Chapter 6 Finally Some Headway

A medium narrative

June came quickly and those months were full of surprising events. Hydrus and George were making loads of money with their inventions. They had calculators, and poorly made cell phones with expensive service plans, mini radios, and crappy computers that weren't connected to the Internet. Not to mention all of the prank items. They were working on how to get non-magical entertainment like video cameras (with VHS tape), VCRs, gaming consoles and tellies. After much debating they decided to keep the book-readers out of the shop.

George had his own inventory of better made devices, and was still trying to work out how he made his pocketspace. The redhead still felt it was a huge prank on the Pure-bloods, getting them hooked on non-magical entertainment. He was saving up money for when the idiots realized they were using Muggle technology. He knew those traditionalists would stop buying them, even if they were useful and addictive, and that he might have to start up his business elsewhere. He would keep close to Britain, most likely France, so he didn't hurt his mum— much. Hydrus let George get the patents. That way if a new timeline branch was created then George would have sole ownership and he wouldn't have worry about leaving them to the redhead in his fake will.

He sent off a few letters to Sanguini, and the vampire talked to other vampires that liked to live in the non-magical world. He gave the immortal teen a potion recipe that would cause him to age, though he would have to take it monthly. As thanks, the young immortal gifted him with a book-reader, which he had downloaded romance novels to. It struck him as funny that a Dark being would read such sappy books, but to each his own. Sanguini was thrilled with the present and promised that if he had any more advice to offer he'd write to him.

Hydrus only left his house to go to non-magical London, except when he was raining misery on the Alleys. He was now doing the shopping, since Kreacher was getting too old to leave the house. He also kept his membership at the gym; he had even convinced George to join him once a week. There was a Muggle-born that tutored him for his A-levels, he was doing well at self-study, but with the advances in Math and Science, he needed a bit of verbal instruction.

He had to remain under his boy hero persona during those lessons, since Black had such a Dark Pure-blood reputation. The lessons were held in a library far away from his home, because he didn't want any more people to know where he lived. He would get to the library, duck into an alley and cast his glamor, then when lessons were over, reverse the process.

His mental illnesses were getting better and he was feeling happier. The angst and guilt that plagued him for so long were becoming things of the past. Because he wasn't so emotional, he worked out everything that happened to him in his childhood and his years at Hogwarts and could now see that it was imperative that he rescue his younger self, well, in his opinion. That and he wanted a new start, so why not protect who he could in the process. He had finally called up his parents and Sirius and talked to them as long as they were able. They told him they were proud and they approved of his plans. He had to promise he wouldn't call them again, unless it was important.

Therapy gave him another problem, which was the fact that the past wasn't the same as the present. His revenge on this timeline had sedated his need for it. However, it was people like the Dursleys, Skeeter, Snape, Death Eaters, and Umbridge, who caused so many deaths, not to mention made his childhood a living hell. Those people would need to be dealt with somehow. It was something he would have to meditate on. His thoughts on Dumbledore were conflicting; he still felt the man was a good man, just misguided in his attempts to bring about his 'Greater Good'.

Fudge was just a simple idiot and without Lucius and Dolores he should be easy to control. The Dursleys were simple, just never meet them and they won't be a problem. The last war had them on the run, and yeah, it was petty, but, Hydrus didn't let them know it was over. So they were still moving from place to place, hoping the wizards didn't catch them.

Hermione wrote often, she told him how she broke up with Ron and now they didn't talk to one another. She lamented on the fact that more and more Muggle-raised were leaving Hogwarts, and that tuition would be raised next year. It was a good thing this was her final year, since there was no way she would be able to afford it. She came to the conclusion that she would take the note's advice and try the Australian Ministry.

Ron had flunked out of Hogwarts right before Easter break. He was now being taught by his family. They were very strict on him, according to George, and punished him if he slacked. It was going to be a long time before the youngest male Weasley could take his NEWTs.

