WHEN TIME STANDS STILL
insanechildfanfic: Thank you.
Anora: Harry's had worse happen to him, hasn't he? Although this is probably the weirdest...
KEmperor: They were the smartest students in Hogwarts, according to McGonagall, so I figured it wouldn't take them too long.
The One Hobbit: Is this soon enough to suit you?
Japonica: Thanks a lot! There's dialogue in this chapter, too, but the next will probably have less.
An Anti-Sheep Cheese Muffin: Thanks; I won't keep you waiting this time around – I hope.
deb-sampson: Well, there's a bit of it now; the rest will be kind of spread through the remaining chapters.
Sailor J-chan/DuoxHilde 4ever: Thanks; as you can see, I did ;)
Amanda: Sorry! I am updating soon to make up for it.
Molly Morrison: Well, read and see!
BabyBlu4: Read on and find out.
gaul1: They know who he is, but how much will he reveal? That's the real question.
JerseyPike: Thanks. I tried not to be too cliffie-ish, but I just had to stop there. Am I evil or am I evil?
baby chaos: Well, here's the update. Read and see.
Olivia Wood: You know, you're not such a bad guesser. But I'm not telling you which guess was right.
MaraudersAreMyGods: Yeah, that hasn't really sunk in yet. But it will... give it time.
girlknight: Yeah, he ought. But we do such nasty things to Harry, don't we? Poor kid.
volleypickle19: Soon enough for you?
missprongs: Um... tell me when you're done if you still think so ;)
SPASH Panther: Well, James Potter never even considers the possibility of being wrong, so he won't be particularly surprised.
Anne: Not telling. Read and see. But I will say this – I'll answer one of those questions in the very last chapter.
Von: Yeah, me evil writer me. ;) But I haven't made you hold on for too long, have I?
LittleEar BigEar's Sis: Thanks for reviewing; that's what keeps me going.
Fezria: Thanks for the review; I hope it stays that way.
Silvercrystal77: Soon, soon... is this soon? It's sooner than usual. Never mind me, I'm rambling ;)
Lily and James Potter: Thanks! I have.
Ally of Pirate's Swoop: Thanks – I quite like Lily. James too – when he's not being 'an arrogant, bullying toerag' – but Lily, I think, more.
supernova8610: Here it is, then. Soon, as promised.
Slimpun: Thanks for reviewing!
Lily of Tortall: Happy Birthday, a couple of days late! I hope it made good birthday reading. Oh, and I'll keep the advice in mind for the next one.
restless-soul: I just couldn't resist getting all those reviews calling me evil ;) Sorry!
Samara Morgan-ring: Oops – thank God for that! ;)
Evelle: Yeah, I know – you guys have actually terrified me into updating in two days! ;)
fishkisser: Thanks! This chapter isn't a cliffie.
just another stupid idiot: Interesting name ;) Thanks for reviewing!
Limegreenlion: Yeah, I figured. For the sake of your sanity, then, here it is.
bobby: Thanks!
praesul femella: Soon it is!
Constance Truggle: Sorry! I won't do it again – at least for a few chapters! ;)
Harriet Jamina Potter: Thanks for the review!
Kelsey: Soon, as requested.
I-want-to-fly: Thanks – I have hurried.
blip-dragon: Thanks – I have, and I hopefully will continue to do so.
Talamh: Thanks – I'll try to be quicker with the updates now that I have time on my hands.
amyaggie: They're not jerks exactly – or not really big jerks – but they weren't too sure of strange wizards, not with Voldemort on the rise.
PreciousLily(nynphadora tonks: They were bound to, weren't they?
Amandinka: Since I can't resist Padfoot puppy dog eyes, I'm updating as quickly as I can.
Y401-F4N: Here's the update, then. I hope you like it.
Neo-Queen Serenity: How could I? I'm evil! ;) But I'm not that evil, so here's the update.
Tarek Orlando: Nah, I intend to finish this. Let's just hope the plans don't gang agley.
violet-angel07: Well, I'm not completely evil.
Kata Malfoy: You think so? Any ideas for a better summary, then?
Musicstarlover: Poor Harry – why do we all love putting him through the grinder?
AUTHOR'S NOTE: Since some of the reviews made me fear for my life and safety if I didn't update sooner than soon...
CHAPTER 14: FINALLY, THE TRUTH!
Harry stopped stock-still, staring at the portrait-hole. It was a few seconds before it opened fully, and he devoted those seconds entirely to cursing his own stupidity. Why had he dawdled by the statue of Morgan le Faye? Why hadn't he gone straight to bed?
And then his future father and godfather were in the room. For once, they were smiling at him.
