CHAPTER 2

July 20th 1986

"Daddy, can I have a wand for my birthday this year?" asked an excited little five year old with big green eyes.

"Not this year squirt, did you finish your cereal?" Carl asked looking over at his adoptive son who nodded excitedly.

It had been three years since his trip to Europe. Harry had been Adopted quickly (after swearing Matthew to secrecy) and they were off. The Dursleys had been arrested and found Guilty of Child abuse. Somehow Petunia had gotten out of Jail time and kept custody of her son, but the Walrus commonly known as Vernon was doing 10 years in a corrective facility where the warden was, of course, Magical. Karma could be a beautiful thing sometimes. He had quit his job as a social worker and opened up shop in Salem Massachusetts. It was just a little book store where he occasionally gave a Tarot reading. He was good friends with the Headmaster of the Salem Academy for Magic so getting Harry in was Easy. Now though he was having a slightly bigger problem. The Ministry Had manged to Track Harry Down to America and was giving the US a headache over it. The Presidential Secretary of Sorcery, was almost a common face in his house hold now, always hounding him to 'Come out' as it were, about his title. The problem was, that would only draw more attention. Right now harry wore a Glamor over his scar so no one would guess he was the boy who lived. But should it come out that he, as Arch Mage took custody of the boy who lived. He would never hear the end of it.

Pulling him self from his thoughts as he glanced at his son again who was kicking his feet patiently on the chair.

"Why don't you go get cleaned up and we'll meet Katelyn at the Shop." he said earning a big grin from his adoptive son who ran off to do as he was told.

Katelyn was another old friend of his. She was what many would call a squib. A term neither of them cared for. Squibs were not muggles as they could seen certain magical things muggles could not. Such as Dementors. For this reason Carl and Katelyn had created the term 'Watchers', it was far less insulting. She lived in an apartment over the Shop and would often babysit when needed. She also helped with the running of the shop.

He heaved a great sigh. She was not going to be pleased that he was leaving her with the shop 'and' Harry today. Sadly the Secretary of Sorcery, who was the American equivalent of the Minister for Magic. Had finally guilted him into taking an international portkey to Europe to try and quietly clean up this mess.

Harry came running into the room just as Carl was standing and latched onto one of his legs.

"Daddy can I pick out book for you to read to me today?" he asked happily, he was such a hyper child.

"I'm afraid I wont be around for most of today. But if your real good for Katelyn we can pick out a new long one I can read to you for bed times. We're almost done with Disc world." he said picking up the child and carrying him on one shoulder. Said child screeched with joy as he latched onto his father.

When they got to the Shop Katelyn was already there with a cup of coffee in her hands. She noted that Carl was wearing Robes today not his usual 'Muggle' clothing.

"And where are you going?" She asked raising an eyebrow. She knew he was the Arch Mage, but as she was shunned by most of the magical world anyway, she tended not to care, like at all...ever.

"I have the pleasure of dealing with a bunch of old men who can't mind their own business today." he said in a sarcastic tone. "I'm hoping to be back around two, no promises though."

with a sigh she nodded then smiled at Harry

"Hey midget." she greeted using the pet name she had for him

"I'm not a midet! I'm just little!" Harry demanded pointing a finger at Katelyn.

"That's why your a midget, but I'm the only one who gets to call you that."

"Why?" he asked a bit nervously, he knew what was coming.

"Because your MY MIDGET!" she said grabbing him before he could run and blowing a raspberry on his belly as he screamed in laughter.

Carl rolled his eyes at the display. This happened all the time between the two of them.

"Alright , alright, come and give me a hug so I can go and get back."

Katelyn let the Rambunctious little boy go and he shot to his father and clung to him.

"Bye Daddy, come home soon!"

"I will, and be sure to be good for Katelyn or no new book tonight." he reminded his son as he turned to leave.

Once outside he removed the tiny silver pendant that was his portkey and wand to activate it then he was gone. The Secretary of Sorcery had set everything up for him, he was supposed to be meeting the Minister and the Chief Warlock At Hogwarts. The Portkey deposited him in the Village of Hogsmead, just a few minuets walk from the Castle. He started making his way when a nasely dower voice called out his wizard name.

