The Return of the Saviour.
The prophecy boy.
DISCLAIMER: I don't own the world of Harry Potter in any form, as it belongs to J.K. Rowling.
SUMMARY: After Voldemort hits Harry with the killing curse in a battle at Hogwarts at the end of Harry's seventh year, Voldemort is forced to retreat, as his soul is once again ripped out of his body when the killing curse bounces of the boy-who-lived for a second time. However, life isn't all roses as Harry himself disappeared mysteriously when the curse hit. Three years later, Harry is back, but this time with a new identity and new powers. Voldemort has returned, and become stronger than ever in Harry's absence, and it is up to the boy-who-can't-seem-to-die to put a stop to the Dark Lord, once and for all.
PAIRINGS: Harry/Luna, Ron/Hermione, Remus/Tonks.
Beated by: Willow Evenstar
They landed with a thud on a field of grass, Dumbledore graceful, Harry in a heap. Some things never change, no matter how powerful you are…
Harry looked straight ahead. He could feel they were at the Burrow, and if he concentrated enough, he could see both the house and its occupants. It should have been impossible since it was under the Fidelius, but then again, that word barely existed in Harry's vocabulary any more.
"Now listen carefully – the Weasley family and friends can be found at the Burrow, Ottery St. Catchpole, Devon."
Harry watched as the Burrow became fully visible, and not just an image in his mind. He grinned as he saw Hermione trying to catch a laughing Ron, as he had obviously stolen her cake. He saw Ginny speak to Bill and Charlie as her mouth moved rapidly and her hands waved around wildly to emphasise herself, and he saw Molly carrying dishes in and out of the house. He saw Arthur talk to Percy (who had come crawling to the family begging for forgiveness in the beginning of Harry's sixth year), and the twins shooting off some Filibuster fireworks, even though it was still daylight.
There weren't only the Weasleys, but Neville and a lot of old members from the DA who had become close to Harry during his last two years at Hogwarts. There were also Order members, including Alastor 'Mad-Eye' Moody, Tonks and Mundungus 'Dung' Fletcher. But the two people Harry wanted to see more than anyone (except maybe Ron and Hermione) were nowhere in sight. Where were Luna and Remus? He would have thought they would be here as well…he also noted Snape was absent, but he wasn't surprised – he and Harry still hated each other, and that would never change.
He followed Dumbledore towards the crowd, their chatter dying down as they stopped to greet the newcomers. Harry saw his old friends and what he considered his family give him somewhat curious looks.
"Dumbledore," Molly greeted. "I am so glad you could make it. Who is your friend?" She asked with a smile.
"Ah." Dumbledore replied benevolently with a little amiable smile gracing his lips, his eyes twinkling outrageously. It was as if he was expecting her question (and indeed, he had). "This is James Ruoivas, he will be the new Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher this autumn."
Silence. Complete and utter silence followed this statement. Harry reckoned that if he'd drop a pin this very moment, everyone would have been jumping at the noise.
Finally, Ron spoke up.
"You mean you actually found someone to take the position? I guess it is too much to ask for if he's qualified."
Harry grinned.
"Not at all. I hope I am. I enjoy teaching, and the people I have taught before seemed to enjoy having me as a teacher in turn, so I hope it will work out all right. Plus, I really liked DADA during my schooling, and that hasn't changed."
More silence. Everyone seemed really surprised that the new professor actually seemed...well, nice.
"Where were you educated?" Hermione asked. "You seem to be my age, but I don't remember you going to Hogwarts."
Harry grinned again.
"Here and there," he said. "Everywhere and nowhere."
Everyone stared at him, completely stunned. Dumbledore chuckled, his eyes twinkling as usual.
