BREAKING FREE
CHAPTER 31: BREAKING FREE
The next day dawned, pale light filtering through my curtains as I reluctantly got out of bed. The lingering exhaustion from last night’s events clung to me, but the world doesn’t wait for you to rest, and neither does my schedule.
After freshening up, I spent the morning with Susan in the study. She was perched on a high-backed chair, her legs swinging slightly as she flipped through a book on magical flora. Her brows furrowed with concentration as she scribbled notes in a surprisingly neat hand for her age.
"Did you know some plants only bloom under moonlight?" she asked, eyes wide with wonder. "The Moonflower does that!"
I smiled and leaned over to see her notes. "That's right. The Moonflower's petals open only when the moonlight touches them. And they’re often used in nighttime potions."
Susan's eyes sparkled with excitement. "I want to try making one of those potions someday."
"One step at a time," I chuckled. "But you’re doing great. You’ve already got a better understanding of plants than most first-years." I ruffled her hair playfully, earning a giggle.
It struck me how different our approaches to learning were. While I had been tutored rigorously, Susan’s education was more relaxed, guided by her curiosity. Aunt Amelia and I had agreed that this was the best way for her to grow — to love learning, not feel burdened by it. The weight of family expectations rested on my shoulders, leaving her free to explore her interests.
She glanced up, her expression turning shy. "Hannah's going to love hearing about these plants too."
"Are you excited to see her today?" I asked, already knowing the answer.
Susan nodded eagerly. "Yes! We’re going to practice making daisy chains. Mrs. Abbott says we can turn them into bracelets."
"Sounds fun," I replied. It made me happy to see her building friendships — something I hadn’t always been able to do easily.
When lunchtime rolled around, I escorted Susan to the Abbott family’s home. The house was quaint and cheerful, with a garden bursting with colorful blooms. Mrs. Abbott greeted us warmly, and Hannah waved excitedly from the porch.
“Thank you for having her over, Mrs. Abbott,” I said politely.
She smiled. "It’s always a pleasure. These two are inseparable."
I watched Susan bound up the steps, already chattering away with her friend. As I turned to leave, I felt a few curious eyes on me. The same scrutiny I'd grown accustomed to — a side effect of my appearance and reputation. But after two years at Hogwarts, the stares hardly fazed me anymore. I simply gave a polite nod and made my way towards Diagon Alley.
The meeting place was a modest building tucked away from the bustling main street, almost hidden between two larger shops. I had purchased it specifically for potion experiments, a safe haven away from prying eyes. The faint scent of herbs and parchment greeted me as I entered the room.
Scott was already there, standing near the table with a mixture of wariness and intrigue. He had cleaned up well — his beard was gone, replaced by a smooth jawline, and his hair was neatly trimmed. A tailored suit replaced his usual disheveled appearance, making him look more like a businessman than a man who had been battling the odds of life.
Beside him, the second figure was cloaked, her face concealed by the hood. She stood slightly behind Scott, arms crossed as if ready to spring into action.
Both turned as I stepped inside, the door clicking shut behind me.
“Glad to see you both made it safe and sound,” I said with a grin. “Scott, you clean up nicely.”
He glanced down at his suit and smirked. “Thanks. The cash definitely helped. And the haircut was overdue, apparently.” He rubbed his chin as if still getting used to the smoothness.
I chuckled. “I’d say it was long overdue.”
His eyes flickered over my appearance, a mixture of curiosity and amusement. “So... what should I call you today, considering you look like that?” His tone was light, but the question held a deeper weight.
I glanced at the polished mirror hanging on the far wall. My reflection stared back — confident, composed, wearing robes that spoke of authority. This version of me was calculated, someone who played the game of power carefully.
“Call me whatever suits the situation,” I replied cryptically, a hint of mischief in my voice. “But for now, just ‘boss’ will do.”
Scott raised an eyebrow, a ghost of a smile playing on his lips. “Alright, boss. What’s the plan?”
Before I could respond, the cloaked figure shifted slightly. Her voice, when it came, was calm but firm. “I hope this plan of yours isn’t a waste of time.”
I met her concealed gaze evenly. “I assure you, it isn’t. If we pull this off, it’ll be worth every second you’ve invested.”
She was silent for a moment, then nodded. “Good.”
Scott glanced between us, his eyes narrowing. “You two seem to have some history. Care to clue me in?”
“All in good time,” I replied smoothly. “For now, we’ve got preparations to make.”
I gestured to the table, where several potion ingredients and parchment sheets lay in organized chaos. The smell of dried herbs mingled with the faint tang of powdered metals.
“Let’s get to work,” I said. “We’ve got a lot to cover.”
The air in the room grew still, the rustle of parchment and the clink of glass vials punctuating the silence. A sense of purpose settled over us — this was the beginning of something much larger than any of us realized.
