Harry Potter and the Spirit of Time

by dbzdragonlanceman

Sequel to Harry Potter and the Year of Discovery. Harry continues his quest to defeat Voldemort during his seventh year at Hogwarts.

18. Christmas Time

Chapter 18:

Christmas Time

The party after the Quidditch match was as boisterous as usual. Harry had went up to the Gryffindor common room with the others. The entire house was practically bouncing off the walls. Dean Thomas and Seamus Finnigan came over to Harry. Dean started the conversation, "Harry, that was bloody brilliant. You should have seen the looks on those three's faces when their broom tails caught on fire. It was classic."

Seamus nodded enthusiastically from Dean's side, "You better believe it. I doubt Malfoy is going to bothering any of us for a while after that humiliation."

Harry chuckled, "I don't think anything is going to stop Malfoy from being a prat. If anything, what I did today will just make him more determined to get one up on me. So, I would watch your backs. He could have his goons try anything."

Ron walked over as Harry said this, "Oh, don't worry, Harry. We can handle Malfoy. We're used to him by now. He won't try anything too drastic, not at the castle anyway."

Harry nodded, "True. He's not going to risk Dumbledore's ire. He will still try to pull something."

Hermione smiled as she walked up, "Malfoy is always trying to pull something. Things are just like they've always been."

Harry laughed and then took a swig of his butter beer before replying, "Right you are, Hermione. Right you are."

Neville flopped down into a chair on Harry's other side, "You just don't know how good it is to see you laughing again, Harry."

Harry grinned ruefully, "I don't suppose that I have done a whole lot of laughing over the past couple of years."

The other Gryffindors shook their heads. "I'm sorry I've been such a prat. I just hope we can put it all behind us."

Hermione leaned over and gave Harry a hug. He immediately wrapped his arms around her in return. She said, "Everything is already forgotten, Harry. Welcome back."

As Hermione broke the hug and stood up, Harry looked across the common room and found Ginny Weasley. He smiled sadly, "Not everything."

The others followed his gaze, and saw who he was looking at. Ron snickered, "Go talk to her. She won't bite."

Harry snorted, "Knowing the Weasley temper, she just might."

This earned him a laugh from the others as he got up and walked across the common room to Ginny's side. She was talking to Colin Creevey. Colin looked up at Harry in surprise. Ginny merely kept her gaze averted although it was obvious she knew he was standing there. Harry nodded to Colin, "What's up, Colin? Did you get any good pictures of the game?"

Colin smiled. Photography was his love. He nodded enthusiastically, "Of course. I snapped one of Malfoy, Crabbe, and Goyle with their broom tails on fire."

Harry eyes' widened and then he grinned, "Great. I want a copy of that one."

Colin chuckled, "I will have them developed in a few days. I'll make sure to make you a copy of that one."

Harry replied, "Thanks, Colin." Then, Harry motioned towards Ginny with his eyes, and then jerked his head the other way while looking at Colin.

Colin nodded. He took the hint immediately. He turned to Ginny, "Well, I'll leave you in good hands, Ginny. I'll talk to you later." Colin rose from the seat and beat a hasty retreat.

Harry took the chair that Colin had just vacated. He met Ginny's eyes and smiled, "Hi, Gin. You played great out there today. I was watching you."

A hint of a smile played at the corner of her lips, "You were watching me?"

Harry nodded, "Definitely. If I hadn't had to catch the Snitch, and keep Malfoy from killing me, I probably would have never taken my eyes off of you."

Apparently this was the wrong statement to make as Ginny stiffened, and then quickly jumped up and ran up the dormitory stairs. Harry sighed, and walked back over to Ron, Hermione, and Neville. He sighed again, "I give up. I just don't know what to say to her."

Hermione asked, "What did you say to her?"

Harry told them what he had said. Ron snorted, "No wonder she got upset, Harry. She knows about the Prophecy. She knows that you have to die. That comment about Malfoy trying to kill you just brought it all back."

Harry gaped in astonishment. Hermione picked up where Ron left off, "That was tactless of you, Harry. The Prophecy was the reason you told her that there could never be anything between the two of you. Then, you go and make a comment like that."

Harry slumped down into a chair, "It never occurred to me that she knew the Prophecy. I just assumed that I was mean to her or something."

Ron looked at Harry like he had lost his mind, "What do you mean? Don't you remember?"

Harry shook his head, "How could I? It didn't happen to me."

