A/N: I do not own the characters of the Harry Potter or Star Wars universes, save those of my own invention.

Special Note 1: For an explanation of how Harry's presence influences the timeline, please read my preface to chapter 1. For an explanation how this applies to the portraits and boggart in the Room of Requirement, please read my afterward in chapter 11.

Chapter 26

Harry was relieved when the Welcoming Feast finally came to an end. It wasn't any longer then any other east he remembered but it felt longer. People were congratulating him for what he did on the train. At the Gryffindor table it was worse because their housemates and the Hufflepuffs assaulted Lily and the Marauders. James and Sirius acted as if they loved the attention, which was in character, but Lily and Remus looked like Harry felt; eighteen students were injured in the attack, seven of them in critical condition. Where was the cause to celebrate?

After the Feast, and wanting a moment to think, Harry told his friends he was going to the bathroom. When he was sure the halls were empty, he disillusioned himself and walked up to the Room of Requirement. "Oh thank Merlin," he said, collapsing into a chair next to the bookcase. The boggart didn't stir and for once Harry was grateful; he wanted someone to talk to but not Malfoy.

His friends though…he walked over to the portrait room. He knew his friends hadn't gone home for the holidays. Voldemort, fearing the students would not return, had ordered Snape to keep the students in the castle over the break.

Ginny, Hermione, Ron, and (surprisingly) Remus and Tonks were in the Room of Requirement tonight. Harry wisely changed his appearance back to normal. If his friends told Remus and Tonks the truth that was their decision. If not he was uncomfortable with them knowing the truth when they spent so much time fighting Death Eaters. Harry didn't know what Voldemort would do if he knew Harry was in the past but he didn't want to find out either.

"Evening Moony," Harry called when none of his friends noticed him. Remus looked around, his wand at the ready. "Easy Remus," he said laughing. "I'm right here, in the portrait above the mantle." So much for telling them where I am.

Remus and Tonks at first were speechless as they looked at Harry's portrait. Then they both inexplicably started to cry. Then Harry realized what they were thinking. "Guys. Guys," he yelled, getting their attention. "Guys, I'm not dead."

Tonks looked at the others while Remus eyed Harry. "How are you in the portrait then?"

"That is something I can't really answer," Harry said, hoping Ginny, Hermione, and Ron would follow his lead. "I'm not really sure where I am. I am trying to get home though."

This seemed enough for Remus though Harry noticed Tonks looking at him oddly. Or maybe it was a trick of the light because the next second she was scowling at Remus. "Since you're here now Harry, maybe you can talk some sense in my husband." Remus dropped his head with a sigh.

Harry was just confused. "What's wrong? What is Remus planning to do?"

"I'm not planning to do anything Harry," he snapped. "I've been spending much of my time in Eastern Europe trying to recruit the werewolf colonies to fight against Dumbledore."

Harry nodded. "Yes I remember you doing that last year on Dumbledore's orders. Are you having any luck?"

Remus shook his head. "Unfortunately no. I've convinced a few tribes to stay neutral but most want to follow Voldemort. They believe him when he says werewolves will be equal in his new society. And Fenrir Grayback is not helping matters any. He follows me relentlessly, trying to kill me and terrorizing the few tribes I've had success with."

Harry nodded again. "Fair enough. I mean I'm not happy that Grayback is trying to kill you but you've outwitted him so far. What is the problem now?"

Tonks walked over, glaring at her husband. "Remus is going to try and kill Grayback. He's going to hunt the other werewolf when he returns to the continent."

Lupin glared back at Tonks. "It needs to be done! I can't keep hiding from Grayback forever. He's a predator. Eventually he'll turn to the other werewolves to help capture me. What would you have me do?"

"Stay here," she yelled. "Damn it, what are your trying to prove by going abroad anyway. You told me yourself that you've visited hundreds of tribes and had success with maybe ten. There's no reason to go abroad. You don't see Hagrid traipsing across the continent looking for more giants do you?"

Now the newlyweds were on their feet, yelling at one another, almost face to face. "Dora, Dumbledore wanted me to do this. It needs to be done. Even if I only convince one tribe to stay neutral it will be worth it. And besides, my work helps everyone here. While Grayback is hunting me he isn't here contaminating our people. And once I kill him, I'm sure I'll have better luck with the other tribes. He's Voldemort's mouthpiece in Eastern Europe. Take him out of the picture and only Dumbledore's word is left."

