Ch 1 - Alleyway Greetings

September 2, 1989

Salutations J.S.,

It was disconcerting to see your letter, or any letter for that matter, on my bedside table this morning. Though after reading its content, I understand why you felt discrepancy was prudent. I'm willing to consider your offer of cooperation, but I refuse to be apart of any business or partnership with some nameless unknown mystery person during my remaining years at Hogwarts. Regardless of the potential benefits. If your willing to meet in Hogsmeade this weekend, face to face, we can discuss this map and your ideas for improving the Wizarding world.

From,

Tonks

P.S. You were correct to refer to me as Tonks, that's 1 point in your favor and I will be keeping track.

****** Present 1991*******

Festive summer air radiated to every corner of Diagon Alley, lighting up the curious eager faces of children as they went shop to shop. Letters had arrived for the new school term with shopping lists attached. If that wasn't enough to draw out a mass of soon to be wizards, witches and their families, then the Daily Prophet's front page article would.

'Where will the savior debut?'

Many were sneaking glances as they went about their shopping, wondering if they'd be first to catch sight of the young reclusive hero. In that sense, Johnathon Silverwood wasn't any different. Though he was looking for a half-giant, not directly the boy.

"Wotcher John." A violet long haired woman came up from behind. She wore combat dueling vestments and leathers under her plain black cloak. She just graduated from Hogwarts and was already accepted into the Auror training program. She now had to learn constant vigilance through both her actions and clothing. Her pink fingernail polish was chipped, something she normally had more than enough free time to fix. She sat down opposite Johnathon with a fresh pint of butterbeer.

"Thanks for being able to take some time to meet up Tonks. Congrats on getting into Auror training, I've no doubt you'll kick names and take ass." Being washed in Tonks spit up drink was worth the sound of laughter that followed. They'd been communicating almost exclusively through letters for two years now. While they hadn't met more than a handful of times, they were undoubtedly friends.

"Good one, 2 points. Watcha doin here anyway? Figurin you long since got all yer stuff." She was referring to the list of first year equipment on the table that was now absorbing the spilled butterbeer. She knew he was a muggle born orphan that had long since discovered the hidden magical world. And had been using legal gray areas to travel around magical hotspots worldwide. Only a few months ago did he complete his real-time-Grimoire "Community", allowing them to visually chat through a couple of linked books. He still preferred seeing her in person though.

"I still don't own an Ollivander wand. Every magical foci creator has their advantages, and Ollivander's is supposed to be compatibility."

"Bullocks, you were crowd searchin for boy wonder. Otherwise, you'd gotten your wand 'fore I ever got 'ere. Deducting 5 points for lying." Tonks was grinning like a cheshire cat.

"I was before but not anymore, seeing as he's over there."

"Really- Hey!" The moment Tonks turned to look, he grabbed her butterbeer and drank. It was only fair. "Funny. Come on, let's get yer wand while the sun's up."

She dragged/lead him to the store's front. He walked inside and froze as the target of his previous spying was standing right there. How'd he miss the half-giant? Tonks knocked him down after bumping into him, not expecting him to suddenly stop. That saved him from taking a stray flying shelf to the face. Harry Potter had been doing a marvelous job redecorating the store's interior.

"Sorry, I- I didn't mean to do that." Harry rushed over and apologized, helping John get back up. He looked at Harry again, noting the reflection of himself in Harry's cracked and taped prescription glasses. John's own glasses were a stylish work of art, with three pairs of colored shaded glass designed off of the, yet to be made, muggle movie national treasure. The inner most pair of glass was tinted violet, the middle pair was split, one green one silver, and the outer pair was split, one black one gold. These glasses were made from the three horcruxs he could utilize the house elf Kreacher to acquire for him: Rowena's Diadem, Salazar's Locket, and Marvolo's Ring

Harry's body was thin and even looked a bit malnourished. It was a little hard to tell from the oversized clothing that draped over him. John even started to feel bad, reflecting on the steady flow of good food that the house elf always provided. He exercised a lot, traveling around the world, and filled out his runic inscribed 3 piece tailored suit nicely. He also had a healthy tan unlike the pasty unhealthy white of this child. Even knowing Harry's back story didn't prepare him for this.

Tonks waved Harry off and told him not to worry about it, ignorant of who he was. For five seconds. "Wotcher Har-" John elbowed her in the side, cutting off her greeting. He gave her a hard stare before guiding her to the chairs by the window to wait. After only two more tries, Harry was chosen by a wand.

