Chapter 1 - The Twins set the Stage

I have decided to release this chapter early for you, my readers! I hope you enjoy! This is chapter is to… well, just like the title, set the stage. I really hope you enjoy. I do have a something to clear up on this story though:

Parseltongue – In my world it is inherited magically, As in Magic herself chooses who to give it to or something (Hey that actually sounds cool I'm going to gowith that).

Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter… or make money from writing this… though that would be cool… wait a second…WHO WANTS TO BUY THIS STORY?!... Nah just kidding.

So without further ado, I give you the first chapter of the Twin Lords!


Harry James Potter breathed in the clean smell of St. Mungo's as he walked down the dim deserted hallway. The eleven year old was thankful for the magic that kept the hospital smelling clean and fresh; although there was a hint of lavender in the air. He had been to a muggle hospital once and it had smelled terrible, and don't even get himself started with the food. He sloshed the small cup of pumpkin juice he had taken from the small lobby in the Permanent Resident ward around and then finished the drink with a large gulp. Throwing the cup in a rubbish bin he passed he continued to walk down the deserted hallway. Being almost 11 o'clock it wasn't so unusual that the hospital was so empty. He stopped outside of a plain white door with the number 1998. Underneath the numbers was the name 'Lilly Evans Potter'.

Shivering as a sudden wave of cold air brushed over him Harry wished he had brought a jacket to put on over his t-shirt. They hadn't planned on staying as long as they had and he had only worn a pair of muggle jeans and a plain green v-neck. Grabbing the door handle, he opened the door quietly and slipped inside.

A small cheery room greeted him that was the current home of a single occupant, his mother. The woman laying down on the bed inside didn't so much as twitch as he approached the bed. To the bed's left, two chairs had been pulled up and Harry's twin, Alec, sat in one as he continued to tell her about his latest discoveries.

"And I found out that adding a little bit of Gillyweed to the underwater breathing potion invented by Mr. Down will increase the potion's duration by a whole hour, but only if it's to be used in fresh water; if the potion is to be used in salt water and you add Gillyweed it cuts the duration of the potion in half. I haven't been able to find the reason yet but I've narrowed it down to three factors. I should have the problem figured out by Christmas." Alec was saying in a cheerful manner.

His head turned around when he heard Harry and smiled brightly at him from behind a pair of modern muggle glasses. Alec then pointed to the chair beside him and moved his body slightly so Harry was able to see a much smaller and younger version of the woman lying in the bed, "Rose fell asleep while you were out."

Harry smiled and the pair laughed slightly, causing Rose to wake up due to her brother's shaking form. She looked around blearily before her eyes fell on Harry, "Wasn't asleep." She mumbled before cuddling further into Alec's side. The brothers laughing dwindled into chuckles as they looked at their little sister.

Alec turned to Harry and looked him in the eye, "Are you ready?"

Harry considered the question slowly, knowing what his brother meant. "I believe I am. We've planned forever on getting to Hogwarts and what we'll do while we're there. We will succeed."

Alec pursed his lips and looked back at their mother, "She looks so peaceful."

Harry nodded in agreement. "We'll find the cure, even if we have to talk to a Founder themself. We'll get Mom out of the coma that Bellatrix," He spat the name, "Put on her."

Alec tensed at the end of his sentence due to the name and then relaxed. But Harry noticed. "I'm sorry Alec, I shouldn't have mentioned her."

Alec hung his head as Harry wrapped his arms around his brother's shoulders, "It's okay. She'll never bother us again. She's in Azkaban now."

Alec smiled sadly and then stood up. He walked to the head of the bed and stood in the light of the lamp. Harry watched his brother carefully. As children, the two had been told they were exactly alike; down to the trademark Potter hair. But as time had passed, differences had started to crop up. While Alec's small frame became wiry, Harry had grown two inches taller and had become leaner. His face had become more angular, like a predatory cat; while Alec had been given their mother's soft facial features. Like Harry and Rose, Alec had green eyes, but his hair had also started to grow natural dark red streaks in it, as if their mother's genetic traits were trying to overtake their father's.

"Are you done talking to Mom?" Harry asked softly.

At Alec's nod he pulled a ukulele out of a case on the floor. Alec took it from him as Harry grabbed his own ukulele. Uncle Moony had found them as he went through the rubble of the cottage years ago. The ukulele that Alec was using had belonged to their mother. It was a beautiful dark blue with pure white lilies stenciled on the body. Harry's ukulele had belonged to their father. It was black with a green neck and had a gold stenciled stag on the back. Their Uncle had told them stories of how Lilly had taught their father how to play in their seventh year; the twins had taken up to playing quickly after learning that fact.

