As July passed, I couldn't help but keep a watchful eye on the days. Harry Potter would be visiting Diagon Alley on his birthday, and I couldn't help but want to get a glimpse of him. I mean, it was Harry Potter, the chosen one, the main character in the books. I had been wondering what he would be like after thinking and planning for so many years.

For now, I knew it was essential to keep my distance. One day, I am sure we will interact more. Until it was time to start making serious changes to the timeline, I needed to stay in the background.

Thinking about the upcoming year filled me with some sadness. Nicolas Flamel was destined to die sometime in the next year or so. After spending a month with him, I couldn't help but like the old alchemist. He had an impressive depth of knowledge about magic, and his love of discovering new things was admirable.

Before I met him, I didn't give too much thought about his death. He was just a faceless character who would die in the background. But, now that we had met, his impending death left a bitter feeling within me, and there wasn't anything I could do to stop it.

I had considered trying to steal the stone for myself and then giving it back to him. But, the problem is he agreed with Dumbledore that the stone is too big of a temptation to Voldemort. As long as it existed, Voldemort would come for it, and whoever was in the way would pay.

The only silver lining is having met him and heard Nicolas's thoughts on death. I understand he doesn't fear death. To him and his wife, death is merely the next step in a journey. But, it still sucks knowing that he will die.

As July neared its end, I think I had gotten a handle on how I wanted my spell to work. The books warned that it was better to keep it simple, the more complex the spell, the harder it would be to bring it into fruition.

I imagine an invisible cone beginning at the front of the Firebolt extending out towards the rear that completely ignored any drag produced by the broom and rider as they flew through the air.

I decided to keep my plan to create a spell to help with the Firebolt a secret from Dad. I didn't want to show him until I was able to get this spell to work. I couldn't help but wonder how much faster it would be with my spell attached to it. According to what I remember and recorded in my journal, the firebolt max speed was 150 miles per hour and could reach its top speed in ten seconds. As long as I get this spell to work, the Firebolt's performance should be even better.

I couldn't wait to see that stupid smug grin wiped from Delvin's face when he realized that he no longer produces the best racing broom. Once we get our production rolling, I can't imagine any professional team using the Nimbus anymore. If the teams wanted to stay competitive, they would need to buy Firebolts.

The next day, I decided to go to work with Dad. Not only was it the 31st, but I wanted to see his progress on the Firebolt. I also was going to suggest taking a meeting with Anna's Mum, Barbra Lancaster. She had experience running an international business, and I had a feeling that she could give us some valuable advice on how to move forward.

I couldn't help but be a little curious the next day. I had a feeling that Hagrid would bring Harry to our family shop. Fawley's Wondrous Enchantments supplied a few items on the Hogwarts's supply list.

By the time I was ready to leave, Dad was pacing impatiently by the fireplace. Normally he apparated to his shop, but since I was tagging along, we took the floo network. After a quick flash of emerald flame, I arrived at the communal fireplace built at the beginning of Diagon Alley.

Diagon Alley was starting to fill up with families that needed to get their kids supplies for the upcoming year. Summer was definitely the busiest time for shops in Diagon Alley.

As I made my way to Dad's shop, I grimaced when I saw a few kids eyeing the Nimbus 2000 in a window of a store. Ever since it's release earlier in the year, the model had been selling like hotcakes. I forced myself to move on. It was no use dwelling on the matter.

After opening the store, Dad and I wandered off to the basement where his workshop was located, leaving Elaine Rosewood in charge of the store. She had been working for the store for years and ran the store while Dad worked in the back.

Dad likes to split his time between the workshop and the store. But, ever since the portkey incident, he had been working back here full time. I was interested in seeing how far along he was on the Firebolt. While we headed downstairs, Athena scampered off. She liked to explore the store and watch over everyone from a high perch.

A thick steel door with our family crest of a hawk surrounded by stars guarded the workshop. The closer I got to the door, the more my magical sense was lighting up. Since Delvin stole from us, Dad had always been a little paranoid about someone taking his work. So, he had warded and enchanted every square inch of his workshop to prevent thieves from gaining access.

There was a trap door beneath us that would activate if the wrong sequence was used. I'm sure Anton, our crazy ancestor, would be proud of Dad's caution. Dad made me tap the pattern this time. He wanted to make sure I knew the code in case anything ever happened, and I needed to get inside.

Once I tapped the code on our family crest's stars, the thick steel door swung open, revealing the workshop. I let out a surprised whistle when I saw the room. Usually, the tables lining the walls were full of items that Dad was working on for the shop.

