Interwoven:

Harry Potter and the Five Keys

By StarRuby

OOTP Spoiler Warning!

Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter © J.K. Rowling. I own the story, Kaleb Risa, Eve Shikyo, Artemis Sileo, and Eclipse Atwater. So nyah!

Full Summary: Something has happened... something very, very wrong. Time is meshing together. And why are Harry, Ron, Hermione, Ginny, Neville, and Luna the only ones who realize it? Dumbledore doesn't even seem to notice. Only the rest of the Order acknowledges the work of something possibly even bigger than Lord Voldemort himself. After Remus Lupin's strange and unexpected disappearance, putting Harry in even more misery, their group is determined to right what has been wronged, and finally wipe that smug smile off of Malfoy's face. But as new (and old) rivalries take place, spreading discord amongst almost everyone, fights and competitions lead them to a meeting with possibly the only one who can really help. She seems to know everything that's happening. But if she's on their side, why won't she tell them?!

Author's Notes: Well, I just realized how hard this is gonna be. O.o But I'll manage! I've always loved a challenge. Thankies to akillernutjob and CheeserCake for reviewing! ^0^ I love reviews. This is a pretty long chapter, but very fun to write, and it will have quite a bit of relevance later on in the fic. w00t! Anywho, everyone knows Remus is a werewolf, except Lily Evans and Severus Snape, of course. And the full moon is tomorrow night! Hee, hee. I love kawaii little twists like this.

~

Chapter Three – Artemis and Moony

~

Author's Notes: Well, everyone (important) knows Remus is a werewolf, except Lily Evans and Severus Snape, of course. And the full moon is tomorrow night! Hee, hee. I love kawaii little twists like this.

~

Harry, Ron, and Hermione all hopped into the carriages, all three of them nervous. What would Hogwarts be like? Earlier on the train, Hermione had suggested a time ripple had occurred, and that ripple had been... torn, or something. That meant that people from an earlier time and/or a future time would be in Hogwarts and chaos would ensue until the tear in reality was fixed. But then why did they know what was happening? And how did it happen? As if sensing their discomfort, one of the thestrals pulling the carriages turned around, fixing its blank stare onto Harry, sending shivers up his spine. And then they started moving.

Within no time, they were inside the castle, seated at their House tables in the Great Hall. Professor Dumbledore sat in the middle of the staff table, the seat beside him vacant. It belonged to Professor McGonagall, who had gone to get the first years. Unlike before, Dumbledore looked stressed. But his blue eyes still had a twinkle in them. Harry's confusion deepened when he looked at the DADA teacher's spot.

There was a young woman sitting there, straight, copper-red hair spilling to her shoulders. Her eyes were a clear sky blue and her smile was bright and cheerful. She was wearing robes of deep lavender, trimmed with black. Of course, when looking to those on around her, she looked quite amateur.

Harry nudged Ron and pointed. Ron let out a small gasp, which Hermione noticed. She glanced around, too, but when she saw the professor, a look of exasperation flooded onto her features. But then she grabbed Harry's arm and pointed a little further down. Professor Snape, the Potions master and Harry's least favorite teacher, was absent. In his place was a tall, slender wizard with black hair and pale jade green eyes. He was wearing midnight blue robes and a small smile on his face. And Harry's gaze scanned the Slytherin table. Sitting next to Draco Malfoy, Harry's nemesis, was none other than a 16-year-old Severus Snape.

His thoughts were disrupted as McGonagall came in with the first years, and placed the Sorting Hat upon its stool. The tear in its brim opened and it sang, loud and clear.

Welcome, first years, to Hogwarts School

Where magic is our greatest tool.

Sorting you all is what I do.

I've never failed yet, that is true.

And though Sorting means dividing,

Which can be dangerous, I'm deciding,

I cannot let down the Greatest Four

Even though this may lead to war.

For rips and  tears have come from past acts.

This must be fixed 'cause it attracts

Dangers of an unknown kind,

Darkness that has a corrupted mind.

Now Gryffindors are true and brave,

Valiant ones whose courage does save.

And Ravenclaws are bright and wise,

Deciphering puzzles, seeing through a disguise.

Hufflepuffs are hard-workers that toil,

Forever friendly, forever loyal.

And power-hungry Slytherins are last but not least,

Whose ambition  will definitely not decrease.

Now put me on and let me choose,

And be assured this isn't a ruse.

But remember my warning, remember it well:

Though I'm forced to divide, unite where you dwell.