Together, the two started to strum a two part harmony to a lullaby they remembered their mom singing to them as kids. As the last note faded the two lowered their heads and then looked at each other. Alec rested his hand on their mother's, "I love you Mom, we'll see you at Christmas."

He turned away and carefully picked up their sleeping sister and hoisted her so that she was leaning on his shoulder. Walking quickly, he exited the room and left Harry alone. Harry stared at his mother's face, illuminated by the lamp on the nightstand, and edged over to her. He grasped her hand in his, wildly hoping for a miracle to happen and that he would feel her hold his hand back. When nothing happened he felt a solitary tear run down his face. He gazed at his mom's face for several moments before speaking.

"I've promised you Mom that I'd keep them safe. I'll keep doing so. I'll watch over Alec and Rosey. I'll make sure to keep an eye on Alec while we're at Hogwarts. The plans are being put into effect. The Alley, your Alley-," His voice choked and he couldn't continue, "I-I-I'll make you and Dad proud. We will find a way to get you out of this coma. I promise."

He let his Mom's hand drop onto the bed and then reached to turn off the lamp before exiting the room. Throwing his arm around his waiting brother the three walked through the nearly deserted corridors to the main lobby quietly. Nodding at the receptionist, they stopped in surprise as they saw a tall brown haired man waiting for them.

Alec was the first to break the somber silence, "Lord Greengrass?"

The man nodded and stepped further into the light. Mark Greengrass, head of the Greengrass family, had broad shoulders which complimented his burly frame.

"You boys stayed rather late tonight." He commented in a deep voice.

"We apologize Lord Greengrass." Harry said quickly, "We lost track of time."

Lord Greengrass waved off their apology, "I've told you boys before, call me Mark. After all, we're practically family."

Alec grinned sheepishly and then slowly handed him Rose.

"How did she do?"

"She talked to Mom a bit but kept silent for most of the visit. She fell asleep about 20 minutes ago."

Mark nodded as he cradled the red head. Harry smiled at him, "Once again Lord Greengrass, we offer our thanks for what and your family have done for our sister. We don't know how we'll ever repay you."

Mark shook his head, "It is an honor raising her, an honor I wish your… mother had." Mark pursed his lips before continuing, "Isabelle would like me to remind you of our mutual excursion into Diagon Alley tomorrow."

The twins nodded their thanks as Mark stepped into a fireplace after saying, "Greengrass Manor!"

They wrapped their arms around each other again and then stepped into the fireplace. "Moony's Cottage!"

They stumbled out into a small sitting room and looked around, the lights were all out. Harry shook his head and muttered, "I hate Floo travel."

Alec looked back at him and whispered, "Uncle Moony must be asleep."

"Do you think anything exciting happened at the club?" Harry replied quietly as they walked up a flight of stairs.

While their sister had been adopted by the Greengrass family, the mother of who had been Lilly's Maid of Honor, they lived with Remus Lupin; known to them as Uncle Moony. They, along with their unofficial official uncle lived in a three bedroom house in the good sized town of Braintree. While their uncle's room was on the first floor their rooms were on the second. Originally, the brothers had each had their own spacious room. At the age of seven that had changed when they had moved one of the beds into the other room along with the furniture. Using some money they were able to furnish the old room as a large study with several shelves of books (Alec had insisted and Harry had put up no resistance) and as a result, had their own , albeit small, personal library. The pair quickly changed into night clothes and collapsed into their beds too emotionally exhausted to speak further.


Harry woke up yelling the next day, a Saturday, as a bucket of ice water was dumped on his head. Stumbling out of his bed he looked up only to receive a face full of white powder. His sputtering was drowned out by his brother's yelling and their laughing uncle. Rubbing what he recognized to be flour out of his eyes he opened them to find his pajamas were now covered in a sticky paste. His uncle was leaning against the wall as he gasped for breath. "Your faces!" he exclaimed.

Harry's brother yelled loudly again and grabbed the nearest thing on his nightstand, a book, and tossed it at their uncle who dodged it easily. Harry blinked his eyes, stunned, his brother never mistreated books. Alec crawled out of his bed and pointed to its foot, "You got my brand new series wet!"

Harry, ignoring the cold, choked with laughter at his brother's indignant expression over a cluster of five very wet books. Alec turned to Remus and glared. Paling, Remus bolted out of the room as yet another book crashed right where he had been. Harry rushed to his brother, still chuckling, as he restrained him, "Easy. I'll get them."

