Chapter One: Starting Over
Harry had attended numerous funerals in the two weeks after the Battle of Hogwarts, the worst of them being Fred's- the brilliant and funny prankster always at his twin's side- … Remus- the last of the true Marauders and almost like a second godfather, and a new father-… Tonks- charming and funny but clumsy Auror, a kind woman, and a new mother-… and Colin Creevey- the older of the Creeveys and one of Harry's stout admirers, a cheerful boy who was always eager to photograph Harry, and he would never hear him greet him or ask for a picture…
He set up a funeral for Severus Snape and told his story; the story of an amazingly brave and clever man, who had his faults but strived to protect Harry and loved Lily. Who was utterly loyal to Albus Dumbledore, to the point of agreeing to "kill" him, partly to spare him from more suffering, as he was already dying from the cursed ring. Harry explained about Voldemort's beginnings and the Horcruxes, and elaborated on what Snape had done over the years. Not many were present, but there were reporters from the Prophet, curious to find out why Harry was doing this, as it was a well known fact that the two despised each other and that Snape had killed his mentor.
A long article on the funeral and Harry's speech was published and Harry received many letters on the subject, as well as a Howler or two from those who refused to believe that Snape was a good man in the end. Of course, the Howlers were anonymous, as no one would want to be on Harry's bad side, or be known to have the sheer audacity to challenge the Boy Who Lived, the Chosen One, their Savior.
Harry felt the weight of the deaths on his shoulders, and sometimes he felt as if it were pressing him down, almost to his knees.
Hermione and Ron were there for him, and they talked to him and tried to make him feel better and reassure him it wasn't his fault for the losses suffered in the war.
Harry could barely stand to look at Ron sometimes, let alone George or Mrs. Weasley, as he would always remember Fred and his untimely death.
He also felt guilty that Hermione had to bewitch her parents to forget her and that she had to send them to Australia.
Hermione returned a week after setting off and told how they had been incredulous and upset, and she had had to tell them of her memories and provide stimulus to help them remember. She even convinced them to look into a Pensieve and view her memories. Afterwards they were still upset but understood her reasons and forgave her with hugs.
Harry knew that Hermione was glad to have her parents back, but that their initial reactions had saddened her, and he felt guilty.
He would often go for long walks or sit by the lake for hours, avoiding people. It was now a month after the Battle, and he wasn't doing well. He didn't know what he wanted to do either. What kind of career he wanted to pursue, or if he even wanted to. He felt no desire to do anything. Nothing seemed right to him anyway. Once he would have loved to play Quidditch, but now he thought it a silly and meaningless thing to do. Once he had had aspirations to be an Auror, but he had no desire to hunt down and fight more Dark wizards and witches, or enforce the law on a myriad of things.
He wished he could change things somehow. Go back in time, perhaps. Then he felt like smacking his forehead with his palm. Why hadn't he thought of it before? Perhaps Dumbledore had kept Hermione's Time Turner from third year!
But then he remembered Hermione's saying that time travel was a complicated matter, and it was crucial not to be seen, and that changes could affect things, aversely and/or with greater impact than they would have thought.
He wrestled with this for some time, thinking that he could be responsible for more people dying, or different people, and some people could die over again. And what if he messed up somehow?
However, he reasoned that it was worth the risk. He could change things for the better. Sirius didn't need to die, nor did Dumbledore or the others in the war and the Battle of Hogwarts. He could save them from dying. He could help.
So it was with purpose that he walked to the entrance. Realizing he didn't know the password, he asked the gargoyle to grant him entrance. It considered him for a moment before moving aside and he muttered a thank you before ascending the stairs. The office was fortunately empty; he hadn't thought what he would do if McGonagall was there.
Harry began to open cabinets and drawers, and look at the shelves. After quite some time, he had to conclude it was a fruitless search- but he didn't want to give up just yet. He looked around again, more carefully this time, looking for something that seemed odd or out of place. He had been careful to return things to their former positions and close cabinets and drawers.