The flap closed and the Hat fell silent once more. The Hall burst into applause, whispers scattered among the clapping. Harry glanced over and saw Sirius and James whispering together, apparently not paying any attention, as they clapped along with everyone else. Remus and Peter, however, seemed genuinely impressed by the Hat's song. Harry's gaze wandered to Ron and Hermione, who looked unsurprised at the warning in the Hat's song. In their fifth year, the Hat had also given a warning, so it was expected that this year's song would also contain one.

McGonagall walked up to the Hat with a long roll of parchment. She cleared her throat and started calling out the names.

"Adrian, Paul!"

"GRYFFINDOR!"

"Arabell, Maria!"

"HUFFLEPUFF!"

"Bearley, Samantha!"

"HUFFLEPUFF!!"

"Bentley, Thomas!"

"SLYTHERIN!"

"Brown, Miranda!"

"RAVENCLAW!"

This continued in some fashion, but Harry didn't pay much attention. His gaze was scanning the table for two people—

No, make that one. He spotted Eternity at the Gryffindor table, her violet eyes sparkling with interest as she watched the terrified first years come up and put on the Hat. She caught his eye and gave a small wave. Harry waved back and his gaze continued scanning the table.

There. Sitting a bit away from the Marauders was a 6th year who had shoulder-length dark red curly hair and vibrant emerald eyes. A smile was on her face as she watched the first years get sorted, and a prefect badge glimmered on her chest. Every so often she shot the Marauders a dark look for whispering during the Sorting. It was a young Lily, currently known as Lily Evans. She was not aware that James shot her side-long looks every so often.

Finally, the Sorting was over. They ate, talked, drank, and told jokes the food vanished and Dumbledore stood up for his speech.

"Good evening, students!" he greeted happily. "A new year brings fresh starts! A couple reminders before we leave. The Forbidden Forest is off-limits to all students. I repeat, the Forbidden Forest is off-limits to all students." His eyes flickered for a moment to the Marauder's wicked grins, and Harry saw the twinkle in his gaze. "No one is permitted to play any games involving the Whomping Willow." (Remus shifted uncomfortably.) "Mr. Filch also asked me to remind you that no magic is allowed in the corridors, and a full list of the items not allowed at Hogwarts can be found on his office door. Let us give a warm round of applause for Professor Artemis Sileo, our Defense Against the Dark Arts professor, for keeping the position for 4 years, now." Cheers, applause, and a few whistles sounded from the students as the DADA professor smiled and gave a small bow. "We welcome our new Head Boy and Girl, Frank Longbottom and Eclipse Atwater, both of Gryffindor," Dumbledore continued. Clapping resounded through the hall as Harry, Ron, and Hermione turned startled glances to Neville. Neville's eyes had widened in shock and he was quite pale, but clapping nonetheless. They also saw a young man, with a friendly smile, stand up and give a small bow. Beside him, Eternity was also on her feet, smiling. Harry and Ron exchanged confused glances. Didn't she tell them her name was Eternity? But before they could say anything, Dumbledore dismissed them and the sound of stomping feet drowned out any talk.

Lily told the Fat Lady the password ('Newt Scamander'), and they all went in. The Marauders were the first ones up the stairs to the boys dormitories. Ron and Harry were about to head up when a hand grabbed Harry's shoulder and whirled him around.

He stared into his own bright green eyes. "Okay, Potter, I've had enough of you the last few years!" exclaimed Lily in a berating tone. "I refuse to put up with your big-headedness and arrogance this year. Either you quit acting like such a jerk or—" She froze, her gaze taking in the scar, the green eyes, and the totally bewildered expression. Lily let go and gave a small cough. "I'm sorry," she muttered. "I thought you were someone else." With that she turned and quickly rushed to the stairs up to the girls dormitories, her face reddening. Ron grinned, but Harry gave him a look before he could say anything. And they headed up the stairs and fell asleep.

~

The next morning, they awoke to the sound of whispering. Remus, Sirius, and Peter were all gathered around James's four-poster, discussing something with him quietly. Harry was a little distressed to see Remus looking quite worse for the wear, thin and tired. He hopped out of bed, causing the four of them to jump, startled, and look at him. Smiling apologetically, he got dressed and headed downstairs and to the Great Hall for breakfast. Ron and Hermione were already there, waiting for him. Professor McGonagall was going around, handing out their course schedules. That morning they had Double Transfiguration, Charms, and Care of Magical Creatures (with the Slytherins).

