.-.
In one of Hogwarts' towers, there was a wide circular room, illuminated by numerous windows and decorated with portraits of former headmasters. A large library lined the walls, and several cabinets housed all sorts of magical devices. This place was none other than the headmaster's office.
Seated in the main chair was Albus Dumbledore.
The students had just boarded the train, so he took a moment to reflect in the quiet of his office.
Dumbledore was considered one of the most powerful wizards in the world, admired not only for his strength but also for his vast knowledge and wisdom in the art of magic. His growing fame, backed by distinguished achievements and political positions he had held over the years, made him a figure of great influence. The most recent of those achievements had been his fight against the dark wizard Lord Voldemort.
His life, long and marked by ups and downs, had led him to direct the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. As one of the most prominent wizards of the present and with considerable influence in magical Britain, he enjoyed prestige and admiration. A staunch defender of the path of light, he had nevertheless resorted at times to questionable methods and committed acts he was not proud of, justifying them in the name of a greater good.
He could not be considered an evil man, but he was certainly someone willing to do whatever was necessary to achieve his goals. His great foresight and cunning made him a calculating strategist, and his power allowed him to act directly on his plans. He was Voldemort's great enemy, having defeated him on several occasions before his final fall at the hands of the Potters. And even now, his intrigues continued.
On his desk, a cup of tea released a faint steam. While unwrapping a candy, he pondered the recent events.
'That boy, Extimum… he's a complicated and dangerous variable. I must be careful with his actions. He is very skilled for his age, but he's gotten too close to Harry. I worry he might cause unexpected changes…
The most intriguing thing is that, despite being polite, he remains overly cautious in my presence. He hasn't given me the opportunity to probe into him, as if he suspects me.
I just hope that, like his family, he chooses to watch from the sidelines… or, in the best case, decides to support my plans. The stone I gave him can already count as a small connection.'
Many things were stirring in the magical world. The underground currents did not stop, and danger lurked around every corner. But Dumbledore had his own plans.
Whether to prevent Voldemort's resurrection or to eliminate him entirely, the board was full of variables and unknowns. He would have to move cautiously.
Most important of all was, without a doubt, securing the future of the boy of the prophecy, giving him a solid upbringing and preparing him for his apotheosis.
.-.
King's Cross Station.
Upon arriving at the station, the students stepped off the train and began to scatter in search of their families.
Extimum got off after a while. He was perhaps one of the students with the least visible luggage. Ever since he had acquired his expandable bag, he had gotten rid of the traditional trunks—far too cumbersome for his taste.
Although his bag could not hold as much as a trunk, a simple Shrinking Charm solved that problem… with the risk, of course, of losing something if one wasn't careful. In any case, it was a temporary solution: as soon as he learned more enchantments and runes, he planned to create a much larger and more comfortable storage tool.
The trip from Hogwarts to London had felt somewhat long. He spent most of it sleeping, but also took the time to chat with his friends and say goodbye—especially to those he wouldn't see for a long time, like Tonks.
It was already 6:00 p.m.
Not long after, another boy stepped down from the same carriage: Draco Malfoy.
Draco: "Hey, Extimum, would you like to meet my father? He's a great admirer of your family." He spoke with evident enthusiasm, eager to introduce his new friend and receive praise.
Extimum: "If it's just meeting him, that's fine. But I'm afraid that, if he wishes to see any member of my family, it will be difficult. Usually, only my house-elf comes; you know, they're busy with many matters."
Draco: "Mmm, I don't think he'll mind much, as long as he can meet you."
Extimum had seen Lucius Malfoy on other occasions, but they had never spoken directly.
Extimum: "Then let's go."
As they were about to leave, Harry, Ron, and Hermione stepped off the train.
Ron: "Extimum, want to come meet my family? Oh… you're with Draco…"
Draco: "You're late, Weasley. Extimum has already agreed to meet my father."
Extimum: "If you're not leaving too soon, I'll go after greeting Draco's family."
Draco smiled and triumphantly led Extimum to a couple who were keeping some distance from the bustle, exchanging only a few glances with acquaintances.
The first was a tall man with blond hair and grey eyes. His mane reached his shoulders, and his fair skin matched an aristocratic bearing. He wore old-fashioned, elegant clothes, and his haughty gaze revealed a palpable arrogance—a common sin among pure-blood wizards. This was Lucius Malfoy.
