Authors Note: When I first started writing the predecessor to this fanfic I was filled with the enjoyment of many hours of reading many talented authors works/takes on the harry potter universe. I have been strongly influenced by such authors as WhiteElfElder, Heather68, Lord Silvere and The Cold Turkey, there takes on the Potterverse have been fantastic and inspiring and if it seems like a good part of the story I have probably nicked it from them.

This version of the fanfic starts a little bit earlier than the last and some bits of it can be recognised from the fifth book of the series. As you travel along with me I hope you will discover my own warped sense of humour, romance and particularly my own view of the epic. Some parts you may like others you may not, I leave the choosing up to you.

As always I am open to any suggestions, questions, curiosities, annoyances and general mumbles that you wish to send my way, but please no haters. If it's not your style I invite you to leave. I currently am looking for a online fanfic beta for this story as although I have a avid checker/reader grammar is neither of our strong points.

I hope that this sticks to the spirit of harry potter and that all can enjoy my own take on the story. Last but not least I am required to spew that well known disclaimer that stops silly people that take themselves far too seriously and getting legal on everyone.

DISCLAIMER:

HARRY POTTER IS AND ALWAYS WILL BE THE WORK AND INVENTION OF J.K. ROWLING WHO IN HER WISDOM HAS INSPIRED US WITH WONDER, AWE AND FANTASY. ALL CREDIT TO HER AND ALL RIGHTS ARE HERS.

ENJOY

Maliscestratus Magiarcanae

Harry Potter And The Eternium Chronicles

Chapter One: A Quandary

London - Modern Day

A black sky hung above London, its misery draining the life and soul from the muggle populace starting to wake up to the greying dawn of the new day. The cobbled streets starting to bustle with activity as the city came to life, staunch Londoners wandering around with coats pulled close and collars wrapped tight around shrugged shoulders secure in their thoughts of the days takings and profits and the way of the world being just right for their latest triumph, and all of them unaware. Unaware that below them the world was in turmoil, unaware that hours before and miles underground, hidden from the short sights and unbelieving solidity of the muggle world, the greatest battle of the last century had occurred. Two of the most powerful icons of the age had faced off and all of it had been over a boy. Not any boy but The - Boy - Who - Lived, The Chosen One, The Messiah of the Light or The Lord of Darkness. The battle for his soul had begun.

But back in the world above, under the greying sky, the sucking misery, the blackest of clouds the world went on, oblivious, unaware and uncaring.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Hogwarts, Dumbledore's Office - 1 Hour Ago

Sitting in his throne like chair behind his ornate desk anyone could be fooled into thinking that Albus Dumbledore was content. His outward appearance dignified, his posture calm and predisposing and his fingers steeped together in ponderous thought.

Nothing could have been further from the truth. Inside Albus was being plagued by that niggling feeling, that surreptitious build up of a truth unwittingly revealed but not yet understood. It was of course this particular quandary that had Albus Dumbledore's usually serene mind flowing with anticipation, anxiety and frustration. Though many people would wonder what could have caused such a reaction from the wisest of wizards it would not be difficult to predict what was causing him such laborious dedication of mind. So thus it would surprise no one to know that Albus Dumbledore's mind using its seeming infinitesimal power was currently fixated on one thing, one niggling quandary. one Harry Potter.

The boy was up to something, he just knew it, but what? despite his best attempts at reasoning, his most skilled logic, his most cunning mind he could not figure out just what about Harry Potter was niggling him. The boy had taken his instruction too well, it was unusual, while part of him would hope it was the turning of a new leaf, the sign of final submission to his tender care, Albus was not so sure. He was definitely up to something and no doubt this something would once again place the boy in mortal peril. For the tenth time in the fifteen years he had know the boy he found himself regretting not making one of those splendid artefacts of muggle/magical collaboration that took pride of place in the home of the ever loving and loyal Weasley's, a clock such as that would be a boon to his troubled mind at this moment in time. But he hadn't and regretting would 'cast no spells' so he once more turned his mind to the niggling quandary. Once more to the boy-who-lived.

A small cough brought Albus out of his reverie and turning in its direction he contemplated the figure of a man standing in the picture frame. Underneath the caption read Phineas Nigellus Black (Former Headmaster of Hogwarts).

'Sorry to disturb you headmaster but I thought you ought to know that Dolores Umbridge is interrogating Mr Potter and his friends'

Dumbledore sighed, it was a poor turn of events that had led to this moment as he reflected back on the day it had all changed. The minister had, for years, become more and more conceited and fearful for his life and had grown to distrust the man who had once inspired him. Feeling threatened Cornelius had appointed Dolores Umbridge, his former secretary, to the position of High Inquisitor of Hogwarts in an attempt to undermine him. Then the business with Marietta and the DA, honestly what had the boy been thinking, it was imperative that Harry stay at Hogwarts and so Dumbledore had accepted the blame for Mr Potter and his friends actions, justified though they were by the poor teaching methods of Miss Umbridge and had been forced to leave, in what he felt was a rather spectacular method.

