I'm baaackkkk! Hi, everyone. Sorry about this delayed chapter. I had plenty of things happening in my life and I simply couldn't find the motivation to write further. But now, I have returned and I will try to post the next chapter ASAP.

𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗰𝗹𝗮𝗶𝗺𝗲𝗿: 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗶𝘀 𝗮 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸 𝗼𝗳 𝗳𝗮𝗻𝗳𝗶𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗯𝗮𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗛𝗮𝗿𝗿𝘆 𝗣𝗼𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿 and 𝗠𝗖𝗨 𝘂𝗻i𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗲. 𝗔𝗹𝗹 𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗴𝗻𝗶𝘇𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀, 𝗽𝗹𝗼𝘁𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘀𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗲𝘅𝗰𝗹𝘂𝘀𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗲𝗿t𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝗝.𝗞 𝗥𝗼𝘄𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 and 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝘃𝗲𝗹 𝗖𝗶𝗻𝗲𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗰 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗲. 𝗜 𝗺𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗻𝗼 𝗰𝗹𝗮𝗶𝗺 for 𝗼𝘄𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 𝗻𝗼𝗿 𝗱𝗼 𝗜 𝗺𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗳𝗶𝘁.

The Puissant Sorcerer

by

Hadrian Potter Black

Chapter 3

Two days later

Harry slowly came into consciousness. He opened his eyes slowly and blinked. Harry groaned.

He felt as if he was run over by a herd of hippogriffs.

Suddenly, a beautiful dark-haired woman appeared in front of him staring at him concerned.

"How are you feeling, my dear?" asked the woman.

"Fine," Harry mumbled.

"Harry!" Sirius appeared at Harry's bedside and ran his fingers through his godson's hair. "How are you feeling, pup?"

"Alright," responded Harry through a parched mouth. The woman carefully cradled Harry's head and helped him to sip some water.

"Prongslet, meet my cousin, Healer Andromeda Tonks," introduced Sirius with a smile.

Harry smiled weakly. "Hello, Mrs. Tonks-"

Andromeda smiled and kissed Harry's forehead. "It's alright dearie, you can call me Andy."

Harry smiled.

"So, did the ritual work?" asked Harry, remembering that he had performed the Potter family ritual.

"Yes, it did, sweetheart," said Lily's portrait as she smiled at Harry. It was true. Harry could feel his magic flowing through him.

"How long was I out?" asked Harry.

"Two days," responded Sirius. Harry stared.

"Don't worry, son," assured James."It was the same for me."

"Now, you will not be doing anything strenuous for the next couple of days," Andromeda instructed sternly as she waved her wand above Harry.

"That means no driving, flying, or travelling around Britain," inserted Lily, firmly. Harry and Sirius shared a glance.

" Lucky you don't have a girlfriend, son/pup," said James and Sirius at the same time. Harry blushed.

"JAMES! SIRIUS!"

Harry looked at the stern women and nodded. Andromeda's face softened. "You need to get better for your holiday don't you?" she said kindly. That brought a grin to Harry's face. He immediately agreed.

( BREAK)

Harry sat in his study, feeling bored out of his mind. He picked up the book he was trying to read for a while, groaned, and put it away. Damn it.

Harry sighed. He morosely glanced at the folders placed on the desk. Harry knew they contained details about his assets, businesses, shareholdings, and properties, and Sirius told him he would have to take a look at it someday. Harry shrugged. Might as well do it, then, he decided and reached out to the topmost folder, regarding House Eveningshade, slumped back into the chair, opened it, and started to read.

A couple of hours and some coffees later Harry closed the last folder and sat back trying to wrap his mind around the facts and figures that he just read. The wealthiest House headed by Harry was House Eveningshade, followed by Peverell, Potter, Slytherin, and Gryffindor.

Harry had enough money to build and maintain an army. Merlin! He could hire thousands of wizards and witches to fight against Voldemort. Even if Voldemort emptied the coffers of all his followers, it will never be comparable to a fraction of Harry's wealth.