"I knew it!" Sirius said triumphantly. "I knew you were plotting with Thomson, Moony."
There was an emphasis on the word 'Thomson' that neither Harry nor Remus missed, but they tried to look unconcerned.
"Here," James said, holding a Butterbeer out to Harry. "Drink."
Harry eyed the bottle suspiciously.
"No, thanks."
"C'mon, I haven't done anything to it. It's still sealed."
Harry was not reassured.
"Why do you even want me to drink Butterbeer in the middle of the night?"
"Ah, that's the point," Sirius said. "We want you awake."
"We have to talk to you."
"Immediately."
Harry was feeling slightly panicked; and the sight of Remus mouthing 'I told you so' from behind Sirius and James did nothing to soothe him.
"I'm tired," he said. "I'm going to bed. I'll see you in the morning."
Whereupon Sirius and James each seized one of his arms and forced him into a chair.
"The morning's fine with us," Sirius said.
"But it won't suit you."
"Because what we want to say to you, you do not want said in the Great Hall."
"Your choice. Now, and privately, or in the morning, and in front of the entire school."
Sirius gave Harry a Butterbeer, and then he and James sat down on either side of him.
"There's no point trying to run for it," James said.
Harry glared at Remus, who was doing nothing to help, before he broke the seal on his Butterbeer bottle. He sniffed it and took a cautious sip. When nothing happened to him, he drank a bit more.
"That's the spirit!" Sirius said cheerfully. "So, Harry, what were you doing out of the Tower so late? And don't deny it – we know you were out."
"I had to meet Professor Dumbledore about when I'm going back to Madam Vivien's."
"At half past eleven?" asked James. "I don't think so."
"It's true."
Sirius snorted. "Come off it, Prongs Junior."
Harry choked on his Butterbeer. Sirius thumped him on the back, grinning at James.
"What – what did you call me?" Harry demanded, as soon as he'd got his breath back.
"Prongs Junior," Sirius answered. "That, unlike what you said, really is true."
"I don't know what you're talking about," Harry said. It was worth a try.
"Too late," said James. "We know everything – well, almost everything."
"And don't blame poor Moony. He didn't tell us."
"No, he was extremely honourable. But he was careless yesterday at the Quidditch match."
"Anyway, we know your secret."
Harry opened his mouth, trying to think of a believable lie.
"There's no point," Remus said.
"That's right," concurred James. "Shall we tell you what we've figured out? You're from the future."
"And Prongs is your father."
"We think Evans is your mother."
"Is she?"
"Er... yeah, but –"
"No buts. We're not done."
"No – NO! I'm not answering any more questions."
"That's not fair, since you've obviously talked to Remus," James said loudly.
"I shouldn't have done that either. I'm going to Dumbledore tomorrow, to tell him you know – I am, Sirius, so don't glare at me. I can't do things to the future."
"Well then, we're coming too," Sirius said. "We'll tell Dumbledore we have to know everything. It's not fair that Moony is allowed to know and we're not!"
"You can't –"
"Don't tell us what we can and can't do!" James said.
Harry opened his mouth to retort, but a female voice interrupted him.
"What's all the noise down here? You woke me up. Can't you leave him alone, Potter?"
One by one, the boys turned around. They had not heard Lily Evans come downstairs.
*~
"Well?" Lily demanded. "What do you want, Potter?"
"Evans!" James said gleefully. "Just the witch I wanted to see!"
Harry looked at Remus pleadingly. There had to be some way to prevent James from telling all of Gryffindor House.
"This young man," James said, indicating Harry, "has been lying shamefully to all of us – you included."
"James –" Harry began. James ignored him.
"He is here under false pretences, with a false name. He is not a student of Madam Vivien's; he never has been. His name isn't even Thomson."
"James, please. This isn't –"
"Harry," Lily said, "is this true?"
"Well... Lily... the thing you have to understand about this..."
James snorted.
"We don't have all night. Evans, he's from the future. He's come back in time."
"Harry?"
"Well – in essence – yes."
"Oh – I suppose you're related to Potter over here?"
"Of course he is!" James said proudly. "And he's related to you, too, Evans."
"What are you –"
"He's our son – OUR son, as in yours and mine. So I assume you're going out with me next Hogsmeade weekend."
"Shut up, Potter. Harry, is he telling the truth?"
"Um... yeah. He is."
"So you're telling me I will eventually marry this idiot."
"I... yeah..."
Lily shook her head.
"My misfortune. Still," she surveyed Harry speculatively. "At least you're better than he is."
"So does that mean you're going out with me, Evans?" James cut in.
"Shut up, Potter. I don't think we're supposed to know any of this. Harry – you should tell Dumbledore."
