how to save a life
Sic pacis instruo pro bellum
His heavy breath echoed throughout the hall, he'd finally done it he'd done what so many had tried before to accomplish without. And all it had cost him was the lives of all those that he loved, the veil fluttered in the death chamber he could hear the voices calling out to him.
"closer" the seductively sweet voice whispered , begging him to come closer, for some strange reason he seemed compelled to slowly almost unwilling his feet began to move forwards, alarm bells were ringing inside his head and yet still against his better judgement he took a step forward, and then another, his whole body seemed compelled to walk towards and through the veil.
His mind seemed to want to get closer but his body wanted to stop the darkness was calling him it felt so good, he wand fell to the floor bringing him out of his stupor for a brief moment before the pain set in he felt images assaulting his mind they were images of pain death famine destruction, it took all his strength not to cry out in horror.
He saw what could only be described as a nightmare tears began streaming from his eyes as he witnessed untold horrors, he couldn't stand it anymore doubling over he retched as the images were etched into his memory permanently. Pushing these thoughts to the back of his mind he tentatively took a step forwards hoping to reach the veil and end his pain.
He'd see so much and lived so little, his life's mission had been fulfilled, he had served the prophecy, perhaps not in the way it was meant for, he had ended the life of Voldemort in such a cowardly manner that he cringed at the thought of it.
As he saw the curse strike down he last true friend he felt something within him snap, gazing down at the broken body of Ginny he did perhaps the only thing he could think of, grabbing the shard of broken glass he jumped up at Voldemort, he saw at the last moment his enemy turn around to face him his eye's widened in surprise as he felt the blade enter his jaw and pierce his brain, but it was not over yet, for the body was still a horcrux, he was still alive partly as long as his body remained bound to the earth.
Slinging the carcass over his body he let the tears drop from his eyes as he walked up to the girl no woman that he loved that had died while standing by his side, he closed her eyes giving her an almost peaceful look on her face, closing his eye's he felt the familiar sensation of being squeezed through an iron tube, and then it had gone as quickly as it came, opening his eyes he took in a deep breath as he walked through the ruins of the old ministry of magic. Waving his wand he felt the torches light and the warmth on his neck he was hurrying down the steps that would inevitably lead to the department of mysteries, most of it had remained behind after the first attack on the ministry it was mainly the stuff that was useless to either side, such as the veil, as far as either faction was concerned it was a no go area man had always feared what he did not understand.
So really should they fear magic, no wizard really knew what magic was it was an energy that could be harnessed to do ones bidding. The veil itself had been studied for centuries and the ministry built up around it in order to protect it's deadly secret.
He carried on down the ruined corridor, stopping to take a break burnt out portraits of great witches and wizards had once lined the wall but all that remained was the charred canvas closing his eyes he carried on the darkened corridor
Words sprang to him he'd been defeated broken down but he never gave up hope it was the love of his friends that had spurred him on to continue, without them he never in a million years would have had the courage to face Voldemort, but he done what so many had failed to accomplish he had defeated the monster that was Voldemort.
For all he'd learnt trying to destroy the Horcrux's it had been a simple shard of glass that had ended the life of Voldemort, smiling he knew he will be furious when he learns from the other side of how he died, succumbing to a mere flash wound dieing like a helpless muggle, oh the irony.
It brought a smile to his face to think of this the monster that had robbed him of so much was finally dead and he had taken away the only thing he had that was dear to him, his life. But there were still others out there, yaxley, the carrows, and snape had all escaped four potentially dangerous people were still out in the world each with nothing left to lose.
And that was how he'd found himself before the veil in the department of mysteries. Clapping his palms together he placed them on Voldemort chest, his rudimentary knowledge of alchemy allowed him to rework the dark lords attire to something that a muggle would wear at a funeral the final insult.
He was tempted to conjure a executioners mask for himself but this wasn't the time for jokes. Grasping Voldemort leg he begun dragging him up the stairs he could hear the voices more clearly now calling to him just like they had done before taking no notice he threw the body unceremoniously through the veil, it fluttered for a brief moment and no sound escaped, and Voldemort body did not reappear on the other side.
Turning away he began down the stairs, but as he did a faint shadow escaped the veil, extending until it connected with him he froze he was paralysed he could feel the mental barriers he had erect begin to crumble, the veil wanted him, it was his time.
"NO" he shouted, trying to fight the pull the veil, but all it seemed to do was assault his mind with images and knowledge dropping to his knee's he began to crawl over towards the veil placing his hands on the to pillars he forced himself to his feet.
