Ch. 154 Gathering

My time with my family is always something I treasure. To protect those I treasure, I will not hesitate to do what I must. And in these times, protecting them also means following through with my preparations, so I ordered a gathering of my subordinates.

It has been a while since a full gathering had taken place, mainly due to how busy everyone had become. But this time they were all asked to come to the Folster home for a very important meeting.

All of them started to arrive either together or one at a time, making me remember all the progress had been done since everything had begun.

The Cromwell husband and wife are usually preoccupied by the Herald. Julian is the chief editor of the paper and he's done a fantastic job in getting the Herald to where it is. I might have helped in its creation, but this paper has become the man's baby. His wife Martha has become one of the most trusted names in the industry, known for being an unyielding seeker of the truth and not being afraid to step on the toes of high level ministry officials and nobles.

Darius Stone, the third original founder of the newspaper, has been taking an active role in its expansion. He was one of the managing editors right under Julian, but has since moved to take charge of the booming Wizarding Radio networks we've developed. He is the voice of magical Britain, bringing life and emotions to a story.

Sherry Holmes is, without a doubt, one of my most valued people. Her abilities and connections have risen to an incredible level. I guess having access to the most influential companies on the continent, vast sums of money, prior connections and many frustrated people does give one many opportunities to grow a spy network. Fun thing is that most people see her as someone who helps others get a job, and very few know just how terrifying she can be, with even fewer knowing she works for someone else.

Then we have the Golden Wand herself, Elaine Summers. Her meteoric rise, occurring after being suppressed by a bastard with money, resulted in her being the idol of many women in the country for being strong and overcoming the corruption in the ministry. Even if I helped her, she deserves the accolades she's received. I took care of that pig harassing her, gave her training and access to information, and that was enough for her to take off. Although I pointed a direction for her to go down, she still took down drug rings, dark wizards, murderers, crime families and even ministry officials. She's tough, honest with herself and others, and skilled enough to put most Aurors to shame.

The man in charge of my potions business, Master Timothy Matthews. After achieving an insane level of success, he helped my people basically take over the industry in Europe and Africa. Under his zealous lead, we've gathered potion masters from around the world who are almost begging to join us. We've created the holy land for any potion master or aspiring master. Even if you aren't famous or a child, if you can create a new or improved potion then you are to be welcomed with opened arms. It has been hard to maintain such attitudes when people start feeling superior to others for being part of this, but Tim knows how it feels to be put down and does not tolerate any such actions.

Next is the mistress of plants, Melody Chambers. Her success is beyond impressive, taking hold of the herb market and causing a revolution. Under my guidance and her own ingenuity, Breaking Grounds has become the leader in the field itself, always testing new methods of growing plants thought impossible to grow commercially and trying to create new and better hybrids. It also one of, if not, the largest employers in the continent.

From my FIRM centers we have Anthony Wall. Development in that area has been rather slow by design. He has been in charge of helping new Muggleborns joining the wizarding world in acclimating as best as possible and give them the resources they need to actually understand what they are getting into. He is also the one organizing the various seminars happening in the centers and funds created to help those incapable of paying for their education or help them get back on their feet after it. He's also involved in politics in a lesser extent, focusing on the passing of new laws which would make the conditions of Muggleborns and magical creatures.

The head of the Muggle Toybox, Arthur Norm, was also asked to come. Now although he is not too directly involved in politics and this business isn't as prevalent as my others, it is nonetheless important. The goal is to change the subconscious desire to reject muggle technology in the magical community, and removing the idea of complete superiority which is still rampant within ministry officials and nobles. So he helps introduce smaller, but useful pieces of tech to help out and bring in muggle literature, entertainment and products to further that goal.

Then there's mister Oliver Gunn, the man in charge of Fortress Protection. His role his probably one of the most important for what is to come. Under his leadership and my funding and training, the men and women we've taken in have become a recognized force. Strong, skilled, smart and determined, with all of them being determined to try and do good. He also leads my Shadow force of elites alongside Scott and Jennifer, my most trusted ops unit. He is also one of the few in the know about what is going to happen and my own identity.

I have also invited two more people to this meeting.

