Author's Note (2012) : So in the rewrite of this chapter, the first scene has changed drastically. Originally as this story began before HP and the OOTP I had come up with something similar to Legilmency, a spell casted as "Verite" that accomplished a mix between Veritaserum and what J.K. explained as Legilmency. Not wanting to be redundant, I changed the spell to Legilmens, as such the entire first half of this chapter has been completely rewritten! Hope you enjoy!

Please remember to review!


Harry Potter and the Wish of Life

Chapter 9

Poppa's Guidance


The look on Dumbledore's face was reminiscent to the one it had held when he was bearing down on Crouch the previous year. There would be no doubt in Harry's mind why Dumbledore was the most respected wizard in the world as, with his blue eyes cold and lips drawn into a thin line, he looked absolutely terrifying.

Harry took a step back, scared. "I'm…I'm Harry Potter."

Dumbledore gave a humorless chuckle, "Your master won't be getting anything out of this foolish charade. Legilmens!"

Immediately, Dumbledore's office swam before Harry's eyes and vanished. It was as if Harry's mind had suddenly taken on its own life form and was tunnelling through time, image after image flashing in front of him, burning away his surroundings.

He was five, watching Dudley eat plates of gingerbread men for dessert while he only had an unappetizing lone sesame seed snap … he was nine, being chased by Ripper the bulldog up a tree while the Dursleys laughed and his heart pounded in fear…he was eleven and flying through the air for the first time on the training brooms….he was thirteen and waiting in the forest for his father's 'ghost' to come and save Sirius and him from the dementors…he was turning fifteen and making a wish on a star…. He was fifteen and it was his very first birthday party with his entire family - he was so happy it felt like bubbles of excitement were expanding his chest…

Suddenly it was over, and Harry found himself sprawled on the floor of Dumbledore's office, shaking in fright.

"Harry, I'm so sorry." Dumbledore began haltingly, standing now and walking over to him.

"What did you do to me?" Harry cried out, angered at what had felt like an assault on his mind.

"If you were my Harry you would know what I did, as you have been trained in Occlumency." Dumbledore began slowly.

"What are you TALKING about?" Harry scrambled to get to his feet. That had felt awful. The worst part was being forced to remember things from the previous world. It was with that thought that he realised what Dumbledore had said and knew Dumbledore now knew the truth about him.

"I…I didn't mean for this to happen!" His voice pitched higher, "I didn't do anything to him...to your Harry!"

"Yes, I know." Dumbledore said enigmatically, "Please sit down, Harry."

For a moment, Harry thought to run away. Suddenly he felt his world crumbling around him. Would Dumbledore find a way to get rid of him so that 'his' Harry would be back? Afterall, why would he want Harry the way he was when he had had that happy, loved boy? Who would want his version of himself? A freak with magic who brought on death to everyone near and dear to him?

"You made a heir's wish. I saw. Can you tell me the differences in your world, Harry? What the change was?" Dumbledore exhaled through pursed lips, his finger steepling in front of him as he watched his Grandson.

"I….I….well…uh, my parents used Pettigrew as their secret keeper and on Halloween, Voldemort attacked our home. He killed my father and my mother, but Mum had given her life for me and when he went to kill me the curse reflected back on him. I…was sent to live with my Mother's sister. I never knew I was a wizard and they … they treated me miserably." He looked at Dumbledore who was staring at him with a strange intensity that he took to mean to continue.

"Uh, when I was 11, Hagrid came and collected me. I started Hogwarts that year and met you….I never knew you were my great-great-grandfather." Harry let his sentence linger, wanting Dumbledore to know that in one way or another he had hurt him by excluding him from that knowledge. "In my first year, Voldemort tried to steal the Philosopher's stone, but with Ron and Hermione helping me, I stopped him. He didn't leave me alone after that though: In my second year he used his old diary and opened the Chamber of Secrets. I fought him again, almost died. Last year there was a Triwizard Tournament-" Harry felt his throat close as the night came flooding back to him, "My name was placed in the Goblet of Fire by Barty Crouch in order to trap me ... the year went by quickly with weird things happening ... I mean, I had these dreams and my scar would hurt ... Anyway, during the last task Cedric Diggory and I both tied ... "

... Kill the Spare ...

"and we took the trophy - but it was a portkey. It took us to a graveyard where Voldemort and Peter Pettigrew - his servant, were waiting and together they killed Cedric, and used my blood to bring Voldemort back to full power... I ..."

