Author Notes:Firstly and more importantly, THANK YOU for taking the time from your busy lives to leave me reviews!
Secondly, less importantly then the first, reviews that somehow tell me I have probably confused the lot of you, it makes me confused as well. What is so confusing? If the confusion is about Dumbledore knowing about Harry, then it will be revealed later, like late later. If there is some other type of confusion, tell me what that is! I can't read your minds through the computer screen!
And I unfortunately don't know Legilimency nor possess the skills for it. So tell me, thankyou.
All characters, settings, and everything familiar enough belong to JK Rowling.
Chapter 10
Harry stunned the imperiused wizard; he really couldn't stand anymore of that creepy smile. Approaching his fallen enemy, he examined him, trying not to separate the head from the body. The hood had slipped backwards to reveal a white-haired, blue-eyed wizard who looked like he could have passed for thirty. Well, he would never reach more than that.
He looked around the place; there was no one except him and the lonely shop, with Lovegood hopefully inside it. Harry was far away from the real bloodshed going on.
A sharp pain made itself known as Harry stretched his back, the injury he had got from the witch's "Confringo" had yet to be healed; Harry could feel the blood seeping down his back and the cold wind blow past it. He couldn't exactly heal his injury at the moment, so he simply repaired the torn part of the cloak, and made his shirt tighter to stop the blood flow.
The witch, Gloumia uttered a sudden moan, before lapsing back into silence, her fingers though were still twitching.
"She would just have to wait" thought Harry, if he wasn't getting healed, neither was she.
He could see nothing but heaps of snow in the far off distance, there were no more grey robed ones nearby, and calmness had settled in the place of shrieks and shouts. He was standing in a comparably safe ground at the moment. Harry twirled his wand absent-mindedly, feeling it grow comfortingly cool in his hand. At this rate, He was soon going to be immune to any and all degrees of cold temperatures. And it really had an eye-catching wood, it made for such a handsome wand. Harry snapped out of his musings, there was a battle going on and he couldn't afford to get distracted.
Now he had a decision to make, should he go back to the battlefield or wait it out for Dumbledore and the others to arrive. He had yet to hear from Dumbledore, he didn't know why it was taking so long after all Hogwarts wasn't much far from Hogsmeade.
He went back to the shop, and shot a "Finite Incantatem", finding Lovegood still sleeping near the corner.
"Rennervate" tried Harry, but the wizard continued to sleep.
"I'm not floating you above me, through this mess, Lovegood!" he hissed frustrated.
"Did you stun him yet again, Hadrian? He must have really got on your last nerves to warrant another assault." said an amused voice behind him.
"Dear Tom, what a surprise-"
He was being truthful; Harry was surprised to see the Slytherin. Was he here to collect some battle techniques for his future rebellion?
"How do you manage to appear at the correct time but assume the wrong conclusion every time? Or are you pretending that you don't know what happened to Lovegood. If so, drop the act, you are wasting your time hiding your nature from me. I have been warned beforehand about you, Tom" he taunted, knowing full well Riddle was going to assume Dumbledore had informed Harry about him.
Riddle's face attained a characteristic, familiar rage that his future self would eventually perfect, "You should know something about your uncle then, he isn't all that very nice either. Are you going to blindly follow him, just accept whatever he may have said about me and not even try to find the truth?"
"Yes" replied Harry smiling infuriatingly at the Slytherin
He had a feeling Riddle was being particularly interested in him due to his status as Dumbledore's nephew. Well, he had already decided, if he met Voldemort in any timeline in this world, he wasn't going to hide his hatred. Besides being the old man's nephew had its perks, Harry couldn't be expected to like Riddle or fall for his charming mask.
"Why did you come here, enjoy the sight of people dying?" he asked recklessly
"He must really hate me, if he fed you such lies. You are as deluded-"Riddle stopped abruptly as a speeding white light entered the shop, materializing into a smoky form of something that looked like a vulture.
The quasi vulture began to speak in Dumbledore's familiar voice, "Will we survive this, Harry?"
The patronus vanished immediately after.
All the time spent waiting, and that was the response he got.
Harry was surprised at seeing Dumbledore's vulture-like patronus; he had expected it to be a phoenix not a vulture, well he couldn't exactly be sure if it was really a vulture since it had been in a smoky, unclear form, which was another unexpected development. And what did Dumbledore mean asking him whether they would survive? He had just confirmed this world to be a different one but hadn't offered any more information, so how would Harry know its future, it had an entirely different future. The old man was being utterly unhelpful, his message and his absence was grating on Harry's last nerves.
"Well, will we, Harry?" Riddle's sarcasm brought him back from his musings.
"I should like to think so" replied Harry evenly, offering no more.
Riddle studied him for a moment, while Harry tried to figure out what to do.
"You know, I noticed two still bodies outside," began Riddle, tilting his head towards the broken door.
