Chapter 17 Bonding and Pranks

A few days before Valentine's Day, Lily approached the table Hydrus was sitting at. She had to wonder with all that was going on how the older man had time to eat here every day.

"Hello, Hydrus," she said as she joined him. "What are you going to be doing today?"

"Well, let's see, I have to see about the debit cards for the credit union and there are some applications for the museum that I have to go over. Arthur needs me to help with a trinket he's designing. Then I have to head to the Ministry to talk to Smeller about the non-magical Prime Minister, since I personally know him. Then I need to do some shopping, but I suppose that could be put off another day. It seems that I've got a pretty tight schedule today. Why do you ask?" he rattled off, putting up a finger for each item.

Now that he thought about it, it was a busy day like most of his days. It had been ages since he and the guys simply sat and killed pixel people. Then again, everyone was busy these days and had little time for games.

Sirius and James were still politicking and trying to get the old men in the Wizengamot to understand that if they didn't tighten the laws for everyone, including pure-bloods, then the Statute of Secrecies would be blown completely out of the water. That and they both had part-time jobs at the mall, so they could be part of the credit union. They would be able to give them up soon if they wanted, since it wasn't a rule that they had to maintain employment as long as they didn't go in the red.

Lily and Remus were busy with their bookstores, which were both doing major business. And Lily had Harry, though everyone helped her with him, making them all busy with the toddler. So Hydrus guessed he wasn't the only one run off his heels.

"I hate that you spread yourself so thin," she said, putting her hand on his and breaking him away from his thoughts. "Didn't you hire someone to look at the applications? Why do you have to talk to the Minister? Doesn't he have a portrait or something in the PM's office? I can see your point about the debit cards and the trinket though," she expressed her concern.

Hydrus hummed and took a sip of his pumpkin pie flavored latte. "You may be right, I should delegate more. I'm just used to busy days. I have no idea what I'd do with myself if I had time off." He shrugged and took another sip.

"You know I am. Relax a bit. You've been running around since I met you. First the war, now business. You need to take some down time," she stated firmly. "Besides, now that we are accepting pound sterling, business is booming. The debit cards would be bonus, but they aren't needed at this time. I'm sure you can put it off for later."

"I will, I promise. I'm glad that the Mall worked around the money issue. The credit union is better for it, since we don't have to do as much conversion," he added. "Now if we could only get the rest of the Alleys to do that."

"I'll believe it when I see it," she said doubtfully, and then got back to why she came over. "I have an idea, how about we go to the zoo, just you, me, James and Harry. One day, outside, just us four as a family. I can leave the girls in charge and James only works weekends and holidays, so we can take time to be a family for a day," Lily offered with a hopeful look in her green eyes.

"Wow, a family day. It's been awhile since I had one of those. Grace and I used to take Harry and his friends to the zoo and theme parks all the time. It would be nice to take a day and relax." He smiled at the fond memories. His memories of his past were dulling to nice, warm and fuzzy, like a comfy blanket, which made him more open to friendship in the now. He was actually looking forward to the movie.

"So how about Friday? It's two days before Valentine's Day, so the zoo will be mostly empty." She all but bounced in her seat at the thought. They had been cooped up for so long and it will be nice to just have a day to relax.

"I think I can handle that. Let me delegate some things and I'll make sure I have the whole day just for you guys." He offered and gave the woman a smile.

"Great, I'll let the girls know." She got up and headed to the counter to talk to Vicky and Colette with a skip in her steps.

Hydrus grinned and shook his head at her excitement. He finished his latte and went about his day. He did tell the person he hired to look at the applications that he wouldn't be available unless it was an object that had a Dark history. He reminded the young man that he trusted his judgment and so far he'd done a well enough job without him.

He gave Smeller all the knowledge he had on the PM and suggested that he get a phone and computer in his office for immediate communication. The new Minister thought that was a grand idea and started telling his secretary to set it up.

Arthur's trinket was quickly sorted and now all he had to do was figure out how to use the debit cards. He worked on them for hours, and he got the cards to work, but he needed a way to get them accepted in the stores. He figured he'd start with the mall and then if they were a success here, like the non-magical money was, he'd branch it out to the Alleys.