"Are you Orius Shill, from the American Ministry?"

Carl tuned to see a tall figure dressed all in black standing off to the side. He had long black greasy hair and a rather large nose. He wore an expression that screamed he'd rather be anywhere else.

"I am. And who are you sir?"

"Professor Severus Snape. I have been instructed to lead you to the castle." he said with a slight sneer.

Carl only nodded. He didn't feel like fighting with a jerk just now. When they arrived at the castle there stood an old man with glassy blue eye's with an auror on either side of him.

"Sorry Mr. Shill, a formality from the minister. I need to inspect your wand." said the older man in the middle. Carl had been warned about this ministers paranoia but this was jut a little crazy. He nodded any way and handed over his wand to the old man.

"Hmmm...Acacia, 15 inches? That's a bit long...and...what is this core!? Is that Manticore stinger?" he asked looking like Christmas had just come early

"Yes it is. It was an experiment that the wand maker thought would never work, as it turns out it works well in Acacia and Ash, not so well with other woods though..." the man handed back the wand and held out his hand.

"Garrick Olivander, a most interesting wand I must say, who crafted it if I may?"

"Arthur J. Fremont. He is the current Headmaster of Salem Academy. If you like I could arrange for a meeting when I return home." he said kindly

once that was taken care of, Snape led him through he castle too a Gargoyle whom he just glared at causing it to jump out of the way. walking by he couldn't help whispering to it."Wimp". At the top of the stairs he was led into an office that had two older men waiting. One wore long plum colored robes covered in constellations and planets while the other was dressed more as common day wizards dressed.

"Headmaster, this is Orius Shill, The representative of the American Ministry."

"Council." Carl corrected.

"Pardon?" Asked Snape turning around

"Our Government is not a ministry, we have the Council for Mystical Management and the Secretary Of Sorcery." Carl explained secretly taking pleasure in knocking this grease-ball down a peg or two.

"that will be all Severus" said the one in plum.

Snape looked like he wanted to argue but one look from the minister and he left. Though he did sneer at Carl on his way out.

"Now then," stated the older of the two pleasantly. "We can get started."

"Lets just cut to the chase shall we?"said the younger of the two. "You can tell you're 'Council or what ever, to hand over the boy, or pay the price." he said smugly.

Carl was livid. "I take it you are Minister Crouch then?" he questioned

"That's right." he said as though this made him a god.

"Tell me minister do you know to whom you speak at this moment?" he asked being very careful to control his anger.

The Minister shrugged. "Some Lackey of a Government looking to gain power."

"I am Orius Marcus Shill, Arch Mage of the Ancient Rite, Head of the House of Emrys and Merlin's one true Heir." he said holding up his hand with the ring and letting the Glamor Drop.

All color left the Minister's Face at that revelation. He was dealing with the most politically powerful wizard in the world. And he just insulted him. He started trying to stammer out an apology, but Carl cut him off when he raised his wand and his voice.

"And YOU! You actually have the AUDACITY to threaten a Country under MY protection!" Crouch was just about ready to piss himself. Carl wasn't really any stronger then the average wizard. But, as the Arch Mage he had the ability to take a persons magical core from them. He could also discredit the Ministers entire family. The last family that had happened to was the Gaunts, they spent the rest of their lives in a shack.

"If I ever see you in my presence again I will not hesitate to remove you. PERMENANTLY!"

Crouch knew a dismissal when he heard one and ran out the door. He would never again be the same man he was before today. Carl now turned to the Chief Warlock.

"I apologize Dumbledore, it was not my intention to reveal my self in this manner."

Albus only shook his head and gave a slight bow. "I should be apologizing to you, you're grace. I warned Barty not to take that approach. I should have made my self more clear."

"My father had a saying, 'The faults of one are not the fault of another', but we are not here to discuss a fool of a politician. My hope is that there will be a bit of enlightenment on both sides of the field at the end of today."

