AN:
Some Answers:
Ragnar92 chapter 1 . May 15
This isn't professional writing, I do this in my spare time for fun. There's no editors nor will there be.
TheAutarch chapter 16 . May 16
Thanks, I am glad you are enjoying the story.
darkimortal chapter 2 . May 18
He will eventually get to limitless. That's an excellent suggestion about John Wick's wife. Thanks!
jiubantai-taicho chapter 17 . May 22
Smallville is a great choice. Lots of potential there for power-ups. Great suggestion.
frankieu chapter 17 . May 23
Thank you! Hmm interesting choice about the warewolf venom. Didn't even think of that and kind of savage.
kirosyamcha chapter 17 . May 23
Fair criticism. It will eventually get to Stargate.
Idrinktomuch10 chapter 3 . May 27
That's correct if he has $1M in gold in order to get it in the financial system he gets a loan from the 'Don't ask don't tell people' (aka the money launders) for $700K. The actual interest rate on the official papers of the loan is smaller than 30% of the value of $1M but when you factor in all the bribes and kickbacks along the way Darrow only comes out with $700K cash in the system.
He is using his future knowledge to invest in companies but the first step 1 of investing is Money. He needs legitimate money in the financial system before he can do anything.
timberwolfst chapter 9 . 5h ago
Interesting suggestion but I don't see how that could work. What does a costume of Merlin the Alteran look like? What does a costume of an Alteran look like in the first place? Alterans looked like ordinary humans that wore kind of non-descript fashion. At best it would make him think he's an Alteran or turn him genetically into an Alteran without any of the knowledge.
….Also not a fan of the Buffy Universe.
Thank you all for you input it is appreciated and please don't be surprised if I 'steal' some of your suggestions.
Story inspired heavily by 'Cruel To be Kind', '12 Steps To Omnipotence', 'Rise of an Empire' and a million and one other fanfics. If you see stuff and think that it's similar to another fanfic. it's probably because we read the same story and I liked that plot line or idea.
BEWARE this is a 'Gary Stu, wish fulfillment, power fantasy type story.
Thank you for reading!
Enjoy
Chapter 18
Year 7, Day 4: Harry Potter Universe, September 1995
"What in the actual fuck?" I couldn't help but say as Dumbledore gave his speech.
"What's that Darrow? You say something mate?" I heard Terry asked.
He was sitting behind me at the Ravenclaw table. I was actually so out of it that I automatically responded.
"Huh? What?"
"You just mumbled something." Michael chimed in. He was sitting across.
"Maybe he accidentally bit on a wrack-spurt? It got stuck in his teeth?" Luna said turning around. She was sitting in front of me. "I can get it out for you if you'd like." She said raising her fork towards my mouth.
"What!? No! No need for that." I responded trying to contain my voice.
"Then what is it?" Terry pressed and I scowled.
"The new DADA professor, she is or I guess was the secretary to the ministry, why is she here teaching?"
Terry only shrugged. "Like she said sent by the ministry to have better DADA classes. You know the profs only last a year."
Michael leaned in. "My mom's friend is on the board and she says the board's been pissed about the DADA teachers turnover that they finally asked the Ministry for help. Or at least that's the official story." He said and leaned in closer. "They say Minister Fudge is pissed off at Dumbledore for supporting Harry's story in the papers." He said almost conspiratorially.
"My father also thinks Harry's right, you know." Luna chimed in. "He says the Wizengamot is getting too heated, too many nargles clouding everyone's eyes." She said pausing for a quick moment. "Oh, you should read the next issue of the Quibbler he's doing an expose on why the nargles are naturally attracted to the Wizengamot hats." She finished cheerfully.
"Uh, sure…why don't you get us all a copy?" Terry said amicably which cheered her up even more.
Now I can't say that Luna had many close friends in her year but I did see her hang out with the Ravens more often, especially in the past year. It was mostly with the guys but sometimes Padma and Mandy as well. Even if they weren't close friends at the least they had gotten used to her quirkiness.
I also really doubt that anyone would be stupid enough, not from Ravenclaw at least, to try to bully her this year. Out of everyone she stuck to me the closest and I was not only the Triwizard winner but also a Prefect, so I could deduct points and even give detentions. Ok technically the detentions were only recommendation to the professors or heads of houses and were only done when you brought an incident to them.
Even without having to worry about Luna I was annoyed that toad face was here. As we finished the feast I kept thinking
'Where the hell are my butter flies?'
Scene Break
Year 7, Day 20: Harry Potter Universe, September 1995
Well it's only been a little over two weeks and Umbridge was already ripping through the school. Scathing remarks, point deductions and detentions left right and center. So far I hadn't seen anyone come out of detention with marks on their hands but I had only checked the younger years and even then mostly Ravenclaws.
"Stupefy, Incarcerous, Expelliarmus!" Mandy yelled as she slung a practiced chain rapidly at Terry. Just as quick the boy blocked them with his wand and returned fire.
Out of the corner of my eye I caught Padma throw a bunch of seeds on the ground from behind her Protego. The seeds almost instantly sprouted into a huge plant I didn't recognize with wild vines. Another flick of her wand the tentacle like vines attacked Michael.
He responded by running backwards and unleashing a barrage of Diffindos trying to chop the plant into salad.
"That's it guys, keep moving! Don't be stationary targets!" I yelled at the dueling teams.
We were in a clearing in our usual spot in the Forbidden Forest and for our opening practice I had decided to do Boys v Girls with Ash on the girls' teams and Larry on the boys' team and with me officiating so things wouldn't get too out of hand.
Luna was gracefully dodging Larry's spells by skillfully by twisting, twirling and turning, courtesy of the divine boots, which when coupled with her spells made for a colorful dance.
Considering this was the first practice of the year, everyone was doing really well. Michael did say Terry and Mandy came over to his place and they practiced but still overall I have to say I'm impressed.
I saw Andrew put up a strong Protego blocking Ash and pull out a purple vile, popping its cork in a practiced motion with his left hand which he then quickly pointed at Larry releasing a small string of visible purple fumes.
