So Harry got up and took a seat on the sofa and listened to his oldest uncle explain why there were words that sounded the same but meant different things. Even with the small words his uncle used, he still didn't quite grasp it and decided that it was just one of those things he would never understand.
The next day Hydrus received a call from his lawyer, who stated he needed to come in and sign some paperwork on one of his patents. He made the appointment and was hemming and hawing on whether or not to go in disguise. He had many resources to do so. He would need to remove the disguise when he got to the solicitors' office. One of his watches would be his best bet. Having decided on that course of action he went to bed.
The next morning after letting everyone know about his appointment, he put on one of the watches and morphed into a different face. He Apparated from his room, not wanting Harry to see his disguise and ask questions, to the Alley and started walking down the street, when he heard the disembodied voice say, "I know who you are." Glancing around, he hurried on his way. Nothing further happened by the time he got to his destination. Taking off his watch he went inside.
The new patent was on the microwave, he had hoped to get it out by Christmas, but the paperwork held up production. After all the papers were signed, he left the office, not bothering to put on his watch, since whoever it was knew he was there anyway. He decided to check in on his stores and visited the appliance shop first. He let Mr. Parker know that he could start selling the microwaves and the man was ecstatic. Hydrus then went to Fun For All and talked to Ellie. As he was leaving the shop he was waylaid by the Headmaster.
"Hydrus, my boy," the old man greeted him. "I am so glad I had the fortune to run into you. I am getting the group of old friends together and was wondering if you had the chance to talk to your cousin about joining us."
"I did get time to talk to Sirius, however, I don't think that I have time in my busy schedule to join your 'friends'," the immortal said, still looking around the room for anyone who looked suspicious.
"You seem jumpy, my boy. Is there anything you wish to talk about?" Dumbledore asked as he noted the flitting eyes.
"That's very kind of you, Headmaster, but, no. I'm just making sure there is no one out to destroy my merchandise," Hydrus said, quickly thinking of a reason he would be so tense.
"Yes, I did hear of that," Dumbledore said with a sad note, stroking his beard. "It is such a shame that people are upset on the wonders of your orphanage. I, for one, am very thankful that you have given these children a chance on living a good life. I know of two of my very dear friends that have had to utilize Barkley's." He hesitated and then added. "It was my political clout that started them in the other countries. All I had to do was put in the word that it would boost the morale of the general public and the leaders agreed. I hope you do not think I overstepped my bounds," Albus said, playing down how hard he really had to work with the ICW to get them running and very much hoping he had not offended the young man in front of him.
"No, not at all, Headmaster. That was good thinking on your part," he said honestly. He had wondered how that happened. While he was the silent partner in opening the electronic stores abroad, for a profit, he never had the political pull to talk to foreign governments. Sirius had tried, but the Black family name was mostly British based.
The Headmaster sighed with relief and tried once again to talk the young man into joining the Order. "It is with a heavy heart that I need to call my old friends together. Alas, with the happenings in the Alley, what with the words in the sky, so much like the Dark Mark, that I feel we need to come up with a strategy to stop whoever is plaguing Diagon Alley," he said with a touch of remorse in his voice. He was sure it was Tom playing mind games with him.
"I'm not sure I agree with you, Headmaster. It seems like a giant prank to me," he said with a smile. He knew what the old man was thinking. "No one has been hurt so I don't think it is the work of Dark Forces."
"Nevertheless, it would not hurt to be prepared," Albus argued with a twinkle in his eyes, he liked a good rebuttal. Too many people just agreed with him and never showed their true thoughts.
"I will give you that, but, I don't agree. Therefore, I don't feel I'd be of any help," the immortal said with a shrug as he gave the store one more look over.
"If you change your mind, feel free to contact me or Sirius and let us know," Dumbledore said, patting the young man on the shoulder.
"I will," was the only answer.
"Good day to you, young Hydrus, and may your profits be high," the old man said jovially, and wandered to the prank annex.
Hydrus just shook his head and smiled at the old man's antics. Taking one more look around he made for the doors. He was just to the Apparation point when he was hit on the back of the head. As he blacked out he caught sight of light blonde hair. Maybe it was Narcissa after all, were his thoughts as he fell.
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