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Previous Chapter:
"Very good Albus, you should wake up by tomorrow evening," she said triumphantly.
Albus eyes, which had been drifting close, snapped open. His voice slurred with the effects of the potion he said, "bu' yoush'd a fu 'oursh."
Poppy looked startled for a minute before saying, "yes, yes I did say that it would only be a few hours didn't I? Whoopsie Daisy. Must have performed that spell incorrectly."
Then she smiled victoriously down at him and sauntered away.
That wretched cow! Was his last thought before sinking into oblivion.
CHAPTER FOUR
Where Albus Dumbledore awoke the following evening, Harry was unconscious for five days. Five days in which the hall outside the Hospital wing (much to Poppy's displeasure) had become almost as busy as the entryway to Diagon Alley.
Dumbledore had told the extremely curious members of the Order that all would be explained once their visitor had awaken, yet a few of the more impatient members (Weasley twins, James and Sirius) had taken to eavesdropping in the hospital wing and when after being found out, faking injuries.
During this time Severus had been summoned to a meeting, and when he returned he reported that Voldemort had not been happy with how things had turned out. The few that had port-keyed out when the going got tough had gotten tortured first and then questioned second. When Dumbledore asked why he hadn't been asked to participate in the attack on the Burrow, Snape had said that Voldemort used it as training for a few of his newer recruits. He had not expected to lose so heavily nor had he expected the burrow to be so well protected. Avery and Tronson had paid heavily for the losses of so many promising death eaters as well as the lack of foresight and planning.
Apparently the Dark Lord was also curious as to who the hooded fighter was and had sent a few of his people out to look for answers. Voldemort had somehow found out that the person was very close to Dumbledore. This was the very reason why the leader of the Phoenix had not told the Order about Harry, he was sure that there was no spy in the Order but it was a feeling that he could and would not wager his life or the life of others on. As far as he was concerned, the less Voldemort knew about Harry, the safer Harry was until he was prepared to join in.
Harry's friends made sure that they were by Harry's side as much as they could. Hermione had put aside her research in the link since they had hit a block where the unfamiliar books were concerned and Ron spent less time out with the Aurors. They sat around Harry's bed sometimes in silence and other times in reflection about their past together. They had remained tight-lipped about who he was, it was easy to do as although they talked about Harry a lot, they had never really described him, especially not the scar which was probably the most defining feature.
Tuesday afternoon, Harry finally awoke. Madame Promfrey clucked over him and made him drink even more potions, and with a final wave of her wand she checked over him once more and then finally left to go and floo Albus. Harry decided that he wanted out of the Hospital wing as soon as possible and so made a quick escape while the unsuspecting nurse was in her office.
With all the sleep that he had gotten and with only potions to drink it wasn't a surprise that Harry's first trip was to the kitchens. Barefoot and still in his hospital shirt and pants, he walked quickly (almost ran) down the staircases and through the corridors until he stood before the familiar painting of the fruit bowl. Reaching up, he tickled the pear (whilst hoping it was still the same) he was rewarded when a handle appeared, and eventually the entryway into the kitchens. Stepping in he was greeted by the house-elves who were very eager to get 'master' something to eat. He was led by a house elf named Twippy to a table in the corner of the large kitchen and in a flurry of activity, food was deposited on the table before him. Harry made a mental 'note to self' to see if Dobby was still with the Malfoy's and make plans in a rescue, then he indulged in eating like a man possessed.
He was onto his third serving of Roast chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy when two identically looking boys came in. Harry paused in what he was doing and looked them up and down, aware that they were doing the same with him. The two youths looked about 16, they had dark red hair and hazel coloured eyes, Harry knew that if he stood up the boys would come to just above his shoulders. One of the boys carried a small vial of liquid that he quickly hid behind his back while the other had a Jar and a cloak. On closer inspection Harry noticed that the cloak was an invisibility cloak, much like the one he once had.
Completing his assessment, he came to the conclusion that whatever was in the vial and the jar was going into whatever it was the House-elves would serve tonight. Deciding that he really didn't want to know what it was he turned back to his food.
The slight dismissal jarred the twins out of their scrutiny of him and looking at each other they came to a decision that this was the man the rumours were talking about. The stranger who had caused Professor Dumbledore to be even weirder of late.
"Hullo. You just come from the hospital wing?" asked one of the boys politely.
Harry who was still eating just nodded slightly. The boys looked at each other again and then turned back to him.
"Have you been here long?" asked the same boy again.
Harry didn't answer, but picked up his goblet of pumpkin juice and drank it instead. The boys watched him in silence as he wiped his mouth and then sat back.
They ventured another question, mutually deciding that there previous question was probably stupid anyway.
"Who are you?" the second boy asked.
Harry raised an eyebrow and both boys winced at what was obviously a lack of tact and manners.
"sorry...that is- I mean- "
Harry interrupted, taking pity on the poor boy's absent grasp on conversational tactics.
"Maybe you can tell me who both of you are and then I'll tell you who I am?" he asked, to the obvious relief of the boys.
The twin on the right, who Harry noticed had a small faint scar on his cheek, put out his hand and introduced himself first.
"Me name's Mathew. Sixth year Gryffindor, eldest by five minutes" he said with a smile. Harry shook his hand and then turned to the other twin who just like his brother extended his hand also.
"Name's Daniel, sixth year Gryffindor too," he said. "Youngest, brightest and better looking," he finished with grin when his brother elbowed him.
Harry laughed and shook his hand before launching into his own introduction.
"The name's Harry gents," he stated and then paused before adding, "former student, Gryffindor house."
Motioning for both of them to sit down he asked Twippy for some cake and ice cream. Three bowls appeared before them and all three dug in happily, a few minutes of eating in silence, Daniel asked a question.
"When did you go to Hogwarts?"
Harry hesitated and thinking quickly he replied, "I was in the same year as Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger."
"Really?" this was asked by Mathew, who was now looking at Harry sceptically. "The Weasley twins have never mentioned you, and neither did my older br- I mean, year levels.."
Harry, mentally thanking his inner slytherin and the Weasley twins for honing his ability to lie, replied nonchalantly, "I was non-descript. Not very memorable in school, kept to the back and all that."
