A/N I am not JK Rowling nor Rick Riordan
I am continuing this story and as per lilyemma's request there will be no bashing
There will also be some mature content, including slight slash, in this chapter
Chapter 10 – Lord Voldemort Announces His Return
Harry James Potter awoke. Nope, he was still James Potter, twenty years out of his time and body. Like the rest of the school, he was still in shock, reacting to the Daily Prophet's headline 'Fudge Grows a Backbone' and the story about 200 Purebloods resigning rather than take a loyalty oath. The question as to what Voldemort would do rather iced the cake that people were to believe he had returned. There had been no sightings of course. The next day the Daily Prophet reported over 100 sightings, alleged sightings the paper had called them. Journalistic standards, James mused, what was the Daily Prophet becoming?
The object of the story had just completed his dressing. He was as was his wont. Dressed in finest wizarding sartorial elegance. Dress the part and the Pureblood fools believed anything you told them. Voldemort laughed. He'd have snorted, but you needed a nose to do that. They didn't come as part of the rebirth ritual. He had actually been surprised that Pettigrew could cast the Killing Curse. Another of his group, he couldn't turn his back on. He'd have crucioed three of his Death Eaters for failing to kill Amelia Bones, but they had perished in the attack on her Manor. He had returned to the fray, killing three of Dumbledore's Order, Diggle, Vance and Mundungus Fletcher. Diggle had really been beneath him. Man could hardly hold a wand straight. What did Dumbledore need with a thief, anyway? Was he not really as squeaky clean as everyone thought? He'd been far better at Occlumency than he'd any right to be. He'd taken his secrets to his grave. Vance had been a challenge. She'd been very skilled. He had announced his return and given fair warning to anyone still in Dumbledore's Order that they were all in his sights. He regretted that Barty Junior hadn't killed Moody. If the aurors started showing his ability, his Death Eaters would end up dead. Fortunately, Moody thought the sun flowed out of Dumbledore's arse. He would never leave the Order. Voldemort needed to get out of Malfoy Manor. Ever since his heir had foolishly got himself killed, Lucius and Narcissa had been at it like rabbits. That was one muggle saying Voldemort had really come to appreciate. Lucius' tastes had run to younger females, much younger. He had liked to break them in, as he put it.
Voldemort apparated away. His first stop was the house in Godric's Hollow. He hadn't been back since his error on Halloween 1981. He'd acted on a part of a prophecy. He wasn't convinced that Dumbledore hadn't made it all up. If he had, where did that leave Snape, dupe or agent? He walked through the ground floor. A third of the house was missing, including the stairs. Voldemort knew from Pettigrew that the stairs had been intact after he'd fled down them with Voldemort's cloak and wand. Snape hadn't reported any damage to the house before he'd left the area. Voldemort levitated to the first floor. He entered the room where he'd killed Lily Potter. He'd regretted killing James and Lily Potter. He had meant the offer to them to join him. Voldemort didn't care that Lily was muggleborn. He didn't understand why neither James nor Lily faced him with wand in hand. There was nothing in the room to suggest any special protection for Harry Potter. Voldemort hadn't understood why Potter had managed to create a spell to escape in the graveyard. Harry was surviving encounters with him. It was scandalous that duelling was no longer taught at Hogwarts.
Voldemort had not been able to track down Ollivander. The wandmaker was adept at hiding. He couldn't ask him about the Elder Wand, either. Voldemort left the house. He thought about destroying the plinth. National Monument? He looked at the queue and appeared. The wizards and witches scattered. Ah, he could smell the fear. There was Bagshot. She was Grindelward's aunt. Perhaps she knew where he was. He disillusioned himself and followed her. Voldemort followed Bagshot into her home. He stunned her and used his legilimency to find the information he wanted. She did know. She knew about Gellert's affair with Albus Dumbledore. Voldemort brought Bagshot around. She gave him the password. That made Voldemort's day. He could go have a conversation with Gellert Grindelwald. Voldemort killed Bagshot. That made him a secret keeper, too.
