Chapter VIII: Meetings

In the next two weeks, eight new members joined The Shadow and Fire, surprisingly two of them are purebloods Fabian and Gideon Prewett. They are the first pureblood members to join apart from Charlus Potter. In these two weeks, Zachary Perkins ran a basic training course which was overseen by Charlus and Harry. Meanwhile, Harry worked on creating charmed bracelets which will protect the members from mind attacks and to act as a warning device if a member is in distress.

—--

Bellatrix Black was woken up by a tapping sound. It was coming from the window of her room at Grimmauld place. She saw the Black family owl perched on the window sill. With a frown in her face, she opened the window. The majestic owl waited until she removed the letter from its legs. Then it flew away. The letter was sealed with the Black family crest. It was from the Black family patriarch. She unsealed the letter.

Bellatrix,

I expect you at Blackwood Manor by eleven.

Lord Arcturus Black

Bellatrix folded the parchment, her thoughts racing. Why did her grandfather summon her to the Blackwood Manor? It’s been twenty five days since the attack in muggle pub. Is this related to that incident, she wondered. The letter did not explain why, it had commanded.

She had spent the past three weeks throwing her into training, sharpening her skills, learning new deadly spells, improving her occlumency by daily occlumency exercises.

Precisely at eleven o clock, Bellatrix apparated to the gates of Blackwood Manor. The gates creaked open as if it was expecting her.

A few minutes before eleven o'clock, Bellatrix apparated to the gates of Blackwood Manor. The gates creaked open without a word. She was greeted by the house elf at the entrance. The elf bowed deeply. “Mistress Bellatrix, Lord Black awaits you in the drawing room.”

Bellatrix nodded and she walked towards the drawing room. As a kid, she had spent a lot of time in this Manor. Her grandfather was sitting in his chair, sipping tea. She waited patiently for him to acknowledge her presence.

Arcturus gestured to her to sit after a few moments. She smoothed her robes and sat in a chair opposite to him.

Arcturus looked at her sharply and asked "How are you coping?"

"I'm coping well, Grandfather."

"I am not asking for pleasantries, Bella. Tell me the truth." He said, maintaining his gaze.

After a few seconds, Bellatrix responded “I am angry and I am ashamed, grandfather. I want to make sure it can never happen again. I want to become strong.” She said with conviction.

"Good" He leaned forward slightly and set his teacup down on the table. "I understand you have been training at Number 12"

Her eyes widened slightly. "How did you…"

"I want to see your progress," he interrupted.

After a few seconds, he continued “Let us duel”

Bellatrix hesitated, she was confident in her skills and training. But her grandfather was feared by even the best duellers.

"Are you afraid?" Arcturus asked.

"No," she answered immediately.

"Then follow me." Both of them walked towards the duelling hall.

The duelling hall of Blackwood Manor was vast, it had high ceilings. The stone walls were reinforced with both mortar and protective wards. The walls were built specifically to withstand powerful and destructive spells.

Arcturus strode to the far end of the hall and drew his wand. Bellatrix did the same.

"You will not hold back," Arcturus instructed.

Bellatrix nodded. Her heart raced.

Arcturus flicked his wand. A silver spell shot into the air towards Bellatrix.

Bellatrix rolled to the side. The silver spell shattered the floor exactly where she stood.

"Confringo!" Bellatrix retaliated.

Arcturus flicked away the spell.

Bellatrix pressed forward, her wand moving in a blur. "Stupefy! Expulso! Reducto!" She cast each spell with precision, but Arcturus either dodged or countered every single spell.

Bellatrix was frustrated. Arcturus was toying with her,

She feinted left, and then she flicked her wand sharply. "Flamma caerulea!". A jet of blue flames shot from her wand towards Arcturus.

For the first time since the duel started, Arcturus was mildly impressed. It takes a lot of power and skill to handle the unholy flames with such precision. He sidestepped the flames at the last second, he could feel the scorching heat of the flames.

Bellatrix was sent flying across the hall by a wide area blast sent from Arcturus wand. Just as she hit the ground, her wand went spinning towards Arcturus with a simple disarming hex. The impact knocked the wind out of her.

Arcturus walked towards her. "You have come a long way, Bella."

Bellatrix muttered weakly "I lost."

"Yes, you did lose." he said, "And that is why you will continue to improve."

Arcturus extended a hand and Bellatrix took it. He pulled her up to her feet.

"You have raw power. But you do not have the refinement necessary. You will easily overpower weak opponents. That will not work against powerful opponents."

Bellatrix straightened up. "Then teach me," she said firmly.

"I was hoping you would say that." Arcturus said as a slow smirk crossed his face.

Arcturus gestured towards the door at the end of the hall. "The Blackwood Manor library is now open to you. Usually, only Lord Black and the heir will have access to it, I am giving you special permission to access the tomes in the library as long as the tomes do not leave the library."

Bellatrix’s breath caught in her throat. She now has access to the main library of the Black family.

She bowed her head respectfully. "Thank you, Grandfather. I will not waste this opportunity."

"See that you don’t."

Bellatrix stepped out of Blackwood Manor and she apparated back to Number 12 Grimmauld Place.