Scott's gaze flicked back to me, curiosity etched into his features. "So, what's the name today, boss?" he asked, a hint of impatience in his tone.
I folded my arms, my expression calm but resolute. "Michael Folster," I replied. "At least when we’re not in a completely secure location. That’s how it’ll be until we’ve got the proper facilities up and running, and when there’s no longer a need to hide.”
Scott nodded, though his eyes narrowed slightly. “Fair enough. But you didn’t mention we’d have company.” He gestured toward the cloaked figure standing silently to my left. His tone was cautious, a reflex honed by years of hard living.
“This,” I said, my voice steady, “is Geri.” I glanced toward her, giving her a brief nod before continuing. “Her last name stays between us until she decides otherwise. Familial issues.” The words hung heavily between us, unspoken layers of meaning behind them. “She joined up right after our meeting, an unexpected but valuable addition.”
Scott crossed his arms, brow furrowed. “And she’s part of the team now?”
“She is,” I confirmed. “You’ll need to know that she’s a werewolf.”
The silence that followed was palpable. Scott’s eyes widened, and a flicker of something — wariness, perhaps — crossed his face. He took a breath, steadying himself, before a wry smile tugged at the corner of his mouth.
“Werewolf, huh?” He chuckled, though there was no humor in it. “Had a few scraps with her kind before. Didn’t end well. But if you say she’s a colleague, then that’s good enough for me.” His eyes softened just a fraction. “Welcome aboard, Geri.”
Geri inclined her head, her voice low and deferential. “If that is what you wish, master.”
Scott’s head snapped up, his eyes widening in disbelief. “Woah! Master? What in Merlin’s beard did you do while I wasn’t there, kid?” His incredulous tone was tinged with amusement, but his eyes were wary, scanning me for answers.
I sighed, running a hand through my hair. “Like I said — surprise gain.” My voice was calm, but I met Scott’s eyes directly. “Her life is tied to mine for now. I offer her protection, employment, and a chance to improve the situation for werewolves. In return, she offers me her temporary servitude. If I earn her loyalty, she’ll become my aide.”
Scott let out a low whistle. “You don’t do anything halfway, do you?”
“Wouldn’t be worth it if I did,” I shot back with a smirk. My gaze shifted to Geri, her posture still rigid, her eyes hidden beneath the cloak’s shadow. “But first things first. Geri needs to be cleaned up and dressed properly. Wizard fashion isn’t exactly... forgiving.”
Geri’s head tilted slightly, curiosity evident despite the cloak concealing her features. “Cleaned up?” she echoed, uncertainty in her voice.
“We’re heading to the Muggle world,” I explained. “They have clothing options that are practical, subtle, and — most importantly — not robes.”
Scott laughed, shaking his head. “Oh, this I’ve got to see.”
The Muggle Shopping Trip
I’ll spare you the full fashion montage — though I have to admit, it turned out far more interesting than I expected. At first, Geri was reluctant, standing stiffly in the aisles of the clothing store, her eyes darting around at the racks of jeans, jackets, and casual wear. The bright fluorescent lights and cheerful pop music were a far cry from anything she was used to.
But after trying on a few outfits, something shifted. She caught sight of herself in a full-length mirror, clad in a fitted leather jacket over a simple black tee and dark jeans. For a moment, she just stared at her reflection, a mix of disbelief and wonder in her eyes.
“Is this... normal?” she murmured, almost to herself.
I smiled, stepping beside her. “Yeah. This is you, living life without labels. No cloaks, no fear, no hiding.”
Her fingers grazed the smooth surface of the jacket, and she nodded slowly. “I like it.”
Scott grinned from the corner, his arms loaded with a few more options. “Looks like you’re getting the hang of this faster than I thought.”
We spent the rest of the afternoon finding clothes that suited her — practical, durable, but with enough variety to give her options. By the end of it, Geri’s shoulders were a little straighter, her steps a little more confident.
As we left the store, bags in hand, Geri turned to me, her eyes catching the sunlight. “Thank you,” she said softly. The words were simple, but the sincerity in her voice spoke volumes.
“You’re part of the team now,” I replied. “This is just the beginning.”
Scott nodded, his eyes thoughtful. “Yeah, and something tells me things are about to get a lot more interesting.”
We stepped back into the shadows of the alley, the buzz of the Muggle world fading behind us. The future was uncertain, the path ahead fraught with challenges — but we were ready.
And this was only the first step.
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It took a few hours, but it gave me time to run some details through Scott. I handed him one of my Muggle credit cards, instructing him to scout for real estate and land far outside any city or town limits — isolated places where I could work in complete privacy. These locations would serve as the foundation for building up my resources and conducting experiments without prying eyes.