Now, focusing on his magic, revelling in his power, Harry felt that he could defeat Voldemort one day. He was immersed in his thoughts when the door to the study opened and Sirius entered.

"Hey, Harry," he greeted cheerfully.

"Hi, Sirius," said Harry distractedly as Sirius sat in front of the desk and a glass of firewhiskey appeared.

Sirius frowned. "Are you alright, pup?" Harry nodded. "What is it?" stressed Sirius.

Harry selected a document and handed it over to his godfather. "My total net worth," he said gesturing towards the parchment. "850 billion dollars, however only 200 billion are registered in the muggle world."

Sirius skimmed through it. "Merlin!" He exclaimed. "This makes you the wealthiest wizard alive and one of the richest men in the muggle world."

"Exactly," said Harry. "See, Padfoot, I have enough money to wage a war against Voldemort and his Death Eaters. After the family ritual, I'm confident I can stand against him. What will happen when I perform other House rituals, Sirius? I finally have a chance against Voldemort now," he said excitedly.

Sirius looked thoughtfully at Harry as he sipped his drink. He responded after a while.

"Hm, you are right, Harry. But let's make plans after you return from your vacation, alright?"So they spent some discussing Harry's upcoming vacation and Sirius being Sirius, the conversation soon turned to girls. Sirius looked at Harry with a gleam in his eyes. "Well, pup, I guess you're old enough for the Talk."

"The Talk?" asked a confused Harry. However seeing his godfather's grin, Harry knew this was going to be embarrassing.

( BREAK)

A week later

Harry was woken up by someone shaking his shoulder. He groaned and buried deep into his blanket.

"Rise and shine, Harry," said Sirius as he opened the curtains wide, allowing early sunlight to flood the room.

"Sod off," grumbled Harry as he buried his face into the pillow.

"Alright, pup, I will let you sleep," chuckled Sirius, as he walked to the door. "but I thought someone was going on a vacation today."

Harry sat up with a huge smile. "It is today!", he exclaimed. Sirius grinned widely.

Harry jumped out of the bed, hugged his godfather, and ran to the bathroom. He was going to America.

Sirius laughed and went downstairs to wait for Harry.

After a quick shower, Harry got dressed in his most expensive and stylish clothes and looked at the mirror.

The nutritional potions had done wonders to his body. Harry has grown a few inches taller and he looked better without his glasses. He also gained some weight. His shoulders have broadened. Harry now had an aristocratic appearance. He also managed to tame his hair and got it styled. A few strands of hair fell on his unblemished forehead. The Potter family ritual had caused his famous scar to fade. Harry still had no idea how that happened, he suspected his parents, Sirius and Andromeda knew, but they were not forthcoming with that information. Harry shrugged, it was finally gone, along with all the pressure he was feeling since last year, making Harry blissfully happy and that's all that mattered.

Harry smiled. Even his best friends would have difficulty recognising the Boy-Who-Lived. Harry double-checked his travel documents prepared by Gringotts. They had even provided him with an international driving license. Harry's age was altered in the documents. He was now officially an adult in the muggle world.

Harry walked towards Hedwig's cage and patted her head. "I'm sorry I can't take you with me girl." Hedwig hooted sadly and nibbled Harry's finger. Harry smiled and patted her. "I'll return soon and Minnie will take good care of you, ok?" Hedwig hooted once more.

After one last look around his room, Harry walked down the stairs and saw Sirius waiting for him. "All ready for the journey?" he inquired.

"Yup," responded Harry as the men sat down for breakfast.

After breakfast, Harry and Sirius walked into the portrait room and bade farewell to his parents and grandparents.

"Now remember Harry, do not get into any trouble," reminded Lily, smiling fondly at her son.

Harry rolled his eyes. "Yes, Mom."

James chuckled. "Remember son, L.A has the best-looking girls in America-"

"JAMES POTTER!"