The first being the man responsible for building my many safe houses, planing the werewolf town, constructing the hidden muggle and muggleborn sanctuary, and the future head my the development company, Samuel Fox. The man was hitting a very rough patch in his life, wife leaving with his daughter, debts because of various health and business reasons, and no one willing to hire in either worlds because of his dwarfism. So I Scott brought him in and we got everything under control after check for his skills and experience. The man was beyond what I expected, like if Professor Flitwick didn't go into charms but construction instead. Hired him on the spot and helped him gradually build up his own team and crew as they fulfilled my orders. He's been extremely loyal and dedicated ever since.

My second new guess was actually an Auror who went through a similar experience like Elaine. Her name is Selene Rosier, a niece of Druella Black (née Rosier), the mother of Andromeda, Bellatrix and Narcissa. Due to her belief in actually doing good for others and refusing pureblood ideologies, she was kicked out of the family at the age of 19 and left to find her way into the world. Luckily she managed to get a job as a trainee Auror before all that and mother and Rufus Scrimgeour weren't about to let some Dark Family tell them how to run their Aurors. Unfortunately, they couldn't stop some of the corrupt seniors or officials from harassing her and making her complaints disappear, leading for her to become oppressed and some pig trying to blackmail her into become his mistress in order to have pureblood in his children. We got Elaine to support the woman, I took care of that pig and got most of the people fucking with her suspended or fired, ending with an offer to help her out like I did with miss Golden Wand.

Fast forward a few months, we got her trained up, helped her get a few good missions under her belt, and helped her name spread using the herald, resulting in an up and coming Auror with a good story behind her rising. We also have a new couple since her and Elaine really hit it off when they talked about their pasts, go on assignments together or hung out as friends. Turned out Elaine wasn't just really open with her sexuality, but was bisexual.

Not something most people are fond of showing off yet, but why should I give a shit about who you want to bang as long as it's between two consenting adults?

And so, with everyone gathered within the Folster Manor, I showed myself as my persona, followed by Scott and Jennifer as they had their game faces on.

Jenny was able to use some tricks I taught her to come here under the radar, with a few of her trusted subordinates covering for her using some polyjuice potion and a few redirecting wards which will show the stand-in of someone tries to locate her magically.

"Welcome back to my home everyone. It is a great pleasure to have you all here once again, all looking better than before." I say with a smile on my face as I make my way over to the group.

"It has been some time sir Micheal, it is saddening that we could not discuss potions due to both of us being so busy in the last few years. Not that I am complaining, the last few years have some of the most fulfilling in my life." Timothy said as he enthusiastically shook my hand.

"I am glad you have found joy in what you've accomplished Tim. And I do hope we have a chance to talk as well, it is rare to be able to properly discuss advanced potioneering." I reply to the potion master.

"Yes, dear Tim has been ever so excited to talk to you once again sir Micheal. It's all he's been talking about for the last few days." Melody said as the Mistress of Herbology looked at the man with a teasing smile.

"Oh please Melody. Not like you weren't feeling giddy at the possibility of getting new ideas on how to grow a few of your plants. You've been humming all day." Tim countered as he made the Madame blush slightly.

"So when are you two getting hitched? It'll be front page worthy for sure. 'The union of plants and potions' sounds like a grand title no?" A mischievous Martha said as she came near.

"Now dear it isn't our place to interrupt the process. Remember how we were when we started out in the Prophet? Always at each other's throats we were." A chuckling Julian Cromwell said as he reigned his wife in a bit.

"Yeah, certainly could argue your point in a way that made a lady angry back then. Your much better now, letting me have all the juicy news." His wife said in response as she traced his chin with seductive eyes.

"Keep it in your pants in front of the boss you two. I get enough complaints about some of our single staff about your flirting during work. I don't want to have to deal with that from him too." Darius said as he broke up their growing pink atmosphere.

"It's alright. Nice to see passion in a long standing relationship. Too many let that part die off as they age." I said to them with a smile.

"Yeah, well I'm guessing our elusive boss didn't invite us here with all this shit happening to see how we're all doing. So what's the news scoop boss?" A slightly huffy Martha said as her fun time with her hubby got interrupted.

"I was wondering about that as well. Is it finally time?" One Oliver Gunn said as he approached me seriously.

"Unfortunately the time as come." I affirm with a nod of my head.

