LILY POTTER AND THE CHANGE OF TIME
Warning – This is the sequel to Harry Potter, Time Traveler. If you have not read, Harry Potter, Time Traveler, I would highly recommend it as this story will get very confusing. You may not recognize many of the characters and may have no idea what is going on if you do not read it.
Summary – Harry Potter is supposed to be dead. But thanks to the Book of Time and a little time traveling back in his fifth year, he is now alive. Now Lily must overcome the obstacles of being a typical teenage witch and finding out where time got changed because you never want to mess with fate. Sometimes it does not always come out for the best…but yet…sometimes it does.
Disclaimer – I do not own Harry Potter, the characters, or the Harry Potter world. They all belong to the fabulous J.K. Rowling. However, while I do not own their names, the characters and the personality traits of Lily Potter, Eddie Weasley, Daris Malfoy, Christof Nott, as well as Asher Lazard and Robyn Andrews all belong to me.
Chapter 2 – A Dramatic Change:
Lily stomped through the corridors with her fists clenched, her eyes were narrowed dangerously, and her face was full of anger. She could not understand how could Eddie have been so thick and so insensitive? For the first time, she was going to try and open up to him about her feelings. Lily had needed him to be serious and but of course he was acting like a typical male, and he was joking around like absolutely nothing was wrong! Lily let out a frustrated groan and threw her hands up in the air. Her face had now become distorted with anguish.
"Why me?" she cried out, yelling directly at the ceiling. "What did I do to deserve this all of this? Why does this kind of stuff always happen to me?"
"Things like this will always happen to you, Lily simply because you're a Potter," a voice called out from the shadows of the corridors behind her. Lily gasped and jumped, reaching into her pocket to take her wand out of her pocket.
"Who's there?"
The voice chuckled and Lily's grip in her wand tightened. The voice sounded very familiar to her, but she could not seem to place it. The voice must have caught sight of the puzzled look on her face because he chuckled again. "A little paranoid, aren't you Tiger?" Lily sighed and lowered her wand, pocketing it. She knew that only one person in the entire world called her 'Tiger.'
"Harry?"
"I would prefer if you called me 'Dad,' Lily," said Harry in a tired voice, coming out of the shadows, eliminating his dark, black hair to the point where it was almost blue. Lily held her ground and the two stared at each other for a minute. Harry stood there and stuffed his pockets deep into his robes, looking very much like the fifteen year old boy that Lily had just sent back home.
"How are you, Tiger?" asked Harry, finally breaking the silence.
"I'm fine," said Lily, not meeting his eye.
"Really? Are you sure? Because you didn't seem so 'fine' when you were shouting at the ceiling, asking why things always happen to you. You know, Lily, even in the wizarding world, talking to yourself is not a good sign," said Harry smirking, his emerald green eyes dancing with amusement. Lily gave a weak grin and chuckled.
"Alright so I'm not fine," said Lily dejectedly. "But today was not easy. First I think that I'm saying good-bye to you forever and now, you're here. You were dead and now you're not. Am I supposed to be fine?"
"Yeah, you do have a point there, Tiger Lily," said Harry, looking at his feet. "Speaking of my change in time, I think that you and I need to talk about this."
"Why?" Lily groaned, rubbing her hand over her face.
"We need to talk, Lily," said Harry, more reaffirming. "So much has changed and we cannot just let it keep hanging over our heads."
"Yeah, I know that," said Lily smiling slightly. "I know that we can't let it keep hanging over our heads."
"You do?" asked Harry, startled at her sudden attitude; an attitude that was willing to not fight with him and that was willing to listen and open up.
"Yeah," said Lily softly, finally meeting Harry's gaze. "I know a lot has changed. When you reappeared…alive…I received all of these new memories, but I still have the old ones. I remember what it was like when you were alive and still in my life and I remember what it was like when you became a Death Eater and then died. I expect all of us who know you have the new and old memories."
