A/N: Hey everyone! Here is another chapter already! *tear* We're so close
to the end of this fanfic! I can't believe it was over a year ago I started
this. :) Still, here it is chapter 17! I'm very pleased to know that you
enjoyed the last chapter so much! Any questions you have concerning
anything in this fic, ask me now! Thanks so much to all my readers,
reviewers, and beta's: Tracy and Kjirstyn. For the last time, on with the
story.!
Disclaimer: This is J.K Rowling's genius universe of magic. I own the plot.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* Lost and Found *~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
~~Present~~
Mr. Weasley rummaged around the crammed office, looking for a sack of Floo powder.
"We must make haste," said Dumbledore sternly. He was still standing next to a stunned werewolf taking rapid, shallow breathes. "Harry is alive for now, but I can not foretell how much longer."
"The heir of Gryffindor," Sirius breathed disbelievingly. He was sitting in one of the chairs and had his face buried in his hands.
"I know it is a significant amount to be taken in, Sirius" said Dumbledore, turning a sympathetic gaze on Sirius.
"James and his entire family died because he," Sirius gulped. "Because Voldemort is." here, Sirius found his throat was obstructed.
".the last remaining descendant of Salazar Slytherin. Yes," sighed Dumbledore deeply. "I am afraid so."
"But why Lily?" Sirius asked desperately. "She was Muggle born; she couldn't have."
"Lily refused to allow Voldemort access to Harry," said Dumbledore carefully. "As a result of her sacrifice, Harry was immune to Voldemort's wrath"
"Got it!" exclaimed Mr. Weasley triumphantly holding up a small sack of Floo powder. Dumbledore leaned over the desk and took it from him.
"You're sure Remus said 1971, Sirius?" Dumbledore asked, peering at him closely.
"Yeah," said Sirius lifting his head up. "Yeah. He said something about Harry being there. But I don't remember."
"You wouldn't." said Dumbledore wisely. "The Green Flame Torch was designed for time-travel and entrapment. You can only go through time each way once, rendering the subjects whom met the heir oblivious after returning to the present time. When Gryffindor defeated Slytherin, he trapped Slytherin's soul inside the Green Flame torch. If Harry were to succeed likewise, this would also be Lord Voldemort's fate."
Mr. Weasley peered outside the door to ensure that no one was near.
"The coast is clear," he said in a nervous voice. "Straight down the hall and to your left, Albus. There you'll find a fire place to take you back to Hogwarts."
"What should we do with Moony until then?" Sirius asked concernedly, getting to his feet.
"Watch him closely." said Dumbledore resolutely. "If he awakes," Dumbledore took a deep breath. "I want you to find the people you care most deeply for, and stay with them."
Mr. Weasley and Sirius started at these words, and stared at the old Hogwarts headmaster with a mixture of shock and horror. Dumbledore gave them a sorrowful and apprehensive look, then turned on his heal and proceeded out the door.
** The Past **
Voldemort watched the lifeless form of his future foe, Harry Potter, lying on the ground. James Potter laid trembling hands on Harry's shoulders, unable to understand how someone could just kill anybody. Peter had curled himself into a nearby corner, sobbing. Sirius got unsteadily to his feet, and collapsed beside James as he stared horror struck at his dead godson.
"He was your son, Prongs." Sirius whispered in a distant, disconnected voice. This had little effect on James who seemed to have lost contact with the external world.
"And now," whispered Voldemort pointing his wand at James, a malicious smile curling upon his lipless face. "It is your turn to die, James Potter."
At his name, James looked slowly up. His face was completely drained of color; his hazel eyes were overly bright; his mouth was open in a silent scream.
"Cornelius," hissed Voldemort. "Bring Wormtail closer. I want Potter to look in the face of the man who betrayed his family to their deaths." He let out a cold, high laugh of baleful mirth.
"Yes, master," replied the closest Death Eater. The Death Eater raised his wand to the pathetic huddle sobbing in the corner. Wormtail was raised off his feet and fell to James's other side. James hands stop trembling as he stood to his full height, looking down at Peter. A mixture of pity and disgust etched into every fragment of James's face.
"This is the end, Potter," breathed Voldemort. "You will die like your son."
"I am afraid not, Tom," came an elderly voice. James turned to see his old Headmaster standing in the door, his wand pointed at the evil necromancer; fury was readable in each line of the man's aging face. There was a series of pops around the large dungeon chamber. No less than thirty individuals from the Order of the Phoenix surrounded Lord Voldemort and his Death Eaters.
~~ The Present ~~
Ginny Weasley followed Crookshanks from Gryffindor Tower, down the corridors, through hidden walls, and around suits of armor.
Ginny strained her eyes as she jogged after a bounding Crookshanks. She had nearly lost sight of him twice, and now she stood, breathing heavily, outside a stone gargoyle that was glaring at her.
"This is where you take me?" said Ginny, giving Crookshanks a shrewd stare. Crookshanks ignored her. He was sniffing around the spot; as if struck by a sudden inspiration, he bounded off again in the opposite direction.
"Oh, now where are you going?" Ginny asked exasperatedly. Chasing after the cat once more.
Making her way down yet more corridors and behind paintings, Ginny finally realized she was heading down the hall to the Library, and saw the door was already open. Ginny strode into the library, and made for the two figures huddled against a lit lantern.
"Ron! Hermione! What are you two doing in here at this hour!" Ginny snapped when she got closer. Ron and Hermione looked drearily up at her.
"Looking for a location charm," murmured Hermione sleepily. "We're trying to find Harry."
"Don't you think someone like Dumbledore would have already tried something like that?" Ginny asked tentatively.
