{ Latin }
Omnia tempus habent
et ad omnia quae in tempore suo,
remitte eos proprie
ad tempus, ad unwind
praeteritum praesens et futurum,
Nos omnes vis ad mutare
sponte exeunt,
apud illos memoriae ordinata
Gaia , ut eruat te,
et liberatus est de his,
sic fiat me inuito
{ English }
A time for everything
and to everything its time
send them back properly
to the time to unwind
past present and future
we all wish to change
they go back willingly
with their memories not arranged
may Gaia protect you
and those you set free
as I will it so mote it be
Prologue:
Four cloaked figures arrived soundlessly in Little Whinging, Surrey. One was quite tall. one was tall, but not overly so, one was petite, and one was the size of a child. The night was warm, but not by much, as summer was still a couple of weeks away. The people approached number 4 Privet Drive. The tall one knocked on the door.
Chapter 1
" Get the door Freak!", Vernon yelled at his nephew. A small, pale boy who looked no older than eight, but was in fact almost eleven, came out of the kitchen where he had been cleaning and made his way to the door. He opened it to find a tall man dressed all in black. He had pale skin, dark eyes, slightly hooked nose, and straight black hair that went down to his shoulders. Harry squinted, trying to see out of his glasses.
" May I help you sir?", the boy asked softly. The man smiled briefly. " Indeed you may, Mr. Potter. I, along with three friends, have come to collect you early. You have been accepted to a prestigious magic school. My name is Severus Tobias Prince, Potion's Master and Head of Slytherin House at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.", Severus said. Harry looked at him with shock before calling for his aunt.
Petunia came out and froze. She remembered who this...wizard was. Vernon came out to see what was going on. Before he could utter a word though he was petrified. Petunia snapped her mouth shut as she had been about to make a snide remark.
" I will make this easy for you, Petunia. You have no say in this matter. Mr. Potter will go to Hogwarts regardless of how you feel about it. However, you will not have to see him again until next summer.", Severus said without a drop of compassion. He turned to Harry. " Anything you want to bring with you get now.", he told Harry. He growled inwardly when Harry opened a cupboard door under the stairs. Harry was back a moment later with an old baby blanket.
" Until next time, Tuney. Come Mr. Potter.", Severus said and headed towards the door. " Bye.", Harry said softly before following. He stayed quiet even though he was burning with questions. Children were to be seen and not heard.
" Ah good Severus. I surmise it didn't go too badly?", a tall, stern looking woman with milky white skin, black hair tied up in a bun, and dark green eyes asked. " It was fine. I petrified the husband before listening to anything he had to say. Now it is getting late. We shall go to Prince Manor. Mr. Potter these are the friends I was telling you about. This is Minerva Catherine McGonagall Deputy Headmistriss, Head of Gryffindor House, and Transfiguration Master at Hogwarts. The other woman", he pointed to a petite, curvy woman with tanned skin, short curly silver hair, and warm brown eyes," is Pomona Iris Sprout, Head of Hufflepuff House and Herbology Master. Lastly, there is Filius Bane Flitwick, Head of Ravenclaw House, Charms Master, and Master Duellist.", Severus said. Harry eyed the man who was a the same height as himself. He had short white hair, pale skin, and brown eyes.
" It's a pleasure to meet all of you, Professors.", Harry said. He figured if they all worked at this school for magic, then they must be Professors. " I will need to hold you for a moment Mr. Potter. Is that alright?", Severus asked. Harry nodded slowly. Severus gently picked him up and frowned at how little he weighed. Harry tensed, but gradually relaxed.
" We will be apperating to my home. That means disappearing out of one place and reappearing in another.", Severus explained. Again Harry just nodded. " Hold tight.", Severus said before disapperating. To Harry it felt like being sucked through a tube. The sensation, while unpleasant, felt oddly like he had done it before. Like the time he appeared on the school roof to get away from Dudley's gang. The sensation stopped and Harry remembered to breathe deeply a few times to clear his head and stop the nausea that threatened. Severus held him while he did this until Harry nodded that he could be put down. Severus did so slowly.
" I think I've done that before.", Harry said once he got his bearings. Severus arched an eyebrow. " Oh?", he asked. Harry nodded. " A couple of years ago I was running from my cousin at school when all of a sudden I appeared on the roof.", Harry said quietly as he took in his surroundings. They were in front of a large ornate iron gate that had a P with a crown above on each side of the gate. Severus put his hand on the gate and it opened. The other three Professors joined them as they walked inside.