Almost immediately the fumes burst into a cloud of purple rushing at the third year boy. Ash put up a shield but to no avail as even before the cloud fully reached him his legs wobbled and he fell to the ground.
'A variation on the Sleeping Draught, 5 points to Ravenclaw for creativity!' I felt like saying but of course I didn't.
Of course to Andrew's misfortune the wind picked up against him and the cloud reverted. He quickly put up a bubble head charm unfortunately that was enough of a distraction that Padma, feeling secure with Michael busy fighting her vines, saw the opportunity and got him with a Stupefy.
The sense of security was short lived as Michael in a sniper like shot beautifully aimed through all the vines getting the stationary Padme in the shoulder just as she was watching Andrew fall.
Luna who had simply overwhelmed Larry quickly flanked Michael from his left and got him in the leg dropping him unconscious.
It was now two on one against Terry.
To his credit, he immediately transfigured a decent wall of earth around him and ducked behind it as the spells splashed harmlessly against it.
"Avis Furiosa!" I heard him shout releasing a veritable flock of angry Ravens that attacked Luna. She started hopping, skipping and running away from them around the clearing and behind the trees.
The image was quite comical and only missing the Benny Hill music.
"BOMBARDA!" The shout was followed by Terry's wall violently exploding launching him and pieces of the wall in a ragdoll fashion backwards.
"Holy fuck Mandy!" I shouted and rushed to where Terry was. She herself seemed shocked and rushed forward as well.
"Ah, sorry, I didn't realize it was going to be so strong, I thought the wall was harder!" She said desperately feeling remorseful and scared.
Terry was in a semi-conscious state but he had landed on his left hand which mangled his wrist and forearm with his radius bone piercing through the skin.
"We have to get him to the infirmary!" Mandy practically shouted.
"Not if you want don't want to be expelled. I can fix him. Now quiet please." I replied confidently silencing the girl.
"Sleep" I waved my hand over Terry making him fall unconscious into a deep slumber.
"I don't want him to see. He might go into shock." I explained to her and she nodded.
I traced the tip of my wand over his forearm and wrist once feeling with my magic and on the second run I said "Brackium Emendo"
It worked.
The bones rearranged themselves snapping into place with magic filling in the required spots mending the bones together.
Now for the wound itself it was too big to work with a simply Episkey away. I turn to Mandy and I see that Luna has also joined us, having finally gotten rid of the flock of angry ravens.
"What I'm about to do…you will not speak of this to anyone!' I command Mandy specifically. She was confused but nodded in agreement.
I didn't worry about Luna.
I put my wand on the ground and brought my right hand above the wound while holding the arm with my left hand.
A warm yellow glow started emanating from my right hand bathing the wound. Slow and steady just as Balder taught me I poured my divine energy and willed it to heal, mend and restore.
As the wound closed I brought both hands together and emanated the divine light over the rest of his body. I didn't want him to be left with any internal bleeding, bruising or concussions.
Once I was sure I had willed everything back into tip top shape I let the light slowly fade away.
"Darrow...that was…" the whispering voice of Mandy said.
"Beautiful." Luna finished for her.
I took a deep breath. "Come on, let's wake everyone up."
Scene Break:
Year 7, Day 30: Harry Potter Universe, September 1995
Claire watched as Annie walked steadily through the garden path. The colorful beauty of flowers combined with the sound of running water from the small fountains spread throughout along with the gentle heat radiating from the faux sun gave the perfect picture of a spring morning.
"This place is amazing!" Annie exclaimed. She and her husband George Grover were assigned as her and Nick's security mostly because they were already close friends.
Michael and Cato had insisted her and Nick would most likely be targeted.
They didn't have enough people in the security team to provide round the clock coverage security with a rotating staff so this was the solution they came up with. Annie and George would shadow them everywhere, basically live with them.
The never be alone doctrine.
The security team mostly rotated between the farms, shops and other businesses and only a few select folks were provided with shadows, specifically her, Nick and Irma for now. The rest of the pack were encouraged to always travel in pairs or in groups.
Security in numbers.
Hopefully Andreas would be able to alleviate some of their manpower problems, he said he could probably swing a few trusted wands from his old dueling circle for a few months so off to Europe he was sent to recruit.
Unfortunately that left all the operations of the security team to her and Nick.
"Is that a bloody pond?" Annie asked incredulously.
"More like a mini lake." Claire responded.
Annie turned around looking intensely in all directions. "The manor is huge, but now that I'm taking notice I don't think I can see the ends. A lake, a giant garden, that field and forest over there looks like it has no end. How big is this place exactly?" Annie asked.
"It's supposed to be 1000m in all directions." Annie left her jaw to hang for a second.
"That's massive!"
"Wait until you hear about the other trunks. Nick is having final inspection at the end of the week. They are supposed to be four times as large." Claire said.
Annie shook her head slightly as if she didn't believe it. "Why though? I mean this I get. He seems to be on the go all the time. If I could afford it I would build my own private paradise instead of relying on crappy hotel rooms but the rest? You said ten before right? What could he possibly do with all that?"
Claire only shrugged her shoulders. "Nick said some will be farms and some habitats for specialty animals. He's not sure either what they will all be used for."
"All this money just so he can bring his pet trophies with him everywhere. It's wonderful to be rich! If you don't have an Ivory tower well you could just breed the elephants and bring them with you instead." She said snarkly which made Claire snort in laughter.
Annie suddenly grew a mischievous smile. "Say, you see the bank accounts how rich is he? I know you're not supposed to talk about it but come on there's only us here!" she said leaning in conspiratorially.
Claire smiled with a little smirk. "You know I can't say anything specific but…"she trailed off.
"Buuut…?" Annie asked egging her on.
"Well let me put it this way. He can afford to run the farms even if most are nowhere near break-even."
"Oh come on!" Annie said. "We all knew that! George says it's because he wants to break into the Wizengamot circle, the first yank to do it, maybe buy a lordship. He needs the landholdings for that. You have to give me something more."