"Well, let's walk then," said Harry, gesturing towards the Entrance Hall. Lily nodded and walked towards her father, who placed a comforting arm around her shoulders as they walked through the Entrance Hall and on to the grounds, towards the Great Lake. "So, perhaps you care to tell me all about the new memories that you've received in the last hour or so?"
"You never became a Death Eater," whispered Lily in an awe sort of voice. "In fact, right after I was born, you started working for Albus Dumbledore and the Order of the Phoenix and became a spy, pretending to be Death Eater. But, you just simply joined; Voldemort never had to kidnap Ginny and I and you never had to make some kind of sick sacrifice. Since Voldemort believed in the prophecy about the crow and the mockingbirds, it was extremely easy for you to join him and spy. You saved countless lives with the information you were constantly providing the Order. But, Voldemort eventually found out where your true loyalties laid because of me. After all, you never were particularly skilled at Occlumency…"
"Yes, Professor Snape can definitely confirm that for you," said Harry, smiling down at his daughter. "But you have to give me some credit; I did use it successfully for many years while working as a spy."
"Touché," said Lily with a chuckle. "Credit earned." Harry threw his head back and laughed, gently tightening the grip he had around Lily's shoulder.
"Is there anything else that's floating around in your new memories that you care to share with me?" asked Harry, still grinning down at Lily. Lily could not help but notice how blissfully happy he seemed to be about the entire situation; about never turning Death Eater. She could not help but feel rather giddy herself. However, she knew that the next piece of information that she was going to share with Harry would immediately dampen his spirits.
"You're still single," said Lily, carefully choosing her words, knowing how sensitive this subject was to Harry. "You're not dating Ginny anymore, despite the fact that she is alive and well…" Just as Lily had predicted, Harry's eyes immediately lost their spark and all color from his face drained. He slowly looked away from Lily and took his arm from around her shoulders, shoving them deep into his pockets. Lily could tell that from the bulges within the pockets that his hands were clenched into tight fists. Harry's face looked completely crestfallen and his jaw was set, twitching slightly.
"Harry, are you still in love with her?" asked Lily timidly, placing a comforting hand on his forearm.
"This is not a topic that I wish to discuss right now, Lily," said Harry angrily, his voice croaking. Lily ignored him.
"Then, why aren't you with her?" asked Lily gently. "I think she is incredible, Harry and I'd love to have her as a stepmo-"
"I know she is incredible, Lily!" Harry near shouted, a fire blazing in his emerald green depths. Lily immediately recognized that fire, having used it many times in her past, and took a fearful step back. "But what kind of person…what kind of man would I be to knowingly put the woman that I love in danger like that? You know the consequences of my being with her, Lily. How could you even ask me that?"
"But, how can you sit back and watch her date that Justin Flinch-Fletchley" asked Lily, not understanding. "How…how can you stand it?"
"It kills me, Lily," whispered Harry, his face still contorted with a rage that she had never seen in him before. "It truly does. But, it would kill me more to have watched her die, and worst of all, I'd be responsible for it. I'm happier to see her alive and dating others than dead at my hand." Harry turned to look at his daughter and looked at her with pleading eyes, as though silently begging her to understand. Lily, for her father's sake, nodded slowly and gently.
"Well maybe it's for the best," whispered Lily with a mischievous sparkle in her eyes, which caused Harry to look at her with a raised eyebrow. "I doubt she would stick around with a head case like me as a stepdaughter."
Harry knew that Lily may or may not have understood what he was feeling or why he had made the decision to not be with Ginny, but he knew that with that joke and with those words, that she loved and respected him enough to accept that decision. Realizing this, the two Potters laughed and stared at each other for a few seconds, standing quietly at the edge of the Great Lake.
While looking at Harry, Lily never really fully realized how much she resembled him, but at the same time, she had her own features; features that she must have inherited from her mother. But it still startled her to see how much their eyes looked alike; they both shared the same stunning emerald green eyes. Ironically enough, Harry must have been thinking the same exact thing because he smiled at Lily and shook his head.
