Master Xander

Chapter Six

Two Years Later

Professor Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore, the Headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, liked coming into Alexander's store. It had a strong magical feel to it that comforted him and the customers that walked through the door. There were so many magical artifacts that had captured his attention he first time he came that he was hooked. The store seemed to call to him, calling him back again and again. The proprietor, Mister Alexander Harris wouldn't allow him to examine them too closely other than to look at them. Some of those artifacts and muggle-designed magical devices reminded him of some of the magical items he kept in his office. Like his office, the strange wards that protected these artifacts were quite formidable like nothing he'd ever seen or encountered before which seemed normal when it came to Mister Harris. They were extremely exotic and powerful, so much so that Dumbledore initially worried about thieves trying to steal them, however that worry turned out to be unnecessary.

Apparently, some unsavory and unwise individuals had tried to 'acquire' a couple of items a couple of times and were soundly rebuffed. Those poor would-be thieves still hadn't fully recovered several months post the attempted robberies. The prison mediwitches hadn't been able to do much for them other than make them comfortable while they were imprisoned. Whatever the spell was that the wards projected onto them were still affecting their bodies. It wasn't an 'unforgivable' according to the authorities, but it acted like one against those poor men. As it was a defensive ward and what Mister Harris called a family protection spell, the Ministry left him alone, at least for now. But they were very interested–very much so. In his opinion, the punishment for violating the premises was quite horrible and reminded him of the protections used by the Black family. Their ancestral home was protected with some truly wicked wards and no one in their right minds entered that home uninvited unless they wished to experience the consequences personally. The Black family protections were among the more powerful and dark spells in the British magical community and many were the witches and wizards who suffered the consequences trying to violate that home. Dismemberment and death were the usual results of entering uninvited.

These American wizards had magic that was much different than the normal ones found in England and the European countries he knew of and it made him curious and he was always interested in learning about new magic, but he was frustrated. Sometimes, the Headmaster questioned the reasoning why Mister Harris kept the artifacts in the open so to speak. It seemed as if he was daring someone to come and try to take them. The one time he spoke to the American about it caused him to. Whatever the reasons, the word had spread among the rogues and thieves quickly. Leave the American store alone. People treated Xander's with the same respect as the other stores in Diagon Alley. The result that the wise had no intentions or desire to steal anything from here again.

Mister Harris and Miss Delane were very tight-lipped about his magic so far, but he was an optimist. Some day he would discover soma of their secrets, why they were really here, being one of them. When Albus crossed the threshold, he could feel the strange powerful magics examining him for intent and threats. Whatever they were, these wards recognized him and seemed almost to welcome him. They were some of the most intricate spells he'd ever felt. They almost rivaled the ones at Black Manor and that was saying something.

Miss Delane as usual walked about with her muggle paper and pad doing inventory and checking stock. She flashed that enigmatic smile of hers at him and once more he wondered if she was completely human. The very first time he'd spoken to her, he could almost feel her protections shrouding her mind. He hadn't even considered trying to use legilimacy to find out a little more about the Americans because he was absolutely convivence that either one of them would notice and he needed to cultivate their friendship if his plans were to succeed. Dark times were coming, and he would need allies on his side. Sadly, his people seemed so far unprepared for the coming strife. Plans were being made and his army dedicated, but he was still having problems keeping them from using lethal force when the confrontation finally came. He was unsure if they unwilling to keep from using lethal force. Some didn't understand that the death of ones' enemy wasn't necessary for ultimate victory. There were too few magicals and each death diminished the whole. No, killing was not only wrong but wasteful. This was the point he continually made to his Order, to enforce on them the importance of this mission.

These Americans were just what he was looking for, so he spent the last year and a half cultivating them. Today was the day he would test the waters. The order could use something from the outside, someone that was sure not to be part of Dark Lord's army. Furthermore, Mister Harris' use of wandless magic was impressive. In fact, both of them were proficient in the use of wandless magic, perhaps almost as good as himself. Neither one of them used it in the presence of others, but they purposely, and he was sure of this, allowed him to see glimpses of what they were capable of. What gave them away was the way they used their wands. It was a bit too different, to erratic to be accurate. They were both very good, but he could tell, their skills were–possibly similar (although not nearly as good as his but useful in a time of crisis) to his 'humble' skills using wandless abilities, which he kept secret. That would be useful, too.