...Take my body back ...

Harry felt wetness on his cheeks and touched his face dumbly realising that at sometime he had begun to cry. "I was so alone ... it was all my fault everyone died ... Later ... I wished ... I wished ... that my Mother and Father had never died ... I didn't mean to change everything. I didn't mean to replace your Harry."

Dumbledore looked grave, "That was an incorrect choice of words I used –"

But Harry was on a self-loathing roll and continued, "I didn't know! I really didn't know, and I was so alone-"

"It's okay, Harry." Dumbledore said softly.

"NO! It's not okay! Sirius ... "

... He must really like you, Harry... Imagine having to live off rats ...

"He's dead now ... and ..." Harry felt his chest begin to tighten, "What can I do? I screwed up everything and your Harry is gone and I'm here instead and trouble follows my every step, everyone dies because of me!" Harry knew he wasn't making much sense, but when he felt Dumbledore reach over the desk and place a hand on his shoulder he felt relief that at least the Headmaster understood a little of what he was saying.

"That's enough, Harry. It is not your fault in the least. With power comes a great burden. Our pursuits of things we want often lead us to lose things that we also love dearly." Dumbledore himself looked rather lost and stopped for a moment to collect his thoughts, "You did not know what an heir's wish was, but what was meant to be will be. This is the world now, Harry. Fate is strange sometimes. Sirius is dead, yes, but your parents are alive. Cedric is alive. You must think that this is what is meant to be. You cannot let yourself get so caught up in the past that you forget to live."

Harry looked up at his grandfather, "I...I don't know how to do that. I'm not the Harry Potter you all think I am. I don't remember anything, my only memories of childhood involve being locked in a cupboard and getting beaten up by my cousin. And… Sirius was the only father I ever knew…"

"Harry," Dumbledore was swift to put a stop to his talk, "Sirius was a wonderful man. He was a father to you even in this course of history, but there is nothing you can do. What has happened has happened. Heir's wishes are often followed by grave regrets." Dumbledore looked faraway for a moment, a shadow passing over his eyes, "But in the end, life is the way fate has meant it to be, even if the fates have chosen certain people to shoulder the weight of that." He paused. "You ARE the same Harry, did you not see the memories I saw when I read your mind?"

Harry blinked, "Yes, the Dursleys and the dementors and my birthday party-"

"No, you didn't see the ones about when Ethan was born? When you broke your leg at Christmas a few years back?"

"No." Harry looked at Dumbledore as if he might be just a little bit mad.

"Hm." Pushing his half-moon spectacles up his nose, Dumbledore sat back a little, "Well, I saw them, which means that the memories are inside you, you just haven't been able to unlock them. Perhaps once you start focusing on the future you will see that you might belong here afterall and your past will make itself known to you."

This was an exciting thought.

"So, I really am your Harry then?" His voice was so small that Harry felt an embarrassed flush taking over him at his neediness. "This was my life, I just remember something else?"

"It's hard to say," Dumbledore nodded, "You are certainly my Harry, our Harry, it's just you've lived two different fifteen years of life, one of which is unlocked and one which isn't. I would imagine your wish changed the past and you lived your proper life here, only to gain consciousness of the change on the day you made the change in the previous life. Ah, alternate universes, time changes, such messy businesses."

Mind still a little boggled, Harry blinked. "Are you going to tell my parents?" He asked nervously.

There was a long moment before Dumbledore shook his head, "Not until the day you decide you want to or when circumstances are imperative. I must say, this explains quite a lot: you've been so different recently, very overwhelmed. When you were in the coma you gave off large amounts of magical energy which is a highly unusual thing to do unless a wizard was going through a life altering distress which I now see: you were." He looked sad, "I am sorry you had to go through all this by yourself-" He was interrupted by a sharp rapping on his door.

"Albus, its time for dinner." McGonagall called.

"Yes, I am coming." Dumbledore answered before turning back to Harry, "We shall talk later. Anytime."

Harry stood, wiping at his eyes, "Okay."

"And Harry?"

"Yes?"

"This is your life now - so live it."


In Northern France, the young man remained in his makeshift prison. Head on his knees, he barely moved, barely blinked, barely breathed. It had been a lucky week, his captors had only stopped by to provide food instead of an interrogation.

