Dumbledore's gaping and shocked face was the first thing Harry saw after sinking into those clear blue eyes. Of course he thought to himself idly as he felt his eyes roam up and down his mentor's form, this wasn't exactly the Albus Dumbledore he knew.
This Albus while still somehow managing to give the impression of one powerful and wise beyond his years, was significantly younger. His beard was shortened falling only a few inches past his chin and he gave the appearance of a late twenty to thirty year old at best. Harry quickly tried to discard any thoughts about Dumbledore's young and nubile appearance from his mind; he was definitely not ready to face where that road was taking him.
Dumbledore however had a harder time trying to control himself in front of this new mysterious stranger. The man's fierce warrior stance had relaxed slightly upon seeing Dumbledore as his silent pursuer which confused Dumbledore as he was sure he had never met this individual before in his life.
He could feel the power and magic emanating from the man before him and it drew him in like a magnet. Dumbledore liked to collect special and wondrous things. His office was filled with mysterious objects unique to the world of magic and this man had a different aura from any he had encountered before. It felt alive against his own but there was a hint of darkness there as well which drew him in. Unlike those dark witches and wizards who pursued the dark arts, this figure did not give off a bitter undertone like those overcome and addicted to the magic. It did not control him. Rather the man himself had control and it operated to his will. He found himself almost lost against the sensation of it.
A deep, hoarse throat being cleared seemed to rip both men out of their wayward thoughts as Hagrid smiled at them, ignorant of their interaction. He began profusely thanking the man for helping him and asking his name. Dumbledore too was curious however endeavored to hide those feelings, his eyes casually slinking back over to the man in silent question.
"My name is Harry, Harry… James'' Harry replied carefully. Technically he was not lying he thought to himself but he really did not want to have to deal with any of the past potters who would not know who he was. Hopefully he could get back as soon as possible and it wouldn't matter.
"Thank you so much for your help, I hope you get the job Harry" Hagrid rushed out in one long breath, his eyes darting over to his Gardens where some creature had escaped before rushing off to deal with it.
Dumbledore chose the time Harry spent watching the Half-giant meager away to study the man further. Yes he knew that that was not his full name. He tried to determine what he could about the man. Although Harry was younger the war had hardened him and it gave the impression of a much older man. He would place him late twenties at least. Despite this it was his eyes that showed his youth, Dumbledore thought the man could live to one hundred and those eyes would still shine with that exuberance and otherworldly power.
"Well let's get onto the interview then shall we?" Dumbledore cheered as he began walking purposefully towards the castle. Harry seemed stricken by this change of pace and failed at stuttering out a few replies before sighing and following behind the man. Dumbledore smirked thinking how adorable he was when flustered.
As they walked past those people still waiting to be interviewed protested however Dumbledore quickly halted all.
"Thank you all so much for your time" He began genially, "Unfortunately the post has been filled" He said his hanged tightening around Harry's wrist. "However I would be delighted to provide recommendations for any further jobs you would seek."
The statement seemed to satisfy the crowd. Although Harry couldn't help but notice a few of the pureblood's huff and snort at him in disdain at the appearance of this so-called 'better candidate for the position' Before they left.
Harry was ushered quickly into Dumbledore's office upon entering the castle, where he sat in a soft cushioned chair and sighed, allowing the stiffness of his tense body to abate and relaxed into the softness. Harry opened his mouth then closed it again, he didn't even know where to begin he thought.
"I got the sense that there was something further to your story than interviewing for a post Harry" Dumbledore said, knowing perfectly how to begin this conversation and effortlessly inviting Harry to answer.
Harry slowly sighed releasing a long breath, but did not move to speak. Dumbledore was disappointed to think he would not answer before Harry all seemingly in one breath explained the whole story and how he came to be here. It all suddenly fell out of his mouth in a long and confusing spiel. Dumbledore was astounded but somehow not totally surprised how this could happen, he could see clearly the manipulations of his future self to make this happen and wondered why he would try to send Harry back here when he was apparently so necessary to the future.
"Would it be possible to see that necklace Harry dear?" He said.
Looking closely at the necklace Harry pulled from around his neck he began to cast some silent charms that showed the magic imbued in the necklace. 'Yes so I am right' he thought, assessing it. But why?
"I think it might have been this that caused you to come back Harry '' He recited carefully not wanting to reveal too much about the machinations of his older self however unable to give no explanation to those deep and desperate endless emerald pits. "We can only conclude there is some deeper reason for you to stay here" He said this sadly but he couldn't find himself too disappointed by the outcome of Harry's fate. He wanted a chance to figure out the man more and him saying couldn't help but feel right.
"But Sir" Harry began
"Call me Albus" He smiled, finding it weird that some part of him felt uncomfortable being called that by Harry.