"I said that!" Ron moaned loudly at Hermione.
"Well, we don't know if they have used it yet. So we're going to try it," snapped Hermione through clenched teeth.
Ron half-rolled his eyes, and lowered his head into his arms to try to fall asleep again. His arm hid an aged map of Britain, and in his fist, there was a crystal tied to a string. Ginny sat down opposite Hermione, and watched her scan through the pages of the old book.
Feeling sleep pulling at her tired eyes, Ginny imitated Ron, and laid her head on the desk. Just a few minutes, thought Ginny. Just a little bit of sleep.
Ginny suddenly found herself standing in front of the glaring gargoyle. The scene was surreal. Ginny peered around her and saw it was obviously the corridor she had just come from. But it was different. New, but with an old fashion air to it. The torches were lit, and the sun's gleamed over the mountain tops as it sunk into night. Then, Ginny heard voices nearby:
'Yeah, yeah. That is what I heard spoken of.' said one boy behind Ginny. Ginny turned, and realized with a gasp, that the torches were lit and three Slytherins were huddled together whispering excitedly. Ginny moved in closer. These boys were so.ferocious looking. They had long, unkempt hair; hard, worn skin. And their robes were a design so old fashioned, Ginny could hardly fathom where they could have gotten these thin, woolen gray robes.
"Professor Slytherin is building an army to get rid of the Mudbloods?" asked another boy in awe.
"If he is, I'd join his side in a second. Better than sticking around this place with all the rubbish Gryffindor is admitting as of late," retorted the third boy indignantly.
The three boys hushed their tones even more as a man came out from behind the stone gargoyle. He was a tall, muscular man with long sandy-blond hair. He paused slightly as he glanced at the excited Slytherins. He sighed heavily, shook his head, and continued walking in the direction of the Great Hall.
Ginny made to follow him. As she turned the corner, the torches extinguished, and the man disappeared. Ginny looked about her for the slytherins. They, too, were gone.
~~
"Here it is! The lost and found charm we need!" Hermione squeaked, bringing Ginny from her slumber.
Ron's head jerked up as he stared at her.
"What is it then?" he asked with slight terseness to his tone. Hermione read the incantation out loud, and looked around hopefully at them both.
"That sounds a little.general, Hermione" said Ginny slowly.
"Yeah, we could end up finding some bloody convict in hiding," Ron said meaningfully.
Hermione slammed the book closed with a snap, and said in a poisonous tone:
"Fine! We'll just go back to the dormitory so you can get your sleep Ron, and we'll just wait for the Daily Prophet to report that Harry's been killed, shall we?!" she shrieked. Ron had been gesturing desperately for her to quiet down in case Filch heard them.
"Okay, okay!" Ron hissed. "We'll recite the charm with you."
Hermione looked satisfied, and opened the book to the right page. She held the book in front of her so Ron and Ginny could see. Together, they recited the incantation:
"Send to me what I wish is mine, To seek the thing that I must find, What forever more is lasting cost Should no longer be at a loss"
They froze, as though expecting Harry to materialize right in front of them. There was silence for a few moments before Hermione slammed the book shut again.
"Damn!" she hissed. "It didn't work."
"Come on, Hermione," said Ron stretching. "It's almost two in the morning. I have a quidditch game tomorrow."
"Yes," said Hermione in a defeated tone. "Perhaps we better go to bed. I." she suddenly stopped. "Oh my goodness, I just remembered! Gerlin the Glad wasn't at Middle township in 1390! It was Galen the Gay! I have to revise my entire History of Magic essay!" Hermione hurried off with Ginny and Ron striding after her; shooting puzzled looks as they went.
When Ron got into his dormitory sometime later, he thought how odd Hermione should suddenly recover that information. Shrugging, Ron made his way to his four-poster bed. The window had been left open, and the room was very chilly.
Ron shivered, and bent down into the dresser to pull out a pair of socks to keep his feet warm. He leapt back, however, when the cabinet exploded with socks that had long since been lost. He bent down to see what else was in the other cabinet. Quills, broken and certainly long lost, popped eagerly out and flooded onto the floor. Neville's snores suddenly stopped. There was a small squeak, and then an incredulous, "Trevor! There you are!"
"Hermione!" Ron whispered weakly, storming out of the dormitory to tell Hermione what she had done. However, the common room was already filled with quite a few angry people. Including Hermione and Ginny, who were looking strained and pale.
"Now if you'll just give us a few minutes, I'm positive we can find the counter charm!" Hermione called to the raging crowd.
Ron walked hesitantly over to his sister and Hermione.
"I found my tooth!" someone called happily.
"My ring! I found my ring!" another shouted.
"If this works on my virginity.!" shrieked another girl.
~~
** The Past*
"And now, Harry Potter, it is time for Slytherin to meet Gryffindor again," a voice hissed.
Harry turned around, every nerve in his body on end. Harry's heart was feeling weak and his head unclear. Once again he looked into the cold, red eyes of Voldemort, and he realized--this Voldemort was as white as a skull.
"Voldemort" whispered Harry, terrified. Harry slowly backed away. "No, no!" Harry yelled wildly. "There has to another way out! No!"
"I've waited for this for far too long", hissed Voldemort. There was a terrible hunger in his eyes that chilled Harry. "I've let you escape me too many times" he murmured with desperate malice.
Harry began feeling around frantically for his wand. It wasn't in any of his pockets. Breathing hard, Harry forced himself to look into those murderous red eyes as he cowered into the corner. Why? Why was he losing his nerve like this? He felt unprotected; powerless. It was only then that Harry realized it was only him and Voldemort in the dark chamber he had left in the past such a short time ago. No Death Eaters, creatures, or help was to be found. Voldemort had read his mind.