Harry had never seen a place so beautiful. The front lawns were expansive and immaculate. Large rocks could be seen here or there with perfectly flat tops on which to sit and rest. The pathway they were on was cobblestone. When Harry saw the manor he stopped and looked at it in awe. Beautiful stone towers, archways, and intricate details were all over the large house. Harry was sure that it was the biggest place he had seen so far.
" Your home is utterly beautiful sir.", Harry said. Severus looked down and saw the awe and wonder on the boy's face. How he had ever thought him to be just like his father he would never understand.
" Thank you Mr. Potter, or would you prefer Harry?", Severus asked. Harry looked at him in confusion for a moment. He got a choice? The question must have shown on his face because Severus knelt down so that he was almost eye to eye with him.
" Once you are at school I, along with my colleagues, will call you Mr. Potter. However, you will be spending the rest of the summer here. You may call me Severus while we are here or in private when we are at school.", Severus said. Harry nodded in understanding. " I would prefer Harry.". They continued to the front entrance of the manor. Severus again placed his hand on it and it opened. Harry was in even more awe at the inside. They were in a large circular entryway that had midnight black bamboo flooring with a nautical compass inserted in the middle done in silver granite and dark green marble. The walls were done in a royal blue damask wallpaper. There was a grand ebony staircase in front with a curved stairway on ither side of the room. They joined at one landing before continuing together upward to the second floor. A large crystal chandelier completed the rich feeling of the room.
Six beings popped into view. Harry's eyes widened and he moved closer to Severus.
" These are my house-elves, Harry. They live here and take care of the place. They cook for us and take orders from us. They need to be bonded in order to survive. Without our magic they would die. They love to serve, but remember to always treat them how you would like to be treated. I do not condone mistreatment of those under my care.", Severus said firmly. " I understand sir.", Harry said quietly, looking at the little beings with large tennis ball size eyes and floppy pointed ears. Three of the elves wore dresses, one wore something akin to coveralls, and two wore butler type suits with the same P and crown symbol that was on the gate.
" Misty, Dawny, and Sky take care of cooking and most of the cleaning. Stormy works on the grounds and maintains the outside of the manor. Airy and Cloudy run errands, take care of the inside structure of the manor, and help out the others.", Severus explained. Harry nodded, matching the names to the elves standing in front of them.
" Have you eaten dinner yet Harry?", Severus asked. Harry bit his lip. He actually had not eaten anything for a few days due to his punishment.
" N..no sir.", Harry said truthfully. " Well then, Sky, if you would be so kind as to fix Harry a light but balanced meal please? I would appreciate it. We will be in the sitting room. The rest of you have a good evening.", Severus said. They all disappeared with a small pop. The group moved through an arched doorway on the right into a good sized room. It had the same black wood floors, but the walls were painted a light grey. There was a large, ornate white marble fireplace on the left hand side of the room. Comfortable looking, oversized furniture done in dark browns and greens were grouped into a semi circle around the fireplace.
" You may take a seat wherever you like Harry.", Severus said. Harry chose a green chair close to the fireplace, but in view of the door. The teachers chose their owns seats and then Sky popped in with a tray of food and sat it down in front of Harry on a small table she conjured. Harry eyed the food. He had roast chicken with some gravy, mashed sweet potatoes, snap peas, and carrots. He also had a cup of fruit that had chunks of apples, strawberries, blueberries, and grapes mixed with yogurt. He took a sip of his tea first and was surprised at the light and citrus flavor. He ate quickly, but with perfect manners. He was able to eat everything since they were small portions. He thanked Sky and Severus both when he was finished.
" All right Harry. What questions do you have for us?", Severus asked. Harry thought it over. He had already seen that magic was indeed real and if he would be going to a school for magic then he must be a wizard. It made sense when he thought back on it.
" Why did you come to get me early and why did all of you come to do it?", Harry asked. " It was brought to our attention that you did not know anything of the world in which you would soon be joining. We got you early so that you may be prepared. My colleagues joined me in case anything went wrong and also to help you.", Severus said. Harry nodded. " Did my parents really die in a drunken car crash?", he questioned. Severus looked angry at this question. Minerva answered.
" No Harry. They did not. A prophecy was made shortly before you were born. Albus Dumbledore, Headmaster of Hogwarts, was interviewing Sybill Trelawney for the Divination position at the Hog's Head. He wasn't going to hire her and was about to leave when she went into a real trance. She told him that the one with the power to vanquish the Dark Lord was approaching. He would be born as the 7th month died to parents that thrice defied the Dark Lord. He would be marked by his equal, but have a power the Dark Lord knew not and neither could live while the other survived.", she said.