—--

The evening sun shone with a murky glow. The air above the uneven streets of Knockturn Alley was thick with the scent of damp stone and improper drainage system. Shadows moved in the corners of Harry’s vision. Most of the people here walked wrapped in their cloaks and faces hidden by their hood. Knockturn Alley is not a place where socialization happens in the streets.

Harry walked with purpose, he made his way towards the apothecary run by Priya Threadwell. He need to replenish his stock of potion ingredients, certain potion components cannot be obtained in Diagon Alley or through other legal channels.

A small bell jungled as he opened the door. The interior was dimly lit, it makes sense as many potion ingredients lose their potency when exposed to bright light. The shelves of the apothecary were stacked with jars of well preserved animal parts, dried herbs and phials of different sizes filled with liquids most of which Harry did not recognize.

“Welcome back, Mr. Peverell!” Priya Threadwell greeted with a warm smile. Priya was a short woman, she had her hair tied up in a loose bun. Even though she looked harmless, Harry knew otherwise. He is not one to be fooled by appearances.

“The pleasure is mine, Madam,” Harry replied and he placed a folded parchment on the counter.

Priya unfolded the paper, and let her dark eyes scan it. “Hmm… An interesting list,” she murmured. After a few moments, she tapped a finger against the parchment. “Dried Nundu spikes will take some time to procure. All the other ingredients will be ready in two days. I’ll put out feelers with my suppliers for the spikes, it shouldn’t take more than a week.”

Harry inclined his head appreciatively. He knew for sure that some of the ingredients on that list would have gotten him thrown out of any reputable apothecary in Diagon Alley. But in Knockturn Alley no one asked questions.

“I’ll be back in two days,” Harry said, tucking away his coin pouch. He turned to leave, already thinking about his next destination.

---

The Spiny Serpent was the most active pub in Knockturn Alley. It is the only place where people socialised openly in Knockturn Alley, though they are wary of outsiders. The small wooden door of the pub was nondescript, save for a large black iron knocker shaped like a serpent. The door was kept locked at all times, the door will only open for known customers. New customers will need reference.

Harry rapped the door with the knocker twice and he stepped back. A moment later the door opened. The dim interior bathed in the glow of enchanted lanterns. Harry thought the lanterns could be a little bit brighter. It would definitely liven the place up. Inside, a mix of people occupied the tables, there were vampires cloaked in shadowy glamour, werewolves talking loudly sitting around a round table, hags cackling amongst themselves, and even a few goblins.

A stocky man with gray-flecked hair and sharp yellow eyes nodded at Harry from behind the bar. “Back so soon, Peverell?”

Harry smirked. “It’s a long day Colton, I need to wind down.”

Colton Blackwood was a former Hit Wizard who had become disillusioned with how the Ministry treated the residents of Knockturn Alley and other dwellings mostly populated by non-wizard magical beings. Now he’s the proud owner of The Spiny Serpent. Harry was introduced to Colton by Zachary Perkins.

“Drink?” Colton asked.

“Just firewhisky,” Harry replied as he settled onto a stool at the bar. Colton poured a glass of firewhisky and slid it over. Harry took a slow sip.

A few tables away, a trio of werewolves were in deep conversation. One of them, a lanky man with scars running down his neck, glanced in Harry’s direction with suspicion, they stared at each other for a few moments before he looked away. Harry could feel his animagus instincts stirring to assert dominance and tear apart the wolf who dared to meet his eyes.

Harry wrestled back the primal instincts of his animagus form. It’s been more than a year since Harry had transformed. Close proximity with Vampires and Werewolves always tend to trigger the instincts of his form.

Harry wondered if the wolves could sense his form or they were merely suspicious of a supposed pureblood Lord spending time openly in Knockturn alley. Usually pureblood lords are more discreet and do not want their business in Knockturn alley known. As he was pondering this, he noticed a hag walking towards him. It was Agatha, the loud mouthed hag who had become quite friendly with him.

Agatha grinned at him with jagged, yellowed teeth. “Peverell, what trouble have you gotten yourself into this week” she rasped as she sat in the chair next to him.

Harry smiled. “Nothing interesting, unfortunately Agatha,”

The hag looked at him for a moment, “Nothing interesting he says” she said and started cackling maniacally. Harry sighed and wandlessly and wordlessly cast a privacy charm.

Agatha sensed the privacy charm going up, she continued. “Your activities in the alley have been gathering attention from wrong places. You should be careful.”

“That's expected.” Harry replied, his face losing some of the earlier ease, he continued “I can handle it. But I need your help with something else.”

Agatha looked at him curiously before continuing “What help does the powerful Lord need from poor old Agatha!”

Harry ignored her cheeky reply and got straight to the point. “I need healing potions and the services of a healer. It has to be very discreet.”

Agatha blinked in surprise and replied in a serious tone. “I can introduce you to Agrifa in a few days, she’s a hag who heals with nature magic.” She expected Peverell to dismiss the idea, most wizards do not trust or underestimate non wizard healers.

“That would be perfect Agatha” Harry replied with a smile. Harry knew the power of nature magic when it comes to healing. He thanked Agatha, paid for both their drinks and made his way out.

