Vicis Flies Tergiversatio
(Time Flies Backwards)
Chapter 2
Needless to say the next morning after a very nice long sleep, he was lengthily grilled by both Evans' about who he was. He had told them plainly that he was most called 'boy' 'freak' 'abomination' and very seldom he was called 'Harry' which was once in a blue moon. He told them he hadn't ever been outside, apart from the night his 'parents' had driven into a lake. He had insisted he managed to get out of the car but his parents never came back. He had run for days and he hadn't been sure where he was, or if he could even recognize the area he had been in. He said he wasn't sure how long it had been since 'IT' had happened. Told them he had been living outside since then, scared to be caught and not wanting to end up in an orphanage as his parents had told him they were evil and that they would kill him. He had shyly told them he had never been at school, his parents hadn't let him. His appearance had led them to believe Harry was telling the truth, his clothes were far too big for him. Much like the Dursley's clothes had been, what they didn't know was that they were the Dursley's clothes just shrunk to fit his body a little better. It had made him feel extremely guilty when his grandmother had begun crying when he was telling his very false story. There was nothing else to be done, he didn't exist here, he didn't have any school records or anything, and he couldn't lie and get away with it. This story was for the best; Henry looked utterly gobsmacked at what Harry was saying. He couldn't believe anyone could treat their son like that; it made the man very furious.
"Mummy who's that?" asked a flaming red hair girl Harry knew to be his mum.
"This is Harry sweetheart, I'll make breakfast in a minute" beamed Heather kissing her daughter on the head. Harry looked away from the sight in front of him, his heart breaking into a million pieces. For years he had wished for his parents, go figure life would throw him here - where he was the same age as his mother.
"I've called social services they are coming in half an hour" said Henry.
The fear on Harry's face forced the Evan's to elaborate.
"Listen son, your parents lied, these people help children in need…what happened to you was horrible. It's not how people treat their children; I've always wanted a son even if I was blessed with two beautiful girls. We are going to see if we can start the process of adopting you" soothed Henry.
If anything Harry was the one to look totally gobsmacked now.
Henry looked at the boy; a look of pity in his eyes what happened to this child wasn't nice at all. He was so skinny and small, he deserved better and Henry didn't like the thought of them not succeeding in adopting this poor soul. However, they had the room, it was a four bedroom house they had. Lily and Petunia had one each and his wife and he shared the master bedroom. It wasn't exactly a large room but it was better than the child being forced into an orphanage or sleeping outside.
"Why? Why would you want me?" whispered Harry his heart felt like it was being constricted. How could this couple want him? He had only met them a short while ago, did they want him out of pity? Because that wasn't exactly what Harry wanted right now. Although if it helped him he wasn't sure what else he could do, rather pity than ending up in an orphanage. Perhaps if he was good they would come to love him like they did Petunia and Lily, his grandparents! This still felt surreal to Harry despite how long he had been in the past. Watching Lily, Severus and Petunia at the play park although Severus couldn't seem to stand the horse faced girl.
"Oh sweetie come here!" whispered Heather, going over and enveloping Harry in a heart-warming hug. Harry didn't know how much more he could take; his heart was going though so many emotions - unfamiliar emotions to him.
"Everyone deserves to be loved Harry," she cooed at him, never removing herself from him. Harry leaned into the affection being offered, apart from the hugs he got from Hermione, Ginny and Molly he wasn't touched at all. Sure Ron patted him on the back now and again, his heart hurt thinking about the words Ron had said that day in the tent. 'You're parents are dead' what kind of best friend actually turned around and said that? He had made up with him sure, Ron and Hermione were his first friends and he knew he couldn't hunt Horcrux's on his own.