They were Americans and as such were considered outsiders to most of the community. Here in Diagon Alley, the were liked but most much of the wizarding community considered them as 'those strange colonials with their muggle ideas. So many in the community ignored them except when they came in to buy those exotic items that the other stores didn't carry. This, Albus knew was their strength as well as their weakness. If things went wrong, he might be forced to lay the blame on them if they were part of the Order. It would be a terrible waste of good resources' but if needed the sacrifice would be made and the loss acceptable, not that that would happen of course. The fact that they were accepted in the community and American made them stand out. They were the first to be suspected and the very last. Their status in the community cause them to be watched by everyone and their actions were exemplary. Even Professor Snape had wandered into this 'American wasteland of a store' as he called it, to purchase several very rare items for his potions. To Dumbledore's initial surprise had found the services 'adequate'.

Severus never said anything directly, but the headmaster was convinced that he was somewhat impressed with the quantity as well as the quality of his purchases, and their guarantee of acquiring anything that he wanted within forty-eight hours had secretly pleased the man.

As to be expected, other store owners were unhappy with the business that Mister Harris' store was doing. The Slug & Jiggers Apothecary had declared Mister Harris's store their enemy, and had more than once called upon the Ministry to try to close the store. Inspections were carried out and the storer was found to be in 'substantial compliance', so much so, that members of the Ministry could be found shopping there of some of the more exotic knickknacks found there. Their continued presence helped Dumbledore's overall plans and allowed him a measure of relief. The Ministry could have caused problems and he was cautious of them. Perhaps the more conservative members would in the future but for now, the American store was relatively safe. When his enemies began to operate in the open, then things would change. The store would be consisted a soft target in Diagon Alley for those who didn't know about the store's formidable protections... And there was another factor that didn't escape his notice but helped his plans. The store wasn't opened as much as one would have expected. Sometimes, it was opened only two to three times a week. Mister Harris was out of town, perhaps in the Americas doing business, or Miss Delane was absent, or maybe both. The stores hours were sometimes difficult to determine. However their absence didn't deter would-be thieves from staying well enough away.

"Ah, Miss Delane, Mister Harris, it is good to see you again. I half wondered if you would be in this evening." His eyes twinkled as he spoke.

Each of the owners smiled and returned his greetings. Xander was dressed in a wonderfully colorful shirt that had a pattern of red and green flowers overlaying a green and white background. It was quite expressive, and he was going to ask where he acquired his clothes from. For casual wear, he felt it might suit him perfectly. Needed a few stars, though.

"Hey sir," Xander responded in a lazy manner. "What brings you to my humble store?" he asked.

"Oh, a couple of things. First, I am still curious as to the origin of those magical artifacts you seem to have lying about for everyone to see." There, he'd said it, bringing up a subject he'd been preparing to do for months. He felt that now was the time to be direct because he suspected that time was running short. "As impressed as I am about them, I wanted to caution you. The Department of Mysteries has taken an interesting in them and may come by to discuss them with you sometime in the future. They may want to acquire them from you."

"So, you've come to warn us?" asked an unimpressed Alexander.

"Yes. It's always wise to be cautions. And I confess that I am somewhat curious about them myself. Being kept in the open is a temptation to some unsavory characters." He sighed in a mild rebuke like Alexander's grandfather might have, if he had known him. "Why do you keep such items in the open? it makes them an easy target."

Alexander seemed remarkable calm considering what the Headmaster had just told him. "These items are not theirs and they are not for sale. And not to worry, your Ministry can't break through those wards."

"Don't underestimate the power of the Ministry's unspeakables," the old man countered in all seriousness. "They are very good at what they do."

"I'm sure they are," Alexander said. "But these items are part of the store's wards and are very powerful. If they are forcefully removed, the resulting energy release will destroy Diagon Alley and much of the local wizarding community. So I would advise against them trying."