Neville asked, "What does that mean? You are Harry, aren't you?"

Harry shook his head again, "Not the one you know."

Hermione looked at him suspiciously, "Are you trying to say that there is more than one Harry?"

"Something like that. When I went back in time, the fabric of time was altered, but I didn't change with it. So, the Harry that all of you remember doesn't exist. I am what I would have become if events in the past hadn't been tampered with. That's why my attitude radically changed from what all of you remember. I don't have the same memories that all of you do."

Ron snorted, "You're out of your gourd, Harry. Especially if you expect me to believe all this."

Harry eyed Ron, "Would you believe me if I told you I could do wandless magic?"

Ron shook his head, "Of course not. That's a ridiculous question."

Harry chuckled, "What if I told you that I was an Animagus with more than one form?"

"That's ridiculous, too." said Ron.

Harry smiled, "That remains to be seen, Ron. If the three of you would follow me, then we will see if what I just said was really ridiculous." Harry rose from the seat he was in and walked out the portrait hole.

Neville jumped up to follow him and looked over at Ron and Hermione, "Are the two of you coming?"

Ron and Hermione exchanged glances. Ron shrugged, and the two of them got up to follow Neville, who was hurriedly attempting to catch up to Harry. The three of them followed Harry through the castle to the corridor with Barnabas the Barmy in it. Harry walked back and forth in front of the wall and a door appeared leading to the Room of Requirement. Harry stepped inside and the other three Gryffindors followed him in. When they stepped into the room they discovered several seats and a cleared space of floor. Harry turned to them and said, "Sit down." The other three sat and waited patiently for Harry to begin. Harry drew his wand from inside his robes, and tossed it to Ron, "There, now you know I don't have my wand."

Hermione leaned over and examined the wand Ron was holding, "Harry, that isn't your wand."

Harry smiled, "Very astute, Hermione. My wand was broken in a fight with Voldemort. I didn't want everyone to know that I could do wandless magic, so I went to Diagon Alley and picked up a replacement. Now, what spell would you like to see me cast?"

Neville said immediately, "The Patronus Charm."

Hermione spoke up, "You have to keep both of your hands in plain sight. We don't want you hiding your other hand."

Harry grinned, "Very well." He raised both of his hands out in front of him and said clearly while picturing Ginny Weasley in his mind, "Expecto Patronum." Three silver stags burst from the ends of Harry's hands and circled the room once before retuning to stand beside Harry. Then, they faded from existence. Harry turned to look at the other students sitting in the room to find them sitting with their mouths hanging open in shock.

Ron stuttered, "You… you… just did wandless magic."

Harry shrugged, "I told you."

Neville asked, "What forms do you take as an Animagus?"

Harry transformed into a panther and walked up to put his head in Hermione's lap. She started to scramble back in fear and surprise, but Ron caught her arm, "It's just Harry. Pet him." Ron leaned over and scratched the cat behind the ears. Hermione followed suit, while Harry purred. Then, he transformed into the chameleon. Ron looked closely to see Harry blending in with Hermione's robes. "Wicked."

Next, Harry turned into his phoenix form. Hermione exhaled loudly, "A magical Animagus. The only one ever recorded was Godric Gryffindor."

Harry became himself again, "Since I am the Heir of Gryffindor, it makes sense that I would be the one to copy him."

Hermione looked up at Harry, "You really aren't the Harry that we remember, are you?"

Harry shook his head, "No, I'm not. Things changed when I went back in time. I antagonized Tom the other day, so its just a matter of time until he tries to go back again. Hopefully, I will be able to fix things when he does."

Hermione asked, "What if you can't?"

Harry shrugged, "I'll figure something out. I hope."

The four Gryffindors sat around in silence before three of them returned to the Gryffindor common room, while Harry slipped next door into his private room.

The rest of the term flew by and little happened to break the monotony of class and homework. Finally it was time for term to end and Christmas vacation to begin. Harry was in his room packing when Ron and Hermione came in. Ron looked over Harry's belongings that he was haphazardly throwing into his trunk. He asked, "I didn't think you ever went home for the holidays, Harry?"

Harry laughed, "I'm going to go to Grimmauld Place."

Hermione asked, "What's Grimmauld Place, Harry?"

Harry looked surprised, "Don't tell me that we haven't been using Sirius' house as Headquarters for the Order."