He could hear shouts now coming from outside of the room, people were coming, the door to amphitheatre that housed the veil burst open, and a group of people ran in all screaming at him, but there words meant nothing all he could hear the seductive voice of the veil, he felt a spell graze his shoulder ignoring the pain he continued to force himself forwards, his mind was slipping he couldn't hold himself much longer till he fell through but as he did a jet of green light collided with his back.
He now realised what he'd done, from what he knew of the veil he should be dead and yet he was still alive, and then there was a blinding golden light he felt his body beginning to move, he was picking up speed, small blackened beings the size of small children appeared around him, there skin was charred and dead, but there eye's were alive and they bored right into him.
He felt images finding their way into his brain, they were images of pain death suffering, he tried to close his eyes and mind but he felt one of the creatures prise his eyes open, he felt knowledge entering his brain, spells potions, ancient magical arts, occlumency was no match for this onslaught as the memories battered there way in, he screamed, he felt his mind crippling whatever it was he was learning no living person was meant to know, this knowledge was meant to be taken to the grave, perhaps this had been what Sirius saw as he entered the veil, so this would be how he would die, sucked into the abyss that was death. But wait there was still a chance he could survive, Sirius had died instantly when he came into contact with the veil and yet he was still here, inside the golden swirling vortex that could only inevitably lead to his doom.
No he wouldn't give up just like he never gave up when Ginny died, just as he strengthened his resolve after Dumbledore went on, he would and could fight until his very last breath just as the ancient warriors of Sparta would fight until the very last man they never admitted defeat and neither would he.
He was after all the chosen one prophesied to bring peace to the war torn world. He called the last few minutes before Voldemort defeated him in their duel, a white aura encompassed his entire body power emanated of him in waves a similar darker aura swelled up around the dark lord as they began to trade spells he felt the power get stronger as he words of comfort came from Ginny and when she had died the power lest him as quickly as it came.
He began to hear voices in his head, forcing himself to listen the sound of Ron Hermione's and Ginny's voice began to become more clearer until it felt as the were standing right beside him the sense of hope that they had inspired with him began a radical change, his aura had been black and wispy but now the colour was becoming lighter, as his courage and love grew his strength did
With a burst of magic he blasted the foul creatures that had begun to cover his body away, this was his chance, forming a complex series of hand gestures that could replicate the power of a wand he begun to focus his strength, he could feel it building up, using his new found knowledge, he began to channel it into his hand, a crackling sphere began to form, sweat began to trickle down his face the concentration that it took to maintain this was immense, from what he'd learnt in the past minutes or so it was impossible to return to his own world the pull of the land of the dead was too strong but he could alter his pathway but the force required would be tremendous, he would have to find away to discharge enough magic to alter his course, the ball in his hand was reaching breaking point if he continued adding more magic he knew it would discharge in his own hand killing him, closing his eyes it was now or never, he threw his hand towards the side of the vortex of light, initially he felt no movement towards then he exploded to his left the force of the magic being released propelled, spinning around he placed his hands in front of his face shielding them pointlessly, as he collided with the other wall of the vortex, it was like wading through treacle as he slowly made his way through, from what he'd learnt it was impossible to return back home but he could get to another world or he could end un where he had been initially going to, death.
And then he felt the vortex of light thinning out and the golden light disappeared, with one last push he felt himself fall forwards, not being used to the feeling of the normal world he fell forwards rolling down a set of ice cold stone steps. Picking himself of the floor he began to take in his surroundings, he was in the department of mysteries the room was empty as usual, but the lights were no longer lit and a layer of dust had accumulated on the veiled archway.
Creeping forwards he crouched low, he didn't know where he was and caution was one thing he'd learnt from a certain mad auror.
Taking the stairs at a sprint the slid the door open slightly, just as the previous room the torches were unlit but it seemed a little cleaner. Pushing it open just enough for his slender body to fit through he closed it without making a sound. He recognised the room he was in, it was a circular room with dozens of doors, placing his finger on the door he'd just exited from he ran it down leaving a small indistinguishable trace of magic, he walked up to the first door feeling his hands across it just as Dumbledore had done with the cave, while his sense's weren't as attuned as Dumbledore's he could still pick up security spells, he proceeded to run his hands over each and every door until he felt that he was at the right one, his hand gripped the knob and he slowly opened the door, it creaked, shit he thought well it was to late now he forced the rest of the door opened revealing the long narrow corridor that lead back towards the elevator and also to the courtrooms.
"freeze" he spun round to where he assumed the voice came from only to fall to a barrage of stunners.