His sharp eyes saw a glint of gold, far behind some books on a bookshelf, and he moved the books to retrieve it. With it was a piece of parchment. He instantly recognized Dumbledore's handwriting. It read,
"Harry, I have a feeling that you will wish to change things, after the war is over, Harry. To turn back time and attempt to change things is a very dangerous thing to do, to attempt. You could change so much, your actions could have much more impact than you think. Some people may die again, and different lives can be lost. Do not blame yourself, however. You cannot change everything- Harry. Keep that in mind, for it is very important. You cannot save everyone; you can only do your best. Do not lose sight of what is important, nor of what you have to do. Focus on Tom's Horcruxes, but don't forget to live. Once again, I must remind you to be very careful. Take into consideration your actions. I know this will be difficult and that you cannot possibly predict everything that could happen, or take all the precautions. Remember that some things will happen regardless, some things cannot be changed. Perhaps they are meant to happen.
Here is the spell: 'Averto vicis ut duos annus abhinc.' Hold the Time Turner and say it. It will turn time back to two years, to your fifteen year old self, just after you had the vision of Sirius in the Department of Mysteries.
It will need proof, though, that your reasons are legitimate for returning to the past, and that you are not doing so purely out of anger or grief. I do understand, but I set it like this as a precaution. To show the Time Turner that you do have reason enough to go back, you must remember. You must recall what has happened and hold it at the same time. It will become warm if it has accepted. Then you need to speak the spell.
I wish you the best, my dear boy- and I apologize for not telling you what you needed to know earlier.
P.S. If, for some reason, I have not told you about Tom's Horcruxes, or I have gone on to the next great adventure- that is to say, death- you shall find what you need to know in my Pensieve and, on my bookshelf are some books that are Glamoured to look like different books. You will need to say "Finis Glamouris" on the seventeenth book on the topper most shelf, and the eleventh on the third, and the third on the bottom shelf.
Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore"
Harry smiled a smile that was both sad and happy. He put the Time Turner's chain over his neck, held it carefully, closed his eyes to better concentrate, and remembered…
Sirius' death, Dumbledore's cursed hand, Draco's task and using the Vanishing Cabinet to let the Death Eaters into the school… Dumbledore's pain and remorse after drinking the potion, the locket being a fake, and Dumbledore, weakened. Even though Dumbledore was running out of time and going to die soon due to the curse on the ring, it needn't have happened… Snape killing Dumbledore. The hunt for the Horcruxes, and the tension between him and his friends. Ron leaving. The Horcrux speaking to Ron. The persecution of those not pureblooded, or blood traitors, and those who married Muggles or Muggleborns. The deaths suffered at the Battle of Hogwarts- Fred's- the brilliant and funny prankster always at his twin's side- … Remus- the last of the true Marauders and almost like a second godfather, and a new father-… Tonks- charming and funny but clumsy Auror, a kind woman, and a new mother-… and Colin Creevey- the older of the Creeveys and one of Harry's stout admirers, a cheerful boy who was always eager to photograph Harry, and he would never hear him greet him or ask for a picture… Teddy Lupin left an orphan…
The Time Turner turned warm and Harry spoke clearly. "Averto vicis ut duos annus abhinc."
He felt like he could feel time warping around him, and when he opened his eyes he was in his History of Magic OWL.
Wait, what? What was he doing here? Oh, right. He had just had his 'vision.' He looked down at the exam and told himself to focus. Taking a deep breath and exhaling, he read the question. "..The first Supreme Mugwump of the International Confederation of Wizards was Pierre Bonaccord, but his appointment was contested by the Wizarding community of Liechtenstein, because-"
He frowned, and tried to concentrate. Bonaccord had wanted to stop troll-hunting and give the trolls rights, but Liechtenstein was having problems with a tribe of particularly vicious mountain trolls… He shut his eyes tightly, frowning still, sifting through two years' worth of memories, until a page of Hermione's notes swam up to the surface of his mind. He answered the question, and continued on to the next question, and the next, until he was nearly done-
"Time's up! Please, stop writing and put your parchment down! Thank you." They were collected with several Summoning Charms, into different piles on the Staff Table.
Harry got to his feet and hurried to the dungeons, and rapped sharply on the entrance to Snape's office.
"Potter? Come to beg for a passing grade on your OWLs? But it is not I grading your Potions OWLs. Otherwise, I would give you a T for your Potions work... No doubt you will pass, what with your misleading charm and fame..." Snape sneered.
"No, sir. I had a vision of Sirius in the Department of Mysteries. Could you check please?" He added, "And, Professor, I think some Death Eaters will be there."