However despite the common belief that he was hiding out in some remote location and the ridiculous rumour that he was living in the forbidden forest, probably started by the terrible twins, he had actually disappeared to the shrieking shack. Through his connection to the school he was able to monitor the movements of Umbridge and Fudge and in a move that he hadn't quite anticipated the school, recognising that its master was not in residence, had sealed off his old office. It had taken him a while to realise that the school held its allegiance to him and with Fawkes's help he had returned to what had become his home. The portraits surrounding his room had kept him abreast of the current goings on, including one memorable and satisfactory incident involving two Weasley's and, what he considered, some brilliant inspired theatrics and charms.

Of course it had not all been 'peachy' as some might think. An exile of the wizarding world he had found it difficult to not be able to intervene, still he had the order and they had been doing what they could but none of them could prevent the abysmal actions of Dolores Umbridge. With him gone she had taken to tormenting Harry at every opportunity, the boy was slipping further and further into a pit of despair and even the bond between the trio could not seem to lift his spirits. And now he was once more headed for mortal peril in what Albus could only assume would be spectacular style, if his understanding of Mr Potter was accurate.

Nodding his head respectfully to Phineas he paused to consider the limited actions that were available to him at this stage, he was sorry to consider that there really wasn't much he could do short of revealing himself. He would just have to rely on the quick thinking of Hermione Granger and the stubborn headedness of Harry. At that moment another cough disturbed his thought process this time coming from the mirror above the fireplace. He turned to regard the now clearing image of Severus Snape.

'Severus?' Dumbledore enquired.

'Unfortunately so Headmaster' Severus responded, even after all these years he could still not really bring himself to say the man's name. 'I just came to inform you that Potter has had another vision, he believes that Sirius is being tortured in the Department of Mysteries, I have no doubt he will try something heroic and ultimately foolish' Snape said with his usual sneer sneaking in.

Dumbledore sprang up from his chair his eyes twinkling, his mind abuzz with many questions and few answers. Speaking out loud he asked the one question that had been bothering him to the one person that might be able to answer it 'What is Harry Potter up to?'

A warm, sensitive voice spoke, its words filled with power 'Headmaster, Harry Potter has entered the Forbidden Forest in the presence of one Hermione Granger and Dolores Umbridge.'

At that moment a tingle over took Albus Dumbledore, a warning that Six Students had just breached the wards. The situation was spiralling out of control and he was starting to worry. Turning back to Severus he repressed the concern and set his mind to action.

'Severus, alert the order, tell moody to assemble a team to go to the department of mysteries, give Sirius my sympathy but ask him to stay at headquarters...and you...you must wait to be called upon...you are too precious to risk at the moment.'

Dumbledore turned towards the portraits ' Everard, Dilys' go to your respective paintings, inform the ministry that they are under attack'. The figures moved to do as they were asked and Dumbledore opened the top draw of his desk 'I only hope I am not too late'

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Department of Mysteries

'NO!'

'Sirius...Sirius!'

...

'She killed Sirius...I'll kill her'

He ran, scrambling up the stone benches; people were shouting behind him but he was past caring. Bellatrix was ahead her robes whipping out of sight, he ran after through the room with the brains, dodging her curses, running past Ron and the unconscious form of Hermione. Anger and rage fuelled him now, he was past the point of caring, through the room of doors, up the corridor and into the atrium, feet pounding on the cool marble of the floor. A curse shot out at him and the sound of footsteps ceased. He ducked behind the fountain.

'Come out, come out, little harry!' Bellatrix called in her mocking babyish voice, the tone echoing of the polished wooden floors that surrounded the marble fountain. 'I thought you were here to avenge my dear cousin, you ran all this way, can't you finish it potterkins!'

'I AM!' Harry screamed the sound ricocheting off the walls and floors

'Did you love him, little baby potter?' Bellatrix cooed advancing on the fountain.

Hatred and anger welled up inside him such as he had never know before, he flung himself from behind the fountain and screamed at the top of his lungs. 'Crucio!'

Bellatrix screamed as she was flung off her feet but she did not writhe and shriek in pain, she was already back on her feet, breathless, no longer laughing, fury in her eyes. Harry ducked quickly back behind the golden fountain as her counter -spell sent the head of the handsome wizard crashing to the floor twenty feet away, gouging long scratches into the once smooth floor.

'Never used an Unforgivable Curse before, have you boy?' her voice laced with chilling anger. You have to mean it...to want to cause pain...to revel in the agony of another...righteous anger won't hurt me for long, I'll show you how it's done, as I showed the Longbottom boy!' She had abandoned her mocking tone, her voice deadly and sinister. 'Come out, little potter, you cannot win against me, I am the dark lords most loyal servant. I learned the dark arts from him and know spells you could never dream off. You cannot compete with my power!'