"I stand alone for your final death, as our ancestors once did. And today, Harry Potter is your judgment day. The revenge of Slytherin! My revenge!" hissed Voldemort. "Avada Kedavra!"
Harry saw the green light come swishing from Voldemort's wand; the horrible look of triumph that pressed Voldemort's face as he said the words. A chilling, freezing sensation enveloped Harry as the curse hit him. Harry shut his eyes as tight as he could. His scar exploded in agonizing pain; but it was momentary; brief. There was silence amidst the dark room. Harry barely opened an eye. Voldemort still stood, towering terrifyingly over him, glaring with furious rage.
The curse had failed! He was alive! He was going to live!
"Avad." Voldemort hissed again.
"It won't work" came a man's voice lazily from the corner.
Voldemort turned on his heel and turned his wand to the darkened corner. A man stepped from the darkness. He was tall, thin, with jet-black, unruly hair sticking in all directions.
"Dad?" whispered Harry incredulously.
The man half-glanced at Harry. His eyes were a bright, emerald green; a lightning shaped scar was imbedded on his forehead. There he stood, his wand placed at Lord Voldemort's heart, unafraid.
"Harry Potter," whispered Voldemort, a smile curling upon his lips. "I was under the impression the Green Flame torch only went back and forward through time once."
"I am the heir of Gryffindor, and more powerful than my ancestor." He answered. "I can bend the torch to my will, especially after its destiny was tampered with the first time" he answered placidly.
Voldemort gave a mirthful laugh. "Just as well. You're going to die today anyway", he hissed amusedly.
The man cast his eyes upon Harry, huddled defenselessly in the corner, staring awestruck and confusedly at him.
"Sorry to have left you without powers", the man said with out much concern. "Dumbledore will explain it later."
"He isn't going anywhere" hissed Voldemort, "Astrolaflite!"
The man was launched unwillingly into the air, and skidded with a sickening thump into the stone wall.
"Ow! Shit! God damn it!" he proclaimed getting quickly to his feet and pointing his wand at Voldemort. "Now really!" he hissed. "If you're going to kill me, don't waste your time."
"Not afraid of me now that you're all grown up, Harry Potter?" asked Lord Voldemort, who seemed to be enjoying the situation much more now.
"No, I'm not" answered the adult Harry shortly.
"You should be," Lord Voldemort answered coolly.
"Like-wise" the adult-Harry answered. "Stupefy!"
"Amontiago!" shouted Voldemort.
"Telanosium!" retorted Harry.
The spells crisscrossed each other, and the sorcerers had to duck to miss them. Harry got to his feet to join the side of his older self, but Voldemort seized him.
"You're never leaving here alive!" he threatened.
"Wrong answer," shouted the elder-Harry. "Ostiologaz!"
There was a faint singeing sound as Harry's skin became red-hot. Voldemort gasped with pain and let him go long enough for the man to grab Harry around his neck.
"Surabon!" shouted the older Harry.
~~
~~ The Present ~~
Harry's insides evaporated. He felt that familiar feeling of being air, water, and soil all at once. It was bliss. His insides were melting, freezing, evaporating. He was the heavens, the oceans, and the earth. And then:
"Oh," groaned Harry loudly as he opened his eyes.
He was freezing in the snow that had fallen in the night. Harry stretched his fingers which felt like ice sickles. There were two broom sticks clutched in his hand. A wonderful thought slowly started to sink in Harry's mind. Was he back at Hogwarts in his own time?
"'Arry?" came a gruff voice. Harry's heart sank.
"'Arry!" proclaimed Hagrid incredulously. "What are yeh doin slee'ing on the ground at this time o' the morning?"
Hagrid leaned down to pick Harry up and put him on his feet. Hagrid gave Harry a hard stare.
"Yeh shouldn't be slee'ing on the school grounds, see!" said Hagrid sternly as though Harry wasn't aware of the fact. Harry stared at him amazed. It was his own time, but.
"You're alive!" proclaimed Harry confounded.
Hagrid chuckled. "'Course I'm alive, 'Arry. You must have taken quite a knock to the head. Do yeh need to get to the hospital wing?"
"No," Harry answered flatly.
"Well then," said Hagrid contently. "Let's get yeh some breakfast. You'll need all the energy yeh can get for the Quidditch match tomorrow."
"Quidditch match? Oh.right" said Harry, remembering.
"I'm surprised not to see Ron with yeh", said Hagrid. Hagrid kindly took the brooms from Harry. He stared at the Firebolt for a moment and said, "Yeh know, 'Arry, you're as good a flyer as yer dad, I reckon."
~~
"There you are!" proclaimed Ron exasperatedly when he saw Harry eating at the Gryffindor table. "I thought you'd been dropped off the face of the planet!"
"Ron! Hermione!" Harry exclaimed delightedly. "I've missed you! It's been so long."
"You saw me last night. That reminds me," Ron started indignantly. "Why didn't you come down to the kitchens?"
"I." Harry began, "forgot"
"Well," huffed Ron, "don't forget about the Quidditch match tomorrow morning!"
"We should get going," said Hermione briskly. "Charms begin in ten minutes."
"You two go," said Harry. "I need to talk with Dumbledore"
"Why?" Ron asked puzzled.
"Just go," answered Harry resolutely.
~~
Standing in front of the gargoyle, Harry heaved a sigh of relief. He knocked, and waited. After a minute the door peaked open and the elderly headmaster appeared behind.