"Indeed." Dumbledore said in that Grandfatherly tone that said he knew more then you did. His tone was not lost on Carl, he just didn't act on it.

"would you like a lemon drop?" asked the Headmaster holding out a tin of little yellow candies.

"No thank you," he said politely casting a wandless detection charm on the tin. "I prefer my sweets with out Veritaserum."

Dumbledore's eye's twinkled as he popped one of the candies in his mouth.

"Now then my Lord," he continued. "I feel there may have been a slight misunderstanding in the case of Harry's home life."

"Really..." Carl was really not liking this man.

"Yes, you see, Harry was being punished for misbehaving." Dumble dore explained looking concerned.

"I can assure you Dumbledore, I have the utmost faith in the Social worker who found him's ability to Discern a punishment from Abuse."

"Perhaps you are letting your personal feelings for this individual cloud your judgment."

so that's how you want to play, huh? Fine. Carl thought as he eyed the crafty old coot in front of him.

"Tell me, is it common practice in the United Kingdom now to punish a Two year old by locking them in a Kitchen cabinet with a Pad Lock for days at a time? To fail to purchase the proper items every child needs, such as diapers, and a proper bed?" Carl question just barely managing to keep his anger down.

"I think perhaps the situation was embellished-"

"Considering that I was the Social Worker who found him, I can honestly say that, that day is permanently burned into my memory." he said hardening his gaze at the old man who was now quite pale.

"Even so, He needs the protection of the blood wards that-"

"Do you think that Harry is not protected?" Now he was enjoying this. He couldn't take Dumbledore's Core, yet. He had been trying to locate it for a while now but it felt as though something had already laid claim to it.

"Perhaps I should inform you that I am Harry's Adoptive Father."

Albus was getting frustrated. He hadn't expected The Arch Mage to show up. To make matters worse he had scared Barty so bad it had nullified the potions he had given the Minister. Crouches Days in office where numbered now. Worse still was that it was the Arch Mage who, not only found Harry, but now held custody of him. How was he going to fix this and get that brat back under his thumb.

"I see, I will be sure to inform the Wizengamot. What are you're plans for Harry's Education?" he asked the thought just hitting him. That if he could get the boy to Hogwarts he might have a chance.

"I have made arrangements for him to attend Salem Academy." Carl answered plainly. "Though I do have one last question, how did Harry's relatives get access to the potter vaults in Gringots?"

"Naturaly I gave them the access number to transfer funds. For the purpose of his upbringing of course." Aldus answered his eyes losing that twinkle they always held. He had warned those people to watch how much they removed at once. Who went through over a million Pounds in less then two years?

"I see, well seeing as how that money was obviously not spent on Harry, and was instead spent on Vernon Dursley's horrible business ventures. I would like a Ministerial order to reclaim all funds spent."

"I suppose that's possible." he said with a sigh. He would find a way to get the boy into the school if it killed him. Then again considering who he was dealing with, it just might.

-MeanwhileinSalem-

Katelyn was working the register as Harry was doing a puzzle at her feet when a wizard showed up. He was tall and had long blond hair that was tied into a ponytail with a black ribbon. The fact that he was dressed like this was the Victorian era Screamed that he was not from around there. In his right hand was a sleek cane with a silver head of a serpent on top. He approached the counter and eyed Katelyn like she was something unpleasant.

"Hello, I was wondering if perhaps the store owner was in."

"I'm afraid he had to run out on a business errand, if you'd like to wait there's a Cafe just next door." she said pleasantly enough. Of course Harry had to make his presence known at that moment.

"Is Daddy gonna be home soon? I'm bored!" he whined

"Listen Midget, I told you five minuets ago. I don't know when he'll be back, but he'll be back in time for you to pick one." she said picking up a giggling Harry and placing him on her lap.

Harry looked up at the new comer and smiled. They didn't get a lot of foreign wizards in the shop, and he liked the silly clothes they always wore.

"Hi, I'm Harry! And I'm Five!" so saying he held up his hands to show his fingers.

The man did the best he could not to smile at the exuberant child. "Lucius. And you're pretty big for five." he responded giving in to his grin.