Mathew still doubtful shrugged and said, "The Weasley twins know and see everything though. They might know you. What's your last name?"
Without even hesitating Harry replied, "Snuffles. Harry Snuffles."
Daniel blinked and then lips twitching replied, "Your mother must have had really low self esteem to marry your father."
Amused, Harry said, "it's not so bad really. It's just weird; this is the wizarding world after all. I mean you have, 'Cooky-Munster' 'Funqy' 'Pointy-Pickles', my last name is probably boring compared to others."
"Yeah but with your last name, you'd be hard to miss wouldn't ya?" Daniel countered. "Did you know Harry Potter?"
Mathew froze and glared angrily at his brother, "what you bring him up for?"
His brother shrugged, "What?! He was in the same year as him. It probably doesn't help anyway since practically the entire wizarding world knows who he is," he said bitterly.
Harry arched his eyebrow and then said, "I didn't know him very well but I knew of him. Don't like him do you?"
Both boys stared at Harry in angry shock. All wide eyes and open mouths.
"He nearly killed our dad, and murdered our aunt and uncle. Of course we like him, comes over to dinner all the time," Mathew spat out sarcastically. Harry looked surprised at the venom in his voice as well as the information he gave.
"What you looking so surprised for? He's been all over the Daily Prophet for the past three years. Asshole betrayed Dumbledore nearly got him killed too!! How the hell could you not know?!" Daniel asked incredulously.
Having come to grip with his shock he decided to interrupt before they became too worked up. "Alright, alright, calm down. I'm sorry, I didn't know alright? I've been living in the Himalayan region ever since graduation. You know. Isolated area? Maximum population of about 45? No wizards? No electricity? Those damn bastards, how dare they cancel my Witches Weekly subscription!" he ended derisively.
Both boys, surprised at the scornful tone he had used started giggling. After a few seconds of trying to contain their sniggers, they gave up and laughed out loud.
A few moments later after the twins had calmed down; Harry thought it safe to talk."Look, I'm sorry about your dad right? I didn't think Potter would have ever ended up that way (the voice in his head snorted at that). I hope that he's suffering in Azkaban for it."
Mathew shook his head and looked sad, "nah. He's not. Azkaban wouldn't hold him. Especially not since he went and became You-know-who's favourite."
Harry paled and swallowed, his throat all of a sudden dry. "He works for Voldemort now?"
Both boys hissed and flinched, "Do you bloody mind?! Don't say his name!!"
Harry bit his tongue to stop the words that wanted to come out of his mouth, he sighed heavily instead and rubbed his scar with the heel of his palm.
"Yeah he works for you-know-who," Mathew said furiously, "almost killed my mother that did. When she found out she wouldn't stop crying for days. It didn't help that dad was in St Mungos with Uncle Ri.
Dad was Royally pissed when he woke up. Harry Potter was never mentioned in our house again. We all call him Parricida now."
Biting his lip, Harry's forehead creased in contemplation. He just couldn't put a handle on their reactions. Why it was almost so personal. Granted that their father was almost killed, but why such an extreme reaction by their mother. He wanted to ask but he didn't want to insult the twins.
Changing the subject for the time being, Harry asked them about their reason for being in the kitchen in the first place.
Mathew and Daniel both sported twin looks of evil, but only for a flash before both faces morphed into the 'innocent' face.
"Oh, we're just going to add a special ingredient to tonight's feast you know? Special mix of herbs and spices, try something new and all that."
Harry grinned and then smirked showing that he didn't believe they had good intentions in any way, opening his mouth to say so he was interrupted by a screech of "Harry!" before being hauled into a very tight embrace.
Harry barely had time to breath after finally being let go before he was thumped on the shoulder. Hard. Looking up into the eyes of a very angry and worried Hermione Granger, he realised that this was not going to be good.
"YOU IDIOT!!! We've been looking all over the school for you.....we thought you had gone!!! Poppy's so angry, she hadn't even given you permission to leave. OF ALL THE IRRESPONSIBLE THINGS TO DO! I should- " the rest of her tirade was muffled when a hand covered her mouth.
"Alright Hermione love, breathe! Harry knows he's been an absolute fool now. And I'm sure that he's very sorry that he made us worried. I'm also sure that he will never do it again. Right Harry?" Ron looked at him, in a look that was telling him that there was only one answer that he can give.
Harry smiled and took Hermione's hand and said, "Right. I won't do it again, and I'm really sorry. I was just hungry."
Letting go of her slowly, Ron inched away. Hermione glared over at him to tell him that they would talk later about restricting people from speaking, then she looked back to Harry and threw herself back into his arms.
Harry held her for a while just glad to be in both their presence. They stayed that way, with Ron looking on with a smile, until someone cleared their throat. Harry turned to where the noise had come from, forgetting that the twins were still there.
He smiled at them apologetically. He was about to say 'sorry' when Hermione beat him to it.
"Oh my goodness. Sorry about that Matty, Dan. I didn't know you were h- OH BLOODY GOD! MATTY! DAN!" her eyes widened as she realised who she was speaking too. Ron too had just realised who was in the room and grabbing Harry he started to haul him out of the kitchens.
"Alright Harry, time to go. Albus wants to speak to us and Poppy wants to check you over again," he said hastily, whilst still urgently pulling Harry towards the door. Hermione on the other side of him was nodding her head and pushing him gently.
"Yes we have to go....Albus doesn't like to wait you know...Goodbye Dan, Matty."
Harry started dragging his feet, aware that for some reason or another they wanted him out of the room. When he realised that his struggles were getting him nowhere he spoke out, "would the both of you stop it?! Why on earth are you in such a rush to get me out of here? I know Albus too you know, he can wait until the cows come home and he'll still be happy as long as he has his lemon drops!"
Still struggling he finally freed himself and breathing heavily he glared at the both of them.
"What is going on?" he asked.
Looking at the twins Hermione decided that if Harry wouldn't leave then the twins would. "Matty, Dan, out you get. You should be in your dorm room getting ready for dinner!" she said in her best 'McGonagall' voice.