Voldemort went to see Gregorovich. The Bulgarian was not expecting Voldemort. He died. He had no information of any value. Then it was off to talk with Grindelwald. Gellert was most informative, especially on how to take over the world. He was forthcoming about Dumbledore. Gellert was tired of living under Dumbledore's constraints. Gellert had held the Elder Wand. No, Dumbledore had not fought him all day. That had been a trained battle mage by the name of Lord Charlus Potter. Dumbledore had popped up at the end and stunned both of them and he'd awakened, here, trapped by Dumbledore. Nurmengard was the ideal base to take over the world from. It was stocked with magical tomes and money. Dumbledore used it as his deposit. A lot of Dumbledore's money was here. If there was a way to cut Dumbledore out of the place, Voldemort would move in. Voldemort sent the killing curse against Grindelwald. That was most satisfying.
Dumbledore was the main obstacle. Figuring out a way to kill Dumbledore was now Voldemort's top priority. Perhaps he should order Snape to kill Dumbledore. That would clinch the question of Snape's loyalty. Voldemort would risk it. He would first remove Dumbledore from his positions of power. Yes, break the man, first. Then kill him. Voldemort would need to found a dynasty. Getting Lucius out of the way, so he could spend some time with Narcissa Malfoy, nee Black was needed and he'd snag the fortune of the Houses of Black and Malfoy. He'd be creating himself a new body, as well, for when the time came. He could claim the Gaunt seat in the Wizengamot. Sending Lucius out on recruiting missions would suit his plans, very nicely. Voldemort chuckled. He was being nice. His Death Eaters would be thoroughly terrified. That thought had Voldemort laughing.
Albus Dumbledore knew Gellert Grindelwald was dead, when the instrumentation he had keyed to him stopped working. He apparated to check out the death scene. It was the Killing Curse. That meant Tom had paid a visit. He frowned. He vanished the body and wept. That meant Tom knew he had the Elder Wand. Probably. Dumbledore thought he should have silenced Bagshot years ago. The thought of him actually killing another being was abhorrent to him. If he didn't, though, Gellert would die and Albus did not want that. He would have to get out the time mirror that allowed one way communication with the past. He'd found it amongst Nobby Leach's personal affects. Dumbledore knew some of the Dark faction members believed Nobby to have been a figment of their imagination and had in fact been Dumbledore under Polyjuice. The rumour had started due to the fact that the two had never appeared together at the same function. Such an idea, Albus conceded, would have been up there with his hiding ofthe Philisopher's Stone in the Mirror of Erised. Albus would have liked to get his hands on Flamel. The man had given him a fake and vanished, along with his wife. Nobby had sent him a letter in 1964 that 'strongly urged' him to hire Tom. Was it really that simple? Would the most dangerous Dark Lord ever have been turned from his evil path, just by being the DADA professor? Dumbledore found it hard to believe.
Dumbledore returned to his office and brought the mirror out of its hiding place. He was soon in contact with his 1975 self. He said that Bagshot had to die to keep Voldemort from killing Gellert. He hoped his younger self would understand why it was necessary. He'd used the special de-illuminator to listen in to Hermione Granger's conversations with James. He'd found the de-illuminator amongst Nobby's things, as well. Miss Granger's conversations didn't mention temporal matters. Whoever had caused the temporal ripple bringing James forward into Harry's body hadn't done the same with Hermione Granger. If anybody was going to mess with time, Albus had his considerable fortune on her.
Hermione Granger was going over her lists. She came across the training schedule she'd made for Harry during the Triwizard Tournament. Harry had learnt the whole DADA spell list for the entire 7 years, in the Room of Requirement. Hermione couldn't tell James about that room, but she could train James like she had Harry. She would have to get a classroom off McGonagall. She'd invite Neville and Luna. She might invite Hannah and Susan. She'd then have a nice little study group. That would be perfect.
First Hermione got her study partners enrolled. Second she went to see McGonagall.
"Hello, Professor McGonagall. Is there a classroom I can book for my study group for the year?"
"There is indeed Miss Granger. I've assigned a classroom for you to use with your study group, for the year. If you should see Mr Ronald Weasley, please tell him I'd like to see him. I've some news he needs to hear."
Hermione did indeed soon encounter Ron.
"What's this I hear about a study group you've set up. Why am I not invited?"
"Why don't you go ask Professor McGonagall about that?"