Scott returned just before Geri’s makeover was complete. He handed me a thick packet of documents, a satisfied grin on his face. I flipped through them quickly and couldn’t help but be impressed. The parcels of land he’d secured matched my criteria perfectly: remote, secluded, and with potential for expansion. Perfect sites to remain hidden until I perfected my warding skills — I wanted these places completely off the grid, known only to those I chose to trust.
Scott also presented a few options for an official residence for Michael Folster. But before I could review them, a store attendant emerged, announcing that Geri’s transformation was complete.
We turned toward the dressing area — and both of us froze.
Scott’s jaw practically hit the floor, his eyes widening in disbelief. For a moment, I couldn’t blame him; even I was momentarily stunned. I’d known she had potential, but the transformation was astonishing.
The wild, almost Viking-like woman we’d met just hours ago was gone. In her place stood a poised and striking figure, like a character straight out of a high-end drama. Her once-unruly hair now cascaded in soft, raven curls that rested gracefully on her shoulders. Her steel-gray eyes seemed sharper, accentuated by subtle eyeliner and mascara. Her skin — now smooth and luminous — hinted at a natural beauty long hidden beneath a life of hardship.
Her lips were adorned with a light shade of lipstick, understated yet elegant. The ensemble they’d chosen for her was equally breathtaking: a fitted black jacket over a crisp white blouse, paired with a sleek pencil skirt that ended just above her knees. Her legs, now smooth and bare, seemed to go on forever, the look completed by a pair of sharp, black heels.
Geri stood in front of the mirror, eyes wide with disbelief. Her fingers brushed over her face, then pinched her arm as if to confirm she wasn’t dreaming. A small, surprised laugh escaped me.
“Now you certainly look the part,” I said, a teasing smile tugging at my lips. “I’m starting to think I need a makeover, or people will assume you’re the boss.”
I nudged Scott with my elbow, trying to snap him out of his stupor.
He coughed awkwardly, a faint blush coloring his cheeks. “Yeah, uh, you look... incredible. I guess that time was well spent.”
Geri turned to us, her gaze sharp and clear. She took a deep breath, squaring her shoulders. The initial shock faded, replaced by a quiet confidence that seemed to settle into her very bones.
She bowed her head slightly. “Thank you for your patience, sir, and for this opportunity. I will strive to meet your expectations.”
Her sincerity and resolve were palpable. But I shook my head gently.
“There’s no need to bow in public, Geri. If you want to do that in private, that’s your choice. But out here, you’re my assistant, not my servant.” My voice softened. “Also, sir will do just fine when you need to be formal.”
She straightened up, a small, determined smile tugging at the corners of her lips. “Understood, sir.”
Her tone was almost military in its precision, but there was a flicker of warmth in her eyes now. A spark of something new, something hopeful. For the first time, she was stepping into a role she’d never thought possible — and it suited her.
Scott clapped his hands together, a grin spreading across his face. “Well then, boss, looks like we’re finally ready to take on the world.”
I smirked. “One step at a time, Scott.”
We stepped out onto the bustling streets, the city alive with its usual rhythm. People hurried past, unaware of the subtle shifts happening beneath the surface. The path ahead of us stretched far and uncertain, filled with challenges we couldn’t yet foresee. But we were ready — and this was only the beginning.
"Alright, at least I know what your official name will be in the Muggle world now," I said, turning to Geri. She simply nodded, acknowledging the gravity of the transition. "The paperwork will be handled at Gringotts. That’s also when you both will gain access to my rather substantial funds."
Geri didn’t say anything, but the silent understanding between us was palpable. She was adapting to this new world quickly, her previous life now beginning to feel more like a distant memory.
Turning to Scott, I continued, "As for you, Scott, you’ll be in charge of my new properties once everything’s finalized. I need you to keep an eye on properties for sale in Diagon Alley and track the other assignments I’ve given you. But beyond that, there’s something else I want you to focus on." I paused to let the weight of my words settle. "I want to construct an extensive underground space — a safe haven — for the werewolves Geri trusts enough to invite. A place where they can spend the full moon in peace, away from the danger and stigma that comes with their condition."
Scott’s face hardened in determination. "Got it, Boss. Anything else?"
"Yes," I replied, "we’ll also need to modify the house chosen for ‘my’ official residence. I want an underground space similar to the one I just described — for Geri, should she choose to use it. I want everything to be ready for when we need it, and we can’t afford delays. Once that’s done, we’ll see how everything progresses with my other plans." I gave him a brief nod, and he scribbled the instructions into a notebook.
"Understood, Boss."
I then turned to Geri. "So, for now, I’m guessing you don’t have much in terms of formal education or training, right?" I half-asked, half already knowing the answer.
She lowered her gaze slightly, and I could see the quiet sadness behind her eyes. "No, sir. My father and some of the others in our community tried to teach us what they knew, but it left us lacking in many areas."