The twins looked at her funny, they both knew something was up and that they didn't want Harry in the same room as them, this was a mystery, and they both loved mysteries.
"Your not our teacher Mione. We don't need to listen to you," Matty said.
"Yeah, you can't take points either," Dan added with a grin, "so what you gonna do about it?"
Hermione looked over at Ron with a look that was imploring him to do something, Ron just shrugged apologetically since he wasn't a teacher there either. Hermione looking panicked for a minute stopped and then smiled triumphantly.
"I'll tell your mother that you were trying to put stuff in the food. Your mum was telling me that she had forbidden either of you from pranking again. What would your mother say if I told her neither of you were listening?"
Daniel looked at his brother and then figuring that whatever it was that Ron and Hermione were trying to hide was probably worth getting into trouble for, shrugged and said indifferently, "So. Not like she can do much either, she doesn't stay at Hogwarts all she can do is growl us off and then go home. That's nothing."
Both boys froze as a very calm (yet threatening) voice said, "Is that so?"
Everyone in the room turned towards the entrance to the kitchens. There standing arms folded and a look of retaliation on her face, was Lily Potter.
Harry had paled when he saw his mother. It was weird for him to find people that were supposed to be dead alive in this world, and he didn't think he'd ever get used to it. What she said next kept him in shock and speechless for the next few hours.
"Mathew Sirius Potter. Daniel Remus Potter. Get. Up. To. Your. Dorm. Now. We will take later!"
Both boys rushed out the door, each receiving a clip on the ear as they went past.
Hermione and Ron looked at Harry, both were worried about how he was going to take that bit of news. Seeing that he was in shock they guided him into the chair he had occupied while eating.
"Harry mate? You alright to walk up to the infirmary now?" Ron asked softly so that only he and Hermione could hear.
Harry just nodded, eyes glazed.
Lily still standing at the entrance looked concerned. "Will he be alright? He doesn't look too steady on his feet. I hope it wasn't the boys."
Hermione gave her a reassuring smile and said, "No. He'll be alright, and it wasn't the boys. He's just tired from his trip and all. He probably overexerted himself before he was ready."
Lily nodded and followed after them as they left the kitchens, both at Harry's shoulders just in case he might need help. "You'll be fine mate. Just need some time is all."
Harry just nodded.
Two hours later, Harry was mentally as good as new. Poppy who had been the only person in whom Dumbledore had told Harry's circumstances to had given him a potion to help with his shock. The taste itself seemed to knock Harry out of his stupor. And if that didn't help, Poppy's lecture on 'irresponsible, sneaky boys' certainly did.
Harry had so many questions for Dumbledore, all of which began and ended with 'what's changed?' The look in the headmaster's eyes told Harry that he'd find out soon enough, just stay focused on getting his wits about him.
When Poppy had finally decided that he could go, she did so with an extracted promise from the Headmaster that Harry would be back by 10pm, in the hospital wing, where she could keep an eye on him. Harry's eyes pleaded with the headmaster not to give in but Dumbledore ignored it, still wanting to get even for Harry's little trick five day's ago.
Excusing themselves from Lily they made their way up to Dumbledore's office. Standing in front of the (ugly) gargoyle Harry asked them a question before Albus could say the password, "you still use sweets for your password Dumbledore?"
"Lifesavers," he said to the Gargoyle, "that answer your question Harry?"
He just smiled and rolled his eyes. Hermione launched into examples of all the passwords Dumbledore had been using lately while they waited for the staircase to reach the top.
"Seriously Albus," Ron stated, "I think you might need help, there is such a thing as addiction."
Reaching the landing in front of his office, Dumbledore opened his door and walked in, followed by Hermione and Ron while Harry brought up the rear. A blur of red and gold greeted him just as he cleared the door. Landing on his shoulder the headmaster's phoenix started butting his head against his face in a form of greeting.
"Fawkes?!" he exclaimed in pleasant surprise, reaching up he stroked the Phoenix's feather covered head. The phoenix trilled and cooed.
"Fawkes remembers you too Harry," Dumbledore said with the maddening twinkle in his eyes. "In fact when I woke up from my exhaustion induced coma, Fawkes returned back from his self imposed exile complete with tales and memories of you before his 'death'. Phoenix's are very interesting creatures."
Fawkes trilled once almost to say that he agreed wholeheartedly before launching off of Harry's shoulder to alight on the back of Dumbledore's chair.
Sitting himself down in a seat in between Ron and Hermione's, Harry took a look around the office. He saw that not much had changed. The case in which the Sword of Gryffindor sat was still there, and so were the many shiny objects that he remembered breaking in fifth year. The painting's on the wall had not changed at all either, although they were looking down at him with a look of intense interest.
"Not changed much has it Harry?" Hermione said noticing his examination of the room. Harry just shook his head and smiled.
They lapsed into comfortable silence for a while just remembering, punctuated by the rustling of inhabitants of the portraits moving and the crunching of Dumbledore's lemon drops as he chewed on them. Distantly Harry heard students moving around, probably on their way to the great hall. Dumbledore cleared his throat and gestured to the plate of lemon drops on his table, they all shook their heads in the negative. Steepling his hands on his desk he looked over his half-moon glasses at Harry.
"Right. I am guessing Harry that you have a lot of questions for us concerning this world, but if it is alright with you I would like you to tell us what has changed in the world you left behind?"
Harry nodded and with light squeeze on his arm from Hermione as encouragement he started talking of the world he knew.
"You probably know what happened after your death up until Hermione and Ron's, so if it's alright with you, I think I'll skip that."
They nodded to say that it was alright.
"After Hermione and Ron....umm, died. I..uh...cast the spell on Voldemort. He was really weak then I guess. But for a second I didn't think the spell would work. But it did. And he just....died....well not really just died....but he sort of glowed for a while and then he fell to the ground and then died ....... No theatrical screaming or anything. Eyes wide open in shock...I guess....or fear. .......