"You look a little like me," said Harry grinning, as though proud of himself. "I never realized it. But, you have a bit of your mother in you too." At those words, Lily found herself feeling extremely uncomfortable. Even with all of these new memories, she still had no recollection or even an idea on the identity of her biological mother. Cautiously, she was approached the subject.
"Harry, I've always wondered and you've clearly never told me," started Lily, scratching her chin nervously. "But, who is my m-?"
"Lily?" a voice called out from the distance, interrupting Lily and Harry's conversation. Harry looked up over Lily's head as she whipped around. In the distance, Eddie Weasley came running across the grounds and towards them standing at the Great Lake. When he approached them, he looked at the two curiously, paling at the sight of Harry. Like everyone else who was close to Harry, Eddie clearly could not get over the fact that Harry was alive.
"Oh, hi Harry…hi Lils," he said awkwardly. Harry nodded and smiled while Lily narrowed her eyes at him. He felt uncomfortable under her gaze and shuffled his feet nervously while staring hard at them. "I'm sorry to interrupt…"
"There's no problem, Ed, you're fine," said Harry smiling. "What's up?"
"I was just wondering if I could speak to Lily privately," said Eddie, now turning his gaze on Lily. "Lily?""
"Maybe I didn't make myself clear earlier," said Lily coldly, folding her arms across her chest as though defending herself. "I don't want to talk to or open up to an insensitive git like you!" Eddie visually gulped and looked down at his feet, looking both embarrassed and ashamed. Harry's heart went out to his godson and he was a little annoyed at Lily for her attitude towards him. He immediately jumped to Eddie's defense.
"Just so you know Tiger; every guy on the planet, wizard or Muggle, is an insensitive git," said Harry, grinning knowingly at Eddie. Eddie gave Harry a grateful look and nodded at Lily vigorously. "Am I right Ed?"
"Right!" said Eddie, nodding eagerly and wide-eyed. "Not only are we insensitive, but we're thickheaded too! Just ask my mum and dad!" Lily chuckled, knowing that Eddie was referring to how thick Ron always had been.
"Yeah, you all are thickheaded and insensitive gits," muttered Lily with a smirk on her face. "I appreciate the concern, Eddie but would it be okay if I just talked to Harry right now? I mean, can we talk later?"
"Oh! Um…sure, yeah, no problem" said Eddie, his heart falling and crashing on to the floor breaking into tiny, little pieces. It was just like it had been when Harry had time-traveled as a fifteen year old. Once again, Harry was taking his place. More than anything Eddie wanted to be the one that Lily would run to when she was not feeling like herself or when she needed someone to lean on. But, like before, she was running straight to Harry and he had only been there for a little over an hour. Eddie unintentionally gave Harry a quick, nasty glare before turning away and dejectedly walking back to the castle.
"Thanks Eddie," called out Lily and she was being sincere. She was grateful for Eddie's concern and his desire to be there for her. But, right now, at that moment, Lily knew that she needed Harry. Eddie stopped walking for a moment and gave a swift nod before clenching his fists and storming off towards the main entrance to Hogwarts. Lily turned back to her father, smiling. Judging by her behavior, Harry realized that he was the only one who noticed Eddie's anger. Lily had no idea how intense Eddie's feelings were for and Harry shivered, knowing full well that Eddie could be the man that he would probably lose his only daughter to; and Harry did not want that happening any time soon.
"C'mon Tiger, it is getting dark. We should probably head on inside," said Harry as he gestured towards the castle and started walking in its direction. Lily followed him and was startled to see that he was leading them towards Hermione's office. To her immense surprise, Hermione, Ron, Sirius, and Remus were all inside the office, as though they had been waiting for them. And to Lily's discomfort and annoyance, the four of them stared at Harry strangely, as though he were some kind of ghost, as he entered.