But now, all I could see were broomsticks lying about haphazardly. Some had been carefully taken apart, and others looked like they exploded into tiny pieces. I shot a worried look at Dad, the whole workshop screamed of obsession. Although I was concerned about him, I knew Dad was just frustrated at not being able to take out Delvin for almost getting me killed.

Looking back at our family vacation to France, I had a feeling Mum arranged it more for Dad than anyone else. He must have needed a break from work. The sooner we can get project Firebolt up and running, the sooner we can put this mess behind us.

Dad's main workbench was the center of the workshop, surrounded by layers of wards. On the old scuffed up table was a polished broomstick. On the backside of the broom were rugged goblin-forged foot gears that helped stabilize the broom in midair.

Hanging off the table was the streamlined birch twigs. Each twig would end up having a charm attached to it. Everything from an unbreakable charm to make sure the other twigs wouldn't break, to anti-theft charms that would make sure the broom couldn't be casually stolen. Most people don't realize how many spells brooms have woven into them.

I was a little worried when I saw how close Dad was getting to be finished. I had a feeling I had for less than a year to complete my spell. I turned my head to him and asked, "How close are you to being done?"

Dad fondly ruffled my hair, "Soon, I plan to have the first completed prototype finished within a month or so."

A hint of a frown appeared on my face, "I thought you said it would be sometime early next year. This broom looks like it will be ready in a few months."

Dad laughed, "Getting the prototype finished is only there first step. There will be further testing and tweaking as I put the broom through its paces. Plus, if we're going to compete with the global Nimbus Broom Racing Company, it's going to take time to ramp up production."

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"I actually have an idea about that," I replied.

Dad turned to me with a questioning look.

"I think we should sit down with Anna's Mum. She runs an international apothecary business, went to a muggle school, and learned how to run a business. If we want to succeed and crush Delvin's company, I think we could use some advice."

Dad thought about it for a moment before nodding, "I think that's a great idea."

Nudging me with his elbow, he teased, "You know, if you wanted to see Anna, all you had to do was say something."

Magnanimously, I chose not to respond to his comment and decided that Elaine may need my help more than Dad. I hastily retreated upstairs, ignoring Dad's plea that he wouldn't say anything else.

Upstairs, the store was starting to get some customers. I mostly spent my time pointing out where things were. Out of the corner of my eye, I kept watching the windows for a certain half-giant that was supposed to be milling about.

I got so distracted that I almost ran into a small, pale-skinned, bushy-haired girl with buck-teeth. Standing behind her were two adults I assumed were her parents. Their eyes were twice as big as their daughters as they eyed the magical effects some of the store's items were giving off. On their shirts were badges that identified them as parents of a muggleborn. The pass is what got them past the magical doorway at the Leaky Cauldron.

I have seen enough first years to know what they looked like but considering the bushy-hair and buck teeth. I quickly made the connection. This had to be none other than Hermione Granger. I nearly froze in surprise. I had been expecting to run into Harry, not the smarter one of the trio.

Gathering my wits, I asked, "First-year?"

She nodded quickly. As if she wanted to confirm that she belonged in Diagon Alley, she pulled out her Hogwarts acceptance letter and replied, "Yes, I have my letter right here."

Seeing how I didn't even bother to look at the letter, she put it away.

"Muggleborn, right?" I clarified.

She nodded, I said, "I'm guessing you need supplies."

She shook her head, sending her bushy hair flying about and replied, "I got my supplies ages ago. I've already gone through several of the textbooks for the upcoming year."

With a know-it-all-look on her face, she added, "Did you know that Diagon Alley was built in the early 1500s? I read about it in A History of Magic."

I struggled not to roll my eyes at Hermione's impromptu history lesson. I hoped I didn't sound so smug when I talked with my friends. No wonder it took some time for Harry and Ron to look past her know-it-all-attitude.

Not wanting to hear a history lesson from an eleven-year-old, I changed the subject before she could continue, "So what can I help you with today?"

Oblivious to my annoyance, Hermione looked around the shop and explained, "All I need is a trunk for school, the one I have at home won't fit everything I need."

I motioned for her to follow, "If you need space, we've got just the thing."

On the far side of the shop, I pointed towards a stack of trunks in the corner. "Since you mentioned needing space, I recommend getting one of my Dad's enchanted trunks. You'll find it useful when packing for school."

Hermione's Dad lifted the lid on one of the trunks and looked inside. I hid a grin at his confused look. He closed the lid and suspiciously checked the trunk's dimensions. He opened the chest again and turned to his family and stage whispered, "The inside is too big."

Hermione looked like she was torn from being embarrassed and wanting to check it out for herself.