The Marauders didn't come to breakfast. It seemed they stayed talking in Gryffindor Tower. Lily and Eternity, though, came down as usual and started eating, looking up as the owls rushed in. Hedwig flew to Harry, and clutched a roll of snow white parchement. Blinking, he untied it from Hedwig's leg and opened it. It was written in an unfamiliar handwriting, in dark silver ink.

Dear Harry,

   Do you remember last year when you fought Lord Voldemort? Remember the room with the Time Turners? Ask Arthur Weasley what happened in that room. Then you must remember this: Time ripples are everywhere. Time Turners create them, allowing you to go through time. And time controls reality. When something goes wrong with time, something goes wrong with reality. The keys to restoring balance are Life, Death, Love, Hate, and Time.

Harry stared at the letter, and then checked for a signature. There was none. He racked his brain for any similar handwriting, but could not remember any. He gaped at the letter for some time, and only looked up when Hermione tapped him on the arm. Blankly and with a confused expression, he handed her the letter. Harry watched her eyes scan it, and then read it through again. Her expression torn between bemusement and excitement, she pointed frantically at the letter.

"This, Harry! This is exactly what I was trying to say before!" When Harry just looked at her, puzzled, she rolled her eyes in exasperation and pointed at the letter again. "I was saying that we might have torn a time ripple, which is now causing time to mold together! But..." Worry clouded her chocolate colored eyes. "But who could've sent this letter?" Harry shrugged, and then looked at Hedwig. Immediately, he pulled out a piece of parchment, and a quill.

Dear Mr. Weasley,

   I have a question. Do you remember when we were fighting the Death Eaters in the Department of Mysteries? What happened in the room with the Time Turners? Please hurry and respond; I need to know right away. Thanks, and I hope you're doing okay.

Harry

He rolled up the piece of parchment and tied it to Hedwig's leg. She dipped her beak in his pumpkin juice for a short drink, and then took off again. But before his gaze returned to his breakfast, he caught Eternity looking at him. She held his gaze for a moment, and then went back to eating breakfast. Ron also saw her, pulled Harry up by the arm, and marched over to her.

She looked up at him, violet eyes mildly confused. Her mouth opened as she was about to say something, but Ron interrupted. "You told us you were Eternity! Why did Professor Dumbledore say your name was Eclipse Atwater?" The confused look instantly vanished from her eyes and she smiled.

"My name is Eclipse," she said simply, and then returned to eating breakfast. Harry, Ron, and Hermione exchanged mystified looks, but before questioning could go on, the bell echoed through the hallway, signaling the start of classes. Without giving the three a chance to say anything, the Head Girl picked up her bag, shot them a casual smile, and left.

Classes went off without a hitch that Monday morning. The only bad thing about the day was that the Slytherins, as usual, tried to make trouble in Hagrid's class. But they didn't get far. After all, it's hard to disrupt a class that's learning about merpeople. Hagrid had told them he tried to get some dragon eggs for them to look after, but he couldn't find any.

It was on the way to the common room that the trio noticed something suspicious. Or rather, they saw someone looking suspicious. Sirius was leaning casually against the wall, but his eyes were scanning the hallway, alert and watchful. Harry pulled the other two back and watched him. Sure enough, a 16-year-old Snape came striding by. Sirius pulled him to the side. Leaning in, the three could just make out their conversation.

"You've seen Remus and Madame Pomfrey on the grounds before, right?" Sirius was saying, a sly smile on his handsome face. They saw Snape nod suspiciously. Sirius smirked. "Well, all you have to do to follow them is prod this one knot on the tree. It'll freeze. There's a tunnel under some roots in the Whomping Willow. You can go in after them. Of course," he added, his tone even more sly, "you're probably to cowardly to even get all the way in. Spineless Slytherins." And with that, Sirius walked off. Hermione blinked and stared at Harry as Snape strode off muttering to himself.

"You don't think he's really going to go, do you?" she asked anxiously, but Ron answered first.

"He's not going to get hurt!" he exclaimed. "Remember what Sirius and Lupin had told us in our 3rd year?" Harry and Hermione nodded. "So we have nothing to worry about." With that, they all went inside to the common room.

~

Severus Snape watched with narrow black eyes as Madame Pomfrey escorted Remus Lupin to the Whomping Willow. Sure enough, she lifted a long branch and poked the tree, causing it to freeze. Remus slipped into a hole in the roots and Madame Pomfrey returned to the school. With a resolute sigh, Snape watched the nurse trudge into the school building, and then he strode determinedly to the Willow.