Harry didn't even notice Lily and Petunia watching or Henry leaving to make breakfast. After a while he was guided through to the kitchen, which was very different from what he remembered it but just as spotless. He was sat down in a chair and they had breakfast, normal every day conversation was happening. Petunia and Lily kept glancing at the new boy curiously and Harry just flushed bright red and looked down. He had been introduced to Petunia who had just sniffed at him and said 'Hello' very stiffly. Harry had wanted to laugh, Petunia never would change he wondered why she was such a stiff little girl.
As soon as breakfast was finished he was guided back into the living room, where a woman was sitting. She had a folder open on her knee with a pen in her hand; she had glasses on and a black suit and sat relaxed smiling softly even. Not at all how Harry imagined anyone from social services being. Harry smiled somewhat stiffly back, he wanted to stay here be close to his grandparents and mother as weird as it sounded.
She asked the same questions as his grandparents had, she seemed less shocked and not looking fit to burst into tears. However, her lips had almost disappeared into her mouth as if she was stopping herself from reacting. She nodded kindly at each question, and on occasion asked him to elaborate. Harry was glad when it was finished, Henry guided him though to the kitchen and sat a few biscuits in front of him and a glass of milk told him to wait while they spoke to the woman.
"Is there any way we can adopt him?" asked Henry seriously.
She looked shocked at that but replied none the less "It is possible, I will get in touch with my supervisors. There are too many children in the system and not enough foster parents for them. Of course there will be meetings, forms to fill in before it's complete it's a long and gruelling process especially for a child…if you are willing and serious I cannot see why not"
Unfortunately Harry had to leave with her, until the adoption agency could check the Evan's out. It was two weeks before Harry saw them again, and they were granted permission to foster Harry once their police checks cleared and they were questioned.
Harry remained their foster child for three months before he was officially adopted and became Harry Evans. Harry had been shaking waiting on the meeting ending; nothing had truly gone well for him before he had no reason to think it would be okay for him now. They came out beaming at him; they cuddled him and told him the good news. Tears flowed down Harry's face - he was finally wanted.
Petunia never took to Harry, but Lily seemed to love having a 'little brother' as Harry was smaller than them. She always took Harry's hand and took him with her and her sister. No matter what Petunia said she didn't relent, it took even longer for Severus to accept him. If looks could kill Harry was sure he would have been six feet under, eventually though Harry had made sure Severus liked him. He guessed having the same eyes as his mother helped, because Severus seemed to melt whenever Harry would look at him after his jealously weaned off. Harry knew Severus hated sharing Lily with anyone from the pensive memories.
Unfortunately Severus was under the impression he was a 'Muggle' so never truly warmed up to him like Lily.
"What is Hogwarts?" asked Harry softly, playing ignorant.
"Why do you want to know?" demanded Severus hastily.
"I…Lily and Petunia have mentioned it I overheard them" murmured Harry softly his face going red at mentioning eavesdropping.
"It doesn't matter you're a Muggle you wont be attending" he scowled much like he had done with Petunia.
"What's a Muggle?" asked Harry his voice never going above a whisper.
"You are" said Severus his voice wasn't horrible but it wasn't exactly nice either.
"How are we different?" asked Harry his forehead wrinkling, he had until now pretended to be more interested in the play park when Lily and Severus spoke. Not wanting to come between the budding friendship. However, he wanted to get to know Severus as well as Lily so here they were talking as Lily was trying to convince her sister about something at the other end of the park.
"You don't have any magic" said Severus as if it made all the sense in the world.
"Magic?" frowned Harry in confusion.
"Yes" said Severus as if it sorted everything out.
"But what harm can you do by telling me more about it?" asked Harry seemly mystified. He wondered if he could get Severus to like him as a 'Muggle' perhaps it would change his views on them - stop him joining the Death Eaters later in life. Plus he wasn't even sure if he would get to go to Hogwarts, this wasn't his time he might not even be registered he wasn't born here.
"It's just stupid being told" scowled Severus.