He awoke to find a bright light shining into his eyes, he tried to shield his eyes only to realise his hands have been tied down, he could hear voices, and he managed to pick up jumbled conversations.
"multiple lacerations"
"severe trauma to the right eye."
"seems to be some residual to the excess use of stunners"
"what could be the possible side effects"
"slower reaction, heart problems the list is endless, but we've never had a person hit buy fourteen simultaneous stunners" replied who he could only assume was a healer.
"well I would haphazard a guess that it was 15 and not 14" he groaned, the men both startled buy his voice jumped back.
"you shouldn't be awake the dose of sleeping potion meant you should be asleep for another half a day at least."
"what can I say I'm a quick healer and I've built up a natural resistance to sleep potions." he replied, he felt like he had a hangover, his head was throbbing and his stomach didn't feel to good either.
"well now that your awake there are several questions I think you can answer for me" this voice was stern and hard.
"what do you need to know"
"how were you able to make it into the department of mysteries."
"I fell through the veiled archway."
"impossible" he breathed " that archway has never allowed a person to enter once they have walked through.
"hardly" he scoffed " I'm living proof of it how else would I be able to stand here.
"well what you say is possible but not very likely, the veil has been experimented upon for centuries and you are perhaps the first person to emerge from it. That is of course if you are telling the truth and not some
elaborate web of lies.
He felt his glasses being roughly put back on and a head slowly came into focus, he could tell the man felt his shock, for he had just seen a ghost.
"professor Dumbledore, I think he fainted"
"yes I believe he did healer Smythwick, now let us see whether we can awaken our guest" the healer Smythwick waved his wand over the unconscious body. His eyes fluttered open and he stared up dumbly
"you can't be Albus Dumbledore, he's dead I saw him die I was right there when Snape cast the curse, I saw you fall of the astronomy tower."
" well it's obvious that the stunners have addled his brain, to be honest who would have seen the most illustrious headmaster Hogwarts had had in two centuries get killed especially in the current climate."
"yes well we shall see, I would like to have him removed to a Hogwarts where I can personally keep an eye on him.
"but professor" stammered the healer.
"am I not the most qualified man to deal with this"
"yes but would the minister allow this" said the healer softly
"no but I feel this being a necessary step in order to protect the harmony." Dumbledore replied calmly
"It appears I have no choice in the matter" he replied seeming defeated " you may return later tonight to collect him but for now he must remain here until I've run sufficient tests"
"very well and thank you" Dumbledore replied bowing low he swept from the room.
Harry stirred his head felt heavy and his eyes tired, he tried to move his arms but he felt them strapped to the bed once again, he needed to get out of here and fast, but first he needed to establish what was this world like, it was obvious that muggle theory known as string theory was correct to a certain extent, but how many different worlds were there, billions or an infinite number pending each major decision that occurred on a daily basis. With a thought he felt the straps on his hand unwind, removing the straps on his legs he swung his feet over the bed and set about trying to find a way out, peering out of his door he saw two aurors, massaging his sore wrist he, he placed his hand over the window running his fingers over every part, there were wards here but basic ones, chances are they were a simple Pandora's theorem derived ward which could be destroyed by the application of magic on five separate points.
Smiling he pressed his fingers against the wall twisting them like a safe cracker would twist the knob of a safe. The pale blue shield around the wind began to splinter, forcing his arm to twist further it splintered even more until the ward shattered sending sparks of magic flying everywhere.
Alarm bells began ringing, and the door swung open two burly aurors strode in wand raised, spotting him at the edge of the window the shouted.
"STOP" just as a red of red light escaped his wand, shattering the window, smiling he gave the auror a mock salute before jumping, as he fell he could fell the wind rushing through his air, twisting he closed his eye's and felt the familiar sensation of being squeezed through a thin tube, all of the air was crushed out of his lungs as he travelled, reappearing moments later he fell unceremoniously onto a group of muggle dustbins.
The stench was overpowering, pinching his nose he jumped out. Taking a brief look around he realised he'd fallen short of his mark of kings cross station. Dusting himself of he realised he was still wearing the revealing hospital garb, closing his eye's he clapped his hands together ensuring that both of his hands came into contact, feeling the energy rush through them he pressed his hands to the hospital nightgown, the effect was instant he felt the clothes changing shape, gone was the long white robes with the exposed rear, they had been replaced buy black combats, a black shirt and small hooded sweatshirt, his hospital slippers were gone and in their place were a pair of comfortable black trainers.
Satisfied with his appearance he left the alleyway. Walking down the crowded street it began to occur to him how different the world really was, unlike his own world the muggles were at war, and Britain was suffering for it everyday brought back news of attacks on British outpost the general public seemed subdued.
