8 Chapter 7: The Cat, the Old Man, the Giant, and the Beginning of Everything

It was an apparently normal morning on Hawthorn Lane. Dante woke up early, having had a terrible night and barely managed to sleep. He remembered the opening pages of Harry Potter perfectly; his memory had always been excellent. During the year he had spent in this world, he made sure to write down everything he recalled from the books, just to be safe.

Today was supposed to be the day when a certain little cat would appear, reading a map on the same street. Dante now watched as Vernon Dursley got into his car; he knew from the books that Mr. Dursley would pass by Minerva McGonagall in her Animagus form at any moment.

In the distance, almost at the end of the street, Dante spotted what or rather, who he was looking for.

"I have to agree with Dumbledore on this one; I've never seen a cat sit so rigidly and intently in all my life," Dante thought.

Dante put on the silver mask of the Thousand-Faced Beast and transformed into his adult self 26 years old, short red hair. He left the house as if he were heading to the bakery or the corner store. In reality, it was a chilly morning, and the feline he wanted to lure would likely be more inclined to follow him if it felt a bit tired and cold first.

Dante spent over an hour at the market, carefully selecting sweets and beverages. As he left, he passed by a nearby restaurant and ordered a large portion of the typical British dish, Fish and Chips. It was probably around 11:00 a.m. when Dante, now Prometeus Esposito, approached the cat. It sat there, stiff as a rock, trembling from the cold. Prometeus Esposito (Dante) sat down next to the cat at a distance that wouldn't startle it. The cat was tabby, with distinctive markings around its eyes resembling square glasses. It looked at Dante as if suspecting some mischief. For a moment, Dante shivered.

Dante simply placed the still-warm Fish and Chips bag on the ground next to him. He could swear he saw the tabby cat swallow twice before looking at Dante suspiciously. Smiling, he said, "You can have these; they're for you."

Watching the cat eat was a bit strange. It used its claws to pick up small pieces of fish, almost as if it were using a fork and knife. Dante didn't dare pet the cat in front of him. His only dilemma was whether he'd receive a mere scratch from the cat's claws or be literally transformed into something like a cat scratcher. Opting for safety, he let the cat eat peacefully before starting to speak.

"You know, it's quite cold out here, and these are dangerous times. It's uncomfortable to stay outside," Dante said.

In a smooth, deliberate motion, Dante took his wand from his jacket pocket and placed it on the ground, raising his hands while still seated. The cat leaped so high that Dante was amazed. It had been right next to him a second ago, and now it was over 6.5 feet away. Its eyes were sharp and seemed to spark.

"I don't mean you any harm, Minerva McGonagall. I just want to talk. If I wanted to kill or curse you, I would have poisoned the fish."

The tabby cat in front of him looked at the fish, then at the wand on the ground, and finally at Dante in a cycle of indecision. Eventually, it nodded its head in agreement.

Taking this as a cue, Dante picked up his wand and the grocery bags before standing up. He was now accompanied by a tabby cat as he made his way back home.

***********************

Upon arriving at his door, Dante opened it, bowing as if welcoming an honored guest. Barely had he closed the door when the cat on his doorstep vanished, replaced by a woman in her forties. She looked at him with penetrating and judgmental eyes a gaze that reminded him of the orphanage caretakers and some teachers. It was the unmistakable look of authority and wisdom.

Dante: "I believe introductions are in order. You may call me Prometeus Esposito, and this at your feet is Aldar, my house elf."

The stern woman hadn't noticed the small elf, and for a moment, Dante saw her severe expression waver. But then, a loud bang followed by smoke on Dante's shoulder caught her attention, causing her to take a half step back.

Dante: "Of course, I haven't forgotten you." Dante gently petted a small, melodious white bird perched nearby. "This is Salaark, my phoenix."

These words seemed to overwhelm the woman, and for a few minutes, Dante, the elf, the phoenix, and the particularly severe woman remained silent.

Dante: "No need for introductions. You are Minerva McGonagall, the Transfiguration professor at the British School of Witchcraft and Wizardry."

The woman's eyes widened briefly before she regained her composure.

Minerva: "You're correct, Mr. Esposito. I am Minerva McGonagall, the Transfiguration professor at Hogwarts."