"Right, I will." Ron stormed off. He barged into McGonagall's office. He hadn't realised the door was open and hadn't stopped in time.
"Do come in, Mr Weasley. Sit yourself down." Ron did.
"Professor, why haven't I been invited to join the study group Hermione's set up?"
"I dare say, it's because she doesn't like you. Each time you've been on patrol with her, you've abandoned her. Cornelius Fudge isn't the only one to have grown a backbone. You're Quidditch Captain and you'll stay that. However, you will forfeit the prefect's badge."
"I bet I know who is going to receive the badge. Perfect Potter."
"Perfect Potter suggested Mr Longbottom for the role before he took Hermione with him to Ravenclaw. I would have invited him to see what he had to say about the idea had he not left to join Hufflepuff. I shall make Dean Thomas the are dismissed, Mr Weasley."
Ron ran, enraged. How dare that Dean Thomas get his badge. He'd send a letter home. He rushed off to write a letter home. Then he rushed to the owlery to send the letter home.
The evening meal was the first opportunity everyone had to see the prefect badge adorning Dean Thomas' school cloak. Most of Gryffindor liked the affable West Ham fan and congratulated him. Ron Weasley, pointedly did not. Seamus and Dean had a good-natured competition over grades and as a consequence both had improved.
Later that evening, in the staff room, Albus sat down close to McGonagall.
"Minerva, do you think you may have made a mistake in removing the Prefect badge from Mr Ronald Weasley and giving it to Mr Dean Thomas?"
"No, Albus, I do not. Had I gone with my plan at the start of term, I would not now be down three students."
"Minerva, I fear that I must over rule you."
"Choosing prefects is the Head of House's responsibility and no-one elses."
"Minerva is correct, Albus," Flitwick supported McGonagall.
"Minerva is quite correct, Albus," Sprout agreed.
"Reluctant as I am to support McGonagall, Albus, she is correct," Snape made it unanimous amongst the Heads of House. McGonagall was relieved to have their support.
James had been accepted as Harry Potter by everyone. That was a major achievement. His meeting with Croaker had been hastily arranged. Croaker hoped to have scared Dumbledore off from any revalations. As Croaker well knew, Albus Dumbledore was all too likely to come up with some 'Greater Good' for James' presence to be revealed. James had a Friday 15th September evening meeting with Croacker.
James arrived at the Ministry and was met by a Mysteries man and escorted to Croaker's office. He sat down and Croaker entered shortly thereafter and also sat down in a nice comfy chair.
"Ah, so much more comfortable than my desk chair," Croaker said, in a jovial tone. We do have to stay on our toes. How has the Headmaster been?"
"He's got a new thing to keep him occupied. McGonagall stripped the Prefect's badge from Ron Weasley and gave it to Dean Thomas. He'll trying to persuade her to change her mind, if his expression at dinner was anything to go by. He's bound to call me into his office again, at some point."
"That could work in our favour. We need to know where and what the item is that he uses to communicate with his younger self. The Sorting Hat and Phoenix are usually there. If you could be there, when Dumbledore isn't, you could ask either one of them about it."
"I'll give it a go. I don't think it will work and is more likely to result in them telling Dumbledore that we're after the item. Hermione Granger has set up a study group and secured a room for us to study in."
"Who is in the group?"
"Hermione, myself, Neville Longbottom, Luna Lovegood, Hannah Abbott and Susan Bones."
"Why Luna Lovegood? She hasn't got OWLs this year."
"She's a friend and we want to keep her out of harm's way. She's got a few enemies in Ravenclaw. She also has a strange way of looking at things. She knows who I am, for example, but will keep my secret."
"She's a seer?"
"I don't know, but I'm not going out of my way to annoy her. She's far better as a friend and that's what I need."
"Will you have to kill Ron Weasley?"
"I have no wish to add to the death toll."
"Two isn't a death toll."
"It is when their deaths weren't part of the timeline. Myrtle Warren is a far better teacher than Binns ever was."
"That was a change inspired by Harry. You've added Runes and Arithmancy to his workload and dropped Divination. He may not thank you for that. You could do with a way to tell what Harry's changed, as soon as it happens."