Claire crossed her arms in thought. "Ok fine." Annie looked at her expectantly.
"Have you ever heard of the goblins kiss ass before?" Annie blinked once, twice then her brows raised as she processed what Claire just said.
"You're joking right? Claire only shook her head.
"I've never seen them that nice to anyone and it wasn't even Michael there, Nick was meeting with the account manager to talk about some loans. 'Would you like some tea Mr. Lemington? Is that chair comfortable? What else can we help you out with today? Does Mr. Miercuri have some new information for us'" Claire said in a mocking imitation of goblins.
"I can only imagine how it is when Michael shows up in person." She finished in her normal voice.
Annie took a deep breath, closed her eyes and exhaled. "I think I married the wrong man." She said coyly to which Claire smiled.
"You're lucky he even married you!" Annie laughed.
"Ha! Men! You know how they are if you don't force their hand they will flounder around making excuses." She said resolutely. "But speaking of that…what about you and Nick?" she asked with energy. "You can't say finances are a problem anymore!"
Claire sighed, it's not that she didn't want to get married it just never seemed quite the right time.
'Then again it's never the right time.' She thought.
Scene Break:
Year 7, Day 38: Harry Potter Universe, October 1995
I was not a happy camper.
I was in god-mode at Hog's Head pub watching the formation of Dumbledore's army before my eyes. 'Butterflies my ass!' I couldn't help but think angrily.
Either that or the universe really wanted to play this story either way it didn't matter. What mattered was that it was happening and I would eventually have to deal with it.
Why? Because Luna was part of it.
I have no idea when she started becoming friends with the golden trio though admittedly I was not exactly spending my time with her. Any free time I had I was holed up in the restricted section of the library. As a prefect I had unrestricted access to it. 'Take that Madam Pince!'
The only other Ravenclaws were Sue Li, because she was still Potter's girlfriend. Ginny's eyes were basically launching knives trying to stab her from across the room.
'Ah, young jealousy!'
The other Ravenclaw present was Cho, because Cedric was here.
'Fucking Cedric!'
He and Harry seem to have struck a good friendship probably as an after effect of us hanging together during the Yule ball last year.
'And of course they would!'
Cedric is the embodiment of Hufflepuff qualities. I'll be surprised if the dude does not end up Minister of Magic eventually…if they survive Voldemort and the information age.
Oh! And apparently Diggory Sr. along with a cadre of other ministry officials believe Harry and are fully in Dumbledore's camp or I guess Sirius's camp in this reality.
He's the talk of the town! An exonerated, rich and part of a noble and ancient house Sirius has been causing chaos in the Wizengamot and the ministry.
So here was Cedric and a posse of upper year Puffs bolstering the soon to be Dumbledore's Army.
I waited until the meeting was over and followed Luna to the Ravenclaw tower. I didn't even bother to pretend coming from somewhere else and just materialized behind her when I was sure there was no-one around.
"Ah! Darrow!" She said. "I thought I was being followed." She said satisfied her instincts were right. "Were you at the meeting?"
"I was." I said shortly.
"Are you going to join? Even if you don't believe Harry you're a great teacher." She said sweetly.
"No, I am not. I'm far too busy." Her expression saddened a bit. "Besides I think you are more than skilled enough to show them a move or two." That seemed to brighten her back up.
I took a deep breath. "Luna, what you guys are about to do can be very dangerous…" I pause for a moment again trying to reconcile what I was going to say "…I don't plan on stopping you I just don't want you all to bite more than you can chew, do you understand what I am saying?"
"I'll be careful, you've taught me well and I have my boots." She said cheerfully.
"I know you will. But Harry and them can be a bit brash and rush into things without thinking about it first." I said carefully. "Look if you guys need help or are about to do something stupid or even worse…something brave come to me first. I will help sort it out. Ok?" I finished by putting my hand on her shoulder and looking straight into her eyes.
She nodded and looking at me unflinching with those big, beautiful, silvery eyes.
"I will Darrow. I promise." I knew she was telling the truth. I read her thoughts, feelings and intentions. 'Thank you Cato!'
I responded with a big reassuring smile. "Come on then, let's head upstairs I have some new Taiwanese snacks for everyone to try."
"That would be lovely!"
Scene Break
Year 7, Day 61: Harry Potter Universe, October 1995
Even without using my Legillimency I could tell that Ashley was nervous as we walked into the office of the architecture professor.
It's not every day that she gets to attend a work meeting with her rich benefactor.
"Ah, Ms. Alistair, thank you for coming over." The professor in his 50s said.
"Mr. Fairfield, thank you for having us." she said and shook his hand.
"This is Michael Miercuri. My employer and sponsor of this project."
"Mr. Miercuri a pleasure to meet you." he said and heartily shook my hand.
"Please, Michael is just fine by me." I responded.
"Likewise I'm fine with John. Please have a seat both of you. I'm glad we can meet face to face. A very interesting project you have in mind!" he said excitedly.
After much thoughtful consideration and many, many, many hours of searching I had found the Stargate reality that I wanted to use and the Goa'uld realm to take over.
"To rebuild a city of twenty thousand from the ground up is no easy task even if it's all just theoretical." he continued.
I had settled on a backwater agricultural world run by a minor goa'uld lord called Esu'at in a far flung corner of the galaxy bordering Ra's domain. Population of about one hundred thousand no naquadha deposits on planet but there was in the system itself.
This particular goa'uld was a vassal sworn to Ra and technically part of his sphere of incluence. Practically, since the place was so far away from Ra's core and had no particular naquadha reserves, planet side at least, it was independent. Ra didn't even bother to come visit, his staff came and took the yearly tribute and left. From what I could tell Esu'at preferred it this way.
"Of course, I understand. It's why as I'm sure Ashley has specified I will be paying upfront for you to build a team. I am sure there are quite a few students that would love to have the experience … even if it's all just theoretical." I said coyly.
"Yes, of course they would. It's just some of the specifications required they would involve experts and students from other areas of expertise. That would significantly raise the time and…" I put my hand up in a motion to stop.