Tonks was not impressed. In fact, she grabbed his shoulders and shook him violently. "Damn it Remus, Dumbledore is dead. Did you ever stop to think that maybe they're not buying what you're selling because they don't trust your word without Dumbledore?" Remus snarled hatefully, sounding very much like a wolf, and pushed Tonks onto the hard stone floor. Without sparing a backwards glance he left through a portrait of a young, blond girl with beautiful blue eyes.

Harry glared at Remus' back. How could he treat his wife like that, regardless of how angry his was? Harry agreed with him insofar that Grayback needed to be dealt with if he was going to succeed in Europe, but Tonks had a point as well—without Dumbledore there was little chance his message would be heard.

Tonks didn't stay long after Remus left. Perhaps sensing her feelings, a new portrait sprang into being about five yards from the other and Tonks left through that portrait. Her hair was a fiery red now. Harry shuddered; Remus would be in trouble if she ever got her hands on him.

"I can't believe Remus," hissed Ginny indignantly. "How could that ruddy bastard treat Tonks like that?"

"I'm not defending his actions mind you, but I think the stress of being hunted and trying to convince the werewolves is too much for him to bear. Plus I think Dumbledore's passing in a lot of ways hurt him more then most of us. Dumbledore let him into Hogwarts when no other headmaster would've talked to him. He also helped get him a very prestigious job, one where he could do a lot of good for kids but also his reputation. Tonks throwing Dumbledore in his face may have been over the line."

"So that excuses him throwing Tonks to the floor," said Ginny, eyes flashing dangerously.

"Gin, I never said that and I never would. There was no excuse for him throwing Tonks to the floor. But you can't say he isn't under a great deal of stress."

Hermione gave him a shrewd look. "What about you? The most powerful dark wizard is hunting you ever. Dumbledore meant more to you then Remus. I can't imagine you ever acting like that, to any of us."

Harry shrugged his shoulders. "I'm also not a werewolf. I'm sure even when he isn't transforming the werewolf in him sometimes makes him do things he wouldn't normally do. Again I'm not defending his actions but I'm not going to completely throw him under the bus either."

When Hermione and Ginny looked ready to retort, Harry held up his hand. "I'm sorry to cut you off but I've missed you guys over the holiday. I was hoping we could talk about something more pleasant." Harry chose refrain from talking about his grandparents for now and instead listened to his friends talk about how strong the DA and the Order of the Serpent (the Slytherin groups fighting against the Carrows) were becoming.

"Neville actually has been working closely with Tracey," said Hermione with a glint in her eye. "Sometimes they'll be planning things for hours at a time, all alone in the Room of Requirement." Harry suffered a timely coughing fit, choosing to ignore what Hermione was implying. Ron and Ginny laughed at Harry's embarrassment.

"How are things with the Carrows," asked Harry, quickly becoming serious.

"Actually they're improving. I'm not quite sure how to explain it but the ghosts, suits of armor, and even Peeves are conspiring against the Carrows," said Ron. His best male friend fidgeted for a second before continuing. "We, that is the leaders of the DA, think Snape is protecting us. Hermione's been researching the history, magic, and building plans of Hogwarts. Only the Headmaster can control the suits of armor, all the wards inside and outside the school, and ultimately control Peeves. Snape must be trying to help us."

Harry listened attentively, trying to find fault in Snape's actions. He didn't want to believe it but he trusted his friend's judgment too much to openly call them naïve. "Just be careful," was all he could say after a couple minutes of thought. He needed to work harder to get to know Snape now. Maybe he could figure out if Snape was really good or not.

"How are you Harry," asked Ginny with concern.

"I'm all right actually. There was a Death Eater attack on the Hogwarts Express earlier today. Mum, dad, and the Marauders helped keep everyone safe, as did a number of other sixth and seventh years."

"And where were you mate. Hiding in your compartment." Harry chose to ignore his friend.

"But something else happened. Tell me, do any of you know when my grandparents died. Not my mum's parents but my dad's."

"Yeah," said Ron. "There was an attack on Potter manor on Christmas night in, when was it, 1977."

"No Ron. Harry's grandparents survived that battle," said Ginny. "They died on October 31st, 1989, two years before you started Hogwarts."

Ron looked ready to argue with Ginny when Hermione stepped between them. "Harry, you saved your grandparents on Christmas didn't you." It was not a question.