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February in London was biting cold, so the party bundled up and made use of warming charms. Harry was in his buggy and was excited to be outside. The poor tot had only been at the house and the daycare and he was getting restless. The adults were also suffering from lack of outdoor activities, but such is the price to pay when living where the winter was so cold. They all took Hydrus's Mercedes and made good time to the zoo, since traffic was sparse.

The zoo was empty-ish; there weren't many families willing to fight the freezing temperatures of London's winter and it was a weekday. So the Potters and Hydrus pretty much had the place to their selves. They took in the animals, which were mostly sitting under shelters and not really doing anything. They listened to the guides and learned how the inhabitants of the zoo fared in the winter. They made sure to get some hot cocoa and roasted chestnuts. Harry got the cocoa, but they decided he was a bit too young for nuts, but, Lily, always prepared, handed him a teething biscuit.

"Well this didn't work out like I wanted," Lily sighed as she looked around the empty zoo and was a bit upset that the animals weren't out to see.

"I have an idea, let's go to Trafalgar Square and watch them celebrate the Chinese New Year," Hydrus offered. He and Grace went many times in the past, future, whatever, and they always enjoyed the sights. The colorful decorations, the different music, the wonderful food and loud firecrackers always made for a good experience.

"What is the Chinese New Year? Didn't the New Year already pass?" James asked, confused. He was never one to venture outside the Wizarding World, since he mostly stuck to Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade.

"Well, they really didn't go by our calendar at one time, so they celebrate the New Year by their old one. It's only been in modern times that they now coincide with us," Hydrus explained as he led them out of the zoo. "I think this is the Year of the Dog," he added, rubbing his head. "Come on, they'll have books and stuff so you can read about it," he said at the confused looks, not wanting to explain the Chinese zodiac.

They headed for the gate and got in the car. Hydrus drove them close to the area that was roped off for the parade and activities. The many clashes of bright colors were vibrant and Lily and James looked around with awe. Harry clapped with glee at all the funny looking people in their colorful costumes. There were paper lanterns, ribbons of all colors, food stands and exhibits. The parade had just started and they got a good spot near the front. Hydrus picked Harry up, and put him on his shoulders so he could watch the floats go by. Thank Merlin for warming charms.

Little Harry squealed at the dragon float and clapped his little hands at the performers. When the parade was over and the acrobats and other performers started their shows, the family took time to watch each one and got some food, which Lily had to admit it was better than takeout.

Hydrus made sure to purchase some books on what the Chinese New Year was and how it was celebrated. They spent hours talking, laughing, eating and watching the shows. The firework display was awesome and lit up the whole sky with creative designs. It was a happy family that went home that night, tired, but content.

"We'll have to do that again next year. We'll take the uncles along; I think they'll enjoy that. Don't tell Sirius, but I got some of those fireworks. I want to surprise him," James said as he sat in his seat on the sofa.

Hydrus chuckled and told him about the awesome fireworks the Weasley twins had done in both timelines and the two men talked about them while the missus put down the tot.

Lily came down the stairs, after putting a very tired, yet bouncing Harry down for the night. It was earlier than his normal bedtime, and he would be up early in the morning, but he was half asleep when they got home.

"That was great fun, Hydrus. Thanks for suggesting it," she said, putting her feet on James lap. "We'll have to do the zoo in the summer."

"Not a problem, it was good to get out." He had settled in his chair and was content to be around the Potters without having to discuss anything but the day out. "I also know some theme parks that have kiddie rides, so if you want, we can do that as well. You're right Lily, I need to take more time off. I forget sometimes that we humans need breaks."

"Oh, theme parks," Lily let out a girlish squeal. "Oh, James we have to do that." she then proceeded to explain to the pure-blood wizard what a theme park was, with Hydrus adding descriptions of the ones from the future.

James nodded in all the right places, but to tell the truth, he was a bit lost. That and those rides sounded as bad as the cart rides in Gringotts.

"Hydrus, speaking of taking days off, I know you're a busy man, but do you want to go… what is it non-magical fathers and sons do… oh yeah, fishing or play golf or something," the younger man asked, after they sat silently for a while.

He had been thinking about it for a while. He and Hydrus never really bonded the way the older man and Lily had.

Hydrus lifted he eyebrow at that suggestion. It was an interesting idea, but to call it a father and son outing was strange. He was older than James.