"Mr. Fairfield, I understand your reluctance. It's not every day that such a project like this falls into your lap. You understand the type of research and experience this could give your students, something that your small college does not and cannot usually get. So you're afraid to commit in case this rich Yankee suddenly loose interest and pulls funding."
He didn't exactly nod for me to know that he agreed but he didn't need to. I was reading his mind.
"You will find that by tomorrow a two hundred and fifty thousand pounds donation has been made to your college with the stipulation that the library will be renamed to yourself. As well I will be putting in trust two million pounds for this project specifically authorized for Ashley to release the funds as needed." Both their eyes went wide at this.
I hadn't told Ashley about it so it was a complete surprise for her as well. This would be by far the biggest project so far from a monetary value. Keeping her busy would also help get her mind of her mother's death. She immediately wanted to join the security force but apparently Irma talked her out of it by bringing the wishes of said dead mother up.
"I'm not sure what to say…that's quite generous of you."
"Then say yes." I said cheerfully with a smile.
"Well with an offer like that I don't see how I can refuse. However I feel compelled to ask why? What do you plan on doing with this?"
Of course anyone would be curious and I was prepared for this. 'Time to play the rich, vain, eccentric card.' So I shrugged my shoulders.
"I haven't decided yet. Initially I wanted to build it as realistic mini model to scale then I was shown how far computers have advanced and wanted to do it digitally as a game instead, that you can explore virtually, but now I'm thinking I might do both. I have a couple of eggheads in R&D back in the States that would love to do some statistical modeling based on a real drawings and specifications." I said with a detached tone.
'Bullshit, bullshit and some more bullshit but its ok he didn't know that.'
I could see that he didn't know what to say about it so instead he asked carefully. "Will your R&D team from across the pond be joining on the project?"
"No, I prefer that everything will be left under your control here and of course Ashley's. I'm sure the experience will be a lot more useful to your students here." I reassured him.
The man nodded and let out a small sigh of relief. "Well, we will definitely try not to disappoint." I smiled back. "If you have some time now I would like to go over some of the specifications just to make sure we are on the same page before I dive into this."
"Yes of course. Ashley are you ok to continue?" I asked the girl. Since she was going to be left in charge I wanted her to be here.
"Yes. I had my scheduled cleared for this meeting." She confirmed.
"Excellent! Shall we start then?" John only nodded and opened his file.
"The current sketches you gave me, representing the twenty thousand population well I'm not sure if they are-"
I stopped him right there with a chuckle.
"They are crap." I said firmly. "It was my interpretation of how a medieval city and its surroundings would look like." What I actually did was bring a poorly made copy of what the city currently looked like along with the terrain specifications and surrounding areas. "It's why I want you to rebuild it bigger and grander than ever. Twenty thousand now but think how it would look in 100 years. From twenty thousand to one million."
"Make it spacious give it room to grow." I said excitedly as he took down notes.
"And you want 80% of the houses and apartments to be four bedrooms with mixed-use neighborhoods?"
"Yes." I confirm. "Like I said, I want population growth, it's hard to raise a family, even a digital theoretical one, in a two bedroom apartment. Plus as the city industrializes those from the surrounding farms will move in, wouldn't want to create slums now would you?" I said rhetorically as he kept taking notes.
"I see, and the aqueducts, I understand from a medieval point of view, but the water fountains are…well there's a lot of them…every second intersection is a bit much, is that correct?"
I chuckled.
Water is good.
Water is soothing.
Water is life.
Water affinity, of course I'm going to have a lot of water in my city.
"What can I say…I took inspiration from ancient Rome. Think of it as instead of destroying the aqueducts as we move into the industrial age we keep them for aesthetic purposes. Of course I want the main water system to be underground with proper sewers. I'm sure there' is a way to design it to allow that kind of growth?" I said in a pretend naïve way.
"Yes of course. I just wanted to make sure that was correct." He confirmed.
Parks, buildings, industrial districts, ports, suburbs, residential, entertainment, street width, sewers and everything else you could think of as part of a city we discussed. It was all 'theoretical' of course so it was a very fun discussion.
I wasn't exactly splitting hairs over minor details but mostly confirming in broad strokes the specifications written in the documents provided to him.
Before we knew it three hours had passed.
'Time flies when you're building a city.'
"And just to make sure I am clear on one item. You want estimate quantities of all the theoretical building materials involved as well as possible tools a medieval level society could use? Is that correct?"
"Yes, rough estimates for the building materials, I'm curious to see not only the cost but also the carbon foot print of building such a city. Theoretically how much greenhouse gases would it release to build such a city…global warming and all…so I'll be using that information to calculate it."
"I see he said. That is possible but the tools will be quite a challenge. We are not exactly trained to think in medieval terms. That might require experts I do not have access to."
"Not to worry do the best you can and if not then list modern equipment where needed. It's all just theory of course." I said with a smile.
"Right of course. And the time frame?"
"Ideally within two years, at least the main city part. Since I'm putting this money in a trust technically you will have funding until the $2M runs out but ideally within two years."
The man nodded.
We talked for a bit more. I could tell from reading his mind he thought I was completely bonkers for spending my money on such a project while at the same time really excited to work on it.
In his own thoughts 'Crazy rich Yank.'
Not surprisingly Ashley's thoughts were of a similar yet more subdued pattern, since she already had experience working for me, with the addition that she found me quite handsome.
'Strong jaw and all' as she put it.
Scene Break
Year 7, Day 67: Harry Potter Universe, November 1995
"So how are we going to get there?" Terry asked in a hushed voice as we all tiptoed into the Ravenclaw common room.
"Uh…he's a Prefect DUH!" Andrew exclaimed in s slightly louder voice. "He can just walk us there on 'Prefect business.'" he continued with air quotations marks.
"What!? With Umbridge's inquisitorial squad running amok? They find us they'll insist to take us to her." Terry responded even louder.
"SHHH!" Michael chimed in. "Do you two want to wake the whole bloody dorm up?" he asked.