"The Potter self-updating Hogwarts: A History currently locked in a Vault I can't get into."
"That would be very handy to have."
"Our new DADA professor is one Jeremiah Black. He's got hair like mine."
"You think he's you or another time traveller?"
"Since I now know what happens, it would be logical to assume I managed to survive and high-tailed it off to MACUSA."
"That would imply you and Harry did switch back and the timeline resumed with the addition of you. You'd have come back, because you knew you'd be here."
"Lily would still have died. We would still be looking at a Second Wizarding War."
"You cannot make contact with your older self. This is a strict rule. This timeline is frayed enough as it is. Introducing more rogue elements could just tip it over the edge. We have no idea what Harry told you verbally or what notes he left for you. Harry has proven rather adept as sending messages across time."
"The scuttlebutt around the school is that Dumbledore is the only wizard Voldie fears."
"A strike against Dumbledore, perhaps, but who?"
"Snape. I can't believe he's a professor. He was a Death Eater, with a complex about me and Harry and is convinced he was in love with Lily. He apparently has Dumbledore's complete trust. We missed Pettigrew's treachery. He always agreed with us that the only good Death Eater was a dead Death Eater. Dumbledore might be making the same mistake."
"Snape is considerably more able than the one you bullied."
"That's a crapfeast. I'll have to get prepared. I have a feeling Hermione is going to prepare me. I have reason to want Snape dead."
"Yes, you have. I'd ask you not to try. However, your older self likely has the necessary ability to kill Snape and the willingness to do that."
"Does the situation require that I can't warn my older self not to do anything to Snape."
"Yes, you have to let things play out. That's however it happens to end."
"Very well." James crossed his fingers behind his back. He almost got the muggle action right. He certainly did mean that he'd do what he had to and maybe time would stay where it should.
Croaker knew the look. Despite his best efforts, James Potter would meddle. Had already meddled. If Dumbledore thought hat be revealing who James Potter was he'd stop the meddling, he was very much mistaken. James Potter was a Marauder, one who believed in pranks. What could he say to persuade the young man to not interfere?
"James, it is really important that you do not interfere. Whatever your older self is planning and we are assuming that Jeremiah Black is you, let it happen. I have some research to do to understand why you're here at the same time as your elder self and why you have not switched with Harry."
James considered for a moment. "Multiple timelines. I'm still here because I'm a different iteration. Jeremiah Black is me from an earlier attempt."
"I think that's a very good guess. I do have to do some research to confirm it. Fortunately, I do have some instrumentation that will let me do that."
"So, you keep saying. If your instrumentation works, you'll have confirmation. Possibly?"
"Such cheek! The only teacher you have with whom you could have an issue is Snape. Would you agree?"
"Yeah, Croaker. Snivellus is the only one. I don't know, if Harry would have talked back to him. The more I learn about Harry the more I can't believe that he was sorted into Gryffindor. He had done nothing brave. I fell out of pretty much every tree on our estates before I was 11."
"I remember hearing the stories. Snape may be a tree too far."
"Neville would know which one to turn him into."
"Leave Neville out of this, if you don't mind."
"The way Snivellus has picked on him over the years, I'd need to use spells to keep him from joining."
"Have you heard about Neville's bogart?"
"No."
"It was Snape. Neville put his grandmother's clothes on it."
"That gives me an idea."
"No, James. That is not a good idea."
The meeting concluded on that rather inauspicious comment and James made his way back to Hogwarts. Croaker checked his instrumentation. Unfortunately, the results were not conclusive. Multiple timelines were likely. That was the best Croaker could get, despite the large number of times he tried.
James got back to Hogwarts and put Operation Riddiculus into operation. James had to persuade everyone to look at Neville rather than Snape during the potions lesson. Then Neville would cast riddiculus and 'Harry' would silently cast a transfiguration or two on Snape's clothes into those worn by his grandmother. James had a bit of time to prepare his spells. It did not take him long. Harry had the same ability.
Hermione Granger celebrated her 16th birthday Tuesday 19th September 1995. She had a cake and presents. Harry sent her a Hogwarts: A History and the Potters had sent one that updated automatically. James recognised the crest. It was out of the Potter library. Hermione could receive it only because she was protected by House Potter. Harry had managed to get his father and uncle involved in politics and that was nothing short of a miracle. James had picked up a present for Hermione, a book of Wizarding etiquette, titled 'What makes a perfect Witch'.