"Harry," said Ron, nodding towards his best friend, a fearful look in blue eyes. Harry either did not notice or did not care about the look Ron was giving him. Harry just grinned at his friend.
"Well judging by the looks on everyone's faces" muttered Harry, clearly unable to ignore the tension any longer, "I'm guessing that Hermione told all of you about what happened; about how I overcame the Memory Charm?"
Everyone nodded mutely and with that, Sirius strode towards the young man and pulled him into a fierce embrace. Harry was startled and looked uncomfortable at first, but graciously returned the hug. Harry returning the hug only caused Sirius to tighten his grip on his godson, causing Harry to cough.
"Sirius!" choked Harry, going slightly red. "Sirius, I appreciate the gesture, but you're choking me!"
"Oh, sorry, Harry" mumbled Sirius, looking embarrassed as he let go of Harry and backed away. "I suppose I got a little carried away."
"It's no problem, Sirius," said Harry shrugging. "Trust me; there are much worse ways to die than suffocation by hug." He took a long hard look at everyone else in the room. "Would it be okay if Lily and I talked in private? It's getting too dark outside…"
"Of course, Harry," said Hermione earnestly as she ushered her husband, Sirius, and Remus out of her office. Ron was putting up an argument but Hermione was shushing him and literally shoving him out of the office. They heard a loud; "Ouch, bloody hell, Hermione!" from the outside corridor and the two Potters looked at one another laughing until they could no longer hear voices from behind the entrance to Hermione's office, ensuring that they were alone.
"So, I'm going to assume that we're not done talking about this change in time?" asked Lily knowingly. Harry chuckled and leaned against Hermione's desk.
"Sometimes I think you're too smart for your own good," said Harry with a casual smile. "Now only if your grades would reflect it."
"Are we really going to start talking about my grades?" asked Lily wearily, rolling her eyes. Harry laughed again and shook his head.
"You're right," said Harry, "now is not the time for that discussion. But, I think you know perfectly well what I'm going to ask you right now, Tiger, so please don't play dumb with me and please do not lose your temper. We really need to get this out into the open."
"Alright…"
"What do you think of this new change in your life?" asked Harry. His tone told Lily that he seemed as though he was afraid to know her answer. "What do you think of having a full-time dad? What do you think of all the changes that I made in my lifetime?"
"Well, it's certainly a dramatic change," started Lily, her voice trailing off.
"Yes, well, I knew that much," said Harry. "And quite frankly, I'm worried that it may be too dramatic for you."
"What do you mean?"
"Tiger, I know that you've been through a lot; a lot more than any fifteen year old girl should have to go through," said Harry, almost in a frustrated tone. "Now, with me coming back from out of nowhere and changing everything that you've ever know; it is just another something stressful to add on your list." Lily stared at him and she could not help but agree with him; she had been through enough of this drama to last her six lifetimes.
"Now, Lily, I'm going to ask you something and I want you to be one hundred percent honest with me. Do you understand?" continued Harry when she did not respond. He took a deep breath and Lily nodded encouragingly, to show that she was listening and that she would be honest. "Are you happy with this new change in your life?"
Lily was taken aback by this question and stared at Harry, clearly not believing what he had just asked and was blinking repeatedly, trying to let that question soak into her brain. "What?"
"Are you happy with this new change in your life?" repeated Harry, emphasizing each word slowly.
"What? How could you even ask-? What kind of question is that?" asked Lily incredulously.
"It's a question," said Harry simply.
"A ridiculous question might I add!"
"It is a question that deserves an answer, Lily!" said Harry in a firm and exasperated voice. "Now please answer it."
"You're bloody crazy. Of course I'm happy about this change!" said Lily, though to Harry's discomfort, she did not look him in the eye when she gave him her answer. Harry stared at her intently for a minute before gently grabbing her by the chin, forcing her to look him square in the eye.
"You're completely happy about this change?" he asked quietly. Emerald met emerald and for a moment, Lily's eyes look defeated.
