Chapter 2 of ? | anyway I guess I'll be going back and looking for errors in the first chapter now and respond to any comments if I can. I'm trying not to incorporate too much headcannon and stick to just cannon, but who knows when I'll slip up. Anyway, I have committed to a date in time now, exactly 42 days before sev turns 17 and lets see where this goes! Enjoy.

Trudging into the Hogshead, I slip into one of the unused bar stools at the front bar. Grateful for the dimly lit interior due to the grimy windows, I lean onto the worn wooden bar top. Sniffing at the curls of tobacco smoke drifting aimlessly through the pub, I make eye contact with the unkept publican. Tracking an old scratch in the dark wood counter, sit straighter as Albeforth sets his dirty rag down.

"Didn't know it was Hogsmeade weekend," he draws as he places a butterbeer before me. Scrounging up three sickles, I leave the dirty mug untouched. "Can I use the floo? The Knightbus doesn't exactly come up here," I ask quietly. Staring at me, he slowly takes the butterbeer back, "You may. The headmaster didn't think to arrange transportation?" Snorting I ease off the bar stool, "The headmaster wouldn't have time for someone who might be in the way of his greater good. Although, I'm sure you know that already." Catching a smirk, I turn towards the fireplace, "That I do. Ablus may not have every student's best interests in mind, but you would do well to stay out of his way ."

Pausing, I turn back just enough to see Aberforth had started wiping another mug, "If he asks, tell him that he would do well to stay out of mine. I have very little to lose and I don't plan on kneeling for anyone. Not now and certainly not in the future." Grabbing a handful of floo powder, I flick it into the flames, "Ministry of Magic!" Stepping through, I feel the familiar but foreign squeezing and disorientation as I hit the marble flooring.

Taking a few deep breaths, I roll my shoulders as I prepare for the next step. I need funds, and certain Aurors would love to have a few practical spells that allow for nonviolent arrests. At least Levicorpus and Langlock can be helpful before the war truly heats up and unforgivables start being used. Stepping up to the wand checker, I quickly get my wand processed before making my way to the elevator. Tapping on the button for level two, I grab the railing as the elevator shoots up. Feeling weightless as it subsequently stops, I grimace as I stumble out of the elevator as the door pops open with a sickening chime.

Note to self, my body height and weight have regressed. I need to get used to being younger again. Shivering at the familiar surroundings, I push the memories of being dragged through the halls down. Stepping up to the receptionist, I search for a hobbling Moody, "Afternoon, Miss, I'd like to meet someone from the Auror Office."

Looking up from an issue of the Daily Prophet, she eyes my uniform, "You want to see an Auror?" Frowning, I look down at today's headline, "I might have some information that the current Head of Auror's Office might appreciate." Tapping her nails on the issue, I glance back down, "Muggle-born Wizard Missing amidst Auror Search!" "Dreadful isn't it? Can never tell who's next, but everyone knows who's behind it," she whispers. Sliding the issue off the counter, she gives me a wry smile, "The office head Scrimgeour should be on his lunch, just keep walking to your left and it'll be the last office. He'll at least listen to you."

"Much Appreciated," Quickly walking down the winding corridor, I find Scrimgeour's office at the end. Getting closer, I pause after hearing a distinct voice from the open door. Moody. Deciding against trying to eavesdrop, I clumsily stomp to the door and knock. Peeking through the door, I see Moody's wand pointed in my direction while his magic eye swivels around erratically. Coughing into my fist, something I haven't done in decades, I push the door open, "Good day, I wanted a word with if possible." Keeping my nerves in check as Moody slowly stalks closer, I notice he hasn't lost his leg yet. I was sure his magical eye was installed after he lost his leg. Satisfied with his inspection, Moody jerks his chin to motion me inside.

Fighting the chill traveling up my back as Moody stalks behind me, I sit stiffly in front of a glaring Rufus Scrimgeour. Hating my lack of presence, I pull out my notes, "I wanted to make a deal with you . It may not be groundbreaking, but I would like to sell you a few original spells that can help at the grassroots level."

Noticing his hands tensing under the desk, I slowly look over my shoulder to see Moody still pointing his wand at me. I might be Slytherin, but I haven't done anything yet. I'm safe. I'm innocent. Well, as far as what the Aurors care, I'm a law-abiding underage wizard. Waiting patiently, I turn back around and return Rufus's glare with a more neutral stare. A few moments pass before Moody abruptly starts pacing again, "Well? What are you offering kid? Aurors don't need any of your schoolboy hexes and jinxes y'know?"

Letting out a quiet sigh, I try to keep my posture as rigid as possible, "One jinx to cause the victim to hang from their ankles, its countercurse, and a spell that prevents incantations" Watching Rufus squint in contemplation without blinking, I curse the cool sweat no doubt soaking through the back of my uniform. Slowly nodding, he silently sends a patronus through the wall, "I'll need a demonstration, your price, and your intentions before I can agree." Fiddling with a clipboard, he gives me an inquisitive look, "I didn't know Hogwarts allowed students out during class time, much less to the ministry unaccompanied ?"