"I am surprised you noticed only two, Riddle." said Harry, thinking about all the dead bodies lying in the snow.
"Well there was the witch, who was moaning, clearly in tremendous pain. I actually felt sorry for her-"
"That's very believable, Riddle." said Harry, looking sideways at Lovegood, he wondered if he could just create a portkey and get the wizard somewhere safe and out of the way.
"Not even giving me a chance, you honestly think I have no feeling-"
Riddle's face was one of sorrow, Harry really didn't know what to make of this world's Voldemort. He looked like a healthy 17 year old, his features untainted, not giving the slightest indication of the waxy features Harry had seen in Dumbledore's memory. Could it be that he had yet to kill or tear a part of his soul? Harry hadn't discussed the issue of Riddle with Dumbledore; he had been too busy learning about the new world and the people living in the current timeline to have another chat with the man. He planned to fix that as soon as possible.
"Alright, you felt sorry for her," said Harry trying to give Riddle a chance, at least he tried to, "Its natural, people tend to do that, they identify with those who are similar to them, gives them a feeling of oneness-"
"She was nothing like me!" snarled the aspiring Dark Lord
"Was?" asked Harry, "Didn't you help her?"
"I did, I put her out of her misery." said Riddle matter-of-factly.
"Oh," blinked Harry, "Well, so why did you come here?"
Riddle twirled his wand elegantly, "I wanted to see what you were planning to do, all alone." he stated simply
"See if I am just like my Uncle? Studying the people who could potentially prove as an obstacle on the road of…..whatever ambition you have?" asked Harry grinning.
Riddle scowled
…x…x
They were outside the shop now; Harry had found it very easy to make an illegal portkey, but then was at a loss of where to send Lovegood. Harry didn't know any familiar places in this world. He couldn't send him to Hogwarts with the anti-apparition wards, he had even tried calling out for Kreacher to Riddle's amusement, but the thrice-accursed house-elf failed to appear as usual. He had in the end settled for a disillusionment charm as well as erecting some protective barriers, leaving Lovegood all alone in the shop. Riddle watched the proceedings without offering any sort of help, except making disparaging comments on Lovegood's sanity.
Standing outside, Harry looked at the beheaded witch in dismay; Riddle had apparently had his fun with the stunned wizard as well.
"Did you have to kill him too?" asked Harry pointing at the beheaded wizard.
Riddle looked at him with an expression of genuine confusion, "I thought he was already dead." he said with an air of innocence.
Harry checked the dead bodies, it seemed this world's Riddle was fascinated with decapitating people, the sadistic snake.
Riddle was bent on his knees, examining the body of the white-haired wizard like Harry had done, just not with the same carefulness and regard. He got up, holding the detached head, unmindful of the blood dripping on his robes, "Do you know who he is?"
"Does it matter?" asked Harry grimacing at the bloody sight, "Put his head down, Tom"
"Riddle moved the head in such a way that it was now facing him with its dead eyes, "Do you know what kind of enemy you have made, Harry, by killing him?"
"Why? Are you going to perform necromancy and create a vengeful zombie out of this one?" asked Harry looking down at the red-tinged snow. He couldn't stand anymore of the bloody head, especially when it was held so melodramatically by Riddle, it reminded Harry too much of Dudley's Zombie Ssmash video game. He might just burst out laughing, which would be a completely inappropriate reaction considering the factors in hand.
Are you going to tell me, Riddle?" asked Harry trying not to look too interested.
"He didn't try to tell you when he pleaded for his life? It could have served as a deterrent." said Riddle smiling. He and the bodiless head made for quite a sight.
"I guess he didn't get a chance."
"You actually killed him without hearing him out first, Dumbledore? Not above such brutality are you?" Riddle sounded surprised
Harry looked at the hypocrite with a displeased expression.
"You going to spit it out or should I walk?"
"Impatient, so impatient, he was the brother of...Guess?"
Harry blamed the expectant look that had formed on his face for the "Guess".
"Let's not discuss this right now, people are dying out there-"Harry stopped mid-sentence. What was he supposed to do, aid the people, the students who might have all already died? He was at the outskirts of Hogsmeade; he didn't exactly know the present situation of the battle that was more like a massacre. He didn't even know if anyone was still fighting.
But Harry was going to help out …...…somehow
"You're not going to go back now, are you?"
"I am, you can join me if you like, but I understand if you rather prefer juggling their heads." said Harry gesturing towards the three beheaded bodies, before walking away back in the direction of Hogsmeade.
"You don't honestly think you can restart what's finished, do you?"
What? Was the battle over already, well of course he had spent and wasted time with Riddle, not to forget the duels fought with the dead witch and wizard and…..the bald wizard called Caberus who Harry had completely forgotten about!
Harry spun around, eyes scanning the area for the bald-head. Predictably he could find him nowhere; he might have already gone to inform his superiors about Harry.