Albus actually blanched. "They are that powerful." Were these American insane and unconcerned about the possible loss of life if these artifacts were tampered with?

"Yes," answered the American woman. "There are dark times coming, and we will be prepared for it." Her brown eyes seemed to darken. "We're not fools, Headmaster. Your dark lord is gathering his power and soon he will openly reveal himself."

Dumbledore raised his eyebrows at the comment, his previous suspicious growing by the moment. "And just how do you know about this?" His own shields had clamped down just to make sure that these people weren't somehow reading his mind.

Neither one of the shop owners answered him at first. Instead. Xander's wand jessie flew into his hand and he waved it. the entire room became muffled. The few other people shopping didn't need to hear this conversation. "Headmaster, Let's be straight with each other. First," he said, trying to calm the man's growing fears, "I am not reading your mind. Second, we've been studying you as much as you've been studying us." now Alexander turned somber. "You are a lot more than you pretend to be. You're a manipulative man who likes to be in control. But I won't hold that against you because I believe you're trying to do something good. What I don't like is what you're doing to the Potter kid," he growled. "Why did you put him with guardians that abused him and why are you continuing sending him back?" he practically yelled. Dumbledore could see the anger in the younger man's voice. "That makes me want to have nothing to do with you…or your precious Order."

They knew!

"Mister Potter's position is complicated," he explained, not wanting to give away too much. "I didn't know that his mother's sister and her husband were so abusive to the boy but being with his relatives was the safest place for him to be outside of Hogwarts."

"You mean the blood wards on that house?" asked Ceraine. "Those wards create a danger all its own. Forced spells like that always produce violence and anger the longer they are active. They may protect but they also destroy. They're vile spells. Didn't you know this?"

"I knew there was a possibility that the spell might have negative repercussions but considering the circumstances and the danger to the boy's life, I thought that his protection was more important than the possible negative effects of the spell. The boy needs to be protected and this is the best way to do so."

"In the US, I think you would be in prison right now for child abuse to the boy and what you've done to the relatives. I've watched them. They're animals, all of them. He smiled "I could destroy those blood spells, but I won't. it is not for me to do something about this. It's for you to do it."

"The child will be emotionally crippled if you don't do something quickly," Ceraine added. "Do you want to hurt this boy?"

Dumbledore looked like a trapped animal. This meeting had gone so far off kilter that he was unnerved. These people knew far more than they should have. It had to be their association with the Wesleys. They must have said too much. "I care for all of the children, whether they are in my school or not. I protect Harry Potter as much as I am able to, given the circumstances of his birth and destiny."

"Ah, yes," said Alex. "Destiny and prophecy, the universe's great pains in the butt. Headmaster, I have no clue about what is happening at your school, but I believe that prophecies have tendencies to screw the kid, and everyone around him." The old ma unconsciously gulped, and the younger man's eyes narrowed. "Yes," he whispered.

"You obviously know more than I anticipated. I don't know what you believe, but everything I have done is for the greater good for all of the people of magical Britain and perhaps the world. Mister Potter is pivotal to our survival."

Alexander sighed. "Believe it or not, I understand your fears. What I think though is that you're missing an important point. You believe that your way is best but you're wrong. You need to listen to the advice of those around you. Right now, you are in way over your head."

Dumbledore looked at both of them curiosity. He tried to reign in his irritation. He was not pleased at being called a manipulative old man. He preferred being known as a wise sage. He was a planner and his plans were right whether people understood that little fact or not.

"You're a very smart man, Headmaster. But you don't have the whole picture of what is happening and because of that your plans will likely fail," he said as a now curious Dumbledore stared at him. "There are forces that have come into play that you are unaware of. Those forces intend to use this world as a steppingstone to complete domination." Intoned Alexander who stared back with equal intensity at the professor. "You want know why we are here. I can tell you but be warned, the truth will turn what is left of your gray hair white. Do you still want to know, really?"

The seriousness of Harris' tone was disturbing, but the urgency and seriousness in his voice demanded that the old wizard had to know. "Alexander, you understand that knowledge is power. From what I've gathered from our conversation, you're here to help protect us from him?" he asked.