At his side stood a tall, slender woman with pale skin, blond hair, and blue eyes. Her refined beauty and impeccable posture projected the same proud elegance as her husband. She was Narcissa Malfoy.
The couple watched them approach: Narcissa gave Extimum a brief glance after first looking at her son.
Lucius: "It's good to have you back safe and sound, Draco… and you even brought a friend." He spoke as Draco went to hug his mother.
Draco: "That's right, Father. This is Extimum Enoch, the one I told you about before."
Lucius nodded and extended his hand.
Lucius: "I'm Lucius Malfoy. A pleasure to meet the Enoch heir."
Keeping the formality, Extimum shook his hand with just enough strength to convey confidence.
Extimum: "The pleasure is mine, Mr. and Mrs. Malfoy."
Narcissa: "I'm glad Draco has made new friends. You're also in Slytherin, I presume?" she asked in a cordial tone, though her expression remained cool.
Extimum: "The Sorting Hat was enthusiastic about that idea, but since my inclination is mainly toward the pursuit of knowledge, it decided to place me in Ravenclaw. However, I maintain good relations with Slytherin; my friendship with Draco is proof of that."
He chose his words carefully: with blood supremacists, it was unwise to show weakness or open sympathy toward Muggle-borns or blood traitors.
Of course, a little research might reveal a different story, but that was another matter—especially considering his family.
Narcissa: "That's a shame, but being in Ravenclaw is also acceptable. I expect to see great achievements from you."
Lucius: "Won't your father be coming to pick you up? It would be pleasant to bring our families closer."
Extimum: "I'm afraid not. My father is a very busy man, so it's unlikely he would grace us with his presence today."
Lucius did not insist, though he took the opportunity to extend an invitation.
Lucius: "In that case, I hope we'll have the honour of receiving you in our home in the future."
Extimum: "I appreciate it, though I may be travelling abroad soon. But I'll make sure to visit when the time is right."
Narcissa: "Then we'll look forward to your visit," she said with a slight nod before leaving with her husband.
As they walked away, Draco commented in a low voice:
Draco: "You don't have to feel obliged if you can't. We'll see each other later anyway." He then followed them.
With his impassive expression and a faint cordial smile, Extimum said his goodbyes and headed back, meeting along the way a large family of redheads.
???: "Ah, you must be Extimum. What a fine young man! You look a lot like your father," said a middle-aged man before he could introduce himself.
???: "Arthur, introduce yourself first. Hello, dear, I'm Molly Weasley, Ronald's mother," added the woman beside him.
Arthur: "Hahaha, forgive my manners. I'm Arthur Weasley, Ron's father. Ron? Where are you?"
???: "He went to say goodbye to Hermione with Harry," answered a girl who seemed a year younger than Extimum, hiding behind Charlie Weasley.
In the group were, besides Arthur and Molly, Charlie, Ginny, Percy, Fred, and George.
Arthur: "Ah, he'll be here soon."
Extimum: "It's a pleasure to meet you. Are you acquainted with my father?"
Arthur: "Oh, well… I wouldn't say we're close, but I've spoken to him lately about Ministry matters, and I can see you share his… expressiveness."
Molly: "Come now, dear, don't bore him with that. Extimum must hear enough about the Wizengamot at home."
Ron: "Mum, Dad! Oh, Extimum, you've already met my parents." Ron had returned along with Harry.
Extimum: "Yes, a truly delightful family indeed."
…
After chatting a bit more with everyone, the Weasley family said their goodbyes, leaving him alone with Harry.
Extimum could call Bob at any moment, or the elf would come to fetch him when the time came. So, in truth, only Harry remained.
Both of them watched the view of the Muggle city from the station's exit.
Extimum: "They haven't arrived for you yet?"
Harry: "Yeah… they're coming from a bit far," he replied, though Extimum immediately detected the lie.
He knew the Dursleys only came for him reluctantly and took their time.
Extimum: "Tell me, Harry… if you could choose, would you stay with them?"
Harry: "Of course not, they…" he began, but his spirits faltered, and he fell silent.
Extimum: "You don't have to tell me if you don't want to. On another note… I have a proposal."