"I've to go now." he thought aloud
"The lone lion to the recue" Riddle's voice rang out from behind him, followed by low laughter.
"Have fun with the heads, Tommy boy."
….x…..
"I don't understand why you choose to aimlessly follow me around." goaded Harry as they trudged through the snow; there was not a single living soul in sight.
"I am not aimlessly following you around; I have a duty, "smirked Tom Riddle, "As Head Boy to ensure the safety of Hogwarts students to the best of my abilities."
"If you had ever used a cent per cent of those abilities you have to give selfless protection to anyone, I will eat my hat" grumbled Harry, skipping a severed limb half-buried in the snow.
"You're not wearing one" Riddle pointed out
"I don't need one, see, I know I'm right"
...
"So...you saw the battle get over?" asked Harry casually
"No, I assumed it got over when there were no more opposing forces left, I think some got taken hostage, or maybe they all got killed, I didn't pay much attention."
Harry couldn't be sure if Riddle was lying or being truthful, he just had to take his every word with a grain of salt.
They soon saw a group of grey-robed wizards making a bonfire out of something, cackling merrily and moving somewhat unsteadily on their feet.
"They must have taken some serious injuries, their legs are askew." noted Riddle
"Or they could just be severely drunk on Firewhiskey." said Harry sighing, "I could do with some Firewhiskey right now."
"Firewhiskey, is that the only drink everyone can think of?" scorned Riddle
"Well there is Ogden's Beer, fairly new in the markets, have you tried that?"
Riddle didn't reply, for once remaining silent.
Harry had been in this new world for only a few days and he had already been introduced to all the coming-of-age drinks available in the shops. Enid had got him to drink a new variety, "Martha's Malted Mead of 1940s" which had tasted acrid and smelt of burnt orange peels, Harry had refused to drink anymore. Enid had then adviced him to try it after a few more decades, as the beverage was just 4 years old, so the taste had yet to settle.
"Have you ever had Firewhiskey?"
"Certainly" came the prompt reply
"Well how was it?" asked Harry curiously
It was interesting to try and find out information about Tom Riddle that few if any knew about.
"Horrible, vile and disgusting. Shall we?"
Harry was right, about the inebriated part, together they managed to stun all five of the grey-robed wizards with ease. Harry put off the bonfire, which was giving off the smell of burnt flesh, making it quite clear what the wizards had used in the place of wood.
"Who are these people?" muttered Harry disgusted
"You continue to surprise me Dumbledore, everyone knows who these wizards are, they are allies of Grindelwald, and once we hand them in, it will be confirmed that they belong to that group who call themselves the "Wviking Witches-"
"I know about them-" interrupted Harry
"Then why didn't you recognise them, their symbol is not exactly a secret." Riddle pointed at the "V" on the backs of the gray robes worn by the wizards.
Dumbledore had told him about the witches, so far Harry had been thinking it was a group consisting of batty-looking hags just like the ones he had met in Knockturn Alley, he hadn't thought it would be a big organization.
"We should take them back to Hogwarts" announced Riddle
"A proper advice for once, there is no one else left in this place, they must have gone back to...wherever they came from."
"Impressively put" came the sarcastic reply
"Thanks, I am just going to go back for Lovegood..."
...x...x
Hogwarts looked dreary, its atmosphere was somber and woeful, the Black Lake lay still, there were no more ripple effects in its waters that gave any sign of the Giant Squid living in it and the Grounds were empty and chilly. As they entered the Entrance Hall, the first one to notice them was Professor Merrythought, standing near the double doors of the Great Hall.
"Hadrian, thank Merl-Tom! What were you two thinking!"
"Professor-" both Harry and Riddle began to speak at the same time, but were swiftly interrupted by Professor Slughorn, coming down the marble staircases at the side of the Hall, "Merlin's Beard! Galatea, didn't I tell you those two were more than a match for those-"
"I don't recall you saying anything of that sort, Horace." cut in Professor Merrythought looking disapprovingly at Slughorn.
"Perhaps you don't remember, dear- and what is that? Are those-"
"Yes, Professor, we managed to stun some of Grindelwald's allies" replied Riddle smoothly
"And behead a few" thought Harry darkly
"Salazar be blessed! They will prove quite useful."
"Indeed, Horace will you look into it, then? Take some assistance if you need, I do believe Herbert and Silvanus are still awake. Tom-"
"There you are, Mister Riddle and... Hadrian! Oh dear!-"
Well, Harry hadn't expected any of the Professors to be asleep. Though there had been but a few Hogwarts students who had gone for Hogsmeade, the news of the deaths would be devastating, and the owls with parent's concerns would start pouring in the next day, if it hadn't already started coming. Professor Kettleburn and Professor Herbert Beery approached their little group, both looking alert if a little bleary-eyed.