Ron and Hermione exchanged glances. Ron finally said, "Sirius is dead, Harry."

Harry nodded, "I know. He's dead in my timeline, too. If I can't go to Grimmauld Place, then I guess I will just have to go to Potter Manor."

Ron said, "I thought your family's home was destroyed when you were a baby."

Harry shook his head, "No, that was just the safe house that they were staying in. My family's ancestral home is just outside the village. Why don't all of you come to the Manor for Christmas? I would love to have my family together for another Christmas."

Hermione smiled, "I think that is a great idea, Harry." She turned to Ron, "Why don't you go and owl your mother and see if she would like that."

Harry waved a hand, "Don't bother. I will pop over and ask her. I'll be back in a sec." Harry Disapparated away.

Ron turned to look at Hermione, "I thought you said that it was impossible to Disapparate inside Hogwart's grounds?"

Hermione nodded, "It is."

Ron pointed to where Harry had just stood, "Then, what the hell did he just do?"

Hermione shrugged, "I think that he Disapparated."

Ron snorted, "How did he do it if its impossible?"

Hermione shrugged again, "I guess you will just have to ask him. I'm clueless."

Harry appeared in the kitchen of the Burrow, where he had sensed Mrs. Weasley's magical signature. She gasped in surprise when Harry appeared beside her. "What are you doing here, Harry?"

Harry smiled, "I came to ask you if all of you would like to come to Potter Manor for Christmas. I would really like to spend Christmas with my family."

Molly Weasley smiled at the young man before her, "I can't speak for the rest of the family, Harry, but I would be honored to spend Christmas in your home. Now, to a more important question, how did you get here?"

"I Apparated."

Molly asked, "From Hogwarts?"

Harry nodded, "Of course. Why?"

Molly replied, "There are Anti-Apparation wards around Hogwarts and the Burrow."

Harry grinned sheepishly, "Oh, yeah. I guess I failed to mention that I could Apparate around the wards without damaging them."

Molly laughed as Arthur walked into the kitchen, "I suppose so."

Arthur looked at the two people standing in the kitchen and asked, "Whatever is so funny, dear?"

Molly continued to chuckle, "Harry is. By the way, Arthur, we have been invited to spend Christmas at Potter Manor."

Arthur smiled, "I presume you have accepted."

Molly shook her head, "Not yet."

Arthur turned to Harry and said, "Then, I will accept the invitation for us, Harry. We would be honored to spend Christmas at your home."

Harry clasped his hands together, "I better go over to the Manor and get things ready then. I don't know what kind of condition the house is in. I'll see all of you tomorrow." Harry Disapparated back to Hogwart's kitchens to see Dobby.

After Harry had disappeared, Arthur looked at Molly in surprise, "Did he just Apparate?"

Molly nodded, "Yes, he did."

"Are the wards down?"

Molly shook her head, "No, that's what I was laughing at a moment ago. He informed me that he can Apparate around the wards."

Arthur looked incredulous, "You're kidding."

"I am afraid not."

Arthur chuckled, "With him around, I don't feel so bad about this war. I think that we just might win."

Molly smiled, "Yes, he certainly is different from what he was. I hope he manages to fix everything when he goes to the past again."

Arthur nodded, "So do I. So do I."

Harry popped into the kitchens at Hogwarts right next to Dobby. Dobby spun in surprise and squealed, "Harry Potter, sir. It is Harry Potter."

Harry grinned, "Hey, Dobby, I was wondering if you would do me a favor?"

"Anything, Harry Potter, sir. Anything." replied Dobby excitedly.

Harry said, "Good. I need some help cleaning up Potter Manor. I don't know how dirty it is going to be, and the Weasleys are coming over for Christmas."

Dobby nodded his head vigorously, "Dobby is glad to clean up for Harry Potter. Dobby is going right now."

Harry placed a hand on Dobby's shoulder, "Hold on. I'm coming with you. I'm not going to let you do it all by yourself." Then, Harry Apparated away, and Dobby followed him to Potter Manor. When the two arrived, they discovered that the house was covered in cobwebs and dust. Harry looked around, "This might take longer than I thought, Dobby. You start down here, and I'll start at the top. We'll meet in the middle as soon as we can get done." Harry patted Dobby on the shoulder, "I'll see you in a bit." Harry headed up the stairs, and heard just as he was getting out of earshot Dobby muttering under his breath to himself, "Harry Potter is the greatest wizard that has ever lived." Harry shook his head and smiled ruefully to himself. Then, he set to work cleaning up the house. About an hour later, Harry met Dobby in the middle of the third floor. Dobby smiled, "Dobby is proud to say that his half of the house is clean, Harry Potter, sir."