"Yo boss, what does Oli mean 'Is it finally time'? You told him something the rest of us don't know about? That just isn't fair now is it?" Elaine said as she burst through the crowd.

"Elaine, I am sure sir Folster will explain things. You just have to wait a sec." Selene said as she tried to reign her girlfriend in.

"I am rather curious myself. Does it have to do with the fact that you're always gone and I can never seem to find any information on a Micheal Folster anywhere?" The investigative journalist asked as she narrowed her eyes.

"Very much so Martha. But I will ask all of you to join me in the dinning room for this discussion, it is a very serious matter." I answered as the seriousness of the issue was reflecting on my face.

"If you would all follow me." Scott said as he took the role of my assistant/Alfred.

With a quick change of scenery, all of my guests and I were now seated at the table, with Scott and Jenny standing behind me on either sides.

"Today I asked for all of you to gather because you are all to be involved or heavily affected by what is to come. You are all people I have trusted through years of work together or services done. Four of those present already know, to some degree, what I wish to discuss today. Scott, Jennifer, Oliver and Samuel have all been been involved with projects directly impacting the situation, hence they are aware of what I am about to tell you." I say with a somber expression, pausing for a moment." Voldemort is truly back."

The room become silent and still as those present took the declaration in.

Pretty much all of them have been impacted by Voldemort's last campaign. They have had to run or hide, lost people, been attacked, have lost their homes or have been told about what happened by those who've suffered through it. Most of them are muggleborns too, making them clear targets of Death Eaters.

"Sir Micheal, are you absolutely certain about this? Dumbledore has been claiming the same thing, but I thought you were skeptical about this due to your orders to not involve ourselves." Julian questioned as he was the first to put away his shock and having his inner journalist take over.

"I would not be involving everyone present if I was not 100% certain. I also have proof of the fact that the Dark Lord was never truly dead." I answered as I drop another bomb on them.

"But Sir Micheal, what about the-boy-who-lived? Does that mean he never defeated him?" Timothy asked with nervousness apparent in his voice.

"Harry Potter was never truly the one to stop him at the time. From what I've learned, his mother was the true cause of his survival and Voldemort's fall. She used an ancient form of warding and intent magic as she sacrificed herself to save her child, and as a result the Dark Lord's magic backfired, leaving Harry with his iconic scar and His attacker supposedly dead." I answered evenly as this revelation shocked the residents of the magical world again.

"How have you found this out Sir?" Darius asked this time.

"Various clues, but the biggest was me being able to look at Harry Potter properly." I answered simply.

"You found him?! He disappeared after that night! How did you find him sir?" Martha suddenly burst out at my response.

"He was hidden away so that those who were able to escape proper justice would not be able to kill him in retaliation. His location has changed due to various circumstances, hence any further information would be useless." I responded to the journalist.

The information I had revealed was rattling the group in front of me, causing them to stew in silence.

"Sir, how exactly have you found out about all this. I have been closely monitoring everything ever since the end of the tto wizard tournament, but even with my network I have not been able to confirm what you just did." Sherry asked as she felt a bit of a blow to her pride as a spy mistress and information specialist.

"It is very simple, I've fought Voldemort and talked with both Harry and Dumbledore directly." I directly answered the woman as her eyes widened.

"You fought him and lived?" Oliver asked, blown away.

"I tied against the man. And that's without the new magic a few of you have been learning. This fact is part of the reason I have been unavailable so much: I needed to grow stronger for the times to come." I said to the whole table, getting everyone wide eyed.

"Y-you're as strong as Dumbledore and He-who-must-not-be-named!?" Elaine said as she forced out her feelings.

"Much stronger now actually. That's why I had to delay plans for a month. I felt a new path during my fight and needed to follow it before it was too late. I wasn't even sure how long I would be gone for. Luckily it was only a month." I corrected her, making a lot of people look at me in disbelief.

"And is that the second thing you wanted to discuss with us sir? Because I don't think we can handle another surprise." A nervous Julian said as most of the group nodded in unity.

"Well it looks like you should all brace yourselves then." I answered with a chuckle at all the mind-blown guests.

"Boss, I think you've had enough fun. Just do the big reveal." A tired sounding Scott said from behind me.