Could a person sue another person in case their bloody twinkling eyes blinded them permanently? 'James' mused silently, resisting the growing urge to wince. He didn't know what was wrong with him, but everything about Dumbledore just seemed to annoy him lately. Maybe because he'd learnt the hard truth, that Dumbledore was all for the 'greater good' - it didn't matter who he sacrificed in the process. He certainly didn't hate the old man, but he couldn't bring himself to like him that much either. Not anymore. Not after Harry had finally realized he had always been a pawn in a chessgame Dumbledore played. The prophecy boy, a means to an end, nothing more, nothing less.
"You will find James is quite a mysterious and philosophical person. And, he actually turns twenty-one today, believe it or not."
Damn.
He doesn't know when to tone it down, does he? Harry though, inwardly groaning.
Apparently, his friends had trouble believing it as they started to whisper among themselves, but Harry ignored them as he saw two people come out of the Burrow. Remus and Luna. His breath caught in his throat as he stared at his girlfriend. She was beautiful. Her blonde hair hung in waves, and seemed to shine in the sun. She was wearing a white summer dress, which brought out her figure quite nicely. She looked amazing.
"She's off limits," a voice in his ear said. Harry woke up from his thoughts and turned to Ron, who had just spoken. "She doesn't show any interest in anyone, even if many show interest in her. She used to be…I mean, is…Harry Potter's girlfriend, and she's waiting for him to return. Give it up, mate."
Harry felt his heart take a leap at this. Luna had never stopped loving him or hoping he would one day return! He wanted to rush up to her, take her in his arms, spin her around, and kiss her senseless, but he knew he couldn't. He took a deep breath to calm his rapidly beating heart down. It was good to know that he wouldn't need to fight someone for her affections once he showed his true self.
He watched Remus as he walked up to Tonks and gave her a quick kiss, at the same time giving Harry a curious look. Remus looked older than Harry had ever seen him, even though his robes weren't as shabby as before. He had dark circles under his eyes, his skin was pale, and the grey hairs on his head were more visible than ever. His 'death' must have taken a hard toll on the werewolf, Harry figured, and he immediately felt bad for not being able to tell them he was back once again.
With a deep breath, he stepped up to Remus, and introduced himself as James Ruoivas, the new DADA professor at Hogwarts. Remus was just as shocked as the others had been, and wished him good luck. "You'll need it," Remus said, clapping Harry on the shoulder as he did so. Harry chuckled at this, and walked over to Luna.
"Hi," he said. "I'm James Ruoivas."
"So I heard," Luna said, almost ignoring him completely. Harry grinned inwardly. Yeah…she was his.
"Good," he said. "And you are?"
"Luna Lovegood."
Harry nodded.
"So what do you work as?" He asked, hoping to start a conversation, and get rid of the tension between them. He could feel Luna's suspicion of him radiating off her in waves.
"I own and am the editor of 'the Quibbler', and I work as a Healer at St. Mungos," Luna said.
"I see. Is it fun?" Harry wondered.
"It depends if you think seeing people in pain or dying from their wounds everyday is fun," Luna said matter of factly, and Harry had to hold back a laugh. Sarcastic, dry, odd humour, just like the Luna he remembered.
"Then why do you work like a Healer?"
"Because I want to help people," Luna answered shortly. "If you'll excuse me." She brushed past him, and went back into the Burrow. Harry felt a little cut off and hurt, but then again, Luna didn't know who he was, and probably thought he was trying to flirt with her or become an item with her or something, which, in a way, he was.
Harry heard someone come up behind him, and he turned around, grinning, as he met Remus' eyes.
"I like her – she's got spunk."
Remus just stared at him for a moment, before bursting out laughing.
"J-James," he said between laughs. "I think I like you. I haven't laughed like that in a long time."
"Well, then I guess it's time to start," Harry said. "Laughing is good for the soul."
Remus turned serious again. "I think I agree. Thank you. You reminded me of something I thought I had forgotten. A little advice though – don't try to become something else than friends with Luna. That's all you will get from her – friendship. She's waiting for…someone."
Harry nodded.
"Harry Potter, right? I'm sure she isn't waiting for nothing. I never really believed he died, and I won't, until I have a dead body as an evidence."