Agatha watched him leave, a knowing smile playing on her lips. She had been waiting for this wizard for a long time. More than half a century had passed since she first saw Harry in a vision. Two weeks ago when she met Harry in person, she had realized he was the one from her visions. She had subtly integrated herself into his orbit to ensure their paths remained entwined. She would help him change the future not just for wizards but for hags and other magical beings.

At the same time, another hooded wizard exited the pub, blue eyes glinting beneath his cloak. He will report the activities of Peverell to his Lord.

—--

Harry apparated to Hogsmeade for his meeting with Albus Dumbledore. He had initially planned to meet him more than 10 days back. But Harry was busy with TSAF activities and his foray into Knockturn Alley.

Harry stepped into the Hogs Head Inn. The Inn had a lingering smell of stale ale and damp wood. It was better than his last visit. The lighting was a lot better than The Spiny Serpent. His eyes scanned the room. The people here were more social and a little more rowdy than the other pub he had visited earlier in the day.

Aberforth Dumbledore, the bartender, was wiping a table with a dirty rag.

Harry noticed Albus Dumbledore. He was sitting in a corner. Perfect place to have a private conversation. He sat with patience, his eyes met Harry’s gaze. It was twinkling even in the dim light.

After all his travels around the world, Harry learnt a lot of things, but he never learned how to make his eyes twinkle like the Headmasters eye did.

Harry walked towards the table Dumbledore was sitting.

"Please have a seat Mr Peverell" Albus Dumbledore said warmly.

Harry inclined his slightly in acknowledgment. He pulled out the chair and sat down. The old wood creaked beneath him as he sat.

"Care for a lemon sherbet?" Dumbledore offered.

Harry eyed the small tin in Dumbledore’s hand for a moment, then he took one. Before putting it in his mouth, he wandlessly cast a detection spell he had learned in Nalanda.

Across the table, Albus’s eyes twitched slightly. It was almost imperceptible. He had felt the magic, but he said nothing. His smile never wavered as if nothing had happened.

Harry noticed the barely noticeable reaction, but he too pretended to not notice. He popped the lemon sherbet in his mouth. The sweet dissolved in his mouth giving a citrussy sweet flavour. Both of them sat in silence for a few moments.

Dumbledore broke the silence. “Thank you for meeting me Mr. Peverell”

“It's not a bother Chief Warlock. I want to thank you for your actions in my trial.” Harry responded.

Dumbledore nodded and continued, “It's just my job, but it was a devastating affair. Eight dead.”

"I did what was necessary," Harry replied, keeping his face even.

"If you don’t mind me asking," Dumbledore continued, with a slight hesitation. "What is your stance on blood purity?"

Harry leaned back. Harry had expected Dumbledore to dance around this topic. The direct question surprised him. “Anyone who believes in blood purity are either charlatans desperate to maintain the status quo that gives them undeserved benefits or they are plain stupid.” Harry replied with an icy tone.

Dumbledore was taken aback by his words and tone.

Harry continued, “My best friend was a muggle born witch, she was one of the most brilliant witches of our generation.” Harry’s throat tightened slightly as the memories of Hermione surfaced. The way she pushed him and Ron to improve themselves. The way her face would brighten up when she figured out something difficult. His eyes became moist. He pushed the memories down and controlled his emotions.

Dumbledore noted the slight shift in Harry’s voice and the change in his eyes. But he did not comment. Instead he replied with an approving tone “A commendable perspective!”

Harry exhaled slowly and continued, "I assume you didn’t just meet to discuss my views on blood purity.”

Dumbledore smiled slightly. "As Chief Warlock, it is my duty to introduce myself to any new Lord in the Wizengamot."

Harry nodded "Fair enough."

Dumbledore tilted his head and asked "Are you employed anywhere?"

Harry shrugged. "I am currently looking for a job."

Dumbledore’s eyes gleamed. "I may have an offer for you”

Harry narrowed his eyes slightly.

“The Defence Against the Dark Arts position is currently vacant.” Dumbledore continued. "I have no doubts about your practical skills for the job. But a teaching job at Hogwarts requires more than just field expertise. Do you have any formal qualifications?"

Harry smirked. "I have 10 OWLs and 9 NEWTs, Outstanding in eight OWLs and eight NEWTs. Outstanding in both Defence Against the Dark Arts OWL and NEWT."

Dumbledore’s eyebrows rose. He was impressed. “That is more than sufficient for the job. Pending verification with the Wizarding Examination Authority, you got the job. That is, if you want it.”

Harry considered it. Hogwarts is the largest recruitment base of Death Eaters. This is a chance for him to disrupt it. He could train an entire generation to fight back against terrorists and never cower to them.

His experience with the DA too gave him confidence.

"I accept," Harry said firmly.

Dumbledore beamed. "Excellent Mr Peverell! You will need to submit the list of DADA textbooks for all levels within the next few days."

Harry nodded. "I’ll have it ready in two days."

Dumbledore rose from his chair. "Then I shall take my leave. It was a pleasure speaking with you, Professor Peverell."

Harry let out a soft chuckle at the title as Dumbledore turned and made out of the inn.