Harry stared at the grass, lost in thought not replying to Severus' harsh words. Even at nine years old the man/boy could scowl and sneer, what had his parents done to him that he hated everything and everyone? How was it that Lily seemed to be the only person he let in? And why on earth was Harry jealous about that fact? This was his most hated potions professor after all.
Harry walked towards the swings and just sat there, his mind lost in thought; the park was different in his time. Most of the swings were wrapped around until they were at the top of the poles. Stopping anyone from being able to use them, Dudley and his stupid friends as usual. It was so weird being here, having nothing to do but tag along with his new 'Sisters' which was something he didn't want to think on too hard. He was now officially his mother's brother if anyone had been able to read his mind they would have been deadly confused and dazed.
X.X.X
Severus watched the boy, sit there for what seemed like ages never replying to his words. He knew about the boy's past, Lily had listened in on it and told him and he had been shocked. However, Severus wasn't a nice boy and hadn't ever been and was awkward around people apart from Lily. He was surprised when the boy got up and walked over to the swings, through hooded eyes he watched the boy sit there as if he had the weight of the world on him. He saw Lily looking over at Harry concern written across her beautiful face.
With a sigh he got up and walked over to Harry, and without apologizing he began telling the boy about Hogwarts. It was worth it Severus thought because Harry's eyes which he noticed were exactly like Lily's were twinkling just like hers did when she was receiving new information.
"That sounds amazing! Why aren't there ghosts here though? What's different about the Magical world that ghosts can be seen there?" asked Harry wide eyed, he had never thought of that before.
"Because of the magic, you won't understand…magic is in everything all things we do in the wizarding world. Ghosts don't necessarily die there, they just go back no matter where they die" said Severus.
"Have you seen it? How often do you go?" asked Harry wide eyed.
"I haven't been but my mother tells me stories all the time" said Severus smugly.
"Wow, I'd love to go one day" said Harry awe clear as day in his voice.
"You cant, Muggles cant see Hogwarts there's charms on it so people like you cant see it" said Severus his voice still superior and smug.
"You keep saying Muggles as if we have some sort of disease, but if you looked around you would see we have our own magic! Look at what normal people have done! We might not be able to do it quite the same way but we still manage! Tell me has anyone magic been on the moon?" huffed Harry his arms across his chest.
"Why would anyone want to go on the moon" sneered Severus. Hiding the shock he felt, it was a good question…how had Muggles been able to get to the moon without magic? And better yet could a Wizard land on the moon without Muggle means of transportation? That had caught his attention and he couldn't help but think about it.
Harry's shoulders dropped and his entire body seemed to sag, nothing worked with Severus. He might as well give in and face the fact Severus would never like Muggles. He may be a wizard but the way Severus said 'Muggles' it was no wonder Petunia hated him and came to hate Lily if that was how she was treated by people around her. He walked back home, and went up to his room and played on the computer. His computer, he had never had one before in his life - Dudley had more than Harry could count in his life. He forgot all his troubles as he played his new Nintendo being Mario in his Gryffindor colours.
X.X.X
Harry's worry about not going to Hogwarts was for naught, because one morning two owls landed in the kitchen of Number 4 Privet Drive Little Whinging Surrey.
Harry Evans
Smallest Room
4 Privet Drive
Little Whinging
Surrey
HOGWARTS SCHOOL of WITCHCRAFT and WIZARDRY
UNIFORM
First-year students will require:
1. Three sets of plain work robes (black).
2. One plain pointed hat (black) for day wear.
3. One pair of protective gloves (dragon hide or similar).
4. One winter cloak (black, silver fastenings).
Please note that all pupils' clothes should carry name tags.
COURSE BOOKS
Students should have a copy of each of the following: All
The Standard Book of Spells (Grade 1) by Miranda Goshawk.
A History of Magic by Bathilda Bagshot.
Magical Theory by Adalbert Waffling.
A Beginners' Guide to Transfiguration by Emeric Switch.
One Thousand Magical Herbs and Fungi by Phyllida Spore.