Harry grinned, "I've got my half done, too. Thanks, Dobby. Now, all I have to do is stock the kitchen with some food tomorrow, and we'll be set for the holidays."

Dobby nodded, "Dobby was glad to help Harry Potter, sir."

Harry smiled, "I appreciate it all the same. I'll see you back at Hogwarts, Dobby." The wizard and house-elf both disappeared at the same time. One headed for the kitchen of Hogwarts and the other headed for his room. When Harry popped back into existence in his room at Hogwarts, he found Ron and Hermione waiting on him. He looked at the two of them, "The two of you do know that we are leaving for Christmas break tomorrow? Don't you think you need to pack?"

Hermione snorted, "I had everything packed this morning, and Ron always waits till the last minute. I felt that it was more important to wait for you to come back."

"Why?"

Ron answered before Hermione could open her mouth again, "It might have had something to do with the fact that you just Disapparated in Hogwarts when Hermione has been harping at me that it can't be done for years."

Harry smiled, "Can't is an awfully strong word. Unlikely would be a more appropriate term."

Ron asked, "What does that mean?"

Harry replied, "It means that the wards surrounding Hogwarts don't prevent people from Apparating, they just make it increasingly difficult to do it. The more power you pour into the attempt, the harder the wards fight you. This makes it virtually impossible to do it, because very few witches and wizards in history have had the power to overcome the wards."

Hermione's eyes widened in surprise, "You have the power to overcome the wards, though."

Harry nodded, "I do, but I don't have to."

"Why not?" asked Hermione.

Harry explained, "When you have enough power to overcome the wards, then you also start learning how they truly function. Once you truly understand how the wards function, you can begin manipulating them not to fight your particular magical signature. Every time that I Apparate through Anti-Apparation wards, it gets a little easier. I'm at a point now that I don't even really notice them anymore. I just shunt their power sideways and slip through. It is almost a reflex."

Ron waved a hand, "Okay, enough technical explanations. Did you talk to my parents?"

Harry nodded, "Yep, they said that they would love to come. So, that means you get to come home with me tomorrow."

Hermione smiled, "Since I was going to spend the holidays with them, I suppose that means that I can come to."

Harry grinned broadly, "The more the merrier."

Ron stood up, "Alright, then. Its starting to get late, and I still have to pack. I'm heading for my dorm." Ron walked out the door.

Hermione jumped up quickly, "I think that I better go help him."

Harry smirked knowingly at Hermione as she flushed slightly. She beat a hasty retreat from the room, and left Harry to himself. Harry sighed and laid down on his bed to rest, before drifting off to sleep.

The next morning the castle was a bustle of activity as most of the students scrambled to get their things together to depart on the train. Ron and Hermione were standing with Harry watching the commotion when Ginny walked up to them. She said, "Well, Ron, are you ready to head down to the station and get on the train?"

Ron shook his head in reply, "We're not getting on the train, Ginny. We're going to Potter Manor."

Ginny looked over at Harry, who was smiling at her very warmly. Then, she jerked her head back to stare Ron in the eyes, "What are you talking about?"

Ron smiled down at his baby sister, "Harry invited the whole family over to his house for the Christmas holidays. Mum and Dad accepted, so that is where we are going."

Ginny asked darkly, "Why didn't anyone tell me about it?"

Harry spoke up, "Sorry, Ginny. This all just sort of snowballed together late last night. None of us thought to come and find you to let you know. I hope you don't mind coming to stay at my house."

Ginny eyed Harry warily then said, "I guess not. I was just surprised, that's all. So, how are we going to get there?"

Harry said, "I'm going to Apparate us all over there in just a bit. I'm waiting on the rest of your family to arrive. I spoke to the Headmaster about arranging for the Floo Network to be reconnected to the house, but he said that he couldn't promise that it would be operational until tomorrow. So, the only way for us to get there is to Apparate, and none of the rest of you can get through the wards. I have to wait for everyone to get here."

Ginny raised her eyebrows and opened her mouth as if she was going to ask another question, but Hermione caught her eye and very imperceptibly shook her head. So, Ginny remained quiet until the twins came walking into the room.