He wouldn't give in. If only ... if only he could warn Harry and his parents that everything wasn't as it seemed - but as weakness swept through his bones he shuddered, unsure of how much longer he could keep going.


It was a comforted Harry Potter that met up with his friends in the Great Hall. The guilt was still present, but Dumbledore was right: this was his life now. Sirius was gone, but there were many others who he loved who were still alive. Harry would protect them while mourning for the only father he had known, but he could not let that mourning overtake his life. Sirius would never have wanted that. …And if he ever got a chance to put things right, well, he wasn't sure what he would do, but for now, he would live and try to make this world better.

After dinner, Harry, intending to speak with Ron and ask some questions, attempted to steer him away from the Gryffindor common room. Unfortunately, they were intercepted by Ethan who told him that their parents had called to see them. Promptly forgetting about Ron, Harry accompanied his brother to the fourth floor which housed much of the staff. Reaching their parents suite, Ethan yawned and dropped down onto a sofa.

The suite was circular with many doors peppering the walls. The central circle included the living room and a kitchenette while the doors led to two bedrooms and a bathroom.

Sitting beside Ethan, Harry placed his hands behind his head and stretched.

Walking out of his bedroom, James smiled at his children, "Hullo boys, how was your first day?"

Ethan shrugged, "S'okay. Nothing important."

James turned shining eyes onto his eldest, "Seems a lot of exciting stuff happened to you?"

Harry grinned at the memory of a neon-faced Snape, "It was an accident!"

James smirked, "You don't need to justify yourself to me, Sport, but your Mum's on a rampage. She says I'm a bad influence on you two," He grinned, "I say: Job well done!"

"Rampage! It was an accident!" Harry protested as Ethan snorted.

James shook his head sadly, "Yes, I know, but your Mum; she's out for blood. Something about sending you to be raised by trolls-"

"James!" Lily scolded, finally making her appearance, "What is wrong with you? Between this and telling Ethan that monsters do live in the closet - you're going to give them a complex!" She planted a firm kiss on her husband's lips before smiling at Harry, "Don't worry darling - I'm not angry with you."

Harry calmed while Ethan sighed, "Mum, is there any food here?"

Lily smiled at Ethan, "Of course darling, there are some sandwiches on the counter." She pointed carelessly toward the kitchenette before sliding onto James' lap.

Ethan screwed up his face, "Mo-om, Da-ad! Come on! Not while your spawn is in the room!"

Harry, on the other hand ,didn't mind his parents being affectionate. He was pleased just to have them.

Lily and James, to make their son scream more, smirked and gave eachother a long snog. Ethan, as could be predicted, pretended to gag.

The family settled into talk about the first day back at classed, when McGonagall's voice blared through the room. "Attention - all house team Quidditch players, please report to the Grand Hall immediately!"

Cringing from the volume, James rolled his eyes in the direction of a small glowing white ball. "I hate those bloody voice beads - well? Get going!" He grinned in the boys' direction.

Harry had already expertly deduced that Ethan was a chaser on the team ("Did you bring your broom, Ethan?", "Duh Harry, they'd kick me off as chaser if I used one of those crappy Cleansweeps!") and so looked curiously at his brother as they walked toward the Hall. "Do you know what this about?"

Ethan shrugged, "I think Dad knows, see the way he gave us thumbs up when we left?"

Harry rolled his eyes, "Dad gives a thumbs up if we sneeze on someone."

Deflecting a spitball Peeves shot at them, Ethan pushed the doors to the Dining Hall open. Together they walked in to find the school's Quidditch community chattering frantically.

Very quickly they were joined by the twins, Draco and Ron (the latter to Harry's surprise). Forming a small circle they began to speculate on the reason for being called down.

"I heard ..." Fred began, looking from side to side, "That this year, each Quidditch team member has to face certain health standards."

"That's right ..." George continued, leaning in, "So they've devised a series of tests ... something about you and a giant in a boxing ring, or something."

Harry raised an eyebrow and began to speak but Ethan quickly interrupted.

"You're JOKING!" He growled, looking rather petrified, "You so are!"

Fred shrugged and tapped his nose in a secretive manner, "Am I, Ethan? Am I?"

Ethan turned wide eyes onto his older brother, and Harry grinned, shaking his head. "Don't worry Ethan. No giant will get you."