Magical Drafts and Potions by Arsenius Jigger.
Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them by Newt Scamander.
The Dark Forces: A Guide to Self-Protection by Quentin Trimble.
OTHER EQUIPMENT
1 wand
1 cauldron (pewter, standard size 2) set
1 set glass or crystal phials
1 telescope set
1 set brass scales
Students may also bring an owl OR a cat OR a toad.
PARENTS ARE REMINDED THAT FIRST YEARS ARE NOT ALLOWED THEIR OWN BROOMSTICKS
Lily Evans
Second biggest Room
4 Privet Drive
Little Whinging
Surrey
HOGWARTS SCHOOL of WITCHCRAFT and WIZARDRY
UNIFORM
First-year students will require:
1. Three sets of plain work robes (black).
2. One plain pointed hat (black) for day wear.
3. One pair of protective gloves (dragon hide or similar).
4. One winter cloak (black, silver fastenings).
Please note that all pupils' clothes should carry name tags.
COURSE BOOKS
Students should have a copy of each of the following: All
The Standard Book of Spells (Grade 1) by Miranda Goshawk.
A History of Magic by Bathilda Bagshot.
Magical Theory by Adalbert Waffling.
A Beginners' Guide to Transfiguration by Emeric Switch.
One Thousand Magical Herbs and Fungi by Phyllida Spore.
Magical Drafts and Potions by Arsenius Jigger.
Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them by Newt Scamander.
The Dark Forces: A Guide to Self-Protection by Quentin Trimble.
OTHER EQUIPMENT
1 wand
1 cauldron (pewter, standard size 2) set
1 set glass or crystal phials
1 telescope set
1 set brass scales
Students may also bring an owl OR a cat OR a toad.
PARENTS ARE REMINDED THAT FIRST YEARS ARE NOT ALLOWED THEIR OWN BROOMSTICKS
"Is this some kind of joke?" murmured Heather looking utterly gobsmacked.
"No mum it's all true! Severus is a wizard too!" beamed Lily "Harry I cant believe you're a wizard too! Why didn't you say?"
Harry just shrugged uncomfortably murmuring something about not knowing.
Needless to say Severus warmed up to Harry even more when he knew the boy was a Wizard and going to Hogwarts too. Suddenly it dawned on Harry that he was truly going, he was probably going to be seeing his father - and going to be enemy's with him. He couldn't leave Severus to fend for himself, not this time and he would be damned if he stood aside and let it happen. Not many choices for him, a mournful sigh left his lips but he brightened when he realized he'd always have his mum, er, sister technically speaking.
X.X.X
"I'm sorry Tuney, I'm sorry! Listen-' said Lily catching her sister's hand and held it tight even though Petunia tried to pull back. Lily had Harry's clutched tightly in her other one, she had always been awfully protective of him. 'Maybe once I'm there no- listen, Tuney! Maybe once I'm there. I'll be able to go to professor Dumbledore and persuade him to change his mind!"
Harry withheld a snort at that - yeah right Dumbledore change his mind…that's like forcing a wild boar to play with you. Harry knew what was coming and bit his lip, knowing good and well Petunia was going to say a word that she had called him his entire existence.
"I don't- want- to- go!" said Petunia "You think I want to go to some stupid castle and learn to be a - a - you think I want to be a - a freak?" she practically spat that word out. Their parents were standing off to the side unable to hear anything, and Harry could see Severus where he stood, in his new school uniform. It was new Harry had ensured it, not that Severus knew they were from him though.
"I'm not a freak! What a horrible thing to say" protested Lily wide eyed.
"Stop it Petunia! Please" whispered Harry his breathing heavy. All Harry could hear was 'Freak' being chanted by the three Dursley's over and over again in his head since he was a child.
"You are one too!" spat Petunia.