This peaked Katelyn curiosity and she placed Harry back on the floor. "Why don't you go get some toys out of your bin in back to show Lucius Harry?" she suggested watching as he nodded then ran off.

Lucius shook his head in Harry's direction. "Children."

"Your a conundrum aren't you." Katelyn stated eyeing him a bit. At his confused look she continued.

"First you were all 'You are beneath me'. Then you see Harry and it's all Smiles and sunshine."

"You're son just happened to remind me of my own. Hell be turning six soon."

"Who, Harry? He's not my son." Katelyn laughed at the very thought of her and Carl having a kid. "He's Carl's kid. Carl is the man your looking for. If you don't mind my asking why are looking for him?"

Lucius let out a sigh before he answered. "I came to this town to speak with the Headmaster of the Academy on an artifact I have in my possession, he sent me here."

"Oh? Can I see it?" she asked

Lucius shook his head. "The Headmaster informed me to only give it the owner of this Shop. I fear it is extremely dark."

Katelyn nodded to this. It would be probably the only reason for him sending Lucius to meet with Carl. Just as she was looking down at her watch the back door that led to her apartment opened to reveal a very worn looking Carl.

"Hey boss, you have a visitor." Greeted Katelyn as Harry came into the room with a couple stuffed animals. He saw his father and ran in his direction.

"Daddy!" he screamed as Carl caught him mid jump

"Hello my little gremlin! Did you behave for Katelyn?" he asked brightening at Harry's antics. Harry could put anyone into a good mood.

Harry only nodded before turning to Lucius. "This is Lususe Daddy. he's nice!" said the little bundle of energy.

Lucius did his best not to grimace at the pronunciation of his name. "It's Lucius, Actually."

Carl looked up from his son curious. "Lucius, as in Lucius Malfoy? Armand's Grandson?"

Lucius blinked. "You knew my Grandfather?"

"Only through my father. My father always used to say that Armand Malfoy was a genius, the epitome of what a wizard should strive to be." he said smiling then frowned. "Sadly, he said the opposite of your father." Lucius only nodded. To this

"My Father was very stubborn and power hungry. He went searching for glory in all the wrong places. Nearly dragged me down with him." said Lucius with a thoughtful expression. "But I am here on another matter. I was told that you might be able to have a look at something for me."

"Arthur sent him." Katelyn added earning a nod from Carl.

"I have a Workshop outback, why don't we go there to have a look."

once Harry was put down and promised the gift of a new book when Carl was finished. He led Lucius out the back door into the small courtyard they had. In the far corner was a rickety old shed. The windows had been boarded up and the paint was pealing. In the middle of the front wall facing them was a tiny door painted in the most contrasting blue imaginable with iron hinges. In a bent crooked nail that was sticking out of the top was a sign that said, 'Work shop.' with a note beneath it small green lettering. 'Do not enter unaccompanied.' Lucius Malfoy had seen allot of dangerous looking places in his life. Having had to frequent them at one point. But the shack almost looked like it should be condemned. Then he noticed the Pad lock on the door.

"I promise it looks better inside." Carl said pulling out a ring of keys.

Once inside Lucius had to agree. It did look better on the inside. It was at least twice as big as the shop on the inside with high vaulted ceilings, from which, two chandeliers hung with ever light candles. (Candles spelled to never burn out.) off to one corner he noted several Cauldrons and cabinets, most likely filled with potions ingredients. In the opposite corner he noticed few book shelves with books flying about from one shelf to another, almost as though they couldn't decide how they wanted to be sorted. There were many tables and desks filled with different objects from the studies of magic. Including one filled with wood shavings and different bottles with different substances.

"Wandlore?" he questioned Carl.

"A hobby, I tend to jump around a bit with them. Last week I was attempting a human transfiguration of a sparrow." he said leading Lucius to a clear, all be it beat up desk. "It worked. But the poor thing kept trying to fly. Rather amusing now that I think about it." Carl finished sitting at the desk. "Now lets look at this item."

Lucius reached into his Robes and removed a tiny leather-bound Black book, a diary.