So I was right he thought. I can't believe I saved them. And they'd live long enough to save me from the worst of the Dursley's. Harry told his friends about everything that happened that night, especially how Lily managed to control Voldemort in his animagus form. While Ron and Ginny looked alarmed that Voldemort was an animagus, Hermione looked impressed by Lily's show of magical prowess.

And that made Harry think of something else. "What about Lily's parents. Do you know when they died?" Unfortunately his three friends shook their heads.

"I'm sorry Harry but I've never found mention of them in any of the autobiographies I read about you. Besides, most of that information is moot now."

Harry figured she was probably right. He hoped his wards could help him save them. Maybe he could save himself from the Dursley's all together. If Lily's parents were alive, Dumbledore would have other options besides putting Harry in the Dursley's. Even if he knew he wouldn't suffer now, he still didn't want to live there if he could avoid it.

But that was an issue for another night. Wishing his friends a good night, Harry went to bed, deciding to sleep in the Room of Requirement. His only class in the morning was double Defense and he only needed his wand.

Defense, while still Harry's best subject, was no longer his favorite. As much as he appreciated Professor Sindri he was disappointed that she held back from teaching them more advanced Auror spells. Much of her curriculum Harry already knew and practiced in the Room. What Harry did not realize was he only needed patience.

"Good morning my friends," said Professor Sindri after everyone was in their seats. "After what happened on the train yesterday and the remarkable progress all of you have shown, I've decided to skip my original plans and jump into some of the spells I learned in the Auror Academy." There was a great deal of pleased and eager murmuring at this declaration. Professor Sindri simply smiled.

"Now, today we're going to be having our lesson in the Great Hall. All you'll need is your wand. Once you have that, please follow me." There was a mini scrum as students tried to be first in line to follow her. The only person who seemed unfazed was Snape, who hung back. Harry was tempted to hang back but James kept him near the front with Lily.

The students were all amazed at what had been done to the Great Hall. It looked like a forest and easily was five times as large as it normally was. Harry rubbed his hands in anticipation. This was going to be good!

"Everyone, go ahead and take a seat," Sindri called out. "Now, yesterday many of you saw first hand just how dangerous Lord Voldemort's followers are." The class shuddered at hearing his name. Harry was pleased to see Sindri roll her eyes. "Five points from each House. Ladies and gentlemen, fear of a name only increases fear of the thing itself. And besides, saying his name will not suddenly make Voldemort appear."

"Now, for the next two weeks we are going to be learning spells that can save you and innocent bystanders in a duel or battle. These are spells that can alter your environment. The first is extraxi aer. I'll need a volunteer for this spell." James jumped to his feet. "Very good Mr. Potter. Let me explain what is going to happen." She pulled him to the side and whispered in his ear. James tensed a little but didn't back down. Sindri patted him on the back. "Okay Mr. Potter, whenever you're ready."

James took a deep breath and ran out into the brush. When he was maybe fifteen yards away, Sindri waved her wand in an arc and said the incantation. The effects were immediate and obvious; James grabbed at his throat, slowly becoming red, then blue, before collapsing. Sindri flicked her wand again and, just before Lily went running to James, Prongs coughed, wheezed, and got to his feet. "Thank you Mr. Potter," Professor Sindri said when he returned to the group. "Twenty points to Gryffindor. Take this potion and you'll feel better." James gratefully took the potion and indeed the color returned to his face and his breathing stabilized.

"Can anyone tell me what spell I just used on Mr. Potter?" Several hands shot up. "Mr. Lewis," she pointed at one of the Hufflepuffs.

"You removed all the oxygen in the area so he couldn't breathe."

"Outstanding. Five points to Hufflepuff. Now, can anyone tell me what you would do if someone used this spell in a battle? Mrs. Evans."

"I would use the bubble-head charm," Lily answered.

"That would be good my dear, but only for a little while. The bubblehead charm does not normally last longer then an hour and you can't cast spells verbally. Now in a battle you want to be silent to crush your enemy but sometimes you need to create a ward and that requires a chant. You can't do that with a bubble-head charm."

"No, the best thing you can do is calm your mind, take a few deep breaths, and use your magic to conserve all the oxygen in your body. This is a very difficult technique to master but I've met witches and wizards who could use this technique to go without breathing for hours. One of my mentors, a member of the British Magical Navy, can hold his breath for fifty-five hours straight." She smiled at the surprised looks on all their faces. "Don't get excited. Most people can't last longer then five to eight hours, max. But you can see how in a battle against a dangerous foe that may last a long time, this power is more useful then a bubble-head charm."