"Not now Silvanus, the boys must be healed of their injuries, Oh my! Is that Mister Lovegood-" said Professor Merrythought, her eyes widening at Lovegood's floating body that had just entered the Entrance Hall. Lovegood had been suspiciously floating a good few distance away from Riddle. Harry blamed Riddle for it.
"No need to worry, he is alive, Professor Merrythought" informed Riddle looking all responsible, "He has just been stunned."
"Oh- thank goodness" said Professor Kettleburn before stopping, realizing how his words could be taken in the wrong context.
"Is there something important to be said?" interrupted Harry sensing tension in the air, "And where is Professor Dumbledore?"
"Hadrian, first let Healer Lancelot check you-" Professor Merrythought tried to say in a calm voice
"I feel fine, I should like to know what has happened to my uncle." demanded Harry stubbornly
"You have just battled Grindelwald's forces, I don't think it is possible that you got away unscathed, dear child." said Silvanus Kettleburn looking sorrowfully at Harry.
"He didn't" supplied Riddle, thoroughly annoying Harry.
"I should really like to know now." stated Harry with determined eyes
"Mister Riddle I insist-" Galatea Merrythought turned to Riddle, "You are injured, get yourself to the Hospital Wing, Horace are you just going to stand there, he is bleeding!"
"Of course, Tom, no excuses-"
"Certainly not Professor, though there is no need to accompany me, I'll find my way into the Hospital Wing"
They watched the Head Boy leave for the Hospital Wing."
"I think you had better see that he gets there Horace, he could get ambushed by the numerous students waiting for some news, and-"
You are right, Herbert, I don't think any of the Gryffindors have fallen asleep, come to think of it, I don't think any of the Houses have-I better make sure he manages to reach the Hospital Wing."
"What happened? I sent a patronus to my...uncle, telling him about the Hogsmeade attack, why didn't anyone come to rescue them?" asked Harry after Slughorn had left.
"I saw your patonus, a corporal-" began Professor Kettleburn but immediately fell silent looking at Professor Merrythought.
"Is someone going to tell me?" asked Harry exasperated
"I think the Headmaster can explain to you more clearly, I don't know half the facts myself." replied Professor Merrythought in a tired voice.
...x...
The Headmaster looked even more older and graver then usual.
"You should sit down." he said, indicating to a cozy-looking armchair, which Harry hadn't seen before in the Head's office.
Harry sat down without protest, the faster they got to the matter, the better.
"There were twin attacks lead by Grindelwald's allies, the Wviking Witches, you must have heard of them Hadrian?"
"Yes" answered Harry shortly
"They attacked in Hogsmeade and in Diagon Alley, two important wizarding places, and the Ministry could only respond to the calls of one.
"Diagon Alley" said Harry sounding indifferent
"Indeed, well soon enough he...himself arrived and Albus, Albus would have come if it weren't for Grindelwald..."
So, their legendary duel began a year early in this world, how splendid and he had missed it.
"You were all there?" asked Harry
Armando Dippet looked startled, "We, no we weren't there, we were strengthening Hogwarts defenses-" he confirmed tentatively, "But that's not the matter here-"
"They both got injured?" guessed Harry, he had only heard about the duel, but the actual details were unknown to him, "Right, so he got defeated."
"Something none of us could have imagined, he was always so powerful, it even looked like he might over-power...oh well"
Do you think he is going to be prisoned in Nurmengard?" asked Harry
"We don't really know." replied Headmaster Dippet
"Your taking this in all too easily-" observed Galatea Merrythought thoughtfully
"Trust me, Professor, I am used to it." said Harry vaguely. Was he supposed to celebrate Dumbledore's victory, maybe it was a big deal for these people, but Harry had seen his own share of such moments and he already knew about it, he was in no mood to fake any emotion right now. All he had wanted was an explanation for why Dumbledore hadn't sent help and he had got it, the old man must be currently recuperating in the Hospital Wing...or St Mungos. All he wanted to do now was get his back healed and fall asleep on a nice soft bed. As an afterthought he turned back, noticing the bewildered looks of all the elders.
"And about the Wviking Witches, what is the Ministry going to do about them, Headmaster?"
, "Its hard to say" answered Dippet, "Even with some inside information, its difficult to guess. The one thing that has worked for this covey is their unpredictability. So even with those stunned wizards you and Mister Riddle brought, its not going to be easy for the Ministry."
"They should be less of a burden though, right? With Grindelwald defeated-"
The Headmaster looked grief-stricken at his words, "Dear boy! What are you saying?"
Harry was confused, "What did I say wrong?" He noticed all the Professors having sorrowful expressions on their faces.
Dippet's old fingers trembled as he said, "It wasn't Grindelwald who was defeated, child, it was Albus!"
At that point, Galatea Merrythought and Herbert Beery broke into tears.