As soon as he walked out the door, John turned to face Tonks. "I'll take the parchment now. You should put that training to use and track who has been abusing boy wonder." A wide smiling Tonks leaned in and whispered, "That's why I like you."

He never even noticed when she slipped the Marauder's map into his beast pocket. She was out the door like a ghost, slipping through the crowded streets. He never got the chance to respond, that what he liked was her cleavage. Missed opportunity.

"Young wizard, I can tell you already have a bonded foci, several if I'm not mistaken. I'm sorry to say that no wand in my store would choose someone who already has a primary magical foci."

The old man saw through Johnathon faster than most. He actually had six foci, with his primary being his self-made blood-bound Grimoire. Every place he tried to get another foci from eventually realized and said something similar to Ollivander. "Do you offer custom wand orders?"

This is what he did to get his other foci after all. The wand maker scheduled him in for an appointment that evening. He couldn't just close up shop on such a busy business day during prime business hours, even more so with the coming school year a month away. Before John could leave, two more starry-eyed soon to be witches had already entered. Busy day indeed.

With a few hours to kill, he looked for a table at the nearby tea shop to read today's Daily Prophet. His interests weren't so much for the national news as it was for the latest international developments. There was always so much going on in the world, and with Britain's representative being the Supreme Mugwump, the Daily Prophet usually had good overviews of the direction Albus Dumbledore was trying to direct the world.

"Is this seat taken madame?" He spoke to a square-jawed witch in an immaculate robe: pitch black, lined and pressed without a speck of dust or dirt. Such quality spellwork was beyond Madame Malkin's Robes for all Occasions that nearly all Hogwarts students would be buying from. Her hair showed graying from either age or stress and considering who she was, stress. Her name had briefly appeared in John's vision. Merlin's beard he loved these glasses.

She let him sit at the table and glanced over at him several times before curiosity got the better of her. He'd only just gotten to page I1 and started reading the international news when she spoke. "You seem a little young to be interested in such articles. Are you entering Hogwarts this year young man?"

"Yes, Johnathon Silverwood at your service Madame Bones, if I'm not mistaken." He tipped his head forward, respecting her seniority. "My parents were always traveling about when I was younger, so I always try to keep an eye out on international developments." He didn't explain how he knew her name, she was quite well known after all.

"You are quite the well behaved young gentleman. Ask if there is anything you don't understand in the paper." She had taken a few moments to consider his words before politely responding. To her surprise, he had a question at the ready.

"I am curious on any insight you can give regarding the Supreme Mugwump's tolerance on muggle born spies." Today's topic was one of continued interest to Johnathon, and it was one that the other magical world leaders constantly brought up as a legitimate concern, as well as to shore up support against Dumbledore's positions.

Lady Bones' eyebrow rose, whether in shock or curiosity, John couldn't say. "I'm not privy to opine on the thoughts of Albus Dumbledore, but I will say that after the war against Grindelwald, public opinion improved to a more welcoming stance on muggles and muggle born magicals." John had to stop himself from laughing. This in no way answered his question, but did sum up the historical events that lead to the problem and Dumbledore's stance.

Muggle born spies were the muggle governments way of keeping tabs on the wizarding world, likely deemed necessary after the actions of the past two dark lords. This was creating worldwide tensions between the two 'worlds', brought to a head by the Korean peninsula.

"And how does that square with the Muggle governments that wish to put magicals under their control, like in Korea. They used our factious society to divide, conquer, and unite their muggles and magicals under a muggle dictator." This was a sore point in the Wizarding world currently, and one more reason for the rise in conservative classism in the ministry.

"I got my wand, look look!" The conversation was unfortunately interrupted by Susan Bones, who's long auburn hair whipped into his face as she ran past him. Her cute pinch-able freckled face contrasted immensely with the pale blond haired girl who followed up behind her. Daphne Greengrass kept her facial expression measured and neutral as she took in Johnathon's appearance.

"Johnathon Silverwood, a pleasure to make your acquaintance ladies. I hope I wasn't taking your seat." He introduced himself, kissing the knuckles of Daphne's outstretched hand, while Susan only just realized there was a guest. Chuckling at Susan's attempt to belatedly school her expression, John felt it would be better to leave them to their shopping. "It was a pleasure getting your perspective Madame Bones. But I'd rather not intrude on your family's outing, so I'll excuse myself first."