As he walked down the street with had hands shoved into his pocket, he felt the pitter patter of rain drops pulling his hood up he continued walking.
Soon enough he found himself standing by the leaky cauldron, he needed a new identity and a wand, without either of those he would be helpless, he formed a series of complex hand signals yet again and he outstretched his arm, moments later he felt a large clump of gold materialise, he knew it wouldn't last and that it wasn't real gold, but it would be enough to fool the goblins.
As he entered the small wizarding pub that was the leaky cauldron he noticed that the pub was packed with patrons, of all sorts, keeping his head down he exited the building as quickly as he entered, entering the small alley he tapped the magic brick that revealed the entrance to perhaps one of the most beautiful places in the world, laughter and shop displays assaulted his eyes and ears, this Diagon Alley was not gripped by fear as his own had shoppers bustled down the busy street. Children stood by windows ogling their wares. He made his way through the crowded streets and up to the large snowy white building.
The main lobby of gringotts was the same as his own world save for there being no goblins poking around with probes, there was a large bang and he spun around his hands ready to strike but he realised it was just a child, a first year judging by the large brass scales and robes he'd dropped.
The goblin teller signalled him forwards. He slammed the block of gold down on the table.
"how much would you value this gold at." he shot the goblin an inquisitive stare. The goblin however merely stared at him adjusting his glasses he clicked his fingers and the gold disappeared, momentarily before reappearing on a set of golden scales.
"well with the current price of gold, and the 2.5 conversion fee, I believe we may be able to offer you somewhere in the region of 200-300 galleons." he smiled inwardly they had bought it.
"well then master goblin I accept" he said firmly "250 galleons it is" the goblin revealed a set of yellow uneven pointy teeth and handed over a large money bag, bowing low he took his leave before the gold began to return to its original state.
Walking down the busy street he plucked a copy of the daily prophet of a bench and unfolded the paper.
Triwizard tournament to come to great Britain
It has been eight long years since the triwizard has been held in Britain, but now with conformation from the head of the magical games and sports Ludo bagman the greatest wizarding event since the world cup shall be taking place at Hogwarts.
That was all he needed to know he was in 1994, which meant the fake mad eye would be looking for a job at the school and he would have to intercept him, he wouldn't let this version of himself suffer as much as he had, he would quell the second wizarding war before it even begun.
First he would have to create a new identity, and get the defence against the dark arts position at Hogwarts.
The bell chimed as he entered the shop, it was a small familiar shop whose walls were lined with thousands of small boxed. He smiled as an old man appeared from within the hundreds of boxes, as the old man approached his expression darkened.
"hello there young man, and what could I possibly do for you" he asked gently.
"I need a new wand I destroyed my old wand."
"and how exactly did this happen". he felt the familiar sensation of a legilimens, smiling he began to weave an intricate set of lies, his hand had been destroyed mistakenly buy a muggle, who threw it in a fire by assuming it was spare wood. He was surprised at his own cunning, the old man seemed content with the reason.
"I was out camping with some muggles, and one of them placed it in the fire while I was asleep."
"ahh an unfortunate set of events, but alas we must soldier on, now please try this 13 inches, dragon heartstrings and made from willow, nice and flexible." he grabbed the wand but felt no familiar burst of power that was expected from his old wand. But before he could give it a wave Ollivander had plucked it out of his hand replacing it with another, and the same happened again no rush of power no feeling of rightness.
" perhaps this one 10 inches ash with unicorn hair." he held the wand firmly in his hand and yet still nothing.
"14 inches oak and dragon heartstring still nothing
"9 inches yew and phoenix feather"
The process continued for hours until Ollivander appeared holding a small tray with a long black wand.
"then perhaps this wand would do, 13 inches ash made it is a rare type of wand, unlike most wands it posses a dual core, it is made of dragon heartstring and phoenix feather, the perfect balance the protector and the destroyer, this wand was only ever meant for one man, and it was for a man destined for great things." he whispered.
He grasped the wand firmly in his right hand, picking it up he felt a familiar rush of power a wave of power emanated from the wand and he felt alive once more smiling he placed the wand within his robes.
"well mister Ollivander and what do I owe you for this fine wand?" he asked
"the wand is priceless but for you seven galleons will suffice" he replied smiling, dropping seven galleons into his outstretched arm he left the shop fingering his new wand.