"But how could you speak. Wouldn't you have to hold your breath," asked Harry.

"Ordinarily yes. But if you need to stop the spell or create a ward, you can speak for short periods of time. This uses up valuable oxygen but if you conserve enough and can connect sufficiently with your magical core, it should not take up too much of your valuable oxygen." She glanced at her watch. "All right, today we're going to practice the spell itself. I'll trust you to work on breath control on your own." She smiled a little madly. "If you don't practice, I daresay I'll be able to tell."

Another series of wand movements and eighteen dummies materialized from thin air. "Given the danger in using this curse I'm going to put you into different sections of the forest and you'll try this spell on your dummy. You'll know if you're doing it well because it was collapse in on itself if deprived of oxygen. Once your dummy is 'dead' call me and we'll see if you can do the spell on a person. I'm not expecting many of you to reach that point but that's the goal."

By the end of the two hours, only Harry had managed to "kill" his dummy and perform the spell on Professor Sindri. He did not expect he would need to want to deprive a person of oxygen. He supposed he should've expected that; in the wrong hands this was a dark curse and you wouldn't want someone doing it accidentally.

"Very good work all of you. Twenty points to Ravenclaw for performing the spell so admirably Mr. Evans. Tomorrow we'll finish our work with this spell and then move on to temperature manipulation. That should take us to the end of the week. And make sure you practice breath control. The password to the prefect's bathroom is 'pine fresh.' Practice the spell underwater to see if you've mastered it. Don't expect to be able to hold your breath for long. This technique takes practice."

After Defense, Harry a couple of hours to himself before lunch. He went up to the Tower to grab his things and was about to go the Room of Requirement when Flitwick intercepted him in the common room. "Ah, just the man I was looking for," he squeaked with excitement.

"It's good to see you too Professor. What can I do for you today?"

"Actually, I have a message from Professor Dumbledore. He would like to speak with you before lunch. He sounded urgent." That was not something Harry expected. But he could hardly refuse and audience with the Headmaster.

"Thank you Professor. Ill see him immediately." Harry took his time, trying to think of any reason why the Headmaster would need to urgently see him. He had done nothing wrong, at least that he could think of. What then did he want?

The gargoyle jumped out the way as soon as he stepped in front of it. Harry gulped. Dumbledore really wanted to see him. None of his anxiety showed on his face as he entered Dumbledore's office. The Headmaster was standing behind his desk, staring out over the grounds. "Professor Dumbledore sir. You wished to see me."

The Headmaster turned, his face revealing nothing, his eyes devoid of any twinkle. "I did. Please take a seat Mr. Potter." He gestured for Harry to sit. Harry was about to sit when he really heard what the Headmaster said. He started sweating and stood tall again. "Is that not your name," the Headmaster said, still looking serious. "Harry James Potter that is."

"How did you find that out sir," Harry asked.

"So it is true. I have to admit I was surprised, though I cannot understand why you would hide your true identity from me." Dumbledore did not sound angry, more disappointed then anything else. "Mr. Potter, are you lying to Miss Evans as well?"

Harry dropped into the seat. "No sir. Lily knows my real name."

"Are you related to James Potter," he asked, clearly expecting the answer to be yes. When Harry nodded, Dumbledore leaned forward. "How are you related to James Harry? Why did you hide this fact from nearly everyone you've met?"

Harry sighed. "Sir, I'm not just related to James. I'm also related to Lily." Harry didn't go on. He trusted Dumbledore was smart enough to connect the dots.

At first he looked blank. "Harry, that is impossible. The Evans are a muggle family and have been for centuries while the Potters are the third oldest magical family in Britain. There is no possible way you can be related to both. Unless you're their child," he added, the twinkle returning to his eye as he chuckled. Then he noticed Harry was silent. His face grew serious again. "You're their son," he gasped.

Harry nodded and waved his wand over his face and head, eliminating all of the cosmetic charms he and Lily put in place. Dumbledore's face could've gone in the dictionary next to the word "shock." Harry couldn't blame for being surprised, though he wished he knew how the Headmaster had found out his secret.

"Harry, why are you here? How did you get here?"