Harry flinched as if he had been struck, backing away from her wide eyed. He was half expecting her to slap him like she used to do when he was younger. Lily glared at Petunia hatefully before bringing her 'younger' brother into a hug. Shaking and unable to believe how he was acting Harry accepted the hug feeling like a weak child. However, he didn't have a great control over his emotions and sometimes acted like the child's body he was in.
"Come on Harry!" said Lily dragging her brother away towards the platform ready to go. Their parents were watching everything, drinking up the sight looking for all the world enjoying themselves. Harry smiled softly at that, he loved these two with all that he had; he just wished he knew what had actually happened to them. He could change it if it happened that way, perhaps he should make up a Portkey in case it was a Death Eater attack. One that activated with words? Instead of a wand he would need to look up the possibility.
Harry had gone to Diagon Ally, the Evan's paying for everything while he was there he had snuck off. Going to Gringotts he had asked for Griphook and before he knew it he was in an office.
"I'd like to know if I'm entitled to any inheritance" murmured Harry.
"Very well" said Griphook looking deeply uninterested and as if he was indulging Harry.
It wasn't for long, as Harry's inheritance included Slytherin's, Gryffindor's, Potter's money.
"How can this be? You are from the future?" gasped Griphook getting a look at the D.O.B on the paper.
"I am" smirked Harry which looked out of place in his eleven year old body.
He took out a huge amount of books, and money before quickly going back to his 'parents' Harry told them he got lost. With a sigh they told him to stick close, they didn't want to lose him here they wouldn't know where to look. Harry had no doubt the Goblins wouldn't tell anyone, they didn't associate with anyone and they hated Dumbledore with a passion. For the fact that he had ensured the sword of Gryffindor remained at Hogwarts, which Harry had come to realize. So no fear there, he had money he was going to be alright. He couldn't touch the Potter money without questions, he wasn't touching the Slytherin money - he couldn't risk Tom Riddle finding out he wasn't exactly Voldemort as of yet and could no doubt still withdraw money. So he had taken it from the Gryffindor account- according to Griphook they had no idea they were descendants which was rather stupid, as they were going to one day live at Godric's Hollow. He had sent Severus money, trying to make it as official as possible so he would believe it was from Hogwarts. He knew how proud Severus was even at that age, so he hoped that he would accept it if it seemed they helped children in 'need'. There was no way that Severus would accept taking money from him anyway.
The difference in the boy was astounding, new clothes, hair actually washed and a black owl which Harry was certain hadn't been there the last time. So needless to say Harry was actually feeling smug about himself it had worked. Perhaps now James Potter might not start on Severus right away - if he did then not only will it be Lily sticking up for him but Harry too.
"We are finally going" he said, "This is it, we're finally going to Hogwarts" Severus said unable to suppress his exhilaration in his voice.
Lily nodded beaming at Severus - after two years of talking about it they were finally going. They were of course still shocked that Harry was joining them, but they were glad none the less especially Lily. She didn't think she could have taken it if both her siblings hated her and called her that horrid name.
Harry on the other hand had to stop himself gawping at the other boys sharing their compartment it was his father! His godfather! And he knew what was coming.
"You'd better be in Slytherin." said Severus.
Harry smiled sadly almost feeling sorry for Severus - he knew how gutted the boy was going to be soon. Lily was too pure to get sorted anywhere other than Gryffindor unfortunately. His mother had a heart of gold, she was fiery loyal and brave, a true Gryffindor.
"Slytherin?" said the other boy finally paying attention to them. "Who wants to be in Slytherin? I think I'd rather leave, wouldn't you?" James asked the boy lounging on the seats opposite him.
"My whole family have been in Slytherin" explained Sirius.
"Blimey," said James "And I thought you seemed alright!"
"Stop being a wanker there's nothing wrong with Slytherin's, its just a house" said Harry.
James just scoffed at him.
"I hope I break the tradition, where do you think you will be sorted?" asked Sirius.
"Gryffindor, where dwell the brave at heart. Like my dad" said James holding up an invisible sword just like he had when Harry viewed the pensive of Snape's memories.