Dante (Prometeus) pulled a chair in front of the window for the professor and offered it to her. As he sat across from her, he asked the elf to bring snacks and drinks. 

Dante: "I know why you're here, Professor. I am, for lack of a better term, a sort of seer. I can't predict the future, but let's say I've read a few lines ahead in the story being written."

The professor looked disdainfully at Prometheus and said, "I'm sorry, Mr. Esposito, but I don't put much stock in the art of prophecy."

Dante raised his hand, interrupting the woman in front of him. "Believing or not doesn't matter here. I knew your identity. I bought this house months in advance. I know you're here because the second-generation Dark Lord, Lord Voldemort, was killed or incapacitated. And apparently, it was a baby just over a year old who defeated him. I also know that tonight, at dusk, Professor Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore will bring the boy Harry Potter to the house just ahead." Dante pointed to the elegant and ordinary house in front of him.

Minerva stood up, brandishing her wand. "Who are you, and how do you have access to such information?"

"Please calm down, Professor. I'm here to meet Dumbledore as well. I'm a foreign wizard who came to your country to research Muggles and their medical techniques. But when I arrived, I stumbled upon a massive and bloody wizarding war. I admit I can't predict everything, but believe me when I say I have information about your future, the wizarding world's future, and the child's future."

The middle-aged woman in front of Dante sat back down as if nothing had happened, taking a sip of tea brought by the house-elf. "What do you know about the Muggles across the street, Harry Potter's relatives?"

"I hope you've drawn your own conclusions, Professor McGonagall. Observe for the rest of the day, and tonight, when Albus Dumbledore arrives, I'll share my thoughts. That way, it won't interfere with or distort your judgment."

And so the afternoon passed. The professor seemed focused on the Dursley house, while Dante, at some point, began reading an advanced Transfiguration book. The main topic was human transfiguration and the essence of being. As he practiced, he received glances and criticism from the stern woman in front of him. Remarkably, she never lost concentration on the Dursley house it was as if vigilance came naturally to her. It turned out to be a pleasant afternoon, where Dante managed to gather information and knowledge from the woman in fits and starts. And without either of them noticing, night fell, and at the end of the street, an old man with a long white beard and a distinctly unusual cloak appeared. 

*************

With a single click of an unusual lighter, the lights on the entire street went out. Dante could sense from a distance that the magical fluctuations emanating from the object held far more power than necessary for this simple parlor trick. Disguised as Prometheus and accompanied by Minerva McGonagall, he approached the old man. Dumbledore, in turn, observed the newcomers and focused his incredibly blue eyes on Dante. Dante, in response, greeted the old man by bowing slightly, avoiding the penetrating gaze that seemed capable of reading his mind a capability that, in Dumbledore's case, might very well be true.

Dante: "Greetings, Professor Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore, Order of Merlin, First Class, Grand Sorcerer, Chief Warlock of the International Confederation of Wizards, Supreme Chieftain, and so on and so forth."

Dante wasn't sure if the elderly wizard was attempting to read his mind, but he decided not to take any chances and kept his eyes away from Dumbledore's just to be safe. Dumbledore and Minerva conversed for a while before the old man turned his attention to Dante.

The imposing old man, with eyes that sparkled, approached Dante, extending his hand and speaking:

Dumbledore: "Your name is Prometheus Esposito, as I've been told. Minerva mentioned that you live right across from Harry Potter's relatives and that you claim to know a bit about the future."

Dumbledore's eyes bore into Dante as if he were X-raying him.

Dante: "Professor Dumbledore, in my home country, attempting to invade someone's mind is considered rude. As a foreigner, I may not fully understand British wizarding culture, but I believe a wizard of your stature should have more civilized and honorable means of assessing my character."

Dumbledore fixed Dante with a gaze that sent shivers down his spine. It would undoubtedly cause an unprepared person to take several steps back or flee desperately in search of their mother. But this intense moment lasted only a second. Then, as if nothing had happened, the old man gave a faint smile of amusement, as though he stood before a particularly intriguing allegory. 

Dumbledore: "Indeed, I must judge for myself. These are dangerous times, Mr. Esposito. However, I agree that my intrusion into your thoughts was rude. Please accept my apologies."