Walking to the end of the bed he stared at the books and concentrated. "Scourgify." He said as he waved his hand over the books. He picked it up as it cleaned itself and automatically dried. He threw the book to his brother. "Good as new."

His brother grinned at him as he flipped through the book to check it. Harry had been born with a natural affinity for wandless magic. While his magical core wasn't strong enough to do many spells, he had developed a habit of using simple spells and had managed to train himself to do them with little effort now. He grabbed new clothes and got ready for the day quickly.

After getting dressed in a pair of muggle jeans and a nice dark blue button down shirt he ran his fingers through his messy hair and grinned as he walked down to the kitchen. As he was rolling up his sleeves, he saw Remus already with a drink of coffee he greeted him and grabbed himself some cereal and fruit.

"These letters and that box came for you two." Remus said as he handed him a handful of letters and pointed at a box.

"Thanks. The box is mine, and the letters should be from Beauxbatons and Durmstrang." Harry replied as he took the letters.

Lupin shook his head, "You boys were serious?"

Harry nodded. "Of course. We did some research, the two schools offer several electives that we are interested in."

"But you'll be so busy with your core classes at Hogwarts." Remus argued weakly.

Harry shook his head, "We already talked about this Uncle Moony. You agreed to let us take electives from the other schools as long as we kept our grades at Exceed Expectations."

Remus huffed and muttered, "You two are getting like your mother every day."

"Hey what's that?" Alec asked as he walked into the kitchen.

Remus stared dumbfounded at him," Y-y-your hair!" he sputtered. "Your Mom is going to kill me when she wakes up.

Harry looked up and grinned, "I like it." Alec had cut off the sides completely, spiking the reminder of his hair up and slightly to the side. "It's called a muggle boy band hair cut Moony. Your red streaks almost make it look like it's on fire."

Alec grinned while Remus moaned, "Oh calm down Moony. It's not like I decided to go bald."

Remus shook his head, "'Prim and proper' that's always what your Mom said, I'm so dead."

The twins laughed as Alec sat down, "Are they the letters from the other schools?" he asked Harry who was reading a blue letter. The twins had already received their Hogwarts letters. Harry looked up and showed him.

Dear Mr. Harry and Alec Potter,

I have received your last communiqué and am notably impressed. With both of your exemplary entrance exams and the high recommendations from Mrs. Raven I am willing to allow you both into our recently created EFA (Education From Afar) curriculum. I have already spoken to your Headmaster considering your acceptances and the terms following it. He will arrange for your Head(s) of House(s) to keep an eye on your extracurricular work. As a result of the nature of the curriculum I must remind you that at least two courses must be completed each year with a passing grade. I look forward to further collaboration with the pair of you. For further questions considering the EFA please contact a Mr. Goodwin. His business address is further enclosed along with a list of our offered electives and how to request them.

Sincerely, Madam Maxime

Head of Beauxbatons Academy

"Sweet! We got in!" Alec said excitedly.

"We'll have to thank Mrs. Raven on Monday." Harry commented.

Alec's face fell, "I forgot, that's her last day isn't it?"

"That's one thing I was fully willing to support, you two taking Potions class from Mrs. Raven." Remus interjected. "You're going to need it, considering you leave for Hogwarts in two weeks and with Snape teaching."

The twins laughed and read the letter from Durmstrang by Master Karkaroff. The letter was along the lines of the one from Beauxbatons; detailing their acceptance and further ways to contact support. Quickly, everyone finished their breakfast and got up from the table; Alec making a few vengeful comments over Remus's prank. Harry walked over to the box and grabbed it.

"More books?" Remus guessed.

"Yup!" Harry said brightly, "Though these are from the city."

"Muggle books? On what subject this time?"

"Architecture still! Flourish and Blotts doesn't have any books on modern designing. All they have are ones on castles." Harry replied as he walked up the stairs. "These are going to Hogwarts with me."

Remus shook his head, there had to be at least ten books in the box. He looked at Alec who was washing a dish, "Why does he need to know so much about designing. It's not like he's going to design… Wait, wait what are you two up to?"

Alec flinched and then looked at his uncle, "Ummm up to?" He said weakly.

Remus set his coffee down, "Yes Alec. What is going on?"

Alec shook his head, "No idea." He tried.

"That's the same thing you both told me when I found out you two had started investing your family's fortune last year!" Alec gave a sheepish smile as Remus continued, "And I still don't know how you managed to do that and bypass the law which states that you two can't take control of the family coffers until you turn seventeen."