Fred grinned, "What's up, Harry?"

George held up a packed bag, "We've closed the shop for the holidays, and we're ready to just sit around the house and vegetate."

Harry laughed, "Sounds like a plan to me."

Fred, George, Ron, and Hermione joined Harry in his laughter. Ginny stood there and looked at all of them as if they were crazy. Fred caught the look on her face and asked, "What's the matter with you, Ginny?"

Ginny pointed at them, "What is the matter with all of you? Harry has been withdrawing from all of us since he found out about the Prophecy, and now the five of you are standing around joking like none of it ever happened."

Harry sighed, "Can you give us a second, guys?"

Fred and George nodded, "We'll get rid of the peanut gallery, Harry." The twins proceeded to push Ron and Hermione away amidst protests from the two younger Gryffindors.

Harry smiled down at Ginny while she continued to eye him with a reserved expression. "Ginny, the Prophecy that you know isn't the one that I know."

Ginny's eyes narrowed, "What are you talking about?"

Harry sighed, "This is difficult to explain without showing you the difference between the two Prophecies. Can you wait to find out until we get to Potter Manor? I promise that as soon as we get settled, the two of us will sit down alone, and I will explain everything, my love."

Ginny protested, "That is the second time that you have called me, 'your love.' What is going on?"

Harry raised his hands, "I promise I will tell you everything when we get to the Manor. Just be patient till then."

Ginny blew up her bangs in frustration, "Oh, alright. I want to know everything, though."

Harry smiled and reached out to touch her cheek. He brushed his fingers lightly across her cheek, and then leaned over and pecked Ginny on the other cheek. Then, Harry turned and raced after the twins, Ron, and Hermione. Ginny stood there stunned for just a moment before reaching up to touch her cheek where Harry had just kissed her. She stood that way and smiled, lost in her thoughts until she was interrupted by Bill. He walked up to her and asked, "Where is everybody else?"

Ginny shrugged, "I don't know. I guess they will be back in a bit, though. The way I understood it, we were all supposed to meet here."

Bill nodded, "That's what I was told. So, what was up with you? You were staring off into space just a moment ago."

Ginny smiled again, "Harry kissed me on the cheek. I was surprised to say the least."

Bill chuckled, "I take it that means the boy is finally coming to his senses."

Ginny looked over at him, "What is that supposed to mean?"

Bill continued to grin, "It means, he must have realized how wonderful my baby sister is. Not to mention, he must have noticed how much you love him."

Ginny sighed, "He's going to die, though. That makes me so scared."

Bill laid a hand on her shoulder and said, "I wouldn't worry too much about that. I don't think that you're going to have to worry about him dying. I think that he's got a trick or two up his sleeve."

"What does that mean?"

"I'll let him tell you."

"Let him tell you what?" asked Arthur as he, Molly, and Charlie walked up to the two of them.

Bill looked at his parents, "Nothing, I was just giving Ginny a big-brother talk."

About that time, Harry came back dragging the twins along the ground by the collars of their robes. By all appearances they were both bound by Full Body Binds. Ron and Hermione were following behind them laughing. Charlie asked, "What's going on?"

Ron continued to laugh, but Hermione stopped long enough to point at the twins and say, "Those two decided that it would be a good idea to try and play a practical joke on Harry. He didn't seem to think that it was as good an idea as they did. This is the result." Then, she began chuckling again. The rest of the Weasleys looked at the twins once more and then looked at each other. Then, they all burst into laughter.

Harry deposited the twins at their mother's feet. Then, he waved a hand at them, "Finite Incantato."

The twins jumped to their feet. George smiled, "That was bloody brilliant, Harry. I don't think that I have ever seen anyone move that fast."

Fred nodded in agreement, "I know I haven't. If I hadn't known better I would have thought that you were on your Firebolt."

Ginny asked, "What exactly did you try to do to him?"

Fred laughed, "We were going to drop a bucket of paint on him, so we charmed it to float above the doorway. He must have sensed that something was up, because as soon as he stepped through the door…"

George took over as Fred paused for breath, "He dove sideways out of the way as the paint fell. Then, he cursed the two of us so quickly that we didn't even see the curses coming. It was amazing."

Harry smirked, "The two of you should have known better than to try to pull a joke on me. I've been around for entirely too many of your tricks to be fooled that easily."

Arthur laughed, "I have been waiting for someone to get the jump on those two jokers for most of their lives. All I can say is that its about time."

