.

Harry nodded in response to her statement, although now he was a bit more suspicious of her. She was only a year younger than he and had similar skills in Occlumency as he did Legilimancy? Harry couldn't figure out how that was possible. His skills were a byproduct of having decades of practice under his belt.

Speaking up, as to arouse suspicion, Harry replied, "Through our letters. Sorry about not being able to send letters to you this summer. I had a few things I had to deal with and wasn't able to talk with any of my friends."

Ginny shook her head in protest. "No, no, it's fine. I'm just glad we can finally meet like this."

"Yeah. Are you here alone?"

Ginny huffed in annoyance. "I wasn't. My stupid brothers decided to prank me and ran off. I was here with my twin brothers and dad. He ran off after those idiots took off." Ginny complained.

Looking towards the door, Harry wondered if he passed them without noticing them.

"So, I guess you're here to get your wand?"

"Yes. I'm starting school this year." Ginny replied. "I guess we won't be sending letters as often now that I'm going to Hogwarts.

"I guess. Did you want to continue sending them?" Harry offered.

Ginny laughed briefly with a cute chuckle hidden by her raised hand. "I don't know, isn't it kinda weird? I mean we can talk to each other in the halls right?"

"Sure, I just thought that perhaps you'd want to continue it, unless you don't want to, that is."

"No, no I'd love to." Ginny quickly interjected. "I mean yeah I guess it's strange but I don't mind continuing."

Harry nodded, "Then I guess it's settled."

"Miss Weasley." Olivander's voice said abruptly, calling their attention to him. "Perhaps this one." he said, handing her a pale ivory white wand. Harry shook his head noticing that it wasn't the same wand as her old one and it seemed Ginny too looked disinterested which perplexed him upon seeing it.

Grabbing the wand Ginny carefully gave it a wave and several boxes on the shelves popped from their placement and bounced on the floor.

"I guess that wasn't it either, but we're getting closer."

Not able to help himself Harry suggested, "Perhaps something a bit less supple? Maybe yew and heartstring?"

Ginny's eyes widened and shot at Harry, tears threatening to breach her eyelids. Olivander paused himself and pondered that suggestion. "That might not be a bad suggestion…" He thought aloud. "One moment Mister Potter, I think you're on to something. I have just the wand."

As he trailed off back into the store, Ginny grabbed Harry and pulled him close with a fire in her eyes. Seeing it now Harry could see the difference. The Ginny from before was dead, playing the motions, showing the actions, but emotionally detached from the world. These eyes, however, had hope and anger. Hope in something, and anger at the thought of being wrong.

Yet, even so, Harry couldn't hear a thing through his Legilimency.

Glaring into his eyes, Ginny bit her lower lip almost hesitant to speak.

"What did I do?" Harry asked, his wand at the ready, although he wasn't sure what spell he would allow himself to use against Ginny. Sparring aside, even in defence he was against fighting her where it wouldn't benefit her.

"March 2nd, 2004, what does that mean to you?"

Harry froze, his eyes widening. Slowly his vision grew blurry as tears threatened to leak from him. It couldn't be. "Everything…" Harry said with a wavering voice. "The first time I felt like I had a family."

Ginny started sobbing even as she lunged into him, giving him the largest hug she could manage. Similarly Harry returned it, clutching her into his chest as best he could. His hands firmly on her shoulders as his arms pressed into her back. The two melted into each other's embrace oblivious to the world.

"I can't believe it," she moaned into his shoulder. "You're here." she whimpered.

"You're alive." Harry muttered, tears streaming down his own eyes.

"I'm alive." Ginny whimpered. "I was shot."

"I know." Harry whispered back.

"I died." Ginny wept.

"I know." Harry said, trying to pull her deeper into himself.

"I came back."

"So did I." Harry cried.

Slowly the two separated.

"How?" Harry asked, pulling out a small piece of cloth from his robe and handing it to Ginny.

"I don't know." She said between tears. Taking the cloth she wiped her eyes. "I was on the podium with you and then the gunshot. I remember everything going dark. And I just floated in darkness. It felt like forever, just existing in nothing, but then something happened. A river appeared. Then some weird reflective sky appeared, and some bubbles and all of a sudden… I saw myself. Next thing I knew, I was inside my mum and passed out."