Ginny was being pulled from Hogwarts the following school year, due to the bullying and lack of funds. She and a few of her friends were going to be homeschooled with Ron. They were treated better than Ron, since they actually wanted to learn.

The youngest Weasley was still dating Dean Thomas, who, with her compassion and understanding, was doing much better. He now lived at the Burrow, bunking with Ron, since he parents died in the war. Dean was taking advantage of the non-magical education programs, and was hopeful in getting employment to help with the bills at the Burrow.

Molly had taken in several orphans. When the cost went up she allowed her older children to buy food and books, and sometimes letting them take her new charges to get second-hand clothes. Arthur still had his job at the Ministry, since no one wanted to take over his department. Because he was such an unassuming character, he was mostly overlooked.

Neville was taking his parents to America; he had heard they might be able to bring them out of their… illness. Augusta was reluctantly going with him. She could see the writing on the wall, but, she didn't want to leave her home country. It had taken many arguments between her and her grandson to get her to understand it was what was needed. Neville finally put his foot down and told her he was leaving with or without her, and he was taking his parents with him.

Luna was transferring to Beauxbatons for her final year of schooling. She made arrangements with Bill and Fleur to stay with them during her summer. They had gotten close during her stay at Shell Cottage, and she made sure to write them often. She would start her own newspaper when she graduated. Her father was staying in Britain for the time being. He would look into relocating if things got too bad for him. However, he wanted his little girl to be happy, so he reluctantly let her go.

It was with great pleasure that the young immortal received the news that Britain's Gringotts was closing. Even with the hike in interest they couldn't keep their doors open. They were threatening war if the Ministry didn't produce Harry Potter. he made sure there was no price on his head, if one should show, then he'd have to Obliviate Dung, he wasn't going to take the chance that the man would keep his secrets—vow or not.

With the local bank closing and their prejudice on foreigners, the Pure-bloods had to take their chances in keeping their fortunes in their homes. This gave the dark-haired wizard a thought on maybe stealing some of those riches, which meant more research. Thank Merlin for the World Wide Web, where you can find almost anything, even illegal stuff. He'd have to get George on these plans. He didn't trust his thief enough to bring him in, but, he might pick his brain for ideas.

Diagon and Knockturn Alleys were going to be hurting with this bit of news. Only places like the Leaky Cauldron and Ollivander's would survive, because they were one of a kind. On the other hand, shops like Madam Malkin's and Twilfitt and Tattings' it was more than likely that only one would stay open. Hydrus guessed it all depended on who could offer the better price or who would bow down to the Pure-bloods better. He hoped that Madam Malkin got a fresh start elsewhere, but then again, she was a main source of gossip in Diagon Alley, so maybe not.

The spirits that he had called were still haunting their murderers. You would see them tagging along after their victims in the Alleys. Hydrus still chuckled every time George or Fletcher told him the things those spirits would do and say. The Quibbler was still posting their stories.

The Wizengamot had dwindled down to thirty members as many of the neutral and light families washed their hands of the bigots and moved on to more understanding societies. Even Kingsley had resigned, since everything he tried was voted against. He moved to Africa to get closer to his roots. He was hoping to help the diseased and war-torn continent. Water, which was sorely needed, was easy for him to conjure.

The Pure-bloods made a fatal mistake. The like-minded people, that had been asked to come to Britain, went back to their home countries since the British looked down their noses at foreigners. Inbreeding will soon be more common and more squibs will be born. When they would finally realize they were dying out, it would be too late. Oh, Hydrus knew it would take years for the population to dwindle, but, he was satisfied that it would happen eventually. Let them be their own downfall.

Magical creatures were also leaving in droves. The centaurs knew, from reading the stars, that they would soon be hunted. They let other creatures know, and it cascaded from there. Even Hagrid left to join Madame Maxime and obtained a position in Beauxbaton as the grounds keeper. The gentle half-giant had given a note to Hermione to give to Harry Potter, explaining that he would always think of him as a hero, and to not let that Skeeter woman keep him down.