Severus made a small disparaging noise. James turned on him and said "Got a problem with that?"
"STOP IT BOTH OF YOU!" snarled Harry hoping against hope they wouldn't start that name calling especially that name they stick Severus with throughout his entire teenage years. "YOU BOTH HAVE DIFFERENT OPINIONS! YOU THINK SLYTHERISN SUCK WELL HOW DO YOU EXPECT OTHERS TO REACT WHEN YOU SAY THAT? WHEN THEY OBVIOUSLY DISLIKE GRYFFINDORS! YOU ARE ACTING LIKE A BUNCH OF IDIOTS! GROW THE BLOODY HELL UP!"
The four others sharing the compartment sat there wide eyed and didn't say anything else after that. The train ride continued on in silence, Lily and Severus were more shocked than James and Sirius - as Harry had never raised his voice before. He had always whispered his words as if he was afraid to speak.
Harry sat back down feeling very proud of himself, he had stopped what could be a catalyst in them being enemies…or so he hoped.
X.X.X
"Harry Evans" shouted Professor McGonagall who didn't have any grey in her hair yet. It was still in that damn stern bun though, despite that she hadn't changed much and that was freaky.
"Slytherin!" yelled the hat hardly three seconds later. Harry hadn't even had the chance to talk to the bloody thing! He needed that damn sword if he was to hunt down Horcrux's, he just hoped the hat didn't give him the interrupting the time line crap.
Harry joined the Slytherin's as Lily was called up. "Lily Evans"
"Gryffindor!" shouted the hat not even needing the time it took Harry and that was saying something. Lily walked over to her new table, smiling half heartedly at Severus and Harry looking forlorn she joined her new table looking put out.
Harry watched as Pettigrew (when the rats name was called he had to stop himself from killing the boy. He was just as weak and spineless as he remembered him, this was the man that caused his parents death. Grinding his teeth, he missed his fathers and Lupin's sorting. There was a dozen other sorting's before the last name was called "Severus Snape"
Harry sighed feeling depressed sitting at the Slytherin table them all looking at him quite coldly - he was a Muggle born after all. He knew what the hat was going to say and he was indeed correct "Slytherin" was what the hat yelled.
He grimaced when Lucius patted Severus on the back as he sat down. Evidently they all recognized him as the half blood he was (he did look exactly like his mother)- better than he supposedly was anyway. Life was about to become very, very dangerous these were all future Death Eaters out for his blood. Not because he was Harry Potter of course but because he had dared get himself sorted into Slytherin. His two carefree years were over and he was back to watching his back again.
That night, Harry had awful nightmares 'My lord let me bring the boy to you' 'I regret it' Severus lying there dead 'Not Harry! Please Not Harry! Have mercy!' 'Avada Kedavra' his mother lying dead before his eyes. Screaming he woke up in cold sweat, for the first time in two years he truly felt the weight of the world on his shouders. Thankfully he hadnt woken anyone up, he had always erected silencing spells around his bed since his nightmares and visions got bad.
Lily and Severus as well as his 'parents' were everything to him and he was scared - very scared he had nowhere to turn he may be mentally ninteen years old but his eleven year old emotions and body couldn't handle it.
Labored breathing Harry remained awake the rest of the night fearing sleep.
He-he as you know harry failed to stop severus becoming a death eater...how long will he remain a loyal death eater? when will he realize harry had been helping him since he was nine years old? before its too late? will harry be kidnapped? will he stop regulus black? will he actually get that horcux himself and have the area magically watched so he knows when regulus is ready to turn? and ask him for his help? will harry manage to catch all the horcruxs before he goes after his other self? will pettigrew actually be the secret keeper? or will lily ensure harry gets that honor? will it be harry that severus turns to? will it be harry that learns severus occlumancy and legillmency? will harry desperate to save severus tell him all about the future in hopes he turns?