Dante inwardly sighed with relief, accepting the old man's apology. Just then, he heard the unmistakable sound of a motorcycle exhaust.

Dante: "Excellent, our last two guests of the evening have arrived."

At the end of the street, a motorcycle ridden by a hairy man seemingly the size of two and the width of three humans appeared. Dante could only assume that some magic prevented the entire street from waking up. The colossal man greeted Dumbledore with a respect and affection that contradicted his fierce biker appearance. Finally, he handed a package to the old man with such tenderness that Dante momentarily lost touch with reality.

Dante: "If you'll allow me, I'd like to invite everyone to my house. I have matters to discuss with you all, and I believe everyone wants answers."

The half-giant seemed startled by Dante's voice, as if he hadn't noticed him before. Politely, he introduced himself, and Dante did the same, leading the peculiar group to his home.

Upon reaching the doorstep, Dante glanced at Hagrid. The man looked embarrassed and would have to squeeze considerably to fit through the door in front of him. Dante tapped the open door frame twice, and as if he were zooming in on an image on a computer, the entire door frame widened and stretched, allowing the giant to pass without crouching. This gesture delighted the massive man, who thanked Dante sincerely.

Minerva: "A beautiful spell, wandless and silent."

Dumbledore: "Indeed, a simple spell executed exceptionally well."

Dante: "It's not that difficult. The door itself is an alchemical item the wood is the same as my wand's. The silver-like runes and details are made from unicorn hair threads. I experimented with it a few days ago. It should protect the house and prevent strangers or ill-intentioned people from entering or at least give an early warning. But its materials and composition make it almost like an enormous wand, which makes spellcasting much easier."

Dumbledore paused, observing the door, and Dante didn't rush him. Meanwhile, he served drinks to his guests, requesting a tankard of mead for the giant and glasses for the others. Dumbledore seemed thoroughly engrossed with the door, as if he had momentarily forgotten everything else. It was then that Dante decided to surprise the old man. 

Dante: "Salaark, could you come say hello to the guests?"

With a snap and a cloud of fire and smoke, Salaark appeared on Dante's shoulder, causing even the deep and enigmatic eyes of the old man to widen for a moment.

Dante: "Well, explanations are due. Please wait until I finish speaking before asking questions or forming judgments. You may call me Prometeus Esposito. I am a researcher, a healer, and a type of seer who came to your country to study Muggle medicine the equivalent of their healers. But when I arrived, I stumbled upon a hidden and bloody war. I confess I did not foresee this. My knowledge of the future is fragmented and does not involve my interference. So, I chose to hide until this moment."

Dumbledore: "If what you say is true, you should be able to prove it, Mr. Esposito. I believe that's why you've called us here."

Dante: "Certainly. As I mentioned, I cannot see my own future, and the future I see is one where I never interfered. Allow me to show you how tonight should unfold without my interference."

Dante took his wand and recited, "Luminis Illusio."

Before everyone, a 3D projection of the events described in the books unfolded the arrival of Dumbledore, his conversation with Minerva, Rubeus Hagrid's arrival. The illusion concluded with the baby on the doorstep in the morning and the screams of his aunt waking him up.

Dumbledore's blue eyes seemed to record every second of the scene before him, and his concentration was palpable. Professor Minerva opened and closed her mouth as if searching for flaws, but everyone instinctively knew that what they saw was real. Their words, doubts, and gestures were perfect. At the end, all eyes turned to Dante, intrigued.

Dumbledore: "It is indeed a very descriptive prophecy, and it answers how you are here. But I still have doubts about the why."

Dante: "Several reasons, Dumbledore. I'd like to express them, but first, I need your trust. And I believe it would take more than one night. So, I propose we make an Unbreakable Vow an irrevocable oath."

As Dante finished speaking, Minerva dropped the glass she was holding, shattering it on the floor. Rubeus Hagrid spat out his drink, choking. The old man, however, raised an eyebrow almost unperturbed, as if he had been asked whether he wanted sugar in his coffee.

Dumbledore: "Are you aware of the consequences of breaking an Unbreakable Vow, and what promises would you make?"