"Not really," answered Harris. That comment surprised the old man. "We're here to protect the world from what others are going to do."

Dumbledore stood stock still, stunned by the possibility of others that might represent as great a danger as Tom Riddle. Impossible

"Do you believe that your Dark Lord is the only one interested in purifying muggle filth?" ask a sarcastic Alexander. "No, there are others less overt, less ham-fisted who are waiting their time to strike. While you're focusing on him, there are others focusing on these other forces, some that could be recruited in your own ministry. Fudge isn't the strongest leader you have, is he?" he raised his finger as he indicated that this conversation wasn't over yet. But first he had to attend to the last of his customers.

A few minutes later the last remaining customers were done with their shopping and had left the store. Dumbledore felt the wards snap shut, protecting the store once more. The wards were very strong but felt different from Hogwarts and he attributed this to the American style of ward production. They were impressive and fueled by the presence of the artifacts. It was a strange way to defend one's property.

"First, let's go to my home because this is going to be a rather long conversation. Naturally for security's sake, you won't be able to disclose what you discover to anyone."

Dumbledore expected to be portkeyed or apparated to Alexanders home. Instead of swishing his wand, Xander spoke to it. "Jessie do your thing. Home please."

The wand glowed and a strange portal of white and gold opened up in the middle of the store. In the center of the portal, the headmaster could see parts of a large living room. Delane stepped through and the Dumbledore followed after a moment's hesitation, with Alexander at the rear. It didn't escape Dumbledore's notice that Alexander called to his wand and it responded.

Now, that was very interesting…

There was no sensation of disorientation, no sense of time as they moved through the space between the space.

"Fascinating," he whispered.

It was like stepping through a doorway from one room to another, the Headmaster thought. It was a new kind of magic different from the usual methods. The small demonstrations of magic Alexander performed needed to be studied. He wanted to study them. Without hesitation, he moved deeper into the American's living room.

"Astounding," he whispered as the portal closed. He could feel the magic emanating thought the home, it being much larger than he expected.

Alexander's wand took off and rested itself on one of the tables near a window. The Headmaster took a moment to look out the window."

"London?" he asked.

"A few miles outside of the city," Ceraine answered.

"We'll have a few refreshments later," said Alex, "but I'll start now so that you can have time to ask questions. "First, welcome to my home, my Sanctum Santorum de Harris."

The wizard took a quick look around the room. It was filled with what had to be magical artifacts, some that he recognized from ancient books. Others he had no clue as to what they were or what they did. There were fairies and pixies in the room, small glowing human looking creatures with wings flirting about doing odd jobs. Astoundingly, there were several different species each working together without conflict or irritation, two of which he had never seen before not even in his extensive collection of books. All of them seemed happy to be the house.

The house itself in some ways felt like Hogwarts. There was magic soaked into the very being of this place. This cause him to look at the two Americans once more, this time with a far more critical eye.

"Just who are you two?" he asked with a bit of trepidation. He didn't feel threatened, but he was worried because he didn't feel in control, a feeling that he wasn't used to.

Alexander smiled. "Our intentions are honorable, sir. Don't worry. But you need to know why we are here and why you can't tell anyone other than a few who already know. Arthur is one of them, so far. He doesn't know the full extent and it would be best for him not to know everything. I don't want his family jeopardized. Please take a seat," offered Alexander. The old wizard did so. One of the tiny pixies carried a huge glass of iced fruit juice and placed it on the table next to him. Being a gracious visitor he tasted and was delighted by the flavor. "What is this?" he asked. I've never tasted anything like this."

"It's a combination of papaya, orange, pineapple and half a squeezed lime and lemon. Add water and sugar to taste. Think of it as a modified lemonade"

"It's wonderful," the man said. "Very exotic and flavorful. Thank you."