I rolled my eyes at the teenagers behind me. After a very productive week I was feeling extra mischievous so I decided to entice the boys to some 'midnight' shenanigans by going drinking in the astronomy tower. Well more like half past one, the last classes would have finished half an hour ago.
Things were intensifying at school with both Umbridge ramping up her restrictions and the steadily increase in workload meant to prepare the students for the all-encompassing OWLs.
The nature of the typical Ravenclaw meant that they would get more bookish, secluded and obsessed, not to mention irritable, as they tried to keep up with their self-imposed high academic standards.
'Basically the boys needed to relax and have some fun.'
"But, Terry makes a good point. So how are we getting there Darrow? I doubt we'll convince those Slytherin mooks all three of us are supposed to be with you out and about."
"Would you all relax I told you I got this." I said as I reached in my mokeskin pouch and pulled out a long roll about the size of an average man. "Who said anything about walking through the inside?"
"Wow!" Andrew said. "Is that what I think it is?" he continued as I unfurled the object. "It's a magic carpet isn't it?"
"Yep!" 'How can you be in a magical world and not get a magical carpet?'
"Aren't those illegal?" Terry asked.
"Yea, cause of the bloody broomstick cartel lobbying the ministry!" Michael said heatedly as he came and felt the now floating carpet. "Persian?" I nodded. "Nice! My great grandmother has one. Passed on from her mom. Says her mom had a fling with a Persian wizard in her youth. I used to ride it a lot on our estate when I was a kid. Charms are failing though doesn't get higher than half a meter and barely trudges along." He finished on a sad tone.
The Corners were an old and established family. They were considered half-blood because they had intermarried with muggleborns, half-bloods and even occasional muggle. Even so by all other metrics Michael was a privileged rich kid.
"Nice! There's no way they'll find us if we fly directly there." Andrew said. He's right, technically with my magical senses I could tell where everyone was in the castle and avoid any encounters but this was just easier.
"Ok then! We have the transport and I have the booze." I said putting the carpet outside the window and patting my mokeskin pouch. "Terry you got the snacks yea?" He nodded readily. "So let's hop on were' wasting time!"
As Michael made a move to go through the window a soft voice interrupted us.
"Are you all going for a midnight stroll?" We all turned to see Luna in PJs and boots.
"Uh...no?" Andrew answered dumbly like a deer caught in headlights. Michael just shrugged and Terry palmed his face.
"Luna what are you doing up it's late." I asked.
"Oh, sometimes I wake up to go for a night stroll to clear my mind. It helps me fall asleep." She said sweetly.
'Right, step 1 sleep. Step 2 wake up in the middle of the night and go for a walk. Step 3 sleep again…logic.' Anyone else the walk would wake them up further.
"Is that a magic carpet?" Luna asked excitedly. "Can I ride in it? I've always wanted to?"
Well I had planned for this to be boys night but I can't exactly refuse Luna when she's up in the middle of the night about to go walk around the castle with the Inquisitorial squad prowling around.
"Very well come one. We are going to have a little party in the astronomy tower." I motioned for her to come.
"Oh, I like parties!" she said sweetly.
I threw a warming charm on her and lifted her up to the carpet.
As Andrew was about to jump on once more we were interrupted this time by a not so soft voice.
"I KNEW IT!" Mandy said in the most whispered shouting ever to Padme, the girls arms were crossed in a closed and stand offish demeanor. "You guys are up to something!"
"Mandy? Padma? What are you guys doing up?" Terry asked.
"What are we doing up? What are you doing? You were acting all strange the whole day!" she remarked.
"We're going to have a party!" Luna chipped in cheerfully from outside.
"Without us?" Padma asked offended.
"It was supposed to be a boy's night!" Terry said way louder than I was comfortable with.
"Then how come Luna's invited?" Mandy asked pouting.
"She wasn't, she just stumbled in on us and wanted to ride the carpet." Andrew said.
Mandy didn't look convinced. I sighed.
"It was supposed to be a boys night." I said softly. "But might as well make it a full party. It won't be as fun without you there. RIGHT guys?"
"Yes."
"Yea of course!"
"Yea, total sausage fest otherwise." The boys all eagerly and awkwardly agreed, catching my drift.
That seemed to relax the two girls a bit more. Though they still seemed unconvinced.
Not wanting to waste any more time I suddenly scooped both of them up by their waists prompting them to let out yelps in surprise and pushed them through the window on the carpet.
"Come on, we are wasting time." I said forcefully.
"But I'm in my PJs!" Padma complained. "And I don't have my wand!"
"Don't worry we'll conjure you clothes and slap on some warming charms!" I responded which seemed to mollify both girls protests.
With everyone finally on the carpet I took my spot at the head in order to guide us. The sky was exceptionally clear allowing us to practically bathe in the star light of the Milky Way as we gently floated to the astronomy tower.
"So Michael…" Padma started coyly. "My sister says you and the Weasley girl have been fooling around."
'Oh, this was going to be a fun night.' I didn't have to see it as I could feel Michael turning red just from the heat he was starting to give off.
"Says she saw you guys kissing on the third floor hallway before charms." She said cheerfully which immediately lit the spark in the others unleashing an onslaught of questions.
"You got a girlfriend?"
"Mate when were you going to tell us?"
"Details!" the chorus of voices said one after the other.
I couldn't help but smile to myself as a bittersweet chord reverberated in my core.
My little ravens…their youth and innocence slipping by with each tick of the clock.
Scene Break:
Year 7, Day 87: Harry Potter Universe, November 1995
At nine in the evening Diagon Alley looked a lot more deserted than it should be for a Thursday night Greg thought. Initially he would have thought it's due to the cold weather tonight but probably mostly because of the string of attacks on businesses in the past few months making folks more weary of venturing out at night.
Some were ones that Miercuri had a stake in and where some of their friends worked, though not all. Luckily there had been no more casualties as most of the attackers fled once they encountered resistance either from the employees themselves or the security teams.
