As usual, results were handed over to us by our respective house heads, and like always, we scored like crazy. At this point, it wasn't even surprising. It was expected.
Professor McGonagall had grown especially close to me and Kathey over time. It was… almost like a grandmotherly bond. We would sometimes stay back after Transfiguration, not even for practice, just to spend time with her.
Funny thing actually, that we noticed, she's always shown as old.
But in reality?
She didn't look that old. Not really. There was sharpness in her face, strength in her posture. Age was there, yes, but so was presence.
And when we told her we were Animagi…
She was genuinely happy.
"Extraordinary. Truly extraordinary," she had said, her eyes gleaming with pride. "But I trust you both understand the responsibility that comes with such magic."
"We do, Professor," Kathey replied calmly.
McGonagall studied us for a moment longer.
Then nodded.
"I believe you do."
Victor and Elara had also made their place. Both of them were easily among the favorites of their respective house heads.
As for scores, Me and Kathey had mostly Outstanding with Distinction, or straight Outstanding. Elara and Victor's lowest was Exceeds Expectations.
That explained it that we weren't just good anymore. We were known as the powerhouses of Hogwarts. The day came, marking the end of our third year, and we stepped into a separate compartment on the train.
And instantly, which was not a surprise,
Victor and Elara dumped their luggage and went straight to sleep.
I blinked.
"Wow."
Kathey chuckled softly.
As usual, she stretched her legs and placed them on my lap, leaning back comfortably as we watched the scenery rush past outside.
This calmness and quiet peace at times is real good.
But that calm didn't last.
While still on the train, Kathey and I received a message—from Elizabeth.
We were now officially the youngest high-end business owners, and probably the richest in Europe.
I leaned back slightly, exhaling.
Of course.
My Magitex business with the messaging boards, was booming. Kathey's flying shoes, enchanted objects, and clothing? Even more.
Which meant one thing.
"Reporters," Kathey muttered.
I nodded.
"Crowds," I added.
"Chaos," she finished.
We didn't need to say more as we slumped back.
We immediately sent a message to Xeno and Arcturus to stay away from the station for a while, arrive later. We stood by the window.
And there they were, Reporters. Literally everywhere, all around the place searching for us. Kathey flicked her wand, casting a charm over the window, making it appear empty from the outside.
"Nice," I said.
She smirked. "Obviously."
I turned to Victor and Elara, shaking them lightly. "You two go first."
Victor groaned. "Already?"
"Yes. Move."
We said our quick goodbyes, and they left ahead of us.
And then, it was just us.
"I'll go from the right exit," I said. "You take the left." She nodded.
I moved toward the door, but she grabbed my arm and pulled me back , close to her.
Her fingers brushed against my collar, fixing it carefully.
"Kathey, we're gonna be late—"
She placed a finger on my lips.
"Shh. Calm down."
I stilled. She adjusted the collar properly this time, slower. Gentler.
"We're getting older… not those kids anymore, you know," she said softly. "And just like always—you're in a hurry."
A small pause. "I'm here, right?" Her eyes met mine. "Time is less, I get it. But don't rush everything. Do things with a little less aggression."
Another pause. "You're doing good, I'm proud of you." She looked at me with her purple eyes gleaming ,"And… thank you."
Before I could respond, she lifted herself slightly and kissed my left cheek.
Then turned , and left.
I stood there for a second.
Processing.
Damn.
"You gonna go or you're just gonna stand there?" she said to me looking back . I look back at her chuckling slightly.
Then moved and well, the escape was clean.
Notice-Me-Not charms, Disillusionment, a few Confundus spells on overly persistent reporters ,in other words, nothing flashy, just efficient.
By the time I reached Arcturus, I was already gone from everyone else's memory.
The next few weeks went smoothly after settling back in, Routine changed to and adjusted, But everything felt… bigger.
The business was going crazy.
The Consortium was thriving.
Verdant was officially recognized across the magical world, with multiple branches across Europe. Employees were bound through magical pacts, ensuring loyalty and stability.
And I made sure of one thing.
Jobs went to those who needed them, Unfairly homeless wizards with lots of skills, Muggleborn wizards without support.
Morlous was enjoying himself completely. He even joined a Potioneers' Union in Europe, spreading knowledge and expanding influence.
Elizabeth was doing exceptionally well managing finances. I found out she had a small family which had her husband and child who were doing well, and her kid would be joining Hogwarts in a few years.
That felt… right.
The Peverell and Lovegood businesses were among the highest-grossing shops in Diagon Alley now, with even wizarding celebrities sponsoring them.
"Heh," I muttered once, reading a paper, staying over at the Lovegoods for her Birthday. "Look at that."
Kathey glanced over my shoulder , "Let me guess… Lockhart?"
"Of course."
She rolled her eyes.
I had asked Elizabeth to put some money in the Prophet so that when the time came, I could manipulate the news.
Mackie, on the other hand, was handling S.P.I.R.E flawlessly. So I gave him real orders.
The game was about to begin.
"Start digging, Every dark wizard still roaming in Europe. Anyone connected to Voldemort. Inside or outside the continent." I sent a message. The idea was simple to break the system from within.
I knew where the Horcruxes were, knowing the canon by literally reading the books thousands of times had its advantages.
I ordered agents placed quietly inside Gringotts as guards, and near locations surrounding the other Horcruxes. While on that I also asked him to put agents in the Ministry.
When the time came, we would be ready.
"Sirius Black .I want everything." I sent another message. "And the Black sisters."
A pause.
"Ifpossible… see if Narcissa and Andromeda can be brought to our side."
Another pause.
"And find other families willing to join."
"Not with me as Leon Winters. It's time to bring Peverells in the game ."
A breath.
"As the Grey Faction."
I decided to meet each of my three gems personally. But first, I needed to learn Apparition. Kathey and I trained under Pandora and Arcturus.
A quiet meadow near the Lovegoods residence ofcourse. Their house was now a beautiful pale brown because of both the money from Kathey and her mother's job, she's also a consultant of law for both my Uncle and Amelia Bones now.
Pandora looked at Arcturus with wide eyes. "So?"
Arcturus sighed. "Yes, so kids—before we start, let me tell you, this is very dangerous—"
"Dad," I cut in, raising an eyebrow, "do you really think we need a warning?"
He stared at me, then sighed.
"Right. Never mind."
We trained for a week on short distances.
And if you're wondering whether the Ministry traced us for using so much magic. Hehe.
No.
We made sure of that, we had removed our traces wayy long back. It was actually a choice to have the trace.
Within two weeks, we mastered apparition, yep that was crazy.
Got permissions from our guardians under 'business purposes,' and went ahead to get out licenses.
Which was obviously a very big lie. I smirked.
"Honestly, fooling the Ministry is getting easier."
"Don't get cocky," Kathey muttered.
"Too late."
Victor and Elara? We didn't take them, we weren't that dumb. They weren't monsters in magic like us yet, and they agreed to learn in fifth year.
One fine evening, as I walked out of the mansion, Kathey's hand slipped into mine.
We were disguised as adults.
Me, with the appearance of Leon Kennedy.
Her, an older version of herself, black hair framing her face.
We were about to meet our three gems.
"So…" I said, glancing at her as we walked. "We a thing now?" We stopped. She looked at me.
Then leaned in and kissed my cheek.
"Need an answer?" I smirked. "It's a yes then." A faint blush.
"Why don't you move those lips here, eh?" I said, pointing lightly at my lips. She raised an eyebrow.
"Oi. Have patience. Not so quick." I scoffed. "You love teasing me, don't you?"
She grinned.
"Hell yeah, I do."
And then, with a loud pop,
We apparated.
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