"Ah, Mister Potter. I had been expecting you" Dumbledore said when he saw Harry. Harry silently followed Dumbledore up the revolving steps into the glittery office which welcomed Harry warmly.
"So you remember" said Harry when Dumbledore shut the door. "Me in the past, I mean. So does.does that mean my parents, are my parents alive? Hagrid's alive! Are they?" the words tumbled eagerly from Harry's mouth.
"Please sit and I will confront any questions you may have" Dumbledore answered.
"Me parents," pressed Harry. "Are they still alive like Hagrid?"
"First, and you much understand this Harry, you are the only one with the memory of that time in the past. Anything I can tell you is what I, myself, have pieced together through the years." Dumbledore said gently.
"So you don't remember?" asked Harry, horrified. "My dad didn't remember.remember Voldemort telling him Wormtail betrayed them to his death?"
Dumbledore gave Harry a sympathetic look. Harry didn't need Dumbledore to answer his questions.
"So I still live with the Dursley's? It all happens again. Voldemort rises to power again?" Harry said, frowning.
"I do not know much about the original history of events, but you'll excuse me if I give you a small summary of what is known to me of your real history," said Dumbledore.
"After Lord Voldemort's downfall, you were sent to live with your relatives for a short period of time only. Your godfather, Sirius Black, has custody of you for all but one week of the year," said Dumbledore, before he was interrupted.
"Sirius? He isn't in Azkaban?" Harry sputtered astounded.
"It would seem so," said Dumbledore, looking slightly perplexed but continuing. "After being administered under ministry supervised truth serum, the head of the department of law enforcement, whom was Bartimus Crouch at the time, was forced to free Sirius of all charges."
"But Wormtail." began Harry.
"Was searched for by top Aurors. Some weeks later, Mr. Pettigrew stood trial for another crime: Assisting in the torture of an Auror and his wife." Answered Dumbledore.
"Neville's parents" retorted Harry. Dumbledore nodded.
"In short, Harry. It was discovered some time ago that Bartimus Crouch Senior had allowed his son to escape from Azkaban a year after his imprisonment. In the summer of 1994, as I'm sure you remember, Barty Crouch jr. cast the dark mark at the World Cup before escaping.." Dumbledore went on before interrupted again.
"He escaped?!" exclaimed Harry.
"Yes, and unfortunately was somehow able to penetrate Azkaban. Several of Lord Voldemort's most loyal supporters were set free; Wormtail among them. Barty Crouch Jr. ordered Pettigrew to find the remains of Voldemort. Other supporters received information from inside the Ministry about the Triwizard tournament to be held at Hogwarts later that year. Crouch Jr. himself impersonated a contemporary Defense Against the Dark Arts professor, and was able to sneak your name into the tournament under a forth school with the orders from Lord Voldemort."
"Don't go on" Harry said sullenly. "I know what happens next"
Dumbledore glanced at him. "I am afraid," said Dumbledore, "that some things are meant to be. And others are unavoidable". He frowned at Harry.
"But then.how did my dad and Sirius, and the rest of them escape from Voldemort?" asked Harry.
"The Order of the Phoenix arrived in time to prevent any physical harm done upon them." Dumbledore answered.
"How did they know?" Harry asked, still confused.
"Mr. Filch had discovered a certain map lying about the common room one night, and thought I might be interested in the persons concerned," said Dumbledore simply. "Though I believe the map has been confiscated since then."
Harry pursed his lips, and didn't say a word. Dumbledore peered keenly into Harry's eyes. Harry quickly turned away. He could swear that Dumbledore could read minds.
"And what about that guy who saved me?" asked Harry. "He, well, he was me.but older. And he said he was sorry he left me without my powers, and said you'd explain it to me later".
Harry looked up at Dumbledore again who looked both very impressed and slightly perplexed.
"I would imagine that it had to do with the rule of one" he answered thoughtfully.
"The rule of one?" Harry asked uncertainly.
"Oh yes," said Dumbledore, nodding. "Only one living being can possess a certain.life force, if you will. It is quite a complicated theory," said Dumbledore, smiling slightly. "But to put it lightly, only one of yourself could retain the magic that resides in your blood at one point in time. The stronger of the two, in this case, acquired it."
"So I'll get stronger then?" asked Harry in a hopeful tone.
"Yes," Dumbledore answered. Before Harry could ask another question, Dumbledore continued. "Put it from your mind for now, Harry. One day, not today, but one day.you will understand everything that has happened recently."
Harry looked as though he wanted to disagree and continue the interrogation, but he settled for Dumbledore's reasoning. After all, one day he would be the older version revisiting that dark hole.
"For now," said Dumbledore, pulling Harry from his thoughts. "I would suggest the best way to continue your education is to go to class."
And he fixed Harry with a proud twinkle in his eyes and a smile across his face.
~~
Harry went to bed that night feeling exhausted, but satisfied. He had wondered, of course, what it all meant. Turning over, he felt saddened that his father didn't remember him and that his parents had still died. But Sirius had never gone to Azkaban, and Harry would be going to live with him for the Christmas and Summer Holidays! There were many things that ran through Harry's mind during the day, and some thoughts remained as he recalled his adventure. Finally he drifted to sleep.
A/N: And that concludes my final chapter of this fanfic! There will, some day be a sequel, where a lot of questions from this last chapter will be answered. Any questions you have ask me in the review or email me! I'll answer them in a separate addition after this. There I will also thank each reviewer personally for sticking with my story through thick and thin! I really loved writing this fanfic, and even though it could take me a very long time to update, I finished it! To every one of my readers, thank you! To all my reviewers, I truly loved each and every review I got! Thank you so much! And also to my loyal beta's, Kjirsten and Tracy! Thanks a bunch guys! I guess here is as good a place as any to stop. Thank you to everyone once again! Please, please review!