Harry nodded. "I'm going first thing in the morning."
*~
"I might have guessed," Professor Dumbledore said, looking at Harry over his half-moon glasses. "Don't worry, Harry; I do not blame you. I have learnt that it is practically impossible to prevent James and Sirius from finding out things if they truly want to know. However..." He transferred his gaze to James and Sirius, who were standing next to Harry. "I also know that they are capable of great discretion when the need arises. And I am therefore sure that nobody outside this room will ever hear anything they should not."
Lily and Remus nodded promptly. Sirius, however, said gleefully, "We're not outside this room!"
"I am aware of that, Sirius. Unfortunately, you already know what you should not."
"Exactly, Professor," James said. "So a little more can't hurt."
"James –"
"You can't ban Harry from talking to me. He's my son!" James protested.
"Professor, please..." Sirius said.
"We promise not to tell anyone."
"Never!"
"Sirius, no. I will perform Memory Charms on all of you as soon as Harry has left, and make sure there is not a single scrap of solid evidence that he ever came here. So you see, there is no point asking him questions, because very shortly you will remember nothing."
"Then it doesn't matter if we know now," James argued.
Professor Dumbledore sighed.
"Very well. I do not have all day to argue, and you have to get back to your classes. You may ask Harry questions, provided he is willing to answer. If he does not wish to answer your questions you will not pester him. And you will not even attempt to talk me out of Memory Charms later."
Sirius and James nodded gleefully.
"One thing, though – you will reveal nothing to Mr. Pettigrew."
"Professor," James began, "he's our friend, and he'd never do anything wrong. You know that!"
Harry forced himself to say nothing.
"That is not the point, James," Dumbledore said. "Mr. Pettigrew has been known to be indiscreet on occasion, and in this case indiscretion can have terrible consequences. I cannot perform Memory Charms on the entire school. No – don't argue; the matter is closed. Now, what classes are you supposed to be in right now?"
"Defence for all of us."
"Yes, well, that complicates matters somewhat. We cannot have all five of you walking in together when it is known that Lily cannot stand the sight of James, and James and Sirius abhor Harry..."
James flushed, but said nothing.
"So..." Professor Dumbledore went on. "Lily, Harry, you go now. Tell Professor Williamson you were with me. The three of you can wait. Professor Williamson will not be surprised if you are late."
insanechildfanfic: Thank you.
Anora: Harry's had worse happen to him, hasn't he? Although this is probably the weirdest...
KEmperor: They were the smartest students in Hogwarts, according to McGonagall, so I figured it wouldn't take them too long.
The One Hobbit: Is this soon enough to suit you?
Japonica: Thanks a lot! There's dialogue in this chapter, too, but the next will probably have less.
An Anti-Sheep Cheese Muffin: Thanks; I won't keep you waiting this time around – I hope.
deb-sampson: Well, there's a bit of it now; the rest will be kind of spread through the remaining chapters.
Sailor J-chan/DuoxHilde 4ever: Thanks; as you can see, I did ;)
Amanda: Sorry! I am updating soon to make up for it.
Molly Morrison: Well, read and see!
BabyBlu4: Read on and find out.
gaul1: They know who he is, but how much will he reveal? That's the real question.
JerseyPike: Thanks. I tried not to be too cliffie-ish, but I just had to stop there. Am I evil or am I evil?
baby chaos: Well, here's the update. Read and see.
Olivia Wood: You know, you're not such a bad guesser. But I'm not telling you which guess was right.
MaraudersAreMyGods: Yeah, that hasn't really sunk in yet. But it will... give it time.
girlknight: Yeah, he ought. But we do such nasty things to Harry, don't we? Poor kid.
volleypickle19: Soon enough for you?
missprongs: Um... tell me when you're done if you still think so ;)
SPASH Panther: Well, James Potter never even considers the possibility of being wrong, so he won't be particularly surprised.
Anne: Not telling. Read and see. But I will say this – I'll answer one of those questions in the very last chapter.
Von: Yeah, me evil writer me. ;) But I haven't made you hold on for too long, have I?
LittleEar BigEar's Sis: Thanks for reviewing; that's what keeps me going.
Fezria: Thanks for the review; I hope it stays that way.
Silvercrystal77: Soon, soon... is this soon? It's sooner than usual. Never mind me, I'm rambling ;)
Lily and James Potter: Thanks! I have.
Ally of Pirate's Swoop: Thanks – I quite like Lily. James too – when he's not being 'an arrogant, bullying toerag' – but Lily, I think, more.
supernova8610: Here it is, then. Soon, as promised.
Slimpun: Thanks for reviewing!