"As you can guess, I'm from the future. Twenty years to be exact. Ironically my school years match up perfectly with my parents', just twenty years in the future." Harry chuckled but quickly grew serious again. "In my time Voldemort is still terrorizing the world. One night last June I was in a battle with Voldemort's Death Eaters. Voldemort tried to kill me but his curse and mine somehow hit one another and a tremendous explosion blew us apart. I ended up here in Lily's back yard. I cannot tell you why I'm here because I don't know."

Dumbledore listened to his story, looking thoughtful. Harry hoped he didn't question Harry further. Dumbledore, in time, would connect the dots. For now Harry wanted him to stay in the dark. Of course he should've known the Headmaster was nobody's fool.

"Harry, why was Lord Voldemort trying to kill you?"

Harry shrugged his shoulders. "I honestly do not know sir. He killed Hagrid just before coming after me. I was fighting his followers. That seems like it would be enough." He could tell Dumbledore did not buy his story for a minute but he didn't push Harry, for which the boy was immensely grateful.

Dumbledore took off his glasses and rubbed the bridge of his nose. "Mr. Potter, I know you are withholding information from me. What I don't know is what or why. It seems to me, given your extensive magical ability that in your time Voldemort is targeting you. Am I right?" Harry said nothing. "I take it by your silence that you're not going to answer, which leads me to believe I am right. Since that is the case, I'll keep your secret. But I also want you to know that whatever you need while you are in this time, I am here. You have a reason for being here and it must have something to do with stopping Voldemort. I'll help you however I can."

"Thank you sir. I appreciate you offer. If there is anything I need I come to you." Dumbledore nodded but before Harry could leave he needed to know something. "Sir, how did you find out my real name?"

The Headmaster waved his hand over his desk, revealing the marauder's map. "Remus and Sirius were looking at the Marauder's Map in the hall after Defense. They were alarmed to see your name in the bubble talking to Lily only a few feet in front of them." Harry groaned. He didn't think about the bloody map. Of course it would reveal his real name.

"What am I going to do," Harry moaned.

"I don't think you have any choice but to tell them the truth Mr. Potter," said Dumbledore with some sympathy but not much. "I'll naturally keep this map and turn it over to Mr. Filch. However I cannot help you with Remus and Sirius."

They weren't the ones Harry was worried about. What if they told Peter? "Sir, where are they now? Are they in the same class as James and Peter?"

Dumbledore shook his head. "Remus in presently in Ancient Runes. Sirius is taking potions with Lily." Harry groaned again. "James is in Care of Magical Creatures. Peter has a break."

"Thank you sir," said Harry, jumping out of his chair and sprinting to the 8th floor where Professor Babbling had her first N.E.W.T. runes class. Disguising his scar and turning his eyes hazel, and for good measure adding some dirt to his robes and face, Harry knocked on the door. "I'm sorry to bother you Professor but can I speak to Remus," he said, trying to sound out of breath. Remus came out and Harry pulled him to the side. "What's this I hear about Nathan having a different name?" He wanted to make sure Dumbledore wasn't lying.

But Remus knew. "His name is Harry James Potter. Sirius and I saw it on the marauder's map before Dumbledore confiscated it. We told him about Nathan but he…" Feeling guilty, Harry silenced his friend and stunned him. "I'm sorry Remus. Obliviate!" Harry was a little worried he removed too much; he removed all his memories from the end of Defense through being pulled out of Runes. But it needed to be done and Harry wasn't good enough to remove specific memories.

Leaving Remus, Harry sprinted down to the dungeons. He had only fifteen minutes before class ended. He only just reached the lab before the bell. As he expected Lily and Sirius were the first to leave. "Padfoot," Harry yelled. James turned around and ran to him.

"Prongs, you'll never believe what I heard. Nathan isn't…" Harry silenced and stunned his godfather, much to the surprise of Lily.

"James, what are you doing?" Then she seemed to understand what was happening. "Harry, you don't have to remove their memories. They have a right to know."

Harry didn't respond. He removed Sirius' memories from Defense from Harry calling him. While Sirius was still stunned, Harry pulled Lily to the side and put the cosmetic charms back in place. "Mum, I'm sorry. But they can't find out like this."

"Why," she demanded.

"Because I can't let Peter find out who I really am. Please understand me when I say that can never happen. I promise I'll tell James and the others in time. But not like this. I have to be sure Peter will never find out and I don't know to ensure that won't happen."

Lily didn't look pleased but she didn't argue further. She gathered up her books and left Harry without a backwards glance.