Finally slumping in my chair, I relax my shoulders. It's easier to look genuine when your body language isn't screaming definitely. Not relaxing my wand hand out of habit, I snort, "I was suspended for putting a junior Death Eater in his place." Leaning forward, with his wand above and clearly pointed at me, he scowls down at me from his new height advantage. "I didn't know ripping someone's jaw off and concussing another was allowed in Hogwarts. You may not be of age magically, but there are laws in place that could make your short reprieve from Hogwarts uncomfortable. Tell me, why should I not apply war-time policies to your case?"

Lifting my wand into his sight, I slowly create distance by pushing my chair backward. This is why I hate Aurors. While still better than most Death Eaters, they assume guilty until proven innocent. Something I would have applauded when used against Black If I hadn't also been thrown into Azkaban until my hearing. Thank Merlin, Albus thought I had more to contribute. Feeling a wand poking into my neck, I scowl at Moody, "I don't take well to poisoning attempts and threats. As you should know, I'm a Slytherin with little to no standing in my house. That leaves me with no support from any of the Hogwarts staff and a prime target for other students, particularly Griffindors and Slytherins. I understand that what I did was an act of violence, but the headmaster has taken action to ensure there will be no recurrence."

Moody finally steps out from behind me, pulling his wand away from my throat, "Cannot, huh? Albus let you go?" Scrimgeour similarly sits back as someone knocks on the door behind me, "He'll be returning the next term. I assume Dumbledore has taken sufficient precautions. Now let's get to the demonstration, lunch is over in fifteen and I have places to be today."

Waving his wand to the right, he looks over my shoulder to the visitor behind me, "Perfect timing Shaklebolt, Snape, take your positions on opposite sides of the room." Stepping around Moody, I point my wand cautiously at Kingsley. Still wearing his traditional cap, he gave me a goofy smile, "What are we demonstrating Sir?" Looking at Rufus and Moody clearly staying out of the discussion, I shrug my shoulders, "How about we use non-lethals to mock battle? The goal is to incapacitate."

"With you? A student? You shouldn't underestimate Aurors !"

"Just humor me if you would. I need to market my spells as best as possible and what better stage than against an Auror?"

"I see. In the spirit of the demonstration, I'll give you the first move."

Staring at him out of habit, I notice he's taller at this point in time. A delayed spell? Hidden behind another perhaps. Taking his height into consideration, I could place it under or lower than the first. It could work, but a Protego would block both. I'll need to time it correctly. Force him to use other means to defend. Nodding slowly, I wave my wand at myself casting a silent Muffliato. I might never teach them the other spells, but I do have to show competence here. Sending a stinging hex to start the duel, I hold my wand low. Swiping a red spell to the side, I send an Incarcerous before starting my barrage of spells. Nothing substantial, but a few simple curses and hexes to see his deflection patterns. Sprinkling the occasional Expelliamus I decide that I've seen enough as I swipe a dark green spell to the left. Sending an innocuous transfiguration spell at him that is deflected into the ground, I suddenly send an Incendio flaring between us. Stepping to the side, I promptly send a strong Flipendo. Ignoring the yellow beam smashing into the wall behind me, I notice his right foot catch the small spike my earlier transfiguration spell caused. I buffer a Levicorpus aimed at his feet, the only thing I could reliably still see, and shoot a much faster Vermillious. Seeing the telltale signs of a Protego fizzling out as my Flipendo had been blocked, I smirk. Silent casting is advantageous for keeping your spells a mystery, but it sacrifices speed. It's just easier to focus while shouting spell names.

Seeing a chair fly in between Shacklebolt and my Red Sparks, I launch a Stupefy at his waist as he starts flipping over. Looking at the Wide-eyed Scimgeour and Moody, I nod at them signifying I am done. Waving my wand, I use Libracorpus to let him down slowly as Moody uses Rennervate on him. Rufus claps slowly before shaking his head, "As impressive as it was, beating my Auror. I don't see what you wanted to demonstrate ." Raising an eyebrow at him, I scoff. Of all the people who wouldn't know what I demonstrated, Rufus Scrimgeour is not one of them. Twirling my wand, I point at Shacklebolt, "The first spell I wanted to demonstrate is a dark jinx that hangs the opponent by their ankles. The effect may be doable with the levitating charm, but jinxes are meant to be nonverbal. This gives them an edge in casting speed and predictability." Giving him a moment to consider its benefits over spells that need more focus, I add, "It also needs a counter jinx to stop its effects. In essence, you can keep enemies from joining the battle or escaping after defeating them. The most important selling point is that it doesn't matter where it hits."

"I see your point, but the fact remains, that this is only useful at the grassroots level. What do you want? Recognition?"

Shaking my head, I rub my thumb, index, and middle fingers together, "100 Galleons and it gives you my notes on both jinxes. No recognition. No paperwork."

"Preposterous, for a low-level jinx like this, I could only give 25 Galleons."

"50 Galleons. I won't bargain, and I'd think you'd want to see something more useful today."

"Done, what's next?"

Beckoning at a flustered Shaklebolt, I cringe as Moody screams into his ear, "Constant Vigilance! The sparks were an obvious diversion and how many times have I taught you to watch your footing?"