"I was getting to it." I said with a quick glance backwards. "Well, as a few of you know and some might have guessed, Micheal Folster is not my true name."

"I knew it! I knew that was the reason I couldn't find anything on you!" Suddenly erupted Martha a she had a triumphant look on her face.

"Dear, you could have let our boss finish what he was going to say." Sighed her husband.

"Fufufu, I suspected this as well, but it is a very common thing to do when one deals with things in the dark. I just assumed you wanted to stay hidden and let this puzzle lie." Sherry said with a smile.

"He does have his reasons, that's for sure." Grunted Oliver as he heard her statement.

"Oh? You knew? How surprising, I didn't take you for the sort to keep such a shady secret." She then teased the man as she leaned towards him, displaying her rather large assets.

"Nothing shady about it, just a safety precaution and smart move to not get stopped." Oliver defended himself as he look away.

"Ara ara. No need to be so flustered." She continued to tease in response.

"Just fuck you two, honestly. I for one, want to know who our boss really is." Interrupted Elaine, coming to the rescue of her former trainer.

"Ahem. Thank you Miss Summers. Now you were saying boss?" The head of one of the best trained forces in the wizarding world said as he forced his face to remain impassive.

"I don't mind watching the show play out a bit. This is good stuff." I replied with a grin on my face as I make the man groan in embarrassment.

"Boss please!" He asked as a cold sweat started to form.

"Fine fine. Anyway, a picture is worth a thousand words so I'll just show you who I really am." I said as I undo my disguise with a mental command.

And so, under the eyes of over a dozen people, I change from the mature looking Micheal Folster that they know, to my true appearance.

It got quite the reaction.

"You're Aedan Bones!" Exploded Martha once again.

"I knew there couldn't be so many geniuses in such a close time! Now it makes sense why Folster and you could bring out so many new potions!" Exclaimed Timothy as he stood up.

"Well then, it's no wonder you supported the Creature Island project young Christian started." Melody said as she understood more of my reasoning.

"How in the world have I never picked up on any of it? I feel like I'm a bad spy mistress now." Pouted Sherry as she sulked a bit.

"Yeah, threw me for a loop when I found out I got schooled by a kid too." Agreed the former Auror and badass Death Eater hunter.

"Wait! Does that mean I tried to fuck a kid?!" Elaine then yelled out, making everyone quiet down real fast.

Except for one person.

"What do you mean, you tried to fuck him?" Selene said as a sinister aura seemed to materialize.

"Oh don't worry, she thought I looked to wound up when we first met and offered a casual thing. It happened years ago, so no cheating." I clarified, making the demon face that started appearing recede.

"That means I said some mean things to the bosses face!" Martha suddenly realized as well.

"No worries. It was interesting being at the other end of your pieces. No offenses were ever taken." I say as I calm the explosive lady down.

"I am sorry to say this, but does this mean everything has been a lie? Do you even actually care about how muggleborns, magical beings and half-bloods are being treated? Or was this just a way for you to make money off of us?" Anthony Wall, the FIRM manager, asked as he now made everyone quiet down.

"No, I have not lied about my goal of truly improving this side of the world. Too many things are in the wrong and so much could be done to improve. Each and every one of you is helping in doing exactly as I hoped.

The Herald is now the trusted news source for the UK, with truth and journalism as its core concepts, keeping everyone accountable for their actions and publishing fact based news.

Breaking Grounds Apothecary has kickstarted a new wave in potions, allowing for more innovations in the last few years than the last few centuries.

Natural Cultivation have helped bring in a new age of Herbology and helped employ hundreds if not thousands of people from all levels of our society, helping reduce homelessness, poverty and improve their positions.

FIRM as become the true welcoming grounds for muggleborns, a place of learning and acceptance, where anyone can improve or find employment. It has become the spark to help improve the way people deal with muggleborns and a shield to protect them from worsening conditions.

The Muggle Toy Box helps the same cause, breaking down the wall between both world and showing that things can be better if we stop looking down on muggles and learn to assimilate what we can.

And finally, Fortress Protection has become a symbol for proper protection in Europe. When ministry forces are too corrupt, tied up, limited or incapable, we have shown that no one is truly above the law and that you can be safe.

Everyone else is helping change how things are in the ministry itself, one step at a time, by helping good and dedicated people shine in the face of blood supremacy, bribes and corruption.