He didn't expect to run into such a big player, so it wasn't a loss that their conversation ended early. The fact he had enough time to make an impression on her, would make it easier to build a rapport with her later on, if he wanted. However, his disengagement didn't go so smoothly. "Are you also a Hogwarts student? Are you joining us for dinner?"

Susan's innocent comment caught all three of them by surprise. Amelia Bones, more intrigued with him than he thought, decided to jump on the band wagon. "Of course he should join us for dinner, unless he already has a prior engagement. Perhaps he can regale us with tales of his travels."

Not one to look a gift horse in the mouth, John accepted the invitation and informed them he had to return later for his appointment with Ollivander. He mentally called to one of his familiars and a black cat with a violet sheen to its coat ran up to him, jumping on his shoulder.

"You should tell your parents where you're going, they can even join us." Amelia looked confused, she wasn't expecting him to think they'd leave without notifying his guardians.

"My parents died several years ago and I emancipated through an international statute. Sorry to bring down the mood." He realized his last words had quite the effect on both young ladies. Susan's teary-eyed face seemed to express both of their internal feelings.

With two claps from her hands, Lady Bones dispelled the mood and drew everyone's attention. "Then let's go somewhere special. You are all about to enter Hogwarts, an occasion deserving celebration."

With everyone holding onto her cloak, she apparated. This was in fact Johnathon's first time apparating, usually being transported by house elf magic. The twisting squeezing feeling of being pulled inside out was horrific. His legs shook as he tried to remain upright, facial expression crunched and skewed in discomfort.

There are many ways to teleport in the magical world, apparating, Phoenix travel, Floo network, house elves, port keys, linked gateways, and so much more. As a traveler of the world, Johnathon visited numerous areas through wondrous means. Apparating was hands down the worst.

"You don't look well?" Susan stated the obvious with childlike innocence.

"I'm used to house elves, not apparating. The difference was quite... hurg.... a bit" He was having a bit of trouble speaking, but that was helping to keep his mind preoccupied. Only after he calmed down and settled his twisting stomach did he try to look presentable, and not like he was about to lose his lunch.

The four of them stood near a red doorway. Sounds of laughter and a soft music could be heard from outside the three story restaurant. Amelia guided them inside, though not before catching sight of the oversized letters on the front of the building: "The Crown and Castle". Johnathon had never heard of this place, but it was clearly popular from the diverse magical community eating inside. There looked to be magicals of at least a dozen different nationalities. This place was probably close to the ministry then.

They we're quickly seated to a booth by the corner, Amelia taking the best spot to keep an eye on the establishment's patrons. Susan by her side and Daphne by his. "What are these tales of travel?" Susan asked, looking between Johnathon and her mother.

He ignored Lady Bones chuckling and answered, "I've spent a lot of my life traveling the world, especially the last few years. I just returned from America a week ago, in fact. That's were I found my latest familiar, Yoruichi." He stroked the black-violet cat sitting on his shoulder, playing with his hair. He amber eyes mischievously looked around, as if she were about to pull a prank.

"Latest? You mean you have more than one. That's not possible, right?"

"The world is vast, there are lots of techniques and abilities not commonly used or publicly known. I happen to have a family magic that, in part, allows my to bond with multiple familiars. Other people can do this too, it's just difficult and extremely rare." He happily answered Susan's questions and even let her play with Yoruichi until dinner came.

He felt this wouldn't be a well used opportunity if he didn't get to know Daphne as well. He racked his brain around how to make a good first impression on the quiet girl. "I understand that Hogwarts seperates its students into houses. Why do you think that is?" He was happy to see the question caught her off guard. Most would ask what house they hope to get into, not why the system was made that way.

"I think it's for stimulating growth through competition. There is a house cup that each house strives to get at the end of the year. Students are expected to strive for excellence in and out of classes to earn points, and the house with the most points wins at the end of the year." Johnathon hummed for a bit before asking Susan the same question.

"Um, maybe it's too help students make friends. I heard the bedrooms are shared between housemates. So perhaps everyone will have at least one friend to start the year with." She looked to her friend and mother for their thoughts. While Daphne was considering her words, Amelia was trying not to laugh.