Harry: "What is it?"
Extimum: "What if I had a way to make your stay more comfortable? I'd just have to do a few things… and you keep it a secret. We could improve your situation."
Harry: "Really?" he asked with surprise and doubt.
Extimum: "If that's what you want."
Harry: "Yes, but… nothing bad will happen to them, right?"
Extimum: "No, that won't be necessary… unless you wish it."
Harry: "No, no, they're my family after all."
Extimum said no more. He stood up, took out his wand, and pointed it at Harry, which alarmed the boy.
"Truci cursu". A dark light sprang from the tip of his wand and attached itself to Harry's shadow.
Harry: "Nothing… happened? What did you do?" he asked, opening his eyes after shutting them reflexively.
Extimum: "Although I said I'd help you, I can't do it right now. Well… looks like they've arrived for you. I'll visit you in the morning. Bob!"
He took a few steps back and called for his house-elf.
"Home".
Bob appeared immediately and, before Harry could react, Extimum had vanished.
Harry: "Bye… wait, tomorrow?" he murmured, but couldn't dwell on it: a car had just pulled up in front of the station, and someone was shouting for him to get in.
.
Extimum reappeared at the entrance to his mansion.
It was not customary to appear directly inside a house—it was considered discourteous, not to mention that most wizarding homes had anti-Apparition enchantments.
After a quick glance around, he entered with Bob.
Bob: "Did the young master enjoy his stay at Hogwarts?"
Extimum: "Yes, it was… different and stimulating in more than one sense. Prepare the usual; I'll be in the library."
Without further ado, he made his way to the secret library. Instead of going to the grimoire, he searched the shelves for a book: Blood Magic.
He had several ideas to help Harry. The simplest was to modify the Dursleys' memories so their treatment of him would be friendlier—or at least reasonable. But first, he needed to clear up a few doubts about how the magic protecting Harry worked: he didn't want to provoke a violent reaction and end up like Voldemort.
He would simply have to find a way to do it in accordance with Harry's own will, avoiding any interference from the magic.
He studied for an hour, focusing mainly on blood magic, sacrifice, and love. Then he took the bath Bob had prepared for him, had dinner, and rested for the night. The next day, he would visit Harry.
.
The next morning, Extimum appeared with Bob in front of Harry's house. Before saying goodbye the day before, he had cast a tracking spell on him, allowing him to locate him. With Harry's directions and Bob's help, finding the place was simple.
Extimum: "Alright, Bob, wait here until I return."
He could sense a faint magic in the air—perhaps defenses or alerts placed by Dumbledore to discourage unwanted visitors. Bob, however, had no trouble passing through them.
It was around 7:30 a.m., and the neighbourhood was quiet.
Harry's house was large, with front and back gardens, painted in a beige tone.
Extimum heard the sound of the television and footsteps inside: they were already awake. Without bothering to knock, he tried to open the door with a flick of his hand… but it didn't work.
Extimum: 'Maybe there really are defenses? Ugh, forget it.'
Remembering Dobby, he turned to Bob.
Extimum: "Can you open it?"
Bob: "At once, Master Extimum." Bob snapped his fingers, and the door opened.
Extimum: "Thanks… Bloody Trace on wands, I should look into whether I can erase it…"
It was truly annoying to have his magic restricted when visiting the Muggle world because of the Trace, and it wasn't as if he wanted the Aurors on him just for doing a bit of extra magic.
He walked in casually, glancing at the pictures in the hallway until he reached the dining room. Three people were having breakfast there; Harry was eating in the kitchen.
The first to see him was Dudley, a chubby boy with dark hair and eyes, who stared at him wide-eyed.
Petunia: "What is it, Dudley? Why aren't you eating?" The woman next to Dudley asked upon noticing he had stopped eating. She was thin, with a long face and dark hair and eyes.
Vernon, a burly man with a thick moustache and black hair streaked with grey, looked up from his plate to see his son, but stopped when he spotted Extimum.
Both Vernon and Dudley were startled by Extimum's appearance. They had seen magical things before—even Hagrid, who was half-giant—but Extimum's appearance was far too exotic for ordinary Muggles.
Even if you ignored his hair colour as some strange fashion choice, his clothing, though elegant, clearly had unusual features not often seen—or at least odd enough to draw attention. And then there were those purple eyes, which made them shudder when their gazes met.