The only half-breeds who stayed were the werewolves, who were under the impression that since they fought on Voldemort's side they'd be welcome. He knew better, but he wasn't going to inform them.

The thing that had the young immortal tickled pink was all the pranks that were being played on both Alleys. The Aurors tried to blame George, but he had alibis every time and could truthfully say he didn't do a thing. Hydrus, under his Invisibility Cloak, would take products from WWW and sneak them into meals at the Leaky Cauldron or use non-edible ones to cause chaos.

Canaries and other animals would run around the Alleys at busy times. The Peruvian Instant Darkness Powder would blanket Knockturn Alley at noon, causing people to run into one another. New electronic mines were laid out on the cobblestone streets of both Alleys giving passersby a shock when they stepped on them. The foolish wizard would then look around for whoever spelled him and start a fight with someone. St Mungo's was busy those days. Wizards and witches would leave their shopping day with multi-colored hair and animal appendages.

To say Hydrus Black had a blast pranking these idiots was an understatement.

Present time

Hogwarts seventh years graduated the day before, and Hermione was coming to visit today. So Hydrus made sure everything was put away and that he was glamored. The Floo flared green and his best friend exited.

"Hello, Hermione," he said as he examined her appearance. "You seem to be doing well." She looked good, her hair was tame, her body was fit, and there were no circles under her eyes. "I heard you graduated top of the class, like there was any doubt." He gave her a hug and led her to a chair.

"Oh, you," she said playfully as she smacked his arm when he moved away. "How are your studies going? Will you be taking your NEWTs soon? What about your A-levels? How are those coming along?" she questioned rapidly.

"Whoa, slow down," the young immortal said, holding his hand up to stop her rambling. "I've taken my NEWTs and will be taking my A-levels soon, probably by the end of summer."

"That's wonderful, Harry, how did you do?" she asked excitedly. "I always knew you were smarter than you let on."

"I passed with ten NEWTs," he answered and then changed the subject. "When are you leaving?"

"Tomorrow, I'm going to be staying in a hotel tonight," she answered sadly. "My plane leaves first thing in the morning."

"Why are you taking a plane? Can't you get a portkey?" the confused man asked. "You can always stay here tonight," he offered, knowing his friend was limited on money.

"Not if you're Muggle-born, even Half-bloods have to use non-magical ways to leave Britain nowadays," she explained, disheartened that there was no way she could help England's Muggle-raised, though she was happy that Harry had rescued most of them from poverty and oppression. "The hotel is closer to the airport, I don't want to Apparate in Britain; I heard they were tracking it now."

"Huh, I didn't know that about the portkeys or the Apparition, though with all that's going on I guess it was bound to happen," he said, rubbing the back of his head. "Do you need any money, I've got a bit extra?" he asked.

"No, Neville made sure I had enough, and I'm paying him back when I start my new position," she said, somewhat sharply.

Dropping that topic, the dark-haired wizard stood and made his way towards the door. "Come on, let's go to the kitchen and get some tea."

"What happened to Kreacher?" she asked in concern. She still was upset about Harry keeping Kreacher as a slave, but now she was more worried that he had been right and that freedom would kill the old elf

"He's getting too old to pop, so I've restricted him to dusting. I'm not sure how much longer he has, but he is content doing what little he can," he said sadly as he led them to the kitchen and put the kettle on.

"That's awful, is he in pain?" she asked as she settled at the table.

"No, he's just old and tired. I'm hoping that when he passes away it will be in his sleep."

"What a morbid thing to say, but I guess you're right," Hermione said as she watched him make the tea, glad to see he wasn't relying on his magic to do something so simple.

"Have you decided what to do about your parents?" Hydrus asked as he pulled out some biscuits.

"Yes," she answered with resolve coating her tone, "I weighed the pros and cons and decided that it would only be selfish of me to try and give them their memories back. They are happy as they are and their practice is doing well. However, I am going to try and get to know them as a friend." She said, determined.