"Where am I supposed to stay, what will I do?" he said, stressed, running a hand through his raven hair which only seemed to increase the volume of the locks Dumbledore watched amazedly, entranced by the way his hair moved as if living itself, watching his fingers run through it.
"Did you hear me earlier, you will work here of course" Chirped Dumbledore sounding delighted.
"Am I even qualified? '' Harry began but Dumbledore quickly shut him down. He did not want to name this feeling that said Harry had to be kept close.
"You said you ran a DADA class and taught other students in your fifth year didn't you". Harry's reluctant nod an answer. "I think you'll be just fine, Harry,'' he said " ….But if you're unsure". He suddenly fired a fast silent hex at him. Admiring the way Harry masterfully evaded and sent him one in retaliation almost instinctively.
The two began an advanced battle that developed until they were only trading silent spells and using wandless magic as if as easy as breathing. On and on it went; Dumbledore would conjure thousands of ice pieces to swarm Harry and Harry would melt this with a breath of fire. Harry would charm the knick-knack's and toys in Dumbledore's office to attack him and Dumbledore would form a strong wind to blow all away. Had any other person been there they would have been astounded, overcome by the pure magic.
Dumbledore could feel the intoxicating presence of Harry's magic and Harry could feel Albus' reach out to him, feeling that connection that had been there since Harry started Hogwarts and once again feeling like he belonged.
Dumbledore ended with a spell that knocked both of them down. "I wanted to finish before we became too distracted", He began "I have company for lunch'' he said regretfully, wanting to savor this moment.
He took the time to turn and appraise Harry. "Yes", Albus said, "I think you will be just fine". Harry nodded in agreement.
They were broken out of their slight panting and contemplative stare by a knock on the door. Harry turned and opened it to find a small tabby cat sitting in front stiffly, looking at him warily.
"Pleasure to meet you, Harry James" Harry said to McGonagall pleasantly offering his hand and a small smile on his face at the shocked look on his teachers face at recognizing her animagus form.
"Pleasure to meet you, Minerva McGonagall" She mumbled a bit disappointed, shaking his hand.
Dumbledore smiling at her expression teased her "You are a little early for our lunch Minerva" He mused in question.
"I could feel the magic" she said, queringly to the man but not wanting to disrespect Albus by asking.
"Ah" he said. "This as you know is Harry James, I have decided to hire him as the new defense against the dark arts teacher."
A youthful Minerva while still slightly reserved and proud seemed much quicker to relax and smiled widely. "This will be fun", She said cheekily.
"He can join us for lunch,'' she declared, viewing the weird dynamic and tension between the two.
"I would be delighted," Harry said, wanting to leave the room which suddenly felt blistering.
"Let's go then" An excited Minerva said, dragging him by hand from the classroom. Neither of them saw Albus' smug smirk of satisfaction as he followed behind them.
Harry got to enjoy lunch out in Hogsmeade pub before being given a tour of the castle which was rather unnecessary and unproductive, although he did find himself entertained by Minerva, he was sure they would become fast friends he thought. He was reminded fondly of Hermione as Minerva proudly spouted off facts in quick succession about the castle and its history while Albus walked alongside them silently.
Later when she adjourned to her rooms, it was just him and Albus. Albus showed Harry to his rooms, through a portrait that showed a quidditch match and was suspiciously close to Dumbledore's own rooms.
"Well Goodnight" Harry said awkwardly, he found himself strangely wanting to remain in the man's presence longer but quickly turned and practically jumped through the portrait to get away hearing the thought.
Dumbledore hoped he would see Harry finally relax and get the sleep he truly needed. The man looked exhausted. Harry sleep that night was disturbed by dreams of an owl with blue eyes
After firing off the killing curse Lord Voldemort took a moment to revel in his victory. That moment was cut short however by a sudden strong pull from his gut. Voldemort's death eaters watched as he and the Potter boy were swallowed by a vortex and they were outraged. They stood wondering what the hell had happened before suddenly order members and students of Hogwarts school apparated and poured out of the forest around them. It was an ambush. A final battle emerged between the forces of light and dark and all were too distracted to wonder where their respective leaders had disappeared to.
Voldemort Appeared in the same forest however he was completely alone.
Tom Riddle walked out of a meeting with his followers before stopping suddenly and gasping, he felt a new connection with his soul and apparated to the location of the presence.
Lord Voldemort had appeared two weeks before Harry James Potter in this new world, those two weeks were spent with his past self Tom Riddle planning how to finally kill the boy and emerge victorious.
It was when a follower told Tom Riddle, outraged by the New Defence against the Dark Arts teacher than had beaten him for the position; they realized a man with a lightning bolt scar and rags for clothes could only be one Harry Potter. Their plan would come to fruition soon.