"Spoken like a proper Slytherin and Hufflepuff." He motioned his head to Daphne and Susan respectively. His question was less about getting answers and more about learning how they think. The two of them realized that he'd indirectly questioned, and learned, what house they were each best suited towards.

"And you're clearly a Ravenclaw or Slytherin." Daphne smiled slightly as she spoke. With the ice broken, dinner became less awkward between them. He spoke at length regarding the Native American Shamans and North American big city life. He also brought out pictures, showcasing the different fashion trends much to everyone's delight.

It was about an hour into the meal when a humming bird patronus flew straight into Madam Bones. The joyous mood quickly turned serious with a simple change in her demeanor. "It would appear I have work to do. Bazel!" A house elf appeared with her hurried call. She ordered the elf to pay the waitress then take Daphne and Susan home.

"An incident happened in Diagon Alley, I'm headed their now if you want me to take you back to Ollivander's."

"Thank you. It was a pleasure meeting the two of you. I look forward to meeting again when the school year starts up." He kissed the back of each of their outstretched hands. More commonly used as a greeting than a parting, but it did the trick. Even if they were studying occlumency, which is probable, neither resisted blushing.

With a twist and pull, like being pulled inside out again, he found himself in the nearly deserted streets of Diagon Alley. Everyone was crowding around Gringotts Bank, blocked by the teams of aurors already on the scene. "Go inside Ollivander's, it'll likely be some hours before civilian traffic returns to normal."

The way she spit out that second part made it clear she didn't appreciate the crowd of onlookers. With a jingle of the bell sounding as he opened the door, Ollivander appeared around the corner. The store was unsurprisingly devoid of customers. "I wasn't expecting you so soon, but this may be the best time. Come with me Mr. Silverwood. Are there any base requirements for your wand?"

Johnathon followed the wand maker up the stairs. They came to a crafting workshop, neat and orderly, with rows upon rows of shelves sealed behind ancient runes. The wand maker walked behind a pristine polished red wood rune inscribed table, pulling out strange tools.

"I figured this would be a custom job, so I acquired and bonded with a core ahead of time." Johnathon took out a glass cylinder containing a thick red heartstring. "I was told you only work with three types of cores. So I brought a dragon's heartstring."

"What kind of dragon? The more information you have on the dragon and how the heartstring was collected, the faster this will go."

"Well, it's actually a draconic chimera's heartstring from the Philippines." This news elicited a gasp from the old man. Such creatures were illegal, and normally kill on sight, for many good reasons.

John took out the paperwork of the creature's history, the heartstring, and that he purchased this legally. With the core already bonded, he didn't need to go around doing trial and error for compatible materials for his wand. Instead, Ollivander put the core on the rune inscribed table and cast a few spells for material compatibility. When his desk was overstocked with nearly every wood material he banished everything back into their resective cabinets.

"Mister Silverwood, it's become clear that I don't have the right type of wood to make a proper shell for this wand. I have an idea of what will work though. It'll take a few days to get here. Can you wait that long?"

"I don't mind waiting. But what kind of wood do you need?"

"Plant roots actually. I feel that the plant base of Chinese grafted chrysanthemums would be perfect. The plants would be familiar with the unusual nature of this creature, in that both utilize a fusion of parts to make the whole of it."

Johnathon didn't mind. The whole reason he wanted another foci was to bond with a familiar through it. And considering his next familiar is planned to be a humonculos, this seemed like another fitting piece to help bond them.

"Shall I owl you the wand upon completion or would you prefer to pick it up in person?"

"Owl it. Thank you for your help Mr. Ollivander."

"Had I known you already had a core, we could have done this quickly earlier. I'm sorry for making you come back. I'll send the bill with the completed wand in no later than one week.-" John could barely hear the last of what Ollivander was saying as he was already heading out the door. It's well known the old man likes to say mysterious and disconcerting things after giving children their first wand, and he didn't need any of that in his life.

He already has a seer, and she is too much as it is.

He went to an empty alley and pulled out his Grimoire. Black metal bindings hugged the crimson cover and locked the pages shut. With a stroke of its spine the lock faded from existence and the pages began flipping at his mental command. The flipping stopped on a page detailing a relatively plain brown doorway. With a push of power the picture faded and a life sized door appeared on the wall in front of him.

After walking through, the door disappeared from the wall and reappeared in his Grimoire, in chapter 8: "Home Sweet Homes".