The spell though, it was harder to do then I thought. It was a real strain to cast it. I could feel the tension and I was struggling for control ...... I h-honestly thought I'd lose it for a moment. I don't think I'd be able to say the Centero again. The power to use it was more then we first thought you know....... I had to drag everything I could out....... And it wasn't a good flow either.....I just let go of the reigns or whatever, and all the power just flew out of me. It wasn't pretty. Not even graceful. Bloody painful I tell you......You hadn't mentioned bleeding either. But there was blood. ..... It was pouring from my wrist and my arm, and I could feel it running down my neck. And my scar and head hurt like bitch. (dry laughter) I was kind of expecting it you know. Tried to block it with Occlumency but if I focused on that then I would have lost control of the spell. So I let the bastard channel some of his pain into me...... And I think I closed my eyes for a bit. Because the blood was pouring into my eyes. But after that, all the blood disappeared. They found a puddle of blood later when the Aurors came to check on the graveyard. ...... It was funny though, they asked me if I bled him to death. ...... they said that he had no blood in him..... He was a monster anyway, wouldn't have thought he'd have blood running through his veins.
At any rate, after the fight I took your bodies with me to headquarters, found Fawkes along the way....... He'd appeared and took the killing curse for me. He was sitting in his pile of ashes so I picked him up and we port-keyed out, back to Hogwarts. ...... They were all there, the remaining members of the Order...... they were happy, the parties after it had been confirmed that it really was Voldemort lasted for weeks..... But the Order we had the funerals first you know? The sixth one in just under two months. (sigh) Some of us were wondering for a bit whether it had been all worth it in the end. ...... But then September 1st came back around and the children came back to Hogwarts, it all just made sense. We lost our innocence and our childhood so that others could keep theirs.
McGonagall was the new headmistress. ...... But God Rest her soul, she died trying to defend the children in Hogsmeade a year later."
They looked at Harry in shock, it was Hermione who interrupted and asked the question that was running through their minds. "Death Eater attack? Even without Voldemort?"
Harry shook his head sadly, "No ...... The Death Eater's had all died with Voldemort. Anyone and everyone who was marked ...... including snape. Not going to lie and say I miss him, but he was our spy, if anyone deserved peace it was him......No, it was a bunch of people calling themselves 'Sang Pur', French for 'Pure Blood'. Thought it would be fun to attack a bunch of defenceless children enjoying Hogsmeade weekend. ...... Minerva died fighting, just before the Aurors got there a customary half hour late. ...... They thought themselves so brave. So cunning....didn't look so cunning or brave when they tried to beg themselves out of a death sentence. ...... that's another thing that changed. Dementors never came back to Azkaban. So they thought it fitting to use Muggle ways of execution. Poison by potion. Electric Chair. ...... Members of 'Sang Pur' was executed by the Chair. They asked me to attend. I chose not to. It doesn't matter what you call it really, whether it's justice or murder. Death was never enjoyable. ...... Families of the victims turned up. No-one of the Order, or any of the Hogwarts Staff.....Minerva's funeral was the day after the executions.
There was a mass panic for a while, all four head of houses were dead now. No-one the parents could really trust. They started pulling out their children....still didn't think it was safe. ...... I thought it would be more dangerous for the children to be untrained while the world was still unstable....so I volunteered to lead Hogwarts for a while. Until someone else could be found. ...... The following school year had the largest attendance record since the beginning of the war. ...... Surely, they said, if the boy-who-defeated was leading the school it would be alright. ...... I taught Defence for my first two years. And then I asked the ministry to make it a criteria for new recruits to teach a year of school children defence....it solved the problem nicely. Three years training for Aurors. If a group of 4 or 5 new recruits out of the total number of 100 in a year, taught a class in a wizarding school, it took care of the 'lack of on hand experience' usually missing in teachers. ...... My hope was that the Aurors would also see what it was that they were fighting for. I didn't agree with glorifying the position. Too many ego's in any situation is dangerous you know?"
Harry stopped for a while so that he could take a break. Sipping the tea that Dumbledore had provided they all thought about Harry's news about their world.
Dumbledore was assimilating the fact that Harry had become Headmaster. He was very happy with that bit of information; he had always known that Harry was destined for a leadership role, but never believed that it would be within the Ministry. Harry loved to help and he was far too determined and sometimes impulsive for a ministerial role. But as headmaster of Hogwarts? Where instinct could guide him, and his almost intimate relationship with Hogwarts itself....he would have been a perfect shoe-in for Headmaster. The fact that he did so for almost 12 years with guidance only from the portraits was very impressive. He decided to keep that in mind for when this current war was over, he was long over-due for retirement.
"Lee Jordon became Minister of Magic when Damien Lightweight stepped down only two years after being voted in. All his children were arrested in Leicestor during a raid on a meeting of 'Sang Pur'; they had been using ministry money to help finance the movement.
I started being sick then too. I had been sick ever since that Bastard's death. My magic was becoming more and more unstable as the years progressed. ...... Poppy told me that my body didn't know how to handle all the raw magic that I had released. I had no link to anchor it and no filters. ...... We kept my sickness quiet. No-one attacked Hogwarts because they feared me, but if they found out that there was only a limited amount of magic I could use.....it would have been a blood bath. ...... My emotions had to be controlled at all times. A little bit of anger had the ability to blow out windows and destroy a room. Excitement caused pretty much the same effect....it was hard and it only got worse.
Moving on. Neville and Ginny got married. They had a daughter Alice Molly Longbottom, born August 31st, a year after they got married. Two years later they had Arthur Frank Longbottom. He had just turned two five days before I....died. I loved them you know. ...... Both children had the Weasley red hair. Ginny told me that she was pregnant again on Alice's birthday. I think she would have been about 5 months along. ...... Neville told me that he reckons that Ginny's trying to rebuild the Weasley family, he doesn't mind though, I would think that Neville would be trying to rebuild his own –"
Ron laughed, he was ecstatic that Ginny had had children but he was sad that he wasn't there to see it. The Ginny is this world was not very different from his Ginny, but he knew that he didn't really know her that well. They had had to rebuild their relationship from scratch, much like he had had to do with the rest of his siblings.
"The students and the staff didn't know I was sick. Neville had started teaching there six years prior and then elevated to Deputy Headmaster four years later when Vector retired. So when I got so sick that I could no longer be up and about he took over. I retired three months before the school year ended, and Neville took over the headmaster duties for the remaining of the school term. I.....umm...died 2 months later.