'Crime of opportunity' the ministry had called them since most of them happened either when the employees had just left or were about to leave or early in the morning before opening. Never during the main business hours.
'More like a big fucking Coincidence with a capital C' Greg thought.
He and his group of five made their way through Knockturn Alley and stopped before Fisher's Tavern.
"You know the drill lads." He said firmly to the rest. "Craig and I will take the bar. Miles, Conner and James you all secure our backs in the dining area." They all nodded.
The last few months after the farm attacks had been a whirlwind of change. Security around the main businesses had been upgraded, their training both muggle and magical had intensified. Everyone travelled in pairs or at least they were supposed to.
They had been outfitted with second and third wands, two emergency portkeys and even carried muggle guns, Glock 19s. 'Light weight and easy to conceal' had been the pitch for them. Personally he didn't care but his brother, who had taken a liking to the muggle firearms, readily agreed on the choice and so did he.
He had to give it to him. Any other rich cunt would have cut their losses and kicked the wolves out on the street but Michael Miercuri actually put his money where his mouth was.
He even sent Andreas to recruit in Europe. The duel master came back about a month ago with six of his old buddies. If Irma was to be believed they were being paid a small fortune, much more than the rest of the security team but he didn't mind that.
It was the principal of it really. Miercuri was going the length for them, admittedly also to protect his assets but still, Greg didn't mind the extra wands even if he doubted the duelists would take a curse for him or any of the pack.
More experienced wands would surely cause some to think twice on misbehaving. Plus it was this increase in manpower that allowed them to have their little 'incursion' tonight.
He took in the clientele in the tavern, 18 in total, 3 at the bar and the rest in the dining area split among six tables.
Miles's group went to a spot two tables behind biggest table consisting of 4 rough looking and loud cunts.
'The ones most likely to give them any trouble' he thought.
He signaled for the weasel looking bartender with a multitude of patchy scabs on his neck and forehead while his brother leaned back on the bar keeping an eye out on both the bar and dining area.
"I want to talk to Butcher."
"Butcher's busy. Come back tomorrow." The weasel said.
Greg subdued the instinct to roll his eyes. Instead he reached into his jacked and put down 5 galleons.
"Tell him it's worth his time."
The bartender looked at Greg and took his money. "Who's calling him?"
"His cunt of an estranged father. Now get him." Greg said feeling irritated.
The weasel muttered something under his breath and went to the back room, shortly after he came back with Butcher in tow.
"Ah!" he said "Greg and Craig the cunty werewolf brothers. To what do I owe this pleasure? Looking for new wands again? You know the ministry is cracking down, can't help you there." He said feign remorse.
"I don't want your two bit wands. We're looking for information." Greg pulled out a little bag and plopped in front of Butcher who examined it.
"That's a lot of change, more than you bloody lot could ever afford. What are you looking for?" he said impressed at the bag of galleons in his hands.
Craig dutifully watched the exchange between his brother and Butcher while keeping an eye on the rest of the dinner and the scabby bartender.
"The attacks on house Miercuri, the farms back at the end of August. I want names." That immediately soured Bucher's expression, Craig noted as he watched the weasel looking bartender drop of three pints at Miles' table.
Butcher put down the bag and pushed it back to Greg. "You live under a rock? You don't read the papers? Haven't seen the bloody masks? You know who those men are rumored to belong to?" his tone changed to an angry whisper.
Craig noted that his brother's expression also soured in turn and pushed the bag back.
"Trust me...I've seen them up close, nice and clear. Even smashed a few them." Greg said snidely.
Butcher's eyes widened in realization "Fuck!" he let it slip out louder than intended. "The two dead, the werewolves that was your lot wasn't it?"
Greg nodded "Two of ours four of theirs." Butcher rubbed his forehead while leaning on the bar.
"Look, I'm sorry it happened. But I can't help you." Butcher said in a forced whisper. "Cut your losses while you're ahead. I have it on good fucking account it's You-Know-Who's men. He's fucking back." He said almost exasperated.
This little chit chat was starting to attract the attention of the rest of the clientele.
"We're not scared of no fucking dickless pretender." Greg responded loudly, letting his temper show.
"Are you fucking crazy? You want to get us killed." Butcher said once more in a forced whisper. "He's got eyes and ears everywhere." He said motioning to the previously loud table of four of which two were now standing, heading their way.
"Fuck!" Butcher said.
"Oy, oy, oy! What do we got here?" The long haired one of the two said showing stained and crooked teeth underneath his smile. The whole group looked to be around early forties dressed as if they'd just walked out of a dirty Victorian era coal powered factory.
"I thought I smelled bitch in here." He said and the others laughed. "I couldn't help but overhear your…conversation." He continued slowly showing his teeth in a snarl. "Which make me believe you aren't one of Greyback's boys. And that means-"
"That what? You won't suck our cocks? Give us a reach around?" Greg said smugly. That immediately infuriated the two as they got up closer and the others at the table stood to come over.
"Watch your mouth dog, the Dark Lord is-"
"OY BARTENDER!" the man didn't finish as he was interrupted by Miles shouting and walking over to the bar holding his pint of beer up. "WHAT THE FUCK IS THIS?" he continued as he pointed at his drink.
The whole room was now looking at him.
"WHY THE FUCK IS THERE A COCKROACH IN MY PINT? WHAT KIND OF FUCKING PLACE IS THIS?"
That threw a wrench into the tension and for a moment no one knew what to say eventually weasel face blurted out:
"What?"
"I said a there's a cockroach in my pint. You deaf or something?" Miles asked aggressively. Both Greg and Craig saw the slight nods from the James and Connor and prepared themselves.
"You dumb, lad? Can't you see we're in the middle of something here? Go back to your fucking table and sip your apple juice." He said and the others laughed again.
Miles stood his ground right next to him. "Not until I get a fucking refund from scabby over there." He said and pointed exaggeratedly at the weasel face bringing turning everyone's head towards him.
"See there's a fucking cockroach right fucking here!" He said loudly and slowly moving his free hand to his drink.