*Kara*
Disclaimer: This is J.K Rowling's genius universe of magic. I own the plot.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* Lost and Found *~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
~~Present~~
Mr. Weasley rummaged around the crammed office, looking for a sack of Floo powder.
"We must make haste," said Dumbledore sternly. He was still standing next to a stunned werewolf taking rapid, shallow breathes. "Harry is alive for now, but I can not foretell how much longer."
"The heir of Gryffindor," Sirius breathed disbelievingly. He was sitting in one of the chairs and had his face buried in his hands.
"I know it is a significant amount to be taken in, Sirius" said Dumbledore, turning a sympathetic gaze on Sirius.
"James and his entire family died because he," Sirius gulped. "Because Voldemort is." here, Sirius found his throat was obstructed.
".the last remaining descendant of Salazar Slytherin. Yes," sighed Dumbledore deeply. "I am afraid so."
"But why Lily?" Sirius asked desperately. "She was Muggle born; she couldn't have."
"Lily refused to allow Voldemort access to Harry," said Dumbledore carefully. "As a result of her sacrifice, Harry was immune to Voldemort's wrath"
"Got it!" exclaimed Mr. Weasley triumphantly holding up a small sack of Floo powder. Dumbledore leaned over the desk and took it from him.
"You're sure Remus said 1971, Sirius?" Dumbledore asked, peering at him closely.
"Yeah," said Sirius lifting his head up. "Yeah. He said something about Harry being there. But I don't remember."
"You wouldn't." said Dumbledore wisely. "The Green Flame Torch was designed for time-travel and entrapment. You can only go through time each way once, rendering the subjects whom met the heir oblivious after returning to the present time. When Gryffindor defeated Slytherin, he trapped Slytherin's soul inside the Green Flame torch. If Harry were to succeed likewise, this would also be Lord Voldemort's fate."
Mr. Weasley peered outside the door to ensure that no one was near.
"The coast is clear," he said in a nervous voice. "Straight down the hall and to your left, Albus. There you'll find a fire place to take you back to Hogwarts."
"What should we do with Moony until then?" Sirius asked concernedly, getting to his feet.
"Watch him closely." said Dumbledore resolutely. "If he awakes," Dumbledore took a deep breath. "I want you to find the people you care most deeply for, and stay with them."
Mr. Weasley and Sirius started at these words, and stared at the old Hogwarts headmaster with a mixture of shock and horror. Dumbledore gave them a sorrowful and apprehensive look, then turned on his heal and proceeded out the door.
** The Past **
Voldemort watched the lifeless form of his future foe, Harry Potter, lying on the ground. James Potter laid trembling hands on Harry's shoulders, unable to understand how someone could just kill anybody. Peter had curled himself into a nearby corner, sobbing. Sirius got unsteadily to his feet, and collapsed beside James as he stared horror struck at his dead godson.
"He was your son, Prongs." Sirius whispered in a distant, disconnected voice. This had little effect on James who seemed to have lost contact with the external world.
"And now," whispered Voldemort pointing his wand at James, a malicious smile curling upon his lipless face. "It is your turn to die, James Potter."
At his name, James looked slowly up. His face was completely drained of color; his hazel eyes were overly bright; his mouth was open in a silent scream.
"Cornelius," hissed Voldemort. "Bring Wormtail closer. I want Potter to look in the face of the man who betrayed his family to their deaths." He let out a cold, high laugh of baleful mirth.
"Yes, master," replied the closest Death Eater. The Death Eater raised his wand to the pathetic huddle sobbing in the corner. Wormtail was raised off his feet and fell to James's other side. James hands stop trembling as he stood to his full height, looking down at Peter. A mixture of pity and disgust etched into every fragment of James's face.
"This is the end, Potter," breathed Voldemort. "You will die like your son."
"I am afraid not, Tom," came an elderly voice. James turned to see his old Headmaster standing in the door, his wand pointed at the evil necromancer; fury was readable in each line of the man's aging face. There was a series of pops around the large dungeon chamber. No less than thirty individuals from the Order of the Phoenix surrounded Lord Voldemort and his Death Eaters.
~~ The Present ~~
Ginny Weasley followed Crookshanks from Gryffindor Tower, down the corridors, through hidden walls, and around suits of armor.
Ginny strained her eyes as she jogged after a bounding Crookshanks. She had nearly lost sight of him twice, and now she stood, breathing heavily, outside a stone gargoyle that was glaring at her.
"This is where you take me?" said Ginny, giving Crookshanks a shrewd stare. Crookshanks ignored her. He was sniffing around the spot; as if struck by a sudden inspiration, he bounded off again in the opposite direction.
"Oh, now where are you going?" Ginny asked exasperatedly. Chasing after the cat once more.
Making her way down yet more corridors and behind paintings, Ginny finally realized she was heading down the hall to the Library, and saw the door was already open. Ginny strode into the library, and made for the two figures huddled against a lit lantern.
"Ron! Hermione! What are you two doing in here at this hour!" Ginny snapped when she got closer. Ron and Hermione looked drearily up at her.
"Looking for a location charm," murmured Hermione sleepily. "We're trying to find Harry."
"Don't you think someone like Dumbledore would have already tried something like that?" Ginny asked tentatively.
"I said that!" Ron moaned loudly at Hermione.
"Well, we don't know if they have used it yet. So we're going to try it," snapped Hermione through clenched teeth.