"It has an undetectable extension charm woven into it." I helpfully explained.

Hermione's Mum had a better handle on things because she just nodded like she knew exactly what I was talking about and that it was perfectly normal for the inside of the trunk to be three times what it should be.

Hermione's Dad replied, "We'll take two."

Hermione looked up at her Dad in confusion, "I only need one."

An embarrassed look appeared on his face, and he awkwardly replied, "Those were supposed to be for me."

Hermione's face turned red in embarrassment, and his wife elbowed him in the ribs, before telling me, "We only need one for now."

I almost laughed at seeing Hermione's Dad's expression. He looked like a kid who had a piece of candy stolen from him. After getting the trunk on the cart that they brought along, I led them to the front.

Waiting in line, Hermione looked around the shop wistfully and asked, "So, your Dad makes all this stuff?"

I looked around the shop fondly, "Yeah, this is his passion. He often says he loves what he does so much. Enchanting doesn't feel like work for him, more like a hobby."

It didn't take long for them to pay for the trunk. On their way out of the store, I waved goodby and said, "I guess I will see you at Hogwarts."

Hermione's eyes lit up at my remark about school. I bet she couldn't wait until she got to start seriously learning magic.

Once the door was closed and they were gone, I let out a breath of air. I think that went as well as it could. I need to be careful around Hermione. She was the smart one of the golden trio, and probably the most suspicious. Any forced attempt to create a connection with her group would likely raise red flags in her mind.

I knew I needed to build a connection with them, but not so much that it derailed the first two years of school. Hopefully, once their third year rolls around, our connection will have developed enough so that they don't get suspicious when I make my move.

While I was planning out the future, a dark shadow blocked the sun from the windows. The door opened with a loud thud, and a familiar half-giant appeared. With the door being too short for someone of Hagrid's stature, he had to duck to get inside the store.

Following closely behind him was a skinny, black-hair kid. His deep green eyes and the lightning bolt scar etched on his forehead identified him as Harry Potter.

I frowned when I noticed how thin he was, it was apparent that he had missed his fair share of meals growing up. The only good news is once the Dursleys realized that the wizarding world knew that they forced him to sleep in a cupboard. They improved his living conditions out of fear of retribution.

"Lo Alex, I want you to meet someone." Hagrid rumbled. He patted Harry on the back, nearly making him stumble forward. "This here is Harry Potter."

An uncomfortable look appeared on Harry's face as the other customers paused what they were doing and glanced our way. Remembering that Harry never liked it when people treated him differently, I stuck out my hand and said, "Alexander Fawley, but you can call me Alex."

Harry reached out and shook my hand. Before he could say anything, Athena glided down from the rafters and landed on the table next to Harry.

Harry stiffened in surprise, unsure what to make of a winged cat with horns dropping from the ceiling. Something about Harry seemed to fascinate Athena, and she approached him demanding tribute in the form of pets and strokes.

"That's Athena," I clarified. "I think she's feeling ornery today."

Harry reached out and started stroking Athena's striped fur. "What is she?" He asked.

Answering for me, Hagrid eagerly explained, "Athena is a Lamassu. A magical creature of great power. What's interesting about Lamassus is that no two are alike. They come in various forms."

"Are they all so friendly?" Harry asked while scratching the base of Athena's horns as she closed her eyes in pleasure.

I smiled, "I can't speak for other Lamassus, but Athena is a teddy bear unless she considers you an enemy."

Hagrid replied, "I would say most Lamassus that attack people are simply misunderstood. In my experience, magical creatures are overwhelmingly friendly."

Harry looked at me for confirmation and grinned when I shook my head, completely denying Hagrid's claim. Once Athena had enough attention, she launched herself off the table, heading off to who knows where.

It didn't take long for Harry and Hagrid to gather what Harry needed for school. Hagrid mumbled his apologies for not being able to stay any longer and explained they had a lot of things to take care of and needed to move on.

After they left, I mused that it was a good first meeting. I left a good impression, but not one of desperately trying to force a connection. I’m glad I came to the shop today, meeting two of the three was interesting. As if the universe wasn’t satisfied with me seeing all three of the golden trio. Later in the day, I saw Fred and George on the other side of the street, with a middle-aged woman I assumed was their Mum. As I took in sight, I noticed another redhead with freckles on his face.

That had to be Ron. I found it a little strange that Harry, Hermoine, and Ron were at Diagon Alley on the same day. It was like fate was trying to ensure that they would meet. Although I was curious about what would happen if they all met each other early, I ducked back into the store. It was none of my business to interfere with their eventual meeting on the train. Trying to force something could derail everything I had planned.