Ethan shrugged, "Pfft ... like I'd be scared anyway!" He exclaimed as his face lost its pasty white colour and his fists unclenched from their rather painfully tight position.

Harry grinned and shared a glance with Draco and Ron.

"Ahem! Excuse me ... Excuse me ... c'mon ... could you all please SHUT THE HELL UP!" A loud voice bellowed from the front of the room.

Oliver Wood stood on the elevated platform of the teacher's dining table looking as sporty and gung-ho about Quidditch as ever before.

He grinned, "I'm sure most of you know who I am, former Captain of the Gryffindor Quidditch team, currently playing for England's international team - the London Lions" His eyes glinted with a type of mad pride.

There were many ooh's and aah's from the female players, to whom Oliver flashed a saucy grin. "Anyway ... I'm here to announce that there will be no interhouse Quidditch games this year."

To that, the whole group erupted angrily. Fred and George immediately started up a chant of:

Quidditch! Quidditch! Buy-from-Weasley-Wizard-Wheezes! Quidditch! Quidditch!

Oliver shot them a disgruntled look, "BUT!" He continued, "I'm also here to announce the start up of an Interschool Quidditch Tournament. I'm sure the majority of you know about the North American one that takes place every two years. The schools in Europe have finally come upon an agreement to hold a tournament. The other schools participating have been working over the summer since they had to win first in their regions to be the ones to represent it. Hogwarts' abilities are undisputed however, and it was an unanimous vote that our school be the representative for the British Isles as well as Sweden, Norway and Denmark. Their schools are all tiny and rubbish anyhow. Durmstrang will be representing the East, Beauxbatons for Northern Europe and Granmagia for Southern Europe."

The room was silent.

Oliver smiled, enjoying being the center of attention, "We will be choosing a team in two weeks, so practice hard everyone! Only the best will be chosen and - "

At this moment, the doors slammed open as Ludo Bagman rushed in, looking rather out of breath. "Sorry, sorry I say," He muttered as he made his way up to Oliver, "Completely lost track of time ... Sorry old chap ..."

Oliver looked disgruntled, "Yes ... as I was saying, I've been asked to coach ... along with..." His voice dropped with displeasure, "Mr. Bagman."

Bagman, once on stage, smiled brightly. "Yes, yes! I'm sure this will be lots of fun! You may even be able to learn some beater techniques from me!" He struck a rather odd pose which Harry figured had meant to look dashing, but instead came out pathetic.

Oliver rolled his eyes, "Er, Right ... That's all for now!"

Immediately the hall ruptured into excited chatter. Ethan turned wide eyes onto his brother, "Smashing! You're trying out, right Harry?"

Harry grinned, "Yeah ... maybe ..."

Ron chucked Harry on the shoulder, "Yeah, it'll be wicked! ..." His face fell, "But ... I don't know if I can take part…"

"Why not?"

"Mum said I'm not allowed to do any extra curricular until my marks are up." Ron muttered darkly, "She said she's given up on the Twins ... Why not me?"

Harry smiled, "Don't worry about it Ron, there's always sixth year."

Oliver made his way through the hall, pausing only to chat to the Twins. Passing Harry he punched him hard on the shoulder, "'ello, Harry! Long time no see! Trying out, I presume?"

Harry nodded his affirmative (Whilst trying not to wince) to which Oliver grinned, "Good - see you then!"

Ron nodded toward the door, "Gryffindor Tower anyone?"

Harry and Ethan followed Ron out into the hallway after a quick goodbye to Draco. The three were so deeply immersed into their conversation that as they turned the corner, Harry went crashing into a man. Glasses knocked aside, he grasped blindly for them. "Sorry!"

"Quite all right." The man replied as he took Ron's hand to stand up. "Thank you Mr. Weasley."

Harry slid his glasses on, but froze when he heard Ron's next words.

"You're welcome Professor Quirrell."

TO BE CONTINUED ...

Quirrell the Squirrell is ba-ack! Is he evil? Or is good? Will Harry make Seeker on the Quidditch team? How is Dumbledore gonna help Harry along? Will that trapped guy ever get free? What the hell happened to James' parents? Why did Wood call Harry, Harry and not Potter? What's going down with the Deatheaters? All this and more, NEXT CHAPTER! Lots more coming up including a Lily centric chapter. If you enjoy this story, please let me know by REVIEWING. I love to hear comments and feedback and I will ALWAYS respond to your reviews :)