Harry shuffled around the fountain. 'Stupefy' he yelled jumping out from behind the protection of the fountain. Her reaction was so fast he barely had time to duck as his own spell came hurtling back towards him.

'I will give you one chance, potter!' Bellatrix shouted 'Give me the prophecy - roll it towards me now - and I just might let you live!'

'Well, you're going to have to kill me, because it's gone!' Harry roared a pain swelling in his head increasing to almost total agony. 'And he knows!'

'You lie!' she screamed, fear edging into her voice for the first time. 'Accio Prophecy...Accio Prophecy!'

Harry laughed, the pain in his head throbbing harsher and harder now. 'There's nothing to summon, nothing here, it is gone, tell him that!'. Harry gloated his mind lost between that moment of reality and delusion caused by the pain now splitting his head.

'Master...I tried Master...do not punish me' Bellatrix pleaded.

'Don't waste your breath!' yelled Harry from behind the fountain 'He can't hear you'

' Can't I, Potter?' said a high, cold, terrible voice.

Harry opened his eyes. Tall, thin and masked in robes of deepest deadliest black cowled robes, his snakelike face white and gaunt, his scarlet slitted eyes staring ...Lord Voldemort was here and he...he...was doomed.

'So, you smashed my prophecy?' said Voldemort softly, fixing Harry with his pitiless red eyes. 'I can see the truth, staring out at me from within his worthless mind, months of preparation and effort...and my Death Eaters have failed me again!'

'Master, I am sorry, I knew not, I was fighting the animagus Black!' sobbed Bellatrix, kneeling at her masters feet.

'Silence, I shall deal with you in a moment, I have not entered the ministry of magic to hear your snivelling apologies.'

'But Master, he is here...below'

Voldemort paid Bellatrix no heed as he advanced on Harry. ' You have thwarted me too many times. Once we could have been allies, equals but you are as deluded as your father and mother. I have nothing more to say to you, Potter, goodbye!' Voldemort raised his arm, his sinister wand pointed at Harry 'Avada Kedavra !'

Harry knelt there stunned, barely able to lift his wand to defend himself, part of him not wishing to, wishing to accept the final rest. But the rest was not to come as the headless golden statue sprang from its foundation the curse rebounding off of its chest harmlessly as it spread its arms in front of Harry.

'You' Voldemort uttered, his very words edged with hate

'Yes Tom, Me' Dumbledore spoke serenely and calmly, as the figures of the fountain came to life. 'It was foolish to come here tonight Tom...the Aurors are on their way.'

'And I will be gone, before they arrive...Avada Kedavra' Voldemort retaliated his wand pointed at the only man he had ever feared. Dumbledore turned on the spot and disappeared as the bolt of green light whistled harmlessly past and hit the security desk.

Harry knelt there great pain filling his head as the two powerful wizards battled each other. Spells slashed backwards and forwards and bolts and debris littered the lobby. It was all a blur to Harry, his head was pounding, his heart was aching . He opened his eyes, Voldemort was gone. Dumbledore looked around with unease, funny...Harry thought to himself...he is usually calm and then he grasped his head as a pain worse than any imaginable filled him.

'Harry!' Dumbledore cried out

Harry held his head, his scar felt as if it would split his head in too and then his mouth moved of its own violation. 'I have the boy, Dumbledore...you will have to kill us both if you want to destroy me'. The voice was familiar, cold, uncaring, the dark lord had one...Harry mused to himself, his eyes pleading for Dumbledore to end it, to take away the pain and sorrow and then it was gone. The light faded and so did he.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Dumbledore's Office, Hogwarts - Present

Harry Potter paced the room, his eyes threatening to leak tears of pain and anguish, his heart threatening to explode with sorrow and loss. Around him a visible aura radiated, colours changing like fire, first red and then yellow tinged with black and silver. Harry Potter was grieving, Harry Potter was lost, Harry Potter was in pain.

A figure stepped out of the stone mantled hearth, their hands shaking of the dust of the floo. Harry turned to face the man...the man who had been his guardian...the man who could fix anything...the man who had betrayed him. 'Why!' he screamed half lost in his anger and sorrow his aura lashing violently out around him turning objects to dust and debris wherever it touched.

The power radiating from the boy was immense, Dumbledore mused as he contemplated the question. In a way it was scary, here a boy rested on the edge, he could go many ways but all of them had risks. Dumbledore calmly sat down behind his oaken desk, his hands steepled in front of him, his expression calm. Inwardly he was more than a little annoyed at the boy who was currently destroying many of the valued possessions that had taken him years to accumulate but anger would not help him here and the boy needed to be controlled, brought back to the light. This would not be easy...but things never were where Harry Potter was concerned.