"Not that you have to think of me as a father, but I'd like to get to know you better," James said quickly, not wanting the time traveler to think he was trying to replace the man who gave up his life for him.

"Well, I find fishing boring, but I'd love to teach you how to play golf," the immortal said. It would be nice to take more days off and get to know Harry's dad, perhaps it would give him insight on how his dad would be if he had lived, it might be fun. "Besides," he smiled warmly, "while I don't think of you as my dad, I do consider you family."

"I can do family," James nodded a bit disappointed but understanding.

The two Potters and Hydrus spent the rest of the day just bonding. Mostly over the good times they had at Hogwarts, since it was one of the few things they had in common, besides war, and they didn't want to bring down the day by talking about that.

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Valentine's Day came and the small group went to the movies. They watched Poltergeist, much to the entertainment of the men, not so much the women. They then went to a small café and had coffee and afters. They talked about the movie, and the girls said they didn't like it because it was just too unrealistic. Sirius and Hydrus had to concede the point, since they both knew Peeves.

Vicky and Hydrus decided to take a walk after their dessert. Sirius and Colette were happy to leave them to their own devices. If the sly looks and giggling were anything to go by, then they would be making their own entertainment.

"So, sorry, you didn't enjoy the movie," Hydrus said as he pushed his hands in his jacket pockets. They were taking in the sights as they walked the lamp lit streets of London.

"It's not so much that it was scary, it's just they got so many facts wrong," Vicky said, looking around, but not really paying attention to what she was seeing.

Some businesses were open, and others were closed. There was a tattoo parlor just off the side that seemed to be attracting a lot of young people. She never had the desire to get one, but always admired the art.

"I understand that, but for a non-magical movie it as still not bad," he argued, drawing her from her perusal.

Vicky shook her head; she had never been one to enjoy misinformation in the form of media. "I disagree; someone should tell them the truth. If it can be done without giving up the secret. Point, I've never seen a poltergeist that could possess anyone. Can you imagine if that were so? I've heard of your Peeves and find it quite scary to think of him possessing anyone." She gave a full body shudder.

"Right, I find that part funny, to tell the truth. I mean, they have some pretty wild ideas about what poltergeists are, how they're formed and what they can do." He chuckled internally at the image of Peeves possessing one of the Weasley twins, oh the havoc they would create. "It's only Hollywood, they never get anything right. Can you image if they did? We'd be hunted down by every government agency in the world."

"I guess," she said slowly at that. That was the fear of her family and she, for one, never wanted to wind up in a lab. The conversation trailed off for a few minutes. "So, do you think you're going to get your debit cards up and running soon?"

"I've almost got them going," he shrugged and searched for another topic. Just about anything he said could be taken as romantic. He wanted to talk about the scenery, but that could be misconstrued as a gesture of a romantic walk at midnight.

Vicky not liking the silence said, "There's something I have to tell you that I think will make you more comfortable with me." She hated the fact that this was so awkward; maybe if she told him the truth then he would be more open to her. Her parents were going to kill her, but she was three hundred years old, or so, and it was her secret to tell or not.

"Oh," was the inquiring reply. He looked her way and saw that she was serious.

"Yeah, let's grab a bench at the park and I'll let you in on a little secret," she said, pointing to a small park off to their right.

So, they walked to an open bench, threw up a silencing charm, sat quietly in the moonlight until Hydrus turned to her with a raised eyebrow.

"This is harder than I thought. I've kept this secret all my life," she said with a blush. Then she blurted out, "I'm immortal."

"How?" came the confused question. "I mean, I know you're not a vampire, like Colette. So how are you immortal?" he asked, almost hopeful that he would have a friend for a long time, maybe something more, later, but a friend for now.

"Well, I need a vow. Not for me, but for my family," she stated, looking him in the eyes and making him understand that it was important. She would never give up her family. Who knew what would happen if it were ever discovered that the Stone would help create immortals. Her parents were sought enough as it was.

"I can do that," he replied, completely understanding. He took a quick vow to not reveal anything they discussed since they sat on the bench.

"My name is Victoria Flamel," Vicky said, thankful for his vow. She searched his face for his reaction and only saw wonder.

"Oh, well, that explains it. Are you like your parents? I know for a fact they can die," he wondered, remembering them dying in his first timeline, but she said she was an immortal and the Flamels aren't.