And then I got sent back here. I....uh... 'woke up' in the field where the Quidditch World Cup was held in our fourth year. I felt an overwhelming urge to visit the Burrow so that was my first stop. Good thing too I guess. ...... I've always been a natural homing pigeon where trouble was concerned.
I guess that's all then. If you have any other questions, you know the routine."
There was silence in the headmaster's office as Harry finished his report. It was quite overwhelming, and they knew that although none of his information would apply to this world, Harry had lived in the Wizarding world post-war. Mistakes made there, would be lessons learned here. It had been almost two hours since Harry had started talking, the Headmaster decided that they would take a break and have dinner.
Calling a house elf he spoke to her and asked her to get them something to eat. The house elf disappeared for a few minutes before reappearing again with a pop. With a click of her fingers food appeared before them.
Dumbledore smiled and gestured to the plates of food.
"If you don't mind, I took the liberty of bringing our food up here. All of you would probably want to eat away from the curious eyes of the students. We will see them soon enough anyway."
Nodding in agreement, both Ron and Harry started attacking their food. Hermione and the Headmaster were far more civilised, and started eating at a slower pace.
After they had eaten the main course and then desert (multiple offerings), they sat back and started reminiscing about their days gone by. Harry fielded questions about the people and events of the other world and at the same time they answered Harry's questions about this world. They all knew that Harry did not like 'report like' explanations for anything he liked to know. He preferred to ask questions and then get straightforward answers.
Once Harry had come to grips with the fact that in this world he was a 'slimy slitherin who grew up to be an evil asshole' (helpfully provided by Ron), he started asking questions about allegiances and spies. He found out that Snape was still a spy ('and a slimy git to boot' said Ron), surprisingly so was Narcissa Malfoy ('how such a nice woman gave birth to a monster I will never know', Ron again), and ultimate surprise doubled, Vincent Crabbe ('he's intelligent, who would have known') and Crabbe Goyle ('you will not believe the amount of things he's found out while standing around a buffet table'). There were more spies this time around, and as Harry pointed out, also more of a chance for a betrayal. Dumbledore just nodded and then smiled and said, "they have to be trusted, I will leave the paranoia and doubt to Moody and if you want to join him then the more the merrier."
Finally Harry thought it was time to ask the question that had been bugging him since the encounter in the Kitchens.
"So they were my brothers huh?"
Dumbledore seemed to have understood the unasked question behind the question and so chose to answer.
"A prophecy was said, much like in our world, word for word. Except this time, I did not choose to go to meet Sybill Trelawny and so the prophecy was said to the room at large. Voldemort found out, and instead of attacking either you or Neville he waited. It is the reason why the Wizarding world has not fallen yet. He chose to pull back on his terrorising while he waited to find out who it was that the prophecy would point to. Which is probably a mistake he made, in doing so it was enough time for the Order of the Phoenix to mobilize and strengthen our forces. We have members in high places within the Ministry but so does Voldemort. Lucius Malfoy for one is the face of the Pureblood regime and as opposition leader and a very wealthy man, all it would take is one major mistake by the current Minister to put him in the Minister's seat.
As I was saying, the Order gained more people into the organisation and that in itself is what allowed the Order to thrive even though I was otherwise incapacitated. I still put the Potter's and the Longbottom's under the Fidelius charm, with me as secret keeper. I had lectured the Potter's about how this was not the time to play the 'loyalty to friends' card when they wished to use Sirius. I just wish that I had given them the same lecture for our timeline.
By the looks of it, you have been put back in your body that is in respect to your current age, as you would have been if you had been born into this world. This Harry, otherwise known as 'Parricida' is 22. Your two younger brothers, are 16.
Parricida was sorted into Slytherin and so started his journey into the ranks of Voldemort. He was befriended by Draco Malfoy. Power and Riches are very enticing separately; strong willed men have fallen for less. Yet together, as the Malfoy family embodies, it is addictive. My influence to help him had lessened over the years, he turned more and more towards Lucius for advice, he saw less and less of his own family and eventually by sixth year he chose to spend Christmas with the Malfoy's instead. By seventh year he never went back home. In fact when he left home to come back to Hogwarts for his last school year, that would be the last time he ever saw your parents again until his betrayal.
The Governors had also changed school laws that year. For the first time the Governors decided the Head-boy instead. I asked for Dean Thomas to be head-boy, but I was over-ruled by Lucius in support of Parricida, I argued heavily for Dean Thomas, but the Governors agreed with Lucius. He (Parricida) severed all ties with me that year, in supporting Dean Thomas I had proven Lucius' theory that I supported Muggle Borns and Gryffindors at the sacrifice of pure bloods and traditions.
Your brother's were first years then. When they got sorted into Gryffindor Parricida cut off all ties with his family and spurned them. They did not understand, and neither did your parents. Your parents never thought that their son would ever join Voldemort's legions. They held tight to that, and it made it much easier for him to betray them.
He had just left Hogwarts when he sent an owl to your parents saying that he needed help. The owl was injured and it looked like someone had tried to stop it, not only that but the parchment itself was blood stained and the handwriting looked rushed and panicked. It all looked real, and Lily and James were very worried and begged the Order to help him out. I had my reservations but I was over-ruled by the members.
Our spies knew nothing though, but that did not stop the Order from wanting to go and rescue him. We finally received a tip-off about where he was held. Unfortunately the Wards surrounding his prison were such that only a very powerful wizard could have dismantled them. This is the reason why I went. I stood in the outer edges of the ward and disabled them; for once I underestimated the hatred that Voldemort had for me. I did not realise that he would gladly wear himself out for few days just so that they could trap me. For that is what it was, a trap. Once the wards had fallen, we were attacked. In my drained state I could barely fight back a powerful Death eater. But when Voldemort himself joined in.
All I know is that James blaming himself for the ambush created a port-key and got me out of there. He was captured along with Sirius who refused to leave him, and taken to Tom's lair. It was there that he found out his son was healthy and well, and that he had been betrayed and played. He watched his son get his mark and swear his allegiance to Voldemort, he also found out that the trap itself was Parricida and Draco Malfoy's initiation challenge. They had passed with flying colours.