Vernon: "You… who are you? Or what are you? And how did you get into my house?" He asked with a mix of alarm and caution.
His shout drew the attention of both Petunia and Harry.
Extimum: "Good morning. I apologise for my improper intrusion into your home,"—he replied politely, though for a moment he was tempted to frighten them—"I came this morning to propose a transaction that I'm sure will be beneficial to you."
It was best to be civilised. First, he would try talking; if that didn't work… well, he would simply enchant them as he had originally intended.
Vernon: "I don't want anything. Get out of my house, you freak." Seeing Extimum's polite attitude, Vernon's caution vanished and was replaced with his usual rude, arrogant confidence.
Extimum: "I see… I suppose we'll do it the fun way."
With a simple gesture of his hand, everyone except Harry fainted. It was a new trick he had developed: a direct sensory overload to the brain that worked against Muggles but not against wizards or magical creatures.
Harry: "You didn't hurt them, did you?"
Extimum: "Don't worry, they'll just have a slight headache when they wake up and maybe be a bit groggy. Let me just fix a few details and it will be done."
Extimum crouched beside the Dursleys and used Legilimency. He wasn't very skilled yet—he lacked opponents to practise with—but he could implant simple suggestions: not to fear magic, to treat Harry better, to have a certain affection for him, and to grant him more freedom.
In fact, this was also a small motivation for coming here.
They were only suggestions, so they could still be rejected, but it wouldn't be easy—that much he ensured. They would become persistent thoughts until they finally accepted them.
A simple solution, but it was all he could do for now; altering their personalities was far beyond his abilities… for now.
Extimum: "Alright, they should be slightly different people toward you when they wake up."
Harry: "That's it?"
Extimum: "Well, I didn't do anything extreme, so yes, that's all for now."
From what he had read, this was still within the safe limits; trying something more intrusive could cause the connection to Harry to react and… well, he didn't know exactly what would happen, but probably nothing good.
Of course, he could also just take Harry far away, but that wasn't necessary.
Extimum: "Changing the subject, Harry, do you want to come with me on a trip?"
Harry: "A trip? Where to?"
Extimum: "To China. What do you think? It'll be quite an experience in a different magical community and culture."
Harry: "But… I don't think they'll let me go."
Extimum: "Just say whether you want to or not. I'll handle the details."
Harry: "In that case… yes, I want to go."
Extimum: "Excellent. Then, let's speed up your relatives' recovery so we don't have to wait too long."
He took a recovery potion from his bag, then floated its contents into the mouths of the three unconscious people.
Vernon was the first to stir.
Vernon: "Ugh… what happened? You… who are you?"
Extimum: "A distant relative,"—he improvised, using illusion and Legilimency to reinforce the idea—"I came for a visit, and you fainted."
Vernon: "I see… so that's what happened. And what did you want?"
Extimum: "I'm glad you asked. I came to ask your permission to take Harry on a trip for a few weeks."
Vernon: "Alright, just make sure he comes back safe and sound."
Harry stared at him, astonished: his uncle had never agreed to something like this without protest, much less shown concern for him.
Extimum: "Thank you. Harry, go pack your things."
Harry ran to his cupboard under the stairs to pack his belongings.
Extimum followed him, and upon seeing the terrible place he lived in, couldn't help but give it a few looks.
Extimum: "Mr. Vernon, don't you think it would be better if Harry had a proper room? You wouldn't want the authorities to see he's living down here."
Vernon: "Yes, yes… you're right. We'll use Dudley's toy room. I'm sure Dudley won't mind, will you, Dudley?"
Dudley: "Yeah, Harry should have a proper place."
Petunia: "I'll fix it up for when he comes back."
Extimum: "Don't trouble yourselves, I'll do it; it'll be quick." With a sudden idea in mind, he went up to the second floor.
After a brief search, he found the room.
Rummaging through his magical bag, Extimum took out a thick book with a white cover. He infused it with his energy, and the book soon turned blue.
He opened the first page, where the entire design of the house was drawn.
Studying it for a moment, he then began tracing lines with his fingers.
Like a puzzle rearranging itself, the interior space expanded, the walls and floor transformed, and even the things that had been under the stairs appeared here.