"No, I'm a true immortal," she answered, pulling her hair away from her face. "My brother and I were born this way, which is why you needed to take the vow. There are many government agencies that would love to get their hands on us. I know all the secrets to looking like I've aged and creating a new life."

"If it makes you feel better, I'm a true immortal as well," Hydrus said softly, hoping to ease her tension.

"I know."

"How? I know no one told you, they'd be dead." He went over that thought in his head as to who would have told her. His first thought was Remus, but the quiet man didn't know Vicky well, so he ruled it out. Then he sighed and figured it was Lily, doing what women do. He would forgive her, but he didn't like the fact that someone had spilled his secrets.

"Lily," she said, confirming his suspicion. "But she didn't tell us who was immortal, just that she knew one. All she told my parents was that the immortal was male and that she knew him and wanted him to have a good life," was the kind reply. She looked at the man in front of her, hoping to stave off an explosion. "I thought I put together the clues rather well," she said trying to lighten the mood.

"Damn," Hydrus swore softly, now, he couldn't be mad, since she only had good intentions and technically didn't break the vow. He might have to reword that in the future.

"She is really worried about you," Vicky offered, putting her hand on his shoulder and giving it a squeeze.

"I guess I understand that," Hydrus conceded. She was a woman and a mum, after all. Now all he had to do was not lead this poor woman on. "Even though we are both immortal, I still feel this isn't the right time for romance, perhaps later, in a year or two. Like I said before, I can always use a friend." He patted the hand on his shoulder then gently removed it, after giving it a returning squeeze.

"I know, and we are friends. As long as you don't hold it against me that I will hope for something more in the future," she answered with a smile, she had the time and so did he.

"I won't," he said softly.

"Good. Until then, we can do these outings from time to time. Get to know each other better, and see where it goes later," she suggested quietly, making sure to keep her tone friendly and not hopeful.

"Yeah, I can do that. I had fun," he replied, fidgeting a bit. "Well, it is getting late; shall we find our wayward couple and head home?" he suggested, getting up from the bench and holding out his arm as if to escort her.

"Let's," Vicky answered with a small giggle as she put her hand in his elbow.

The two set off to find Sirius and Colette. They found them snogging on a bench not far from where they had been.

"Sirius, if you want a ride home, we're leaving now," the older Black stated as he kicked the younger Black's foot, getting the man's attention. He did wonder if Colette told Sirius about her vampirism. Oh, well, it was her secret to tell, unless she threatened him in anyway.

"Wh… huh? Oh, hey, yeah, let's go. If you drive me to my flat, I'll make sure that the lovely Colette makes it home," the younger Black stated, coming out of his dazed state. If he had to say anything, the woman in his arms was one hell of a kisser, like she had been practicing for a very long time.

"Come on, Romeo, let's get you home." And with that, the time traveler made sure everyone was secure for the night.

It had been a good evening.

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The Black Credit Union had been open for two weeks, when the goblins rebelled. They closed the doors to Gringotts and turned away all humans. The public took great offence to this and stormed the building; however, they couldn't get through the wards.

The Aurors were called, but they too were stuck outside the huge white building.

The goblins took up arms and stood outside the bank to repel any protestors. They didn't out and out attack anyone, but people were ready for them if they tried. Right now it was at a standstill, people couldn't get their money and the goblins didn't get their demands.

The rumors flew that there would be an all-out war, and people were arming themselves with spells used in the last rebellion. Smeller was calling for the Aurors to patrol the streets of the Alleys and he posted guards at the Marauders' Mall, just outside the wards.

The Times reported that there was a cessation at the moment, but to be wary. They did state that the goblins were quoted as saying that it was 'the opening of the Black Credit Union that made us shut our doors', but the article pointed out that Mr. Black had not broken the treaty, and it made an effort to make the public understand why monopolies were a bad thing. It was a really good article, and people were eating it up.

They had been raised with Binns as a history teacher after all, and those lessons showed that the goblins would rebel at any slight.

The Prophet blamed Hydrus for the uprising, stating that if he hadn't opened his 'bank' none of this would have happened, which was true, but the immortal didn't care what the rag said and it seemed the public was of the same opinion.