"I call it a California blend. Now, let's begin. Where I came from, a little more than twenty-two years ago, a hell-god, the real thing, tried to get home. In order for her to get home she broke the barriers across all worlds and dimensions causing untold havoc. She was powerful, but we stopped her but not in time. She created a crack in the fabric of the multiverse and things that should not have able to breech into other dimensions, saw that crack and squeezed through to other worlds. I don't think you know the concept of multidimensional universe and dimensions. I'll explain that later.

"The problem is that some of those entities came to this world. Many of them are what you would know as minor demons and entities. We have fought and defeated many of them, ether killing them or sending them back in bonds to their place of origin. We are keeping them from infesting the world. But while we are dealing with this, we've discovered another problem. Your primary enemy isn't the only one that threatens the Wizarding world and the world in general. There's an organization of wizards from all over the planet that believe that only one type of magic should exist. To them all other forms are impure and should be purged to keep from infecting ''real' magic. This is what I meant when I said that your dark lord isn't the on problem." Sitting back in his chair he took a sip of his drink. "Trust is a two-way street. I'm telling you this because you need to know. You're the type of man who keeps everything close to your vest."

"I haven't heard that phrase before, but I understand its meaning. So things are better kept secret."

"I agree," Alexander said. "But not if the lack of information will get you killed. Knowledge is power, but hoarding it is a fool's gambit.

Ceraine Delane continued where Alexander had left off. "Your advarsary believes in purity. These people however are taking it a step further. They are obliviating or murdering all other magic users different from their own and should they succeed there will be only one kind of magic left. They want to turn this world back to the 15th century. No advanced technology, no medical advances, nothing that will rise up to challenge their power. We strongly believe that they want to remove the memories and existence of all forms of magic known to non-magical people. This means eventually religions will be targeted and destroyed. For example in the Bible there are miracles and mentions of what could be considered magic. They would ban and remove all mention of that from the Bible and obliviate anyone who has a memory of said miracles or even the mention of them. The other religions would be attacked. In Egypt, several groups of magic users were attacked and wiped out. The few survivors were completely mind-wiped. The wand users were untouched. This organization is powerful and getting bolder. They are takin purity to a new level and the most dangerous part of this is, like so many in power, they don't know when to stop. Someone must stand up and deal with them. This is where we come in, to protect those who cannot protect themselves.

Dumbledore was completely floored listening to Alex's and Ceraine's story. The implications of what these two was telling him were enormous and the battle for his home had just gotten far more complicated. It wasn't just the wizarding world that was now threatened. If he understood Alexander's story correctly, then everything was in the balance.

It seemed as if the weight of the world had descended upon old man. He took another sip of his drink. "What can we do to stop this?" Dumbledore asked. "But before you answer me, I need to know who you two are."

Alexander sighed. "That is a complicated question. But it to put it simply, I am Alexander Harris, called the One Who Sees, called the Protector of Man. I am Alexander Harris, a Master of the Mystic Arts, as is Ceraine Dalene, one of the High Elves of Carastanbza. She is and is not human as you understand the term."

"But still an American as it is the same country in my world" she added. Same geographical location and. Plus, I am an American citizen in his world, but not here on your world yet. Neither of us are," she added. "Just for clarification purposes, in case you were curious." She couldn't help but smile.

Alex just shook his head. Yeah, yeah. Anyway, Her people branch off humanity a bit. They can easily mate with humans and have children, but you can think of her people as an exotic offshoot. But don't call her a magical creature, either," he warned. "We are here to stop the forces of destroying magic for their own gain. That is our mission we are trained for and for now it is our responsibility. We are not necessarily here to interfere with your affairs, but we are here to help keep the outside forces from spreading to other worlds beyond this one. If this organization succeeds, then the world will be crippled for generations. It's a given that the non-wizard magicals, and normal will fight back hard. Then the true terrors will take this world. There are forces just waiting for this to happen and starts with your dark lord here and the organization we're here to stop. The world needs its magic, all the types not just one or else it becomes vulnerable."

"But what are these forces? If what you say is true, I need to know so that I can prepare."

"Well, let me ask you a question first. What is so important about Harry Potter that you dared use blood magics on his home to try to protect him?"