Remus looked surprised, and stared at him in wonder.
"Most people would say she's nuts for still hoping," he said. "I agree with you. I won't believe he's truly gone until I see a body either. I know the killing curse hit him, but then he just disappeared. Who knows, maybe he's out there somewhere, waiting, biding his time."
"Nothing is impossible," Harry quipped. "Anyone got cake?"
The following day, Harry apparated to Diagon Alley to do some much needed shopping. He knew he could conjure up everything he needed, but it wouldn't be the same thing as buying his own stuff. But first, he needed money.
He walked into Gringotts, and stepped up to the counter.
"May I see Griphook?" Harry asked. Griphook was the very first Goblin to have helped Harry with his money, and he wanted him to be the only one.
The Goblin behind the counter looked surprised that Harry knew a Goblin personally, or even knew a name of one. People used to look down on them, not befriend them.
"O-of course," the Goblin stuttered. "Griphook!" He called over his shoulder. "Someone is here to see you!" A Goblin, who Harry immediately recognized as Griphook, came over, looking surprised.
"Do I know you, sir?" Griphook asked. Harry grinned.
"Yes, you do. Is there a room where we can talk in private, without fear of being overheard?"
"Of course, follow me." Griphook led the way until they came to a door, which led to a small room.
"Now, I don't think you remember me, and you definitely don't recognize me, because I usually doesn't look like this."
Harry concentrated, and he watched in amusement as Griphooks round eyes grew bigger and bigger, as he saw Harry's appearance change. His hair grew shorter, and became messier, his eyes became a sparkling green and on his forehead, a scar appeared.
"Mr. Potter!" Griphook exclaimed.
"Yes, that's me. I don't want anyone to know I'm back, and I trust you not to tell anyone about this," Harry said, as he changed back to James Ruoivas' appearance.
"Of course, sir, a Goblin never betrays what has been told to him in confidence," Griphook said. "I must say I am honoured you even remember my name – most people don't pay attention to goblin's, as they think we're all the same."
"Well, I don't think so," Harry said grinning. "Now, I really want access to my vault, but I don't have a key, since I didn't think to have it on me when I got hit by that curse."
Griphook grinned back, revealing a line of black and golden teeth.
"Of course you didn't," he said. "Anyway, the key is in our possession. When a wizard dies, or disappears due to unexplainable circumstances, the key to his Gringotts' vault is returned automatically to the bank."
He walked over to a bureau in a corner, and dragged his long fingers over the smooth surface. A drawer opened up, and Griphook rummaged through it for a while, until he found what he looked for – a small golden key.
"The key to vault 687, your vault, Mr. Potter," Griphook said, and gave Harry the key.
"Thanks," Harry said.
"Do you wish to enter your family vault today?" Griphook asked. The Goblin was referring to the Potter family vault, which Harry had gotten access to on his seventeenth birthday. The vault was not only filled with big amounts of money, but also filled with possessions, which used to belong to the Potter line. There were also some things which came from his mother. Harry swore when he entered the vault for the first time, that he would one day go down there and look everything through, but it wouldn't be today.
"No, Griphook, not today. I simply don't have time."
"Very well, Mr. Potter. Follow me, and I will take you to your personal vault."
Harry walked out after Griphook, and they went to one of the narrow stone caverns, which lead to the vaults. Harry enjoyed the cart-ride immensely.
As he entered his vault, he saw his gold had increased in his absence. On the middle of the floor, a trunk was standing - Harry's old school trunk.
Harry whooped in delight before opening it, and saw it contained all of his things – nothing was missing. The invisibility cloak, the map and even his Firebolt were there. Harry had to leave the trunk in the vault, as he couldn't use it, because then everyone would know he was back, but he took out his cloak, map and broomstick anyway. He knew he could have bought the Firebolt and the cloak somewhere, but he couldn't dismiss the map, so he transfigured it into a wristwatch. It would vibrate whenever someone suspicious entered the Hogwarts grounds.