Harry laughed as his mother shouted at his father. "Alright, I gotta go, don't want to miss my flight."

"Have fun and enjoy yourself," Charlus beamed at Harry.

"We'll miss you, honey," said Harry's grandmother Dorea sadly.

Harry smiled and waved at his ancestors and joined Sirius. He looked around feeling a bit sad. Harry shook his head and they portkeyed to the townhouse in Knightsbridge.

( BREAK)

Sirius drove the Bentley Arnage through the A4. He was wearing a suit and Ray ban sunglasses. He had opted for a muggle disguise since a simple Stunning spell will remove a glamour charm.

Sirius glanced at Harry, who was silently looking out of the window. "Are you feeling alright,

Harry?" he asked. Harry nodded. Sirius chuckled. "Feeling homesick already?"

"A bit," admitted Harry, as he adjusted his sunglasses. "I have often fantasised of running away when I lived with the Dursleys. But now, I have you with me, Sirius, and since I have my own home, it's a bit hard now."

Sirius patted Harry's shoulder. "Don't worry, pup. Anytime you need me, give me a call, I will be there." Harry smiled.

Sirius suddenly put his hand inside his coat pocket, pulled out a mirror, and spoke into it, his eyes still on the road. "Hey, Moony."

"Sirius!" exclaimed Lupin. "Is that you?" Sirius grimaced. "Don't tell me-"

Sirius quickly stopped his friend. "Remus, is there any emergency?" he inquired.

"No, Sirius, but-" Sirius cut him off.

"We'll talk later," Sirius placed the mirror back in his pocket and sighed.

Harry stared at his godfather. "Is everything alright Sirius?"

"I got into a fight with Molly after last night's Order meeting," revealed Sirius, gripping the steering wheel tightly.

"What happened?" asked Harry worriedly.

"Molly reckons it is not healthy for you to be alone at the manor," explained Sirius angrily.

Harry looked confused. "But you're living with me."

Sirius scowled. "Apparently I'm not good enough company and she wanted me to talk to you about the Weasleys and Hermione coming to live at Potter Manor, which Dumbledore supported. One thing led to another and I had to explain about our excursions around Britain, I assured her we are being careful under disguise. I thought she would be glad that I'm ensuring your happiness, but no, the woman shouted at me and said I'm being irresponsible and running around with you while Voldemort is around."

"But I wasn't disguised," said Harry confused.

Sirius laughed. "Harry, Voldy, and his stupid lackeys will be looking for a short, skinny, bespectacled boy with an untidy mop of hair, a lightning bolt scar, and wearing oversized clothes. And you look nothing like him now." Harry joined the laughter.

Sirius grinned. He was glad he managed to bring Harry out of his funk.

"I wonder what Dumbledore and Mrs. Weasley will say when they find out I have left Europe," wondered Harry with a grin as they neared the airport.

Sirius laughed. "They will not be happy, I'm sure."

"Mrs. Weasley might keep pressuring you to send me to Burrow or let Ron and Hermione live at the estate, Sirius," said Harry as they drove through Camborne Road. "Maybe you should tell them I'm on vacation," he suggested.

Sirius shrugged. "If that's what you want, pup."

"I don't care," shrugged Harry. "As long as Mrs. Weasley doesn't nag you." Sirius smiled and tried to ruffle Harry's gelled hair. Harry swatted his hand away.

Both of them quieted down when they neared the airport.

Sirius stopped the Bentley in front of Terminal 3 at Heathrow and went off to find a cart while Harry took a good look around the airport.

Sirius returned with a cart and helped Harry load his luggage. "Well, I guess it's goodbye," he said, pulling Harry into a hug. "Take care, pup." Harry hugged him back and pulled away.

"Remember Harry," reminded Sirius. "If you need me, give me a call. And enjoy yourself."

Harry smiled. "Bye, Sirius, and please be careful," he managed, and with one last hug to his godfather, Harry joined the throng of people walking towards the terminal.