"That being said, I have a confession to make," he said sheepishly. He put the tea and biscuits on the table and sat opposite of her. "I've been keeping secrets from you. Not that I didn't trust you," he said hurriedly at her affronted look, "I just didn't want my plans to influence your decision. I'm letting you know now, because I will be disappearing and I don't want you to think I'm dead. You're my best friend and I'd never do that to you."

"Harry James Potter, you tell me right now what foolish thing you have brewing in your brain. What do you mean "disappear"? Where are you going?" she scowled as she placed her hands on the table, leaning forward getting as far into his personal space as the table allowed.

"Alright, Hermione, calm down, when I've explained, hopefully you'll understand why I didn't tell you earlier."

"This better be good," she huffed as she sat back in her chair, arms folded and a piercing glare on her face.

He dropped his glamor, removed his fake glasses, and started to explain. He told her everything about the time travel and the adoption. He spilled how much money was in the vault, what he and George had invented so far, and how they were pranking the bigots. He enthusiastically told her about his counseling and why he felt he had to save his younger self. He only glossed over some of the plans for revenge, since he knew for a fact that she would stop him. He excluded the fact that he had actually talked to Death. He never once asked if she wanted to come.

Her face morphed as different feelings crossed it; first hurt, then denial, then hurt again, then anger, and finally frustration. "I don't ever want to hear you complain about Dumbledore again, do you hear me? You did the exact same thing he did, withholding important information," she snapped, standing up violently and placing her hands on her hips. "How dare you drop something like this in my lap, right before I'm about to leave, that's just like Dumbledore telling you the prophecy right after Sirius died."

"What? No, this is different; I'm not fighting a war. Besides, you were busy with your own problems, what I withheld wasn't life or death information," the immortal teen defended himself.

"That is bullshit, and you know it," she snarled, causing the young immortal to flinch at her uncharacteristic cursing.

Oops, she's really mad was the fearful thought. "Honestly, Hermione, I was only trying to make it easier for you. I was going to tell you before I went, promise."

Silence was his answer, her glare didn't diminish, however you could see her brain working overtime. She dropped back into her chair and folded her arms to her chest. After about ten minutes of uncomfortable quiet, Hermione said, "I can't back out of my job now. When did you plan on going back in time? How sure are you that a new branch will start? I am not happy with you, Harry, but I'll help."

"We're still working out the math for the time travel, there are loads of theories, but I'll give you the notes and book titles we've used so far. We've narrowed it down to two, and with your help we should be able to get it down to one in no time," he said hoping that by letting her think she was helping it would calm her down, but, judging from the growl that emanated from her throat that didn't work, so he hurried on. "I don't plan on leaving until all our inventions are done, with the progress being made in the non-magical world, maybe in a few years."

"Were you even going to invite me along?" she asked, still upset.

"Honestly, Hermione, after how you went on about paradoxes in third year, I didn't think you'd want to." he confessed. "Besides, my equations are for one person, any more than that might cause problems. Now, with your new life, why would you want to? I mean, you get to see your parents again. And live your dream. I don't want to pull you away from that." Given her reaction, he was glad he hadn't invited her along. While she was his best friend, her morals would disrupt his plans.

"Fine, but don't think for one minute I am letting this drop," she snapped, not a bit mollified by his excuses. "Give me everything you have so far, and when I've calmed down, I'll look it over. Know this, Harry, Hydrus, whatever you damn name is, I am very upset with you, however that doesn't mean I love you any less, as a friend, so don't get any stupid ideas. I'll look it over and help, but, if I think for one moment that it will cause a paradox, I will do everything in my power to try and stop you." And by the determined look on her face, he could tell she was serious.

"I get it," Hydrus said, and he started to pull the notes from his pocketspace. "Give me your book-reader and I'll download these." And he then called the books on time travel. He was a bit worried that she would try and come with him anyway, but he would stand firm and go without her. He would just have to be evasive as to when he departed. Maybe it had been a mistake telling her, but like he explained he didn't want to just disappear on her.