Flicking my wand in a small loop, I cast Langlock on him, "The second spell makes verbal incantations impossible. His tongue has been fixed to his palate."

"Silent, and quick, another jinx?"

"Yeah, while jinxes are supposed to be silent, most offensive spells are difficult to perform silently. Silent casting requires extensive practice for each spell so this should reduce the enemy's options at all skill levels considering there is no counter jinx or curse," I murmur.

Ignoring the squinting Moody, I send an apologetic look at Kingsley, "Apologies, it should wear off though. I didn't put much effort behind it."

"Same deal more Galleons," Scrimgeour asks genuinely interested this time. Sneering, I shake my head, "No, I want the recognition for this one. It's not some low-level jinx, it has uses in any level of fight. Imagine an enemy unable to cast curses and hexes in battle. Galleons are important, but recognition can open doors that only people like the Malfoys or blacks can with money."

"Fine, 50 Galleons and recognition for the spell."

"No, 200 Galleons and recognition!"

Smiling, Rufus stalks his way behind his desk, "200 Galleons and recognition for the spell's creation. You don't mind if I patent the jinx for Auror use only?" Patent? It would prevent others from using it without permission, but it's not like I'm in any position to protect a patent. I need money first and foremost. Recognition can lead to future deals, but patents will only bring people to me. Power isn't something I'll need this time, but connections and favors will always be useful. Running a hand through my hair, I glance at Moody, "I agree as long as you are amenable to future deals. This can range from potion contracts, information, and exchanges of favors. I assure you, I will bring something of your interest each time."

"I can understand information and bartering, but what makes you think we would trust your potions?"

"Quality sir. I can guarantee lower prices and higher quality than anything in the market."

Suddenly in my face, Moody grabs me by my collar, "What are you selling, dark potions? What makes you better than the potion masters we already have boy? Why the interest in becoming our potions supplier? Do you know that dozens of lives depend on them? Who set you up with this boy?"

Wrinkling my large nose in distaste, I stiffly hold my ground, "I'm offering innovative potions that far outperform what's on the market. Not dark potions as I have no doubt you specifically would drag me to Azkaban for." Noticing his mirth, I take a step into him, causing the shorter man to inadvertently shuffle back, "One last thing Auror Moody, I will never act on another's orders, whether it a certain Dark Lord, or the Bastion of Light. Don't mistake me for someone I am not."

Huffing, I take a large step back and level my gaze on an amused Scrimgeour and Shacklebolt. Gesturing to a stack of papers, Scrimgeour takes a seat and takes a sip of coffee, "The agreement. Sign it, and our agreement will be officialized between myself as the Head of the Auror's Office and you as a magically independent party." Stepping around Moody, I read the surprisingly detailed contract before filling out the names of the three jinxes and signing my name. Feeling the magic bind us, I reach into my pocket and take out a roll of parchment, "These are my notes on the jinxes and the strategies for their usage."

Scimgeour takes the scroll before inspecting it thoroughly, "It seems like this has been a pleasurable lunch break. In light of possible future transactions, not the potions mind you, I will allow your usage of magic while underage today. I expect you to adhere to the laws of magic usage and refrain from wand magic for the next 42 days."

Jumping as a hand lands firmly on my shoulder, I sigh when Kingsley gives me a sack of Galleons with a vindictive smile. Reaching inside, he takes a galleon out and then waves his wand to write in the air, "I owe you a coffee next time!" Sighing, I smile. Maybe Aurors aren't terrible, they're just hex-happy dunderheads.

Weighing the sack, I cast a shrinking charm before slipping it into my pockets. Making my way out of the office, I pause as Moody beckons me closer. Hesitating, I lean slightly closer, "It doesn't matter if you don't want to join a side, but you should know that you can't stay out of the war. Slowly the fighting will swallow this country. Make your standing clear or one day you might find me waiting outside your home ." Shivering at the creepy threat, I quickly leave the Auror's Office. Waving at the receptionist, I step into the elevator. Selecting the 6th floor, I grab the railing and brace myself when a shoe stops the door from closing. Stepping in and smirking as he selects the 8th floor. Trying not to look at him, I keep my wand out of sight and keep my head down. Of course, Augustus Rookwood is still in the Ministry. If I'm not wrong, he was an unspeakable who somehow got around his vows.

Relieved when the elevator slams open, I quickly step out when Rookwood calls me from behind, "Hey lad, get yourself some knickers why don't you? Didn't know that Hogwarts let rubbish that can't even afford uniforms in." Hearing the ping of currency hitting the ground, I watch the elevator slam shut and shoot higher. Looking down at a singular knut, I grit my uneven teeth. Bending down, I pick up the knut, "Ministry of Magic, Britain 1932." Huffing, I pocket the knut and head to the floo network operator. I'm only wearing my mother's uniform and robes because we can't afford to waste money on buying used ones. Although, that might have changed today. Taking a few deep breaths, I calm myself down. Not now. Not even in the near future. One day, I'll get him back for that. Flooing to the Leaky Cauldron, I step out into the muggle side of the world. Time to go home.