Three days later, Hydrus, after reading The Times, snuck down the Alley, under his Cloak, used his blast gun and dropped those formidable wards. Alarms sounded and the wizards converged on the surprised goblins and demanded they be let into their vaults, thus ending the rebellion before it really got started.

The goblins had to do some quick dealings to make sure Gringotts didn't get their doors closed forever. They added some interest for the vaults and gave discounts to the large ones. They did their best to make sure that they had something to offer. Some of the services that had fallen to the wayside, were once again brushed off and utilized. Like low interest loan offers, and heritage test. These were services that the Credit Union could not provide. At least not yet.

Many wizards decided since there had been no bloodshed then they would keep their gold there for now, though many others pulled theirs, just to be safe. No one liked the fact that this bank could just simply shut them out at the slightest transgression.

The Wizengamot made sure to send a committee to make another treaty, so that the goblins could be mollified. However, there would be no monopoly.

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No one had heard from Mrs. Black, and Hydrus was hoping she dropped dead from her wound. He did call upon the ghosts about Yaxley and found the man had died. When he called Yaxley's ghost to him, the ghost told him that he had been taken by surprise and had no idea who got him. This made the Master of Death very wary. If Walburga, or whoever she was working with, was starting on the lower cousins, that didn't bode well, especially since he was considered the lowest of the low.

He tried to call Crouch as well, but he wasn't dead. He also called Arcturus to see if Walburga was dying, but the ghost said he hadn't seen her.

Rita couldn't find Crouch, he simply disappeared. His wife passed away in the hospital, never once giving up her husband's location.

Tom Riddle faded away, much to everyone's relief. They celebrated long and hard that night, though the next day they realized that they still had to deal with Mrs. Black. And Hydrus was reminded that he still needed to let someone Light die, but he had no idea who or how. He'd fight to save anyone, it was in his nature.

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Weeks went by and Hydrus's new store opened. It was a potions/chemist shop with all of the modified potions he had brought back from the future. He was selling the Dark curse cream, Wolfsbane and many other ailment remedies. He made sure that St. Mungo's had the recipes and that they got discounts on the ingredients. He made quite a profit the first week he opened. He made sure his employees had medical backgrounds. Most of them were retired Healers.

At long last, they found a Muggle-born that could open a McDonald's, since he was still integrated with the non-magical world. Harry loved the happy meals, and James and Sirius were becoming addicted to the Big Macs. Remus on the other hand didn't touch any of the processed meat, liking his beef fresh. Lily was ecstatic that she could now get diet soda. It wasn't a big hit, at this time, but it was gaining business by the day. Hydrus was hopeful that all fast-food chains could be opened soon, so people had variety. He was looking forward to a fried chicken place.

Soon the movies would start production and theaters would be open in Diagon Alley, which wasn't the ghost town it had been in December. No, now the flats were full and entertainment places were open. The ice-skating rink and the arcade were big hits. The daycare was full to capacity and more and more mothers were taking jobs outside the home. The economy was rising each day.

Now Hydrus could relax a bit. He had done what he had come here to do. It was only Death's warning that he would be fighting for a long time that made him a bit down. He had taken up sparring with the Marauders, though Remus declined, stating that he was too strong for the other men.

So, every Monday, Wednesday and Friday the three men would take a two-hour break in the evening and try and beat each other to a pulp. It was actually very relaxing.

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It had been a nightmare the day that damn book hit the shelves. People came out of the woodwork, and no matter how much she protested they wouldn't let up. Lily's café was overrun with admirers demanding that she sign the book. She actually had to run from her own business, leaving Vicky and Colette to handle the crowd.

While it was good business, and sales went through the roof, the fact that she could get nothing done made her go home. When she got to the house and told the men what happened, it didn't help. Damn males and their warped sense of humor. They all laughed at her plight, until she hit each and every one of them about the head.

The story came out of nowhere, and no one expected it, though Hydrus really should have. It was called 'The Witch-Who-Vanquished and the Banshees'. The story went that Lily had gone to a village in Ireland and sang the banshees into leaving. The vengeful spirits ran from her beautiful voice and were gone in minutes. It was a stupid, incredibly silly children's story, but people seemed to believe it. Lily tried to sing for the masses to show she didn't have a lovely singing voice, but they waved it away.