" At that time I worked for said Dark Lord who went by the name Voldemort, but who's real name is Tom Marvolo Riddle. I had only joined him in the first place to finally belong somewhere. I was outside the Hog's Head and overheard the first three lines of the prophecy before I was thrown out. I immediately told the Dark Lord. For some reason he decided that it meant the Potters. As soon as I found out I changed sides. I went straight to Dumbledore and begged him to save your mother. He agreed if I would become a spy. I met Lily when I was 9. We lived on the same street and it was I who first told her that she was a witch. We remained friends until 5th year. I didn't much like your father and his friends because I was often bullied by them and on the receiving end of their cruel pranks. In 5th year they pulled one such prank. Lily saved me, but at that time I had had enough. I called her a mudblood, which means dirty blood, and we never spoke to each other again although I tried to apologize. Anyway, your parents were put under a Fidelius Charm at Godric's Hollow. That means that no one could find them unless their secret keeper gave out the information.", Severus stopped here and looked to Minerva.
" On October 31st, 1981 Voldemort found out where your parents were. He came to your house and killed both your parents. He then tried to kill you, but it backfired and destroyed his body instead. He is not really dead, because otherwise the mark on Severus' arm would be gone.", Minerva said. Severus rolled up his left sleeve to show Harry the skull and snake tattoo.
" The people who followed the Dark Lord were called Death Eaters.", Severus said quietly as Harry looked at the tattoo. " But you're not a real one anymore?", Harry asked just to be sure. This was all a lot to process. " No.", Severus confirmed. " And you didn't know who he would go after?", Harry looked into his eyes, watching him carefully. " Absolutely not.", Severus said. " Then it isn't your fault. If he hadn't found out from you, he would have eventually from someone else.", Harry said insightfully.
Honestly if any were to be blamed it would be this Voldemort character and the person who betrayed his parents. In any case the prophecy was no doubt about him, because of Harry's scar and the fact that they were telling him all of this. To think what would have happened if he hadn't found out until years later sent a shiver down his spine. At least armed with the knowledge now he could prepare.
" I thank you for being honest with me. Though it is overwhelming, I'd rather know now than years from now. If you don't mind I'm pretty tired. Where will I be sleeping?", Harry asked. Severus smiled in relief. " I will show you.", he said getting up. Harry followed Severus out of the room and up the stairs. Severus opened the second door on the right. A large bedroom with the same dark floors met his gaze. There was a king sized ebony sleigh bed with plum colored bedding. There were matching ebony nightstands, large wardrobe, chest, bookcases, and desk with chair in the room as well. A small sitting area was set up with two green chairs and a crimson rug. Severus showed him a door on the right hand side. He had his own bathroom! It was done in black and white marble with silver accents.
" This is amazing sir. Thank you.", Harry said sincerely. " You are quite welcome. There are some clothes in the wardrobe already. They should fit. We will take you shopping soon. For now though sleep well.", Severus said. " Goodnight sir.", Harry said before Severus left.
Severus returned to the others. " Alright. We should go over what we've accomplished so far. I'm thankful more than ever that Harry sent us back a month before he got his letter.", Severus said as he sank into a chair. " Indeed. I got the diadem from the room of requirement. I took it to Gringotts and it has been cleansed. I then put it back where I found it just in case Albus knew it was there.", Filius said. " I told the goblins that I heard that the Hufflepuff cup was in the LeStrange vault. As it officially belongs to Hogwarts and no one else, they checked and found it there. They clensed it and I now have it hidden somewhere safe until such time it can be made public.", Pomona said.
" That is good news. I was able to obtain the diary and destroy it.", Severus added. " And I got the ring with the help of Bill Weasley. I told him that I had tracked a family heirloom to the place. It has been clensed and placed into the Potter vault.", Minerva said.
" So that leaves the necklace and Harry. Harry's can be removed when he goes to Gringotts. Anything else we need to discuss tonight?", Severus asked. " Nothing that can't wait. Let us retire for the evening.", Filius said. They all nodded in agreement and went to their rooms.
Chapter 2
Harry woke up early as that was his normal routine. He got up, made his bed, and took another shower just because he could. He put on clothes that fit for once and headed downstairs. He explored the rest of the house until he found the library. He gaped at all the books it held. He went over to one section and saw that it was labeled for beginners. He chose a potion's book and sat down to begin reading.