Alex brightened happily, he was able to answer that question without jumping around corners, "We didn't actually touch the money, the goblins did. We just suggested where investments could be made in the muggle world and how much. They just happened to use the money in the Potter vault."

Remus stared, "Happened to? They invested in 46 companies!"

"Hey we averaged a return of about 72%." Alec defended. "The same amount of money that was invested was returned to the family vault, the Goblins took some, and we placed the rest in a new vault."

Remus blinked, "So that's how you two have your spending money."

"Well not exactly, most of our spending money does come from our Trust fund."

Alec made to leave but Remus narrowed his eyes and grabbed his shirt, "Hold on. What's all the money you guys made by investing doing?"

Alec's face went red as he tried to think of an excuse, "Oh Harry's calling me! We better hurry! We're meeting the Greengrasses at 10!" he dashed up the stairs.

Remus let him leave and chuckled. Glancing at a photo of a smiling James and Lilly that was on the fireplace mantle he shook his head ruefully and, not for the first time said, "Your children never cease to amaze me."

He narrowed his eyes and then stared up the stairs where he could hear the boys getting ready. He tilted his head curiously, Alec had seemed a little nervous today; he rarely ever showed too much emotion along with his brother. Something was up, and knowing the pair, it was more than just getting their wands today.

Harry laughed as he watched his baby sister try to lick the ice cream off her nose that they had gotten after lunch. Lilly's step sister, Astoria Greengrass, giggled and handed her a napkin from her pocket. The twins, along with their uncle, were walking in Diagon Alley with the Greengrass family.

After the attack on Prongs's cottage Remus had distracted himself from his depression by watching over the children. After a month he had decided he didn't know how to raise a young girl. He took Rose to the Greengrass family, not trusting Dumbledore, and begged them to take Lilly. Being a neutral family in the war, he trusted them and knew that Isabelle Greengrass had been a close friend of Lilly's; being Lilly's Maid of Honor at the wedding.

Along with Astoria and the adopted Rose, the Greengrass couple had one more daughter who was the same age as Alec and Harry; Daphne Greengrass. Like her mother, Daphne had blonde hair and bright blue eyes. She was currently listening to Alec as he told her about the newest book he read. Personally, Harry was thankful someone was listening to his brother. Not to say he didn't like listening to his twin; there was the time Alec had discovered a spell that was invented to cut potatoes into French-fries, that had been awesome! Harry loved French-fries and that meant Remus could make them easier. His brother read; a lot! Not to say that reading was bad, he read his fair share of books, although not as many; he considered himself slightly more outgoing than his brother.

"Where to next Mummy?" Astoria asked in her 7 year old voice.

Isabelle looked down on her and smiled, "Next are the wands. We already have the clothing and the potions equipment the new students will need. As well as books, a lot more books." She said the last part looking at Alec.

Harry laughed as Astoria got excited. She danced around the group as they walked down the Ally. "We also have yet to get our pets." He added.

Daphne looked back, "I already have Cookie."

Harry shuddered at the mention of Daphne's white cat as Remus chuckled, "The kitty that has a crush on Shadow here?"

Harry shivered more. His animagus, which he had unlocked in a burst of accidental magic as a boy (during the attack on Prong's cottage), had turned out not to be a regular cat. His actual form was a panther. Since most wizards or witches discovered their form when they were older, their forms had already matured. His case was unique in that he had discovered it so young and as a result, had to occasionally visit St. Mungo's for the doctor to make sure he and his form were growing right. Last time he had changed at the Greengrass Manor the newly born Cookie, the cat's nick name because the cat was all black except for the head which was white, had mistaken him for her father and he had freaked out as the kitten ran to him meowing "Father!" the whole time.

"I told you she doesn't have a crush on me." Harry muttered.

"Oh really? What does she think you are then Shadow?" Remus asked with a smirk.

Harry felt his face turn red, "Um-."

He was mercifully cut off from answering as they arrived at Ollivander's. Entering quickly, they stepped inside the dusty store which was filled with boxes. Daphne and Astoria both jumped when Ollivander came up behind them.

"Ahhh Isabelle Greengrass. Cherry oak with a strand of unicorn hair correct?" He didn't wait for an answer as he continued, "Mark Greengrass. Oak from a rather tall tree and Chimera's blood, very tempermental. And Remus Lupin. We had trouble finding you a wand didn't we? Although I remember the one that finally matched you: Wood from an ash tree bathed in the moonlight; with a dragon heartstring for its core."