Ron half-rolled his eyes, and lowered his head into his arms to try to fall asleep again. His arm hid an aged map of Britain, and in his fist, there was a crystal tied to a string. Ginny sat down opposite Hermione, and watched her scan through the pages of the old book.
Feeling sleep pulling at her tired eyes, Ginny imitated Ron, and laid her head on the desk. Just a few minutes, thought Ginny. Just a little bit of sleep.
Ginny suddenly found herself standing in front of the glaring gargoyle. The scene was surreal. Ginny peered around her and saw it was obviously the corridor she had just come from. But it was different. New, but with an old fashion air to it. The torches were lit, and the sun's gleamed over the mountain tops as it sunk into night. Then, Ginny heard voices nearby:
'Yeah, yeah. That is what I heard spoken of.' said one boy behind Ginny. Ginny turned, and realized with a gasp, that the torches were lit and three Slytherins were huddled together whispering excitedly. Ginny moved in closer. These boys were so.ferocious looking. They had long, unkempt hair; hard, worn skin. And their robes were a design so old fashioned, Ginny could hardly fathom where they could have gotten these thin, woolen gray robes.
"Professor Slytherin is building an army to get rid of the Mudbloods?" asked another boy in awe.
"If he is, I'd join his side in a second. Better than sticking around this place with all the rubbish Gryffindor is admitting as of late," retorted the third boy indignantly.
The three boys hushed their tones even more as a man came out from behind the stone gargoyle. He was a tall, muscular man with long sandy-blond hair. He paused slightly as he glanced at the excited Slytherins. He sighed heavily, shook his head, and continued walking in the direction of the Great Hall.
Ginny made to follow him. As she turned the corner, the torches extinguished, and the man disappeared. Ginny looked about her for the slytherins. They, too, were gone.
~~
"Here it is! The lost and found charm we need!" Hermione squeaked, bringing Ginny from her slumber.
Ron's head jerked up as he stared at her.
"What is it then?" he asked with slight terseness to his tone. Hermione read the incantation out loud, and looked around hopefully at them both.
"That sounds a little.general, Hermione" said Ginny slowly.
"Yeah, we could end up finding some bloody convict in hiding," Ron said meaningfully.
Hermione slammed the book closed with a snap, and said in a poisonous tone:
"Fine! We'll just go back to the dormitory so you can get your sleep Ron, and we'll just wait for the Daily Prophet to report that Harry's been killed, shall we?!" she shrieked. Ron had been gesturing desperately for her to quiet down in case Filch heard them.
"Okay, okay!" Ron hissed. "We'll recite the charm with you."
Hermione looked satisfied, and opened the book to the right page. She held the book in front of her so Ron and Ginny could see. Together, they recited the incantation:
"Send to me what I wish is mine, To seek the thing that I must find, What forever more is lasting cost Should no longer be at a loss"
They froze, as though expecting Harry to materialize right in front of them. There was silence for a few moments before Hermione slammed the book shut again.
"Damn!" she hissed. "It didn't work."
"Come on, Hermione," said Ron stretching. "It's almost two in the morning. I have a quidditch game tomorrow."
"Yes," said Hermione in a defeated tone. "Perhaps we better go to bed. I." she suddenly stopped. "Oh my goodness, I just remembered! Gerlin the Glad wasn't at Middle township in 1390! It was Galen the Gay! I have to revise my entire History of Magic essay!" Hermione hurried off with Ginny and Ron striding after her; shooting puzzled looks as they went.
When Ron got into his dormitory sometime later, he thought how odd Hermione should suddenly recover that information. Shrugging, Ron made his way to his four-poster bed. The window had been left open, and the room was very chilly.
Ron shivered, and bent down into the dresser to pull out a pair of socks to keep his feet warm. He leapt back, however, when the cabinet exploded with socks that had long since been lost. He bent down to see what else was in the other cabinet. Quills, broken and certainly long lost, popped eagerly out and flooded onto the floor. Neville's snores suddenly stopped. There was a small squeak, and then an incredulous, "Trevor! There you are!"
"Hermione!" Ron whispered weakly, storming out of the dormitory to tell Hermione what she had done. However, the common room was already filled with quite a few angry people. Including Hermione and Ginny, who were looking strained and pale.
"Now if you'll just give us a few minutes, I'm positive we can find the counter charm!" Hermione called to the raging crowd.
Ron walked hesitantly over to his sister and Hermione.
"I found my tooth!" someone called happily.
"My ring! I found my ring!" another shouted.
"If this works on my virginity.!" shrieked another girl.
~~
** The Past*
"And now, Harry Potter, it is time for Slytherin to meet Gryffindor again," a voice hissed.
Harry turned around, every nerve in his body on end. Harry's heart was feeling weak and his head unclear. Once again he looked into the cold, red eyes of Voldemort, and he realized--this Voldemort was as white as a skull.
"Voldemort" whispered Harry, terrified. Harry slowly backed away. "No, no!" Harry yelled wildly. "There has to another way out! No!"
"I've waited for this for far too long", hissed Voldemort. There was a terrible hunger in his eyes that chilled Harry. "I've let you escape me too many times" he murmured with desperate malice.
Harry began feeling around frantically for his wand. It wasn't in any of his pockets. Breathing hard, Harry forced himself to look into those murderous red eyes as he cowered into the corner. Why? Why was he losing his nerve like this? He felt unprotected; powerless. It was only then that Harry realized it was only him and Voldemort in the dark chamber he had left in the past such a short time ago. No Death Eaters, creatures, or help was to be found. Voldemort had read his mind.