The place became a proper, elegant room.
Harry: "It's… amazing," he said in awe. He had arrived in the middle of the process, curious about what Extimum was doing.
Extimum: "It's the result of months of work. Perhaps you should study more magic? Speaking of which, I've added some enchantments to the room—you'll discover them over time."
He was satisfied with Harry's expression. He had spent quite some time on this project over the past few weeks at Hogwarts, significantly improving the reach of his abilities.
Now it was a much more worthy tool for a magical designer or builder. Though still not perfect, it was closer to his goal.
He didn't want to see things like the Weasleys' house, whose structure looked more like a Jenga tower than a proper home.
Extimum: "Alright, let's go."
They stepped out into the garden, where Bob was waiting for them.
Extimum: "Harry, this is Bob, my house-elf."
Bob: "Bob greets the heir of House Potter," the elf replied with minimal courtesy.
He did not hold Harry Potter in particularly high regard, nor his supposed feats. In his view, the true hero was his mother, who had sacrificed herself. Not to mention that he was a half-blood wizard—Bob only gave him the bare minimum of respect because of his master.
Extimum: "Alright, take us to Diagon Alley."
Bob: "At once". Bob grabbed the hem of Extimum and Harry's clothes, and they vanished.
** Pop **
.
In a discreet corner of Diagon Alley.
"Bluagh…" —Harry bent over, dizzy— "Ugh… you could've told me it would be a rough movement… Bluagh." He had never travelled by Apparition before.
Extimum smiled faintly, calm as ever.
Extimum: "Thank you, Bob, you may leave for now."
Bob bowed and then vanished.
Extimum: "I didn't have the privilege on my first Apparition either, but you get used to it; it's not so bad."
Harry: "Ugh… well, where are we going?"
Extimum: "First, we'll take care of some errands of mine before we leave, but… we'll need to make a few changes."
As he spoke, his body began to change. His hair turned black, his eyes blue, and his face more ordinary; even his height increased a little.
Harry: "Wow… that's the first time I've seen you do that." He commented, impressed. He knew Extimum was a Metamorphmagus, but he hadn't seen him transform in person before.
Extimum: "Now it's your turn; your scar will be a problem if someone sees it."
With a flick of his wand, he covered Harry's scar with makeup.
It was a spell he had studied for entirely professional reasons. Since Harry's scar carried magical traces, it was simpler to hide it with makeup than to try to mask it magically. After that, he dyed his hair a blond color.
Extimum: "Excellent. From now on, you'll be… Harold. Yes, Harold sounds good. We'll use it while we're here, understood, Harold?"
Harry: "Is that really necessary?"
Extimum: "Of course. Even if not many know you in person, your scar is famous. And after a year at Hogwarts, your face is more recognisable than you think. You never know who might be watching."
Merging into the main street, they walked to Gringotts and crossed the great doors, heading to Snaglok's counter.
Extimum: "Good morning, Snaglok. I've come today with the business I mentioned to you."
The goblin, scanning a record book with an apathetic expression, looked up. His eyes blinked upon seeing a familiar figure.
Snaglok: "Ah, Mr. Enoch. An unexpected… but pleasant visit. I can already feel it: the smell of gold and a tingle in my feet tell me we're going to have a great meeting today." His voice still carried an accent when speaking the wizard tongue, but genuine cheer showed—gold truly could move them.
Harry: "Can they really be this talkative and lively?" Harry blinked in surprise. His previous experience had been cold and distant, with a few looks of disdain.
Snaglok frowned
Snaglok: "Wizards and their prejudices…". He snorted.
Extimum: "Don't be offended,"—He interjected—"He's new to the wizarding world and has misunderstood goblins. Your distinguished presence has simply surprised him."
Snaglok snorted again and jumped down from his seat.
Snaglok: "Very well. Follow me."
In his private office, the goblin leaned back in his chair.
Snaglok: "Show me the product that will make us rich."
Extimum: "It's still in development, but it's already functional. I brought three prototypes; however, my aim is not to sell them. Their true profitability will only show if we offer them as a service. If you control the restrictions in this room, I'll show you how it works."
Extimum placed three thick white-covered books on the table.