"How did this happen?" the poor woman moaned the morning after the book came out, holding her head in her hands. "I thought we made sure that no one could do this. Isn't that what the solicitors are for?" she asked Hydrus, who was in charge of legal matters. She raised her head and glared at the mirthful look on his face.

They were all sitting in the living room of the Potters' cottage. The men were in their favorite seats, Lily was next to James, and Harry was playing with his giggling bunny in his playpen, which wasn't helping his mum's nerves. The men had been making fun of her all night and she was getting snappy at them.

Hydrus chuckled and said in a reassuring voice, "Don't worry, they're looking into it right now." He had been on the phone with them for hours the day before. They told him that they would sue the person who wrote it. He had made sure to tell them about Lockhart and his penance for making things up, since he knew Rita was on a leash, so to speak.

"Still, I have to face the public soon, and I don't want to fight off all those people who want autographs," the redhead complained.

Hydrus was still trying to hold back a full-blown fit of laughter. He knew that those people could be overbearing.

"Try and take it in stride," he offered, patting her hand. "It will blow over." He knew well enough that it only took a small bit from a reputable newspaper to calm the storm and he already had Skeeter investigating.

"Yeah, but…"

"Don't worry, Lily," James said with a smirk. "Sirius and I are already hunting down the author. Hydrus said it's probably that overgrown peacock Lockhart. We'll get him back if it is." He put an arm around her shoulder and tried to comfort her, but his chuckling negated the effort.

"This isn't funny," she snapped, slapping him on the chest and glaring at all the other men. "Hydrus, you should know how it feels," she turned on the immortal. "How can you be laughing?" she snarled.

"Oh, I do," he said, with a wave of his hand, and added, "but think of it this way, at least it wasn't bad."

"Right, there is that," she calmed a bit, remembering all the bad press Hydrus had when he was Harry. "Oh Merlin, the post is going to start up again," she moaned.

"We'll set it up like last time. Lily, you really have to calm down," James said, squeezing her shoulders.

"Right, right, calm," was the mumbled answer.

"Let's focus on something else," the time traveler said with a sadistic grin, rubbing his hands together and getting everyone's attention.

"I'm not sure I like that look in your eyes," the only woman stated, giving him the hairy eyeball. It was the same look the Marauders would get right before they got into mischief. She hated that look when she was Head Girl, it always meant trouble.

"Well, you are probably thinking on the right track," he said with a wicked grin. "I was thinking we could have some fun. I have some plans for Marge and Vernon Dursley."

"I thought you were going to leave the Dursleys alone," Sirius said questioningly.

"No, I'm going to leave Petunia and Dudley alone, but Marge and Vernon, well they are not nice people. I think we need to take them down a peg or two," Hydrus said.

He smirked and pulled some notes from his space. While he didn't do anything to Vernon in his last timeline, he had heard from his investigators that the man was still a bully and took his anger out on his co-workers. Dudley had actually grown into a good man, while Petunia never veered from a gossiping housewife. Marge was the sadistic bitch she always was, what she does to animals is cruel. He was glad he took her down early last time, and had no problem doing it again.

That made all three Marauders perk up, but Lily was still glaring, though it was taking her mind off that damn book.

"What did you have in mind? And is it illegal?" Remus asked, hoping this was not something that was going to cause trouble. Being a werewolf made him edgy about pranking non-magical people. If he was caught then it could be bad for him. While James and Sirius had stopped most of the more biased laws there were still some in the books, that and Crouch was still lurking about.

"Don't worry, it's not too illegal and we would only get in trouble if we're caught," the immortal waved his concern away. Though Muggle-baiting was still frowned upon, he had no intentions of actually hurting the two. He handed the notes to James, who looked them over and got a twinkle in his eyes. He then passed them to the other two men and they also got excited.

Vernon's punishment was easy. Marge's was going to take some planning. The four men put their heads together and came up with ideas. Lily huffed and stayed out of it, opting to take care of Harry instead.

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That afternoon they went to Vernon's place of work, dressed in fine non-magical suits, and stated they wanted to see the man. The secretary saw how they were kitted out and went to her boss' office. She told him some rich clients wanted to talk to him and he puffed up importantly and demanded they be shown in.