'THRUANK!' was the sudden sound of glass braking against bone.
As the thug's head turned following the pointing hand Miles smashed the glass in his face with a quick and powerful movement.
Chaos immediately ensued.
Craig immediately downed the other one with a Stupefy strong enough that it sent him flying backward into his companions.
It wouldn't have mattered anyway as James and Conner hit them from behind biding them with their Incarcerous spells.
Greg transfigured four chairs into big grey wolves that immediately lunged at the other patrons pushing them into the wall while James and Conner incarcerated two more.
Two patrons close to the door bolted right out and two more managed to bring out their wands and throwing up a shield and slowly backing away to the wall with the door.
The long haired thug was now screaming and bleeding on the floor as shards of glass could be seen stuck in his bloody eyes.
"FUCK!" Butcher screamed. "DO YOU KNOW WHAT THE FUCK YOU'VE DONE!"
"SHUT THE FUCK UP!" Miles suddenly raged and pointed his wand at Butcher's head. "One more fucking word and I'll blow your fucking brains out!" He said furiously enough to shock their little group.
All was quiet now except the wheezing sounds of the blinded thug on the floor. "My eyes.. ahh Fuck ! My Eyes!" he said between gurgles of blood.
Miles savagely kicked him in crotch and then belly knocking the air right out of him, once again shocking the brothers.
He then turned to the rest of the crowd. "Listen up you FUCKING CUNTS!"
"Information on the attackers of house Miercuri!" he stated loudly. "Names will get you one thousand galleons. Names and location will get you two thousand galleons. We catch one of the rat bastards based of your tip you get an extra three thousand galleons." That brought a sudden murmur among the remaining few patrons.
This was serious money.
"You try to feed us bollocks, we'll feed you to the fucking wolves!" the wolves growled in accentuation.
"House Miercuri will not be fucked with! You fuck with us? You end up-"
'Thud' he started kicking the thug in the crotch again.
"-Dickless-"
'Thud'
"-like-"
'Thud'
"-the-"
'Thud'
"-fucking-"
'Thud' Craig along with all the men, which really was everyone in that bar, couldn't help but wince with sound of the hit connecting.
"-PRETENDER!" Miles finished almost out of breath.
It only took a moment for him to catch his breath and as if in disgusting realization of what he had done Miles spit on the floor and walked right out of the bar.
Greg took that as his cue, reached into his jacket grabbed two bags and threw them on the floor out of which an avalanche of galleons and contact cards spread out.
"You heard the lad!" he said firmly. "Spread the word!"
He signaled to the rest and they all walked out seeing Miles breathing heavily again.
"Come one let's get the fuck out of here." Craig said and brought out a portkey rope.
Within moments they were back at one of the safe houses.
"Bloody hell lad!" Greg said. "You just dam well declared all-out war!"
Miles steadied his breathing, straightened up and looked Greg in the eyes steeling his resolve.
"It was war the moment they killed my father."
The rest, feeling the young man's pain could only nod.
Scene Break
Year 7, Day 117: Harry Potter Universe, December 1995
"Nick!" he heard Claire shout from the bathroom. "Can you bring me my wand?"
"Yea! Just a second!" He finished buttoning up his shirt in front of the mirror, went to the night stand on her side of the bed and picked up her ten inches, unicorn hair, willow wand.
He opened the door to their en-suit washroom just in time to catch her doing a little side to side motion against the towel resulting in a gentle jiggle of her curves.
The instant heat in his stomach and the small rush of blood to his lower body was accompanied by a small dumb smile.
"Why hello ladies!" he said to which Claire rolled her eyes and grabbed the wand out of his hand.
"None of that now! We're going to be late!"
"You're the one that showered late!" Nick responded as she wrapped the towel around herself. With a few quick taps of her wand she was full dry.
"I wanted to finish sending out those letters, what if he asks us about it tonight?" This time it was Nick's turn to shake his head.
"That's not why he invited us over. He doesn't get involved in the day to day stuff." He watched as she methodically rubbed a myriad of potions on her face, neck, shoulders and arms.
"Then what? You did say he had something important to talk about? The future of the business? Is there nothing else he said?" she asked with an almost exasperated tone.
"You're working up yourself over nothing." He said calmly. "It's probably just some new business venture or maybe it's about involving Darrow over the summer. He's at that age where he should learn the ins and outs."
Claire gave him a look of skepticism as she vigorously rubbed a lotion on her shoulders.
"I doubt he would ask for a private dinner with the both of us for that, besides Darrow is already involved, you appeal to him when you can't contact Michael!"
"Yea but not the day to day stuff. Maybe he wants you to show him all that?" he said shrugging his shoulders.
She only shook her head.
"Well whatever it is we'll find out soon enough no sense in worrying about it now."
"Fine." She responded with a pouty smile.
With a tap of her wand her hair slowly twisted into beautiful curls bouncing halfway down her shoulders.
"So what do you think?" she said striking a pose.
Nick smiled
Scene Break
Binny had let them in through the Floo so they were surprised to see Cato when they arrived.
"Cato, good to see you." Nick said. "We weren't expecting you tonight." The old man smiled.
"I'm sure tonight will be full of surprises. Good to see you as well" he said shaking his hand and kissing Claire's.
His response only made Claire feel more nervous.
"Nick, Claire! Welcome!" Michael said as he walked into the foyer. "Come right in. We have set up some appetizers for us. Dinner will be ready soon." He said and led them into the dining room.
In the dining room there was a full spread of cold cuts, finger sandwiches, vegetables and dips all of the highest quality and freshness possible.
"Oh, wow Michael, is this just for the four of use? Will Darrow be joining as well?" Claire asked.
Michael just laughed sheepishly. "I think Ropkey may have overdone it. He and Deely were in charge of appetizers and yes Darrow will be joining us later."
"And how are the new elves coming along?" Nick asked. "I haven't had much chance to follow up."
Rossy, Deely and Fooly were the three new additions purchased from the US in the last two weeks.
