Harry Potter and a Better Future
Chapter 7
November passed quickly for Harry. His first quidditch match was less than a few days away and he couldn't wait to get back to doing one of the things he loved best about the wizarding world. Quirrel had been summoned to Professor Dumbledore's office the morning after the troll incident. He had been questioned about the troll under veritaserum. Professor Quirrel admitted he had let the troll in and was immediately dismissed from his position and told to leave Hogwarts immediately.
Professor Dumbledore announced to the students during lunch that Professor Quirrel had been the one to let the troll in and had been dismissed. He told the students that until a replacement was found Defence against the Dark Arts would be cancelled. This caused protests from many of the students.
"SILENCE" Boomed Dumbledore.
"Until a replacement is found I would advise you to spend the time reading the books for that particular subject. You are also free to practice spells in here" Dumbledore announced indicating the great hall. This got mostly cheers from the students.
Saturday arrived without changes from his other life. He had even been caught reading his quidditch book in potions. At ten thirty Saturday morning Harry headed down to the quidditch pitch. When he arrived he walked into the changing room where Fred and were chatting quietly about something.
"Hi Fred, George" Harry greeted.
"Hey Harry" The twins chimed together.
"Looking forward to quidditch Harry" Fred asked.
"Yeah, can't wait" Harry replied truthfully.
The rest of the team arrived shortly after they finished chatting. Oliver introduced Harry to the team and gave them a briefing on the match as they changed into their quidditch robes.
"Ok men" Oliver said.
"And women" added Angelina Johnson.
"And Women" Oliver finished.
"This is it" Fred spoke.
"The big one" George added.
"Quiet you two this is the best team we've had in years, I know we can win" Oliver replied.
When they finished getting changed they grabbed their brooms and walked onto the pitch. Harry noticed the stands were full of students and that many of them held binoculars. He remembered that it can be hard to see sometimes when player's are at the far side of the pitch and moving fast. They met the Slytherin team on the pitch. Madam Hooch told them to mount their brooms and gave them the standard rules that she gave at every quidditch match.
She blew her whistle and fifteen brooms rose into the air and shot off in different directions.
"Angelina Johnson of Gryffindor has taken the quaffle, and what an excellent chaser she is, and attractive too" Lee Jordan's voice boomed across the pitch.
"JORDAN" Professor McGonagall's strict voice shouted.
"Sorry Professor" Lee replied.
"And she's doing good, a neat pass to Alicia Spinnet, a really good find for Oliver Wood, went from reserve player to a full time player" Lee Jordan continued.
Harry stopped listening to the commentary and went to look for the snitch. He thought he had seen the snitch once or twice but it turned out to be a reflection from somebody's watch.
So far into the match Harry spotted the snitch hovering near the teacher's stand. He pushed forward on his broom and raced towards it. This alerted the Slytherin seeker who immediately flew towards the snitch. Harry fought against the Slytherin seeker to get closer to the snitch. He edged forward until with his hand outstretched and finally managed to grab the snitch.
"I've got the snitch" Harry yelled. Lee Jordan announced that Gryffindor had won 210-10. The teams landed and entered the changing rooms. Once Harry had changed back into his normal robes Harry left the changing room and met Hermione, Ron and Neville at the entrance to the pitch. They walked to Hagrid's hut where they had been invited for a cup of tea. The visit went the same as last time as Hermione had been curious about the three headed dog. Hagrid had let slip the name of the dog exactly as he did last time. She had also come to the conclusion that it's guarding something.
A few days after the match Harry walked up to the dormitory where Ron was sat playing cards with Neville. Harry walked over to Scabbers' cage and pulled out his wand. He pointed the wand at the rat and spoke "Stupefy". Scabbers' promptly stiffened and fell on his side.
"What are you doing Harry" Ron demanded putting the cards down on the bed and walking over to Harry.
"I don't think Scabbers' is really a rat, how long did you say it has been with your family" Harry asked.
"Ten years at least" Ron stated "But what's that got to do with anything" He added.