Dante: "Yes, I am. After making the vows, if the person who accepted them violates them, they will die. I am willing to swear that I will not intentionally harm Harry Potter in any way, and I am also willing to help and protect the child until he turns 11. I will do my best to assist him without ever revealing my identity as a wizard or his until he is formally admitted to Hogwarts…"

The silence in the room hung heavy, and breaths felt scarce.

Dante: "…in exchange, of course, I would appreciate your help and some favors. I mainly need the opinion of a renowned wizard like yourself and your contacts. I intend to write some books during these 11 years I'll be here and conduct research. Your assistance would be vital. It would be occasional idea exchange between colleagues and, hopefully, over time, between friends."

Dumbledore remained silent for a while perhaps only a second, but for everyone else in the room, his silence lasted hours. Eventually, he nodded.

Dumbledore: "Minerva, would you do the honors of being the guarantor?"

Trembling slightly, Minerva agreed and confidently stood up from her chair. She asked Dante:

Minerva: "Mr. Prometeus Esposito, are you sure of this? I will only do it if you fully understand the repercussions of this spell. It can never be broken, and the price is death no loopholes, no exceptions, and a contract between souls."

Dante smiled at her and said, "Don't worry, Minerva. I fully understand this magic, and to me, any promise made in front of a child is sacred and indistinguishable from an Unbreakable Vow." Dante pointed to Harry sleeping nearby.

Minerva nodded with satisfaction, and the two wizards one old, one new knelt on the floor. Minerva placed her wand between their hands and recited the spell.

Dumbledore: "Mr. Esposito, do you swear not to intentionally harm Harry Potter in any way?"

A chain of fire left the old man and entered the young one as he agreed. 

Dumbledore: "Mr. Esposito, do you swear to help and protect the child until he turns 11?"

Another chain formed, and with Dante's "yes," it entered his heart.

Dumbledore: "Mr. Esposito, do you swear to do your best to assist him without ever revealing your identity as a wizard or his until he is formally admitted to Hogwarts?"

Dante: "I swear."

The final chain of fire formed, and the two men stood up. Dante held the old man's hand and helped him rise, which made Dumbledore smile.

Dante: "A few last things before you leave. In my prophecy, Minerva asks how a boy could defeat Lord Voldemort. Well, I'd like to clarify it wasn't Harry; it was his mother. Her sacrifice created an ancient protective spell, and Albus, are you aware of this?"

Dante cast his light spell, "Luminis Illusio," again, showing everyone the scene of Harry's parents' death and how Lily threw herself in front of the boy's spell, saving him and granting protection. Minerva's eyes were teary, and Hagrid was in tears, sniffling so loudly that the child next to him almost woke up.

Dumbledore, however, remained serious, analyzing the image and particularly the subtle suggestion Dante had left of a shadow fleeing when the killing curse rebounded on the Dark Lord.

Dante: "Lastly, Dumbledore, I want you to understand the consequences of your choice to leave the boy here. This will be his room for years."

Dante's illusions trapped everyone in a claustrophobic space under the stairs, filled with spiders. He showed scenes of years of abuse, the disdain and indifference of Harry's relatives, and, above all, the beatings and mistreatment. At the end of the holograms, Minerva's and Hagrid's eyes burned with anger and indignation. For the first and only time that night, Dumbledore's eyes looked like locks.

Dante: "I showed you this, Dumbledore, not to make you feel guilty or sad. Your decision is correct the protective spell requires the blood of his mother to continue. I just want you to understand that we are not chess pieces on a board; we are people. I will keep my word and help the boy as much as I can, trying to add positive memories to his pile."

The old man nodded to Dante, as if apologizing.

Dumbledore: "Life is indeed full of surprises. Who would have thought I'd be getting a lecture from a child?"

Dumbledore looked at Dante and smiled, then spoke gently.

Dumbledore: "Thank you for the insight and assistance."

The strange group left Dante's house, leaving the baby at the foot of Privet Drive, No. 4, in Little Whinging. Minerva and Hagrid still stared at the house in front of them, as if deciding whether to set it on fire or knock it down. It took a lot of negotiation from Dumbledore to get them to leave.

Dante: "Well, it's been a tiring day."

Dante closed his eyes and slept, expecting the screams that he knew would wake him up in the morning.

================================//====================

PS: I'll probably only be able to write the next chapter on Saturday or Sunday... sorry