"Excellent, Binny's in charge of training, they should be up to speed soon. Speaking of that, where are my manners? Deely! Tea please!"
A pot of tea and four cups appeared with all the side additions sugar, honey, and milk. Michael took to pouring and continued talking.
"Before we start, I want to say thank you for coming tonight and for staying strong over the last few rough months." He said warmly.
Both Nick and Claire nodded, though they could both feel a small not tightening in their chests.
"As well I would like to apologize for the mysterious nature of today's invitation as well for my next requests. I have told Nick only that there is something of great importance with regards to our business that I wish to discuss with you both." Michael said carefully.
"And that is correct however the topic is of such importance that I require you both to sign confidentiality agreements before I even breach the surface of it." He said and paused as suddenly two piles of documents appeared on the table.
"I understand if you do not wish to sign the documents. We simply won't broach that subject tonight. I have plenty of other matters I on the agenda I wish to discuss with you both." He continued calmly.
While Nick's alarm bells were ringing wildly in his head his curiosity was also starting to eat him. Claire was the same. This was not simple matter of getting involving Darrow in the business or finding the folks behind the farm attacks.
"Michael, after this speech I don't think there is any way that we wouldn't sign. I would forever wonder what it was about."
Michael in turn only smiled. "I'm sure it seems that way however I want you both to read the documents carefully. There are dire consequences to breaking the agreement." He said handing them both the documents.
"What I will say to help you is that your decisions tonight will categorically change your lives beyond your wildest thoughts possible." He paused for a moment. "Now I will give you some time to review while I check up on dinner. Please feel free to start on the appetizers and if you need a moment to discuss alone feel free to use your office Nick." He said and left to the kitchens.
Both Nick and Claire looked at each other and then at Cato who also stood up after sipping his tea.
"Trust me when I say this. You both should sign the papers. There is a back-out clause if you don't like Michael's offer. It's not fun…for you." He finished slyly to which the couple looked at him concerned. "It involves me re-arranging your memories. Now excuse me I'm going to have some appetizers." He said and left the perplexed couple to themselves.
Scene Break
The couple opted to use Nick's office to deliberate though it was a fairly quick process and after only twenty five minutes they returned.
"This is some serious stuff Michael." Nick said. "We're basically giving you permission to rummage through our heads, fry our brains." He said concerned holding the two stacks of documents.
"Yes it is." Michael replied shortly while Cato who was in the process of finishing a hummus dipped finger sandwich nodded.
"I have some questions." Claire said. "What if we sign and after you tell us what you need to tell us and we don't want to…be involved…" she said unsure "… but we also don't want to be 'Obliviated' what happens then?"
Nick saw Michael put the tea cup down and looked straight at her.
"Frankly Claire there wouldn't be anything either of you could do to stop me." He said firmly. "The documentation is less to get your permission and more to provide you with a warning as a sign of the respect I have for both of you."
As he said that Claire could feel the pressure increase in the room. It was as if the air got heavier as if magic itself was enveloping them and from Nick's change in body stance she could tell he was feeling it as well.
Claire unconsciously grabbed Nick's arm and squeezed.
The knot in their chests grew tighter and thoughts ran even wilder than before. This wasn't the wards of the house, no, they were familiar with those, whatever secrets Michael wanted unleash on them were being backed up by raw power.
Even though they both felt scared they had too many burning questions about the mystery that was the Miercuri family.
The family that had in a few short years turned not only theirs but all their friend's bleak fortunes around.
They had discussed it, even if they didn't want to be involved they owed it to the rest of the pack to know what they were getting themselves into.
Claire looked at Nick and nodded.
"Together" Nick said "we have decided that we want to know. You've given us a lot of trust, changed our lives really so we think we should give the same to you. We signed." He said and handed out the documents to Cato.
Cato quickly flipped through them and confirmed it to Michael. The pressure in the room instantly dropped and while not showing it they both felt relieved.
"Excellent!" Michael said with a big smile. "There's a lot to discuss tonight so let's jump right into it!" he said excitedly.
"First things first, Michael Miercuri does not exist." He said whimsically and paused. "Not in this reality at least!"
Both Nick and Claire were confused by that statement but as Michael finished his speaking a blue light appeared at his waste almost like a thick belt buckle slowly enveloped him then split into two moving in opposite directions.
As the light reached his neck and moved over his face they could see the changes happening before their eyes. Gone were wrinkles, baggy eyes, saggy skin and stubble replaced by the youthful appearance of a man at least 10 years younger with no flaws.
A man they were very familiar with as it was Darrow. Now Darrow had always looked like a clone of his father so that wasn't surprising it's just that the boy looked well 10 years older than he should have. A fully developed jaw line and check bones. Gone was the youthful yet well-developed 15 year old and in his place was a man in his late twenties, albeit with almost flawless skin.
As connections were starting to form into Nick's head of all the oddness around the father and son duo Claire interrupted with the words that were on the tip of his tongue as well.
"Darrow?" she asked unsurely.
"Correct." He affirmed.
Before they could proceed to ask anything else Darrow continued with a statement that made them even more confused.
"Second thing, I am not a Wizard." He said firmly.
That threw a wrench in both their thought process. There were many ways a wizard could change their appearance. Potions, transfigurations, metamorphs, plenty of ways that could explain the transformation but they all involved being a wizard. Not only that they had both seen Darrow perform magic, sometimes very advanced magic, plenty of times.
"I am actually a God…from a different reality." He finished saying with no hint of amusement in his voice.
Of all the things Claire expected tonight this was not it. Either this was the greatest practical joke of all time or Darrow/Michael was just insane.
Searching for the right way to respond to this revelation she was beaten to the punch by Nick who perfectly encapsulated how she felt:
"Uh...what?"
Confused.
AN:
Narrator Voice: Will Nick and Claire join Darrow in his schemes? Will the wolves get leads on the remaining attackers? Will Michael Corner reach third base? …Find out NEXT TIME ON DRAGON BALL…*cough* SHIT WRONG ANIME* cough* cough*
Thank you for reading.