Parricida proved himself a worthy death-eater by casting the Cruciatus curse on James and then Sirius. He did not participate in the torture, but he did ask that they be released so that his 'mud-blood' mother would see how unworthy she was of a son like him.
So there you have it Harry, the abbreviated history of the Potter family. It will be interesting to see what their reaction will be when they find out who you are. They have heard a great many things from Hermione and Ron about you. You could very well be the exact thing that James, Lily, Sirius and Remus need right now. Daniel and Mathew also need a helping hand. They think no one else knows it, but they have immersed themselves in their pranks so as to prove they are nothing like their brother. This war will affect many more families before it is over.
But be it as may, all other tales can wait for a new light. It is now nine o'clock, you have an hour to spend together. I have some calls and such to do. The Order of the Phoenix meeting will be held tomorrow evening at nine. Goodnight my children."
Leaving Dumbledore's office, Harry could only reflect on what he had been told. It was a very sad history, the sort of life that he would have loved yet it was abused and found wanting by those living it. He was also very nervous. Tomorrow he would find see the Order, and finally meet his parents. It was going to be a long night.
It was eight thirty. He was going to see the rest of the Order in half an hour. How would they react? How would they react? How would they react?!
Harry James Potter, Order of Merlin First class, defeater of Voldemort, and former Headmaster of Hogwarts was pacing from one side of the room to the other. Fawkes watched his pacing avidly, his golden eyes following him from one side to the other. He had already been snapped at by a very agitated Harry to 'stop staring at me like I'm some sort of freak show', but Fawkes hardly ever listened. On the other side of the room Hermione and Ron were watching him too. In respect to their friend's feelings they had not shown any reaction when he'd snapped at Fawkes but deep inside where it couldn't be seen, they were laughing very loud.
"Why does Albus want us to wait again?" he asked tensely.
"Because he wants to see entertainment and the only way he'll see it is if you make a grand entrance," Ron said helpfully.
Hermione rolled her eyes, and elbowed Ron in the stomach. "No he doesn't Ron. He just wants to get the formalities of the Order out of the way so that you won't need to sit through it all. Don't worry so much Harry," as he paced again to the other side of the room, "it'll be fine. They'll be shocked at first but they'll get over it......eventually."
Harry stopped midstep, twirled around and glared at his best-friend, before snapping back around and continuing on with his pacing.
He was wearing a robe that Hermione had went out and brought from him. It was dark green with a silver hem. Inside Harry wore, black pants and a black shirt. Both Hermione and Ron thought that Harry looked formidable, dangerous and powerful. Harry thought he looked like a death eater who had a craving to wear his house colours.
Finally with a flash of green flames from the fireplace the signal was cast to bring him over now. Ron handed Harry a piece of parchment and then told him to read it.
The Headquarters of the Order of the Phoenix is at Tintagel Castle.
After Harry had read it he nodded to indicate that he understood and then wordlessly (and wandlessly) burnt it.
Fawkes flew up to hover just so that his tail feathers were within reach of the trio. Reaching up they grabbed his red and gold tail and in a burst of flames they disappeared.
They reappeared before a rundown castle. Mentally extending his magic Harry realised that the ruins were under some sort of charm. But try as he might to break through it he found that he couldn't. Shaking his head Harry bit his lip in worry, he had never had problems breaking through spells before, it was like his magic was no longer powerful enough to do it. That didn't make sense though, since he could do Wandless magic easily enough. Harry banished his problems into the recess of his head, he'd find out later. Concentrating instead he thought The Headquarters of the Order of the Phoenix is at TIntagel Castle.
Before him the ruins seemed to run like a movie on rewind. Stones and beams seemed to jump back into formation, glass formed windows, and turrets magically reappeared. Before long Harry was standing in front of an intimidating 15 foot door. He jumped when Ron rang the doorbell. Humming along to the tune of 'Row Row Row your boat' that the doorbell was- Wait a minute?! Row your boat, on a Doorbell?? Looking incredulously at Hermione who had been waiting for him to realise how out of place that was on a 12th century Castle, she grinned at him and then said, "Dumbledore," as if that explained it all.
It did.
Finally, after 'Row your boat' had repeated a fourth time the grand doors finally opened. Hermione Walked in with Ron bringing up the rear, they were met by a house elf who bowed low (much to Hermione's disgust) and then she turned around and led them up a grand stone staircase to the second level where after many hallway's and staircases, they finally reached a huge painting of a bearded old man with twinkly grey eyes who looked uncannily like Dumbledore.
Harry watched as the house elf stopped in front of the painting, turned around bowed low again and then disappeared with a crack.
"Hey Hermione," Harry whispered, "is Dobby still around?"
It was Ron who answered, "Yeah, when Narcissa can't make it she usually sends Dobby with whatever information she has."
"Oh," Harry said, thoughtfully. "Do you think he'd still want to be freed?"
Hermione looked at Harry quizzically, "I'm not sure Harry, why are you asking?"
Harry just shrugged and answered, "nah, doesn't matter. So where are we?"
Thinking that Harry was probably just wondering about Dobby she turned around and drawing out her wand she started writing something on the portrait. When she'd finished her twirls and taps, the Portrait slid across to reveal an entrance way and what looked to be an endless dark corridor. A whispered 'lumos' spell later they were on there way in. The portrait slid shut with a click behind them.
After what seemed to be a ten minute walk, they reached the back of another portrait. Just like the previous one, Hermione started tracing her still lit wand on the back of the portrait, and just like the other one, this portrait slid across too.
They all stepped out of the Corridor into a hallway. Turning left, Hermione walked a few metres until she reached yet another portrait, except this time, this one was moving.
"Password," the little girl in the portrait giggled.
"Aio, quantitas magna frumentorum est"
The portrait swung open and they walked in.
"Aio, quantitas magna frumentorum est? Latin for 'Yes, that is a very large amount of corn'? Who on earth made up that pass- " He cut himself off when he saw the look in Ron's face. Dumbledore. I should have known. Squeezing his eyes shut, he rubbed the bridge of his nose.