Hermione was quite hurt by James' present. She would give the book a chance. She felt that it was Hogwarts job to prepare witches properly for the wizarding life. She had to admit that McGonagall's introduction was woefully inadequate. Perhaps she would have answered their questions, had they known what to ask. They just hadn't known what to ask. Lupin had called her the 'Brightest Witch of the Age'. Had he meant that or was he just buttering her up? His running away had not been in true Gryffindor spirit. Was he another mis-sorted pupil? He had kinda blindsided her. She hadn't queried why he'd not tried to find Harry. She hadn't asked why he'd not visited Sirius in Azkaban. She hadn't asked why Lupin hadn't contacted Harry once he'd started Hogwarts. Why hadn't Lupin told Harry about Sirius at the start of their third year. Where was he now? If he was off trying to secure Werewolves for the Light, Hermione knew he was wasting his time. Hermione wrote all this down in a letter and had Hedwig go off to find Lupin. No-one had told Hermione that Lupin was now Steward to Houses Potter and Black. Hermione had given up reading the newspapers that served the Wizarding World.
Remus Lupin received Hermione Granger's letter. He looked at Sirius for support.
"What's up, Remus?" Sirius asked.
"Hermione Granger is suggesting I shouldn't have been sorted into Gryffindor. She's not aware that I'm doing this job."
"That doesn't sound like Hermione Granger. Has someone nobbled her?"
"I don't know. Do you have Black headed writing paper? Since she's a protected House of House Potter, this does not reflect well on 'Harry'. He should have told her who his steward is."
"Let's keep Harry out of this. She probably hasn't asked him."
"Right," Lupin said as he picked up quill and pulled out a piece of parchment.
Dear Hermione Granger
As a protectorate of House Potter, Harry ought to have told you that I am his Steward and that of House Black, too.
I would agree with you that trying to secure werewolves for the side of light is pointless. I spent most of the dozen years attempting just that. I also spent time out of country going where I could find employment. Like everyone else, I was told Harry was safe and well. I believed that Sirius was a traitor. You know that from our meeting in the Shrieking Shack. If you're suggesting that I should have dropped everything and gone looking for Harry, I did have a living to make. I do regret not looking for Harry, but there's nothing I can do about that.
I would recommend that you subscribe once more to the newspapers of the Wizarding World. Harry provided you a book of ettiquette. This book will prevent things like this in the future. It's imperative that you know how to act. You must tell Harry about this and be honest with him.
Remus Lupin
Steward House Black
Steward House Potter
Hedwig returned with the letter and Hermione read it. She woke Harry aka James and explained what she'd done. James did forgive her. He reminded Hermione to read the book. Hedwig was sent off to resubscribe to the Daily Prophet, Witch Weekly and The Quibbler.
James was left to pick up the pieces. Privately, he was pleased Remus had told Hermione what he'd been doing. He wished Hermione had talked with him first. He was at fault for not setting a time for House business, each week. He would correct this. This was one thing he couldn't put on his son. He didn't know, either. That was down to Ron Weasley. An icy feeling went down James' spine - okay technically Harry's spine, as it was still his body. Why? The Weasleys were purebloods and knew how those families behaved. Ron's knowledge of duelling in the first year was proof of that, even if he didn't do it in full and acted against Harry's interests. Harry hadn't been told the information he needed to know that his interests were being acted against. Ron had known about the confounding of Harry, but had said nothing. James went to sleep. Hermione read the book. She didn't read too long.
The following morning and the six friends ate together. The death of Draco Malfoy had not stopped someone from coming to spoil their breakfasts. This morning Ron and Ginny Weasley strolled over to the Ravenclaw table.
"You'll so be mine, Harry James Potter," Ginny gushed.
"How do you work that out, Miss Weasley," James replied, icily. Conversation all around the Great Hall stopped.
"We have a marriage contract."
"When was that drawn up?"
"On my birth."
"I didn't sign it." As James expected there was a lot of laughter.