The adults nodded and smiled at Ollivander politely. His eyes shifted to Daphne suddenly. Greeting her, he quickly measured her and proceeded to gather several boxes together.

"Try this one, Steel Oak. A solid 10 inches." A swish of the wand was followed by a light exploding.

"Aspen, with a Sphinx hair." Caused a vase to shatter.

"Ash, with the phoenix feather core." Made a glass shelf break and figurines come crashing down.

"Black wood, with a unicorn tail for a core." Slashed a picture of Ollivander's father in half.

As more wands were tested Ollivander eventually found her a match in a wand that surprisingly had traits of both Daphne's parents' wands.

"Cherry oak with a Chimera's scale." Ollivander had said before she had flicked it, causing red and green sparks to fly out. Daphne had sighed in relief and then covered the sigh with a wide green.

As a result of Harry and his brother being twins, Ollivander decided to them at the same time, not knowing they would be very difficult. They had been at the store for an hour, trying wand after wand with no luck. Rosewood. Cedar. Even redwood wands had failed. As the list of tried wands grew longer Ollivander had grown happier and happier until finally, after another half hour, he stopped them.

He suddenly looked curiously at them before disappearing into the back of his store. Coming back, he had a long shallow box. He opened it reverently and let them examine it. Inside laid fifteen wands.

"I'm afraid these wands are the last ones I have for you to try. If none of them are for you, I'm afraid you'll have to go to a wand crafter." He said, sounding even more excited at the last part.

Harry stared at the box, silently willing his magic make him feel drawn to one. Having no luck he turned to his brother who was shaking as his face turned. Suddenly Harry felt his eye drawn to a glass case behind Ollivander's counter. He walked slowly towards it and gasped when he saw a smooth jet black wand with grey streaks and a sharp point floating inside. Ollivander looked around and when he saw him reaching for the wand gasped.

"My boy, I would not touch-" He was cut off as a fountain of green light poured out of the wand, "Amazing." he whispered.

Harry looked at him as held the wand. Ollivander cleared his throat and smiled, "Congratulations! Truly remarkable!" He exclaimed. "No one has been able to touch that wand; it's been here since I've moved into this shop."

"You didn't make it?" Isabelle exclaimed in surprise.

Ollivander shook his head, "Sadly, no. I found that wand stashed here under the floor boards, I was nearly shocked to death when I tried to touch it."

Harry stared at it in awe, "What's it made out of?"

"I can't tell, although I believe it is not made from wood, but from the spine of a dragon."

Harry piled out of the shop along with the others as they commented on his and Daphne's wand. As he smiled he looked at his brother who was walking dejectedly near the back of the group and slowed down to wait for him.

"Are you okay?"

Alec looked at him sadly, "What do you think? You have this oh so mysterious wand and I didn't even get a simple one." he replied with a tinge of bitterness in a rare incident where he let his young age show.

Harry put his arm around his brother, "Hey you have no reason to be nervous. I'm sure Gregory will help you. In fact, he'll probably let you help him craft the wand. Although you probably already know how to make a wand." Harry mused. "Your new research is focusing on wandlore and wandcrafting. Hey wait a sec, you haven't told me what you're working on; and you always tell me."

Alec grinned, his heart lightening because of his brother. "We'll go today, when we see Master Goldclaw." Harry added.

"You aren't going to get my secret out that easily. I'll give you a hint though. The research stems from a legend that Gregory and I were talking about our last meeting. As for the reason I'm nervous, it probably is the meeting we have with Master Goldclaw. It's the finalization of the first stage of our plans."

Harry stared at his twin, "It'll be fine. Don't worry about it."

"I think Moony is getting suspicious of us."

"What do you mean?"

"I let it slip about where the investment money was going this morning after breakfast."

Harry shook his head, "I'll take care of it. Go on ahead."

Harry smiled as he watched his brother skip happily to catch up with Daphne as they walked to a store called Flight's Familiars. Suddenly he caught two faces looking at him which quickly whipped around when they noticed him looking. Harry narrowed his eyes and then gulped, Mark and Remus were not ones to play around with. They were his guardians and he owed them the truth.

When they finally arrived at the store he purposefully hung in the back of the small group. Mark and Remus waited for him and they atopped him right outside as the other passed.

"What'd you promise him? What are you two up to?" Remus said slowly, having noticed Alec now had an upbeat demeanor had brightened up.