In order to prevent most of the debacle that was to unfold he would have to convince Dumbledore to hand over the post of defence against the dark arts to him and expose the fake moody, but moody won't be replaced with crouch until the very last day when he is set to leave for Hogwarts, there wouldn't be enough time to stop crouch, so he needed to apply straightaway within the next few days.
Stepping out of the alley he closed his eyes and felt the familiar sensation of being squeezed through an iron tube reappearing he took in deep breaths of the stale urban air. Waving his wand over his face and body he felt his complexion darken, his hair lengthen, the structure of his face began to alter slightly, until he no longer looked like himself. All he needed now was a name, but he'd cross that bridge when he came to it for now he'd have to find a place to sleep
Deciding to head for the three broomsticks in Hogsmeade, it was close to the school and no doubt Dumbledore will learn of his intent to become the new dada teacher
He entered the small pub that was the hogs head, Dumbledore had said back in his sixth year that he was friendly with the barman as he entered he felt the eye's of everyone fall upon him, cursing himself he realised he was still in his muggle clothes.
Several people rose from there chairs and one stepped forward.
"well well well what do we have ere boys looks like a muggle that got lost." his "boys" laughed almost on cue. " well he's gonna have to learn what we do to muggles that get lost in this neck of woods." slowly and dramatically he drew his wand.
Before he could even utter a spell however he brandished his own wand like a whip waving in sharply he plucked the mans and his companions wands from their hands and pockets.
"first rule of duelling always bow to an opponent and allow them to draw their own wand and second never underestimate them as it has just cost you and your friends the duel.
Deciding that the three broomsticks would be a wiser choice since he wouldn't have to look over his shoulder constantly, hurrying along the dark and narrow path he turned into the high street following the road till he came to the three broomsticks opening the door he felt far more at ease the other patrons hardly noticed him as he strode up three people caught his eye it was professor McGonagall, flitwick and madam Hooch, their chairs scraped along the floor as they got up to leave.
A phrase came to mind carpe diem he would have to seize the day striding towards them he collided with McGonagall sending her into the tiny charms professor, he immediately bent over and began apologising helping them to their feet
"I'm terribly sorry, please allow me to give you a hand" offering his hand to his once transfiguration professor he pulled her to her feet. " my name is Alexander moriarti I'm here to apply for the post o the defence against the dark arts professor over at the school." he noticed McGonagall cock and eyebrow.
"and tell me young man what makes you think the headmaster will consider you as the new professor"
"quite simply madam, I am the best as I'm sure I will be able to prove to the headmaster if he grants myself an interview." it was then as if by fate the door to the pub swung open, revealing several drunken and angry wizards.
"that's him get him" several voice shouted in union, a barrage of spells escaped their wand violent shades of purple to bright red streaks of light flew towards the young man, brandishing his hand with apparent ease and skill he waved it in a complex manner causing a large silver shield to form upon his wrist.
The spells collided with a shield and were absorbed. Releasing a loud gong like noise.
"if you wish to fight me properly then meet me outside" spinning around gracefully he disappeared reappearing moments later, he could hear the scrambling of feet as his attackers followed him out, they now stood in a rough semi circle around him wands outstretched, the first one jabbed his wand forward, and then the rest cast their own spells, he flicked his own wand in a causal manner and the ground around him sprang to life shielding his entire body from the barrage. But he wasn't done quite yet he disappeared again reappearing behind his attackers.
He waved his wand a flash of light escaped his wand and one was hoisted of the ground by his ankle, the others spun around but he was gone reappearing to their left jabbing his wand he thought. congelo a mild frezzing spell caused to of them to freeze mid spell another spell came to mind absentis vobis a powerful banishing charm blasted all but one of the wizards of their feet. Their eye's locked for the briefest of moments before he swept his wand knocking his feet out from underneath him before finishing with a stunner.
A crowd had begun to gather, feeling the eye's of the people on him he turned to leave till a hand grasped his shoulder.
"I see your arrogance was not without reason perhaps you might be what the headmaster is looking for, please allow me to introduce myself. I am Minerva McGonagall transfiguration professor and deputy headmistress for the school. If you would like a chance to prove your worth to the headmaster then come to the school tomorrow at none and provide us with another practical demonstration." and then her lips formed into a small smile bowing low he took his leave and disappeared into the night.
Authors note: albeit this is my first proper publish attempt at fanfiction I try to make my writing seem complex and intricate but the temptation remains to turn it into a list like many of the other lesser fan fictions out there. To clarify this will not be a super Harry fic yes he learnt a lot within the veil but all he has gained is a deeper understanding and control of his magic and perhaps a few new spells that he didn't know at the end of HBP. So until the next time.