Everything we have built up in the last years was to prepare our influence and importance to make true and lasting change.

Hell, even as myself I have been doing just that, but focusing on werewolves. My creations also help bring new ideas and push for development to better magic and how we interact with, while also helping one of the most marginalized groups in the magical world.

Nothing I said to you about that was a lie, but now things have changed. We must first deal with Voldemort and his ilk before we can truly change how this country works. Only by defeating the very embodiment of what is wrong with today's society can we make the lasting changes needed to help future generations. And this is why I came clean to all of you today." I answered as I told the pure truth as I looked directly into his eyes.

Everything I said is true. This is what I wanted to achieve, but I knew I had to get through Voldy first. I just never said that part to anyone besides a few who would be directly involved in the fight against him.

"I believe you. I am sorry for doubting. I just didn't want my hope dashed again. I am too old to lose everything." Anthony said as he apologized for his doubts.

"I understand, when a relationship is built on a lie, doubts are inevitable." I said to the man, fully understanding why he asked his question.

"Now, I am Aedan Micheal Bones, Lord of Noble House Bones, your boss and one of the only people capable of beating Voldemort himself. Will you continue to stand by me and help me defeat this symbol of fear and bigotry from a bygone age?" I then asked with me finally letting out my majestic aura, letting feel some of my strength and will for themselves.

"I've been waiting for this for too long." Oliver simply said since he already knew all this.

"As long as you don't tell your aunt about that little offer, I'm down." Elaine said with a chuckle.

"It's already my job to take care of people like Death Eaters and it would be wonderful if that old pig starts doing naughty things again so I can take him down personally." Selene added as she squeezed her girlfriends hand.

"I can't really stand in the front lines, but you'll have all the potions and poisons you'll need from me." Timothy soon said with his own determination.

"I believe many of my babies will be more than helpful in the times to come. I am also sure some of our allies would be more than willing to help us acquire rare things." Melody joined in.

"I believe my eyes and ears will need to change their focus for a bit. Don't want any little snakes to slither unnoticed." Sherry added while a little laugh.

"Humph. I'll show all those inbred idiots just why people say the pen is mightier than the sword." Declared Martha with a fire in her eyes.

"I would rather you not get yourself killed, so I'll make sure my lovely wife doesn't do anything too stupid." Her husband followed up with a sigh.

"Gotta make sure they don't get away like last time." Darius said as he backed him up.

"FIRM will definitely be a target, but with Mister Gunn's men, I'm sure we can beat back those fools." Anthony said as he stepped up.

"I know we can't do much to really help, but I am still not afraid to keep the course." Arthur added as he stood besides his former colleague.

"I'll keep working on the sanctuary like I promised Lord Bones. You gave me a chance at a real life again, I didn't run then and I'm not running now." Samuel said as he stood on his seat with determination on his face.

"Thank you all for standing by me. Not much will actually change for most of you for some time in truth, all plans will continue on as previously agreed. The main differences will be Fortress sending a number of guards at each of your business and also additional hidden troops to fool the enemy in case they attack. Sherry will now focus on the ministry and Noble families. Elaine and Selene will help keep an eye out for turn coats within ministry ranks, with anyone you suspect can be looked at immediately. Tim will be focusing on products helpful for healing, combat and infiltration on down low. Melody will do the same but also think about defense. Anthony, you and some selected staff will be trained in proper emergency protocols to control the situation if something were to happen.

The Herald will continue to maintain its neutrality for now, I want to catch Fudge and Umbridge by the nuts and remove them from the Ministry completely. We wait for them to slip and make them pay. We'll need real leaders in the coming days.

Everything else will continue as planed and all preparations will be done in absolute secrecy. I do not want any side catching wind of our war prep." I order as a king would his vassals.

"Yes sir!" Everyone in the room said in near unison as they accepted my commands.

With that, everyone quickly departs to start working on what they need to do with determined looks on their faces, leaving me alone with Scott and Jenny before I also excuse myself to leave the two alone. They haven't seen each other I a while.

'Now that that's taken care of, I need to deal with Dumbledore and his Order. I have no doubt he'll try to recruit me. But that's for another day.' I thought as I returned to my family for some relaxation.