Harry looked back when he was inside and saw Sirius standing beside the car. Harry waved goodbye and his godfather waved back. And Harry pushed the trolley inside the airport.

A feeling of loneliness came over Sirius when Harry disappeared from his view. He slowly climbed back into the car and drove home. Sirius would miss his pup. But Harry needed this vacation. He deserves this after all he had endured in his life.

James, Lily, and Sirius were saddened to learn that Harry hadn't planned for his future. He wasn't sure of what to do after graduation, except fight Voldemort someday. They were worried that Harry would live all his life being hunted by Voldemort and worried he will spend all his money on facing him and not leave enough for his future. The parents hoped with all the wealth and vacationing in a land like America would change Harry's perspective and perhaps meet some new people.

Hence, Sirius, James, and Lily have decided to send Harry away in the hope that he will decide not to fight Voldemort and settle in the U.S. If that's the case, then Sirius will join him.

Sirius was going to clear his name and then train hard. Sirius will be ready to fight beside his godson if Harry decides to fight Voldemort. Before that Sirius had a very important person, he needed to convince of his innocence.

( BREAK)

Harry sat in the lounge, drinking coffee. He checked his Apple watch. Another two hours before boarding the plane. Harry sighed. He looked around at the other occupants in the room. Harry didn't feel like initiating a conversation with them, so he sat back and closed his eyes.

A couple of minutes later, Harry felt someone occupy the space next to him. He lazily opened his right eye and his gaze fell on the desktop of a laptop that showed the Stark Industries logo. Harry's eyes snapped open. He sat up and stared at the name. Harry wondered why the name sounded familiar. Of course. The multi-billion dollar company is the leading manufacturer of weapons in the world, and Harry is the third major shareholder in the company. He has read about it in the files provided by the goblins.

Harry looked up from the laptop and found himself staring into a pair of intelligent blue eyes, staring at him amused. The woman was beautiful, with reddish-blond hair in a bun and was dressed in a business suit.

"Um, hello", greeted Harry, embarrassed.

"Hi," returned the lady, with a soft smile.

"I'm Hadrian Potter," Harry introduced himself.

"Pepper Potts," introduced Pepper. "Pleasure to meet you, Mr. Potter."

Harry smiled. "Same here, Ms. Potts. So, are you an employee at Stark Industries?" he asked gesturing at the laptop.

The woman smiled. "Indeed I'm."

"Right," responded Harry, taking a sip of his coffee. "Do you work in London?"

"No," said Pepper, adjusting the laptop on her knee. "I work in the company headquarters in L.A and I'm flying back after attending some business-related meetings in London," she explained.

"What about you?"

Harry grinned. "L.A."

"Hm, judging by your smile, are you on a vacation?" asked Pepper, smiling. Harry nodded.

"Yeah, I heard there's plenty to do there," answered Harry, excitedly.

Pepper smiled. "There are. So are you on a summer break?"

"Not really," said Harry turning to face her fully. "I just completed my schooling and decided to take a vacation.

" Right," said Pepper, thoughtfully. "Well, if you're interested in further studies, Stark Industries has some pull with top educational institutions in America, including Cambridge, we can help you there," she concluded with a smile.

Harry hesitated, he wondered whether to disclose much to a stranger, but something, maybe his magic, told Harry to trust her. "Thank you for the offer, Ms. Potts, but I am planning to take over my family businesses once I return to England."

"Aren't you a bit young to run a business?" enquired Pepper, amused.

"Well, not immediately," admitted Harry. "Gradually."

Pepper looked interested. "Hmm, so what kind of business is your family in?"

"Well, mostly, we're in mining. Gold, diamond, etc. Then wineries, farming, exporting and importing. We also invested in multiple companies around the world," explained Harry.

Pepper raised an eyebrow. "Including Stark Industries?"

"Yes," affirmed Harry.

Pepper looked thoughtful. "Jeff Hawkins and his firm takes care of your business interests in America, don't they?" she asked. Harry nodded.