"I haven't even attended this meeting and I can already feel a migraine coming on," he said. "And why such a long walk to your meeting room?"
Ron grinned his 'your-not-going-to-believe-this' grin and then said, "Long walk? Mate, that was a short cut."
Harry ran his hand through his hair, and then looked at Hermione with an exasperated look, "let me guess, it was Albus again?" he practically whined.
The brown haired female just looked skyward and then said, "honestly Harry, such theatrics. It wasn't even that far."
She then turned around and marched away before Harry could rebuke her statement.
Grumbling behind Ron, Harry followed. They finally reached a Gargoyle, much like the one in front of Dumbledore's office and Hermione said yet another (long) password.
"Animadvertistine, ubicumque stes, fumum recta in faciem ferri."
Ever noticed how wherever you stand, the smoke goes right into your face.
Harry did not comment on this password, he was too busy wondering how in the world he was meant to remember it all. Just because he was headmaster of Hogwarts, defeater of Voldemort and a recipient of an Order of Merlin did not mean that he had a good memory. In fact, none of those required for him to remember much. That's what the deputy is for.
Meanwhile, the Gargoyle had slid across to reveal a staircase, much like the one that opened into Dumbledore's office. Stepping onto the landing she motioned for Harry to step on too, as the staircase started moving the Gargoyle slid shut. Reaching the top they stopped off onto a landing and then walked through a little archway into a room. Right in front of them was a double door with golden handles. One side of the room, where the window was, was a bunch of comfortable looking chairs. On the other side was a large painting of King Arthur probably at his coronation.
Hermione knocked on the door and then waited. As she waited she watched as Harry took a big breath and got himself into his 'I am in control' façade. It was the very same look that Dumbledore always wore. The door was finally opened by Ginny Weasley, Harry refrained himself from grabbing her into a hug, and instead gave her a small smile as he went past.
Walking into the room he had to stop the violent urge in his mind to walk, no run, right back out.
Seated around a really large round table were various members of the Order, some of them Harry recognised as one that was in theirs, and other's that were new or he knew were dead or death eaters. Taking an unnoticeable breath, he met every single person's gaze with one of his own.
Dumbledore delighted that they were finally here (if the very large smile was any indication) gestured Harry over to a chair right next to him. Hermione and Ron sat on Harry's other side and then they focussed their attention back on Dumbledore.
"Welcome. Now that our esteemed guest has arrived we might very well start shall we? I thought to myself that we could leave introductions till later, but now that he is with us, I cannot see why we cannot just get it out of the way now.
Many of you are wondering who this gentleman is. Most of you remember him from the attack on the Burrow. Those of you who were not at last weeks meeting, therefore were not privy to what transpired later on, this young man here saved a lot of lives. We were pretty much outnumbered and it could have all ended much worse then it did. I believe Sturgis is still recuperating at home now? (nods from around the room). We did not lose any of our members, thankfully the timely intervention of this lovely man, stopped that from happening.
I do know him, yes. But he will introduce himself eventually. How good do I know him? Very well. I watched him throughout all his years at school, and he is very much like a surrogate grandson to me, much like how Hermione and Ron have been.
All will be explained later. But first of all, I will introduce each and every one of the members of the Order."
For the next few minutes, Dumbledore went around the room introducing each person, there was about thirty five members currently present, other's were at the Ministry or could not make it. Finally Dumbledore got to the Weasley's.
"This is Arthur Weasley, he is head of International Cooperation. That is his wife Molly. His son Bill is on his left, works with Gringotts. Next to him is Fred and George Weasley, they are unspeakables. The beautiful red head is Ginny Weasley. Their son Charlie is the secondary head of the Department for care and control of magical creatures. Their other son Percy is the Goblin Liason officer for the Ministry. Both of them are not here with us tonight. Oh, and of course you know Ronald Weasley, he works in an unofficial capacity with the Auror department but he belongs in the Department of Magical Game and Sports."
Harry had smiled and nodded to each person as they were introduced, when he got to Ron though, he sniffed disdainfully and then winked. He got a punch for his efforts.
As quiet laughter filled the room, Dumbledore moved on to the next lot of people, a pretty lady with an oval face topped with black hair and grey eyes. She had a straight aristocratic nose and perfectly arched eyebrows. The man had a receding hairline, Dark brown hair, and warm brown eyes. He reminded Harry of Remus.
"Lewis and Catherine Jackson. Both unspeakables. They have two sets of triplets. Beautiful girls named Allison, Bethany, and Cairo. They are in their third year at Hogwarts, Ravenclaw house. While their younger set, also girls are only six years old. Delilah, Elisabeth, and Felicia. Absolutely delightful."
Catherine had blushed with Dumbledore's compliments, while Lewis only laughed and said, "Maybe you can babysit one day then."
The next group of people to be introduced made Harry's heart clench and his finger's dig into the arms of his chair. If he hadn't been so prepared, the entire room would probably have seen him weep out loud.
"That charming good looking gentleman there is Sirius Black, Auror. He has a daughter, Christina, fifth year Ravenclaw. Just as charming as her father, if only a bit more.....restrained. The equally good looking fellow next to him is Remus Lupin, just as charming and with intelligence to match, (laughter and a snort from Sirius), Remus is Professor at Hogwarts, teaches Astronomy and the school's Duelling club. Next to Remus are James and his beautiful wife, Lily Potter. James is an Auror, Lily is an unspeakable, she is also -part of the Order's Research team. What they're researching currently Harry you could very well help with. James is partner with Sirius on Auror work, which more often then not means the Crime scene is usually a mess. They have twin boys, sixth year Gryffindors, I believe you may have met them yesterday afternoon in the kitchens. Mathew and Daniel. Have you been able to catch them yet Lily?"
Lily shook her, "the little monsters are still avoiding me."
Dumbledore, eye's twinkling grinned at her and then turned to Hermione, "and you know Hermione of course. Brilliant former student of Hogwarts. Unspeakable, is part of the order's research team. But I'm very sure like Ron, Hermione has already explained her life to you."