"Are you sure, Potter? You aren't telling me this in some sort of attempt to get attention, or perhaps get me under scrutiny of the Dark Lord?" His black eyes glittered fiercely, and Harry swallowed.
"No, sir." He met the professor's eyes and gazed steadily into them.
"Hm." The Potion Master's brows furrowed, his eyes narrowing slightly. "Fine. But if you are lying, Potter, you shall find yourself in detention with me following this evening, regardless of it being the last week of school, free of exams, before you leave next Sunday. And I daresay I might give you more summer work." Snape smirked.
Harry did not react to Snape's attempts at angering or unnerving him, and merely said, "Professor. We are losing time."
Snape scowled. "Very well. Remember what I said, Potter. Have you changed your mind?"
"No, sir."
"I will get to it immediately, then- but, Potter? Whatever made you come to me?"
"Well... Dumbledore isn't here, and besides, he always talks about trusting you. So.."
"Hm. Go on back up to Gryffindor Tower." When Harry opened his mouth, Snape narrowed his eyes. "Go. Now, Potter!"
Back in the common room, Harry told Ron and Hermione about his vision and him going to Snape, when Ron interrupted. "Snape?"
"Yes, Ron. Dumbledore always talks about second chances and how he trusts him."
"But Snape- he, he's a Death Eater!"
"And he's saved Harry on multiple occasions," Hermione interjected exasperatedly. "Harry's right. He did the right thing by going to Professor Snape instead of running off trying to save Sirius. We don't even know if it's real. After all, how could Voldemort have gotten into the Ministry of Magic without anyone realizing he was there? And it's five o'clock in the afternoon. The Ministry of Magic must be full of workers... How would they've gotten in without being seen, they're probably the two most wanted wizards in the world.."
"I agree with Hermione." Harry sank back into the comfy armchair.
Ron still looked incredulous and angry. "But-"
"Shut up!" Harry snapped.
Ron's eyes widened, then he folded his arms and stared into the fire moodily.
Hermione sighed, and opened a book. Harry asked her what she was reading, and she replied, "Laws of Wizarding Britain."
Harry nodded. He retrieved a Quidditch book from his bookbag, but he couldn't concentrate. What was being done? What did Snape say and do, was everyone safe? And knowing who Snape really was, despite his surliness and sharp tongue, he couldn't accept Snape dying again, especially because of him.
He got up and paced in front of the fire, and didn't sit back down until Hermione hissed at him that pacing wasn't going to help anything, and Harry sighed.
He threw himself back into the armchair, closing his eyes.
He was in the Department of Mysteries, and he saw himself there, somehow. His doppelganger was battling Lucius, and just barely holding off against the Death Eater. "Come on, Harry, just give up. Die and you will see your parents again..."
"No!" The other Harry declared defiantly, and shot a last spell of pale blue fire that engulfed Malfoy.
Bellatrix moved to fight him, and cooed. "Ooh, where did you learn that spell, wittle boy?"
The other Harry narrowed his eyes and sent a Stunner at her.
Bellatrix collapsed, and another Death Eater replaced her, sending dangerous spells in a series, but the other Harry dodged them and retaliated.
This continued for several minutes, until the Order of the Phoenix arrived and subdued the Death Eaters, though not without some difficulty.
Voldemort appeared to try to save most of his followers from imprisonment. He cast the Killing Curse at the other Harry, but an object blocked its path, then shattered. "Dumbledore," he hissed.
"Foolish to come here tonight. The Aurors are on their way-"
"And by the time they get here I shall be gone and you dead!" he fired the Killing Curse at Dumbledore, but again another object moved to block it.
"Coward!" Voldemort sneered. "Why don't you fight me?"
At that, Dumbledore flicked his wand, and Voldemort was sent hurling backwards into the air, to land roughly in a heap, before the Dark Lord drew himself up, snarling. "You will pay for that!" Then as Dumbledore cast another spell, he conjured a shining silver shield. When the spell hit it, there was a deep gonging sound that reverberated from it.
"You do not seek to kill me, Dumbledore?" Voldemort called, peering over the top of the shield. "Above such brutality, are you?"
"We both know that there are other ways of destroying a man, Tom. Merely taking your life would not satisfy me, I admit-"
"There is nothing worse than death, Dumbledore!"