"I stand alone for your final death, as our ancestors once did. And today, Harry Potter is your judgment day. The revenge of Slytherin! My revenge!" hissed Voldemort. "Avada Kedavra!"
Harry saw the green light come swishing from Voldemort's wand; the horrible look of triumph that pressed Voldemort's face as he said the words. A chilling, freezing sensation enveloped Harry as the curse hit him. Harry shut his eyes as tight as he could. His scar exploded in agonizing pain; but it was momentary; brief. There was silence amidst the dark room. Harry barely opened an eye. Voldemort still stood, towering terrifyingly over him, glaring with furious rage.
The curse had failed! He was alive! He was going to live!
"Avad." Voldemort hissed again.
"It won't work" came a man's voice lazily from the corner.
Voldemort turned on his heel and turned his wand to the darkened corner. A man stepped from the darkness. He was tall, thin, with jet-black, unruly hair sticking in all directions.
"Dad?" whispered Harry incredulously.
The man half-glanced at Harry. His eyes were a bright, emerald green; a lightning shaped scar was imbedded on his forehead. There he stood, his wand placed at Lord Voldemort's heart, unafraid.
"Harry Potter," whispered Voldemort, a smile curling upon his lips. "I was under the impression the Green Flame torch only went back and forward through time once."
"I am the heir of Gryffindor, and more powerful than my ancestor." He answered. "I can bend the torch to my will, especially after its destiny was tampered with the first time" he answered placidly.
Voldemort gave a mirthful laugh. "Just as well. You're going to die today anyway", he hissed amusedly.
The man cast his eyes upon Harry, huddled defenselessly in the corner, staring awestruck and confusedly at him.
"Sorry to have left you without powers", the man said with out much concern. "Dumbledore will explain it later."
"He isn't going anywhere" hissed Voldemort, "Astrolaflite!"
The man was launched unwillingly into the air, and skidded with a sickening thump into the stone wall.
"Ow! Shit! God damn it!" he proclaimed getting quickly to his feet and pointing his wand at Voldemort. "Now really!" he hissed. "If you're going to kill me, don't waste your time."
"Not afraid of me now that you're all grown up, Harry Potter?" asked Lord Voldemort, who seemed to be enjoying the situation much more now.
"No, I'm not" answered the adult Harry shortly.
"You should be," Lord Voldemort answered coolly.
"Like-wise" the adult-Harry answered. "Stupefy!"
"Amontiago!" shouted Voldemort.
"Telanosium!" retorted Harry.
The spells crisscrossed each other, and the sorcerers had to duck to miss them. Harry got to his feet to join the side of his older self, but Voldemort seized him.
"You're never leaving here alive!" he threatened.
"Wrong answer," shouted the elder-Harry. "Ostiologaz!"
There was a faint singeing sound as Harry's skin became red-hot. Voldemort gasped with pain and let him go long enough for the man to grab Harry around his neck.
"Surabon!" shouted the older Harry.
~~
~~ The Present ~~
Harry's insides evaporated. He felt that familiar feeling of being air, water, and soil all at once. It was bliss. His insides were melting, freezing, evaporating. He was the heavens, the oceans, and the earth. And then:
"Oh," groaned Harry loudly as he opened his eyes.
He was freezing in the snow that had fallen in the night. Harry stretched his fingers which felt like ice sickles. There were two broom sticks clutched in his hand. A wonderful thought slowly started to sink in Harry's mind. Was he back at Hogwarts in his own time?
"'Arry?" came a gruff voice. Harry's heart sank.
"'Arry!" proclaimed Hagrid incredulously. "What are yeh doin slee'ing on the ground at this time o' the morning?"
Hagrid leaned down to pick Harry up and put him on his feet. Hagrid gave Harry a hard stare.
"Yeh shouldn't be slee'ing on the school grounds, see!" said Hagrid sternly as though Harry wasn't aware of the fact. Harry stared at him amazed. It was his own time, but.
"You're alive!" proclaimed Harry confounded.
Hagrid chuckled. "'Course I'm alive, 'Arry. You must have taken quite a knock to the head. Do yeh need to get to the hospital wing?"
"No," Harry answered flatly.
"Well then," said Hagrid contently. "Let's get yeh some breakfast. You'll need all the energy yeh can get for the Quidditch match tomorrow."
"Quidditch match? Oh.right" said Harry, remembering.
"I'm surprised not to see Ron with yeh", said Hagrid. Hagrid kindly took the brooms from Harry. He stared at the Firebolt for a moment and said, "Yeh know, 'Arry, you're as good a flyer as yer dad, I reckon."
~~
"There you are!" proclaimed Ron exasperatedly when he saw Harry eating at the Gryffindor table. "I thought you'd been dropped off the face of the planet!"
"Ron! Hermione!" Harry exclaimed delightedly. "I've missed you! It's been so long."
"You saw me last night. That reminds me," Ron started indignantly. "Why didn't you come down to the kitchens?"
"I." Harry began, "forgot"
"Well," huffed Ron, "don't forget about the Quidditch match tomorrow morning!"
"We should get going," said Hermione briskly. "Charms begin in ten minutes."
"You two go," said Harry. "I need to talk with Dumbledore"
"Why?" Ron asked puzzled.
"Just go," answered Harry resolutely.
~~
Standing in front of the gargoyle, Harry heaved a sigh of relief. He knocked, and waited. After a minute the door peaked open and the elderly headmaster appeared behind.
"Ah, Mister Potter. I had been expecting you" Dumbledore said when he saw Harry. Harry silently followed Dumbledore up the revolving steps into the glittery office which welcomed Harry warmly.