Her honesty, though tinged with a sense of regret, spoke volumes. She had been forced to survive, to rely on raw instincts and the teachings of others who had themselves been marginalized. But that was all about to change.
"Alright," I said, meeting her gaze. "I’ll hire tutors and trainers for you. You’ll receive formal education — both in combat and in more practical skills. I’ll make sure you’re trained in magical and physical combat. I have a meeting with the goblins next month. They’ll train you as a warrior, if you’re willing. You’ll become more than just my assistant — you’ll be my guard. But I’ll also see if they can teach you management skills. That will be useful for me, and it will be useful for you if you ever decide to leave."
Her expression softened, and I could see the fire starting to burn in her eyes — a spark of hope, of purpose, taking root. She straightened up slightly, her shoulders squared with newfound resolve.
"Thank you, sir," she replied, her voice rich with emotion. There was more than gratitude in her words — there was a determination to seize this opportunity, to reshape her future. She wasn’t just accepting my offer; she was rising to meet it, ready to take on the responsibility that would come with it.
I gave her a small smile, impressed by her reaction. "No need to thank me yet. This is just the beginning, Geri. But you’ll have the chance to build something better for yourself — and for the others who need it."
She nodded solemnly, the weight of what I had offered her not lost on her. "I won’t let you down, sir."
"Good," I said, giving her a reassuring pat on the shoulder. "Now, let’s focus on making this all happen."
We continued walking through the busy streets, oblivious to the changes that were quietly unfolding beneath our feet. The world moved on around us, unaware of the plans we were setting into motion. But with each step, we were carving a future none of us had dared to imagine — and we would make it our own.
With their tasks clear, we finally arrived at Gringotts. As expected, I was ushered into a private room with Ragnok, the goblin overseeing my accounts. He didn’t waste time with pleasantries; we had important matters to discuss. I took the time to set Scott up with limited access to my accounts, enough to allow him to purchase items on my behalf. After all, he would be my main manager and the one overseeing many of my operations.
"I trust you will handle this responsibility with care," I said to Scott as I handed him the necessary instructions.
"Of course, boss," he replied with his usual confidence, already flipping through a stack of documents.
I also finalized arrangements for Geri’s training. The goblins had provided me with a list of trainers skilled in various disciplines. They would all have to sign a privacy contract, of course — and I’d made sure to offer them extra compensation for their discretion. No one would be able to learn too much about Geri’s background or the full extent of what she’d be trained for.
Geri, now registered in the Muggle world as Jennifer Roth (a decision that I briefly toyed with as 'Yennefer' but quickly discarded due to its potential awkwardness in England), stood quietly off to the side, absorbing everything happening around her. She seemed calm, composed, though I could sense the fire burning in her eyes — she had no intention of wasting this opportunity.
With the business concluded at Gringotts, it was time to leave and let Scott and Geri get to work.
I had a few things left to manage on my end, though. One major project had already been set into motion: the construction of a custom manor, 30 kilometers from Little Whinging — Harry Potter’s current home. I had acquired the land within a secluded forest, and construction was already underway, adhering strictly to my specifications. The property was being shielded from Muggle eyes with a series of complex wards, including Anti-Muggle, Apparition, and Portkey wards, which would make the place effectively invisible to anyone who wasn’t authorized.
The manor itself would be a two-story marvel. Inside, it would house everything a multi-talented wizard like myself could need — a sprawling library, a fully stocked potion lab, a Rune Carving room, a reinforced practice room for combat and magical training, and a greenhouse large enough to accommodate a variety of magical plants. A small infirmary would also be included, fully stocked with all the essentials for both magical and non-magical ailments. Every room, every wall, every corner would be magically protected, ensuring no one could enter without the express permission of either me or Scott.
The house would be registered as a legitimate wizard's residence under Scott’s name, a necessary step to make sure it didn’t raise any suspicions. A private Floo network would be installed in a protected room, capable of locking anyone who tried to sneak in and locking out anyone trying to flee. It would be a place for those who knew how to find it — and a sanctuary for those who would be loyal.
I’d spared no expense, ensuring that even House-elves not keyed into the wards would be unable to enter the manor, just in case someone clever enough tried to send one. It would be a secure, self-sufficient place. Everything was being set up meticulously. The House-elves I had requested would join once the house was fully operational, providing the extra hands needed to maintain everything.
Everything a man would need to feel safe, secure, and in control. The place would not be hidden under a Fidelius Charm or made unplottable, as I needed people to know where I was, at least in the future. This would be my home, my base of operations, where everything — from my plans to my assets — would be stored and protected.
If the place still stood by the end of the war, I knew my investments would make it worthwhile. A fortress, a place of power, a home for someone who had grander plans than simply surviving. This was just the beginning of the world I intended to shape.