Now Pepper was interested. She knew Mr. Hawkins represented a British Noble family, the third majority shareholder in Stark Industries.

"Potters," Pepper suddenly understood. "Mr. Hawkins speaks highly of a Lord Potter, any relation of yours?" she asked.

"My grandfather, Lord Charlus Potter," said Harry proudly.

"I was told your grandfather passed away," stated Pepper, softly.

Harry nodded. "It's been many years, now. Presently, I hold the title."

"So, are you an Earl?" asked Pepper.

"Duke, actually," corrected Harry. "I'm Lord Hadrian James Potter, Duke of Wellington and Windsor."

Pepper smirked. "Well, should I call you my lord?"

Harry laughed. "It's alright. You can call me Harry."

"Then you will call me Pepper." Harry smiled and nodded. "Isn't your title hereditary?"

Harry sighed internally. He knew Pepper had made the connection. The woman is sharp. "Yes," he answered.

"I'm sorry," began Pepper, but Harry stopped her.

"It's alright, Pepper," he assured her with a small smile.

An uncomfortable silence ensued. Then Pepper asked, "where will you be living in L.A?"

"I have a house in Malibu," replied Harry, brightly, glad that Pepper has dropped the subject, at least for now.

"Oh, that's nice," said Pepper smiling. " lives in Malibu and I live nearby."

Harry grinned broadly. "That's great." Pepper couldn't help but return his smile.

"Is this your first time to the United States?" inquired Pepper.

"Yes, it is," replied Harry excitedly. Then he realised something. "Am I keeping you from your work?"

"Yes," admitted Pepper. Harry was about to apologise when she continued. "But it's alright, I will get it done on the plane," she said. Normally, Pepper was not one to put off her work, but she was enjoying the conversation with Harry.

"Ok," said Harry, glad he could talk more with the woman. For some reason, he was comfortable talking with Pepper.

"So what kind of work do you do at Stark Industries?"

"I'm the Personal Assistant to the CEO, Tony Stark," revealed Pepper.

Harry grinned. "That's great."

The woman laughed. "Why, thank you. So, you heard of ?"

Harry nodded. "Yeah, I've heard that he's a genius and an inventor."

"That he is," confirmed Pepper.

"How long have you been working for the company?" asked Harry as he finished his coffee.

"About ten years, now," responded Pepper.

"Is it hard work?"

"It's alright," shrugged Pepper. "One has to make a living."

"Right," said Harry, getting up. "I'm getting a coffee, Pepper. Would you like some?"

Pepper considered Harry's offer for a second. "Yes, please, if it's no bother."

Harry grinned. "Of course not. Be right back." Pepper smiled. She watched Harry as he walked away.

Pepper turned to her laptop, but her mind was on the boy who she had just met.

Pepper was a very good judge of character and she found Harry interesting. He seemed to be a gentleman and was quite polite His open demeanor, charming smile, and happy disposition attracted Pepper.

Also, she had never seen such brilliant emerald green eyes before. Maybe it is a trick of the light, Pepper thought Harry's eyes glowed slightly. She also felt that there was something special about Harry.

There was also the fact that Harry was the third largest shareholder in Stark Industries. Tony was the major shareholder in the company, followed by Obie. Together they controlled about 65% of the shares and of the rest, about 30% was owned by Harry. That gave him some power in the company. However, she didn't think Tony had anything to worry about the boy.

Soon, Harry returned with their coffee. "Here you are," he said and handed Pepper her coffee and a plate of sandwiches. "Thought you would like something to eat."

Pepper smiled at Harry. "That was thoughtful of you Harry, thank you." Harry returned her smile and sipped his coffee.

Pepper glanced at Harry over her cup. He seemed to be enjoying his sandwich. Harry caught Pepper staring at him. He looked at her questioningly. Pepper shook her head slightly and hid her smile behind her cup. Harry shrugged and continued eating.