"So you remember" said Harry when Dumbledore shut the door. "Me in the past, I mean. So does.does that mean my parents, are my parents alive? Hagrid's alive! Are they?" the words tumbled eagerly from Harry's mouth.
"Please sit and I will confront any questions you may have" Dumbledore answered.
"Me parents," pressed Harry. "Are they still alive like Hagrid?"
"First, and you much understand this Harry, you are the only one with the memory of that time in the past. Anything I can tell you is what I, myself, have pieced together through the years." Dumbledore said gently.
"So you don't remember?" asked Harry, horrified. "My dad didn't remember.remember Voldemort telling him Wormtail betrayed them to his death?"
Dumbledore gave Harry a sympathetic look. Harry didn't need Dumbledore to answer his questions.
"So I still live with the Dursley's? It all happens again. Voldemort rises to power again?" Harry said, frowning.
"I do not know much about the original history of events, but you'll excuse me if I give you a small summary of what is known to me of your real history," said Dumbledore.
"After Lord Voldemort's downfall, you were sent to live with your relatives for a short period of time only. Your godfather, Sirius Black, has custody of you for all but one week of the year," said Dumbledore, before he was interrupted.
"Sirius? He isn't in Azkaban?" Harry sputtered astounded.
"It would seem so," said Dumbledore, looking slightly perplexed but continuing. "After being administered under ministry supervised truth serum, the head of the department of law enforcement, whom was Bartimus Crouch at the time, was forced to free Sirius of all charges."
"But Wormtail." began Harry.
"Was searched for by top Aurors. Some weeks later, Mr. Pettigrew stood trial for another crime: Assisting in the torture of an Auror and his wife." Answered Dumbledore.
"Neville's parents" retorted Harry. Dumbledore nodded.
"In short, Harry. It was discovered some time ago that Bartimus Crouch Senior had allowed his son to escape from Azkaban a year after his imprisonment. In the summer of 1994, as I'm sure you remember, Barty Crouch jr. cast the dark mark at the World Cup before escaping.." Dumbledore went on before interrupted again.
"He escaped?!" exclaimed Harry.
"Yes, and unfortunately was somehow able to penetrate Azkaban. Several of Lord Voldemort's most loyal supporters were set free; Wormtail among them. Barty Crouch Jr. ordered Pettigrew to find the remains of Voldemort. Other supporters received information from inside the Ministry about the Triwizard tournament to be held at Hogwarts later that year. Crouch Jr. himself impersonated a contemporary Defense Against the Dark Arts professor, and was able to sneak your name into the tournament under a forth school with the orders from Lord Voldemort."
"Don't go on" Harry said sullenly. "I know what happens next"
Dumbledore glanced at him. "I am afraid," said Dumbledore, "that some things are meant to be. And others are unavoidable". He frowned at Harry.
"But then.how did my dad and Sirius, and the rest of them escape from Voldemort?" asked Harry.
"The Order of the Phoenix arrived in time to prevent any physical harm done upon them." Dumbledore answered.
"How did they know?" Harry asked, still confused.
"Mr. Filch had discovered a certain map lying about the common room one night, and thought I might be interested in the persons concerned," said Dumbledore simply. "Though I believe the map has been confiscated since then."
Harry pursed his lips, and didn't say a word. Dumbledore peered keenly into Harry's eyes. Harry quickly turned away. He could swear that Dumbledore could read minds.
"And what about that guy who saved me?" asked Harry. "He, well, he was me.but older. And he said he was sorry he left me without my powers, and said you'd explain it to me later".
Harry looked up at Dumbledore again who looked both very impressed and slightly perplexed.
"I would imagine that it had to do with the rule of one" he answered thoughtfully.
"The rule of one?" Harry asked uncertainly.
"Oh yes," said Dumbledore, nodding. "Only one living being can possess a certain.life force, if you will. It is quite a complicated theory," said Dumbledore, smiling slightly. "But to put it lightly, only one of yourself could retain the magic that resides in your blood at one point in time. The stronger of the two, in this case, acquired it."
"So I'll get stronger then?" asked Harry in a hopeful tone.
"Yes," Dumbledore answered. Before Harry could ask another question, Dumbledore continued. "Put it from your mind for now, Harry. One day, not today, but one day.you will understand everything that has happened recently."
Harry looked as though he wanted to disagree and continue the interrogation, but he settled for Dumbledore's reasoning. After all, one day he would be the older version revisiting that dark hole.
"For now," said Dumbledore, pulling Harry from his thoughts. "I would suggest the best way to continue your education is to go to class."
And he fixed Harry with a proud twinkle in his eyes and a smile across his face.
~~
Harry went to bed that night feeling exhausted, but satisfied. He had wondered, of course, what it all meant. Turning over, he felt saddened that his father didn't remember him and that his parents had still died. But Sirius had never gone to Azkaban, and Harry would be going to live with him for the Christmas and Summer Holidays! There were many things that ran through Harry's mind during the day, and some thoughts remained as he recalled his adventure. Finally he drifted to sleep.
A/N: And that concludes my final chapter of this fanfic! There will, some day be a sequel, where a lot of questions from this last chapter will be answered. Any questions you have ask me in the review or email me! I'll answer them in a separate addition after this. There I will also thank each reviewer personally for sticking with my story through thick and thin! I really loved writing this fanfic, and even though it could take me a very long time to update, I finished it! To every one of my readers, thank you! To all my reviewers, I truly loved each and every review I got! Thank you so much! And also to my loyal beta's, Kjirsten and Tracy! Thanks a bunch guys! I guess here is as good a place as any to stop. Thank you to everyone once again! Please, please review!
*Kara*