"Here," she said when she brought it from her purse. "I don't want the notes on the inventions, but, I want first dibs on anything you two morons create. I'll look those over later, but, for right now I want to make sure you don't go and get yourself killed or worse destroy the world."

"Hermione, I'm hurt that you would even think that," he said with a sad smile. He knew what she meant and was hoping to lighten the mood.

"Oh, don't be stupid," she snapped, "that's not how I meant it. I just want to make sure your equations are correct, not that you're heartless." She then gave her own smile to take the bite out of her words.

He relaxed and downloaded everything she asked for. He even gave her one of the working laptops and showed her how to transfer information from the reader to the computer. He produced a list of everything George and he had completed and said he would let her choose what she wanted. When she left she gave Hydrus a warm hug, which made him very hopeful for the future of their friendship.

A week later, on his way home from his tutoring session, the young immortal spotted white blond hair coming around the corner to Grimmauld Place. He turned to see one Draco Malfoy glaring hatefully at him. He called himself all sorts of stupid for having his glamor still up, but he had been distracted on what he learned that day and how it was going to help him.

"Thought you could hide forever, did you, Potter? How dare you steal my inheritance!" Malfoy shouted as the raised his wand, pointing at his enemy's head.

He quickly ducked down an alley to keep the fight away from the non-magicals. "I didn't steal anything, you inbred moron. Sirius left everything to me in his will," he yelled back as he cast a Muggle-repelling ward and then the strongest shielding charm he knew, hoping the git didn't use any Unforgivables.

He did have fleeting thoughts as to how the runt had found him; Did he get the information from his mum? But the Fidelius should have blocked that. Did he follow me from the library, if so, what was the Pure-blood doing in non-magical England? These thoughts flew from his mind as he ducked a Dark curse.

"Liar!" screamed Draco. "The Black fortune was mine and you stole it from me." Then his voice took on a condescending quality and he sneered, "The goblins will spill anything for the right price, and with you their number one enemy, it was easy to learn what you did to trick them into taking the gold."

Hydrus peeked around the alley corner. Draco looked mental with rage, his face splotchy red; his eyes wild as they looked for were the dark-haired wizard had hidden. It gave Hydrus the faint reminder of Uncle Vernon.

"It is entirely your fault that my family is now poorer. Not that it matters anymore, when you're dead, I'll reclaim what is my rightfully mine." Seeing where his opponent was Draco's jugular popped as he swung his wand and shouted, "Avada Kedavra!"

He ducked and fired the Entrail Spilling Curse back. Shite, he's playing for keeps.

The two fought viciously in that alley, Draco with self-righteous rage, and Hydrus in defense. The rage made Malfoy stupid, causing most of his curses to miss, and the immortal's studies made him the better opponent, his spells were accurate and Draco was soon a bleeding mess. It was too bad the blond man didn't fall. His anger must be keeping him standing, the young immortal thought as he ducked one more wildly cast spell.

Minutes passed with deadly curses being thrown from both sides. The alleyway was looking like a battle zone. Scorch marks were defacing the brick walls. Trash containers and debris were used as obstacles, causing them to explode; making it look like a whirlwind had passed through. Neither boy was backing down.

Then the dark-haired teen had a thought, he wanted to ask Death some questions about what had him so distracted that he was caught in this fight in the first place. So, maybe he should let the idiot strike him with the Killing Curse. With that in mind, he started taunting his childhood enemy.

"Poor little Draco, his family is losing money. You should be kissing my feet for making you and your father's dreams reality." He ducked another Dark spell and sent a non-deadly curse back; now that he waited the ferret to throw the Unforgivable his spells were less aggressive. "You and your kind now have everything they ever wanted. Aren't you afraid that rumors are true and I'm the new Dark Lord? Do you think you can kill someone as powerful as me?" he asked in a haughty voice, knowing that Malfoy would never believe him.