Harry tried to look innocent but failed. "I told him I would take him to Gregory's after this."

The men's eyes widened, "Gregory's?" Mark said in surprise. Ollivander's brother has a smaller shop down the way, he crafts wands. Gregory's is in Knockturn."

"Alec and I have a good relationship with Gregory." Harry replied.

Remus sighed in exasperation, "That's where you guys go when you're in Diagon Alley?"

Harry shrugged, "Alec more so than me. I check up on our business." "Harry suddenly noticed his slip and paled, he hadn't meant to say business.

"Business?" Mark frowned, causing Harry to mentally slap himself over and over.

"Um yes, business."

"Why do you go to Knockturn Alley for business?"

Harry sighed, a direct question; he wouldn't lie. "That's where we've been meeting our Account manager for the past few meetings." Harry said weakly.

"Why there? It's dangerous!" Remus exclaimed. "I know I give you two a long leash, but Knockturn? Why? Gringotts is just up Diagon Alley for crying out loud!"

Harry wilted under the combined gaze of the two men. "We're undergoing a massive project with the Goblins in Knockturn. With the money we made from investments we're remodeling it and closing it down. We're going to introduce a modernized Alley and fill it with new shops. We're meeting today to make sure plans are going smoothly and to make sure the dat of when the Alley closes, the day after we leave for Hogwarts, is still good. The official closing of the Alley happens after Alec and I leave for Hogwarts." Harry quickly spat out.

Mark's and Remus's jaws dropped open. Mark was the first one to speak, "Is that why Goblin guards have been posted in the Alley?" He asked hoarsely. "Where have you been investing to get that kind of money?"

Harry nodded, "They're for keeping out the troublemakers. The muggle world."

Remus shook his head and said sternly, "We'll talk of this later. Investing is one thing but… remodeling an entire Alley… I… "

"We should go inside. My wife is probably starting to worry." Mark interjected. He looked at Harry, "This is not over, we will talk of this later."

Harry left to go inside, not noticing the two shaking their heads in disbelief. He saw his brother and Daphne looking at some snakes and joined them.

"Are they saying anything interesting?" He asked Alec as he drew closer, and then winced when he heard the snakes' foul language.

Alec looked at him and shook his head, "They're not happy with being captured."

Daphne spoke, "It's not fair that you two can talk to snakes."

The pair grinned at her and shrugged, "We discovered it when we found a snake in our garden. "

Moony is very afraid of snakes." Alec added with a laugh.

As Daphne looked closer at a snake Harry whispered to Alec about the outside conversation. Alec glanced at their Uncle and Mark, and shivered. "We're so dead. What will happen when Isabelle finds out?"

The twins faced each other and paled. Harry shook his head, "It's too late to bring the plans to a halt. We don't have a choice. We explain to them what's going on and… we could invite them."

Alec shook his head, "I feel a massive headache coming."

Harry laughed and patted his brother's back, "We'll make it through."

Alec suddenly froze, "Do we tell them about Heritage?" he whispered.

Harry shook his head rapidly, "We'll eventually have to, but we'll wait until the plan is further along."

Alec nodded and then gave a start.

"What's wrong?"

"The shelf." Alec whispered as he walked toward a shelf near the owls in the store. He reached up and grabbed two large eggs, cradling them in his hand. One was about the size of his head and had a soft blue tone to it and seemed to pulse softly in his hand. The other one was twice as large and was a dull brown.

"What is it?" Harry asked, knowing his brother knew a lot about magical creatures.

Alec shook his head, "I'm not sure."

Harry frowned and then laughed, "You choose an egg to be your familiar?"

Alec frowned and then grinned, "Since you got the cool wand, I get the cooler looking egg." He handed Harry the brown egg.

Harry stared at him for a moment before shrugging, "Okay."

It was Daphne who laughed this time, "Ooooh you two have eggs for familiars, scary."

The two glared at her and ignored her as they walked to the store. Mr. Flight looked down at their hands in surprise, "You've managed to touch those?"

The boys nodded and he shook his head, "Everyone in my shop has been curious about those eggs, they've been in my shop for years. Eventually, when no one could touch them without being burned I told myself that whoever touches those eggs can have them for free."

Harry's eyes widened and he looked down at his fingers to make sure he had them all. He sighed in relief, "Mine actually feels a little cold sir, it's not burning me."

Alec shrugged and held his non-burned hand for the owner to see. The owner shook his head in disbelief and, when they offered to pay, refused. "I keep my promises boys. I hope you have a wonderful day. Will you do me a favor and tell me what they hatch into?"