"I know that rat's don't live that long Ron, only up to five years, usually between two and five years" Harry explained.
"You think Scabbers is an animagus" Ron guessed.
"Well, that's what I hope to prove" Harry replied "I'll let you know what happens soon Ron" Harry added.
Ron nodded and returned to his card game with Neville. Hary picked up the rat from its position in the middle of the cage. Harry told Ron he wouldn't be too long and left the dormitory. He walked through the common room and past Hermione who was hidden behind a book. He walked through the portrait hole and walked down the staircase. He greeted Nearly Headless Nick on the way to Dumbledore's office. Quite a few people were confused to see Harry carrying a rat. They probably thought it was a dead rat. Harry eventually arrived at the stone gargoyle and gave it the password "Haribo" and watched as the spiral staircase spin in to view. Harry climbed up the staircase and knocked on the door. He heard a voice tell him to enter so Harry opened the door and entered the door.
"Hello Harry, how can I help you" Dumbledore asked.
"I've got that furry little problem I told you about" Harry answered and placed the stunned Peter Pettigrew on the desk.
"Ah, Thank you Harry, please, sit down, I'm sure you would like to hear what Peter has to say for himself" Dumbledore replied.
Harry pulled the chair from under the desk and sat on it. Professor Dumbledore waved his wand at the doors. They swung closed and the locks clicked into place. Dumbledore picked up the rat and placed it on the floor. He waved his wand at it and Harry watched as the rat changed into the rat faced Peter Pettigrew. He was wearing the same clothes he had been in Harry's other life. He also had the same rat like posture as he had last time and had a bald patch. Dumbledore immediately conjured a chair and bound Peter to it using magical robes.
"Hello Wormtail" Harry greeted coldly.
"H-h-h-harry, hello, my h-h-h-haven't you grown" Wormtail greeted nervously.
"Save it traitor" Harry interrupted.
"Peter, now why don't you tell us the real story of how James and Lily were betrayed" Dumbledore requested.
"I-it wasn't me that betrayed them, it was Sir-" Peter started to lie but was interrupted by Harry.
"LIES" Harry yelled.
"I will give you one last chance to tell you the truth or I will summon Professor Snape and he will subject you to interview under veritaserum" Dumbledore threatened.
"B-b-b-but it was Sirius that joined V-V-Voldemort n-not me" Peter insisted.
"Ok, I think it's time I summoned Professor Snape" Dumbledore stated.
Professor Dumbledore walked over to his fireplace. He grabbed some floo powder from the pot on the mantelpiece and threw it into the fire. Dumbledore stuck his head into the fire. A few minutes later he pulled out of the fire and was followed by Professor Dumbledore.
"What is Potter doing here Albus" Snape asked pointing to Harry.
"He was the one who discovered Pettigrew" Dumbledore answered.
"How would he even know about Pettigrew" Snape asked.
"He was curious about Ronald Weasley's rat as he'd said the rat had been in the family for twelve years, Harry told me a rat's normal lifespan is usually up to five years when he brought him here." Dumbledore explained. Professor Snape opened the phial that Harry presumed contained veritaserum. Snape roughly forced Pettigrew's head back and tipped the contents of the phial down his throat. Snape rubbed Pettigrew's throat to force him to swallow the potion.
"Now Peter will you please tell me who really betrayed James and Lily" Dumbledore asked.
"I-I-it was m-me sir" Peter stammered.
"Thank you Peter, now, will you please tell me the story of their betrayal" Dumbledore asked.
Pettigrew sighed and explained the full story of the betrayal. Once Pettigrew was finished Dumbledore floo called Cornelius Fudge and requested his presence immediately. Fudge arrived less than five minutes later arrived and almost jumped out of the window when his eyes fell on Pettigrew.
"What, How is Pettigrew here" Fudge asked "He's supposed to be dead" He added.
"He faked his death and framed Sirius Black, who is currently in Azkaban for a crime he did not commit" Dumbledore explained.