"It's an unbreakable contract signed on your behalf by Albus Dumbledore and Arthur Weasley, Head of House Weasley."
"Albus Dumbledore has no power to make a binding marriage contract for the head of House Potter. That's me, by the way, in case you're slow to understand."
"You cannot get out of it."
"I will not enter into it."
"That will cost you 50% of your fortune."
"No, it won't. I look forward to destroying House Weasley, permanently, this time."
"The contract is cast iron. I devised it myself," Albus Dumbledore had ambled over and now interjected his thoughts.
"In what capacity were you acting?"
"As your executor," Albus advised.
"As I'm not dead, I don't need an executor," James laughed. The school laughed. Albus did not enjoy the experience.
Snape wandered over to stick his nose into matters that did not concern him.
"50 points from Ravenclaw and a weeks detention with me for rudeness."
"Expelliarmus," James yelled. Snape was thrown 30 feet back into a wall and his wand sailed into James left hand. "I suggest you don't move or speak again. This is House business, not school. As the Lord of a Noble and Most Ancient House, I will not be spoken to like that by an inferior. Your wand is now held as evidence. You were involved in the betrayal of my parents and the attack upon myself. That's a Blood feud, Snape. I've already challenged your points deductions and detentions. This is a further example for the governors to consider. I invoke alternative supply of a potions' professor. You have proven yourself to be less than adequate. YOU HAVE POKED YOUR NOSE INTO MY AFFAIRS FOR THE VERY LAST TIME." James stormed off. He was out of Hogwarts before anyone knew, except maybe Dumbledore.
James met with Amelia Bones. He was aware that he was taking a liberty. He informed the head of the DMLE of what had transpired and presented Snape's wand as evidence. Amelia was less pleased that Harry Potter had invoked the Blood Feud on Snape and the supply of an alternative potions professor. Lupin arrived before James had presented his full case. He wasn't happy that the marriage contract between Harry and Ginny had come into the public domain or that James had promised to destroy House Weasley permanently over this. This wasn't a declaration of a blood feud. It was only slightly below it. Lupin knew Sirius would blow his top when he learnt of this. He would suggest that Sirius mirror Harry and hope Harry could make Sirius see sense. The Daily Prophet would have a field day.
It hadn't escaped Croaker's attention, who was eavesdropping, that Dumbledore had tried to reveal that Harry wasn't Harry. Dumbledore had got James into a very public spat with him.
Amelia Bones had Scrimgeour and Robards with her when she had Snape's wand tested for prior spells. Croaker performed the spell. It was the souls of those whom Snape had killed, released by the spell, who came out of the wand that shocked everyone. Millicent Bagnold, Charlus Potter, Dorea Potter, Fleamont Potter, Euphemia Potter and Lily Potter's parents. His own father, too. This was horrific. The Blood Feud was more than justified.
When James returned to Hogwarts he was met by Filius Flitwick. Filius escorted him into his office.
"Mr Potter, you must apologize to Professor Snape and Headmaster Dumbledore."
"Or what, Professor?"
"That is the question, isn't it? I have said what I was told to say."
"Where have I been is another question you were told to ask, no doubt? I went to see the Head of the DMLE. Terrible liberty, of course, old family privilege that the Light aren't supposed to use any more. I handed over Snape's wand as evidence. I explained that I had promised to permanently destroy House Weasley and that I had declared a Blood Feud against Snape.
I had my family's underwear displayed in the Great Hall at Hogwarts on the headmaster's instigation and Snape interfering, as usual. You'd be surprised how often I've been to the headmaster's study, Snape's been there, despite the matters being beyond his hands – to phrase it rather inelegantly. Please inform Dumbledore and McGonagall that I am aware of the sanctions I can bring against the school were they to refuse to find me an alternative potions Professor."
Filius chuckled. Harry really did remind him of his father. "Yes, I was aware of his presence and McGonagall's lack of presence. As you're aware I let my prefects handle house discipline. A policy I now regret. One your actions helped heal. I agree that you had cause to leave Hogwarts on family business and have already so recorded. Professor Snape is in the hospital wing. Do you think you knocked any sense into him?"
"Professor, I'm not proud of what I did. I think the time when any sense could be knocked into Snape has well and truly passed."