Molly hid a smile behind her hand, "Don't you think that we should get going, Harry?"

Harry nodded, "Yes, I suppose we should. It's going to be hard for everyone to grab a hold of me for us to take the trip together, so I guess that I should make a Portkey." He reached into his trunk and pulled out a robe. He tapped it with his finger and said, "Portus." Then, he handed it to Arthur, "Everyone, grab hold of the robe. When they have, Arthur, just tap the collar with your wand. It will deposit all of you in the den of Potter Manor. I will be just behind."

The rest of the Weasley clan put a hand on the robe. Arthur looked around at his family, "Everyone ready?" he asked. They all nodded. So, Arthur tapped his wand to the collar of the robe and they all disappeared and then reappeared in Potter Manor. Harry appeared with a pop just behind them.

Harry grinned as the Weasleys looked around at the immaculate house they found themselves in. "Well, make yourselves at home. There are a string of rooms on the second floor. All of you take your pick."

Ron asked, "What about you, Harry?"

Harry laughed, "My room is on the third floor. So, you don't have to worry about that. I'm going to drop my stuff off in my room, then I have to go down to the village grocery and get some food for this place."

Molly Weasley shook her head, "I'll handle the groceries, Harry. You should enjoy the holidays."

Harry sighed, "Alright. Here, this should cover anything that we need." Harry handed Molly a several fifty pound notes.

Molly protested, "Harry, you don't have to give me any money. I can take care of it."

Harry replied, "Nonsense. All of you are my guests. The least I can do is put food in the house."

Molly smiled as she took the money, "Alright, I'll be back from the market shortly." She departed.

Harry looked over at the rest of the Weasleys and said, "Well, what are you waiting for? Go pick your rooms." Arthur and the group of boys enthusiastically ran up the stairs to find rooms. Ginny and Hermione followed somewhat more reservedly, but both of them had grins plastered across their faces.

Harry went up to his room, and began unpacking only to be interrupted a few minutes later by a loud fake cough from his doorway. He looked up to see Ginny Weasley standing in the doorway. She said determinedly, "I believe that you have promised me an explanation."

Harry nodded, "Yes, I did." He motioned towards a chair by the bed, "Sit down, and we'll get started."

Ginny took a seat and smiled at Harry, "I'm waiting."

Harry shook his head in amusement, then waved his hand at his desk, "Accio Pensieve." Harry's Pensieve leaped from the desk across the room into his hands. He began speaking, "I have stored in here my memory of the Prophecy and Dumbledore's memory of the Prophecy. You will see upon hearing them that they are very different. We'll go with the one you know first." Harry tapped the Pensieve with his finger and an image of Sybyll Trelawney floated up out of the silvery substance that seemed to be constantly swirling around the bowl.

THE ONE WITH THE POWER TO VANQUISH THE DARK LORD APPROACHES…BORN TO THOSE WHO HAVE THRICE DEFIED HIM, BORN AS THE SEVENTH MONTH DIES… AND THE DARK LORD WILL MARK HIM AS HIS EQUAL, BUT HE WILL HAVE POWER THE DARK LORD KNOWS NOT, AND NEITHER OF THEM CAN SURVIVE AND LET THE WORLD LIVE…THE TWO MUST DIE FOR THE WORLD TO SURVIVE… THEY WILL DESTROY ONE ANOTHER OR THE DARK LORD WILL DESTROY THE WORLD… THE ONE WITH THE POWER TO VANQUISH THE DARK LORD WILL BE BORN AS THE SEVENTH MONTH DIES…

Harry continued speaking, "This is the Prophecy from this timeline. This is the Prophecy that you know. This is the Prophecy that I am currently bound by. This is the Prophecy that forced me to withdraw from everyone that I truly care about. This is the Prophecy that I am going to alter."

Ginny asked, "What do you mean by that? How could you alter it?"

Harry replied, "It has already been altered once. I just intend to fix it. This is the Prophecy that I know." He tapped his finger to the Pensieve again, and another image of Sybyll Trelawney appeared. This one with a very different message.