Harry looked at her in disbelief. "Wait, you awoke in your mum?"

Ginny nodded. "It was really weird. At the time I didn't know what was happening but then I saw the cord and realized-"

"You weren't born yet." Harry finished.

Ginny nodded before she started to giggle. "Being born isn't all that different from performing apparition." she said.

Harry almost lost it, just barely controlling his laughter by a thread. Ginny failing to maintain the same composure broke into song, which Harry joined in. In the fits of laughter, the two almost missed Olivanders return.

"It seems I missed something quite amusing."

Harry collected himself and nodded, "No, it's nothing."

Smiling all the same, Olivander handed Ginny a new wand. "Yew with Dragon Heartstring. Firm and Brisk, 10 ½ inches, very potent at jinxes and hexes. Handle with care." Olivander warned.

Grabbing the wand firmly into her hand. Ginny smiled at the familiar touch of her wand. Similarly, the wand too seemed content as with a jab, a flash shone from the tip and bloomed into a swarm of Allium flowers which faded as soon as they appeared.

"Marvelous. Simply marvelous. You have a future in wand making Mr. Potter." Olivander proudly proclaimed.

"Which actually brings me to why I'm here." Harry said not missing a beat.

"Ah, yes. I remember. I meant what I said, Mr. Potter. I have never sent off a customer without a wand they weren't satisfied with. As I recall, Phoenix Feather, Holly, yes? As I recall it chose you well, and yet you felt that it wasn't quite right, yes?" Ollivander asked to which Harry nodded. "While I would like to say I have a wand that may fit better, I am sorry to say that none of my recent wands, made or found, could possibly be a better fit for you then want you currently have." he said solemnly.

"I'm all for having you try a few." Ollivander offered, gesturing to a few boxes beyond them.

"Actually," Harry started before pausing. Putting his hand into his pocket he pulled out a small silverish grey pouch. Loosening the string tying the pouch shut, Harry opened it and from within pulled out a bottle of deep red liquid.

"Would you be able to make a wand with… this?" Harry asked, handing the small thumb sized bottle to him.

Olivander took the bottle with great care and looked at it with curiosity. "This isn't blood… no, despite its shape it's not a liquid, although it isn't a solid. This has a strong connection to magic Mister Potter. Very. Very strong. May I ask what this is exactly?"

"I'd rather not and I'm sure you already have your own suspicion as to what it is." Harry replied.

"Yes." Olivander said distantly, almost dreamily. "Yes I do. However, it shouldn't be possible. Then again, this summer seems to have lots of impossible things happening in it." Olivander said distantly, his gaze focused almost eagerly upon the substance in his hand.

"It is hard to come by, and I doubt I'd ever acquire another one quite like it. Do you think it would serve as a core for a wand?" Harry asked.

Ollivander nodded slowly, his attention drifting. "Yes, yes it would, no, it would need a binding agent. Yes, it would work." His eyes shifted up into Harry's "This alone would not work, it would need a powerful and potent reagent to work in conjunction."

"Another reagent? Like Unicorn hair, or Dragons Heartstring?"

"Yes." Olivander answered slowly, pacing in the open landing. His thoughts turned to the possibility this bottle held. His dream in a literal bottle. The substance was potent, powerfully magical. "But, I am unsure if what I have would work…"

Stopping Olivander turned sharply towards the pair. "If I may, Mr. Potter, may I keep this… secretly of course," eyeing Ginny, "I would like to try. If anyone is capable of your request, I would like to believe that I am up to the challenge and honor."

Harry nodded. "Keep it secret and safe and you have a deal Mr. Ollivander."

"Excellent." Olivander shouted with glee. "Now then Miss Weasley. That will be six galleons.

In the back of his shop, a flicker of red light from the jar touched an incomplete branch of soon to be wand. White yew snapped in two, cleaving it in half.

Similarly, unbeknownst to anyone, a black book was placed in the hands of another without their knowing and without their involvement.

---

To all the World, have a wonderful summer. To all you red white and blue patriots, a wonderful and safe, canola infection free Fourth of July. God Bless America and bless all of you.