Ch. 21 Plans and surprises

As the summer had come, it was time to capitalize on last years events. My books had become rather infamous in a way and many people wanted to find me, which is one the things I wanted to happen. I wished to see who wanted to find me because they empathized with what I wrote or wanted to force me to retract my books and/or silence me. And so I basically hired the goblin nations information network to compile a list of those truly looking for me, not because of me. (If you can get the difference.)

And so began my search for an assistant. Since I was in school and didn't want to force aunt Amelia to let me stay at another place to get more freedom, I still care about my family a lot and I don't want to hurt them over this, so an aide was the best solution to solve the problem. I needed someone who liked my ideals hidden in my books, with a difficult life situation because of the wizarding world's issues, and which would act on 'my' behalf during the year itself.

After looking through the list i obtained, I found potential allies to join me in my attempt to force some progress into these stubborn idiots, but only one seemed to have what I was looking for. Scott Cross, 37 years old, single, muggle-born, graduated from Hogwarts 20 years ago with a few good NEWT's results from Gryffindor. He was employed into the MoM out of school and joined the hit wizards, after some success one of his missions, he harmed the interest of one most ancient and noble house, forcing him into a desk job, and slowly crushing his career until he was forced out of the department. He tried to join other branches of the ministry and would do good work, but was forced again and again to find new jobs until he had enough and left for the muggle side of things to make a living. Let's meet the man shall we.

And so I arranged for a meeting. I disguised my true appearance to be the one from my old life, except I had a more aged look making myself look in my mid-twenties instead of 18. So I had neatly combed brown hair, green eyes, strong jaw and an overall pretty good appearance if I do say so myself. I had rented out a restaurant and ordered for everyone to leave after the meal was set on the table. What is the use of money if you don't use it from time to time?

I was waiting at the table when Mister Cross had arrived. His hair was dark brown unkempt, but he seemed to have tried to fix it to no avail, his beard was unshaven, his eyes,although blue, had some reddened due to fatigue and stress, and his clothes looked well worn. The man gave off the air of being beaten down by life, but still struggling.

I stood up with a smile to greet the man. "Mr. Cross thank you for taking your time to accept my invitation. It's a pleasure to meet you." I mean it's hard to hate a man who appears not to judge and welcomes you with a smile.

"Eh, yeah it's nice to meet you too Mr. Folster. Sorry about my appearance I'm not used to coming to places like this." He answered feeling surprised at my behavior and slightly embarrassed at his own attire.

"It's no problem at all, as you see no one else is here so act as you wish." I answered keeping my smile.

"Though if I have to be honest, I find it strange that you would want to meet me. I mean from what I see you don't lack money, you don't know me, and I'm pretty sure a lot of people want to know you right now." He said straightforwardly.

This makes me smile even more, because I want him to question things and think for himself. This is good.

"I will explain everything soon, but first let's enjoy a good meal. The wizarding world has its charms, but the food is not exactly my favorite part of it." I say with a smile.

The meal was a rather quiet affair. I could see the man wanted to eat the food quickly, but restraining himself. During the meal I was able to catch some thoughts using my very subdued form of Legilimency to learn a bit more of the man. He has quite the pride, we shall see if he can bend it a bit. And so as my utensils were put down the talks began.

"So what is it you want from me? You don't bring a guy like me, to a place like this just for a meal. Especially if you have money like it looks you have." He started off directly.

With a broad smile I decide the answer the man with honesty. "I am looking for a man to do a job."

"A job?" He said with a slight frown.

"Yes. Due to my personal situation I cannot participate in the world at the moment and I find myself in need of someone who can help me with that." I answered with a calm smile.

"If you need someone to do something house-elves would be more than happy to do so." He answered narrowing his eyes a bit.

"True, but i don't need a servant. I need an aide. Someone would be me my arm when mine are tied up, someone I can trust to do my business on my behalf and do it right." I said to the man.

"And you think that's me? We've just meet and you don't know anything about me!" He said incredulously.

In response I tossed him the file I had on him. "You believe i would meet everyone who wishes to find me? No. I have carefully investigated those after me and analyzed who would suit the role of my aide. You Mr. Cross are the best I saw in that very long list. Strong, determined, hard worker, adaptable and experienced. You have what I need. You have experienced what I wish to change in the world and I wish for you to help me do so." I explained in a serious manner.

He looked over the file with some shock. He was silent as he mulled over what I've said to the man.

"So I would listen only to you?" he asked cautiously.

"Yes, aside from my assignments and the management of my assets, you shall be free to generally do as you please. I will be providing a house, your pay shall be in whichever currency you wish it to be, but you shall be sworn to absolute secrecy during, and if you ever wish to leave, after your employment." I explained to the man to make sure he understood what would be required of him.

"House and pay?" He asked curiously.

"The pay would be 2000 Galleons a month due to the nature of the job and the house would be were i would be staying in the public's eye, and since I am busy most of the year it will basically be a house to yourself." I explained to the mans utter shock.

It took the man some time before he could talk again. "Why me?" He said in a strained voice.

"Because seeing a qualified wizard such as yourself, being forced to live as you do is the epitome of foolishness our world offered and I wish to change that. Will you help me Scott?" I asked extending my hand.

He looked at me, then my hand for some time. "Yes sir." Was the answer he finally gave, taking my hand with absolute determination.

"Good. This will be the contract which states the conditions of your employment and my duties as employer. Give it a read if you find this acceptable we shall sign it here and now." I said whilst handing him the contract.

After he checked and was satisfied, we both signed and so it burst into flame as we received a copy.

"Aedan Bones?!" Then exclaimed as the man saw the signature at the bottom and looked at me for an explanation.

"Well that's the reason I need you." I said removing my disguise as his face turned to shock. "This is my first secret. I am too young to do many things and need an agent in my stead. You were the perfect man."

"Hahaha! Doesn't matter now, you're my boss and as long as you do what you promised it'll be fine. I mean even with my experience I couldn't tell it was a fake appearance so you have skills and power to back it up." Said Scott with a laugh.

"Thank you." I answered with a smile. "First job is to get you cleaned up, here's some money for that. Then we will go to Gringott's tomorrow afternoon to set you up with access to my personal vault so you can act in my stead. Then comes the buying of the place which will serve as 'Micheal Folster's' home, it's registration as a wizard home, the proper wards and getting some house-elves." I then listed his first assignment.

"No problem, I'll hand in my resignation in the morning and get myself cleaned up. I've still got a few friends in the ministry, even after all this time, so I'm sure getting some house-elves won't be too hard after the house is set-up." He replied

"That's good. I hope that everything shall go well between us in the future Mr. Cross." I then answered.

"I hope so as well Mr. 'Folster'." He replied with a grin.

As we left and separated I let out a relieved sigh with a smile on my face as 'Micheal Folster'.

'That turned out exactly as I'd hoped. With Scott as my aide my plans can really start moving along as I stay in the shadows.' I thought to myself feeling excited.

But then I turned my eyes to a note and address I had received when I went to get information from the goblins.

'You say that you we are hated for manageable reasons and that we can live perfectly well as people in this world instead of as animals. Prove it. Help us. We need help from someone who is not afraid to speak out as you have. Please help us.

If you agree to do so come to the place written below and ask for Geri:

White Wyzern pub.'

'Well now, how to deal with this? I'm confident in my skills, but I think I'll hide Sol on myself to have a quick means of escaping. I don't have time to learn apparition, or create a Portkey so that's my only option.' I thought coming up with contingencies.

'It's risky, but I believe this letter should not be a trap, but someone desperate. Let's see how this goes O desperate werewolves.' I then thought as I made up my mind as started walking to Knockturn Alley.