After agreeing to tell him, the group started on their way back to Tom's tavern. The pair having to endure relentless teasing from Daphne and Astoria about the eggs they had placed carefully in a pack that Harry carried. They suddenly paused at the entrance to Knockturn Alley and Harry looked at Mark and Remus meaningfully. Nodding their heads they told them to hurry home soon and then continued walking on. Isabelle frowned at them and made to say something but her husband whispered in her ear. Her eyes widened and Harry his brother paled once again. They quickly darted into the narrow entrance of the Alley before Isabelle could yell at them.

"Well we're dead tonight when we go to their house for dinner." Alec commented.

Harry shook his head, "Come'on, we don't want to be late.

After a few feet inside the dim passasge, they passed two goblin guards who nodded towards them and motioned onwards. As they crept a few more yards in the passage suddenly opened into what had been eternally dark but was now alit with the natural light of the overhead sun. They quickly veered to their left and entered a small tavern that looked like it had been recently cleaned. Going to the corner after a nod from the barman they saw a nicely dressed Goblin sitting at a table going through some papers.

"Greetings Master Goldclaw. May your gold flow as the blood does through thy veins." Harry and his brother greeted respectfully in Gobbledygook.

Goldclaw looked up with a feral grin, "Masters Alec and Harry, a warm welcome it is indeed. May your enemies cower beneath thy feet."

Harry and Alec laughed as they sat down. "How do things go?" Harry asked, knowing the goblin liked to get down to business quickly.

Goldclaw gave a hearty growl, "Business is…flowing. Quite nicely I should add. The remainder of the shady businesses in the Alley we have shut down and have negotiated deals with the remaining owners." He handed them a folder of papers for them to look at. "Your ideas with the designs for the Alley are beautiful Master Harry."

"Thank you." Harry murmured as he handed his brother copies of the files in the folder. Things were silenced as the trio went over the paper work.

"We finally managed to break the sun-blocking curse on the Alley. It helped to drive many of the unsavory creatures away." Goldclaw commented.

"It does change the environment drastically." Harry commented before the silence resumed as the three continued looking through documents.

Alec was the one to break the silence, "So the bank and we receive 15% each of all profits for the first five years, and then decreases to 10% each? How did you manage to negotiate that?"

Master Goldclaw grinned in a feral manner, "Lots of negotiating. As you can see, with the park you plan to put in and the expansion you want it will take some extra designing and work we didn't plan for. We'll have to buy quite a bit of the surrounding muggle businesses and shut them down; after all, you can only magically expand such a space so much."

The brothers nodded in understanding as he continued, "We'll be able to have 30 businesses total, including the 1 lot you two want specifically for your Uncle. Our design teams and structural teams are ready to move in. We're just finishing the wards and waiting for the closed businesses to move out. You will be happy to hear that the closing of the Alley will happen on schedule. We do have a problem though."

Harry tilted his head curiously, "And that is?"

"We don't have all the business lots claimed. Only about ten lots are filled, and that is with the two new businesses we managed to acquire recently."

Harry frowned and contemplated the problem but was startled out of his thoughts by Alec, "I have an idea." Harry and Goldclaw looked at him. While Harry had been responsible for coming up with the idea to remodel Knockturn Alley, Alec was the one to handle the papers and math parts of the goal, along with Master Goldclaw. Harry helped but it was his brother who mostly dealt with the documents Goldclaw sent their way. "Over the course of this Summer my brother and I joined our school's traveling football team. We saw many promising muggle companies, that have potential in the wizarding world."

"Your point Master Alec? It would be too much effort to do business with muggles."

"I did a little research and found, to my surprise, that many of these companies are owned by muggleborns." Goldclaw's eyes widened. "I would like to contact them and we can see what their ideas are and whether they would feel like joining. They would stand to make a large profit from the muggleborn population of England and, as they become more popular, the purebloods would have no chance to join in the… for lack of better word… craze. It would also offer several muggleborns more jobs and increase popularity. After all, this is the only major shopping Alley for Magical Britain."

Harry and Goldclaw looked at Alec with astonishment. "You know, forget needing a wand, you'll be able to live off your ideas along brother." Harry joked.

Goldclaw smiled widely, "A perfect idea Master Alec. I will send you information on those businesses as well as other private businesses that may be interested. I believe we only have one more thing on the agenda."