THE ONE WITH THE POWER TO VANQUISH THE DARK LORD APPROACHES … BORN TO THOSE WHO HAVE THRICE DEFIED HIM, BORN AS THE SEVENTH MONTH DIES … AND THE DARK LORD WILL MARK HIM AS HIS EQUAL, BUT HE WILL HAVE POWER THE DARK LORD KNOWS NOT … AND EITHER MUST DIE AT THE HAND OF THE OTHER FOR NEITHER CAN LIVE WHILE THE OTHER SURVIVES … THE ONE WITH THE POWER TO VANQUISH THE DARK LORD WILL BE BORN AS THE SEVENTH MONTH DIES…

Harry smiled, "As you can see, that is a very different Prophecy than the one that you know. That is what the Prophecy was until Voldemort went back in time and forced me to follow him. Something we did changed it. He'll go back again, since he doesn't like this Prophecy anymore than the last one. I will follow and then I will be able to fix everything. Then, everything will be alright. I can come home to my family."

Ginny turned somber and said, "What if you can't fix things? What if the only way for you to defeat Voldemort is for you to die yourself? I can't live with that. I love you , Harry, and I will never forget you, but I can't let myself get anymore attached to you than I already am. I'm sorry." Ginny got up from here seat and ran out of the room in tears.

Harry sighed to himself, "I'm going to fix everything, Ginny. I promise."

Ron and Hermione walked into the room. Ron said, "She'll come around, Harry. Don't worry."

Harry shook his head, "No, she won't. She won't have to, though. Once I fix things, she won't even remember that any of this happened. It will be like none of this happened."

Hermione sighed, "Are you saying that we won't remember any of this?"

Harry shook his head, "No, I will be the only person to remember any of it. I will be the only one of us outside the sequence of time."

Ron looked puzzled, "So, time is just going to change around us?"

Harry nodded, "Basically. Well, I have to finish unpacking, because I need to run into Diagon Alley."

Ron asked, "What are you going to go to Diagon Alley for?"

Harry grinned mischievously, "Christmas shopping."

Hermione smiled, "Ooh, I want to go."

Harry shook his head, "Not a chance. I'm going by myself. No one is going to know what anybody else's Christmas present is. I'm going to surprise everyone this year."

Ron grinned, "You mean we get presents from you."

Harry nodded, "Of course. Now, shoo." Harry waved his hands at the two of them, "I have to finish this and I will never get done if the two of you are in here."

Ron grumbled good naturedly, "Alright, we'll go. Come on, Hermione, let's leave loverboy here to his plots."

Hermione giggled, "Okay, we'll go. Bye, Harry, we'll see you when you get back."

Harry smiled, "Alright. Hey, Ron. Wizard's Chess?"

Ron nodded, "Definitely."

Ron and Hermione left the room. Harry finished unpacking quickly, and then Apparated to Diagon Alley. He conducted his shopping, and then returned to the Manor. A wave of his hand later, the packages were wrapped and sitting under the tree that he had bought while shopping in Diagon Alley. Harry walked down to the sitting room to look at the tree. Then, he walked over and opened the closet in which he had discovered the Christmas ornaments while exploring the house in the other timeline. He assumed, correctly that they would be in the same place. Harry waved his hand, "Wingardium Leviosa." The gigantic box of ornaments floated out and landed by the tree. Harry then yelled, "It's time to trim the tree. So, get in here."

Hermione and all the Weasleys minus Ginny ran into the sitting room. Bill asked, "What's going on?"

Harry said, "We're going to trim the tree."

Hermione smiled, "Great, let's get started."

Charlie looked around, "Where's Ginny?"

Ron shook his head, "I don't think that she is going to want to help. We should just leave her alone."

Charlie's eyes narrowed with suspicion, "What's wrong with her?"

Molly sighed, "I think that I know. I'll go talk to her. I'll be back in a bit. Go ahead and get started on the tree."

Arthur grinned at his children, Harry, and Hermione, "You heard her. Let's get busy."

The entire bunch dug into the box and began laying out the ornaments to get organized. They spent the rest of the afternoon fixing up the tree. The group of wizards and witches spent several hours during the next few days fixing ornaments and things up around the Manor as well. Ginny finally joined them once she saw how much fun they were having, although she did maintain her distance from Harry. He respected this and did not approach her.

Finally, it was the day of Christmas. Everyone exchanged presents. Harry appeared to be delighted just to watch the rest of his family open the presents that he had gotten them. The twins received matching dragonhide gloves. Harry laughed, "With all the experiments that the two of you perform, I figured that you could use them."

The twins grinned and chorused, "Right you are, Harry."