"I see, I shall have Pettigrew arrested and interviewed immediately, Mr Black should be released within two weeks. Pettigrew will also have his Order of Merlin revoked" Fudge explained.
"Thank you Minister, when Pettigrew is arrested I would suggest stunning him to prevent him from escaping as he is an unregistered animagus and takes the form of a rat" Dumbledore explained.
"Well that certainly fits the situation" Fudge chuckled and returned to the fireplace. He returned shortly with two aurors. Harry recognized them as Kingsley Shacklebolt and Mad Eye Moody. Fudge informed them of Peter's animagus ability and the form he takes. They stunned him and took back through the fireplace presumably to be held at the ministry until his trial would be held.
Harry said goodbye to Dumbledore and left the office. He returned to the common room where he saw Hermione still hiding behind a book. He was about to walk up the stairs when Hermione spoke.
"What did you do with Scabbers Harry" Hermione demanded.
"I didn't think it was a real rat as I remembered Ron telling me that it's been around for ten years, I told him rats only live for up to five years and he realized that Scabbers is an animagus" Harry lied.
"Yeah that's right, did you find out if it really was an animagus" Hermione asked.
"Yep" Harry replied.
"Who was it" Hermione asked.
"Peter Pettigrew" Harry
November passed and the weather worsened as Christmas approached. Harry's lessons all remained with no change from the first time around except for defence against the dark arts which was now a free lesson. Harry and the others used the time to practice spells in the great hall. Harry taught Hermione, Ron and Neville some of the first year spells they hadn't learned yet. Hermione was the quickest to learn the spells and regularly ended up teaching Ron and Neville the spells she had mastered.
Harry soon found himself in a nearly empty castle as the students returned home for Christmas. Hermione and Neville both returned home for their Christmas while the Weasley's and Harry remained at Hogwarts. Harry had thought of a great idea for a present for the Dursley's while out in the grounds. He picked up a branch and transfigured it into the shape of a wand. He taped a Sickle to it and put it in his trunk deciding he would send it on Christmas Eve.
Christmas Eve arrived and Harry spent the day with Ron and the twins. They played exploding snap in the common room right up until lunch. After they had lunch they had a snowball fight on the grounds and spent the rest of the day chatting about Quidditch. . Harry removed the Dursley's present from his trunk and attached a piece of parchment to it. He wrote 'Merry Christmas Walrus, Horse face and Beached Whale' Harry took the present and transformed into his phoenix form. Holding the present in his mouth he flamed directly into the Dursley's kitchen where they were enjoying their supper. They all jumped when Harry suddenly appeared in front of them. He dropped the present in front of his uncle Vernon who didn't seem sure what he should do. Harry flew around the room a few times and decided to annoy his uncle by flapping his wings in his uncle's face.
"BOY" Uncle Vernon shouted attempting to keep Harry's wings out of his face.
Harry landed on the table where he had dropped the present. He nudged it towards his uncle who noticed the writing.
"Merry Christmas walrus, horse face and beached whale" Vernon read out.
"BOY, GET OUT OF HERE BEFORE I BREAK THOSE WINGS OFF" Vernon yelled when he realized who the writing was about.
Harry flapped his wings in his uncle's face once more and immediately flamed back to Hogwarts.
Harry woke up on Christmas morning to the sound of Ron jumping up and down like a kid 'Oh yeah he is a kid' Harry thought to himself.
Harry reached for his glasses and put them on his face. He noticed the big pile of presents at the end of his bed. He put on a genuine smile as this was the first time since before his fifth year he was able to celebrate Christmas with his friends.
Harry picked up the first present which was a pathetically small package. Harry unwrapped it to reveal a fifty pence piece. He ignored the Dursley's note this time. Ron stared in awe at this as Harry remembered he had probably never seen muggle money before. Harry handed him the coin telling him it's the Dursley's idea of a joke. Harry ripped the packaging from his next present to find the wooden flute from Hagrid. Harry found the third package next which Harry remembered should contain a Weasley sweater.