"What can I do for you fine gentlemen this afternoon?" the fat pompous man asked with a greedy glint in his eyes as he too took in their fine clothes. He would get a bonus if they bought drills from him. Then he could buy that vacation home in the Caribbean. His wife would be pleased by his evaluated of status.

"Oh, it's not what you can do for us, it's what we can do for you," Hydrus said whipping out his holly wand, waving it about the room, putting up a silencing charm and then pointing it at the man. "We're going to make you a nicer person."

"Oh my god, you're freaks!" the fat man bellowed rising from his chair. Petunia had told him all about her freaky sister. "Stacy," he tried to call his secretary.

"Sit down, fatso," Sirius said, taking his own wand out, they really only needed one, but they wanted to intimidate him before they did the spell.

Vernon thumped back in his chair, making it creak, and glared at them with eyes full of hate. "What do you want, freaks? I've done nothing to you," he demanded, very confused as to why he was being targeted.

"You're right, you haven't done anything to us, but we know you're a right bastard to the people you work with," James said, straightening up his tie and leaving his wand where is rested in the pocket of his black suit jacket.

"How could you possibly know that? What business is it of yours anyway?" the now sweating man asked.

"Well, we just don't like bullies," Hydrus offered with a shrug.

"Let's just get this over with," Remus stated, not wanting to be here for long.

"Right, Vernon Dursley, you are going to dream every night about the abuse you foist off on other people. You will feel how they felt, and you will understand that what you are doing is wrong," the immortal said with a knowing grin.

He then took his wand and cast the spell and changed the man's memories. He would remember offering a contract, but they decided to investigate other offers. Hydrus made sure there was no magical signature and he and Sirius tucked away their wands and smiled.

Mr. Dursley's face went lax, and then he grinned and said, "It was great doing business with you, gentlemen, and I hope you will find my offer is the best." He got up and shook all of their hands and gave them his card.

"Of course, Vernon, ole chap, we will make sure to get the best deal and yours is good," James said, slapping the man on the back, perhaps a little too hard.

The four men left. Hydrus would keep an eye on the man to make sure he changed his ways.

"So when are we going to get the sister?" Padfoot asked, bouncing down the stairs and out of the building.

"Oh, tonight I think," Hydrus said, grinning at the overly excited man. Sometimes Sirius was like an overgrown kid.

That night they snuck down Marge's street. They went to her house and gently opened the gate. The dogs started barking and they let them, hoping to wake up the vile woman. They cast a silencing charm as to not wake the neighbors.

Lights went on in the house and Marge was yelling at the dogs. "Shut up, you mangy beasts, I already have complaints! Why can't you be like my dear Ripper!?" she bellowed from the window. Then she saw the four men and started screaming at them. "Intruders! I have a gun!" she threatened and disappeared from the window.

"Everyone, get into place," Hydrus said and they dispersed. The immortal went to the door and stood to the side. James and Remus went to the pens and started casting. Sirius changed into Padfoot and hid behind a tree.

When she came running out the door with a rolling pin, Hydrus grabbed the weapon and kicked her large arse, making her stumble into the back yard.

That was when Padfoot appeared and started snipping at her, making sure to only get her clothes.

The fat woman ran to the nearest tree, jumped and tried to grab a branch, but she couldn't jump high enough. She ran around the tree screaming for Ripper to come and help her.

The little dog came from the house, took one look at Padfoot, whimpered and hightailed it back inside, tail tucked between his legs.

James and Remus were casting sterilization charms on pens and making sure it was anchored to the kennels and the fence surrounding the house. As long as this woman used these pens she would never breed dogs again. When they were done, they called Padfoot, took down the silencing charm and the four men quickly left, leaving a panting Marge behind. They had used the poly-watches so she would never be able to identify them.

The dogs were still barking and the lights started appearing from the other house. They all got under invisibility cloaks until they were out of sight.

"Won't she kill the dogs, when they don't breed?" Remus asked as he handed his watch back to Hydrus, worried about the canines.

"We'll call the RSPCA… Royal Society for the prevention of Cruelty to Animals," he said at the confused looks. "Anyway, I'll call them and tell them that we heard her threaten to do that. Since the charm is on the house they will be okay once they are rescued," Hydrus said, already going to a phone booth to put in the complaint. He just hoped they did investigate; he'd have his detectives keep an eye on her as well.