Meanwhile, James was listening with growing horror and dread to Sirius explain what he told Snape. As Padfoot finished his story, James groaned. "How could you, Sirius?" he exclaimed. Without another word, he sprinted out of the portrait hole, Peter and Sirius at his heels. Sirius tried explaining how it was all good clean fun, and how Snape would probably turn back, but James shook his head. "Sirius, Slytherings aren't Gryffindors, but they have pride! It will make him go in!! And what'll he find? Remus! He'll find Remus! As a werewolf! What if we're too late? What if he makes it all the way through?!" Sirius immediately paled, obviously not having thought of that.

As the moonlight bathed them in a silver glow, Sirius and Peter transformed. The bear-like black dog bounded towards the Willow, his sleek fur glimmering with the moonlight, a plump grey rat perched on its head. Wormtail slipped through the flailing branches, pressing the knot and freezing the tree. James, without hesitation, hurtled into the tunnel, not looking back at the slowly shrinking forms of the two Animagi.

Snape, however, had reached the door. From behind it, he heard a yell of pain, followed by a low groan. Intrigued, he pushed open the door, and set off to climb the steps to the second floor. He paused for a moment, fear gripping him, as he heard thundering footfalls behind him. But with a resolute glint in his eye, he wrenched open the door

and stood eye to eye with a massive grey wolf. Werewolf, he unconsciously corrected himself. And then two strong arms seized him from behind and pulled him back. James, his hazel eyes wide and panic-stricken, slammed the door shut in the wolf's snout. "Snape!" he hissed, trying to ignore the pounding and scratching sound at his back. "What are you doing here?!" Snape would've said, I should ask you the same, but he was too shocked to articulate any words. James grabbed him by the shoulder and pulled back through the dark tunnel. Sirius and Peter were waiting at the entrance.

"Er, I'm really, really sorry," Sirius began, relief on his face as James and Snape emerged, apparently unscathed. "I shouldn't have—"

"Damn right you shouldn't have!" Snape snarled, trying to break free of James's grip and launch himself at Sirius, who took an unsteady step back. "You were trying to kill me!!!" Sirius opened his mouth to argue, looking quite pale and shaken, when another voice interrupted them.

"Just what do you think you're doing out here?" They all turned to face the voice. It was none other than Lily Evans who had spoken, her green eyes bright with fury. And standing next to her was the Head Girl, Eclipse, the blonde ends of her hair catching the moonlight and looking almost silver. And her trademark casual smile was no longer on her face. She was frowning in disbelief.

"I'm going to have to dock 20 points off of Gryffindor for this," she said crisply. Then, at the look of relief on the boys' faces, she added, "Each." Sirius opened his mouth furiously, but she cut him off. "And 20 points from Slytherin, too, Snape." Sirius's mouth closed and his gaze returned to the grass. "And a detention for each of you." While she spoke, no one noticed the large grey werewolf emerge from the roots of the Whomping Willow. It did, however, start flailing again, after which James automatically prodded the knot, freezing it once more. None of them were aware of the danger until they heard a loud snarl. James, Sirius, and Peter immediately scattered, and Moony dove upon Eclipse, bowling her over. And she let out a piercing shriek as it sunk its fangs deep into her forearm.

Lily's eyes widened in horror as Sirius and James immediately dove forward and seized the werewolf's jaws. Wrenching them apart, the two Marauders quickly backpedaled several steps, watching the snarling, frothing werewolf, whose grey muzzle was smeared with blood. Eclipse took a shuddering breath, looked at the crimson liquid running down her arm, pooling in small indents of the ground, and she fainted, pale hair askew over her shoulders, neck, and the dark ground.

The Marauders (even Remus), Lily, and Snape watched in a horrified sort of fascination first at the motionless Eclipse, and then their gazes turned to Professor McGonagall, who had been attracted into the cool night air by the Head Girl's blood-freezing scream. Everything seemed to run in slow motion as Remus, his human form realizing what he had done, started backing up before fleeing as fast as his paws could take him. McGonagall looked at Eclipse, her eyes wide, taking in the blood on her arm, before her gaze moved to the sprinting werewolf. She didn't need to ask what had happened. Without a word, she took out her wand, lifted Eclipse onto a stretcher, and levitated her back to school. James, Sirius, Peter, Lily, and Snape all exchanged looks of terror, and for once, no tension was conjured between the five.