Snaglok: "Alright… let's see you impress me". With some anticipation, he reached into his pocket and pulled out a keyring, from which he took a metal plate inscribed with runes and handed it to Extimum.
Extimum used it to deactivate the room's restrictions. He took one of the books, infused it with magic, and its cover turned gold. He opened it, studied the design for a few seconds, and traced lines with his finger.
The entire office began to transform: from the goblins' intricate stone style to a modern Muggle-style room, with clean lines and warm light.
Snaglok: "You can change an entire room with just that book?" He looked at him with renewed interest. "This could indeed be an attractive service. British wizards have a terrible sense of taste in their buildings—nothing like the magnificence of ours. This, however… is acceptable".
Extimum: "I know you're quite eager to gain something from this, so I'll let you manage the business. If you agree—"
Snaglok: "Of course".
Extimum: "*Ahem* Then you'll have to handle all the legal arrangements for me. Register a company for miscellaneous products and services. For now, we'll start with renovation and construction of housing.
I think three employees will be enough for a single shop. Each will handle one book.
They already have instructions included for their use.
We should also patent my invention and then… we'll start simple: wizarding houses, and once I can improve it, we'll move on to shops and important places willing to hire the service."
Extimum went over several more details while Snaglok, excited, rushed to gather all sorts of magical papers and contracts to organise everything.
Harry just watched the hyperactive goblin jump from one side of the room to the other.
Two hours later, everything had been agreed upon. Extimum had been meticulous; although he trusted Snaglok wouldn't betray him for a small profit, he didn't neglect the security clauses.
After all, he was only handing over a prototype—he still had plenty of room for improvement, and this was just his first idea put into motion. He had many more, and wouldn't even have released this one to the market if it weren't because he needed money.
The good thing was that the production cost hadn't been too high, even with trial and error. He had enough left over to afford this trip.
Extimum: "That will be all on my side… except for one more thing."
Snaglok: "What do you need?"
Extimum: "My friend wants to withdraw money from his account, but he has some difficulties."
Snaglok: "Of course. I'll need his name, key, and vault number."
Extimum: "Unfortunately, we don't have the key, but a blood test should be enough. As for his name… it's Harry Potter."
They were going to travel, so of course they needed money. Extimum could cover certain things, but he wasn't entirely free to do so—and Harry himself wouldn't agree even if he suggested it—so this was another reason for coming to Gringotts.
Snaglok: "Harry Potter, you say…?"
Snaglok froze for a moment, giving Harry a scrutinising look.
Extimum: "As you can imagine, we came discreetly, hence the change of appearance."
Snaglok: "I'll know for sure after I verify it. I have the lineage bowl right here—place your hand over it, wizard, and let a drop of your blood fall." Opening one of his desk drawers, he took out a stone bowl covered in numerous carved runes.
Harry looked to Extimum for approval. Even he knew how delicate it was to give someone his blood.
Extimum: "It's fine, use this dagger." Extimum handed him a dagger from his bag.
Harry pricked his finger slightly, letting a drop fall into the bowl, which then glowed. Minutes later, a paper plane flew in and unfolded on the desk with the results.
It was quite an efficient system.
Snaglok: "It's correct. You are indeed Mr. Potter," he confirmed. "I'd also recommend you speak with your account manager; there are matters that have been neglected for some time."
Extimum: "We have time."
Snaglok: "In that case, I'll take you to his office so you can discuss things with him."
Snaglok led them to the Potter account manager's office.
Extimum had planned to simply wait, but Harry's confused expression as the goblin spoke to him forced him to step in and guide him.
The Potter account manager eyed him warily, but eventually acted as if he weren't there, accepting his involvement—still, he only took Harry's final say on matters.
Finally, the goblin led them to the Potter vault, where Harry withdrew money, now fully aware of what he could do with a decent amount.
After that, they left Gringotts.
Extimum: "It's been a busy morning."
Harry: "Yeah… and I'm hungry."
Extimum: "Then let's have dinner, and afterwards, we'll depart."
In a Diagon Alley restaurant, they enjoyed a splendid meal. Then, Extimum took a traditional Chinese feather from his bag.
Extimum: "This is a more comfortable method of travel. Just hold it—or someone touching it".
Harry grasped one end of the feather, and Extimum did the same. An instant later, they vanished from the spot.