Harry sat internally frozen inside. He was dreading what was going to come next. He knew that Dumbledore was going to find some way of drawing out his tension, sure enough Dumbledore did not disappoint him.
"I believe it's now your turn. Oh.....Goodness. I have not yet introduced myself. I am Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore, Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot, and Chairman of the International Confederation of Wizards. I am also the Leader of the Order of the Phoenix, though I cannot understand why. I have a younger brother, Alberforth Dumbledore, he probably has other names but I cannot seem to remember them, struggle as it is remembering my own. Oh yes, almost forgot. Former student of Hogwarts Witchcraft and Wizardry, the sorting hat put me in Gryffindor. For some strange reason it thought I could do very well in any of the other houses too. I taught Transfiguration for a while too, before being made Headmaster. I am positively sure that I have taught at least eighty percent of this Order. Isn't that just wonderful? I think that is all (he paused for effect, and then popped a lemon drop into his mouth). Right then, and who might you be?"
Harry swallowed. Cleared his throat. And then opened his mouth to speak.
"I'm Harry"
Silence.
Dumbledore gave his infuriating twinkly eyed smile at him, complete with 'I-know-what-you're-doing' raised eyebrow.
"Does Harry have any other names?" this was asked by Ron, former best friend.
"James"
"Does Harry James have a last name?" Hermione, they're all doing this to hurt me!
He sighed and gave up; he might as well face it like a man.
"My name is Harry James Potter, I'm meant to be dead."
Maybe not the last part.
Author's note:
Fourth chapter!! Fourth Chapter!! I have a fourth chapter!! Who would have thought?? I didn't even think anyone would read my first three. Now I have a fourth.
I hope that was long enough, I hope that was good enough, and I hope that you will all review to let me know. It's amazing how far one review can go in feeding a starving author. My next chapter depends on whether I have the strength and fuel to do so. Starve me and I will not write.
I want to thank all of those who have read this fic. And then all those who have reviewed. You people are brilliant.
Thanks to the following:
Lady Gallatea Ravenclaw: I thought so. I liked that fic, it was all super power with a reason to be super power. And the author is still going, she's amazing. The fact that she can come up with all those plots and ideas and not run out. Phew. I wish I had her staying power. Thank you for the encouragement. Thanks for reviewing.
Von: I thank God all the time :D. I had me in mind when I decided to bring his dev. Back a little, I though to myself, why put yourself through all the stress of trying to come up with legit ideas to try and kill Harry. He isn't invincible, just really powerful. :D I have never liked any of the Jame's characters portrayed in the fics, so I'm trying to make one who's likeable to me...but it's bloody hard I tell you. I just don't want to turn him into a bloody GarryHue. Sigh. So bear with me as I take off for a test flight, aight? Thank you very much for reviewing, and more for your encouragement. I hope I did your previous review justice.
Gallandro-83: :D Rest assured it's not in parsletongue I for one can't stand trying to march my way through all the long drawn out 'sssssssssssss'. I don't know if it's in any other fic but it's a different language. One of Dumbly's most loyal friend knows very well. He probably will regain his power's eventually, I'm not very sure yet, but I'll figure it out. Thank you very much for that positive review on my chapter 2. I've just had so many people say it was confusing, and reading over it again, I've wondered myself if I am confusing people. So to get someone who says that it's alright...wow. Thanks.
Kaylee-Smith: I reckon it probably could :D In my world where Dumbly and Harry are the closest of friends. Long suffering sigh. While reading through my fic have you noticed that I have been overcompensating for the all the negative Dumbledore fics out there? hangs head and scuffs floor. He's so nice. Thank you for reviewing, keep pointing out my errors. I'll compile it and then eventually once I get passed the 'suicidal delete fic' stage, I'll go back and correct it all. :D Thanks.
Brin: Email's coming right at ya. Thank's heaps for reviewing. You must love texting, sometimes I can't help but go n2 txt lnguge wen im on da net. Lol. Thank you for reviewing.
Centra-gal86: There you go, Fred and George are still alive. Different jobs but still alive. I wanted to do that whole WWW thing, but seeing as Harry wasn't friends with them and Voldemort is not dead and there is no tri-wizard tournament, we really can't have that whole WWW plot now can we?? And I know I could have done it another way but I thought that the whole Harry giving F/G money should be his alone. Thank you so bloody much for that encouragement on the reunion thing. For a minute I was scared that I had completely crushed that notion into little tiny bits, and then shoved it into the jar that Mathew was carrying. But I guess I didn't. You'll see more of the other people similar to Harry's dimension but I don't think they'll be completely the same. I've always believed that the way you act is affected by those around you, and if Harry was a complete Ponce then it stands to reason that it would have some sort of domino reaction. Starting with his dorm mates (you read how it was with Hermione), without Harry there is a catalyst to other's, and then those Harry-affected people being a catalyst for someone else's behaviour, they would change. :D Wow, I sound like I make sense. Giggles Thank you very much for reviewing. And get back to updating yours!!
NoAlias: Oh no another one!! Suffocates myself with a pillow while I wail about the injustices of the world. Lol. Sorry if I confused you, you're not the only one. That part about the majority you'd probably have to sit through and read over and over again until you've convinced yourself that you understand, even if you don't. :D Sorry bout that, Harry interaction with parents is going to wait until the next chapter. I was wondering if I could shove it all in this one but then I realised that nope, won't bloody happen. So thank you for reviewing, and I hope this update does justice to your reviews.
Gaul1: lol. The most informative review I've had yet. :D No negatives, straight to the point and also had enough time to say goodbye. Thank you for reviewing, thank you for reading, and I hope you keep reading.
There you go folks. I hope that was enough. I'm tired now, my finger's ache and they are no longer dancing across the keyboard. More like thumping, stumping, awkwardly doing a sausage dance all over my keys. Sigh I had to do a lot of begging to muse so that she'd help me out. It's the reason why I decided to update earlier so that I could get it in before I insulted her again.
So thank you, and sorry for any errors, brilliant alright? If you have any questions, you know where to write them.
Yours truly,
Stahchild. And her muse, who insists on being called Ambrosia.