Arthur received a Swiss Army Knife. Harry spent several minutes explaining how to use all of the attachments that were on the knife. Molly opened up a set of new robes. Ron got his own set of Quidditch gear. Hermione received several books on Experimental Charms. Charlie got dragonhide boots, while Bill was sporting a new dragonhide jacket. Ginny was the last one to open her present from Harry. Harry held his breath. He had wisely chosen not to get her anything romantic, but he wasn't sure how well she would accept getting a present from him at all. She opened up the gift to see a certificate. She looked up at Harry as she picked up the sheet of parchment, "What is this for?"

Harry smiled, "I bought you a pet phoenix. That certificate will allow you to pick her up at the Magical Menagerie. I would have already brought her here, but it would have been impossible to hide her."

Ginny smiled and tears began to form at the corners of her eyes, "Thank you, Harry. I love the present."

Harry smiled and nodded, "I'm glad."

A/N: For those of you who are wondering, Harry won't be in the alternate timeline for much longer. Thanks to everyone who is reading.

MindyLou: Glad you're enjoying it. Hope you have liked the sequel as much. Thanks for the review.

HermioneGreen: You're close, but not quite. Thanks for the review.

Lunawolf: He should be. Thanks for the review.

Dragonstorm316: Sorry, I was just trying to make a point. Thanks for the review.

Sailor C: Very perceptive. Thanks for the review.

RyokoTenchi: Time travel is too complex to prepare for everything. Thanks for the review.

Jaws2: Don't expect another novel length fic, but there will be some shorter stuff. Thanks for the review.

Sambow24: Thanks for the review.

Aalikane: ME? Love Voldemort? I don't think so. Thanks for the review.

Lucugirl07: No worries. Thanks for the review.

MuggleNet27: Twelve more chapters after this one. Thanks for the review.

SPASH Panther: It won't be long before they have another hop through time. Thanks for the review.

Eminus: True, but you're forgetting about the Spirit of Time. Thanks for the review.

Tempest Dragon: Thanks for the review.

US HP FAN: Chapter twenty-nine in Year of Discovery. Harry told it to him. Thanks for the review.

Katepotter13: Of course. Thanks for the review.

Maria: Thanks for the review.

HappySnakesRule: I thought that was a nice touch myself. Thanks for the review.

Phred doesn't like you. Goodie! Thanks for the review.

Froggyy1: I'll keep them coming. Thanks for the review.

Goddess of war and wisdom: One more chapter. Thanks for the review.

volley pickle16: Thanks for the review.

Plasterwork: Nothing really. They attacked him first. Thanks for the review.

HP-wannabe69: I'm sure you've figured out some of it, but not all. Thanks for the review.

Blind Faeri: Don't worry. It will return. Thanks for the review.

Laen: I will do my best to let you in on what happens next. Thanks for the review.

Athena kitty: No, no more hunting. Thanks for the review.

Lourdes: I try. Thanks for the review.

Plasmafyre: This will be the end of Voldemort, but you never know what else I have up my sleeve. Thanks for the review.

Mad Scientist II: Harry's presence irritates Voldemort. Thanks for the review.

Cocopops: Thanks for the review.

Blip-dragon: Thanks for the review.

Voxenking: He will. Thanks for the review.

mush corn: Hilda's death will be discussed, but its not really a major plot point from this point forward. Thanks for the review.

RLupin1003: Organized Chaos? Isn't that an oxymoron? Thanks for the review.

Danny: He's flawed. You just haven't noticed, but you will. Thanks for the review.

Fireboy: Thanks for the review.

MJD: Thanks for the review.

Gaul1: Thanks for the review.

Lil Ole ME 97: Updating quickly had nothing to do with it. I'm just getting bored with Malfoy bashing. Thanks for the review.

Yugioh/Potter/Pokemon fanatic: Of course he's going to travel in time again. Thanks for the review.

Vegita 43: Thanks for the review.

Tatie: I will. Thanks for the review.

Destiny Violet: It doesn't take much of a change to cause a large discrepancy fifty years later. Thanks for the review.

Raie: Just be patient. He'll get there. Thanks for the review.

Silver Warrior: Harry isn't going to be able to fix anything, but he will get back to the other timeline. Just think about the title, and you'll get it. Thanks for the review.

Grate: Thanks for the review.

Atomic Elf: Thanks for the review.

Maclir: Thanks for the review.

Potter and the Weasley: Yes, it will. Thanks for the review.