The old man was quiet as he contemplated his answer. "That is a difficult question to answer," he finally said. "There are many who would see young Mister Potter killed. Why this is true is best kept secret for his sake as well as yours."

"Does harry know?"

"I believe it's best that he retains his youthful innocence as long as possible."

"That means no, and that is the reason why secrets kill," Alex told him. "If knowledge is power, ignorance leads to failure. Mister Dumbledore, if you wish to know my business, you'd best learn to open up. Keep your privacy if you wish, but do not ask for information if you can't reply in kind. It's a trust thing, you understand."

"But can't we try to work together for the common good of the world?"

"It's a matter of trust and respect, right now. This is our first talk. There needs to be a trust established and that will take time, something we don't have much of." Alex's smile now looked predatory. "So in order to establish this trust, what do you propose?"

"Getting to know one another may well be a good start."

"Excellent. I agree. You first."

Two hours later, Dumbledore was still reeling from his conversation. If what was told to him was true, then both Mister Harris and Miss Dalene were some kind of specialized Hit Wizards with significant resources to do the job given to them by unknown sources. It was very disturbing, and he would have to take time to understand it all. Plus, the two Americans hadn't told him everything and he hated not having that information, but he had enough for now. And to be honest, he hadn't revealed everything to them as what Alexander Harris said was true. Trust came with time.

There was so much information that Dumbledore needed time to process it and he almost forgot the reason why he wanted to speak to Alexander in the first place. Because of this conversation he had a change of plans. His original reason why he had come to see Alexander in the first place had taken a new urgent significance. As he thought about it, he knew it was the right thing to do. He needed allies and both of these American wizards could be very useful in the war, no wars, to come. \

However, there was a small niggle of doubt irritating the back of his mind. They were not to be trifled with and their responsibilities were formidable. They were needed elsewhere other than in the war against the Dark Lord. Their focus would be split, and this was a concern as he needed to have some measure of control over those that followed him. He required obedience and Alexander might not approve of some things that were required in the quest for victory.

Still…His original plan could benefit everyone and serve as a useful tool of the school. His mind set he asked the question.

"Mister Harris, as you know the new year is about to begin at Hogwarts and I would love to have a man with your expertise on my staff. I thought about asking you to teach a basic economics class. Students always need to know how to handle their expenses wisely. However, because of your terrible responsibilities and your ability to handle them, I wonder if you would accept a position as the Defense against the Dark Arts instruction? Your proficiency with a wand is unique, to say the least and being an American version of an Auror, I believe my students could learn a lot from you. I could arrange it so that you would have limited classes and you could then be free to pursue you other pursuits.

Alexander pondered the request for a moment. "I'm sorry, but no. I could teach them how to defend themselves, but my techniques are completely different than what your curriculum would approve of. My wands movements would be in conflict with your established norms. Plus, it would draw unnecessary attention at this time."

Dumbledore frowned as he furiously thought of a way to get this man and woman to Hogwarts and under his control. There had to be a way. Then he smiled. "Would you then consider teaching a Muggle or no-mage studies class, teaching my students about the life and history of non-magical folk." He shook his head. "I confess that we do lack information about the normal people and their lives. I must also confess that many of our people have little interest in anything outside of the magical world. However, if the children could be exposed now, maybe they could appreciate them as they grow older."

"You make a good point," Alex muttered. "I would need free time to work on the problems we have to deal with. It might be possible though," he mused. If Miss Delane and I shared this class, then we could both substitute for one another when we have to be about our business. if this could be arranged this, then I could see us teaching a class. "

"I believe I can make some sort of arrangement to accommodate the both of you," he said, totally delighted at getting them to Hogwarts where he could watch them closely. "Of course, the pay won't be as much, being new to the institution."

"Of course, we understand," Ceraine said. She smiled back at the old man. With this arrangement, she and Xander could keep a watch on the wizard and be in a position to do what was necessary. It was just a school, but it was a seat of power where destinies and power resided. Voldemort wanted this place under his control. Now, she and Xander were in a position to find out.

Albus Dumbledore and Alexander Harris smiled at one another.

"Would you like your drink freshened?" Ceraine asked.

"Yes, thank you."