Lily of Tortall: Happy Birthday, a couple of days late! I hope it made good birthday reading. Oh, and I'll keep the advice in mind for the next one.
restless-soul: I just couldn't resist getting all those reviews calling me evil ;) Sorry!
Samara Morgan-ring: Oops – thank God for that! ;)
Evelle: Yeah, I know – you guys have actually terrified me into updating in two days! ;)
fishkisser: Thanks! This chapter isn't a cliffie.
just another stupid idiot: Interesting name ;) Thanks for reviewing!
Limegreenlion: Yeah, I figured. For the sake of your sanity, then, here it is.
bobby: Thanks!
praesul femella: Soon it is!
Constance Truggle: Sorry! I won't do it again – at least for a few chapters! ;)
Harriet Jamina Potter: Thanks for the review!
Kelsey: Soon, as requested.
I-want-to-fly: Thanks – I have hurried.
blip-dragon: Thanks – I have, and I hopefully will continue to do so.
Talamh: Thanks – I'll try to be quicker with the updates now that I have time on my hands.
amyaggie: They're not jerks exactly – or not really big jerks – but they weren't too sure of strange wizards, not with Voldemort on the rise.
PreciousLily(nynphadora tonks: They were bound to, weren't they?
Amandinka: Since I can't resist Padfoot puppy dog eyes, I'm updating as quickly as I can.
Y401-F4N: Here's the update, then. I hope you like it.
Neo-Queen Serenity: How could I? I'm evil! ;) But I'm not that evil, so here's the update.
Tarek Orlando: Nah, I intend to finish this. Let's just hope the plans don't gang agley.
violet-angel07: Well, I'm not completely evil.
Kata Malfoy: You think so? Any ideas for a better summary, then?
Musicstarlover: Poor Harry – why do we all love putting him through the grinder?
AUTHOR'S NOTE: Since some of the reviews made me fear for my life and safety if I didn't update sooner than soon...
CHAPTER 14: FINALLY, THE TRUTH!
Harry stopped stock-still, staring at the portrait-hole. It was a few seconds before it opened fully, and he devoted those seconds entirely to cursing his own stupidity. Why had he dawdled by the statue of Morgan le Faye? Why hadn't he gone straight to bed?
And then his future father and godfather were in the room. For once, they were smiling at him.
"I knew it!" Sirius said triumphantly. "I knew you were plotting with Thomson, Moony."
There was an emphasis on the word 'Thomson' that neither Harry nor Remus missed, but they tried to look unconcerned.
"Here," James said, holding a Butterbeer out to Harry. "Drink."
Harry eyed the bottle suspiciously.
"No, thanks."
"C'mon, I haven't done anything to it. It's still sealed."
Harry was not reassured.
"Why do you even want me to drink Butterbeer in the middle of the night?"
"Ah, that's the point," Sirius said. "We want you awake."
"We have to talk to you."
"Immediately."
Harry was feeling slightly panicked; and the sight of Remus mouthing 'I told you so' from behind Sirius and James did nothing to soothe him.
"I'm tired," he said. "I'm going to bed. I'll see you in the morning."
Whereupon Sirius and James each seized one of his arms and forced him into a chair.
"The morning's fine with us," Sirius said.
"But it won't suit you."
"Because what we want to say to you, you do not want said in the Great Hall."
"Your choice. Now, and privately, or in the morning, and in front of the entire school."
Sirius gave Harry a Butterbeer, and then he and James sat down on either side of him.
"There's no point trying to run for it," James said.
Harry glared at Remus, who was doing nothing to help, before he broke the seal on his Butterbeer bottle. He sniffed it and took a cautious sip. When nothing happened to him, he drank a bit more.
"That's the spirit!" Sirius said cheerfully. "So, Harry, what were you doing out of the Tower so late? And don't deny it – we know you were out."
"I had to meet Professor Dumbledore about when I'm going back to Madam Vivien's."
"At half past eleven?" asked James. "I don't think so."
"It's true."
Sirius snorted. "Come off it, Prongs Junior."
Harry choked on his Butterbeer. Sirius thumped him on the back, grinning at James.
"What – what did you call me?" Harry demanded, as soon as he'd got his breath back.
"Prongs Junior," Sirius answered. "That, unlike what you said, really is true."
"I don't know what you're talking about," Harry said. It was worth a try.
"Too late," said James. "We know everything – well, almost everything."
"And don't blame poor Moony. He didn't tell us."
"No, he was extremely honourable. But he was careless yesterday at the Quidditch match."
"Anyway, we know your secret."
Harry opened his mouth, trying to think of a believable lie.
"There's no point," Remus said.