"You are quite wrong", said Dumbledore lightly as though they were discussing the matter over drinks."Indeed, your failure to understand that there are things much worse than death has always been your greatest weakness-"
But Voldemort sent another jet of green light at him, and a centaur galloped in front of Dumbledore to take the blast and it shattered.
Dumbledore drew back his wand and waved it as though brandishing a whip. A long thin flame flew from the tip and wrapped itself around Voldemort, shield and all. But just like last time, the fiery rope became a serpent that released its hold on the Dark Lord and lunged for Dumbledore.
Voldemort vanished, and reappeared to cast another Killing Curse as the snake attacked Dumbledore from another angle. Fawkes swooped down and swallowed the Curse of Death, then burst into flame and fell to the floor small, wrinkled, and flightless.
Just then, the Minister of Magic and a team of Aurors arrived. The Aurors quickly captured the Death Eaters, and moved towards Voldemort, but the Dark Lord vanished into thin air.
Fudge gibbered in shock, then turned to face Dumbledore and looked simultaneously angry and afraid. "Dumbledore! You- here- I- I-" He glanced at his Aurors, and Dumbledore gazed at him, his blue eyes seeming to darken.
"Cornelius, I am ready to fight your men- and win again!" thundered Dumbledore. "But a few minutes ago you saw proof, with your own eyes, that Harry and I have been telling you the truth for a year. Lord Voldemort has returned, and it is time you listened to sense!"
"I-don't-well-" Fudge stammered and looked around for help. "What happened here?" He questioned, taking in the damage.
"We can discuss that after I have sent Harry back to Hogwarts."
"Harry? Harry Potter? Wh- What?"
"I shall explain everything when Harry is back at school." Dumbledore picked up the centaur's head. "Portus." The head glowed blue and trembled noisily against the floor then became still once more.
"Now see here, Dumbledore! You haven't got authorization for that Portkey! You can't do things like that right in front of the Minster of Magic, you- you-" He faltered as Dumbledore peered at him over his half-moon spectacles.
"You will give the order to remove Dolores Umbridge from Hogwarts. You will tell your Aurors to stop searching for my Care of Magical Creatures teacher so that he can return to work. I will give you..." Dumbledore pulled a watch with twelve hands from his pocket and surveyed it, "half an hour of my time tonight, in which I think we shall be more than able to cover the important points of what has happened here." He strolled over to the other Harry and told him to take the Portkey. He told the other Harry that he would see him in half an hour.
Harry opened his eyes suddenly. It had gone wonderfully! He told his friends what he had seen, and Hermione smiled at him.
Thirty minutes later, he was in Dumbledore's office, waiting for the Headmaster. Two minutes after he had sat down in front of the desk, the door opened and both Dumbledore and the other Harry walked in.
"Hello, Harry-"
"Who are you?" Harry demanded of the other Harry.
The other Harry's features warped and melted away to reveal a grinning Tonks.
"Tonks! You took a huge risk, I-"
"Yes, Harry. She did, but thanks to you and your wisdom of going to Professor Snape instead of hurrying to the Ministry, no one died, and several Death Eaters were captured. I presume you saw this in a dream?"
"Yes, sir. I did."
"But why did you go to Professor Snape? I know that your first inclination would be to head to the Ministry and attempt a rescue."
Harry flushed. "Yes, well... I just thought twice this time, I suppose."
"Nymphadora, you may go."
Tonks flashed Harry another grin, and Harry thanked her.
Dumbledore brought his hands together and interlaced his fingers. "I sense there is something you are not telling me, Harry."
"I..." Harry thought carefully, and decided to tell Dumbledore the truth. Perhaps he could help.
After the whole story came out, Dumbledore nodded. "I did prepare such a Time Turner for something like this, only a few days ago. But I have not yet written a note. Do you have it with you?"
Harry felt the previously forgotten weight on his chest and glanced down. "Oh- do you need it back, Professor? I don't need it anymore anyway."
"That would be helpful, Harry. Thank you. You may go now. Oh, before you leave, I wanted to tell you that I am awarding Gryffindor fifty points for your quick thinking."
Harry grinned. "Thank you, Professor." And he left and told his friends who the other Harry was, and how Dumbledore had awarded him and Gryffindor fifty points, but refrained from telling them who he really was, that he was from the future. He wasn't sure why, but he had a feeling it wasn't time yet.
He went to bed and slept peacefully, a small smile on his lips.