"Uh, oh, I have a feeling I might know who that one's from" Ron confirmed. His face had gone bright pink in the process. He mentioned something about telling his mother that Harry thought he wouldn't get any presents. Harry remembered this conversation from the first time around. He opened the package to find the familiar emerald green hand knitted sweater.
"This was really nice of your mother" Harry beamed as he ate a piece of fudge.
Harry opened his next present to find a box of chocolate frogs from Hermione. He made a mental note to thank Hermione when she got back to Hogwarts and put the box down. He smiled when he saw the final package. He had lost it during a death eater attack at Ron and Hermione's wedding. The burrow had been completely destroyed during the attack resulting in the deaths of Hermione and the rest of the Weasley's. Without the invisibility cloak Harry had been forced to use other methods when he needed to be invisible. Harry unwrapped it to reveal the invisibility cloak. He read the note which he knew now was Dumbledore's writing.
"Wow, is that what I think it is" Ron asked, his mouth wide open as he stared at the silvery cloak in awe.
"What" Harry asked acting dumb.
"It's an invisibility cloak" Ron answered.
"Really, it doesn't look like it's going to work" Harry replied keeping up the act.
"What do you mean" Ron asked.
"I can see it" Harry answered and promptly started laughing.
"What are you about" Ron asked dumbfounded "You have to- oh, good one Harry" Ron replied and started to laugh as he realized what Harry said.
Harry threw the cloak over his shoulders. He looked down at his feet which he could no longer see. He looked in the mirror and saw only his head 'This will be useful for sneaking out' thought Harry.
They were interrupted by the door being banged open. Fred and George entered wearing their Weasley jumpers. They demanded Ron put his on, he put it on after much insistence from the twins. Percy entered shortly carrying his Weasley sweater over his arm. Fred seized it and tried to make him wear it. Fred couldn't make Percy wear the sweater so George joined in and they forced it over his head and steered him out of the room, shortly followed by Harry, Ron and Neville.
Harry spent the day with Ron, Neville and the twins. Ron played wizarding chess with Harry. They had Christmas dinner in the great hall with the staff where they enjoyed Turkey, mountains of boiled and roast potato, buttered peas and thick gravy and cranberry sauce. They pulled crackers that went off like a cannon and engulfed them in smoke. Professor Dumbledore swapped his wizard hat for a bonnet, which was covered in flowers. Lunch was followed by flaming Christmas pudding immediately followed the turkey. They spent the afternoon having a snowball fight on the grounds. After a few hours they returned to the common room where Harry managed to beat Ron at wizarding chess. He had lost to Ron last time around as he had taken advice from Percy.
"Blimey Harry you did you beat me" Ron remarked.
"By ignoring Percy's advice" Harry replied. Ron immediately laughed at this and challenged Harry to another game.
Harry visited the mirror of Erised where he saw himself and Ginny holding hands with wedding rings on their fingers. Also in the picture was a young boy stood in front of them. He had jet black hair exactly like Harry's and he had his emerald green eyes. Harry stayed at the mirror for thirty minutes until he decided to return to the dormitory. Under the cover of the invisibility cloak he returned to the common room avoiding Filch and Mrs Norris on the way. He pulled off the cloak shortly before arriving at the dormitory and pulled off his invisibility cloak. He gave the password to the fat lady and entered. He climbed the spiral staircase and flopped down on his bed. He pulled the curtains closed and changed into his pyjamas. He fell asleep almost as soon as his head hit the pillow.
A/N: This chapter reached my target of 3000 words. I didn't include some events such as Snape receiving medical attention from Filch as I will mention this when Hermione sees him limping; Harry just mentions it from the memory of his other life. I also didn't include Harry talking to Dumbledore at the mirror of erised as Harry would have mentioned it when he explained the truth to Dumbledore. I currently have chapter 8 written, i have finished college now so i will be able to work on this story longer (i finished 8 chapters in just under a week)