"That's right," concurred James. "Shall we tell you what we've figured out? You're from the future."
"And Prongs is your father."
"We think Evans is your mother."
"Is she?"
"Er... yeah, but –"
"No buts. We're not done."
"No – NO! I'm not answering any more questions."
"That's not fair, since you've obviously talked to Remus," James said loudly.
"I shouldn't have done that either. I'm going to Dumbledore tomorrow, to tell him you know – I am, Sirius, so don't glare at me. I can't do things to the future."
"Well then, we're coming too," Sirius said. "We'll tell Dumbledore we have to know everything. It's not fair that Moony is allowed to know and we're not!"
"You can't –"
"Don't tell us what we can and can't do!" James said.
Harry opened his mouth to retort, but a female voice interrupted him.
"What's all the noise down here? You woke me up. Can't you leave him alone, Potter?"
One by one, the boys turned around. They had not heard Lily Evans come downstairs.
*~
"Well?" Lily demanded. "What do you want, Potter?"
"Evans!" James said gleefully. "Just the witch I wanted to see!"
Harry looked at Remus pleadingly. There had to be some way to prevent James from telling all of Gryffindor House.
"This young man," James said, indicating Harry, "has been lying shamefully to all of us – you included."
"James –" Harry began. James ignored him.
"He is here under false pretences, with a false name. He is not a student of Madam Vivien's; he never has been. His name isn't even Thomson."
"James, please. This isn't –"
"Harry," Lily said, "is this true?"
"Well... Lily... the thing you have to understand about this..."
James snorted.
"We don't have all night. Evans, he's from the future. He's come back in time."
"Harry?"
"Well – in essence – yes."
"Oh – I suppose you're related to Potter over here?"
"Of course he is!" James said proudly. "And he's related to you, too, Evans."
"What are you –"
"He's our son – OUR son, as in yours and mine. So I assume you're going out with me next Hogsmeade weekend."
"Shut up, Potter. Harry, is he telling the truth?"
"Um... yeah. He is."
"So you're telling me I will eventually marry this idiot."
"I... yeah..."
Lily shook her head.
"My misfortune. Still," she surveyed Harry speculatively. "At least you're better than he is."
"So does that mean you're going out with me, Evans?" James cut in.
"Shut up, Potter. I don't think we're supposed to know any of this. Harry – you should tell Dumbledore."
Harry nodded. "I'm going first thing in the morning."
*~
"I might have guessed," Professor Dumbledore said, looking at Harry over his half-moon glasses. "Don't worry, Harry; I do not blame you. I have learnt that it is practically impossible to prevent James and Sirius from finding out things if they truly want to know. However..." He transferred his gaze to James and Sirius, who were standing next to Harry. "I also know that they are capable of great discretion when the need arises. And I am therefore sure that nobody outside this room will ever hear anything they should not."
Lily and Remus nodded promptly. Sirius, however, said gleefully, "We're not outside this room!"
"I am aware of that, Sirius. Unfortunately, you already know what you should not."
"Exactly, Professor," James said. "So a little more can't hurt."
"James –"
"You can't ban Harry from talking to me. He's my son!" James protested.
"Professor, please..." Sirius said.
"We promise not to tell anyone."
"Never!"
"Sirius, no. I will perform Memory Charms on all of you as soon as Harry has left, and make sure there is not a single scrap of solid evidence that he ever came here. So you see, there is no point asking him questions, because very shortly you will remember nothing."
"Then it doesn't matter if we know now," James argued.
Professor Dumbledore sighed.
"Very well. I do not have all day to argue, and you have to get back to your classes. You may ask Harry questions, provided he is willing to answer. If he does not wish to answer your questions you will not pester him. And you will not even attempt to talk me out of Memory Charms later."
Sirius and James nodded gleefully.
"One thing, though – you will reveal nothing to Mr. Pettigrew."
"Professor," James began, "he's our friend, and he'd never do anything wrong. You know that!"
Harry forced himself to say nothing.
"That is not the point, James," Dumbledore said. "Mr. Pettigrew has been known to be indiscreet on occasion, and in this case indiscretion can have terrible consequences. I cannot perform Memory Charms on the entire school. No – don't argue; the matter is closed. Now, what classes are you supposed to be in right now?"
"Defence for all of us."
"Yes, well, that complicates matters somewhat. We cannot have all five of you walking in together when it is known that Lily cannot stand the sight of James, and James and Sirius abhor Harry..."
James flushed, but said nothing.
"So..." Professor Dumbledore went on. "Lily, Harry, you go now. Tell Professor Williamson you were with me. The three of you can wait. Professor Williamson will not be surprised if you are late."