Severus stopped and looked in Harry's room. The bed was made. After a point me spell, he found Harry reading in the library. When he saw him reading a potion's book, he stopped his approach. Already this Harry was so different from what he had expected. Or maybe since his views of Harry had changed, it was causing him to see and accept the truth. " Good morning Harry. Did you sleep well?", he asked, making sure he made a little noise so as to not startle the boy.
" Good morning sir. I had the best sleep ever.", Harry said smiling a little. " Good. Are you ready for breakfast?", Severus asked. " Yes please.", Harry answered. He made sure to put the book back where he found it before following Severus to the kitchen. The other Professors were already there. Harry shyly bid them a good morning, but kept himself close to Severus. The morning meal consisted of oatmeal, fresh fruit, toast, and orange juice.
After they were done eating, Severus decided to teach Harry how to write properly with a quill. He took to it rather quickly.
" I must admit that I am impressed Harry. You are a quick study. Just remember to always do your best at school as well and you will be just fine.", Severus said. Harry smiled shyly at him before turning serious once more. " I won't get in trouble for doing better than others?", he asked quietly. Severus knelt down in front of him. " No Harry. Not by me and certainly not by the Professors you have met so far. You might get teased or mocked by others, but that is just how some children and some people are. We want you to flourish, Harry, not just get by. We care about you.", Severus said. And it was true too.
Harry nodded his understanding. He really liked Severus. He made a promise right then and there to always do his best. After the writing lesson, Harry dared to ask another question.
" Will you be teaching me about potions before I go to school? The book I was reading earlier was really fascinating.". " Yes I will. As a matter of fact we need to get your wand.", Severus said. He took Harry to the fireplace and explained very carefully how the floo system worked. Harry was small enough though that they could travel together. They came out at Gringotts. Severus quickly spoke to a goblin about a ritual he needed performed. Severus then explained to Harry about his suspicions concerning his scar.
Harry quickly agreed to the clensing ritual. They were led to a small chamber where seven goblins waited. Harry was placed inside the middle of their circle while they chanted. It took them half an hour, but they finally removed not only the horocrux, but also a few blocks on his magic. Harry glowed with magic for a few minutes after a black substance came out of his scar. When the glowing stopped, Severus could only stare. Harry now looked like he was an eleven year old. His magic had healed him properly. His scar was gone and even his facial features were a more even mix of his parents. Harry blinked and took off his glasses. He could see perfectly without them! Harry bowed and thanked each one of the goblins before they left.
Severus used a simple charm on Harry's clothes to make them fit properly once more before heading into Ollivander's. Harry looked around fascinated. He jumped slightly though when an older wizard appeared silently. He was tall and thin with weathered skin, short white hair, and grey eyes. He began measuring Harry for a wand. That is to say the tape measure measured Harry seemingly on its' own. Mr. Ollivander started taking down wands. No sooner had Harry's hand barely touched one, then it was jerked away. Finally he disappeared into the back only to come out carrying a quartz case. Inside there was a white wand.
" Elderwood and thestral hair dipped in unicorn blood freely given. 13 inches.", he said. As soon as Harry touched the wand, a rainbow of sparks flew out. " My, my. I never thought to sell this wand. You will be a great mage someday Mr. Potter.", Mr. Ollivander said. They paid the man twenty Galleons for the wand and an additional ten for a wand holster. " Would you like to go ahead and get the rest of your school supplies?", Severus asked. Harry nodded eagerly. They went to Magical Storage next and Harry picked out a five compartment trunk made out of redwood and dragon hyde. It had silver fastenings and was painted a dark purple. Harry also got a black leather messenger bag with an undetectable expansion and feather light charm.
Severus picked out Harry's potion ingredients at the Apothecary. Harry got some extra books besides his school ones at Flourish and Blotts. He also picked out some nice quills, parchment, and ink. Harry hoped that whenever they went shopping for regular clothes, that perhaps he could get some regular stationary as well. Madaam Malkin measured him for his school robes as well as a whole new wizarding wardrobe.
" Could we stop at a muggle stationary store if we ever go to get me regular clothes?", Harry asked softly. " That should not be a problem. Ah, last stop of the day.", Severus said as they came to Magical Magerie. Once inside, Harry immediately felt a pull to a beautiful snowy white owl. He also felt a pull to a black wolf pup that had ice blue eyes. Harry got both and named the owl Hedwig, but named the pup Azul.