Pepper went through the conversations she had with Harry when a thought struck her. From what she has gathered, Harry came to age only now and he was quite wealthy. And he was traveling alone to an unknown country.

"Harry?" called Pepper, wiping her mouth with a tissue.

"Yeah," answered Harry, finishing his coffee.

"I'm flattered you opened up to me about your businesses and your title," stated Pepper. Harry nodded and she continued, "well I think it would be better if you did not advertise much. Some people might take advantage of you, you know. I mean you're young, single, and quite wealthy and from what you said, you don't have anyone in America."

Harry smiled. "I know. I've been warned by my managers. I am not one to flaunt my title or my wealth, Pepper, and I don't care if people think I'm rich or not. For some reason, I just felt comfortable talking to you and I feel I can trust you. That's why I shared so much," explained Harry.

Pepper smiled at Harry warmly. She could see the sincerity in his eyes and Pepper's heart went out to him.

"Thank you," said Pepper softly. Harry smiled at her and they spent some time talking about Los Angeles and the tourist attractions. Then Pepper asked the question which had been in her mind for some time.

"So, um, about your parents?" asked Pepper tentatively, she already had a man in her life who did not want to talk about his parents.

"They died in a car crash when I was a year old," said Harry, quickly looking away.

Pepper stared at Harry, again reminding Pepper of her boss who suffered the same fate, although in his teens.

Harry took out his phone from his pocket and handed it over to her. Pepper looked at the phone and the photograph of a man and woman. Harry's parents. The man looked just like Harry, quite handsome, with glasses and the woman was beautiful.

"James and Lily Potter, my parents," introduced Harry.

Pepper smiled softly. "You look just like your Dad-"

"And I have my Mom's eyes, yes," chuckled Harry.

"Sounds like you have been told many times before," noted an amused Pepper.

"Yeah," confirmed Harry. "By my Dad's friends, teachers at my school, etc."

"You went to the same school as your parents?" asked Pepper, handing over Harry's phone.

Harry nodded. "Yes, almost every Potter attended the school I went to, Hogwarts Academy in Scotland."

"How was it?" enquired Pepper. "Did you have fun?"

Harry smiled internally. You have no idea, Ms. Potts."Yes, of course, it was great," he said and hoped Pepper would not ask too much about Hogwarts.

Luckily, their flight was announced before Pepper could question further, and Harry and Pepper quickly gathered their things and hurried to the gate.

( BREAK)

Harry settled into the seat in the First Class cabin in British Airways, feeling his body sink into its soft comfort. He was thrilled. He was going to America.

Harry took a good look at his cabin. The 'in-seat entertainment' was right in front of him. Next to him was a screen that could be extended and taken in, which could block the view of the person on his other side if he chose to. A pocket in the side of his area had a magazine and a few cards with pictures illustrating things about their plane.

A flight attendant came by asking if he needed anything. Harry checked the menu and ordered a champagne, a drink he had always wanted to try.

A man's voice sounded throughout the flight, telling everyone to pay attention to the flight attendants for their security demonstration.

After a while, the plane began to move slowly on the runway. When the plane reached its taxiing speed, Harry craned his neck to get a look out of the window. He saw strange markings and designations on the tarmac. The aircraft bounced along as they made their way to the takeoff spot, where there was a brief pause before the twin GE engines roared to life and the jet shot forward, pressing him back.

Harry looked out of the window as the plane gained height. The buildings, vehicles, trees, etc looked small. Soon, there was only the blue sky to see and Harry turned his attention to the in-seat entertainment' and selected a movie.

Harry wondered if Pepper was working. Though she was only a few cabins behind and Pepper had invited him over later, Harry decided not to disturb her. He grabbed the headphones, placed them over his ears, and settled to watch the movie.

AN - I didn't detail the Potter family ritual because it's the same as in other stories.

There will be no Harry and Pepper pairing. Pepper will be like a big sister to Harry.

Your reviews will be much appreciated. Thank you very much.