He stood up and reached into a bag and pulled out a large folder. The folder was an inch thick and its sides were bulging. "Here are the maps for Potter Manor and the surrounding lands that you asked for. I have labeled the surrounding lands as to what belongs to which families. We spoke of this last time we met and you asked me for my opinion." Goldclaw paused, "I believe it to be a good idea, but it wouldn't be able to be completed till after your seventh year of schooling. The cost would be too great. You've emptied out most of your investing money into the Alley and that wasn't even close to what you'd need."

Harry and Alec looked at each other and frowned, "An estimation?"

Goldclaw pulled some papers out of yet another folder, "You're looking at 1 million galleons for the manor. I estimate that you'll be able to start on that project by next Summer with the increases the investments are making. As for Project HERITAGE, you're looking at 3 billion galleons just to start the process. Not to mention the laws you'll have to go through, the political power you will need, and an endless number of other variables. Nearly all of the land you'd need belongs to the Most Ancient and Noble House of Griffin."

"Griffin?" Alec asked.

Harry noticed the Goblin seemed to freeze, just for a small second, before speaking, "An ancient house from the time of the Four Founders. Not much is known about the family. The current head, Lord Griffin has a wife but no kids. They could have a lot of political power being one of the founding families of the ministry but take no active role in the government."

Harry looked at Alec who nodded back before speaking, "Thank you Master Goldclaw for your assistance. We will think carefully and respond when we are sure of our path." They said as they stood up.

Goldclaw stood up as well and hesitated before opening his mouth, "A question young masters."

They looked at him curiously.

"I find myself inclined to ask why. Why are you two doing this? Four years you approached myself with your ideas. We have taken your ideas and they will show in Lilly's Alley. But why Project HERITAGE? Why are you doing this? Why do you want to do this?"

Harry and Alec at the goblin they could call a friend in the eye. Alec was the one to speak, "We do it for our mother, who we know wants us to use our talents for the good of the world."

"You're talking about creating a world of equality. Toppling a culture that's lasted for centuries and remolding it. You must have more of a reason than just your mother."

Harry was the one who answered, "We have lived halfway in the wizarding and the muggle world. We have seen glimpses of a world that could be. The muggles strive to reach it and thus, they change and evolve. The wizarding world has not changed for centuries. The answer to your question: we, my brother and I, have decided to evolve, we have been placed in a position to make a difference, unlike previous witches and wizards who have tried."

Alec stepped in, "We have seen change, and we have decided to be the change we desire. There may be those who try to stop us but we offer more; we offer them a chance join us in a new world."

Gold claw looked at them wide eyed before he bowed to them in a show of respect. "Your answer has satisfied my curiosity young masters. I bid you a good evening. May your goals and determination never falter such as the earth you stand upon."

The brothers raised their eyes at the unusual farewell and then bowed in return. They replied in Gobbledygook, "May thine efforts be joyful and rewarding."

They quickly took their leave, Harry wrapping his arm around his brother once more, "Hey no worries Alec, now we can get to the part you're dreading the most, seeing Ol' Gregory. And then on to my favorite part, tonight's dinner."


Master Goldclaw watched the two laughing twins walked outside the tavern. He wiped his forehead and shook his head in disbelief. The Potter twins were an enigma. Unusually smart, talented, and knowledgeable. He had at first treated them as children but as they had unfolded their plans they had gained his respect.

Even at a young age, the pair had plans. And not small plans; large ones. The world they dreamed of, that they had described, he couldn't help feel a longing of wanting to be a part of it. He quickly gathered the folders and papers and placed them in a bag, glancing one more time at the copy of the folder he had containing the information of Project Heritage.

He sighed and rested his hands on his chin as he mused. He then pulled out a small clear vial. Concentrating, he put his pointer finger to his forward and slowly drew a silver strand from his mind. Placing the memory of the recent events in the vial he waved his hand over it and it duplicated.

"Griphook!" His assistant scurried out from the shadows and strode beside him nervously.

"Yes Vice Minister Goldclaw?"

Goldclaw handed him the vials, "Send one to King Ripclaw. He would be interested with its contents. Send the other to Lord Griffin, tell him I have completed the favor I owed him."

Wow that was a long chapter! So many questions huh? So you now know the basis of the story and the goals… ish. Who is Lord Griffin? What is Project HERITAGE? And, not gonna lie, I spent five minutes brainstorming a name for the Goblin King. The next chapter will answer the questions concerning Alec's wand, and be about the two weeks leading up to Hogwarts, Mrs. Raven will be introduced (Spoiler). Further surprises await you my readers in future chapters!R&R please, they really help to motivate me :)

~TyFighter