Alex sat on the lawn of his villa, gazing at the ocean. The sky was blue, but dark clouds loomed on the horizon. A faint rumble of thunder echoed as the storm began to brew.
After a moment, Alex stood and made his way to the garage. His McLaren Speedtail sat ready, gleaming in the corner. He started the engine and sped off, heading toward Malibu Country Mart.
At the shopping center, Alex browsed leisurely, picking up shoes, clothes, snacks, and other essentials. He also selected fruits, preserves, and pastries.
Some items were for himself, others for Harry and the Weasleys. Most of the food and snacks went into his ring for storage, while some were set aside as gifts.
Once his purchases were made, Alex arranged for everything to be delivered to his villa. A couple of cars followed him back, carrying the goods.
As Alex drove home, he muttered to himself, "I think I'll hire an assistant soon. I can't keep running around for everything."
[You really should, Alex,] Lily's voice responded. [You're not always around.]
"Yeah, I'll hire a butler when I get back from Harry Potter's world," Alex said, half-smiling.
Back at the villa, the storm had arrived. Winds howled, and rain lashed against the windows.
As the goods were unloaded, Alex carefully stored everything in his ring. With a single thought, he erased all labels and identifying information that tied them to this world.
"Time to go," Alex said quietly, heading to his bedroom. Concentrating, he froze time around him. In an instant, he vanished in a flash of golden light.
In his study in London, 1992, Alex took a deep breath, the familiar air of this world filling his lungs. His focus sharpened, ready to continue his plans.
He stepped out of the study, the quiet atmosphere of the villa enveloping him. Calling for his household manager, Edmund, Alex waited as the man appeared swiftly, his demeanor calm and professional.
"How long has it been since I left?" Alex asked.
"It's been three days, sir," Edmund replied, though a flicker of confusion crossed his face. He handed Alex a letter sealed with wax, the Hogwarts logo stamped on it.
Alex opened the letter, reading Dumbledore's carefully chosen words. The letter expressed concern for Harry's safety and included a reminder that whatever Alex planned must ensure the boy's well-being.
Lily's voice bristled with indignation. [This old man is so hypocritical. How many years has Harry suffered, and Dumbledore never helped him?]
Alex's gaze grew distant. "Well, maybe he had his reasons," he said with a faint frown. "Although I do wonder why he never bothered to at least make his allies' lives more comfortable."
[He's too busy scheming,] Lily replied sharply. [He forgets that others have lives too.]
Alex chuckled, shaking his head. "This time, though, he doesn't need to worry. I'll help Harry and make him an overlord in this world," he said, his tone laced with amusement.
Later, Alex walked around the villa, inspecting the renovations and constructions he'd requested. Everything had been completed perfectly, and a sense of satisfaction settled over him.
He turned to Edmund, issuing a few instructions. "First, buy a car, a good one. Also, find a driver. I'll need both soon. And I want you to get him to know the address for Number Four, Privet Drive, Surrey, Little Whinging."
The following afternoon, Alex sat in his newly acquired 1991 Rolls-Royce Phantom VI. The ride was smooth, the vehicle a symbol of quiet luxury.
Marcus, his new personal driver, handled the wheel with precision as they made their way toward Harry's uncle's home.
Leaning back in the plush seat, Alex allowed his thoughts to wander. Harry's life was about to change, and Alex was determined to make sure it would be for the better this time.