When Circe stepped out of the shop, she stopped abruptly, her heart skipping a beat. Standing beside her grandfather was a giant of a man, his massive silhouette casting a shadow over the narrow alley. He looked tense, but Alexander, in contrast, seemed perfectly at ease, conversing animatedly as if they were merely discussing the weather.
Harry glanced at the giant, and Circe noticed that he did not seem particularly surprised. What caught her attention, however, was the flicker of something in his eyes—a mix of curiosity and unease.
The Goldenhart family was also watching the scene unfold. Teresa, in particular, scrutinized the situation with a sharp gaze.
Circe had always found her great-aunt fascinating. Teresa was an older woman, nearly seventy, always impeccably dressed in elegant yet understated clothing. Her rigid posture and piercing gaze made many people wary of her, but Circe admired her greatly. Teresa rarely showed her emotions openly, but when she did, every word and gesture carried weight.
Harry hesitated for a moment, but Circe, unwilling to wait for him to make up his mind, grabbed his hand and pulled him toward the group. He flinched slightly at the sudden movement but did not resist.
As soon as they approached, Alexander paused his conversation and smiled at them.
— I see you found more than just a wand in there, little one.
Circe grinned and gave Harry a playful shove, causing him to stumble slightly forward.
— This is Harry, everyone! My new friend! — she announced cheerfully.
Edmund, the middle sibling, was the first to react. He smiled warmly and extended a hand toward the boy.
— Welcome, Harry.
Eleanor gave a polite nod, while Teresa simply observed him with an unreadable expression.
Harry, somewhat timidly, shook Edmund's hand.
— I'm Harry. It's a pleasure to meet you all.
Alexander studied the interaction closely before stepping forward, lowering himself slightly to meet Harry's gaze.
— We found each other sooner than I expected, Harry — he said with a knowing smile.
The Goldenhart siblings exchanged glances. Their grandfather knew this boy? Then again, given Alexander's extensive connections, perhaps it wasn't all that surprising.
— Yes, sir — Harry replied politely.
Alexander, however, grimaced.
— Don't call me that, boy. You can call me Alex.
Harry hesitated, then gave a small, awkward smile.
— Sir Alex, then.
Alexander sighed but chose not to press further. It was a start.
— All right, young lady — he turned to Circe. — Say goodbye to your friend. I have business to attend to, and your aunt will take you home.
Circe crossed her arms, clearly displeased, but didn't argue.
— See you at Hogwarts, Harry! — she said with a mischievous grin. — And when we meet again, I'll show you some spells with my new wand!
Harry smiled and nodded.
Alexander walked with his grandchildren for a few more streets before finally parting ways.
---
Once alone, Alexander quickened his pace, weaving effortlessly through the bustling crowd of Diagon Alley. He turned into a shadowy alleyway, where the lively chatter of the shops and shoppers faded into an eerie silence.
At the far end of the passage, he stopped and waited.
A few seconds later, a sleek black raven landed in front of him, its feathers gleaming faintly under the dim light. Its sharp, intelligent eyes locked onto Alexander's.
The wizard gave a small, knowing smile and murmured:
— Did you find them, Kyle?
The raven tilted its head slightly, and then its body began to shift. Its wings shrank, its feathers receded, and its form expanded. Within seconds, the bird had vanished, replaced by a tall and imposing man.
Kyle stood at about six feet tall, with dark hair and piercing brown eyes. A faint beard shadowed his face, interrupted by a scar on his left cheek. There was something about him—a palpable aura of danger—that made it clear he was not a man to be trifled with.
He dipped his head slightly before speaking.
— Yes, Minister. He's hiding in a small house near a forest in Scotland.
A cold smile spread across Alexander's lips.
— Is he alone?
Kyle shook his head.
— No, sir. Three werewolf mercenaries are with him. Likely hired for protection. But we've already surrounded the house and placed containment enchantments. They won't be able to escape through portals or Apparition. The men are in position, awaiting your command.
Alexander took a deep breath, a dangerous glint flashing in his eyes.
— I'm coming with you. It's been too long since I stretched these old bones.
Kyle hesitated.
— Sir… perhaps it would be better—
— My decision is final — Alexander interrupted firmly.
Kyle knew better than to argue.
But there was one more issue.
— Sir, there's another problem. Alastor Moody has been asking questions about the Hunters. He's already told Orion more than once that he wants to join one of the units.
Alexander clicked his tongue in annoyance.
— Absolutely not. He's far too close to Dumbledore.
Kyle sighed.
— It's a shame. We've lost too many good men last month… that incident in Wales…
Alexander's expression remained unwavering.
— Their sacrifice was not in vain.
— I know, sir. But we're still short on manpower.
— I'll be recruiting a new wave of Aurors soon. Until then, keep things running.
Kyle gave a curt nod.
— Yes, sir.
Alexander exhaled slowly.
— Let's go. The sooner we capture that worm, the better.
Kyle pulled a handkerchief from his pocket and unfolded it, revealing a small silver coin engraved with the symbol of a hunting hound. He extended his hand to Alexander, and the moment the Minister touched the coin, he vanished without a trace.
Kyle followed suit.
The coin and handkerchief fell to the ground. But as if by magic, the fabric curled around the coin and burst into spontaneous flames.
Within moments, nothing remained.
The dark alley stood empty, as though no one had ever been there at all.