"You, a Dark Lord, don't make me laugh," the blond scoffed as he threw another curse.

Hydrus, seeing that it wasn't the Killing Curse, spelled a trash can in its path. He didn't want his body damaged.

"What's the matter, Malfoy, not powerful enough for more than one Killing Curse? Here, I'll even stand still long enough for you to try again," he mocked as he lowered his wand and came from behind the dumpster he was using as a shield.

Enraged at the derisions, Malfoy threw the curse and the young immortal fell. That scared Draco enough to flee the scene, coward that he was.

He was once again in the grey space; he called out to Death to come to him. The tall thin deathly pale man joined his Master. The two sat rigidly in conjured chairs. Death not wanting a Master and Hydrus knowing that the deity was limited on what he could say, neither one was comfortable. So, the conversation that followed was stilted.

"You wished to see me, Master?"

"Yeah, I wanted ask a few questions. Will you be able to answer them if I ask in the right way?"

"There is much I cannot tell you," was the vague reply.

"Right, so I'll just ask and you answer anything you can. I was going over the sums and have come to the conclusion that a new branch will start. Is this correct?" the dark-haired wizard asked.

"You are on the correct path."

"So, will all the deceased souls be copied over, or will they just leave this realm into the new one?"

"No one leaves my realm."

He nodded at that, it was one of his conclusions. "This isn't your realm?"

"No, this is simply a middle ground between the two."

"Wait, you told me this was the Land of the Dead," the young immortal accused.

"It is."

Giving up on that line of questioning, he asked, "If the Hallows follow me to the new path, then will they disappear or will there be doubles?" that was something that bugged the teen.

"They are the only Hallows."

The Master of Death was not sure how he felt about that, so he put it to the side to mull over later. "Can the control of the Hallows be transferred or taken away?"

"You are my Master."

"So, the horcruxes," he started, hoping to get a better answer this time, "can they be taken care of without destroying the container?"

A wicked grin crossed the other man's face, like Hydrus finally asked the right question. "Oh, yes, Master, you will find the book you need in your inventory. You would do well to read every book you own," he added the grin only widening at the groan that came from the young immortal.

"Right, that was all I wanted to know, for now. Can you send me back, please?" he asked as stood and waited for the deity to just that, thankful for the few answers he got.

Death also stood and said, "Until I see you again." He waved his arm and forced the soul to return to the body.

Hydrus gasped, sat up and looked around. He was still in the alley, thank Merlin. He made sure Draco was gone and there were no more threats around and then dropped his glamor. Picking himself up off the disgusting side street, he pulled down the ward and made his way home. He was glad Kreacher didn't see what had happened. The poor old elf might have died of shock. Going into Grimmauld Place, he settled in the study he wrote a letter to Hermione explaining his new theory and how he reached it. He called George with the same information and his conversation with Death. He invited the redhead to come and visit him as soon as he was able. George said he'd be over in a few hours.

George came when he said he would, and the two started reevaluating the research. Their answer was that a new branch would start and Hydrus wouldn't cause a paradox. Now they were going over plans to steal from the Pure-bloods. George commented that he should either get a new vow from Fletcher or Obliviate him. Not that the redhead didn't like Mundungus, he just knew the man would do anything for money. He said he'd think about it, the thief had outlived his usefulness anyway.

They decided that Hydrus should stay a few more years, to make sure that he had every bit of research done before he went back. There were things the young man was going to need to know and plan for. They had a huge debate on what to do with the people that the dark-haired wizard wanted to make sure were out of his life. They went back and forth for hours, not coming to any understanding. He made a promise that he would think about it carefully, and try not to let his emotions guide him. After that George had to leave.

After seeing his friend off, Hydrus relaxed with a good non-magical mystery novel. He would think about horcruxes, manipulative and vindictive people, and Death Eaters another time. He just wanted to unwind for the night.