"I suppose…I mean…it's just so confusing, you know?" asked Lily quietly. "My whole life has completely changed; and it happened in mere minutes…seconds even." Lily looked up at Harry and pleaded for him to understand but he just stared at her blankly, so she continued. "Harry, I'm not saying that I liked it better the old way when you became a Death Eater, because I didn't. But what happened was meant to happen and now everything is changed. Who knows how it all affected the future?"
"You think you're future; our future will be affected?" asked Harry curiously. "How?"
"It's hard to explain," said Lily uncertainly, biting her lip. "Everything has changed, Harry. I mean, no offense or anything, but you are supposed to be dead. And as happy as I am that you're not, maybe you being alive could somehow change future events."
"But, wouldn't that be a good thing?"
"It could be a good thing," said Lily slowly, as though thinking about something. "But it could also be a bad thing too. I just don't know. All I know is that you should never play with fate and that's exactly what happened here."
"Well, judging by your answers, Tiger, it sounds like that you want things back to the way they used to be," Harry observed quietly.
"No…and yes…"
"That's a little vague, Tiger," said Harry, rolling his eyes playfully. "Care to clarify that statement for me?"
"I suppose I can try," said Lily slowly. "I'm extremely happy that you never disowned me or became a Death Eater, but, that was what was supposed to happen. We shouldn't have changed things because while things seem great now, they could become disastrous in our futures." Lily took a deep breath, looking at her feet, almost ashamed to look into her father's eyes that were so like her own. After what seemed like hours, she worked up the Gryffindor courage and looked up at Harry. He had a weird look on his face and in his eyes, as though he were holding something extremely painful inside. In all of her life, no matter how much she had suffered, she had never seen such an anguished look on anyone's face before and the sight of it made Lily hold her breath out of fear; her heart was pounding painfully against her chest and the cramps that were forming in her stomach were excruciating. Then, slowly, very slowly, Harry looked straight at his daughter and nodded in understanding.
"So, from what I understand," started Harry, his voice shaking with an emotion that Lily had never heard before, "from what I think you're trying to tell me is that you want things back to the way they used to be, am I right?"
"Please, don't say it like that," whispered Lily with a groan. "I love you so much and-"
"Lily, please," pleaded Harry, his trembling furiously. "Please spare me the pleasantries. I know you love me; there's no questioning that. But you need to answer me and you need to be honest with me."
"Harry…"
"Lily, answer the question!"
"Yes," she answered quickly in a mere whisoer, sensing Harry's temper rising. She was not sure that he heard her, but when she looked into his eyes, Lily knew that he had heard her and it broke her heart seeing that disappointment and sadness in his eyes. "Yes, I'd prefer things the way they used to be."
Lily looked at her feet. She had not wanted to hurt him; after all, she loved him. But, it was all too confusing and scary for her and the last thing she needed right now was a big, dramatic change like this one. It was a change that could also severely affect her future and the future of everyone else. Then finally, in the long run, she could not bear to loose Harry again; the way she had lost him so many times before.
"I understand, Lily" was all Harry said in voice that told Lily that he was about to have some kind of breakdown. Without another word, Harry left the office with his head bowed down in shame and his cloak billowing miserably behind him.
When the door slammed behind him, Lily shivered and looked at her feet, so desperately wishing that she knew how to cry.
A note from the Jitterbelle. Here is another revised Chapter. I really wanted to put Harry and Ginny together but Harry, who knows of the future, decided to not pursue a relationship with her (kind of like what he did in the real series…). It disappoints me because I've been a huge Harry/Ginny shipper since Chamber of Secrets. I'm going to see what I can do with those two…
Also, please do not judge Lily's decision right now. There is a reason for why she answered Harry the way that she did and it will all come full circle in the end…
In other news, here is another revised chapter…I hope you enjoy and please be sure to review! I greatly appreciate them!
Coming in Chapter 3 - Harry makes an important decision that will affect Lily's life and Ginny makes an appearance.
